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San Antonio Citizens Federal Credit Union

Honor recognizes decades of service, dedication

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Tim Baldwin, the recently retired president and CEO of San Antonio Credit Union, has been singled out by The League of Southeastern Credit Unions for his outstanding service.

Tim Baldwin was honored by the League of Southeastern Credit Unions for his distinguished service. (Courtesy of San Antonio Citizens Federal Credit Union)

The League of Southeastern Credit Unions recognized Baldwin’s important contributions to the credit union movement by awarding to him the 2019 Distinguished Service Award.

The award is conferred on one credit union professional each year who exemplifies lifelong service to the credit union movement, service that reaches beyond the person’s credit union itself.

Baldwin spent his entire credit union career – more than 30 years – as the leader of San Antonio Citizens Federal Credit Union, which is based in San Antonio.

During that time, he expanded the institution from:

  • $22 million in assets to $258 million in assets
  • One branch to five branches
  • 4,263 members to 16,668 members

Baldwin also expanded the credit union’s field of membership twice, allowing all residents of eastern Pasco and Hernando counties to join.

During more than 30 years at the helm of the credit union, Baldwin’s leadership was acknowledged  in the field when he served as the Tampa Chapter of Credit Unions Board as president, vice president, treasurer and secretary, and on the board’s Governmental Affairs Committee from 1991 to 2006.

Baldwin also served as a director on the board of the Florida Credit Union League from 2000 to 2009, and advocated for the passage of the bill, HR 1151, The Credit Union Membership Access Act.

In  addition to these accomplishments, he mentored a child from eighth grade to graduation, and has served his community in other ways, including these:

  • Florida Hospital/AdventHealth Foundation Board from 2006 to present
  • Kiwanis Club from 1995 until present
  • Board of Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Central Florida
  • Saint Anthony of Padua Catholic Church choir member

Published November 04, 2020

1,000+ crowd at Scarecrow Festival

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There were plenty of fun activities to do at the Scarecrow Festival, held on Oct. 10, at the Pioneer Florida Museum and Village. Guests could make their own scarecrow, participate in costume contests, enjoy live entertainment and so much more. (Kelli Carmack)

The Pioneer Florida Museum and Village, in Dade City, held its annual Scarecrow Festival on Oct. 10.

With the purchase of a $5 admission ticket, attendees could participate in games, costume contests and petting zoos, as well as enjoy watching performances from soccer-playing dogs and a bubble balloon magician.

The most popular activity was “Make Your Own Scarecrow,” where guests could create life-sized scarecrows by stuffing them with loads of hay.

The Scarecrow Festival was sponsored by the San Antonio Citizens Federal Credit Union.

Published October 21, 2020

This scarecrow seems to enjoy hanging out near the livestock.
Over 72 vendors were at the Pioneer Florida Museum and Village’s annual Scarecrow Festival. Guests were able to purchase Fall-themed items, such as tin pumpkins, candles, home décor and more. The item featured here was created by Karen Gaskin, member of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR).
The main activity at the Scarecrow Festival, held on Oct. 10 at the Pioneer Florida Museum, was creating your own life-sized scarecrow to take home.
The Soccer Collies brought lots of fun to the Scarecrow Festival when they played soccer in front of a captivated crowd. The Soccer Collies are the entertainment side of the Soccer Dogs organization, whose goal is to locate and assist in the training and placement of rescue and shelter dogs that show potential to become soccer playing dogs. Shown with the Soccer Collies is Mark Lukas, founder of Soccer Dogs

This crowd was bullish on East Pasco’s prospects

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Speakers at the recent “Discover Dade City” symposium cast a spotlight on East Pasco’s development opportunities.

The event, held in the conference center at the East Pasco campus of Pasco-Hernando State College, focused on ongoing projects, as well as those on the drawing board and future prospects.

Dewey Mitchell, the keynote speaker at ‘Discover Dade City’ said that as Dade City grows, its biggest challenge will be to preserve its authentic charm. (B.C. Manion)

The Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce, in conjunction with the Greater Tampa Realtors and Central Pasco Association of Realtors (which merged with the Pinellas Realtor organization), hosted the inaugural event on Nov. 29.

Larry Guilford, who moderated the two panels of speakers, said “so many things are already happening in Dade City, and so much more is going to happen.”

Dade City Mayor Camille Hernandez said since becoming mayor in 2012, she has tried “to make sure that Dade City has a seat at the table.”

The city continues to look at ways to enhance its quality of life, through such amenities as recreational trails, a bike hub and a splash park, Hernandez said.

It also wants to find ways to repurpose its old buildings, and to explore a Farm-to-Table initiative, she said.

As the city grows, it wants to be sure it plans appropriately, Hernandez added, so it can preserve the “quaint authentic nature of Dade City that you won’t find anywhere else.”

New roads to progress
State Rep. Danny Burgess talked about the extension of State Road 56, which now ends at Meadow Pointe Boulevard in Wesley Chapel, but is being extended to U.S. 301 in Zephyrhills.

The road will create a new east-west artery that will help ease congestion and promote economic growth. Burgess said, “That will open up so many opportunities.”

David Gwynn, secretary of the Florida Department of Transportation District 7, said it looks like the State Road 56 extension could be completed as early as next spring, or at least by summer.

The transportation leader talked about a number of other projects that will have a significant impact in East Pasco.

The biggest investment involves projects on State Road 52, starting at the Suncoast Parkway, with stretches being widened all of the way over to U.S. 301, he said.

“This summer, in June, we’re going to let over $150 million in state projects just on State Road 52,” he said. “Widening to six lanes the portion between the Suncoast (Parkway) and (U.S.) 41; some other projects between (U.S.) 41 and the interstate (I-75); and, the realignment (of State Road) 52 all of the way out.”

The state also is studying whether State Road 56 could be further extended from U.S. 301 over to State Road 39 to create another corridor leading to Interstate 4.

Another big project, referred to as the Diverging Diamond, is expected to begin construction in early 2019.

Aimed at reducing congestion at State Road 56 and I-75, the project is expected to make traffic in that area more challenging during construction.

The planned construction of an I-75 interchange at Overpass Road also is expected to provide a significant improvement to transportation in East Pasco.

Preparing future workforce
On the education front, Kurt Browning, superintendent of Pasco County Schools, said a new technical high school expected to open in 2022 on Old Handcart Road will expand opportunities for students, while helping to boost Pasco’s economy.

The school will serve students from the Dade City, Zephyrhills and greater Wesley Chapel areas.

The goal is to build a school that helps students to develop skills that are needed by employers, which will benefit the school’s graduates and companies seeking to fulfill workforce needs.

The district is doing its homework now, to ensure that the school is equipped to offer relevant programs, Browning said.

“We don’t want to build a building and then figure out what programs we’re going to teach,” the superintendent said.

Pasco County Commission Chairman Ron Oakley addressed the need for local government to pick up the pace with regards to permit approvals.

“That’s the worst part of government —  how slow it moves,” Oakley said.

He pledged: “Pasco County is not going to hold up the builders and others who want to do things the right way. We’re going to make it so it’s more streamlined for them to get those permits.

“There’s nothing wrong with controlled growth,” Oakley said.

Opportunities for all
Another panel talked about investments being made in East Pasco.

Jason Newmyer, administrator for Florida Hospital Dade City, said next year will be a transformative year at the hospital, as a $22 million makeover begins.

Michael Lawson, director of operations for Metro Development Group, talked about Connected City, which is intended to be a place where there will be opportunities for everyone, ranging from large companies to small entrepreneurs.

“We’re going to create this environment that will promote this growth,” Lawson said, noting the 50-year plan for Connected City calls for the development of 10 million square feet of nonresidential and 40,000 residential units.

Connected City is in a corridor covering about 7,800 acres in northeast Pasco County. It borders Interstate 75, State Road 52, and Curley and Overpass roads.

Some things are already happening.

Epperson, a community in Connected City, became the first community in North America to open a manmade turquoise lagoon, known under the trademarked name, Crystal Lagoon.

“Crystal Lagoon has been a game-changer for the industry. We were proud to be the first in the U.S. We’ll see these deployed all over the country, but that’s just one element (of Connected City). There are going to be so many more.

“I look at Connected City as basically being an iPhone with unlimited ability to put Apps on it,” Lawson said.

Dewey Mitchell, co-owner of Capstone Tropical Holdings Inc., was the symposium’s keynote speaker.

Agreeing with other speakers on the agenda, Mitchell said there’s no doubt East Pasco is poised for growth. He also touched on an issue raised by Dade City Mayor Hernandez.

“I think the biggest issue for Dade City going forward — as all things happen, and they are going to happen — is keeping the charm the city has currently. I think that’s going to be the biggest issue.

“I kind of like to look at the city of Dunedin. They’ve done a really good job of merging the old city with newer development.

“It’s a pleasant place to be. There’s restaurants and shops. It’s lively. They have a bike path through.

“It sounds easy, but it’s not,” he said.

“At the risk of being offensive to someone, take St. Pete Beach. They messed it up,” he said, and now, “they’re struggling to get back what they once had.

“They just didn’t do it right. Dunedin did,” Mitchell said.

The symposium’s aim was to raise awareness of development opportunities in the East Pasco area, and provide networking opportunities for developers, brokers and property owners, according to John Moors, executive director of The Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce.

Saint Leo University was the presenting sponsor, assisted by Pasco-Hernando State College, First National Bank of Pasco, Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Florida Properties Group, Florida Hospital Dade City/Zephyrhills, San Antonio Citizens Federal Credit Union, the City of Dade City and The Laker/Lutz News.

Published December 12, 2018

There are plenty of ways to help this season

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If you would like to help someone else during the holidays, there are plenty of ways you can do that.

Here’s a look at some of the efforts underway that could use more support.

Donate a Bicycle
This effort, spearheaded by Caroline Contractors LLC, is seeking donations of money, bicycles or helmets. Those wishing to donate bicycles or helmets can drop them off at these locations:

  • Caroline Contractors LLC, 18039 U.S. 41, Suite B, Lutz, 33558
  • Hungry Harry’s Family BBQ, 3116 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., Land O’ Lakes, 34639
  • The Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce, 2810 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., Land O’ Lakes, 34639
Todd Caroline of Caroline Contractors LLC gets ready to deliver new bicycles during a Christmas Bicycle Drive. Caroline and his wife, Cindy, began giving new bikes to children from less fortunate families several years ago. (File Photo)
Todd Caroline of Caroline Contractors LLC gets ready to deliver new bicycles during a Christmas Bicycle Drive. Caroline and his wife, Cindy, began giving new bikes to children from less fortunate families several years ago.
(File Photo)

Bicycles must be dropped off by Dec. 10. If you can’t drop off your donation, Caroline Contractors will pick it up. If you don’t have time to shop, Caroline Contractors will be happy to take your cash donation and do the shopping for you. For more information, call (813) 931-4611.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tax collector helps Toys for Tots
Pasco County Tax Collector Mike Fasano is collecting Toys for Tots at the county’s five tax offices. The Toys for Tots program is run by the United States Marine Corps Reserve. It seeks new, unwrapped gifts for children and teenagers.  Bring your donations to these locations by Dec. 22.

  • West Pasco Government Center, 8731 Citizens Drive, Room 120, New Port Richey, 34654
  • Gulf Harbors Office, 4720 U.S. 19, New Port Richey, 34652
  • Central Pasco Government Center, 4111 Land O’ Lakes Blvd. (U.S. 41), Land O’ Lakes, 34639
  • Wesley Chapel Office, 4610 Pet Lane, CIOI, Wesley Chapel, 33559
  • East Pasco Government Center, 14236 Sixth St., Room 100, Dade City, 33523

Home builder helps Toys for Tots
CalAtlantic Homes is hosting “The Great Toy Drive” for the Toys for Tots program. Participants can make a donation of a new, unwrapped toy to any CalAtlantic community through Dec. 11. For locations, visit CalAtlanticHomes.com.

Auto repair shop helps Toys for Tots
Ice Cold Air Discount Auto Repair is trading free oil changes and tire rotations, or $20 in auto repair services, for a new unwrapped toy to benefit Toys for Tots. To find a list of locations, visit IceColdAir.com.

Santa’s Tree
The San Antonio Citizens Federal Credit Union is partnering with local children’s charities to help make the holidays brighter for children. This year’s effort benefits the youth of the Thomas Promise Foundation.

Stop by any of the credit union’s offices in San Antonio, Dade City, Zephyrhills or Wesley Chapel to pick a gift tag from Santa’s Tree. Purchase the item listed. Return the gift tag and unwrapped gifts to the credit union by Dec. 16 before 6 p.m.

The credit union will do the wrapping and distribution, along with its partners at Thomas Promise.

Blanket Tampa Bay
New or “gently used” blankets are needed for Blanket Tampa Bay’s second annual Blanket Drive. The blankets will be passed out to Tampa’s homeless on Dec. 24 at the Trinity Café in downtown Tampa. For more information, call (813) 300-9277.

Published December 7, 2016

Dade City Police seeks new K-9 team

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The Dade City Police Department is still searching for a new K-9 team after a recent departure.

Chris Stone, a 14-year law enforcement officer, and his K-9 partner, Ryko, worked together for eight years before retiring as a team about three months ago.

Stone now works for the Pasco County Fire Department.

“We knew (Ryko’s retirement) was coming, but we didn’t know it was coming this fast,” Dade City Police Chief Ray Velboom said.

Chris Stone, a 14-year law enforcement officer, and his K-9 partner, Ryko, worked together for eight years before retiring as a team about three months ago. (Courtesy of Dade City Police Department)
Chris Stone, a 14-year law enforcement officer, and his K-9 partner, Ryko, worked together for eight years before retiring as a team about three months ago.
(Courtesy of Dade City Police Department)

“The dog was of the age that you really couldn’t have assigned it to another handler being nine years old, and it was starting to have some hip issues,” the police chief added.

“It’s a tough job—riding in a car for 12 hours a day, jumping out and running, so you tend to retire them around nine or 10 years; he was due to retire pretty soon anyway, whether Stone left or not,” Velboom continued.

A new K-9 costs about $10,000, including new supplies and equipment.

Since a police dog wasn’t included in this year’s budget, the department sought outside assistance.

The department already has received several thousand dollars in donations from a number of local organizations and businesses, including the Kiwanis Club, the Rotary Club and the San Antonio Citizens Federal Credit Union.

“The community has just been phenomenal,” Velboom said about the support for a new K-9. “I can’t say enough about how people were sending me checks anywhere from $25 to a $1,000. It’s really been a rallying point.”

As it searches for a new K-9 unit, the police department has been receiving K-9 assistance from both the Pasco Sheriff’s Office and the Zephyrhills Police Department.

Despite the logistical obstacles of not having its own K-9 unit, Velboom said the arrangement has been beneficial, for the time being.

“It’s working really excellent,” Velboom said. “Pasco is here whenever we need them, especially now since we’re on their same radio channel; they hear when we need a dog, and a dog just shows up.”

Velboom noted the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office also has agreed to help his department select a new German Shepherd from a police K-9 vendor once $10,000 is raised.

“They have a lot of experience in buying dogs, so we’re going to work with some of the experts,” he said.

Meanwhile, the police chief is looking to appoint a new handler from within his department.

“We’ve had three officers apply to be considered, and we’re working on the process to figure out which one is best suited for the job,” he said.

Ideally, Velboom would like to have a new K-9 unit in place “sometime in August,” so the dog and its handler can undergo a 16-week, state-mandated K-9 training course, which begins in September.

Once complete, Velboom said the K-9 unit will be sent to a narcotic detection school to receive dual-certification from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.

Throughout both patrol and narcotics work, the unit’s duties will include tracking wanted or missing persons, conducting building searches, and conducting drug searches in structures and vehicles.

Published June 29, 2016

Credit union is 60, and going strong

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Anyone who has spent much time in the community of San Antonio has undoubtedly seen the tangible results of the San Antonio Citizens Federal Credit Union’s handiwork.

The credit union, which serves the eastern half of Pasco County, and the tip of Hernando County, has been handling the financial transactions of its members for 60 years.

Tim Baldwin and Terri Gude, left, flank the portrait of Joe Herrmann, one of founders of the San Antonio Citizens Federal Credit Union. Carolina Rodriguez and Andy Kinross, are on the other side of the portrait. Baldwin, president, and Gude, vice president, have worked at the credit union the longest. Kinross and Rodriguez are the two newest members on the credit union’s 40-member staff. (B.C. Manion/Staff Photo)
Tim Baldwin and Terri Gude, left, flank the portrait of Joe Herrmann, one of founders of the San Antonio Citizens Federal Credit Union. Carolina Rodriguez and Andy Kinross, are on the other side of the portrait. Baldwin, president, and Gude, vice president, have worked at the credit union the longest. Kinross and Rodriguez are the two newest members on the credit union’s 40-member staff.
(B.C. Manion/Staff Photos)

In a world of bank mergers and takeovers, this credit union is the oldest chartered financial institution in Pasco County, said Tim Baldwin, the credit union’s current president.

“I think the credit union has made a big difference in the lives of a lot of people in this area, and we feel that’s what we’re here to do — help people make their lives better,” Baldwin said.

“We make home loans, car loans, personal loans. We have credit card accounts. We even do member business lending,” he said.

The credit union has offices in San Antonio, Dade City and Zephyrhills, and expects to have a soft opening on its fourth location — in Wesley Chapel — this week.

It all began with two men.

Joe Herrmann and some of his friends wanted to bring a financial institution to San Antonio, a small community between Dade City and the town of St. Leo.

“They applied for a state bank charter and were denied. And, they applied for a federal

bank charter and were denied,” Baldwin said.

During his research, Herrmann found out about credit unions and decided to find out more.

So, Herrmann and his friend, Joe Collura, did some field research.

“They got together, and they drove around Florida and Georgia visiting credit unions.

“They decided that would fit what they wanted to do here,” Baldwin said.

The San Antonio Citizens Federal Credit Union was chartered on Dec. 12, 1955.
The San Antonio Citizens Federal Credit Union was chartered on Dec. 12, 1955.

The charter was dated Dec. 12, 1955, and the credit union opened for business on Jan. 3, 1956.

The desire for a financial institution likely stemmed from the community’s civic pride, Baldwin said.

“It’s a little town, and it’s always been a little town; but, it was always a vital little town,” Baldwin said.

While some credit unions are established to serve a certain group of employees, or a particular business, the San Antonio credit union has always been a community charter.

Under its original charter, anyone who lived within a 5-mile radius could join. Now, the credit union is open to anyone who lives, works, worships or attends school within its field area.

In those days, the credit union was located in a storefront of a building owned by Joe Herrmann.

As it grew, it moved to a new location in San Antonio and then built its current location.

It also has offices in Zephyrhills and Dade City, and will have a soft opening this week for a new location in Wesley Chapel.

This is the current location for the San Antonio Citizens Federal Credit Union in San Antonio.
This is the current location for the San Antonio Citizens Federal Credit Union in San Antonio.

Its membership and assets grew, too. During its first year, it had 358 members and $67,000 in assets.

It finished last year with more than 13,000 members and slightly more than $175 million in assets, Baldwin said.

“I can remember, it has probably been 25 years ago or so, I remember at one of our annual meetings we were reporting that we had crossed $22 million in assets.

“I remember Mr. Herrmann got up and spoke to us. He almost cried. He said, ‘We never dreamed that there would be $22 million in assets in this credit union,’ ” Baldwin said.

“To me, it’s just a remarkable story about how this got started,” Baldwin said.

“In the early days, everybody that worked at the credit union was a volunteer. They couldn’t afford to pay anybody,” he said. “I don’t know if you could start a credit union from scratch again today, I would hate to try. It would be a daunting task.”

Now, the credit union has 40 employees.

Baldwin, who has been with the credit union for 27 years, loves his job.

“We still make small personal loans to people. Usually at a commercial bank, unless a loan is a certain size, they won’t do it.

“You just feel like you can actually make a difference for people,” Baldwin said.

Terri Gude, vice president of branch operations and compliance, has been around the credit union most of her life.

Her mother, Veda Gude, was the former credit union president.

“I really grew up in the credit union. I used to come in on the weekends and in the evenings, and things like that, with my mother,” she said.

She enjoys the personal nature of the credit union.

“We’re not as big as some of the banks, so you get that true hometown feeling when you come in,” she said.

“If you need a $500 loan, we’re willing to do it. We have the opportunity to change lives. We do that everyday,” Gude said.

Stockholders own banks, but members own credit unions.

It makes a difference in pricing and policy decisions, Baldwin said.

It also affects the environment, said Andy Kinross, who is one of the credit union’s two newest employees.

“You’re literally a member. You aren’t just one of the masses,” said Kinross, who worked at a credit union in Ohio before moving to Florida.

She’ll be working at the new Wesley Chapel, at 28909 State Road 54, just east of Interstate 75.

The new office will serve a rapidly growing area, Baldwin said.

He also expects the credit union’s territory to continue to grow.

“I don’t think we’d ever want to go too far west in the county, but I think a next natural progression would be to try to incorporate some of the Land O’ Lakes area,” Baldwin said. “Land O’ Lakes would be a nice westerly boundary for us, eventually.”

Published January 13, 2016 

 

Community rallies to help Mark Smith

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Years ago, Tammy Hunt periodically would put together charity events.

And, whenever she did, the Smith family would step up and offer their business, San Ann Liquor & Lounge (also known as Ralph’s), as a location for the fundraisers.

As a result, the Smith’s generosity became widely known in the community.

So, when Mark Smith, the son of Ralph’s owners, Grace and Jimmy, needed help, it was a no-brainer for Hunt to get involved.

“This one was a hands-down easy decision to make to help this family,” Hunt said.

Mark Smith has been diagnosed with bile duct cancer, and the community is coming together to help with his expenses. Events to be held Nov. 14 include a golf tournament, a barbecue lunch, a corn toss tournament, entertainment and auctions. (Courtesy of Sharon Perkins-Van Pelt)
Mark Smith has been diagnosed with bile duct cancer, and the community is coming together to help with his expenses. Events to be held Nov. 14 include a golf tournament, a barbecue lunch, a corn toss tournament, entertainment and auctions.
(Courtesy of Sharon Perkins-Van Pelt)

The 36-year-old Smith has been diagnosed with bile duct cancer, and while he battles the disease, a number of fundraising events are planned on Nov. 14 to help raise money for his treatment.

The events will be at his parents’ business, at 33625 State Road 52 in San Antonio.

It is unusual for someone as young as Smith to be affected by bile duct cancer.

Normally, the disease affects senior citizens. The average age of a bile duct cancer patient is between 70 and 72, depending upon the type of bile duct affected, according to the American Cancer Society’s website.

In a way, that works to Smith’s advantage. His body should be better able to handle the long and painful treatment, giving him a stronger chance of success, Hunt explained.

But, that still leaves the “long and painful” part to endure. He’s already spent weeks in the hospital, requires muscle relaxers to ease the pain, and has more procedures and chemotherapy ahead of him.

Not surprisingly, the treatment is expensive. The Smiths have been able to find generic options for some prescriptions, but without catching cost-cutting breaks, the medications alone could eventually bankrupt someone without health insurance.

And, Smith doesn’t have health insurance.

He does, however, have a supportive family and a community that is pulling together to help the Smiths in their time of need.

The outpouring of support has been noted and appreciated.

“We can’t say enough about the community,” said Mark’s brother, Jimmy Smith II. “Anytime something goes wrong and we give back to the community, the community gives back just as hard, if not harder.”

There will be plenty of ways the community can help on Nov. 14.

A golf tournament begins at 8 a.m., at The Abbey golf course at Saint Leo University, 33640 State Road 52.

Barbecue chicken dinners will be sold, starting at noon, at San Ann Liquor & Lounge.

That’s followed by a cornhole tournament at 2 p.m.

There will be a firearm raffle at 6 p.m., silent and live auctions, a 50/50 drawing and other raffles and giveaways.

Live music and beer specials also are planned as part of the day’s events.

While it’s going to be a long treatment process, Jimmy Smith II said his brother has the personality to endure hardships and work his way toward recovery.

“He’s very outgoing. He’s a go-getter. He’s a very hard worker when he’s got his mind into anything,” he said.

Hunt has put in a considerable amount of work to organize a full day of events to help the Smiths.

Her old fundraising skills are being put to good use, and she admits that this one is personal for her.

“It’s been a little emotional, just because it’s close to my heart,” Hunt said. “But I’m glad that I can do it.”

The golf event costs $50 per player, or $200 per team, and includes dinner.

The cornhole tournament costs $25 per player.

Auction items include a guitar autographed by Joe Walsh, member of the iconic rock band The Eagles.

Donations also can be made directly to San Antonio Citizens Federal Credit Union by referencing Mark Smith Benefit Fund account number 5587-001.

For more information, contact Hunt at (352) 206-5543 or Jimmy Smith II at (813) 714-9937.

Published November 11, 2015

Dade City chamber hosts business expo

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Businesses have the chance to shine in the spotlight at the 2015 Annual Community & Business Expo, hosted by the Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce.

The annual event will be held Nov. 12 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., at the Dan Cannon Auditorium at the Pasco County Fairgrounds, at 36722 State Road 52 in Dade City.

More than 60 businesses to date have signed up to take part in the expo, which is open to the public free of charge.

People will have the chance to mingle with business owners and find out more about the goods and services the businesses offer. There will be door prizes, as well, and two grand prizes, valued at $250 each.

Local restaurants will offer food samples from their menus.

For instance, A Healthy Convenience will have samples of Amish foods, snacks, bread and granola, and will display the wines and beers that it sells at the store.

Participating businesses include Bay News 9, Mander Law Group, A Healthy Convenience, the Garden Café, Faithful Friends Pet Cremation, San Antonio Antiques, Pasco-Hernando State College, Dade City Woman’s Club, Pasco Shopper, Hair With Sass, American House Zephyrhills and Spivey Karate & Tai Chi.

Exhibitor booths will have giveaways and special door prizes, including an antique cut glass vase from San Antonio Antiques, a gas card from San Antonio Citizens Federal Credit Union, and a free custom Word Press website from Off The Chart Media.

Sponsors include Saint Leo University, The Laker/Lutz News, CenterState Bank, Florida Hospital Zephyrhills, Beef ‘O’ Brady’s, The Brass Tap Dade City, Core Care Benefit LLC, and Bright House Networks Business Solutions!

For information, call the Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce at (352) 567-3769 or visit DadeCityChamber.org.

Published November 4, 2015

 

Rubbing shoulders with scientific researchers

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Joseph Militello, a junior at Pasco High School, is one of 90 students from throughout the world selected to attend a summer scientific research program at the University of Florida in Gainesville.

Militello will spend seven weeks immersed in the 57th annual University of Florida Student Science Training Program.

Joseph Militello plans to spend seven weeks this summer participating in a scientific research program at the University of Florida. (B.C. Manion/Staff Photo)
Joseph Militello plans to spend seven weeks this summer participating in a scientific research program at the University of Florida.
(B.C. Manion/Staff Photo)

He was chosen for the residential study program through a highly selective application program, according to background materials from the University of Florida.

The curriculum includes 28 hours a week in a science or engineering research lab, where participants are involved in ongoing research as part of a mentor’s lab team.

Militello also will write a research paper, give two research talks, attend faculty lectures, go on field trips and take part in activities aimed at helping him to build leadership skills.

The program was established in 1959, and since then has involved more than 4,300 academically talented students from 20 states in the United States and from countries around the world.

Militello is excited about the possibilities.

“I’m nervous, but confident at the same time,” the 17-year-old said.

“I’m nervous because it will be one of the first times I’ve been thrown into a situation that I have absolutely no idea who I’m going to be with, what I’m going to be studying,” he said.

“I know I’m going to struggle, because it’s going to be very rigorous,” he added, noting that he has been fairly laid back with his high school courses.

He’s looking forward to meeting other students involved in the residential research program.

He thinks there’s a chance he could develop some lifelong friends, because others taking part in the program have interests that are similar to his. Militello also thinks the experience of working with researchers will have a lasting impact.

At this point, he’s keeping his career option open.

He’s drawn to dentistry, but is also intrigued by genetics.

The residency program also will help him have a better idea regarding whether he would want to consider a career in scientific research, he said.

He hopes that he’ll be doing research in dentistry during the UF program, because he’s already developed a bit of foundation in that arena.

He’s shadowed some Tampa Bay area dentists.

He’s spent time with Dr. Mark Farina, who is an orthodontist; Dr. Patrick Abbey, an oral and maxillofacial surgeon; and Dr. Louis Cerillo, who practices general dentistry and does implants.

As part of his application, Militello had to submit letters of recommendation from two teachers.

Jacqueline Watson, a mathematics teacher at Pasco High, was one of the teachers that recommended him for the program.

“I have known Joseph for three years, and he is not only a great student but very mature for his age,” Watson wrote.

“Besides being gifted academically, Joseph also works well with others.

“He realizes that, while some things come easy to him, that is not always the same for other students.

“Joseph offers to tutor students that are struggling and is patient when doing this.

“Joseph is one of those students that comes along and, as a teacher, you feel fortunate to say you had him in your class. He challenges you to step up your game, because he wants and needs that challenge. I am amazed at all he has and is still accomplishing, and he would be a genuine asset to your program,” Watson wrote.

Militello said he enjoy tutoring others, because he has personally gained from being tutored.

Watson tutored him to help him build his skills. Then she became his mentor, and now she is a friend, Militello said.

In another part of the application, Militello was asked to write about someone who has been influential in his life. He chose to write about his stepdad, Paul Finora.

“I admire his thoughtful discussions and the way he weaves a life lesson into every conversation,” he wrote in part.

“He is my dad, and I cherish that. Any man can create a child, but it takes a father to raise one,” he added.

Militello said his interest in science began when he was in elementary and intensified during middle school.

He credits Michael Demaree, a science teacher at Centennial Middle School, for making the topic more attractive to him.

“He (Demaree) was always very interested in what he was teaching. He was always very human with his students,” Militello said.

“He was a very understanding teacher. He encouraged his students to explore different aspects of their life — other than just show up to school, do your work, go home and sleep.”

“He wanted everyone to be a very well-rounded person. He would talk to people about football. He would talk to people about band.

“You weren’t a number,” Militello said.

Besides enjoying mathematics and science, Militello’s other interests include music and boxing.

He boxes every Saturday. He plays the trumpet, French horn and guitar.

His mom Brenda Finora and his stepdad, Paul Finora, are ecstatic about his selection for the program.

It’s a big deal, his mom said.

But it’s also expensive, she added. It costs $5,000 to attend.

Militello is covering part of those costs by working part-time as a bus boy at Texas Roadhouse.

The family had been hoping that a portion of the costs could be covered by scholarship funds from local organizations, but those are already earmarked for other students, his she said.

So, a scholarship fund has been set up at San Antonio Citizens Federal Credit Union. Donations can be made by writing a check out to Joseph Militello and noting in the memo portion of the check that the check is intended for the Joseph Militello Scholarship Fund.

Donations also can be dropped off at any branch of the credit union or mailed to the San Antonio Citizens Federal Credit Union, P.O. Box 1057, San Antonio, Florida 33576.

If they would like to donate directly to the UF-SSTP Program to help cover his expenses, send a check payable to the University of Florida – SSTP, writing Joseph Militello in the memo section of the check.

The address is University of Florida- SSTP, 334 Yon Hall, Gainesville, Florida 32611.

Published April 22, 2015

Vandalism blocks opening of new Zephyrhills restaurant

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A successful restaurant near the Florida State Fairgrounds wants to expand into Zephyrhills, but nearly $40,000 in much-needed repair work on the new location could kill the deal.

The Zephyrhills City Council, meeting as the Community Redevelopment Agency, could approve a measure that would give Michael and Laura Andrews a chance to open a Smokehouse B-B-Q & Grill at 5740 Seventh St.

The Andrews want to take over the space formerly occupied by Pancho Villa’s Mexican Restaurant, and purchased the 36-year-old building for $95,000, according to county property records. The property sold in 2003 for $250,000, and was being sold as part of a short sale, according to a June letter from Rebecca Gaddis, a vice president at San Antonio Citizens Federal Credit Union.

The Andrews tried to get a Small Business Administration loan to help cover the purchase cost of the building and complete the major repairs, but the the condition of the building made that impossible, Gaddis said.

“The down payment, closing costs and required repairs will exhaust the available capital the Andrews currently have,” Gaddis said in her letter. “The opening of Smokehouse B-B-Q & Grill Inc., would be delayed, while the furniture and needed equipment to operate the business are purchased over time. ”

Gaddis added the restaurant could create 25 to 30 new jobs for Zephyrhills, and remove a vacant storefront from the city’s downtown.

Smokehouse B-B-Q was started in 2004 on U.S. 301, one mile north of Interstate 4 in Tampa, Gaddis said. Although revenue has steadily increased over the past few years, the Andrews felt they had reached their capacity at their current location, and wanted to add a second one.

The CRA is set to meet Aug. 11 at 5:30 p.m., at Zephyrhills City Hall, 5335 Eighth St.