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Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Wesley Chapel/New Tampa News

Pasco youth to perform in ‘Aladdin’ musical

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Get ready to experience the theatrical version of an iconic film, as the New Tampa Players host the performance of “Aladdin Jr.”

In addition to being an adaptation of the motion picture “Aladdin,” the play also draws from the Broadway musical.

The performances are set for April 5 at 8 p.m.; April 6 at 7 p.m.; and April 7 at 3 p.m.

Accompanied by his peer mentor Olivia Carr, left, Connor Olsen practices for his upcoming role as the Genie in ‘Aladdin Jr.’ The performance will take place at the University Area Cultural Development Center from April 5 to April 7. (Courtesy of New Tampa Players)

New Tampa Players has worked with the Penguin Project organization in casting youth with special needs for all the roles.

These stars will also be accompanied on stage with peer mentors for support.

Many of the actors, ranging from ages 7 to 24, will be representing the communities of Lutz, Land O’ Lakes and Wesley Chapel.

Some performers from these areas will also play principal characters, including Jaden Figueroa as Aladdin and Zoe DeJoseph as Jasmine.

The play will also be a musical, performing popular “Aladdin” songs, such as “Friend Like Me,” “Prince Ali” and “A Whole New World.”

Each ticket can be purchased at a $15 flat fee online or at the door on performance day.

Proceeds benefit the New Tampa Players to help support future productions.

The play will be held at the University Area Cultural Development Center on 14013 N. 22nd St., in Tampa.

To purchase tickets online, visit NewTampaPlayers.org.

For additional information, contact Nora Paine at (443) 850-8997 or at .

Aladdin Jr.
Where: University Area Cultural Development Center, 14013 N. 22nd St., Tampa
When: April 5 at 8 p.m.; April 6 at 7 p.m.; and April 7 at 3 p.m.
Cost: Tickets are $15 each
Details: An all-cast of youth with special needs will present a theatrical version of the film “Aladdin” with a musical performance.
Info: For tickets, visit NewTampaPlayers.org. For inquiries, contact Nora Paine at (443) 850-8997 or at .

Published April 03, 2019

 

International music composer calls Wesley Chapel home

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When it comes to music, Wesley Chapel’s Nick Coetzee does a little bit of everything.

He’s a songwriter. He’s a composer. He’s a producer. He’s a worship leader.

“I love being creative,” Coetzee said. “I love doing something different every day.”

An ear for melodies has led to a lasting 30-year career that’s taken him pretty far — literally.

International music composer Nick Coetzee operates his own recording studio from his Wesley Chapel home. He’s noted for producing more than 150 contemporary Christian and worship albums. (Courtesy of Nick Coetzee)

Born and raised in South Africa, Coetzee’s first big break came in Australia in the early 1990s, when he was tasked with helping churches craft contemporary style music programs.

“I started getting into programming music for songwriters, and I started writing my own songs and creating my own albums,” Coetzee explained.

Opportunities followed for Coetzee while in the land Down Under.

He scored music for more than 250 episodes of an Australian television drama series called, ‘Paradise Beach.’ He used a guitar to score the five-night-a-week soap opera, which also aired in several European countries in the early 1990s.

Coetzee is modest about the TV project, though.

“It was like a low-budget ‘Baywatch,’” Coetzee said, but added, “the residuals were really good.”

Meanwhile, Coetzee wrote the halftime music for an international rugby final between South Africa and Australia in 1993, at Ballymore Stadium.

The match was significant, as it marked the first tour of a South African team to Australia since 1971, when the former was subjected to a variety of international boycotts due to its apartheid policy.

“It was a big event with 35,000 people. I was on the stage there with my band and we performed the song,” Coetzee recalled.

Coetzee started reaching into America shortly thereafter, in the mid-1990s.

He first landed in South Carolina, then Florida, orchestrating music training workshops for community churches, steering them from classical hymns and choirs to more contemporary “kind of rock band” style.

“I’ve always traveled, I’ve always recorded, and I’ve always led worship in churches. Like those three things have been constant,” Coetzee explained.

While in the States, Coetzee also wrote and composed a theme song for the RP International Vision Awards in Los Angeles, which celebrates some of the most prolific actors, directors and producers in the world.

Coetzee would go on to perform at the event for more than a decade, rubbing shoulders with the likes of Josh Groban, Phil Collins, Hans Zimmer and other celebrities.

Said Coetzee: “It was a really interesting sort of angle that I had writing songs. I became this sort of songwriter for big themes; I’ve written quite a lot of songs.”

That he has — mainly through his work with multiple Christian-based record labels.

He’s produced more than 150 contemporary Christian and worship albums, including an instrumental jazz album, Reflections, which sold over 300,000 copies worldwide.

One of his most noted works came in 1995.

That’s when he was hired to produce the first U.S. release of Darlene Zschech’s ‘Shout to the Lord,’ at the time one of the world’s top gospel songs.

Being the first person to ever produce the song for the U.S. market, Coetzee calls it his “claim to fame.”

“It’s kind of helped me get work. I mean, it’s become prestigious,” Coetzee said.

He also said of the song: “It’s been recorded probably 500 times or more by artists all around the world. ‘Shout to the Lord’ it’s kind of like (the Beatles’) ‘Let it Be’ in the world. I mean, it’s the most famous (gospel) song in the world.”

Over the years, Coetzee has gone on to work with and produce for other big names in the music industry, including Abraham Laboriel, Pedro Eustache and Genesis’ Chester Thompson.

“I’ve been involved in a lot of interesting kind of projects over the years,” he said. “Sometimes I forget all the things that I’ve done.”

However, these days, at 58 years old, Coetzee keeps a bit of a lower profile.

He does much of his work from his own recording studio, conveniently located on the second floor of his Watergrass home.

The soundproof room is equipped with all sorts of instruments, from guitars to banjos to keyboards, along with various recording hardware and software, nestled into a cozy, relaxed atmosphere.

“I don’t know if there’s many home studios like this in Wesley Chapel,” Coetzee said with a chuckle.

It’s where he goes to work on his next major project — co-writing songs for Netflix original programming, building up an action sequence or a dramatic moment.

It’s also where the South African works with local songwriters and musicians of all genres.

Developing local talent and maximizing their musical gifts, has become one of his most enjoyable initiatives.

He most recently helped record some tracks with Phase III, a Dade City-based folk band that frequently performs live shows at local hot spots like Ukulele Brand’s, Zephyrhills Brewing Company and Prime 19.

“I really love to help people that maybe have got something to say with their music,” Coetzee said. “I enjoy being able to pour into people and see their results. That’s part of who I am, is really like a coach and a mentor to see the next generation raised up.”

And, it’s something he foresees doing for years to come in the East Pasco community he and his wife have lived since 2014.

“We like Wesley Chapel,” he said. “Part of my goal is to help unlock people’s creativity. There’s a huge creative community here in Pasco.”

Published April 03, 2019

Club encourages a love for reading

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The GFWC New Tampa Junior Woman’s Club was looking for a way to support the GFWC Florida Director Project, ‘Book Heroes,’ and decided to make a Little Free Library, a “take a book, return a book” free book exchange, for the community.

Little Free Libraries, like this one, can be found around the world in 91 countries. (Courtesy of Raequel Tomsich)

Little Free Libraries are a global phenomenon. The small, book exchanges number more than 80,000 around the world in 91 countries, according to LittleFreeLibrary.org.

The woman’s club found plans for the project and received a GFWC Focus on Literacy grant provided by Proctor & Gamble Company, to help with expenses.

Armed with his woodworking knowledge, Mike Tomsich, the spouse of a club member, helped turn the club’s vision into a reality by building the charming library.

In the meantime, the woman collected books for both adults and children and searched for a location for the library.

The New Tampa YMCA, at 16221 Compton Drive, agreed to allow the library to be placed on its property. On March 15, the GFWC New Tampa Junior Woman’s Club Little Free Library, Charter No. 84210, was installed and is now open to the public.

Members of the GFWC New Tampa Junior Woman’s Club proudly show off their Little Free Library now available to the general public at the New Tampa YMCA.

The Little Free Library works on the honor system and anyone can contribute or borrow books. Although the hope is that the community will actively add books to the library, the club is the steward of the library and will ensure that it is maintained, and will restock it, as necessary.

The library is registered and can be found at LittleFreeLibrary.org/ourmap/. The website is also the tool to find additional Little Free Library locations.

The New Tampa installment appears to be the first Little Free Library in the area that is open to the general public.

The club hopes that this library will encourage literacy and put books in the hands of those who might not otherwise have them at home.

Published April 3, 2019

State Road 56 extension to Zephyrhills is progressing

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Pasco County’s efforts to extend State Road 56 from Meadow Pointe Boulevard to U.S. 301 are advancing, as construction is now in the latter phases of development.

“The main thing is the local connection between Zephyrhills and Wesley Chapel,” stated Gregory Deese, resident engineer for the Florida Department of Transportation.

The project, which began two years ago, will offer motorists a direct route between the two communities.

Construction for the new State Road 56 extension is advancing as the road is set to be paved in the near future. Also, traffic lights will be set up where State Road 56 intersects with Morris Bridge Road and U.S. 301. (File)

This will be a new alternative to traveling on Old State Road 54 further north.

Deese noted that it may also be beneficial in serving as a new hurricane evacuation route for those distancing themselves from coastlines.

Currently, State Road 56 ends at its intersection with Meadow Pointe Boulevard.

The road’s future extension, heading east, is barricaded from public use as roadway is still being constructed.

There’s about ½-mile of roadway that remains to be built, at which point the 6-mile stretch will be paved with asphalt, Deese said.

Traffic lights will also be installed where State Road 56 intersects with Morris Bridge Road and as it intersects with U.S. 301.

That work will require some daytime lane closures on both Morris Bridge Road and U.S. 301.

Flaggers will signal motorists as opposing traffic will have to share lane space.

“We’ll have stop signs and ‘slow’ signs to make sure that [the] operation is safe,” the engineer said. “You’ll stop traffic in one direction to allow the opposite direction to go through.”

Closures are expected to take place before and after morning traffic peak hours, Deese added.

In addition to the lights where it meets State Road 56, Morris Bridge Road will undergo an expansion.

This will accommodate a northbound and southbound left-turning lane – both heading east and west onto State Road 56 respectively.

U.S. 301 will be expanded to include a right-turn lane, and re-striped to provide a left-turn lane – both heading westbound onto State Road 56.

The project also will provide easier access to the Zephyrhills Correctional Facility on U.S. 301 (Gall Boulevard).

A northbound left-turn lane and a southbound right-turn lane on U.S. 301 will be added as a convenient entryway onto the premises.

Also, a 10-foot-wide trail will be added on the south end of State Road 56 for pedestrians.

“The multi-purpose trail on [State Road] 56 is basically a path that rollerbladers or walkers will be able to use,” Deese explained.

Also included is a 5-foot-wide sidewalk on the north end, and two 7-foot-wide bicycle lanes – on both shoulders of the road.

These amenities will run the entire course of the 6-mile project.

The $59.2-million development is set for completion as early as this fall.

Published March 27, 2019

High school fair offers diverse career paths

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While parents and students had an opportunity to learn about post-high school options — representatives from colleges, technical schools, military branches and other programs had a chance to make their pitch at the College and Career Fair recently at Wesley Chapel High School.

Those attending the March 11 event could pose questions to representatives from more than 40 organizations, and could take home brochures and other handouts.

Youseff Khalil, left, is supported by his parents, Ereny Youwakim and Bassem Rizk, at Wesley Chapel High School’s College and Career Fair. Here, the 16-year-old is filling out a computerized form at the National Aviation Academy booth on March 11. (Brian Fernandes)

Wesley Chapel High had the program in its gym, but the fair was open to students from other high schools, too.

“They (students) really like that it’s all in one place,” said Kelly Faysash, college and career specialist at Wesley Chapel High. “It’s a good opportunity to come one night with a parent and be able to [hear from] a lot of different colleges and universities.”

Keiser University, a private, nonprofit institution, was among those participating.

Pauline Hardy, admissions counselor from the New Port Richey Campus, was there to represent the Florida-based university, which offers services internationally, including programs in business, health care, criminal justice and psychology.

Hardy noted that Keiser offers programs that are convenient for students who have children, or full-time jobs.

“Some of the unique points are that you can take classes one at a time, and each class lasts four weeks,” the counselor explained.

Many of the university’s most coveted programs are medical – especially nursing.

Health care is an ever-expanding field, with numerous opportunities, Hardy said.

Across the gym, Michelle Turner was representing another school offering medical programs – Florida Career College.

One common question asked about the school is how it will help transition students into the workforce, Turner said.

The Wesley Chapel High School gymnasium hosted more than 40 representatives from colleges, academies and companies at its annual College and Career Fair. Parents and students from various high schools visited the many booths on March 11.

To that end, the college’s career service department stages mock sessions to help students prepare.

“They start working with them (students) one month in, to start grooming them with interview skills, their resume and how to present [themselves],” she said.

Some schools, however, including the American Musical and Dramatic Academy, focus on the world of arts.

The school is located in both New York and Los Angeles, offering courses in acting, as well as musical and dance theater.

The academy’s faculty attend various high schools across the nation to hold workshops. Students get an idea of what the school is about and have the chance to perform auditions.

Lauren Paha is a faculty member of the academy and will be hosting an audition at Wesley Chapel High in April.

She noted that financial assistance is a common area of concern for students and parents.

“Not only do we give away talent-based scholarships, we also do merit-based scholarships,” Paha stated. The school is also receptive to financial aid coming from outside the academy.

All of the instructors at the academy are still active in the industry – whether on Broadway, directing or singing, Paha remarked.

The bar is also set high for instructors at Full Sail University, requiring at least four years of industry experience.

“What we focus on is entertainment, media, arts and technology,” said Jolie Parris, outreach representative for the school.

The university logo was recognizable as several of its alumni have gone on to do artwork for big-budget projects.

Such projects include the Fortnite video game and films like The Incredibles and the Marvel comic series.

Dylan Miller, left, a Wesley Chapel High School junior, is accompanied by his mother, Danielle, at the school’s College and Career Fair on March 11. At the National Aviation Academy booth, Ayiende Smith explains what programs the school has to offer.

They, too, offer scholarship programs and have workshops at high schools, where student can create music beats and learn about animation.

Rebecca Maher attended the fair with her two daughters – students at Cypress Creek Middle High School.

Tuition was at the top of her mind, when visiting the booths.

She wanted to know: “First and foremost, are we going to be able to afford the school of their choice?”

The Wesley Chapel resident has been helping her daughters find scholarships online, but was also able to pick up information at the various booths.

While one daughter has set her mind on engineering, Maher still encourages both not to limit their options.

“There’s so many majors at all these schools, which is one of the things I try to impart to my kids,” she said.

Other options may be found outside of colleges, such as the Paul Mitchell company, which offers courses.

Those with an interest in hair styling can enroll in its cosmetology or barbering programs.

The programs offer career fairs so students can speak one-on-one with industry experts.

Besides offering financial assistance, Paul Mitchell helps in making a smooth transition into the workforce after completion.

“Job placement is one of the things we focus on,” said Melissa Salazar, marketing associate for the company. “To see someone go through the program and placed in the industry is super important.”

Youseff Khalil, a student from Cypress Creek Middle High School, was busy roaming the booths with his parents.

While he admitted an interest in engineering, he said he was open to other fields – even those outside of academia.

The military is one such alternative to schooling, which was represented by the National Guard and the U.S. Army.

Sgt. 1st Class Jeffrey Pelfort, of the National Guard, was ready to explain the benefits of serving this military branch.

“It looks good on a resume,” he said. “You’ll always get priority being in the military.”

Although some may decide to pursue a career in the military, others may use it as a means of getting a higher education, the sergeant said.

In the National Guard, a student can serve one weekend a month and two weeks out of the summer – granting more class and study time.

And, with a three- or six-year commitment, students are eligible for full tuition coverage.

“We’ll pay 100 percent up to a master’s degree,” Pelfort explained.

Also, an additional $380 a month is paid out to use for books and other  necessities.

The sergeant echoed a common message conveyed at many booths: “Take advantage of it and do it while you’re young.”

Published March 20, 2019

School board eyes 104-acre site near Connected City

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The Pasco County School Board has approved the acquisition of a 104-acre site near the Connected City area of Wesley Chapel.

The school district anticipates there will a need for future schools as more residents move into Connected City, which includes Epperson Ranch and other future developments.

Pasco County Schools is proceeding with steps to purchase a 104-acre site at the southeast corner of Curley and Kiefer roads. The school district said that more schools will be needed in the area, as more residents move into the Connected City, which is just across the street. (Christine Holtzman)

The site is at the southeast corner of Curley and Kiefer roads, directly across the street from future phases of Epperson Ranch and just south of the future Mirada development.

The board’s unanimous vote allows district staff to proceed with the necessary steps to acquire the property from the owners of Kirkland Ranch.

This acreage would potentially house a future high school and/or future kindergarten through eighth grade school, according to a school board document prepared by Chris Williams, director of planning services for the school district.

The owners have agreed to sell the property to the school district for $20,000 per acre, with the full sales price expected to be slightly more than $2 million.

The purchase is contingent on the completion of two independent appraisals, due diligence and some additional conditions.

Part of the agreement includes that the entire campus to be constructed at the site shall be named the Kirkland Ranch Campus, subject to applicable school board policy.

The campus may include one or more of the following types of schools: elementary, middle, high, vocational training or magnet.

The agreement also stipulates that once the campus is named, the name cannot be changed for a minimum of 50 years subsequent to the issuance of a certificate of occupancy, or completion.

The proposed sale is also subject to other requirements, which include allowing the seller to use the land for livestock grazing purposes at no rental until such time the school district commences construction of the campus.

The school district also agrees to build a barbed wire fence to separate the property from the seller’s remaining land to the south.

Published March 13, 2019

If you enjoy sampling foods, this event is for you

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The Taste of New Tampa and Wesley Chapel offers event-goers a chance to dine on foods from nearly 50 Bay Area restaurants in one place.

When you’re eating delicious foods and skating on the rink, music can be that special addition to make the fun complete at the Taste of New Tampa and Wesley Chapel. (Courtesy of Thompson Brand Images)

The event is set for March 24 from noon to 4 p.m., at AdventHealth Center Ice, 3173 Cypress Ridge Blvd., in Wesley Chapel.

Offerings will include chicken and waffles from Noble Crust; Buttermilk Provisions’ famous donuts and peanut butter balls; crab-shrimp avocado stacks, as well as jerk chicken pasta, from Bahama Breeze; and Pomodoro’s pizza and garlic knots, to name a few.

There are also adult beverages, including wines and craft beers from establishments such as the Zephyrhills Brewery, PRP Wine International, and 81 Bay.

The 2019 People’s Choice Award for the food and beverage categories will be determined by which business holds the heaviest amount of tickets.

Not only do the tickets grant patrons samples, but also makes them eligible to rent a pair of ice skates for free.

Normal admission for using the skating rink still applies.

Entrance into the arena is free, as well as parking.

Tickets can be purchased online or at the door in the amount of 25 for $25; 50 for $50; and 100 for $100.

Proceeds benefit local charities and high school scholarship programs.

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit TasteOfNewTampa.org.

Taste of New Tampa and Wesley Chapel
Where: AdventHealth Center Ice, 3173 Cypress Ridge Blvd., Wesley Chapel
When: March 24 from noon to 4 p.m.
Cost: Entrance is free. Tickets are sold 25 for $25; 50 for $50; and 100 for $100.
Details: Patrons can sample various cuisines and drinks from restaurants and breweries in Tampa Bay. The skating rink will also be open to add to the fun.
Info: For additional details or to purchase tickets, visit TasteOfNewTampa.org.

Published March 13, 2019

Celebrating diversity through literature

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As Kaila McAlpine spoke, her passionate tone filled the gymnasium, captivating the audience.

She was among a host of students and faculty members taking part in the Wiregrass Ranch High School’s Poetry Slam on Feb. 22.

With “Diversity Rules” as the theme, participants could share a poet’s work, or deliver their own literary creation, on stage.

The Poetry Slam on Feb.22 offered both students and faculty of Wiregrass Ranch High School a platform for reading literary work – and, in some instances, works they created. (Brian Fernandes)

The school’s Black History Club conceptualized the theme and coordinated the second annual event, which was timed to coincide with Black History Month.

“I think diversity was the best way to bring everyone together,” said Averi Willins, vice president of the club. “Black history shouldn’t just be for black people. I feel like it’s an awareness for everyone.”

Willins, along with club president Sa’Derrica Tate, welcomed the audience before Fiona Williams, of Saint Leo University, performed the national anthem.

A special tribute was given to Jimmy DuBose, a former assistant principal at Wiregrass Ranch, who also made an appearance at the event.

Posters displaying the faces of prominent African-American writers, such as Langston Hughes, Tupac Shakur, Alice Walker and James Baldwin, among others, flanked both sides of the stage.

Rose Daniels recited “My People” by Langston Hughes – conveying the value of humanity through the wonders of astronomy.

“The night is beautiful, so the faces of my people,” the sophomore recited. “The stars are beautiful, so the eyes of my people. Beautiful also, is the sun. Beautiful also, are the souls of my people.”

In another piece, Juanita Lamprea Garcia also spoke on the constellation of stars as they relate to people. The writing expressed that while each star is different, they all work together to brighten the dark sky.

One literary work used the analogy of a seed to emphasize the importance of human growth – breaking free from its shell in order to flourish.

Another drew a comparison between people and crayons: a diversity of colors, opposed to just one, combine to make a picture complete.

Even Wiregrass Ranch’s Principal Robyn White offered words of inspiration.

In the poem “You Stand Out,” she spoke of a world where unity outshines individual differences.

“What really stood out in that poem, was the commonalities that we all have – things that we enjoy.

Between poetry readings, the Wiregrass Ranch High step team displayed their unique marching style.

“No matter who we are or what we stand for, these are all beautiful things in our lives,” the principal said.

During an intermission, the school’s step team, led by McAlpine, put on a lively presentation.

The gym echoed with rhythmic hand claps and foot stomps as the team performed their march with precision.

With an energized crowd, the presenters kept the momentum going as they continued to speak with emotion.

William Cuebas presented another literary piece that told the story of a person’s introspective journey in life – peacefully interacting with different ethnicities.

The 16-year-old said he found this reading compelling because it exemplifies how society should coexist.

“We should be treating ourselves not only as equal, but we should celebrate our differences,” Cuebas stated.

After reading a quote, Wanda Diehm took the time to commend Wiregrass Ranch High.

“We do diversity here so well,” the social studies teacher said. “I see it in my classroom, in the hallways, in the cafeteria, and I love it.”

Writer Charles Bennafield’s words were eloquently recited as Willins read “I Am Diversity.”

“My name is Diversity and yes I stand tall,” the senior quoted. “Recognize me and keep me in the mix. Together there’s no problem that we can’t fix.”

Willins stated that the poem was moving because it gave her the opportunity to look at diversity not only as a concept, but as a person.

McAlpine admitted that poetry helped her discover a newfound appreciation for literature.

“When I write poems, I draw from my emotions and my perspective,” the 16-year-old explained.

That was evident as she presented her own literary work “Blend” at the Poetry Slam.

In the poem, McAlpine expresses her views as a young African-American lady while encouraging everyone to “blend” as one people.

Cuebas also acknowledged “Blend” stating that it “really took the crowd by storm.”

He added that, “Art is a way of presenting concern, our creativity, opening our imagination, and I feel like that’s what we’re doing with this.”

Published March 06, 2019

Baseball school strikes out on permit

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The Pasco County Planning Commission has denied a special exception request by Ryan A. and Elizabeth J. Prior for a private baseball and softball school in Wesley Chapel.

The request was to allow the private school on a 5-acre property, 320 feet south of the intersection of Hadlock Drive and Elkmont Lane.

It is surrounded by several agricultural uses, which include boarding stables, several equine veterinarians, some other horse stables, and agricultural uses, including single-family dwellings.

Attorney Barbara Wilhite represented the Priors during a planning commission public hearing and Cynthia Spidell, a planner for King Engineering, outlined the proposed use.

The applicants had agreed to a number of conditions.

They agreed to limit the hours of operation; limit to 20 the number of students who could be there on a daily basis, and no more than four at a time; required road maintenance; prohibited glare from lights; and, a number of other conditions.

The county’s planning staff recommended approval of the request.

But, neighbors objected.

Allison Doucette, an attorney representing opponents to the request, said the 15-foot-wide gravel road leading to the site “is really not intended to service any kind of commercial business.”

She said her clients own the horse farm that surrounds the proposed site of the baseball school, and they regularly cross over the easement with their horses.

Neighbor Fred Byrd, of 29439 Hadlock Drive, also objected.

“I don’t want Mr. Prior fixing that road.

“If that road is smooth, we’re going to have people doing 30, 40 miles an hour down that little easement. It’s not safe,” he said.

Besides the neighbors’ horses, Byrd said, “We’ve got a granddaughter. There’s animals out there. There’s dogs and cats.”

Besides the safety issue, dust kicked up by motorists is a problem, too, he said.

“When it’s dry, and the amount of traffic that goes by, if we leave our bedroom window open, our bedroom is covered with dust,” he said.

If the baseball school is approved and there are violations, he doesn’t believe that Code Enforcement would be able to put an end to the problem.

“Code Enforcement basically lived out in this area with all of the problems we had with the prior baseball ranch. They were operating illegally. They were asked to stop. They continued. They were asked to stop. They continued. There were numerous violations.

“Code Enforcement was out there and it didn’t stop them before,” Byrd said.

He also noted that not all of the proposed site is usable. “Half of it is back in a cypress head and part of it is a pond,” he said.

Byrd said he has nothing against baseball.

“I love baseball. I played baseball. I coached baseball.

“There’s a proper place for it. This is an equine community,” Byrd said.

Planning commissioners denied the request, but the applicants have the right to appeal that decision to the Pasco County Commission, if they should choose to do so.

Published March 06, 2019

Summit addresses mental health challenges

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Overcoming mental health and substance abuse issues in local communities seems a daunting undertaking — but offering a helping hand and a shoulder to lean on may be a good place to start.

At least that’s what a group of educators and faith-based leaders asserted at a recent mental health summit at Pasco-Hernando State College’s (PHSC) Porter Campus at Wiregrass Ranch, in Wesley Chapel.

Pasco-Hernando State College hosted a mental health summit on Feb. 18 at its Porter Campus in Wesley Chapel. It featured a panel discussion between educators and faith leaders in the community. (Kevin Weiss)

The state college’s Bridging Faith and Mental Health Communities Summit brought together dozens of faith-based leaders, public and private clinical agencies, students, educators and community members. They discussed ongoing problems and solutions on topics such as depression, suicide and substance abuse, wellness and recovery.

A plenary panel discussion addressed those topics head-on.

University of South Florida philosophy and religious studies professor Garrett Potts tried to pinpoint the root of mental health issues.

He suggested that depression and addiction have been exacerbated because there’s “a crisis of meaning” and “a loss of hope” in society and culture today.

And, as a result, he said, people have turned to drugs and alcohol, as a coping mechanism.

The panelist advised that if you think someone may be suffering from substance abuse or a mental health crisis, empathy and guidance without judgement can go a long way.

“We have to be able to sort of lay our cards on the table and say, ‘Hey, I’m with you,’” Potts said.

“Try at all costs to avoid the shame cycle that our fellow addicts and sufferers are already stuck in. They don’t need any more shame than they’re already placing on themselves.”

He added, “A lot of times, what you hear with individuals who are struggling with suicide, is they’ve found themselves in a place where they’re isolated. Either something they’re struggling with is stigmatized to the point that they don’t feel loved, or they feel like no one around them cares about them or can help them.”

Another panelist, Dr. Eddie Williams, director of PHSC’s behavioral health department, pointed out those dealing with depression and suicide “often disengage from everybody” in their personal and social life, and in the workplace.

Williams underscored the importance of reaching out before a particular mental illness worsens.

A decreased functioning in everyday life and a general feeling of sadness are some warning signs to watch out for, he said.

“We need to make sure that person gets reconnected,” Williams said, “to let them know that they’re loved and understood.”

He added: “Don’t take no for an answer, if you start to see someone disengaging from life. Sometimes, it just takes that one act of courage and that could save someone’s life.”

Williams also observed those who’ve successfully recovered from substance abuse or mental illness must “give it back and try to help someone else reach that level of recovery.”

Williams added: “You’ve got to have that support from people who’ve been in similar situations.”

Pastor Doug Zipperer, of Shady Hills’ United Methodist Church, called for more fellowship and outreach groups.

He mentioned organizations like Alcoholics Anonymous do a good job of bringing people together and helping each other, so they’re not fighting mental health and addiction battles alone.

Zipperer put it like this: “The words and encouragement and counsel of a real close friend is probably more lasting than hours of clinical counseling or the professional help of somebody they don’t trust.”

Another panelist, Taiwan Simmons, the co-founder of Inside Reach Ministries in Wesley Chapel, suggested there’s not a one-size-fits-all answer to people struggling with mental health issues and substance abuse.

Offering care and affection to loved ones may not be enough, Simmons said.

Still, the panelist said there’s a responsibility to reach out to those dealing with those troubles — even in the face of getting rejected by that person.

“We have people who are hurting,” he said. “They need our prayer, they need our support, they need our attention, they need our encouragement.

“You have to be engaged and you have to empower not just yourself, but the people around you,” he said.

The panel also included Imam Hassan Sultan, CEO of the Muslim Connection; Ryan Morris, PHSC student government president; and, John Mitten, Hernando County commissioner and PHSC board trustee.

Along with the panel discussion, the event also included breakout sessions focused on suicide, and substance abuse awareness and prevention.

In addition to the state college, community partners involved in the summit included the National Alliance on Mental Illness, Pasco Alliance for Substance Abuse Prevention, BayCare Behavioral Health – Community Health Activation Team (CHAT), American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, Take Stock in Children, James A. Haley Veterans Hospital, Moffitt Cancer Center and Pasco Aware.

Published February 27, 2019