The Shops at Wiregrass

Art plus wine, creates a perfect picture

October 21, 2015 By Kathy Steele

James Serrano found a new career direction in an unexpected place – a “paint and sip” art studio.

After more than 20 years as a financial advisor and stockbroker, he now is planning “paint parties” at his new business, Pinot’s Palette.

On Oct. 23 at 6 p.m., he will open the doors and cut the ribbon to a new adventure as a first-time business owner of his art studio and bar at The Shoppes in New Tampa, at 1718 Bruce B. Downs Blvd.

And, the sign inside Pinot’s Palette gets right to the point on what an art studio and bar are all about – “Paint. Drink. And have fun.”

DSC_0139 rgb — (Photos courtesy of Pinot’s Palette)

Serrano is no artist, but he swirled a paintbrush across canvas at a similar studio owned by a friend. At the time, he was rethinking his career options.

The combination of artwork and wine brought him a “light bulb” moment. With encouragement from his wife, attorney Carol Serrano, he researched what is known as the “paint and sip” industry and found Pinot’s Palette.

A trip to the company’s headquarters in Houston sold him on the franchise. And the social aspects of the business seemed a natural fit for him.

“I love people,” Serrano said. “I love to meet people.”

Pinot’s Palette began as a small, local business in Houston, Texas, in 2009. Soon after, its founders, Craig Ceccanti, Charles Willis and Beth Willis, began franchising their concept nationally. They now have about 100 locations in more than 30 states.

The idea is that anyone, with a little guidance, can discover the “inner” artist waiting to be set free. Dipping into the creative palette with a glass of wine or a craft beer gives it all a party fizz.

Eight local artists will guide two- or three-hour evening sessions at Pinot’s Palette on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday. The first session will be on Oct. 28.

Pinot’s Palette welcomes anyone who wants to enjoy meeting people or share a night out with friends. There are opportunities for “girls’ night outs,” bachelorette parties and date nights. The studio also can host corporate team-building events, anniversary parties or other special events at appointed times.

Pinot’s Palette provides canvas, easel, brushes, paint and an apron. And, Serrano said, everyone takes away a “masterpiece” drawn from an example set on an easel and also visible on a monitor. Artists take people step-by-step through the process.

Guests are welcome to bring their own appetizers, and Pinot’s will provide plates, silverware and napkins. Beer, wine and soda will be available for purchase.

Evening sessions are adult-oriented, and no children under age 12 will be permitted. But, there will be Little Brushes and Family Day classes.

It will be a family-oriented business, said Serrano.

He and his wife have three sons and a passion for soccer.

In the future, Serrano said he plans to have “drop and shop” opportunities, where parents can sign up their children for art classes and then explore The Shoppes at New Tampa or cross the street to The Shoppes at Wiregrass for a couple hours of shopping. Also, Paint It Forward events will be hosted to benefit local charities.

“I want to give back to the community,” said Serrano.

The Serrano family currently lives in the master-planned community of Westchase in Tampa. But, they will shortly be looking to relocate to the Wesley Chapel area.

Serrano knew he wanted Wesley Chapel for his business. Pinot’s Palette is centrally located at one of Pasco County’s busiest commercial intersections at State Road 56 and Bruce B. Downs Boulevard. More rooftops also are on the way.

“It is a growing area,” Serrano said.

For information or to enroll in classes, contact Pinot’s Palette at (813) 928-8131, email to , or visit PinotsPalette.com/WesleyChapel.

Published October 21, 2015

Disabled, but not discouraged

October 7, 2015 By Michael Murillo

When Monica Quimby was in college in 2006, she wanted to get a degree in molecular biology and to become a successful athlete.

Then a skiing accident left her paralyzed from the waist down. She was in the hospital for nearly five months as she recovered and tried to adjust to a newer, more difficult way of life.

After her skiing accident, Monica Quimby got a bachelor's in biology, a master's in teaching, and now teaches an online course for Southern Maine Community College. (Photos courtesy of Monica Quimby) — After her skiing accident, Monica Quimby got a bachelor’s in biology, a master’s in teaching, and now teaches an online course for Southern Maine Community College.
(Photos courtesy of Monica Quimby)

Many people would have adjusted their goals lower. Some might have given up altogether. Instead, Quimby got a degree in molecular biology and became a successful athlete.

“I think the biggest thing is that even though my physical form changed, my personality didn’t,” said Quimby, now 29.

The degree came first.

After the accident, she missed only one semester at the University of New Hampshire, and she was published for discovering maternal ancestors of the strawberry. Quimby received a Bachelor’s of Science in Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology and a Master’s Degree in Higher Education.

Now, she lives in Wesley Chapel, and she teaches an online Anatomy and Physiology course for Southern Maine Community College.

Those things, in themselves, make for an impressive resume.

But, there’s much more to Quimby’s story.

She competed in her home state’s wheelchair pageant and became Ms. Wheelchair Maine in 2011. She went on to finish third runner-up for Ms. Wheelchair USA.

Still, something was missing.

A natural athlete, she didn’t want her disability to prevent her from playing sports. She tried kayaking and cycling (using hand pedals), but eventually found sledge hockey.

Sledge hockey — also known as sled hockey — is hockey played on a sled, and requires incredible balance and upper body strength. She tried it, and fell. And fell again, more than a dozen times in all. But, she loved it. Soon, Quimby became a talented defender.

And the former Ms. Wheelchair Maine, who once wore a tiara and a sash, discovered that she really liked hitting people while defending the ice.

“It feels so awesome. It’s incredible,” she said. “I’m the one that’s smiling after I hit you.”

Quimby is an adjunct professor, an athlete for the USA Women's Sledge Hockey Team and was Ms. Wheelchair Maine in 2011. — Quimby is an adjunct professor, an athlete for the USA Women’s Sledge Hockey Team and was Ms. Wheelchair Maine in 2011.

In just 18 months, Quimby has immersed herself in the game. She plays in local recreational leagues, as well as the Florida Sled Bandits, the state’s elite sledge hockey team.

And if that was the extent of her athletic accomplishments, it would be an admirable body of work.

But it isn’t.

Quimby also is an integral part of the USA Women’s Sledge Hockey Team, defending champions of both the World Cup and, with Quimby’s help, the World Championships. They’ll also compete at the 2018 Winter Paralympics in 2018.

In just a short time, she’s become a member of the world’s top women’s sledge hockey team, and was part of the championship team that beat Canada earlier this year.

Being part of the USA team and participating in their success has been a highlight for Quimby.

“When you’re on that ice, and they’re playing the national anthem, you’re like ‘Oh my goodness, I’m representing my country. My country.’ That is such an incredible moment. I will never forget that,” she said.

There are also other things she’ll never forget. Like spending 20 minutes trying to get into a pair of jeans after her accident. Like losing a close friend because they couldn’t handle the extra attention and challenges that become commonplace for people with disabilities. And, like battling moments of depression and anger as her life took a path she never expected.

“There was a real dark time that I had that, even though all of these amazing things were going on, it was hard for me to get out of bed in the morning. It was hard for me to get to the gym,” Quimby said. “Being in a wheelchair is not for the weak. It’s definitely for the strong.”

Others with disabilities can show that strength, Quimby said, if they find something they enjoy and put their energies toward it.

“I really think the big thing that pulls me out of (negative moods) is to find something that you love. Find something that you can get excited about,” she said.

If she's not teaching or on the ice representing her country, Monica Quimby might be enjoying a cappuccino in Wesley Chapel. (Michael Murillo/Staff Photo) — If she’s not teaching or on the ice representing her country, Monica Quimby might be enjoying a cappuccino in Wesley Chapel.
(Michael Murillo/Staff Photo)

For Quimby, it’s athletics. But, it could be photography, making bracelets or anything that interests someone. Regardless of their challenge or disability, if they can find something and throw themselves into it with interest and passion, it can enhance the enjoyment they get out of life.

Quimby has found more paths that interest her, and more goals she wants to pursue. She’s in the process of writing a book and has begun motivational speaking as well.

But, sledge hockey takes up a lot of her time, and that includes fundraising. Her sport is still growing (the USA team donates equipment to teams in other countries to help them get going) and they have to raise a lot of money for ice time, travel and other expenses that aren’t covered. Quimby sells license plates and accepts donations on her website.

She also makes time to appreciate the positive things she has in her life. She has a supportive family and boyfriend, and tries to be grateful for the simple pleasures in life. One day it might be the Florida sunshine, and another it might be the cappuccino at one of her favorite spots, Le Macaron at The Shops at Wiregrass.

And, although her days are still filled with challenges, she meets them with the same outlook that helped her after her accident, helped her obtain her degrees, helped her earn a pageant title and helps her on the ice in international competition.

“I feel like I’ve had some bumps and bruises, and some easy times and some hard times. But, I feel like things fall into place if you let them,” Quimby said. “If you put in the work, if you put in the action, your path will be in front of you. And you just have to accept it and be open to it.”

For more information about the USA Women’s Sledge Hockey Team, visit MonicaQuimby.com.

Published October 7, 2015

Halloween happenings fill upcoming calendar

September 30, 2015 By Michael Murillo

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

Vision still needed for Wiregrass sports complex

September 30, 2015 By Kathy Steele

Pasco County commissioners were introduced to a study that recommends building a multi-use indoor sports complex on parkland near The Shops at Wiregrass.

But a more in-depth review between the Tourism Development Council and the commissioners will have to wait for a public workshop slated for late October or early November.

At the Sept. 22 commissioners’ meeting, Charlie Johnson, president of Chicago-based Johnson Consulting Co., spent a few minutes going over the firm’s report, officially released in August.

“Economically, you’re healthy,” Johnson told commissioners. “I think it’s (indoor facility) very positive and trends are very supportive of this.”

In addition to the indoor complex, ball fields also would be built outdoors, but the focus, at least initially, would be on such indoor sports as volleyball, basketball, wrestling, cheerleading and martial arts.

Johnson cited facilities in Round Rock, Texas, and Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, as examples of municipalities with successful indoor facilities.

The Porter family donated more than 200 acres near the Wiregrass mall in 2012 with a stipulation that if a sports complex didn’t happen, then a park would be developed.

But, just what to put on the land has eluded the county ever since.

Last year, a proposal from Pasco Sports LLC, a partnership between James Talton and former major league baseball player Gary Sheffield, fell apart over financial issues. The project would have included a youth baseball camp, with 20 ball fields and on-site dormitories.

The feasibility study, however, dismisses baseball as a good option.

“This site is very attractive. The market is robust enough to support some type of facility.” Johnson said. “But, baseball and soccer are really quite built-out throughout the state.”

The study suggests that Pasco would be competing, for instance, with a $27 million complex proposed in Seminole County. The complex would include 15 ball fields for baseball, softball, soccer and lacrosse.

Within the past week, a proposal to build an Atlanta Braves training facility in St. Petersburg has emerged. The project also would include a youth baseball component. The Gary Sheffield Sports Foundation is one of the partners in the project with the Atlanta Braves.

Some commissioners have suggested that the Porter family has concerns about the feasibility study.

“I think there is going to be some negative feelings on this by the Porters,” said Pasco County Commissioner Jack Mariano.

Pasco County Administrator Michele Baker said she had spoken with family members, and they would be invited to participate in the upcoming workshop.

“We’re committed to a very engaged and active dialogue,” Baker said.

Published September 30, 2015

Will Wiregrass sports complex be indoors?

September 16, 2015 By Kathy Steele

The best use for a proposed 100-acre Wiregrass Sports Park is an indoor, multi-use complex, according to a study done by Chicago-based Johnson Consulting Co.

A few outdoor playing fields should be built, the consultants say, but they conclude that indoor sports such as basketball, volleyball, wrestling, cheerleading and martial arts are the most profitable wave of the future.

The study cites other municipalities with success in similar ventures including Gatlinburg, Tennessee; Round Rock, Texas; and Foley, Alabama.

Indoor facilities operate year-round, and successful ones typically are unique to their geographic area, the study found.

Pasco County commissioners will discuss the study, and the county’s options for developing the parkland, at their Sept. 22 meeting.

The land for the park is part of more than 200 acres donated to the county by the Porter family, and is located near The Shops at Wiregrass.

Several Pasco County commissioners reported at their Sept. 8 meeting that J.D. Porter has raised questions about the study. There are concerns, they said, about future residential development on Wiregrass Ranch property and the need for open space for new residents.

“I think they were counting on this field being available,” said Pasco County Commissioner Ted Schrader.

J.D. Porter could not be reached for comment.

“I don’t think they (the Porter family) feel like they are in the loop,” said Pasco County Commissioner Mike Moore. “I think people are really anxious to see what’s going to happen.”

Pasco County Administrator Michele Baker said the study, as well as details on the history of the parkland, is part of the upcoming discussion.

Plans to put the study on the commissioners’ meeting agenda were delayed by the county’s flooding crisis.

(From Pasco County Sports Complex Feasibility Study)

“We never intended this to be something you would rubber stamp,” she said. “There is a conversation that needs to occur.”

Commissioners hired Johnson Consulting Co., in March, to complete a $35,000 feasibility study on the best use of the land and how to achieve the county’s goals of building a sports tourism facility.

One proposed venture already has failed.

Pasco Sports, a partnership between James Talton and former major league baseball player Gary Sheffield, had proposed a youth baseball camp, with 20 ball fields and dormitories on site.

They wanted the county to commit between $11 million and $14 million in tourism dollars. But Talton and Sheffield let a December 2014 deadline pass without following through on a $3 million pledge to the project.

And, it turns out that baseball isn’t a winning game for Pasco, according to the consultants’ study.

That kind of development would have to compete with a $27 million sports complex in Seminole County. Plans there are for 15 fields for baseball, softball, soccer and lacrosse.

“Also, the Florida marketplace is becoming saturated with outdoor complexes, especially for baseball,” the study found.

Instead, Johnson Consulting proposes an indoor facility between 85,000 square feet and 100,000 square feet, with room for expansion.

They envision between six and eight basketball courts that would convert to as many as 16 volleyball courts. There also would be a seating area for up to 750 spectators, locker rooms, and between four and six multipurpose rooms.

A health care partnership with an area hospital or health care provider also is recommended.

Published September 16, 2015

Author unearths details of Wesley Chapel’s past

September 16, 2015 By B.C. Manion

Today’s community of Wesley Chapel is a bustling place with The Shops at Wiregrass, Pasco-Hernando State College’s Porter Campus at Wiregrass Ranch and Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel, to name just a few community landmarks.

Motorists stream down State Road 54 and State Road 56 and Bruce B. Downs Boulevard and there are new subdivisions, restaurants and businesses popping up.

A group of Wesley Chapel natives gathered in what was once considered to be downtown Wesley Chapel on Aug. 10, to discuss local history with Madonna Wise. Shown here are Roy Burnside, former mayor of Zephyrhills, Madonna Wise, Bill Smith, Sue Boyette and Frank A. Scott, Sr. of the First Baptist Church of Wesley Chapel. (Courtesy of Madonna Wise) — A group of Wesley Chapel natives gathered in what was once considered to be downtown Wesley Chapel on Aug. 10, to discuss local history with Madonna Wise. Shown here are Roy Burnside, former mayor of Zephyrhills, Madonna Wise, Bill Smith, Sue Boyette and Frank A. Scott, Sr. of the First Baptist Church of Wesley Chapel.
(Courtesy of Madonna Wise)

But not much is generally known about the history of this place which had settlements dating back to the 1840s.

A book being written by local historian, Madonna Wise, will shed light on that early history.

Wise has been meeting with descendants of families that have deep roots in the Wesley Chapel community and she’ll be sharing photographs and anecdotes in an upcoming book to be published by Arcadia Publishing, out of South Carolina.

Wise has written similar books about Zephyrhills and Dade City for the publishing company.

She expects the Wesley Chapel book will be released in early 2016. It will likely be about 220 pages and will contain at least 180 photographs, she said.

It will have chapters about the area’s pioneers, its ranches, economy and community institutions.

Tracing the history of Wesley Chapel has been challenging because the community, unlike Zephyrhills and Dade City, has no city government or nucleus of old town buildings to help reveal its past, Wise said.

But she has found a wealth of information through families who still live in the area and who have vivid recollections of the community long before Interstate 75 sliced through it and developments, such as the Saddlebrook Resort, began to be built.

Malinda Jane Gillett Stanley, born in 1892, was a midwife in Wesley Chapel. She’s from one of the families featured in a book about Wesley Chapel currently being researched by Madonna Wise, a local historian. Photo by Weimer Studio, Courtesy of Marco Stanley, Marlo Hilton and Charles Estepp (Photo by Weimer Studio, Courtesy of Marco Stanley, Marlo Hilton and Charles Estepp) — Malinda Jane Gillett Stanley, born in 1892, was a midwife in Wesley Chapel. She’s from one of the families featured in a book about Wesley Chapel currently being researched by Madonna Wise, a local historian.
(Photo by Weimer Studio, Courtesy of Marco Stanley, Marlo Hilton and Charles Estepp)

Wise said she relied on her background in genealogy to help her track down families to interview.

By using those resources, she found Marco Edward Stanley, of Gainesville, who arranged for Wise to interview his mother, Lillie Sapp Stanley, a 95-year-old, who still lives here.

“She (Lillie) lived in the area on a ranch. She knew everyone,” said Wise, who met with her and other members of the Stanley family.

As she conducted her research, Wise said she discovered that many families with deep roots in the community still live there.

“Everybody is related to everybody,” Wise said, mentioning the Coopers, the Stanleys, the Hills, the Smiths, the Barnes, the Boyettes and others.

“There is this close nucleus of families. They really deeply care for each other. They know all about the cousins. Who moved here. Who moved there,” Wise said.

David Brown, a descendant of the Barnes family, told Wise: “We cared about each other. If you didn’t show up for church one Sunday, somebody would come check on you.”

Much like in Dade City, Wise said, one interview led to another.

Marco Stanley encouraged Wise to talk to his cousin, Bill Smith.

“So they set up a meeting for me to talk to Bill,” she said. “Bill’s sister is 92. Her name is Ruth Smith Adams. She’s still sharp as a tack.”

“Bill says to me on the phone, bring butcher block paper,” Wise said.

To his knowledge, nobody had ever drawn a map of the settlements, she added.

Wise’s book will have that map.

“We’re talking 1900. It’s not right at the beginning because the settlements started in the 1840s,” she said.

John Boyette, born in 1875, is shown with his wife, Blanche, and children, Johnnie, William, Ruby and Vera. (Courtesy of Cletia Pierce) — John Boyette, born in 1875, is shown with his wife, Blanche, and children, Johnnie, William, Ruby and Vera.
(Courtesy of Cletia Pierce)

“They told me where to draw,” said Wise, noting they worked on the map for about four hours and have revised it since.

“It shows where early families lived, including Ped Tucker and Thomas Boyette and Jacob Godwin, she said.

“And then they would tell me things like, ‘This is where we held the rodeo. And this is where the old log school was before the Wesley Chapel school. And this is where we went swimming.’,” the author said.

Wise conducted 15 interviews, each lasting four to five hours, or more.

During those chats, she also found out about some of the area’s clandestine activities, including moonshiners and gator hunters.

Tracking down the area’s history has been fun and interesting, Wise said.

Published September 16, 2015

Mall leader enjoys building relationships

September 9, 2015 By Kathy Steele

Relationships are what Stacey Nance cares about the most.

It explains why she grew up and then settled on a career in her native Indiana.

And it is also why, after nearly two decades with Simon Property Group, she is taking the next big step in her life and her career.

Nance took the reins as general manager of Tampa Premium Outlets in May.

Stacey Nance is the general manager of Tampa Premium Outlets. The regional mall, off State Road 54 near the Interstate 75 interchange, is scheduled to open on Oct. 29. (Fred Bellet/Photo) — Stacey Nance is the general manager of Tampa Premium Outlets. The regional mall, off State Road 54 near the Interstate 75 interchange, is scheduled to open on Oct. 29.
(Fred Bellet/Photo)

The regional outlet mall is the first major retail development in Pasco County since The Shops at Wiregrass opened in October 2008.

For Nance, the job opportunity is her first move away from Indiana, and her first time to take the lead in opening a Simon mall.

She graduated from Ball State College in Muncie, Indiana.

For 18 years, Nance has carved out a fast-paced career in marketing and later in mall management with Simon Property Group, again in Muncie.

She stayed in Muncie, despite working for a company that is the largest mall owner in the nation and also owns real estate properties all over the world.

“For the longest time I didn’t want to leave, because I wanted to raise my son in one community and in one school (district),” Nance said.

But, with her son’s graduation from college, the time felt right for a change. So, Nance jumped at the challenge to be in charge at Tampa Premium Outlets.

She knew after one quick visit that she wanted to set down roots in a new community.

“From the moment I was in the Wesley Chapel area, it made me feel so welcome,” Nance said. “My personality is that I love to form relationships and partnerships. That’s exactly what I want to continue here.”

The 441,000-square-foot outlet mall is set to open the weekend of Oct. 29 through Nov. 1.

The “Key West” style outlet center will feature 110 shops with widely known brands, such as Ralph Lauren, Saks Off Fifth, Michael Kors, Donna Karan and Vera Bradley.

The mall is in the spotlight as a driver of the local economy, a job generator and a regional draw for shopaholics.

Since arriving in May, Nance has put together a management team and immersed herself in the daily details and long-range planning for opening the mall.

Now, with the mall’s opening less than two months away, the anticipation is growing.

“We can’t imagine the amount of pride we’re going to have cutting the ribbon (for the mall),” Nance said.

At a recent job fair, Nance and her team oversaw logistics for an event that attracted more than 3,000 applicants in the hunt for more than 800 jobs the mall offers.

It was the first time Nance had the chance for face-to-face meetings with some of the mall’s tenants.

That personal connection was right up her alley.

“It gives them the opportunity to meet with me and start direct relationships,” she said. “I’m very much a people person.”

At Ball State, Nance earned a Bachelor of Science degree in marketing and management, with a specialization in sales and promotion. Her first job was as marketing director for a financial institution.

But, she said, “I needed additional challenges and professional growth.”

She started with Simon Property Group as marketing director at Muncie Mall. She worked there for nine years and then shifted into mall management. She was put in charge of overall operations at Muncie Mall, Muncie Plaza and Northwood Plaza in Indiana.

Management is her niche now.

“It’s so diverse,” Nance said. “I’ll work with a team, but on any given day I’ll do marketing, public relations or community relations.”

In the past, she has been part of a team that has pitched in to pull off opening day at a mall. This is her first time being in charge.

“When somebody really thinks about that, from below ground to the top of the roof, is our responsibility,” she said. “It’s an entire team that can pull off the opening of the entire center.”

The goal is to create a mall that feels as if it’s a gathering place.

“We want them (people) to come, and meet friends and family, just congregate,” Nance said. “Have a nice day out, and hang out in the mall.”

As she settles into her job, Nance also is planting roots in her new Florida community.

She recently closed on a new house, and expects to stay here for a long time.

“Now, this is my home,” she said. “I’m not a mover.”

Published September 9, 2015

Sales tax holiday means savings

August 12, 2015 By B.C. Manion

Families gearing up for a new school year can get a little help from the state of Florida, during the 2015 Back-to-School Tax Holiday.

During the tax holiday, which runs through Aug. 16, shoppers can purchase scores of items without paying state sales tax.

Greg Lenners, general manager at The Shops at Wiregrass, said that shop operators were expecting a good back-to-school shopping season. He said the state’s sales tax holiday is a plus. (File Photo) — Greg Lenners, general manager at The Shops at Wiregrass, said that shop operators were expecting a good back-to-school shopping season. He said the state’s sales tax holiday is a plus.
(File Photo)

For example, no Florida sales tax will be collected on sales of certain clothing, footwear, and certain accessories with a selling price of $100 or less per item. No sales tax will be charged on certain school supplies selling for $15 or less per item. And, no taxes will be charged on the first $750 of the sales price for computers and certain computer-related accessories, when they are being purchased for noncommercial home or personal use.

Greg Lenners, general manager at The Shops at Wiregrass, said he expected an increase in mall traffic as stores and shops offer back-to-school sales, and special promotions to attract customers.

The tax-free holiday is a plus, Lenners said.

While he didn’t have hard statistics, he said shop owners told him that sales were going well.

Craig Shearman, a spokesman for the National Retail Federation, said sales tax holidays, in general, tend to motivate shoppers.

“From what we’ve heard from our member companies, sales tax holidays have been tremendously successful at getting customers into the store and putting them in the frame of mind to shop,” Shearman said.

“Consumers are smart. Consumers know a sale is 25 percent off, or 50 percent off,” he said.

If retailers told consumers that they’d be offering a sale with everything being 7 percent off — the sales tax rate in Pasco and Hillsborough counties — shoppers would laugh at them, Shearman said.

Not so, when it comes to a tax holiday, Shearman said.

“There’s a psychological appeal that goes far beyond the amount of money involved,” the retail expert explained.

“Americans have hated taxes back to the Boston Tea Party, so a sales tax holiday feeds into that very same sort of thinking,” he said.

Sales tax holidays began in the mid-1990s, Shearman said.

There are now 18 states with sales tax holidays, according to the Federation of Tax Administrators.

Retailers will have back-to-school sales with or without a sales tax holiday, Shearman said.

So, he said: “The sales tax holiday, from a retailer point-of-view, is sort of icing on the cake.”

For consumers, though, the tax savings can make a real difference, Shearman added.

The tax holiday helps families, he noted.

“There are still a lot of families who are struggling to make ends meet and trying to stretch the dollar.

“There are families out there this time of year who are worried about where are they going to come up with the money that it takes to equip their children to go back to school in the fall and get their education.

“School clothing, backpacks, all of that — can be a stretch for some families.

“The savings from this (tax holiday) can be significant,” he said.

His organization’s Back-to-School Spending Survey, conducted by Prosper Insights & Analytics, found that the average family — with children in kindergarten through grade 12 — plans to spend $630.36 on electronics, apparel and other school needs. That’s down from $669.28 last year.

With that in mind, savings from a tax holiday can be significant.

“For a lot of families, this is more than just psychological appeal or more retail sales, this can make the difference in giving their children what they need,” Shearman said.

In adopting the sale tax holiday, the Florida Legislature provided specific details about what is tax-free and what isn’t, during the tax-free period.

The Florida Department of Revenue provides detailed information on its website about what’s exempt and what isn’t. For more information on the sales tax holiday, visit DOR.MyFlorida.com.

Published August 12, 2015

Retail jobs on the rise

August 5, 2015 By Kathy Steele

But more jobs are needed to diversify Pasco’s economy

Heading south on Interstate 275 into Tampa, and points beyond, cars stack up and slow to a crawl as commuters in the morning rush hour out of Pasco County’s bedroom communities hit the brakes.

Motorists going north, mostly zip along at a steady clip.

In the afternoon the traffic flow reverses.

It’s all about where the jobs are and where they aren’t.

The volume of people who commute daily to jobs outside Pasco is about 46 percent, according to county data.

But flipping that trend is the goal of the county’s Planning and Development Department, and its marketing partner, the Pasco County Economic Development Council.

Holiday Inn Express is one hotel ready for construction with an opening in 2016. The hotel is next to Florida Hospital Center Ice, an ice rink and sports complex that is under construction, off State Road 56. Both will be job producers. (Kathy Steele/Staff Photo) — Holiday Inn Express is one hotel ready for construction with an opening in 2016. The hotel is next to Florida Hospital Center Ice, an ice rink and sports complex that is under construction, off State Road 56. Both will be job producers.
(Kathy Steele/Staff Photo)

There are good signs in the job market especially in retail, but county officials say Pasco needs higher paying jobs and a diverse employer-base to shed its bedroom community status.

And that could take years of steady, patient marketing.

For now, dirt is flying especially along the prime corridors of State Road 56 and State Road 54, around the Interstate 75 interchange.

“The retail is following the rooftops,” said Melanie Kendrick, senior planner for economic development in Pasco.

Tampa Premium Outlets, the centerpiece for Cypress Creek Town Center, is sprouting. It is expected to have more than 110 stores and will provide an estimated 800 jobs.

The Shops at Wiregrass is expanding. And, other retail development, including Mercedes Benz, Buffalo Wild Wings and Dairy Queen, is popping up.

Abutting the outlet mall, the town center also will have more retail including Kohl’s, Costco, Culver’s, Cheddar’s Casual Café, and BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse. Job numbers for this project aren’t available.

More hotels, shops, restaurants and offices are on a waiting list, marked ‘coming soon’ for a site on the north side of State Road 56, also part of Cypress Creek Town Center.

On Oct. 29, Tampa Premium Outlets will be the first to hit the start button.

“This is like a bonus,” said John Hagen, president of the PEDC. “It will definitely raise the amount of money coming into the community. It makes the economic pie bigger.”

People are put to work, the Penny for Pasco program gets fattened with more pennies and Pasco’s image shines brighter in the marketplace.

“It is a destination… It will help people understand that there is a Pasco County,” Hagen said. “This is a place. It has place-making attributes that are important to us. It’s hard for people to think about (Pasco) in terms of a place.”

Retail already has shown it can spark other development.

Pasco-Hernando State College located its Porter Campus at the mall. It currently has a staff of about 60 employees and 100 adjunct faculty members.

Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel, near Wiregrass, added 600 jobs to the economy when it opened nearly three years ago. The hospital is investing $78 million in an expansion at the hospital. And Florida Medical Clinic, just north of Wiregrass, also is expanding in Wesley Chapel and Land O’ Lakes.

On State Road 54, a new Lowe’s warehouse store opened in April, bringing with it as many as 160 jobs.

Businessman Gordie Zimmerman is building Florida Hospital Center Ice, a sports complex with four ice rinks and a removable pad that can allow for more sports such as volleyball, soccer, basketball and lacrosse. The 150,000 square foot facility, off State Road 56, can also accommodate non-sports events such as dog shows and graduations.

It is expected to attract national and international sports competitions.

All of these generate more sales tax revenues from people shopping and dining in Pasco.

And, a portion of those Pasco pennies will be dedicated this year to the Jobs and Economic Trust Fund to provide business incentives to locate in Pasco.

County officials have estimated that $45 million to $50 million will flow from the Penny for Pasco program to stimulate economic development.

Hagen recently delivered the PEDC’s third quarter report to the Pasco County Commission. The data showed that to date, 415 jobs had been created through the agency’s efforts in 2015.

On July 24, the PEDC upped that number by 124 jobs with its announcement that Leggett & Platt, a global manufacturing company, plans to open an 80,000-square- foot facility near Spring Hill. The plant will assemble adjustable bed bases. Company officials have pledged to hire locally and contract with suppliers within the Tampa Bay region.

Hagen sees Leggett & Platt taking a position as one of the county’s top employers with room for expansion in future.

On another front, the SMARTstart business incubator program has created 45 jobs. Currently, 13 startup companies are sharing space on-site in Dade City. Another three entrepreneurs are located off-site. “They are all trying to get their businesses off the ground,” Hagen said.

While some of these new businesses may only generate a small number of jobs, there always is potential that one or more could take off with an idea that is “scalable” into a regional or national company, Hagen said.

The county set clear goals in the long-range Economic Development Plan, adopted in 2013.

One target is to add between 160,000 and 185,000 new jobs to the economy over the next decade, said Richard Gehring, the county’s planning and development administrator.

That has to be reached by fostering a business-friendly environment where private companies want to invest in Pasco, Hagen said.

“I kind of like to differentiate between creating a business climate and making business deals,” he said. “I think we’re creating a business climate where things can happen.”

One example of private investment that paid off is Compark 75. The business park, off Wesley Chapel Boulevard, will expand in 2016 with the addition of a 65,000 square foot building. The existing park, with four buildings, is leased nearly to capacity.

Two new tenants, Streetside Classic Cars and an as yet-unidentified orthodontics company will open there in October.

Hagen would like to see 10 more projects similar to Compark 75.

Over the years, Pasco has evolved from a rural community into a service-based economy that catered to senior retirees and then into the bedroom community for counties such as Hillsborough and Pinellas.

The current building boom is picking up where developers left off before the Great Recession. Predictably, the new development began with housing because that offers reasonably quick turnaround on investment, Hagen said.

But many of these projects have also set aside space for retail, offices and in some cases industrial, Hagen said.

“It’s kind of setting the stage for other development,” he said.

But, it is crucial to Pasco’s economic growth to encourage more business parks. That was one issue identified in a study completed recently by Duke Energy of the large acreage in and around the Zephyrhills airport.

“I don’t mean to sound alarmist,” Hagen said. “I think we’re trying to put some thought into that. We probably need to be more active in acquiring and controlling parcels that would make good industrial parks before they get gobbled into retail.”

Still Hagen isn’t what he describes as a “retail snob.”

Jobs of every kind are needed, he said. “If it puts them to work, then it’s a good thing.”

Tampa Premium Outlets hosts center-wide job fair
What: The grand opening of Tampa Premium Outlets is scheduled for October.

Retailers are seeking job applicants for more than 800 open seasonal, part-time, full-time and management positions. The Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce is the job fair sponsor.

When: Aug. 27 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Where: Embassy Suites Tampa USF/Busch Gardens, 3705 Spectrum Blvd., Tampa

Cost: Free and open to the community. Dress professionally and bring lots of resumes.

Information: Call (813) 909-8716, or visit PremiumOutlets.com/tampa.

Published August 5, 2015

Compark 75 plans expansion in 2016

July 29, 2015 By Kathy Steele

Compark 75 is growing again.

The industrial park, off Wesley Chapel Boulevard, will add a new 65,000-square-foot building to four buildings that are already leased almost to capacity.

The permitting process for the new structure is under way, with construction set for 2016.

Compark 75, which is next to the Tampa North Aero Park and visible to motorists on Interstate 75, has found ways to attract new tenants. It is getting ready to expand again, with a 65,000-square-foot building expected to begin construction in 2016. (File Photo) — Compark 75, which is next to the Tampa North Aero Park and visible to motorists on Interstate 75, has found ways to attract new tenants. It is getting ready to expand again, with a 65,000-square-foot building expected to begin construction in 2016.
(File Photo)

No tenant has signed on yet, but that’s typical for an industrial park that, from the start, has proved that location and the right market conditions will produce results.

“All of our tenants have come after the building was built,” said Heidi Tuttle-Beisner of Commercial Asset Partners Realty, an agent for the property. “They feel confident in the level of activity.”

In October, Compark 75 will welcome two new tenants.

Streetside Classics Cars specializes in the consignment, purchase and sale of classic and collectible cars. Compark 75 is its fourth showroom. Other locations are in Charlotte, Dallas/Fort Worth and Atlanta.

An orthodontics distribution company also will relocate from Tampa into about 41,000 square feet of space at Compark 75.

The company name has not been announced, but Tuttle-Beisner said, “It’s a high-end, incredible company.”

The office park is strategically located next to Interstate 75 about halfway between the State Road 54 and State Road 56 interchanges.

Suncoast Parkway is 12 miles to the west. The Tampa North Aero Park is along the park’s northern boundary.

A $15 million expansion of Compark 75 broke ground in 2014. It was the first major investment in commercial office construction in Pasco County since the recession.

Ross Kirk, owner of KVR Development LLC, handles the development and design of the park. Larry Morgan, president of HR Pasco LLP, owns the park.

“It’s a collaborative effort,” Tuttle-Beisner said.

The 165-acre site is zoned light industrial and can accommodate warehouse, manufacturing and office uses. About 105 acres is wetlands, which will not be developed.

“It will remain the greenest industrial park in the Tampa Bay area,” she said.

Among tenants at the park are the Pasco County Tax Collector’s office and the U.S. Geological Survey Florida Water Science Center.

Nearly two years ago, J.T.D. Enterprises relocated from Michigan to Compark 75. The company manufactures tubular fabrications and assemblies used in products such as golf ball retrievers and flagpoles. Its products also are applicable to defense technologies.

Companies attracted to Compark 75 generally are looking to expand in locations that offer easy access to the interstate system, and they find that in Pasco, Tuttle-Beisner said.

The area’s attractiveness also is being helped by retail development along the State Road 54 and State Road 56 corridors.

The Shops at Wiregrass and the soon-to-open Tampa Premium Outlets are adding amenities and jobs to the area. But Tuttle-Beisner noted: “All the jobs can’t be retail.”

Compark 75 is helping diversify Pasco’s economy by bringing manufacturing and distribution companies into the mix.

“There is nothing else out there like this,” Tuttle-Beisner said.

Published July 29, 2015