The Laker-Wesley Chapel/New Tampa-April 30, 2014

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APRIL 30, 2014

Pasco could ground advertising signs

By Michael Hinman mhinman@lakerlutznews.com

More than a decade after she led a crusade to lower new business advertising signs in Pasco County, Kathryn Starkey is gearing up to bring the “grandfathered” ones up to code. The county commissioner says it’s time her colleagues start looking into enforcing the sign laws — which typically limit sign height at 11 feet — uniformly across Pasco, including those signs that pre-date the 2003 changes to the ordinance. Starkey, however, says she won’t push it without trying to find at least some help for business owners, who would have to invest in new signs. “One of the biggest complaints I get is the old signs that are still up, so we got to

figure out a way to help those businesses bring those signs to our new look,” Starkey said.“It’s difficult. It’s a financial investment, but I think we should incentivize them to bring them up to the current code.” How to incentivize those businesses is still a big question mark, but one possibility could be offering small grants or even lowinterest microloans to help defray the costs, Starkey said. Businesses with grandfathered signs have been allowed to keep them as long as they are not changed in a way that would make them become “more non-conforming” to the ordinance. After 11 years, some of those signs are starting to show their age, and are looking more and more out of place in areas See SIGNS, page 12

MICHAEL HINMAN/STAFF PHOTO

It’s usually Golden Arches in the sky when there’s a McDonald’s around. But the newest McDonald’s at 1733 Bruce B. Downs Boulevard in Wesley Chapel has a sign at ground level, thanks to a Pasco County ordinance, and the early efforts of Pasco County Commissioner Kathryn Starkey.

Local woman revels in Boston Marathon run By B.C. Manion bcmanion@lakerlutznews.com

Trish Trout can scratch an item off her bucket list. The Wesley Chapel woman completed the 118th Boston Marathon on April 21, finishing the 26.2-mile course in 6 hours and 14 minutes. It was a day that she’ll never forget. “I was in the center of the Boston Marathon,”Trout said.“You’re a rock star for a day. It’s like everybody’s your best friend.” It came a year after bombings rocked the event, and security was tight, Trout said. Military police, Boston police and other law enforcement officers were stationed about every 150 yards along the route. Helicopters hovered over the crowds. Armored trucks blocked roads. Bomb-sniffing dogs walked through the crowds,Trout added. “My cheering section could not get to the finish line because it was lockdown. Even VIP ticket holders were kept out,” she said. See MARATHON, page 12

PHOTOS COURTESY OF TRISH TROUT

Trish Trout is taking it all in as she runs in the 118th Boston Marathon.

Eat, drink and help charity with wine walk By Michael Murillo mmurillo@lakerlutznews.com

Next Wednesday, patrons at The Shops at Wiregrass will drink wine, sample food, listen to live music, and do a little shopping. And they’ll help a charity at the same time. Wine Walk Wednesdays, a series of four events scheduled for this year, continues on May 7 at the shopping center, 28211 Paseo Drive in Wesley Chapel.The annual charity series benefits the Jason Ackerman Foundation, an organization that provides educational opportunities and entertainment experiences for young people who have endured various types of tragic circumstances. They provide scholarship funds directly to four-year universities, community colleges and vocational training schools to benefit re-

COURTESY OF THE SHOPS AT WIREGRASS

Hundreds of people helped The Shops at Wiregrass raise more than $8,000 at last month’s Wine Walk Wednesday. Next week’s event will be the last one until September.

cipients based on financial need and their desire to make a positive impact on the community. Wine Walk Wednesdays is fun for anyone

looking for a fun destination, said Shops marketing director Debbie Detweiler. “It’s a great thing not only for ‘girls night out,’ but also for couples as well,” she said. “And there are families who come out and they’re enjoying the entertainment and activities. It’s really casual and just a fun night, and it’s all for a great cause.” Those who want to eat and drink will receive “passports” and a map, showing them the location of each tasting station. In addition to sampling wine and food, visitors can enjoy live music on two stages, mini-massages and models showing off the latest fashions. There also will be caricature artists and free painting classes available. While Wine Walk Wednesdays has been happening for a few years, the format See WINE, page 12


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