The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Local News

Still in effect: No changes to county’s athletic transfer policy

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Pasco County’s athletic transfer policy for athletes isn’t going anywhere.

Earlier this month, the Pasco County School Board declined to make any changes to the policy, which requires students who switch schools to sit out a calendar year before playing for their new school. They can appeal the one-year ban, but unless they meet certain criteria, the student isn’t playing.

Students who change schools are subject to Pasco County’s athletic transfer policy, which could mean sitting out a calendar year before playing for their new school. That affects all high school sports, including the more popular ones, such as football. (Michael Murillo/Staff Photo)
Students who change schools are subject to Pasco County’s athletic transfer policy, which could mean sitting out a calendar year before playing for their new school. That affects all high school sports, including the more popular ones, such as football.
(Michael Murillo/Staff Photo)

The purpose of the policy is to prevent students from changing schools simply due to athletic considerations. However, some consider it stringent and controversial. The policy brings both positives and negatives to the table, said Land O’ Lakes High School athletic director Karen Coss.

Having the policy adds an extra check between the school and the Florida High School Athletic Association, she said.

“Having that extra check is a benefit. Without a policy, the schools make their own decisions, which can be ill-informed, or they need to navigate the FHSAA bylaws and policies,” Coss said.

On the other hand, schools have to identify affected students in order to request an appeal, Coss said. There’s also additional paperwork, which can put a further burden on an athletic director’s time.

Many athletic directors also are teachers — Coss teaches American government and human geography, for example — so the extra work can be challenging.

School board member Steve Luikart has been a critic of the policy as it’s being applied. But some have portrayed him as being against the policy itself, he said, and that’s not the case.

“I was never trying to rewrite something,” Luikart said. “We don’t have real big issues with the policy. We’ve had some big issues with the procedures and how they’re being implemented.”

Luikart believes there is some ambiguity in terms, such as what constitutes an enrolled student or a transfer student, he said. As a result, there are athletes being forced into an appeals process based on these interpretations when they should already be eligible to play sports.

“I’m under the impression that, according to the FHSAA, if a student lives inside their attendance zone, and they live with a legal guardian and they’ve enrolled in school on the first day of school, then they’re an enrolled student,” Luikart said. “There is no definition of being transferred from one place to the other.”

For the public, one of the sources of confusion is in relation to the FHSAA and the county. They aren’t the same organization, and while they work together to create athletic opportunities for students, they have different roles.

“The county is not determining eligibility,” Coss said. “They are deciding if they will allow the student to participate in sports. Some students still have to be ruled on by the FHSAA in addition to the county, so it is possible that a student is permitted to participate by the county, but ineligible by the FHSAA, and vice versa.”

Creating a policy and applying it can be two different things, and it’s the application that has concerned Luikart. It’s also the source for some degree of optimism.

Instead of expressing disappointment that the policy wasn’t changed or rescinded at the last meeting, Luikart feels like they’re working on a clearer explanation of how to apply it.

While nothing formal has been sent to the board to review, he’s heard that some adjustments in the procedures could be made. At that point he’ll review the adjustments and see if it fits with what he considers a fairer implementation of the policy.

In that regard, even though the policy is still in place and no changes to it were made, Luikart believes he got what he wanted.

“I thought I won,” he said. “My whole argument was that the process was flawed. The procedures were totally flawed.”

Published September 17, 2014

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Gimme five: Youth receiver a bowl participant … again

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For the fifth year in a row, wide receiver Dean Patterson has been named an All-American by the Offense-Defense instructional football camp. He’s also been hand-selected to participate in the organization’s Bowl Week festivities, at the Citrus Bowl in Orlando at the end of the year.

Dean Patterson, 12, has been selected to join the Offense-Defense Bowl Week later this year in Orlando. It’s his fifth invitation to the event. (Michael Murillo/Staff Photo)
Dean Patterson, 12, has been selected to join the Offense-Defense Bowl Week later this year in Orlando. It’s his fifth invitation to the event.
(Michael Murillo/Staff Photo)

Even though he’s used to the invitation by now, he still admits to some jitters before he steps onto the field.

“I get kind of nervous and freaked out,” Patterson said. “But as the days (get closer), I normally just get all excited and happy.”

Patterson can be forgiven for his nerves, considering he’s just 12 years old. The seventh-grader, who lives in Lutz and attends Martinez Middle School, plays for the South Pasco Predators Pop Warner football program. He’s played youth football since he was four, and started getting recognition from Offense-Defense when he was seven.

Like many athletes his age, Patterson loves watching football at the higher levels. As a fan of Florida State University and the NFL’s Seattle Seahawks, he’s seen his teams achieve great success over the past year.

But he doesn’t watch the games like a regular preteen. Patterson keeps his eyes on the receivers, watching their movements, how they get separation from the defenders, and make adjustments to catch the ball. He supports his teams, but he’s also studying them, trying to find qualities he can emulate when he steps onto the field.

His system seems to be working. Each year, Patterson impresses the decision-makers at the Offense-Defense camp, even as he gets older and faces better talent coming to compete for spots at Bowl Week. But his reward includes a number of activities over the course of several days, including practices, a game at the Citrus Bowl, and another on campus at the University of Central Florida in Oviedo.

Even though Patterson’s a regular at the event, his first invitation didn’t even come at receiver. He was a running back at the time, and a cornerback the following year. But since then, he’s settled into the position he loves and plans to stick with it. He enjoys running routes and hearing his mother, Krystal, yell his name from the stands when he makes a big play.

At 5-foot-1, Patterson isn’t the tallest athlete on the team. Weighing 104 pounds, he’s not the biggest. And by his own admission, he’s only third or fourth fastest. It’s the intangibles, hard work and focus that allow him to excel at his position.

“It’s kind of getting to know your quarterback and what speed you have to run,” he said. Adjusting to a ball that might be over or under-thrown and making the catch is part of the job.

His future receiving opportunities include a potential athletic career at Steinbrenner High School when he’s old enough to attend. But before he can suit up for the Warriors, he has to stay focused and remain disciplined.

That includes in the classroom, too. Patterson reads to keep his vocabulary up and makes sure his studies are a primary focus.

“School’s always first,” he said. “You have to make sure you get good grades.”

Patterson also spends a lot of time with his head coach, going over game film and doing exercises every morning. But it’s not hard to schedule those workouts since his father coaches the team.

While it’s not unusual for a father to get involved in his son’s athletics, Robert Patterson had been coaching well before Dean had even seen a pigskin. An athlete himself who played football in high school — and soccer and lacrosse in college — he said that a coach was instrumental in helping him stay focus and motivated, and achieve success beyond high school. He wanted to be that kind of role model for other children, and that now includes his son.

“I’ve been working with at-risk youth for 20 years, helping kids get back on track or stay out of trouble with the law,” Robert Patterson said. “So to be able to do that with your kid, and see him flourish on the football field as well as the classroom, it’s a special deal.”

In addition to practicing three days during the week and playing a game on Saturdays, father and son have a regular early-morning jog that includes push-ups mixed in as well. Dean wakes up at 6:30 every morning to take care of his dog, Brady — named after the famous New England Patriots quarterback — before heading out on their morning routine.

The Pattersons are a close family. Dean’s little sister Kyra is on the cheer squad for the Predators, so she’s on the field while her brother practices at the Land O’ Lakes Recreation Center.

But they can be competitive, too.

When playing video game football on their Xbox 360, both Dean and Robert agree that dad has the upper hand. But what about a hypothetical match-up between the Patterson men if they were the same age, with Robert at his high school position of cornerback covering Dean as wide receiver? In that case, they have differing opinions over who would get the best of that encounter.

“I don’t know. It would have been a competitive deal, put it that way,” Robert said.

But Dean thinks he’d have the edge and could get open.

“I definitely do think so,” he said with a smile.

Published September 17, 2014

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Lieutenant governor paying visit to Zephyrhills

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The Conservative Club of East Pasco is welcoming a very high-profile guest to its Sept. 22 meeting in Zephyrhills.

Lt. Gov. Carlos Lopez-Cantera is the scheduled speaker for the group when it meets next week at the Zephyrhills Woman’s Club, at 38549 Fifth Ave.

Lt. Gov. Carlos Lopez-Cantera
Lt. Gov. Carlos Lopez-Cantera

“We’re excited to have the lieutenant governor coming, but I’m still really trying to get Rick Scott to visit, too,” said Nils Lenz, the Conservative Club’s secretary. Lopez-Cantera is running on the Republican gubernatorial ticket with Scott in November against Democrat and former Republican governor Charlie Crist.

The 40-year-old Lopez-Cantera assumed the duties of lieutenant governor last February following the resignation of Jennifer Carroll.

That means a lot of people may not know much about Lopez-Cantera, especially since the state’s second top spot usually gets overlooked by many in the public.

Yet, this remains the highest-profile guest the local Conservative Club has had in its 10-year history. Next Monday’s meeting is free and open to the public — as long as those who attend are respectful to the Conservative Club’s views.

“Usually we get 30 to 40 people in a regular meeting,” Lenz said. “But we expect to have a lot more than that for this visit. It’s big for the community.”

Since last December, the Scott campaign has raised $7.7 million seeking re-election, compared to a little more than $7 million from Crist. Polls have had both candidates neck-and-neck. Significant advertising — primarily by outside groups — has cast a very negative shadow on both campaigns.

Scott has worked to tie Crist to the economic problems that hit both the state and the county during Crist’s terms, as well as his association with fallen state GOP leader Jim Greer.

Crist, on the other hand, has highlighted the legal trouble Scott’s former company, Columbia/HCA, suffered through in the 1990s, which resulted in a settlement with the federal government costing hundreds of millions of dollars.

Crist, whose previous lieutenant governor was former lawmaker Jeff Kottkamp, has picked Annette Taddeo, chair of the Women’s Enterprise National Council’s Leadership Forum.

Before becoming the lieutenant governor, Lopez-Cantera spent eight years in the Florida House, and later became property appraiser for Miami-Dade County. He was born in Madrid, Spain, but moved to Miami soon after he was born.

The Conservative Club meeting is set to start at 6:30 p.m.

For more information on the meeting, or the Conservative Club itself, call Nils Lenz at (813) 782-9491, or email .

Published September 17, 2014

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Raising awareness to fight colon cancer

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Wesley Chapel resident Michelle Giacomino understands the pain that colon cancer can cause.

“Two-and-a-half-years ago my mom was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer just before her 50th birthday,” Giacomino said. “She was the epitome of health otherwise.”

Susan Middleton had many family members and friends turn out to a walk in Fort Myers to raise awareness about colon cancer. She died in 2013, but her daughter, Michelle Giacomino, is bringing Get Your Rear in Gear to Tampa for the first time on Sept. 20. (Courtesy of Michelle Giacomino)
Susan Middleton had many family members and friends turn out to a walk in Fort Myers to raise awareness about colon cancer. She died in 2013, but her daughter, Michelle Giacomino, is bringing Get Your Rear in Gear to Tampa for the first time on Sept. 20.
(Courtesy of Michelle Giacomino)

After a 15-month battle, Giacomino’s mother, Susan Middleton, lost her fight with colon cancer.

Before she died, Middleton joined the family in a Get Your Rear in Gear event in Fort Myers. Her team of family members raised the most money at that event to help fight colon cancer.

To honor her mother, Giacomino decided to spearhead the effort to bring the Get Your Rear in Gear event to Tampa. This year, the 5-kilometer walk and run will be on the morning of Sept. 20 at Al Lopez Park in Tampa.

Giacomino, 33, said she wants to help prevent colon cancer by raising awareness about early detection. She also wants to support people who are coping with the disease and those who, like herself, have lost a loved one.

Giacomino and her husband Justin moved from Pittsburgh five years ago to live closer to her parents. Then her mom, a seemingly healthy woman, started experiencing abdominal pain. She was diagnosed with colon cancer shortly before she turned 50, the recommended age for colon screenings.

The death of her mother was not only a tremendous blow to Giacomino, but also to her three boys — Giovanni, 6; Luca, 3; and Dominic, 2 — who lost a tremendous grandmother.

As of last week, about 100 people had registered for her version of Get Your Rear in Gear, but she expects the number to climb in the days leading up to the event.

Get Your Rear in Gear Tampa is one of 40 scheduled across the nation planned by local volunteers, with help from the Colon Cancer Coalition. It increases awareness of the nation’s No. 2 cancer killer, and raises funds to prevent colon cancer.

Besides the walk and run, the event also features a celebration for survivors, support for caregivers, and a remembrance of those who have died.

Funds raised in Tampa will stay in the area to help with prevention, early detection and treatment, as well as projects to support healthy living.

Florida Cancer Specialists and Tampa General Hospital are among the local sponsors.

If you go …
WHAT: Get Your Rear in Gear Tampa 5-kilometer walk/run to prevent colon cancer
WHERE: Al Lopez Park, 4810 N. Himes Ave., Tampa
WHEN: Sept. 20, with registration at 7 a.m., and runs beginning at 8 a.m.
COST:
5K Run/Walk Adult: $25 until Sept. 18, $35 on race day
5K Run/Walk Youth: 12 and younger, $15 until Sept. 18, $20 on race day
Kids Fun Run: 10 and younger, $15 until Sept. 18, $20 on race day
INFO: ColonCancerCoalition.org

Some facts about colorectal cancer
• Is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer, and the second leading cause of cancer death.
• Affects men and women equally, and people of all races and nationalities. Anyone can get colorectal cancer.
• Affects about 1-in-19 people during their lifetime.
• Usually develops slowly over a period of 10 to 15 years.
• Has a 90 percent five-year survival rate for those diagnosed in first two stages, but just a 12 percent five-year survival rate for those diagnosed in fourth stage.

Published September 17, 2014

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The new Holy Name Monastery: A place for spiritual growth, refreshment

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When the Benedictine Sisters of Florida arrived in East Pasco from Elk County, Pennsylvania, in 1889, they lived in a three-story hotel in San Antonio.

This week, they’re hosting an open house at their new quarters, marking another major milestone in their 125-year history in Pasco County.

Holy Name Monastery, the home of the Benedictine Sisters of Florida for 125 years, has moved into new quarters. The new structure is much smaller and more modern than the sisters’ previous home, which is just across State Road 52. (B.C. Manion/Staff Photo)
Holy Name Monastery, the home of the Benedictine Sisters of Florida for 125 years, has moved into new quarters. The new structure is much smaller and more modern than the sisters’ previous home, which is just across State Road 52.
(B.C. Manion/Staff Photo)

The new Holy Name Monastery replaces the sisters’ former quarters, which were in a 100,000-square-foot structure across State Road 52.

Saint Leo University purchased that building in October 2012, along with some additional acreage from the sisters. The purchase helped cover the cost of the new 28,000-square-foot monastery. The sisters also conducted a capital campaign for $500,000.

Like any new home, there are advantages and disadvantages.

The sisters have less space. However, the old multi-story structure where they had lived since 1960 had become too large for them and too expensive to operate and maintain.

Sister Mary Romana Gomez is delighted with the sisters’ new home.

“I just thank God for a dream come true,” she said.

“I’m just in awe,” added Sister Margaret Mary Roberts.

“It’s what we wanted,” Sister Jean Abbott agreed.

Visitors arriving at the monastery, at 12138 Wichers Road, will be greeted in a small lobby, which is flanked by stained glass windows representing Saint Benedict and his sister, Saint Scholastica.

The chapel is large and in a place of prominence, signifying its important role in the monastery. Furnishings for the chapel were moved there from the former monastery’s chapel.

Other features of the new monastery include a dining room and kitchen, as well as two small kitchens, where light meals and snacks can be prepared.

There’s also a multipurpose room adjoining the chapel. It has a wall that can be moved to create a larger chapel space when that is needed. Or, the room can be used to provide additional dining space.

The monastery also has an archives room, a library, an exercise room and a laundry room. There’s a television room, too, equipped with a wide-screen television, a gift to the sisters from the Tampa Bay Rays.

The living quarters are housed in a separate building, connected by a corridor that incorporates additional storage space.

There are 20 bedrooms, including four guest rooms.

It is easy to see that this is a place devoted to worship and spiritual growth. There’s an outdoor statue representing the Virgin Mary, the mother of Jesus, which stands near the front of the building.

At the end of one corridor, there’s a statue representing the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

In the dining hall, there’s a sign that says, “Give us this day, our daily bread” — an excerpt from the “Our Father,” a prayer recited in Catholic masses. There’s also a painting of the Last Supper, which represents when Jesus instituted the sacrament of the Eucharist, a fundamental part of the Catholic faith.

With just four guest rooms, the new monastery cannot accommodate overnight retreats. Still, Sister Mary David Hydro, who helps plan retreats, said she thinks the opportunity for hosting such gatherings may be even greater now.

Many people who are unable to attend overnight retreats may be able to break away for a day of reflection, she said.

The need for retreats is there, she said. “People are hungry for spiritual life.”

Providing spiritual replenishment is just one role the sisters have played through the years. They lead lives of prayer and accept prayer requests from the community.

They also have been instrumental in schools and on organization boards including Sunrise Spouse Abuse Shelter, Saint Leo University Haitian Mission Project, Florida Association for the Education of Young Children, Catholic Charities, Coalition for the Homeless, Hospice, Habitat for Humanity, and DayStar Hope Thrift Store and Food Pantry.

Each year they provide a Thanksgiving meal to feed more than 200 people. They’ll do the same this year, but will need to adjust their logistics, said Sister Mary Clare Neuhofer, the monastery’s immediate past prioress.

While a move to a new place requires adjustments, there are plenty of pluses, the sisters said.

For one thing, the views are fantastic. The monastery’s back porch sits at the top of a grassy hill.

Clusters of wildflower add bits of color, and the hills slope down to stands of trees below. There’s a wide expanse of sky above, and off in the distance, is a view of the steeple for Saint Leo Abbey church.

There is beauty and serenity at this place, on a hill.

As they were sharing their first meal together in their new dwelling place, the sisters saw a double rainbow arch across the sky. They took that as a sign of God’s blessing on their new home.

Published September 17, 2014

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Festival of Flight features a flying pig and a soaring clown

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The second annual Festival of Flight will offer event-goers the chance to see more than two dozen hot air balloons, to explore all types of aircraft, to grab a bite to eat, and to enjoy live music.

Admission is free, and parking is $2.

More than two dozen hot air balloons will take part in the second annual Festival of Flight, with evening balloon glows and sunrise mass ascensions. (Courtesy of American Balloons)
More than two dozen hot air balloons will take part in the second annual Festival of Flight, with evening balloon glows and sunrise mass ascensions.
(Courtesy of American Balloons)

This year, there will even be a flying pig and a giant clown among the hot air balloons, said festival director Jessica Warren of American Balloons. Ham-Let, the flying pig, will be operated by Doug Gantt, who is making a return trip from Taiwan to take part in the festival.

“Those are quite a treat to have,” said Warren, who began planning for the festival more than a year ago.

The idea is to celebrate all things flight, she said, including everything from bubbles and kites, to T-6 warbirds and helicopters.

Last year, more than 3,500 people attended the festival. This year, Warren expects somewhere between 7,000 and 10,000 to turn out.

Kenny Shumate, who will be operating the clown balloon, said he’s glad to be able to attend the festival. “I’ve heard so many good things about it,” he said. “Last year, I couldn’t make it.”

The balloon he flies is an unusual shape and can present some challenges when it’s windy – especially because of the protrusions of the nose and ears, he said.

But he’s glad he’ll be able to join the celebration. “I love to fly,” he said. “I absolutely love the sport (of ballooning).”

Those attending can purchase tickets to go for helicopter rides, plane rides and rides on a Revo – a flying contraption that looks like a combination motorcycle-hang glider. Balloon rides can be purchased ahead of the event, Warren said.

“We have tons of food that’s going to be out there this year because that’s what we ran out of last year,” Warren said. Vendors include Sweet Salsa BBQ, Texas Roadhouse, Collins Concessions, Ker’s Winghouse of Wesley Chapel, Black Dog Gourmet, Holy Cow Kettle and Organo Gold Coffee, with items for purchase including slow-smoked barbecue ribs, chicken and pork, deep-fried Oreo cookies, and funnel cakes.

The Happy Hangar Café at the Tampa North Aero Park also will serve breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Gates open on the evening of Sept. 19, and the event concludes at 12:30 p.m. on Sept. 21. The opening evening features live music and a hot air balloon glow featuring numerous balloons lighting up the runway at the private airport.

A mass balloon launch is planned around 7 a.m. on Sept. 20, with balloons flying in or out of the airport, depending on the wind, Warren said. They will be either inflated at the private airport or will land there.

“We will have the Re/Max hot air balloon that will be tethering from the ground, for about an hour after sunrise, taking people up for as long as the weather permits,” Warren said. “The runway will be open at 9 o’clock in the morning, for fly-in and fly-out traffic. You can fly your plane in and stay for the day, and you’ll also see planes going in and out all day long.”

A helicopter company will offer rides, with tickets sold on a first-come basis, Warren said.

Live music will play throughout the day, and Kiting Tampa Bay will have a booth where kids can come and make kites and watch demonstrations. A T-6 warbird flyover is slated for around 6:30 p.m. on Sept. 20 and a balloon glow will again light the runway at 7 p.m.

Another sunrise balloon launch is planned for Sept. 21 around 7 a.m.

More airplane fly-ins and takeoffs, helicopter rides, live music and other festivities are slated until shortly after noon on Sept. 21.

Last year’s event was marred by the death of Mark Curto, a performer whose parachute did not deploy, according to local news reports.

Warren, whose Land O’ Lakes company has operated hot air balloon flights since 1998, said the tragic incident did not deter her from planning this year’s event because the area obviously has many aviation enthusiasts, and she wanted to help provide a forum to celebrate joys of flight.

For those who prefer staying closer to the ground, the event also features a Thunderbird car show.

American Balloons and the Tampa North Flight Center are presenting the festival. Key sponsors include The Hampton Inn & Suites in Wesley Chapel, Parks Fiat of Wesley Chapel, Ker’s Winghouse, Ierna’s Heating & Cooling, and Crockett’s Towing and Wraps.

The Wesley Chapel squadron of the Civil Air Patrol will direct traffic and handle parking duties, Warren said.

Those traveling to the area for the event can get special rates at the Hampton Suites in Wesley Chapel or the Residence Inn in Land O’ Lakes by letting the hotel staff know you are in the area for the festival.

To find out more, visit FestivalOfFlightWesleyChapel.com, or look for the Festival of Flight page on Facebook.

If you go …
WHAT: Second annual Festival of Flight 2014

WHEN: Sept. 19, 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.; Sept. 20, 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Sept. 21, 7 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

WHERE: Tampa North Aero Park, 4241 Birdsong Blvd., in Lutz

COST: Admission is free, but parking is $2

Tickets for airplane and helicopter rides are available on the day of the event. Balloon rides must be arranged in advance.

To book a balloon ride, call American Balloons (813) 243-9507. The cost is $189 per person.

Published September 17, 2014

Business Digest 09-17-14

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Multi-chamber mixer
A group of chambers of commerce will host a mixer Sept. 18 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., at Catches Waterfront Grille, 7811 Bayview St., in Port Richey.

Participating will be the Central Pasco, Greater Hernando, Tarpon Springs, Trinity-Odessa, and West Pasco chambers of commerce.

It will include complimentary appetizers and a cash bar.

For more information, call (813) 909-2722, or email .

‘Dancing With Our Stars’ returns
The Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce will once again host “Dancing With Our Stars,” with a performance scheduled for Oct. 18.

The chamber still has a few dance slots to fill, as well as a need for volunteers to help behind the scenes for the “stars” who will be trained by dance professionals to perform a short routine.

The overall winner will be based on monetary votes, with a portion of the proceeds benefiting arts programs in the community.

To participate, volunteer or even sponsor, visit CentralPascoChamber.com, or call (813) 909-2722.

East Pasco Networking Group
The East Pasco Networking Group has scheduled several speakers for the coming months. The group meets every other week at the Village Inn at 5214 Gall Blvd., in Zephyrhills. Networking begins at 8 a.m., with the meeting starting at 8:30 a.m.

Upcoming speakers include:

• George Swatzbaugh of Emerald Home Inspection Service LLC, Sept. 23

• Bob Hatfield from U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis’ office, Oct. 14

• Jack Mariano, Pasco County commissioner, Oct. 28

Catholic Business Networking seeks members
The Catholic Business Networking group is looking for Catholic business owners, employees and supporters interested in joining it for regular meetings every Tuesday from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m., at Our Lady of the Rosary Church, 2348 Collier Parkway, Land O’ Lakes.

The group has annual dues of $60, and there is a minimum attendance requirement of two meetings per month.

For information, call (813) 833-4737, or visit CBNTampa.com.

Business Link available monthly
Business Link, a monthly small business gathering hosted by the San Antonio Citizens Federal Credit Union, meets the second Wednesday of each month beginning at 7:30 a.m.

The meeting is designed to provide a networking and information-sharing platform for the business community.

For locations, details and to reserve a seat, email , or call (352) 588-2732, ext. 1237.

Zephyrhills chamber board set
The Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce has named five people to serve a three-year term on its board of directors. They include:

  • Rebecca Gaddis, vice president of business development at San Antonio Citizens Federal Credit Union
  • Carolyn Hodges, co-owner of Faithful Friends Pet Cremation
  • John Kinsman, owner of Martin Electric
  • Tim Linville, owner of E-Z Clean Car Wash in Zephyrhills and  Dade City
  • Darrell Pennington, retired from CF Industries, and a lifetime honorary member

All five were chosen by majority vote through member elections in August. They join Tom Vanater of Nabers Jewelers and Josh Schneidmiller of Western & Southern Life, who were appointed to serve the remaining terms of two board members who had resigned.

Carolyn Sentelik of Florida Hospital Zephyrhills Foundation will continue into a second term as president of the chamber.

Vendors sought for business expo
The Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce is looking for vendors for its upcoming Community Business Expo, which will take place Nov. 13 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., at Dan Cannon Auditorium, 36722 State Road 52, in Dade City.

Vendor fees begin at $50 for chamber members, with bundle fees available for $150, which includes space at the expo plus a year membership with the chamber. Sponsorship opportunities are available for $500.

For information, call John Moors or Melody Floyd at (352) 567-3769, or email them at , or .

CareerSource offering employee training
CareerSource Pasco Hernando is offering assistance through the Employed Worker Training program to help businesses stay on the cutting edge of the current, growing economy.

Trained business service consultants are helping companies increase skilled labor productivity and become more competitive in today’s market, the agency said, in a release. The program also provides financial assistance to employers who wish to invest in their employees.

The program also provides up to 50 percent of the employers’ direct training costs to be reimbursed through the agency. Last year, the local CareerSource office helped provide 150 certifications.

For additional information, visit CareerSourcePascoHernando.com, or call Sunnye Fredia at (352) 247-0761.

Wesley Chapel networking group
Networking for Your Success meets every Thursday at 8 a.m., at Lexington Oaks Country, 2615 Lexington Oaks Blvd., in Wesley Chapel.

Cost is $5, and annual membership to the group is $79.

For information, call (813) 073-1657.

Dade City chamber wants award winners
The Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce will host its annual awards banquet Oct. 16. With that, it’s seeking nominations for various awards.

Typically, awards are open to members who have been a part of the chamber in good standing for at least a year. Some of the categories include Business Leader of the Year, Large Business of the Year, Small Business of the Year, Civic Association of the Year and Citizen of the Year.

To learn more about how to nominate, contact Jo Uber at the chamber office at (352) 567-3769, or email her at .

Nominations sought for business awards
Bright House Networks and local chambers of commerce are seeking nominations for its second annual Regional Business Awards.

The awards honor companies, organizations and people who have made an impact with their products, services and thought leadership in the business community.

Nominations are currently being accepted through Sept. 26 in four categories ranging from small business to large business, including a category for start-ups.

Bright House will award prizes including commercial television production, airtime, customer newsletter and cash, with a total value of more than $1 million.

Those interested in applying can visit tinyurl.com/BrightHouseAwards.

The winning businesses will be honored at a dinner Feb. 5 at the Tampa Convention Center.

The $100 application fee is waived for members of local participating chambers of commerce.

Political Agenda 09-17-14

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Remsberg comes out swinging in election fundraising
Erika Remsberg has a tall mountain to climb if she even wants to come close to the amount of money her opponent has raised in the Pasco County Commission District 2 race, but she has started out strong.

The Land O’ Lakes Democrat, who is seeking to replace the retiring Pat Mulieri on the commission, raised $1,075 in the last week of August, the most in a single reporting period for her since the end of June.

As has been her style all along, those dollars were from smaller donations, averaging less than $70 each, according to campaign finance records. That brings Remsberg to just under $6,000 in cash donations compared to the more than $103,400 raised by her Republican challenger, Mike Moore.

Fresh off a primary win against former state lawmaker Ken Littlefield and Zephyrhills financial analyst Bob Robertson, Moore didn’t focus too much on fundraising at the end of August, picking up just $25 — an individual contribution from a Land O’ Lakes resident.

Remsberg immediately put her new money to use, spending more than $1,100 — with more than 81 percent of it spent inside Pasco County. She currently has less than $300 in cash available in her campaign, while Moore has more than $3,600.

Lexington Oaks town hall meeting
A town hall meeting featuring some of November’s political candidates, will take place Oct. 1 at 7 p.m., at the Lexington Oaks Community Center, 26304 Lexington Oaks Blvd., in Wesley Chapel.

The event will include Danny Burgess and Beverly Ledbetter, who are running for state House District 38, as well as Mike Moore and Erika Remsberg, who are running for Pasco County Commission District 2.

Also participating is Pasco County Tax Collector Mike Fasano, to talk about his new facility off Wesley Chapel Boulevard in Lutz.

Burgess buries Ledbetter in House fundraising
Former Zephyrhills mayor Danny Burgess chalked up his single-best fundraising week yet in his bid to replace Will Weatherford in the state House District 38 seat, after raising $23,275 in the final week of August.

Burgess had originally faced a primary against Minnie Diaz, but after a paperwork issue, Diaz failed to qualify and Burgess became the lone Republican candidate. That allowed him to focus his attention on the November election against former schoolteacher Beverly Ledbetter, who raised just $450 during the same period.

Burgess is finding a lot of support from political action committees and other groups. In fact, $5,000 alone came from PACs like the Committee for a Stronger Florida, the Florida Hospital Association and the Florida Medical Association.

Of the rest of his money, more than $13,000 was from donors outside of his district.

Money inside his district accounted for $5,525 of his donations, or 24 percent for the reporting period, according to state campaign records.

Ledbetter picked up $250 from the Pasco County Democratic Executive Committee, and $200 from a retired Wesley Chapel resident.

Burgess has now raised $110,040 in his bid for Tallahassee, and still has more than $62,700 in the bank. Ledbetter has raised just shy of $19,000, and has more than $14,800 in cash available.

Starkey to host town hall
Pasco County commissioner Kathryn Starkey will host a town hall meeting Sept. 24 beginning at 7 p.m., at Seven Oaks Elementary School, 27633 Mystic Oak Blvd., in Wesley Chapel.

Starkey will be joined by members of the Pasco County staff, and possibly state Sen. John Legg and state Rep. Will Weatherford, as well.

Among the topics to be discussed include budget issues like the gas tax, an update on new development in the area, a new baseball sports facility, transportation issues — including Overpass Road — and new area schools.

Starkey has hosted several town hall meetings since being elected to the commission in 2012 after spending eight years on the Pasco County School Board.

For information about the town hall, call (727) 847-8100.

Free rides to the polls
Pasco County Public Transportation will do its part to help get out the vote by offering free rides to the polls on election days for the upcoming cycle.

The deal was worked out between PCPT and county elections supervisor Brian Corley, and was approved by the Pasco County Commission last week.

On election day Nov. 4, voters who present their voter information card will ride free to their local polling location. The goal is to encourage and promote participation in the election process, while also introducing public transportation as a viable option for travel throughout the county, said PCPT director Michael Carroll.

In return, Corley’s office will use available media advertising and respective websites to inform potential riders and voters how to access and navigate the transit system.

Outlet mall not ready to spring up quite yet

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Site work has begun on the Cypress Creek Town Center site near the intersection of State Road 56 and Wesley Chapel Boulevard. It’s just not for the proposed outlet mall in that area.

Instead, dirt has begun to move across the street from the planned 482,000-square-foot mall, where some outparcel retail stores will eventually be built, said Dawn Sutton with Pasco County’s Planning and Development department.

Some activity on a site where some individual retail stores may be located in the future had some residents thinking the proposed outlet mall work was finally beginning. However, that project — across State Road 56 near Wesley Chapel Boulevard — is wrapping up site plan approvals now. (Michael Hinman/Staff Photo)
Some activity on a site where some individual retail stores may be located in the future had some residents thinking the proposed outlet mall work was finally beginning. However, that project — across State Road 56 near Wesley Chapel Boulevard — is wrapping up site plan approvals now.
(Michael Hinman/Staff Photo)

“There are no site plans for that part of the property just yet,” Sutton said. “Right now, it looks like they are just trying to make it site-ready. It’s not a pad, but more of a central system to get ready for some eventual work there.”

The outlet mall itself, tentatively called Cypress Creek Town Center Premium Outlets Mall, is still going through site plan review, Sutton said. One of the developers involved with Simon Property Group submitted paperwork to the county Sept. 4, all part of the standard back-and-forth between a developer and the county.

If both sides can square away any lingering issues, Simon could start moving its own dirt on the site in 30 days. That means actual construction, once building permits are issued, could get underway before the end of the year.

The mall will almost certainly not hit its originally announced completion date of the end of 2014. In fact, whether the outlet mall will hit the Summer 2015 timeframe county administrator Michele Baker suggested earlier this year is still yet to be seen. Simon did not return an email last week seeking comment.

The entire process for Simon is a little déjà vu, Sutton said.

“The 50 acres that is being planned for the mall sits differently than it did before,” she said. “They have a different layout, and the location is adjusted.”

Simon had originally planned a 1.2 million-square-foot project with 600,000 square feet of retail, and 120,000 square feet of office by 2011. Expanded plans included 350 hotel rooms, 230 apartments, and a 2,582-seat movie theater.

Yet, the east indigo snake and the economy got in the way. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers delayed final environmental approval for years, with one herpetologist telling officials that the land is necessary to help the snake avoid major roadways.

The Army Corps cleared the way for the mall last November.

“We are very excited to be moving forward on this project, and are commencing meetings with the county to determine approvals and a schedule,” Danielle DeVita, senior vice president for development and acquisition at Simon, said in a statement last year.

Simon still needs to finalize its site layout, which would require approval by Pasco County commissioners. However, Sutton doesn’t anticipate their being any additional controversy with the site.

Some of the land work on the mall site had already been done back in 2007, said Carol Clarke, assistant planning and development administrator for the county.

“There was earth working done there, which was part of what they were initially going to do,” Clarke said. “They have this new plan, but it looks like they are endeavoring to use as much of the existing infrastructure there as they can.”

Simon is joined on the project by JG Cypress Creek LLC and Tampa Premium Outlets LLC, and is expected to be built in seven phases, according to plans submitted last April. The overall project will consist of nine buildings, and nearly 2,400 parking spaces. The complete project is expected to offer 1.1 million square feet of commercial space.

Published September 10, 2014

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Blowing up: Jonathan Fudge’s business vision takes shape

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As a balloon artist, Jonathan Fudge has to be able to field all kinds of requests like dogs, swords and hearts. And recently, a fire alarm.

“I said, ‘Tell me what’s important about a fire alarm to you,’” recalled Fudge. And after hearing what elements clients wanted to see — a round shape, place for batteries, test button — he got to work immediately.

With around 20 years experience, Jonathan Fudge isn’t afraid to tackle any balloon project.
With around 20 years experience, Jonathan Fudge isn’t afraid to tackle any balloon project.

“I made it happen for him,” he said. “That’s my job.”

Fudge, who attended Land O’ Lakes High School and lives in Lutz, has been creating balloon art for most of his life.

“I used to be the best, youngest balloon artist in the world. But then I got older,” he said with a laugh.

Now 28, Fudge started making shapes 20 years ago, and has been working events since he was 16. It’s taken him to places like Belgium, China and Japan. He’s also turned his love of entertaining into a larger, thriving business.

His company, YTE Events, boasts a stable of more than 130 performers who entertain at parties, celebrations, school programs, and corporate and charity events.

One upcoming charity on YTE’s schedule is the Cheval Cares 5k & Family Fun Day, Sept. 20. Now in its third year, the event — at the Cheval Athletic Club in Lutz — benefits the Pediatric Cancer Foundation.

YTE — which stands for Your Total Entertainment — participates in a number of charitable events that benefit groups like Metropolitan Ministries and Suncoast Hospice. For Fudge, it’s just part of helping others in the community, his entertainers, and the people who enjoy them.

“I got my start through charity,” he said. “Someone taught me for free. But I’m not the only one who’s been touched by that.

“When I can give my entertainers an outlet to do something they love, and to share what they love with other people, that skips over all kinds of boundaries.”

Even non-charitable events allow his performers to get the satisfaction that comes with entertaining others with their special skills and abilities.

Fudge’s stable of performers includes superheroes and princesses (some might bear a resemblance to famous names, but aren’t specifically representing characters who would cost a lot of money to license) as well as mermaids, magicians, ninjas, jugglers and face-painters. He works out of his home, matching the right entertainment to specific events, as well as performing balloon art himself.

The company handles around 50 different events each month, he said.

Fudge himself heads out to his own gigs making balloon shapes. The art form has changed a lot over the past few years, he said. In the past, one could get away with making basic shapes using just one balloon. But people expect more definition and complexity today, and that means staying on top of trends, learning new styles and being creative on the fly.

Fudge has fielded unusual requests like lawnmowers and vacuum cleaners, and participated in creating a dress made out of balloons.

Running his business isn’t easy, either. In addition to the 20 to 25 hours he spends doing balloon art, he can invest as much as 80 hours a week keeping things running smoothly, and making sure the right entertainment is placed with the right event.

Finding high-caliber talent is a challenge as well. It’s one thing to run across someone with a nice costume and the right look, but entertaining at an event takes more than that. And Fudge doesn’t let just anybody join the team. He’s very picky, and is looking for performers who have a natural ability to interact with people in an entertaining and positive way.

“What’s really more important, and what I can’t teach, is personality,” he said. “They have to be good with kids, they have to be charismatic, they have to be fun, they have to be high energy.

“And someone who really loves what they do. If they’re in love with the character they’re trying to portray, then they’re going to portray them in a much more realistic and believable way.”

Fudge’s team is filled with performers quick on their feet, and who are willing to do a bit of acting to really adopt the image they’re displaying at the event.

The end result is a strong group of handpicked performers who share passion for their craft and appreciate the opportunity to share it with the public. And beyond the costumes, balloons and other props, Fudge considers that passion to be his company’s biggest asset.

“There are other agencies in the area and elsewhere,” he said. “But I think what sets our agency apart is the fact that everyone in my company loves what they do.”

For more information about YTE Events, visit YTEEvents.com.

Published September 10, 2014

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