The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

B.C. Manion

Health officer’s contributions praised by Pasco County Commission

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When the COVID-19 pandemic was shutting everything down, Mike Napier and his team were ramping up.

The recently retired health officer for the Florida Department of Health-Pasco County led efforts during the pandemic, building on partnerships the health department had already established within the community, to help prevent the spread of COVID and to respond to those sickened in the pandemic.

Napier collaborated closely with Pasco County, Pasco County Schools and a network of local health providers and community organizations.

Mike Napier, the recently retired health officer for the Florida Department of Health-Pasco County, played a pivotal role in helping Pasco County government, businesses and residents navigate through the COVID-19 pandemic. He was honored for his work recently by the Pasco County County Commission. (Courtesy of Pasco County)

He was immersed in the work of keeping the public informed and creating strategies for making vaccinations available and responding to ever-changing conditions.

Napier’s efforts were acknowledged by the Pasco County Commission during its Aug. 22 meeting, when it adopted a resolution honoring Napier.

The resolution noted that Napier focused on organizational performance and fostered community collaboration.

He worked to provide the first Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) services on a school campus in Pasco, according to the resolution.

The resolution also cited Napier’s selection as the “Pasco County Public Servant of the Year” by the West Pasco Board of Realtors, in 2022, “bestowed upon him for his exemplary service during the COVID-19 pandemic by working closely with the BOCC (Pasco County Commission) and Pasco County School District to provide testing and vaccines.”

Also, the resolution adds that Napier “demonstrated his leadership outside of Pasco County, having been the President of the Florida Association of County Health Officers, President of the Florida Public Health Association, and President of the Florida Association of County Health Department Business Administrators, and accepting the added responsibility of interim Health Officer for Osceola County in 2018 while still maintaining his duties as Health Officer in Pasco County.”

Pasco County Commissioner Kathryn Starkey brought forth the resolution for the board’s action.

“What an inspirational leader you were for this county,” Starkey said, mentioning that Napier was so highly regarded, he was temporarily on loan to the state, in Tallahassee, because of his expertise.

“You were such a leader during COVID. I don’t think any of us will forget, or will ever want to go through again, what we did for that year, or year and a half.

“I’m just grateful that you were here during that time,” Starkey said.

“I just want to congratulate you on such a successful career,” she added.

Commissioner Ron Oakley agreed: “Mike, you’ve done a great job. You’ve done so much for us.”

Commission Chairman Jack Mariano heaped on praise.

“The things you’ve done — not only COVID, but hepatitis, when we had outbreaks,” Mariano said.

Napier’s public awareness campaign led to a significant reduction of hepatitis cases, the county board chairman said.

“You’ve had a great career. You’ve worked hard all of your life. You’ve been very successful. Now, it’s time to enjoy it all,” Mariano told Napier.

Napier responded by sharing the credit for his success with the 160 employees at the health department.

“A leader is only as good as those who follow,” Napier said.

He reminded commissioners that the health department continues to need the county’s support.

“COVID was the latest (major health concern). There is going to be something else,” Napier said.

He told commissioners that much of what goes on at the health department never reaches public view because it works with hospitals, day cares and other places on disease interventions and to prevent outbreaks from getting worse.

He thanked the county board for its support and also voiced appreciation for the help his department has received from the Pasco community.

“We have a great county in Pasco County, and they’re willing to partner, whether it’s the sheriff’s office, or whether it’s the tax collector, the property appraiser. Everyone’s been very supportive of what we do here,” he said.

County board members told Napier they’re confident that his successor, Trang L. Chitakone, who was his assistant county health administrator, will perform well in the role.

Published September 20, 2023

Lutz Church of God gains approval for Land O’ Lakes location

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The Lutz Church of God has been granted a special exception from the Pasco County Planning Commission, allowing it to locate a church on 8.50 acres, on the west side of School Road, at the northernmost intersection of Land O’ Lakes Boulevard and School Road.

The planning board approved the request, with conditions. Planning board Peter Hanzel voted no, saying he doesn’t think the proposed church is compatible with the surrounding development.

Lutz Church of God has been granted a special exception from the Pasco County Planning Commission, allowing it to locate a church on 8.50 acres, on the west side of School Road, at the northernmost intersection of Land O’ Lakes Boulevard. (Mike Camunas)

In granting the request, the planning board stipulated that the future church be prohibited from allowing access to the lake by motorized boats.

The church’s pastor said that won’t be a problem.

It may have an observation deck at some point, so people can view the lake, but has no plans for a boat launch, he said.

Three neighbors spoke against the request.

They said they were worried that the church could create an access to the lake, which already suffers from water quality issues, posing an ecological threat to the lake.

They said if that access was granted, there’s no way of knowing how many members of the congregation would use that access.

They also said the church’s traffic and other impacts would just be another thing they’d have to live with, in an area that already has traffic from nearby Sanders Memorial Elementary School, a church and Christian school on School Road, and Land O’ Lakes Heritage Park.

Planning board members told opponents of the project that the church would not be able to add a boat dock without environmental clearances, which would be unlikely to occur.

The site is flanked on the north by Edmonson Electric; on the east by School Road, vacant property and Land O’ Lakes Boulevard; on the south by wetlands and vacant land; and on the west by Lake Thomas and wetlands.

The site currently has a single residential dwelling, which will remain on the property to be used for church purposes, according to the church’s pastor.

Published September 20, 2023

Pasco County School Board adopts nearly $2 billion budget

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Pasco County Schools’ budget for the 2023-2024 fiscal year is just slightly under $2 billion.

The Pasco County School Board adopted the budget during its second public hearing, held Sept. 11.

Pasco County Schools Superintendent Kurt Browning provided an overview of the budget for the board and public.

The actual 2023-2024 budget amount is $1,996,021,940, which is an increase of $189,409,710 — representing a 10.5% increase, Browning said.

That budget includes all funding types, not just locally generated revenue, the superintendent noted.

“The total tax millage for the 23-24 fiscal year is 6.449 mills. That’s an increase of .933 mills,” Browning said.

Without the 1 mill voter-approved tax to improve salaries for teachers and non-administrative personnel, the district’s tax rate would have been lower by .67 mills, the superintendent added.

One mill equals $1 for every $1,000 of taxable value.

Browning said a homeowner of a $350,000 home, taking into account a $25,000 homestead exemption, would pay $2,096 in taxes. That represents an increase of $303 over last year.

The superintendent offered this rundown on the budget. It includes:

  • A general operating budget of nearly $997.1 million, of which $53 million is from the voter-approved 1 mill increase.
  • A capital budget of $520 million
Operating costs for Angeline Academy of Innovation, plus construction costs for that school’s athletic complex, are part of Pasco County Schools’ 2023-2024 budget. (File)

The operating budget is increasing from $850 million to $997 million, and the capital budget is decreasing by $14 million, Browning said.

He noted the district received $59 million more in state funding, to accommodate a projected growth of 3,479 students and recurring expenses.

He then detailed how some of that $59 million will be spent.

Approximately $11 million will be set aside for charter schools, which are public schools, he said.

About $8 million is set aside for Family Empowerment Scholarships, which the state uses to provide scholarships to private schools.

Other expenses being paid with the additional state funding include $7 million for Florida Retirement System increases, $3 million for health insurance increases, and $3 million for software licenses, utilities and School Resource Officer contract increases.

The 2023-24 budget also includes an increase of 158 school allocations, for an increase of $12 million, Browning said.

He also noted: “There were no increased allocations at the district office, at the district level.”

Additionally, there’s an increase of $1.4 million for allocations and operating costs for the opening of Angeline Academy of Innovation, which opened in August, and for Kirkland Ranch K-8 school, which will open in August 2024.

Browning attributed the decrease in the district’s capital budget to a spending down of bond proceeds on construction projects.

He listed these major capital projects:

  • Completion of the construction of Gulf High School
  • Completion of construction of Kirkland Ranch K-8 school
  • Completion of the Starkey Ranch K-8 wing
  • Completion of the Angeline Academy athletic complex
  • Major renovations of West Zephyrhills Elementary School and Pasco High School

Other capital projects include: Marchman Technical College structural and roofing construction, infrastructure upgrades at various schools and HVAC system replacements.

Speakers at the public hearing urged the board to cut back on spending. They said they and other property owners simply can’t afford the increases.

School board member Cynthia Armstrong noted that the voter-approved tax increase is intended to help the district deal with a persistent problem.

“The whole reason for the salary referendum — the reason it was voted (approved) by over 60% of the voting population was because they saw the need for us to improve the salaries of our non-administrative people, because we were not competitive with the surrounding counties.”

Browning noted: “I’ll be the first to admit and maybe I shouldn’t be saying this, but I’ll be the first to admit, I don’t like the (tax) increase I saw on my house. I did not like it.

“But I will tell you that I know that the increase for the teacher salaries was certainly needed. I voted for it. It was certainly needed in order for us to stay competitive and to continue to have great teachers in our classroom. And, we are getting teachers from Hillsborough, Pinellas and Hernando counties,” he said.

Published September 20, 2023

Pasco Schools helps in response to Hurricane Idalia

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Pasco County Schools has provided a helping hand in response to Hurricane Idalia.

Locally, the district set up and operated five hurricane shelters, to enable Pasco residents who were potentially in harm’s way to leave their homes and to safely wait out the storm.

“I cannot begin to thank our team, our staff, enough for staffing those shelters,” Pasco County Schools Superintendent Kurt Browning said, noting personnel from every district department pitched in to respond.

Pasco County Schools has provided a helping hand in response to Hurricane Idalia, with district employees heading down to Suwannee County to help the school district get ready to reopen. (Mike Camunas)

District crews also responded to give a helping hand to the Suwannee County Schools.

“I got a call on Labor Day wanting to know if we could send a crew to Suwannee District Schools. They have eight schools, total. They were having a hard time getting those schools ready for students, without help.

District employees Mike Witfoth, Richard Witfoth, Harold Wolf and Fred Smith headed to Suwannee County to help the school district get ready to reopen.

They arrived there on Sept. 5 and worked there through Sept. 7, Browning said.

On the first day they arrived, they removed eight dump trucks of materials. The next day, they removed over 30, Browning said.

“These guys slept on hard floors in dark schools, with no electricity. They literally sacrificed … and worked like dogs, ensuring that Suwannee County Schools opened.

“They removed all what they call ‘widow-maker trees’ that were stuck overhead and other trees. They cleaned up all of the downed trees and hauled off tons of debris off their eight school sites.

“So, they were able to open when the rest of the districts opened up,” Browning said.

Assistant Superintendent Betsy Kuhn also thanked district staff for all that they did to open shelters, to feed people in shelters, to transport them there and take care of other duties.

“I saw people acting as waiters and waitresses to some of our elderly residents, to make sure they were taken care of. It really is an experience that makes you feel good to be part of this system, not that we don’t every day, but to see that in action is a really powerful thing,” Kuhn said.

In addition to the shelter staff and management, she thanked the district’s security team, the food and nutrition team, the transportation team and the maintenance team for their work relating to the storm.

In another action, the school board approved Browning’s recommendation to donate 14 buses the district had intended to sell as surplus, but instead are being donated to districts affected by Hurricane Idalia who need them.

In other action, during its Sept. 11 meeting, the board:

  • Approved seeking proposals from firms to conduct an impact fee study that includes “an appropriate and legally defensible impact fee methodology and fee schedules for growth-related capital facilities.” Impact fees for schools are charged against new residential construction and are intended to address the costs associated with additional student enrollment resulting from that new development.
  • Approved a proclamation relating to the importance of school attendance and how that relates to student achievement. Pasco County Schools is placing particular emphasis on student attendance this year, noting that when students  are absent, they lose valuable instructional time, which can cause significant consequences.
  • Approved a proclamation recognizing the month of September as suicide prevention awareness month and supporting education and efforts aimed at helping students, teachers and staff to identify and act upon warning signs and risk facts to prevent the loss of life from suicide.
  • Approved engaging Wagstaff & Cartmell, LLP and its co-counsel Alfonso Hersch, P.A.; Hand Arendall Harrison Sale, LLC; Beasley Allen Cros, Methvin Portis & Miles, P.C.; and Goza & Honnold, LLC, to provide legal services in connection with the pursuit of claims for damages associated with social media in litigation.

Published September 20, 2023

More actions needed for traffic safety, Watergrass residents say

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Watergrass residents are continuing to push Pasco County to make more road improvements to reduce safety concerns in their area.

Some residents appeared before the Pasco County Commission, during the public comment section of the Sept. 5 board meeting, urging the board to take action.

The Watergrass area has been dealing with increased traffic since a new interchange opened at Overpass Road and Interstate 75.

Residents have called for road improvements to provide more options for motorists entering into their community.

Watergrass community residents in Wesley Chapel appeared before the Pasco County Commission on Sept. 5 to voice their concerns about road improvements and increased traffic in their area ever since a new interchange opened at Overpass Road and Interstate 75 earlier this year. (Mike Camunas)

One Watergrass resident, who lives on Summerglade Drive, told the county board she expects additional issues to result from the construction of a new development called Vida’s Way.

Pulte Homes has announced plans that it will be building a development on more than 332 acres of land in Wesley Chapel, which is less than five miles away from State Road 54 and State Road 56, and is close to Interstate 75.

It plans to build 700 homes in the first phase of its development, according to information previously provided to The Laker/Lutz News.

The Watergrass resident addressing the board said she’s concerned about impacts from construction trucks traveling into the area while the project is being built.

She said conditions already are hazardous.

“On a daily basis, it’s taking your life into your hands, coming out of this neighborhood,” she said.

“How do we slow down the traffic on Overpass (Road) so people start thinking about the people that live in this community?” she asked.

She added that accidents occur, as motorists try to get ahead of each other, and that fire trucks aren’t able to get through when traffic is backed up.

“There’s nowhere for people to pull off,” she said.

She said the county needs to do more to address infrastructure needs, as growth continues.

“We need to get serious at looking at all of this development.

“How can we do this so it’s thoughtful and it’s not just to generate new tax revenue from new houses being built?”

Another resident expressed similar concerns.

She predicted that thousands of construction trucks will be headed to Vida Way, as that project is being built.

“Right now, the only way in, is going down Overpass (Road) and down Watergrass Parkway,” she said.

The community is “begging and pleading” that the county fast-track projects that are already planned in the area.

Pasco County Commissioner Ron Oakley, whose district includes this area, asked county staff to bring back “some answers that are more concrete (regarding traffic problems in Watergrass) than have been given, so we all know how the traffic is going to flow.”

He added: “We need to do everything we can to get a resolution in there that will satisfy those citizens along that way.”

County Administrator Mike Carballa told the board: “We are probably looking for a developer-in-kind project going on out there. We’ll talk with the team, figure out what the challenges are and we’ll see how we tackle them.”

Commissioner Seth Weightman told Carballa: “Whatever relief we can get there would be fantastic.”

Published September 20, 2023

Billy Brown’s positive impacts in Pasco lauded by county board

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During a career that spanned 67 years, Billy E. Brown left his mark on the Withlacoochee River Electric Cooperative where he worked, and on countless lives in Pasco County.

His achievements were honored on Sept. 5 by the Pasco County Commission, which passed a resolution detailing his many accomplishments.

Brown is a lifelong resident of Pasco County and attended Pasco High School before he served in the U.S. Coast Guard and in the Korean War, the resolution says.

The resolution also provides additional details of Brown’s life.

Pasco County Commission passes resolution recognizing Billy Brown (center).

He went to work for the Withlacoochee River Electric Cooperative (WREC) on Oct. 16, 1956.

At that time, WREC served 2,996 members and employed 40 people, the resolution says.

Today, the electric cooperative is the third-largest in the nation and has more than 250,000 members.

In 1985, Brown “formed a for-profit entity named ‘URADCO’ that brought thousands of jobs to the Cooperative’s service area and built two industrial parks: One Pasco Center and One Hernando Center,” the resolution adds.

“The Cooperative also formed the WRECares/Operation Round-Up program that provides financial assistance to families who have suffered a catastrophic event,” it adds.

Brown “founded the WREC Educational Foundation, which awards 110 college scholarships valued at $12,000 each to high school seniors on an annual basis,” the resolution adds.

“To date, the Foundation has awarded 2,414 scholarships valued over $18.5 million.”

Brown “is not only a well-respected leader at the local, state, and federal levels, but also a vocal advocate for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA).”

Brown has received recognition for his work through the years, including the NRECA Regional Award for Outstanding Service, NRECA Paul Revere Award, NRECA President’s Award, NRECA Cooperative Purpose Award, NRECA William F. Matson Democracy Award, NRECA National Community Investment Service Award, Dade City Chamber of Commerce Richard Tombrink Lifetime Achievement Award, and the 2022 Pasco County Economic Development Council Leadership Award, the resolution adds.

He also served on the Seminole Electric Cooperative’s Board of Trustees for more than 48 years and on the Florida Rural Electric Cooperative Association, and served with various nonprofit organizations, such as the Rotary and United Way.

He retired from WREC in April.

In accepting the board’s honor, Brown said: “It has been a joyous and rewarding experience to work for the co-op, the board of trustees, its members – a highly loyal and dedicated group of employees of unusual talents for 67 years.

“Early on, as manager of the cooperative, there was an extreme downturn in the economy in Florida. Construction was our only industry then and when it came to a halt, we saw many people losing their jobs, their incomes and ability to provide for their families.

“We decided then that we wanted to be more than just another utility supplying quality electric service.

“We wanted to do some things to improve the quality of life for the people in our service area. I thought that we probably were one of the few that had the wherewithal to do those kinds of things.

“We presented the proposal to our board of trustees. They unanimously approved it. The net result is all of the great things the cooperative has done.

“It’s also been my pleasure to work with this board of commissioners and those before you, to be helpful in projects presented by the county that were in the benefit of the people of Pasco County, my home county, and I thank you very much.”

Pasco County Commissioner Ron Oakley told Brown: “Mr. Brown you have been an icon in our community, and I can say for a fact that you’ve been a true friend to me and my family for many, many years.”

He said Brown “has worked so tirelessly to make this community better, and I appreciate everything you have done toward making it a better community for all of us to live in.”

Oakley added: “When I graduated from high school, same as when you graduated from high school, if you weren’t involved in citrus here in this community, you didn’t have a job here to come back to. You had to go find a job somewhere else.

“Well, that’s changing, and part of that is due to what you have done with WREC.”

Commissioner Seth Weightman told Brown: “Mr. Brown, I sit here as a proud co-op kid. My dad just retired after 45 years and three months of service with the co-op.

“Because of you and this co-op, it provided life and provided a way for my dad and other families to have a family and live a life here in Pasco County that otherwise might not have been. So, I owe a great deal of my success because of what the co-op provided my family through the years and the jobs it created.

“I honestly don’t believe that my brother, my sister or I would be where we are today if it weren’t for the foundation of the co-op and what it brought to our county, what it brought to Dade City and to so many folks here.”

Published September 20, 2023

Remembering the victims of Sept. 11

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The president of the United School Employees of Pasco and the Pasco County School Board paused on Sept. 11, to remember the victims of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, and the heroes who responded.

Don Peace, the union president, said: “I’m at a school board meeting on this, the 22nd anniversary of 9/11 of 2001.

“On that tragic day — Sept. 11, 2001 — we were notified mid-morning, at Gulf Middle School, of a tragedy unfolding across the northeast and at the Pentagon.

“We gathered in a locker room and watched the TV, in disbelief, as buildings crumbled and people were lost in the rubble.

“Even more alarming was the host of people jumping out of burning buildings, in an attempt to escape the horrendous fires.

“First responders — and I use that term collectively, “ Peace said, “as not all that ran to help those in turmoil were police, fire or health workers, but also average citizens, who saw a need and acted, without thought of personal safety.

“Heroes came in all shapes, sizes and walks of life.

“Lives were changed, many saved, because of the actions of those brave souls on that day.

“We are forever in debt to those who unselfishly thought of others first, putting themselves in peril to make a difference in other people’s lives. Our thoughts and prayers go out to them and their families today, in remembrance of their service,” Peace said.

School board member Colleen Beaudoin shared her reflections on the tragedy of that day, too.

“It’s been 22 years since the horrific attack on our country. We will always remember the lives lost and the families whose loved ones never came home.

“The pain of losing loved ones continues forever.

“There are many heroes who made sacrifices that day. May we always remember and honor them — the Armed Forces, first responders and countless others whose act of service to save our people and defend our nation’s freedom, exemplified the strength of the American people.”

School board chairman Megan Harding paid tribute to the anniversary by requesting her colleagues and the public to devote a moment of silence “for those who have lost their lives and those who have lost loved ones, 22 years ago.”

Published September 20, 2023

Business Digest 09/20/2023

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A new coffee shop has opened in Lutz, serving up premium coffees with a kick, as well as assorted menu items and branded merchandise. (Courtesy of Jillian Bruckner)

Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii opens in Lutz
Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii has opened a franchise in Lutz, at 25195 State Road 54. The shop offers premium coffees with a kick, branded merchandise, and menu items inspired by the Hawaiian Islands, according to a news release. The Lutz location is owned and operated by local entrepreneurs Chris and Jillian Bruckner.

Local to the Tampa area since 2010, the Bruckners have been a part of Tampa’s booming economic growth, opening four gas stations and three Taco Bus franchises to serve the community, according to the release. The Bruckners signed a development agreement that will bring five locations to the Tampa area. The Lutz opening signifies Bad Ass Coffee’s debut in the Tampa area.

Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii – Lutz is open Monday through Sunday 5 a.m.to 10 p.m. For more information, call 813-949-2428, or visit https://locations.badasscoffee.com/list/fl/lutz/.

Pasco EDC annual award winners
The Pasco Economic Development Council (Pasco EDC) had its 34th Annual Awards celebration at  Pasco-Hernando State College’s Instructional Performing Arts Center (IPAC), at 8657 Old Pasco Road, on the evening of Sept. 8.

Here’s a look at the recipients and a condensed description of their contributions, which were detailed in a news release from the Pasco EDC:

  • Pasco Establishment Award: nfant Labs
    This company expanded its business into Pasco County in 2022, adding a 2,000-square-foot product assembly manufacturing location in Port Richey. The business is a medical device and digital health company that produces a product line that helps neonatal intensive care units determine how premature babies are feeding so they can learn to feed on their own, which enables them to go home sooner.
  • Economic Excellence Award (small category): Florida Avenue Brewing Company
    This company recently invested $900,000 in new equipment and increased its brewing capacity from 40,000 kegs to 70,000 kegs. It added eight jobs in manufacturing and sales, including a full-time lab manager, allowing them to run full testing on all products and to help smaller breweries with troubleshooting issues. The company also has expanded to the Destin area and is seeking to expand its presence overseas.
  • Economic Excellence Award (large category): Global Electronic Testing Services
    This company has experienced rapid growth during the past year and has invested $1.6 million in the purchase of an 8,600-square-foot facility in the West Pasco Industrial Park, as well as more than $3 million on automation equipment. It has hired more than 100 new employees. Since 2022, the company has added more than 209 new customers globally and increased its services by nine, bringing the total to 27. It has increased its aerospace and defense market from 10% to 60%. The company also has developed an AI Counterfeit Vision System (patent pending) to improve its efficiency and serve more customers at a quicker pace.
  • SMARTstart Entrepreneur of the Year: Alexis C. Bell and Paul Dunlop, Fraud Doctor
    This company provides robust anti-fraud solutions, helping to safeguard businesses from fraud threats. Their services play an integral role in creating a transparent and fair business environment. Bell and Dunlop, who are the FinTech’s founders, joined SMARTstart in August of 2021 and are based at the SMARTstart at the Grove Entrepreneur Center in Wesley Chapel. They are active in entrepreneur roundtables as well as classes and workshops. Fraud Doctor launched its new Šóta Signal Analytics product less than two years later at the Synapse Summit at Amalie Arena in early 2023.
  • Special Recognition: AmSkills
    This nonprofit provides hands-on training for high-demand trade skills that are helping to shape the future of American manufacturing. AmSkills’ programs are instrumental in bridging the skills gap and ensuring a well-equipped workforce for the industries of tomorrow. The nonprofit’s staff grew from five employees to nine in 2022 and helped to launch more than 200 new careers into the local manufacturing industry. The organization recently has invested $1.3 million for 4.5 acres and $2.2 million in a 13,600-square-foot facility in Holiday, and an additional $1.3 million dollars in Advanced Manufacturing Training Equipment for Mechatronics, Robotics, Machining, 3D Printing, Laser and Metal Fabrication.
  • Leadership Award: Ray Gadd
    Ray Gadd has worked with Pasco County Schools for more than 30 years, serving as deputy superintendent since 2012. He has been involved in numerous education and human service organizations, including the Central Florida Behavioral Health Network, the Pasco Planning Commission, the Pasco Pediatric Foundation and several nonprofit organizations. He played a leading role in helping to pass the first Penny for Pasco Referendum in 2004, and has been heavily involved in numerous school district initiatives and partnerships, including the Kirkland Ranch Academy of Innovation, Starkey Ranch K-8, Angeline Academy of Innovation, PHSC’s Instructional Performing Arts Center (IPAC) and others.

An estimated 400 local professionals and leaders attended the event.

Business Celebrations
These business celebrations were recently held or will be held soon, based on news releases sent to The Laker/Lutz News, or postings on various organization websites:

  • Euphoric Ink Studio, 2107 Mariner Blvd., in Spring Hill, will host a grand opening on Sept. 29 at 6 p.m., with food, games, raffles and giveaways, and music by DJ Kue. For more information, visit the tattoo studio on Facebook. 
  • Esthetics813 had its grand opening celebrations on Sept. 15, Sept. 16 and Sept. 17 at its second location, at 5700 Saddlebrook Way in Wesley Chapel.
  • Subaru of Wesley Chapel had its grand opening on Sept. 7, at 26570 Silver Maple Parkway in Wesley Chapel.
  • Disruptive Marketing Headquarters hosted its grand opening on Aug. 24, at 9502 N. Florida Ave., Suite B, in Tampa.
  • Brightway Insurance had a ribbon-cutting on Aug. 21, at 2470 State Road 54 in Lutz.
  • Precious Paws Animal Hospital had a grand opening on Aug. 16, at 326 W. Bearss Ave., in Tampa.

Pasco EDC welcomes Don Anderson
Don Anderson has joined the Pasco Economic Development Council’s SMARTstart team and will manage the new West Pasco Entrepreneur Center in Holiday.

Pasco wants to do more to encourage hurricane evacuations

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As Hurricane Idalia made its approach toward Florida, Pasco County officials ordered residents in coastal areas, flood-prone areas and mobile homes to evacuate.

They also urged residents in other potentially dangerous areas to evacuate voluntarily.

(File)

As it turned out, many residents ignored the county’s orders and requests.

The Pasco County Commission is now exploring what more the county can do.

“I’m concerned about the amount of people who did not evacuate. You know, we were lucky that we didn’t have loss of life,” Commissioner Kathryn Starkey said, during the county board’s Sept. 5 meeting.

“If this had turned just a little bit, it could have been far more serious. And, once again, we have people who don’t evacuate and our first responders have to go out. It’s dangerous for them.”

Pasco County Commissioner Chairman Jack Mariano wants the county to look into shutting off water and electricity in Hurricane Evacuation Zone A when a future hurricane threatens. That action, he said, would encourage residents to leave those areas and also would protect first responders who are forced to go into those areas to rescue people.

Commission Chairman Jack Mariano agreed: “The evacuations, that’s something we definitely need to address.

“If this storm had hit us at 7 to 9 feet (storm surge), as originally projected, we would have just seen devastation everywhere,” Mariano said.

Starkey asked if the county can increase its messaging.

County Administrator Mike Carballa responded: “We continue to message. We continue to push out through the various platforms.

“I don’t think what you saw here in Pasco was necessarily an anomaly to anywhere else in the state of Florida. People tend to think that it won’t happen.

“I think, when you saw a lot of the water rescues that were going on in the early morning hours, after the storm had passed to the north, I think that water started to come in and you had a lot of scared people.

“I think Chief Perez (Pasco County Fire Rescue Chief Tony Perez) told me the number was upwards of over 150 folks that decided that was the time they needed to evacuate. I am glad we got them out, got them to safety. But to your point, had that storm wobbled, like we see a lot of storms wobble to that right, it could have been collecting fatalities, which we don’t want to do.”

Starkey said she was disturbed by the fact that many rescues involved elderly people, whom, she noted, “wouldn’t have had a prayer to be able to swim out.”

Mariano said he understands that some people had the mistaken notion that the projected storm surge would be just a foot high and they figured they could handle that.

He’d like the county to take an aggressive stance in the county’s Evacuation Zone A, which is the area of highest risk.

He advocates turning off the water and electricity in that zone, when a hurricane is threatening.

Pasco County Commissioner Kathryn Starkey wants the county to ramp up efforts to persuade residents living in evacuation zones to leave their homes when a hurricane threatens. She said that despite damage in some areas, Pasco County was very lucky to emerge from Hurricane Idalia with no lives lost.

If that can be done, he said, “that’s going to increase dramatically the number of people who want to evacuate, or have to evacuate.”

Mariano suggests turning off the water and power for about eight hours, so people could evacuate to a safer place and then return once the storm passes.

Starkey suggested looking into whether the county can employ the types of signs that the Florida Department of Transportation uses to issue amber alerts and the county uses to alert motorists to road projects.

The county administrator said he wants to meet with the county’s team and emergency officials to get after-action reports before bringing recommendations back to the board.

Overall, “the county’s emergency response went very well,” Carballa said.

Pasco County has been declared a federal disaster area, which allows individuals eligible for compensation for damage, as well as providing assistance to county government, he said.

“FEMA is deployed now and they are setting up support throughout the county to support our citizens,” Carballa said.

“As far as the recovery goes, it’s ongoing. I did extend our local state of emergency and will probably continue to do that on a weekly basis until we’re done expending funds. It’s a necessary item, in order to receive reimbursement.

“To date, our solid waste and public works teams were out — collected over 400 tons of storm-related debris, thus far. We have waived tipping fees through Sept. 11 to help our citizens who are cleaning things out and trying to bring stuff in,” he said.

“Our building construction services, right, folks need to rebuild, so we’re waiving fees for certain types of damage and getting folks back on their feet quicker.

“We’ve extended our service hours and actually have some exclusive hours — both at the end of the day, and over the weekends, for those specifically impacted by the storm. So, we can get their questions answered and get them on their way.

“(We’re) actually even looking so far as having team members in home improvement stores on weekends, too, to have them answer questions,” Carballa said.

He also noted that the county’s emergency management team has been deployed to Suwannee County, at its request for Pasco’s team to help in its response efforts.

Published September 13, 2023

County board faces heat for proposed tax increase

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For the past two years, the Pasco County Commission has faced pressure from first responders to improve funding for the county’s fire rescue services.

Last week, the heat was coming from a different direction.

During discussion of a proposed tax hike to support fire services, property owners urged the county board to find ways to trim costs, or tap into other sources of revenue, rather than asking taxpayers to pay more.

Some critics told the county board that it’s getting too expensive to live in Pasco and that they may be forced to move.

Firefighters have urged Pasco County officials to expand funding for emergency services. At the same time, taxpayers have made it known they think the county needs to find ways to reduce spending rather than raise taxes. (File)

The county has proposed increasing the millage for the county’s Fire Municipal Services Taxing Unit (MSTU) from its current rate of 1.8036 to 2.3 mills. One mill is equal to $1 for every $1,000 worth of taxable value.

The increase would cost $49.64 a year for the owner of a home with a taxable value of $100,000.

The increase is intended primarily for salary increases, opening two fire stations, software upgrades, mental health, and more firefighters and equipment.

County Commissioner Seth Weightman told his colleagues he can support some of the proposed increase, but not all of it.

The commissioner expressed irritation at changing proposals regarding the Fire MSTU through the course of budget talks.

During initial discussions, no increase was proposed for the Fire MSTU, then it went to a five-year plan, and now, a 10-year plan, Weightman said.

“You keep moving the goal line every time we have these budget talks,” Weightman told County Administrator Mike Carballa.

“These are big jumps.”

Weightman said people are feeling pressured by higher property and vehicle insurance premiums and other inflationary impacts.

Taxpayers are objecting, he added.

“In my office, every day the calls are going in. People are nervous about what these increases are going to look like,” he said.

Property owners also gave the county board an earful during the first public hearing on the budget, held Sept. 5.

One East Pasco man told the county board: “I’m here to protest the budget increase. I represent myself, my neighbors and my fellow citizens in Crystal Springs, and to let you know that we know exactly what you are doing. You’re not fooling anyone.

“It’s bad enough I have to pay $3,000 a year, which isn’t bad compared to him, for a mobile home that I own outright on my own land, that I own outright, without you coming to me and saying, ‘That’s not enough. We need 25% more.”

He wasn’t buying the county’s reasoning that it needs more money because of the effects inflation is having on the government’s ability to pay for needed infrastructure and services.

Pasco County Commissioner Seth Weightman said he’s sensitive to the effects that higher property tax insurance, higher car insurance and overall inflation is having on county residents. He supports raising the millage level for the county’s fire services, but not to the degree that’s been proposed.

“You’re going to lecture us about inflation. You know what we’re expected to do when inflation hits us? Tighten our belts, cut costs and do more with less. That’s what we’re expected to do.

“Fifteen years of exponential growth going into the coffers of this county and you’re coming to us and you’re telling us, ‘It’s not enough. We need 25% more.’ It’s outrageous.

“You know what roads and schools and firehouses are? Impacts from overbuilt sprawl, of which you are the overseers of.”

The man suggested: “Double the impact fees, triple ‘em. That’ll stop the sprawl.

“You know what I expect you to do? Do more with less, tighten your belt and cut costs.”

He wasn’t the only speaker who told the board to look for solutions other than raising taxes.

One resident noted that owners of rental property pay higher taxes because their properties don’t qualify for homestead exemptions.

As they pay higher taxes, he said, they will have to pass along the tax hikes to their renters.

He said he doesn’t want to do that, but doesn’t have the option not to.

Another resident told board members that if the higher tax is adopted, he will do what he can to help Weightman retain his seat and whatever he can to make sure the other board members don’t.

One firefighter appeared before the board to speak on behalf of the higher tax rate: “I recognize that raising taxes is a big deal, and I recognize that people are having a tough time right now. But it occurs to me that had this millage rate been adjusted, even in the most modest amount five years ago, what a much better financial position we would be in now, and how much of that growth that’s come to this county, of people of wealth, of means from other areas that are buying these expensive homes, the portion they could have been paying into our tax rolls to build our fire department to what it should be.”

The speaker also noted that a comparison by Florida TaxWatch showed that Pasco County ranked 57th out of the state’s 67 counties, in terms of expenditures for public safety.

“That’s unbelievably low. It’s a testament to the work that the men and women of your fire department have been putting in for it to function as well as it has.”

Because of Pasco’s growth, the amount of spending per capita for fire department spending has been decreasing, the firefighter noted.

“It’s time to adjust the millage for the fire department to bring us to the area that we need to be,” the speaker said.

While opposition was apparent, commissioners Kathryn Starkey and Ron Oakley spoke in favor of the proposed increase.

Pasco County Commissioner Ron Oakley said the county must hire more firefighters to address increased demands for services, as Pasco grows. It also needs to provide competitive pay or will lose its firefighters to other counties.

“We’ve always been known as a very conservative, and lower-cost alternative to the counties around us,” Starkey said. “I think when you’re a fast-growing county like we are, it puts pressures on everything.

“To have it take 18 minutes to have someone respond to a call, it’s not OK. That’s a life-and-death situation. The steps that we’re taking today are not getting us all of the way where we need to be, but again, we’re taking a conservative step forward.

“These are not frivolous things that we’re having to vote on,” Starkey said.

Oakley said voters previously approved a bond issue for additional fire personnel and more fire stations.

“If you gave this issue to the citizens, I would almost guarantee that they would pass it,” Oakley said.

Like Starkey, Oakley said the county must improve on its response times.

Commission Chairman Jack Mariano also noted the taxpayer approval of the general obligation bonds to support fire services.

The county is attempting to provide the kind of services people want, Mariano said.

“The people have told us they want to live in a quality place,” Mariano said.

Carballa said he was persuaded to bring the proposed Fire MSTU to the board in May because the Fire MSTU was insolvent.

“In the red?” Starkey asked.

“In the red, correct,” Carballa replied.

The county administrator continued: “The county had gone eight years without an increase in that fund. The exponential rate of growth and the demand of services, the need to outfit new fire stations with firefighters and equipment. It’s simply at a point where it’s not sustainable,” he said.

The county also has a challenge retaining firefighters because other counties offer better pay, Carballa said.

“We lose firefighters to Hillsborough, City of Tampa. It’s highly, highly competitive,” the county administrator said.

At the same time, Pasco has increasing needs for service.

“We are the third busiest ambulatory agency in the state of Florida. And, our response times are suffering and we are playing a lot of catch-up, due to the growth,” Carballa said.

Carballa told the board that a shorter planning horizon would likely result in a lower millage rate request for the Fire MSTU.

Mariano encouraged him to look at a five-year plan, instead of one covering 10 years.

“We can present the board with options,” Carballa said.

The board’s final budget hearing is set for Sept. 19, at 5:15 p.m. in the boardroom at the Pasco County Government Center, 8731 Citizens Drive, in New Port Richey.

Published September 13, 2023