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WHAT’S NEW FOR 2019 FROM AUTOMAKERS?

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Some have been around forever, some not quite so, many will be around for decades, and quite a few undergo major modifications. That’s the auto industry for you. Here’s a peek at the noticeable changes in vehicles for 2019:

HONDA: The Insight is back, a hybrid that can fetch up to 55 mpg while base-priced at just $22,830, and it does look far better than its predecessor – almost a carbon copy of the Civic. Also making a return, after 16 years though, is the Passport slotted between the compact CR-V and the larger Pilot. It will get a sole standard 3.5-liter V6 with 280 horsepower, mated to a fresh nine-speed auto gearbox.

2019 Acura RDX

ACURA: With crossover vehicles in huge demand, Acura saw it fit to redesign the 2019 RDX inside and out. It now sits on a new platform, powertrain (2.0-liter inline-4-cylinder engine putting out 272 hp and a roomier and always expected tech-savvy cabin. Lest we forget, the 10-speed auto transmission. It also acquires Acura’s new touchpad user interface.GMC: Hardcore pickup owners, your poised ride is here. The Sierra 1500 pickup has been totally redesigned with an all-new 3.0-liter diesel 6-cylinder engine. It’s also larger, longer and lighter (360 pounds) than the previous version and comes in six engine/transmission combos. This utilitarian workhorse boasts not just generous cargo and tow capacity but also outstanding performance, marvelous ride and an upscale, gargantuan interior.

2019 Chevy Silverado

CHEVROLET: Amid tough competition in the pickup market comes an overhauled Silverado 1500 4WD with a wheelbase stretched by 3.9 and length by 1.6 inches. Rear seat legroom gets a 3-inch boost. And, the truck is lighter by 450 pounds from the previous model. And, it comes with a varied choice of power trains, abundant passenger room and incredible tow/haul capabilities. What more can a pickup shopper ask for in a work ride?

NISSAN: The Altima receives a major exterior and interior design change, two all-new engines and for the first time ever, an all-wheel-drive power train on a Nissan sedan in America. This for a ride that was introduced in 1993. Base-priced at $23,750, the Altima has proved to be a huge success story. For 2019, the Japanese carmaker has also refreshed the Maxima sedan and the Murano crossover.

2019 Jaguar I-Pace

JAGUAR: It’s stacking up awards by the dozens. That’s the all-electric I-PACE, which looks to directly compete with Tesla. Priced at $69,500, the SUV with a 90kWh battery delivers a range of about 230 miles on a full charge. Zero to 60 is achieved in just 4.5 seconds with a top speed of 124 mph. Not bad at all.

KIA: After a one-year hiatus, the restyled K900 returns with a 3.3-liter V-6 engine pumping 365 hp. The Korean carmaker’s rear-wheel-drive premium flagship boasts a cabin as top-notch and upscale as any of its German competitors. Also undergoing a styling change is the compact Forte, now longer by 3 inches, opening up plenty of room for occupants. Not only is the gas-sipper (EPA 34 mpg city) fun, lively and well-balanced, but also inexpensive at around $20,000.

2019 Hyundai Santa Fe

HYUNDAI: Just so there is no confusion, the Santa Fe Sport model is out. From 2019 onward, all you have is a two-row, five-passenger Santa Fe offered in both front-wheel and all-wheel drive. And, it will be a while before the three-row Santa Fe XL hits the market. The Veloster hatchback 2.0-liter engine gains horsepower and a redesign. Joining the Hyundai lineup is an all-new Kona subcompact SUV with 1.6- and 2.0-liter engines.

CADILLAC: The all-new XT4 features a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder turbo engine putting out 237 hp while mated to a 9-speed auto gearbox. Available in front- and all-wheel drive, it’s priced just right starting at $35,790. That is economical and attractive for even an entry-level luxury SUV Caddy like the XT4.

FORD: After eight years, the Ranger is back! The midsize pickup will be offered in at least three trims and two body styles, but will share one power train: 2.3-liter 4-cylinder turbo engine developing 270 hp and coupled to a 10-speed gear box. Also revamped are the Edge SUV and the best-selling F-150 pickup.

LEXUS: Lexus has introduced the UX in the fastest-growing compact SUV segment. The urban-centric ride is available in two trims: the front-wheel-drive UX200 with a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine (169 hp) or the AWD UX250h gas/electric hybrid with a 2.0-liter (181 hp). This Urban + X-over (crossover) is a purposeful vehicle with no compromises! Also, an F Sport joins the midsize ES sedan lineup.

2019 Subaru Ascent

SUBARU: Meet an all-new family hauler that has replaced the long-forgotten Tribeca. The aptly-named Ascent is equipped with a 2.4-liter horizontally opposed 4-cylinder engine producing a healthy 260 hp. The seven-seater will definitely give the Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot and Mazda CX-9 a run for the money. Subaru also has revamped its smaller Forester SUV.

LINCOLN: Remember the midsize luxury MKX? Well, it’s been replaced by the Nautilus with a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine (245 hp) or the 2.7-liter turbo V-6 (335 hp), which was offered in the MKX. Gorgeous to the eye inside and out, the SUV boasts nippy acceleration and excellent handling.

RAM: The Ram 1500 pickup has gone through a major transformation. Sales are nationally up 9 percent, year-after-year basis. The pickup, now longer, wider and offering the largest cabin in the segment, is loaded with tech goodies. Engineers at the recent Miami Auto Show praised its enhanced fuel economy and tow/haul increase of 20 percent. They claim the Ram is a “no-compromise truck.” We agree.

TOYOTA: The best-selling car nameplate in the world gets a new hatchback with a 2.0-liter inline-4 cylinder (168 hp). Millennials will dig the look and feel of this hip Corolla. Also totally restyled is the RAV4, though Toyota has retained the 2.5-liter DOHC inline-4-cylinder engine (205 hp). Off-roading is now a real possibility in this roomy and secure ride.

BMW: The 8 Series returns to the U.S. after two decades. Under the hood of the all-wheel-drive car resides a 4.4-liter TwinPower turbo V8 engine delivering an astounding 523 hp. Base price? Just $111,900! The BMX X3, X4 and X5 undergo noticeable alterations.

2019 VW Arteon

VW: A longer and bigger Arteon flagship sedan replaces the CC four-door coupe. The sleek-appearing car with a wide stance gets a 2.0-liter TSI engine (268 hp) while paired to an eight-speed auto gearbox. With an even bolder front fascia and upscale cabin, the Jetta becomes an even more attractive proposition for small-car buyers. Indeed, this compact sedan is a splendid combination of thrift (starting at $18,545), practicality and fun to drive.

BENZ: A Mercedes-Benz base-priced at just $30,000? Yes, readers, your dream has come true. The brand-new A-Class compact sedan is equipped with a 2.0-liter turbo 4-cylinder engine and puts out just 188 hp. Also, the CLS 450 gets a design overhaul.

AUDI: The A6, A7 and A8 sedans have been restyled.

Published December 12, 2018

Asturia Wins Awards at Builder’s Masquerade Ball

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Carla Luigs, marketing specialist for Asturia, accepts an award from Claudette Kelsey at the recent Awards of Excellence competition of the Sales and Marketing Council of the Tampa Bay Builders Association.

Asturia, a Hines Community located in Odessa, recently won Best Logo for a Developer and Best Online Digital Ad for a Developer at the Tampa Bay Builders Association’s annual Sales and Marketing Awards of Excellence competition.

The sold-out masquerade ball was held at the beautifully restored Floridan Palace Hotel in downtown Tampa. Tables were elaborately decorated with candelabras, feathers and flowers, and guests wore festive masquerade masks. A strolling musician played a glowing violin as she walked around the grand ballroom.

Asturia’s Builders

Ashton Woods, David Weekley Homes and ICI Homes are Asturia’s exclusive builders. All have model homes open daily.

Ashton Wood’s new model, the Suwanee, features a spacious gourmet kitchen.

Ashton Woods’ newest model home is the Suwanee — a new floor plan for the builder — that offers a fabulous kitchen/great room concept. The one-story home features a two-car garage at the rear of the home and boasts four bedrooms, three baths and a spacious front porch. Total square footage is 2,200 square feet. Pricing begins at $274,990.

Ashton Woods has also recently completed its Lincoln showcase home, which is move-in ready. This 2,368-square-foot home is two stories and features a spacious family room that flows seamlessly into the kitchen, and its large center island and upgraded granite countertops.

ICI Homes is the community’s newest builder, and is opening its fully decorated Serena model in late January, with a grand opening weekend of Jan. 27-28. Refreshments will be provided, and a $500 gift card raffle will be held for those attending.

The Serena is a four-bedroom, three-bath home with 2,217 square feet. It features a large gathering room, spacious gourmet kitchen and an owner’s suite with a master bath that leads into a large, double entry, walk-in closet. The Serena has a two-car garage and begins at $329,900.

David Weekley Homes also offers homes with the garage in the rear, with eight distinct floor plans in its Cottage and Garden series. It also builds traditional floor plans in its Lake and Manor series, which combined offers 14 floor plans.

All Asturia builders provide a wide variety of home sizes and architectural styles. Pricing begins in the mid $200,000s, and goes to over $500,000.

Award Winning Amenity Center

Everyone enjoys Asturia’s distinctive, 5,800-square-foot Amenity Center and Clubhouse, which earned the prestigious Silver Aurora for the Best Recreational Facility at the 2017 Southeast Building Conference.

The Amenity Center incorporates a fully equipped state-of-the-art fitness center, covered outdoor living rooms, a luxurious resort-style swimming pool and expansive lawn areas for recreation.

Asturia is a kid-friendly, family oriented lifestyle surrounded by miles of multi-use trails, interspersed with playgrounds, dog parks and pocket parks. The community has wide, meadow-like spaces, lovely ponds, thick stands of cypress and hardwood trees, and large tracts of scenic wetlands.

About Asturia

When Asturia’s development is complete in a few years, it will likely have less than 550 single-family homes. It is a mixed-use, master-planned community located in the high-demand State Road 54 corridor in Pasco County. The community’s central location is just five minutes from the Suncoast Parkway and also provides close proximity to U.S. 41, U.S. 19 and I-75. Its master plan incorporates retail, office, multifamily and a variety of single-family residential offerings.

For more information, visit Asturia’s model homes and register at the community’s website, AsturiaFlorida.com, or by calling (813) 227-4148.

Published December 27, 2017

Florida Hospital CEO settling into new role

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It’s been a busy time for Amanda Maggard, since being appointed Florida Hospital Zephyrhills CEO more than a month ago.

Her first week on the job presented a unique and challenging experience, navigating the 149-bed regional medical center in the wake of Hurricane Irma, to ensure patients could be cared for at any time.

Amanda Maggard was appointed Florida Hospital Zephyrhills CEO on Sept. 4, replacing Randy Surber, who was promoted to CEO for Florida Hospital Heartland Medical Center in Sebring. Maggard previously oversaw the strategic development and operations for Florida Hospital Winter Garden, an outpatient facility. (Courtesy of Florida Hospital Zephyrhills)

But Maggard came prepared, considering she’s dealt with four other hurricanes throughout her career in hospital administration.

“Our team here did a great job. Overall it went very, very well,” said Maggard, when she sat down for an interview with The Laker/Lutz News. “The main thing is we were ready to care for all the patients and we got the team members here to do it.

“Fortunately or unfortunately, it’s my fifth hurricane that I’ve been through,” she said.

Since that whirlwind of a week, Maggard has turned her attention to hospital operations.

She’s focused on “listening and learning,” building relationships with hospital staff, patients and members of the east Pasco community.

“I’m kind of in that road show of just meeting a lot of people, both inside and outside the hospital,” Maggard said.

Aside from attending various events and functions citywide, Maggard has been shadowing key departments within the hospital, working shifts in the operating and emergency rooms, and observing surgeries and other medical procedures.

“I just enjoy being on the frontline and learning as much as I can,” the new hospital CEO said. “If you don’t have that connection point, you’re not always able to see and hear what our patients are experiencing or what our team is working through.”

Maggard was appointed Florida Hospital Zephyrhills’ new CEO on Sept. 4, replacing Randy Surber, who, after nearly four years, was promoted to CEO for Florida Hospital Heartland Medical Center in Sebring.

An award-winning hospital, Florida Hospital Zephyrhills offers the only comprehensive cardiovascular program in east and central Pasco County, including open-heart surgery and valve repair. Equipped with eight technologically advanced surgical suites, the hospital provides a full range of inpatient and outpatient surgical services, including, orthopedic, endoscopic, gynecology, urology, cardiovascular and robotic procedures. Also, the hospital’s newly-renovated emergency room that delivers emergency medical care 24/7 with a fast track suite for minor emergencies.

Florida Hospital Zephyrhills is an award-winning 149-bed regional medical center located in east Pasco County. It is a member of the Adventist Health System, which operates 45 hospital campuses across nine states.
(File)

Florida Hospital Zephyrhills presently offers services for the following: breast health, cardiovascular, diagnostic imaging, gastroenterology, general surgery, obstectrics, orthopedics, outpatient rehabilitation, urology, wellness center and spa, and wound care

During her first three months on the job, Maggard said one of her goals is to take a deep look at the hospital’s key service lines and facilities to determine possible improvements, based on the needs of the Zephyrhills community.

“What are the service lines that the community needs? What are those services that we could provide here that there’s enough of a need and a demand and that we can perform with great clinical quality?”

Finding ways to enhance the patient experience is another objective of Maggard’s, whether it’s through more personalized care or finding ways to reduce medical costs.

Said Maggard, “I feel very strongly that we’re here to serve the community and serve the patients. Our (Adventist Health System) mission is to extend the healing ministry of Christ, and I think if we’re not creating a great experience for our patients, we’re really not holding true to that mission. And if we’re not constantly looking for how we can do that better, we’re not living out our mission.”

Maggard, who comes from a family of nurses and healthcare professionals, also hopes to develop a culture at the hospital centering on responsibility, accountability and positive relationships, among others.

“I think some of the important elements of creating that ‘right’ culture are ownership,” Maggard said. “You’ve got to have a team that understands that they own their results, and they own their experience. It’s not someone else’s responsibility; it’s all of our responsibility. Part of that’s accountability, too. And it’s got to be accountability, from the bottom up and the top down.”

She continued: “I’m also a firm believer in, ‘life’s too short not to love your job’, so you’ve got to have a little fun in there, too. Patients feel that. I’m a big fan of Southwest Airlines and the culture they’ve built over the years, and they have a way to inject just a little bit of fun and personality into what they do.”

Steady community involvement also will be critical for Maggard, as the hospital is the city’s largest employer with more than 900 employees and 360 active physicians.

“I think its really important to be connected with the community because the community has a sense for what the needs. Typically, the hospital is one of the largest employers in the community, so it’s important that we’re looking for ways to give back and that we’re aware of the issues and how we can be involved with the community to improve it,” Maggard said.

Though just 34 years old, Maggard’s experience in healthcare administration is vast.

She’s worked for Adventist Health System—which operates Florida Hospital Zephyrhills and 44 other medical facilities — since 2004.

Prior to being named CEO of Florida Hospital Zephyrhills, Maggard oversaw the strategic development and operations for Florida Hospital Winter Garden, an outpatient facility. In advance of its opening in 2016, she led the facility’s design and construction, operational planning, community and physician engagement and team onboarding. Maggard’s responsibilities later expanded to include senior leadership for Florida Hospital Apopka’s ancillary and support services.

Her other stops include Winter Park Memorial Hospital, as assistant administrator and chief operating officer, and Florida Hospital Altamonte, as director or operations.

She also served as manager for training and consulting for the health system, as well as a marketing and foundation coordinator Florida Hospital Apopka.

In a release, Adventist Health System president/CEO Terry Shaw called Maggard “an effective and mission-focused leader who has excelled in engaging physicians, team members and the community in providing exceptional, whole-person care.”

Amanda Maggard, Florida Hospital Zephyrhills CEO

  • Master’s degree in business administration from Webster University
  • Bachelor’s degrees in business administration and communication from Union College in Lincoln, Nebraska
  • 2015 graduate of the Florida Hospital Physician Leadership Development Program
  • American Society of Training and Development certifications in training, instructional design and organizational change
  • American College of Healthcare executives member
  • In 2015, was named Orlando Business Journal’s “40 under 40”

Some additional thoughts from Amanda Maggard, new CEO for Florida Hospital Zephyrhills

Q: Long-term, for you, what are some of some of the most important aspects of the hospital CEO position?

A: “I think, for me, it’s a few things. Absolutely you’ve got to have great relationships with your physicians, because they’re also closest to the patient and they understand what the patients’ needs are for care and experience. You’ve got to create the right culture for your team. I am a firm believer in life is too short not to love your job and if you’re team doesn’t enjoy what you’re doing then the patients aren’t going to feel that and have a great experience, so we’ve got to set the right culture here for the team, and that has a trickle-down impact for everyone.
… I think getting out there rounding with the team, spending time with them, and really, we are a faith-based organization, and one piece of advice that I received before is to look at the role, not just as a CEO, but you’re really the Chief Spiritual Officer for your hospital, so I think that’s another aspect as well, looking at the spiritual health of the team.”

Q: Which aspects healthcare administration/operations do you most enjoy?

A: “I do really enjoy building that culture with the team. It’s very rewarding to me when we have a culture where employees enjoy what they do, including our physicians and where patients feel that difference when we’re involved with the community. We have a great reputation in the community and I enjoy improving results, so I do really love that you that you get to create that right culture, that culture has to then translate into better outcomes for our patients and a better experience. I really love being able to see that — what are the metrics that we’re using to monitor that performance and then how are we improving them.”

Q: What is the most challenging aspect of healthcare administration?
A: “I do think one thing that is challenging for us is how do we reduce costs. The healthcare environment’s payment models don’t fully reflect that you always get rewarded for that, but we still have to do the right thing for the patient, no matter what. But, figuring out how to reduce costs is a challenge.”

Q: Have you been monitoring potential healthcare legislation and how it might affect the hospital?

A: “The bottom-line is what happens in Washington D.C. is very important and will have a significant impact on us as much as what happens in Tallahassee. We have to figure out how to create great clinical quality for our patients, a great experience at a reduced cost to them, and I think those elements aren’t going to change, no matter what happens with some of the legislation. It’s kind of that triple gain that you hear about: better quality, better experience and lower costs; so I try to stay connected with that and try to learn, but I also try to buffer my team a little bit, because it can be easy to be distracted. I think those three things have to be our key focus, no matter what happens with the healthcare bill.”