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Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Amber Mariano

Familiar faces win reelection in Pasco County

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Voters across The Laker/Lutz News coverage area demonstrated their enthusiasm in Election 2020 — casting their ballots through Vote By Mail or in person at early voting sites or in their precincts on Election Day.

Pasco County reported a turnout of 77.8% of its 389,317 registered voters, with a total of 303,214 ballots cast, according to unofficial voting results.

Hillsborough County reported a turnout of 76.45% of the county’s 934,346 registered voters, casting a total of 714,286 ballots.

These are unofficial tallies for both counties. The final result must include overseas ballots, provisional ballots and ballots that had signature issues that were cured — before they are certified, which is when they become official.

Valerie Cooper took advantage of early voting at the New River Branch Library in Wesley Chapel. She reported that operations were running smoothly and she was pleased to be able to vote on a day that was convenient. (B.C. Manion)

Visits by The Laker/Lutz News to polling locations during Early Voting and on Election Day revealed smooth operations at numerous sites across the newspaper’s coverage area in Lutz, Land O’ Lakes, Wesley Chapel and Zephyrhills.

Incumbents fared better in Pasco County than they did in Hillsborough County.

Pasco County voters gave Kurt Browning four more years as superintendent of Pasco County Schools. They also reelected Kathryn Starkey in District 1 and Jack Mariano in District 5, on the Pasco County Commission.

In Hillsborough County, voters reelected Lynn Gray for four more years in the District 7 seat on the Hillsborough County School Board, and elected Jessica Vaughn for the District 3 seat.

Voters rejected Tammy Shamburger’s bid for reelection in District 5, selecting Henry “Shake” Washington instead. They also turned down incumbent Steve Cona’s bid for reelection in District 1, choosing challenger Nadia Combs instead.

Other big decisions in Hillsborough, included the reelection of Sheriff Chad Chronister and Property Appraiser Bob “Coach” Henriquez.

Hillsborough voters also selected Nancy C. Millan as the county’s next tax collector.

Voters chose Harry Cohen in the District 1 race for Hillsborough County Commission; Gwen Myers for District 3, on the board; and Pat Kemp in District 6.

Incumbent Andrew Warren won another term in the race for State Attorney in the 13th Judicial Court.

In state legislative races, voters chose Danny Burgess to fill the vacancy in Senate District 20.

Amber Mariano won her re-election bid in House District 36, as did Ardian Zika in House District 37, and Randy Maggard in House District 38.

Workers for the Hillsborough County Supervisor of Elections conduct post-election activities in the supervisor’s warehouse. (Courtesy of Hillsborough County Supervisor of Elections)

Statewide, voters narrowly supported an amendment to the Florida Constitution that will gradually raise the state’s minimum wage to $15 an hour.

They overwhelmingly favored an amendment allowing a property tax discount for spouses of deceased veterans who had suffered permanent, combat-related injuries.

They approved an amendment that gives people more time to transfer their accrued benefits of the Homestead Property taxes to another property, and they supported a requirement that all voters in Florida must be citizens.

But, they rejected proposed amendments that would have allowed all voters to vote for primary elections for state legislators, governor and cabinet, and they turned down a proposed amendment to require voters to approve proposed constitutional amendments twice before they could take effect.

Constitutional amendments require approval by 60% of the voters

In federal races, voters approved the reelection of U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis for another term in Florida’s 12th congressional district.

In the presidential contest, Pasco County voters supported Donald J. Trump, with 59.38% of the vote, compared to 39.32% for Joe Biden.

Hillsborough County voters favored Biden, who received 52.69% of the vote, compared to 45.87% for Trump.

National news outlets have projected Joe Biden and Kamala Harris as the next president and vice president of the United States.

As of Nov. 9, President Donald J. Trump had not conceded, according to national news reports, and he intended to pursue court challenges.

The Associated Press reported that the Biden ticket received nearly 75.7 million votes; while Trump’s ticket secured nearly 71.1 million.

Biden’s ticket received the most-ever votes for a president, while Trump’s ticket received the second-highest, according to national news reports.

ELECTION RESULTS
National
President*
Joseph R. Biden: 75.7 million; 290 electoral votes
Donald J. Trump: 71.1 million; 214 electoral votes
* Results reported by the Associated Press; President Donald J. Trump had not conceded as of Nov. 9, according to national reports, and is challenging the results.

Pasco County
Pasco Superintendent of Schools
Kurt S. Browning: 64.54%
Cynthia Thompson: 35.46%

Pasco County Commission, District 1
Kathryn Starkey: 61.30%
Jessica Stempien: 38.70%

Pasco County Commission, District 5
Jack Mariano: 58.83%
Brandi Geoit: 34.46%
Victor Rodriguez: 6.71%

State Rep. District 36
Amber Mariano: 63.38%
Daniel Endonino: 36.62%

State Rep. District 37
Ardian Zika: 62.83%
Tammy Garcia: 37.17%

State Rep. District 38
Randy Maggard: 58.71%
Brian Staver: 41.29%

Hillsborough County results
Hillsborough County Sheriff
Chad Chronister: 54.83%
Gary Pruitt: 35.85%
Ron McMullen: 9.32%

Property Appraiser
D.C. Goutoufas: 43.50%
Bob “Coach” Henriquez: 56.50%

Tax Collector
TK Mathew: 45.22%
Nancy C. Millan: 54.78%

Hillsborough County Commission, District 1
Scott Levinson: 49.27%
Harry Cohen: 50.73%

Hillsborough County Commission, District 3
Maura Cruz Lanz,  27.66%
Gwen Myers, 72.34%

Hillsborough County Commission, District 6
Sandra L. Murman, 47.38%
Patricia “Pat” Kemp, 52.62%

Hillsborough County School Board, District 1
Nadia Combs: 63.91%
Steve Cona: 36.09%

Hillsborough County School Board, District 3
Mitch Thrower, 38.87%
Jessica Vaughn: 61.13%

Hillsborough County School Board, District 5
Tammy Shamburger, 44.64%
Henry “Shake” Washington: 55.36%

Hillsborough County School Board, District 7
Lynn Gray: 53.73%
Sally Harris: 46.27%

State Attorney, 13th Judicial Circuit
Mike Perotti: 46.64%
Andrew Warren: 53.36%

National, state results
President, vice president
Votes were still being counted in some states on Nov. 9, in the presidential election.
Hillsborough County: Donald J. Trump: 45.87%; Joseph R. Biden: 52.69%
Pasco County: Donald J. Trump, 59.38%: Joseph R. Biden, 39.32%

U.S. Congress, District 12
Multi-county results: Gus Michael Bilirakis: 62.89%; Kimberly Walker: 37.11%
Hillsborough results: Gus Michael Bilirakis: 63.48%; Kimberly Walker: 36.52
Pasco results: Gus Michael Bilirakis: 63.49%; Kimberly Walker: 36.51%

U.S. Senate District 20
Multi-county results: Danny Burgess: 54.84%; Kathy Lewis, 45.16%
Hillsborough County: Danny Burgess: 47.91%; Kathy Lewis: 52.09%
Pasco County: Danny Burgess: 59.21%; Kathy Lewis: 40.79%

State Rep. District 36
Amber Mariano: 63.38%
Daniel Endonino: 36.62%

State Rep. District 37
Ardian Zika: 62.83%
Tammy Garcia: 37.17%

State Rep. District 38
Randy Maggard: 58.71%
Brian Staver: 41.29%

Constitutional amendments (60% approval required to pass)
Amendment 1: Citizen requirement to vote in Florida
Statewide: Yes: 79.3%; No: 20.7%
Pasco: Yes: 84.86%; No: 15.14%
Hillsborough: Yes: 77.02%; No: 22.98%

Amendment 2: Raising Florida’s minimum wage
Statewide: Yes: 60.8%; No: 29.2%
Pasco: Yes: 55.79%; No: 44.21%
Hillsborough: Yes: 60.03%; No: 39.97%

Amendment 3: All voters vote in primary elections for state legislature, governor and cabinet
Statewide: Yes: 57.01%; No: 42.99%
Pasco: Yes, 60.59%; 39.41%
Hillsborough: Yes, 57.63%; No, 42.37%

Amendment 4: Voter approval of constitutional amendments
Statewide: Yes: 47.53%; No: 52.47%
Pasco: Yes: 50.76%; No: 49.24%
Hillsborough: Yes: 48.71%; No: 51.29%

Amendment 5: Limitation on Homestead Property Taxes, increased portability to transfer accrued benefit portability period
Statewide: Yes: 74.49%; No: 25.51%
Pasco: Yes: 76.48%; No: 23.52%
Hillsborough: Yes: 75.59%; No: 24.41%

Amendment 6: Ad valorem discount for spouses of certain deceased veterans who had permanent, combat related injury
Statewide: Yes: 89.7%; No: 10.27%
Pasco: Yes: 90.32%; No: 9.68%
Hillsborough: Yes: 88.17%; No: 11.83%

Sources: The Florida Division of Elections, Pasco County Supervisor of Elections and Hillsborough County Supervisor of Elections.

Published November 11, 2020

Zephyrhills tennis center breaks ground

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A groundbreaking ceremony officially marked the beginning of construction on the long-awaited Sarah Vande Berg Tennis & Wellness Center in Zephyrhills.

After more than two years of planning and design, the tennis center is slated to be ready for play sometime in spring 2020.

The facility will feature 11 outdoor tennis courts (eight clay surface, two hard surface, exhibition court), built to USTA (United States Tennis Association) standards, along with eight pickleball courts and four padel courts. The tennis center also includes a 7,000-square-foot indoor clubhouse that will have a fitness and rehabilitation center, restaurant and cafe, pro shop, kid’s club and other amenities.

A July 10 groundbreaking ceremony marked the beginning of construction for the long-awaited Sarah Vande Berg Tennis & Wellness Center in Zephyrhills. (Courtesy of David Alvarez)

It will be located at 6585 Simons Road, Zephyrhills.

The project comes with a $3.3 million price tag, largely funded through state appropriations, Penny for Pasco monies, park impact fees and other donations.

The July 10 groundbreaking attracted a large crowd of dignitaries, business leaders and local residents to the site where the tennis facility will operate.

It marked a highly anticipated moment for many, as public talks of bringing a large-scale tennis center to the city began back in late 2016.

“It’s a beautiful day,” Zephyrhills Mayor Gene Whitfield said. “They’re going to build a beautiful building on this site.”

“Nothing’s going to make us happier than seeing this facility coming out of the ground,” said Zephyrhills City Manager Billy Poe.

Zephyrhills planning director Todd Vande Berg added: “It is a special day and it’s been a long time coming, but we’re glad this day is here.”

Officials say the tennis center will be not just a regional draw, but also will have national and international appeal through hosting USTA tournaments and other events.

Poe described the forthcoming facility as “an absolutely wonderful complex” that will help boost tourism and economic development in the area.

“Zephyrhills is known for water and skydiving. Soon we’re going to be known for tennis,” the city manager said.

He added, “Who knows, we very well may have a future Grand Slam champion that can say they started here at this facility. The facility will serve as an economic driver, not only for Zephyrhills, but for all of East Pasco.”

The tennis center is named in memory of Sarah Vande Berg, a former Zephyrhills High School district tennis champion, who died in an automobile accident at the age of 21 in October 2015. She was the daughter of longtime city planning director Todd Vande Berg.

Sarah Vande Berg would have just turned 25 years old. Her birthday was July 7.

“I know she’s looking down from heaven, smiling, thinking, ‘Wow, this is pretty special,’ her father, holding back tears, said at the groundbreaking.

“Sarah was a special person. She was a special daughter, and special in so many ways in how she cared for and loved other people.”

Sarah Vande Berg was noted for her sportsmanship on and off the courts.

Pasco County Commissioner Jack Mariano recalled his daughter — former Fivay High School tennis standout and current state Rep. Amber Mariano — losing to Sarah Vande Berg in a prep match “probably 6-love, 6-love each time.”

“She was a great competitor,” Mariano said of Sarah Vande Berg. “She played with class, she played with classiness after the fact (and) great sportsmanship.”

The Sarah Vande Berg Tennis & Wellness Center is a public-private partnership between the City of Zephyrhills and Tennis P.R.O., and its owner Pascal Collard, who will staff, operate and manage the tennis facility.

Collard is a former tennis director at Saddebrook who has trained his fair share of world-ranked tennis players.

Of the Sarah Vande Berg Tennis & Wellness Center, Collard said, “I’m going to try my best to make it unique.”

Collard also declared this lofty ambition: “There’s not one tennis player in the world that won’t know Sarah’s name. Not one. I promise you that.”

Published July 17, 2019

Political Agenda 08/15/2018

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Pasco elections supervisor addresses election security
Pasco County Supervisor of Elections Brian E. Corley issued this statement on Aug. 9, regarding election security in Pasco County.

“As an election administrator in the nation’s largest battleground state, my fellow SOE’s and I are highly cognizant of the ongoing and evolving threats to elections security,” Corley said, in the statement published on the Supervisor of Elections’ website.

“Supervisors of Elections throughout Florida have been working extensively for some time with our state and Federal partners, including the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). DHS has been invaluable in assisting myself and my team in preparing for and ensuring response to a myriad of threats.

“Pasco County has modeled our approach and focus on Prevention, Mitigation and Response to both physical and cyber threats. Currently, there is no indication that Pasco County systems have been penetrated. If the voter registration system becomes unavailable on Election Day, all polling locations are issued a paper backup precinct register. If a voter’s eligibility cannot be determined at the polls, provisional ballots are available to ensure that every voter can cast a ballot on Election Day.

“We will continue to be hyper vigilant to these real and emerging threats. Please know that we are ready to respond.”

The Florida State Association of Supervisors of Elections also released a statement, which can be viewed from the homepage of PascoVotes.com.

Republican Club of Central Pasco
The Republican Club of Central Pasco will meet Aug. 27. Rep. Amber Mariano will be the guest speaker. She will discuss legislative issues and her re-election bid for State House Rep. District 36. The meeting is open to the public, and the club encourages anyone that seeks to be involved in the political process to attend. The club meets at Copperstone Executive Suites, 3632 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes. A social begins at 6:30 p.m., and the meeting begins at 7 p.m. For more information, call (813) 996-3011.

Endorsements
Dr. Linda Jack, candidate for State House District 36, has received the endorsement of Ruth’s List Florida, according to Jack’s campaign.

Published August 15, 2018

Wiregrass Ranch Sports Complex breaks ground

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Construction has begun on a long-awaited sports field house in Wesley Chapel that is expected to provide more athletic and economic opportunities in Pasco County.

The June 7 groundbreaking ceremony for the Wiregrass Ranch Sports Complex attracted a crowd of more than 100 people, including a Who’s Who of Pasco County dignitaries.

The $44 million sports complex is being built at  3211 Lajuana Blvd., in Wesley Chapel, just off State Road 54, near The Shops at Wiregrass.

A groundbreaking ceremony on June 7 celebrated the start of construction for the new Wiregrass Ranch Sports Complex. (Kevin Weiss)

Members of the crowd came from all walks of life, including government officials, community leaders, business leaders, Wesley Chapel residents and representatives of sports organizations, local schools and universities.

They came to gather details about the 98,000-square-foot complex that will include eight basketball courts, 16 volleyball courts, a cheer and dance studio, a fitness center, and sports medicine and athletic training offerings.

The complex also will be able to host other sporting events and recreational activities such as martial arts, wrestling, gymnastics, curling, badminton, indoor soccer and lacrosse and pickleball.

In addition to the indoor gym, the complex will have seven outdoor sports fields, an amphitheater with an event lawn, walking trails, pavilions and a playground.

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

RADD Sports, a private company, will operate and manage the sports complex.

The county will own the facility and share in anticipated profits.

The county also has a ground lease for an $18 million, 128-room Marriott Residence Inn that will be built with private funds at the complex. The hotel and its “suite-style” units will cater primarily to traveling sports teams and families as well as active business travelers looking to access the facility.

The Wiregrass Ranch Sports Complex is set to open by late 2019.

It will operate on Monday through Thursday as a community-based sports center for youth, adults and seniors.

The $44 million Wiregrass Ranch Sports Complex is expected to open in late 2019. The 98,000-square-foot complex will have eight basketball courts, 16 volleyball courts, a cheer and dance studio, a fitness center, and sports medicine and athletic training offerings. Also, besides the indoor gym, the complex will have seven outdoor sports fields, an amphitheater with an event lawn, walking trails, pavilions and a playground. (File)

Weekends will be set aside to host tournaments, competitions and other events that will generate hotel stays and tax revenues for the county.

Secondary uses of the complex include graduations, banquets, exhibits and concerts.

The facility is being built on land donated years ago by the Porter family – developers of Wiregrass Ranch.

Until recently, several proposals for such a facility on the land fell apart over the years, including one for a baseball complex in 2015 .

“This has been something that’s been on our minds for the past 15 years,” said Wiregrass Ranch developer J.D. Porter. “(We’re) trying to do something that’s very good for the community, bringing people into Pasco County.”

Pasco’s offerings continue to expand
The complex also adds to a growing list of premier, state-of-the art sports facilities in Wesley Chapel — and further markets the area as a sports tourism destination primarily for youth and amateur sports.

Other nearby offerings include Florida Hospital Center Ice in Wesley Chapel, which opened in early 2017 as the largest hockey complex in the southeastern United States; Saddlebrook Resort & Spa, an upscale resort renowned for world-class golf and tennis training; and, Wesley Chapel District Park, which sits on 144 acres and contains 10 full-sized athletic fields and lighted outdoor tennis courts and basketball courts. Efforts also began recently in a quest to build a premier aquatics facility in Land O’ Lakes.

“Pasco County is rapidly positioning (itself) to be a leader in the nation in hosting sports events, and training athletes,” said RADD Sports president and CEO Richard Blalock.

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

“We’re excited of the fact that it’s going to put itself where we can attract not only for the locals, but also state, regional, national and international events,” he said.

“It’s not just the out-of-state visitors that’ll come,” said Pasco County Commissioner Mike Moore.

“It’s our visitors from Orlando, our visitors from Daytona Beach, Jacksonville, Miami. They’ll come here, they’ll visit our small businesses, they’re going to stay at our hotels, they’re going to buy our gas, our food, (and) they’re going to help our economy.”

Moore said amateur sports tourism is one of fastest-growing market segments of the travel industry, adding “Pasco County’s about to become a major player in this $10 billion-a-year industry.”

“When we say this is huge — it’s huge,” Moore said.

According to VisitFlorida, the state’s leading tourism resource, approximately 106 million non-resident visitors came to the state last year. Of that total, 16 million were drawn to Florida by its sports economy, representing about 15 percent of the state’s tourism economy.

But it’s about more than just tourism dollars and economic impact, said Pasco County Tourism Director Adam Thomas, who spent over a decade as a professional minor league baseball pitcher.

Thomas, who has two young children, underscored the social and competitive benefits of the facility for youth — the ability to participate in local tournaments that’ll host quality in-state and out-of-state teams and athletes.

“They’re going to be exposed to a different level of playing, so we’re going to raise the bar a little bit for our student-athletes,” he said.

Reactions to the Wiregrass Ranch Sports Complex
“What a great opportunity we have to continue to grow the economic environment here (and) to attract people. For all those reasons everybody moves here…They’ll continue to come back because we have a great thing to offer here in Pasco County.” — J.D. Porter, Wiregrass Ranch developer

“This is going to change the game for our athletes in Pasco County, give them the opportunity to raise the level of play and, really have the opportunity for families and kids to get to college and playing those sports, so I think it’s a great opportunity,” —State Rep. Amber Mariano, R-Hudson

“This is huge. (People’s) ability to show up today just shows the importance of this project, not only to Pasco County tourism but the business community right here in Wesley Chapel,” — Adam Thomas, VisitPasco director

“I’m excited. I’ll continue to be excited. I can’t wait to see this thing moving. I’ll probably down here every day as this goes up because I live down the street,” — Pasco County Commissioner Mike Moore

Published June 13, 2018

Crystal Lagoon debuts with a splash — from Michael Phelps

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The weather was warm, the sun shining, and the crowd deep for the grand debut of the Crystal Lagoon at Epperson.

The April 28 kickoff for the nation’s first lagoon was further buoyed with a special appearance from retired Olympic swimmer and gold medalist Michael Phelps.

Phelps, the most decorated athlete in Olympics history with 28 medals — 23 gold, three silver, two bronze — serves as global ambassador for Crystal Lagoons Inc.

Michael Phelps, a retired Olympic swimmer, spent part of the time during his visit talking about the importance of water safety. (Randy Underhill)

Following a short promotional video and introductions, Phelps’ entrance at the Wesley Chapel-based lagoon drew bursts of cheers and applause from the crowd, who nestled near a main stage to get an up-close look at the legendary swimmer.

Phelps engaged the crowd by highlighting the enjoyment his own family had at a similar lagoon in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.

“You guys are going to enjoy it. It’s so much fun,” Phelps said in his opening remarks. “The water’s crystal clear, and there’s so many activities — and that’s something that’s so much fun for me now being a dad with two kids, so I’m excited you guys get to experience this.”

Phelps noted it was his first visit to Wesley Chapel and the Tampa Bay area, arriving on a flight from New York City.

“I wish I lived down here, so I could experience this with my family more often,” he said. “Maybe we’ll have to bring the family down sometime soon.”

Following brief remarks, Phelps met with scores of fans and spent the afternoon signing autographs.

He later held a formal question-and-answer session with media.

Phelps’ first impression of the 7.5-acre lagoon? Gorgeous.

Said Phelps, “This is such a great place to be, and the atmosphere is incredible, so it’s going to be cool to watch this place grow, and watch families come and enjoy this.”

Phelps also said he “would love one in Arizona,” half-jokingly egging lagoon developers within earshot to plan a similar lagoon near his Phoenix-area residence.

Besides the Epperson lagoon itself, Phelps said he’s impressed by the modern technology which maintains the waters’ vibrant blue hue — the brainchild of biochemist and real estate developer Fernando Fischmann.

Phelps said, “To be able to turn brackish water into the prettiest, crystal blue water you can possibly find — it’s pretty mind-blowing. It’s incredible to be able to see the technology that we’ve been able to use…and it’s so cool how you can literally clean 1 percent (of the water) if 1 percent needs cleaned.”

Meanwhile, Phelps used his platform to discuss the importance of water safety, particularly regarding young children.

He stressed the importance of lifeguard and parent supervision, as well as teaching children to swim properly and to avoid drains.

Drowning is the second-highest cause of death for children under the age of 14, Phelps said, noting that teaching children about water safety is one of his passions.

Other dignitaries at the event included Pasco County Commission Chairman Mike Wells Jr.; Pasco County commissioners Mike Moore and Kathryn Starkey; state Reps. Danny Burgess and Amber Mariano; Kevin Morgan, executive vice president of Crystal Lagoons US Corp; Greg Singleton, president of Metro Development Group; and Christopher Souza, regional manager for Crystal Lagoon.

Hundreds of people turned out to see Michael Phelps at the grand debut of the Crystal Lagoon at Epperson.

In addition to Phelps’ appearance, the daylong tropical-themed celebration included water ski shows, flyboarding performances, and live music and dancing.

The perimeter of the lagoon was lined with food trucks, bounce houses and several other family-friendly activities.

Various real estate agents and homebuilder companies also had booths there.

While attendees weren’t allowed to swim in the lagoon, many walked along the perimeter, with some dipping their toes in the sand and shallow water.

The lagoon won’t be open for swimming until sometime this summer.

The lagoon spans over three-quarters of a mile, with its deepest point around 10 feet. It’s filled with approximately 16 million gallons of water.

It is the featured centerpiece of the Epperson community, which is eventually expected to have 2,000 homes.

Epperson residents will be able to enjoy aquatic activities, including swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding and sailing small boats, as well as Caribbean-style beaches and cabanas, a waterslide, an entertainment plaza, a yoga lawn and an area for special events.

The lagoon will have some limited guest opportunities, but will more or less function as a private club.

Though Epperson is the first, it’s one of 22 Crystal Lagoons planned throughout the U.S., by Metro Development Group. A majority of those are in Florida, with a handful in Texas, along with another on the Las Vegas Strip.

That includes a Crystal Lagoon planned for Mirada, a master-planned community next to Epperson. Another is planned in south Hillsborough County for the Southshore Bay community.

Both Epperson and Mirada are part of the Connected City corridor, which encompasses about 7,800 acres in northeast Pasco County.

At build-out, the entire Connected City will have about 37,000 homes and more than 12 million square feet of commercial space.

Published May 2, 2018

She wants to make sure girls’ voices are heard

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Lindsey Turnbull, a former resident of Land O’ Lakes, has been named one of the University of Central Florida’s 30 Under 30 alumni award winners.

Turnbull was recognized for her work as the founder and CEO of MissHeard Media, a platform that offers teen girls the opportunity to elevate their voices and to create community.

MissHeard Media connects girls across the globe by giving them a place to share their stories and experiences, as well as an opportunity to learn new skills that will help them to chart their own course in life.

Lindsey Turnbull, a former resident of Land O’ Lakes, has been honored for her work to give young girls a chance to express themselves.
(Courtesy of Kathy Cabble)

This year’s class of 30 Under 30 award winners includes marketing and communications professionals, entrepreneurs, engineers, software specialists, attorneys, education leaders, doctors, nurses and a football star. Amber Mariano, who represents District 36 of the Florida House of Representatives, which includes a portion of Pasco County, is also on the list, according to a UCF news release.

Turnbull studied history, anthropology and women’s studies at UCF. She also served as the program coordinator for the Young Women Leaders Program.

MissHeard, with its board of teen girls and youth-related professionals, focuses on girl-centered and girl-created content to foster empowered, girl-positive communities.

MissHeard Media seeks “to create a world where all teen girls feel understood, prepared, confident, and most of all, heard,” according to its website.

Turnbull said her parents moved to Land O’ Lakes when she was 7. She attended Sanders Memorial Elementary School, Pine View Middle School and Land O’ Lakes High School.

She received her undergraduate and graduate degrees from the University of Central Florida before moving to the Washington D.C. area to pursue a career in history and museum studies.

But, a government sequester, which placed a hard cap on government spending, closed off employment opportunities she had hoped to pursue, so she launched MissHeard Media.

MissHeardMedia is an outgrowth of Turnbull’s experience at the University of Central Florida, where she worked closely with teenage girls.

“What I really discovered was that all of these teen girls were really smart and funny, and had all of these really interesting things to say, but nobody was really asking them what they thought,” Turnbull said.

“I thought to myself: One day, I’m going to do something so everyone will know how awesome teen girls are,” she said.

That day came sooner than she expected.

She created MissHeardMedia.com to give girls a platform for girls to share their stories.

But, she also realized that she missed working directly with girls, so she began offering workshops. She also does speaking engagements.

“Most of what I do is in the D.C. area, right now,” she said.

Soon, she’ll be offering a summer workshop, which will focus on mixing creativity with technology, she said.

“We’re going to do an overview of all kinds of different ways to be creative,” she said.

“We still have the blog, which has stories from girls around the world. We have a teen advisory board, and they submit a lot of the writing,” she said.

Turnbull wants to create the opportunity for girls to be heard — both by their peers, but also by society, in general.

“I think what a lot of people may not realize is that teen girls are very aware of what’s going on in the world, and they want to make a difference and see change. I don’t think a lot of adults realize that.

“I know when the Parkland activists started speaking out after the shooting, all of these adults were like, ‘Teenagers don’t care about this. Why should they have a say? Why should we listen to them?

“And, as someone who has been working with girls for 10 years, I was like, ‘Of course they have things to say. You probably had things to say when you were 16,” Turnbull said.

To find out more about Turnbull’s work, visit MissHeardMedia.com.

If you would like more information about this topic, please contact Turnbull at (727) 491-3922 or email .

Published April 25, 2018

Legislative forum covers wide spectrum of issues

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Dozens of speakers signed up to draw attention to topics they think are important at Pasco County’s annual legislative delegation meeting.

The topics ranged from fracking to Medicaid; the opioid epidemic to immigration; medical marijuana to homelessness; and, scores of budget requests.

Some requests were for items vetoed by Gov. Rick Scott last year.

Pasco County Sheriff Chris Nocco, for instance, asked legislators to renew his request for $4.3 million for the Thomas Varnadoe Forensic Center for Education and Research.

From left: State Sen. Tom Lee, Rep. Richard Corcoran, Rep. Danny Burgess, Sen. Wilton Simpson and Rep. Amber Mariano
attend the Pasco County legislative delegation’s annual meeting to hear from local constituents about issues they’d like lawmakers to address during the 2018 legislative session. (Kathy Steele)

The Adam Kennedy Forensics Field, also known as a “body farm,” opened in May on land next to the Land O’ Lakes Detention Center, off U.S. 41. The facility is the seventh of its type in the nation.

Construction money is needed for the indoor forensic center. The complex is planned jointly with the sheriff’s office, Pasco County, Pasco-Hernando State College, and the University of South Florida’s Institute for Forensics and Applied Science.

“It is a critical piece for us,” Nocco said.

The sheriff also noted that there already are international inquiries regarding training opportunities.

The city of Zephyrhills also had a big-ticket request. It’s asking for $3.25 million to help build the Sarah Vande Berg Memorial Tennis Center.

The planned tennis center includes eight soft courts, two hard courts and nine pickle ball courts.

The city of Zephyrhills already has hired Pennsylvania-based Tennis P.R.O. LLC to operate and manage the complex.

A pro shop, a multipurpose community room and two offices also are planned.

“It’s gaining a lot of momentum,” said Todd Vande Berg, the city’s planning director. “It will bring in players from around the world, and Zephyrhills really will be a destination in the sports arena.”

The complex is named for Vande Berg’s daughter, a tennis scholarship student at University of South Carolina, who died in a car accident.

The annual legislative delegation meeting is a ritual that gives lawmakers a chance to find out what is on the minds of their constituents for the coming legislative year.

This year’s session was on Nov. 27 at the Wesley Chapel Center for the Arts, at Wesley Chapel High School.

More than 60 people signed up, with each allotted three minutes to address the legislators, who were seated at a table on the arts center’s stage.

Rep. Danny Burgess, the delegation’s chairman; Rep. Amber Mariano; and Sen. Wilton Simpson attended the entire meeting. Sen. Tom Lee and Rep. Richard Corcoran attended portions of the meeting. Sen. Jack Latvala was absent.

Afterward Burgess described the meeting as a fact-gathering session to help legislators deliberate on issues during the 2018 legislative session in Tallahassee.

“It’s important — with a state this big and statute books so voluminous —it’s impossible to know every issue,” Burgess said.

He also said people’s presence and participation are important.

“It’s a truly collaborative thing,” he said, noting, lawmakers will have more information “because people from our areas decided to take the time to come here.”

Along those lines, Debra Golinski asked lawmakers to provide funding for screening programs at Sertoma Speech & Hearing Foundation Inc.

She said about $750,000 is needed for a program to help hearing-impaired children, ages 3 to 6 years, “begin to listen and talk.”

Golinksi also asked legislators to support a bill to provide hearing aids for children.

Timothy Beard, president of Pasco-Hernando State College, said the college is expanding rapidly and needs about $3.7 million in additional funding for operations.

He said school enrollment has increased from about 1,800 three years ago to about 4,000 students now.

“The growth there has really been phenomenal. We really, really need the dollars,” Beard said.

Other agencies and nonprofits seeking state funds included the Gulf Coast Jewish Family & Community Services, the Area Agency on Aging of Pasco-Pinellas Inc., the Reach program with Pasco’s PACE Center for Girls, and the Pasco County Alliance for Substance Abuse Prevention, or ASAP.

Hot button political issues also came up.

James Brown, of the nonprofit Farmworkers Self Help, sought support for “DACA kids”, the children who are part of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program.

The federal program could be ended soon, leaving these children subject to deportation. They and their families harvested crops for years, Brown said.

“They did nothing more than work hard. We need to give these longtime families a place in the county. We’re not asking for budgetary concerns. We’re just asking for your compassion,” Brown said.

Several people also spoke on fracking, asking legislators to ban the practice in Florida.

Fracking is a process for pumping chemically treated high pressure water into a drilled pipeline to break through rock formations to tap into oil or natural gas reserves.

“Our message is simple,” said Brooke Errett, of Food & Water Watch. “Fracking doesn’t make sense.”

Legislators also got updates on initiatives under review at the federal level by U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis.

His aide, Summer Robertson, told them that Bilirakis is seeking

a balanced approach toward addressing the opioid crisis.

He wants an approach that helps people with opioid addiction but still gives people “with legitimate pain” access to medications, Robertson said.

Published December 6, 2017

A chance to talk with Pasco’s state legislators

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Get ready to quiz members of the Pasco County legislative delegation, or make a plea for a favorite cause or program.

Pasco legislators will have their annual pre-session public meeting on Sept. 18 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Sunlake High School Gymnasium, 3023 Sunlake Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes.

The annual get-together is an opportunity for residents, elected officials, representatives of city and county governments, and civic organizations to speak directly to their legislators prior to the start of the 2018 legislative session.

Pasco’s delegation includes Representatives Danny Burgess, Amber Mariano and Richard Corcoran (past Speaker of the House); and, Senators Wilton Simpson, Jack Latvala and Tom Lee.

Public testimony is welcome. Anyone wishing to address the delegation needs to complete a speaker request form. The form is available at bit.ly/2gVEmxW.

Completed requests received by 5 p.m., Sept. 11 will be considered for the agenda. Additional speaker request forms will be available at the meeting.

However, speaker request forms received after the deadline may be considered, if time is available on the agenda.

All speakers, if possible, should email materials and handouts to Jonathan Till at .

For information, also contact Till at (813) 780-0667.

Published August 30, 2017

Homestead exemption could increase

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A property tax savings could be on its way to Florida homeowners, if a statewide referendum in 2018 boosts homestead exemptions to a total of $75,000.

But, what could be tax relief to homeowners could pose financial challenges for local governments.

State Sen. Tom Lee

If approved, homeowners can add another $25,000 to the existing standard of $50,000 (approved by voters in 2008) for homestead exemption on a primary residence. The added bonus would take effect on Jan. 1, 2019.

Statewide estimates suggest that property tax collections could drop between $654 million and $700 million annually.

Locally, Pasco County could lose as much as $13 million, according to Pasco County Property Appraiser Gary Joiner.

About 100,000 of the county’s more than 260,000 parcels have a homestead exemption. Of those, about 60,000 would qualify for the increased exemption, he said.

“I don’t think that there is any doubt it’s going to pass,” Joiner said. “It’s going to be tough for the county and the commissioners to decide what they are going to have to do.”

The impact of lost revenues would be felt starting in 2019.

To close financial holes in budgets, other revenue sources could be sought, including sales taxes, increased millage rates and user fees. Or, governments may have to reduce staff or cut services.

Homeowners currently can receive a standard homestead exemption on the first $25,000 of assessed value of their primary residence. Another $25,000 can be deducted from assessed value between $50,000 and $75,000.

Speaker of the House Richard Corcoran

The proposed exemption increases the exemption on all taxes, other than school district taxes, by another $25,000 on assessed value greater than $100,000 and up to $125,000.

As an example, a house valued at $100,000 would be taxed as if it were worth $25,000. A $200,000 house would be taxed at an assessed value of $125,000.

State Rep. Richard Corcoran of Land O’ Lakes, who is the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and State Sen. Tom Lee of Brandon, pushed for the referendum and the larger exemption.

In a news release, Corcoran described the vote as a “big win for all Floridians” and “one of, if not the largest, tax cut in the history of Florida at $645 million.”

It allows families to pay bills and make payments on cars, health care and day care, according to Corcoran’s statement.

State Rep. Amber Mariano, State Rep. Danny Burgess and State Sen. Wilton Simpson voted for the referendum.

State Sen. Jack Latvala, of Clearwater, was the only member of the Tampa Bay delegation to vote no.

Published May 10, 2017

Education a key theme for upcoming session

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Education was a recurring theme among speakers at a recent meeting held by the Pasco County Legislative Delegation before this year’s annual session.

Local citizens and civic leaders voiced their concerns on this hot-button issue during a Jan. 18 gathering at Sunlake High School, with six local representatives to the state Legislature.

Dozens of interest groups and local government leaders also talked to legislators about their priorities for the legislative delegation.

The Pasco County Legislative Delegation had a pre-legislative session on Jan. 18 at Sunlake High School. From left, on the dais, are Richard Corcoran, incoming Speaker of the House for the Florida House of Representatives, and State Reps. Tom Ley, Danny Burgess, State Sen. Wilton Simpson, State Rep. Amber Mariano, and State Sen. Jack Latvala.
(Kevin Weiss)

Rising school enrollment and additional education funding were just two topics raised during the four-hour meeting with State Sens. Wilton Simpson and Jack Latvala, incoming Speaker of the House Richard Corcoran, and State Reps. Tom Ley, Danny Burgess and Amber Mariano.

Spencer Pylant, speaking on behalf of Superintendent Kurt Browning for the Pasco County School District, talked to the delegates about concerns increasing school enrollments and the lack of funding to provide adequate school capacity.

“It’s fitting the delegation is meeting at this school, because it rests in one of the highest-growing segments of Pasco County,” Pylant said.

“After opening 10 years ago, it is at 114 percent capacity; this additional growth demands additional capacity,” he said.

Pylant said 1,707 new students chose Pasco schools in the 2016-2017 school year.

That’s only a preview of things to come, he added.

“We expect approximately 20,000 new students in 10 years, based on our projections,” he said.

School board members and district officials are concerned that current funding sources cannot match the growing demand.

He presented two suggestions:

  • Restore the authority of the school boards to levy—by simple majority vote — up to 2.0 mills for capital purposes.
  • Provide Public Education Capital Outlay (PECO) funding for school construction.

“A balanced capital funding stream is necessary to provide a proper learning environment for our students and families,” Pylant said.

He also suggested some other changes:

  • More flexibility regarding assessments
  • Elimination of End-of-Course exams not required for graduation
  • Authorization of the use of a nationally recognized assessment (ACT or SAT)
  • Letting school districts decide when to administer personnel evaluations

“These recommendations reduce quantity and increase the quality of student assessments, while ensuring simple, meaningful accountability,” he said.

Later on, Kenny Blankenship, president of the United School Employees of Pasco, pleaded with delegates to improve public schools by providing “additional funding” and “more support for teachers” in the county.

Education was a recurring topic during the four-hour delegation, which featured several hundred attendees. ‘I think this is one of the best turnouts we’ve ever had at a delegation meeting,’ said State Rep. Danny Burgess.

Blankenship, a 20-year teaching veteran, endorsed “much-needed” school health centers, small class sizes and “adequate compensation” for teachers.

“We need your help to work with us to improve our public schools, because public education benefits everyone,” Blankenship said.

Jessica Hooper, representing Project Lead The Way, advocated for mandatory computer science education in schools, suggesting, “kids will be more prepared for the 21st century workplace.”

Improvement is needed in this arena, Hooper said. “Unfortunately, there are not enough offerings. You would think that Florida — being the hub of computer science technology employers — would need more (offerings) in this area in the education space.”

Pasco-Hernando State College President Timothy Beard also asked state legislators to increase funding for facilities.

Specifically, he requested $2.5 million in PECO funding for the West campus in New Port Richey.

He also asked for $10 million for an education performance arts center, which would be built on the campus of Cypress Creek Middle/High School.

Saint Leo University representatives lobbied for continued funding of Bright Futures scholarships, along with the Florida Resident Access Grant (FRAG), which provides tuition assistance to Florida undergraduate students attending an eligible private, nonprofit Florida college or university.

The Florida Legislature kicks off the 2017 session on March 7.

Published January 25, 2017