The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

St. Leo

Celebrating St. Leo’s storied past

By

On the surface, the town of St. Leo easily could be underestimated.

After all, the town’s population is just 1,350, and it has a tiny town hall.

But this place of rolling hills recently turned 125, and its history was celebrated with a mass at Saint Leo Abbey, followed by a barbecue luncheon and speeches at Saint Leo University, and then, an ice cream social.

An exterior view of Saint Leo Abbey, where a mass was held to kick off festivities to celebrate the Town of St. Leo’s 125th birthday. (B.C. Manion/Staff Photos)
An exterior view of Saint Leo Abbey, where a mass was held to kick off festivities to celebrate the Town of St. Leo’s 125th birthday.
(B.C. Manion/Staff Photos)

Abbot Isaac Camacho presided over the mass, while luncheon speakers included St. Leo Mayor Richard Christmas, Saint Leo University President Bill Lennox, Pasco County Commissioner Ted Schrader, local historian Bill Dayton and Holy Name Monastery Prioress Sister Roberta Bailey.

Those attending the luncheon had a chance to mill about, perusing tables that displayed artifacts offering a portal into the community’s past.

Items on display included a wedding dress dating to 1914, parts of the first telephone in St. Leo, a quilt with one square featuring the Serenity Prayer, old spectacles, displays from the town’s centennial celebration, historic photographs and newspaper clippings.

A slide show featuring about 250 images played continuously — creating a backdrop that prompted memories and sparked conversations.

During the luncheon, Mayor Christmas thanked Saint Leo University for providing the facilities for the festivities, and praised Town Clerk Joan Miller and Deputy Clerk Andrea Calvert for their hard work in organizing the celebration.

Without all of the help, Christmas said, “what we would have had here today, I think, (would have been) a very short 125th anniversary in the parking lot of St. Leo Town Hall, and we would have died of heat stroke in 5 minutes, and we’d have left.

“It’s really nice that we’re able to be here,” he said.

Pasco County Commissioner Ted Schrader, who grew up in the area, congratulated the town for its historic milestone.

Local historian Bill Dayton shared the story of the Town of St. Leo’s incorporation, which occurred in 1891.
Local historian Bill Dayton shared the story of the Town of St. Leo’s incorporation, which occurred in 1891.

“As some of the pictures were going through (the slide show), it reminded me of the good old days growing up on Lake Jovita,” he said.

He recalls fishing for brim and enjoying the Jaycees’ fish-a-thons.
“Those are the fond, fond memories,” Schrader said.

Sister Mary David was pleased to be at the celebration.

“It’s wonderful that they’re getting in touch with their history, because a lot of times people don’t have any idea, where they came from, or what — what —stands for.

“If we can honor those who came before us, and their hard work and their values, we can grow. It’s like a tree. Those are the roots,” said the sister who just recently celebrated her 50th Jubilee.

A land development option
Historian Bill Dayton shared the story of St. Leo’s beginnings with an audience of around 100.

St. Leo’s history traces back to a time when Florida was in dire financial straits, Dayton said.

The state was on the brink of bankruptcy when Philadelphia financier Hamilton Disston bailed it out by purchasing 4 million acres of land, at 25 cents per acre, Dayton said.

At one time, the Town of St. Leo had its own police department. Now, it receives services from the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office.
At one time, the Town of St. Leo had its own police department. Now, it receives services from the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office.

The transaction occurred in 1881, and Edmund Dunne, a devout Catholic and former chief justice of the Arizona Territory, handled the legal work on the deal.

For his attorney’s fee, Dunne — who wanted to form a Catholic Colony — took his payment in the form of an option to develop 100,000 acres, Dayton said.

Then, he and his cousin, Capt. Hugh Dunne, hiked over much of the northern portion of the Disston Purchase to select the lands for Dunne’s development option, Dayton said.

While scouting that land, the men climbed up a hill — to just about where the university sits today. They saw a beautiful lake, and since it was Saint Jovita’s Feast Day, the lake was christened Lake Jovita, Dayton said.

Judge Dunne claimed the top of the hill for his homestead, and he created a plan for the San Antonio Catholic Colony. That plan called for San Antonio to be the center of the colony, with satellite villages, named for saints, at the points of a compass. Land in between was preserved in forest, Dayton said.

“It was a very sophisticated and advanced land ownership plan,” Dayton said.

Within the colony, Dunne wanted a college, a monastery and a convent, Dayton said. All three came to fruition.

The Benedictine sisters arrived in 1889 and moved into the former Sultenfuss Hotel, at the north end of the square in San Antonio. The monks arrived that same year, to establish a college, which was chartered in 1889 and held its first class in 1890, Dayton said.

There was hostility among the locals when the monks arrived, Dayton said.

“Father Charles (Mohr) received word that a local vigilance committee was talking about burning the monks out,” Dayton said. So, Mohr rode out to the farm of one of the vigilance committee leaders. And, when he arrived, he found that that man was ill, and his wife was exhausted.

Mohr took charge of caring for the man, and the plans for burning out the monks were extinguished, Dayton said.

The great work still goes on
St. Leo’s incorporation stemmed, in part, from a dispute between the monks and the Pasco County Commission, Dayton said. At the time, county commissioners had the authority to order residents into the task of clearing and building roads, he explained.

Mohr was infuriated when commissioners drafted monks to do road labor, Dayton said.

“He wrote an angry letter to the County Commission pointing out that the Constitution of Florida exempted clergymen from road labor,” Dayton said.

Mohr also consulted a leading local lawyer who advised him to pursue incorporation, and that occurred in 1891, the historian said.

Dr. J.F. Corrigan, who had been a wealthy New Yorker, was one of the original colonists and went on to become the town’s first mayor. When he moved to the area, he built a three-story mansion, complete with a private chapel that had received papal sanction, Dayton said.

Dayton concluded his remarks by saying, “The town of St. Leo persists to this day and has maintained its integrity and its identity, and that’s a great accomplishment.”

This sign indicates the location of the Town of St. Leo’s town hall. It shares its space with a substation for the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office.
This sign indicates the location of the Town of St. Leo’s town hall. It shares its space with a substation for the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office.

Sister Roberta Bailey, now serving in her second term as Prioress at Holy Name Monastery, reminded those gathered of the sacrifices that were made through the years, to create the St. Leo that exists today.

“We preserve our stories because we want never to forget that the opportunities we have today were not simply lavished upon us,” Bailey said. “They were purchased at a great price, at travel from home; cold, cracked, work-worn knuckles; study by night with midnight oil; stomachs that ached with hunger; raking, hoeing and manuring groves and gardens; saving, skimping and salvaging.

“What firm faith and incredible courage our founding sisters must have had,” Bailey said. “Imagine what daring it took to venture south into this unknown territory,” Bailey said.

Since arriving in 1889, the sisters have been educators and administrators, town mayors and commissioners, members of various boards, leaders of religious programs and ministries, and involved in work in surrounding communities and in other states.

“Now, here we are at the 46, 516th day of the 127th year of our history — yes, we were here even before St. Leo was a town,” Bailey said.

“The great work still goes on,” she said. “As long as there are gaps between our ideals and our reality, there will always be great work to be done.”

The case for incorporation
“Citizens of St. Leo, as already indicated by the public notices, Feb. 24 is to be the birthday of our little town. Let us turn out in full force on that day. Let nothing keep us at home. Let it be our boast that we cast our vote for incorporation.

“No town can prosper unless there is a unity of spirit among its inhabitants and this unity of spirit can only be brought about by incorporation.

“Incorporation means a long list of benefits that shall certainly be ours after the election — better roads, better feeling, enterprise, success. Come to Dr. Corrigan’s house at 10 a.m. and cast your vote for the prosperity and welfare of the new town.”

Dated: Feb. 16, 1891

Signed: B.M. Wichers, N.P. Bishoff, J.F. Corrigan

A papal honor
Pope Leo XIII conferred on Hon. Edmund Dunne, formerly chief justice of Arizona and new head of the Colony of San Antonio, the title of Count.

— Except from a report by The New York Times, Feb. 22, 1884

Published August 3, 2016

First annual Swing for Scouting set for July 9

By

An amateur long drive competition will be to raise money for area Boy Scouts.

The first annual Swing for Scouting contest takes place on July 9 at The Abbey Course in St. Leo from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m.

The longest drive competition will have three divisions: Youth (under 18), Adults (18-50) and Senior (over 50).

The first annual Swing for Scouting long drive contest will take place at the Abbey Course in St. Leo on July 9. (B.C. Manion/Staff Photo)
The first annual Swing for Scouting long drive contest will take place at the Abbey Course in St. Leo on July 9.
(B.C. Manion/Staff Photo)

The contest is for amateurs only. Those competing must supply their own clubs and all club heads must conform to the standards of the United States Golf Association. Golf clubs cannot be longer than 50 inches long. And, all contestants will be provided three balls to hit. Those competing will not be allowed to bring their own balls to the competition.

Proceeds from the event will go into the general fund of the Greater Tampa Bay Area Council, which is chartered by the Boy Scouts of America.

Funds raised by the event will be used for camp upkeep, scholarships and administrative purposes.

Jason McCombs, vice chairman for the Allohak District, came up with the fundraising concept after he recently passed by the golf course for a different scouting event. The Allohak District serves eastern and central Pasco County, including the communities of Land O’ Lakes, Wesley Chapel, Dade City, Zephyrhills and Lacoochee.

McCombs is looking to have at least 200 long drive participants, and hopes to raise about $4,000.

“Being the first year that we’ve ever done this, we’re shooting for the moon, but we’re hoping to just hit the target,” the district vice chairman said. “We’re very close to making our (fundraising) goal for the year, so this is just going to put us over the top.”

In addition to the longest drive contest, there will be other golf skill challenges, including a putting contest and a closest to the pin game.

“The main one that we’re doing is the longest drive competition,” McCombs said. “If we have other people interested, there are things there like the practice putting green and a pin that’s off to the side that you can practice pitching (wedge shots) with. It’s just a little small thing to keep people interested waiting for their turn or waiting for their results.”

McCombs has interest in organizing a Swing for Scouting event each year, with plans to rotate to various golf courses or driving ranges throughout Pasco County.

“I would like to see it move around; maybe next year we can do it in Land O’ Lakes someplace or Wesley Chapel. We’ll have to see how it goes,” he said.

In March, the Gulf Ridge Council and West Central Florida merged to form the Greater Tampa Bay Area Council. The council now encompasses nine counties and serves more than 26,000 youth in 200 Cub Scout packs, 212 Boy Scout and Varsity Scout troops, 46 Venturing Crews and nearly 17,000 Learning for Life participants. It also maintains six camp properties, including Camp Owen J. Brorein in Odessa.

McCombs noted the importance of the Boy Scouts of America, which he says creates “fun with a purpose” for youth.

“We give them life skills,” he said. “With our merit badges, we can teach them and expose them to things they may be interested in doing a career in. Plus, we give them the ability to become leaders in their own community…and just basically give them a chance to grow up.”

Advance ticket prices for youth are $12; adult prices are $22. To preregister, visit http://tinyurl.com/SwingForScouting.

For more information, call Jason McCombs at (813) 368-7282.

Published June 29, 2016

A graduation ceremony for one

By

Some days don’t go exactly as planned.

Just ask Danielle Bunin.

The Land O’ Lakes’ resident was in line on April 30 waiting for the procession to start for her commencement ceremony at Saint Leo University.

While waiting, Bunin —six months pregnant at the time — stepped away from the crowd to get some fresh air. She passed out, fell down and landed on her stomach.

Bradley Bunin, left, holding 2-year-old Ashton Bunin, beams with pride as his wife, Danielle Bunin, holds the master’s degree given to her by Saint Leo University President William Lennox. (Courtesy of Ben Watters/Saint Leo University)
Bradley Bunin, left, holding 2-year-old Ashton Bunin, beams with pride as his wife, Danielle Bunin, holds the master’s degree given to her by Saint Leo University President William Lennox.
(Courtesy of Ben Watters/Saint Leo University)

After an ambulance ride and four hours in an emergency room, Bunin heard the good news that her baby would be fine. But, she had missed a graduation that meant so much to her and her family.

She had expected to receive her second degree from the university that day — a master’s in business administration in human resource management.

“She was really looking forward to making that walk,” said her husband, Bradley Bunin. “She was so upset that she didn’t make it.”

It turns out that the staff at Saint Leo wanted to make things right.

On June 6, Bunin received her degree at a commencement ceremony held just for her at Saint Leo’s main campus, off State Road 52 in St. Leo.

She received her degree from William Lennox, the university’s president.

Family members looked on, with pride.

Bradley Bunin’s brother, Matthew Bunin, flew in from Las Vegas to attend the ceremony.

“It’s inspiring to see what she has accomplished,” her brother-in-law said.

Danielle Bunin and Lennox stood in caps and gowns outside the president’s office, framed under an archway.

After receiving her degree, Bunin responded with gratitude.

“Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. It’s incredible that you were able to make this happen,” she said.

Lennox said personally bestowing the degree to her meant something special.

“We know how much work goes into this. It’s important to do this,” he said.

Saint Leo has nearly 16,000 undergraduates and graduates who enroll in course work at more than 40 locations in seven states, and online from anywhere.

Lennox said the university reaches out in particular to students who are in mid-career seeking to expand their possibilities.

“That takes an awful lot of work from the family,” he said.

Danielle Bunin gave credit to her husband.

She works at home as a social media marketer. Bradley Bunin is a salesman with an IT company.

She often spent nights doing coursework and taking tests that had to be finished within specific deadlines.

Her husband would free up her time and watch after the couple’s 2-year-old son, Ashton.

“It was a team effort,” she said.

Danielle Bunin and her family might also qualify as “Team Saint Leo.”

Bradley Bunin is a Saint Leo graduate.

His wife received her bachelor of arts degree two years ago when she was then pregnant with Ashton. At that ceremony, Danielle Bunin’s mother, Lorene Mervis, also received her bachelor of arts degree in sociology.

The next order of business is awaiting the arrival of the newest Bunin – a second son.

The baby is due in August.

Published June 15, 2016

Pasco property values on the rise

By

Pasco County property values grew by about $1.1 billion in 2015, according to tax estimates released by the Pasco County Property Appraiser’s Office.

That’s about 5.2 percent higher than the current tax roll and shows accelerated growth, compared to the previous steady growth of 4 percent, year to year.

Lowe’s home improvement store on State Road 54 is valued at about $18 million by Pasco County Property Appraiser’s office, and helped boost overall county property values. (File Photos)
Lowe’s home improvement store on State Road 54 is valued at about $18 million by Pasco County Property Appraiser’s office, and helped boost overall county property values.
(File Photos)

Much of the increase is being fueled by nearly $685 million in new residential and commercial construction.

The southern half of Pasco, particularly along the State Road 54/State Road 56 corridor is driving the growth, said Wade Barber, chief deputy at Pasco County Property Appraiser’s office.

“I think it will continue to be so,” he said. “Nothing up north is really going gangbusters yet.”

County records reflect the rising values.

Tampa Premium Outlets, which opened with more than 90 stores in October 2015, currently is valued at about $98 million. A year earlier with only vacant land to assess, the county pegged the property’s taxable value at nearly $12 million.

Lowe’s on State Road 54 in Lutz jumped from about $1.8 million in taxable value in 2015 to about $8.8 million now, records show. The home improvement store opened in April 2015.

More new housing construction is on the way, including Bexley Ranch in Odessa and Union Station in Wesley Chapel. Florida Hospital Center Ice Complex in Wesley Chapel is expected to open in October.

The upward trend in valuations could continue, but Ward cautioned that state-imposed caps on increases play a role in holding values down.

Crowds gathered outside stores on opening day at Tampa Premium Outlets. The mall was part of nearly $685 million in new construction that is pushing up Pasco County’s property values.
Crowds gathered outside stores on opening day at Tampa Premium Outlets. The mall was part of nearly $685 million in new construction that is pushing up Pasco County’s property values.

State law limits increases in valuations to no higher than 10 percent for commercial, nonresidential properties, and no more than 3 percent for homesteaded properties.

“It really holds you to the 5 percent range without new construction,” Barber said.

Overall, the boost in valuations spread to Pasco’s cities as well.

Estimated values and percentage increases are: Zephyrhills,  $609 million, a 1 percent increase; Dade City, $265.7 million, a 2.1 percent increase; San Antonio, nearly $56 million, a 3.2 percent increase; Port Richey, nearly $252 million, a .08 percent increase; and New Port Richey, $504 million, a .08 percent increase.

The Town of St. Leo showed a modest increase of about $22,400 to an estimated value of about $8.7 million. But, the town’s property values remain in the doldrums compared to the nearly $10 million value in 2014.

The town lost about 85 homes in the Lake Jovita subdivision when Gov. Rick Scott signed a bill to de-annex the homes in 2014. The homes were added to unincorporated Pasco’s tax base.

Published June 8, 2016

 

Conference focus: global careers

By

Marshall Larsen, keynote speaker at a global business conference, offered an unusual bit of advice to Saint Leo University students.

Don’t automatically search for the biggest corporate paycheck, the retired Goodrich executive told students.

Marshall Larsen, retired chairman and chief executive officer of Goodrich Corporation, was keynote speaker at the seventh annual International Business Conference at Saint Leo University on March 10. (Kathy Steele/Staff Photo)
Marshall Larsen, retired chairman and chief executive officer of Goodrich Corporation, was keynote speaker at the seventh annual International Business Conference at Saint Leo University on March 10.
(Kathy Steele/Staff Photo)

“If you want to do anything out of the corporate norm, do it right now. So, what if you fail? Do it now. You’ve got time,” Larsen said. “Your youth, at some point, will be gone. There’s my lesson for the day.”

About 500 students participated in the seventh annual International Business Conference on March 10 at the main campus of Saint Leo University, in St. Leo.

The event included guest speakers, panels, mock interviews, and a cybersecurity competition, dubbed “Capture the Flag.” The conference theme was “Achieving Success in the Global Economy.”

Larsen said he was undecided after graduating from business school. He ended up at Goodrich as a financial analyst, and spent 35 years with the company.

He is the retired chairman, president and chief executive officer of Goodrich Corporation. The company was founded in 1870 as a producer of rubber hoses. It later became a tire manufacturer. Over a 40-year period, Goodrich got out of the tire business and acquired aerospace companies that compete globally for contracts.

A major factor in the company’s success, as it transformed over the years, came down to creating a unifying culture that was open to ideas from every employee at Goodrich, Larsen said.

“I prided myself on having people there who could say ‘Marshall, you’re wrong,’” he said.

After his talk, Larsen took questions.

Saint Leo sophomore Mindy Vitale asked for advice on setting up a small international business. She is majoring in hospitality and international tourism.

A good plan, not just a good idea, is a requirement for any business to succeed, Larsen said. “There are these pesky things like cash flow.”

Vitale, 20, said she found Larsen’s views on life after graduation helpful as well. “I do want to travel,” she said. “I totally agree with him. Experience is important. What you learn through the process is really critical.”

One student asked Larsen for his view on how the business world would fair under either a Donald Trump or Hillary Clinton presidency.

“Who knows what’s going to happen?” he said. “Business is resilient, and they’ll figure out a way to grow.”

Congress also will have a say in the country’s future, he added.

“I’m just being very measured and watching this,” Larsen said. “I just hope for the sake of the country that we make the right decision.”

Panel discussions featured topics, such as women in leadership, the best degree for international business opportunities, and the changes in health care since the Affordable Care Act.

The leadership panel included Pamela Hobbs, vice president of human resources for the American Red Cross; Shirah Levine, managing director for institutional equity sales at Robert W. Baird & Co.; and Camille Renshaw, senior director and lead broker in New York City for Stan Johnson Company.

All of them found that hard work, a willingness to take risks, building relationships and being open to unexpected opportunities propelled them into successful careers.

Hobbs left her family dairy farm in upstate New York to relocate to Atlanta without having a job. She worked for 18 years in the solid waste industry, before taking her current position in human resources with the American Red Cross.

Renshaw got a liberal arts degree in college and later a fellowship in France “mostly because I didn’t know what else to do.”

Upon her return, she worked as an analyst for Turner Broadcasting System. She now is in commercial real estate and is founder of the New York office for Stan Johnson Company. Her clients include UBS and Checkers Drive-In restaurants.

Levine walked away from a full basketball scholarship in college, and worked a series of hourly-wage jobs including her favorite – a bartender.

She also went back to school and got a degree in communications and media studies.

At age 34, she now is a managing director and equity sales trader for Robert W. Baird & Co., a financial investment firm. She met her boss while working as bartender and bar manager and was invited for a job interview. At the time, Levine said she didn’t know a stock from a bond.

But she had drive, and better tests scores than her job competitors.

“I hope you guys see there are a lot of ways to skin a cat in this world,” Levine said.

Published March 16, 2016

Blind golfer inspires Saint Leo crowd

By

Being legally blind won’t stop 26-year-old Jeremy Poincenot from enjoying life.

Poincenot, a blind golfing champion and inspirational speaker, presented life lessons to a group of college students at Saint Leo University on Jan. 13.

Throughout his hour-long speech, Poincenot reinforced positive thinking and the importance of displaying kindness and being selfless.

The speech was well received from several attendees, who noted they weren’t sure how they would manage to go through life if they were legally blind.

“I thought it was a really good story,” said Leo Jurcak, a freshman at Saint Leo. “It was really inspiring.”

Poincenot’s advice was thought-provoking for Liam O’ Brien, another freshman at the university.

Jeremy Poincenot’s father, Lionel, serves as his caddie, helping to explain where to place shots. (Courtesy of Jeremy Poincenot)
Jeremy Poincenot’s father, Lionel, serves as his caddie, helping to explain where to place shots.
(Courtesy of Jeremy Poincenot)

“I think it opens a perspective that most people don’t see on a regular basis,” O’ Brien said. “What stood out was the idea…that someone may look perfectly fine, but you have no idea what’s going on in a person’s head. I learned to not take anything for granted and to not take life too seriously sometimes.”

Poincenot lost his central vision in 2008, then a 19-year-old college student at San Diego State University. The cause of blindness was a result of a rare genetic disorder called Leber’s Hereditary Optic Neuropathy, which affects only about 100 people per year.

The disease is mostly prevalent among young males. It has no treatment or cure. It caused Poincenot to gradually lose his vision over a period of two months.

“I was on campus one day, and noticed I had to squint to read a sign and never had to do that before, so I was like, ‘All right, I just need glasses. Whatever. It is what it is,’” he detailed. “Then, all of a sudden it kept getting progressively worse and worse. … It started in my right eye, and then in two months went to my left eye…now I’m legally blind with no central vision.”

It was a shock for Poincenot, who was initially unsure of what he would do or how he would cope for the rest of his life.

“I had no idea what I could do,” he said. “I thought I was going to have to start playing the piano and be like Ray Charles or Stevie Wonder.

“Everything was an adjustment. It was a total adjustment to a new way of life.”

As he deliberated his next move in life, his mother Lissa, told him about the United States Blind Golf Association. The idea seemed far-fetched to Poincenot, who spent three years on his high school’s varsity golf team.

“Golf is a very visual sport, so I didn’t think golf could ever be a possibility,” said Poincenot, adding that he thought his mom was kidding when she told him. “I didn’t like slow players (in high school), so the idea to blind golf was the epitome of slow play. I was like, ‘There’s no way; even if I could play, I don’t want to slow people up.’”

After going through a period of grief and hopelessness, Poincenot opted to try the sport again after receiving support from his family and friends.

For Poincenot, the toughest part about getting back into the game he loved so much was managing his expectations.

“The first time I went out, I shot a 99, and I was happy to break 100, but was like: ‘That’s so bad.’ I would’ve curled up in a ball in high school if I shot that number,” said Poincenot, who consistently shot in the 70s in high school.

“Now that I’ve lost my sight…you’ve got to realize it’s not that bad, and just try to get better from there.”

With the help of his father, Lionel, who serves as his caddie, Poincenot regularly shoots in the low 80s, with career lows of 74 and 77. His game improved so much that he became the 2013 U.S. National Blind Golf Champion in the B-2 (visually impaired golfers, but not fully blind) category.

“My dad is my eyes, my guide, my caddie on the course,” said Poincenot, deflecting the credit for his accomplishments. “He does all the work, and I just execute the shots.”

While golf is a “glorified hobby” for Poincenot, he consistently uses it as a frame of reference for his speaking engagements, which he does in front of both university and corporate audiences across the country.

“He’s turned his adversity into something that can help people change their perspective whenever they face whatever trials or tribulations that they have,” said Patrick Gallagher, a college friend of Poincenot’s since they were both in the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity at San Diego State University. “I think he really spends a lot of time to intentionally care about people and get to know them. It’s a lot easier to pick up life lessons when you have somebody that puts in the effort to build a relationship.”

For those going through personal struggles, Poincenot said the key to overcoming those problems is to be surrounded by people who are “dreamers and believers.”

“Surround yourself with good people,” Poincenot said. “Like, I didn’t think I could play golf, but my mom, dad and family pushed me into it. …It’s about just getting out and trying things and being resourceful, because I really do think we set our own limitations. I didn’t let anyone else tell me what I could or could not do for a living.

“If a blind guy can go out and play golf, and get his way out to Florida on his own, anybody can do whatever they put their mind to for sure,” he said.

Published January 20, 2016

Credit union is 60, and going strong

By

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

By

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

Gun issues dominate town hall session

By

It was billed as a town hall session on economic development, but the gun issues facing the Florida Legislature dominated much of the discussion.

The Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce and Pasco-Hernando State College’s Porter Campus at Wiregrass Ranch co-hosted a town hall on Oct. 14 featuring State Sen. John Legg and State Rep. Danny Burgess.

Eugene Williams, executive director for the Coalition for the Homeless, opened the questioning by addressing the issue of concealed weapons on campus.

State Sen. John Legg addressed questions from the audience. (B.C. Manion/Staff Photo)
State Sen. John Legg addressed questions from the audience.
(B.C. Manion/Staff Photo)

“I was recently in Tallahassee and attended the committee meeting for the bill for campus concealed weapons,” Williams said. “As a PHSC adjunct professor, I just want to let you know that I don’t think that’s a good idea.

“The committee almost voted unanimously to support the representative’s bill. And I just think that that’s just wrong for our schools. It’s scary for our teachers, and most importantly, it’s not going to bring safety, or better safety to our to, you know, our school children,” said Williams, asking legislators to comment on the issue.

Legg, whose district represents everything south of State Road 52 in Pasco County to north of Tampa International Airport in Hillsborough County, told Williams there are four bills facing the Legislature that deal with weapons.

“We have one that basically allows, if you will, concealed weapon permit holders to be on college campus.

“We have another one that says we should allow our teachers to be armed in the k-12 (kindergarten through 12th-grade) system.

“We have another one that has been filed for open carry (to allow people to carry their weapons in plain sight) around the state of Florida.

“You have a fourth one now that says you can bring weapons to political meetings,” Legg said.

The state senator said he believes that people have the right to protect themselves, but not other people.

“That’s why we have law enforcement. That’s why you have trained people to do that,” he said.

“I think universities should have the right to regulate the weapons that are on the campus, but have the caveat that you do have students living on campus 24 hours a day, seven days a week,” Legg said.

“I’m not in favor of arming our teachers,” Legg said. “I understand people’s fear,” he added, but noted that law enforcement officers are better trained.

Burgess, whose district covers Dade City, San Antonio, St. Leo and Zephyrhills, said the issues need discussion.

“What we’re doing is not working,” Burgess said. “What can we do?” he asked.

“The debate should be had.”

Legg said he opposes the proposal to allow people to openly carry their weapons.

“People garnishing their weapons is not something I want to be around,” Legg said.

Burgess, who has a concealed weapons permit, said he’s not sure if he would want to openly carry his weapon.”

The legislators also heard concerns from the crowd about growing congestion, particularly near Bruce B. Downs Boulevard, Interstate 75 and State Road 56.

More needs to be done to synchronize lights better, so traffic can flow more smoothly, an audience member suggested.

A former Florida teacher urged lawmakers to reduce the required amount of testing in schools, noting that current requirements are so restrictive that they stifle teachers from pursuing their passion for teaching and prevent them from doing the work they were trained to do.

Teachers are leaving the profession, the former teacher said, because “they’re frustrating out.”

Published October 21, 2015

Halloween happenings fill upcoming calendar

By

Many people call it Halloween. For others, it’s a fall festival. Whatever you call it, it’s a time for special events and things to do in your area.

Some are a bit frightening and geared toward adults. Others are fun and feature activities for children. There might be games, treats and maybe a few scares, but there’s something for everyone.

And while Halloween is at the end of October, many events start much sooner. You have a whole month to find fun activities for the entire family.

Here’s a rundown of treats (no tricks) happening this month:

Fall Family Festival at Saint Leo University. The university, 33701 State Road 52, will host a number of activities Oct. 9 through Oct. 11. There are free and low-cost athletic events, like volleyball and soccer. But the real treats start Oct. 10 at 11 a.m., when Saint Leo will host a free fair at The Bowl area (behind the Student Community Center) with plenty of family-oriented things to do. Children can enjoy an animal show, petting zoo, water races, a swing ride and other activities. It runs until 3 p.m.

Another fun event takes place on campus Oct. 10 at 9:30 p.m. There will be a fireworks grand finale at The Bowl to cap off a weekend of events. And it’s free to attend.

Technically, the last event occurs Oct. 11 at 11 a.m., also at The Bowl. The university will host a 5K walk/run to benefit the Make-A-Wish foundation.

For more information about the race and a list of events for the Family Fall Festival, visit SaintLeo.edu/FallFamily.

Scarecrow Festival at Florida Pioneer Museum. The museum, 15602 Pioneer Museum Road, hosts this scarecrow-themed event on Oct. 10 for the third year in a row, after taking it over from Downtown Dade City Main Street. Thousands of people attend each October, and they expect this year’s event to be no different.

Pumpkins and scarecrows go together at the annual Scarecrow Festival at the Florida Pioneer Museum. (Richard Riley/Photo)
Pumpkins and scarecrows go together at the annual Scarecrow Festival at the Florida Pioneer Museum.
(Richard Riley/Photo)

Crafts, community booths and food vendors will be on hand, but there’s a lot more to the Scarecrow Festival than that. Like making scarecrows, for example. For $3, children can use hay and clothing, provided by the museum, to make a scarecrow to take home.

There will also be a Touch-a-Truck area, where children can climb on firetrucks and TECO trucks, and see police and sheriff’s cars, and ambulances. A petting zoo, train rides, face painting, obstacle course and games with prizes are all part of the event, too.

But since this is the Scarecrow Festival, do you need more scarecrows? How about a scarecrow costume contest? There will be categories for best dressed scarecrow, cutest scarecrow and scariest scarecrow. So you can make one and be one at this event.

The Scarecrow Festival runs from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. Admission is $5 with children younger than five years old admitted free. For more information, call (352) 567-0262, or visit PioneerFloridaMuseum.org.

Mr. Tommy’s Halloween Special at The Shops At Wiregrass. The Shops at Wiregrass, at 28211 Paseo Drive in Wesley Chapel, has a Halloween theme for its regular Kids Club event. On Oct. 28, it will have a “Princess & Pirate Party” at its parking structure. There will be bounce houses, a photo booth, cookie decorating and a costume parade. It’s a quick event, but a good way to take in a family-oriented celebration on a weekday morning.

Even the entertainers and staff at The Shops at Wiregrass get into the Halloween spirit at Mr. Tommy's Halloween Special. From top, Tommy Girvin (Mr. Tommy), Sarah Rasheid, Debbie Detweiler, Cyndi Clausen, Dani Maree Stoughtenger and Emily Setz show off their costumes. (Courtesy of Cloud9 Studios)
Even the entertainers and staff at The Shops at Wiregrass get into the Halloween spirit at Mr. Tommy’s Halloween Special. From top, Tommy Girvin (Mr. Tommy), Sarah Rasheid, Debbie Detweiler, Cyndi Clausen, Dani Maree Stoughtenger and Emily Setz show off their costumes.
(Courtesy of Cloud9 Studios)

Mr. Tommy’s Halloween Special runs from 10 a.m. until 11 a.m. For more information and to join the free Kids Club, call (813) 994-2242, or visit TheShopsAtWiregrass.com.

Family Friendly Fun Day at Cobb Theatres. If you want to celebrate on Halloween without making a late night of it, consider the event at Cobb Theatres Grove 16, at 6333 Wesley Grove Blvd. in Wesley Chapel. Cobb is hosting a Family Friendly Fun Day on Oct. 31 from 3 p.m. until 6 p.m.

Children are encouraged to wear costumes (no masks) and enjoy treats, prizes and games. And for those with a Halloween hunger, the CineBistro, located upstairs, will have a special holiday-themed menu.

For more information, call (813) 948-5444, or visit CobbTheatres.com.

Fall Festival at The Grove. The Grove, 6105 Wesley Grove Blvd. in Wesley Chapel, has a full weekend of activities scheduled for Oct. 10 and Oct. 11. Live music, arts and crafts and free outdoor movies make up just part of the schedule.

Children’s activities include face painting and bounce houses, as well as screenings of “Frozen” and “Cars.” There also will be a pumpkin patch, a pet parade and pet adoptions as well.

One of the highlights will occur Oct. 11 at noon, when the “Little Miss and Mr. Pumpkin Patch Pageant” will take place. Contestants will wear fall-inspired or pumpkin-themed costumes or outfits. Semifinalists will be chosen across three age groups, with one boy and one girl named Little Miss and Mr. Pumpkin Patch. The winners will receive $100, a sash and a trophy. Semifinalists will receive a trophy, and all participants will receive a goodie bag.

The Fall Festival runs Oct. 10 from 11 a.m. until 7 p.m., and Oct. 11 from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. The pageant is sponsored by the Rotary Club of Wesley Chapel and costs $20 per entry. For a full Fall Festival schedule, visit the Wesley Chapel Fall Festival Facebook page. For information about the pageant or to sign up, call (813) 843-2354, or email Kelly Mothershead at .

Scream-A-Geddon. This one isn’t for the faint of heart. While many events have a little spookiness wrapped up in family fun, this is an all-out fright fest. Located at 27839 Saint Joe Road in Dade City, the attractions have names like “Cursed Hayride,” “Dead Woods” and “Infected.” The goal is to be as ghoulish and scary as possible.

Scream-A-Geddon runs through Nov. 1, and delivers serious scares with an assortment of attractions. It begins at 7:30 each night, and lasts until 11 p.m.-1 a.m. depending on the evening. (Courtesy of Scream-a-Geddon)
Scream-A-Geddon runs through Nov. 1, and delivers serious scares with an assortment of attractions. It begins at 7:30 each night, and lasts until 11 p.m.-1 a.m. depending on the evening.
(Courtesy of Scream-a-Geddon)

But wait; there’s more. Like most haunted attractions, the actors don’t actually touch you. But if you participate in “Pandemic” and choose the interactive portion, it’s a different story. You might actually be grabbed and sent into a cell. That option takes things beyond the level of established attractions like “Howl-O-Scream” at Busch Gardens or “Halloween Horror Nights” and Universal Studios in Orlando.

You don’t have to choose that route, of course. You can decide to simply observe, which means you’re hands-off to the monsters inside. But, it’s still a scary event with five separate haunted attractions.

And that doesn’t count the Monster Midway, which includes games, food, beer, fire pits and tarot card readings. This is Halloween fun for people who like to be scared. But just in case, each attraction has emergency exits if things get a little too intense.

This might be the scariest event in the area, so they’re expecting big crowds. Enter at your own risk.

Scream-A-Geddon is open Thursdays through Sundays until Nov. 1. The cost ranges from $34.95 to $51.95 if you purchase online, depending on when you go. Tickets cost an additional $5 at the gate. Parking is $10, and fast passes, which allow you to spend less time in line, are available at an extra cost.

For more information, call (813) 452-5412, or visit ScreamAGeddon.com.

Published September 30, 2015