The Laker/Lutz News

Land O' Lakes Branch Library

Wesley Chapel Library is a step closer to reality

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A new Wesley Chapel Library has moved a step closer to reality.

The Pasco County Commission has authorized negotiations with FleischmanGarcia Architecture and Planning, as its first choice to handle the project’s design.

The board shortlisted the top firms vying for the job, during its Nov. 9 meeting. If negotiations with FleischmanGarcia are unsuccessful, the county would move on to begin negotiations with the second-ranked firm.

Pasco County Commissioner Mike Moore began talking up the idea well over a year ago, telling his colleagues during discussions of the budget for 2021 that it was important to begin laying the groundwork to make that happen.

Libraries are about a lot more than books, these days. They’re community gathering spots, they provide meeting spaces for classes, community organizations and programming. A new library is planned in the Seven Oaks area or Wesley Chapel. (File)

Moore has a soft spot in his heart for libraries. He recalls riding his bicycle to the library when he was young, to get his hands on books and magazines.

He sees libraries as community assets — because they have something to offer to people of all ages and walks of life.

Initially, Moore was simply trying to move the project forward.

It got a push, however, when the county board decided to set aside funding from the American Rescue Plan to build the library.

“The goal is to have it under construction next fiscal year,” County Administrator Dan Biles, told those gathered at a breakfast meeting of the North Tampa Bay Chamber. The breakfast meeting was at the Porter Campus of Pasco-Hernando State College, which is in Wesley Chapel.

The county has owned the planned library’s site since 2004. It’s next to Seven Oaks Elementary, which is at 27633 Mystic Oaks Blvd.

The planned Wesley Chapel library is just the latest news involving the county’s library system.

It also received national recognition for the design of the Starkey Ranch Theatre Library and Cultural Center, which opened this year at 12118 Lake Blanche Drive, in Odessa.

The county also is in the midst of modernizing all of its branches, using proceeds of a bond issue approved by 66% of Pasco County voters in a 2018 referendum.

The Land O’ Lakes Branch Library, and Hugh Embry Branch Library in Dade City are both closed now, for renovation. The New River Library, at 34043 State Road 54, in Wesley Chapel, now completely updated, has reopened.

Published December 08, 2021

Pasco County expanding its library options

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The Hugh Embry Branch Library is closed for remodeling and the Land O’ Lakes Branch Library soon will close for a makeover, too.

Meanwhile, in just a few weeks, the new Starkey Theatre, Library and Cultural Center will open in the Starkey Ranch development, off State Road 54, in Odessa.

Hugh Embry has been cleared of its contents, with construction set to start on remodeling the 7,223-square-foot library. The $2 million project is expected to be completed by mid-2022, according to Bob Harrison, marketing program manager for the Pasco County Library Cooperative.

Meanwhile, the 18,169-square-foot branch library in Land O’ Lakes is scheduled to close on Aug. 14, in preparation for its remodeling. That project is estimated at $4.75 million, and is expected to wrap up by late 2022.

The Hugh Embry library’s makeover will be a floor-to-ceiling remodel and will include new furnishings, updated technology, faster broadband and other improvements.(Courtesy of Pasco County Library Cooperative)

Despite the difference in size, both libraries will be getting the same treatment, Harrison said.

“Both of these libraries were built, I believe, in the ’80s, and they are well overdue for a complete remodel,” Harrison said.

The two branches will get new furnishings, new lighting, faster broadband, new computers and printers for the public, Harrison said.

“It’s a top-to-bottom remodel. Floor-to-ceiling. Everything is brand new. Literally, from the floor coverings to the wall, to the ceiling treatments,” he said.

Space is being reconfigured at both libraries to maximize the space available for public programming, Harrison added.

In-person programs were curtailed by COVID-19, but the library system hopes to be able to resume those in the fall.

“We really can’t wait to get into some of these new spaces and start doing some of the in-person programs,” Harrison said. “That’s really what the public wants.”

At the same time, though, some remote programs introduced during COVID-19 will be retained, because they are popular and they meet a need, he said.

Funding for the library renovations is coming from proceeds of general obligation bonds that were approved through a referendum in 2018, with a 66% approval rating from voters, Harrison said.

Closing the branch libraries to allow remodeling will pose an inconvenience for patrons, Harrison said.

But, he also noted that it’s not feasible to keep the libraries open while doing the upgrades.

To try to mitigate the impacts, the library system has staggered the branch closings.

For instance, Hugh Embry wasn’t closed until the New River Branch Library was reopened.

It also is looking for alternative locations where patrons can pick up book holds, to minimize the distance people have to drive to borrow materials, he added.

As the Hugh Embry and Land O’ Lakes branches are temporarily closed, the Starkey Ranch Theatre, Library and Cultural Center, referred to as the TLC, will be having its soft opening from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., on Aug. 2.

The TLC is on the campus of the Starkey K-8 School, at 12200 Lake Blanche Drive in Odessa, and is the result of a collaboration between Pasco County and Pasco County Schools.

“During school hours, the children and the teen area will be closed off to the public and will remain available to the kids. Once school is over, then we open it up to everybody,” Harrison said.

The library has a 250-seat theater and the library system’s first Maker Space for ceramics, he added. “There’s a pottery wheel. There’s a kiln.”

Future plans also call for a library in Seven Oaks, in Wesley Chapel.

“It’ll probably be about three years down the road,” Harrison said. “That community has been clamoring for a library close to them.”

Published July 28, 2021

Little Libraries can make a big impact

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A Little Free Library is a great way to connect to people in your neighborhood, as more and more of these freestanding, book-sharing boxes are popping up.

The little libraries offer a place for community members to pick up a book, for free, and to share or leave a book in return.

Shady Hills Elementary students were anxious to choose a free book from the Little Free Library at the school’s campus. (Courtesy of Patricia Serio)

The idea is to encourage and inspire others to get into the habit of reading. The boxes usually contain an assortment of books for children and adults.

Several local woman’s clubs recently have donated and installed Little Free Libraries.

The GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club collaborated with the Land O’ Lakes Branch Library and its Foundry to install a little library on the campus of Shady Hills Elementary School in Spring Hill.

Members of the GFWC Pasco Juniors and Tampa Bay Women’s Club take part in a ribbon-cutting for the Little Free Library at the Lexington Oaks Community Clubhouse.

Bill Nelson, a Land O’ Lakes library staff member, designed, built and painted the box, now located at campus entrance of the the elementary school.

To get the little library started, the woman’s club donated and stocked its shelves. The club will replenish the inventory, too.

The GFWC Pasco Juniors and the GFWC Tampa Bay Women’s Club hosted a ribbon-cutting on April 6 for the installation of a Little Free Library in front of the Lexington Oaks Community Clubhouse in Wesley Chapel. James King, of Kingworks, donated his time and labor to build and install the box.

The clubhouse library contains various books for readers of all ages.

To learn more about how to help build community, inspire readers and expand book access, visit LittleFreeLibrary.org.

Published April 21, 2021

Show your local library some love

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Libraries provide so much more than a place to borrow a book, music and movies — they also provide a place to do research, a quiet space to study, exhibit art displays for local artists, provide hands-on activities and offer preservation services. These institutions are celebrated in February, designated as National Library Lover’s Month.

Libraries offer a variety of services. Check out a book, music or a movie, or take part in arts and crafts or virtual story times. Staff members of The Laker/Lutz News delve into some books and newspapers — just a small sampling of the types of materials that can be found at the local library. From left: Kelli Carmack, Diane Kortus, Mary Rathman and Katie Fernandez. (Kelli Carmack)

There are 9,225 public libraries across the United States, though may states have seen library closings, according to the American Library Association.

A struggling economy has cost libraries some funding, as some municipalities cannot afford to keep libraries open, while other establishments are taking steps to make libraries more popular in the digital age.

Many libraries have increased their offerings beyond traditional books to include free music and e-Book downloads, and free wireless internet connectivity. Services also can include hosting club meetings, increasing children’s programs, and offering DIY curbside-pickup crafts and virtual story times.

Here are several ways patrons can contribute to their local libraries:

  • Nominate your library as your community, school or corporate organization’s project for the year.
  • Buy your library a subscription to a popular magazine.
  • Honor a friend or relative’s birthday with a book for the library.
  • Donate a book (or a whole shelf of books) to the Friends of the Library book sale.
  • Remember your library in your estate planning.
  • Donate to your library’s foundation/friends group.
  • Give to the library through a company matching program for charitable giving.
  • Give the gift of a library card to a friend or loved one.
  • Volunteer to read stories to children or help with library visits, or to work at the library bookstore or book sale.
  • Attend local government meetings to urge city and county legislators to invest in libraries as a vital community resource and a necessary public service.

Pasco County libraries in The Laker coverage area include:

  • Hugh Embry Library, 14215 Fourth St., Dade City. Call 352-567-3576.
  • Land O’ Lakes Branch Library, 2818 Collier Parkway. Call 813-929-1214
  • New River Branch Library, 34043 State Road 54, Wesley Chapel (currently closed for renovations). Call 813-788-6375.
  • Zephyrhills Public Library, 5347 Eight St. Call 813-780-0064.

In Hillsborough County, libraries in the newspaper’s coverage area are:

  • Austin Davis Public Library, 17808 Wayne Road, Odessa.
  • Jimmie B. Keel Regional Library, 2902 W. Bearss Ave.
  • Lutz Branch Library, 101 Lutz-Lake Fern Road (temporarily closed)
  • New Tampa Regional Library, 10001 Cross Creek Blvd.

Contact Hillsborough libraries by calling 813-273-3652.

Elections supervisor encourages early voting, vote by mail

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For Pasco County Supervisor of Elections Brian Corley, it’s quite the busy time of year.

His agency on Sept. 24 sent out its mass mailing of approximately120,000 vote-by-mail ballots to residents — roughly a third of the agency’s voter registry file — for the upcoming Nov. 3 general election.

Simultaneously, the elections office is readying early voting sites.

Pasco County Supervisor of Elections Brian Corley was the featured speaker at an East Pasco Networking Group meeting earlier this month. (File)

The early voting cycle will run for 13 days from Oct. 19 through Oct. 31, with polls open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., each day.

The county added three new early sites bringing its total up to record-high 14 locations for the presidential election, said Corley, who was the guest speaker at an East Pasco Networking Group  meeting at IHOP in Dade City this month.

New sites include Veterans Memorial Park gymnasium in Hudson; J. Ben Harrill Recreation Complex in Hudson; and, the newly opened Wiregrass Ranch Sports Campus in Wesley Chapel.

Another early voting site change — the larger Land O’ Lakes Recreation Complex gymnasium will be used in place of the Land O’ Lakes Branch Library on Collier Parkway, typically the county’s most heavily trafficked site, Corley said.

The elections leader credited Pasco County administrator Dan Biles for approving the early voting location additions and changes — particularly the one in Land O’ Lakes — in the name of accommodating more voters and allowing for social distancing protocols.

“We like big rooms for early voting sites,” Corley told the audience. “Basically, we’re going to be using the (Land O’ Lakes) gymnasium for 13 days. That’s a big ask for the county.”

With that, Corley assured there’s myriad measures in place to ensure the safety of poll workers and voters alike, in regards to the coronavirus.

That includes installation of plexiglass shields around electronic poll books, one-use styluses, hand sanitizer, disinfectants and spacing booths further apart. Many of those procedures helped the August primaries go “very, very smoothly,” Corley noted.

The elections supervisor would go on to discuss the county’s vote-by-mail processes — assuring it’s a safe and secure method to utilize for eligible voters.

He pointed out his agency was the first in the state to implement “Ballot Scout,” a tool which uses scan data for voters to track the delivery of their vote-by-mail ballot through the United States Postal Service (USPS). Voters can view the status of their ballot as being mailed, in transit, or delivered, via text or email notifications.

“You can track your ballot like an Amazon package,” said Corley. “You can see when we sent it out. On our end, we can tell you exactly where it is. When it comes to our office, it’ll automatically text you, ‘We got your ballot back.’”

(File)

Vote-by-mail ballots can be requested up to 5 p.m., Oct. 24 at PascoVotes.com, calling (800) 851-8754, or in writing to P.O. Box 300 Dade City, Florida, 33526.

Also on the topic, Corley defended the postal service, which has been politicized in recent months over nationwide concerns about rejected or uncounted mailing ballots.

To avert those issues, the earlier a ballot is mailed, the better, Corley emphasized.

Because vote-by-mail ballots must be received no later than 7 p.m., on Election Day, Corley said, it’s an unwise proposition for someone to postmark a ballot the actual day of the election and expect it to be delivered in time of the deadline.

As an example, placing a ballot in the mailbox at, say, noon on election day may result in your vote not being counted, he said. He noted there were about 600 uncounted ballots returned to his office after 7 p.m., on the date of the Aug. 18 primary.

“That’s not the USPS’s fault,” Corley said. “Let the voter take some responsibility, and get it back early.”

Those who remain leery about vote by mail, or uncomfortable stepping indoors to cast their vote, there’s also an option to bring an absentee ballot to early voting site drop boxes staffed by poll deputies, Corley explained. Ballots in the drop boxes are securely returned to the elections office headquarters at the end of each day.

“It’s like you’re literally handing it to one of my staff — it doesn’t get any more secure than that,” Corley said.

The elections supervisor also talked about the importance of his agency cultivating important partnerships with other county government agencies, such as the school district, sheriff’s office, tax collector’s office and clerk’s office.

That came to a head in this year’s municipal and primary elections, when the agency had some 300 poll workers opt out amid fears related to the COVID-19 pandemic. (The county’s average poll worker age is 66 years old, Corley said.) “I couldn’t blame them,” he said.

To help make up for the shortage, Corley enlisted help from Pasco County Schools Superintendent Kurt Browning, who sent a memo asking if any district employees wanted to fill in as poll workers.

The interest, response and results were overwhelming positive, the elections supervisor said.

“We had more than we needed,” Corley said. “We had teachers, school personnel that had never been a poll worker, never had any training, show up on election day and then hit it out of the park for us.”

Voting in Pasco and Hillsborough counties
The deadline is Oct. 5 to register for the Nov. 3 General Election.

Early voting in Pasco County is Oct. 19 through Oct. 31, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., each day. The county has a record-high 14 early voting sites. To find out more, visit PascoVotes.org.

Early voting in Hillsborough County is Oct. 19 through Nov. 1, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., each day. Hillsborough County has 26 early voting sites. To find out more, visit VoteHillsborough.org.

Published September 30, 2020

Progress continues on New River Library renovation

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No specific completion date has been set yet, but Pasco County library officials expect the makeover of the New River Branch Library to be wrapped up by the end of this year.

The library, at 34043 State Road 54, sits on the edge of Wesley Chapel — not far from Zephyrhills.

A new room is under construction, at the New River Branch Library. The library is located at the edge of Wesley Chapel, close to Zephyrhills. (Courtesy of Pasco County Library System)

Workers are busy on a massive remodeling that began last fall.

The total cost for the project, including design, construction, furnishing, technology and other associated expenses is approximately $2.8 million, said Bob Harrison, program manager for the Pasco County Library System.

All seven county libraries are slated for substantial improvement, using funds generated from General Obligation bonds approved by voters in November 2018.

When the New River renovation is finished, patrons will notice a number of obvious improvements, such as faster Internet speeds, a covered walkway, a makerspace that opens into a shaded “classroom” that opens into a much larger community garden.

Improvements also include an upgraded air-conditioning, heating and ventilation system.

Like just about everything else in life these days, the project has been affected by impacts of COVID-19.

“We had some manufacturers that had shut down for a time,” Harrison said.

That shutdown caused a delay in getting supplies needed for the library project, Harrison explained.

When the library reopens, it will offer much more than books, said Harrison, who is excited about what await patrons when operations resume.

Libraries are literacy centers and social hubs, he said.

Libraries are places where children come for story time, job seekers come to research new opportunities and entrepreneurs come to learn from experienced business mentors who offer free workshops.

A look at the entrance of the New River Branch Library in Wesley Chapel. The library is undergoing renovation and is expected to reopen by the end of the year.

Libraries also offer a host of special events, such as arts and crafts, movies and lectures.

They’re also a popular gathering spot for community organizations to hold meetings.

And, libraries are a common venue, too, for business mentors who offer free workshops to share their business knowledge and expertise with less-experienced entrepreneurs.

Of course, beyond the books and other media that patrons can borrow, visitors also can consult reference materials and use technology to help with research.

The upgrade includes expanding the community garden, which once had about six raised beds, to have more than two dozen.

About half of those will be for workshops and demonstrations. The rest will be open to people who want to grow flowers or vegetables.

A project to plant fruit trees at New River is expected to continue.

And, a new children’s activity, Story Walk, will allow children to follow a winding path where they will stop at stations and read pages from a storybook.

While the New River Branch has been closed, patrons have been frequenting other libraries, Harrison said, noting some have been using the Land O’ Lakes Branch Library, while others have used the Hugh Embry Branch in Dade City, or the Zephyrhills Library, operated by the City of Zephyrhills.

For more information on New River and video on renovations, visit Facebook.com/newriverlibrary.

Published August 19, 2020

New River library gets makeover

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New River Branch Library was feeling its age after more than nearly 30 years of service to patrons in Zephyrhills and Wesley Chapel.

But soon, New River will be like new again.

Construction on major renovations and an expanded community garden is on schedule for a fall 2020 completion.

This rendering shows the covered walkway that is part of an expansion of the New River Branch Library. (Courtesy of Pasco County)

“We’re moving forward on it. The (coronavirus) pandemic has not slowed down construction,” said Bob Harrison, marketing program manager for the Pasco County Libraries.

All seven county libraries are slated for “a complete re-imagining from top to bottom,” Harrison said. Funding for the renovations is from the GO, or General Obligation, bonds approved by voters in November 2018.

Centennial Park Branch Library in Holiday also is in the process of being renovated.

When the New River renovation is finished, patrons can enjoy a new look, as well as upgrades in technology, high-efficiency air conditioning, teen and youth adult areas, faster Internet speeds, a covered walkway entry and a makerspace that opens into a shaded “classroom” for the community garden.

Harrison said the covered walkway and garden space will allow for “do-it-yourself” activities. It also can be used to host gardening programs delivered by master gardeners or Pasco County Extension agents.

During the COVID-19 shutdown, the original garden died off, but Judy Curran is ready to dig and plant anew when New River opens in the fall.

Curran, the library’s youth services provider, said the new garden will be larger and will have more activities.

A garden that had about six raised beds will expand to about 26 beds, Curran said. About half will be for workshops and demonstrations. The rest will be open to people who want to grow flowers or vegetables.

“It’s really kind of neat that the library team gave us this opportunity,” she said. “I’m hoping to expand some of my outdoor activities.”

A new employee assigned to community outreach will aid in organizing events.

Curran made the first plantings in 2014 when employees were encouraged to pick a special project to adopt. They could spend 10% of their work hours to make it happen.

Curran got enthusiastic responses as soon as she posted her idea on the library bulletin board. The garden beds soon sprouted with help from a dozen youth and adult volunteers.

New River’s garden was unique not only in Pasco County, but in Florida, as well. Curran said she even received a call from Chicago asking about the library’s garden.

The Land O’ Lakes Branch Library has since planted a community garden, too.

A project to plant fruit trees at New River is expected to continue.

And, a new children’s activity, Story Walk, will allow children to follow a winding path where they will stop at stations and read pages from a storybook.

“I think it’s going to bring even more people when we reopen,” Curran said. “This little idea I had has really expanded.”

For information on New River and video on renovations, visit Facebook.com/newriverlibrary.

Published June 03, 2020

Check out these reopened libraries

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Pasco County residents once again can walk into a library and check out a book.

Or, spend time on a computer doing online searches.

Or, find a magazine to their liking.

Jessica Meisenbach missed being able to check out books at the Land O’ Lakes Branch Library. Her mask covered a big smile. (Kathy Steele)

As of May 18, Pasco County libraries are open for business — with the exception of the Zephyrhills Branch Library, which is offering curbside service only at this time.

The county’s reopened libraries do have limitations to prevent the potential spread of coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19). For one thing, they’re closed from noon to 1 p.m., each day, for cleaning.

Capacity is limited, too. Plus, face masks are required of both patrons and staff.

There are a limited number of face masks available for those lacking one.

Floor space is marked off for social distancing. And, computer time is by appointment only.

Self-checkout is available for books and magazines.

Pasco branch libraries, including the one in Land O’ Lakes, are marked off for social distancing.

Curbside pickup is still available, and is encouraged.

“Our curbside pickup is the star of the show,” said Catherine Seavey, librarian at the Land O’ Lakes Branch Library.

Curbside service began a week before the libraries reopened.

At the Land O’ Lakes branch, patrons drive to the back of the building, park in one of the curbside slots and wait for a librarian to bring out their pre-ordered book selection.

“That’s been especially popular,” said Bob Harrison, marketing program manager for Pasco County library system.

In fact, it’s so popular, the service likely will continue even after the libraries are fully reopened, Harrison said.

Currently, under Gov. Ron DeSantis’ executive order, libraries can operate at 50% capacity.

Pasco County has opted to be more conservative, with as few as nine patrons at a time in the Hugh Embry Branch Library in Dade City and as many as 36 at once at the Hudson Regional Library, in Hudson.

“We decided to be very slow, very cautious. The safety of our patrons, and our staff, take priority,” Harrison said.

Library officials will monitor health reports on infections before increasing capacity, he added.

Ian Boyne browsed the ‘New Book’ shelf at the Land O’ Lakes Branch Library.

Patrons are slowly starting to return.

“While it certainly is not as busy as it usually is, there are definitely people coming in.”

Lutz resident Jessica Meisenbach said she brought her three children, a 16-year-old and 11-year-old twins, to the Land O’ Lakes branch soon after the doors opened.

They prefer reading books rather than E-books, she said.

She’s with them.

She was at the library on Thursday morning, making her own book selections.

“I can’t do virtual reading. I like my own little book,” Meisenbach said.

Wesley Chapel resident Ian Boyne browsed the library’s “New Book” shelf.

“I’m really tired of re-reading all my Stephen King books. I have nothing to read,” he said.

While libraries have reopened, not all areas or activities are available.

If you need an unemployment form, you can pick one up from a table outside Pasco libraries.

The makerspaces, seating areas and study rooms remain closed, and story times for children remain online and virtual.

The COVID-19 shutdown has had the effect of boosting the library’s already strong online presence with additional virtual activities.

Patrons are accustomed to E-books and audio books, Harrison said.

But, during the shutdown, librarians looked for more ways to use technology, too.

In addition to the curbside service, there could be other and newer online activities that will continue, Harrison said.

“Libraries in general, and Pasco, in particular, pride ourselves on innovation,” Harrison said.

For library hours and other information, visit PascoLibraries.org.

Published May 27, 2020

Navigating the choppy waters of divorce

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It’s that time of year, when bakeries, florists and jewelers are busy — in the approach to Valentine’s Day.

It can be a time of love, affection and euphoria — but also can be a painful trigger for those struggling through the turmoil of divorce.

For one Wesley Chapel woman, it’s a time when existing or new clients may feel a particular need to turn to her for support.

Going through a divorce takes an emotional toll and has impacts within the family, on finances and living arrangements, said Hayley Lisa Botha, a divorce coach. (B.C. Manion)

Hayley Lisa Botha, of Emerge Strong Divorce Coaching, helps people take control of their divorce process.

Divorce is more than a legal process, said Botha, who goes by Hayley Lisa to her clients and friends. It’s a transition — affecting relationships within a family, finances and living arrangements — while taking a toll on emotions.

And, that emotional toll can compromise decision-making, Hayley Lisa said.

That’s why she thinks it’s important to enlist the aid of someone who has been trained to help people going through a divorce, to get from where they are to where they want to be.

“A divorce coach can give you unbiased advice,” said Hayley Lisa, who knows the challenges firsthand.

She’s been divorced twice.

She’s familiar with the turmoil it can cause, and the swirl of emotions that can take over.

“You’re going to be a train-wreck,” she said.

When confronted by divorce, many have no idea what to do, or where to turn for help, she said.

“That’s why I love to help people sort through all of the emotions they are feeling, and just gain some clarity, so they can be in a better position,” she said. “I truly believe it (divorce) can be done with integrity and with maturity.”

She sees her role as being a sounding board, and serving as a guide to help clients build a network of professionals to assist them.

When someone approaches her for help, the first thing Hayley Lisa wants to know is where they are in the process: Are they thinking about divorce, or is the marriage really over?

“Make sure the marriage is really over before taking steps to get divorced because once you do that — everything seems to change and sometimes you can’t go back,” she said.

She doesn’t advise people on whether to pursue a divorce, but once that decision has been made, she works with clients to tackle the practical and emotional challenges.

Knowing your financial status is essential, she said.

“Some people think that they’re OK, until they run a credit score and they realize ‘Oh boy, I’m  not even going to be able to get a credit card in my own name,’” she said.

It’s important to choose an attorney, too. She recommends consulting with at least two before selecting one.

“You have to know that attorney is with you and that your values will align. Maybe you want to go through the mediation process. Maybe you want to go collaborative law,” she said. Or, in some cases, litigation is needed.

“If you start this process with an attorney who’s not going to have your best interests at heart, then you’re going to be in a world of trouble,” she said.

Hayley Lisa said she listens to her clients without passing judgment.

“I become their thinking partner in the divorce process. I help them build what’s now going to be their new normal,” she said.

That new normal often involves co-parenting, which can be particularly challenging, she said.

This can be an area where ex-spouses push each other’s buttons, she said. Resist the temptation and take the high road, she advised.

“You’re going to have to sometimes swallow your pride and your ego, and do what’s best for your children,” she said.

She offers clients help with co-parenting issues. “That is such a whole new arena for most people,” she said.

It’s also important to be careful who you listen to, Hayley Lisa said.

While family and friends care about you, they aren’t unbiased, and typically aren’t qualified to give expert advice, she said.

She offers a free consultation to potential clients, and in addition to offering her services on a sliding scale, she also runs a free divorce support group. There are three upcoming support group sessions planned at the Land O’ Lakes Branch Library on Collier Parkway.

“It’s just a safe environment where people can share with others, who might be further along in the process, or just beginning,” she said, describing the support group.

“When you are going through a divorce, there’s so much shame that people feel. They feel stigmatized. In the support group, there’s no judgment. We’ve all been there.”

Want to know more?

Call Hayley Lisa Botha at (561) 339-3711; check the website at EmergeStrongDivorceCoaching.com; or, email her at .

Hayley’s 10 commandments
No. 1: Make sure the marriage is really over.
No. 2: Get a divorce coach or therapist.
No. 3: Become informed and take control of your divorce process. If you aren’t already aware of your financial state, find out. Gather financial statements, run a credit check.
No. 4: Put your kids first. Do what’s best for the kids, even if it hurts you.
No. 5: Get good legal advice and build a team of professionals.
No. 6: Do not speak negatively about your soon-to-be ex-spouse.
No. 7: Be careful who you listen to. Your family and your friends love you, but they’re not unbiased and they’re not divorce experts, either.
No. 8: Don’t use your lawyer as your divorce coach or therapist. Lawyers are trained in law, not emotions.
No. 9: Be kind to yourself. Divorce is tough enough, don’t make it worse by letting go of your health.
No. 10: Don’t fight it out at all costs. Don’t insist on getting every last penny you feel you are due, do what you can to settle your case amicably. Your children will thank you.

Source: Hayley Lisa Botha, Emerge Strong Divorce Coaching Services

Free divorce support groups
Emerge Strong Divorce Coaching offers free divorce support groups for men and women who would like some support and guidance, while going through this difficult and often overwhelming time. Sessions will be at the Land O’Lakes Branch Library meeting room, 2818 Collier Parkway.

The February schedule is as follows:

  • Feb. 15: 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
  • Feb. 18: 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
  • Feb. 29: 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

For more information on the support groups, call (561) 339-3711, or visit Facebook.com/EmergeStrongDivorceCoaching.

Published February 05, 2020

Library helps people who want jobs, or to volunteer

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The Land O’ Lakes Branch Library recently was a hub — for those seeking opportunities for paying jobs, or to volunteer.

In fact, the library has a series of events this month, which is set aside as Career Development Month, focused on helping people find work.

On Nov. 7, a  CareerSource Pasco-Hernando bus was parked outside the library, located at 2818 Collier Parkway in Land O’ Lakes. Inside the bus was an array of computers to help people find employment opportunities.

David Hamilton, an operations manager for CareerSource Pasco-Hernando, offered patrons at Land O’ Lakes Branch Library advice for using computers to search for jobs. (Brian Fernandes)

David Hamilton is the local CareerSource operations manager who was there to help those dropping by The Mobile One Stop bus.

“My thing is to make sure I can help them apply for the job they want to apply for,” Hamilton explained. “I am looking at the general employment skill and that’s everybody, from no particular education, up to [a] bachelor’s degree.”

His aim is to help applicants find work they would be passionate about, as opposed to showing them a general list of what’s available.

As a 26-year career advisor, Hamilton helps others to create or polish up their resumes and cover letters.

It’s important to use correct grammar and punctuation, he said.

Cover letters, he added, should provide fresh content and not be redundant to what’s in an applicant’s resume.

Job applicants need to research a potential employer before creating the cover letter. It should tailor what that employer is seeking.

Hamilton then noted that Pasco County’s major employment category is retail and service, followed by health care.

But, he also pointed out that there’s more demand for nurses looking for work than for retail store managers.

He said he was there to assist people who may need technical help.

Hamilton also mentioned that those seeking jobs include youth entering the workforce for the first time, those who have been laid off and those moving to a new region.

He did mention that finding a position is more challenging for middle-age job seekers because they’re competing with a younger generation.

Pasco County’s current unemployment rate is at 3.3%,  a drastic decline from its 12.7% peak a decade ago, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

And, with the holiday season approaching, Hamilton expects an increase in job openings.

While Hamilton was helping others find paying jobs, another discussion was taking place inside the library.

At the Social Seniors event inside, those gathered had the chance to learn about multiple ways to become a volunteer.

Social Seniors is geared toward those 55 years old and older who want to take a more active role in their community.

“The Social Seniors is a chance for them (patrons) to come socialize, get some refreshments, maybe learn something new,” said Catherine Seavey, a library branch attendant who helps oversee the program.

Generally, the program allows people age 55 and up to play cards, watch movies, be part of a book club or take part in learning activities.

The Land O’ Lakes Branch Library also has partnered with Pasco County Senior Services and the Seniors in Service organization, to help those seasoned in age, stay productive.

Attendance at monthly meetings tends to go up when there is a guest speaker, and on this particular day, there were speakers offering advice on how to stay engaged through volunteering.

After retiring, Rick Buzzee, of Land O’ Lakes, joined the Rotary Club of Land O’ Lakes to be involved in efforts to promote education, diminish poverty and help with community efforts.

“I think you have to stay mentally alert and mentally productive,” Buzzee said, adding there’s a correlation between good health and staying active.

Career Development Month
Where: Land O’ Lakes Branch Library, 2818 Collier Parkway, Land O’ Lakes

When:

  • Personality Development Personality Tests, Nov. 15 from 2 p.m. to 4:45 p.m.
  • Building a Professional Presence online, Nov. 16 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Dress for Success, Nov. 18 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
  • AmSkills Mobile Innovation Station, Nov. 19 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Mock Interviews. Nov. 21 from 3 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
  • CareerSource Mobile One Stop bus, Nov. 21 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Resume workshop on Nov. 23 from 10 a.m. to noon.

Cost: Free

Info: Call (813) 929-1214

Published November 13, 2019