Opinion by Jessica Vaughn, Hillsborough County School Board, District 3
Since being elected to represent District 3 on the Hillsborough School Board in 2020, myself, my fellow School Board members and the superintendent have all worked diligently to overcome the financial challenges that have plagued this District for close to a decade.
We are proud to state that by the end of this fiscal year, Hillsborough County Public Schools is slated to overcome a $150-million deficit, realizing a more stable financial stature that will translate into a brighter future for our organization and, most importantly, for our students.
As a District, we emerged from this financial shortfall partly by having to make extremely difficult staffing decisions at all levels, which undoubtedly had a negative impact on our students and families. Florida currently is ranked 43rd in per-pupil funding, leaving many school districts like ours without adequate funds to recruit and retain highly qualified teachers as we all contend with rising inflation that is leaving educational systems with severe staffing shortages. Twenty-one other districts in Florida have had to pass a millage referendum in order to properly fund their school districts.
On August 23, 2022, the Hillsborough County School Board voted to place a millage referendum on the ballot that would provide an estimated $126 million per year over four years to our District if approved by voters.
If this measure passes, 75% of this money would go toward providing salary increases for teachers and support staff. We realize the crucial role our educators play in the lives of our children and families, and we must continue to examine proactive solutions to illustrate their importance to our community and its collective success.
If approved, the additional funds would also be utilized to expand Art, Music and P.E. for our youngest learners, offering equitable access across all grade bands. These funds also would provide us a unique chance to elevate our Workforce Development Programs to develop a talent pipeline for students in medical, construction and logistics- related fields.
You may be wondering how this would impact you if approved. Using a $300,000 property value as an example, the millage increase would translate to an additional $22.92 per month, or $275 per year for a homeowner.
Hillsborough is the only large school district in the state that has not passed a millage increase.
While we understand the referendum may be a heavy lift for some families in a time of such uncertainty, it has the potential to make an enormous difference in the lives of our teachers, staff, students and families. If you see the value that strong and thriving public schools bring to our community, I strongly encourage you to vote “yes” for the millage referendum during the Primary Election to be held on Tuesday, August 23. All voters, regardless of party affiliation, can vote for this Millage Referendum. The funding from this referendum increase will allow us to work together to adequately support our schools, teachers and staff while creating a brighter future for our students and our community as a whole.
Did you know that kids who are involved in music are more likely to score higher on standardized tests? It’s true — papers from respected journals, such as The Journal of Educational Psychology and The British Journal of Psychology have done extensive research on this matter. So, why aren’t our local public school orchestra programs supported by our public school districts?
Mahi Nooka
Unfortunately, not many adults involve themselves with youth orchestra programs, or even bother to learn about them. But, I believe that absolutely needs to change.
My name is Mahi Nooka. I’m 14 years old and I’m an eighth grader at Dr. John Long Middle School. I have been playing the violin for four years and I was invited to give my opinion on this subject by Neighborhood News editor Gary Nager because of a disturbing pattern I’ve noticed: our local youth orchestras are not being supported by the Pasco County School District or the local community.
You see, school orchestra programs in this area aren’t well-known or funded properly. I’m in both my school orchestra at Dr. John Long and in an outside program called the Tampa Metropolitan Youth Orchestra (or TMYO). It’s well known that the arts historically have had a low priority in Florida’s public schools, especially compared to sports and other money-making activities and I don’t think that’s fair or just.
But, even within the arts, there is a hierarchy; specifically, within school music programs. Orchestra programs are almost always given a lower priority than band programs in the amount and quality of resources provided. I’ve seen bands (especially high school marching bands) get larger classrooms, uniforms, and spots on the school’s website, while the orchestra programs are stuck using the same equipment for the past sixteen years or more.
It doesn’t make sense to me, though. I know that music has the ability to change kids’ lives — it has changed mine drastically. I started in orchestra in the 6th grade (although I’ve been taking private lessons since the 4th grade) and came to love it.
In the 7th grade, my private teacher recommended that I join an outside program to supplement my school experiences, and we found TMYO, a youth orchestra program located in Hillsborough County. I auditioned for one of the four groups they had that matched my skill level best, and I loved it so much that I auditioned again this year, for the next higher group. Currently, I’m proud to say that I am sitting fourth chair in the second violin section at TMYO.
One thing I can tell you through my experience is that orchestra is like a family. It teaches teamwork and lets us form incredible bonds. I’m more confident and passionate because of it, and my fellow musicians and I are comparable to siblings. Orchestra gave me that, and I’m hoping that if orchestra programs are better nourished, other kids can have that, too.
However, whether orchestra programs can thrive or not doesn’t depend upon us as musicians. The success of these programs depends heavily upon public participation — on people like you knowing about our programs and taking the initiative to support us.
That brings us to the real question: How can you support us?
Mahi Nooka (2nd from left in front row) is a violinist in both the Long Middle School orchestra and the Tampa Metropolitan Youth Orchestra who would like to see more public support for youth orchestra programs.
Attending an orchestra concert is a great way to help. By attending, you’re showing that the kids’ hard work is not for nothing, and that someone cares. This is vital to developing confidence and allows us to practice performing in front of an audience (two essential skills for musicians).
Trust me, it doesn’t feel good when your auditorium is half-full and you’re performing for barely fifty people. This may seem like a lot of people to some of you, but think of how many people go to sporting events, especially football games.
And honestly, if nothing else, concerts are just a great way to spend time and involve yourself with the community. Though I’m not sure about other programs and schools, the concert for Dr. John Long is on Wednesday, May 4, at the Center for the Arts at Wesley Chapel, and the next concert for TMYO is on Saturday, May 14, at the USF School of Music in Tampa. The general public is invited to attend both of these events.
In addition to simply attending an orchestra concert, many local nonprofit programs have options for donations on their website. I know TMYO does (tmyo.org/make-a-donation) and so do many others in the area: the Florida Youth Orchestra (floridayouthorchestra.org/donate), and the Florida Symphony Youth Orchestra (fsyo.org/support-fsyo). Donating lets our orchestras continue to exist and allows young musicians continue to express themselves creatively.
If you’re not interested in donating or attending, you can still help by spreading the word. Discussing the benefits of orchestra programs can help stir up interest in the programs, and some parents might even check out orchestra programs for their own kids. It may seem like a little thing, but it can help a lot.
And so, I’ve made my case. The youth orchestra programs need to be supported, and I’ve done my part to ensure that happens by having this article published in the Neighborhood News. I will keep advocating in the background because of my love for orchestra, but there is only so much I can do. I hope I have inspired you to take action. This is your chance to give back and make an impact — one that will be appreciated by young orchestral musicians in our community.
Total Air Solutions’ technicians can solve just about any problem your air conditioning system may experience, and offer ways to keep it that way. (Photo: Charmaine George)
Floridians have to face a lot of dreadful things during the summer months.
But, if you really want to find a ticked-off Florida resident, find one whose air conditioning just went out on a summer afternoon.
Don’t let that person be you. Before it is, you might want to give Total Air Solutions a call.
If the last year or two has taught us anything, it’s that being stuck inside is no fun, especially in the summer. And, the heat is just one reason.
Total Air Solutions offers a number of services, and as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, has evolved to provide its customers even more. With a premium placed on clean air like never before in our homes, schools and businesses, Total Air Solutions co-owner and co-founder Bill Albert says his company has seen a tremendous demand for Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) products.
As IAQ experts, Albert says Total Air Solutions specializes in customizing solutions to best protect your home from these airborne pollutants.
Another side effect of the pandemic has (in many cases) been a shortage of much-needed parts when your A/C unit does fail.
“There has been an economic failure to meet the demand for HVAC (Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning) products,” Albert says. “As a Carrier factory-authorized dealer, we have the first right to these units as they come out of the factory. You can count on us to deliver your repairs or new units faster than many of our competitors — and the last thing you want is to be stuck with no air conditioning and lacking the parts necessary for your repair.”
Total Air Solutions has been serving not only the Tampa Bay area, but areas up and down the Gulf Coast for the last 19 years. But, over most of that time, Total Air had mostly dedicated its business to commercial properties — from offices to medical clinics and more.
Three years ago, Total Air started servicing residential customers.
“We’ve been in Tampa a lot longer than people realize,” Albert says. “We hire local techs and we’re continuing to grow and very interested in growing in the Lutz, New Tampa and Wesley Chapel areas.”
Total Air Solutions has made strides in its quest to become the go-to service provider for air conditioning in our area, especially with people spending so much time inside these days, when compared with pre-pandemic times, as well as rising temperatures.
“Everyone needs the service much more because the air is always running,” Albert says. “And, it’s Florida. So, it’s been a banner year for our residential side.”
Growing The Right Way
Albert figures that Total Air, which he started in his garage with fellow co-owner/co-founder Frank Decarlo, has nearly doubled in size over the past year or so.
Albert worked for six years as an HVAC distributor for Carrier Florida, first in Tampa and then in Orlando. Prior to that, he held positions in a solar hot water heating and installation company and at a home energy design system firm.
Decarlo previously was the VP/general manager at a heating and cooling company in North Port, FL, for seven years, where he was initially hired as a service manager and grew that company’s annual sales fourfold. Prior to that, he was a service technician at an air conditioning firm in New York.
Now, 19 years later and having combined their efforts, Albert and Decarlo and have Total Air offices in Tampa and North Port and nearly 100 employees total.
“There are a lot of air conditioning companies out there, but there are very few qualified technicians,” Albert says. “We’re also Carrier-certified and (have won Carrier’s) President’s Award three years in a row, but we also can fix any brand because when you call us, we send you service technicians, not salesmen. There’s an industry term for that — an SID, or “salesman in disguise” — but that’s not what you get from Total Air. We’re not going to sell you things you don’t need. We try to find the total air solution for our customers.”
Keeping Eyes On Those Eyes
Albert says that Total Air is not only keeping homes cool and the air clean, but also is in full hurricane season mode. While the Tampa Bay area has been fortunate so far this season, there are still two months remaining in the 2021 season. Any storm that hits the area could require a lot more service requests.
“We’re very conscious of hurricane season because we know there can be damage or people can be without air conditioning,” Albert says. “We want to help them get it back up and running as quickly as possible.”
And, Total Air does that very well and efficiently. It’s one of the reasons the company has been able to keep customers from the very start, and the majority of its Google reviews mention Total Air’s professionalism, responsiveness and punctuality.
“Total Air sent out Carlos, who was professional and knowledgeable about our system, even though they did not install the system,” wrote Greg MacPherson in a 5-star Google review, adding that the company that did install his system was “too busy” to help. “(Carlos) quickly found the refrigerant leak and soldered it, then tested and recharged the system. We had A/C again!”
Total Air has a number of different service plans, and recently added a premium maintenance plan called the “Safe & Healthy Neighbor Plan.” The new plan provides added benefits like a larger discount on replacement parts, high-efficiency filter upgrades and, most important, your annual dryer vent cleaning. Many companies, according to Albert, charge over $200 for this dryer vent cleaning service alone. But, Total Air’s “Safe & Healthy Neighbor Plan” is available for $46.99 per month (for 6 months).
Total Air also has a new, informative “System Health Report” with each of your maintenance appointments. This report gives you valuable insight into the condition of your A/C unit, plus any preventive recommendations to keep your system running at optimal performance.
Albert says the maintenance of an air conditioning system, even a new unit, is vital to keeping your house cool.
“Just because it’s running doesn’t mean it’s perfect,” Albert says. “I ask (customers), ‘Don’t you change the oil in your car, too?,’”
And, of course, Total Air Solutions also provides residential and commercial heating services, including installing heat pumps, as well as duct work services. You can even finance your new Carrier A/C.
Total Air Solutions’ Tampa office is located at 1015 E. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. For more info, visit TotalAirFl.com or call (813) 247-2665 or see the ad on page 45.
“The Nutcracker” is in its 22nd Dance Theatre of Tampa season, and this year will be held Friday-Sunday, December 17-19, at the USF Tampa College of Arts Theater 1.
Whether you or your child likes to dance for fun or dreams of a career on stage one day, the New Tampa Dance Theatre (NTDT) offers dancers a world-class, professional experience that is unmatched in the Tampa Bay area.
Located on Cross Creek Blvd. (across from Heritage Isles) in New Tampa, the 7,500-sq.-ft. NTDT is the largest professional dance training facility in the New Tampa/Wesley Chapel area. Owner and artistic director Dyane Elkins IronWing is in her 27th season of creating dance memories and futures for her students, many of whom have gone on to study dance in college and/or dance professionally.
“As always, I’m so proud of our students,” says Elkins IronWing. “Our dancers become excellent college students, with their impressive time-management skills, perseverance and creative thinking. Our hearts are bursting with excitement, seeing our beautiful students again. We are continuing to give back to the community during this pandemic with our “Pay It Forward” program and offering all new students $25 per month tuition for every class!”
NTDT’s complete schedule of classes is being offered with in-person classes. Elkins IronWing says that the safety of her students has always been her top priority, so social distance guidelines, extra disinfecting nightly with hospital-grade products and wearing masks are all required at this time.
“Our students are extremely excited being back dancing at the school again and spending time with their dance family,” says Elkins IronWing. “We’re extremely proud of our faculty and students’ dedication and perseverance during this pandemic. They are all truly living up to the NTDT motto of ‘Respect, Responsibility and Teamwork.’”
A Chance To ‘Do As I Have Done’
Elkins IronWing says she started dancing at age 5, later trained in New York City and performed with Ballet Metropolitan in Columbus, OH.
She moved to Tampa in 1995 and immediately opened NTDT in the Pebble Creek Collection. In 2002, she purchased the current NTDT property on Cross Creek Blvd, and moved her school to the new building in January 2006.
With the bigger location, Elkins IronWing was off and running, offering smaller class sizes and larger, more varied schedules.
She says NTDT also has a larger pool of students today, with the ongoing explosive growth in Wesley Chapel, as well as in New Tampa.
“Our name might say New Tampa,” she says, “but our location is much closer to Wesley Chapel than one might assume. We are extremely convenient to all of the current growth (there). Wesley Chapel families are shocked to discover just how close we are and are excited because of how quickly they can drive to our school.”
All Ages & Experience Levels
NTDT caters to both the recreational dance lover as well as the devoted pre-professional — and every level in between.
The studio’s leveled curriculum offers multiple art forms for students to explore. Through personalized attention and professional expertise, NTDT’s professional faculty strives to provide a positive educational experience.
Children ages 3-4 can participate in the school’s Early Childhood Program, ages 5-8 can take part in the Children’s Program and ages 9-18 are invited to join NTDT’s Youth Program.
Located on Cross Creek Blvd. in New Tampa, the 7,500-sq.-ft. New Tampa Dance Theatre is the largest professional dance training facility in the New Tampa/Wesley Chapel area.
In addition to classical ballet, NTDT offers full programs in creative movement, modern, jazz, tap and hip-hop.
Each program has its own directors and specific syllabuses guiding students in a structured manner through their studies.
The facilities at NTDT are as top notch as the instructors, and include maple flooring for the tap classes, 20-25-ft.-tall mirrored walls, student locker rooms and a large studio space that can accommodate up to 200 people.
Sprung floors provide shock absorption to protect the dancers’ joints and an on-site physical therapist ensures the health of the dancers. NTDT also features a café offering light meals, snacks and drinks.
The Training You Need
NTDT has developed a reputation for creating strong, professional dancers with alumni who have moved on to highly respected dance companies, Broadway productions, national tours and even the Walt Disney Company.
Because NTDT students learn to be proficient in multiple art forms, these students have an edge in the competitive world of dance and many of them have been accepted into prestigious summer intensive programs, including the School of American Ballet and American Ballet Theater in New York City, The Harid Conservatory in Boca Raton, the Joffrey Ballet in Chicago and the Boston Ballet.
“With just passing our milestone 25th 2.0 anniversary celebration season, it’s a time for reflection with extreme gratitude and love for all the amazing people who have been a part of our dance programs and family,” says Elkins IronWing.
One local former student certainly agrees with that assessment.
“I credit all of my success as a professional dancer to the foundational training I received at NTDT from ages 6-18,” says Victoria DeRenzo, who today is a professional dancer and choreographer who has toured internationally in 28 countries on four continents, most notably with the renowned Pilobolus Dance Theatre in Washington Depot, CT.
“I loved every second of my experience growing up there,” DeRenzo adds, “but I had no idea how spoiled I was until I graduated. Not many people receive a top-notch dance education in multiple artforms during their lifetimes, let alone at the age of 6.”
If a student doesn’t choose to pursue a career in dance after high school, they can still reach a level of artistry to be accepted into many college dance programs, says Elkins IronWing.
“Believing in yourself, respecting the process of working towards a goal, and having a well-rounded dance education give our students the tools and confidence to continue discovering new passions throughout their lifetimes,” she says.
Great Productions, Too!
All students have the opportunity to perform in NTDT’s “Spring Production” and — through the studio’s nonprofit partner, the Dance Theatre of Tampa (DTT) — in the winter production of “The Nutcracker,” as well as the “Summer Concert Series,” held in June at the University of South Florida’s Tampa campus.
DTT provides more than 300 free tickets to NTDT’s corporate sponsors, local community supporters, alumni members and students. A small costume rental fee for productions is the only cost over the tuition that parents have to pay at any time — Elkins IronWing says there is never a requirement to buy advertising or pay performance fees.
New Tampa residents Gary and Charity Hartley relocated here in 2018 from Virginia, and enrolled their daughter Hope at NTDT.
“The New Tampa Dance Theatre and the entire staff were the linchpins for our transition into the New Tampa area,” Charity says. “The warmth of the studio, quality of instruction and wonderful students have made us feel right at home. We especially love the way (NTDT) manages the educational aspect of their DTT company members, ensuring they have exposure to various dance forms in their weekly training, master classes and dance performances they attend as a group.”
Every holiday season, Elkins IronWing says local residents look forward to the community’s largest and longest-running interpretation of Tchaikovsky’s classic ballet, “The Nutcracker,” now in its 22nd DTT season. This year, it will be held Friday-Sunday, December 17-19, at the USF Tampa College of Arts Theater 1.
“It’s all about the children at NTDT, always has been and always will be,” she says. “We are a company that enables children to succeed. The key is setting high expectations, all while having fun and building self-confidence. With the transition season ahead of us, we would like to thank all of our trusting and loyal families over the years and the organizations that continually support our vision. Without their recognition and time, NTDT wouldn’t be the magical place it has become!”
The New Tampa Dance Theatre offers year-round free trial classes for prospective dancers of all ages. To tour the facility or to rent it for a meeting, party or function, visit NTDT at 10701 Cross Creek Blvd. For more information and to check out the exciting lineup of fall 2021 classes, visit NewTampaDanceTheatre.com, call (813) 994-NTDT (6838) or see the ad on page 27. You also can follow NTDT on Facebook and Instagram at “New Tampa Dance Theatre.”
(L.-r) Kristie Gonzalez, NRCMA, Dr. Nektarios Demetriou & Amanda Grantham, CAN, of Millennium Physician Group’s Wesley Chapel office are launching a first-of-its-kind Virtual Clinic, using Millennium’s proprietary telehealth platform MPG Connect. (Photo provided by Millennium)
One of the leading independent physician groups in Florida is expanding into the Tampa area. Founded in Charlotte County and now headquartered in Fort Myers, Millennium Physician Group boasts more than 550 healthcare providers at 150 locations in 19 Florida counties serving nearly half a million patients.
It’s no secret that Hillsborough, Pinellas and Pasco counties are consistently ranked among the fastest-growing counties in the country. Although the Tampa area is rife with hospital-affiliated medical groups, Millennium is seizing the opportunity to fill a void by providing independent physicians the opportunity to be part of a physician-focused group, one that gives them the support of being in a partnership yet honors their connection with their patients.
“We like to focus on working with independent practices and those doctors who are tired of hospital employment,” explains Millennium Healthcare President Geurt Peet. “We provide them with the support, resources and tools to survive and thrive in this ever-changing world we call health care.”
The secret to Millennium’s success is its highly engaged physicians. Wesley Chapel-based Family Medicine physician Nektarios Demetriou, D.O., serves as the Medical Director for the Tampa region and says the Tampa-area growth means Millennium is well-positioned to serve the community.
The Millennium Physician Group head office (above) is located in Ft. Myers. The Millennium office in Wesley Chapel is located on Windguard Cir. (Photo provided by Millennium Physician Group)
“Being a part of this time of growth and expansion is exciting and humbling,” says Dr. Demetriou. “It truly is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.”
Dr. Demetriou says the Wesley Chapel area is the fourth fastest-growing area in the U.S., and to keep up with that growth, Millennium has several new physicians in the pipeline scheduled to join Millennium in Wesley Chapel, Lutz and Brandon.
“We are seeing a massive influx of people moving here from the Midwest and East Coast,” Dr. Demetriou explains. “And they all need good doctors to take care of them and meet their medical needs.”
The emotional commitment Millennium’s physicians and advanced-care providers apply to their work contributes to their national recognition, including garnering the Pinnacle of Excellence Award for consistently high levels of physician engagement by healthcare research firm Press Ganey. Millennium’s patients sense their physicians’ engagement through a strong patient-physician relationship, which comes to life thousands of times a day across the organization. Millennium excels in value-based healthcare, which aims to deliver high-quality care at a lower cost with better patient outcomes by practicing preventive, coordinated primary care.
Introducing: The Virtual Clinic!
As a testament to that commitment, Millennium is launching a first-of-its-kind Virtual Clinic, initially staffed by Tampa-area physicians who will use Millennium’s proprietary telehealth platform — MPG Connect — to virtually see patients from across Florida. Millennium’s Virtual Walk-In Clinic providers will conduct virtual visits to treat a variety of acute-care issues, from sniffles and strains to earaches and stomach aches.
Millennium’s Chief Innovation Officer Jeffrey Nelson says the Virtual Clinic is a logical next step. “It’s going to allow Millennium to further expand our services and hours for our patients to be able to see a provider when and where they need us most.”
Dr. Demetriou says the goal of the Virtual Clinic is to prevent patients from having to go to the emergency room just because it’s after hours. “It gives our patients and the public the ability to be seen by a clinician outside of office hours and get peace of mind.”
He adds that it’s just this type of innovative approach to medical care that sets Millennium apart. “Millennium is not just a medical company but a technology company as well,” Dr. Demetriou says. “This type of no-barriers approach to treating patients is definitely a trend we’ll be seeing more of, and Millennium is on the cutting edge of developing technologies to allow us to do this.”
Dr. Demetriou says Covid-19 and the pandemic have led to much of the recent population growth and, in turn, triggered leaps in innovation. At the height of the pandemic, when health officials called on the medical community to employ telehealth as a tool to help slow the spread of Covid-19, Millennium’s physician and innovation teams responded. Through their swift deployment of MPG Connect, Millennium physicians were able to preserve their connection with their patients just when they needed it most, turning a challenge into an opportunity.
Today, telehealth is a sustainable care delivery system Millennium health care providers leverage hundreds of times a day across the organization.
Nelson says leveraging the technology allows Millennium to support its mission of being “Your Connection to a Healthier Life.”
“Rapid expansion of service delivery through technology, that’s really what we’re about,” he says. “Especially in our innovation area, really focusing on how we continue to push the envelope. We have created a culture of change and innovation. And, throughout the years, we’ve always been on the forefront of technology. We’ve always been three to five years ahead of the industry in general.”
Dr. Demetriou adds that the use of telehealth technology in today’s rapidly evolving healthcare landscape allows Millennium patients to have access to a clinician from anywhere, and that’s a powerful thing.
“Millennium’s focus is preventive health,” he says,. “and the best way to achieve that is through communication, access and follow-up.”
Peet explains that technology isn’t a way for physicians to be more hands-off, but actually quite the opposite.
“We provide the technology to support our physicians, which then, in turn, allows them to spend more time face-to-face with their patients, which is why they got into medicine in the first place,” Peet says. “Patients get easier access to health care and meaningful time with their health care providers.”
Millennium Physician Group’s expansion into the Tampa-area market means more health care providers connecting with more patients, supporting their mission to connect the best doctors, service and quality.
Every patient, every time.
Millennium Physician Group’s Virtual Clinic is available Mon.-Fri., 8 a.m.-9 p.m. For more information, call (877) 748-1114 or (239) 320-8138. Dr. Nektarios Demetriou’s Millennium Physician Group office is located at 2649 Windguard Cir., Ste. 101, Wesley Chapel. For info, call (813) 723-1303 or visit MillenniumPhysician.com.
