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Lutz Arts & Crafts Show canceled

November 25, 2015 By B.C. Manion

The GFWC Lutz Arts & Crafts Festival — an event that’s attracted around 30,000 people in recent years — has been canceled because of a possible sinkhole in a road at Lake Park.

Signs on Van Dyke Road and North Dale Mabry Highway let people know that the show has been canceled, and news releases have been sent out to help spread the word.

“Hillsborough County Park Rangers have discovered a sinkhole which has recently opened on the main ingress/egress roadway into the park, and due to safety concerns and liability issues, the county has deemed the road unusable until remedial measures can be taken,” according to a news release from the woman’s club.

The GFWC Lutz Arts & Crafts Festival has been canceled because of a possible sinkhole in Lake Park. This is the first time in more than three decades that the show won’t go on. (B.C. Manion/Staff Photo) — The GFWC Lutz Arts & Crafts Festival has been canceled because of a possible sinkhole in Lake Park. This is the first time in more than three decades that the show won’t go on.
(B.C. Manion/Staff Photo)

The problem with the road could not be fixed in time for the 36th annual show, scheduled for Dec. 5 and Dec. 6, said Shirley Simmons, the art show’s co-director.

“We’re all disappointed,” Simmons said.

The woman’s club did not find out about the problem until it was too late to find an alternative venue that was large enough to accommodate the show, Simmons said.

So, for the first time in more than three decades, the show won’t go on.

The popular event has been a draw for vendors from all over the country, and has been the largest annual moneymaker for the GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club.

“It probably affected about 300 vendors,” Simmons said. “I had room for one photographer – that was it.”

The show has been a popular stop for vendors who travel about the South to sell their wares and art works at shows and festivals, Simmons said.

For some of them, it’s their best show of the year, she said.

The two-day event also has been a big draw for people who enjoy buying unique holiday gifts.

“It’s always such a wonderful community event,” Simmons said. “It gets everybody into the Christmas spirit.”

Besides giving vendors a quality venue and shoppers a fun place to pick up presents, the show has generated money to help scores of local organizations.

The lack of the revenue will decrease the woman’s club’s ability to help other organizations, causing a ripple effect that will touch many lives.

Published November 25, 2015

Commuter trains coming soon?

November 18, 2015 By Kathy Steele

Nearly 80,000 Pasco County residents commute daily to jobs in neighboring counties, clogging the highways north and south with cars. But, CSX Florida could be on board to ease those traffic jams with a future commuter rail line chugging through the heart of Land O’ Lakes.

CSX officials are putting 96 miles of railroad tracks, from two separate rail lines, on the market. The tracks are lightly used for hauling freight, but could become available for passenger service.

One line would link downtown St. Petersburg with downtown Clearwater, head to Oldsmar, the Tampa International Airport and terminate in Ybor City.

The second line would start at the University of South Florida, follow along U.S. 41 through Land O’ Lakes, and end near Brooksville in Hernando County.

These railroad tracks, parallel to U.S. 41 in Land O’ Lakes, could become part of a commuter rail line to ease traffic jams in the region. (B.C. Manion/Staff Photo) — These railroad tracks, parallel to U.S. 41 in Land O’ Lakes, could become part of a commuter rail line to ease traffic jams in the region.
(B.C. Manion/Staff Photo)

Since the 1990s, efforts to start some type of commuter or light rail service have gone nowhere. But, with CSX in play as a potential partner in a regional agreement, supporters say this time could be different.

The Florida Department of Transportation could play a major role in the project in partnership with CSX.

“I think there is momentum,” said James Edwards, Pasco County’s transportation manager.

The vision for a regional commuter line operating in Hillsborough, Pinellas and Pasco counties is gaining traction from a regional advisory group, the Tampa Bay Management Area Leadership Group (TMA).

The organization is composed of representatives of the Metropolitan Planning Organizations from all three Tampa Bay counties.

On Nov. 12, Pasco County MPO got a briefing on the proposal. A few days earlier, Bob O’Malley, vice president of CSX Florida, had made a presentation to TMA.

A commuter rail system should not be confused with light rail. Commuter trains generally operate in more suburban areas with heavier train cars at higher speeds and more passenger volume than light rail. Light rail is better able to navigate urban streets with lighter-weight cars, quicker starts and stops, and fewer passengers.

Still, the proposal is preliminary. There are many unanswered questions — including costs, funding sources, the role of the MPOs, and who would operate the rail system.

Edwards said he hoped to bring some of those answers back to the Pasco MPO at its Dec. 10 meeting.

One model for Tampa Bay would be the Sunrail, a commuter system operating in the Orlando area.

CSX agreed to sell 61 miles of tracks for Sunrail. Total cost estimates were about $1 billion including land costs, track upgrades, rail car purchases and station construction. About 30 miles are operating now between Orlando and Winter Park. Another 30 miles is planned into Osceola County as well as a link to Orlando International Airport.

“We’re kind of mimicking their approach to this, but it is going to take some effort,” Edwards said.

The county’s high growth area now is centered along State Road 54 and State Road 56 where the Tampa Premium Outlets recently opened.

But, the intersection of State Road 54 and U.S. 41 also is set to boom as more master-planned communities, retail, hotel and offices are either under construction or ready to turn dirt.

Bexley Ranch, off State Road 54 in Land O’ Lakes, is a prime example of what is to come, said Pasco County Commissioner Jack Mariano.

The property, recently divided into Bexley North and Bexley South, falls north and south of Tower Road. It extends east to Suncoast Parkway and the CSX corridor.

As much as 1 million square feet of offices could be built there, Mariano said.

“Try to imagine if we put a rail stop there. It would be a huge economic boon if you look at that area,” he said.

Published November 18, 2015

This coach is something special

November 11, 2015 By B.C. Manion

When Vicky King took her coaching job at Land O’ Lakes High School in the mid-1980s, it came with the duty of coaching athletes with special needs.

She embraced the role.

As time went on, she found herself becoming more and more involved.

Land O’ Lakes High School coach Vicky King is savoring the moment during the opening ceremonies at the Special Olympics World Games in Los Angeles. King recently was named Special Olympics Florida Coach of the Year. (Photos courtesy Pasco County Schools/Andy Dunn) — Land O’ Lakes High School coach Vicky King is savoring the moment during the opening ceremonies at the Special Olympics World Games in Los Angeles. King recently was named Special Olympics Florida Coach of the Year.
(Photos courtesy Pasco County Schools/Andy Dunn)

Her dedication — along with the efforts of the athletes she coaches — led to the selection of the Land O’ Lakes unified soccer team to represent Team U.S.A. at the Special Olympics World Games in Los Angeles, which yielded a bronze medal when the team defeated China, 2-1.

The team competed in a division that has seven athletes on each side of the ball. It is a unified team, which pairs athletes with and without intellectual disabilities on the same team. Special Olympics athletes play alongside partners, who are there to provide support and help.

While members of the Land O’ Lakes came home clutching bronze medals, King, herself was in the spotlight on Sept. 26 when she was named the Florida Special Olympics Coach of the Year during a gala at Shingle Creek Resort in Orlando.

Sherry Wheelock, president and CEO of Special Olympics Florida, said King was singled out for the award because of her passion for athletes, both with and without disabilities.

“She’s been a driving force for the success of Special Olympics Florida unified sports in Pasco County, but she’s also provided and trained more than 50 other Special Olympics soccer coaches throughout the state,” Wheelock said.

“She’s also been responsible for introducing new schools to this unified competition format,” she added.

King also coaches a traditional team at her school.

She treats all athletes the same, Wheelock said. “She has high expectations for all of the athletes to perform at their top level.”

Lisa Eckel, whose daughter, Haley plays on King’s team, is delighted about King’s recognition.

“I think it’s a well-deserved honor. It couldn’t have been awarded to anyone better,” Eckel said.

“She (King) spends lots of time and effort with all of the kids in the community and in the school, and she just brings out the best in all of them,” Eckel said.

The Land O’ Lakes Special Olympics unified soccer team pose with their coach, Vicky King, and with the bronze medals they won at the Special Olympics World Games in Los Angeles. The team defeated China, 2-1.

“My daughter (a partner on the team) has been super fortunate to have these past three years with her (King), on and off, the soccer field.

Eckel traveled with her husband, her other daughter and her sister-in-law out to L.A., to attend the opening ceremonies and to watch the games.

“It was amazing. You can equate it to what we watch on TV for the Olympics,” Eckel said.

She was impressed by the camaraderie she witnessed between the teams from different countries, and was excited to hear the roar of cheers and applause for Team U.S.A. when the athletes walked out, she said.

The Land O’ Lakes team took part in an event that featured athletes from 170 nations competing for international medals. The games included 21 Olympic-style sports.

Getting to those games took a year of preparation and fundraising, with King playing a pivotal role in both.

“It was definitely a year of a lot of training, fundraising, spreading the word about Special Olympics, those kinds of things,” she said.

“We raised about $42,000,” King said. “It was hard work.”

But, it was rewarding in more ways than one, she said.

“We met new people through the fundraising,” she said. “The community really stepped up and helped us.”

When the team left for the games, there was a big send-off at Land O’ Lakes High.

“The day that we left was a year to the day that we actually found out that we were going,” King said.

“We trained all year. During the summer, we trained three days a week for two hours, from the end of school until we left in July.

“They (team members) spent practically the whole summer together. They got closer and closer the more that we were together. The bonds became stronger,” King said.

The experiences were equally enriching for both the Special Olympics athletes and their unified partners, King said.

“They both did things they never have experienced before,” she said.

“For everyone, it was being away from home for two complete weeks and living with people you hadn’t lived with,” she said.

They also were living on a schedule beyond their control.

They would rise at 4 a.m., have breakfast at 5 a.m. and board buses at assigned times. They also had to make scheduled appearances, King said.

It was busy, but exciting, too.

The team and three coaches went to Disney Studios and rode through Hollywood and Beverly Hills.

They went to a four-day training camp in Riverside before arriving in L.A., and while in Riverside, they marched in a parade, King said.

The players were treated like celebrities.

People who didn’t know them, wanted to pose for photos with them, King said. They wanted to meet the athletes that were representing Team U.S.A.

“Young kids wanted balls signed, shirts signed,” King said.

Being part of the World Games and winning the bronze medal were exciting experiences, King said.

But, she added: “The biggest reward was to see the accomplishments of the athletes, have them gain confidence in themselves, self-esteem, being able to travel, meet other people, make lifelong friendships,” she said.

No doubt the World Games were a highlight in King’s coaching experience, but she also enjoys the day-to-day work that she does.

She said she coaches to win, but also teaches other things along the way, such as sportsmanship, fair play and rules of the game.

Published November 11, 2015

Opening day a hit

November 4, 2015 By Kathy Steele

Shoppers flock to Tampa Premium Outlets

Margie Hamman was one of the earliest birds to land at the Tampa Premium Outlets.

Almost too early.

Her 5:30 a.m. arrival at the fog-shrouded parking lot, off State Road 56, surprised one parking lot attendant who said she should come back later.

After being first in line at Coach, Margie Hamman of Homosassa makes her way through the crowd en route to Gap at the grand opening of Tampa Premium Outlets. (Fred Bellet/Photos) — After being first in line at Coach, Margie Hamman of Homosassa makes her way through the crowd en route to Gap at the grand opening of Tampa Premium Outlets.
(Fred Bellet/Photos)

As she began driving off, a man “in a suit and tie” flagged her down and ushered her back to the parking lot, she said.

She was rewarded for early arrival when she came away with a bag full of coveted handbags and the bragging right of being the first customer inside the Coach store when the mall opened at 10 a.m.

She got a steal for her 10 designer purses, and then she moved on over to Gap.

“I’ll be making a lot of trips to my car,” said Hamman, who drove from Homosassa to her daughter’s home in Odessa the night before. “I’m doing my Christmas shopping.”

She was among thousands who thronged the walkways on Oct. 29, the opening day for the highly anticipated outlet mall developed by Simon Property Group.

Hamman expects to be back, again and again.

The Ellenton Premium Outlets (also a Simon mall) is no longer her go-to destination, especially when she has a daughter living so close to Tampa Premium Outlets.

Fountains shoot water into the air as the Market Hall food court towers over the Lagoon Court at the Tampa Premium Outlets.

Like Hamman, there are others who will forego outlet malls in Ellenton and Orlando to jingle cash registers in Pasco County instead.

The outlet mall will be an economic shot in the arm, Pasco County Commissioner Chairman Ted Schrader, said during the ribbon-cutting ceremony.

“We know it’s going to be a very big success, building on this momentum,” he said. “We are so looking forward to shoppers spending so much time in Pasco, maybe looking around, staying and living here.”

About 800 people gained full and part-time jobs at the outlet mall, and local labor hired about 500 people to help build it.

The outlet mall adds cache to the Tampa Bay region and will help boost tourism, said Ed Caum, Pasco’s tourism manager.

Visitors to the area can be expected to spend their money in more than one county and at more than one venue, he said.

“It will have a regional influence,” said Caum. “People will fly in to Tampa International Airport. They may stay in Clearwater, but eat at Ulele (in Tampa), and come here to the mall.”

Foreign visitors, especially from Canada and Brazil, are frequent shoppers at the Orlando Outlet Mall. And, Caum said Pasco plans to focus some of its marketing on Central and South American countries including Venezuela, Argentina and Mexico.

With counties sharing in the tourism pool, Hillsborough County’s tourism agency, Visit Tampa Bay, will include materials on the Tampa Premium Outlets in its marketing packages at an upcoming trade show in London.

“Everything that’s in Pasco, we’re going to be working very closely with them,” said Kevin Wiatrowski, regional media relations manager for Visit Tampa Bay. “All of our materials have this built into it along with our regular stuff. It’s an impressive time to be here.”

Wesley Chapel resident Rita Faddoul came from Lebanon more than 20 years ago. She remembers when the community had “one store, one light.”

Now, she says relatives coming from Europe will enjoy something unique in her neighborhood.

“It’s better than the International Mall,” Faddoul said. “I want to stay until midnight.”

Cool vibe and good deals

When all of its stores have opened, the 441,000-square-foot mall, with its “Key West” décor, will boast more than 100 designer brand shops selling top-line merchandise at 25 percent to 65 percent discounts daily.

Many stores sweetened the bargains with larger discounts, coupons and giveaways during the mall’s opening weekend from Oct. 29 through Nov. 1.

Karen Jenkins, and her mother, Beth McDonald, sat on a bench studying a brochure and a map of the outlet mall.

“I’m really just looking to see what they have,” said Jenkins. “If I see something I like, I’ll buy it.”

Tampa Premium Outlets has some stores that shoppers won’t find at Ellenton, including Naturalizer and The Limited.
The duo registered with the Tampa outlet’s VIP Shopper, and got a few coupons including a discount on Ralph Lauren merchandise.

“We’re thrilled we’re not driving to Ellenton,” said Jenkins who lives in Land O’ Lakes. But, she added: “My husband’s not happy about this.”

Kaiya Davis and her son, Jamal McIntosh, had a quick hop to the mall, from their new home in Lutz.

Davis took the day off to check out the shops.

Stephen Yalof, chief executive officer of Premium OUtlets for Simon, talks about the opening of Tampa Premium Outlets, located on State Road 56, near Interstate 75.

McIntosh is starting a job with the Florida Department of Transportation and soon could be working on highway projects to ease traffic woes at the interchange of Interstate 75 and State Road 56.

“Lots of new beginnings,” said Davis.

Besides a being new shopping venue, the new homeowner sees an added bonus from the mall.

“The price of property values are going to go up,” she said.

Another Lutz resident Karen Fortin, and her mother, Margaret Carreiro, left Columbia Sportswear, one of their favorite stores, carrying bags containing shoes and a fleece jacket.

The travel time to the shopping destination can’t be beat, they said.

“We’re right here, 2 minutes from home,” Fortin said.

Caralee and Charles Shapero had a longer trip, coming over from Clearwater. But, they might come back.

“We will see,” said Caralee Shapero. “It’s missing a Bath & Body Works, but it is closer. So far so good.”

They are Yankee Candle enthusiasts and were ready to snap up a deal – five candles for $50.

“We’ll be walking out with 10,” said Caralee Shapero.

Natalie Scheer and Blanca Jordan sat down on a bench with Disney Store Outlet bags at their feet. They rattled off stores they had been to and others they were ready to take on.

“We’re only halfway there,” said Scheer, who along with Jordan, works at Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel.

They expected to spend two hours to three hours scouring the mall for bargains.

“We threw our bags in the car already,” said Jordan. “This is our second round. It’s wonderful. We don’t have to go all the way to Orlando.”

Jordan said she sometimes goes to Westfield Citrus Park. But, she added: “Outlets are much better. You get better deals.”

The women liked the setting, too.

Jordan held out her cellphone showing off a picture of the two framed in the background by the mall’s blue water lagoon and bridge.

“It looks like we’re on vacation,” said Scheer.

Published November 4, 2015

Ready. Set. Go – Tampa Premium Outlets!

October 28, 2015 By Kathy Steele

Shopping season is set to open at Tampa Premium Outlets — no license is required.

The highly anticipated outdoor mall – in the bull’s eye of Pasco County development – will have its ribbon-cutting ceremony on Oct. 29 at 9:40 a.m.

Shop doors open at 10 a.m.

Tampa Premium Outlets is a 441,000-square-foot mall with more than 100 shops featuring brand names such as Calvin Klein, Nike, Saks Off 5th, Vera Bradley and PacSun.
Courtesy of Tampa Premium Outlets

Shelves will be stocked with upscale brand names at more than 100 shops, including Saks Off 5^th, Calvin Klein, Nike, Coach and Michael Kors. Opening day is expected to bring thousands to check out typical discounts ranging from 25 percent to 65 percent on coveted merchandise.

Mall developers at Simon Property Group are planning a full weekend of special events, family-friendly activities, and Halloween Happenings.

As a regular feature, there is a play area for children.

“We want to encourage everyone to come out with their families,” said Stacey Nance, the mall’s general manager, who recently gave the media a sneak peek at the mall.

Reality television star Bethenny Frankel of The Housewives of New York will be a special guest on Oct. 31 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Frankel, also founder of Skinnygirl Cocktails, will greet shoppers, participate in interactive style segments and share fashion advice. She also will host two autograph sessions with fans at the VIP Shoppers Club Lounge.

To access the lounge, fans can enroll in Simon Premium Outlets VIP Shoppers Club at premiumoutlets.com/vip, or in person at the mall, outside the lounge.

Club members are eligible for exclusive deals, coupons and other benefits. The lounge will host several activities during opening weekend, including chair massages, a beauty bar and a photo station.

Other highlights during opening weekend include free entertainment, deals and giveaways.

Rush-hour traffic typically stacks up along State Road 56 at the Interstate 75 interchange. On opening day for Tampa Premium Outlets, 12 extra duty officers from the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office will help with traffic and security at the mall. FRED BELLET/PHOTO — Rush-hour traffic typically stacks up along State Road 56 at the Interstate 75 interchange. On opening day for Tampa Premium Outlets, 12 extra duty officers from the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office will help with traffic and security at the mall.
FRED BELLET/PHOTO

Rack Room Shoes, for instance, will give shoppers a chance to win a $500 gift card and other giveaways, including coupon books with discounts, according to a news release from the shoe company.

The 441,000-square-foot mall is designed with a “Key West” vibe, with airy pastel colors, a multitude of palm trees, covered walkways and water features.

The centerpiece is a clear blue lagoon outside the Market Hall, which houses customers services, the food court and a lounge where people can sit and watch television.

A bridge crosses the lagoon, which is surrounded by a deck with benches and bistro chairs. A fire pit and Adirondack chairs are nearby.

“I think it will be a feature where people will want to take their picture by,” Nance said.

Traffic in and out of the mall is expected to be heavy but Nance said talks have been ongoing for months with Pasco County Sheriff’s Office.

Typically, opening days at malls see parking lots turn over four or five times.

“It’s going to be a constant ebb and flow throughout the day,” Nance predicted.

The mall will offer valet parking on a trial basis. If successful, Nance anticipates the service will become permanent.

On opening weekend, 12 extra duty law enforcement officers, paid for by the mall, will be stationed at mall entrances as well as inside the mall, Pasco County Sheriff’s spokesman Kevin Doll said.

The officers will include two supervisors.

If more help is needed, Doll said the sheriff’s citizen patrol group could be tapped to help with traffic.

“We’ve handled big events in the past,” he said. “Hopefully this will go smoothly.”

Outlet mall openings are special events wherever they happen, said Linda Humphers, editor in chief of Value Retail News/International Council of Shopping Centers.

There are only about 100 or so outlet malls in the nation.

In the central Florida area, Tampa Premium Outlets is situated between outlet malls in Orlando and New Ellenton.

“That’s part of the mystique of them,” Humphers said. “You go there. You stay longer and spend more. It’s not like going to a mall and getting something you need.”

Outlet mall developers typically look for locations with easy access, high visibility, lots of rooftops and a solid tourism base, Humphers said.

Pasco scores on all counts for Tampa Premium Outlets, which is off State Road 56 and the Interstate 75 interchange. And the county recently released a report showing a record number of tourist visitors and revenues in the past year.

Marketing for the Tampa Premium Outlets extends into the Tampa Bay region, but in future could spread a wider net, Nance said.

“We’ll definitely be looking at that when we get further along in our marketing plan,” she said.

Pasco’s future is set on a course for more retail and rooftops as developers saturate commercial corridors such as State Road 54 and State Road 56.

New shops are coming to property northeast of the Shoppes at Wiregrass. The Florida Center Ice sports complex is expected to open in 2016. Cypress Creek Town Center is anticipating openings for Chick Fil A, Culver’s and Cheddar Café. And the town center’s representatives recently met with county planners to discuss construction of a retail building, parking space and a boat storage area.

Speculation is that sporting goods retailer, Cabelas, is on the way to Wesley Chapel, too.

And there is a lot of buzz swirling around Tampa Premium Outlets’ opening day, Humphers said.

“Retail begets retail,” she said.

Tampa Premium Outlets grand opening

Grand opening: Oct. 29 through Nov. 1

Hours: Ribbon cutting Oct. 29 at 9:40 a.m.; extended hours from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. opening day through Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday.

Regular hours begin Nov. 2 from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday through Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday.

Celebrity guest: Reality television star, Bethenny Frankel, on Oct. 31 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Published October 28, 2015

Health care startup to hire 500 workers

October 21, 2015 By Kathy Steele

CareSync, a Wesley Chapel-based health management company, is in the midst of a growth spurt with new investments of $18 million, and a plan to hire 500 new employees over the next 18 months.

About 100 jobs will be in marketing, sales and development. But, most will be for people with medical backgrounds, including registered nurses, certified nursing assistants and clinicians. Some positions also might go to people who have the drive and desire to become a nurse.

The start-up company launched nearly four years ago as a software and service provider for chronic disease management. There currently are nearly 120 employees.

Travis Bond is the founder of CareSync and its chief executive officer. (Images of CareSync) — Travis Bond is the founder of CareSync and its chief executive officer.
(Images courtesy of CareSync)

The company’s users include health care providers, caretakers and individual patients who want to collect, organize and store medical data for quick, easy reference.

The idea is to put everyone involved in a patient’s care on the same page, sharing an entire medical history.

“We are all about creating care plans,” said Travis Bond, the company’s founder and chief executive officer.

The company offers options on how to accomplish that task.

A free app is available for people who want a “do-it-yourself” approach.

However, the company also offers a range of fee-based services where retrieval specialists collect, enter and organize medical information from multiple providers. Physicians, nurses and family members, as well as individual patients, can access the centralized data to coordinate care. This can include scheduling appointments, putting together a list of questions to ask the doctor, tracking medications and avoiding the duplication of medical tests.

“You can invite others to share your data,” Bond said. “That’s helpful, because typically a caretaker feels intimidated because of lack of data. They lack training and confidence.”

About one-third of CareSync’s users are children caring for elderly parents, Bond said.

The program also aids physicians in coordinating care, especially when multiple providers are involved.

CareSync also aids in billing procedures and meeting requirements for Medicare’s chronic disease management goals.

Bond’s motivation in creating his company, in part, came from a friend’s struggle to manage the care of her daughter who has an autoimmune disease.

The friend is a nurse, but even she was overwhelmed trying to cope with 12 doctors and six emergency medical records (EMR) in three states.

“If she can’t do it, no one can,” Bond said. “It bogs down the velocity of care.”

And, he said it creates a “dark space between doctors and appointments. How is it we can help individuals become more informed when not at a point of care?”

While CareSync’s headquarters are in Wesley Chapel, the company operates a nursing center in Wauchula in Hardee County where medical advice and planning is available on a 24-hour basis. Bond hopes to open a nursing center in Wesley Chapel, too.

The $18 million in funding is from new investors Merck Global Health Fund, Greycroft Partners and Harbert Venture Partners, and also current investors Tullis Health Investors, Clearwell Group, CDH Solutions and Bond.

The funding reflects the growth in the chronic disease management industry and recognition by physicians that case management will be here for years to come, Bond said.

“These are lasting, long-term careers. It’s really a big deal,” he said.

For information call CareSync at (800) 587-5227, or visit CareSync.com.

Published October 21, 2015

Pasco’s tourism figures are rising

October 14, 2015 By B.C. Manion

When the final numbers are in, Pasco County’s tourism manager believes the county will be issuing a report on a record year for the county.

“I’m actually probably going to have a record year, once I see September’s numbers. The average daily room rate is up about 10 percent across the board,” said Ed Caum, tourism manager for Pasco County. “It’s pretty exciting.”

And, the prospects are bright for even more visitors in the coming year.

The county has several new attractions that will be opening soon, or have recently opened.

Among them:

Tampa Premium Outlets, off State Road 54, near Interstate 75: This 441,000-square-foot mall, featuring 110 retailers, is scheduled to open on Oct. 29.
Florida Hospital Center Ice, off State Road 56, parallel to Interstate 75, is set to open next spring. It is expected to attract tournaments, as well as thousands of local hockey players, skaters and other athletes.
Tree Hoppers, in Dade City, is a zipline course designed for aerial adventurers of all ability levels.
SunWest Park, in Hudson, is expected to attract worldwide attention for its beach volleyball courts and its wakeboard course.

These attractions will help draw more visitors, which will increase tourism — and that benefits the county, Caum said during the Oct. 6 breakfast meeting of the Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce.

Ed Caum, tourism manager for Pasco County, believes the county is heading toward a record year in terms of tourism. (B.C. Manion/Staff Photo) — Ed Caum, tourism manager for Pasco County, believes the county is heading toward a record year in terms of tourism.
(B.C. Manion/Staff Photo)

Tourism figures matter — not only to people working directly in the hospitality industry, but to all of Pasco’s business owners and residents, Caum said.

Taxes paid by tourists reduce the tax burden for Florida residents, he said.

And, tourism provides jobs.

Across Florida, the state is projecting the need for 300,000 more hospitality employees by 2020, Caum told the breakfast crowd, gathered in the conference center at Pasco-Hernando State College’s Porter Campus at Wiregrass Ranch.

“A lot of people are thinking, well that’s not really a lot of high-paying jobs,” Caum said.

But he added: “We’re going to have to change our mentality about that a little bit.

“Actually, the median wage for someone who is in the hospitality business is about $45,000,” he said. “It’s not all people changing sheets.”

“Tourism is economic development,” Caum said.

“Everybody who runs a business in Florida is an ambassador for tourism. Because if you’re a car dealership, or a car repair or providing some kind of service, chances are you’re going to have a tourist that’s going to walk through your business,” he said.

In Pasco, County Administrator Michele Baker has realigned the tourism office so that it works with the county’s office of economic growth.

The shift was made because tourism is an economic generator, Caum said.

Tourism also helps the state to attract more businesses and residents.

Events like the mud run attract people to Pasco County, where the visitors spend money — boosting the local economy. (File Photo) — Events like the mud run attract people to Pasco County, where the visitors spend money — boosting the local economy.
(File Photo)

“A lot of the folks who have moved their businesses here, came here because they had a good experience in Florida and they decided they wanted to come down here to open a business,” Caum said.

Figures show that $500 million was spent by tourists in Pasco County.

“We’re generating right around 6,000 jobs, currently, here in Pasco County, which is tourism-related,” Caum said.

That’s not counting the car mechanic that fixes a traveling tourist’s car, or the car rental place that rents a car to someone who is coming from the airport to visit people or conduct business in Pasco.

Pasco County currently has 3,556 hotel rooms.

Caum expects the county’s hotel stock to increase by 75 beds a year for the next five years.

“I have to market what we are. Not what we think we are. Not what we want to be. We have to actually market and play to our strengths.

“So, what do we have? We have elbowroom. We have outdoors. We have nature.

“We don’t swim with the manatees here, but I’m constantly out there kayaking and they’re always coming out to see what that big green thing on the top of the water is, and it’s me, looking down at the manatees. That’s an experience that people love.

“I always see dolphins when I’m out kayaking,” he said.

Tree Hoppers is an aerial adventure park in Dade City, giving people of all ability levels the chance to experience ziplining. (File Photo) — Tree Hoppers is an aerial adventure park in Dade City, giving people of all ability levels the chance to experience ziplining.
(File Photo)

As the county invests in amenities to boost tourism, local residents benefit, too, Caum said.

Caum serves on two Visit Florida committees: The Cultural Heritage, Rural and Nature Committee and the Marketing Committee.

“I’m sitting around the table with the likes of Disney, Busch Gardens and some of the major, major players, to talk about marketing.

“The one thing that we’re going to try to do is to move people around Florida more.

“We’ve found that people that have gone back to the same destination over and over again are looking for other opportunities,” he said.

“I’m trying to position Pasco County as the place they maybe want to visit after they’ve seen The Mouse (Disneyworld).

“I’m trying to not be the anti-Mouse, but say, if you want to disconnect, bring your family someplace where you can go out and walk in the woods, paddle on the water — a different experience and a healthy experience, also,” Caum said.

The county also has a number of events that attract visitors, including the Bug Jam, the Savage Races and local festivals.

And, it is launching new initiatives, too.

“One of the things that we do have here is a lot of history,” he said, noting there are 93 cast iron historic signs around the county.

“I’m working right now to GPS all of them and put them into a map, where our visitors can follow them around,” he said.

European visitors, in particular, enjoy driving around to the various historic sites and getting out of the car to read about the area, Caum said.

Efforts are also underway to bring downtown districts back to life and to promote the county’s microbreweries and eclectic restaurants, Caum added.

When it comes to promoting the county, it’s everybody’s job, the tourism manager said.

He recounted overhearing a young waiter being asked by a visitor what there was to do around Pasco County.

The waiter replied: “I’ve lived here forever. There’s nothing to do in Pasco County.”

“There’s a missed opportunity,” Caum said.

Published October 14, 2015

Disabled, but not discouraged

October 7, 2015 By Michael Murillo

When Monica Quimby was in college in 2006, she wanted to get a degree in molecular biology and to become a successful athlete.

Then a skiing accident left her paralyzed from the waist down. She was in the hospital for nearly five months as she recovered and tried to adjust to a newer, more difficult way of life.

After her skiing accident, Monica Quimby got a bachelor's in biology, a master's in teaching, and now teaches an online course for Southern Maine Community College. (Photos courtesy of Monica Quimby) — After her skiing accident, Monica Quimby got a bachelor’s in biology, a master’s in teaching, and now teaches an online course for Southern Maine Community College.
(Photos courtesy of Monica Quimby)

Many people would have adjusted their goals lower. Some might have given up altogether. Instead, Quimby got a degree in molecular biology and became a successful athlete.

“I think the biggest thing is that even though my physical form changed, my personality didn’t,” said Quimby, now 29.

The degree came first.

After the accident, she missed only one semester at the University of New Hampshire, and she was published for discovering maternal ancestors of the strawberry. Quimby received a Bachelor’s of Science in Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology and a Master’s Degree in Higher Education.

Now, she lives in Wesley Chapel, and she teaches an online Anatomy and Physiology course for Southern Maine Community College.

Those things, in themselves, make for an impressive resume.

But, there’s much more to Quimby’s story.

She competed in her home state’s wheelchair pageant and became Ms. Wheelchair Maine in 2011. She went on to finish third runner-up for Ms. Wheelchair USA.

Still, something was missing.

A natural athlete, she didn’t want her disability to prevent her from playing sports. She tried kayaking and cycling (using hand pedals), but eventually found sledge hockey.

Sledge hockey — also known as sled hockey — is hockey played on a sled, and requires incredible balance and upper body strength. She tried it, and fell. And fell again, more than a dozen times in all. But, she loved it. Soon, Quimby became a talented defender.

And the former Ms. Wheelchair Maine, who once wore a tiara and a sash, discovered that she really liked hitting people while defending the ice.

“It feels so awesome. It’s incredible,” she said. “I’m the one that’s smiling after I hit you.”

Quimby is an adjunct professor, an athlete for the USA Women's Sledge Hockey Team and was Ms. Wheelchair Maine in 2011. — Quimby is an adjunct professor, an athlete for the USA Women’s Sledge Hockey Team and was Ms. Wheelchair Maine in 2011.

In just 18 months, Quimby has immersed herself in the game. She plays in local recreational leagues, as well as the Florida Sled Bandits, the state’s elite sledge hockey team.

And if that was the extent of her athletic accomplishments, it would be an admirable body of work.

But it isn’t.

Quimby also is an integral part of the USA Women’s Sledge Hockey Team, defending champions of both the World Cup and, with Quimby’s help, the World Championships. They’ll also compete at the 2018 Winter Paralympics in 2018.

In just a short time, she’s become a member of the world’s top women’s sledge hockey team, and was part of the championship team that beat Canada earlier this year.

Being part of the USA team and participating in their success has been a highlight for Quimby.

“When you’re on that ice, and they’re playing the national anthem, you’re like ‘Oh my goodness, I’m representing my country. My country.’ That is such an incredible moment. I will never forget that,” she said.

There are also other things she’ll never forget. Like spending 20 minutes trying to get into a pair of jeans after her accident. Like losing a close friend because they couldn’t handle the extra attention and challenges that become commonplace for people with disabilities. And, like battling moments of depression and anger as her life took a path she never expected.

“There was a real dark time that I had that, even though all of these amazing things were going on, it was hard for me to get out of bed in the morning. It was hard for me to get to the gym,” Quimby said. “Being in a wheelchair is not for the weak. It’s definitely for the strong.”

Others with disabilities can show that strength, Quimby said, if they find something they enjoy and put their energies toward it.

“I really think the big thing that pulls me out of (negative moods) is to find something that you love. Find something that you can get excited about,” she said.

If she's not teaching or on the ice representing her country, Monica Quimby might be enjoying a cappuccino in Wesley Chapel. (Michael Murillo/Staff Photo) — If she’s not teaching or on the ice representing her country, Monica Quimby might be enjoying a cappuccino in Wesley Chapel.
(Michael Murillo/Staff Photo)

For Quimby, it’s athletics. But, it could be photography, making bracelets or anything that interests someone. Regardless of their challenge or disability, if they can find something and throw themselves into it with interest and passion, it can enhance the enjoyment they get out of life.

Quimby has found more paths that interest her, and more goals she wants to pursue. She’s in the process of writing a book and has begun motivational speaking as well.

But, sledge hockey takes up a lot of her time, and that includes fundraising. Her sport is still growing (the USA team donates equipment to teams in other countries to help them get going) and they have to raise a lot of money for ice time, travel and other expenses that aren’t covered. Quimby sells license plates and accepts donations on her website.

She also makes time to appreciate the positive things she has in her life. She has a supportive family and boyfriend, and tries to be grateful for the simple pleasures in life. One day it might be the Florida sunshine, and another it might be the cappuccino at one of her favorite spots, Le Macaron at The Shops at Wiregrass.

And, although her days are still filled with challenges, she meets them with the same outlook that helped her after her accident, helped her obtain her degrees, helped her earn a pageant title and helps her on the ice in international competition.

“I feel like I’ve had some bumps and bruises, and some easy times and some hard times. But, I feel like things fall into place if you let them,” Quimby said. “If you put in the work, if you put in the action, your path will be in front of you. And you just have to accept it and be open to it.”

For more information about the USA Women’s Sledge Hockey Team, visit MonicaQuimby.com.

Published October 7, 2015

Halloween happenings fill upcoming calendar

September 30, 2015 By Michael Murillo

Many people call it Halloween. For others, it’s a fall festival. Whatever you call it, it’s a time for special events and things to do in your area.

Some are a bit frightening and geared toward adults. Others are fun and feature activities for children. There might be games, treats and maybe a few scares, but there’s something for everyone.

And while Halloween is at the end of October, many events start much sooner. You have a whole month to find fun activities for the entire family.

Here’s a rundown of treats (no tricks) happening this month:

Fall Family Festival at Saint Leo University. The university, 33701 State Road 52, will host a number of activities Oct. 9 through Oct. 11. There are free and low-cost athletic events, like volleyball and soccer. But the real treats start Oct. 10 at 11 a.m., when Saint Leo will host a free fair at The Bowl area (behind the Student Community Center) with plenty of family-oriented things to do. Children can enjoy an animal show, petting zoo, water races, a swing ride and other activities. It runs until 3 p.m.

Another fun event takes place on campus Oct. 10 at 9:30 p.m. There will be a fireworks grand finale at The Bowl to cap off a weekend of events. And it’s free to attend.

Technically, the last event occurs Oct. 11 at 11 a.m., also at The Bowl. The university will host a 5K walk/run to benefit the Make-A-Wish foundation.

For more information about the race and a list of events for the Family Fall Festival, visit SaintLeo.edu/FallFamily.

Scarecrow Festival at Florida Pioneer Museum. The museum, 15602 Pioneer Museum Road, hosts this scarecrow-themed event on Oct. 10 for the third year in a row, after taking it over from Downtown Dade City Main Street. Thousands of people attend each October, and they expect this year’s event to be no different.

Pumpkins and scarecrows go together at the annual Scarecrow Festival at the Florida Pioneer Museum. (Richard Riley/Photo) — Pumpkins and scarecrows go together at the annual Scarecrow Festival at the Florida Pioneer Museum.
(Richard Riley/Photo)

Crafts, community booths and food vendors will be on hand, but there’s a lot more to the Scarecrow Festival than that. Like making scarecrows, for example. For $3, children can use hay and clothing, provided by the museum, to make a scarecrow to take home.

There will also be a Touch-a-Truck area, where children can climb on firetrucks and TECO trucks, and see police and sheriff’s cars, and ambulances. A petting zoo, train rides, face painting, obstacle course and games with prizes are all part of the event, too.

But since this is the Scarecrow Festival, do you need more scarecrows? How about a scarecrow costume contest? There will be categories for best dressed scarecrow, cutest scarecrow and scariest scarecrow. So you can make one and be one at this event.

The Scarecrow Festival runs from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. Admission is $5 with children younger than five years old admitted free. For more information, call (352) 567-0262, or visit PioneerFloridaMuseum.org.

Mr. Tommy’s Halloween Special at The Shops At Wiregrass. The Shops at Wiregrass, at 28211 Paseo Drive in Wesley Chapel, has a Halloween theme for its regular Kids Club event. On Oct. 28, it will have a “Princess & Pirate Party” at its parking structure. There will be bounce houses, a photo booth, cookie decorating and a costume parade. It’s a quick event, but a good way to take in a family-oriented celebration on a weekday morning.

Even the entertainers and staff at The Shops at Wiregrass get into the Halloween spirit at Mr. Tommy's Halloween Special. From top, Tommy Girvin (Mr. Tommy), Sarah Rasheid, Debbie Detweiler, Cyndi Clausen, Dani Maree Stoughtenger and Emily Setz show off their costumes. (Courtesy of Cloud9 Studios) — Even the entertainers and staff at The Shops at Wiregrass get into the Halloween spirit at Mr. Tommy’s Halloween Special. From top, Tommy Girvin (Mr. Tommy), Sarah Rasheid, Debbie Detweiler, Cyndi Clausen, Dani Maree Stoughtenger and Emily Setz show off their costumes.
(Courtesy of Cloud9 Studios)

Mr. Tommy’s Halloween Special runs from 10 a.m. until 11 a.m. For more information and to join the free Kids Club, call (813) 994-2242, or visit TheShopsAtWiregrass.com.

Family Friendly Fun Day at Cobb Theatres. If you want to celebrate on Halloween without making a late night of it, consider the event at Cobb Theatres Grove 16, at 6333 Wesley Grove Blvd. in Wesley Chapel. Cobb is hosting a Family Friendly Fun Day on Oct. 31 from 3 p.m. until 6 p.m.

Children are encouraged to wear costumes (no masks) and enjoy treats, prizes and games. And for those with a Halloween hunger, the CineBistro, located upstairs, will have a special holiday-themed menu.

For more information, call (813) 948-5444, or visit CobbTheatres.com.

Fall Festival at The Grove. The Grove, 6105 Wesley Grove Blvd. in Wesley Chapel, has a full weekend of activities scheduled for Oct. 10 and Oct. 11. Live music, arts and crafts and free outdoor movies make up just part of the schedule.

Children’s activities include face painting and bounce houses, as well as screenings of “Frozen” and “Cars.” There also will be a pumpkin patch, a pet parade and pet adoptions as well.

One of the highlights will occur Oct. 11 at noon, when the “Little Miss and Mr. Pumpkin Patch Pageant” will take place. Contestants will wear fall-inspired or pumpkin-themed costumes or outfits. Semifinalists will be chosen across three age groups, with one boy and one girl named Little Miss and Mr. Pumpkin Patch. The winners will receive $100, a sash and a trophy. Semifinalists will receive a trophy, and all participants will receive a goodie bag.

The Fall Festival runs Oct. 10 from 11 a.m. until 7 p.m., and Oct. 11 from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. The pageant is sponsored by the Rotary Club of Wesley Chapel and costs $20 per entry. For a full Fall Festival schedule, visit the Wesley Chapel Fall Festival Facebook page. For information about the pageant or to sign up, call (813) 843-2354, or email Kelly Mothershead at .

Scream-A-Geddon. This one isn’t for the faint of heart. While many events have a little spookiness wrapped up in family fun, this is an all-out fright fest. Located at 27839 Saint Joe Road in Dade City, the attractions have names like “Cursed Hayride,” “Dead Woods” and “Infected.” The goal is to be as ghoulish and scary as possible.

Scream-A-Geddon runs through Nov. 1, and delivers serious scares with an assortment of attractions. It begins at 7:30 each night, and lasts until 11 p.m.-1 a.m. depending on the evening. (Courtesy of Scream-a-Geddon) — Scream-A-Geddon runs through Nov. 1, and delivers serious scares with an assortment of attractions. It begins at 7:30 each night, and lasts until 11 p.m.-1 a.m. depending on the evening.
(Courtesy of Scream-a-Geddon)

But wait; there’s more. Like most haunted attractions, the actors don’t actually touch you. But if you participate in “Pandemic” and choose the interactive portion, it’s a different story. You might actually be grabbed and sent into a cell. That option takes things beyond the level of established attractions like “Howl-O-Scream” at Busch Gardens or “Halloween Horror Nights” and Universal Studios in Orlando.

You don’t have to choose that route, of course. You can decide to simply observe, which means you’re hands-off to the monsters inside. But, it’s still a scary event with five separate haunted attractions.

And that doesn’t count the Monster Midway, which includes games, food, beer, fire pits and tarot card readings. This is Halloween fun for people who like to be scared. But just in case, each attraction has emergency exits if things get a little too intense.

This might be the scariest event in the area, so they’re expecting big crowds. Enter at your own risk.

Scream-A-Geddon is open Thursdays through Sundays until Nov. 1. The cost ranges from $34.95 to $51.95 if you purchase online, depending on when you go. Tickets cost an additional $5 at the gate. Parking is $10, and fast passes, which allow you to spend less time in line, are available at an extra cost.

For more information, call (813) 452-5412, or visit ScreamAGeddon.com.

Published September 30, 2015

Wesley Chapel complex to help ‘Build the Thunder’

September 23, 2015 By B.C. Manion

A recently announced $6 million initiative aimed at expanding the game of hockey regionally in Tampa Bay will be partially played out at the Florida Hospital Center Ice, a hockey complex expected to open in Wesley Chapel in the spring.

Lightning Chairman Jeff Vinik announced the “Build the Thunder” initiative on Sept. 14.

The Tampa Bay Lightning, the National Hockey League and the National Hockey League Players’ Association are collaborating on the five-year program that aims to help develop hockey players and to teach life skills lessons to area youth.

A news release from Tampa Bay Lightning outlines the program’s components. They involve:

Distributing 100,000 street hockey sticks and balls to third-graders through fifth-graders
Offering 10,000 hours of training opportunities for players and coaches
Increasing the number of local youth, ages 7 through 13, registered with USA Hockey by 1,000
Utilizing Lightning players, coaches and alumni to mentor 100 at-risk youths from diverse backgrounds
Establishing 10 new junior varsity hockey programs for aspiring high school players

JP Morgan Chase and Bauer Hockey are also partnering on the program, according to the release.

Florida Hospital Center Ice is expected to play a role in the recently announced $6 million initiative to ‘Build the Thunder.’ The complex is expected to open in the spring, off State Road 56 and Interstate 75. (Courtesy of Florida Hospital Center Ice) — Florida Hospital Center Ice is expected to play a role in the recently announced $6 million initiative to ‘Build the Thunder.’ The complex is expected to open in the spring, off State Road 56 and Interstate 75.
(Courtesy of Florida Hospital Center Ice)

Gordie Zimmermann, a partner in Z Mitch, expects Florida Hospital Center Ice to play an important role in the efforts to build the game of hockey regionally.

The initiative begins with street hockey, with a goal for some players to make the transition from street hockey to the ice, Zimmermann said.

“They’re going to work with all of the community rinks in the area. They’re eagerly awaiting the completion of our facility because what they need is ice, to make that transition from the street hockey to the ice,” Zimmermann said.

“Right now, there’s about 1,000 kids in the Bay area that are USA Hockey members. They want to grow that to a minimum of 2,000,” he said. “That’s very difficult to do without the ice.”

More ice also is needed to accommodate junior varsity programs, said Zimmermann, who coaches Wiregrass Ranch High School’s hockey team.

“The ice right now is booked. It’s very difficult to get a practice or any type of additional ice,” he said.

When Florida Hospital Center Ice opens, there will be significantly more ice available.

The new complex will include one Olympic-size rink, three NHL-size rinks and one kid-size rink.

It will have hockey leagues and skating programs for people of all ages, and will be able to convert to accommodate basketball, soccer, lacrosse, volleyball, tennis and other sports.

“One of our sheets is a multipurpose area. That’s an area where we’ll be able to do the street hockey. We’re going to be working with the Lightning on doing a tournament for the area,” Zimmermann said.

“Right now, Florida is fourth in memberships overall for USA Hockey in the country. When our rink comes online, we’re going to be up there in the top two,” Zimmermann said.

Florida Hospital Center Ice initially was expected to open in October, but that opening has been delayed until the spring.

The delay is due to working out refrigeration and structural design issues, Zimmermann said.

“The thing is, we’re building an ice rink in Florida, and we’re using a new technology as far as how that building is built and how it is mechanically designed,” Zimmermann said.

“We just want to make it right. We don’t want to have issues down the road,” he said.

Zimmermann doesn’t anticipate any additional delays.

There was no activity last week at the site, which is off of State Road 56, near Interstate 75, but Zimmermann expects that to change soon.

“We’re actually going to get our footer work started this month,” he said.

Published September 23, 2015