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Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Wesley Chapel/New Tampa News

Three Wesley Chapel teams competing at world finals

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Three teams from Wesley Chapel are heading to Iowa State University to compete at the 2018 Odyssey of the Mind World Finals, in Ames, Iowa.

Some competitors from all three teams already know what it’s like to compete on the world stage.

That’s because they were members of Wesley Chapel Elementary, which brought home the top prize.

Members of one of the Thomas E. Weightman teams that are going to World Finals are, from left: Jake Piller, Zachary Mihelich, Claire Donahue, an adult spontaneous judge, Miriame Melaika, Izzy Piller and Maya Kurian. (Courtesy of Brian Mihelich)

The students on last year’s Wesley Chapel Elementary team are now divided between this year’s three qualifying teams. One is at Wesley Chapel Elementary and the other two are from Thomas E. Weightman Middle, just down the road.

To get to the 39th World Finals, tens of thousands of students from around the globe used their creativity and teamwork to create original solutions to problems, according to the Odyssey of the Mind website.

Brian Mihelich, coach of one of the Weightman teams, said the kids who won last year have benefitted their new teams.

“To get to that level, you have to be so dynamic and creative — definitely by having those kids on separate teams, it contributed, without a doubt,” Mihelich said.

The Wesley Chapel Elementary team won first place at the regional, state and world competitions last year, and hopes to repeat that accomplishment this year.

Three of the original team members remain on the elementary school team, while the others went to middle school teams.

Maya Kurian, Zachary Mihelich, Jake Piller, Izzy Piller and Reeya Latchana work together to make a prop for an Odyssey of the Mind competition.

Experience in the competition helps, said Mihelich, who has coached for four years.

“We’ve got two kids on the team that have been with Odyssey for five years. One that’s been in Odyssey for three years; one for two years; and then one, it’s their first year,” he said.

He thinks the program helps young students develop a new way of approaching challenges.

“I believe that this is one of the most valuable programs that are out there. It’s academic, combined with the performing arts. When you put the two together, it’s a different way of thinking,” he said.  “Odyssey of the Mind is all about coming up with a solution to a problem that no one else would.”

It also gives students a chance to compete with students from all over the world, and it’s a program for students from kindergarten through college.

Mihelich’s son, Zachary, who is on the team, “absolutely loves it,” the coach said.

“He is so incredibly passionate about Odyssey. He loves the teamwork side, the creative side, the competitive side.”

Izzy Piller and Zachary Mihelich work on one of the team’s props.

Mihelich added: “Every team has a little different level of intensity. My group — they’re pretty competitive,” he said. They set a goal at the beginning of the year to qualify for the world competition.

Early on, they were meeting about 40 hours a month. Later on, it increased to about 80 hours a month.

“My garage is 100 percent OM (Odyssey of the Mind),” said Mihelich, who lives in Epperson.

The team works hard, Mihelich said, but their parents also play an important role.

“I’ve got some really committed, just awesome parents this year, too. Without the parents’ full support — behind their kids and me as a coach, and just the team in general — it wouldn’t be possible. These parents have been phenomenal.

As the teams gear up to compete at World, they’re also raising money.

Mihelich’s team is holding car washes and taking orders for boxes of Krispy Kreme doughnuts.

Anyone who would like to help any of the teams can reach out to either Wesley Chapel Elementary or Thomas E. Weightman Middle, to get in touch with the coaches.

Those wishing to help Mihelich’s team can reach him at .

Published May 9, 2018

Wiregrass Ranch still practices patient approach to growth

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Since the outset of the development of Wiregrass Ranch, the Porter family has used a patient approach to assembling the building blocks of a community.

Over time, land once occupied by cattle and orange groves has been transformed.

Developments including The Shops at Wiregrass, Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel, Pasco-Hernando State College’s Porter Campus at Wiregrass Ranch, North Tampa Bay Behavioral Health Hospital, Beach House Assisted Living & Memory Care at Wiregrass, and public schools, subdivisions and apartments are just some of the projects that have popped out of the landscape.

The Porter family is choosy about the types of projects it brings into Wiregrass Ranch, to protect the quality of the development. (B.C. Manion)

And, there’s more to come, J.D. Porter told a crowd at the North Tampa Bay Chamber’s April economic briefing at Hunter’s Green Golf & Country Club.

“The demographic that is moving into the area right now is younger, dual income, dual college education,” Porter said.

That lends itself to high-quality housing, upscale restaurants, specialty grocers and other sought-after development, he said.

The Porter family is choosy about the types of new projects it brings into Wiregrass, to protect the quality of the development, he said.

“There are users out there that aren’t a good fit for Wiregrass,” Porter explained.

And, even when a project is a good match for Wiregrass, the family paces the development to make sure that ongoing projects can be successful before introducing new ones.

Porter takes particular pride in the area’s job creation.

“Right now there are 2,500 jobs that have been created,” Porter said. “We’ve created more jobs than we have homes.”

That’s a statistic that would be hard to match in other Pasco or Hillsborough developments, Porter said.

He also noted that it’s important to have a mix of large and small users, so there’s not too much reliance on large users — in case they go away.

Having the proper mix of development is important, too, he said.

“It’s nice to have boutique restaurants, shops, locally owned businesses and stuff like that. To make that work, you have to have people around it, and you have to have people around that during the day,” he said.

The family envisions a town center, with increased residential density, as it gets closer to the town center, Porter said.

The town center — which would be a walkable Wesley Chapel downtown — will include retail, office space, residential, a school, light rail or bus rapid transit stops, a park and ride, a hotel, a fire station, a sheriff’s office, an indoor sports facility, playgrounds, a walking trail, a hotel, a county office building and other amenities, according to the Wiregrass Ranch website.

Porter also addressed the big user side of development, during the economic briefing.

Wiregrass Ranch is “currently shortlisted for two Fortune 200 companies. One for 600,000; one for 1.2 million square feet,” Porter said. “It’d be nice to have another big one. Both of them are ranked higher than what Raymond James is, on the Fortune 500 list.”

Raymond James, which has long been expected to have an office park in the Wiregrass Ranch development “will be turning dirt before the end of the year,” Porter said, in response to a question from the audience. “They’re going to be taking steps towards getting site-ready for construction.”
He also offered his thoughts on some transportation issues.

The diverging diamond, a project to retrofit the Interstate 75-State Road 56 interchange, should help, Porter said.

“The upside is, it really will help that traffic problem quite a bit,” he said. But, he predicts there will be accidents, and even deaths, as people learn to negotiate it.

The $40 million diverging diamond project is expected to begin this summer and could take two years to three years to complete, according to officials with the Florida Department of Transportation.

Porter also predicted that rapid bus transit is more likely to happen than light rail, and noted that Wiregrass Ranch already has 3 ½ miles to 4 miles dedicated for either option.

In general, Porter said, “you have got to have good connectivity on roadways, regardless where they’re at.”

Published May 2, 2018

Wiregrass sports complex will be hurricane-ready

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Pasco County received a $2 million federal grant to make the future Wiregrass Sports Arena hurricane-resistant, according to a news release from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Pasco’s emergency management department applied for the grant, which will pay for 75 percent of the approximately $2.7 million total cost of hurricane preparedness.

“We’re very excited for this opportunity,” said Laura Black, assistant director of emergency management. “It’s one of our top projects.”

This is a rendering of how the Wiregrass Sports complex will look. The complex is expected to open in 2019. (File)

The federal agency awards these grants through its Hazard Mitigation Grant Program. The grants are provided to states, and tribal and local governments, to reduce the loss of life and property due to natural disasters, including hurricanes.

The 98,000-square-foot sports arena will be built and hardened to withstand up to 170-mph winds. That exceeds Florida’s standard requirement of 142 mph.

In addition, the floors will be elevated by 1-foot to reduce the risk of flooding. Also, a 1000-kilowatt generator will be installed to provide backup power.

All of this will be done from the ground up, during construction. Doing that will result in substantial savings, Black said, adding the cost could be as much as $8 million, if a retrofit was required afterward.

The Pasco County Commission approved the project as a public/private partnership in 2017.

RADD Sports, a private company, will operate and manage the sports complex. Pasco County will own the facility and share in anticipated profits.

The federal application included a cost analysis on economic losses, if the arena suffered hurricane damage and couldn’t operate for a period of time, Black said.

In addition to the indoor sports arena, the complex will have seven outdoor sports fields, an amphitheater with an event lawn, trails, pavilions and a playground. The county also has a ground lease for a Marriott Residence Inn that will be built with private funds at the complex.

Richard Blalock, president of RADD Sports, spoke last year at an economic briefing luncheon sponsored by the Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce (now known as North Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce).

The facility will host sporting and recreational activities, including basketball, volleyball, cheerleading, dancing, wrestling, gymnastics, curling and badminton.

Blalock last year estimated annual economic impact would be about $6.5 million. Over 10 years, about $8 million or more in sales and use taxes would be generated, not including tourism taxes from hotel stays.

A construction date isn’t scheduled as yet, but the arena is expected to open by late summer or early fall of 2019.

Published April 25, 2018

Charter school offers tech-rich, nontraditional approach

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A new charter public school is under construction in the Union Park subdivision, in Wesley Chapel, that will offer a nontraditional approach to education.

For one thing, it will be technology rich.

For another, it won’t have traditional classroom spaces or furniture.

Tracy Ware is principal of the new charter school that will open in the Union Park subdivision, in Wesley Chapel. (B.C. Manion)

And, even though it encourages the use of technology, students won’t be allowed to bring cellphones to school.

Union Park Charter Academy, being built at 32775 Oldwoods Ave., is set to open for kindergarten through sixth grade this fall. It will add seventh grade the following school year, and eighth grade the year after that, said Tracy Ware, principal.

Because it’s a charter school, it is open to applications from throughout the Pasco County school district, as well as students from adjacent districts.

“We went through the lottery process,” Ware said. Applications are still being accepted for all grades, but there is a wait list for kindergarten and fifth grade.

“We’ve been encouraging parents to get the information in as soon as possible,” she added, so the school can reserve a spot for their child or children.

“What sets us apart is really the design of the school,” she said. “Instead of having separate classrooms, there are learning communities.”

For example, all third-graders are in a single learning community. There also will be learning labs within those learning communities.

Some learning labs will accommodate groups of around 25 students, which allows a teacher to focus on a particular learning standard; others are designed for smaller groups, to encourage collaboration between students.

The furniture is different, too. Instead of traditional desks and chairs, children will have choices.

Union Park Charter Academy, being built at 32775 Oldwoods Ave., will use a technology-rich, nontraditional approach to schooling.

“They can work at high tables, for instance, or can sit with their legs crossed on the floor, with a little stand to use their iPad in front of them. The tables that we have are actually writeable surfaces on their top,” she said.

Teachers in each learning community will work together as a team, sharing the entire group of students. That arrangement fosters the opportunity to tailor instruction to each individual student, Ware said.

Teachers and students work together to create a Personalized Learning Plan (PLP). The plans are used at each grade-level and are designed to track an individual student’s strengths, weaknesses and progress in attaining a year’s worth of learning (or more), according to information provided by the school.

This process empowers students to establish and track learning goals, conduct student-led conferences, and make informed decisions as learners. Most importantly, students are challenged with the responsibility of understanding their data and learning needs in meeting or exceeding grade-level standards.

Ware, who spent the past five years in Abu Dhabi, is excited about opening the new school in Wesley Chapel.

Many parents have told her they’re pleased to have a new school within walking distance, she said.

Teachers will help children discover how they learn best, she said. The idea is to identify their learning styles and give them opportunities to embrace it, she said, “versus a more traditional way of doing school.

“There’s one-on-one technology for third grade and up,” she added.

The school will have certified teachers, and students must meet all of Florida’s standards. The school also will follow Pasco County’s school calendar and will use the school district’s meal service.

After school, there will be many options for children, she said, including a variety of clubs which could include theater, music, cooking, karate or other pursuits.

“We’ll send a survey to find out what the children’s interests are,” she said.

“Parents have asked for a little time for homework,” Ware said, so that will happen.

The school day lasts an hour longer than the district’s school day, so children attending Union Park will receive an extra hour of instruction, she said.

The before-care program starts at 6:45 a.m., in response to parent feedback, she said.

Dismissal starts at 2:45 p.m., for kindergarten through second-grade and their siblings. It begins at 3 p.m., for third grade through sixth grade.

“We’ll work with the local day care programs,” she added.

“The ultimate goal is innovation. I want our children to be given the opportunity to create. I also want teachers to be empowered to make decisions based on the children that are in front of them right now, what their needs are, how to best pull from all of this technology,” Ware said.

The school wants to set a tone that encourages parents to be involved in the Parent Teacher Cooperative, Ware said.

The aim is to create a culture that invites a close working relationship between the school and parents, said Ware, who noted that it’s already evident that parents want to be involved.

“Parents are ready. They want to participate,” the principal said.

For more information about the school, visit UnionParkAcademy.org.

Published April 25, 2018

Seeking a sensory room to serve students with autism

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Dan Reyes has often witnessed the benefits of a sensory environment for his 13-year-old son, Jacob, who has autism.

Each Sunday, his family attends LifePoint Church in New Tampa, which has a sensory room devoted to children with special needs.

“He absolutely loves going into that room,” Reyes said. “He’s happy in there. He’s active, and it’s a very engaging room when sometimes other environments are not.”

Weightman Middle School seventh-grader Jacob Reyes is one of many students with autism who could benefit from a sensory room. (Courtesy of Dan Reyes)

The caring parent also wants a similar setting made available for Jacob and his fellow classmates at Weightman Middle School, in Wesley Chapel.

So, earlier this month, Reyes launched a GoFundMe page to build a sensory room at the school, where his son is a seventh-grader.

Throughout the school year, Reyes worked closely with school administration and teachers to develop a budget plan for a fully equipped sensory room — something he hopes “will have a lasting impact for years to come.”

A sensory room is a specially designed room that combines a range of stimuli to help individuals develop and engage their senses. These can include lights, colors, sounds, sensory soft play objects, and aromas within a safe environment that allows the person using it to explore and interact without risk.

These rooms are credited with helping those who have learning difficulties, such as   developmental disabilities or sensory impairments, to learn to interact with the world around them, and build up their confidence.

Such rooms often include a variety of items with vestibular input (items that allow users to spin, swing or hang), visual input and lighting, olfactory (smell), proprioception (items that allow the user to be squished or hugged), tactile, touch, feel, and auditory output.

Some examples include swings, bouncing chairs, lava lamps, fluorescent light filters, scented oils, scented playdoh, therapy balls, mini trampolines, textured puzzles, vibrating kids toys, sound pillows, and indoor wind chimes.

Several of those items will be purchased to meet the needs of current, as well as incoming, students.

As of April 16, nearly $4,000 of the $35,000 goal has been raised on the GoFundMe page.

Additionally, the school has held a beanie baby sale, sponsored dinners and set up other fundraisers at local restaurants to make the sensory room project a reality.

Weightman Middle has about 30 students in its Access Points Social Behavior Communication Program, geared toward students with severe and continuous behavioral needs, communication and sensory needs associated with autism spectrum disorder.

For the time being, the school is utilizing a makeshift sensory space that accommodates just one student at a time. It includes a handful of donated and purchased sensory items like a piano mat, drumsticks and tumble balls, along with some other handmade playthings.

But, Weightman staff hopes to have a full-size sensory room ready by the start of the 2018-2019 school year.

This is an image of a sensory room, which is specially designed to combine a range of stimuli to help individuals develop and engage their senses. The rooms are credited with helping those who have learning difficulties, such as developmental disabilities or sensory impairments, to learn how to interact with the world around them, and build up their confidence. (Courtesy of Edutopia)

The designated room would take the place of a regular-size classroom situated in the school’s Exceptional Student Education (ESE) unit, where it’s expected to exhibit a “nature theme” on walls and carpeting.

Teachers would have the possibility of scheduling classes in the sensory room, or could take students there, as needed. The room could also be utilized at the beginning of the school day or in 30-minute break periods.

Assistant Principal Laurie Johnson, who supervises the school’s ESE department, said such a space would allow special-needs students to self-explore and find items that best meet their sensory needs to calm their behaviors.

For instance, one student may relax by spinning. Another may enjoy a swinging motion. Others, moreover, may utilize a punching bag to release frustration.

“If their sensory needs are not met, then often they can start to experience behavioral problems,” Johnson said.

Without that sensory input and output, students with autism may exhibit aggressive behaviors, such as biting and self-harm, educators explained. Others may resort to crying or the inability to stop moving.

“It’s not that they’re acting out ‘just because.’ They are acting out because they have a need and it’s not being met,” said varying exceptionalities teacher Loretta Seekins.

Having those sensory needs met helps those students become more attentive during lessons, Seekins said.

“You’re not going to get any educational benefit by a student that can’t focus,” she said.

The teacher added a sensory room would also reinforce and enhance communication and socialization skills among the school’s autistic population.

Seekins said the idea is to help students become more acclimated to being in environments where others are doing things, talking and socializing.

“It’s not something that will happen overnight, but you’re building toward that,” she said.

School behavioral specialist Leslie Monticco agrees such a room is imperative for nonverbal students to better express themselves and self-regulate. “To have somewhere to go as an escape is huge,” she said. “It is a need.”

Weightman Middle Principal Rachel Fowler has fully endorsed the sensory room.

She stressed the importance for students to receive support for all their needs, not just academically.

“We do a lot for social interaction and having that space outside of a regular classroom is essential, so they can remove themselves and truly use those other senses to help their brain,” Fowler said.

To donate to the sensory room project, visit GoFundMe.com/sensory-room-for-children-wautism.

Published April 18, 2018

Commissioners side with developer in road dispute

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The Pasco County Commission has sided with Wiregrass Ranch developers in a dispute with Pasco County Schools over covering the cost for a future road connection to Chancey Road.

Commissioners heard an appeal filed by the school district regarding a decision by the county’s Development Review Committee.

The committee had approved a new master road plan for Wiregrass that shifts Chancey Road to the south, and away from the anticipated access onto a proposed school site that is at least five years away from construction.

Scott Sheridan

The site isn’t within the borders of Wiregrass, but school district officials say construction costs would increase by $1 million, if the school board has to pay to build a road to link to Chancey Road.

The plan that was approved by the development review committee includes a compromise that would mean either the school district or developers would pay for the road work — depending on what comes first, the school or the Wiregrass development.

School officials said they had counted on the Chancey Road extension, within the original master road plan.

“Everybody liked it. It was a great plan,” said Ray Gadd, Pasco’s deputy school superintendent. “Now, we’re down to two access points, which I don’t think the commission will like. I don’t think the neighborhoods will like them.”

In the future, the school district will need the County Commission to approve a school site plan, including its entrances and exits for school buses, and other traffic.

Gadd said there are concerns the county might not approve access off Meadow Pointe Boulevard.

He also noted that English Turn Way, which is internal to Country Walk subdivision, will not appeal to homeowners.

The new school is expected to focus on mathematics and science, with appeal to students living in Wiregrass and other places, Gadd said.

The deputy superintendent also offered an unexpected compromise — which had not previously been considered.

Pasco County Commissioner Kathryn Starkey

If Wiregrass would grant the school system exclusive easement for the road segment linking to Chancey Road, the school district would build and pay for the road, Gadd said. But, when developers start building in the area, they would need to negotiate with the school district to buy the road.

“We’ll turn this beautiful road over to you, but if it costs us $500,000, we want $500,000,” Gadd said.

Scott Sheridan, representing Wiregrass Ranch owners, didn’t go for it.

“I’m not going to respond at the podium for some new proposal that popped up,” Sheridan told commissioners. “I think it’s inappropriate.”

Sheridan also pointed out that Wiregrass had met its obligations to the school district with plans for five schools within the Wiregrass Ranch community.

Three already are open, including an elementary, middle and high school. In the future, two elementary schools also could be built at Wiregrass, Sheridan said.

Sheridan agreed that the county’s compromise on who pays for the road wasn’t that appealing. But, he said, “We can figure it out and live with it. We have plenty of time to figure it out.”

Pasco County Commissioner Kathryn Starkey, who has served on the school board, was conflicted. But, she eventually sided with Wiregrass.

“I do hope you (schools) don’t have to build the road. I do hope development comes in first and builds the road,” she said. “But, I think Wiregrass has met their school requirements.”

Gadd conceded that the county might eventually approve a site plan with access off Meadow Pointe and English Turn Way.

“We feel this is a fait accompli,” he said, of the county commissioners’ vote. “Its’ a done deal, but it’s a matter of the record now.”

Published April 4, 2018

Families find out about options at Summer Camp Expo

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Parents dropped by information booths to learn about all sorts of summer options for their kids at the second annual Family Friendly Summer Camp Expo on March 24.

While parents found out more about potential summer camps and activities for their kids, the kids took advantage of the event, too.

Linda Colozza, who lives in New Tampa, was at the expo with her three children, 6-year-old Christian, 8-year-old Emma and 10-year-old Nicolas. She liked the idea of being able to pick up lots of information in just one place. (B.C. Manion)

Children could get an Easter egg from the Easter bunny, pick up treats at various booths, or try their hand at games or crafts, as they made their way around the expo.

Kids seemed to be having fun, jumping around in a bounce house, bopping around inside giant plastic balls, going for a ride down an inflatable slide or playing in a ball pit.

There was also a mobile gaming van that seemed to be attracting a sizable share of attention.

Glenn Paulsen was there, too, making balloons in all sorts of shapes, fulfilling requests, as families entered the expo, at Florida Hospital Center Ice, 3173 Cypress Ridge Blvd., in Wesley Chapel.

Parents attending the event said they found it useful.

Linda Colozza, who lives in New Tampa, was there with her three children, 6-year-old Christian, 8-year-old Emma and 10-year-old Nicolas.

“I really need to find a camp. It’s the first year that I’m working. I’ve always been a stay-at-home mom,” Colozza said.

She came to the expo because it seemed like a convenient way to find out about a lot of possible options.

“I find this is a great tool for parents who need to find the information, in one place,” Colozza said. “Otherwise, I’d be on the computer all day trying to find out about location, pricing (of summer camps).”

Monica Dromgoole, of Wesley Chapel, was there with her 8-year-old son, Slade.

She said her son has attended summer camp before, but she wanted to branch out and learn about other potential options.

Miriam Cook, founder of Family Friendly Tampa Bay, organized the expo. She said the goal was to give parents a way to get the information they need to make the best decisions for their families, while also giving exhibitors a chance to share information about their services.

Cook estimated there were about 1,500 people at the event, and she said she received lots of positive feedback, both from parents and from exhibitors.

Published March 28, 2018

Mr. Bolt was a true ‘staple’ at Wesley Chapel Elementary

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Wesley Chapel Elementary School held an open house on March 16 to celebrate the life of Dan Bolt, a 44-year-old behavioral specialist who died suddenly on March 12.

Mr. Bolt, as he was known at the elementary school, joined its staff in 2003 as a music teacher. He remained in that role until this school year, when he became a behavioral specialist.

Dan Bolt was a foster parent, who recently was able to adopt his two boys. He is shown here with his family: Duane Guy, in back, Juan Guy-Bolt, left, and Jose Guy-Bolt, and Dan Bolt, kneeling.
(Courtesy of Dan Bolt’s familyWesley Chapel Elementary)

Wesley Chapel Elementary Principal Stan Mykita, who joined the school’s staff about 18 months ago, said he immediately thought of Mr. Bolt when he had an opening for a behavioral specialist.

“I knew he was perfect for the job. I knew he had a passion for kids with trauma. He’s done an unbelievable job with those kids,” Mykita said.

“Whatever it took to get kids involved, he was going to get kids involved,” Mykita added.

The school set aside two hours for the celebration of life open house, to allow those who wanted to honor Bolt to come to the cafeteria, leave cards and letters, console one another and express their sympathy to Mr. Bolt’s family.

A video played on a continuous loop, featuring the many roles of Mr. Bolt.

One portion of the video featured him singing a solo, from the musical “Newsies,” during a performance at the Center for the Arts at Wesley Chapel.

Frame after frame in the video shows Mr. Bolt smiling — surrounded by children, colleagues, family and friends.

In one shot, he’s wearing a Ghostbusters costume. In another, he’s working the book fair.

Another frame featured a letter by a former student, Trunk Nguyen. In the handwritten note, she says Mr. Bolt has been part of her life since she was in second grade. She credits him for helping her to build her confidence and for encouraging her to join the Weightman Middle School band.

When Mr. Bolt died, she wrote, it “truly almost broke all of my heart, seeing a big inspiration to me leave the world.”

His colleagues describe him as someone who was always helping with something.

Staff members shared their thoughts about Dan Bolt on a poster near the entrance of the cafeteria at Wesley Chapel Elementary, where a celebration of life was held on March 16. (B.C. Manion)

People didn’t realize how much Mr. Bolt did, said Denise Tucker, a fifth-grade teacher.

“He would organize the kickball game, the fifth-grade picnic,” she said.

For the end of the year field trip, he would collect the money, purchase the tickets and order the T-shirts, she said.

He did all of those things, “so we could teach,” Tucker said. “He took care of the details. Whatever was necessary, he did.”

School counselor Jennifer Asaro said Mr. Bolt “touched so many people.”

“He was always an advocate for the kids, the teachers.

“Any function that we had here, he was part of — whether it was dances, the character parades, the Christmas musicals, chorus. He ran clubs. He just really cared about all of the kids,” she said.

He also was involved with the school’s All Pro Dad’s club and the school PTA.

Cindy Harper, the first principal at Wesley Chapel Elementary, hired him to join the elementary school’s staff. She recalls the enthusiastic recommendation he received from his former supervisor, who encouraged her to hire Mr. Bolt.

It was a decision she never regretted.

“He made the music classes fun,” said Harper, who drove from Dade City to attend the celebration of life in Wesley Chapel.

People of all ages were at the gathering to honor the teacher.

They hugged one another. They waited in line to offer condolences to the family.

Before the celebration, many wrote notes or signed posters that were on display near the entrance of the cafeteria.

Dan Bolt, in the white shirt and tie, poses in a group shot with Wesley Chapel Elementary students. (Courtesy of Dan Bolt’s family/Wesley Chapel Elementary)

A poster, created by students, offered a glimpse of how much he mattered. ‘Thank you for being the best teacher, ever,’ one student wrote. ‘We miss you,’ wrote another. ‘You were the best music teacher,’ another added.

Staff members also praised their former colleague. “I will always remember your smile and positive energy,” one wrote on a poster. “You were a great team player,” added another. “Thanks for all you did for our children, our community,” wrote a third.

Mr. Bolt was named the teacher of the year at Wesley Chapel Elementary in 2016 and went on to become one of the three district finalists for Pasco County Teacher of the Year.

In a video featuring his accomplishments, he was credited with setting up a 21st century music classroom with embedded technology at the school. He also helped institute the schoolwide Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) clubs, and helped to raise $100,000 for technology in the school’s classrooms.

He was known for his commitment to offering an engaging learning environment, where all children felt welcome.

He also was a generous colleague.

When Kim Mahoney was named Wesley Chapel Elementary’s teacher of the year, she said Mr. Bolt “kind of took me under his wing.”

He helped her prepare her packet for the district’s competition, and she — like Mr. Bolt — was named a district finalist, too.

“He was an amazing man. He did everything and anything around this place,” Mahoney said.

He was loyal, positive and passionate.

“He was a staple to our school,” Mahoney said.

Mr. Bolt was survived by his spouse, Duane Guy; his sons, Jose Guy-Bolt and Juan Guy-Bolt; his sisters, Sherry Bolt, Carol Sedoris and Robin Bolt; and his brothers, Robert Bolt and Thomas Bolt.

Revised March 23, 2018

Wiregrass Ranch students join national walkout

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Students across the nation walked out of classrooms on March 14, in a protest against gun violence and a call for greater action by Congress to keep students safe.

In some cities, protests were marked by students leaving their school campuses, carrying signs and chanting for greater legislative action regulating the sale of guns, particularly assault-style rifles, such as the one used to kill 17 people in a Valentine’s Day shooting spree at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland.

A large contingent of Wiregrass Ranch High School students walked out of their classrooms on the morning of March 14, as part of a national walkout to protest gun violence and demand greater action by Congress to address the problem. (B.C. Manion)

During the walkout at Wiregrass Ranch High School, 2909 Mansfield Blvd. in Wesley Chapel, the mood was subdued.

A large contingent of students gathered in the school’s courtyard, observing a minute of silence for each of the 17 people killed at the high school in Parkland.

At Wiregrass Ranch High, before reading the names, 16-year-old Bella Adams, who had organized the walkout, read a statement.

She recalled how Wiregrass Ranch High students celebrated Valentine’s Day that day.

At Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, however, she said, “a former student opened fire with an AR-15, which had been legally obtained, and killed 14 students and three teachers.

“More were injured, and all were terrified,” she said.

Students who were lucky enough to get home from school that day “went shaking and crying,” she said.

Adams said the walkout at Wiregrass Ranch was intended to honor those who had died and also to express “outrage at the relative inaction of our state and federal governments regarding gun control.

“This year alone, nearly 2,800 people have died due to gun violence or gun-related violence,” she said.

“This is not a partisan issue, nor is it something limited to adult discussion. Our schools are targets. Our lives are at risk. Nobody will stand up for us, the students of America. Nobody will speak for us, the children with long lives ahead of us. It now falls to us, the youth that are too often pushed aside and overlooked, to bring attention to gun control until our government finally acts. Starting today, we will be the change, and we will not stop until this purpose is fulfilled,” Adams said.

While Adams read the names of the victims, those in the courtyard remained silent.

Some, including Taylor Horvath and Marisa Paul, bowed their heads, signaling their respect for the victims of the shooting rampage.

Adams wasn’t the only one with a message that day.

Wiregrass Ranch High School students Taylor Horvath, left, and Marisa Paul, bow their heads as a sign of respect, as the 17 names are read, of the students and faculty members killed during the Valentine’s Day shooting spree at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland.

A group of several male students stood near the school’s flagpole, where two of them held a sign that read: “Why punish the responsible gun owner for the government’s failure to act?”

In another part of the crowd, Zachary Bosch held a sign that said “Disarming us will not protect us.”

Bosch said he thinks schools could prevent tragedies, such as the one in Parkland, by arming their teachers.

“Give them the option to be armed,” Bosch said, while noting that those who are armed should be properly trained.

Wiregrass Ranch High sanctioned the walkout.

“I believe that students should have a voice to express their concerns, their opinions,” said Wiregrass Ranch High Principal Robyn White.

Brenda Hodson, a school volunteer at Lacoochee Elementary in Dade City, made the trek from East Pasco to attend the Wiregrass Ranch High walkout.

“I’m here to support the students,” Hodson said.

In the aftermath of the Parkland shootings, Linda Cobbe, spokeswoman for Pasco County Schools, said the district has asked principals to be sure their buildings are as secure as possible, and asks everyone on school campuses to be vigilant.

“If you see something, say something,” Cobbe said.

Zachary Bosch held a sign expressing his belief that disarming people will not resolve the problem of gun violence. He thinks teachers should have the option of arming themselves, as long as they’re properly trained.

The district also is working with local law enforcement to comply with Senate Bill 7026, signed into law by Gov. Rick Scott. That calls for having a school resource officer in every school.

The district now has 37 school resource officers and will need 47 more to meet that requirement, Cobbe said.

She noted the state did not adequately fund the mandate, so that will mean “taking funds from other parts of our education budget, from classroom funds, other operating funds.

“Finding those qualified people and getting them trained in time to be in schools next year is going to be a huge challenge for the sheriff’s office,” Cobbe said.

Senate Bill 7026 also gave local school districts the option of arming nonteaching personnel, who meet training requirements.

Pasco County Schools won’t exercise that option, Cobbe said.

“We don’t plan to arm any of our staff,” she said.

After the Wiregrass Ranch High walkout, Adams said she was happy that it drew a big crowd.

“I was very glad that they maintained their silence, and that it was respectful and peaceful,” she said, despite the media presence, which had the potential of changing the tone of the gathering.

“There were some students who came out to protest our protest,” Adams said, but that didn’t bother her.

“I understand that other people have different views, and they are entitled to those views,” she said.

On the other hand, she said she’s been somewhat taken aback by some of the comments she’s read by adults that have been posted on social media.

“It’s interesting to see how many of them believe that us, teenagers, only participated in that event to skip class,” she said.

One comment she saw described protesting youths as being “liberal sheep.”

“The backlash of some people … is honestly inspiring me to do more,” Adams said. “It’s not a discussion limited to adults. This is affecting us as much as anyone else.”

She said she and other students from Wiregrass Ranch, Wesley Chapel and Wharton high schools all plan to participate in the March for Our Lives event planned for March 24.

Marches are planned in different locations, including Washington D.C.

The Tampa Bay version includes a rally and march beginning at 10 a.m., at Kiley Garden, the elevated section of Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park, in downtown Tampa.

Published March 21, 2018

Pasco commissioners approve business park

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The Pasco County Commission liked the business park, but couldn’t stand its proposed name.

“Vibrant Sun (Business Park) would sound like I’m going to a casino,” Pasco County Commissioner Mike Moore said.

Pasco County Commissioner Mike Moore

So, instead of being called the Vibrant Sun Business Park, the new development site will be known as Overpass Business Park.

The business park, which will be located on 91 acres at Overpass and Old Pasco roads, has been approved for 2.2 million square feet of office and industrial space.

The county’s Office of Economic Growth submitted the project as part of its efforts to provide “site-ready” parcels for industrial and business park developments. Such sites are offered on speculation.

By taking care of land use and zoning matters, county officials believe these types of parcels are developed sooner.

The site is in an area of northeastern Pasco that is quickly developing with new residential and commercial projects, including the Epperson and Mirada master-planned communities.

Advanced manufacturing or a research facility would be an asset to the area, Pasco County Commissioner Jack Mariano said.

“It puts us in a tremendous position to create jobs,” Mariano added.

Some area residents, however, are worried about growth, traffic, loss of property values, and encroachment of industrial into rural neighborhoods.

Pasco County Commissioner Jack Mariano

Jean Ann Jakes spoke against the project during the hearing before the Pasco County commissioners on March 14 in Dade City. She also objected to the project previously at the Development Review Committee meeting in January. A handful of other residents also raised concerns.

However, the review committee recommended approval of the project.

The business park won’t fit in be with the surrounding area, Jakes said.

“Everybody else is agricultural and residential,” she said. “It’s not compatible at all. It’s going to cause more traffic. There is nothing light industry around us.”

Traffic will only get worse, Jakes added, noting that school buses pick up and deliver students to area schools.

“I’m sure Old Pasco Road is going to be widened,” said Pasco County Commissioner Ron Oakley. “It should be widened. It needs to be four-laned already.”

The Florida Department of Transportation is widening State Road 52, east and west of Interstate 75. The state agency also plans to build a new interchange at Overpass Road and I-75.

Old Pasco Road intersects State Road 52, west of I-75. That stretch of state highway is being widened from two lanes to six lanes, from west of Old Pasco to east of Corporate Boulevard.

There are no immediate plans to widen Old Pasco Road, but county officials said right-of-way for the widening would come from the business park, not from area residents’ home sites.

Published March 21, 2018