The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Local News

Opening wallet to help teen earns hotel worker national award

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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

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Family feed business finds new home in Lutz

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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

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This tour the closest most of us might get to this house

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It’s sometimes too easy to equate luxury with lots and lots of space. Just look at New York Yankees legend Derek Jeter’s nearly 31,000-square-foot home in Tampa.

But the newest home model offered by Arthur Rutenberg demands elegance, but in just 10 percent of the space.

Looking for a home like this? Just be ready to pay out $4,000 a month … just for your mortgage. (Michael Hinman/Staff Photos)
Looking for a home like this? Just be ready to pay out $4,000 a month … just for your mortgage.
(Michael Hinman/Staff Photo)

“We are finally getting back into the upper echelon of the housing market again,” said Lew Friedland, president of Trinity developer Adam Smith Enterprises Inc. “We have really received a lot of interest in people that haven’t been shopping in our market for the last four or five years. It’s been a long time since we’ve had this much activity.”

Friedland unveiled his latest model earlier this year in Trinity’s Champions Club, a 3,200-square foot model large enough to comfortably welcome a family, but not so spacious that it requires a large maintenance team to keep it clean.

But this latest home isn’t exactly open to the average local resident. Getting a house just like this would set you back at the very least $550,000. Houses in Champions Club could top $3 million.

“If you would’ve asked me in 1989 if I would be selling million-dollar homes in Pasco County, I would’ve looked at you kind of funny,” Friedland said. “We have multi-million dollar homes there now, and we feel like they have a good price for a good quality home.”

Want to see more pictures? Check out this week’s print edition of The Laker/Lutz News, or check out our new free e-edition right here.

Published March 26, 2014

Looking for something to do? Check your local library

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Bands from Pasco, Pinellas and Hillsborough counties are tuning up to test their musical chops at the Rockus Maximus XVII Battle of the Bands.

Teens and pre-teens search through Legos during Lego Day at the Land O’ Lakes Branch of the Pasco County Library System. (Photo Courtesy of Pasco County Library System)
Teens and pre-teens search through Legos during Lego Day at the Land O’ Lakes Branch of the Pasco County Library System.
(Photo Courtesy of Pasco County Library System)

The free music festival on March 28 showcases bands vying for cash and other prizes. Besides promoting local music, the family-friendly event offers sideshow acts, including a juggler, martial artists, a dance troupe and other performers.

The event will be at the Rotary Park Pavilion at the Concourse, near the Suncoast Parkway and State Road 52.

It’s an event that drew national recognition for the Pasco County Library System, resulting in the prestigious John Cotton Dana Award for excellence in public relations in 2010.

But the Battle of the Bands is just one of many ways the library system seeks to engage the community.

“The idea here is that we are trying to provide experiences and opportunities for everyone, at every stage and need in their life,” said Paul Stonebridge, teen services manager of the Pasco County Library System. “We’re trying to get people as early as we can get them and keep them forever.”

Do you like to play chess? There’s a club for that. Perhaps you’re an avid reader — there’s a book club for that, too.

There are story times geared to different age groups, and activities such as crafts and family nights. There are free movies, too, geared toward different audiences. Free popcorn and drinks accompany all the events.

Periodically, there are special events, such as an American Heritage Tea Party or a Curious George Reading Day.

Often, the library will offer a class or presentation or activity that’s designed to combine fun and learning, Stonebridge said. For instance, kids recently were invited to learn how to take photographs of themselves, known as “selfies.” While they were at it, they also got some advice on staying safe in cyberspace.

The library recognizes that people of different ages have varying needs and desires. So, it customizes its programming.

The pre-teen crowd has a hard time getting to the library because they lack mobility, Stonebridge said. One way to get them there is to encourage parents to bring them. To help make that happen, the library allows parents to drop pre-teens off for a couple of hours.

While they’re having fun at the library, the parents can run errands, shop for grocery, meet a friend for coffee, or have a bit of time to themselves, Stonebridge said. The library does request, however, that the parent remain in the vicinity, in case something comes up and they need to return to the library before the activity is over.

The library works hard to provide interesting programs for teenagers. One way they accomplish that is by involving teens in the planning.

In exchange for serving on the teen advisory board, teens earn community service hours, have first dibs at other library volunteer opportunities, and get to have a say in the activities the library offers.

“Here’s a chance for people to be listened to, to actually have someone want to hear what they have to say,” Stonebridge said. “We’re trying to hit them with the things they need and want at this point in their lives.”

For instance, the library has an Anime Club, gaming nights, a Robotics Club and other activities.

The library also has an on-demand service that provides help with homework and often can arrange for tutoring for students who need more assistance. Sometimes, free tutoring can be provided. At other times, they’ll offer referrals.

The library is geared for people of all ages. For example, it has a teen gaming night and an adult gaming night. Teen gaming nights draw about 200 kids, while adult gaming nights draw about 50 people, Stonebridge said.

The library also hosts senior citizen socials for people 55 and older.

“We’re trying to give people a place they can socialize, make friends, reconnect,” Stonebridge said.

It also offers help for people who are looking for a job, want to start their own business, or need help figuring out forms for government assistance, such as Medicaid, food stamps and unemployment benefits.

People who have trouble reading or lack computer experience should not feel intimidated, Stonebridge said.

“Don’t be hindered by your limitations of education or background or experience,” he said. “If you’re scared of computers, you just haven’t used them or you don’t read well, we’re here to help you with that. We don’t penalize people for that. We want to help you.”

These services are free to anyone who has a library card, Stonebridge said. Library cards are issued for free and are available even to people who live in another county, as long as they have a library card where they live and have identification with their picture on it.

And, on top of all of the activities and services, the library also offers books and DVDs for patrons to borrow.

Anyone who wants to learn more is invited to drop by a library, or visit PascoLibraries.org.

Rockus Maximus XVII
WHAT: Battle of the Bands — Bands from Hillsborough, Pasco and Pinellas counties compete for prizes. The family-friendly event also features entertainers and sideshow acts
WHEN: March 28 from 6 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.
WHERE: The Rotary Pavilion at the Concourse, 15325 Alric Pottberg Road, Shady Hills (Near State Road 52 and the Suncoast Expressway)
COST: Parking and admission is free.
Concessions for purchase will be available, but those attending are welcome to bring a picnic.

Published March 26, 2014

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County official says cancer gave her a new perspective

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The women sat in a circle, quietly sharing the ways their lives have been affected by three devastating words: “You have cancer.”

Paula O’Neil attends a breast cancer support group at The Center for Women’s Health at Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel to share her personal experiences with breast cancer. (B.C. Manion/Staff Photo)
Paula O’Neil attends a breast cancer support group at The Center for Women’s Health at Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel to share her personal experiences with breast cancer.
(B.C. Manion/Staff Photo)

For one, the words were so fresh that she couldn’t quite wrap her mind around her situation. For another, those words have been uttered repeatedly and have caused multiple surgeries.

One member of the group, Paula O’Neil — Pasco County’s clerk of the circuit court and county comptroller — had joined the women to share her story. For O’Neil, like for the others, finding out she had breast cancer was a jolt.

“I was totally shocked. I really felt that I led a healthy life,” O’Neil said.

In the area where the cancer was found, O’Neil had been previously screened with a mammogram and a sonogram and had been fine, she said.

Statistics from the American Cancer Society, estimate that about 1.7 million new cancer cases will be diagnosed in 2014, and nearly 1,600 Americans per day are expected to die from the disease.

When O’Neil heard she had breast cancer, she didn’t believe she would die. She said she’d met so many survivors through her association with the American Cancer Society that she didn’t expect that her disease would be fatal.

“I figured I would make it through,” O’Neil said.

But that didn’t mean the experience was easy.

“I think the hardest time is between the time when you find out and you find out what they’re going to do,” she said. “You don’t how far it spread. You don’t know what’s going to happen to you.”

It’s not easy for the family, either.

“When you first find out you have cancer, you and your family, it’s like, ‘Holy cow, are you kidding me?’ And then, you start accepting it,” she said.

Making O’Neil’s case more complicated is the public nature of her work. As clerk of the circuit court, she has a large staff of 150 people and many responsibilities. Before she informed her staff, O’Neil gathered her executive team around her to share her news. She wanted them to help reassure the staff that she was looking good and expected to be OK.

She said she wanted to be sure she controlled the story, so she notified the press.

“When you’re in an elective position, you have to be careful. You don’t want people to think you’re going to die,” O’Neil said. “I wanted the story from myself. I didn’t want rumors.”

She said her initial concerns were about losing a breast and losing her hair. When she found out she needed a mastectomy, she said she pushed for a double mastectomy to avoid having to go through a similar ordeal later.

She was advised, instead, to have genetic testing done to see if she had a genetically inherited trait that made her at high risk for breast cancer. The result was negative, so she was denied the double mastectomy.

Like most cancer patients, O’Neil did not want to lose her hair. Part of the reason was a concern for her appearance because she’s on television every other week, during Pasco County Commission meetings.

“I don’t know if I would have done that with a wig. I didn’t want to look sick. It was real important to me not to look sick,” O’Neil said.

She underwent chemotherapy, but she kept most of her hair.

“I did the chemo cold caps to save my hair. I was able to freeze my scalp to save my hair,” she said. “It thinned. It thinned a lot.”

Patients wear a specially designed cap that is cooled to a very low temperature to constrict the blood vessels to prevent them from carrying the harmful drug agents to the scalp, thus preventing the drugs from damaging the hair follicles.

The chemo cold caps are not covered by every insurance plan, but were covered by hers, O’Neil said.

In addition to the chemotherapy treatments, O’Neil also underwent breast reconstruction, which resulted in an infection in her stomach for six months, she said.

As she shared her story, other women in the group opened up. Some talked about how hard it is to tell others they have cancer. Other women talked about how grateful they are being able to share their experiences at the support group, which meets at The Center for Women’s Health at Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel.

The women shared their pain, but also offered each other practical advice.

For those who have trouble sharing their story, there’s a website called CaringBridge.com that allows communications to be shared with whomever they want to keep in the loop, one woman said.

Another said there’s a website geared to helping organize the contribution of meals by others who care. That’s called, TakeThemAMeal.com.

O’Neil told the women she was honored to meet with them.

“We’ve all been through the same things,” she said. “I can tell you this: It’s not a path I would have chosen, but I’m very grateful, grateful for the experience. It gives you a different perspective on life and on how precious it is.”

O’Neil said she’s always believed she would one day work at a cancer camp for kids. Now, when she does, she’ll be able to relate to them on a deeper level.

“I’ll be able to say, ‘I’ve been through chemo, too,’” O’Neil said.

Published March 26, 2014

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Political Agenda 03-26-14

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Political landscape around elevated road leaning negative
Two more candidates seeking to replace Pat Mulieri on the Pasco County Commission have spoken out against the elevated toll road.

Ken Littlefield, a former state representative seeking the Republican nomination for the seat, told a debate audience earlier this month that he was waiting to get more information before deciding whether he would support the project proposed along a 33-mile stretch between U.S. 301 and U.S. 19 on the State Road 54/56 corridor.

However, during a town hall meeting hosted by Commissioner Kathryn Starkey last week, Littlefield announced publicly he was against the toll road.

“If there is one thing I detest, it’s an unsolicited call,” Littlefield said. “I will hang up. Ladies and gentlemen, what I think we need to do on this unsolicited bid is hang up.”

The next day, the lone Democrat seeking the seat so far — Erika Remsberg — said in a comment on LakerLutzNews.com that she was against the proposal as well.

“I opposed a state roadway being a system in which those able to pay more have a ‘fast pass’ option like an amusement park,” Remsberg wrote. “This will impact those of us living and running businesses along (State Road) 54 negatively. I do not support this proposal.”

Bob Robertson, who also is seeking the Republican nod, spoke out against the elevated toll road during a debate earlier this month, while his opponent Mike Moore has yet to take a public position.

Moore fundraiser at Primebar
Pasco County Commission candidate Mike Moore will host a fundraising reception March 27 from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Primebar at The Shops at Wiregrass, 28211 Paseo Drive, Wesley Chapel.

To RSVP, email .

Ross gives money back to Treasury
U.S. Rep. Dennis Ross, R-Lakeland, says he’s returned nearly $88,000 from his 2013 office budget back to the U.S. Treasury.

“I am constantly striving to do more with less while continuing to provide Central Floridians with the best constituent services,” Ross said in a release. “I work for the people, and using their money wisely is of utmost importance.”

Ross so far is facing Democrat Alan Cohn in the November elections, but has already raised more than $548,000 through the end of last year for this election cycle. Cohn, on the other hand, has raised $75,400, according to the Federal Election Commission.

“Ever since I was elected to serve in Congress, I have kept my promise to promote a financially responsible government — both in how I vote as well as how I run my office,” Ross said. “I have worked hard to ensure that every dollar counts, and I have returned more than a quarter million taxpayer dollars to the Treasury throughout the past three years.”

Littlefield yet to raise any outside money
Former State Rep. Ken Littlefield jumped into the Pasco County Commission race to replace Pat Mulieri long after his two primary opponents, Mike Moore and Bob Robertson, but he has a long way to go if he wants to catch up to their fundraising.

In his first full month running for office, Littlefield has not received a single donation, according to his campaign finance filings. He’s been working with $1,000, but that’s money he loaned his campaign.

Moore added another $1,650 to his coffers, and despite February being his slowest fundraising month yet, the Wesley Chapel entrepreneur has now raised more than $44,000 since last summer.  All but $200 of his donations came from Pasco County.

Robertson pulled in another $600 in February, bringing his total to $10,600. Only one of the donations, for $100, was from someone within his district. The rest came from a water manager in Orlando and an information technologies specialist in Winter Park.

Erika Remberg, the lone Democrat seeking Mulieri’s seat, raised just over $450 over the past few weeks. A little more than $160 was what Remberg herself gave to her campaign, but the rest did come from Pasco County residents.

The Republican primary for the seat is set for Aug. 26, with the general election wrapping up Nov. 4.

 

BUSINESS DIGEST 03-26-14

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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.

Marlene Squires-Swanson
Marlene Squires-Swanson

Visit Florida hires locally
Marlene Squires-Swanson is relocating from Land O’ Lakes to join Visit Florida in Tallahassee as director of advertising.

In her new role, Squires-Swanson will handle both domestic and international paid media, leading the development of television ads and media placement to the state’s official tourism marketing corporation.

Squires-Swanson most recently was director of corporate marketing for Ashley Furniture Homestores, and has worked for Advo Direct Mail, Gannett Co., and Journal Communications, among others.

Visit Florida is a public-private partnership created in 1996, and raised nearly $109 million in private sector matching funds in a recent fiscal year, according to the group’s website. It has about 115 employees, and contracts with others internationally as well, to boost tourism in the state — a $72 billion annual industry.

Ribbon cutting for Apollo Group
A grand opening and ribbon cutting for Apollo Group/Apollo Clinical will take place March 27 beginning at noon at 14141 Fifth St., in Dade City.

The Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce is hosting the event.

For information, call (352) 567-3769, or email .

Information on health insurance
The Pasco Hernando Hispanic Chamber of Commerce is hosting an information session about the health insurance marketplace March 27 at 6 p.m., at 5300 Eagleston Blvd., Wesley Chapel.

For information, call Elena McCullough at (813) 525-3417, or visit PHHChamber.com.

SmartStart open house
The SmartStart Business Incubator at Dade City Business Center will host an open house April 4 from noon to 3 p.m., at 15000 Citrus Country Drive in Dade City.

Managed by the Pasco Economic Development Council, SmartStart encourages a business environment where companies work collaboratively with other small businesses. That includes round-the-clock access to office space, co-working space, conference rooms, seminars and more.

There are now five companies taking residence at SmartStart, with a second incubator planned for New Port Richey.

For information on SmartStart, visit SmartStartPasco.com. To RSVP, email Krista Covey at .

Wesley Chapel sensei leads karate students to success

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In some athletic leagues everyone earns a medal, ribbon or trophy for participating. In others, awards only are handed out to those who win them.

Sensei Ernesto Fuentes, far right, leads the dojo in some routine moves with his son, Alex, who is a sensei as well. Fuentes’ daughters, Sashi and Alexa, also are leaders in the academy, and accomplished students themselves. (Michael Murillo/Staff Photo)
Sensei Ernesto Fuentes, far right, leads the dojo in some routine moves with his son, Alex, who is a sensei as well. Fuentes’ daughters, Sashi and Alexa, also are leaders in the academy, and accomplished students themselves.
(Michael Murillo/Staff Photo)

So when 34 students from the Keiko Shin Karate Academy competed in the United Traditional Karate Alliance district championships and all 34 came home with medals, one might wonder how they got them.

But make no mistake, those weren’t participation medals. Every student earned at least one award in the competition, showing off their karate skills and bringing home a haul of 60 medals total from the event, held March 1 at the University of South Florida.

Their sensei, Ernesto Fuentes, was very proud of their success, but said that shiny medals aren’t the reason he teaches.

“For me, seeing a medal is not as important as seeing the face of the kid achieving and winning something, the satisfaction of achieving something,” he said.

Child development is ingrained in the dojo — the place where martial arts are taught — because it’s an important issue for Fuentes. In his native Venezuela, he was a successful trial attorney, often dealing with custody cases. He also has a master’s degree in child psychology.

While his academy teaches students of all ages, he takes special pride in seeing the accomplishments of his young students and watching them succeed.

But that success is not limited to the dojo or at a competition. Fuentes’ program stresses that the discipline and respect taught by martial arts should be applied to all parts of a student’s daily schedule.

“Karate and marital arts is a way of life. I talk to my students every day,” Fuentes said. “I say ‘The same way you behave at the academy is the way you behave in school and behave at your house. It’s a 24/7 commitment to be a better person and a good citizen.’“

Parents will often recruit him for guidance to solve a school or home issue, and he makes himself available to advise students when they need it.

And his students respond in ways that sometimes even surprise themselves.

“I wasn’t the best kid. I used to get in trouble a lot,” admits Caleb Embry, 13.

A regular C student, once he started taking karate about a year ago, his grades went up to A’s and B’s. Martial arts also has challenged him to learn new things and compete, and he responded at the district championships with two first-place medals.

He attributes his success to karate and Fuentes’ teachings.

“Karate helped me stay straight,” he said. “It keeps you focused.”

Jose Gomez, 15, also is direct about the impact martial arts has had on him.

“It changed my life, especially in the education area. It made me a better student,” he said. “I’ve been doing better in my life in general. Not only physically, but emotionally.”

Where he used to go home after school and play video games, he’s now focused on karate, competing, and improving himself.

That focus led to a couple of medals at the district competition, but improvement also has been seen in the classroom.

“I was a C student, and when I started doing karate, I became an A student,” Gomez said.

As a result, he received Long Middle School’s Turnaround award for his improvement. He even mentioned the influence that karate has had on him in his speech at the awards banquet.

While Fuentes is soft-spoken, his martial arts resume speaks for itself. He was a national champion for 10 years running in Venezuela, and won an American championship in 1989. He said that seeing his students succeed brings out the same feelings he experienced in his own competitions.

“It’s a little deja vu. Watching them compete, I get the same emotions, nerves, butterflies in my stomach,” he said. “The same things as when I was a competitor. And multiply it by 34.”

While Fuentes challenges his students and drives them to constantly get better, he said the motivation isn’t a one-way street. He feels a strong responsibility to live up to the high standards he sets for everyone in the dojo.

“They force me to learn. I need to be better for them every day,” he said. “I need to study for them every day, because I want them to be challenged every day.”

The dojo is located at 3753 Bruce B. Downs Blvd. For information about Keiko Shin Karate, visit WesleyChapelKarateAcademy.com, or call (813) 994-9253.

Published March 26, 2014

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Corcoran’s Phantom Campaign

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Running a political campaign is not cheap. The recent Congressional race between David Jolly and Alex Sink — where millions of dollars were spent — can easily attest to that.

State Rep. Richard Corcoran, R-Land O’ Lakes, confers with State Rep. Rob Schenck, R-Spring Hill, last year in Tallahassee. Corcoran so far has spent more money than any other House candidate this election cycle, despite the fact he has yet to draw an opponent. (Courtesy of Meredith Geddings)
State Rep. Richard Corcoran, R-Land O’ Lakes, confers with State Rep. Rob Schenck, R-Spring Hill, last year in Tallahassee. Corcoran so far has spent more money than any other House candidate this election cycle, despite the fact he has yet to draw an opponent.
(Courtesy of Meredith Geddings)

Many candidates, if not most, are faced with a reality where money is just as important as votes. And they will look everywhere to try and fill their coffers.

Locally, State Rep. Richard Corcoran is feeling how expensive it is to defend his seat in Tallahassee. The Land O’ Lakes Republican has raised more than $186,000 for his re-election bid so far, and already has spent just under $119,000 — more than any other House candidate in the state.

Corcoran’s campaign costs $9,100 each month, with thousands of dollars earmarked to printing costs, consulting fees, accounting and advertising.

There is just one small thing to mention about Corcoran’s 13-month campaign so far: The man in line to become House Speaker in late 2015 has been running for re-election … unopposed.

Corcoran is one of 59 incumbents who have yet to draw a challenger for the November elections. Because there’s still time for many of them to attract opposition, these lawmakers have kept fundraising in high gear, pulling in $4.5 million so far.

Yet, these candidates have only spent $1.1 million, or 24 percent, of the money they raised. Corcoran, on the other hand, has already spent 64 percent of his funds. He’s shelled out nearly twice the cash of other local unopposed candidates — Dan Raulerson, Janet Cruz and James Grant — combined.

Why would someone without an opponent need to spend $119,000? Because with or without a challenger, Corcoran sees the campaign as a chance to connect with his constituents.

“If there’s any chance you get where you can communicate with the voters and get their input, we do it,” Corcoran said. “Anytime you get input from the voters, that just makes you much more effective.”

Through the end of February, Corcoran has spent nearly $54,000 in printing and postage fees, $15,400 in advertising and $12,800 in consulting fees. A lot of those funds, however, were geared toward the representative’s tele-town hall, the most recent one featuring Pasco County Sheriff Chris Nocco.

Corcoran used funds to print mailers and get them into his constituents’ mailboxes, inviting them to call in and get updates on criminal justice issues and other topics affecting lawmakers.

“We had 2,000 people on the phone, and they got to ask whatever question they want,” Corcoran said. “We get great feedback on this, telling us thank you so much for doing this. But honestly, as much as they’re appreciative of us, I’m much more appreciative of them, because they help me be a much better legislator.”

Still, those costs alone are double the annual median income of a Pasco County resident ($43,787, according to the U.S. Census Bureau). It’s also far more than Republican House candidate Danny Burgess, Democratic State Rep. Mark Danish, and former State Rep. Mark Harrison, who combined to spend just a little more than $35,000 in printing, advertising and consulting.

And those three candidates have opposition.

Yet, Corcoran’s spending habits are not as unusual as they seem. Unopposed candidates around the country spend lots of money, especially if they can afford it.

While it might help maintain avenues of communication with voters, it also has much more strategic purposes as well, said Craig Holman, a government affairs lobbyist for Public Citizen’s Congress Watch in Washington, D.C.

“It is designed to intimidate any opposition from entering the race,” he said. “Incumbents are able to raise funds from special interests who have business pending before the official, regardless of whether the official faces any serious election challenge.”

But a candidate spending a lot of money in an unopposed race could be looking to the future as well.

“The incumbent appears to be planning some future candidacy for higher office, and is using this opportunity (to) get his name well publicized across the state of Florida,” Holman said.

Seeking the state senate, a Congressional seat or even the governor’s mansion is not on Corcoran’s mind at all, he said. He has no interest in challenging Wilt Simpson or John Legg for their Senate seats, and Gus Bilirakis will likely occupy his Congressional seat for a long time to come.

Corcoran knows his approach is unusual, but that’s what he likes.

“If you talk to a lot of pundits, they say doing this much communication with the voters this early is not something they recommend,” Corcoran said. “I’m going against the grain.”

And Corcoran knows people are watching him closely. Back in 2010, his primary opponents accused him of using a credit card issued by the Republican Party for lavish spending, including a later-canceled family vacation to Spain. But Corcoran got support from then state Sen. Mike Fasano — now the Pasco County tax collector — who said Corcoran was an aide for then state House Speaker Marco Rubio, and that Corcoran was simply following orders.

Finally, what if someone decides to jump into the race for Corcoran’s seat? Would the lawmaker be ready, even though he’s already spent close to $120,000?

“I have to look, but we still have about $60,000 in the bank, and I could raise more,” he said. “We feel good with having enough money.”

Published March 19, 2014

Bellamy Brothers return to Pasco High for reunion

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The Bellamy Brothers’ 2014 World Tour will take them to places such as Canada, Germany, Switzerland and Australia.

But before that, they’ll stop in Dade City.

The Bellamy Brothers, whose 1976 hit ‘Let Your Love Flow’ is among their chart-topping singles, will perform a concert April 11 to benefit the athletics department at Pasco High School. (Courtesy of Becky Taylor)
The Bellamy Brothers, whose 1976 hit ‘Let Your Love Flow’ is among their chart-topping singles, will perform a concert April 11 to benefit the athletics department at Pasco High School.
(Courtesy of Becky Taylor)

On April 11, the group — who has performed for more than 40 years and has topped both the Billboard Hot 100 and Hot Country Songs charts — will take the stage to benefit Pasco High School as part of the school’s annual Reunion of Decades. Because organizers are expecting a large crowd, the event will be at Pasco High’s W.F. Edwards Stadium.

“We’ve been busy, busy, busy. The Bellamy Brothers are a big draw,” event coordinator Becky Taylor said. “We’re hoping to branch out to the communities in the surrounding areas. Hopefully it won’t be just Pasco alumni. Hopefully it’s going to be the whole community coming together for the Bellamy Brothers.”

Organizers already have received more than $50,000 in sponsorships, Taylor said, and attendance could reach 2,500.

If it seems unusual that a musical duo known around the world would perform a show to benefit a local school, it’s because they’re local products themselves. David and Howard Bellamy both attended Pasco High.

And while it’s not the first benefit show they’ve done for their alma mater, pairing it with the annual reunion event could make it the biggest.

Taylor said her husband Chet came up with the idea to combine the reunion event and the concert. The Taylors, who are friends with the artists, helped get the ball rolling.

Reunions are traditional events for high schools, but Pasco’s Reunion of Decades incorporates several classes into one annual gathering. Each year, the class celebrating its 30th reunion (the Class of 1984 this year) is inducted into the event, which is sponsored by the group celebrating its 40th reunion (Class of 1974). In addition to any separate reunions they might have, all classes 30 years and older also get to take part in the Reunion of Decades each year.

The event will raise money for the athletic department at Pasco High. For Taylor, helping the school is important to her family: She was a cheerleader during her high school days, and her husband played football there. Three of her four children are now students at Pasco High.

While she had praise for the school system, Taylor acknowledges that it’s always an issue to fully fund areas of need.

“The district does the best they can, but we always try to fundraise to do extra,” she said. “There are so many camps that our kids could be attending, referees on the field, it’s just an endless thing. Fundraising is always needed.”

The event also will benefit the Reunion of the Decades scholarship fund, which provides a scholarship in the name of Frances Bellamy, known affectionately as “Ma Bellamy” in the country music community before her passing in 2009. She was an active member of the area’s school system for decades, driving a Pasco County school bus and serving as assistant manager of Pasco High’s cafeteria for 24 years.

Taylor hopes music fans will come out not only to reunite with former classmates or see a top music act, but also to help a community school and the students it serves. “These kids that are graduating from our high schools, they’re going to be in our communities working one day,” Taylor said. “Whether our kids are college-bound or whether they’re going to a vocation-type field, I think it’s important for us to support these high schools.”

The concert will begin at the stadium at 7 p.m. Tickets are $15 for general admission seating or $25 for reserved seating.

Reunion tickets are $45, and include a barbecue social and dinner before the concert, as well as reserved seating. Special VIP table reservations also are available.

Tickets can be purchased at Pasco High School at 36850 State Road 52, Dade City Animal Clinic at 13117 U.S. 301, or Olga’s Bakery at 14117 Seventh St.

For information, call (352) 524-5508.

Published March 19, 2014