The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

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Dog flu hits Florida — and it’s contagious

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It’s called the dog flu, and it has hit the Sunshine State.

The first confirmed case of the new H3N2 strain was reported in Deland over Memorial Day weekend.

According to the University of Florida, the strain entered the state from dogs and people who have attended a dog show.

The new dog flu virus is characterized by persistent coughing, along with sneezing and nasal discharge. Many infected dogs experience a fever, decreased appetite and lethargy during the first few days of illness. Unlike other forms of dog flu, whose symptoms and risk of contagion only last for about a week, the H3N2 strain is contagious for at least 26 days and can live on surfaces for up to 24 hours, health officials say. (Courtesy of American Kennel Club)

Now, more than 30 cases of canine influenza have been reported across the state, mainly in northeast and central Florida.

No cases have been reported in Hillsborough or Pasco counties, but it has reached Orlando.

The “highly contagious” H3N2 virus first infected about 1,000 dogs in Chicago in 2015, and since has spread to more than 30 states.

And, it’s more perilous than the H3N8 strain, first identified in Florida in 2004 in racing greyhounds.

The new virus is characterized by persistent coughing, along with sneezing and nasal discharge.

Many infected dogs experience a fever, decreased appetite and lethargy during the first few days of illness.

Unlike other forms of dog flu, which have symptoms and risk of contagion lasting only for about a week, the H3N2 strain is contagious for at least 26 days and can live on surfaces for up to 24 hours, health officials say.

That means it can spread through toys, leashes, kennel crates, dishes and floors, along with contaminated hands and clothing; frequent hand washing with soap and water, normal laundering of clothing and bedding, and washing food/water bowls and toys with soap is strongly advised.

Some local pharmacies and animal hospitals are offering vaccines to combat the H3N2 canine influenza virus, also known as dog flu. The first confirmed case of the new H3N2 strain was reported in Deland over Memorial Day weekend. More than 30 cases of canine influenza have been reported across the state, mainly in northeast and central Florida. No cases have been reported yet in Hillsborough or Pasco counties. (Kevin Weiss)

The University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine says there is no evidence the disease can infect humans, but it can spread to cats.

Dr. Cynda Crawford, of the University of Florida’s Maddie’s Shelter Medicine Program, said the virus is an “imminent threat” to dogs statewide.

“We’re probably just seeing the tip of the iceberg,” she said. “It is very important for both veterinarians and dog owners in the state of Florida to have very heightened awareness of the presence of this virus in the state.”

The flu can infect all canine dogs, regardless of breed, age or health status, according to Dr. Moses Kawalya, of Pet Point Animal Hospital in Lutz.

“All dogs are at risk; there’s no preferential breed,” he said.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says the H3N2 disease is an avian flu virus that adapted and since spread to dogs. It was first detected in South Korea in 2007 before making its way to the United States in 2015.

No end appears in sight.

“Viruses generally have aggressive potential for mutation, so it’s possible that you can get one strain under control, and then another comes later on, which could be more contagious than the other ones before,” Kawalya explained.

Fortunately, most dogs recover from H3N2 without complications, health officials say.

But, some can develop “life-threatening” pneumonia, if the dog isn’t under the care of a veterinarian with proper treatments.

The best prevention is vaccination.

The Hillsborough County’s Pet Resource Center is taking steps to protect against the latest, highly contagious mutation of canine influenza. The facility, at 440 N. Falkenburg Road, is now closed to the public on Mondays to give veterinary staff more time to examine dogs and allow shelter staff to conduct weekly deep cleanings for added disease prevention. Beginning July 1, pet intake will end an hour earlier, at 6 p.m. (Courtesy of Hillsborough County)

“The more dogs that we can vaccinate and build up community immunity, the better chance we have of keeping this virus out of a community,” said Crawford.

“It is all about using vaccines to build a wall — an immune barrier to stop the virus from entry.”

Dogs are most at-risk when around other dogs that may be sick or in areas other dogs hang out at. Nose-to-nose contact with other dogs is one of the ways dogs can contract the virus.

Dog parks, pet stores, pet day care centers and grooming salons are also examples of places canines can contract the dog flu from, if a contagious dog has been there.

Besides public places, dog shows are particularly risky, Crawford said.

“This is a clear problem in the dog show population,” she said.

“I think it is a high risk to take dogs to dog shows at this time, because there could be dogs that are infected and contagious to other dogs,” Crawford added.

She also noted canines that mainly stay within the confines of their homes or yard are least at-risk.

Though she still recommends vaccination, in case an emergency arises.

“Most dogs are probably in a risk group for exposure,” Crawford said. “Their risk for exposure increases significantly, if the virus has been documented to be circulating in the community and state where they live.”

Despite the virus’ rise, some local residents don’t plan to vaccinate their dogs, yet.

Sharon Espinola, a Lutz resident who owns a 5-year-old border collie mix, said she doesn’t believe her dog, Leo, needs the flu vaccine.

Dr. Cynda Crawford, of the University of Florida’s Maddie’s Shelter Medicine Program, said the H3N2 virus is an ‘imminent threat’ to dogs statewide. (Courtesy of University of Florida)

“Given his age and health status, and the fact that we don’t go to dog parks, I feel like he’s not at risk,” she said. “Now, if it looked like it was more widespread and was something that was really going to impact his health negatively, I would certainly take a second look at it.”

Nevertheless, she’s still monitoring the disease to see if it reaches the Tampa Bay region.

“I think being aware is really important,” she said, “and, if you have a dog with a compromised immune system, I think it would definitely be something to look at.”

Terri Garey, a Lutz resident who owns two Yorkillons, hasn’t vaccinated, either.

“I haven’t had the dogs vaccinated because their contact with other dogs is very limited. We don’t board them or take them to the dog park,” Garey wrote in an email to The Laker/Lutz News.

For pet owners who think their dog has become infected, Kawalya suggests calling their veterinarian ahead so they can take precautionary measures.

“The vet has to make sure they minimize any exposure to any dog that may be at the vet’s office,” he said. “They may want to bring the dog through a separate door or entrance.”

Meanwhile, the Hillsborough County’s Pet Resource Center is taking steps to protect against the latest, highly contagious mutation of canine influenza.

The facility, at 440 N. Falkenburg Road, is now closed to the public on Mondays to give veterinary staff more time to examine dogs and allow shelter staff to conduct weekly deep cleanings for added disease prevention; the closure will give the dogs and cats a day of rest from constant human interaction.

Beginning July 1, pet intake will end an hour earlier, at 6 p.m., to allow more time for the veterinary staff to examine dogs that are received at the end of the day.

Also beginning July 1, owners who surrender dogs will be asked to make appointments so the facility can proactively combat outside contamination.

Additionally, county residents bringing in dogs or cats that are coughing or sneezing will be asked to keep the pet outside of the Pet Resource Center and contained in the resident’s vehicle to avoid possible contamination, whereby veterinary staff will provide an initial examination prior to the pet entering the building to ensure the safety of the pets inside the building.

Published June 21, 2017

Local gymnast reaches ‘elite’ status

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Hard work is paying off for Kristen Ng.

The 17-year-old, who will be a senior at Wiregrass Ranch High School, can lay claim to being one of the nation’s premier rhythmic gymnasts.

Kristen Ng earned Level 10 Elite status at last month’s USA Gymnastics Rhythmic National Qualifier in Lake Placid, New York. She now will compete at the 2017 USA National Gymnastics Championships in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Ng, 17, will be a senior at Wiregrass Ranch High School. (Courtesy of Angie Ng)

Last month she earned Level 10 Elite status — the highest level possible — at the USA Gymnastics Rhythmic National Qualifier in Lake Placid, New York.

Only the top 20 senior finishers in the qualifier earn Level 10 Elite status, while the remaining 20 percent of competitors earn Level 10 status.

Ng placed 17th, recording an all-around 44.50 score, earning her a bid to the 2017 USA National Gymnastics Championships in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

The national event, which runs from June 27 through July 2, is reserved for the top 20 qualifying seniors and top 25 juniors from rhythmic.

If Ng finishes in the top eight, she’ll be selected to the USA Gymnastics Rhythmic National Team, to compete internationally.

For Ng, reaching elite status was a “life goal” — nearly a decade in the making.

“I was so happy,” said Ng, who lives in Wesley Chapel. “They called up my name, and I started crying; it was just an amazing feeling.”

The achievement was likewise moving for Ng’s longtime instructor, Tyana Marlowe.

“It was a big cry fest of happy tears,” said Marlowe, who owns and operates Tampa Bay Rhythmics in Riverview.

Ng’s journey to the top wasn’t easy.

For years, she’s practiced more than 20 hours a week, in four-hour sessions on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays — all to perfect four, 90-second routines, using a ribbon, a hoop, a ball and clubs.

Ng competed as a Level 4 gymnast at age 9, but began training with Tampa Bay Rhythmics about two years before that.

Her potential was evident early on.

But, first she had to correct some flaws.

For instance, Ng’s hand-eye coordination needed development.

Her turn-out (supination in thigh joints) needed refinement, too.

Kristen Ng performs her club routine during the 2017 Caribbean Star Rhythmic Gymnastics Invitational in Bayamon, Puerto Rico. She was the highest-ranking American all-around.

“She’s come a long way,” Marlowe said. “We saw that she had a lot of natural flexibility, but she had a lot of things we had to work on.”

Her rhythmic expression always stood out, however.
It’s what consistently earns her high marks from judges today.

“She’s very clean,” Marlowe explained. “She has the nice extended legs, pointed toes — those are her two strengths.”

Ng’s ability to be graceful and dramatic also makes her a “well-rounded gymnast,” Marlowe added.
Typically, Ng and other gymnasts at Tampa Bay Rhythmics stretch for an hour then work on their skills, using each rhythmic apparatus.

The ribbon is attached to a stick and must be kept in motion showing patterns, such as spirals, snakes and figure eights. It also is used in the air and on the floor.

In the ball exercise, gymnasts roll, throw, bounce, catch and trap the ball while trying to make it appear to be an extension of their body. The hoop, similar to a Hula-Hoop, is decorated with tape to match the athlete’s leotard. The hoop can be circled, rolled, spun and tossed. A gymnast can pass over or through the hoop. One typical movement is the “boomerang,” rolling the hoop forward with a snap of the wrist to make it roll back.

Gymnasts must be precise, graceful, strong
Routines — and corresponding music — are developed and interchanged each year.

The gymnasts need to be smart, strong and have adequate stamina.

“It’s a high-intensive sport,” Ng said.

“It’s a nice combination of gymnastics and dance,” Marlowe said. “You don’t have the danger of the gymnastics, and you have a little bit more than the dance.”

“It’s not just dance, it’s a little bit more like a challenge to it,” the coach said.

According to Marlowe, the sport is quickly growing, thanks to better USA Olympic performances.

“It’s mostly a Russian-Bulgarian dominated sport, but the USA has really been climbing the ladder,” Marlowe said.

Ng also has noticed the heightened interest.

“In school, a lot more people know it now,” Ng said. “They’ll be like, ‘Oh, rhythmic gymnastics — I know what that is,’ versus before they were like, ‘What?’”

Kristen Ng displays balance, grace and flexibility in her ribbon routine. It is one of four apparatus she uses in rhythmic gymnastics, including hoop, ball and clubs.

Like artistic gymnastics and figure skating, rhythmic gymnasts are judged on their technical skills and artistry.

It’s why countless hours of repetition are required.

Finding ways to stay motivated year-round is a must, too.

“We work a lot on goals, and setting goals,” Marlowe explained. “There’s always something you can make better, so we always try and do little specific things.”

Meanwhile, Ng’s passion for the sport has remained steady.

Her favorite routine is ball-based, which she describes as “upbeat and spunky.”
“You have to be able to enjoy it; that’s why it’s lasted so long,” Ng said.

“The fact that you add one extra (apparatus) makes everything all the more challenging; making these cool tricks with the equipment is like my favorite thing.”

Staying calm while she competes
Her talents have taken her all over North America.

Besides local competitions throughout Florida, Ng has traveled throughout the United States, from New York to California to Las Vegas, and made stops in Canada and Puerto Rico.

Often, she wins.

At the Florida State Championships in March, Ng placed first in the Level 9 Senior division for her hoop routine.

In April, she won first-place all-around at the 2017 Rhythmic Gymnastics Region 6 Championships in Dania Beach, Florida.

She later became the highest-ranking all-around American at the 2017 Caribbean Star Rhythmic Gymnastics Invitational in Bayamon, Puerto Rico.

And, wherever she goes, she follows her competition regimen.

Before each event, she makes sure to get a good night’s sleep.
And, immediately before hitting the main stage, she prays and takes calm, deep breaths.

Instead of judging herself against others, she likes to compare herself against her previous achievements.

The formula has worked well.

“Of course, you’re competing against other competitors, but if you look at it that way, you’re going to get way too nervous,” her coach explained. “You have to compete against yourself.”

Despite Ng’s national success, the upcoming 2017-2018 season might be her last, as there are no college scholarships for rhythmic gymnastics.

However, Ng wants to stay involved with the sport, likely as a coach and judge.

She’s also considering a part-time dance career, aiming for premier Cirque de Soleil shows.

Published June 14, 2017

Pasco County projects axed by Gov. Scott

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Gov. Rick Scott signed an $83 billion budget for 2018 and used his veto pen to slash nearly $22 million earmarked for Pasco County projects.

In total Scott struck out nearly $410 million from local projects across Florida.

Gov. Rick Scott (File)

Pasco lost about $15 million for a new interchange to connect Overpass Road with Interstate 75, and $4.3 million for the Thomas Varnadoe Forensic Center for Education and Research.

The interchange would be a major link in providing more access to Wesley Chapel and east Pasco, where residential and commercial development is booming.

A groundbreaking and dedication ceremony was held in May for the Adam Kennedy Forensics Field, located in Land O’ Lakes, near the planned forensic center. The body farm and forensic center would become the seventh in the nation to study body decomposition as a tool in solving crimes, and identifying victims of murder or other trauma.

The forensic center is planned jointly with Pasco County, the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office, Pasco-Hernando State College and the University of South Florida’s Institute for Forensics and Applied Science.

Two budget items totaling nearly $1 million to clean out and repair the county’s culverts, and ease the threat of flooding are gone as well.

The Pasco County Fair Association also lost about $860,000 for proposed upgrades to the Pasco County Extension Office. And, Saint Leo University won’t get $4 million for a proposed Florida Hospital Wellness Center.

Scott had a joint press conference on June 2 with Speaker of the House Richard Corcoran, a Republican from Land O’ Lakes, and Senate President Joe Negron, a Republican from Stuart. The trio announced a funding deal had been reached following weeks of speculation that Scott might veto the entire budget. Instead, the governor wielded his veto power, and called legislators back for a three-day special session from June 7 through June 9.

The agenda will include increases to annual per pupil spending from kindergarten through 12th grade; creation of an $85 million Florida Job Growth Grant Fund; and, restoring funds to Visit Florida and Enterprise Florida.

Scott has said he will not veto a controversial education bill that Corcoran favored. It creates a School of Hope program that would subsidize charter schools in areas where public schools are considered failing.

There currently are no plans to include discussion of how to regulate medical marijuana. Voters overwhelmingly approved medical marijuana in a 2016 referendum, but legislators have been split on how many dispensaries to allow.

Scott also cut these Pasco projects:

  • $750,000 for Pasco Regional STEM School/Tampa Bay Region Aeronautics
  • $500,000 for a study of the Clinton Avenue Intersection Re-alignment at U.S. 98 and U.S. 301
  • $350,000 for U.S. 301/Re-imagine Gall Boulevard

Published June 6, 2017

2017 graduates given second chance with new program

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Graduating from high school typically is a special day for members of the graduating class, and their families.

But, there’s a group in Wesley Chapel High’s Class of 2017 for whom graduation on May 26 at the University of South Florida Sun Dome was particularly meaningful.

Mauricio Lorenzo worked right up to the last day before graduating with Wesley High School’s Class of 2017. He took advantage of a second-chance program that allowed him to make up for lost time.
(Courtesy of Wesley Chapel High School)

That’s because these students — among the approximately 380 graduates from the school —were offered a second chance, and they took it.

Eighteen-year-old Mauricio Lorenzo, who lives in Lexington Oaks, is one of those graduates.

“Since February, I’ve been in the program, trying to recover as many credits as I possibly can,” said Lorenzo, who had to take several courses including English, math, biology and World History, to graduate on time.

He finished his work around noon; graduation was set for 8 p.m.

“I’ve been here like 10, 11 hours a day for the past week or two,” Lorenzo said during an interview on May 23. He planned to keep at it right up to the last day, to try to graduate with his peers.

Lorenzo was one of 20 students enrolled in the Support our Students program, new to Wesley Chapel High, this year.

Students from the high school that are good candidates for the program normally are sent to James Irvin Education Center, in Dade City, explained Danielle Johnson, principal at Wesley Chapel High.

However, James Irvin didn’t have enough seats to accommodate all of the Wesley Chapel students who could benefit from the program, the principal said.

So, she allocated a room with 20 computers and a teacher to establish the program at her school.

The idea is to give students a chance to make up the work they need, or raise their grade point average, so they can meet graduation requirements.

In some cases, the students are recovering credits for classes they failed. In other cases, they’re starting a course from scratch.

The program uses online instruction, with a teacher accessing the courses that students need.

Johnson, who has been an assistant principal at the school for several years became principal this year when Carin Hetzler-Nettles moved to Cypress Creek Middle High, set to open in the fall.

Johnson said she knew she had made the right decision when students began coming up to thank her for the second chance.

Lorenzo is one of those grateful students.

“I’m kicking myself now, but I’m very appreciative and very glad that I get the chance to do this — and make up for the mistakes I’ve made in the past.

“The normal school system, I didn’t really connect with it,” Lorenzo said.

“At one point, I had felt like I had given up on the school system. I felt like they had given up on me,” he said.

Lorenzo said his attitude changed, when he was given the opportunity to join the program.

“It made me realize: These people are giving me a second chance,” Lorenzo said.

The program is demanding.

“There are certain things you need to know beforehand,” Lorenzo said.

“They will take electronics away from you.

“You are taken out of the normal population of the school. You won’t eat lunch with the same people. You are going to be basically isolated, and set apart from everybody else, to ensure that you’re working hard,” he added.

But, the potential payoff is worth it, said Lorenzo, who aspires to go into music, and plans to pursue a real estate license, too.

Now that he’s made up for lost time, Lorenzo offers this advice for other students: “Focus on completing things the right way the first time. “

After all, he observed: “No matter where you go, no matter what you’re doing, you’re going to have to put the work in, if you want to get anywhere or do anything — here, or just anywhere.”

Johnson plans to keep the program going next year.

“Every kid has a different path,” she said. “That’s what we should remember. Some kids, it takes a little longer to master the concepts. Some students, it takes a little bit longer to mature.

“This is a great way for us to say, ‘We’re not giving up on you. You can still make it. And, here’s how we’re going to give you a chance to make it’,” the principal said.

Published May 31, 2017

Pasco students showcase their talents

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The talent was endless.

The applause was, too.

Special needs students from seven Pasco County schools displayed their unique skills on May 17 before more than 100 parents, peers and school faculty.

David Dixon, of Wesley Chapel High School, sings the national anthem during the eighth annual Showcase for Exceptional Talent on May 17, where special needs students from seven Pasco County schools displayed their unique skills.
(Kevin Weiss)

The eighth annual Showcase for Exceptional Talent was held at the Wesley Chapel High School Center for the Arts auditorium.

From dancing and singing/duets, to lip-syncing and comedy skits, there was no shortage of fun and entertainment.

The two-hour show featured more than 30 routines from dozens of exceptional student education (ESE) students.

Performers hailed from Wesley Chapel, Ridgewood, Wiregrass Ranch and Zephyrhills high schools; Seven Springs and Weightman middle schools; and, Watergrass Elementary.

On the main stage, students exhibited passion and confidence with each act.

The crowd responded with roaring applause and enthusiastic cheers.

Everyone seemed to be sharing an enjoyable time.

Wiregrass Ranch’s Nicholas Jones enlivened the audience as he jammed away at his guitar during a solo performance of “Wherever I May Roam” by Metallica.

Wesley Chapel High’s Regan Black left observers awestruck when she belted out the catchy sing-along tune of “Don’t Worry About a Thing” by Tori Kelly.

Acts such as a SpongeBob SquarePants reenactment and roaming “Comedy Chickens” generated hearty laughs.

During breaks, Wesley Chapel High’s Anthony Minnick and Shawn Zupnick served as emcees. They kept things moving with their dialogue and introductions, erasing any chance of a dull moment during the show.

Heather Farnsworth, a behavioral specialist at Wesley Chapel High, has coordinated the event for the past five years.

From her perspective, the talent show provides an “amazing” experience for special needs students countywide.

“It gives them a huge sense of community to come out and spend this time together,” Farnsworth said. “I don’t think they get the recognition that most of the other kids get; it’s something fun and exciting for them to do to showcase their amazing talents.”

Parent Dale Kimball expressed his appreciation for the annual event.

Kimball’s 15-year son, Paul, has autism.

His son was part of a Wesley Chapel High group ensemble that performed a remixed version of Randy Newman’s “You Got a Friend in Me.”

“This is the closest to a stage that most of these kids will ever get to,” Kimball said. “To me, it’s beautiful.

“Seeing ‘exceptional student’ and ‘talent’ in the same title puts a tear in my eye,” he added.

Kimball also credited Wesley Chapel High’s Exceptional Student Education department for encouraging reluctant students, like Paul, to participate in the event.

“They have a way of kind of building them up,” Kimball said, “even if it’s a very, very small thing.”

The ninth annual Showcase for Exceptional Talent is slated for sometime in mid-October.

Published May 24, 2017

Royal Lanes prepares to turn off the lights for good

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It’s a place where leagues have battled for cash prizes and bragging rights, and little kids have had birthday parties.

For some, it’s been a gathering spot with friends after work to bowl a few games and enjoy a few pitchers. For others, it was where they hung out when they were kids.

Andre Pamplona, general manager for Royal Lanes, said the closing of a bowling alley has an impact on the community.
(B.C. Manion)

Soon, however Royal Lanes bowling center, at 1927 Brinson Road in Lutz, will welcome its final bowlers and pack up its pins for good.

The last day of operation will be May 21, said Andre Pamplona, the bowling center’s general manager.

The bowling alley has been owned for a quarter-century by Sandy and Neville Woolf, of Canada, but they’ve decided to sell, Pamplona said.

“My group was trying to purchase it. That’s what we came up to do, to try to salvage it and keep it a bowling center, but we got outbid. And, that’s it,” Pamplona said.

“I knew of a potential sale to the other group. We were doing our best to try to finalize our deal. The numbers just wouldn’t work,” Pamplona said. “The land just got overvalued.”

He’s not sure what the future use of the site will be, but he has heard that the building will be renovated for another use that has something to do with the automotive industry.

He’s sorry to see Royal Lanes go, not just because he worked there, but because the community will miss it.

“One of the things that owners don’t calculate is the impact to the community,” Pamplona said.

Soon this sign will be replaced by a new business occupying the site on Brinson Road, just off North Dale Mabry Highway, in Lutz.

But, he said he understands that the owner is making a business decision

Still, Pamplona said, “Land O’ Lakes will suffer. Land O’ Lakes will hurt. People will have to drive out of their way to go to bowling centers.”

Plus, bowlers are losing a gathering spot where many have been coming for decades.

“There’s such a value … it’s intangible, you can’t put a dollar to it,” Pamplona said.

Royal Lanes had 437 bowlers in five full adult leagues and two youth leagues. One of the youth leagues was purely youths and the other was a youth-adult league, where kids bowled with their parents, he said.

“Most of the leagues are going to stay together,” he said, and most have already decided to go another bowling center,” he said.

The closest bowling alleys are at Old State Road 54 and Little Road; on Hillsborough Avenue, across from Tampa International Airport; on Armenia Avenue, south of Hillsborough Avenue; and on U.S.301 in Zephyrhills.

Ultimately, some bowlers may choose to join different leagues at bowling centers that are more convenient for them, he noted.

This is the exterior of Royal Lanes, in Lutz. Lots of memories have been made within this building, which opened during the 1970s.

Most of Royal Lanes’ 18 employees also have relocated to another alley, Pamplona said, although he’s not sure what he’s going to do.

“I’ve got some options in the industry. I’ve got some options out of the industry,” he said.

When Royal Lanes ceases operations, it will no longer be a place where the clatter of bowling pins competes with memories of days gone by.

“Our Wednesday morning league is called The Lakerettes,” Pamplona said. “They’ve been bowling here, since basically the beginning.”

Royal Lanes is also the place where the Betty Strickland, who has since passed on, developed a reputation for her bowling prowess and her kindly nature.

Chances were, if you were looking for Strickland on a weekday, she’d be over at Royal Lanes.

Some days, she was known to roll as many as 10 games, but typically, she threw four or five.

One of Strickland’s biggest moments at the bowling alley came on Jan. 9, 2006, when she bowled 300 — a perfect game.

At the time, Strickland was the nation’s third-oldest woman to bowl a perfect game, according to a report published by The Tampa Tribune.

It’s also a place that figures prominently into the memory of Rachel Thompson, who worked at the bowling alley when she was young and now works at The Laker/Lutz News.

Thompson threw her perfect game at Royal Lanes. Her big moment came on Nov. 9, 2012.

Published May 17, 2017

Hearings authorized for impact fee hike

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The Pasco County Commission has set into motion the process for boosting school impact fees, which are charged against new residential construction to help pay for new schools.

Commissioners directed county staff to set up a hearing before the Development Review Committee and to establish two public hearing dates on a proposal to boost school impact fees.

In pushing the issue forward, commissioners rejected a recommendation by the School Infrastructure Funding Committee, which they had appointed to study funding needs and potential revenue sources for school construction.

New houses are springing up across Pasco County, prompting the need for more schools. The Pasco County Commission has authorized public hearings to consider a rate hike in school impact fees charged against new residential construction, except for in age-restricted communities for those 55 and older.
(B.C. Manion)

That committee recommended the County Commission adopt the full impact fee recommended by a school district consultant, provided the Pasco County School Board votes to put at least a quarter-cent sales tax on the 2018 ballot, so voters can decide the issue.

County commissioners didn’t like that idea.

“I’m not very keen on the recommendation for this board to attempt to almost hijack the process, or tie the school board’s hands by forcing them to go out and raise the sales tax. That makes me uncomfortable,” Commission Chairman Mike Moore said.

“It’s not my job as a county commissioner to tell the school board members what they should do,” Moore said. “I do not want them to feel that we’re forcing them to do something.”

Commissioner Mike Wells agreed: “I don’t think we should tell them what to do.”

Wells also agreed with Commissioners Kathryn Starkey and Jack Mariano, who said the board needs to help the school district to tackle the need for new schools.

“We’ve got to help our youth. It comes down to ‘What’s the amount?’,’” Wells said.

Starkey, a former school board member, said, “I believe the school district needs help. It’s unfortunate that our state is, in my opinion, not funding needs at an adequate level, and I guess now it comes to the local government to help schools.”

Mariano added: “I think it’s clear that everyone agrees they need the full fee.”

The new fee would be tiered, based on the square footage of a house.
As it stands now, the proposed school impact fee would be $7,539 for a house with less than 1,500 square feet; $9,785 for a house larger than 1,500 square feet, but less than 2,500 square feet; and $12,028 for a residence exceeding 2,500 square feet.

The ordinance also would include a provision that allows the fee to go up or down each year, based on construction costs.

Those figures are subject to change, based on the County Commission’s vote after the Development Review Committee’s meeting and the two public hearings.

Any new impact fee would take effect 90 days after approval by the County Commission.

Even if the county adopts the highest rate, school district officials estimate a $284 million shortfall in revenue needed for capital construction during the next decade.

The district says that the impact fees would be used to build Cypress Creek Middle, Starkey Ranch Kindergarten through Eighth Grade, a high school with a location to be determined and an elementary school in the Wesley Chapel area.

The district is already feeling the squeeze and conditions are expected to worsen, as an estimated 20,000 students are projected to arrive in the district during the next 10 years.

Some relief is expected, as Bexley Elementary and Cypress Creek Middle High are set to open in the fall.

But, as residential growth continues to march through Pasco, the school district will have to come up with additional revenues to pay for schools needed to accommodate increased enrollment, said Ray Gadd, deputy superintendent for Pasco County Schools. Boosting impact fees is only part of the solution, he said.

Published May 10, 2017

A ‘Safe Place’ for Dade City

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The door is always left open — until someone is in danger.

It’s called “Safe Place.”

And it’s situated directly inside the lobby of the new Dade City police station, at 38030 Meridian Ave.

Signage went up last month for ‘Safe Place,’ an 8-by-12 room designed for citizens seeking shelter from danger, abuse or both.
(Kevin Weiss)

While “Safe Place” signage was installed just last month, the 8-by-12 room has been operable since the 12,000-square-foot building opened in January 2016.

Geared toward protecting against domestic violence incidents, citizens seeking shelter from danger, abuse or both can enter the chamber and simply shut the door.

Once closed, the room locks, dispatch is alerted and a Dade City police officer is summoned from an adjacent back door.

The area, replete with comfortable lounge chairs, is soundproof and bulletproof.

It’s under video surveillance, too.

In domestic incidents, an officer intervention is required before an individual may exit, said Brian Uppercue, the department’s spokesman.

“Once that door is closed, there’s no way for them to get out, even if they had a change of heart,” Uppercue said.

“We’ve had a couple uses for it already,” added Dade City Police Chief Ray Velboom.

Fingerprinting and noncustodial interviews— of victims and witnesses — are also conducted inside the “Safe Place” confines.

According to Uppercue, the space supplements the department’s ‘soft’ and ‘hard’ interview rooms, specifically in complex cases, “to keep all the parties separate.”

The Dade City police station became operable in January 2016.
(Courtesy of Dade City Police)

That way, folks aren’t passing through “the belly of the police department.”

Besides dire instances, the “protected” area is also employed for property returns and pickups.

The “Safe Place” concept materialized in the station’s design phase a few years ago, Velboom said.

In the old building, at 38042 Pasco Ave., residents often would file police reports in the lobby.

“There was no place to talk to those folks, so they were being interviewed right out in the lobby, in the open,” Velboom said. “We wanted…something that was a little more secure, a little more private.”

The idea follows another public-use offering, initiated by the department.

Last April, the department unveiled a “Safety Exchange Zone,” in its parking lot, permitting locals to meet up to sell or buy items through eBay, Craigslist or other websites.

The department currently has two parking spaces designated in its main lot off Pasco Avenue, behind the new municipal complex on Meridian Avenue.
The area is lighted and has video surveillance.

The safety zone helps reduce the potential danger of meeting with strangers to make a purchase, which was arranged online.

One such transaction, which was conducted in an east Tampa neighborhood in February, turned deadly.

James Beck, a 44-year-old Holiday resident, was shot dead Feb. 2 during a dirt bike sale arranged through Craigslist, multiple outlets reported.

Beyond transactions, the “Safe Exchange Zone” is used for custody exchanges.

“If you’re in a bad relationship, and you’re meeting at the police station, it’s going to temper everything down a little bit,” the police chief explained.

“It’s just a nice, safe, neutral area,” Uppercue added.

The “safe” areas are just two of the many features at the Dade City police station.

Besides its four holding cells, there’s enhanced evidence-processing laboratory, extra space for K-9 officers and evidence, and a high-tech Emergency Operations Center (EOC).

There’s also a designated room for weapons cleaning, equipped with an ultrasonic cleaner, air gun and vent system.

The $6.2 million building, which is combined with City Hall, was handled by St-Petersburg-based Wannemacher Jenson Architects, though some work at the police department was subcontracted to Generator Studio, an architecture firm in Kansas City, Missouri.

“We used the best concepts of a lot of police designs all around the country,” Uppercue said.
And, it sure beats the department’s previous digs.

“It was just this little cracker box; it didn’t have the technology this building has,” he said.

Published May 3, 2017

Drawing portraits, one pet at a time

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John LaFree was always told he couldn’t make a living as an artist.

But he created a career with his artistic talents, as the proprietor of Canine Caricature Pet Portraits.

Freelance and self-employed, LaFree operates his easel out of the comfy confines of his Wesley Chapel home.

The pieces he produces are anything but ordinary.
LaFree, 42, puts a “fun and whimsical spin” on the traditional pet portrait, creating an original hand-drawn work of art based on a combination of submitted photos, descriptions and requests.

John LaFree, of Wesley Chapel, launched Canine Caricature Pet Portraits in 2010. The 42-year-old puts a ‘fun and whimsical spin’ on the traditional pet portrait, creating an original hand-drawn work of art based on a combination of submitted photos, descriptions and requests.
(Kevin Weiss)

His custom illustrations — drawn on 12-inch by 16-inch paper using markers and Prismacolor art stix — serve as a unique interpretation of pets, incorporating the owner’s lifestyle to form “a very personal and collaborative project.”
“Oftentimes when people are giving me their descriptions, they’re talking about what they imagine their dog is thinking about,” said LaFree. “I can manipulate it and go in any direction, whether it’s something the dog enjoys doing, the dog enjoys playing with, or maybe it’s something you enjoy doing.”

The artsy influences are bred from his youth, when he doodled and pored over MAD Magazine and Gary Larson’s The Far Side.

Though dogs are the primary focus, Lafree’s portraits have expanded to include cats, horses, hamsters, ferrets, rabbits, snakes and turtles.

“It literally can be any animal,” he said. “I market myself as Canine Caricatures, but it’s easily feline, equine, bovine.”

The creative venture began in 2010, following stints as a caricature artist at Busch Gardens and the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, in Ohio.

An example of one of LaFree’s recent pet portraits.
(Courtesy of John LaFree)

Before that, LaFree was a stage actor, with a few appearances in small films and television.

Besides Florida and Ohio, his career led him to California, Colorado and New Mexico.

The shift from actor to artist happened “almost overnight.”

“I think the whole time I was trying to be an actor, I was ready to not be an actor anymore,” LaFree explained. “I wasn’t enjoying it as much as I enjoyed the process and the rehearsals and the applause of each show.”

Conversely, artwork “is all process” to LaFree.

“It’s more pleasing for my eye,” he said, “and it’s a lot more fulfilling for me to be working on my visual stuff and try to convey a story with a few marker strokes.”

Since Canine Caricatures launched, LaFree established an extensive client network, commissioning artwork for various animal shelters and pet rescues, along with pet store chains.
“Artistically, it was very fulfilling,” he said. “It was new for me. It was a challenge. It was hard. And, nobody I knew was doing anything like that,” he said.

Most of his business today is via online orders.

Beyond the United States, he’s received orders from countries like Australia and Sweden.

Each piece — barring any distractions — takes about one to two hours to complete, LaFree said.

He works on about five projects per day, hoping to complete 20 to 25 per week.
The typical turnaround time for an order is about three weeks.
That can expand to nearly two months, during the busy holiday season.

“Christmas,” he said, “is nuts.”

Though LaFree regularly is “super busy,” he remains grateful to do something he enjoys.

Most of LaFree’s business comes via online orders. He typically completes 20 to 25 pieces per week.

“There are not a whole lot of us that have made a whole business out of it,” he said.

The work, too, has given the artist an appreciation “for all of the diversity of life on this planet.

“I’ve learned about so many different breeds. I know more about dogs than I ever thought there was to know,” he said.

Meanwhile, the artist’s drawing style continues evolving.

That includes incorporating more realistic visual features, like pinpointing a pet’s glassy eyes or moisture in its gums.

“I’ve continued to be a student of what I’m doing. I’ve always tried some new stuff,” LaFree said.

Several other ventures, too, are in the works for LaFree.

They range from molding dog sculptures, to writing a children’s book.

There’s also a project called Boozehoundz, a cartoon drawing about dogs with drinking problems.

“I try to branch out,” LaFree said. “The more I can do, the more interesting it stays for me.”

LaFree has a tent at the Fresh Market at The Shops at Wiregrass the first and third Saturday of each month, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

For information, visit CanineCaricatures.com.

Published April 26, 2017

Using the power of music to help others

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Emma Skantze was a 9-year-old student at Turner Elementary School when she decided she wanted to get involved to help others.

After brainstorming with her mom, she came up with the idea of organizing a concert.

The first event featured her and some of her friends.

Emma Skantze has devoted many hours of her life to the quest of helping others through an annual benefit she organizes. Sometime there is one concert; sometimes, two. But, the goal is always the same: To raise money for people in need.
(B.C. Manion)

But now, as she prepares for the seventh annual Helping Hands benefit, she’s working out all of the details for having two concerts, at two venues.

One concert features about 30 performers, ranging in age from 5 to 18. The other showcases professional musicians from across the Tampa Bay area.

Besides lining up the musicians and the venues, she’s also organizing a bake sale and working on lining up food trucks, too.

It’s a lot of work, but the 17-year-old said the satisfaction she derives after it is all over makes it all worthwhile.

Last year, there was one event, which raised $7,200.

This year, with two concerts, the fundraising goal is $15,000, said Skantze, a junior at Land O’ Lakes High School.

The student concert is scheduled for April 23 at 5:30 p.m. at Grace Episcopal Church, 15102 Amberly Drive in Tampa. Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 at the door. Those attending will be able to purchase baked goods. A couple of food trucks also are expected.

Concert-goers also are encouraged to donate baby food and diapers, because the items are in great need by Metropolitan Ministries, she said.

The student concert also will include a performance by Eden Shirmohammad, of Land O’ Lakes.

“I want to show the younger students, especially, what they can do if they keep with their music,” Skantze said.

The professional concert is scheduled for May 27 at 6 p.m. at Barness Hall, at the University of South Florida, 4202 E. Fowler Ave., Tampa.

There will be a bake sale there, too, and she’s trying to line up food trucks, but is still working out what needs to be done to make that happen at USF, she said.

Tickets for the professional concert are $20 in advance or $25 at the door.

Skantze said there’s a feeling of satisfaction that comes from staging the concerts.

“Metropolitan Ministries has really expanded in the past couple years,” she said, and added, “I love being able to be a part of it.”

The organization has a day care, an elementary school and a considerable amount of job training.

In the beginning, organizing the event was difficult because she hadn’t done it before.

Over time, she’s become more comfortable in seeking sponsors and handling the logistics.

“I’m always talking to people who are older than me. But, with a lot of practice, I think my confidence has gone up, and it has gotten easier to talk to other people,” she said.

“I think it’s very cool when I can find adults who take me seriously,” she added.

She also noted that she doesn’t have to do everything by herself.

“I have a great support team,” Skantze said.

Even with experience, she said, it’s a time-consuming task. “For some reason, there’s not less time that you need to put it into.

“You have to reach out to the same amount of people,” she said, estimating she’ll log 100 hours on the project by the time it is completed.

Still, she is gratified by the results.

“We’ve been able to grow the concert every year and raise more money,” said Skantze, who manages to balance taking four Advanced Placement classes, doing soccer and track, and managing the details of the fundraiser.

“I organize my time,” she said. “I make a lot of lists. Sometimes I just have to prioritize what I think is more important.”

Helping others, in this young woman’s eyes, is important.

Seventh annual Helping Hands concerts to benefit Metropolitan Ministries Student Concert 2017
What: Concert will feature about 30 performers, ranging from age 5 through 18
Where: Grace Episcopal Church, 15102 Amberly Drive, Tampa
When: April 23, 5:30 p.m.
How much: $10 in advance; $15 at the door (Also will be collecting baby food and diapers for Metropolitan Ministries)

What: An evening of music
Concert will feature professional musicians performing on piano, classical guitar and violin.
Where: Barness Hall at the University of South Florida, 4202 E. Fowler Ave., Tampa
When: May 27, 6 p.m.
How much: $20 in advance; $25 at the door (Also will be collecting baby food and diapers for Metropolitan Ministries)

For information: Go to HelpingHandsTampa.com, or contact Emma Skantze at (813) 892-4868 or .

Published April 19, 2017