The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Local News

Pasco’s free lunches take to the road

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It’s hard to imagine getting through most days without that noontime break for lunch. That packed sandwich, frozen entrée, or maybe even a quick trip to a local eatery, is something many people take for granted each day.

But for 36,000 students in the Pasco County school district, that trip to the cafeteria may be the only nutritious meal they have all day, paid for through federal tax dollars.

Kids gather to greet one of the mobile food units used by Pasco County Schools to bring free lunches to children from disadvantaged homes through the Summer BreakSpot program. Five buses like this make daily stops in various communities, including this one on Acorn Loop in Dade City. (Michael Hinman/Staff Photo)
Kids gather to greet one of the mobile food units used by Pasco County Schools to bring free lunches to children from disadvantaged homes through the Summer BreakSpot program. Five buses like this make daily stops in various communities, including this one on Acorn Loop in Dade City.
(Michael Hinman/Staff Photo)

What happens, however, when school lets out? These students, who account for nearly 53 percent of the entire school population in the county, still need to eat. And they’re not being left behind.

The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services manages a federal program known as Summer BreakSpot. Last year alone, it provided more than 12 million meals to nearly 300,000 children statewide, setting up hundreds of locations where kids in need can be sure to have something good and nutritious to eat.

“We want kids across Florida to eat healthy, wholesome food throughout the school year, and all summer long,” said agriculture commissioner Adam Putnam in a release. “This program helps ensure children have access to healthy meals during the summer, along with enrichment activities and time with their friends, so they are ready to learn in the fall when school is back in session.”

Locally, Summer BreakSpot is run by Pasco County Schools, operating more than 60 sites where kids can travel a short distance — typically to local schools — to get a bite to eat. But not everyone can make that trip on a daily basis, or at all. And the school district has done something about it.

“There are kids who can’t get to those sites,” said Cindy Norvell, a food and nutrition specialist for Pasco County Schools. “Many of them don’t have transportation. So instead of expecting them to come to us, we took meals to them out into the communities that needed them most.”

Three years ago, the school district began retrofitting retired school buses, turning them into traveling food stations. Most of the seats have been replaced with makeshift food counters, where kids can sit and eat, and have a bright view out the window.

There are five buses that travel around to various communities each day, loaded with a variety of foods depending on the day. It could range from a turkey sandwich, to a beef stick with cheese, to even build-your-own pizza kits.

“All of it comes with fruit, and everyone always gets their milk,” Norvell said. “Our mobile units also carry applesauce and extra peach cubes for some of our children who are below a certain age.”

The buses will typically stop in a common park area of a community, many times with picnic tables nearby so that kids can choose to eat on the bus, or maybe out in the shade. But to ensure that only they eat the food they get, kids can’t take any food with them.

No one under 18 is turned away at the mobile units either, Norvell said. If they are there, they will get something to eat. If a bus runs out of food, they can quickly call out to a nearby BreakSpot location to get more.

Amy Sue Hammond leads a two-person team that drives the mobile unit through stops around Dade City. She spent 15 years as a bus driver for East Pasco County schools, and now transports autism students to schools that are sometimes 90 minutes away.

In the summer, she’s working with BreakSpot, continuing her own personal commitment to make sure every child has a chance.

“You have to have a lot of patience, but seeing these kids excited to see us pull up is its own reward,” Hammond said. “All of this we’re doing is very important, because without these buses, many of these kids would go hungry.”

Hammond’s bus is one of two buses that serves East Pasco. Her bus begins each day at Pasco Elementary School, while a second bus departs every morning from Lacoochee Elementary School. Both make a total of three stops, with Hammond’s route typically seeing nearly 100 kids a day.

“Despite all we do to get the word out about this program, I am sure there are people who still don’t know about it,” Norvell said. “Some people are just surprised when you start to talk about it. But it’s something we have available, and something we hope families who need it will take advantage of.”

The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services has modernized access to the 2014 Summer BreakSpot food program for kids needing meals while school is out.

Access to more than 3,400 locations statewide — including more than 60 in Pasco County and nearly 125 in Hillsborough County — is available one of the following four ways:
• Dial 211
• Text “FoodFL” to 877-877
• Download the Nutrislice smartphone app
• Visit SummerFoodFlorida.org.

Published July 2, 2014

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Lutz resident headed to Canada for martial arts games

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Ethan Dillon has a trip to Canada planned for later this year. He’ll probably pack a jacket and some long-sleeve shirts.

He’ll also bring his three black belts.

Ethan Dillon, 14, of Lutz, will represent the United States at the TAFISA World Martial Arts Games in September. (Michael Murillo/Staff Photo)
Ethan Dillon, 14, of Lutz, will represent the United States at the TAFISA World Martial Arts Games in September.
(Michael Murillo/Staff Photo)

Dillon, 14, of Lutz, is one of 60 martial arts athletes selected to represent the United States at The Association For International Sport for All World Martial Arts Games, Sept. 3-7 at The Olympic Oval in Richmond, British Columbia. TAFISA has had World Games every year since 1992, but September will be the organization’s first world games dedicated specifically to martial arts.

Dillon owns a first-degree black belt from Krav Maga Martial Arts, a second-degree black belt from Extreme Martial Arts and a second-degree black belt from Lee Jacobs Christian Karate. His disciplines include karate, mixed martial arts, jiu-jitsu, tae kwan do and Krav Maga, a self-defense program used by the Israeli Defense Forces.

He also has a couple of green belts and a white-yellow belt to round out his collection.

While he earns plenty of accolades, Dillon spends little time dwelling on them.

“I don’t look at it too long because there’s always someone out there trying to get that, and if I want it I’m going to have to fight for it,” he said.

When he travels to Canada, he’ll fight to defend three world titles he won at the organization’s 2012 World Games in Austria. TAFISA, which is recognized by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization and the International Olympic Committee, operates under a “sports for all” philosophy, and includes adult and child competitors of both genders.

Dillon competes in both matches against opponents and through kata, a display of choreographed patterns of movements by himself. Of the two, it’s the one he does alone that’s hardest for him to master.

“I enjoy the kata. It’s a challenge, just because the way my head is, I don’t remember stuff very easily,” he said.

Dillon has been diagnosed with attention deficit disorder, making it sometimes harder for him to focus or remain still for long periods of time. But his mother, Melony Dillon, said that a decade of martial arts has given Ethan a great deal of discipline and improved his concentration, allowing him to excel in areas on and off the mat.

Even his behavior and attitude is better than most of his peers.

“I have to say, he’s probably one of the better teenagers around,” she said. “I see a young man growing into being a really great young man. Not just with martial arts, but on the whole, being a nice productive citizen.”

Dillon’s productivity on the mat requires a lot of effort and a busy schedule. On Mondays and Wednesdays, Dillon works on traditional martial arts. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, it’s mixed martial arts, a sport that has gained popularity over the years due to high-profile professional leagues such as the Ultimate Fighting Championship.

Fridays are private lessons, and Saturdays are spent with team training.

Most of those days also include weight training, and Dillon has to fit his education in during the school year as well. Dillon is home-schooled, which allows him some flexibility with his schedule. But even his day off, Sunday, is often spent doing some physical activity, like paintball or swimming.

Martial arts also has taken a toll on his body. Dillon has torn ligaments in his right foot and broken his left foot. But he’s always eager to get back from an injury, doing whatever work he can while he heals.

His fighting injuries might take a greater toll on his mother than Dillon himself. While Melony is supportive of her son’s martial arts career, and travels with him to other countries to watch him compete, she hasn’t gotten totally comfortable with watching him get hit.

“It’s really hard sometimes when he’s fighting for me to put my mom hat over here and not go, oh jeez, my son just got hit really bad,” she said.

While it can be tough on his mother, getting hit isn’t usually a problem for Dillon. In fact, he likes to give his opponent the first strike, so he can absorb the first blow and proceed with his own attack unfazed by his opponent.

“It wakes me up, actually,” Dillon said. “I actually laugh sometimes when I get hit.”

Getting hit in Canada is expected, but it also will be expensive. For Ethan and Melony to make the trip, they’ll need around $4,500 to cover basics like equipment and uniforms, flight and lodging.

After fundraising efforts, he still needs to come up with around $1,200 by the end of July.

Dillon’s family goes to a lot of effort to fulfill his busy schedule, with weekly trips to Lakeland, Odessa and Sarasota for training. His 7-year-old sister, Emma Dillon, and his grandmother, Betty Dillon, are also big supporters.

While he works hard to excel and gain recognition, it’s his family’s support that helps keep him going.

“That helps quite a bit because I know that there are some families that push their kids to do this, and then there are other families that don’t even support their kids doing this at all,” he said. “It means a lot to me.”

For more information about Dillon and his fundraising, visit tinyurl.com/EthanDillon. For information about TAFISA, visit TAFISA.net.

Published July 2, 2014

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Gulfside Hospice celebrates a quarter-century of care

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In the beginning, it was known as Central Gulfside Hospice, serving only patients in New Port Richey.

Now, a quarter-century later, it’s known as Gulfside Hospice & Pasco Palliative Care, with about 1,500 admissions a year across Pasco County.

Linda Ward, president and chief executive of Gulfside Hospice & Pasco Palliative Care, will be among those celebrating the care provider’s 25th anniversary at a Founder’s Day Breakfast on July 8. (B.C. Manion/Staff Photo)
Linda Ward, president and chief executive of Gulfside Hospice & Pasco Palliative Care, will be among those celebrating the care provider’s 25th anniversary at a Founder’s Day Breakfast on July 8.
(B.C. Manion/Staff Photo)

The organization has 14 locations, including a corporate resource office in Land O’ Lakes, clinical branch offices in New Port Richey and Dade City, four inpatient care centers, five thrift shops, a bereavement center, and outreach counseling center.

It has about 265 employees, plus contract employees.

No matter where it delivers services, Gulfside has the same goals in mind, said Linda Ward, its president and chief executive officer.

“A lot of people think that hospice is a place,” Ward said. “Hospice is a concept. The concept is really comfort and quality, peace, dignity.”

Across the country, about 90 percent of hospice patients choose to receive their care at home, Ward said.

Gulfside delivers its hospice care in a wide array of settings including retirement homes, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, apartments, or other residences, standalone hospice centers — wherever the person lives, Ward said. Gulfside’s team manages the patient’s pain and symptoms, and assists the patient with the emotional and spiritual aspects of end-of-life issues.

It provides necessary medications as well as medical equipment and supplies. Its team coaches families in caring for patients and dealing with a wide array of issues that arise.

When Gulfside was preparing to open a residential care center in Zephyrhills, it took great care in making sure the center was designed with its patients and their loved ones in mind, Ward said. That center opened four years ago, with a goal to create a special environment.

When visitors arrive there, they walk through a space that has the feel of an Italian piazza. Natural light pours through the skylight in the courtyard’s high ceiling. A collection of tables offers visitors a place to sit and relax. A decorative fountain is the focal centerpiece of the room.

Before residential architect Peter Horstman designed the center, Gulfside told him what they were trying to achieve.

“We basically painted a picture of what it was that we wanted patients and families and visitors to experience as soon as they walk through the door,” Ward said.

People are walking into the center with a lot on their minds and the goal is to make the surroundings pleasant and relaxing, Ward said.

Besides spacious patient rooms, the center has a family room that looks out over a pond, a place where visitors and patients can play board games, a children’s play room, and a chapel, complete with stained glass windows.

Providing a quality environment is just one part of the equation, Ward said.

“You can have the most beautiful environment ever, but it’s not everything. It’s really not the most important thing,” Ward said.

Quality of care is vital, and that means having a capable staff that is committed to serving patients, Ward said.

Even though hospice has been around in the United States since the 1970s and has grown substantially since Medicare started covering it in the 1980s, some people still do not understand what it is, Ward said. Some health care professionals remain hesitant to make a hospice referral because they have been trained to try to heal patients, and for them, hospice feels like an admission of failure.

Some patients are even reluctant to accept a hospice referral.

The term “hospice” can provoke fear, Ward explained. “They (patients) think, ‘Oh, my gosh, they’ve called in hospice, that’s it.’”

Some doctors understand the value of referring patients to hospice when there’s still time for the patient to benefit from the available services, Ward said. During those final stages, hospice can help not only the patient, but the patient’s loved ones, too.

Many patients, by they are referred for hospice, may only have a few days to live, Ward said. “That’s when a disservice has been done to the person. The hospice experience is so much more than just the pain and symptom control for the patient. That’s the primary initial first goal — get the person out of pain, immediately. That’s our No. 1 immediate task.

“But then, it’s a holistic approach,” she said, involving a team that includes a social worker, a chaplain, a certified nurse, a physician and a certified nurse’s aid. They help the patient with everything from pain relief to personal hygiene, as well as such issues as spiritual guidance and family dynamics.

“In the world in which we live, families are really having tough times,” Ward said. “The recession was so hard on people, and they’re still trying to come out of it. And so you’ve got those financial factors and psychosocial issues, and now you add terminal illness on top of it, and that’s such a high-stress situation.

“And so, our social workers and chaplains – they are so highly involved in helping people through these things,” Ward said.

Medicare benefits can be used to reimburse hospice providers for patients who have a prognosis of six months or less, Ward said. Many patients, however, outlive their prognosis and can continue to qualify for the services.

Many hospice providers, including Gulfside, also have a separate palliative care program, which aims to provide pain relief for patients who are not hospice-appropriate yet, but ultimately will be, Ward said.

Those patients do not qualify for hospice benefits, but can qualify under Medicare Part B, which has benefits for people who have chronic illness, Ward said.

As it celebrates its 25th anniversary, Gulfside is planning for its future.

“Right now, we’re looking at continued partnerships with other health care providers, to diversify us and grow our business,” Ward said.

Gulfside has an active palliative program with Medical Center of Trinity, she said, noting it does about 30 palliative consults a month with the hospital. Gulfside also has a close relationship with Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel.

Gulfside’s residential center in Zephyrhills has strong ties to Florida Hospital Zephyrhills, Ward said. “Ninety-nine percent of all of our patients who come to this care center come from Florida Hospital Zephyrhills.”

Published July 2, 2014

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Lutz cake and pie contest features new twists

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The annual Fourth of July cake and pie contest in Lutz this year will have a few new ingredients.

One change attempts to level the playing field.

Sarah Robison gave her cake a festive feel, attracting the highest bid from Mark Carnes, who posed with her after the auction. (File Photo)
Sarah Robison gave her cake a festive feel, attracting the highest bid from Mark Carnes, who posed with her after the auction.
(File Photo)

From past experiences, contest coordinator Marilyn Wannamaker said she has observed that it was not fair to have a 4-year-old compete against a 20-year-old. That inspired the addition of a new category.

Now there will be three categories instead of two. It will break up adults 18 and older in their own group, with teens between 12 and 17 competing against each other, and children from 4 through 11 in their own category.

Also new this year, the contest will be move to the Lutz Senior Center. Previously, it was at the Lutz Fire Department building, but the volunteer fire department has since been replaced with a county crew and the building sold.

This year will be Wannamaker’s “last hurrah,” as the GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club member plans to turn over the task of organizing the event to someone new next year. At age 83 and after running the contest for 12 years, Wannamaker said it’s time to give someone else a turn.

The Lutz woman said she originally found herself interested in the annual contest because she enjoys the opportunity to meet people in the community. Some competitors are new to the contest every year, while others enter each year.

Wilma Lewis typically enters four or five decorated cakes each year and is expected to do the same this year, Wannamaker said. The Gaschlers like to make it a family affair. Last year, Ron baked a hummingbird cake, Rebecca entered a chocolate chip confection, and Tracy made her famous five-pound apple pie.

The pie fetched $85, the highest price in the cake and pie auction, which follows the parade each year.

Adults and children entered about five-dozen pies and cakes last year. This year, Wannamaker hopes to attract more entries, as the theme of the Independence Day celebration is a salute to the volunteer firefighters who served the community for decades.

Those wishing to enter the contest should remember to think about the type of icing they use because there is no refrigeration in the judging areas, Wannamaker said.

“We had one little boy who baked a large cake that was a house and a village, and he used blueberry Jell-O for the lake,” Wannamaker said. “Well, his lake became an ocean.”

Winners in each category will receive a blue ribbon.

Size matters, too, according to the contest organizer. The entries must be no larger than 9-by-13 inches.

Once the contest is over, all pies and cakes will be carried over to the front of the train station for the auction.  The money raised by the sales go to different charities in the Lutz area.

Besides generating money for good causes, the cake and pie auction can be entertaining. Auctioneer Bob Moore will encourage bidders, while Cheryl Benton carries the sweets around to give the crowd a good look at them.

Sometimes, Wannamaker said, the best bidding wars involve parents and grandparents.

Fourth of July cake and pie contest
There are now three age groups for the Lutz Fourth of July cake and pie contest. They are adults, ages 18 and older; teens, between 12 and 17; and children, from 4 through 11.

The contest categories are the same for each group, with the exception of an additional category for men in the adult age group, and for boys in the other two age groups. The idea is to get the boys and men into the kitchen, said Marilyn Wannamaker, contest coordinator.

Categories include best-decorated, most patriotic, best cake tasting, best pie tasting, judge’s favorite, and Guv’na’s favorite.

Those wishing to enter the contest must deliver their entries to the Lutz Senior Center, 112 First Ave. N.W., between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m., on July 3, or between 6 a.m. and 7:30 a.m., on July 4.

– Ashley Schrader

Published July 2, 2014

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The Laker/Lutz News becomes a bigger paper on Aug. 6

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This month marks the fifth year since I’ve become publisher of The Laker/Lutz News, having assumed this role in 2009 when the recession was at its peak.

The Laker/Lutz News publisher Diane Kortus shows off the new size of your local newspaper beginning next month, adding six inches of length and bringing it in-line with the size of daily newspapers locally. (Suzanne Beauchaine/Staff Photo)
The Laker/Lutz News publisher Diane Kortus shows off the new size of your local newspaper beginning next month, adding six inches of length and bringing it in-line with the size of daily newspapers locally.
(Suzanne Beauchaine/Staff Photo)

Like most small business owners back then, I was faced with cutting staff and expenses as we adjusted to the dramatic downturn in the economy. Business analysts called this “right sizing,” but I mostly remember it as a very difficult, even painful, time to be managing a business.

Over the past five years my employees and I worked hard to rebuild our business, steadily making improvements to our content and distribution. Our perseverance has paid off, and today The Laker/Lutz News has more readers than anytime in our history.

Our papers are read by more than 64,000 residents in Lutz, Land O’ Lakes, Wesley Chapel, Zephyrhills and Dade City. This readership represents an incredible 79 percent household penetration — three times more than any other newspaper or magazine in our community.

We could not have rebounded from the economic collapse of the recession to the promising outlook of today without the support and commitment of our readers and advertisers. There was never a doubt that you wanted a strong community newspaper, and for that we will be forever thankful.

And it’s because of your continued belief and support that we’re able to announce today a milestone that is one of the most significant improvements ever to our papers.

Beginning Aug. 6, we are increasing our size to that of a daily newspaper. We will be six inches longer, or 25 percent bigger, than the paper you are holding in your hands today. Here’s why this change should matter to you.

1. Credible newspaper; serious local news
In the past few years, we’ve begun writing more stories about growth and development, new and expanding businesses, public and private education, and city and county government. This complements what we’ve always done, writing stories about our communities and the great people who live and work here.

Changing our format to the same size as daily newspapers communicates even more that The Laker/Lutz News are credible newspapers committed to reporting serious local news. 

2. More and bigger photos
A larger size allows for more and bigger photos. And photos help us tell you stories about special events and things to do, people and organizations that do good and interesting things. It also enables expanded coverage for youth sports and adult recreation.

3. Two sections
Changing size allows us to print two separate sections. The new B Section becomes a second front page to give more prominence to feature stories. The back page of the A Section becomes a high-profile sports page.

With two sections, it is easy to share the paper. You can read the A Section, while someone else in your family reads the B section.

4. Easy-to-find classifieds
Our new B Section will house all classified pages, as well as our Best In Small Business Directory.

5. More advertising circulars
The larger format means we can accept more advertising circulars from major accounts like Publix, Michaels, JCPenney and Ulta. Beginning in August, inserts from Beall’s Outlet will be in the paper, and we expect other national retailers to follow.

6. Bigger ads
Ad sizes in the larger format are 25 percent bigger than current sizes. A bigger ad allows advertisers to include more offers and create more effective ads. This summer we are resizing ads of all current customers to their equivalent larger size in the new format.

My staff and I are proud to have accomplished so much in the past five years.  We greatly look forward to the new opportunities we’ll have with a larger format newspaper.

As always, I welcome your ideas and comments. If you want to talk, please call me at a time best for you — after hours is perfectly fine — at (813) 909-2800 in the office, (813) 503-5213 on my cell, or send me an email at .

Published July 2, 2014

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Liane Caruso working to brand herself Lutz Guv’na

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Liane Caruso runs Limelight Marketing Consultants, a full-service marketing firm she started in 2009.

When she’s working, Caruso always is thinking about how to make something better known, bigger and more successful.

Lutz Guv’na candidate Liane Caruso has plenty of support for her campaign, including her sister-in-law, Dr. Dae Sheridan, right, and her daughter, Lila. (Courtesy of Liane Caruso)
Lutz Guv’na candidate Liane Caruso has plenty of support for her campaign, including her sister-in-law, Dr. Dae Sheridan, right, and her daughter, Lila.
(Courtesy of Liane Caruso)

Even as a candidate for Lutz Guv’na, she can’t take off her marketing hat.

“I would hope that one day this Guv’na thing could be a really big deal,” she said. “I know there’s a lot of people who know about it, but I’m finding that there a lot of people who don’t know about it, and I think what a great way to bring attention to Lutz and the businesses of Lutz.

“It’s a great concept, and I hope that it only continues to grow.”

Caruso decided to help it grow by signing up as a candidate for the ceremonial title, given to the person who raises the most money during the campaign. The winner will be announced during Lutz’ annual Fourth of July celebration, and all monies raised go to local organizations.

To help add a little marketing savvy to the race, Caruso launched ILoveLutz.com, which provides fundraising opportunities for her campaign. But once the race ends, she wants to see it grow into a site for local businesses to make their presence known to visitors and increase visibility for the community in general with news releases, business reviews, and a calendar of upcoming events.

Caruso is from Jacksonville, but spent time in Key West, where she met her husband Larry. They decided that it wasn’t the ideal place to raise children, so they moved to the area to be closer to family and enjoy the strong community presence. They have two children, Kyle, 5, and Lila, 2.

Caruso lives in Land O’ Lakes and moved her business to Lutz last year, and is happy to have the important things in her life close to each other.

“I’ve built my entire life within a 5-mile radius, which I absolutely love,” Caruso said. “I love the community and how supportive they are of each other.”

Philanthropy was another aspect about the race that drew her in, and with some experience in community races — she helped others campaign for king and queen of Fantasy Fest, a 10-day celebration in Key West — she felt it was a good time to take a shot at being Guv’na.

In addition to helping local organizations with much-needed funds, Caruso wants her campaign to also focus on helping local businesses expand their opportunities on the Internet. In conjunction with her ILoveLutz website, Caruso believes companies can utilize a strong Internet presence in conjunction with the face-to-face, personal relationships they’ve built over the years in Lutz.

“Our entire world has shifted to technology and online awareness. It’s great those people that have built their business off word of mouth and the good old-fashioned way,” she said. “So many other businesses don’t have that luxury, and their website and how they’re found online is a first impression, or their first chance. If they’re not found online they’re essentially missing opportunity.”

Local businesses that don’t have a brick-and-mortar location, but are still owned and run by people in the community, need a strong online presence to gain exposure they might not get otherwise, she said.

Caruso’s campaign has gone well, she said, with plenty of fundraising efforts such as raffles, themed parties and workshops, as well as combined events with multiple Guv’na candidates.

One of the fun things about the race is how supportive and friendly the candidates are with each other, she said.

With her constant focus on branding, marketing and social media for clients — and a Guv’na campaign to run — Caruso doesn’t make much room for idle time. But the Carusos enjoy local and state attractions (she admits to being “theme park junkies”) and spending time with local family.

While she sometimes travels out of the state for business and has lived throughout Florida, it’s Land O’ Lakes and Lutz, where Caruso lives and works, that feels like home.

“I wouldn’t move back to Jacksonville, I probably wouldn’t really live in Tallahassee although I loved it while I was there,” Caruso said. “Orlando and Tampa, to me, are pretty comparable, but Key West is very different. This is exactly the right place.”

For more information about Caruso’s Lutz Guv’na campaign, visit ILoveLutz.com or search “Liane for Guv’na” on Facebook.

For more information about Limelight Marketing Consultants, call (813) 419-3777 or visit LimelightConsultants.com.

Published July 2, 2014

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Littlefield challenges experience of his commission opponents

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Former state Rep. Ken Littlefield does not exactly need an armor truck to take his campaign fundraising revenue to the bank, but that’s not stopping him from trying to stand out in a crowded primary field.

Ken Littlefield
Ken Littlefield

Littlefield, who is seeking the District 2 Pasco County Commission seat currently held by the retiring Pat Mulieri, once again stumped in front of the Republican Club of Central Pasco during a regular meeting last week. While he talked about his work in Tallahassee, he also talked about how his primary opponents — businessman Mike Moore and financial analyst Bob Robertson — failed to stand up to his experience.

“I’m the only one in the race that has the kind of experience that I just mentioned,” Littlefield told the Republican group. “One of the candidates coached soccer league, and the other was elected to a (community development district) before. And that’s about it.

“And they are going to make a lot of promises to you. You have the choice of either voting for somebody who makes a lot of promises, or somebody who has the experience.”

Neither Moore nor Robertson was at the meeting, but both quickly defended their experiences when reached by The Laker/Lutz News.

“I’ve spent my career creating new jobs and running a business,” Moore said in a prepared response. “My wife, Lauren, and I are like so many others here in Pasco County who believe government is too big and takes too much. I’ve spent months sharing my background and experience with voters, and I look forward to continuing to do so in the weeks ahead.”

Robertson pointed out his recent selection by the very commission he wishes to join as a non-elected representative on Pasco’s Restore Act Advisory Committee, which helps manage funds related to the Deepwater Horizon oil spill in 2010.

“The county expects to receive a significant amount of money as a result of the Gulf oil spill,” Robertson said in a prepared statement. “We are currently in the process of evaluating millions of dollars worth of projects to benefit the citizens of this county.”

Littlefield was elected to the state House in 1999 in a special election succeeding his brother, Carl Littlefield. He left the House in 2006, and had planned to join the Florida Public Service Commission after receiving a nomination by then outgoing Gov. Jeb Bush.

When Charlie Crist assumed the governor’s office, however, he pulled Littlefield’s nomination, forcing him to return to the private sector.

This is not the first time Littlefield has tried to knock down his opponent’s success in the political field. During a debate in March, Littlefield jabbed Moore about his 2010 loss to Matthew Abbott for a seat on the county’s Mosquito Control board.

Littlefield’s fundraising efforts picked up a bit in the first three weeks of June, raising $1,600. That brings his campaign total to $6,600, but is still a far cry from what Moore has accomplished.

Moore raised $4,700 during the same time, bringing his total above $85,200.

Robertson raised just $310 during that time, and now has pulled in just under $12,700.

The winner of the Aug. 26 primary will face off against Democrat Erika Remsberg in November. The Land O’ Lakes social worker had her best fundraising efforts to date over the first three weeks of June, receiving checks totaling more than $1,600. Her campaign total is just above $2,100.

Published July 2, 2014

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Security expert offers safety pointers at local AARP meeting

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While criminals always are looking for ways to take advantage of others, there are plenty of things people can do to reduce their chance of becoming a target.

Many crimes occur because people make it easy for criminals, security expert Brian MacNeel told members of the Land O’ Lakes chapter of the AARP at its June 27 meeting. For instance, 38 percent of burglaries occur because someone left a door or window open, and more than half of all cars stolen had the keys in the ignition.

Brian MacNeel provided plenty of pointers to help members of the Land O’ Lakes AARP chapter protect themselves from would-be intruders, as well as identify thieves and other criminals. (B.C. Manion/Staff Photo)
Brian MacNeel provided plenty of pointers to help members of the Land O’ Lakes AARP chapter protect themselves from would-be intruders, as well as identify thieves and other criminals.
(B.C. Manion/Staff Photo)

High-tech criminals also are opportunists. They send emails that look legitimate because they cut and paste information from genuine banks to create a document that looks authentic, MacNeel said.

Then they use that document to attempt to obtain private information from account holders. Once they have that, they access the accounts, steal the money and wire it to an overseas account.

There’s an easy way to avoid these kinds of scams, MacNeel told the crowd. Just don’t send private information to anyone who calls, sends a text or emails requesting it. People who do get this type of communication and are not sure if it’s legitimate should visit or call their bank using numbers known to be authentic.

Scammers have stolen billions of dollars using these kinds of scams, MacNeel said.

Another way to deter identity theft is to be sure to shred any pre-approved offer that comes in the mail. Those documents contain information about people that can be used to steal their identity, MacNeel said.

He also offered tips for personal self-protection. For instance, he told the crowd that parking lots are highly vulnerable places. When people go shopping, they should seek a parking space as close to the store as possible.

It’s important to be aware of surroundings, and to look for a parking spot in a well-lit space. Also, avoid parking next to a truck with side panels.

When returning to their car, drivers should be sure to have their keys out and to check the area around their car for someone who might be lurking there. Check the back seat before getting into the car as well, MacNeel said.

It’s a good idea to carry police-strength pepper spray, he added. That can be sprayed at an attacker who is 10 to 15 feet away.

If someone tries to take a purse or wallet, let the robber have it, MacNeel said. People who try to hold on to these possessions can end up being dragged and injured.

Of course, another way to protect valuables is for women to carry a small pocket purse that contains their money, identification and credit cards, he said. Women should put that in their pocket before they enter the parking lot, then a purse snatcher would just get the other items in the purse, such as makeup, tissues and such.

Men, he suggested, should carry a second wallet with just a small amount of cash that they can toss away from themselves.

When getting gas, be sure to roll up the windows, take keys and lock the door, MacNeel said. People running into the convenience shop to pick up an item often come back to find laptops, purses and other items gone because they didn’t lock their car.

The security expert also provided tips on how to prevent home burglaries. One of the best ways is to post “Beware of Dog” signs. Another good idea is to have a large dog bowl full of water near a door, he said.

Burglars don’t like to encounter big dogs when they’re rifling through possessions, he said.

It’s also a good idea to leave a radio or television on, tuned to a talk show, to help create the impression that someone is home. Shatterproof windows, secure locks and an alarm system are other good deterrents, MacNeel said.

Cellphones also can save lives, he said. Keep a cellphone on the night stand. If a burglar cuts the home’s phone lines, someone with a cellphone can still call 911.

A safety flashlight is another piece of equipment that can save lives, MacNeel said.

These flashlights are intended to prevent people from being trapped in their car. They contain a blade that can cut the seat belt. The body can be used to break a passenger window, and the light can help passengers see their path to escape, MacNeel said.

Be sure to choose a safety flashlight that can be easily accessed from the driver’s seat. Some models are so large they must be carried in the trunk, providing little help when a car is submerged in water, said MacNeel, who works for Protech Security Solutions of Brandon. The company makes free appearances before groups of all sizes to help people protect themselves.

Anyone who would like to book an appearance by MacNeel can reach him at (813) 661-3700.

The Land O’ Lakes AARP Chapter also welcomes new members, and anyone who wishes to learn more about the organization can reach Phyllis Bross, the chapter president, at (813) 996-1361, or they can email her at .

Published July 2, 2014

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Three days of fireworks: Local events display patriotic spirit

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Local residents wanting to see fireworks to celebrate the Fourth of July can enjoy them before, during and after the actual holiday.

The third annual Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel Freedom Festival at The Shops at Wiregrass features a fireworks display on July 3 at 9 p.m. (Courtesy of Tony Masella/OurTownFla.com)
The third annual Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel Freedom Festival at The Shops at Wiregrass features a fireworks display on July 3 at 9 p.m.
(Courtesy of Tony Masella/OurTownFla.com)

Multiple venues will host fireworks shows as part of special holiday celebrations July 3-5, along with a number of other activities to help celebrate Independence Day in Wesley Chapel and Land O’ Lakes.

Those who want to celebrate early can visit The Shops at Wiregrass, 28211 Paseo Drive in Wesley Chapel, on July 3. The shopping complex, home to around 100 different retailers, is the site of the third annual Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel Freedom Festival. Last year’s event drew around 30,000 people.

The free event begins at 5 p.m., and includes a watermelon-eating contest and a bicycle-decorating contest. But one of the highlights is a patriotic-themed pageant to crown Little Miss and Mr. Firecracker across several age groups.

The pageant was a favorite in 2013, and should be bigger this year, said Debbie Detweiler, director of marketing for The Shops.

“It’s grown so much that we’re having it hosted up on the center court stage this year,” she said. “It was a really popular part of the event last year, and we want to make more room for it.”

Winners will be announced for participants in three separate categories: Ages 3 months to 1, ages 2 to 4, and ages 5 to 8.

The fireworks show begins at 9 p.m., with approximately $9,000 worth of pyrotechnics on display.

On July 4, the annual Sparklebration event will be held at the Pasco County Fairgrounds, 36722 State Road 52 in Dade City. It includes a watermelon-eating contest, a hot dog-eating contest and bounce houses.

Gates open at 3 p.m.  The fireworks begin at 9:15 p.m. The cost is $5 per person, with children younger than 12 admitted free. Parking also is $5.

For anyone who missed the events on July 3 and July 4, or wants to celebrate a little longer, there are a couple of local options the following day. Avalon Park West, 5227 Autumn Ridge Drive in Wesley Chapel, will host its free Independence Day Festival on July 5.

According to Kristin Muslin, marketing and events coordinator for Avalon Park West, it’s more important for the community to schedule an event when people can attend than to make sure it falls on the Fourth of July.

“Having an event during the week is a little bit more difficult for a lot of people to attend,” Muslin said, noting that July 4 falls on a Friday this year. “So it’s kind of important for us to make it a little bit easier for families to be able to spend time together on the weekend.”

Avalon Park West also wants to use the event as an opportunity to showcase its neighborhood, which has around 70 occupied homes. With future planning allowing for 4,800 homes to be built, the Independence Day Festival allows the community to learn a bit more about them, Muslin said.

Avalon Park West’s town center will serve as the focal point of the festival.

The event includes bounce houses, giveaways, community performances and food trucks. More than 50 vendors are expected to be in attendance. A bicycle parade starts at 5:30 p.m., and the fireworks begin at 9 p.m.

That same day, Connerton, a community located on U.S. 41 about seven miles north of State Road 54, will host a free Fifth of July event starting at 5 p.m. Its celebration also is a chance to show off the 8,000-acre community, which includes a 3,000-acre nature preserve.

The celebration includes live music, games, prizes, and bounce houses. Food trucks and refreshments will be available, and guests are encouraged to bring chairs or blankets. The fireworks start at 9 p.m.

For more information about the Freedom Festival at The Shops at Wiregrass, visit TheShopsAtWiregrass.com.

For more information about Sparklebration at the Pasco County Fairgrounds, call (352) 567-6678, or visit www.pascocountyfair.com.

For more information about Avalon Park West’s Independence Day Festival, call (813) 482-5361.

For more information about Connerton’s Fifth of July event, visit Connerton.com.

Published July 2, 2014

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Business Digest 07-02-14

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Used cars coming to Wesley Chapel
Wesley Chapel Honda and Wesley Chapel Toyota are going to get quite a bit bigger.

The owner of the dealerships along State Road 54, Williams Automotive Group, announced this week it will add a pre-owned sales center to its existing facility.

It will use a little more than 1 acre of land it purchased last May for $1.35 million, according to county property records. It will be located on the corner of State Road 54 and Old Pasco Road.

The latest expansion is part of an overall effort being made by the company this year, which also purchased the former Tampa Honda Land at 11000 N. Florida Ave., in Tampa, last March, shortening the name to simply Tampa Honda.

Williams Automotive was founded as Southeast Automotive Group in 2000, and once owned several dealerships in Georgia, selling Toyota, Kia, Mitsubishi and Hyundai, according to the company’s website.

Wesley Chapel Toyota is located at 5300 Eagleston Blvd., and Wesley Chapel Honda is at 27750 Wesley Chapel Blvd.

Avex promotes one, hires another
It’s a promotion and a new hire at Avex Homes’ Avalon Park West in Wesley Chapel.

Laura Gahan was promoted to senior sales associate, and Yvette Fuertes was hired as a sales coordinator in the community. Gahan has 12 years experience in new home sales, and joined Avalon Park West in 18 months ago as a sales associate.

Fuertes has a degree in commercial arts, and more than 10 years experience in sales and customer service.

Avex Homes is building 342 single-family houses at Cypress Village at Avalon Park West, located on State Road 54, more than three miles east of Interstate 75 in Wesley Chapel.

Bank offers student sweepstakes
Fifth Third Bank has launched its annual Student Banking Sweepstakes.

Through Sept. 30, students who open a checking account will be automatically entered into a sweepstakes offering $10,000 toward college tuition.

Last year’s winner was Tre’ Watson, a rising football star at Tampa Catholic High School.

For more information, visit 53.com/students.

Veterans get more licensing fee waivers
Beginning this month, military personnel, veterans and military spouses seeking a professional license in Florida will have several fees eliminated, making it easier for them to do business in the state, according to elected officials.

The Florida G.I. Bill, which was signed by Gov. Rick Scott in March, expands current military and veteran fee waivers to include spouses of military personnel. At the same time, the deadline to apply for the fee waivers has been extended from within 24 months of honorable discharge, to 60 months.

Also, active Florida National Guard members will now be reimbursed for continuing education and examination fees.

H.B. 7105 extends the current exemption, which was effective starting in 2012, from initial licensing fees for honorably discharged military veterans, and include spouses that were married to the soldiers at the time the soldier was discharged from service.

More information about the fee waives as well as other services offered to active military, military spouses and veterans, can be found at MyFloridaLicense.com/mil.

Construction begins on Claridge Townhomes
Lennar Homes has broken ground on its newest community, Claridge Townhomes at Meadow Pointe. Construction is located off Meadow Point Boulevard, just north of New Tampa in southern Pasco County. The company has planned 88 townhomes ranging from 1,200 to 1,600 square feet, and will begin at $120,000. Meadow Pointe is an 1,800-acre project with a nature preserve, and an assortment of amenities.

Coach set to close 70 stores
Coach Inc., the maker of high-end accessories, handbags, shoes and clothing, says it will close 70 retail stores, possibly by early next year.

Coach didn’t tell investors which locations they plan to close, but the company has a store locally at The Shops at Wiregrass, 28211 Paseo Drive, Suite 160.

The closure is part of what the New York-based company has called a multi-year transformation plan that will be focused on a new global branding strategy centered on the concept of “defining modern luxury,” according to a filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

Sales over the last nine months leading into spring were down nearly 5 percent for the company, according to public filings, dropping to $3.7 billion.

Coach operates 351 stores in North America, according to its filings with investors. The closures would account for nearly 20 percent of its total retail outlets.

Another Avon award for Rosie Heim
Rosie Heim, a 17-year veteran selling Avon in the Land O’ Lakes area, has received the company’s Spirit of Avon Award.

This recognition is for those who show incredible spirit and stands out above the rest, according to a release. They also build their own business professionally, and always are courteously serving their customers.

This is the third Spirit of Avon award Heim has won.