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Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce

If a hurricane hits, what would your business do?

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Residents aren’t the only ones who need to how to respond if water rises, high winds hit or other damage results from tropical storms, hurricanes or other emergencies.

Businesses also need a plan that will help them weather the storm, and resume their enterprise as quickly as possible.

Brian Ellis, an expert with the Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council, offered some practical advice on how to deal with a disaster, during a recent Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce luncheon. (B.C. Manion)

Brian Ellis, disaster recovery coordinator for the Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council, recently shared his expertise on the topic at a Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce luncheon at the Plantation Palms Golf Club, in Land O’ Lakes.

Planning ahead is essential, Ellis said.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) estimates that nearly 40 percent of small businesses that closed after a disaster never reopened because they lacked a Business Continuity Plan and were unprepared to recover, Ellis told those gathered.

Additionally, he said that nearly one in four businesses can expect to experience a disruptive disaster, according to the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety and the U.S. Small Business Administration.

To be resilient in the face of such threats, businesses need to prepare, respond and recover, he said.

Preparations should include:

  • An emergency communication plan, which includes: A staff text message/email; a method for reaching employees after hours; and, a single point of contact. Be sure to monitor the news, too, he said.

“Bad information is not what you want,” Ellis said.

  • When faced with a disaster: Be sure you have an evacuation plan, with escape routes. Establish a safe place — which may be at your home or in another location — for you to resume your business as quickly as possible. Can you operate in your parking lot?

Keep your customers informed, he said. “Put some information on Facebook. A sign on the door (of your business) can go a long way.”

Be sure your employees know their roles. “Does your staff know how to react when you’re not there?” Ellis asked.

  • Build resilience in your supply chain. If you need specific products or services to conduct your business, be sure you have secondary suppliers, in case your supplier runs out. Establish service level agreements with your suppliers so you will know what level of service you can expect, if problems arise.
  • Build alliances with others in a similar business. Establish a buddy system: You help them if they’re hit with a disaster; they help you if you’re hit with a disaster. You can lend each other staff; exchange reliable supplier information; and, share inventory.

Responding to a crisis:

  • Account for all employees after the disaster.
  • Gather accurate information after the storm, with boots on the ground.
  • Conduct a full evaluation of infrastructure and take safety measures.
  • Coordinate next steps to get the doors open.
  • Communicate with all parties involved.

Filing an insurance claim:

  • Immediately contact your insurance company.
  • Make sure your insurance company knows your temporary address and contact information.
  • Take photographs of damaged assets.
  • Leave damaged property where it is, until the adjuster has made an official report. Accompany the adjuster to point out damage during the inspection.
  • Make only repairs necessary to prevent further damage. Be aware that unauthorized repairs might not be covered.
  • Be careful in choosing contractors to make repairs. Hire only licensed contractors, who secure the appropriate building permits. (The Better Business Bureau warns you should be wary when hiring contractors after a disaster. Watch out for red flags, such as upfront cash-only payment options; contractors offering to use materials left over from another job – a common tactic of fly-by-night operators; high-pressure sales tactics; and missing contact information.)
  • If the settlement offered by the insurance company seems unfair, contact the Florida Department of Insurance Regulation by visiting FLOIR.com.

Identify lessons learned:

  • How did we improve communications?
  • Were we satisfied with the way technology was backed up and stored?
  • Did staff fully understand their roles during and after the disaster?
  • Were there delays in reopening? If so, why?
  • Are changes needed in our insurance policy?

Ellis also quoted former President John F. Kennedy, who observed, “The time to repair the roof is when the sun is shining,” and famous inventor Benjamin Franklin, who said, “By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.”

Published June 05, 2019

Merged chambers to become Greater Pasco Chamber of Commerce

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Members of the Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce and the West Pasco Chamber of Commerce came together last week to mark a historical milestone.

They are merging effective July 1, and a special gathering was held to announce the new chamber’s name.

Greg Armstrong, chairman of the board for the West Pasco Chamber of Commerce, and Les Saland, president of the board for the Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce, both offered remarks during an event that marked a milestone in both chambers’ history. The gathering was held to announce the name of the new chamber being formed to unify both chambers into a single organization. (B.C. Manion)

The new chamber is expected to have more than 1,000 members and will cover an area from Wesley Chapel to the Gulf of Mexico, from county line to county line.

The recent gathering, dubbed the “Come Together Ambassador Mixer” drew a crowd .

So many people streamed to Spring Hill Suites Tampa North Land O’ Lakes in Land O’ Lakes — that parking was at a premium. The hotel’s lot filled up. Cars made their own spaces along the street. And, more parked on a nearby grassy lot.

Meanwhile, inside, the room was buzzing with conversation as members of both chambers networked, lined up for a hot food buffet and listened to live music.

Those attending also had a chance to win numerous prizes — with winners announced periodically during the celebration.

The main event was the announcement of the unified chamber’s new name.

But before that , Les Saland, president of the Central Pasco Chamber board, told the crowd that he believes the merger was meant to happen.

Greg Armstrong, chairman of the board for the West Pasco Chamber, observed that it’s an opportune time for the two groups to come together.

“This new chamber of commerce sits in the center of the fastest-growing county in the United States,” Armstrong said — eliciting cheers, applause and woo-hoos from the crowd.

“What that means for every business and every citizen is unparalleled opportunity — and that’s what this new chamber is going to be all about, is bringing to our businesses unparalleled opportunity to do exactly what? More business,” Armstrong said.

Tim McClain, an executive with the West Pasco Chamber staff, announced the winner for the naming contest for the new chamber.

Tim Hoppes, of Big State Financial of Florida, won the contest with his suggestion: Greater Pasco Chamber of Commerce.

“It overwhelmingly was the No. 1 choice,” McClain said, noting numerous people suggested the name.

Hoppes was declared the winner because he submitted it first — within the first hour of the naming contest. The rules said the winner would be the first person to suggest the selected name, McClain said.

Next up, the two chambers will come together for an awards banquet and installation of the new officers. That event is planned for June 20 at the Hilton Garden Inn, 2155 Northpointe Parkway in Lutz. For more information, visit CentralPascoChamber.com.

Published May 15, 2019

This community servant knew how to find life’s silver lining

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Rosie Heim — a former Honorary Mayor of Land O’ Lakes, and a former president of the board of the Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club — has succumbed to her battle with cancer.

She will be remembered in a celebration of life service on April 13 at 10:30 a.m., at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 20735 Leonard Road in Lutz. A reception will follow.

Rosie Heim was widely known in Central Pasco. She belonged to several organizations and generously shared her smiles and goodwill. (File)

Rosie was widely known around Central Pasco for her willingness to serve local organizations, and as an Avon representative — who always dispensed her brand of good cheer, while delivering her customer’s orders.

Mary Rathman, editorial assistant at The Laker/Lutz News, a regular customer, developed a deep affection for Rosie.

“I’ll miss her smiles and hugs,” said Rathman, who admired Rosie’s ability to remain upbeat, despite her grim prognosis.

“She just had such an amazing attitude throughout her ordeal and she was always happy,” Rathman said.

When Rosie decided to toss her hat into the ring for a run at honorary mayor of Land O’ Lakes, she did so with the intention of raising the profile of the GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club. The club is already widely known in Lutz, but she wanted more people in Land O’ Lakes to become familiar with the club and its good works.

In a 2017 interview, she told The Laker/Lutz News she wanted the GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s club to become “a household name in Land O’ Lakes.”

Pat Serio, a member of the woman’s club, considered Rosie to be a dear friend.

“We’ve worked together on more projects and issues than I could possibly count,” Serio said.

She had a “unique insight and fun personality,” Serio added, and “she loved glitz and glamour.”

“All our (club members) hearts are very heavy with our loss of this wonderful woman after her very valiant battle with cancer,” she added.

In Rosie’s quest to win the Land O’ Lakes title, she hosted eight events.

For Rosie, it was never about being a member of a particular clique — she believed in reaching out to everyone.

Gloria Dale and Rosie Heim worked a booth at Land O’ Lakes Music Festival in 2017, as Heim made an effort to drum up support for her bid to become the new Honorary Mayor of Land O’ Lakes. Dale is the deputy honorary mayor, a title she’s been given for life.

She was involved with Women-N-Charge, a women’s networking group. She was also involved with AARP and with other groups.

She was always looking to recruit more members to the woman’s club because she saw a need to help with community services.

She also saw the need to develop reinforcements, as members of the woman’s club grow older and are unable to do as much volunteering as they did in the past.

In a previous interview, she explained: “Not all of the ladies are physically able to move tables and set up crafts. We would love younger people with better backs.”

She also was a cheerleader for the Central Pasco Chamber, too.

She looked forward to presiding at ribbon cuttings and representing the chamber in the Lutz Fourth of July Parade.

Before she retired, she was a special needs school assistant at Denham Oaks Elementary.

Elayne Bassinger, who was Rosie’s friend for 15 years, but particularly close to her during the last five years, said Rosie’s passing has left a hole in her heart.

“She had a remarkable, caring, giving, dynamic spirit — with a bit of spitfire thrown in,” Bassinger said.

“She was an inspiration to those who were fortunate enough to know her, and I was blessed to call her my friend,” Bassinger added.

Rosie possessed a can-do spirit and a great sense of humor, Bassinger said.

“Her heart was true community service,” Bassinger said.

Rosie enjoyed being involved, and was thrilled when some of that goodwill was returned during a pasta dinner fundraiser she held when she was campaigning to become honorary mayor.

She described the pasta dinner, in a 2017 interview.

Ninety-six people turned out.

“I was just so honored and overwhelmed by the love shown in that room,” she said. “They were chanting my name, ‘Rosie. Rosie.’”

It was incredible, she recalled.

“When you give, it’s always returned to you 10-fold,” she said

Rosie is survived by her husband, Charlie; her son, Daniel; her daughters, Sharon and Dawn, and her grandchildren.

Published April 03, 2019

Hobby Lobby opens at Cypress Creek Town Center

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About two dozen shoppers were waiting when the Hobby Lobby Stores Inc., held its grand-opening celebration of its newest store, in Lutz.

They joined store employees and members of the Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce for the 9 a.m., ribbon cutting ceremony on March 18.

Brooke Pancoast, manager of the new Hobby Lobby in Lutz, does the honors of cutting the ribbon during the grand opening festivities. (Diane Kortus)

The store, at 25675 Sierra Center Drive, is Hobby Lobby’s 865th store. It is located in the Cypress Creek Town Center, which is west of Interstate 75, off State Road 56.

Suzanne Beauchaine, executive director of the Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce, welcomed Manager Brooke Pancoast and her team to the chamber, which has a 44-year history of promoting the interests of businesses and supporting community organizations.

“Our new location is great for many of our customers, who have been driving to our stores in Zephyrhills and New Port Richey,” Pancoast said.

“While we expect to keep many of our loyal store customers in Zephyrhills, many will now shop at the new Lutz store because it is closer and more convenient,” said Kevin Ross, Hobby Lobby’s Zephyrhills store manager.

Monica Salter, right, and her daughter-in-law, Jennifer Salter, measure a ‘distressed’ end table that caught their eye during Hobby Lobby’s grand opening in Lutz.

Shoppers were eager to check out the new store.

“We love the home accessories and art supply areas of the store,” said Monica Salter, who attended the Lutz grand opening with her daughter-in-law, Jennifer Salter. “Plus, Hobby Lobby has wonderful discounts on holiday items that we always appreciate.”

Both women reside in Wesley Chapel, and have also shopped Hobby Lobby stores in Zephyrhills, North Carolina and Colorado.

Shopper Lynn Eberhart said, “I’m learning to quilt, and we came by to see what Hobby Lobby has for quilters.”

She came to the grand opening with her  husband, Joey, who said he enjoys looking at the memorable and clever signs Hobby Lobby stocks.

Hobby Lobby is a privately held national retain chain of craft and home décor stores.

Each store offers more than 70,000 crafting and home décor products, including floral, fabric, needle art, custom framing, baskets, home accents, wearable art, arts and crafts, jewelry making, scrapbooking and paper crafting supplies, according to a company news release.

The Oklahoma City-based private corporation got its start in 1970 as Greco, a miniature picture frame company. Store hours are Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. The store is closed on Sundays.

Published March 20, 2019

Music fest returns to Land O’ Lakes

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Get ready for some sounds of music — at the fourth annual Land O’ Lakes Music Festival.

The event is set for March 23 from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m., at Land O’ Lakes Heritage Park, 5401 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes.

The band Solar Exposure is scheduled to make a return at the fourth annual Land O’ Lakes Music Festival. Numerous bands are on the March 23 lineup. (File)

The Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce is hosting the event. Live performances will be provided by Bearded Brothers, Stonegrey, Peace of Woodstock and Solar Exposure.

Festival-goers can bring blankets or lawn chairs to relax on the large open field and listen to bands, as they make their appearances on stage.

There also will be food trucks, adult beverages, and arts and crafts available for purchase.

Admission is free and parking is $10.

Coolers are not permitted, but pets are welcome, as long as they are on a leash.

Proceeds will benefit the Pasco County Parks Department so youth can go on camping expeditions.

Heritage Park is located at 5401 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes.

For additional information, call the chamber at (813) 909-2722, or email .

Land O’ Lakes Music Festival
Where: Land O’ Lakes Heritage Park, 5401 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., Land O’ Lakes
When: March 23 from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Cost: Free admission; $10 for parking
Details: There will be live musical performances throughout the event; food and merchandise will be available for purchase.
Info: Contact the Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce at (813) 909-2722 or .

Published March 13, 2019

Central and West Pasco chambers plan to join forces

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The boards for the Central Pasco and West Pasco chambers of commerce have voted to become a single chamber, effective July 1, pending due diligence by both chambers’ boards.

Leadership from both groups said they’re excited by the prospects.

The new chamber — which has yet to be named — will have more than 1,000 members. Its membership will reach from around Interstate 75, to the western edge of Pasco County.

“There are advantages for both the chambers and for the chamber members,” said Greg Armstrong, chairman of the board for the West Pasco Chamber of Commerce.

“For the chambers, it means more services for less money. In today’s competitive environment that’s what you have to do.

“As for the members, the advantages are measured a little bit differently.

“They’ll have more marketing opportunities — to reach a larger market, which is the trend today.

“They’ll have more networking opportunities, in a larger area.

“And, quite frankly, they’ll get more bang for their buck.

“In the growth area of (State Road) 54, they won’t have to wonder: ‘Should I join this one? Or, should I join that one?’ As a result, a lot of people didn’t join either.

“Now, they just join THE chamber. We take that problem out of it,” Armstrong said.

“That is one of the two best growth areas in the United States right now, for business, and there was no reason to spend our time fighting over the members. We want to spend our time working for the members,” Armstrong added.

Les Saland, president of the board for the Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce, said, “we want this to happen because it really is a good deal for the members.

“We’re going to be splitting the board, initially, for the first two years. It’s going to be seven members of the West Pasco board and seven members of the Central Pasco board to comprise the board of directors.

“The chairman of the board for the first year will be the incoming chairman of the board from West Pasco Chamber, and then the second year, the chairman of the board will be our current incoming president.

“Then, after that, it will be by nomination of the board.

“We wanted to make sure that our members have equal representation. This is not a takeover or anything like that. It had to work for everybody,” Saland said.

Both offices will remain open, and staff members will be retained, Saland said.

“If we move the office into their (West Pasco Chamber) current office, which is on Main Street in New Port Richey, that doesn’t work well for the current members who are in Central Pasco, or in Land O’ Lakes, or even possibly on the eastern side of Trinity/Odessa. That’s a long drive,” Saland said.

The combined chamber will have more political clout, both leaders said.

“Let’s face it, government has to do what it does and sometimes it’s not in the best interest of business,” Armstrong said. “If we’re speaking for more than a 1,000 members, they (political leaders) sit on the edge of the chair. If you’re a smaller chamber, they might sit back in their chair.

Having such representation is especially important for chamber members, Armstrong added.

“Eighty-five percent of our members, in both chambers, are very small businesses. Having been that most of my life, I can tell you, there’s a lot of times, you have to snorkel to get air — because you’re working that many hours.

“They don’t have time to even know that a problem is coming, much less figure out a way to deal with it, or make it not happen.

“As a chamber, we can impact those things,” he said.

Organizing a unified chamber will take a concerted effort and involves working out myriad details, both leaders said.

“I think we have a lot of work ahead of us, but I’m excited,” Armstrong said. “We have a chance to clean the chalkboard and set us up for the next decade. I really think we’re going to benefit all of the communities. You’ve got Land O’ Lakes, Lutz (the Pasco part of Lutz). You’ve got Odessa, Trinity, Holiday, New Port Richey, Port Richey, Hudson. Now we’re talking about almost 250,000 people that we represent.”

Published March 13, 2019

Pasco tax collector’s office receives ‘Heart of Pasco’ award

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Pasco County Tax Collector Mike Fasano and the Land O’ Lakes Tax Collector’s Office recently accepted the Heart of Pasco Award for the office’s exemplary customer service and outstanding community outreach efforts.

Sandy Graves, the Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce’s chairwoman for community affairs, bestowed the award to Fasano, during a Jan. 10 ceremony outside the tax collector’s office in Land O’ Lakes.

The staff of the Pasco County Tax Collector’s Office in Land O’ Lakes stand alongside members of the Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce. The tax office became the recipient of the Heart of Pasco Award on Jan. 10 for its exceptional community service. (Brian Fernandes)

The “Heart of Pasco” award goes to a business that exemplifies the chamber’s mission to “aggressively advocate for the interest of our diverse business community by promoting business advancement, economic growth and job creation.”

Graves said the acknowledgement stems, in part, from that the tax collector’s office expansion in Land O’ Lakes, allowing it to better accommodate its patrons.

In accepting the award, Fasano said, “as Land O’ Lakes grows and Lutz grows, so did our office.”

Fasano, who became the county’s tax collector in 2013, said he wanted to improve the agency and to expand its locations to better serve its customers.

“In some ways, we were behind the times at the tax collector’s office,” said Fasano, recalling when he joined the office. “We needed to be at the same level [and] direction that Pasco was going.”

As a former member of the Florida House of Representatives and the Florida Senate, he understood the importance of serving the needs of his constituents.

As tax collector, he identified that more space was required to serve an expanding population.

“The growth has been overwhelming, but it’s been good, solid growth for our economy and the tax base,” Fasano said.

To help address expanding needs, the tax collector’s office relocated its Land O’ Lakes office to a building next door, in October 2017. The building, previously occupied by the county’s health department, underwent a renovation supported by $1.4 million in county funds.

The Land O’ Lakes office has Saturday hours, too.

Graves also complimented the friendly nature of the tax collector’s staff.

“They all act as if they want to be there,” agreed Suzanne Beauchaine, executive director of the chamber. “They’re happy serving the community.”

Graves and Beauchaine said they have personally witnessed humble attributes of a leader in Fasano.

“The fact that Mike Fasano is the tax collector and you walk in there – he’s right there to say hello to you,” said Beauchaine. “He’s hands-on.”

In addition to attracting Fasano’s staff and chamber members, some Pasco residents also attended the award ceremony — which also recognized the tax collector’s work involving charitable organizations.

The Heart of Pasco Award is given out every four months to Central Pasco organizations for their community outreach – especially for charitable work.

Phyllis Bross, is a chamber member, who also serves as vice chair of the Community Aging and Retirement Services organization.

She said she’s seen Fasano work on behalf of the non-profit group which assists senior citizens in Pasco County.

The tax collector’s office has been involved in helping to raise money for numerous community causes and organizations.  In fact, the office has helped 58 different charities and organizations, with some being helped more than once, according to Greg Giordano, who keeps track of the efforts for Fasano’s office.

Last year, for instance, Fasano and his staff put together cookbooks to sell to raise funds for the local animal shelter.

Bross said Fasano obviously values his employees and they work together, like a family.

Under his leadership, the staff has seen their hourly wages increase by more than $5.

Fasano sees this as an expression of appreciation for his team’s hard work and dedication.

“We could not come close to the success we have if it wasn’t for the employees at the tax collector’s office,” Fasano said.

Since becoming the Pasco County tax collector in 2013, Mike Fasano and his staff have sought community support through the office for dozens of charities.

Bikers Care Charities
Support Our Troops
Salvation Army’s Annual Red Kettle Drive
Farm Share Annual Holiday Food Giveaway
Be a Santa to a Senior Annual Holiday Gift Collection
Lighthouse for the Blind
The Volunteer Way
Hernando Pasco Hospice
Guardian ad Litem Recruitment Drive
Sertoma Speech & Hearing Foundation
Donate Life/ Lifelink Foundation
Center for Independence (now known as the Arc Nature Coast)
AAA Traffic Safety Foundation
Florida Breast Cancer Foundation Annual Campaign
Terri’s Tears Foundation
Toys 4 Tots Annual toy drive
Veterans Flag Pin Collection Drive
One Community Now’s Annual Hunger Walk
Salvation Army’s Domestic Violence Program
American Heart Association’s National Wear Red Day for Women Campaign
Big Brothers/ Big Sisters of Tampa Bay
Take Stock in Children
Pasco Kids First
Lauren’s Kids
Pasco Sheriff’s K-9 Foundation
Stop Heart Disease
Community Volunteer Corps
Pasco Fine Arts Council
Kiddy-Up Ranch
AFIRE of Pasco
PACE Center for Girls
Pasco Education Foundation
Metropolitan Ministries
Alzheimer’s Family Organization
ASAP of Pasco
Two Good Soles Shoes & Socks Drive
Moffitt Cancer Center
Restored Hope
Blanket Tampa Bay/ Blanket Pasco County
NAMI of Pasco
CARES – Pet Program
Smile Faith Foundation
Homeless Coalition of Pasco
Tax Collector’s Backpack Giveaway
Good Samaritan Clinic
Hurricane Irma Victims Relief – Pasco County
Feeding Pasco’s Elderly
Nourish to Flourish
Sheriff’s Explorer’s Post #916
Special Olympics of Pasco
Connections Job Development Program
CARES – Senior Health Care Center
Catholic Charities Women’s Shelter
RAP House
Shriner’s Christmas in July Toy Drive
Hudson Boy Scout Troop #545
The ROPE Center
Pasco Friends of Animal Services
Published January 16, 2019

Use precautions to prevent crimes

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If you want to avoid becoming a victim of crime — you can never be too careful.

At least that’s how Bryan Roquemore, a retired criminal justice professor, sees it.

Roquemore now leads the Crime Prevention Task Force of Florida, a community service organization developed by former law enforcement officers.

The group seeks to expand public awareness on criminal threats in today’s society and to show effective measures to counter them.

Bryan Roquemore was the featured guest speaker at the Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce monthly luncheon in Plantation Palms in Land O’ Lakes. The retired criminal justice professor is a member of the Crime Prevention Task Force of Florida, a community service organization developed by former law enforcement officers that seeks to expand public awareness on criminal threats in today’s society and to show effective measures to counter that threat. (Kevin Weiss)

The criminal justice expert was the featured guest speaker at the Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce monthly luncheon at Plantation Palms in Land O’ Lakes.

He started off by saying the No. 1 crime in the Tampa Bay area is identity theft — which involves someone using your personal or financial information to make purchases, get benefits, file taxes or commit fraud.

Anyone is susceptible to becoming a victim, Roquemore warned. Even him.

In fact, it happened to him eight years ago when fraudsters racked up charges of over $120,000 and compromised his 401K.

There were also six warrants for his arrest, as his identity was being used in illicit activities.

All that occurred within a single month.

“When somebody steals your identity, they’re being you in another part of the country. That changes everything,” Roquemore said.

Turns out, Roquemore’s personal information was stolen from old mail in his garbage can — otherwise known as dumpster diving.

Dumpster divers often rummage through trash searching for pre-approved credit card offers and used prescription pill bottles, from which they can steal large amounts of personal information.

“Your garbage is one of the most important things that (people) never keep safe,” he said.

Roquemore noted many people tend to rip up forms with their personal information and toss them in the garbage.

But, that’s not enough.

Instead, anything with your personal information should to be shredded first, he advised.

“You need to destroy that return to sender envelope with everything pre-approved. It has all your credit card information on it,” Roquemore warned.

To keep tabs on any possible instances of identity theft, Roquemore urged people, especially seniors, to sign up for credit monitoring and annual crime reports.

Identity theft is just the tip of the crime iceberg, however.

Roquemore also informed the crowd that there are more than 47 active scams occurring locally.

The biggest scam is what’s known as the “grandkid scam.”

This scheme involves an imposter calling — pretending to be your grandchild and claiming to need money for something urgent, such as money for bail or medical bills.

To make the scam seem legitimate, callers often gather information about people off the Internet and social media sites so they can know nicknames and other details about their potential victims, Roquemore said.

His key piece of advice? Ignore any incoming phone calls, emails or texts that appear strange or out of the ordinary.

“If it comes into you, just hang it up,” he advised.

The IRS isn’t calling
Another prominent scam is known as the “IRS imposter scam,” he said.

That’s when someone calls saying they’re from the IRS and claims you owe “back taxes” or payments to the government. The caller then threatens to sue, arrest, deport, or revoke your license, in lieu of immediate payment.

It’s important to know that when the IRS initially contacts you, they do it by mail, not telephone. The actual IRS also will not ask for a credit card over the telephone.

Roquemore noted that young adults are most at risk for being victimized by the IRS scam.

“Eighteen-to-25-year-olds have not had a history of dealing with the IRS, so that’s who gets attacked most,” he said.

Besides identity theft and various scams, the speaker mentioned auto theft is one of the region’s top crimes.

He also said that it’s more common during this time of year because of the influx of snowbirds and out-of-state visitors.

He talked about a group called “sliders,” who pull up alongside a car getting fuel at a convenience store gas station and steal whatever they can.

Sometimes it’s a purse or an electronic device.

Sometimes it’s the entire car.

“They do it in 3 (seconds) to 4 seconds,” the speaker said.

To avoid sliders, Roquemore said when you exit your car, you should lock the doors and then be sure to have key fob panic alarm handy.

“Your key fob is a weapon. Instead of somebody rolling up on you, you scare them (with the alarm),” he said.

Roquemore also offered up other personal safety and self-defense tips during the presentation.

Women, he said, should have all their belongings ready by the time they step out of the car. They also should carry their purse or bag in their hand — and not around their neck (to avoid being dragged) — to reduce the risk of a purse snatching.

Men, he said, should carry two wallets. They should keep one in their front pocket and the other in their back pocket, in case a robber approaches demanding money.

It’s also a good idea for everyone to carry police-strength pepper spray at all times, he said.

In a situation where pepper spray must be used, Roquemore said it’s best to aim for the stomach area, as its strong enough to pass through three layers of clothing.

Said Roquemore: “If you want to use weaponry that’s not lethal, pepper spray is most effective. “Every single police officer has what? Pepper spray. It works. One shot incapacitates a person.…

“Once it hits a person’s skin, they’re going to want to scream.”

He also offered this piece of advice: “If you carry a gun, keep carrying a gun.”

Published January 16, 2019

Flapjack Run offers exercise, flapjacks

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Hot pancakes topped with syrup will be the sweet treat awaiting patrons for the Flapjack 5K and 1 Mile Run.

The event, celebrating its 25th year this year, offers free admission to spectators and patrons.

Connerton Plaza at 21100 Fountain Garden Way in Land O’ Lakes, is the venue for the event, which will be on Dec. 8 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

As in past events, runners of all ages are expected to participate in this year’s 25th Flapjack Run on Dec. 8. (File)

The 5K run is set to begin at 8 a.m. The 1-mile fun run, or walk, will start at 8:45 a.m.

Vendors also will offer various crafts and food, and Santa will pop in, too, according to Suzanne Beauchaine, of the Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce, which is organizing the event.

A rummage sale also will be held, with a variety of items available for purchase.

Runners at the event will receive free flapjacks, while others can purchase a plate for $5, said Beauchaine, executive director of the Chamber.

Those intending to run can register at the event, but they are encouraged to do so in advance, online, to guarantee a T-shirt and a medal.

The cost is $25 for the 5K for adults; and a $17 fee for kindergarteners through 12th-graders.

The 1-mile run will be a flat rate of $15. Children under 5 can take part for free, when accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Trophies for first and second place winners will be awarded to each age group by decade, starting from age 14.

Winners also can be awarded by family members splitting into teams of two.

Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel is presenting the event and proceeds benefit the Pasco County Parks Department.

To register online, visit tinyurl.com/ycnowb8d.

For additional information, contact The Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce at (813) 909-2722 .

Flapjack 5K and 1 Mile Run
Where: Connerton Plaza, 21100 Fountain Garden Way in Land O’ Lakes
When: Dec. 8, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Cost: Free to spectators and patrons; 5K run is $25 for adults and $17 for kindergarten through 12th-grade runners; 1-mile run is a $15 flat rate; free admission for runners age 5, accompanied by an adult.
Details: Attendees can enjoy a run or walk, a pancake breakfast, a rummage sale and purchase crafts from vendors.
Info: Contact the chamber at (813) 909-2722 or .

Published December 5, 2018

Emerging commercial markets in Pasco County

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It doesn’t take a master’s degree in economics to see that Pasco County’s commercial real estate market is going strong.

Take a drive down the State Road 54/State Road 56 corridor, and you’ll see new developments popping up, and for sale property signs planted everywhere.

As spaces along that corridor become too expensive or less available, more activity is expected along U.S. 41 and Wesley Chapel Boulevard, and U.S. 301 in Zephyrhills near the end-point of the State Road 56 extension, predicts Jim Engelmann, a broker with Commercial Partners Realty Inc., who will be moderating a fall forum on commercial real estate in Wesley Chapel on Oct. 18.

Jim Engelmann, a commercial real estate broker, will be the moderator at a commercial fall forum on Oct. 18 in Wesley Chapel. (B.C. Manion)

“It’s a really good time to lock in in Zephyrhills right now,” Engelmann said, because the prices will increase once the State Road 56 extension is done.

“It’s a fantastic time to buy right now.”

“There’s not a lot of high-quality office space available in Zephyrhills right now. There is some, but there’s not a lot.

“What’s going to happen is that slowly, people are going to buy and either remodel, or they’re going to buy, demolish and rebuild.

“They’ll start to put up better quality over there, but that’s 10 years down the road.”

“The challenge we’re starting to see along (U.S.) 41 now is that the property that’s available doesn’t match up with what the users can pay, in a lot of cases,” he said.

“What you see right now is a lot of owners who are not willing to develop the property. It’s just a piece of bumpy, flat land,” he added.

Engelmann also noted that Pasco County has been taking steps to attract more commercial development.

“Pasco is doing some really good things to bring business into the county. They’re doing incentives,” said Engelmann, who is president-elect of the Rotary Club of Land O’ Lakes and a board member on the Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce.

Pasco County waives mobility fees for some target industries and offers loan forgiveness for projects meeting specific criteria, he said.

Engelmann also noted that Wesley Chapel continues to be a hot market.

Wiregrass Ranch continues to attract interest, Engelmann said, praising the approach the Porter family has used to promote quality growth.

“It’s incredible what they’re doing out there,” he said. “They’re being smart about what they’re doing.”

Looking to lease commercial space?
Jim Engelmann, a commercial real estate broker, said these are some things you should keep in mind:

  • Know what the rent includes.

Who pays for janitorial services? Who pays for water and sewer?

Who maintains the air conditioning and heating?

“If you are responsible for the air conditioning, you need to find out: Do you have service records on the air conditioning?

“Have you had a bi-annual inspection and upkeep? If they haven’t, I would push back on that, as a renter.

“You have to protect yourself as a tenant, to make sure the property has been maintained adequately.

  • Before leasing, talk to other tenants.

“A lot of people won’t do that. They don’t want to bother anybody.

“You know what? Every tenant wants to tell their story. If you go ask somebody, ‘How do you like it here?’

“They will tell you whether or not they like it. They’ll tell you the five or six things you need to be aware of, with that landlord.

“People who have already experienced those things that go wrong, let them tell you what went wrong.”

  • Be sure the property meets your needs.

“If you have an office and people come to you, you’re a destination for them, it doesn’t matter what the traffic is like. But, if you are a retail user looking for drive-by traffic, you’ve got to know what the traffic counts are out on the street in front.

“Go sit there during the day. See what type of traffic flow there is.”

  • Have your attorney check out the lease.

“Every single lease is completely different. I’ve seen two-page tenant leases; I have seen 40-page tenant leases for the exact same type of property.”

  • Remember, everything is negotiable.

“There is nothing in a lease that is not negotiable. Every term, as far as payments, security deposit, when you pay, how much your share of something might be. Everything is negotiable.”

Also, don’t rule out a space, even if it seems too pricey.

“A lot of times people will look at a price of something listed online, and they’ll see that it’s $37 a square foot, (and they’ll think) ‘Yeah, but you know I can only afford $32, so I’m not going to bother calling.’

“You know what? If it’s been on the market six months, eight months, a year, they’re going to talk to you.

“It’s always worth the phone call.”

Commercial Fall Forum
Where: Hilton Garden Inn in Wesley Chapel, 26640 Silver Maple Parkway
When: Oct. 18, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Cost: $20 for members of Central Pasco Association of Realtors; $25 for others (fee includes lunch)
Details: This forum features a variety of topics related to commercial real estate and will include several speakers.
Info: (813) 948-6966

Published October 17, 2018