Lutz/Odessa/Keystone/Citrus Park

Your Family’s Favorite Newspaper For 44 YearsFebruary 20, 2008The NEWSThe NEWS

With Keystone sand mine’s approval, will anyone appeal?By Debbie CarsonStaff Writer

The ruling is in.The proposed sand minein Keystone has been approved.But will theruling stick?

Opponents – and the applicant – have30 days from last week to appeal the landuse hearing officer’s decision.

No one has said that they will appeal.No one has said that they won’t.If anyone decides to appeal, it would go

before the county’s Land Use Appeals Board,

which would review the transcripts fromthe two hearings and all the evidence pre-sented.

No new evidence or testimony would beallowed.

The appeals board could upholdYoumans’ ruling, overrule Youmans’ deci-sion,or send it back to Youmans for furtherreview.

After that step,either party could appealthe appeal board’s decision in Circuit Court– a step both sides have hinted at taking ear-

lier in the debate process.The appeals board is made up of seven

county citizens who were appointed by theBoard of County Commissioners to servethree years.

Hearing officer Harold Youmans decidedto approve the 2.5-million-cubic-yard sandmine on the north side of Lutz-Lake FernRoad,west of the Suncoast Parkway,despitea great amount of opposition from area resi-dents.

Lutz’s Trish Houghtating leads aerobics classTrish Houghtating, of Lutz, leads a senior aerobics class Friday, Feb.8, at the UniversityArea Community Center.The center is located at 14013 N.22nd St. in Tampa.Check outmore photos and buy prints at www.cnewspubs.com/news. Staff photo by Keith Carson.

Pacemaker helps givepug a new leash on lifeBy Debbie CarsonStaff Writer

Ten-year-old Nike runs around the housewith the energy and enthusiasm of a 3-year-old.He’s up on the sofa in his mother’s lap.Then he hits the floor again and runs fromone end of the room to the other and backup in Mom’s lap.

A month ago, that wasn’t Nike.He could-n’t climb onto the sofa. He couldn’t walkfour feet without being severely out ofbreath.He was in a lot of pain.

That’s when his mother, DebbieMuldowney, of Land O’ Lakes, knew some-thing had to be done.The heart murmurNike had been diagnosed with at the tenderage of a few weeks had progressed into amuch more serious condition.

She took her baby boy to see Dr.Deborah Sullivan who gave her some grimnews.Nike has a bad heart.He needs to seea cardiologist.

Dr. Sullivan referred the Muldowney’s toDr.Alan Spier in Carrollwood, whose newswasn’t much better.

Nike’s heart was enlarged, filling nearlyhis entire ribcage.

Nike needed a pacemaker.“A pacemaker for a dog?”Debbie remem-

bers asking in shock.She had never heard ofsuch a thing.

It took her all of 15 minutes to make upher mind.

“Take him,” she told Dr. Spier.“Put the

TOP OF THE NEWS

By Debbie CarsonStaff Writer

UNIVERSITY — Trish Houghtating press-es play on the stereo and faces thefloor-to-ceiling mirror, looking at her stu-dents.

They start their warm up,get their heartrate going.Knees up.Elbows in.Palms back.

“March it out,”Trish says over Pat Benatarbelting out “Hit Me With Your Best Shot.”

The class marches in place, followingTrish’s lead – mostly.

“Eleanor’s our jumping bean,”Trish says,nodding her head at Eleanor Cecil, of Lutz,who is doing jumping jacks, not the heeltaps that everyone else is doing.

Eleanor flashes a smile in the mirror ather instructor.

“They never listen to me,”Trish says inmock disgust.“I get no respect.”

The class responds with chuckles.Trish teaches senior exercise courses at

the University Area Community Centerthree days a week,working to improve herelderly clients’balance,strength and flexibil-ity.

Not to mention their confidence andself-awareness.

And that’s just the half of it.From time to time,Trish allows the class

to take a quick break.Catching their breath,

See PACEMAKER, page 21

See EXERCISE, page 21

Noah of Lutz jumps ropeNoah Lange, 9, of Lutz, tries differenttricks at Lutz Elementary Jump Ropefor Heart Thursday, Feb.14. Jump forHeart is a fund-raiser for the AmericanHeart Association. Students weretaught more than 200 jumping tricksduring the four-week program in part-ner, individual, long rope and doubleDutch. Staff photo by Keith Carson.

What residents shouldknow about controlledburns at Lake ParkBy Debbie CarsonStaff Writer

LUTZ — Hillsborough County will beburning more than 70 acres of land in-side Lake Park in the coming weeks ormonths.That means several phone callswill be coming into the 911 and FireRescue call centers as people see smokebillowing above the tree line.

So,what do you need to know whenit comes to the prescribed burns?

Well, first off, the county doesn’tknow exactly when the burns will takeplace.The City of St. Petersburg, whichowns the property of Lake Park, wantstwo days’notice for the burn.

According to John Brill, a spokesmanfor Hillsborough County’s parks depart-ment, that’s easier said than done.

There are several factors that play intoscheduling a burn – not the least of which isthe weather, including humidity,wind, tem-perature and a host of other related data.

The best the county can promise is tolet St. Petersburg know they plan toschedule the fire on such and such day,

See BURNS, page 21

See SAND MINE, page 21

CnewsPubs.com/News

Mark Heller talks about new gymAcademy at the Lakes’ Mark Heller, head ofschool, talks about their new gymnasiumTuesday, Feb.12.The new gymnasium is locat-ed on Academy at the Lakes upper divisioncampus.To find out more information aboutAcademy at the Lakes visit www.academy-atthelakes.org. Staff photo by Keith Carson.

Debbie kisses NikeDebbie Muldowney kisses Nike after heflops on the sofa next to her Thursday,Feb.14, at their home.Nike recentlyunderwent surgery to have a pacemakerimplanted.Check out more photos andbuy prints at www.cnewspubs.com/news.Staff photo by Keith Carson.

Academy at the Lakes looksforward to new gym openingBy Ashley ReamsStaff Writer

LAND O’ LAKES — Sports teams atAcademy of the Lakes have never truly hada home court advantage,but they will with-in the next few weeks once the school’snew gymnasium is finished.

Since 2002, sports teams have used theLand O’Lakes Recreation Center for sportspractices and games.

“We’ve never had a true home gameever,”said Head of School Mark Heller.“Thekids will be so happy to have their ownspace.”

Hopefully, Heller said, students will beable to use the gym within the next two

See GYM, page 21

Seniors get more than good workout in exercise classes

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February 20, 2008Community News L U T Z 21

The applicant is Stephen Dibbs,of NorthDale Development, who wants to dig a 54-acre mine on more than 300 acres ofproperty and later convert the mine into aman-made, surround it with homes, andbuild thousands of square feet of retailspace on the property.

Opponents argued that there is no needfor such a large mining operation thatwould keep trucks on the road for 10 yearsand that it would be completely incompati-ble with the surrounding rural community.

Tom Aderhold,president of the KeystoneCivic Association,said that the mine is locat-ed in one of the worst possible places.

“It’s a sad day for the community,”Aderhold said.

The mine would be situated near wet-lands,which need protection.Also, it wouldbe in the middle of a wellhead, which pro-tects and recharges the area’s drinkingwater supply.

Aderhold takes issue with Youmans’deci-sion to require Dibbs to monitor theproject’s impact on the roads, the environ-ment,and other aspects.

It’s the “fox guarding the chicken house,”Aderhold said.

“He’s going to do what he wants,”Aderhold added,referring to Dibbs.

Aderhold said that the Keystone CivicAssociation has yet to analyze Youmans’ rul-ing, so it’s too early to say whether or notthe group will appeal the decision.

The school district, too, has foughtagainst the haul route of the trucks. It hasnot opposed the project per se, just wherethe trucks would go.

The developer has said that the truckswould go east on Lutz-Lake Fern Road only ifthe dirt being hauled was for one of two proj-ects – construction of Steinbrenner HighSchool or the widening of Lutz-Lake Fern Road.

Because Steinbrenner High is alreadyunder construction and the fill dirt contractsigned with another company, it is unlikelythat any dirt excavated from Dibbs’propertywould be used for the project.Also, the road-widening project is in the process of beingcontracted out – which could also mean theloss of that potential buyer for Dibbs.

Still, the school district objects.“We still have public safety concerns,”

said Linda Cobbe, a spokeswoman for thedistrict, speaking on behalf of LorraineDuffy-Suarez,who addressed Youmans dur-ing both hearings.

The district wanted no trucks passingthe three-school campus at anytime whenstudents might be there – regardless ofwhether or not classes were in session.

That would have left only Saturdays andschool breaks.

Youmans ruled that the terms were un-reasonable and instead placed a restrictionon hauling in front of the school from 6:15a.m. to 4:45 p.m.when school is in session.

Once the Suncoast Parkway interchangeat Lutz-Lake Fern is opened, the trucks willbe required to use the toll road, bypassingthe school campus altogether.

Then, hauling may take place from 7 a.m.to 6 p.m.Monday through Saturday.No haul-ing will be allowed on Sundays.

“It’s better than not having any condi-tions,”Cobbe said.

Vin Marchetti, the applicant’s representa-tive, has argued that new informationshould not have been presented during thesecond hearing.He has also opposed someof the conditions the county has wanted toimpose on the sand mine.

He, too,could decide to appeal Youmans’decision, though that could jeopardize the fa-vorable ruling Dibbs received for the mine.

SAND MINE, from page 1pacemaker in.”

The procedure cost $4,200.“I would’ve spent $10,000,” she said,

even if it meant maxing out a credit card todo it.

“I know there are a lot of people outthere that think I’m crazy,” Debbie added,but later explained that Nike is more thanthe family’s pet pug – he is family.

“You just need to love your animal,”Debbie said.

Nike was named for the four pairs ofshoes that he has feasted on.But,after a suc-cessful surgery and encouraging recovery,his name has taken on a new meaning.

Nike – as in Athena Nike – means “vic-tory”to the Ancient Greeks.

“He really did overcome this,” Debbiesaid – her pug is victorious.

And, much to the Muldowney’s delight,back to normal. His ears perk up at theword T-R-E-A-T and his little curled tail wagsfrom side to side while his pink tongue rollsout in anticipation.

Debbie said that she knew that Nike wasback to his better self when he begged foryet another treat – he already had six – andwas denied. In protest, Nike went into thebathroom and grabbed the roll of toiletpaper making a bit of a mess.

As bizarre as it may sound for a dogto receive a pacemaker – or any other med-ical device originally designed throughhuman medicine – it’s fairly common, ac-cording to Florida Veterinary Specialists.

Between 300 and 400 dogs receive pace-makers every year – though thousandsmore need one.

“Placing pacemakers in pets isn’t anew idea, by any means, but it’s becomingmore and more routinely done in veterinarymedicine today,”Dr.Spier said in FVS’s pressrelease about Nike’s pacemaker.“It’s just an-other amazing example of how the gapbetween human and veterinary medicine isclosing.”

Nike has to be careful from now on notto scratch his right shoulder, his mothersaid. Nike could pull out the lines runningfrom the box under the skin in his neckdown to his heart,keeping his heart beatingat a consistent tempo.

Nike will turn 11 in June and the newpacemaker could help him live out the restof his life without further incident.

Though,he is getting a little hard of hear-ing and could use a set of earplugs,Debbiesaid,chuckling at the notion.

And,his eyes aren’t as sharp as they oncewere.Maybe he’ll get Lasik.

Oh,and maybe Botox for all those wrin-kles on his face.

Of course, Debbie’s just kidding – butmaybe not.

“He’s spoiled rotten,”she said.

PACEMAKER, from page 1

checking their heart rate and getting a drinkof water.

Most of them huddle around, chattingaway with each other – catching up on fam-ily news,health ailments,politics,you nameit.

It takes them a few minutes to get backinto formation for the next stage of theworkout.

“It gives you a purpose in the morning,”said Eva Gould, of North Tampa, who hasbeen attending Trish’s classes for four years.“It’s a big friendly group.”

The Cooks, W.L. and his wife, Martha,started sometime 2002-ish, they said.W.L.doesn’t take the aerobics class, though.

He calls it dance.Instead, W.L. takes the Senior Weights

class in hopes it will help him “maintain a lit-tle bit of grace.”

“Even getting out of bed has been hard,”Martha said, noting that the classes havehelped make such a mundane task easier.

Gloria Gaynor comes over the stereo – “IWill Survive.”

It seems fitting for an exercise class thatlooks like it could wind a 20-something-year-old.

“Pick up your feet,” Trish calls out.“Wedon’t want draggers and trippers.”

Now,“Let’s raise the roof,” the instructorsays, pushing the palms of her hands way

EXERCISE, from page 1

weeks.A few finishing touches need to beadded,but the school is mainly waiting on acertificate of occupancy from the county.Aweek after it gets the certificate, the schoolwill hold its very first event in the gym – apep rally.

Academy at the Lakes is an independentcollege preparatory school that opened 15years ago on two neighboring campuses onCollier Parkway in Land O’ Lakes. Highschool sports were introduced at the schoolin 2002,and the school has excelled athleti-cally ever since.The six-man football teamwon the state championship in 2006, andthe boy’s varsity soccer and girl’s varsity bas-ketball teams were both district runners-upthis year. Individual students have also seensuccesses in golf, swimming, softball andfootball.This year, the school is a member ofthe Florida High School Athletic Association,the governing body for interscholastic ath-letics in the state.

With all the growth and successAcademy at the Lakes has seen in sports, theschool decided to build a gym on itsMcCormick Campus, which serves fifth-through 12th-graders. Students in juniorkindergarten through fourth-grade aretaught at the Wendlek Campus across thestreet,and they’ll also use the gym.

GYM, from page 1

Progress Energy plans Tampameetings Feb. 26-27 on potentialtransmission corridors

Upcoming meetings regarding potentialtransmission corridors in Hillsborough andPolk counties have been scheduled for thismonth by Progress Energy. Pasco Countymeetings will be held at a later date.

“Progress Energy Florida is working toensure our growing state continues to havethe reliable power it needs.This includespossible new transmission in your area,”thecompany said in a full-page ad. “To deter-mine the best route for these transmissionlines,we are working with the CommunityPartnership for Energy Planning,a cross-sec-tion of community leaders and

representatives from Hillsborough,Pinellasand Polk counties. We would also like tohear from you.”

Here are the dates and locations of theupcoming meetings.

Feb. 25 – Crescent Oaks County Club,3300 Crescent Oaks Blvd.,Tarpon Springs.

Feb. 26 – Alfano Conference & BanquetCenter,11606 N.McKinley Dr.,Tampa.

Feb. 27 – Marriot Westshore, 1001 N.Westshore Blvd.,Tampa.

Feb. 28 – The Lakeland Center, LakeHollingsworth meeting room, 701 W. LimeSt.,Lakeland.

All meetings are from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.You can also e-mail

EnergyPlanning@pgnmail.com or leave amessage at (888) 238-0373.

contingent on the weather.Really, the county is only prepared to

give notice the morning of the planned fire.“We can’t predict any further than that,”

Brill said.“It’s a science,”he added, referring to the

weather events that would impact the fire.Wind,humidity,dew point,“it makes the firedo different things.”

The county has earmarked about 76acres of land that will be burned – thoughnot all at the same time.

“We’re not going to set the whole parkon fire,”Brill said.

Instead, the county has mapped out sevenunits ranging in size from a few acres to morethan 20 acres. Those parcels are primarilyarranged along the northern edge of the park,with one parcel fronting along Whirley Road.

“Some time or another,we’d like them allto be burned,”Brill said of the seven parcels,noting that the burns might not be complet-ed within this burn season.

But why does the county need to setthese fires in the first place?

By intentionally setting the blaze,countyfire crews can monitor the fire in a relativelycontrolled environment. If the fire were toescape its confines, crews would be thereto bring it back under control.

BURNS, from page 1

SPEAK UPWhat do you think about this latest turn

with the planned 2.5-million-cubic-yard sandmine on more than 50 acres in Keystone?

Let your fellow readers know by speakingup on The News’ forum dedicated to theissue, located at www.CNewsPubs.com/opin-ion. Once there, click FORUM on the left sideof the page and then scroll to the “KeystoneSand Mine” forum and post your comments.

While you’re there, be sure to vote in therelated poll and check out the other forumsand polls on the site.

above her head,stretching her shoulders.“Push the weight of the world our your

shoulders,”Trish says.The song changes to Olivia Newton

John’s “Physical.”A few in the class quietly sing the words

between breaths.The lyrics prompt NewTampa’s Bob Ketch to call out,“This is myharem!”

He’s the only guy participating in the ex-ercise portion of the class. More guys willshow up for the weightlifting.

* * *Trish has been teaching seniors-only

exercise for more years than she’d care tocount.

“We’ve been together years and yearsand years,”she said after the classes.

She warns that the exercising might notbe for everyone and that anyone interestedin joining the classes need to consult theirdoctors first.

While her classes aren’t designed to turnher seniors into copies of ArnoldSchwarzenegger, the classes will certainlyhelp them perform routine activities thatmake independent living possible – gettingdressed, stepping into and out of the show-er and cars, reaching for items and grabbingthem,and a host of others.

“We don’t do the class to look good inour bikinis,”Trish said.“We do it to be able tosurvive.”

She also said that seniors who havechronic health issues, such as diabetes, hy-pertension, knee or hip replacements orother ailments could benefit from the work-out.

Many of her students have been able toreduce or eliminate their level of medica-tions due to the exercise.

Those who had high blood pressurehave found that they no longer need theirmedication for the treatment – now thattheir hearts beat stronger and more effi-cient.

Again,Trish requires her students keep incontact with their doctors to monitor theirmedication needs.

“It’s like a miracle,”Trish said,“like a foun-tain of youth.Exercise is key.”

Want to join?Senior exercise classes are held

Mondays,Wednesdays and Fridays starting at9:30 a.m. with aerobics.Location: 14013 N. 22nd St.,TampaPhone: (813) 558-5212Classes: 9:30 a.m. – Senior Aerobics; 10:30a.m. – Senior Weights; 11:30 a.m. SeniorStretch and FlexCost: $10/per class/per number times eachweek – call for information.

NORTHFORK PROFESSIONAL CENTER

1519 DALE MABRY HWY, SUITE 100LUTZ, FLORIDA 33548-3033

OFFICE: (813) 949-3681FAX: (813) 949-6216

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