The Laker-Wesley Chapel/New Tampa-November 11, 2020 by LakerLutzNews

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Familiar faces win reelection in Pasco

Hillsborough County voters reject some incumbents, but grant others four more years. By B.C. Manion bcmanion@lakerlutznews.com

HOLLIDAY KARATINOS

Voters across The Laker/Lutz News coverage area demonstrated their enthusiasm in Election 2020 — casting their ballots through Vote By Mail or in person at early voting sites or in their precincts on Election Day.

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Pasco County reported a turnout of 77.8% of its 389,317 registered voters, with a total of 303,214 ballots cast, according to unofficial voting results. Hillsborough County reported a turnout of 76.45% of the county’s 934,346 registered voters, casting a total of 714,286 ballots. These are unofficial tallies for both counties. The final result must include overseas ballots, provisional ballots and ballots that had signature issues that were cured — before they are certified, which is when they become official. Visits by The Laker/Lutz News to polling lo-

cations during Early Voting and on Election Day revealed smooth operations at numerous sites across the newspaper’s coverage area in Lutz, Land O’ Lakes,Wesley Chapel and Zephyrhills. Incumbents fared better in Pasco County than they did in Hillsborough County. Pasco County voters gave Kurt Browning four more years as superintendent of Pasco County Schools.They also reelected Kathryn Starkey in District 1 and Jack Mariano in District 5, on the Pasco County Commission. In Hillsborough County, voters reelected See REELECTION, page 11A

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USF urged to continue preparing teachers

This 1965 replica of Herbie the Love Bug was shown at the Florida Bug Jam. It is owned by Stephen Love, of Clermont.

By B.C. Manion bcmanion@lakerlutznews.com

The Pasco County School Board has adopted a resolution urging the University of South Florida to continue teacher preparation programs at all of the university’s campuses. Board members adopted the resolution at their Nov. 3 meeting, after they and Superintendent Kurt Browning weighed in on the issue. “We think that it would just be devastating to our programs across the Tampa Bay area for them to close that program down,” Browning said, noting he had joined superintendents from Pinellas, Hillsborough, Polk, Manatee and Sarasota for a community conversation to discuss USF’s proposal to end the program. “I don’t think people on the outside of education fully understand the impact that this is going to have on our district,” Browning said.“We are direct recipients of great teachers who come out of USF.” School board member Alison Crumbley characterized USF’s decision as “shortsighted.” Like Browning, she said the district relies on USF’s program. “Thirty percent of our teachers come from USF,” she said.“It’s just a huge disappointment to me, and letdown for the school districts and taxpayers in the Tampa Bay area that this is the situation,” Crumbley said. Board Chairwoman Colleen Beaudoin, who herself is a teacher, added:“It’s unfortunate that there’s been a decline See USF, page 11A

Above, Carlos Arias, of Miami, poses with his 1966 Rat Rod (Elbicho). He’s been taking part in the Florida Bug Jam for three years. He doesn’t just show his car at car shows, he drives it every day.

This 1972 VW Karmann Ghia is owned by Jack Cook, of Brooksville.

Is this a new era of policing? By Kevin Weiss kweiss@lakerlutznews.com

Law enforcement agencies nationwide have come under scrutiny, amid calls for reform to police practices, and redirecting funds toward mental health programming and support. Some area agencies — such as the Pasco Sheriff’s Office and the St. Petersburg Police Department —already incorporate social workers and specialized mental health units, in responding to nonviolent calls for service. Those two programs were outlined during an Oct. 12 webinar panel discussion called,“The Evolving Movement to Engage and Protect Our Community.” The discussion was hosted by Saint Leo University and FIRST, which stands for Florida’s Forensics Institute for Research Security & Tactics.

A LOOK AT PASCO’S BHIT PROGRAM

The Pasco Sheriff’s Office’s Behavioral Health Intervention Team (BHIT), which began operating last June, seeks to match people who need services, with the services

they need. The unit includes 12 detectives, two sergeants, a captain and a full-time civilian analyst (and two therapy dogs) working in partnership with local hospitals and mental health facilities, to conduct frequent visitations and welfare checks. They help expedite referrals for behavioral health resources and criminal justice diversion programs for the county’s Baker Act repeats and other “high utilizers.” Each BHIT detective has a caseload of 20 to 25 individuals they’re tasked to keep tabs on, and help with needed assistance and resources. “We’ve literally given them the 250 most challenging people in Pasco County,” Pasco Sheriff’s Office Future Operations Bureau Chief Phil Kapusta said, referring to the program. Before BHIT was implemented, one “high utilizer” had called the county’s 911 line 138 times in a single year. The individual has since been assigned a BHIT detective, who is tasked with responding and speaking directly with that individual. During the past year, that individual has made no calls to 911, Kapusta said. Instead,

Phil Kapusta

Jim Cowser

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the person frequently calls the detective’s work number when he needs help. “A lot of the times that were 911 calls, he just wanted somebody to talk to,” Kapusta said. Instead of responding to those 138 calls, the agency can respond to more urgent calls, he added. Another BHIT responsibility is making contact with every nonfatal overdose victim within 24 hours of an incident. Only about a third of those victims have expressed interest in rehabilitation services, Kapusta said, as most either refuse to speak See POLICING, page 11A

In Loving Memory of Paula Girven

Honor recognizes decades of service, dedication By Mary Rathman

Baldwin also expanded the credit union’s field of membership twice, allowing all residents of eastern Pasco and Hernando Tim Baldwin, the recently retired presi- counties to join. dent and CEO of San Antonio Credit Union, During more than 30 years at the helm has been singled out by The of the credit union, Baldwin’s League of Southeastern Credit leadership was acknowledged in Unions for his outstanding servthe field when he served as the ice. Tampa Chapter of Credit Unions The League of Southeastern Board as president, vice presiCredit Unions recognized dent, treasurer and secretary, and Baldwin’s important contributions on the board’s Governmental to the credit union movement by Affairs Committee from 1991 to awarding to him the 2019 2006. Distinguished Service Award. Baldwin also served as a direcThe award is conferred on tor on the board of the Florida one credit union professional Credit Union League from 2000 each year who exemplifies life- Tim Baldwin to 2009, and advocated for the long service to the credit union passage of the bill, HR 1151,The movement, service that reaches beyond the Credit Union Membership Access Act. person’s credit union itself. In addition to these accomplishments, Baldwin spent his entire credit union ca- he mentored a child from eighth grade to reer – more than 30 years – as the leader of graduation, and has served his community San Antonio Citizens Federal Credit Union, in other ways, including these: which is based in San Antonio. • Florida Hospital/AdventHealth During that time, he expanded the insti- Foundation Board from 2006 to present tution from: • Kiwanis Club from 1995 until present • $22 million in assets to $258 million in • Board of Consumer Credit Counseling assets Service of Central Florida • One branch to five branches • Saint Anthony of Padua Catholic • 4,263 members to 16,668 members Church choir member mrathman@lakerlutznews.com

Samantha Taylor, left, and Paula Girven.

Honoring One Of The Finest Women I Have Known BY SAMANTHA TAYLOR

I write this in love and respect for one of the finest women I have ever known. We recently lost to breast cancer Paula Girven, a dear, sweet friend and trainer at our Land O’ Lakes studio. She was an amazing woman of God, trainer, friend, mother, sister and Olympian. I was blessed to start our friendship five years ago when she joined our fitness studio as a master personal trainer. I was so impressed with Paula as an athlete, as she shared her medals from numerous athletic achievements, including as an Olympic high-jumper on the 1976 and 1980 USA teams. As our relationship grew, I became even more astounded by Paula as a person, for she was an inspirational example of how to care for others. She loved people and attended every event, seminar and party we held as a fitness family. Paula was fluent in sign language, and every Christmas while I sang “Silent Night” on our Facebook live video, she would sign the words. Paula truly cared about helping women and inspiring them to do their best. She led by example by being in absolutely amazing physical condition in her 60s. All who knew Paula are deeply saddened to no longer have her here in physical form. But, one thing we know is that Paula loved Jesus, and that God must have amazing plans for her in Heaven, for her not be here anymore. She will be SO missed, but forever in our hearts. To honor Paula’s legacy, we are hosting a private Celebration of Life this Saturday, Nov. 14 at 2 p.m., at our Land O’ Lakes studio. Because of space limitations, an RSVP is required at SamanthaTaylorFitness.com/events. There is also a link on that page for those who want to donate to help Paula’s family with expenses. Paula’s legacy will forever carry on in our fitness family. We are committed to sharing the attributes that she so amazingly lived. One of the attributes I loved best about Paula is that when you talked to her, she made you feel like you were the most important person in the room. So in her memory, remember this the next time you speak with someone. Paula believed that each person matters, and by listening and showing kindness, you never know who you may encourage! Paula passed away peacefully in Asheville, North Carolina on Oct. 17 at age 62. Born in Virginia, she was devoted to God, a loving mother and grandmother, loyal sister, and friend to many. In 1976, Paula was the first high school girl in Virginia to jump 6 feet, a record that still stands today. She was one of the first African-American woman athletes to receive a full scholarship to the University of Maryland, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in 1981, and in 1999, was inducted into the school’s Hall of Fame. When the Olympic games came to Atlanta in 1996, Paula was honored to be selected as an Olympic torch runner. She is survived by two daughters, two sisters and five grandchildren. She has left a legacy in her family, her athletic achievements, and here locally in our communities with the many women’s lives she touched. Samantha Taylor Fitness is committed to carrying on Paula’s legacy.

Pasco’s branding effort wins big award The Laker/Lutz News Staff Report

Experience Florida’s Sports Coast — Pasco County’s brand for its tourism efforts — has received Sports ETA’s 2019 “Destination Branding & Marketing Campaign of the Year” for places with a population exceeding 500,000. The award goes to the destination member “with the most outstanding comprehensive marketing campaign for its organization during the 2019 calendar year,” according to a news release from Sports ETA. The effort can include “a variety of types of marketing: print ads, newsletters, email blasts, digital marketing, press releases, media coverage or any other promotional program.The campaign should promote the sports destination.” To update its brand and increase awareness of itself as a destination, Pasco County rebranded itself as Experience Florida’s Sports Coast. “The new name and campaign showcase

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November 11, 2020

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not only sport tourism activities, but consumer experiences in the area. The campaign included a new innovative website, which gives viewers a look at the state-of-the-art facilities, winning attractions and experiences that can be enjoyed in Pasco County,” the release says. Adam Thomas, tourism director at Experience Florida’s Sports Coast, reacted to the award this way:“We are extremely honored and grateful to even be included in the conversation for a branding and marketing award from Sports ETA. “The Florida’s Sports Coast team has been working hard on promoting the destination and really creating that brand awareness in the marketplace for our visitors,” he said. The 28th annual Sports ETA Symposium was cancelled earlier this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.The 2019 award winners also will be recognized at next year’s Symposium from April 26 through April 29 in Birmingham,Alabama.

How Pasco Schools is navigating through COVID-19 By Kevin Weiss

Dell devices,” Browning said.“They’re not as sturdy as an Apple, but if a kid drops a Dell and breaks it, throw it in the garbage and buy another one.With an Apple, you have to fix it, and the investment’s too great to do that with.” Getting remote internet access to students was another necessity and challenge — particularly at the end of last school year. “You know how many kids in 2020 do not have internet service? A lot,” Browning said. To solve the problem, the district equipped school buses with hotspots and set them up in school parking lots in remote areas with no internet service, such as Crystal Springs, Lacoochee and Shady Hills. The concept allowed families to park their cars into school lots for several hours and have children complete necessary schoolwork from there. “We bought hotspots by the hundreds,” Browning said.

kweiss@lakerlutznews.com

Heading up one of Florida’s largest school districts is certainly a tall task on its own merit — let alone when a world-altering pandemic shocks the system from March onward. So, it’s understandable if Pasco County Schools Superintendent Kurt Browning tries to bring some levity to the whole situation. His humor showed through at a speaking engagement before the Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce Oct. 20 breakfast meeting. “I always look for positive things. I think, ‘You know, I could be the supervisor of elections…’,” quipped Browning, before a crowd of dozens at the Scotland Yards Golf Club in Dade City. Booming laughter, of course, ensued. Browning held the Pasco County Supervisor of Elections position for 26 years, from 1980 to 2006. He later joked and shared an anecdote how he once heard current Pasco County Supervisor of Elections Brian Corley discuss his various responsibilities and lengthy work schedule. Browning retorted to Corley:“I don’t ever want to you hear you talk about how hard you work, until you run a school district.You don’t know what hard work is, until you run a school system.” More seriously, though, Browning told the crowd that the past six months or so have unquestionably been a stressful period for administrators, teachers, parents and students alike. “We have had a rough go,” he said. The superintendent shared his personal experience of contracting the coronavirus in June. The moment he received word of his positive COVID-19 test, Browning said, “it was all downhill from there. “Probably the sickest I’ve ever been, sickest I’ve ever been in my life,” said Browning, noting he still feels some lingering fatigue even today. “It was bad. It was bad, bad, bad. …I was too sick to even worry about what was going on in the office,” the superintendent said. He discussed the hurdles that the district overcame to get teachers and students either back in the classroom or learning virtually. The district gave families three learning options for the 2020-2021 school year: • Traditional brick-and-mortar campuses • Pasco eSchool virtual education program • mySchool Online, a hybrid virtual learning model where students follow a standard school schedule and bell times One of the most challenging aspects of the first quarter has been the continuous indecisiveness by parents on which learning model to use for their child, he said. Parents initially choosing a virtual model would flip back to traditional, and vice versa, mainly based on the latest news reports of whether COVID-19 cases were spiking or slowing. “As we got closer to school, I mean peo-

NEW TECHNICAL HIGH SCHOOL UNDERWAY

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Pasco Schools Superintendent Kurt Browning was guest speaker at the Greater Dade Coty Chamber of Commerce breakfast meeting last month at Scotland Yards Golf Club.

ple were just ping-ponging back and forth,” Browning said. He said he had to plead with parents: “Don’t do that. Just pick a model and stick with it, because it’s not good for your student to keep going back and forth, because they’re going to lose instruction.” Parent indecisiveness has “settled down a little bit,” but some parents are still “pingponging.” The superintendent also noted that parents who intend to send kids back to brick-and-mortar campuses next semester need to inform his office soon, as preparations are already underway. A hard date for those second semester decisions will be set relatively soon. “Keep in mind, it’s not as simple as moving kids into a classroom,” said Browning, the changes affect teachers and scheduling, too.

OTHER SCHOOL DISTRICT CHALLENGES AMID COVID-19

Browning also touched on other challenges brought about by the start the pandemic, such as creating drive-thru sites to provide free meals for needy families. The district served over 1 million meals, from March through the beginning of the school year in August. The number of families who needed help increased drastically, Browning said, particularly among the district’s 36 Title 1 schools — campuses with large concentrations of low-income students. Many of those students rely on schoolprovided breakfast and lunch, as oftentimes it’s their only meals of the day,“so it’s important we get the food to them,” Browning said. The superintendent added the 1 millionplus meal figure is “much higher than we’ve ever served meals before, and I think a lot of that was due to folks having lost jobs, not

Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, ongoing parent indecision on sending students to brickand-mortar campuses or online distance learning has been a challenge for the Pasco School District this school year.

being able to provide food for their kids.” And, as students moved to remote learning, technology became a big challenge. The district issued about 20,000 laptops and iPads to students for virtual learning purposes. The school district primarily uses Apple equipment, but district leadership decided to distribute Dell laptops — in order to distribute more laptops.The district could buy three Dell laptops for the cost of one Apple laptop, Browning explained. “We learned very quickly, if we’re going to get where we need to be with devices for our kids, we’re kind of switching over to

Browning went on to discuss the district’s forthcoming technical high school — Kirkland Ranch Academy of Innovation, being built at 9100 Curley Road in Wesley Chapel. The 184,000-square-foot technical school is expected to serve 1,000 students and is scheduled to open for the 2022-2023 school year. The school will prepare students for high-salary, high-skill careers in high-demand areas, such as digital multimedia, engineering and robotics, biomedical sciences, building construction, and cyber security, according to district officials. A groundbreaking ceremony was celebrated in early September. Browning believes it’ll be a win for the school district, underscoring the importance of technical and vocational training programs, as well as dual-enrollment opportunities. “We want our kids to have options, we want our kids to be successful,” said Browning.“We want them to be exposed to diesel mechanics. You know what a good diesel mechanic is paid? You know what a great welder gets paid? Sometimes six figures.” The school, Browning said, is being constructed “with a lot of non-fixed walls” to allow for ever-changing learning programs that may require more or less space in the future. “It’s going to be a very functional facility for our kids, and I believe East Pasco deserves that and needs that for our kids,” Browning said. Kirkland Ranch will primarily pull students from Pasco, Zephyrhills,Wesley Chapel and Wiregrass Ranch high schools, but also will be available to “any other kid” from the county that wants to take advantage, Browning said.

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CORRECTION: An incorrect link was published in The Laker/Lutz News on Nov. 4 in connection with a story about David Castle, an 8-year-old boy who is battling cancer. If you would like to help the family, visit Go Fund Me online and search for “Help Fight the Fight for David.”

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November 11, 2020

What’s Happening

Your Community Calendar • Submit 2 weeks in advance to: news@lakerlutznews.com • All listings free of charge

RESUME REVIEW

The Land O’ Lakes Library, 2818 Collier Parkway, will offer resume reviews through Nov. 30. Drop off a copy of your resume and/or cover letter to the library’s service desk or curbside, or email the same to lol@pascolibraries.org with the subject line “Resume Review.” Library staff will make notes and suggestions to have your resume stand out from other job applicants, no matter what field of work you are pursuing. Patrons will be served on a first-come, firstserved basis, and should allow one to two weeks for the review to be sent back. Be sure to include contact information.Also, patrons can pick up a Career Development Kit that includes resources on resume tips, job searches, online applications, interview tips, skill building, library databases on career development, local organizations and resources, and recommended reading. For more, call (813) 929-1214.

HOLIDAY EVENTS

The Shops at Wiregrass will offer these holiday entertainment events: • Movie Night Thursdays: Nov. 12 through Dec. 10 (except Thanksgiving), at 6:30 p.m. • Live music: Fridays and Saturdays through Dec. 19, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. • Strolling entertainers: from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., on Nov. 27; Saturdays and Sundays from Nov. 28 to Dec. 20; and daily from Dec. 21 to Dec. 24. Upcoming movies include “Home Alone” on Nov. 12;“Jingle All The Way” on Nov. 19;“The Grinch” on Dec. 3; and “Ice Age:A Mammoth Christmas” on Dec. 10. For information on the lineup of music and entertainers, visit TheShopsAtWiregrass.com.

DRIVE-BY VETERAN PARADE

The Baldomero Lopez State Veterans Nursing Home, 6919 Parkway Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes, will host a drive-by parade to honor its 80 veteran residents, on Nov. 13. Lineup begins at 1:30 p.m., and the parade will start at 2 p.m.The nursing home is hoping at least 100 vehicles will participate to show the veterans some love and appreciation. For information, call (813) 558-5000.

STORY TIME: INDIA

The Hillsborough County Public Library Cooperative will offer “Story Time Around the World: India” on Nov. 13 at 11 a.m., for ages 3 to 6. Participants can learn about the culture of India and its Festival of Diwali.The guest reader will be Tara Bikkasani, a professional Bharatanatyam dancer from the

can bring their own lawn chairs. Social distancing guidelines will be followed. For tickets and information, visit LiveOakTheatre.square.site/, email liveoakboxoffice@gmail.com, or call (352) 593-0027.

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CREATIVITY AT HOME The Land O’ Lakes Library, 2818 Collier Parkway, offers a variety of free curbside pick-up crafts. The kits usually include everything you need to make a particular item, along with instructions, but glue and sewing needles are not provided. Shown are several completed projects the library has offered in the past. The next craft, “Teacup Herbs,” is on Nov. 16, all day. Participants can grow their own herbs with a kit that includes a teacup, soil, seeds (type may vary), and a step-by-step guide. Registration is required by calling (813) 929-1214. For information, visit PascoLibraries.org.

Rudram Dance Company. Registration is online through the calendar feature on HCPLC.org.

THEATER SHOW

The Creative Arts Theatre Company will present a virtual “Sidekicks:An Original Show” on Nov. 13 at 6:30 p.m., Nov. 19 at 11 a.m., and Nov. 23 at 2 p.m., for ages 5 and older.The audience will get to choose which way the story goes.There will be a Q&A session after the performance. Register through the calendar feature at HCPLC.org.

OUTDOOR THEATRE

Live Oak Theatre will perform “The Bard Unleashed,” as part of its Shakespeare on the Green series, on Nov. 13, Nov. 14, Nov. 20, Nov. 21 and Nov. 22, at the Carol and Frank Morsani Center for the Arts, 21030 Cortez Blvd., in Brooksville. Performances in the outdoor theater are at 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.The cost is $15 for adults, and $5 for kids ages 13 and younger, when accompanied by an adult. Seating will be available on the veranda and the lawn. Guests

Pasco County Public Transportation will host a Thanksgiving drive-thru Stuff the Bus Food Drive on Nov. 14 from 8 a.m. to noon, at The Volunteer Way, 8061 Congress St., in New Port Richey. Donations needed include frozen turkeys, hams and nonperishable foods (boxed stuffing, instant mashed potatoes and canned vegetables). Monetary donations also are being accepted online at TheVolunteerWay.org.

LEAF GLIDERS

The Pasco County Library Cooperative will offer a virtual STEAM Saturday on Nov. 14, all day. Participants can learn how to make leaf gliders.The event is recorded, and supplies will be listed in the comments of the video. All ingredients and materials are things that can be found around the house.To view the video, visit Facebook.com/NewRiverLibrary or Facebook.com/HughEmbryLibrary. For information, call (352) 567-3756, or email danielleL@pascolibraries.org.

CONE TEEPEES

LWVHC; One Community Now; and The Thomas Promise Foundation.Admission is free, but registration is required. For information, call (813) 649-4309.

CAREER DEVELOPMENT

The Pasco County Library Cooperative will offer “Virtual Career Development:Applying for Jobs Online” on Nov. 16 at 6 p.m.An adult services librarian will conduct the workshop, which will include these topics: what materials and documents may be required; navigating company and job websites; interpreting the safety/security of the website; filling out forms; and job hunting during a pandemic.There also will be a Q&A. The class is suitable for all ages looking to apply for a job. Registration is required. For information, contact Amaris Papadopoulos at (727) 861-3020 or amarisp@pascolibraries.org.

TAMPA ROSE SOCIETY

The Tampa Rose Society will host floral designer Bethany Lynam, of Carrollwood Florist, on Nov. 17 at 7 p.m., at the Seminole Garden Center, 5800 Central Ave., in Tampa. Lynam will give a demonstration on fall and Christmas arrangements.There also will be a raffle. Guests must wear masks and follow social distancing guidelines. For Information, call (813) 933-6166.

The Pasco County Library Cooperative will offer a virtual tween craft on Nov. 14 at 10 a.m. Participants can learn to make fall teepees out of ice cream cones.Visit the cooperative’s Facebook page, Facebook.com/cplib, to see the step-by-step video.

MAKE A CANDLEHOLDER

FOOD DRIVE

WRITING WORKSHOP

St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 13312 Cain Road in the Citrus Park area, will host a nocontact,Thanksgiving Food Drop-Off on Nov. 14 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., outside the church. All shelf-stable Thanksgiving food items, within expiration dates, will be accepted.The donations will go to the Village Presbyterian Food Pantry in Tampa.

HUNGER DISCUSSION

The Pasco Unit of the League of Women Voters of Hillsborough County (LWVHC) will sponsor a panel discussion on the problem of hidden hunger in Pasco County, on Nov. 15 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., through Zoom.The guest speakers will represent United Way Pasco; Pasco County Schools Food and Nutrition Services; Poverty Action Team,

Learn to make an easy wine glass candleholder.Visit Facebook.com/HughEmbryLibrary or Facebook.com/NewRiverLibrary on Nov. 17 between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m., to see the howto video. The Hillsborough County Public Library Cooperative will offer an online T(w)een Writing Workshop on Nov. 18 at 6:30 p.m. The guest speaker will be Jaimie Engle, author of “Metal Mouth,” on the topics of outlining, editing, and getting started in writing. Participants will be able to interact with the author live through webcam.To register, visit the calendar feature at HCPLC.org.

JEWELRY MAKING

Learn to make wire earrings on Nov. 18 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., through a live online Zoom class. Minimal supplies needed. No experience is necessary. Registration is required. For information and a supply list, email sh@pascolibraries.org.

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November 11, 2020

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Nothing is More Important to Kia of Wesley Chapel THAN OUR LOCAL COMMUNITY PROUDLY EMPLOYING

VETERANS

ISMAEL TIBURCIO Guest Relations Manager US Coast Guard, 17 years Honors: USCG Achievement Medal, 9-11 Service Ribbon, Global War on Terrorism

Many employees at Kia of Wesley Chapel are veterans, including Devin Gillespie, Jose Mondale Restrepo, Ismael Tiburcio and Travis Beale (left to right).

TRAVIS BEALE Product Specialist Army, 5 1/2 years Honors: Army Achievement Medal, Service Ribbon, Global War on Terrorism

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“We are honored to have team members who are veterans — they are genuinely valued and appreciated by their colleagues and our customers,” says Visconte. While veterans buy a wide variety of Kia models, the Telluride SUV is one of its top sellers. “It’s probably the most popular car for customers with a military background, because it is a SUV and comes in dark moss exterior paint that gives it a very military look,” says Visconte. Starting at $33,000, the Kia Telluride is a sports utility vehicle that seats eight and has a long list of standard features, impressive handling and power, advanced technology, and the most interior passenger room of any vehicle in its category. Especially popular is its 10.25-inch touchscreen display that comes with Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, USB Charge ports in all 3 rows of seats and a wireless smartphone charger. “The feedback we get from our customers is that they get everything they want in a top-of-the-line SUV, but for $40,000 less than other manufacturers with the same equipment,” says Visconte. To qualify for Kia’s Veterans Day rebates, buyers must have DD Form 214, or other proof that verifies military benefits.

DEVIN GILLESPIE Service Advisor Army, 5 years Honors: Service Ribbon, Army Achievement Medal, Sapper Tab JOSE MONSALVE RESTREPO Product Specialist Army National Guard, 4 years Honors: Service Ribbon

Employees from Advent Health Wesley Chapel accept 117 face shields donated by Kia of Wesley Chapel.

Know an organization that is looking for extra volunteers? Let Kia of Wesley Chapel know and they may be able to help! Email Emily Brun at ebrun@kiaofwesleychapel.com or call 502-727-8203. 28555 FL-54, Wesley Chapel 813-322-6128 kiaofwesleychapel.com

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In August, Kia of Wesley Chapel received 117 face shields for staff to use while working and talking with customers. While thankful and appreciative of the corporate donation, employees at the local dealership preferred using traditional face masks, instead of the shields. Rather than letting the face shields sit unused, General Manager Shawn Visconte had an idea. “I thought to myself… our local hospitals could probably really use these face shields much more than us,” says Visconte. So, he called Advent Health Wesley Chapel and asked if they could use more face masks. “And they said, ‘Absolutely’,” says Visconte. Visconte arranged for a meet-up with workers from Advent Health Wesley Chapel, and gave them all 117 face shields. “They told me, ‘You should see some of the face shields we use.’ Basically, a lot of them were old and beat up, so this was perfect timing for them,” said Visconte.

ADVERTORIAL

Veterans Day is a day to recognize, appreciate and honor those who have bravely served our nation in time of peace and war. And Shawn Visconte, general manager at Kia of Wesley Chapel, is proudly doing just that. From Nov. 11 to Nov. 15, his dealership is doubling the manufacturer’s rebate for any veteran who purchases a vehicle from Kia of Wesley Chapel over this extended Veterans Day holiday. “Our freedom is because of them,” says Visconte. “This is just a small way of us thanking them for their incredible service.” Many employees at the dealership are veterans themselves, which makes this double rebate event even more meaningful to Visconte’s team. “I can’t tell you how good it feels to be working with a customer, learn they are a veteran, and then letting them know that our dealership will double the Kia rebate on the vehicle they hope to buy,” said Visconte. “We are saving these folks hundreds, sometimes thousands of dollars, and my staff gets almost as excited as the customer when they see how much money they are saving their customer!” Kia of Wesley Chapel employs around 65 local people, and several are proud veterans.

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November 11, 2020

Help needed to deliver meals By Mary Rathman mrathman@lakerlutznews.com

The Tampa Bay Network to End Hunger (TBNEH) is in need of volunteers to sign up to deliver “Holidays on Wheels,” a Meals on Wheels for Kids program. This program was developed in partnership with Metropolitan Ministries, to ensure every child and family has a meal for Thanksgiving. In Tampa Bay, more than half of those who are hungry are children, and TBNEH is asking community members to be a part of the solution to help solve hunger this holiday season, according to a TBNEH news release. At least 300 volunteers are still needed to help deliver more than 1,000 Thanksgiving meals (including turkey and stuffing) to families that are homebound or do not have access to transportation. Deliveries will take place starting at 10 a.m., on Nov. 17. Volunteers can pick up route sheets and special delivery items from assigned pick-up sites closest to their home or work address, and will use their own vehicles to make the deliveries. Once the volunteer’s car is loaded, the route will take about one hour to complete.

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The mission of TBNEH is to end hunger in Tampa Bay by bringing people together to find solutions that eliminate barriers, increase access and knowledge, and expand the amount of nutritious food available. For those interested in helping to deliver Thanksgiving meals, sign-up is online at NetworkToEndHunger.org/volunteer. The network also is accepting donations at NetworkToEndHunger.org/holidays, to help support the Holidays on Wheels program. For information, call (813) 344-5837.

Pasco school choice expos going virtual

2798

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Pasco County Schools is showcasing the district’s choice programs in two virtual events this year. The goal is the same as it has been in years past — to inform families about the upcoming school choice application window and to highlight the innovative program options. The Nov. 16 Virtual Pasco Pathways Expo, presented at 5 p.m., will be the east side program. The Nov. 19 Virtual Pathways Expo, presented at 5 p.m., will be the west side program. The events will feature informational ses-

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sions that cover the general application process. In addition, many of Pasco County’s schools will showcase unique educational options like STEM and STEAM magnets, the Cambridge International Education Programme, International Baccalaureate, Career Pathways, and more. Those in attendance will have the chance to learn about Wendell Krinn Technical High School, Pasco eSchool, and the soon-to-be open Starkey Ranch K-8. The second school choice application window will run from Jan. 7 to Jan. 21, for all schools and grade levels. For information and to register to attend a virtual expo, visit Pasco.k12.fl.us/expo.

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November 11, 2020

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November 11, 2020

Changes are coming to Pasco’s land development code By B.C. Manion bcmanion@lakerlutznews.com

COURTESY OF HABITAT PASCO

Home dedicated during pandemic Habitat for Humanity of East and Central Pasco County during the pandemic has continued to build and sell affordable homes to families in need of a decent place to live. Instead of using volunteers, Habitat is using sub-contractors. Once the state opens up again, small groups of volunteers will be allowed on the jobsites. New homeowner David Gatz has a compromised immune system, so changes had to be made in order for him to complete the ‘Sweat Equity’ necessary to receive a home. Gatz attended online homeowner classes, and sent hundreds of thank-you messages and letters to volunteers and donors that worked on his home. Gatz also will continue to assist with data entry and remote office support.

One of the biggest changes in a batch of proposed amendments to Pasco County’s land development code involves the way requests for package sales and on-premises consumption of alcohol are approved. Previously, the Pasco County Commission has considered these requests. Under the proposed change, the requests would be handled administratively, unless a waiver is requested — which would be considered by the Pasco County Planning Commission. The shift is highly likely to be approved by the county board, since they requested it. The update to the land development code creates a new section where package sales and on-premises consumption of alcoholic beverages are approved administratively. That section also adds the Planning Commission as the decision-making body, when specific distance waivers are requested from places of religious worship, schools and parks. Another change in the update clarifies that single-family detached homes on individual lots are only permitted on parcels

zoned R-MH Mobile Home District prior to Dec. 8, 2020. Other proposed changes: • Allows the side setback to be reduced to no less than 5 feet for R-4 subdivisions developed after Dec. 8, 2020, as long as they meet drainage requirements and do not allow side entry • In neighborhood commercial districts: Adds fitness centers as a permitted principal use; adds sale of alcoholic beverages as permitted principal use, subject to administrative approval • In general commercial district: Adds sale of alcoholic beverages as permitted principal use, subject to administrative approval • In section regulating fraternal lodges and social and recreational clubs: Clarifies that lot area and setbacks for fraternal lodges and social and recreational clubs do not apply in such clubs proposed in certain locations and zoning categories. Also clarifies buffering and landscaping requirements • Amends a section regarding the County Commission’s jurisdiction to indicate that the board reserves the jurisdiction and authority to review and revoke Special Exception, and Conditional Use, and Administrative Use

Permit for the Sale of Alcoholic Beverages approvals. • In the section relating to mobile food operations, the requirement for a county permit is deleted; and, the section specifies that such mobile food operations are allowed at construction sites, as long as they are intended to serve patrons working at the site. In other action, the planning commission recommended approval of a rezoning request by Charles Gilbert Tucker to change the designation on his 5.46-acre property to allow an agricultural designation that qualifies for an agricultural tax break.Tucker told planning commissioners that he just wants to have a pine tree farm, as well as some orange trees for personal use. He intends to sell some of the pine trees, but does not envision a large-scale operation. The property is on the east side of Conner Drive, about 1,750 feet south of the intersection of Cypress Lane and Dupree Drive, in Land O’ Lakes. The planning commission recommended approval, despite concerns about potential impacts raised in an email from a neighbor. The Pasco County Commission will determine the final outcome of both the proposed land development code amendments, and of Tucker’s request.

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November 11, 2020

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Summit speaker shares optimism By Kevin Weiss kweiss@lakerlutznews.com

From manufacturing hubs and roadway improvements, to myriad residential developments on tap — Pasco County has much to be thankful for during these unique and challenging times. That was the overarching message put forth by Pasco County Commissioner Ron Oakley at the annual Zephyrhills Economic Summit, held in October at Zephyrhills City Hall. The county commissioner was among featured speakers during the event organized by the Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce. Oakley exuded optimism about Pasco’s future, from the moment he stepped up to the microphone: “Goodness gracious, you couldn’t ask for a busier county, and a busier East Pasco county,” he said. He’s particularly bullish on an influx of manufacturing opportunities throughout East Pasco. One case in point:A new industrial park in Lacoochee, headlined by a 25-acre precast concrete plant, with room for additional tenants. The little town just north of Dade City has struggled to find development for decades — since Cummer’s lumber mill closed back in 1959. Upgrades to Cummer Road and Bower Road in the area, plus workforce housing opportunities, provide “improvements we need for that manufacturing going there,” Oakley said. There’s other potential boons, too, such as the 99-acre wastewater spray field on Old Pasco Road in Wesley Chapel that’s being developed as a commercial park by the Atlanta-based Rooker Company. Oakley also mentioned two warehouses that, taken together, total more than 900,000 square feet, and are set to be developed along State Road 52 and Interstate 75. “Most people haven’t heard about them, but they’re coming. I’ve been told by the developer that they’re coming.They’re going to provide 600 to 800 jobs,” Oakley said. People moving to the area for work are going to need places to live, of course. That’s no problem, as the area continues to add to its residential options. Oakley pointed to thousands of new homes that are underway, or will be, in large subdivisions in Zephyrhills, and in masterplanned developments, including Mirada in San Antonio, and Connected City and WaterGrass in Wesley Chapel. Oakley also highlighted some major transportation improvements.

Those projects include: • Widening County Road 54 • Improving the intersection at State Road 54 and Eiland Boulevard/Morris Bridge Road • Creating the diverging diamond at Interstate 75 and State Road 56 • Building a new interchange at I-75 and Overpass Road • Realigning the intersection at U.S. 301/U.S. 98/Clinton Avenue • Widening State Road 50, from North Pasco across the Hernando County line • Paving projects on Eighth Avenue and on Jerome Road Oakley underscored the significance of improving the roadways and transportation connections — in the quest to boost the region’s economy. “You connect all these roads, and you look at the transportation value you have in the roads, and moving of people and products across our county, and with manufacturing and being able to move out from this area to other parts, and come into this area. “Think about all the road projects, and if they get done.What a change that’ll be to our county and the way we move traffic,” the commissioner said. In summation, the area’s complementary blend of infrastructure, industrial jobs and housing opportunities signal more positive economic times ahead for the region, Oakley reasoned. “You’ve got everything that’s going to make this economy boom. You’re talking about a stimulus where,‘You build and they’ll come.’ People are coming. People are coming from the north, from other areas into this area. “It’s just amazing what’s going to happen in our area, and it’s a change. Think about three or four years down the road, how these things come about, so it’s great things to look forward to,” Oakley said. He also pointed to the county’s efforts to reduce bureaucratic red tape that can hamper progress. Besides being a commissioner, Oakley’s experience includes working in his family’s citrus and agriculture business with his brother and father, and serving as vice president of the family’s transportation company, Oakley Transport, which hauls liquid food commodities in stainless steel tanks. He understands the need for government efficiency. “I’ve had my hand in a lot of different businesses and all. I know what we don’t want to see when we go to get a permit, and what we do want to see is a happy face and, ‘Here’s how you get through the process.’We try to streamline things and make things better for everyone,” Oakley said.

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When schools began this fall, state officials required that school districts open each of their campuses â&#x20AC;&#x201D; but also allowed districts to offer parents a new remote learning choice â&#x20AC;&#x201D; without financial penalty. Now, the state is considering how to handle the funding issue for the second semester of the school year. State Education Commissioner Richard Corcoran met last month in a virtual meeting with representatives of the Florida Association of District School Superintendents and said the state needs to have a clearer picture of enrollment data, and how that could affect second semester funding. He expects the state to be able to make that determination by mid-November, or Thanksgiving at the latest. Corcoran said students receive a better quality of education when they receive inperson instruction. He said that having students on campus also helps with societal issues, such as providing meals, mental health and other services for students. The issue came up at the Pasco County School Boardâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Nov. 3 meeting. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re still waiting to hear from the department,â&#x20AC;? Superintendent Kurt Browning told board members. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been told itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s going to be midNovember before we get direction from the department as to whether or not theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re going to continue funding the virtual option. So, that being said, this district is planning as if weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re going to have the virtual option, moving into the second semester,â&#x20AC;? Browning said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I know that FADSS â&#x20AC;&#x201D; the Florida Association of District School Superintendents â&#x20AC;&#x201D; sent a letter Friday to the commissioner (Education Commissioner

Richard Corcoran). â&#x20AC;&#x153;I know Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve had personal communications; Mr. (Ray) Gadd has had personal communications, with the commissioner,â&#x20AC;? Browning added. They are pressing for a decision. â&#x20AC;&#x153;If we wait â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;til mid-November, there are three weeks that have to come out of that equation. One for Thanksgiving break, and then the two for Christmas break. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I really donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want our principals working over Thanksgiving or Christmas, trying to get the massive amounts of work done, if the state so chooses not to provide the funding for the virtual option,â&#x20AC;? Browning said. He wants the state to continue to support the remote learning choice. â&#x20AC;&#x153;COVID is still out there, and not just for the kids, but my concern is also for the staff. We have staff members who have chosen to teach in the virtual realm, simply because health concerns, elderly parents, those kinds of things. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s about the kids, but also about our teachers and staff,â&#x20AC;? Browning said. Board chairman Colleen Beaudoin added: â&#x20AC;&#x153;And, about the kidsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; families â&#x20AC;&#x201D; the whole community.â&#x20AC;? Board member Cynthia Armstrong said that removing the funding support could hurt the district. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s about having choice for the parents. Some parents who really believe that they need to be online, if they donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t get it here in the district, they will go elsewhere,â&#x20AC;? Armstrong said. Browning responded: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Those concerns have been conveyed.â&#x20AC;? Erin Malone, spokeswoman for Hillsborough County Schools, put it this way: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Our district knows the importance of parents having options, especially during this uncertain time.â&#x20AC;?

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FOLLOWING GUIDELINES FOR DINE-IN

POLICING, from page 1A to the unit or refuse to admit to having a drug problem. But, 53 people, so far, have willingly gone into rehab as a result of BHIT’s intervention, Kapusta said. “It’s a drop in the bucket to the overall drug epidemic,” he said, “but those are 53 people — it’s somebody’s mother, brother, sister, uncle— and when they come out of that and actually recovered, it’s like gaining that person back. Just that is worth the effort.” That unit also works with the county’s homeless coalition and the St. Vincent De Paul Society to assist the homeless population. Often, besides lacking housing, they also have substance abuse or mental illness issues. The unit helps connect them with stable living environments and resources to work through other issues, with the goal of helping to “get them to where they’re contributing members of society,” said Kapusta.

SOCIAL WORKERS RESPOND TO CALLS

In St. Petersburg, the St. Petersburg Police Department plans to integrate about 25 social workers into its agency by January, in an initiative it calls its Community Assistant Liaison (CAL) program. St. Petersburg Police Chief Anthony Holloway explained that social workers gradually will be phased into the department’s operations and 911 response. The agency’s social workers initially will ride with a uniformed officer to nonviolent or non-criminal mental health calls, then eventually they will respond to those calls themselves, without police assistance. Instances where social workers might be dispatched include drug overdoses, mental health crises, unarmed suicide threats, disorderly or truant juveniles, panhandling, homeless complaints and so on.A police officer, however, always will be dispatched to a violent or life-threatening situation. The CAL program also incorporates more law enforcement de-escalation police training organized by mental health professionals and regular follow-ups with those individuals facing a mental health or social crisis from the agency’s staffed social workers “to make sure that person is getting the care that they need,” Holloway said. Holloway said the program has been long-needed, considering the agency isn’t really equipped to effectively handle every type of mental health crisis. Underscoring the point: Of the agency’s 575 sworn officers, about 30% have fewer than five years’ experience on the force, he said. “We feel like this will be very helpful for us and very beneficial to our officers,” Holloway said.“The law enforcement officers have been dealing with this for years and years, but it’s time for us to put professionals out there so we can deal with people that are going through a mental crisis, so we can be able to help them.” Holloway said the agency received about 12,000 calls last year where it would’ve been deemed appropriate to send a social worker out to a scene, rather than a uniformed officer. “A lot of calls we saw were a lot of people going through those mental issues, where really they didn’t need a police officer, they needed someone to help them

USF, from page 1A nationally, in the number of people pursuing degrees in education.That is the root of the problem. “What we’re discussing here could be a result of the excessive state mandates, testing, evaluation system and lack of respect teachers are given,” she said. She added those factors could be deterring people from pursuing a career in education, which Beaudoin described as “a noble profession” that creates “lifelong learners and productive citizens. “Being a teacher is rewarding and fulfilling. I’ll support anything that provides a pathway for students to enter the career,” she said. School board member Megan Harding, a graduate from the USF College of Education, said she hopes the college will reconsider. “Not only does this affect teachers, but it’s also going to affect the children,” her Facebook page says. “We already have a teacher shortage.” Harding read the resolution, which the

navigate through a system, and that’s what CAL is really about,” Holloway sad.“There is nothing criminal about it, it’s just someone that needs help.”

WORKING TOGETHER FOR BETTER OUTCOMES

Such collaboration models between social workers and police has garnered support from clinicians and academia alike. “It’s really reassuring to hear so many wonderful initiatives going on in the state, and the progress that’s being made,” said Jim Cowser, a licensed clinical social worker with the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation, a national addiction treatment and advocacy organization headquartered in Minnesota. Cowser reasoned, police ultimately see cost reductions via such initiatives, as they’re not forced to deploy expensive resources to a scene where it’s not warranted. Additionally, it also may reduce the need for arrests and reduce crime directly, by connecting a troubled individual with services, opposed to taking them into custody. He noted there’s “a significant relationship” between the motives or behaviors related to arrests and mental health and substance abuse issues. By working together and cross-training with social workers, law enforcement agencies are “able to go out and more effectively handle a situation, and so all parties involved are better off,” he explained. Dr. Lisa Rapp-McCall is a professor in Saint Leo’s Graduate Social Work Department and a research associate in the Maribeth Durst Applied Research Institute. She likewise summarized the benefits on having police and social workers team under the same roof, in some form or fashion. “We’re all on the same page with regards to wanting everyone to stay safe,” RappMcCall said.“We want to steer people with mental health problems into that system, as opposed to the criminal justice system, where it’s costly and not always as helpful to them. “I think that social workers and police have already been working with the same individuals, just in different places, so why not harness our professional skillsets and work together to make this a little bit better system?” Rapp-McCall detailed how law enforcement can use methods to involve social workers, in addition to co-responding and de-escalation training models. Some agencies nationwide have called on social workers to accompany officers when they deliver death notifications. Others have leveraged them to attend court services with victims to provide comfort and support. Another opportunity is utilizing social workers for community outreach, whether it’s hosting public seminars on opioid use, human trafficking, parenting skills and so on. Rapp-McCall’s shared findings from research and interviews on police departments incorporating social workers, too. Results showed a decrease in injuries, involuntary hospitalization, detentions, arrests, and time on calls, which she said “all helped reduce costs of the entire criminal justice system, as well as the agency.” Additionally, implemented police-social worker models led to an increased engagement in services for citizens involved, and an improved view of law enforcement by citizens. Also, Rapp-McCall noted law enforcement “overwhelmingly” found social workers to be helpful in agency operations.

board adopted. The resolution notes that Pasco County Schools hires approximately 525 teachers annually, and the USF undergraduate teacher preparation program contributes more than 30% of those teachers. The resolution also points to the existing statewide teacher shortage. The resolution asserts “USF’s action will harm not only the school districts in the Tampa Bay region, but also the larger communities they serve, including families sending children to our schools and the business communities served by the graduates of our schools.” The resolution concludes by pledging the Pasco school board’s support for any and all efforts to maintain USF’s undergraduate teacher preparation programs at all of its campuses, and encourages the college to work closely with Pasco County Schools, and other stakeholders and partners to find an alternative to closing the programs. Browning said the resolution will be forwarded to the president of USF, the provost and acting dean.

ELECTION RESULTS

Statewide: Yes: 79.3%; No: 20.7% Pasco: Yes: 84.86%; No: 15.14% Hillsborough: Yes: 77.02%; No: 22.98% Amendment 2: Raising Florida’s minimum wage Statewide: Yes: 60.8%; No: 29.2% Pasco: Yes: 55.79%; No: 44.21% Hillsborough: Yes: 60.03%; No: 39.97% Amendment 3: All voters vote in primary elections for state legislature, governor and cabinet Statewide: Yes: 57.01%; No: 42.99% Pasco: Yes, 60.59%; 39.41% Hillsborough: Yes, 57.63%; No, 42.37% Amendment 4: Voter approval of constitutional amendments Statewide: Yes: 47.53%; No: 52.47% Pasco: Yes: 50.76%; No: 49.24% Hillsborough: Yes: 48.71%; No: 51.29% Amendment 5: Limitation on Homestead Property Taxes, increased portability to transfer accrued benefit portability period Statewide: Yes: 74.49%; No: 25.51% Pasco: Yes: 76.48%; No: 23.52% Hillsborough: Yes: 75.59%; No: 24.41% Amendment 6: Ad valorem discount for spouses of certain deceased veterans who had permanent, combat related injury Statewide: Yes: 89.7%; No: 10.27% Pasco: Yes: 90.32%; No: 9.68% Hillsborough: Yes: 88.17%; No: 11.83%

NATIONAL President* Joseph R. Biden: 75.7 million; 290 electoral votes Donald J. Trump: 71.1 million; 214 electoral votes * Results reported by the Associated Press; President Donald J. Trump had not conceded as of Nov. 9, according to national reports, and is challenging the results. PASCO COUNTY Pasco Superintendent of Schools Kurt S. Browning: 64.54% Cynthia Thompson: 35.46% Pasco County Commission, District 1 Kathryn Starkey: 61.30% Jessica Stempien: 38.70% Pasco County Commission, District 5 Jack Mariano: 58.83% Brandi Geoit: 34.46% Victor Rodriguez: 6.71% State Rep. District 36 Amber Mariano: 63.38% Daniel Endonino: 36.62% State Rep. District 37 Ardian Zika: 62.83% Tammy Garcia: 37.17% State Rep. District 38 Randy Maggard: 58.71% Brian Staver: 41.29% CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS (60% approval required to pass) Amendment 1: Citizen requirement to vote in Florida

REELECTION, from page 1A Lynn Gray for four more years in the District 7 seat on the Hillsborough County School Board, and elected Jessica Vaughn for the District 3 seat. Voters rejected Tammy Shamburger’s bid for reelection in District 5, selecting Henry “Shake” Washington instead.They also turned down incumbent Steve Cona’s bid for reelection in District 1, choosing challenger Nadia Combs instead. Other big decisions in Hillsborough, included the reelection of Sheriff Chad Chronister and Property Appraiser Bob “Coach” Henriquez. Hillsborough voters also selected Nancy C. Millan as the county’s next tax collector. Voters chose Harry Cohen in the District 1 race for Hillsborough County Commission; Gwen Myers for District 3, on the board; and Pat Kemp in District 6. Incumbent Andrew Warren won another term in the race for State Attorney in the 13th Judicial Court. In state legislative races, voters chose Danny Burgess to fill the vacancy in Senate District 20. Amber Mariano won her re-election bid in House District 36, as did Ardian Zika in House District 37, and Randy Maggard in House District 38. Statewide, voters narrowly supported an amendment to the Florida Constitution that will gradually raise the state’s minimum wage to $15 an hour. They overwhelmingly favored an amendment allowing a property tax discount for spouses of deceased veterans who had suffered

Sources: The Florida Division of Elections, Pasco County Supervisor of Elections and Hillsborough County Supervisor of Elections

permanent, combat-related injuries. They approved an amendment that gives people more time to transfer their accrued benefits of the Homestead Property taxes to another property, and they supported a requirement that all voters in Florida must be citizens. But, they rejected proposed amendments that would have allowed all voters to vote for primary elections for state legislators, governor and cabinet, and they turned down a proposed amendment to require voters to approve proposed constitutional amendments twice before they could take effect. Constitutional amendments require approval by 60% of the voters In federal races, voters approved the reelection of U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis for another term in Florida’s 12th congressional district. In the presidential contest, Pasco County voters supported Donald J.Trump, with 59.38% of the vote, compared to 39.32% for Joe Biden. Hillsborough County voters favored Biden, who received 52.69% of the vote, compared to 45.87% for Trump. National news outlets have projected Joe Biden and Kamala Harris as the next president and vice president of the United States. As of Nov. 9, President Donald J.Trump had not conceded, according to national news reports, and he intended to pursue court challenges. The Associated Press reported that the Biden ticket received more than 75.7 million votes; while Trump’s ticket secured nearly 71.1 million. Biden’s ticket received the most-ever votes for a president, while Trump’s ticket received the second-highest, according to national news reports.

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11A

Community Sports Your Neighborhood Sports Source

Sunlake strides for another banner finish at states By Kevin Weiss kweiss@lakerlutznews.com

t’d be understandable if the Sunlake High School varsity cross-country program took a slight step back following a banner 2019 campaign that saw its boys team finish fifth and girls team sixth at the Class 3A state championship — the best combined finish that year among schools in all classifications in The Laker/Lutz News coverage area. Those respective Seahawks’ seniors — many of whom are now running in college — all but carried the program to the banner showing, including: • Five of the boys team’s top seven runners were seniors, four of whom are now running on scholarship at in-state Flagler College, Saint Leo University and Southeastern University, respectively. • Three of the girls team’s top seven runners were seniors, including decorated and school record-setting Liina Winborn, who finished fourth overall at the 2019 state finals (18:11.16), and is now on a distance running scholarship at Division I University of Florida. But, this year’s Seahawks teams may soar to even greater heights, once the season officially crosses the finish line. The boys and girls squads each swept its conference championship and district championships. At regionals on Nov. 7 at Holloway Park in Lakeland, the boys took first place and the girls took runner-up. With that, both advance to the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) 3A state championships on Nov. 14, at Apalachee Regional Park in Tallahassee. Expectations at states are a top three or four finish for the boys, and a top four or five for the girls, respectively. So, what else separates this team from years past? A valuable combination of depth, dedication, accountability, and some natural talent, of course. “We lost a lot of seniors last year who went on to run in college,” said Sunlake distance coach Randal Reeves,“but, returning runners from last year just really stepped it up, by putting in all the training over the summer; that’s what made the difference, and all that hard work is just paying off.” Reeves further praised teammates for having the commitment to show up to practices and workouts each day, and doing what is asked of them, and more. “These kids are extremely dedicated,” the seventh-year coach said.“You’ve gotta have the right kids involved, and I’m blessed. I do have the right kids.” The effort level comes from many of the runners’ desires to earn college scholarships and compete at the next level, the coach said. “Every single one of these kids is looking to run in college,” Reeves said.“They don’t want to miss out on the opportunity to get their training in so that they can perform well, so I think that’s what the difference is with these kids.They all want to get some races in so they can show a recruiter,‘Hey, look at the times I’ve been running,’ so I think that might be where a lot of the dedication is from.” The inner drive to succeed elsewhere comes from distance runners having what likely would’ve been a banner track season ripped away from them back in March, as all spring sports were canceled amid the coronavirus pandemic surge. “I think it’s definitely a lot of build-up from almost having an incomplete season of track,” said junior Caitlyn Culpepper, a team captain. “I think that motivation definitely carried into our summer training, because I know when I ended the (track) season, I was like, ‘Wow, I have so much more left to give,’ so we just carried that motivation into our summer training, ‘Hey, we’ve gotta work harder.We weren’t able to achieve this goal of state tracks, so let’s put this toward cross-

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THIS OUT

BISHOP MCLAUGHLIN NAMES NEW GIRLS SOCCER COACH

Bishop McLaughlin Catholic High School has turned to a widely known figure to lead its varsity girls soccer program. The Hurricanes athletics department an-

12A

November 11, 2020

COURTESY OF RANDAL REEVES

The Sunlake High School boys and girls cross-country programs are poised to each have its highest finish at the 3A state finals on Nov. 14 at Apalachee Regional Park, in Tallahassee. Each squad swept its conference and district meets. The boys team won regionals, while the girls finished runner-up, respectively.

country,’ so I think that drove a lot of us.We were just ready to get out there and start competing again.”

uphold for each other, because I’m not going to be the one that holds my team back, because we all care about each other.”

MORE WITH LESS

COACH’S IMPACT

Other top-level 3A cross-country programs may have anywhere from 50 to 100 runners on their roster. Sunlake has less than 30 runners combined between the boys and girls teams. In this case, it’s about quality, not quantity. Both squads boast eight closely matched runners who are strong enough to register points (finish in the top five for their team in a race). Each squad’s No. 6 or No. 7 runner may finish as high as No. 4 or No. 5 in a particular meet or race. It’s one of those good problems to have. “I have the problem, of my top seven, any one of ‘em would be varsity on any team in the state of Florida. I mean, they’re that good,” Reeves said. This tight margin among Sunlake runners has created an accountability factor among each other, keeping everyone on their toes and forced to give their best effort in practice and meets. The girls team, for example, has eight runners who run a 5K (3.1 miles) under 22minutes, led by senior Shannon Gordy, who’s personal record is 18:53. The boys team has eight runners who can finish under 18 minutes, led by junior Colby Robbins, who captured individual titles at conference, districts and regionals, and whose personal-best 15:56 is two seconds off the school record held by the graduated Gavin Kennedy (15:54.6). “We’re so close in times, which gives us that awesome pack up in the front,” Culpepper said, “and, you know, we have that accountability for each other, so we’re able to push each other, so that inner competition among each other creates for great competition against other teams.” The depth means “it could be anybody’s race,” even for those lower-ranked runners, said Gordy.“Those No. 6 and No. 7 runners, they know that we’re strong as a whole and they have a part in the team.They may not score points, but they know they’re important to our team. As the team runs, we run as a group,” she said. Robbins likewise underscored how the depth — and corresponding camaraderie, he said — has carried the team so far: “If somebody decides to slack off, instead of just saying,‘Oh, that’s not me, it’s individual sport,’ we’re going to get on them because we care, so I think that’s what sets us apart. We have a degree of responsibility that we

nounced the hiring of Kacey White — a former United States Women’s National Team (USWNT) member and NCAA All-American and National Champion, who also has a lengthy coaching resume as USWNT assistant coach and collegiate coaching. Most recently, the 36-year-old White served as a development academy director for the Brandon-based West Florida Flames youth soccer club. She previously served as head coach at Xavier University and Wisconsin-Green Bay, and held assistant positions at Oklahoma,

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Other reasons for the program forming as one of the state’s best is Reeves, who’s earned his fair share of Sunshine Athletic Conference Coach of the Year honors in cross-country and track. “He can take anyone and turn them into a great athlete, and if you have natural talent, he can then turn you into world-class,” said Robbins, who entered Sunlake as a soccer player but made the transition to distance running freshman year, and is now among the state’s best runners in Class 3A. “Even though we don’t have the biggest group, because of coach’s training and because of our buy into the training, he’s able to take a group of 15 boys and make them state contenders.” Senior Cade Whitfield missed all of last season amid a hip injury. He returned this year as the team’s No. 3 runner and a personal-best 16:37. Whitfield credits Reeves’ passion for the sport and attention to each runner’s needs and goals. “I’ve never experienced a coach like him,” he said. “He sat down with me with college recruiting and told me every single step I’ve needed to take, and he’s honestly the one that inspired me to give it my all like he does, because I just didn’t want to give 50% for him.” Gordy expressed similar feelings for the coach:“He knows every runner has different motivations and different goals, so he makes sure that he specializes our training to what we want to run, like our times, and like what we want to do after high school, and how we want to get there.”

Sunlake varsity boys cross-country • Colby Robbins, junior (15:56) • Alex Pena, sophomore (16:15) • Cade Whitfield, senior (16:37) • Cason Meyer, junior (16:48) • Andres Alfonso, junior (16:54) • Max Goserud, junior (17:13) • Nathan Lee, sophomore (17:39) • Cody Smith, junior (17:47)

Sunlake varsity girls cross-country • Shannon Gordy, senior (18:53*) • Ashley Spires, senior (19:59) • Atlanta Lofton, sophomore (20:26) • Shelby Viseur, junior (20:44) • Caitlyn Culpepper, junior (20:44) • Sarah Ellingson, junior (20:48) • Annie Winborn, sophomore (21:01) • Abigail Williams, freshman (21:10)

*personal record

Even with myriad medals and trophies earned this season, it hasn’t all been smooth sailing for Sunlake this season. The team was forced to quarantine from Sept. 24 through Oct. 3 after one of its runners tested positive for COVID-19. Unable to practice together as a group, runners had to train individually and log their times online each day. Meetings and workout instructions were held virtually, through Zoom. The team took the setback in stride, viewing it as an opportunity to not take the season for granted. “Being quarantined, it really showed the value of having teammates to run with,” said Culpepper.“When you’re running on your own, you’ve gotta push yourself a little

more, versus, when you’re running with the team as committed as you are, it definitely helps you. “It’s definitely made us more appreciative of our team and our dynamic, and the ability that we have to be able to run together and even have a season this year. It was kind of a new perspective that we needed,” he said. Gordy believes the occurrence made the team stronger, in the end, too. “I feel like when we came back, we were eager to race and be better at the races, and we were more rested,” she said.“It was like a refreshment, kind of. Like a break, and then we focus on what we want as a team.” As Reeves puts it: “The world gave us lemons, and we decided to make lemonade out of it.” Now, looking ahead to this weekend’s state championship, the Seahawks are confident for a strong showing — maybe even better than 2019’s version. Training at Trout Creek Park in Thonotosassa — plus past experience competing at states — has prepared Sunlake for the mix of hills and flat terrain at the Apalachee course, Reeves said. “It plays well for us,” Reeves said of the state meet course.“We do a lot of our training that replicates parts of the state course, and so they’re not surprised.When they get out to that course, they’re going to feel fine, nothing’s going to shock them, they’re going to know how to run.”

Southern Methodist and Texas Tech, respectively. White has a decorated background as a player. She was a member of the University of North Carolina’s 2003 national championship team, a two-time All-American (2004,2005) and three-time All-ACC selection. Following her graduation, White earned a spot on the USWNT, where she earned 17 caps and served as an alternate for the 2008 Beijing Olympics. She also played professionally for six years in both the United States and Sweden.

Kacey White

RUNNING THROUGH QUARANTINE

COURTESY OF BISHOP MCLAUGHLIN CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL

The LAKER / Lutz NEWS INSIDE: Directories, Classifieds, Games & More

N OV E M B E R 1 1 , 2 0 2 0

Alice Encio, of Tampa, adjusts her props that are part of her Alice in Wonderland theme in her 1967 Volkswagen at the Florida Bug Jam car show.

RANDY UNDERHILL

This beautiful 1962 Volkswagen Bug — complete with matching luggage — belongs to Jose m.Reyes Nieve. It was among the pristine, interesting and unusual VWs on display at the 32nd annual Florida Bug Jam, held Nov. 7 and Nov. 8, at the Pasco County Fairgrounds in Dade City.

Local event overrun with ‘Bugs’ By Randy Underhill Special to The Laker/Lutz News

he 32nd annual Florida Bug Jam lived up to its name, attracting Volkswagen enthusiasts eager to show off their Bugs, to swap parts and to enjoy the camaraderie of like-minded people. The partly sunny, breezy weekend made the weather ideal for huge crowds on both days of the event. The Jam is a magnet for people across the country to converge on the Pasco County Fairgrounds, in Dade City, to show off their vintage Volkswagen Bugs and VW

vans of yesteryear. Besides the classic Bugs and vans, there were VW dune buggies, Baja Bugs, and the “Thing” on display at the car show on Nov. 8. Randy Yoho, of Kry Inc., was the show’s promoter. On Nov. 7, the first day of the two-day event, there was a poker run, a parade to downtown Dade City, an off-road course, a pre-jam party and a concert. The next day’s events included a car show and swap meet. Campsites were available, and eventgoers could grab a bite to eat and do some shopping, too.

Dave MacDougall, of Fort Lauderdale, sits near his sage green 1976 Volkswagen van, with its matching trailer. He and his son, who did not make it to the Bug Jam, have traveled to all 30 Major League Baseball stadiums in four seasons starting in 2015.

Owner Jack Cook, of Brooksville, proudly sits near his 1972 Ford Grabber blue-colored VW Karmann Ghia at the 32nd annual Florida Bug Jam, on Nov. 7, inside the Pasco County Fairgrounds. It took Cook a year to build the car, which placed third for two years in a row in the competition.

Fifteen-year-old Conner Sorenson, left, of Stuart, stands with his dad, Justin Sorenson, in front of the family’s 1967 Volkswagen bug on Nov. 7 at the Bug Jam.

The 32nd annual Bug Jam enjoyed good weather and attracted a big crowd of Volkswagen enthusiasts during the two-day event at the Pasco County Fairgrounds.

“I book ked online with InQu I ickER.” Nancy & Sydney

LOCAL WILDLIFE SPONSOR:

A FRESH CATCH!

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Sharon Thompson witnessed this great blue heron fishing for and catching its lunch in Country Walk in Wesley Chapel. Herons are longlegged freshwater and coastal birds. Some are referred to as egrets or bitterns rather than herons.

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Bella is a lover

Bella is a 9-year-old American Staffordshire Terrier rescue mix. There is no shortage of kisses from this canine cutie. Bella loves to greet the neighbors as they walk by the house, and she has even tried to go home with food and mail delivery drivers. She loves to go fishing on the dock with her doggie daddy. And, she loves to play with her toys, run in the nature preserve and visit the pet shop afterwards to select her own, new toy. Bella lives with her doggie parents, Bob Colberg and Paula Means, in Lutz.

PET OF THE WEEK FAMILIES RECEIVE A $30 GIFT CARD TO CHUY’S TEX MEX.

Kobe is a fun guy

Searay is a lovable boy

Kobe is 2 years old and weighs in at about 60 pounds. He likes to play fetch, and has been working on his agility and puzzle-solving skills, as well as his leash manners. Kobe would prefer a home without other pets, but he’s friendly and loves people. Schedule an appointment to see Kobe today and you just might meet your new best friend!

Searay is a 6-year-old that likes being stroked on his back, and his favorite thing is having his ears, chin and the side of his face scratched. Searay will gladly approach you to be petted, and he's curious about the world around him. Looking for a loyal companion? Searay may be your guy! Make an appointment to meet him today. If you would like to adopt Kobe or Searay, be sure to visit Pasco County Animal Services at 19640 Dogpatch Lane in Land O’ Lakes. The adoption center is open Tuesday through Saturday, noon to 6:30 p.m. All adoption fees include spay/neuter, microchip and vaccines. For more information, email adoptionpartners@pascocountyfl.net.

Send us a picture and information on your favorite pet!

Write a short paragraph about why your pet is special along with a photo and mail to: Pet of the Week, c/o The Laker, P.O. Box 479, Lutz, FL 33548 or email to mrathman@lakerlutznews.com, ATTN: Pet of the Week PLEASE NOTE: OWNERS NAME AND ADDRESS MUST BE INCLUDED FOR YOUR PET TO BE CONSIDERED FOR PUBLICATION.

PET PAWS APPOINTMENT TO NATIONAL BOARD

COURTESY OF PASCO COUNTY ANIMAL SERVICES

Spencer Conover

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Pasco County Animal Services (PCAS) is taking its progressive approach to animal sheltering to the national level with Assistant Director Spencer Conover’s recent appointment to the Board of Directors for the National Animal Care & Control Association (NACA), according to a county news release. Conover joined Animal Services in April 2018. His background in animal welfare includes work with Best Friends Animal Society, and the Dumb Friends League animal shelter in Denver, Colorado. As part of the NACA board, Conover

will help to shape policy, create programs and provide support to animal control agencies around the United States. He will serve a one-year unexpired term before becoming eligible for election to a threeyear term in 2021. Conover also is part of the industry engagement working group for Human Animal Support Services, facilitated by American Pets Alive!, and has been a key contributor to PCAS’s own success and its save rate, which exceeds 90%.

MANATEE AWARENESS MONTH

November is Manatee Awareness Month and the Florida Fish and Wildlife

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PASCO CARES INCREASES PPE REIMBURSEMENT

The Pasco County Commission has increased the maximum funding allowed to help individual small businesses to purchase personal protective equipment. Commissioners have increased the cap from $1,000 up to $1,500 per business. The program, which was launched in May, reimburses small businesses in Pasco County for the cost of already-purchased PPE. If your business has already received funding through this grant, you can reapply to be reimbursed for additional eligible expenses; however, the total reimbursement cannot exceed $1,500. This assistance is available on a firstcome, first-served basis through Dec. 4, or until funds are exhausted, whichever comes first. Pasco County received funding for this program through the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security or CARES Act. You can apply here online at bit.ly/SmallBizPPE. To qualify, a business must be: • A for-profit, privately held small business that maintains a place of business in Pasco County established prior to March 1, 2020. • A small business with two to 50 employees. • A small business with the majority of its employees residing in Pasco County. • To learn more about the program, visit bit.ly/PPE_reimbursement, or call Pasco County Customer Service at (727) 8472411.

HILLSBOROUGH’S R3 PROGRAM REACHES GOAL

Hillsborough County’s Rapid Response Recovery Assistance Program (R3) has allocated more than $127 million in financial assistance for families and small businesses, reaching its total funding limit for two programs, according to a Hillsborough County news release. The program was created to help residents and small businesses to help minimize the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic’s financial impacts on the economy. Hillsborough’s R3 Economic Recovery Financial Assistance program helped small businesses.The County’s R3 Housing and Utility Financial Assistance program helped residents pay rent, mortgages and electric bills. Both were successful in delivering financial assistance across the County. With all allocated funding either approved or pending approval, the application period has closed. During the

PET PAWS, from page 2B • Keep a lookout for circular ‘footprints’ or ripples on the surface of the water. • Follow manatee viewing guidelines. • Don’t feed or water manatees. Doing so is illegal. • Report injured, entangled, orphaned

next few weeks, staff will complete the processing of all remaining submitted applications for both programs. Businesses with applications in review are expected to receive a final determination of award within the next few weeks. The Hillsborough County Commission funded the R3 program through the CARES Act, and helped thousands of residents and small businesses infuse capital back into the economy.

STARTING A HOME-BASED BUSINESS

You can learn the pros and cons of starting a home-based business in this Nov. 18 webinar, from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. A home-based business in these challenging times is a MUST. Working from home provides for a touch of freedom, a path to managing stress, and teaches focus. This webinar will give the attendee some insight into the benefits of having a homebased business. The webinar will be presented by Sharon Eldridge, a Pasco Hernando SCORE volunteer. Register for the webinar at PascoHernando.score.org.

STARTING A NONPROFIT BUSINESS

This webinar, from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., on Nov. 19, is intended for those who have the passion for giving; serving their community; and those that have the desire to bring that passion to life.Attendees can learn the most effective process to starting and sustaining a nonprofit organization. This webinar will be presented by Sharon Eldridge, Pasco Hernando SCORE volunteer. Register for the webinar at PascoHernando.score.org.

VIRTUAL FORUM ABOUT PORTS

Enterprise Florida Inc., and the Florida Ports Council have announced that registration is open for the pair’s first-ever virtual forum, focused exclusively on the economic potential of doing business in Florida’s commercial ports. The event,“Florida Seaports: Focused on the Future,” will spotlight work being done by both organizations, the case for maritime trade, and action items for engaging in future import-export opportunities. It also will cover future goals and plans reflected in the 2020-2024 Five Year Seaport Mission Plan, released by the Florida Seaport Transportation and Economic Development (FSTED) Council. The event is on Nov. 17 from 10 a.m. to noon, Eastern Time. Please register online at tinyurl.com/y3b3qb6s.

SID JARRETT TO LEAD JARRETT DEALERSHIP IN DADE CITY

Jarrett Automotive Group has added another Ford dealership in Port Charlotte, increasing its total to six Ford stores. Clifford Martin, the vice president and general manager of Jarrett Ford, and his wife, Joan, will be relocating to Port Charlotte, in December. Sid Jarrett will be taking over Jarrett Ford Inc., at 38300 Dick Jarrett Way, as was Dick Jarrett’s wish. Sid is Dick Jarrett’s grandson, and Bill Jarrett’s son.

or dead manatees to the FWC Wildlife Alert Hotline by calling (888) 404-3922, #FWC on a cellphone, or text Tip@MyFWC.com. • Purchase a manatee decal or license plate. • Contribute to the Fish & Wildlife Foundation of Florida’s Marine Mammal Fund by visiting WildlifeFlorida.org, and click on Support Us.

SHARE YOUR PET NEWS

If you have pet news about adoptions, walks or other events for pet owners and their pets, you can let us know by sending us an email. We just need the basics: who, what, when, where and why. The information should be submitted two weeks prior to the desired publication date. We also need a contact name and number, in case we have questions.

There is no guarantee of publication, but we consider each item we receive. If you’d like to make a submission, send it to news@lakerlutznews.com. Readers can now find Pets of the Week and Local Wildlife photos on our website at LakerLutznews.com, under the Pets/Wildlife link.

The LAKER / Lutz NEWS CROSSWORD PUZZLE ACROSS 1. Chop with an ax 4. Where a bachelor lives 7. Indicates near 10. Doctors’ group 11. It’s just a number 12. Type of bread 13. Lively ballroom dance 15. Charles S. Dutton TV series 16. A way to use up 19. Singular event 21. Home of Disney World 23. Minerals 24. Most insightful 25. Consult 26. In addition 27. Agents of downfall 30. Organizations 34. Supervises flying 35. Bar bill 36. Alfalfa 41. Dish soap 45. Witnesses 46. Ancient Greek City 47. Newspaper bigwigs 50. Discuss again 54. Small group with shared interests 55. Support 56. Popular sportcoat fabric 57. Take hold of 59. Pre-Mayan civilization 60. Woman (French) 61. Wheeled vehicle 62. Georgia rockers 63. Cold War player (abbr.) 64. Pitching stat 65. Attempt

DOWN 1. Czech monetary unit 2. Arousing intense feeling 3. Elks 4. Muscular weaknesses 5. Before the present 6. Figures out 7. Infinite 8. A low wall 9. Silly 13. Political organization 14. Used of a number or amount not specified 17. Divisions of the psyche 18. Denial 20. Ancient Iranian person 22. Count on 27. Popular sports league 28. Water (French) 29. Partner to cheese 31. When you hope to get there 32. Angry 33. One point east of due south 37. Respects 38. Organize anew 39. French wine grape 40. Intrinsic nature of something 41. Neural structures 42. Brews 43. Where ships take on cargo 44. Holiday season singer 47. Shock treatment 48. Popular average 49. Products 51. A type of bear 52. Utilize 53. Old world, new 58. Swiss river

SEE SOLUTIONS, PAGE 7B www.LakerLutzNews.com

November 11, 2020

Health

Lannon, board-certified orthopedic surgeon. To register, call (877) 534-3108, or visit AHZephyrhills.com.

TAI CHI ONLINE

Wellness Send health news to news@lakerlutznews.com

FAMILY CAREGIVERS MONTH

November is recognized as National Family Caregivers Month — “a time to celebrate the contributions of caregivers, provide them with tools that they need, and continue to advocate for individuals with mental illness,” according to Mental Health America’s website. As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, feelings of stress, worry and isolation may become familiar, and despite the current situation, the act of caregiving goes on. The stress and challenges of the role of a caregiver can have a huge impact on the caregiver’s mental health, leading to more people in that role to experience depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, alcohol and drug addiction, and anxiety. It is important for caregivers to take care of their own needs, too. Supporting caregivers with information and resources can help them maintain their mental health and better serve loved ones with mental illness.

HOSPICE WEBINAR

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The CARES Health & Wellness Expo will take place on Nov. 19 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Hudson United Methodist Church, 13213 U.S. 19 in Hudson. More than 40 local vendors will participate. Guests (bring an insurance card) can meet health specialists, equipment suppliers and representatives from community resources. Those attending also can get free health screenings and information about wellness programs. Admission is free. Proceeds raised will help support the CARES Senior Health Clinic. For information, visit CARESfl.org.

VIRTUAL YOGA

The Pasco County Cooperative will offer a virtual yin yoga class on Nov. 19 at 6 p.m., through Zoom. Yin yoga is designed to target the body’s connective tissues, including the fascia, joints and bones. Other benefits include relief of stress and tension, and improved circulation and flexibility. Participants will need a mat/blanket for the floor or bed, a thick blanket/pillow/bolster, and an extra blanket, to help with support in the posture positions. To fill out a waiver, visit PascoLibraries.org. To register, visit tinyurl.com/y2oq2w4u.

NATIONAL DONOR SABBATH

BE A SHINE VOLUNTEER

LifeLink of Florida is inviting local faith groups to share the lifesaving message of organ, eye and tissue donation with their congregations during the annual National Donor Sabbath, from Nov. 13 to Nov. 15. The three-day observance was created by Donate Life America to include the days of worship for all major religions practiced in the United States. This year, due to COVID-19 and the need for social distancing, LifeLink is providing faith groups with digital education materials to share on social media and is offering virtual donation education presentations. Faith groups can register to participate and download materials at LifeLinkFoundation.org/NDS. AdventHealth will offer a seminar on “Treatment Options for Foot and Ankle Pain” on Nov. 17 at noon, on the AdventHealth Dade City and AdventHealth Zephyrhills Facebook pages. The guest speaker will be Dr. Sean

The SHINE (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders) Program is a statewide volunteer program that offers seniors, adults with disabilities, and their caregivers, free, unbiased counseling on Medicare, prescription drugs and other health insurance matters. The SHINE SMP (Senior Medicare Patrol) Program educates beneficiaries on how to protect, detect and report suspected Medicare fraud, waste and abuse. Individual volunteers complete professional training by the Florida Department of Elder Affairs and the local Area Agency on Aging; serve the community by educating others on an individual basis and through outreach events; and, gain knowledge about Medicare to benefit themselves and loved ones. In order to participate, a volunteer application and online orientation must be completed. To learn more, call (727) 217-8111, or visit FloridaShine.org and click on the Join Our Team link.

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CARES EXPO

In recognition of National Hospice & Palliative Care Month, the team at Gulfside Healthcare Services will present a virtual panel webinar, “Hospice or Palliative Care: What’s the Difference?” on Nov. 13 at noon, through Zoom and Facebook. The hour-long presentation will include information from a panel that includes a physician, nurse, chaplain, social worker and ARNP. The community also will have a chance to ask questions. For more information, please visit Gulfside.org/webinars.

FOOT AND ANKLE PAIN

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The Land O’ Lakes Library will offer a virtual tai chi class with Bonnie Birdsall on Nov. 18 at 6 p.m. The class is focused on bringing the physiological systems (digestion, cardiovascular, respiration, immunity and mental activity) up to a higher level in a gentle, low-impact manner. The benefits of practice include greater flexibility, core stability, improved balance, less fatigue, and reduced stress. Liability waivers are required. For information, call the library at (813) 929-1214.

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Making a statement, in pink The GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club had a fabulous and fun Pink Pandemic Picnic to raise funds for the American Cancer Society's Making Strides Against Breast Cancer campaign. In observance of October as Breast Cancer Month, the members generously donated over $1,675 (and donations are still coming in). The women sported pink bras with crazy embellishments and three prizes were awarded for ‘Best in Show.’

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November 11, 2020

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www.LakerLutzNews.com

November 11, 2020