University of South Florida

PHSC aims to prepare globally astute graduates

April 13, 2016 By B.C. Manion

Dr. Timothy Beard, president of Pasco-Hernando State College, has been making the rounds to each of the college’s campuses in a run-up to a formal celebration of his inauguration as the college’s fourth president.

The events have had a different focus at each campus, with the most recent event at the Porter Campus at Wiregrass Ranch centering on leadership development and community engagement.

Before that panel discussion began, however, Beard shared his vision for the college and talked about steps that are necessary to ensure its graduates are ready for challenges they will face.

Dr. Timothy Beard outlines Pasco-Hernando State College’s quest to prepare globally astute graduates during a recent event at the college’s Porter Campus at Wiregrass Ranch. (File Photo) — Dr. Timothy Beard outlines Pasco-Hernando State College’s quest to prepare globally astute graduates during a recent event at the college’s Porter Campus at Wiregrass Ranch.
(File Photo)

The state college, formerly known as Pasco-Hernando Community College, is 44 years old, and has made its mark on the region, Beard said. However, he added, “we believe our best days are ahead of us.”

Beard told those gathered that it’s important to reach out to the community, and for the community to reach out to the college.

“We’ve learned over the years in order to be effective and efficient as a public institution, we all need each other,” Beard said. “At the end of the day, we want our students to be successful. We want our students to be able to complete whatever they started.”

The college wants to prepare students “who are globally astute,” Beard said. It also wants them “to be able to imagine, achieve and succeed,” he said. “In other words, we want them to be able to dream.

“This vision doesn’t happen in a vacuum. It needs fuel. It needs energy,” he said.

The college delivers its instruction through online learning, face-to-face instruction and through a hybrid approach, Beard said.

It is aiming to increase its college completion rates by 50 percent within the next five to 10 years, Beard said.

“College readiness is big piece of what we do. We have very strong partnerships with Pasco and Hernando public schools, with USF (the University of South Florida) and Saint Leo University,” Beard said.

“We serve a purpose in making sure that students have the right to a public education. So, we want to make sure that education is affordable. We want to make sure it is accessible. And, we want to make sure our students are successful,” he said.

“We take great pride in being the great democratizer of education — meaning we’re willing to give students not just a second and third, but a fourth and fifth chance.”

The college also wants to help close the American skills gap, Beard said.

“Companies want to come here. They want to do business with us. No. 1, they want to make sure we have a skilled workforce,” he said.

“We have companies that are calling us every day to ask us, ‘Do you have students or graduates who can go to work for us?’” Beard added.

So, the college is playing “a very vital role in making sure we can produce students with industry certifications, AS (Associate of Science) degrees, students who can go to work to make a difference in our workforce,” Beard said.

“We want every student in this county that at least by age 20, 21, they have some type of credential – a certification, an AS degree, a BS (Bachelor of Science) degree,” Beard said.

He also asked for continuing support of the college’s efforts.

“We know we can’t do it alone,” Beard said.

Inauguration of PHSC President
Dr. Timothy Beard will be inaugurated as Pasco-Hernando State College’s fourth president on May 6, from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., at the college’s Performing Arts Center on its West Campus in New Port Richey, 10230 Ridge Road. The reception will follow, at 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., in the physical fitness center at the same campus.

Published April 13, 2016

Finding music within life’s difficulties

April 6, 2016 By B.C. Manion

Playing classical music is not the easiest feat — even when you’ve had formal training and are adept at reading sheet music.

For James Williams, it is even more challenging.

Not only does he lack formal training, but he also has had to overcome obstacles caused by his autism, a condition he was diagnosed with at age 3.

The now 18-year-old, who originally hails from London, said he began teaching himself to play piano when he was attending Weightman Middle School, in Wesley Chapel.

He had a simple motive: He wanted to win the school’s talent show.

And, he did.

Eighteen-year-old James Williams is a Florida finalist in the 2016 VSA Florida Young Soloist Competition. He now will compete for international honors. Shown here, he is playing on the grand piano in the lobby at Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel. (B.C. Manion/Staff Photo) — Eighteen-year-old James Williams is a Florida finalist in the 2016 VSA Florida Young Soloist Competition. He now will compete for international honors. Shown here, he is playing on the grand piano in the lobby at Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel.
(B.C. Manion/Staff Photo)

Since then, he has continued teaching himself and recently he was named one of the state’s three top soloists in the ninth annual 2016 VSA Florida Young Soloist Competition.

Winning that contest means that he’s representing Florida in the VSA International Competition in Washington D.C., later this year.

The other two Florida finalists in the competition are Lyudmilla Fuentes, from Polk County, and Jacqueline Blanche, from Charlotte County.

The state finalists were selected through a strict adjudication process facilitated by Tampa Bay professors of music at the University of South Florida and at the Ybor City campus of Hillsborough Community College.

The Florida and International Young Soloist Program seeks to identify talented musicians, ages 14 through 26, who have a disability. The intention is to increase the musician’s likelihood of having a successful career in the arts, according to a news release from the VSA Florida, at the University of South Florida.

The program delivers opportunities for serious music students to showcase their abilities at venues throughout Florida.

In a partnership with the Florida Orchestra and Ashley Furniture, each winner will perform at Vinoy Park in St. Petersburg in October at the orchestra’s annual Concert in the Park.

The international award is presented to four outstanding musicians, two from the United States and the other two from the international arena.

Winners of the international competition each receive a $2,500 award, professional development and the opportunity to perform at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.

Williams has learned to play by listening to music and observing other pianists, on YouTube and in other venues.

He has performed at various events and in competitions.

One highlight so far was an appearance at a conference in Orlando for the Center for Autism and Related Disabilities, where he performed before Temple Grandin.

Grandin is perhaps the most prominent author and speaker, who has autism. She didn’t speak until she was 3, and her parents, at one point, were told she should be institutionalized.

Williams’ mother — Stephanie Stevens — understands the frustrations that parents face when they have a child with autism.

Williams, like Grandin, was diagnosed at age 3.

“He wasn’t talking. He wasn’t progressing as quickly as he should,” Stevens said.

The doctors were not much help.

“People were very much in the dark about autism” she said.

She was raising her son as a single mother, doing shiftwork in London.

She decided to move to the United States in 2007 to join most of her family members, who were already living here.

Since then, she has married her husband, Ralph, who has been a tremendous source of support for her and her son.

She credits faith for helping her son succeed in music, despite his difficulties.

“People prayed over him, constantly. And, my belief is that it was that power of prayer that has helped him overcome these things,” she said, referring to challenges posed by autism.

Williams, who graduated from Wesley Chapel High School, said he plays piano daily, usually twice a day.

He handles all kinds of musical gigs — helping to raise funds for charities and to earn money.

He hopes to pursue a career that involves music, too.

One of his goals is to use his music to help raise awareness about autism, he said.

He’s also delighted to be named one of the top three soloists in Florida in the VSA competition.

“I felt quite special,” he said. “I was a bit surprised, actually.”

His mom is thrilled, too.

“For him to be where he is now, to me, is a blessing.

“It just shows what you can do, no matter what your difficulties or disabilities, or background – with the right kind of determination and encouragement, there is help, and there is hope,” she said.

She also wants to pass along a message of hope, to other parents who have seen their children struggle with autism.

“I’d say to any parent, any guardian: ‘Don’t be discouraged. There’s always hope,’” Stevens said.

Published April 6, 2016

The Shops at Wiregrass is adding stores

April 6, 2016 By Kathy Steele

The Shops at Wiregrass is adding fresh faces to its retail lineup.

By the end of fall, the outdoor mall will host the grand openings of seven new stores.

The first three shops, Lola Perfume, Soleciety Sneaker Boutique, and 3D Musketeers Printing, already are open.

The Shops at Wiregrass is adding to its retail lineup, in an effort to keep up-to-date with customer desires. The regional shopping mall is adding stores including Irish 31, Lola Perfume and Rocket Fizz Soda Pop & Candy Shop. (File Photo) — The Shops at Wiregrass is adding to its retail lineup, in an effort to keep up-to-date with customer desires. The regional shopping mall is adding stores including Irish 31, Lola Perfume and Rocket Fizz Soda Pop & Candy Shop.
(File Photo)

VisionWorks, VomFASS Oils, Vinegars, Spirits & Wines, Rocket Fizz Soda Pop & Candy Shop, and Irish 31 will arrive in the next months.

“We’re continually working with our leasing department. We listen continually to our customers who tell us what they want,” said Greg Lenners, general manager at The Shops at Wiregrass. “We try to have a little bit of everything.”

The new shops are part of the routine of keeping a mall fresh and were planned ahead of the opening of Tampa Premium Outlets, Lenners said.

“We have to be very strategic with what we put in,” Lenners said. That’s true for every mall, including Tampa Premium Outlets, he noted.

Four outparcels at Wiregrass are still up for grabs, so additional announcements could happen this year, Lenners said.

Lola Perfume features brand-name fragrances for men and women, at a shop near Hollister’s.

Soleciety Sneaker Boutique, next to Zales, sells hard-to-find, limited edition sneakers.

VisionWorks is a national eye care chain that will open in fall 2016 on an outparcel in front of Moe’s Southwest Grill, near Barnes & Noble Booksellers. The shop sells exclusive brand-name frames, lenses, sunglasses and accessories, and provides eye health care, including examinations for corrective lenses or contacts.

Rocket Fizz Soda Pop & Candy Shop will appeal to sweet tooths, at its spot near JC Penney. The shop, which is opening in spring, is a nostalgic trip back to the 1940s and ’50s, with a soda fountain flair. “It’s got a cool, hip flavor to it,” Lenners said.

Customers can browse the shelves for retro and gag gifts, concert and movie posters, and tin signs.

VomFASS Oils, Vinegars, Spirits & Wines will open in late spring near Center Court. The shop sells premium cooking oils, balsamics, vinegar specialties and an exclusive choice of fruit balsamic vinegars. Spirits, liqueurs and wines also will be available.

3D Musketeers Printing sells custom, color printed three-dimensional figurines.

Irish 31 is known to its customers at “The People’s Pub.” The ale house, near Panera Bread, will serve up traditional Irish food, vegetarian dishes, Southern favorites and comfort foods, along with a large selection of beers, wine and specialty cocktails.

The eatery’s name in part is from founder Jay Mize, who wore jersey number 31 as a member of the University of South Florida’s football squad. A fall opening is planned.

“It’s going to be a nice restaurant with Irish appeal to it,” said Lenners. “It will add extra flavor (to the mall).”

Published April 6, 2016

Steinbrenner student organizes jazz concert

March 23, 2016 By Kevin Weiss

A junior at Steinbrenner High School is organizing a benefit jazz concert to help out a local food pantry.

Steinbrenner’s James Wall is hosting the Eagle Scout Jazz Benefit Concert on April 10 at 4 p.m., at the Messiah Lutheran Church, 14920 Hutchison Road in Tampa.

Admission is free, but attendees are asked to bring a food donation, which will be given to the Kaye Prox Food Bank in Tampa.

Steinbrenner High junior James Wall is organizing a jazz benefit concert as part of a service project in his quest to become an Eagle Scout. Wall will be playing the trombone, and will be accompanied by several other musicians, including longtime pianist Chuck Berlin and bassist John Lamb, a former member of the Duke Ellington Jazz Orchestra. (Courtesy of James Wall) — Steinbrenner High junior James Wall is organizing a jazz benefit concert as part of a service project in his quest to become an Eagle Scout. Wall will be playing the trombone, and will be accompanied by several other musicians, including longtime pianist Chuck Berlin and bassist John Lamb, a former member of the Duke Ellington Jazz Orchestra.
(Courtesy of James Wall)

Wall, who has been a Boy Scout since kindergarten, is hosting the traditional jazz concert as part of a service project in his quest to become an Eagle Scout.

“I want to be a musician. I want to major in music. I wanted to do an Eagle Scout project that would pertain to what my career would be like,” said Wall, who is currently in the final rank of Boy Scouts before advancing to an Eagle Scout.

“I felt like this would be a good idea, to help prepare a concert. It’s what I may be doing a lot of times when I go into my career,” the high school junior explained.

For the service project, Wall was able to secure some of Tampa Bay’s top musicians, including longtime pianist Chuck Berlin and bassist John Lamb, a former member of the Duke Ellington Jazz Orchestra.

In booking the longtime musicians, Wall said he met Berlin through a mutual friend, and noted that Berlin and Lamb are also “really good friends.”

“A lot of my family is from New Orleans, and (Berlin) is from New Orleans, so that got us talking a lot,” Wall said.

One of Wall’s classmates, Christian Bianchet, a senior, will be on drums during the concert.

As event organizer, Wall won’t be standing idle during the concert, either. The Steinbrenner student, who has practiced music for more than 10 years, will join in on the jazz session by playing the trombone.

“The trombone is my main instrument,” Wall said, adding that he also doubles on the euphonium. “I like its very mellow tone, and I like its dark sound.”

This won’t be the first time Wall has performed on stage.

He’s currently a member of the Steinbrenner Jazz Band and also plays lead trombone in the Ruth Eckerd Hall Jazz Youth Ensemble.

Wall is still mulling where he wants to study music after he graduates high school.

He’s currently considering the University of California-Berkeley, Florida State University and the University of South Florida.

For more information on the concert, email .

Eagle Scout Jazz Benefit Concert
What: A traditional jazz music concert benefitting the Kaye Prox Food Bank in Tampa
Who: James Wall, trombone; Chuck Berlin, piano; John Lamb, Bass; and Christian Bianchet, drums
Where: Messiah Lutheran Church, 14920 Hutchison Road in Tampa
When: April 10 at 4 p.m.
Other information: Admission is free, but attendees are asked to bring a food item to donation.

Published March 23, 2016

Local couple shares passion for fossils

March 9, 2016 By B.C. Manion

Seina Searle will never forget the first time she and her husband, Mike, went to what was then called Fossil Fair.

“We walked around with our jaws open,” Seina said. They were in awe of what fossil hunters could find in Florida.

Seina and Mike Searle get a thrill out of finding fossils to help unravel the mysteries of the prehistoric past. (B.C. Manion/Staff Photos) — Seina and Mike Searle get a thrill out of finding fossils to help unravel the mysteries of the prehistoric past.
(B.C. Manion/Staff Photos)

The Searles had already begun their amateur quest to find old bits of bone and teeth in a desire to learn more about Florida’s prehistoric past, but when they got to Fossil Fair, she said, they were blown away by the possibilities.

That was 1993, and the Searles immediately joined the Tampa Bay Fossil Club.

Flash forward 23 years. Mike is now president of the club, which boasts around 600 members and Seina is on the board of directors. She’s coordinating a team of about 140 volunteers for the 29th annual Tampa Bay Fossil Fest, set for this coming weekend at the Florida State Fairgrounds.

They hope the event will spark an interest in others that will lead them to join a community devoted to unearthing clues about the creatures that roamed the earth millions of years ago.

The couple’s passion for fossils is obvious.

An entire room in their Lutz home is filled with shelves of fossils they’ve found while diving in rivers and exploring mines. They have stuff in their garage and out back, too.

Mike and Seina Searle spend much of their free time hunting for fossils. The shelves in a room in their Lutz home are filled with items they’ve found. They have more in their garage and in a patio area out back.

There’s one section in their fossil room devoted to finds from vacations to Nebraska to go fossil-hunting. They’ve made the trip 19 times and are planning to go there again this year.

Their passion has evolved through the years, Mike said.

At first, they just wanted to find stuff, he said.

“Then we wanted to find good stuff. Then, we wanted to find the most stuff,” he said.

“Sometimes you get wrapped up in what the value of your collection is worth and what you find. We’ve completely gone through all of those emotions. Now, our goal is to find stuff that’s scientifically valuable, that will help unravel the picture of what was in Florida,” he said.

Seina is fascinated by what Florida was like millions of years ago.

“It was a lot like Africa now,” she said. “You had the mammoths. Mastodons. Rhinoceros. Huge Bears. Lions.”

There were armadillos the size of Volkswagens, Mike said.

Seina has had a penchant for unearthing buried treasures since her childhood.

“I always loved archeology as a kid. I was always digging in the backyard, hoping to find something. I always had that interest,” Seina said.

The couple has traveled to Nebraska 19 times to hunt for fossils and plan to make a 20th trip there this year.

“I never really thought so much about fossils, until he (Mike) took me looking for shark’s teeth in Venice,” she said.

Mike said he became interested in fossils after a kid showed him some shark’s teeth he had found.

“My favorite fossil, I think, is shark’s teeth,” Mike said. “What I quickly came to appreciate was the time involved. “Most people can’t conceive the time.

“You pick up a shark’s tooth on the beach,” he said. “It’s from a 5 million-year-old animal.

“Some of the fossils we dig out west are 30 million years old. You cannot conceive that kind of time frame,” he said.

The Searles have built their knowledge of archeology and paleontology through years in the field, listening to experts and sharing discoveries with other club members.

The Tampa Bay Fossil Club meets monthly at the University of South Florida, featuring presentations from experts. Club members bring items to the meetings for help in identifying the specimens.

The club also goes on field trips, has an annual campout and organizes other activities.

“I’m certain we’re the largest amateur club in the country,” Mike said.

There’s camaraderie among club members, the couple said.

When fossil hunters get together, he said, they tend to talk about things like the newest sloth that’s been found, or why diving is off limits in certain areas, Mike said.

“Everything else seems like it doesn’t matter,” he said.

29th annual Tampa Bay Fossil Fest
When: March 12, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; March 13, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Florida State Fairgrounds, intersection of Interstate 4 and U.S. 301, just east of Tampa
How much: $7 for adults, free for children 12 and under
Details: Paleo enthusiasts will find plenty to see and do at Florida’s largest prehistoric show. There will be fossils, artifacts, minerals, shells, workshops, silent auctions, door prizes, and activities for kids.
For more information, visit TampaBayFossilClub.com.

Town hall covers myriad topics

February 24, 2016 By Kathy Steele

A local church was packed with more than 100 residents during a town hall meeting held by Pasco County Commissioner Kathryn Starkey, and county staff.

Those attending had a chance to get a primer on how Pasco County departments function, and to get snapshots of what’s happening across the county and in their neighborhood.

They also got a chance to speak face-to-face with county staff members on issues, including the proposed Ridge Road extension, flood prevention efforts, and the future of the State Road 54 and U.S 41 intersection.

The meeting, which lasted around three hours, was held at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, in Lutz.

County staff members gave presentations about planning and growth, stormwater, code enforcement, parks and recreation, crime prevention, capital projects and transportation.

More than 100 residents came to a town hall meeting at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, in Lutz. The meeting was hosted by Pasco County Commissioner Kathryn Starkey and Pasco County staff members. (Kathy Steele/Staff Photo) — More than 100 residents came to a town hall meeting at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, in Lutz. The meeting was hosted by Pasco County Commissioner Kathryn Starkey and Pasco County staff members.
(Kathy Steele/Staff Photo)

Residents had a chance to ask a few questions at the end of each presentation, and could meet privately with staff members, too.

“We tried to think of things that are of concern to you,” Starkey said, in her opening remarks.

Richard Gehring, the county’s strategic policy administrator, gave residents a picture of the county’s population growth.

The census pegged the county’s population at about 467,000 in 2010. Even during the recession, the county grew by about 20,000 residents a year, Gehring said.

And by 2040, the population could increase to about 905,000 countywide.

“This will be the predominant growth area,” Gehring said of central Pasco especially along the State Road 54 corridor.

Residents from Sierra Pines, in Lutz, raised concerns about flooding. Their neighborhood suffered during the summer rainfalls and they worry that enough isn’t being done to address stormwater problems.

The county has identified about $300 million in stormwater projects, but has no funding source as yet.

“That will be an issue with the county commission this year,” said Starkey. “We’re trying to figure out how to do that.”

One resident asked about completion of the Ridge Road extension.

The 8-mile long project is a high priority for the county as a link connecting east and west Pasco, and as an evacuation route in hurricanes and other emergencies.

It has been delayed for more than 15 years, as the county awaits a permit from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Starkey said the application is the longest standing permit request in the country.

Pasco hired a consultant several months ago to help with the process.

“We’re going to try to get louder and louder, and get this squeaky wheel done,” Starkey said.

Finding a solution to the increasing traffic congestion, especially at State Road 54 and U.S. 41, is another issue that has stirred controversy.

Two volunteer task forces created by Pasco County are currently reviewing a set of road projects to improve traffic flow. The Florida Department of Transportation also is reviewing options that could include a flyover that would elevate State Road 54 over U.S. 41 and potentially set aside toll lanes.

But, a range of transportation options will be needed to deal with traffic, as growth and development proceed, said James Edwards, director of Pasco County’s Metropolitan Planning Organization.

Transit and even passenger rail along the CSX rail line that crosses U.S. 41 at State Road 54 are possibilities, he said. The rail line is a back door to the Tampa International Airport, the University of South Florida, and into Pinellas County and Clearwater, he said.

“It is a line that absolutely connects us,” he said. “It’s an underutilized asset that may come into play in the future.”

Published February 24, 2016

Pasco’s global markets expand

February 17, 2016 By Kathy Steele

When people talk about the global economy, they’re not just talking about deals that take place overseas.

Florida already plays a sizable role in international trade, and Pasco County companies are showing an increasing interest in attracting global customers.

About 100 people turned out to learn more at “Growing Global,” a half-day international exporting conference hosted by the Pasco Economic Development Council on Feb. 10.

More than 100 people attended Growing Global, a half-day international exporting conference, hosted by the Pasco Economic Development Council. (Photos courtesy of Pasco Economic Development Council) — More than 100 people attended Growing Global, a half-day international exporting conference, hosted by the Pasco Economic Development Council.
(Photos courtesy of Pasco Economic Development Council)

The conference, held at the Residence Inn in Land O’ Lakes, featured speakers from international countries and business experts who provided information aimed at helping companies understand the markets, and also to help smooth the way for those interested in exporting goods and services.

Pasco County is increasingly part of the global market, said Bill Cronin, president and CEO of the Pasco EDC. “It (international trade) is not reserved to those big cities, like Orlando and Miami.”

The conference attracted business owners, Pasco County officials and representatives of the Small Business Development Center at the University of South Florida, Enterprise Florida, Tampa Bay Export Assistance Center and Pinellas County Economic Development.

Representatives from Canada, France, Germany and Mexico were there, too. They made sales pitches extolling reasons to do business with their respective countries.

They also shared data on imports and exports that already generate billions of dollars in global trade.

Louise Leger, acting consul general of Canada, reported that total trade between Canada and Florida is about $8 billion annually.

Max Stewart, regional manager of Enterprise Florida, encouraged business owners to take advantage of upcoming trade missions to Costa Rica and Mexico City.

Canada is the No. 1 source of tourism to Florida, Leger said.

About one in nine Canadians visit annually and spend a total of about $4 billion.

Canada employs about 27,000 Floridians in 300 companies located in the state, including Circle K and TD Bank.

With the exchange rate currently favoring the stronger U.S. dollar, Leger said now is a good time to invest in Canada. “We are there to help you be successful, whether it is here or in Canada,” Leger said. The consulate is located in Miami.

Max Stewart, regional manager of Enterprise Florida, touted the state agency’s upcoming trade missions to Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic and Mexico City.

“This is the time to be thinking internationally,” he said. “The U.S. is really, really strong in this market.”

Trade missions can open doors to foreign markets more quickly, Cronin said. “It allows our companies to get a lot more exposure than they would otherwise get,” he said.

While the focus often is on products, Cronin added that services also are a growing segment of global trade.

Not everything sold overseas has to be something that gets “thrown in a box. A lot of people don’t recognize that,” Cronin said.

A brief panel discussion highlighted some challenges of doing business overseas including paperwork, obtaining work permits and cultural sensitivities.

The panel showcased local businesses: Earthworks Environmental, in Safety Harbor; York Bridge Concepts, in Lutz; and TwinStar Optics, in Port Richey.

Bill Cronin, president of the Pasco Economic Development Council, welcomed participants to a conference highlighting opportunities for local companies to enter the global market.

“You need to have a strategy,” said Jonathan Brewer, owner of Earthworks Environmental, which specializes in soil cleanups. “It’s not going to happen overnight.”

Peter Thomas of TwinOptics makes opticals for laser-based weapons that require government approvals. “We worry about it being a weapon against the United States. A lot of time, we wait on (federal) government to get back to us.”

James York, of York Bridge Concepts, said companies that want to trade globally should “bring something unique to the table and, at some point, they (trade partners) are going to say ‘Hey, we need that’.”

York Bridge Concepts specializes in timber-built bridges for golf courses, trails and residential developments. The company began more than 30 years ago in Tampa, but moved to Lutz in 2008.

“We work in a global environment,” said Gil York, the company’s director of international development and public relations. “It’s irrelevant where you are located. It’s how you market your business.”

Published February 17, 2016

AMIkids Pasco provides update to school board

December 30, 2015 By B.C. Manion

O.B. Stander, president of AMIkids Pasco, recently updated the Pasco County School Board on changes being made to improve the program.

The changes are in response to the board’s Dec. 1 vote to terminate the organization’s contract effective Jan. 29.

When they took the vote, board members made it clear they would revisit the issue and would reinstate AMIkids Pasco, if the organization could demonstrate substantial improvement in its performance by Jan. 12.

The board’s initial action came at the recommendation of Superintendent Kurt Browning, who informed the board that substantial progress would be needed.

At the same time, Browning said he hopes AMIkids Pasco can turn the program around, so it could continue operating it.

AMIkids Pasco serves 46 students, who come from across Pasco County.

The program serves 25 therapeutic emotional/behavior disability students and 21 students in the Department of Juvenile Justice program at a campus of portables on U.S. 41, north of State Road 52 at 18950 Michigan Lane in Spring Hill.

If AMIkids Pasco makes considerable progress, Browning said he will recommend that the board revoke the termination; otherwise, the district will take over operation of the site on Jan. 29.

Browning said discontinuing the district’s relationship with AMIkids Pasco is not the preferable option for him or for Pasco County Schools.

Stander told board members that retired principal Pat Reedy has been helping AMIkids Pasco in the development of an enhanced action plan.

“We changed the school’s leadership team to strengthen both the educational and behavioral modification expertise,” Stander said.

It also has hired additional staff to make sure that class size ratios and mental health needs of the students are being met.

It also has increased staff compensation to a rate that’s higher than the school district’s rate, to improve retention, Stander said.

AMIkids Pasco also has partnered with the University of South Florida’s Department of Applied Behavior Analysis to participate in a pilot program, Stander said. That program includes having a university faculty member, with a doctorate in behavioral analysis, as well as two graduate students on campus, for a total of about 60 hours a week, Stander said.

Published December 30, 2015

AMIkids Pasco provides update to school board

December 23, 2015 By B.C. Manion