The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

B.C. Manion

Business Digest 11/22/2023

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Preserve eligibility for FEMA assistance

If you applied to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for assistance after Hurricane Idalia, you may be referred to the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) to apply for a disaster loan, according to a FEMA news release.

If you are approved, you do not have to accept the loan. But failure to submit the application may disqualify you from other possible financial assistance from FEMA and the State of Florida, the release says.

SBA disaster loans are the largest source of federal disaster recovery funds for survivors. SBA offers long-term, low-interest disaster loans to businesses of all sizes, private nonprofit organizations, homeowners and renters.

SBA disaster loans cover losses not fully compensated by insurance or other resources. Survivors should not wait for an insurance settlement before submitting an SBA loan application. Applicants may discover they were underinsured for the deductible, labor and materials required to repair or replace their home.

Homeowners may be eligible for a disaster loan up to $500,000 for primary residence structural repairs or rebuilding. SBA may also be able to help homeowners and renters with up to $100,000 to repair or replace important personal property, including automobiles damaged or destroyed in the disaster.

Survivors may apply online using the Electronic Loan Application (ELA) via the SBA’s secure website at SBA.gov/disaster or by visiting the nearest Disaster Recovery Center. You can find an available center at FEMA.gov/drc.  Disaster loan information and application forms also can be obtained by calling the SBA’s Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955.

The release says the latest information on Florida’s recovery from Hurricane Idalia is available by visiting FloridaDisaster.org/updates/ and fema.gov/disaster/4734. Follow FEMA on X, formerly known as Twitter, at Twitter.com/femaregion4 and at Facebook.com/fema.

Veterans incentive awards announced

FloridaCommerce announced the winners of the 2023 Veterans’ Performance Incentive Awards during the Third Annual Veterans Workforce Summit, which attracted more than 230 attendees, according to a news release.

The summit provides statewide training for the Jobs for Veterans’ State Grant and recognizes award recipients in a number of categories.

The summit offers valuable training to support veterans, transitioning service members and their spouses as they find and begin meaningful careers.

During the event, 2023 Veterans’ Performance Incentive Awards were presented to the Local Workforce Development Board for excellence or demonstrated improvements in serving veterans through employment service, program service enhancements and community partnerships. CareerSource Tampa Bay, CareerSource Palm Beach County and CareerSource Escarosa, CareerSource Brevard, Career Source Okaloose/Walter; and CareerSource Gulf Coast were singled out for their achievements.

Veteran Readiness and Employment Awards:

This award recognizes Disabled Veteran Outreach Program specialists across the state who have shown excellence in serving Florida’s veterans with service-connected disabilities that limit or prevent their ability to work. The recipients are: David Atchison, Anastacio Gonzalex, David Lurie, Daisha McDowell, Vincent Miles, Kenny Nwoko and Rosa Palmer.

Disabled Veterans Outreach Program Specialists of the Year and Local Veterans Employment Representative of the Year:

These awards are voted on by the State Veterans Program team that evaluates each member of the Jobs for Veterans’ State Grant team to acknowledge individuals that go above and beyond to serve military service members and veterans who have or continue to serve us. The recipients are: Ted Davis, CareerSource Tampa Bay and Tori Renza, CareerSource Palm Beach County.

Tampa receives grant for safer streets

The City of Tampa has been awarded a $2.6 million grant from the United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) to create safer conditions for all those traveling along priority corridors. The grant was funded through USDOT’s Safe Streets and Roads for All program. The city will be working with the University of South Florida’s Center for Urban Transportation Research (CUTR) to implement speed mitigation treatments along select roadways in underserved areas of the city, according to a city news release.

In Tampa, the number of traffic crashes continues to rise, with 355 individuals suffering from life-altering injuries and 79 deaths occurring on its streets in 2022. The year prior, there were 81 fatalities and 267 life-altering injuries. As part of the city’s mobility plan, Tampa M.O.V.E.S., released in 2023, locations where the posted speed exceeds the target speed have been identified and prioritized for speed mitigation efforts. The four corridors covered by this grant include Rowlett Park Drive, Palm Avenue, East Sligh Avenue and North 34th Street.

In addition to the $2.6 million grant, the City of Tampa will contribute $650,000 toward the project. Examples of speed mitigation efforts that may be applied include new striping and signage, speed feedback signs, new pedestrian crossings, and/or intersection bulb-outs using striping and posts to extend the sidewalk or curb line, the release says.

Young adults are being increasingly scammed

A study by the BBB Institute for Marketplace Trust (BBB Institute) has found that people between the ages of 18 to 24 are losing more money to scams than people in older age groups.

The report, “Target our youth: How scams are impacting ages 18-24,” highlights the types of scams, tactics and trends that are affecting people in that age group.

The data used in the report was based on information submitted to the BBB Scam Tracker between Jan. 1, 2022 and June 24, 2023.

The report shows that employment scams cause the highest median dollar loss of all types of scams involving the 18 to 24 age group. The median dollar loss in that category was $1,819, a news release about the report says.

Here’s a look at the top 10 riskiest scams, in rank order, for those ages 18 to 24:

Employment

Online purchase

Cryptocurrency

Rental

Investment

Fake check/money order

Phishing

Romance

Advance fee loan

Credit repair/debt relief

“It’s important that we spread awareness about employment scams, especially to younger people,” BBB Institute Executive Director Melissa Lanning Trumpowe, said in the release. “About 43% of employment scams reported by this age group included a mention of fake check scams. Many reported being told to deposit checks into their accounts and then transfer funds to a vendor to pay for training or office equipment. By the time they realized the check was bad, the money was gone. We must make sure young people understand it takes time for checks to clear and to be sure they’re good.”

About 19% of employment scams from this age group mentioned schemes involving inspecting or reshipping packages.

Online purchase scams constituted 29.1% of all reports submitted by individuals in this age group, with 81.4% reporting a loss of money from the transaction.

Scammers targeting this age group were most likely to use text messaging or internet messaging — with those methods used more frequently in the 18-to-24 age category than in others, according to the news release.

The contact methods with the highest likelihood of a monetary loss (susceptibility) included website and social media. The contact methods with the highest reported median dollar loss were phone call, text message, and in person.

This age group also reported a higher percentage of scams targeting them on Instagram and X (Twitter) than other age groups.

Ages 18 to 24 also reported a higher percentage of scams via online payment system and bank account debit. The payment methods for this age group with the highest median dollar loss were wire transfer ($2,150), check ($1,500) and cryptocurrency ($1,200).

To see the research report and highlights, visit BBB.org/YouthScams.

Right of way concerns at U.S. 41/State Road 54 

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The Pasco County Metropolitan Planning Organization has directed Pasco County’s real estate department to explore the possibility of making an advance right of way purchase of some land on the southwest side of the intersection of U.S. 41 and State Road 54.

The board took the action at its Nov. 9 meeting, after Pasco County Commissioner Seth Weightman raised concerns about the future availability of the site.

“Pasco has a potential Live Local project site coming in at (State Road) 54 and (U.S.) 41, potentially on the southwest side of the road,” Weightman said.

Pasco County’s real estate department is expected to explore the potential for advance right of way acquisition for some land on the southwest side of the U.S. 41 and State Road 54 intersection. The site is being considered for multifamily development under the state’s Live Local Act, and the county is exploring whether it can be acquired before that happens. The southwest corner is in the background of this shot. (Mike Camunas)

“If this goes through — if that happens, we have no control over this — how can we plan to find the solution for the 54/41 improvements that need to happen?

“So, we talk about our five-year long-range plan, within a matter of months, there could be a crucial piece of property that could be used to improve that intersection lost to multifamily development. Then what happens?” Weightman said.

Pasco Commission Chairman Jack Mariano asked David Goldstein, the county’s chief assistant county attorney, if the county could change the site’s designation to prevent a Live Local project.

Goldstein responded: “You could rezone it to office. Office is probably immune from Live Local, but you might be effectively downzoning the property. You would be doing it, maybe against the property owner’s consent. So, I don’t know if that would create a cause of action against the county.

“Because if it’s C2 now and we downzone it to office, then they argue that we’ve taken away their C2 rights.”

Live Local is a law the state Legislature adopted last year, intended to increase the supply of multifamily for renters meeting income eligibility requirements.

The only zoning designation Goldstein thinks might be safe from the state’s Live Local provision would be Professional Office 1 or Professional Office 2.

Weightman told Goldstein: “My greater concern is that it impacts a significant project that this board, that this county, is trying to figure out.”

Goldstein responded: If it appears the site will be needed for the improvement project, the county and Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) should be looking to see if funds are available for advance acquisition.

“When we were doing the widening of State Road 52, we did a lot of advance right of way acquisition before we ended up widening the road,” Goldstein said.

Weightman added: “Timing is of the essence here. If we think we’re going to need this, we need to start looking at it today. Because it’s game time.”

Goldstein noted that “the issue of whether they’re entitled to do Live Local or not may come up in the eminent domain process. You’re looking at what is the highest and best use of the property when you go through eminent domain. My position is that it should be acquired under its current zoning, which is C2 (commercial 2).”

Traffic routinely stacks up heading east and west on State Road 54 and heading north and south on U.S. 41, as motorists try to make their way through the busy U.S. 41/State Road 54 intersection. Improvements to the intersection can’t come soon enough for Pasco and Hillsborough commuters, and area residents who routinely use these major arteries through the county.

The chief assistant county attorney added that he doesn’t know if FDOT has begun doing advance right of way acquisition for the U.S. 41/State Road 54 improvement yet.

Justin Hall, with FDOT, said a feasibility study does show a need for the northern portion of the property and that also has been identified for a potential stormwater detention pond site.

But the FDOT doesn’t have the clearance yet to pursue eminent domain for the project, Hall said.

“We could approach them to see if they’re a willing seller. If the property owner is a willing seller, that’s a little bit of a different story,” Hall said

Goldstein suggested directing the county’s real estate department to find out if the property owner is a willing seller, and if so, the county and FDOT could look to see if they can come up with the necessary funds.

“We buy land all of the time for roads, as voluntary transactions. We did that for Overpass Road. We did that for (State Road) 52,” Goldstein said.

“If the property owner is probably trying to sell it for apartments, that means they probably don’t want it anymore for its current uses. So, it’s kind of on the market, I’m guessing.”

“Maybe there’s an opportunity for us to purchase it now — certainly before it becomes another use,” Goldstein said.

Weightman made a motion to direct Pasco County’s real estate department to explore acquisition of the site, which was seconded by Mariano and approved by the board.

A report on the issue is expected at the Pasco MPO’s board meeting in January. The Pasco MPO is Pasco’s lead transportation planning agency. Its board is made up of elected leaders from Pasco County, Dade City, Zephyrhills, New Port Richey and Port Richey.

Published November 15, 2023

Enjoying the holidays, without maxing out on calories

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Shari Bresin knows a thing or two about food.

After all, she’s the Family & Consumer Science agent for the University of Florida/Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Cooperative Extension Pasco County.

She shares her knowledge about food and nutrition on a regular basis in The Laker/Lutz News, through her column, “What’s Cookin.’”

So, when we asked her to offer some pointers on how to navigate through the family gatherings, restaurant meetups and holiday parties — while keeping a rein on calorie-intake — she happily obliged.

Obviously, holidays can be a hard time to avoid overindulging.

Shari Bresin, an expert in nutrition, offers some sage advice to help you navigate through the food-laden holidays, without losing total control of your calorie counts. (File)

“This time of year, we’re bombarded with food that maybe we’re not normally encountering,” Bresin says. “We’re around a lot of extra food.

“Then, on top of that, a lot of us are going out, or, we’re going to be out of town,” she says.

The challenge to maintain a healthy eating regimen can seem daunting.

It’s not just a question of Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s dinners.

There are office parties. Happy hours. Dinner parties. Meetups at restaurants.

The list goes on.

Still, it is possible to indulge in the festivities, without falling into a food trap, Bresin says.

She offers simple strategies, which are helpful during the holidays and can turn into healthy habits that are useful throughout the year.

First things, first: Know what to expect
“What I like to do is, I always check the menu out ahead of time, if I’m going out, or if somebody’s hosting me,” Bresin says.

When she’s invited to someone’s home for dinner, she says: “I will usually ask: ‘What are you making, so I know what to bring.’”

That helps you to plan in advance — making it easier to maintain healthy eating.

She also offers these words of advice to help you avoid sabotaging your best-laid plans for that holiday feast.

“A lot of us like to starve before our Thanksgiving meal, which seems to make sense in our head,” Bresin says.

But that strategy can backfire — making you too hungry, which sets you up to go overboard at the buffet, Bresin says.

Instead, she recommends you begin your day with protein and fiber.

“Something like fruit and nuts, that’s always a really good go-to. Or fruit with a little bit of peanut butter, like apples and peanut butter. You’re getting some fiber. You’re getting some protein.

“The fiber will take some time to pass through your stomach, so we feel like we’re still full.

“The protein also helps with feeling full,” she says.

“Just go slow and steady and keep yourself nourished and hydrated, just prior to the big Thanksgiving feast,” she adds.

Of course, whether it’s at the holidays or any other time, there are additional pointers that can come in handy.

Find ways to give yourself nutritious options
If the host is having a potluck, you can bring something healthy that you will enjoy, she says.

How much chili is in this bowl? Is there 1 cup, 1.5 cups, 2 cups or 3 cups? If you guessed 2 cups, you are correct. Understanding portion size is a key ingredient, when making healthy eating choices. (Courtesy of Shari Bresin)

“My eating patterns are probably a little more strict than the average person. Anyone that invites me to their house or to a restaurant, they know that about me,” she adds.

It’s a source of good-natured ribbing.

She volunteers: “‘Oh, I’ll bring the healthy stuff.’ Or, ‘Let me make the salad.’ Then, at the very least, I know I’m getting that healthy salad that I brought over, that I made.”

Before dining out, Bresin says she checks to see what’s on the menu that she would like, then she looks to see if there is a way she can make the calories more nutrient-dense — in other words — make her meal healthier.

“For example, on Saturday, I wanted something that was high in vegetables. I didn’t really want a salad because I eat that at home twice a week anyway, so, I’m like, ‘Oh, I’m out, let me have something different.’

“They had a spaghetti dish, but it had no vegetables in it. It was weird, I was at an Italian restaurant.

“So, I asked for pasta primavera, even though it wasn’t on the menu.

“They had no issues. They added the vegetables, which was fine,” she says.

It may feel intimidating at first, to make a special request, but Bresin notes it’s really not a big deal.

“I’ve never seen a restaurant have any issues with it. They want to be accommodating. They want you to have a good dining experience.

“I’ve never encountered anybody who said, ‘That can’t be done.’

The key, she says, is to speak up about your needs or preferences.

It’s also important to think about substitutions to make your meal more nutrient-dense.

“Can you add vegetables to this? Can you add cheese?”

Or maybe you can switch out the fresh bread that’s offered with a helping of veggies with hummus, she says.

The key is having reasonable requests and not trying to rewrite the restaurant’s menu.

“I don’t eat dairy, so I’ve asked to hold any cheese-based sauce,” she says. She’ll ask: “Can this alfredo sauce be tomato sauce? Make really simple requests, and places will do it.

“As you get more comfortable, it’s really, really easy,” Bresin says.

Have fun, but choose carefully because every calorie counts
Whether you’re eating at home or dining out, pay attention to what you are eating, and how much, Bresin says.

Portion sizes in restaurants can be two to three times a normal portion size.

“Drinks add up. Appetizers add up,” she says.

“So, it’s very easy, especially on the day of Thanksgiving, to go over.

“I think I read somewhere that we have something like 3,500 calories on average, for a Thanksgiving meal, and if you only need 1,800 or 2,000 calories a day, you can certainly see how that is way in excess of what we need,” she says.

Studies have been done to track the weight gain that occurs from November to January, Bresin says. As it turns out, holiday weight gain is not as bad as some people imagine.

The challenge is shedding those excess pounds after the holidays, she says.

“Whatever weight we do gain from November through January, we don’t seem to be losing after January. That’s where it can turn into a problem,” Bresin says.

Make healthier choices when dining out
Instead of fried seafood … try broiled, grilled or pan sauteed fish.
Instead of red beans and rice with sausage … try red beans and rice without sausage.
Instead of Egg-drop soup … try Wonton or hot-and-sour soup.
Instead of cream soup … try broth-based soup with lots of vegetables.
Instead of French fries or potatoes with gravy … try baked sweet potato,  steamed vegetables, potatoes without gravy or a smaller order of French fries.
Instead of a hot fudge sundae or ice cream … try nonfat yogurt, sherbet or fruit juice. Or, share a dessert with all of the family.
Instead of fried chicken … try grilled chicken.
Instead of quesadillas … try chicken fajitas.
Source: American Heart Association

Small changes can make a big difference
These suggestions from the American Heart Association can help be helpful ways to control caloric intake when dining out:

  • To avoid overeating, place half of your food in a to-go container as soon as it is served. Or, order a smaller portion, such as an appetizer-sized serving.
  • Choose water or unsweetened tea, to avoid calories in your beverage.
  • Ask if a smaller dessert size is available.
  • Skip the buffet and order from the menu.
  • Eat slowly. Put your utensils down, in between bites, to help prevent overeating.

Source: American Heart Association

Pasco district pleads with parents to help reduce unruly behaviors at school

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Disruptive behavior by students continues to pose a challenge in Pasco County Schools — and the school district is hoping that parents and guardians can help play a role in reducing the problem.

Pasco County School Board chairwoman Megan Harding raised the issue during the board’s Nov. 7 meeting.

“Buses are being stopped because of (student) disrespect, the rowdiness on buses. 

“I’ve had teachers reach out to me for behavioral expulsions, for students fighting. 

Pasco County School Board Chairwoman Megan Harding is urging parents to help teach their children proper behavior at school and on buses. She said district staff is frustrated by behavior problems by some that are interfering with other children’s learning. (File)

“The list goes on.

“I’ve talked to Mr. Browning multiple times about this and he knows that his teachers, and staff and admin are frustrated,” Harding said.

She told Browning that she knows he’s going to continue to assess the behavior problem and she’s grateful for that.

However, she added: “But with the many disruptions we’ve had to the learning environment in the past two weeks and the number of teachers who have called, emailed or asked to meet with me about behaviors — it has grown.

“I know we need kids in school.

“But what I’m most worried about, like I’ve mentioned before, are these other kids whose learning is being impacted due to the one or two students who are misbehaving.

“I don’t have all of the answers, but I am willing to help problem-solve and work on this,” the school board chairwoman said.

“Teachers need to teach, bus drivers need to drive their bus, and our students need to go to school to learn.”

Harding continued: “Here’s my plea: Parents and guardians, we need your help.

“Students are sent to school to learn.

“In Pasco, we want your child to get that world-class education that they deserve and we can’t do this without your partnership and help.

“We’ve said it multiple times, but I’m asking you again: Please talk with your children about being respectful. Talk to your children about the importance of their education and how they’re in school to learn.

“Your child’s teacher and school love them. They just want them to be successful.

“Your child’s bus driver needs to get your child to school safely, and on time.

“So, please talk to your child and remind them of the rules of the school because we really can’t do this alone.”

Pasco County Schools Superintendent Kurt Browning chimed in.

He told Harding that her comments are both valuable and valued.

“Student behavior continues to be a challenge for us,” Browning said, particularly on buses and in classrooms.

“We, too, don’t have a solution,” the superintendent said.

“It’s easier to address the secondary students than it is to address the elementary students.

“But I will tell you, we are seeing a significant number of behavioral issues in elementary school.”

Pasco Schools Superintendent Kurt Browning said there’s no excuse for the behavior problems that are persisting in district schools. He said the district is seeing the problems happening with students as young as kindergarten and first grade, and while it’s not an excuse, he believes the lack of socialization during COVID is contributing to the issue.

Unfortunately, he added, the problems are showing up in the kindergarten and first grade levels.

“I’m not making excuses, but I think one of the reasons that we’re seeing this is that these were what I call ‘our COVID kids’ that have not been in a structured environment.

“They’re coming into a structured classroom, where the teacher demands and deserves respect to do his or her job, that is to teach — and to love those kids.

“But I think many times these kids do not know how to behave in a public setting.”

The superintendent continued: “I make no excuses for it.”

He told Harding: “And, you are dead right.

“We, as a district, cannot successfully fulfill our mission — and that is to provide that world-class education unless, and only unless, our parents engage with us, partner with us, in order to set expectations for their children.

“And that is, ‘What does acceptable behavior look like in a classroom setting, or a school setting, a bus setting?’

 “What does it look like?

“There’s got to be consequences for these kids at the home level when parents get reports that their children are acting out.

“We are struggling. We are struggling,” Browning said.

He offered to meet with Harding and with the teachers who she recommends, to help tackle the problem.

He said the district is well aware of the issue.

“My team is working tirelessly. There’s not a meeting that we have that we don’t talk in some way, shape or form, about behaviors of kids in this district.”

At the same time, it’s important to keep things in perspective, Browning said. There is just a small fraction of students who are creating disruptions for large numbers of kids.

Plus, he noted: “We’re not the only district that is dealing with this. There are districts all across Florida and all across the United States, having to deal with behavioral issues.

“We will continue to address this in every way we possibly can.”

Harding said she knows it’s just a small number of students who are disrupting others. But she said, she doesn’t want a small number of kids to impede the learning of others.

Published November 15, 2023

Pasco School Board sticks by the district’s textbook decision

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The Pasco County School Board has voted to support a hearing officer’s recommendation, in the wake of a complaint lodged against the district’s selection of a textbook.

Jessica Jucusco-Wright, a former district educator, was one of the petitioners who filed an objection regarding instructional material entitled Foundations in Personal Finance, published by the Lamp Group, doing business as Ramsey Solutions.

Objections to the textbook adoption were the subject of a public hearing held on Oct. 10, conducted via Microsoft Teams, by hearing officer James A. Robinson.

Robinson’s Oct. 16 order determined that “petitioners did not demonstrate that the instructional material in question fails to meet one or more criteria for objection” as set forth under state law.

Jucusco-Wright raised objections again at the Pasco School Board’s Nov. 7 meeting.

She told the board that the textbook had not been approved by the state, which means the district is out of compliance.

Jucusco-Wright said: “Our constitution ensures that our Florida students have the right to an equal and uniform education, that is free of discrimination.

“I would argue that this text wholeheartedly discriminates against our students who live in a low socioeconomic condition. It also does not align with the new Florida standards, due to the lack of math literacy.

“Our district has ceded that that will be supported in previous courses. However, our proficiency rate in eighth-grade math right now is 55%,” she said.

She said teachers and students need support, but added: “this would be like offering them saltwater in the desert.

“This would not be an appropriate instructional material that would actually meet the overall standard.”

She also questioned the amount of money the district is spending on the textbook adoption, noting she had heard it was more than half-a-million dollars.

Lea Mitchell, director of the office for leading and learning, told the board that a hearing officer ruled that the district was within procedural guidelines that had been set forth by the state DOE.

“I would say in response to the public comment, there is absolutely accuracy in the fact the misalignment of state timelines puts every single school district in the state of Florida in a very hard position. Deleting course codes, making new graduation requirements, all in the midst of annual adoptions really does put us in a position where we have to make decisions for what’s best for our students in the moment,” she said.

She said the figures relating to around $600,000 were based on a five-year contract.

“Given the August decision of the State Board of Education, related to those course codes, it would not be our intention to enter into a five-year contract, knowing that the state is deleting courses and adding new ones.

“We do feel very confident that we are in compliance with state rules related to instructional materials. We’re well within our rights and terms of what we are up to.

“But I don’t disagree that there is a lot of misalignments in our state policies and practices that put us in a position where we are moving forward in adoptions, while also the state is making new graduation requirements and new course codes,” Mitchell said.

“Moving forward, as a district, we have made the decision — and you guys, also — to postpone all adoptions until the year after the adoption cycle at the state level, so that we never again are in a position to be in this cross-section.

“I will say though that it does hit our pocketbooks, in that all adoption cycles are within contracts and it creates what’s called gap years and you are out of contract, sometimes paying, double, triple and quadruple the costs.

“It is a convergence of many, many different complex issues that put us here today. But I do stand before you and say, I do believe we are well within the procedures, the regulations, the safeguards. And, I do believe that the department and the teachers will do their very best to pursue the standards of the courses they’re in right now, for this specific set of materials,” Mitchell said.

School board member Cynthia Armstrong added: “We had to go through the adoption of something to use for this year because the state did not release the standards in time for us to do anything.”

Pasco Schools Superintendent Kurt Browning noted the board’s vote was being taken in regard to adopting the hearing officer’s recommendation.

The superintendent said the hearing officer reviewed whether the school district followed state law and board policy.

“The hearing officer found that we had, as a district. You’re just adopting that report, that recommendation from the hearing officer,” Browning said.

The board voted unanimously to adopt the hearing officer’s recommendation, which says, in part, that the board should “enter a final order denying the petitions and proceeding with the adoption process in accordance with school board policy and applicable law, as recommended by the superintendent.”

Published November 15, 2023

Report shares insights about Pasco Schools’ progress

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As a routine matter, Pasco County School Board members deliver reports during board meetings on the various committees on which they serve.

During the board’s Nov. 7 meeting, board member Colleen Beaudoin briefed her colleagues on some of the highlights from a recent District Vision and Success Plan meeting.

The report revealed that the district is making progress in some areas, having difficulties in others, and looking for new approaches, too.

For instance, Beaudoin said: “Under (the category of) employee success, retention is still a struggle. We discussed exit survey data and ways to get more specific information.

Pasco School Board member Colleen Beaudoin briefed her colleagues on a number of district successes and challenges during the board’s Nov. 7 meeting. (File)

“HERQ (The Office for Human Resources and Educator Quality) will try to do more phone surveys with the instructional staff.

“Teaching is a hard job and many are leaving the profession.

“It can be especially challenging at schools with large numbers of new teachers because they don’t have — they may not have — an experienced teacher on their teams to collaborate with.

“So, of course our administrators are stepping in and other people are covering. But it is still a struggle.

“So, we need to focus on the things we do have control over, like addressing the workload and the behaviors that we’ve discussed many times.

“The paid internship pilot program has helped. We hired 90% of the participants, so that’s good — over 20.

“We also added 36 more TPG Cultural Exchange teachers,” she said, referring to a U.S. State Department program that allows qualified educators to teach in the United States for up to five years.

Beaudoin also noted there are ongoing efforts to increase the pool of available substitute teachers and to recruit substitute teachers who may be interested in pursuing teaching full-time.

“We’re waiting on details from the DOE (Department of Education) about the new teacher apprenticeship program — that’s the new certification program. We’ll move forward on that when we know more,” she added.

In the category of taxpayer value, Beaudoin said the district continues to monitor and diversify its investments, when it can.

She also noted that the district’s buses that operate using compressed natural gas (CNG) are saving the school system money because the fuel is less expensive.

The district also continues to meet its goal of having at least a 5% fund balance, and its bond ratings are good and even have been upgraded.

But Beaudoin added: “The capital budget is challenging because construction costs, like everything else, have increased significantly.

“For example, we’re talking about the new school opening.

“School furniture has doubled, and even, tripled in costs.”

In another focus area — excellence in student achievement — Beaudoin said the emphasis of leadership walk-throughs this year will be on observing the work that students are doing.

“They’re looking at the rigor of the work students are completing.

“In the past, the focus has been a lot on what the teachers were doing,” she explained.

“The district teams are reviewing the data to determine the different areas of need. It could be more training. It could be instructional materials.”

On a bright note, the district has reported a decrease in the number of course failures at the sixth- and ninth-grade levels.

But Beaudoin noted: “Students skipping class was a significant issue across secondary schools last year.

“The Student Code of Conduct committee made revisions to address this and the district will monitor the impact of the strategies that are being implemented this year,” she added.

Another piece of good news is that the number of college credits earned by Pasco students has increased over 38% during the past five years, and there’s been a significant increase in the number of students earning industry certifications.

There’s been a 499% gain in elementary students enrolled in accelerated mathematics programs and 64% increase at the secondary level.

However, Beaudoin asked the district to take a look at one impact that’s resulted from the acceleration in mathematics at the secondary level.

“With all of the focus on accelerated math, we have students who are finishing their math progression early — before their senior year.

“We want to give them more opportunities for more rigorous programs, and there are things available through dual enrollment,” she said.

But some students simply don’t want to take another math course.

This can hurt students when they’re applying to college — if they choose not to pursue rigorous programming their senior year, said Beaudoin, who teaches mathematics at the University of Tampa.

“It can also hurt them — and I can speak firsthand to this — when they take a year off from math, and then they have to take math in college. It’s really difficult. It makes it harder when they take that year off.”

She said the district needs to find a way to offer students something they are interested in learning.

“We need to come up with some things, and ways to encourage them,” she said.

She also noted that she knows this is a struggle at the high schools because she’s heard about it from principals.

Superintendent Kurt Browning told Beaudoin that a school board workshop is scheduled for Dec. 19 to discuss advanced academics.

He said he would get with district staff to include this topic at that meeting.

“It is an issue. We know it’s an issue. We will attempt to address that at the workshop,” Browning said. 

Published November 15, 2023

Business Digest 11/15/2023

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Scott Drainville has been named the chief executive officer of the Hillsborough Transit Authority. (Courtesy of the Hillsborough Transit Authority)

HART names new CEO
The Hillsborough Transit Authority (HART) Board of Directors appointed Scott Drainville as HART’s new chief executive officer, according to a news release. The appointment came at the board’s Nov. 6 meeting.

Drainville was named permanently to the post after serving as HART’s interim CEO since April. He joined HART in 2018 as deputy chief of maintenance and went on to serve as chief of maintenance and transportation.

He is a native of East Providence, Rhode Island, and has more than 30 years of public transportation and fleet maintenance experience, according to the HART news release.

Upcoming SCORE webinars

  • Unlocking growth — How to scale your solo business: Nov. 16, 1 p.m. ET
  • How to transition from W2 employee to employer: Nov. 21, 1 p.m. ET
  • How to create a marketing plan for your small business: Nov. 30, 1 p.m. ET

To register for these webinars, go to Score.org/business-education.

Sage Dental opens new locations
Sage Dental recently announced the opening of 27 new practices, expanding its presence in the Southeastern United States. The new list of practices include Sage Dental of Wesley Chapel Specialty Center. The Wesley Chapel location is a newly launched Sage location. Most of the other locations were established after the acquisition of an existing dental practice, according to a news release.

SMARTstart has opening in Dade City
The Pasco Economic Development Council’s SMARTstart program has an opening at its Dade City location. The job posting for the SMARTstart program assistant can be found at PascoEDC.com/pasco-edc-employment-opportunity. The position calls for someone who wants to work part-time and is passionate about helping people to start and expand their businesses.

Business celebrations
The North Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce announced these recent business celebrations:

  • Wesley Chapel Post Office had a ribbon-cutting on Nov. 2, at 30124 State Road 54
  • StoreRight SelfStorage had a ribbon-cutting on Nov. 8, at 111 Crystal Grove Blvd.
  • Viradia Plastic Surgery, grand opening on Nov. 9, at Transformations Building, 2441 Myrtle Lane, in Wesley Chapel. For more information call 813-708-1408, or visit www.viradiaplasticsurgery.com

Hillsborough opens is 2023 Property Tax Roll for collection
Hillsborough County Tax Collector Nancy Millan encourages property owners to pay their tax bill early in order to receive a discount. Millan’s office announced the opening of the 2023 Property Tax Roll on Nov. 1. More than 575,000 tax notices have been mailed to property owners in Hillsborough County for their 2023 property taxes, according to a news release from Millan’s office.

“This year’s property tax collections are expected to total more than $3.3 billion,” Millan said, in the release. “The money collected by our office is turned around and distributed to the taxing authorities in Hillsborough County to pay for services including fire rescue and law enforcement, and infrastructure such as schools, roads, parks, and utilities.”

The earlier customers pay, the better the discount. Property taxes paid by Nov. 30 receive a 4% discount. If payment is received by Dec. 31, a 3% discount applies. By Jan. 31, there’s a 2% discount and by Feb. 29, a 1% discount.

Taxpayers can pay at the office or can use online payment options by either credit card or by “e-Check,” which is a free electronic payment from your checking account.

Taxpayers also can make partial payments toward their 2023 property taxes, but certain restrictions apply. They also can plan ahead and apply for the installment plan for the 2024 tax season, which allows taxes to be paid in quarterly increments throughout the year and still take advantage of discounts.

For more details regarding the collection of property taxes, discounts, partial payments, or the installment plan, visit HillsTax.org.

Hillsborough seeking development proposals
The Hillsborough County Commission is seeking a master developer to transform a 67-acre site near the Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI) in Tampa.

The Hillsborough County board voted on Nov. 1 to seek a request for proposal from developers for a redevelopment plan for the 67-acre site surrounding MOSI, located along East Fowler Avenue, south of the University of South Florida.

The board is seeking creative and competitive proposals from qualified master developers, who have a track record of mixed-urban projects, according to a Hillsborough County news release.

As part of the Uptown Innovation District, proposers are asked to submit innovative and inclusive development plans with a mix of uses including hospitality, entertainment, retail, and public spaces that embrace transit and sustainable mobility, the release says.

The county also hopes to see developers include economic drivers to the mix such as biosciences, life sciences, cybersecurity, and other advanced industries, while capitalizing on the synergy and proximity to the county’s institutional partners such as USF, Moffitt Cancer Center, James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital, and Yuengling Center, the release adds.

The county intends for MOSI to remain in its current 7-acre lease site. With MOSI’s plans for a future planetarium and learning labs, there is an opportunity for developers to add to this creative digital space with a commercial A/V or film studio, black box theater, or other performing arts platforms.

Submissions are due in late February, with the board expected to make its selection in Summer 2024.

For additional information on the RFP, visit HCFLgov.net/vendors.

Pasco wants to take another look at how Connected City is playing out

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The Connected City Corridor is a state-initiated pilot program adopted by the Florida Legislature in 2015, which spurred a special planning area in Pasco County — bounded by State Road 52, Overpass Road, Interstate 75 and Curley Road.

The county adopted the Connected City plan in 2017 — envisioning a place that would harness the power of high technology, generate jobs, offer myriad housing choices and create special gathering spaces.

Beyond being connected through technology, it also calls for connections through roads, trails and sidewalks — making it easy for people to get where they need to go — by walking, running, bicycling, riding on golf carts and in vehicles.

The Mirada Lagoon, 1 Mirada Blvd., San Antonio — the largest human-made lagoon in the country — opened to the public, and Mirada residents, in June. It has 15 acres of water and offers activities such as kayaking, paddleboarding, swimming, and obstacle course, water slides, a swim-up bar, lounging and beach play and playgrounds. (File)

Landowners opt into Connected City, which gives them more flexibility in their land uses, additional incentives to receive mobility fee credits, an expedited review process, and an exemption in transportation analysis.

The plan caps the number of single-family residential units that can be built and encourages higher densities near employment-generating areas in the plan.

Two of the largest developments approved and under development in Connected City so far are Epperson and Mirada, with other projects in various stages of approval or planning for the area.

The Pasco County Commission wants to take a closer look at how Connected City is playing out.

Commissioner Seth Weightman raised the issue during the county board’s Oct. 24 meeting.

Weightman said he understands that all of the single-family entitlements in Connected City are used up, leaving only multifamily options remaining.

“I think it’s time — and after talking to some of the stakeholders, I think it’s time we take a look at the overlay and understand how much property is left and what’s exactly the multifamily entitlements that are remaining and if they’re appropriate to be in those spaces where the land is left,” Weighman said.

The county board member said he wants to make sure there’s a balance and that there are products people will want. He wants to prevent an oversaturation of rental, he said.

Commissioner Kathryn Starkey responded: “Just because it’s multifamily doesn’t mean it has to be standard, Brandon-style apartments. Multifamily is brownstones, duplexes, quadruplexes. “They can be owned. Garden apartments, garden villas.

“There’s so much product that’s in multifamily, that in my opinion, we’re not seeing.

“And, better layouts, especially when you’re in an area that’s supposed to be a village concept, and walkable, and we’re getting big parking lots with three-story, four-story apartment complexes. And, that’s really old-style, and I just think we can do better.”

Mirada Lagoon features a waterpark playground and water slides for residents and daily visitors who come to play in the 15 acres of water at the Pasco County attraction.

But Brad Tippin, the county’s development review manager, told the board: “I was involved with Connected City from the beginning. The design is this, it’s not so much village-oriented, like Pasadena Hills is. This is a very specific design that is very high density along I-75. The intent is vertical. There is an urban core. So, multifamily units of a vertical nature are really necessary here, to achieve those densities and get that pattern.

Tippin added: “The urban core was supposed to be kind of like a mini-downtown style, with vertical — lots of different uses, and the business core stretching out.

“The lower-density piece is the piece over toward Curley Road, as you go out toward VOPH (Villages of Pasadena Hills), toward that more village-concept area.

“The second piece of that puzzle is that Connected City is its own special dependent district. It’s actually based on its own financial plan. And, that financial plan requires these types of units and this level of density to actually be able to achieve the different things it is obligated to pay for, in the financial plan.

“So, that’s one of the hurdles we would have to find a way to overcome to consider that.

“The most important consideration, I believe personally, is related to the financial plan and the way that it is set up. If we were to reduce this to allow more single-family units, we would reduce the density to such an extreme that it would be difficult to meet the financial plan obligations.”

Weightman countered: “I’m more worried about the quality of life and the quality of the product that’s there.

Mirada Lagoon joined its sister lagoon in the nearby Epperson community in Wesley Chapel, in June. Both communities are part of an area known as Connected City.

“We’re a good portion of the way through this. I think it would be wise that we take a look at the land that is left and understand the makeup of it, and what product is appropriate where, within this project, to ensure that the quality of this project doesn’t erode away, as we come across the finish line.

“I’ve heard from stakeholders in the private sector that probably think it would be a good idea to take a look at it. It can’t hurt. It’ll take time, but there’s some learning lessons that can come out of this exercise, and trust, but verify.”

Tippin suggested having a workshop.

“It has been a long time since Connected City came through. There are some new board members that might appreciate that, if we could go through it step-by-step and actually have a little bit more time to discuss it.”

Joel Tew, a private land use and zoning attorney, told the board that he worked with county staff and a consultant from the outset, when the plan was being formulated.

Tew said that he’s aware that some private developers have decided not to opt into Connected City because there were no single-family entitlements available and they didn’t think that multifamily was appropriate for the site they wanted to develop.

Tew said a workshop likely would be valuable for the board, if it can make time for it.

Before that workshop is scheduled, research will be done to provide a report on what has been entitled in Connected City, and where, and what entitlements are remaining.

More information about Connected City is available on the Pasco County website at PascoCountyFl.net.

Published November 08, 2023

Pasco County approves financing for new sports fields at Wiregrass Ranch Sports Campus

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The Pasco County Commission has approved financing to help pay for the second phase of the Wiregrass Ranch Sports Campus, in Wesley Chapel. The money will be repaid with proceeds from the Tourist Development Tax, unless the county board comes up with another way to pay for the financing. The second phase of improvements at the sports campus are expected to be completed in the fall of 2024. (File)

The Pasco County Commission has approved $12 million in financing to help cover the costs of five multipurpose sports fields.

The board selected JP Morgan Chase Bank N.A., to handle the Tourism Development Tax Revenue Bond, Series 2023, for a 15-year contract term, unless refunded earlier in accordance with the solicitation documents.

The board also authorized the payments of fees and costs associated with the bond transaction to be paid from proceeds of the bond. 

The bond issue will be repaid through Tourist Development Tax proceeds, according to the agreement.

However, during its previous discussion of the issue, the county board said it would continue to consider other sources of repayment.

The additional money is needed because the bid for constructing the fields came in at more than originally had been budgeted.

The board approved a contract in September with Trias for an amount not-to-exceed $15,211,150 for phase two improvements at the sports campus, in Wesley Chapel.

Those improvements include:

  • Five multipurpose sports fields, with lighting (plus lighting at two existing fields)
  • Parking
  • A concession stand with restrooms
  • A multi-use trail
  • A parking area for the pavilions, concession stand and trail
  • A roadway loop to take teams to the multipurpose fields
  • Stormwater ponds
  • Additional landscaping

The project is slated for completion by the fall of 2024.

In their previous discussion to seek the financing, board members said it was a necessary step because the project was long overdue.

In other action at the Oct. 24 meeting, the board:

  • Approved the award of a professional services agreement to Ally Facility Solutions Inc., d/b/a City Wide Facility Solutions (City Wide), for countywide comprehensive janitorial/custodial services in the annual not-to-exceed (NTE) amount of $2.1 million for fiscal year 2024; an NTE amount of $2.2 million for fiscal year 2025; and, an NTE amount of $2.35 million for fiscal year 2026, resulting in a cumulative NTE amount of $6.65 million for the three-year contract term retroactive to Oct. 1, 2023. The board also delegated authority to the county administrator to approve and execute two optional annual renewals of NTE $2.45 million for fiscal year 2027 and NTE $2.55 million for fiscal year 2028, bringing the total NTE amount for a five-year contract to $11.65 million.
  • Confirmed the appointments of Leona Shuler and Cheryl Pollock to the Commission on the Status of Women in Pasco County. Shuler represents the African American Club of Pasco and Pollock represents Premier Community HealthCare Inc.
  • Honored Kevin Gallagher who retired after 30 years with Pasco County Public Transportation, now known as GoPasco.
  • Approved a change order for a professional services agreement with AECOM Technical Services Inc., to extend the time by 150 calendar days for the completion of the asphalt paving and striping of Ridge Road, from DeCubellis Road/Moon Lake Road east of the Suncoast Parkway. The new completion date is Feb. 7, 2024.
  • Approved the purchase and installation of 76,000 square feet of Taraflex floor cover, including racks for storage when not in use, at the Wiregrass Sports Campus in Wesley Chapel. The cost is $258,500, which will be paid with Tourist Development Tax fund proceeds. The use of the flooring is expected to reduce the shock that players absorb while playing and also lower the risk of short-term and long-term injuries to players.

Revised November 08, 2023

This Eagle Scout has close ties to Pasco officials

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It’s not the first time that the Pasco County Commission has honored an Eagle Scout, and most likely it won’t be the last.

But when Vincent Salzano was celebrated by the board during its Oct. 24 meeting, board members expressed some personal pride in his accomplishment.

Commissioner Kathryn Starkey sponsored the resolution to honor Vincent Salzano, the son of  Anthony Salzano and Elizabeth Blair, who are senior assistant county attorneys.

Vincent is a 17-year-old senior at River Ridge High School. He’s in the Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps, on the robotics team, involved in the Life Teen Ministry at St. Thomas Aquinas Roman Catholic Church, and is pursuing an FAA pilot’s license with aspirations to become a pilot in the United States Air Force, or an aviator in the U.S. Navy, according to the resolution adopted by the board.

Vincent Salzano is surrounded by officials from Pasco County, after he received a resolution honoring him for his achievements, including attaining the rank of Eagle Scout. From left: Pasco Clerk & Comptroller Nikki Alvarez-Sowles, Assistant County Administrator Eric Breitenbach; Pasco County Commissioner Ron Oakley; Senior Assistant County Attorney Anthony Salzano; Vincent Salzano; Senior Assistant County Attorney Elizabeth Blair; Pasco County Commissioner Kathryn Starkey; Pasco County Commissioner Seth Weightman; and, County Attorney Jeffrey Steinsnyder. (Courtesy of Pasco County)

He also has a lengthy history in scouting, replete with accomplishments including a variety of leadership positions and earning 44 merit badges — more than twice the 21 required to reach the rank of Eagle Scout.

He’s also been involved in numerous community service projects with Troop 177, including Coastal Cleanups at Anclote Gulf Park and numerous other environmental projects, participation in the New Port Richey Patriot Day Memorial Ceremony and helping Metropolitan Ministries.

For his Eagle Scout project, he led the construction of a fire circle, a Gaga Ball pit and the rehabilitation of both a volleyball court and a prayer garden.

He accomplished his Eagle Scout project by enlisting the support of friends, scout families, community members and local businesses, the resolution says.

When Pasco County Clerk & Comptroller Nikki Alvarez-Sowles finished reading the resolution, which was quickly approved by the board, Starkey commented: “My gosh, is that a resume. I was sitting here counting his merit badges there — and  I got way past 21. Was it 21 that you were required and you, what, doubled it?”

Vincent responded: “It was about that.”

Starkey told him she was honored to sponsor the resolution.

“We are also very proud of you, just like your parents. I told your parents, I have two Eagle Scouts in my family, so I know what you go through. And, I know what that ceremony is like when you get it, too.

“What an interesting future I think you are on the way to have.

“I just say, congratulations, great job. Parents, what a great job you’re doing. In this day and age, to see parents like this and kids like this, it’s really wonderful. It gives me great hope for our future,” Starkey said.

Commissioner Seth Weightman added: “Congratulations to you.

“Your parents have done a good job of teaching you the foundation of faith, professionalism, responsibility — being ingrained in you, in Scouts. 

“That foundation, I hope, will lead you to a very successful life. And, I hope you lead your family in your future and in your career as well.

“Keep up the good work, we’re proud of you. You’re a model. And, mom and dad, good job, good work. Congratulations to you guys, as well,” Weightman said.

Commissioner Gary Bradford told the Eagle Scout: “Congratulations on a great achievement. You should be very proud. Your parents have done an outstanding job.”

Commissioner Ron Oakley was clearly impressed by the young man’s achievement.

“You’ve done more in your lifetime, to this point, than a lot of people do in a lifetime.

“You should be in leadership somewhere in the future, and your parents, I know, are very proud of you,” he said.

The 17-year-old addressed the board: “It’s a huge honor to be recognized with the rank of Eagle Scout in Boy Scouts, but even more so to be recognized by all of you, with this resolution.

“I want to thank all of you for that, and I want to thank Commissioner Starkey for sponsoring my resolution here.”

He also singled out two of his scout masters; his parents, in particular his dad, who accompanied him during his journey through Scouting; and, two Eagle Scouts whom he described as being “huge role models” and “massive inspirations” for him.

Vincent’s dad also addressed the board: “Commissioner Starkey, I can’t help but remember the fact that you threw a baby shower for Vincent, many years ago, at your house.”

Anthony Salzano also thanked Eric Breitenbach, who, he said, served as the troop committee chair for more than half of Vincent’s scouting career in Troop 177.

“He’s kind of part-family,” Anthony Salzano said.

Audience members, clearly impressed by the teenager’s accomplishments, signaled their approval through a standing ovation.

Published November 08, 2023