The Volleyball Wildcats Are Loaded & Eyeing A State Title

Chloe Danielson goes up for one of her school-record 375 kills during last season’s region championship game. (Photos: Mike Bitting)

When Wesley Chapel High (WCH) volleyball coach Brittany Collison looks at this season’s roster, it’s hard not to dream big. 

Not only did the Wildcats put together their best record, 19-5, in the school’s history last year, they won their first District title in 20 years, won two Regional playoff games for the first time ever and fell just one victory short of a trip to the State Final Four.

And this year’s roster? Well, it looks mighty familiar.

“I only lost three seniors from last year, so really the bulk of my team is still here,” says Collison. “It’s going to be a good year. There are high expectations, not only for me but the girls really want it. They’re all really excited.”

Eight of the 12 players return from last year’s squad, including arguably the best player in school history in senior outside hitter Chloe Danielson. The 6-foot Danielson had a school-record 375 kills in 2021, and was named Pasco County’s Player of the Year. 

She had plenty of help, however. 

(L.-r.) Brooke Ashkenase (2021 leader in digs), Chloe Danielson (kills) and Jenna Ly (assists) all return this season for Wesley Chapel High, a Region finalist last year. (Photo: Mike Bitting)

Juniors Lizzy Ekechi and Grace Korta each had more than 100 kills, and sophomore Emily Teets had 72. Senior Jenna Ly led the team in service aces and assists and junior Brooke Ashkenase led in digs and serves received.

The Wildcats have added some new firepower as well. Transfer Emma Letourneau, a 5-foot-11 junior, will make the WCH attack that much more explosive, after leading Pasco High with 198 kills last season.

“Last year, I think we did rely on Chloe a ton,” Collison says. “We are going to have a lot more options this year.”

In prepping for 2022, Collison says she has seen a lot of good signs that the Wildcats could make more history. The taste of coming so close last year has lingered throughout the offseason.

Collison said Korta and Ekechi have both grown as players, and Teets, Ly and Ashkenase have both markedly improved.

“When we came back for open gym this summer, and I saw how everyone had improved, I was like, ‘Wow, we’re going to be good,’” the coach said.

The Wildcats were traditionally one of the worst teams in Pasco County until Collison was hired in 2017. Before that, WCH had cycled through six different coaches the previous eight years.

However, Collison didn’t have immediate success. Her first two seasons at Wesley Chapel, her teams were 10-32.

Gradually, the ‘Cats started getting some standout players, starting with Jordan and Chloe Danielson. The sisters’ first season together was 2019-20, and they led WCH to a 14-11 season, the first time the program had ever registered double-digit wins. The following season, the Wildcats were 17-6 and went to the Regional playoffs for the first time since 2003, as the sisters combined for 400 kills.

Even though Jordan graduated in 2021, Collison was able to continue building her team around Chloe, thanks in part to the growth of club volleyball, which provides playing and training year-round. She says everyone on her team is a member of a club somewhere and competes year-round.

Collison has beefed up the schedule as well this year, with two high-level tournaments, in the hopes that if her team reaches the Region final again, it will be more battle-tested than it was in 2021.

“The majority of the team are kids that are go-getters, that want to get better,” she says. “They want to prove this year that this hasn’t just been a lucky two years in a row. Our goal is to win Districts first, but because we came so close last year, we are definitely looking at the State final four this season.”

Meanwhile, Cypress Creek High (CCH) also is looking for another good season. Last year, the Coyotes went 17-6, with half of those losses to Wesley Chapel. CCH made it to last year’s Class 5A, District 5 final before falling to the Wildcats, but as runner-up, still advanced to the Region quarterfinals. 

Unlike WCH, however, almost half of the Coyotes’ roster has graduated, including most of their statistical leaders. The top returners are expected to be kills and blocks leader Sadie Walker, a junior, and setter and libero Laney Brinson.

At Wiregrass Ranch High (WRH), the Bulls are coming off a 9-10 season but have one of the best all-around players in Pasco County in junior outside hitter Haley Strawser.

Strawser had 191 kills and 54 aces to lead the team in 2021, and was second in blocks and digs and third in assists.

Gianna Ginesin, Victoria Vizciano and Delaney Moran all played key roles for the Bulls last season and are expected to return this season.

Volleyball season tips off tonight, when WCH plays at Zephyrhills (7:30 p.m. start) and Cypress Creek plays at Pasco High at 7 p.m. on Aug. 23.

Wiregrass Ranch hosts Brooks DeBartolo Collegiate High at 7:30 p.m. on Aug. 24.

For schedules and stats, visit MaxPreps.com and search for each school.

How The Millage Referendum Could Help Our Community

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.

The Cathedral Of Worship & Praise — A Product Of The Pandemic

Bishop Carl Curry, who also is a Chaplain at AdventHealth Wesley Chapel, came to Tampa from New York City with his family and started a new church — The Cathedral of Worship & Praise, located in the Healing Plaza building next to AHWC.  (Photos provided by Bishop Carl Curry)

The Cathedral of Worship and Praise Christian Center started as a way for people to connect virtually online during the pandemic in December 2020.

Once it was safe to do so, Bishop Carl R. Curry — who prefers to go by “Bishop Carl” and is the independent Pastor of the church — says, “God presented the opportunity,” and The Cathedral began holding services in person on Sunday mornings at 11 a.m. in the Healing Plaza building next to AdventHealth Wesley Chapel. The first service was held on Easter Sunday of this year.

He says the services are “concentrated” to last no more than an hour and 15 minutes, and focus on the Word of God, instead of the big production elements (such as lights and smoke) that are often popular in big churches.

“I grew up in big churches, where the lights and the glitz and the gospel singing were stirring and moving,” says Bishop Carl. “But, when it’s all said and done, my moment was good, but it did nothing for my spiritual journey, as far as something that I could take with me when I left the building.”

So, at The Cathedral, Bishop Carl says he focuses on “rendering experiences that are life-changing.”

He says his church is nondenominational, but that he sees all of humanity as the church’s denomination. While many denominations have been created because of disagreements — with some people splitting off to form a new denomination — Bishop Carl is all about unity and, he says, the power of God that comes from the Bible.

“I give people freely what I learned in seminary,” he says. “Sometimes, what you hear from the pulpit is opinion, not rightful interpretation.”

Bishop Carl was first ordained as a Senior Pastor 12 years ago in New York City and was consecrated a Bishop in August 2021 by Churches of The Body of Christ Fellowship. He is part of the Joint College of Bishops for the organization, which is a fellowship of believers, rather than a specific denomination.

Bishop Carl’s wife and Co-Pastor Yonnicka (left) also is an important part of The Cathedral of Worship & Praise, where everyone seeking the Word of God is always welcome to attend online or in person. 

Curry holds a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Theology from New Life Theological Seminary in Charlotte, NC, and a Master of Science (M.S.) degree in Christian Family Counseling from New Hope Institutional Academy in Amityville, NY. He also holds a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree in psychology from Liberty University in Lynchburg, VA, and is currently working on a M.S. degree program in spiritual care from AdventHealth University in Orlando.

After 40 years of ministry in New York City, Bishop Carl says he and his wife (and Co-Pastor) Yonnicka moved their family to Tampa six years ago because God called them here.

They both took jobs at AdventHealth Wesley Chapel — Yonnicka as a respiratory therapist and Bishop Carl as a Chaplain — and then moved into Live Oak Preserve in New Tampa with their three children — 13-year-old Zidan and 6-year-old twins Mordecai and Aviana.

From their home to their jobs, to church, their entire commute is a total of six minutes. 

“All of it happened effortlessly,” Bishop Carl explains. While he wasn’t seeking to move away from New York, he and Yonnicka felt called to the area and to starting a new church here.

The Light & The Pandemic

He says that starting during the Covid-19 pandemic was a way to meet people where they were, even as churches went into lockdown phase and some churches couldn’t survive it.

“We were able to help people deal with what was happening to them on a day-to-day basis,” he says.

Now, he’s bringing people together who are looking for more than just a “ritualistic worshipping of God on a specific day at a specific time.”

He says it’s all about relationships, and letting people know that everyone has value, and that both God and the people at The Cathedral are willing to meet you right where you are.

 â€œWe’re not called to be perfect or created to be perfect,” says Bishop Carl. “We’re called to be holy.”

Toni is a Wesley Chapel resident who attends church at The Cathedral and asked that we only use her first name.

“I started watching the church services on Zoom,” says Toni, who also said she had Covid early on in the pandemic and was mostly staying home, rather than attending services in person. “Then, when they had their first (in-person) service, I went and it was very good.”

Toni says she grew up in a church where she got there early in the morning and often stayed most of the day, but now, many people don’t want to sit in church all day. She says the 11 a.m. time on Sundays is perfect for her and that she likes that the service only lasts for a little more than an hour.

“The service is awesome,” she says. “I like the music and I like the preaching. (Bishop Carl is) very articulate, very knowledgeable and well-versed in the Word of God.”

Bishop Carl’s experience as both a counselor in New York and now as a Chaplain in Wesley Chapel has given him a lot of insight into how people are feeling about the world we live in right now, saying that many are feeling bombarded with local, national and global problems.

“There’s a lot of depression and anxiety with the rise in the housing market, inflation, parents feeling disconnected from kids, and kids are feeling disconnected from parents,” he explains. “There’s a lot of separatism going on, and we want to move the mindset and focus onto something greater than ourselves.”

Voices For Unity Concert

The Cathedral plans to be a voice for unity in the community, having hosted a program in downtown Tampa bringing Christians together to support Ukraine and co-hosting (with Churches of The Body of Christ) an upcoming Voices for Unity Concert (see ad below) on Friday, August 12, 7 p.m. (at the Healing Plaza), calling for people of every denomination to come together as one.

“The theme is ‘Many Denominations, One Voice,” says Bishop Carl. “It will be a fellowship concert of praise, worship, liturgical dance, prayer and coming together for all humanity. Come and receive your miracle!”

Previously, the church’s online services have been held via Zoom but, beginning in August, they will be live-streamed through a platform called FaithLife. Bishop Carl says links to the live stream will be posted on The Cathedral’s Facebook page, which you can find by searching “The Cathedral of Worship and Praise Christian Center” on Facebook.

The Cathedral of Worship and Praise Christian Center meets at 2950 Healing Way in Wesley Chapel in the Healing Plaza building on Sunday mornings at 11 a.m. For more information, visit TheCathedralofWP.com, email TheCathedralofWP@gmail.com, call (813) 943-9773 or see the ad on page 30 of this issue.

Grocery News, Cooper’s Hawk Is Official & More!

Those eager for a green grocer or something other than a Publix in the area, your best bet might be a future grocery store planned for Curley Rd. near the Epperson MetroLagoon.

Plans are in the final stage of permitting to begin a commercial project located at Curley Rd. and Overpass Rd., at the entrance to Wesley Chapel’s lagoon community neighborhood.

Originally reported in December 2019, the project will include an unnamed 55,401-sq.-ft. grocery store with 4,200-sq.-ft. of additional attached retail. The 35-acre site also includes an additional outparcel for future development.

Also at Epperson, the 7.5-acre MetroLagoon itself is getting some upgrades. An expansion of the amenities will include a 4,500-sq.-ft. clubhouse located at the north end of the lagoon, a 700-sq.-ft. restroom building centrally located on the east side of the lagoon (adjacent to the Epperson Lagoon Townhomes), five gazebo/pavilion shade structures, 97 additional parking spaces and 96 golf cart parking spaces.

SPORTS COMPETITION

Academy Sports + Outdoors (AS + O) has been one of the longest-rumored stores coming to the Cypress Creek Town Center North area. It was on some of the original maps touting the area long before many of the businesses that are up and running were ever mentioned. And finally, it’s just about here.

One of the nation’s largest sporting goods and outdoor sellers, AS + O is in permitting to open a 63,700-sq.-ft. store on the same lot as (and adjacent to) PopStroke, which already is under construction, behind the Chipotle and Walk-On’s Bistreaux & Bar on the north side of S.R. 56, across from the Tampa Premium Outlets.

AS + O, headquartered in Katy, TX, a suburb of Houston, has more than 260 stores, and says on its website that its 2021 sales exceeded $6.77 billion.

Academy is similar to DICK’s Sporting Goods, selling a variety of hunting, fishing, and camping gear, along with name-brand sports equipment and apparel, footwear and bikes.

The sporting goods chain opened its most recent store in Panama City, FL, but the Wesley Chapel location will be just the second in the Tampa Bay area and the 15th in Florida.

The first Tampa Bay store, in Pinellas Park, is expected to be completed by the end of the year. The Wesley Chapel location will open sometime in 2023.

“Tampa Bay is not only known for its enthusiastic sports fan base but also boasts renowned fishing, beaches and outdoor activities,” said Sam Johnson, Academy’s executive vice president of retail operations. “Whether you’re soaking up the sun on the beach, hitting the bay, or heading to a Lightning game, our team is eager to serve the local community and make it easier to have fun and gear up by providing great value and unmatched service.” 

AS + O is one of a number of businesses coming up in the coming months near the Wesley Chapel Blvd. and S.R. 56/54 intersection, such as St. Luke’s Eye Center (next to Miller’s Ale House), El Dorado Furniture (across S.R. 56 from Miller’s, which is opening soon), Chicken Salad Chick (next to Zaxby’s; see story on pg. 44) and Harley Davidson of Wesley Chapel less than a half-mile north of 56 on Wesley Chapel Blvd.

Cooper's hawk

DONE DEAL!

It’s official — Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant is coming to Wiregrass Ranch.

While we first told you back in early June that it was coming, the much-anticipated eatery finally submitted its plans to Pasco County in July for a 10,570-sq.-ft. restaurant. It will be located at the northwest corner of S.R. 56 and Lajuana Blvd. (the road that leads to the Wiregrass Ranch Sports Campus of Pasco County), just east of the existing Culver’s restaurant. 

According to its website, since it was founded in 2005 in Illinois by CEO Tim McEnery as that state’s first winery/restaurant, Cooper’s Hawk has received more than 500 wine awards from various local, national, and international wine competitions.

In 2021, Copper’s Hawk was named by USA Today as the top winery restaurant in the U.S. in a reader’s survey.

It is expected to open in Wiregrass Ranch sometime in mid-2023. 

NEW CONVENIENCES

There are two Daybreak Market & Fuel convenience stores now either under construction or in permitting in Wesley Chapel.

One location is at the southeast corner of S.R. 54 and New River Rd., and a second store is being built at the corner of Hueland Pond Blvd. and S.R. 56, right across Hueland Blvd. from where the new Orlando Hospital Wiregrass Ranch (see story on pg. 4) will be located.

Both convenience stores will be roughly 4,800-sq.ft. Daybreak Market & Fuel was founded in 2019, and has six current locations, three of them in Port Charlotte, FL.

Daybreak Market & Fuel carries 76Âź fuel, which it touts as being top of the line.

WHAT’S IN A NAME?

We’re not sure if the name is staying the same, but the Wesley Chapel Latin Market is being built on S.R. 54.

The only thing is, despite its name, the market is located in Zephyrhills, at 35500 S.R. 54.

However, it’s just a short drive (a little more than a mile) east of Wesley Chapel, and will be the area’s first Latin market. The 12,000-sq.-ft. market is in permitting, and there are no other details available at our press time.

Do You Know Who You’re Voting For In Pasco On August 23?

Biographies of Candidates for Pasco Voters on the August 23 Primary Ballot 

U.S. Congress, District 12  (Republican Primary only)

Gus M. Bilirakis (incumbent)
Congressman Gus M. Bilirakis is a Republican representing Florida’s 12th Congressional District, which includes all of Pasco and northern parts of Pinellas and Hillsborough counties. According to his Ballotpedia profile, he was first elected to Congress on November 7, 2006.

Gus serves on the House’s Energy and Commerce Committee. He is the Ranking Member of the Consumer Protection & Commerce Subcommittee and a Member of the Health Subcommittee and Communications and Technology Subcommittee.

With 38 bills he authored signed into law since 2015, Congressman Bilirakis was recently designated as the Most Effective Republican Lawmaker in the State of Florida by the Center for Effective Lawmaking at Vanderbilt University.   

Chris Leiser

Chris Leiser is a fourth generation Floridian born in Bartow in Polk County 1978 and graduated Countryside High in Clearwater in 1996. On a Ballotpedia candidate survey, he said, “God has been making a way for me before conception. By the grace of God I know him, first and foremost I am a believer, a father, a husband and a patriot with a deep sense of obligation to we the people & our constitution.” He also has been an entrepreneur since childhood. “I have always enjoyed problem solving, engineering and building things. I have been in the construction industry for over 24 years, (involved with) projects exceeding billions. In 2003 I married my high school love, Tina. We have two beautiful children, Channing & Madison.”

From 2004-06, Chris was an instructor at Sinclair Community College. He says, “Through the majority of my career, I had the privilege to serve the US Army of Corp of Engineers, constructing projects from Fort Polk, Fort Benning, Fort Bragg, Fort Stewart, Fort Campbell, multiple AFB and VA hospitals.” He added, “Politicians are supposed to always put us, the constituents first (their bosses), America & Americans first. This has not been the case for a very long time and President Trump brought that to everyone’s attention.”

Jack Martin

Jack Martin was born in Newark, NJ. According to his Ballotpedia profile, Martin studied at Union County College and Zion Bible College and earned a Bachelor’s degree from Central Bible College in 1983. His career experience includes working as a Senior Pastor, county fire department Chaplain, and member of the Florida ESF-8 emergency response team. Martin has been affiliated with the Assemblies of God, the Republican Party of Florida, the NRA, the Republican Liberty Caucus, and Liberty Pastors.

Brian Perras

Brian Perras is a Christian conservative, native Pasco County resident who lives in his childhood home. Brian graduated from Ridgewood High in 1996. He’s a third generation military veteran. He enlisted in the Navy in 1997, however; his military career was cut short after sustaining an injury. He served on the USS Enterprise and received an honorable discharge. Thereafter, he graduated from SCUN with a Bachelor of Arts degree.

He lives by his oath to protect and defend the Constitution against ALL enemies, foreign and domestic. The state our Republic is in is what prompted Brian to run for Congress. 

To learn more about his campaign, please visit Perras4Congress.com or Facebook.com/brianperrasforcongress. 

“We are no longer being represented or protected. I’m an America First Constitutionalist who is willing to serve and protect WE, THE PEOPLE at any cost!”

Sid Preskitt

Sid Preskitt was born in Birmingham, Alabama. According to his Ballotpedia profile, Sid earned a vocational degree from the College of Oceaneering in 1973. Preskitt’s career experience includes working in commercial diving. As of 2022, Preskitt was the operations director of a commercial diver training facility. 

His campaign website (Preskittfor Congress.com) promises “No Compromises on” the US Constitution’s original intent, the 2nd Amendment, border security/legal immigration, military readiness, education reform, election integrity, energy independence, no medical mandates, health freedom & term limits.

He says, “Evil is powerless if the good are unafraid.”

*****

Pasco County Commission,  District 2 (Rep. Primary only)

Troy Stevenson

According to his TroyForPasco.com website, Troy believes in responsible & sustainable growth, multimodal transportation and infrastructure, supporting first responders and fostering community engagement. Troy is a conservative who values God, family, and country. He has personally raised funds to help families in need, and also made it his mission to support our law enforcement men and women by raising the funds needed for the Pasco Sheriff’s Office to acquire three K-9 Police dogs. 

Troy has been an active member of the Pasco County community for over 20 years. For the past 16 years, Troy has been an active First Responder for NDMS (National Disaster Medical Services) and has served during Hurricane Katrina, Maria, SuperStorm Sandy, and various vaccination and relief efforts. He is a dedicated family man who has been married to his wife Iris for more than 27 years. He is an active member of his church: Life Church in Wesley Chapel. He is on the Board of Directors of the Wesley Chapel Rotary and the North Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce. 

Troy owns Acme on the Go, a LED mobile billboard Truck Fleet, that markets local business. He has donated his Trucks and Services to hundreds of community events.  

Seth Weightman

According to his SethWeightman.com website, Seth was appointed by Gov. Ron DeSantis to the Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) Board and voted to cut your taxes two times on the SWFWMD Board. He is a small business owner and active community servant who says he is a “common sense leader, who brings the knowledge and skills needed to help Pasco thrive.” 

Seth and his wife, Jessica — both Pasco natives — are proudly raising their two children in Pasco and are ready to tackle the issues that matter to our community.

On the issues, Seth says he will work to strengthen our local economy, invest in sustainable infrastructure, promote public safety and preserve Pasco’s identity with smart growth. Continuing a family legacy of service, Seth is actively involved in our community and ready to stand for us as Pasco County Commissioner.

Christie Zimmer

According to her ZimmerForPasco.com website, Christie says, “Public service was instilled in me from an early age. My mother, Bonnie Zimmer, served Pasco County on both the County Commission and the School Board. And, for over 20 years, I have worked to better manage growth in Pasco as Chair, Vice-Chair and member of the Citizens Advisory Board for the Pasco MPO. But, I have learned that, ultimately, the decisions on where to locate new neighborhoods and apartment complexes, and at what density, rests with the County Commission. For too long those decisions have been dominated by development interests with heavy checkbooks.”

She adds that, “With me on the County Commission, we will have an experienced business woman, who knows the development code, fighting for communities who want to retain their character and fighting to keep from having more people than we have roads, schools and water to accommodate.”

Christie is a past president of both the East and Central Pasco Assn. of Realtors, a member of the Pasco 54 Corridor Study, and was a Founding Member of the Nature Coast Volunteers for Veterans.

*****

Pasco County Commission,  District 4 (Rep. Primary only)

Gary Bradford

According to his VoteGaryBradford.com website, Gary has over 38 years of experience in the first responder community, primarily serving the Tampa Police Dept. from 1982 to 2007 as a law enforcement officer. After retirement in 2007, Gary started Bradford Group, a government relations firm specializing in advocacy for the men and women of the first responder community. 

Gary has been working closely with the first responder community advocating for the first responders in Tallahassee, various county commissions and city councils. In Tallahassee, he is part of the Florida Benevolent Association’s lobbying team that represents over 33,000 law enforcement officers, sheriff’s deputies, corrections officers, probation officers, Florida Wildlife Commission officers, Florida Highway Patrol troopers and various other first responder units. Gary served his fellow first responder community in Tallahassee until he retired in 2022.

Gary rose through the ranks to major management community relations positions. These positions included various assignments such as Police Officer, Field Training Officer, School Resource Officer, Hostage Negotiator (Tactical Response Team), Patrol District Corporal, Community Relations Corporal, and Senior Detective. Gary and his wife Deborah have called Land O’Lakes home for 20+ years.

Christina “Fitzy” Fitzpatrick (Incumbent)

According to her ChristinaFitzpatrick.com website, Commissioner Christina Fitzpatrick is committed to building a better future for Pasco County and its citizens. 

Christina was born in Yonkers, NY, but moved to New Port Richey, FL, 33 years ago. She has spent most of her life in Pasco County; she went to school, worked, started businesses, and created non-profits here. Christina has a strong love for education. She believes that solid academics form a basis for a strong life. Christina attended Ridgewood High and graduated with honors. She then earned her Associate of Arts degree from Pasco Hernando Community College. Next, she earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration from the University of South Florida.

Hard work and determination helped create Christina’s success. In addition to her duties as a Pasco County Commissioner, she also manages the operations of Miracles Schools. Miracles is a Pasco-based school, dedicated to giving quality education to children with special needs. She serves as administrator and principal of the school.

Shannon J. Wittwer

According to her Shannon4PascoCC.com website, Shannon says, “The responsibilities of county commissioners are immense. As our county continues to grow, we have one chance to get it right.  This requires clear vision… new eyes. Eyes that can see that our county is in desperate need of new leadership and ears that can hear the voice of the people and what’s important to them. We need someone who is NOT a politician. We need someone who is willing to fight on behalf of the people. We need someone who isn’t afraid to say, “NO” and who will ask the tough questions. That is me!”

Shannon’s top priorities for Pasco are balanced growth, keeping taxes low, safeguarding the community, community involvement and supporting small businesses, veterans and seniors. 

She says, “I am a Christ follower, wife, mom of 2, owner of a construction/remediation company, and a constitutional conservative. I have lived in Pasco County for seven years and almost 20 years in Florida.

​“I never saw myself getting involved in politics until recent events opened my eyes, and I realized that change was needed. Putting my hat in the ring was not any easy decision to make, but one that I felt compelled to do.” 

*****

Pasco County School Board,  District 1 (Non-Partisan)

Al Hernandez

According to his AlHernandez.org website, Al says he is running because, “It is all about our children’s fundamental education, the overall well-being of the families in our community, and the hard working staff of a District who is balancing policy and safety in order to take care of our students and their families. While I can passionately speak to reasons like financial literacy, workforce creation, and my continued advocacy for parents to have the ability to take an active role in their children’s education, most importantly is my drive to see my community full of culture and solid education.”

Al, who has been married for 27 years, graduated from Miami Senior High; obtained an Associates of Arts degree from Miami-Dade Community College; earned a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management and a Master’s degree in International Business & Finance, both from Nova Southeastern University. He also taught economics, marketing, and business management as an Adjunct Professor for Florida National University. 

“I am a firm believer that God helped me through each stage of my life for a purpose. I also am a proud product of the public education system. I value a family rooted in faith, a strong education, hard work, and a solid moral compass.”

Stephen A. Meisman

According to his Steve4PascoKids.com  website, Steve says, “My pronoun is MAN. I identify as a husband and father and I plan to remove the WOKE agenda from Pasco Schools!”

He adds that, as a parent, small business owner, taxpayer and community member, he is running for Pasco County School Board District 1 because he is “fed up with the corruption in our current system. I know the only way to make a change is to stand up and become the force behind the change we want to see.” 

In addition, Steve, who is married and has two school-aged children, says he will “bring a unique parents’ point of view to Pasco Schools.” As a father who has both home-schooled his kids and taught them in Public School, Steve has experienced first-hand how the District is leaving the students of Pasco County unprepared, uneducated and he is standing up to fix it.

He says his goals are to “remove Cultural Marxism from Pasco County Schools, and begin teaching Pasco students HOW to Think, not WHAT to think.”

James Washington

According to his Vote4JamesWashington.com website, James says, “For too long, our District has focused on the growth along the SR 54 corridor, while ignoring the impending growth of east Pasco. Growth is important. As a District, we should be working with the State Legislature, the County Commission, and local businesses and nonprofits to meet that growth by building new schools, as well as provide resources to our established schools.” 

James, who has been an educator for 27 years, 16 of which have been in Pasco County schools, is a graduate of Anclote Elementary, Gulf Middle School and Gulf High. He has a B.A. degree in English Education and an M.Ed. degree in reading, both from St. Leo (College, now) University.

 James is a two-time Teacher of the Year who has taught at Pasco, Gulf and Zephyrhills high schools, and was a District runner-up for Pasco Teacher of the Year. His mother is a retired Pasco County teacher, his wife is a current Pasco County teacher and one of his three sons is a freshman at Cypress Creek High. He says, “I will improve the quality or our children’s education while creating an atmosphere where teachers don’t feel limited and all families are welcomed and involved.”

*****

Pasco County School Board,  District 3 (Non-Partisan)

Cynthia Armstrong (Incumbent)

Although we couldn’t find a website for her, Cynthia first won election to the Pasco School Board in 2010. The New Port Richey real estate agent and three-term incumbent, (according to a Tampa Bay Times July 6 profile), “acknowledged that some actions made residents unhappy. But initiatives such as repurposing some schools and altering bus routes have been necessary during financially tight times.”

The Times profile also says she, “wants to continue efforts such as expanding choice offerings and providing more rigorous courses. She also has advocated for stronger District funding, including the property tax referendum to boost employee pay.”

Matt Geiger

According to his Ballotpedia profile, Matt was born in Pennsylvania. He earned a Bachelor’s degree from La Roche University in 1996 and a graduate degree from Slippery Rock University in 2001. He earned a second graduate degree from the California University of Pennsylvania in 2007.

Matt’s career experience includes working for 25 years as a teacher, guidance counselor, teacher union rep, school and District administrator. He has sat on multiple boards, including the Boy Scouts of America, YMCA, local nonprofits and neighborhood boards. He has been married for 21 years and has three school-aged children. 

“My platform is to listen and fight for the rights of students and parents, increase teachers salaries and seek an independent Financial Audit to find wasteful spending in the District. I also want to create an information hub where parents & students can get educational/career planning outside of the school day. I will hold the Pasco School District administration accountable, make all schools safe and have a positive culture, increase transparency, performance in all low-performing schools and create a parent council.”

*****

Pasco County School Board,  District 5 (Non-Partisan)

Megan Harding (Incumbent)

Megan was elected to the Pasco School Board in November 2018, bringing keen insight into the education system and a commitment to put children first — passions central throughout her life and work, first as a young student herself, as well as a sister, teacher, volunteer, and actively engaged citizen.

Raised in Pasco County and educated in its public schools, she holds a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of South Florida and a Master’s Degree in Reading K-12 from Saint Leo University. She taught in Pasco County Schools for seven years before deciding to run for the School Board with the aim to give a greater voice to students, teachers, staff, and community.

Once elected, she resigned her teaching position to focus on School Board priorities and, today, she is actively involved in the schools and wider Pasco community. Megan spends her time inside schools and working within the District as an advocate and volunteer, while teaching part-time in the Elementary Education Dept. at Saint Leo University, and serving on the Board of Directors for the Florida School Board Association. She is married to Jeromy Harding, and the couple lives in New Port Richey with their dog, Piper.

Charles Phillip Touseull

According to his VoteDoctorT.com website, Charles (or “Dr. T”) says he, “will foster an environment which respects parental rights and provides District accountability while keeping families informed.”

Originally from Hicksville, NY, Charles made Florida his home in 1990. He’s been married to his wife Susie for 15 years and they have three children and five grandchildren, with two attending Pasco schools.

He says he has, “always been a strong advocate for education” and has taught in the Pasco School system. Charles has earned an A.A.S. degree from Nassau (NY) Community College, a B.S. in Medical Biology from C.W. Post College (NY) and a Doctor of Chiropractic degree from the NY Chiropractic College. He has owned and operated chiropractic practices in NY and FL. 

“I am a follower of Jesus Christ, a fighter for the family, a constitutional conservative and a believer that we must invest in children, so they can live a prosperous life!”

*****

Circuit Judge — 6th Judicial Circuit, Grp. 22 (Non-Partisan)

Nicholas “Nick” Fiorentino

Nick graduated from Clearwater High, St. Pete College, the University of South Florida and Stetson College of Law.  He has been practicing law in the Sixth Circuit for nearly 2 decades. 

He says, “When selecting judges, it is important that candidates have a wide variety of experience in and out of the courtroom.  I have represented clients and litigated matters in all major areas of law that a Circuit Court Judge may be assigned, including family, probate, civil, and criminal.  I am a Florida Supreme Court Certified Mediator (in Family Law), a Parent Coordinator, and a Florida Supreme Court Qualified Arbitrator.  

I chose to run for Circuit Court Judge because it is important for us to have judges who will work hard for the citizens they serve, will treat everyone before them with respect and will make timely and consistent rulings in the cases before them. Judges should serve the community in and out of the courtroom, and my legal and community experience shows that I will do that if elected. Please visit my website at Fiorentino4Judge.com to review my qualifications, experience and community service. 

Cynthia Newton (Incumbent)

A member of the St. Petersburg and Clearwater Bar Associations, Judge Newton earned a B.A. degree in Philosophy from the University of South Carolina in 1989 and her Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from the Gonzaga University School of Law in 1994. She was admitted to the Florida Bar and the Middle District of Florida in 1994 and served as Assistant Public Defender (1995-2004), where she spent eight years handling felony cases and litigated over 100 jury trials as lead counsel. 

Judge Newton’s CynthiaNewton4Judge.com website says she was elected Circuit Court Judge in 2004 and served in the Family Law Division in Clearwater (2005-07), Criminal Division in Clearwater (2008-15), the Civil Division in St. Petersburg (2015-18), Family Division (2019-20), Civil Division in St. Petersburg (2021-present) and has presided over 100 jury trials as a judge, with just as many non-jury trials. 

She says, “St. Petersburg has been my hometown since I was eleven years old, and in that time, I’ve been proud to be a part of its unique heritage and culture, as well as its tradition of excellence in athletics. That’s a tradition I carried on with me to college athletics, and even today as a triathlete.” 

*****

Pasco County Judge, Group 4 (Non-Partisan)

Clementine “CC” Conde

Clementine “CC” Conde is a native Floridian. She attended the University of Miami in Coral Gables, where she earned her B.A. degree in Political Science. She earned her Law Degree from the Western New England University School of Law in  Massachusetts. 

“CC” has served as a Law Clerk for the late Honorable Judge Salmon in the 11th Judicial Circuit, Dade County.  After the clerkship ended, “CC” worked in the Pinellas-Pasco Public Defender’s Office for 13 years.  She has been in private practice handling criminal, civil and immigration law for the past 17 years.

“CC” has also been an instructor in evidence and trial practice for Pasco-Hernando State College. She has been lead counsel in over 200 jury trials in her 30-year career.

“CC” has a rating as an AV preeminent lawyer by Martindale Hubble. Only 5% of attorneys in the country enjoy this distinction.

Patrick Moore

Patrick Moore is a former Pasco County prosecutor and current Senior Assistant Attorney for Pasco County. He has handled hundreds of criminal and civil trials and spent thousands of hours in the courtroom, dedicating his entire legal career to the citizens of Pasco and keeping our community safe.  He has handled misdemeanors to murders and everything in between, as well as complex civil litigation, appeals, federal litigation, and providing legal guidance to quasi-judicial and administrative boards. 

Patrick is supported by Pasco’s professional firefighters and first responders, many respected local attorneys, elected officials, professional Realtor organizations, prosecutors, the Public Defender, and more for his experience, fairness, integrity, and even temperament. He is the only candidate in this race who currently lives in Pasco County, works in Pasco County, and is raising his family in Pasco County. 

Please visit PatrickMooreForJudge.com for more information about Patrick’s background, qualifications, and experience.