The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Local News

Chalk Talk 04-02-14

By

ChalkTalk-CorbettYoung thespians receive accolades at festival
A team of 28 middle school performers from Corbett Preparatory School of IDS took honors in every category the students entered at the Florida Junior Thespians State Festival. Corbett Prep Thespian Troupe 88622 received superior ratings and two best in show awards at the festival in Melbourne Feb. 7 and Feb. 8. (Courtesy of Blythe Sobel)

WRHS scholarship opportunity
Wiregrass Ranch High School’s PTSA will award six $350 scholarships to the school’s seniors or PTSA members.

There will be three academic and three citizenship scholarships awarded. Applications and information can be found at WiregrassPTSA.org.

Deadline to submit an application is April 4 at 2:30 p.m.

HCC open houses
Hillsborough Community College will host several upcoming campus open houses. Each event will have refreshments and giveaways.

• Plant City Campus, 1206 N. Park Road: April 8, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Guests can tour environmental science, advanced water treatment and other programs. Admissions, financial aid and career opportunity information will be available.
For information, email .

• SouthShore Campus, 551 24th St., N.E., in Ruskin: April 15, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Guests can pick up program information, tour the campus, view nursing lab demos and more. Financial aid and admissions materials will be available.
For information, email ">.

• Brandon Campus, 10414 E. Columbus Drive in Tampa: April 16, 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Program, admissions and financial aid information will be available.
For information, email .

JLMS carnival
The John Long Middle School Parent-Teacher-Student Association will host its seventh annual Round Up Carnival April 11 from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., at the school, 2025 Mansfield Blvd., in Wesley Chapel.

The event will include food, games, prizes, rides, inflatable obstacle courses, human hamster ball, laser tag, 4D video game van and more. Armbands and tickets will be sold in the cafeteria the week of April 7 during student lunches.

For information, call Jill Nasso at (813) 235-6699.

Pine View band event
The Pine View Middle School band will present its seventh annual Night Under the Stars April 12 from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., at Land O’ Lakes High School’s John Benedetto Stadium, 20325 Gator Lane.

There will be music, food, a silent basket auction, drum line battle, and a battle of the bands.

For information, call (813) 794-4800.

Students named to All-Florida Academic Team
Eight Pasco-Hernando State College students were nominated to the 2014 Phi Theta Kappa All-Florida Academic Team. Students were selected based on academic achievement, leadership and community service.

Students representing PHSC are Sasha Stanek and Michael Wilson of Dade City, Ana Chambers and Melissa Espinosa of Spring Hill, Jasmine Frey and Hongyan Lu of Hudson, Leanore Masi of Brooksville, and Tonya Mason of Dunedin.

Corrections and Law Enforcement Academy
Pasco-Hernando State College is now accepting applications for Law Enforcement Academy programs for summer and fall at East Campus, 36727 Blanton Road in Dade City.

A new part-time evening Law Enforcement Academy will begin May 12. Application deadline is April 7.

The next daytime program will be offered in the fall term, starting Aug. 18. Application deadline is June 23.

The programs prepare cadets for work in the field as certified police officers, and are based on 770 hours of training.

For information, call (352) 518-1364, or visit PHSC.edu.

Shelton honored in Tallahassee
Jacquelynn Shelton of Pasco County, a Take Stock in Children high school senior, was recently honored with a 2014 Leaders for Life Fellowship.

The fellowship rewards scholars for excellence in leadership, academics, community involvement and good citizenship. With tuition costs covered through Take Stock in Children, the Leaders for Life Fellowship ensures the student’s freedom from non-tuition related expenses of attending college, according to organizers.

Extension pesticide session
University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Extension of Pasco County will offer a free open pesticide exam session April 17 from 9 a.m. to noon in Clayton Hall on the Pasco County Fairgrounds.

All categories will be offered except pesticide control operator and limited.

A valid pesticide license is required for those who apply or supervise the application of restricted-use pesticides.

To RSVP, call (352) 793-2728, ext. 234, by April 15.

For information, email Cami Esmel McAvoy at .

Nurse assistant scholarships
The American Red Cross St. Petersburg office has been selected to receive 10 nurse assistant training program scholarships for training service members and veterans, or their immediate family or caregivers.

The St. Petersburg Red Cross Nurse Assistant Training Center is one of seven sites in the country selected to receive the scholarships from a partnership between the Wounded Warrior Project and the American Red Cross.

Students who complete the Red Cross nurse assistant training course are qualified to take the state exam to become a certified nurse assistant.

For information, or to be considered for a scholarship, call (727) 898-3111, ext. 7562.

‘Bee Bully-Free’ in Zephyrhills
Zephyrhills area schools are encouraging students, teachers and staff to wear black and yellow on the last Friday of each month as part of the “Bee Bully-Free Initiative.” The initiative provides stickers and coloring book pages for schools that request them, participates in the Great American Teach-in, and provides certificates and awards for students who transform from bullies into kinder versions of themselves.

Upcoming black and yellow Fridays are April 25 and May 30.

For information on the initiative, visit Facebook.com/beebullyfree.

 

Political Agenda 04-02-14

By

Deadline here for mail ballots
Any voter wishing to avoid having to head to a precinct on election day April 8 has until April 2 to request a vote-by-mail ballot in Pasco County.

After that, beginning April 3, voters who wish to vote a paper ballot prior to election day can pick up their ballot at any of the three supervisor of elections offices in the county, or at their respective city halls.

Local elections are taking place in three municipalities: Dade City, St. Leo and Zephyrhills.

Those picking up ballots on behalf of someone else will need a written request from the voter, designating them as the person authorized to carry out that ballot, the Pasco County elections office said in a release. The designee will be asked to provide photo ID, and to complete an affidavit before the ballot can be released.

Designees are limited to picking up two ballots in addition to their own, unless the additional ballots are for immediate family members.

Elections office locations locally are at 14236 Sixth St., Suite 200, in Dade City, as well as 4111 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., Room 105, in Land O’ Lakes.

For information, visit PascoVotes.com.

Burgess, Diaz to speak at Republican club
Republican Florida House candidates Danny Burgess and Minnie Diaz are set to speak at the Wesley Chapel Republican Club April 10 beginning at 6:30 p.m., at Wesley Chapel Hyundai, 27000 Wesley Chapel Blvd.

For information, email Mike Moore at .

East Pasco Democrats meet
The East Pasco Democratic Club will meet April 21 at 7 p.m. at The Commons, 38130 Pretty Pond Road in Zephyrhills.

The speaker will be Lynn Providence of Legal Shield talking about identity theft.

For information, call (813) 838-0767.

Poll workers needed for August, November elections
Energetic? Service-oriented? Then the Pasco County supervisor of elections may be looking for you.

Poll workers are needed for both the primary election Aug. 26 and the general election Nov. 4. Positions are paid, but potential candidates will need to be able to stand, bend, stoop, lift approximately 30 pounds, and have normal vision and manual and physical dexterity.

Applicants also need to write and read English, have an email address, and be able to work the entire day from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.

All positions receive mandatory paid training the month preceding both the primary and general elections.

For information, call (800) 851-8754, or visit PascoVotes.com.

Bill would make gas pumping easier for some
State Rep. Mark Danish, D-Tampa has joined forces with state Sen. Jeff Brandes, R-St. Petersburg, to ensure those with disabilities can get the appropriate help they need at the gas pump.

H.B. 185 and S.B. 1184 are modeled after a Hillsborough County ordinance that requires decals on pumps that provide information on how to “call for assistance.” Hillsborough passed its bill in 2012, and other counties have followed suit.

“This is a cost-effective option that will assist countless persons with disabilities across the state who struggle to refuel their gas,” Danish said in a release.

The bill has received support from several organizations, including the Florida Petroleum Marketers and Convenience Store Association, Paralyzed Veterans Association, Disabled American Veterans and AARP, according to a release.

Last week, H.B. 185 cleared its last committee hurdle before heading to the floor.

Danish is seeking re-election in District 63 against former state Rep. Shawn Harrison, who has outraised Danish just under $72,000 to $61,000 through February, according to state election records.

Burgess leads February fundraising
Zephyrhills mayor Danny Burgess is $9,000 closer to winning the state House seat currently held by Will Weatherford, R-Wesley Chapel, after leading fundraising efforts in February.

The latest influx of cash brings Burgess to $35,135 for his campaign so far. That’s well ahead of his Republican primary opponent Minerva Diaz, who has a campaign chest of just under $2,500 after pulling in $160 in February.

Although she’s nowhere near the level Burgess is, the lone Democrat who has filed to run for the seat so far — Beverly Anne Ledbetter — raised just over $1,600 in February, bringing her total to $4,081.

For Burgess, $2,500 of his February haul came from outside his district, including $1,000 from OD-EyePAC, a political action committee representing optometrists. Contributing $500 each were the Committee for an Innovative Florida founded by former Republican State Rep. Shawn Harrison, government relations firm Robert M. Levy & Associates out of Miami, and the Rebuild Florida political action committee, also out of Miami.

Burgess also has apparently received an endorsement from the Zephyrhills News, that newspaper taking the unusual step of writing a $500 check to the candidate. Media companies typically avoid financially supporting political candidates.

Ledbetter’s largest donation came from out of her district as well. Kim McLaughlin, described in campaign finance filings as a union representative from Burbank, Calif., donated $200 to the Democrat.

Ross releases campaign video
U.S. Rep. Dennis Ross, R-Lakeland, released his first Web video for the 2014 re-election campaign, featuring footage from his announcement tour Jan. 21. It also highlights the work he has done in Congress over the last three years, as well as his future legislative priorities.

“It’s been an honor and privilege to represent my friends and neighbors in Washington these past three years,” Ross said. “I first ran for Congress because Washington was broken. While we have made some progress, there is still a tremendous amount of work to be done. I’m asking the people of Hillsborough and Polk counties to send me back to Congress for another term so we can continue working to get our country back on track.”

The video also highlights Ross’ work to help cut the federal budget, simplify the tax code, and reduce the size of government to stimulate the economy.

So far, Ross is facing Democrat Alan Cohn in the general election, and neither has yet to draw a primary challenger.

Browning throws support behind Burgess
Pasco County Schools superintendent Kurt Browning endorsed outgoing Zephyrhills mayor Danny Burgess in his run for the Florida House seat currently held by Will Weatherford, R-Wesley Chapel.

“Danny grew up in East Pasco like I did, and is a product of the Pasco County School system,” Browning said in a release. “He has an energetic and humble demeanor about him that doesn’t come around too often.”

Burgess faces Minerva Diaz in the Republican primary in August, the winner set to run against Democrat Beverly Ledbetter in November.

Business Digest 04-02-14

By

BizDigest-ComputersA ribbon cutting that computes
The training division of Computers Etc. at the Dade City Business Center recently had a ribbon cutting and grand opening, sponsored by the Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce. Partners Ken Buzzie, Kristin Pelletier and staffer Michael Tauber cut the ribbon for the new center. The new center will help customers with Microsoft Office Suite, Windows 7, Window 8 and Windows 8.1, as well as accounting software.
(Courtesy of Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce)

Open house at SmartStart
SmartStart Dade City will host an open house April 4 from noon to 3 p.m. to learn about Pasco County’s first business incubator, and get a tour of the facility.

SmartStart is located at 15000 Citrus Country Drive in Dade City.

Managed by the Pasco Economic Development Council Inc., SmartStart encourages companies to work in a collaborative environment with other small businesses. Tenants have round-the-clock access to office space, as well as co-working space with free Wi-Fi, a mailbox, conference room space, seminars and one-on-one mentoring.

Swiftmud will keep Babb
Michael Babb will get another shot at the Southwest Florida Water Management District’s governing board after earning a reappointment by Gov. Rick Scott.

Babb of Tampa is the president of Two Rivers Ranch. If confirmed by the Florida Senate, he will serve until the beginning of March 2018.

Governing board members are unpaid volunteers who set policy for the district, manage the water and related resources of west central Florida, and protect the environment.
Social for Women-n-Charge

Women-n-Charge will host a social and open house April 17 beginning at 5 p.m., at City Grill, 5429 Village Market in Wesley Chapel.

No RSVP or meeting fees are required.

For information, call (813) 600-9848, or email .

Bellafield collection opens at Seven Oaks
Standard Pacific Homes recently hosted the grand opening of its Bellafield collection of single-family homes in Wesley Chapel’s Seven Oaks community.

Two model homes of the collection are now open, which includes “great rooms,” gourmet kitchens and spa-like master bathrooms.

House sizes range from 1,945 square feet to 3,866 square feet, and is in both single- and two-story designs. Prices start a little under $300,000.

The Bellafield sales center is located at 4527 Scarlet Loop in Wesley Chapel. For information, visit StandardPacificHomes.com.

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.

Here’s the group’s slate of upcoming speakers:

• April 8: Danny Burgess, Zephyrhills mayor, candidate for State House District 38

• May 27: Mike Moore, candidate for Pasco County Commission, owner of VR Business Sales

NetFest on April 3
Pasco County Economic Development will host NetFest April 3 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., at Starkey Ranch, 12959 State Road 54 in Odessa.

The 12th annual event is for business and community leaders around Tampa Bay, and includes music and barbecue.

Tickets are $45 each, or $35 for Pasco EDC investors and their guests.

For information, call (888) 607-2726.

Gassaway joins PEDC board
B. Patrick Gassaway, president of Heidt Design LLC, has joined the Pasco Economic Development Council’s board of directors.

Heidt Design is a local consulting firm providing community planning, land planning, landscape architecture, ecological services, land development engineering, and construction inspection services in the Tampa Bay region. Heidt Design first became an investor of the Pasco EDC in 2012, and has since increased its involvement to the $10,000 corporate council level.

“Since 1999, our engineering practice has been solely focused on Pasco County,” Gassaway said, in a release. “We’ve watched the area explode with growth, and we look forward to helping contribute to the planning, development and creation of jobs in this community.”

The Pasco EDC board is responsible for governing the organization and providing leadership in the execution of its strategies.

Meadow Pointe townhomes begin
Construction has started on Lennar’s Central Florida Division’s newest project at Meadow Pointe.

The company is building 62 townhomes just north of New Tampa in southern Pasco County. The townhomes will have three bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms, ranging in square feet from 1,636 to 1,853. Prices will begin at around $150,000.

Meadow Pointe is a 1,800-acre project with nature preserves and other amenities including swimming pools, basketball, tennis and volleyball courts, playgrounds, nature trails and bicycle paths.

For information, visit LennarTampaFl.com.

LGBT bill gets corporate support
More Florida businesses are throwing their support to a bipartisan bill that would ban anti-gay and gender-based discrimination.

Joining Florida Businesses for a Competitive Workforce are Raymond James Financial, Winn-Dixie Stores, On Top of the World Communities in Ocala, and the St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce. Other businesses already a part of the coalition include C1 Bank, Carlton Fields, CSX Corp., Darden Restaurants, Florida Blue, Wells Fargo and Home Shopping Network.

While it’s illegal to discriminate in employment, housing and public accommodations based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, handicap or marital status, the LGBT community is left out of statewide non-discrimination protections, according to a release. The group instead has supported S.B. 348 and H.B. 239, collectively known as the Florida Competitive Workforce Act.

Patrick Geraghty, chief executive of Florida Blue, leads the coalition.

Latino networking event
Gaceta Latina is hosting a business networking event April 24 from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m., at Residence Inn Marriott, 2101 Northpoint Parkway in Lutz.

Cost is free, but RSVP is required by April 18.

For information, email , or call (813) 936-4024.

On the upswing: Saint Leo ranked No. 29 in men’s golf

By

The latest polls are out, and for the Saint Leo Lions men’s golf team, there’s good news and bad news.

Freshman Ryan Gendron, thanks to help from coach Chris Greenwood, has helped the Saint Leo Lions reach the No. 29 ranking in the recent coaches’ poll. (Courtesy of Mike Carlson)
Freshman Ryan Gendron, thanks to help from coach Chris Greenwood, has helped the Saint Leo Lions reach the No. 29 ranking in the recent coaches’ poll.
(Courtesy of Mike Carlson)

The good news is that they’re ranked 29th in the nation among Division II schools in the Golf World/Nike Golf Division II College Coaches’ Poll. The ranking, compiled in a collaboration with Golf World magazine, Nike Golf and the Golf Coaches Association of America, means that the Lions are considered a top program and one of the best in the country.

Now the bad news: That 29th-place ranking, while excellent when judging schools around the country, is good for just sixth in their own conference.

The Sunshine State Conference is comprised of nine schools, but seven of them received votes in the poll, and five finished in the top 25. The top-ranked team, Barry University, is a member of the SSC. The second-ranked team, Lynn University, is a member as well.

Nova, Florida Tech and Florida Southern also are conference schools that are ranked in the top 20, ahead of Saint Leo.

So where does that leave the Lions, who are considered a top golf program yet underdogs in their own conference? According to coach Chris Greenwood, it leaves them motivated.

“It’s like the old saying, ‘If you want to be the best you’ve got to beat the best.’ Competition is a good thing and being in a strong conference is a good thing,” he said.

While the rankings show the continuing strength of the SSC, they aren’t much of a surprise to Saint Leo or anyone else. Last year’s NCAA championship was decided in a close match-up, with Barry edging Lynn.

And Greenwood has a lot of experience with Lynn. While this is his first year coaching Saint Leo, he spent seven successful years at Lynn. He was named conference Coach of the Year twice and led the team to 16 tournament titles and four appearances at the NCAA Division II Men’s Golf National Tournament.

Greenwood said that taking over a struggling Lions program has had some challenges — he can’t use a history of success to recruit like he could with Lynn — but he believes that, with the right personnel, the team can achieve great things.

“As much as I can teach the game, it’s more about what’s inside of them and their desire,” Greenwood said. “It’s not all about what you’re born with (talent-wise). There has to something inside you and there has to be a drive. If you have the right individuals, it can be done.”

Greenwood has found one of those individuals in Ryan Gendron, a golfer who is contributing to the team in just his freshman year. In March, he shot a third-round 69, with a three-round total of 210, and earned medalist honors at the First Federal Southeastern Collegiate in Georgia.

Gendron believes the team has the right mentality and work ethic to keep improving.

“We’re all very positive, and we all push each other to do our best,” he said. “We practice every weekend when we don’t have scheduled practices.”

Gendron acknowledges that playing golf in college is different than when he played for Tampa’s Plant High School. Where his team might have faced off against one or two excellent players, teams are filled with talent at the college level.

But he believes that playing against those players, and the well-respected teams in their conference, is part of the fun and provides a good measuring stick for the Lions.

Gendron also believes the ranking shows the progress Saint Leo has made.

“I’m extremely happy from where we were in previous years,” he said. “We’ve made huge improvements, and (No.) 29 is not anything to be ashamed of. I think we’re headed in the right direction.”

And while Greenwood isn’t ashamed of the team’s ranking, he’s not satisfied with it, either. His goal is to see the team finish the year in the top 25, and make the Lions’ turnaround even more impressive.

“It’s nice to see us ranked 29, but I think we’re even better than that. We just have to get out there and play and show it,” he said.

Published April 2, 2014

Unfinished mansion finally demolished in Lutz

By

In just a one-mile stretch of Crenshaw Lake Road, eight higher-end homes are under construction, a testament to the return of the housing market.

An 8,700-square-foot home on Crenshaw Lake Road in Lutz was never meant to be, apparently, as Hillsborough County-contracted work crews bring the structure down. It had been in a half-built state for six years, and had fines of more than $254,000. (Michael Hinman/Staff Photo)
An 8,700-square-foot home on Crenshaw Lake Road in Lutz was never meant to be, apparently, as Hillsborough County-contracted work crews bring the structure down. It had been in a half-built state for six years, and had fines of more than $254,000.
(Michael Hinman/Staff Photo)

But one fossil from the housing boom-gone-bust had cast a shadow over this growing neighborhood for years. On Monday, the unfinished 8,700-square-foot home on an overgrown lot came crashing down — one of the largest single-family homes to ever be demolished by the Hillsborough County Code Enforcement department.

Construction for the three-story home at 3319 Crenshaw Lake Road began in 2008, but a construction permit for it expired in 2009, according to county officials. Construction itself likely stopped at around the same time, leaving concrete block walls, and wood, insulation and unfinished windows to simply rot under the Florida sun.

Country Squire Estate Custom Homes LLC bought the lakeside lot and two others like it in late 2006 for $756,000, according to county property records. It used a $605,000 mortgage from Capital City Bank to fund it.

Construction began in February 2008, but the first liens against the property started in May when Stock Building Supply said it was owed just under $4,000. Route 41 Manufacturing followed a month later with a $25,500 claim against the home.

Later, three other companies would file liens totaling $50,000 for the property, and construction would completely stop.

Code enforcement stepped to the plate in 2010 and found the home in violation of nuisance ordinances, and maintaining a construction site without permits. It’s been accruing daily fines since July 2010, which now total $254,000.

The land is still owned by Country Squire Estate, which is no longer in business, according to the Better Business Bureau. The company, which listed John Whitehead of Masaryktown and Kenneth Rosenbaum of Odessa as managers, became inactive last September, according to Florida’s Division of Corporations.

Selling the land will be tricky even beyond that, as the liens for construction and demolition would have to be cleared first. But once the county’s work is complete, the million-dollar-home that never was will be no more.

Published March 26, 2014

Want to see this story in print? Check out our new free e-edition! Get started by clicking here.

Jo Van Bebber’s nurturing ways left an imprint on Lutz

By

When people talk about Alice Joan “Jo” Van Bebber, they’re quick to mention her nurturing ways, her zest for life, her culinary skills, and the fact that she was the first person to win the honorary title of Lutz Guv’na.

Jo Van Bebber was a fixture at community events in Lutz, including this holiday event where she joins Marilyn Wannamaker, right. (Courtesy of Cheryl Benton)
Jo Van Bebber was a fixture at community events in Lutz, including this holiday event where she joins Marilyn Wannamaker, right.
(Courtesy of Cheryl Benton)

Van Bebber, who was laid to rest on March 8, spent decades of her life serving her community.

She was a vital member of the GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club, serving the organization as its president and in nearly other capacity, said Cheryl Benton, one of Van Bebber’s dear friends. She always made newcomers feel welcome, quickly taking them under her wing and teaching them the ins and outs of the club, other members said.

“I was a walk-in to the club,” Pat Serio said, noting she was attracted to the organization by its work to help survivors of spouse abuse.

Serio recalled that as soon as she arrived, Van Bebber greeted her and began introducing her around. By the end of the meeting, Van Bebber already had figured out how to put Serio’s talents to work to help the club and the community.

Beyond serving the local club, Van Bebber also was involved at the district, state, national and international levels.

When Van Bebber took ill, it was an “egregious blow” to the community, said Edwina Kraemer, another former woman’s club president and former Guv’na. Kraemer credited Van Bebber as being among a trio of women who recruited her to join the woman’s club.

“Jo was my mentor,” Kraemer said.

Van Bebber was vivacious and enjoyed entertaining, but she could be a stickler for details, club members said.

“She could be a general,” Kraemer said. “She knew parliamentary procedure, our bylaws and standing rules. She could quote the page and paragraph,” Kraemer said.

Besides her dedication to the woman’s club and to Lutz, Van Bebber was a devoted mother and grandmother, said Marilyn Wannamaker, another one of Van Bebber’s close friends. Van Bebber also was involved at the First United Methodist Church of Lutz.

Both women were widows and often dined together on the weekend, Wannamaker said. “To me, we lost a truly great lady.”

Van Bebber died March 5. Her husband Bill preceded her in death, and she is survived by three sons: Bill, Greg and Wynn, and a daughter Pam.

Van Bebber also is survived by nine grandchildren.

Published March 26, 2014

Want to see this story in print? Check out our new free e-edition! Get started by clicking here.

Giving pets a chance, by buying a chance

By

Lisa Bekiaris can’t remember any time where the welfare of animals wasn’t forefront on her mind.

There are a lot of pets in Pasco County with full bellies thanks to Lisa Bekiaris and those who donate to Raffle Rescue, her animal advocacy group that provides food for animals in need. (Courtesy of Lisa Bekiaris)
There are a lot of pets in Pasco County with full bellies thanks to Lisa Bekiaris and those who donate to Raffle Rescue, her animal advocacy group that provides food for animals in need.
(Courtesy of Lisa Bekiaris)

She grew up around animals in Maryland, and was always quite involved with her 4-H program there. When Bekiaris moved to Florida several years ago, she stayed busy with work and other projects. But in 2008, she read a newspaper story that would change her focus.

“It was a story about the tough times people were having, and many of them couldn’t even afford pet food,” she said.

While a lot of needed attention goes to finding pets a home, there are many times when pets might have a home, but because of financial or health issues of their owners, their bellies go empty. Or just as bad, they are full, but their owners are not.

“I have had people tell me, ‘I didn’t eat today because I had to buy dog food,’” Bekiaris said. “We as humans can go out and ask for help, but our animals solely rely on us as a pet parent, and too often we’ll make sacrifices for ourselves to keep them fed.”

Bekiaris decided to take action, and in late 2008, she started Raffle Rescue. The idea was to make sure pets had the food they needed so owners and their animals can stay together, and no one has to make unnecessary sacrifices.

She collects food and money from donors all over the county, many who make the trip to her Hudson farm. In 2013 alone, Raffle Rescue provided 27,500 pounds of food to animals. Most of it is distributed from Bekiaris’ farm, but some of it gets delivered thanks to the Meals on Wheels program.

Some might question why someone who struggles to support themselves would also try to support an animal, but the issue is not as black and white as it may seem, Bekiaris said. Many got pets when they were not struggling, but later fell on hard times. For a lot of shut-ins, for example, their pet is the only company they have.

“Pets aren’t just a piece of property. You can’t just get rid of it when it becomes too expensive,” Bekiaris said. “You took that animal into your life to care for it, and just because things get rough and difficult, you can’t just send them away. It would be just like sending away a family member.”

Bekiaris is not the first organization to raise money to feed pets in need, but she may be the first to take her approach. Instead of simply asking for cash donations, Bekiaris provides incentives to give in the form of raffles.

Various companies donate or provide significant discounts for prizes, and Bekiaris uses that to give away. Money is used to make up shortfalls in food, or sometimes to provide food that may not be as easily dropped off.

Like hay.

“We serve mostly dogs and cats, but we will not turn away any animal that someone can prove is their legal pet,” Bekiaris said. “That could be a pig, a goat. All you need is the documentation, and we will help you.”

One family who receives help has a horse, and Raffle Rescue volunteers drop off hay to help keep her fed. Hay, however is expensive — more than $70 a bale — and horses typically eat two of them a month, Bekiaris said.

Although Raffle Rescue started as a one-woman operation, it has since grown to need a number of volunteers, especially drivers to deliver food, and people to promote the various raffles the organization is conducting. She also is looking for other places around Pasco County that might be interested in becoming pet food pickup sites, especially on the eastern side of the county.

Bekiaris, however, isn’t stopping there. She wants to expand her efforts in the near future to include an animal clinic on her farm, and even more ambitious, mobile units.

Right now, some of the closest spay, neuter and vaccination clinics are in the New Port Richey area, Tampa or Brooksville. What’s holding those plans back, however, is simply staffing.

“I have a building already here. I just need to find veterinarians willing to work with me to make it happen,” Bekiaris said. “We want our services to be low-cost, or even free.”

Bekiaris also is always looking for pets in need. Her requirements are simple: be a resident of Pasco County, get some type of government assistance like welfare or disability, and something that shows you’re the legal pet owner.

“After all that, we’ll make one home visit, and determine whether you need to get food delivered, or if you can come and pick it up,” she said.

Raffle Rescue is a 501(c)(3), and donations may be tax-deductible.

To learn more about the organization, visit RaffleRescue.org, or call (727) 697-7034.

Published March 26, 2014

Want to see this story in print? Check out our new free e-edition! Get started by clicking here.

The power of grandfatherly love

By

My father was in Florida last week to attend my daughter’s senior art show at Stetson University in Deland. Rachel graduates in May and she decided her art show was more important to have her grandfather attend than her graduation ceremony.

Donald Kortus and granddaughter, Rachel Mathes, at Stetson University for Rachel’s senior art show.
Donald Kortus and granddaughter, Rachel Mathes, at Stetson University for Rachel’s senior art show.

So dad and my stepmother, Bettye, flew in from this year’s never-ending white wilds of Minnesota to a sunny and green Florida. Along with more than a dozen other family members and close friends, we rejoiced in Rachel’s artistic and academic achievements — all connected to Rachel by a lifetime of love as her mother, grandparent, aunt, uncle, cousin or friend.

Of all the family in town for my daughter’s show, my father’s attendance was  especially welcomed because he has been at my side for the most important moments in Rachel’s life.

When she was just weeks old, dad came to Florida to help me with Rachel and to keep her big brother, Andy, entertained so I could focus on caring for my new baby.

He was back when Rachel was baptized six months later, and again for her first birthday. When my family moved to Chicago two years later, he flew in to help me pack and then drove the family’s SUV with me in the front and Rachel and Andy in the back, to our new home in Geneva, Ill.

Four years later when my family returned to Florida, dad was there again, this time driving one of two moving vans packed with my family’s possessions, and Rachel, once again, in the back seat.

Rachel was in first grade when we resettled in Tampa, and dad and Bettye began their annual spring pilgrimage to Florida to spend a few weeks with my children and me. When Rachel turned 10, she began a reverse pilgrimage to Minnesota every summer to stay with her grandparents and visit her aunts, uncles and cousins.

As Rachel’s interest in art blossomed, her grandfather proudly displayed her paintings and drawing in his home. He is so proud of her drawing of Pope John Paul II that it has become family lore that Rachel drew the pope just for him. No one visits dad’s home without hearing about his amazingly talented granddaughter.

At every important family occasion, dad and Bettye have been there for Rachel. When she graduated from high school in 2010, they were here to see her receive her IB diploma from Carrollwood Day School.

Dad was back again in the fall to visit Rachel in Deland as she began her college career. As Rachel proudly showed off the Stetson campus, I remember him telling me that in a blink of time he would be back for her graduation. I looked at him like he was crazy  — Rachel had just left home and four years seemed like forever to me.

Of course, dad was right. It does seem like a blink of time since Rachel and I were at Bed Bath & Beyond filling a shopping cart with “must have” items for her dorm room.

My father, who has more than 20 grandchildren, has the gift to make each one believe they are his favorite. I have always marveled at this, especially with my children who live so far away.

But distance does not matter when it comes to love. My kids feel just as close to their grandparents living 1,500 miles away, as do their cousins who live five miles away.

In fact, at the gathering to celebrate Rachel’s art show, my father told her that it is difficult for him to have a favorite grandchild, but for that day, it was easy. It was her special day, and she was his favorite.

Dad’s visit this year to coincide with Rachel’s art show is especially poignant, because at age 85, it is more difficult for him to travel and get around. I can’t help but wonder if this will be one of his last trips to Florida. It is, after all, much easier for my children and me to visit him in Minnesota than for him to travel to Florida.

I am so happy that dad was able to keep the promise he made four years ago to be here when Rachel graduated from college. We are blessed to have a father and grandfather in such good health and so full of life.

My joy at dad’s visit also makes me reflect that he may not be here when Rachel reaches the next milestones of her life — when she marries, has her first child and gets the job of her dreams.

I am extraordinarily grateful that my dad has been such a wonderful grandfather and has shared in so many of my family’s most meaningful moments. The examples he set about the value of family have taught my children about the strength of commitment, the power of love and the joy that comes from sharing important times with people we cherish.

Published March 26, 2014

Want to see this story in print? Check out our new free e-edition! Get started by clicking here.

Opening wallet to help teen earns hotel worker national award

By

If you ask Todd Patrick, he did nothing more than anyone else would do if put in the same position.

Word got to him that a teenager was living outside behind a supermarket, not far from a school he was attending. The temperatures were dropping to some of the coldest that Florida had seen in years, and the young man had nowhere to go.

Todd Patrick, director of sales at Hampton Inn & Suites in Wesley Chapel, listens to a conference call where he is named one of just six Hampton Spirit Award winners, the highest form of team recognition award the hotel chain offers. Patrick helped get a homeless high school student get off the street and into a warm hotel room during freezing cold weather over the holidays using his own credit card. (Michael Hinman/Staff Photo)
Todd Patrick, director of sales at Hampton Inn & Suites in Wesley Chapel, listens to a conference call where he is named one of just six Hampton Spirit Award winners, the highest form of team recognition award the hotel chain offers. Patrick helped get a homeless high school student get off the street and into a warm hotel room during freezing cold weather over the holidays using his own credit card.
(Michael Hinman/Staff Photo)

Patrick, the director of sales at Hampton Inn & Suites in Wesley Chapel, couldn’t stand the thought of him suffering or maybe even dying in the cold. He pulled out his credit card, went to the front desk of his hotel, and booked a room for the teen.

Three months later, Patrick found himself in front of a conference phone with one of the chain’s vice presidents, Scott Schrank, on the other line. And Schrank had a surprise of his own for Patrick: a coveted Spirit of Hampton Award, a national honor only a handful of Hampton employees receive each year out of hundreds of applicants.

“I love the fact that to you, people just don’t go unnoticed,” Schrank told Patrick. “This had nothing to do with hospitality, and that’s what I love about examples like this. You believe you were born to care, and you look for opportunities to give, and that’s what you did.”

Patrick learned about the boy’s plight from Terri Williamson, a sales representative with The Laker/Lutz News. Williamson has had a strong working relationship with Hampton Inn general manager Janet Arnold for several years, and hoped Arnold could do something to help.

Patrick overheard the need, and sprung into action without hesitation.

“It’s the highest personal achievement award in the Hampton brand,” Arnold said. “You are nominated by your peers, and it’s just because we noticed you doing something that was extraordinary. We are really proud of this achievement.”

After the cold weather subsided, Arnold and Williamson reached out to Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce and then honorary Wesley Chapel mayor Troy Stevenson. They put together a plan they hoped would help the young man finish school, without the distraction of not having a place to call home.

Patrick wasn’t told he won the award until revealed by Schrank. Even then, he seemed uncomfortable with the attention, managing a little more than “Thank you very much” to the hotel employees that had gathered to honor him, including David Larson, managing partner of New Tampa Hospitality Group, which owns the hotel.

“I wish you could see Todd’s face,” Larson told Schrank. “He is one of the most humble people I know, and he just goes out and does what he does every day. We are very proud of him.”

The Wesley Chapel Hampton, located at 2740 Cypress Ridge Blvd., also had another honor to celebrate last week as well. The location won its fourth Lighthouse Award, a national honor that designates the hotel as one of the best in overall accommodations, service and quality, among the chain’s 1,900 locations.

The Lighthouse is based on customer feedback measured through guest satisfaction surveys on the hotel, as well as product quality and service scores measured every three months.

Arnold, however, is now looking straight to the top for the 94-room hotel next year. She wants a Connie, the highest award the Hilton Worldwide gives, named after its founder, Conrad Hilton.

“We were so close the last time, and I know we can do it,” Arnold told her employees. “We just have to keep working hard.”

Published March 26, 2014

Want to see this story in print? Check out our new free e-edition! Get started by clicking here.

Family feed business finds new home in Lutz

By

When the Feed Depot was forced to leave its longtime home on Nebraska Avenue, the Keith family began the search for a new location.

Shayne Keith and the Feed Depot’s official bird, Jo Jo, are on hand to welcome customers to the business’s new location at 19002 First St. S.W., just off of North U.S. 41 in Lutz. (Michael Murillo/Staff Photo)
Shayne Keith and the Feed Depot’s official bird, Jo Jo, are on hand to welcome customers to the business’s new location at 19002 First St. S.W., just off of North U.S. 41 in Lutz.
(Michael Murillo/Staff Photo)

And when they settled on 19002 First St. S.W., near Lutz Lake Fern Road and North U.S. 41, it was the location, size and affordability that made it a good fit.

But it was really a color that first attracted their eye.

“We started looking, but didn’t get anything solid,” said Shayne Keith, whose mother Deborah owns the business. “Mom hopped in her Jeep, headed down this way and this was the first building she saw because it was painted barn red.”

The Feed Depot officially opened the doors of its new location March 1, but had its official grand opening last weekend.

The business, Keith said, has been in the family since the 1970s and was started by his paternal grandfather. About 12 years ago, his mother took over as owner.

The Feed Depot remained on Nebraska, but its landlord had been looking to sell its property for several years. And when a Walmart opened in the area, the land became attractive enough to finally sell.

Moving after such a long tenure in one location has required some important adjustments, Keith said. The business is acclimating to one-third less space — from approximately 6,000 square feet to around 4,000 — and is trying to get a feel for what Lutz customers want. Keith wants to make sure the business is able to meet their specific needs.

“We’re trying to shift our inventory to the likes of the area,” he said. Plus, just getting used to new working space after so much time at their previous address is a challenge in and of itself.

But the transition has been a smooth one in part thanks to the warm reception Keith and his store received and the friendly attitude of the locals they’ve encountered.

“The community around here is amazing. They’ve been so welcoming,” he said.

In addition to selling feed for agricultural animals, the business also sells traditional pet food, and even some animals, such as guinea pigs, rabbits and reptiles. They also plan to reinstate their bird business, for which they were widely known when they operated at the previous location.

And while the area is a perfect fit for the business with a strong community and low crime rate, Keith said the decision to move to Lutz was more of a gut feeling than the result of intense research. From the initial drive that spotted the red building to the final decision to move, there was a sense among the family that they had found the right place to continue their business.

“We had a good feeling about it. We looked other places and we didn’t really get a good feeling about anything,” he said. “But coming down (here), it just snapped on like a light bulb. We had to get this place, we talked to the landlord and it ended up being perfect. And the next thing you know we’re in here.”

Published March 26, 2014

Want to see this story in print? Check out our new free e-edition! Get started by clicking here.