The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

B.C. Manion

Enthusiasm not lacking in this year’s election

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By the time that readers pick up this week’s copy of The Laker/Lutz News on Nov. 4, the nation may know who won the presidential election — or not. It will depend on whether it’s a razor-thin result, or a landslide.

Republican supporters turned out to the Land O’ Lakes Recreational Complex during Early Voting on Oct. 24. From left: John Keller, Sandy Graves, Paul Blevins, Summer Blevins, Kurt Browning, James Mallo and Steve Graves. Summer Blevins is the deputy chief of staff for Congressman Gus Bilirakis, on the ballot for an additional term; and Browning also is up for reelection as superintendent of Pasco County Schools. (Randy Underhill)

But, based on ballots cast by mail, or at early voting sites — there’s no doubt that this election motivated people to get out and vote.

Election officials in both Pasco and Hillsborough counties said operations went smoothly during early voting and that turnout was high.

“Pre-Election Day turnout was 60% of our entire voter roll and far surpassed the Pre-Election Day turnout from 2016,” said Pasco County Supervisor of Elections Brian Corley, via email.

“We expect a strong election day turnout and to far exceed 2016 General Election turnout.”

Corley added that the county had the greatest number of days and locations for early voting in Pasco.

Voters had no problems voting at the Jimmie B. Keel Regional Library on Oct. 25. The wait was less than 15 minutes.

He also said “voters were very pleased with the precautions we took to ensure a safe environment.”

The supervisor said that he appreciates the county’s poll workers, who continually step up to serve voters.

He also thanks the patience of voters, as his office administers “the most scrutinized election, during a pandemic.”

In Hillsborough County, the vote totals for early voting and Vote by Mail are already approaching the total voter turnout for 2016, said Gerri Kramer, director of communications for  Hillsborough County Supervisor of Elections Craig Latimer’s office.

Vote by Mail drop-off tents — used for the first time this year at Early Voting sites and offices —proved to be very popular with voters.

To find out the latest turnout numbers, go to VoteHillsborough.org or PascoVotes.com.

Published November 04, 2020

Towing companies must clear crash debris in Pasco

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Companies that remove vehicles from the scene of an accident in Pasco County must be sure to clear away the crash debris, too.

That’s the word from the Pasco County Commission, which adopted an ordinance to that effect during the board’s Oct. 20 meeting.

Commissioner Mike Wells had called for the local ordinance in the spring, to ensure that towing companies do a thorough job when clearing accident scenes.

County Attorney Jeffrey Steinsnyder said the ordinance came to commissioners several months ago, but was delayed because of the pandemic.

“It basically mirrors state law, but gives us some teeth with towing companies that fail to clean up the scene of an accident,” Steinsnyder said.

Wells told the county attorney: “I’m glad it has finally made it back to us.”

The ordinance says that the board “recognizes that its streets and intersections are littered with debris from accidents and that this debris creates dangerous conditions for other persons using the roads.”

It also requires that: “Any person removing a wrecked or damaged vehicle from a street, road, or highway shall remove and lawfully dispose of any glass, debris, or other injurious substance dropped upon the highway from such vehicle.”

The ordinance aims to hold tow-truck drivers to the standards that state law requires.

In calling for the ordinance earlier this year, Wells said he didn’t think every hauler is guilty of leaving debris in the road, but he wanted to increase the level of accountability.

The ordinance was adopted without public comment, on a 4-0 vote, with Commissioner Kathryn Starkey absent.

Published November 04, 2020

Tax collectors returns more than $3 million to county

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When the COVID-19 pandemic slammed the brakes on the local economy, Pasco County Tax Collector Mike Fasano thought it would mean that he’d be able to return about half of the money that he typically returns to the county each year.

But, it turned out that the tax collector’s offices were able to continue operations — with adaptations, and last week, Fasano presented a check topping $3 million, more than double what he expected.

“God bless my staff; we were able to keep things going, even though we had to close our lobbies. We still continued to provide service,” Fasano said. “I will also tell you that we’re No. 1 in the state, and continue to be, in giving out concealed weapons permits.”

He praised the work of County Administrator Dan Biles.

“Dan Biles has been phenomenal in leading us through this serious crisis,” Fasano said, noting  his offices were able to stay open — using temperature gauging and other precautions to keep people safe.

“We’re able to give people tickets so they can wait in their cars, and they are texted when their numbers come up. And, Dan has been outstanding in making sure that happened, and we appreciate that,” Fasano said.

Fasano presented a check for $3,457,000 to the county, of which he requested $305,000 to renovate a building in San Antonio to house his office’s department that oversees printing and mailing of tax notices, registration renewals and other materials.

“With that said, we’re asking that from that $3,457,000 — $305,000 be put to the side,” Fasano said, to pay that contractor. “You can keep $3.1 million. I want $305,000,” Fasano said.

Pasco County Commission Chairman Mike Moore assured Fasano that the request was on the board’s consent agenda, which was subsequently approved by the board.

Published November 04, 2020

Business Digest 11/04/2020

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2020 community award winners display their trophies after the Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce Annual Community Awards and Membership Banquet that was held recently. From left are Bob Winters, Winters Park; Jasmine Wilkins and Patty Sarne, San Antonio Citizens Federal Credit Union; Susan Frimmel, AdventHealth Zephyrhills; Kurt Browning and Allen Altman, Pasco County Schools; Steve Bahorski, Zephyrhills Brewing Company; Melonie Monson, Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce; and, Kevin Bahr, Bahr’s Propane Gas & AC. (Courtesy of Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce)

Greater Zephyrhills Chamber awards
The Greater Zephyrhills Chamber recently presented its 2020 business and community awards.

The winners are:

  • Small Business of the Year: Zephyrhills Brewing Company
  • Large Business of the Year: AdventHealth Zephyrhills
  • The Diamond Award: Pasco County Schools
  • Citizen of the Year: Kevin Bahr
  • Chamber Member of the Year: San Antonio Citizens Federal Credit Union
  • Alice Hall Award: The Winters Family

The chamber’s board for 2020-2021 also was installed at the event.

The 2020-2021 officers are:
Dr. Randy Stovall, Pasco-Hernando State College provost emeritus: Chairman
Vicky Jones, Palm Tree Acres Mobile Home Community: Vice Chairwoman
John Scott, Gulf Coast Financial Strategies: Treasurer
Dr. Edwin Goolsby, PHSC East Campus provost: Secretary
The 2020-2021 directors are:
Sam Abrahani, Memco Properties
Shane Barker, Vitis Realty
Kathy Britton, Berkshire Hathaway Home Services
Amy Chappell, CenterState Bank
Dino Defilippis, Staples
Dennis Harmeson, Zephyrhills Wesley Chapel Ministerial Association
Alex Hulbert, Dewberry
Amanda Maggard, AdventHealth Zephyrhills / Dade City
Dean Smith, Health Markets
Kevin Sullivan, Pipas Law Group
Sam Turgeon, Sunlight Realty & Zephyrhills Executive Offices
David West, Make a Difference
Jasmine Wilkins, San Antonio Citizens Federal Credit Union

For more information, contact Melonie Monson, CEO of the Zephyrhills chamber, at (813) 782-1913 or .

North Tampa Bay Chamber award finalists
The North Tampa Bay Chamber’s Annual Celebrating Excellence Awards honors businesses in the region, recognizing the people and companies that have demonstrated a unique vision, innovation, and best practices.

COVID-19 has affected businesses across the region in various ways, causing them to adjust their models and find innovative ways to respond to the challenges.

The chamber also has its Annual Celebrating Excellence Awards. This year the awards ceremony will be on Nov. 12, a virtual event that will be fully streaming with live remotes, live feeds and a celebratory toast.
The awards being presented are based on the chamber’s four core values.

Here are the finalists in each category:
Excellence in Collaboration Award: B3 Medical, SVB Tennis, Avalon Park Group
Excellence in Inclusivity Award: New Tampa YMCA, Vistra Communications, Pasco-Hernando State College-Porter Campus
Excellence in Innovation Award: Complete IT, Classical Prep, Pinot’s Palette
Excellence in Integrity Award:  Bubba’s 33, The Laker/Lutz News, Scotch Institute of Ear, Nose & Throat, Premier Community Healthcare

In addition to the Core Value awards, some individuals will be honored with Community Hero awards.

The event begins with a red carpet at 6:30 p.m., followed the program at 7 p.m. Cocktail attire is encouraged, and there will be a celebratory toast.

To find out more about the awards and how to register for the event, visit NorthTampaBayChamber.com.

Bisou Beauty Bar ribbon cutting
Bisou Beauty Bar, at 25591 Sierra Center Blvd., in Lutz, will have a ribbon cutting on Nov. 5 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. There will be a giveaway, promotions and refreshments to celebrate the business’ six-month anniversary.

18th annual ‘Catch the Buzz’ Spelling Bee
It’s not too late to offer your support for the 18th annual “Catch the Buzz” spelling bee. The virtual event is set for Nov. 6 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

The annual event helps raise awareness and funding for Take Stock in Children.

For information about the event, email the Greater Pasco Chamber at , or call (727) 842-7651 or (813) 909-2722.

A book of supernatural stories, local history

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When Madonna Jervis Wise was considering the opportunity to do a book venturing into the realm of the unknown, she wasn’t so sure she wanted to pursue it.

After all, she’d spent much of her life meticulously researching the history of the people and places in Pasco County, and she didn’t want to take any chances of damaging her credibility.

But the more she thought about it, the more intriguing it became.

Madonna Jervis Wise has put her researching skills to work to dig up stories about unexplained events and unusual stories in Pasco County’s past. Her book is called ‘A Haunted History of Pasco County.’ (Courtesy of Madonna Jervis Wise)

So, in true Madonna Jervis Wise fashion, she soon was immersed in the hunt for ghost tales and other unexplained phenomena in Pasco County.

She used social media tools to solicit stories.

Wise said she had no idea she’d get the response that she did — adding, apparently there’s a huge following for these kinds of stories.

“Folks would call me up and say, ‘I heard this story. I wanted to tell you about it,’” Wise said.

Her book, “A Haunted History of Pasco County,” shares the tales, while not attempting to be a final authority on the veracity of the claims. She also mixes in stories about Pasco County’s history along the way — drawing from a vast storehouse of knowledge she’s built up through decades of research.

As a result, there are stories involving widely known community landmarks, as well as accounts of odd and unusual characters and events.

Wise said she used her discretion to exclude stories that seemed to be a bit too outlandish, but based on some of the stories that did make the cut, those must have been doozies.

She describes the story of Georg Karl Tanzel as “the creepiest story in the book.” So, we’ll start with an excerpt of that story, and share excerpts of other stories, too.

The macabre ‘Sleeping Beauty’ in Zephyrhills
Georg Karl Tanzler, a native of Germany and a medic in World War I, was living in Zephyrhills when he became obsessed with 17-year-old Elena Hoyos Mesa. After her death — he abducted her body from a private mausoleum he had funded — and meticulously reconstructed it, and experimented further with radiation in attempts to revive her.

Georg Karl Tanzler, a native of Germany and a medic in World War I, was living in Zephyrhills when he became obsessed with 17-year-old Elena Hoyos Mesa. After her death, he took her body from a mausoleum and attempted to revive it. When the corpse was discovered years later, the story attracted international attention.

“He serenaded her every morning with melodious organ music (on a pipe organ he built himself) and dressed her in bridal finery, jewels and daily fresh flowers.

“When police, with the help of Elena’s sister, Florinda Medina, found the corpse in 1940, it was a doll-like configuration of papier-mache, wax, cheesecloth, piano wire, chemicals and glass eyes.

“In the yard was a portion of a strange, dilapidated airplane fuselage that was labeled in his photo albums as ‘Elena’s air ship to heaven.’”

When the body was discovered, it attracted international coverage, with Tanzler reveling in the publicity.

It was one of the “darkest and most macabre chapters in Zephyrhills’ history,” Wise writes.

The demise of 109
Maj. Francis Longhorne Dade and his troops camped along Fort King Road on Dec. 25, 1835, near the site of the current-day Pasco High School.

It’s said that Dade had a dream that turned out to be a premonition.

During his dream, he confided to another: “He had seen images of deceased comrades from the War of 1812 marching hypnotically in front of him.”

Just three days later, on Dec. 28, Dade and his 108 soldiers were killed in an attack by the Seminole Indians, who waited in the palmettos near current-day Bushnell.

“The fatalistic ambush, later labeled the Dade Massacre, set off the Second Seminole War.”

The hillside where Major Dade camped is still linked to much mystery.

Historic Pasco County Courthouse
The ghostly form of Grace Maud Karney Evans has been glimpsed, or perhaps imagined, in the Historic Pasco County Courthouse, in downtown Dade City.

Evans was sentenced for a life term on Oct. 4, 1935, to be served at the Florida State Farm, in Raiford, for murder in the first degree, with recommendation of mercy.

“She had chosen to survive in the midst of unthinkable abuse from two men, in an era when women were to be seen and not heard,” Wise writes.

Evans was paroled in 1947, granted a full pardon in 1965, and lived a long and productive life, before passing away at age 96.

Since her death, in 1973, there have been reports of a faint illusion of a creature carrying the scales of justice — who could be any number of ghostly tenants — sporadically descending the staircase in the historic 1909 structure.

The Edwinola opened in 1912, in Dade City. But, before it opened, the original owner fell out of a third-story window and died. Stories circulate about phantoms being seen and murmuring voices being heard there.

A historic and ghostly hotel?
The Edwinola, once one of Dade City’s most genteel hotels, also is said to have ghosts.

The original developer and owner, Seymour H. Gerrowe, was killed there, in 1911, after falling from a third-story window. After his death, his widow sold the unfinished hotel to Gerrowe’s brother-in-law, Edwin, and his wife, Lola Gasque. They completed it, and named it Edwinola, by combining their first names.

Gerrowe is believed to be an occasional phantom there.

There have been reports of soft murmurs coming from empty rooms and the faint smell of cigar smoke from former dining areas. Some also have reported the apparition of a female ghost, which quickly vanishes, as well as other mysterious sightings.

Not haunted, but part of Pasco’s history
Besides the unexplained stories in Pasco County’s past, this book also includes some stories that are simply unusual.

For instance, Pasco County was the film location for “Edward Scissorhands,” a film directed by Tim Burton.

The Carpenters Run neighborhood of pastel-colored homes, in Lutz, is one memorable part of the movie, but another setting, off County Road 41, outside of Dade City, is visually interesting, too. That was the setting for the film’s castle, complete with topiaries. The 1990 film featured actors Vincent Price, Johnny Depp, Winona Ryder, Dianne Wiest and Alan Arkin, among others.

This is one of the sculptures at a place called ‘Enchantment,’ at the home of Lewis Van Dercar, who had hundreds of statues and sculptures in his yard. Besides being an artist, he was a self-proclaimed warlock and had Halloween parties that attracted thousands of people.

Lewis Van Dercar’s ‘Enchantment’
Lewis Van Dercar — the self-proclaimed warlock and prince of the Order of Magi — was known to welcome up to 3,000 people from across the country to his annual Halloween festivities at his Wesley Chapel hideaway that he called Enchantment.

The artist and sculptor, who came to the area from Miami, filled his forest with artworks, including gargoyles, statues and other sculptures.

Folks “remembered the advertisement he posted in 1961 to sell his poltergeist. He explained that he had purchased a new table for his study which had been used in a stage play, “Arsenic and Old Lace,” and discovered it was possessed by a female poltergeist. He said he tolerated the poltergeist until she started leaving marks on his paintings, which he wouldn’t have minded, if she could paint,” according to Wise’s account.

A murder that took on a life of its own
There’s also the story of a graphic murder of a nun at St. Edwards Hall, on the campus of what is now Saint Leo University. It turns out that story was concocted by local attorney Bill Dayton and a friend, as a Halloween prank, when they were students in the class of 1962.

The story is still making the rounds.

Blue Moon at the Museum
What: The event will include the book launch of “A Haunted History of Pasco County” by Madonna Jervis Wise, including book contributors sharing local, chilling tales. There will be lantern tours of the museum buildings; live music; a food truck; shortbread and hot cider; and drawings for door prizes.
Where: The Pioneer Florida Museum & Village, 15602 Pioneer Museum Road in Dade City
When: Oct. 30, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Cost: $10 for adults; $8 for seniors; $5 for students; free for kids under age 5.
Info: Visit PioneerFloridaMuseum.org.

Superstitious practices

  • Carrying the coffin out of the house feet first, to prevent the spirit from beckoning another family member
  • Taking down or covering mirrors, to avoid blocking a spirit from passing to the world beyond
  • Hiding photographs, or turning them upside down, so spirits would not cling to impressionable family members
  • Orienting graves with the corpse’s head to the west and feet to the east, as it was surmised that judgment would come from the east
  • Positioning beds in a north-south orientation for luck
  • Leaving doors unlocked and windows open, to ensure that a soul was not obstructed in its migration to heaven

“A Haunted History of Pasco County,” published by Haunted America, sells for $21.99.
For more information, contact .

Source: A Haunted History of Pasco County by Madonna Jervis Wise

Published October 28, 2020

Treating others —  to a happy, haunting Halloween

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Every year, right after Labor Day, Sid Simandl starts sorting out his Halloween décor.

He begins early because it takes weeks for him and his wife, Kathy, to create a haunted attraction that will, well, raise people’s spirits.

“It started out small, just a little display. And, each year, it just got a little bit bigger and a little bit bigger. It’s taken on a life of its own,” said Simandl, who lives in the Stagecoach subdivision in Land O’ Lakes, just off Wesley Chapel Boulevard.

If spiders give you the creeps, you’ll likely want to steer clear of the massive one in front of this home, in the Stagecoach subdivision in Land O’ Lakes. (Courtesy of Sid Simandl)

“We change it every year. We do new props every year,” said Simandl, noting the display has 68 props, including many that light up and are animated.

The attraction has developed a reputation.

“Everyone knows that’s the Halloween House,” said John Higgins, who lives next door to the Simandls.

Hundreds of people typically drop by the house, at 3651 Mossy Oak Circle, on Halloween night — the only night the display is open, Simandl said.

For many, the annual visit has become a ritual.

Simandl has been setting up his display for 18 years.

It’s never quite the same, from year to year.

Typically, he has constructed a Haunted House, inside his garage, which people would tour through.

These skeletons like to lounge around in front of the house at 3651 Mossy Oaks Circle, in the Stagecoach subdivision in Land O’ Lakes.

But, this year, he’s changing that up because of a need for COVID-19 precautions and to provide social distancing.

Instead of traipsing through an enclosed Haunted House, visitors will be able to check out a haunted trail, outdoors.

This year, there’s also a bonus: “We’re actually sponsoring a movie in the park at 9 o’clock (p.m.) We’re right across the street from the rec center,” Simandl said.

There’s no admission charge to visit the Halloween display or to watch “Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein,” but nonperishable foods and canned goods are being accepted for a local food pantry, Higgins said.

The annual Halloween display at the Simandls is fun for both children and adults, Simandl said. It has become a tradition in the neighborhood: “There’s a whole group of us that gets together and hangs out,” he said.

This sign provides an inkling of how excited the Simandls get about Halloween each year. Sid Simandl, who puts up a giant display, says Halloween is his favorite holiday.

Typically, trick-or-treaters start showing up around 6:30 p.m., on Halloween.

Besides getting a feast for the eyes, the kids get a fistful of candy, too.

That’s because a lot of his neighbors hang out in the driveway, and the trick-or-treaters each get six or seven pieces of candy.

Higgins praised his neighbor, for creating such a nice experience for families and kids.

“He just does it for the pure joy of it,” Higgins said, noting that the couple’s children are grown and live out of town.

Simandl who has nicknamed himself “Mr. Halloween,” puts on a pumpkin sports coat for the occasion.

“It’s my favorite holiday,” he said.

He and his wife have a solitary goal, in sharing their seasonal showcase: “We want them to love Halloween as much as we do,” he said.

Typically, the last trick-or-treaters trickle in around 9 p.m., or shortly after, but this year that could be later, because Halloween is on Saturday.

All are welcome, Simandl said.

“We’re there until the last ghost goes home,” he said.

Check out Halloween décor galore
What: Visit a haunted Halloween trail in the yard at Sid and Kathy Simandl’s home. Dozens of animated and lighted props will be on display.
Where: 3651 Mossy Oak Circle, Land O’ Lakes
When: Oct. 31, beginning at 6:30 p.m.
Cost: Free admission; nonperishable foods and canned goods will be accepted to benefit a local food pantry.

Watch a spooky movie
What: Sid and Kathy Simandl are hosting a free outdoor Halloween movie at the Stagecoach park.
What: A screening of “Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein”
Where: 3632 Mossy Oak Circle, Land O’ Lakes
When: Oct. 31 at 9 p.m.
Cost: Free admission; nonperishable foods and canned goods will be accepted to benefit a local food pantry.

Published October 28, 2020

Diverging Diamond is behind schedule

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A road project that’s expected to reduce congestion at the Interstate 75 and State Road 56 is running behind schedule, and Pasco County commissioners aren’t happy.

Pasco County Commission Chairman Mike Moore raised the issue during the board’s Oct. 20 meeting — citing the apparent lack of workers on the project.

“I drive it daily. My wife drives it daily. My oldest daughter probably drives it three to four times a week,” he said.

Pasco County Commission Chairman Mike Moore is calling on state road officials to apply greater pressure to get the Diverging Diamond project back on track. (File)

“Yesterday, when I drove through there, I took a few photos. I saw one truck. I don’t know what he was doing, I’m not a contractor. And, I saw two guys standing on the side, down below.

“On a project of that magnitude, those are the only people I saw working on it Monday — a sunny Monday.

“That was about 1:15, 1:30 (in the afternoon), when I drove through there. Those were the only people working on that project when I drove by there.

“That’s insane.

“That’s ridiculous.

“That’s embarrassing,” Moore said.

“I know Commissioner (Kathryn) Starkey and I received a letter from a group of businesses over on the west side of the interchange, everywhere from the outlet mall to across the street to Sierra’s properties (Cypress Creek Town Center), too,” Moore said.

“It’s frustrating to all of our constituents here. It’s frustrating to the business owners,” he said.

It’s particularly irritating given the fact that the county worked with local state legislators to get the project moved, and now it’s behind schedule, Moore said.

“Now, we’re going into 2021. This was supposed to be done in the summer of ‘21, and be finished and completed. Unfortunately, they’re delayed.

“We have absolutely zero control, and when I say zero, we have zero control over these contractors for that project because that is a DOT project,” the commission chairman added.

Moore said he expressed the county’s displeasure to David Gwynn, secretary for District 7 of the Florida Department of Transportation.

Gwynn responded with an email outlining what’s happened so far in the project, and the DOT’s actions.

The project was started in early 2019 with an original schedule of 800 days, which would result in a finish date of April 2021, Gwynne’s email notes.

Commissioner Jack Mariano said the county needs to keep the pressure on, to get the state road project finished closer to its original completion date.

That schedule did not account for rain and holiday allowances or other factors outside the contractors control, the email adds.

To date, the contractor has been granted:

  • 99 days for weather
  • 34 days of holiday time
  • 30 days for unforeseen conditions

As a result, 163 days will be added to the contract, bringing the new end date to Aug. 26, 2021, the email notes.

“The department has discussed its concern with the contractor, DAB Constructors, as a result the contractor has gone to a 6-day work week to mitigate the schedule, and has agreed to focus their resources on completing existing work,” the email says.

The DOT also is looking for opportunities to move the job forward, the email notes, including:

  • Approving the use of alternate fill materials less sensitive to water, to accelerate work in low lying areas
  • Examining ways to combine traffic phases to shorten the overall duration of the project
  • Utilizing alternate road base options to accelerate new roadway construction
  • Examining ways to reconfigure walls on the project to shorten construction duration

Gwynn’s email says that “should the contractor not meet the contract end date, liquidated damages, of $9,837 a day, will be assessed for every day that the contractor is late in completing the project.”

The email goes on to say that the department sent a letter of concern to the contractor on March 23, and continues to review the contractor’s progress.

Finally, Gwynn said, “Please be assured that we are doing everything we can to hold the contractor accountable and accelerate the schedule where possible.”

Starkey said “I think DOT is doing as much as it can, to push it along,” but, she would like to see changes in the way contracts are awarded, to put a higher value on a company’s performance.

Moore said he’s happy to see what the DOT is doing, but isn’t satisfied with the results.

“The pressure needs to stay on,” Moore said.

“Basically, what needs to happen, is they need to hold their feet to the fire,” Moore said.

Commissioner Jack Mariano agreed: “Keep the pressure on.”

Published October 28, 2020

Send-off honors Pasco Commissioner Mike Wells

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Pasco County Commissioner Mike Wells Jr., concluded his last meeting with the county board, on Oct. 20 with a playful gesture.

He dropped the gavel.

The action — which essentially means, ‘My work is done here’ — provided a glimpse into the commissioner’s self-deprecating humor, and it came at the conclusion of a meeting where he received a standing ovation, and was lavished with praise for his six years of service on the county board.

Pasco County commissioners honored their colleague, Mike Wells, who is leaving the board to become Pasco County Property Appraiser. Shown here, from left: Commissioner Ron Oakley, Commission Chairman Mike Moore, Commissioner Mike Wells, Commissioner Jack Mariano and Commissioner Kathryn Starkey. Wells is holding a framed copy of a resolution honoring his service on the board. (Courtesy of Andy Taylor/Pasco County)

Commissioners paused from their formal agenda to honor some of Wells’ accomplishments since he won the District 4 seat in 2014 and subsequently won re-election.

He’s leaving the board to become the Pasco County Property Appraiser.

Wells has a long association with politics and government.

After all, he followed in the footsteps of his father, Mike Wells Sr., who served on the Pasco County Commission and then was Pasco County Property Appraiser.

Besides growing up in a household where public service was valued, Wells got involved in political campaigns when he was just 12 years old.

During his tenure on the Pasco County Commission, Wells has voted on myriad issues important to Pasco County residents, businesses, organizations and communities.

He advocated for the extension of Ridge Road — a project the county had pursued for decades that finally began construction at the beginning of this year.

He and his colleagues selected County Administrator Dan Biles to lead the county’s staff.

Wells also took the leading role in reviving scalloping in Pasco County, after a hiatus that had lasted nearly 25 years.

During county meetings and through work with community organizations, he has championed efforts to help the elderly, the disabled, the homeless, the unemployed, veterans and small businesses.

Wells also has called for high expectations of the county staff, as it relates to customer service.

At the same time, he demonstrated support of county staff, too.

During this year’s budget talks, the county administrator recommended a 2% raise for county staff, in keeping with the inflation rate.

Wells balked.

He pushed for a 3% raise — to match the percentage approved for state employees and staff of the county’s constitutional officers.

Wells’ firm stand on the issue found support among his colleagues, and ultimately, it won the day.

During the commissioner’s final board meeting, board members surprised him with a resolution outlining Wells’ public service.

They also offered words of praise.

“We campaigned together for a long time,” said Commission Chairman Mike Moore. “We were sworn together Nov. 18 of 2014. The first meeting, it was  a doozy of a meeting. Remember that?”

During that session, the board turned down a concept for a sports park on the land that is now occupied by the Wiregrass Ranch Sports Campus of Pasco County.

That first “no vote” ultimately resulted in a superior outcome, Moore said.

The commission chairman also noted that through the years, Wells has taken “numerous, numerous votes that are going to change this community for the better, and this county for the better, for a long, long time.

“You will be missed,” Moore said.

Commissioner Ron Oakley weighed in, too.

“I think we were all put here at the right time to move Pasco forward. You played a big part in doing that, and doing it the right way,” Oakley said.

Commissioner Kathryn Starkey added: “I appreciate your leadership here on the board. It’s been really fun working with you all of these years, and I look forward to working with you as property appraiser. I know you’re going to do a great job.”

Commissioner Jack Mariano put it this way: “Mike, I want to say, you’ve been a high-impact commissioner. I think when the two Mikes (Mike Wells and Mike Moore) came on board, they brought a great energy of getting things done.”

He said Wells has worked to help push stormwater projects forward. He also said Wells helped secure funding for Starkey Park and SunWest Park, and supported the county’s acquisition of private water systems, leading to lower rates for customers.

“It’s been a great pleasure working with you,” Mariano said. “I think people recognized that you would be a great property appraiser,” he added.

Pasco County Clerk & Comptroller Nikki Alvarez-Sowles, County Attorney Jeffrey Steinsnyder and County Administrator Biles also expressed their appreciation for Wells’ service on the board.

Published October 28, 2020

Local officials continue mask mandates, urge social distancing

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Elected leaders in Pasco and Hillsborough counties are still requiring masks to be worn indoors in their counties, as rates of COVID-19 remain concerning.

Mike Napier, health officer for the Florida Department of Health – Pasco County, updated the Pasco County Commission on current local conditions during an Oct. 20 meeting.

“I wish I had better news. Our goal, when we talked last time was, ‘Let’s see what the data looks like and maybe we can make revisions,” Napier said.

Concerns about the rate of positivity cases in Pasco and Hillsborough counties have promoted local elected leaders to keep mask mandates in place. (Courtesy of Centers for Disease Control & Prevention)

In his update, that came 30 days after his last appearance, Napier told board members:

“We have 10,294 positive cases, as of yesterday (Oct. 19). That’s a 3.5% increase over the last seven days. That’s 358 new cases, just this past week.

“The total population infected was just under 2%, and we have a less than 1% (.04) population that has died. That’s 229 cases.

“The other point that we talk about is the seven-day rolling average of cases. Last month, when I was here, we had increased from 29 cases per day, on average for seven days, up to 49. As of today, we’re looking at 53 cases per day. That represented an 8.1% increase from last month when I came and spoke with you.

“The other part that’s a little bit alarming is our 14-day rolling average. That’s the percent of positive cases that we get each day. It has climbed from 3.2% to 4.5%. That represents a 40% increase in the number of positive cases, percentage-wise.”

“As of today, we have 227 deaths.

The county is not seeing a huge increase, but it is trending in the wrong direction, Napier said.

The gold standard would be about 1 case per 100,000 — which means Pasco County would have 5.5 case per day, Napier said. “We’ve got a ways to get there.”

“We know that schools was one of the questions — what was going to be the impact of schools?

“I’ve got to give a shout-out to the school system. They’ve been great in working with the students and faculty and health department, in letting parents know as soon as we can about a positive case.

“I will tell you that the schools are not driving our case increases. They represent roughly 15% of our cases, which is what we had seen previously,” he said.

Students who have been exposed to someone positive must be isolated, which interrupts football practices and other things, as “life continues to go on,” he said.

“We understand that it’s disruptive, but we’re also trying to prevent the spread,” Napier said.

He said his staff is not finding spread within the schools themselves.

“Typically, what we’re finding is that a parent is sick and then the child is sick,” the health officer said.

“Our positivity rate is concerning. We were feeling pretty good when we were at 3%. We’re getting pretty close to 5% right now,” Napier said.

Commissioner Ron Oakley weighed in: “I think we should continue our masks,” he said, adding that he’d feel more comfortable doing away with the restriction when a vaccine becomes available.

Commissioner Kathryn Starkey agreed with keeping the mask mandate: “I say, ‘Stay the course, still.”

She said she’d traveled to other parts of the country where restrictions were more extensive.

In some places, people are wearing a mask if they are outside their own homes, she said, noting she’d see people outside riding bicycles or on trails, wearing masks.

She doesn’t think Pasco’s ordinance is excessive.

Commission Mike Wells addressed Napier: “I’m assuming you’re telling us that you recommend us continue with the mask.”

Napier responded: “I don’t think anybody here is saying that masks are fun to use. Nobody enjoys using them. We understand that. It’s just a matter of the times that we’re in and the need to be able to do something to be able to prevent the spread of the disease.”

The mandate is being recommended throughout the region.

He said he spoke with his counterparts in Hillsborough and Pinellas counties, and the consensus was to keep the mask ordinance in each county in place.

“If I was standing here and the numbers had declined since my last presentation and we were starting to make good progress, then, all right, that might be a little bit different conversation. Right now, with what our numbers are demonstrating, I couldn’t suggest that the data says we should change course,” Napier said.

Commissioner Jack Mariano said the county should “strongly recommend” rather than mandate masks, and he made a motion to that effect.

Wells told Mariano: “I do agree with you commissioner; I just don’t think there are three other votes.”

Commission Chairman Mike Moore said his colleagues should consult with local hospital CEOs, frontline medical workers and epidemiologists to help inform their decisions

Mariano’s motion failed, for lack of a second, keeping Pasco’s mandate in place.

Meanwhile, in Hillsborough County, commissioners extended the requirement for face coverings inside of local business, with certain exceptions, until Oct. 29, according to a news release.

The board approves its emergency orders for a maximum of seven days at a time. (See HCFLGov.net/facecoverings, for more detail).

Commissioners also approved spending $4.5 million in federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act funding for a project at Tampa General Hospital to repurpose an existing stand-alone structure into a dedicated COVID-19 unit.

The $8.2 million unit will contain 59 fully equipped ICU beds and up to 45 surge-readiness beds. Under a three-year contract with TGH, the unit also will serve as an alternate care site during declared states of emergency, the release said.

COVID19 statistics, as of noon on Oct. 26
Pasco County: Positive cases: 10,556 residents and 81 non-residents; deaths: 236
Pasco County Schools: Positive cases: students, 197; staff, 78
Hillsborough County: Positive cases: 46,813 residents and 267 non-residents; deaths: 759
Hillsborough County Schools: Positive cases: students, 465; staff, 372
Florida: Positive cases: 782,013 cumulative; deaths: 16,429 residents and 203 non-resident
United States: Positive cases: 8,553,827; deaths: 224,221
Worldwide: Positive cases: 42,745,212; deaths: 1,150,961

Sources: Florida Department of Health, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; World Health Organization.

Published October 28, 2020

Pasco stays competitive, during pandemic

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The news could have been gloomy, because Pasco County — like everywhere else — is in the midst of the global COVID-19 pandemic.

But, as it turns out, the Pasco Economic Development Council Inc.’s final report for last fiscal year shows that the economic development agency surpassed goals in key categories, such as attracting new projects and adding new jobs.

Bill Cronin, president/CEO of Pasco Economic Development Council Inc., holds the agency’s gold award it received in the entrepreneurship category during the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) Annual Conference. (Courtesy of Pasco Economic Development Council Inc.)

That’s the crux of a report delivered by Bill Cronin, president/CEO of Pasco EDC, to the Pasco County Commission during its Oct. 20 board meeting.

Cronin leads the agency, whose mission is to stimulate balanced and diversified economic growth in Pasco County. It uses private investments and tax dollars to support the work it does to foster economic development — which includes attracting companies, helping business startups and helping companies to be resilient, and to grow.

Cronin told commissioners the agency won 15 projects, surpassing its goal of 12. The wins include 13 competitive projects (of which two were expansions already in Pasco that were competitive); plus, two expansion projects that were not competitive.

The agency’s final win came on Sept. 30, about 4:30 in the afternoon, Cronin reported.

“We received a commitment from a company that we’re going to be bringing to you, Nov. 17, for 875 jobs,” he said.

“That put us not only over our goal for a thousand (jobs), but a record for the most recruited jobs in any one fiscal year at 1,464 total jobs committed this year, from (competitive) wins.

“I think it’s not only significant in the sense that it was a record-breaker, but it was amidst COVID that a lot of this activity was taking place,” Cronin said.

Overall, there was $104 million in capital investment last year, exceeding the Pasco EDC’s goal of $90 million.

“We’ve got a total of 44 active projects right now,” Cronin said. That compares favorably with Jacksonville, which has 43, he added.

The majority of those active projects in Pasco’s pipeline is manufacturing.

Pasco County Commissioner Kathryn Starkey is enthusiastic about that.

“Those are great jobs, as you and I know,” Starkey said. “Of course, their No. 1 issue is the talent pipeline, so we are all working hard on filling that.

“Great job on those manufacturing jobs,” she told Cronin.

Obviously, shutdowns imposed by the pandemic created new challenges, and Pasco EDC has responded by becoming a resource to help businesses learn about available resources.

Besides sharing news about grants, loans and training opportunities on its website, Pasco EDC also administered a local small business grant program — that was supported through $7 million in funding approved by the Pasco County Commission, using revenues provided by Penny for Pasco for economic development.

Those receiving the grants were required to submit necessary paperwork, and to attend a two-hour refocus virtual workshop.

“We continue to focus on building resiliency, to work with our small businesses, to help them grow to get stronger,” Cronin said.

It also provided advice to some of its peers in other places, to help them handle resiliency and grants, Cronin said.

The agency’s task forces have been active, too.

The Food Hub task force was expected to present its recommendation at the end of October, and the Office and Industrial Trends Task Force plans to disseminate a report to the real estate community and developers around the nation.

The economic development agency also expects to add a real estate committee to its list of committees in 2021, Cronin said.

The agency also is forming a new task forces on reshoring — which will address the issue of bringing back manufacturing to the United States.

During the board meeting, Cronin also told commissioners about three awards his agency won in an international competition. The agency competed among communities of 500,000 or greater, and won a gold, silver and bronze award in the contest.

Pasco economic statistics for 2019-2020

Overall stats
Business recruitment inquiries: 102
Leads: 35
Active projects: 44
Successes: 15*

Active projects, by category
Manufacturing: 24
Wholesale trade: 2
Information technology: 5
Professional scientific: 4
Company management: 2
Life science: 1
Finance and insurance: 2
Health care: 1
Transportation warehouse: 3

* (Successes include 13 competitive projects, of which two were expansions already in Pasco that were competitive, and two expansion projects that were not competitive)

Source: Pasco Economic Development Council Inc.

Pasco EDC wins international awards
The Pasco Economic Development Council Inc., has received three awards from the International Economic Development Council, in the 2020 Excellence in Economic Development Awards Program.

The local economic development agency won in these categories:

  • Entrepreneurship: A gold award for its SMARTstart Pasco project
  • Digital Media: A silver award for its Pasco Ready Sites Interactive Maps
  • Special Purpose Website: A bronze award for WorkforceCONNECT Pasco.

The awards were presented during the International Economic Development Council Annual Conference.

Bill Cronin, president and CEO for the Pasco EDC, was obviously delighted to share the news with the Pasco County Commission, during the board’s Oct. 20 meeting.

The Pasco EDC was competing in the category for communities over 500,000.

“So that means we were competing with the New Yorks, the Houstons, the Chicagos of the world,” Cronin said. To receive the honors, he said, “is a really big deal for us.”

Published October 28, 2020