The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

B.C. Manion

If a hurricane hits, what would your business do?

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Residents aren’t the only ones who need to how to respond if water rises, high winds hit or other damage results from tropical storms, hurricanes or other emergencies.

Businesses also need a plan that will help them weather the storm, and resume their enterprise as quickly as possible.

Brian Ellis, an expert with the Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council, offered some practical advice on how to deal with a disaster, during a recent Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce luncheon. (B.C. Manion)

Brian Ellis, disaster recovery coordinator for the Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council, recently shared his expertise on the topic at a Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce luncheon at the Plantation Palms Golf Club, in Land O’ Lakes.

Planning ahead is essential, Ellis said.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) estimates that nearly 40 percent of small businesses that closed after a disaster never reopened because they lacked a Business Continuity Plan and were unprepared to recover, Ellis told those gathered.

Additionally, he said that nearly one in four businesses can expect to experience a disruptive disaster, according to the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety and the U.S. Small Business Administration.

To be resilient in the face of such threats, businesses need to prepare, respond and recover, he said.

Preparations should include:

  • An emergency communication plan, which includes: A staff text message/email; a method for reaching employees after hours; and, a single point of contact. Be sure to monitor the news, too, he said.

“Bad information is not what you want,” Ellis said.

  • When faced with a disaster: Be sure you have an evacuation plan, with escape routes. Establish a safe place — which may be at your home or in another location — for you to resume your business as quickly as possible. Can you operate in your parking lot?

Keep your customers informed, he said. “Put some information on Facebook. A sign on the door (of your business) can go a long way.”

Be sure your employees know their roles. “Does your staff know how to react when you’re not there?” Ellis asked.

  • Build resilience in your supply chain. If you need specific products or services to conduct your business, be sure you have secondary suppliers, in case your supplier runs out. Establish service level agreements with your suppliers so you will know what level of service you can expect, if problems arise.
  • Build alliances with others in a similar business. Establish a buddy system: You help them if they’re hit with a disaster; they help you if you’re hit with a disaster. You can lend each other staff; exchange reliable supplier information; and, share inventory.

Responding to a crisis:

  • Account for all employees after the disaster.
  • Gather accurate information after the storm, with boots on the ground.
  • Conduct a full evaluation of infrastructure and take safety measures.
  • Coordinate next steps to get the doors open.
  • Communicate with all parties involved.

Filing an insurance claim:

  • Immediately contact your insurance company.
  • Make sure your insurance company knows your temporary address and contact information.
  • Take photographs of damaged assets.
  • Leave damaged property where it is, until the adjuster has made an official report. Accompany the adjuster to point out damage during the inspection.
  • Make only repairs necessary to prevent further damage. Be aware that unauthorized repairs might not be covered.
  • Be careful in choosing contractors to make repairs. Hire only licensed contractors, who secure the appropriate building permits. (The Better Business Bureau warns you should be wary when hiring contractors after a disaster. Watch out for red flags, such as upfront cash-only payment options; contractors offering to use materials left over from another job – a common tactic of fly-by-night operators; high-pressure sales tactics; and missing contact information.)
  • If the settlement offered by the insurance company seems unfair, contact the Florida Department of Insurance Regulation by visiting FLOIR.com.

Identify lessons learned:

  • How did we improve communications?
  • Were we satisfied with the way technology was backed up and stored?
  • Did staff fully understand their roles during and after the disaster?
  • Were there delays in reopening? If so, why?
  • Are changes needed in our insurance policy?

Ellis also quoted former President John F. Kennedy, who observed, “The time to repair the roof is when the sun is shining,” and famous inventor Benjamin Franklin, who said, “By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.”

Published June 05, 2019

Business Digest 06/05/2019

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(Courtesy of Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce)

Ben Pumo deemed ‘Heart of Pasco’
Members of the Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce’s Community Affairs Committee made a surprise visit recently to bestow the Heart of Pasco Award to Chef Ben Pumo, owner of Benedetto’s Ristorante Italiano in Land O’ Lakes. The award is presented to local businesses that exemplify the mission of the chamber to advocate for the interests of the diverse business community by promoting business advancement, economic growth and job creation. From left: Judi Fisher, Ben Puma, Sandy Graves and Kathy Balthazard.

 

(Courtesy of Zimmerman Agency)

Firehouse Subs open in Lutz
Firehouse Subs has opened in Lutz, under the ownership of Firehouse Subs Franchisees Brad Lueking, Susan Alexander and Pierce Alexander. The restaurant is at 23657 State Road 54. Its hours are 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sunday through Thursday, and 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., on Friday and Saturday. The restaurant offers a variety of small, medium and large subs; a large selection of soft drinks; and has a loyalty rewards program. Crew from left: Sue Sladich, Kiley Lynch, Kaeli Bishop, Sommer Jass, and Brad Lueking, the franchisee.

Power Gals with a Latin Twist
Power Gals with a Latin Twist is having a Floppy Hat Luncheon on June 7 from noon to 2 p.m., at Bahama Breeze Island Grille, 25330 Sierra Center Blvd., in Lutz. The group is a networking group for women. All are welcome.

East Pasco Networking
Bob Hatfield from the Office of U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis will be the featured speaker at the East Pasco Networking Group’s June 11 meeting. The group meets at 7:30 a.m., at IHOP, 13100 U.S. 301 in Dade City. Maria Reza, a business services consultant at Career Source Pasco-Hernando, will be the featured speaker at the group’s June 25 meeting.

Results-based marketing
Everyday your prospects see 6,000 branding messages, see 4,000 ads, get 175+ emails, and spend 90 percent of their time on the Internet just browsing. Learn the “”why,” “what” and “how” to cut through this marketing “noise” to be compelling, differentiating and make the sale at this free session offered by Pasco-Hernando Score. The workshop will be presented on June 13 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., at the New River Branch Library, 34043 State Road 54 in Wesley Chapel.

Brian Corley to speak
Supervisor of Elections Brian Corley will be the featured speaker for the monthly membership luncheon of the North Tampa Bay Chamber. The luncheon is on June 12 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at St. Joseph’s Hospital-North, 4211  Van Dyke Road, in Lutz. Visit NorthTampaChamber.com for more information.

Awards and installation banquet
The Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce and the West Pasco Chamber of Commerce will have a joint awards and installation banquet to signify the creation of the new Greater Pasco Chamber of Commerce, resulting from the merger of both chambers. The event will be on June 20 from 5:45 p.m. to 9 p.m., at the Hilton Garden Inn Suncoast Parkway, 2155 Northpointe Parkway in Lutz. Call the Central Pasco Chamber at (813) 909-2722 or the West Pasco Chamber at (727) 842-7651 for more information.

Chamber coffee
Gather with colleagues and peers in a relaxed networking environment at the North Tampa Bay Chamber’s no-agenda coffee social. It happens on the third Tuesday of the month from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m., at Buttermilk Provisions, 2653 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., in Wesley Chapel.

Broadcast club makes friends globally, via the airwaves

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Their introduction to the world of amateur radio came in different ways.

Don Curtis was still quite young when he started tinkering with car radios.

“I was able to take stuff apart and put stuff together,” says Curtis, who went on to develop a fascination for electronics. That preoccupation led to a career in communications, and an avid interest in amateur radio, also called ham radio. That was more than a half-century ago.

His wife, Janice, current president of the Zephyrhills Area Amateur Radio Club, decided to pursue her license so she could talk to Don when he was on the road.

These three couples are active members of the Zephyrhills Area Amateur Radio Club. They are, from left: Charlie and Toni Nelson; Peggy and Rich Kennedy; and, Don and Janice Curtis. (B.C. Manion)

She’s been licensed for 43 years.

Rich Kennedy, another club member, became intrigued in the pursuit when he was a Scout.

“There was a merit badge for learning signaling,” Rich recalls. “One of the things you had to learn for that, at that time, was Morse Code. I learned Morse Code.”

His scoutmaster was a ham radio operator, so Rich went to his house and saw a multitude of radios. He knew then that he wanted to become a radio operator.

Decades later, Rich still prefers to communicate using Morse Code.

His wife, Peggy, is relatively new to the hobby.

“I love talking around the world. It’s wonderful,” she says.

“My first contact was the Netherlands. Then, I reached Australia. I reached France, and I reached Hawaii.

“Then, when I hit Italy, I spoke to them in Italian because my family is from Palermo.

“I had such a backup of Italians wanting to talk to me, it was incredible,” she says, the memory  prompting a smile.

Charlie Nelson, the club’s vice president, has been a ham radio operator for decades.

“My passion is building antennas, primarily because they’re too expensive to buy from the store,” Charlie says.

Much of what he knows has been acquired under the patient tutelage of Don, Charlie adds.

Sharing what they know is a common trait among ham radio operators, club members say.

Don Curtis chats across country with a fellow amateur radio operator from the comfort of a room equipped with radios, in his East Pasco home.

It’s not unusual, either, for the members to share equipment.

“If they come to the club, and they don’t have money or they need help, chances are one of us will give them a radio,” Charlie says.

It’s a pursuit that can cost as little $30, or as much as $30,000, Charlie adds, depending on what the operator wants or is able to spend on it.

And, it’s a hobby that attracts people from all walks of life, including celebrities, members of royalty, or regular Janes and Joes.

It’s also a hobby that can capture the imagination of young and old, alike.

And, the devices can be adapted so that even people who have physical challenges can still enjoy the hobby, Janice says.

Charlie’s wife, Toni, got into ham radio after marrying Charlie.

And, like other club members, she marvels at what ham radio operators can do.

For example, Rich says, “I can wait for a time when the International Space Station is coming over, and I can listen to the communication with the astronauts and, when it’s my turn, I can talk to somebody on the International Space Station.”

They also step in to provide a vital service during times of disaster, club members say.

When the power goes out, or cell towers go down, ham radios continue to operate.

“The radio operators will go there with their pickup trucks, with their equipment and they will contact the fire department, they will contact the police department. They will keep them abreast of the situation that’s going on and where emergency treatment is necessary,” Peggy says.

The use of ham radios “is integrated into the emergency plan of the state of Florida,” Rich says.

When communication systems breakdown, ham radios can plug the gap.

When Hurricane Michael hit the Panhandle, there were amateur radio operators riding in fire trucks and ambulances because they could communicate directly, Rich says.

Some amateur radio operators are motivated by a desire to be of service to others. Others enjoy the social aspects. Some are drawn to the technical challenges.

There are no age requirements, and no age limits.

“We have 8- and 9-year-olds that are members of our Lakeland club,” Rich says.

“They get on that radio and run circles around the rest of us. They’re just so talented,” Peggy adds.

Anyone who would like to know more is invited to attend a future Zephyrhills Area Amateur Radio Club. The group meets on the third Monday of the month, at Saint Elizabeth Episcopal Church, 5855 16th St., in Zephyrhills. For more information, visit ZAARC.org.

Zephyrhills Area Amateur Radio Club
Where: Saint Elizabeth Episcopal Church, 5855 16th St., Zephyrhills
When: The third Monday of the month. The meeting starts at 7 p.m.; the board meeting starts at 6 p.m.
Details: These amateur radio operators enjoy sharing their knowledge; they step up to help in times of emergency; they step up during times of need; and, they like to talk with people from all over the world.
The club also has an informal breakfast meeting on Thursdays at 8 a.m., at Village Inn, 4214 Gall Blvd., in Zephyrhills.
Info: ZAARC.org

Frequently asked questions about ham radio

Who uses ham radio?
Amateur radio, also known as ham radio, attracts people of all ages, income levels, nationalities

and walks of life. They communicate in various ways, such as talking into a microphone, sending Morse code, or interfacing their radio with a tablet and typing out a message.

What’s the appeal of ham radio?
Some people simply enjoy talking with others across the country, or world, without the need for the Internet or a cellphone network. Others are attracted by experimenting with electronics. Some want to serve their community during emergencies, such as hurricanes, tornadoes or floods. Some enjoy making new friends with people they meet over the radio.

How much does ham radio cost?
Basic study materials to obtain an entry-level license cost about $40. You can take a license class sponsored by a local amateur radio club, or use online options. You can generally find a good handheld radio for less than $100, and then go from there.

What is the AARL?
The 165,000-member American Radio Relay League was founded in 1914. It is a national association for Amateur Radio in the United States. The association sponsors on-air operating events, and provides books, news, study material and other types of support for individuals and clubs.

Source: The American Radio Relay League. For more information, visit ARRL.org.

Published May 29, 2019

BayCare’s plans for new Pasco hospital are uncertain

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The Florida Legislature’s decision to drop the requirement for a Certificate of Need review for new hospitals is causing BayCare Health System to reconsider its plans for a hospital in Pasco County.

The hospital chain had received a preliminary OK on its Certificate of Need request for a 60-bed hospital on a 111-acre site at the northeast quadrant of Interstate 75 and Overpass Road.

It was pushing ahead with planning for the new facility, despite a challenge filed by AdventHealth’s hospitals in Wesley Chapel, Zephyrhills and Dade City.

A hearing on the appeal had been set for August.

But, the repeal of the requirement for a Certificate of Need has created a wide open market for the establishment of hospitals.

The repeal is causing BayCare to take another look at its plans, said BayCare spokeswoman Lisa Razler.

It’s still too early to say how the change will affect the health care system’s plans, Razler said.

“We have a whole new lens to look through,” Razler said. “We’re going to have to take a step back and re-evaluate because with that new legislation, anyone can put a hospital anywhere.”

The health care system was disappointed by the Legislature’s action, Razler said.

“We believed in the planning process,” she said.

Proponents for axing the Certificate of Need requirement said the repeal would promote more competition.

Razler said the issue is more complicated.

“It’s not straight up supply and demand, when it comes to health care, because of all of nuances involved,” Razler said.

BayCare will need to review its plans “to determine what’s the best option, given the new landscape,” the hospital spokeswoman said.

BayCare had been pursuing the hospital in Pasco because of the dramatic population growth and increasing demand for health services.

The construction of the hospital was expected to create 300 jobs, and once it became fully operational, it would need about 300 team members, hospital officials told The Laker/Lutz News in previous interviews.

BayCare had planned to provide these services at the new hospital:

  • Emergency services for adults and children
  • Intensive care services
  • Obstetrical care services
  • Diagnostic lab imaging
  • Physical rehabilitation
  • Behavioral support services

Hospital officials previously said it typically takes about three years from the time a hospital is approved until the physical structure is operating.

At this point, it remains unclear, whether those plans will be pursued.

Published May 29, 2019

Complacency kills: Get ready for Hurricane Season 2019

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Researchers at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration announced their 2019 Atlantic Hurricane Season outlook on May 23.

They predicted nine to 15 named storms, including four to eight hurricanes – and, two to four that could become major hurricanes.

Hurricane Michael devastated communities in Florida’s Panhandle. (Courtesy of Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council)

That compares to Colorado State University’s hurricane research team’s forecast in April, which predicted 13 named storms, including five hurricanes and two which will become major hurricanes.

Remember: No matter what the experts predict — the bottom line is that it just takes one disaster to hit that is so destructive it will have devastating effects for years.

So, if you haven’t already done so, begin making your preparations now — and ramp them up, as the threat level increases.

Remember, as the old saying goes: “Better safe than sorry.”

To help you prepare for Hurricane Season 2019, we’ve put together some checklists. Look through them and use them to improve your personal preparations for the season, which officially begins June 1 and runs through Nov. 30.

Before a hurricane, protect your property:

  • Keep your trees and shrubs trimmed.
  • Clear out clogged rain gutters and downspouts.
  • Store outdoor furniture, windchimes, garbage cans, decorations, potted plants and other items that could become projectiles in high winds.
  • If you have a boat, determine how and where to secure it.
  • Cover windows with pre-cut plywood or hurricane shutters.
Pasco County didn’t feel the full fury of Hurricane Irma’s wrath, but some other communities were less fortunate. (Courtesy of Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council)

Protect yourself

  • Assemble an emergency kit: Be sure it has enough food and water to last at least three days.

It should include 1 gallon of water per day per person for drinking and sanitation.

It also should include nonperishable foods that are easy to store and prepare, including protein bars, dried fruit, canned pastas, soups, canned tuna, peanut butter and jelly, crackers, raisins, beef jerky. (Be sure to include a can opener in your kit.)

  • Don’t forget the baby formula and baby food.
  • Pack paper cups and plates, plastic utensils, too.

Safety and sanitation

  • Your safety kit should include filter masks to protect your mouth and nose
  • Medications
  • A first aid kit
  • A whistle to signal for help
  • A battery-powered radio and extra batteries
  • Moist towelettes for sanitation
  • Garbage bags and plastic ties (for personal sanitation)

Shelter

  • Have a sleeping bag for each family member.
  • Duct tape and heavyweight garbage bags or plastic sheeting (for shelter-in-place)
  • A wrench or pliers (to turn off utilities)

Protect important family documents

  • Put valuable documents in a waterproof container and store it on a shelf, or take with you if you evacuate. Those documents should include bank account records, marriage certificates or divorce decrees, driver’s license, Social Security card, passport, titles, deeds, income tax information, trusts, wills and birth certificates.
Generators can keep things running when the power goes out, but be cautious when using them. If used improperly, they can kill. (Courtesy of The Outdoor Power Equipment Institute)

Prepare an emergency kit for your pet

  • Your kit should include: sturdy leashes, harnesses and/or a carrier; pet food, drinking water, bowls, cat litter, a litter pan; pet health records, current photos of your pets, in case they get lost; pet beds and toys.

Have a plan: Should you stay or should go?

  • Know your zone and be prepared to leave, if authorities tell you to do so. Particularly vulnerable areas include mobile homes, high-rise buildings, coastal areas, near rivers or inland waterways and land below sea level. No matter where you live, you should evacuate if you feel unsafe.
  • If you live in a mandatory evacuation zone, prepare an evacuation plan that includes transportation routes and destinations, and considers all family members and pets. Know which hotels and motels along your evacuation route accept pets. Ask if no-pet policies can be waived in an emergency.
  • If you plan to shelter in place, notify out-of-area contacts of your decision to stay. Be sure you have assembled your emergency kit and have a safe place to stay in your home.
  • If you are staying in place, fill up bathtubs or buckets with water to use for cleaning and toilet flushing.
  • Stay informed. Listen to an NOAA weather radio, or regularly check local forecasts and news reports.
  • Keep your vehicle’s gas tank three-quarters full at all times and have cash on hand.

During the storm

  • Close all interior doors. Secure and brace exterior doors. Take refuge in a small interior closet, or hallway on the lowest level. Lie on the floor under a table or another sturdy object.
  • Stay away from windows and glass doors.
  • Don’t be fooled by a lull in the storm. It could be the eye of the storm and the winds could resume.
It’s important to know if you live in an evacuation zone and, if you do, what route you will use if evacuation becomes necessary. Make a plan in advance. Can you stay with friends? Will you need a shelter that accepts pets? Do you have any special medical needs? (Courtesy of The Outdoor Power Equipment Institute)

After the hurricane passes

  • Stay aware of threats from flooding and tornadoes.
  • Do not drive into water when you can’t see the bottom of the road; avoid flooded areas.
  • Do not walk in standing water; it may contain contaminants, it might be deeper than it looks; it may have a strong undercurrent; or, it may be electrically charged with a downed wire.
  • Be careful about the foods you eat. If the power is out, your food may be spoiled.

If you have a cooler, be sure to have lots of ice and freezer packs to help foods stay cool longer.

  • Avoid carbon monoxide poisoning: Do not burn charcoal or gas grills inside a house, tents, garage, vehicle or fireplace. Do not use gas-powered generators indoors or in a garage.
  • If you’re using a generator, be sure to give it plenty of room for ventilation. Place it outside and away from windows, doors and vents to prevent poisonous carbon monoxide from coming indoors.

If you have damage

  • Call an agent.
  • Take photos of the damage.
  • Make emergency repairs to avoid more damage and keep receipts for tarps, lumber, etc.
  • Keep alert to potential scams.

Published May 29, 2019

Hurricane supplies sales tax holiday starts May 31

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Gov. Ron DeSantis has signed a taxation bill that establishes May 31 through June 6 as the Hurricane Supplies Sales Tax Holiday.

The tax exemption provides an opportunity to purchase items intended to help residents and business operators to prepare for, or respond to, a disaster.

Items exempted from the sales tax include:

  • Flashlights, torches and other self-powered portable light sources costing $20 or less
  • Portable radios, two-way radios, or weather-band radios costing $50 or less
  • Tarps or other waterproof sheeting, and tie-down kits costing $50 or less
  • Gas or diesel fuel tanks costing $25 or less
  • Batteries costing $30 or less
  • Food coolers (nonelectric) costing $30 or less
  • Power generators costing $750 or less

Hurricane Season officially begins on June 1 and ends on Nov. 30.

Published May 29, 2019

Pasco seeking temporary ban on new mini-warehouses

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The Pasco County Commission is expected to soon consider an 180-day moratorium on new applications for mini-warehouses and self-storage facilities.

Alexandra LaPorte, senior planner with the county’s planning and development department, said the intention of the 180-day moratorium would be for county staff to work on proposed regulations relating to that type of land use in the future.

Pasco County soon could enact a 180-day ban for new applications for mini-warehouse and self-storage units. The county’s planning staff wants the time to develop new regulations regarding this type of land use. (Christine Holtzman)

“This temporary moratorium would allow the planning and development department to research best practices for the development of mini-warehouse and self-storage facilities within the county,” LaPorte told commissioners, at their May 7 meeting.

“It would also allow us to analyze whether additional standards relating to these uses should be incorporated in the land development code, and it would allow us to make sure those standards would support design standards to preserve and enhance visual and functional characteristics, as outlined in the comprehensive plan,” she said.

LaPorte also noted that similar ordinances have been adopted in Tamarac, Miami-Dade and Collier County, in Florida, as well as in other places across the country.

The board approved LaPorte’s request for public hearings on the matter before the Pasco County Planning Commission, on May 23 at 1:30 p.m.; and before the county commission on June 4 and June 19.

Commissioner Mike Moore applauded the county’s action on the issue.

“Thanks to the team for bringing this. I know you worked hard on this. I think it’s important that we move forward with this,” said Moore, who has made no secret of his concerns about mini-warehouses popping up on land he thinks would be better utilized for uses that generate jobs.

“What we’re doing is losing the possibility of major employment centers on that land,” Moore said. “I’m glad you brought it forward. I think it’s the right thing to do. I would assume we will have board support on this.”

The moratorium would not affect anyone who has already had a pre-application meeting on this type of development, Moore noted.

Commissioner Kathryn Starkey agreed with Moore’s position, saying she doesn’t want to see storage facilities taking up space that could be used to attract businesses offering quality jobs in Pasco County.

Published May 29, 2019

Business Digest 05/29/2019

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Salon ribbon cutting
Salon 54, at 35360 State Road 54 in Zephyrhills, is planning a ribbon cutting on May 30 at noon.

East Pasco Networking
The East Pasco Networking group will meet May 30 at 6 p.m., for a Spring Mixer at IHOP, 13100 U.S. 301 in Dade City. The special guests will be the Helping Hands Food Pantry and Julie Kaufmann, elementary school teacher and vacation Bible school leader, both from Atonement Lutheran Church of Wesley Chapel.

For information, contact Nils Lenz at (813) 782-9491 or , or Vicky Jones at (813) 431-1149 or .

Thrift shop opens
The Thrift Place, 8609 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes, will have a grand opening on June 1 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. There will be outdoor vendors and Lil Smokey’s BBQ food truck. For questions and vendor information, email .

All About Kids celebrates
All About Kids Children’s Consignment, 1900 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., will have a 20th anniversary celebration on June 1 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. There will be free summer photo sessions by Garcia Photography, food, vendors and fun. Visit All About Kids on Facebook.

Business breakfast
David Gwynn, P.E., the district seven secretary of the Florida Department of Transportation, will be the featured speaker at the North Tampa Chamber of Commerce breakfast meeting on June 4. The meeting is from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m., at Pasco-Hernando State College’s Porter Campus at Wiregrass Ranch, 2727 Mansfield Blvd., in Wesley Chapel. For more information, visit NorthTampaBayChamber.com.

Central Pasco Chamber
The Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce will have its Wednesday Morning Networking on June 5 from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m., at the Lake House at Hungry Harry’s Family Bar-B-Que, 3130 Land O’ Lakes Blvd. For more information, visit CentralPascoChamber.com, and click on the events tab.

Chamber breakfast
The Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce will have its business breakfast on June 6 from 7 a.m. to 8:30 a.m., at the Golden Coral, 6855 Gall Blvd., in Zephyrhills.

Billiards grand opening
Main Street Zephyrhills announced a grand opening celebration on June 4 from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., at Main Street Billiards, 38529 Fifth Ave., in Zephyrhills. For more information, call (813) 607-0520. The business has pool, darts, poker leagues, beer, wine, Karaoke, food, tournaments and trivia.

Main Street Zephyrhills also announced these other new businesses in Zephyrhills:

  • $1.99 Cleaners at 4932 Gall Blvd.
  • ABC Pizza at 37906 Geiger Road
  • Aim Pest Control at 38336 Fifth Ave.
  • J&M BBQ at 5151 Gall Blvd.
  • Marino’s Family Grille at 5017 Gall Blvd.
  • Molly’s Hatchet at 38428 Fifth Ave.
  • Riverside Seafood Market at 5347 Gall Blvd.

 

Pasco projects in new state budget

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Florida’s $91.5 billion budget, approved by the Florida Legislature, includes funding for just two of the projects that Pasco County requested.

Legislators approved $1 million for the Land O’ Lakes U.S. 41 beautification project, and $1 million to improve the waterfront at Miller’s Bayou.

Dade City received $5 million for the extension of Morningside Drive.

While legislators approved the projects, Gov. Ron DeSantis still have the option of vetoing the projects.

Dade City also received funding for the Morningside Drive extension in last year’s budget, but it was vetoed by then Gov. Rick Scott, according to Ralph Lair, the county’s lobbyist.

Lair briefed the Pasco County Commission on the 2019 legislative session during the commission’s May 7 meeting.

In addition to funding decisions, legislators also took actions on numerous issues expected to have impacts on the county, Lair said.

Vegetable gardens could be popping up in front yards, under a law passed during the 2019 session of the Florida Legislature, unless Gov. Ron DeSantis vetoes the measure. (File)

That legislation affects growth management, vegetable gardens and tree trimming or removal, he said.

The growth management bill “will make it harder to challenge a developer’s plan for a new neighborhood or changes in any local comprehensive plan,” Lair said.

“For one thing, anyone who challenges a plan amendment and loses has to pay the prevailing party the attorney’s fees,” he said.

“Also, local governments cannot require affordable housing in new developments,” he said.

State lawmakers also passed legislation that “cripples the ability for local governments to tell people where they can plant a garden in the yard,” Lair said.

“The bill places personal property rights over the authority of counties and cities to dictate where people can grow vegetables in their yard and any existing ordinance, as we have, restricting any vegetable gardens, is void and unenforceable under the law,” Lair said.

However, deed restrictions still can regulate where vegetable gardens are planted, Lair added.

Local governments also can adopt regulations relating to water use during drought, fertilizer use and control of invasive plants and species.

State lawmakers also passed legislation that will prevent local government from requiring an application approval, permit fee, or mitigation for the pruning, trimming or removal of a tree on residential property, if the property obtains documentation from a certified arborist or licensed landscape architect that the tree is a danger to person or property.

The bill also prohibits local governments from requiring replanting of trees removed or trimmed, Lair said.

The Legislature also passed a 5-year moratorium on counties and cities from passing ordinances prohibiting plastic straws, while the state studies ordinances already approved by 10 cities that have already done so. However, DeSantis has vetoed that measure.

Commissioner Mike Moore thanked Sen. Tom Lee and Ardian Zika for their hard work in pushing through the $1 million request for Land O’ Lakes Boulevard beautification.

Moore said commissioners will keep their fingers crossed that the appropriation is not vetoed by DeSantis. He said the project to upgrade the appearance along the road is needed to help with redevelopment of U.S. 41, between state roads 54 and 52.

Moore and fellow commissioners Jack Mariano and Kathryn Starkey also noted that next year, the commission should shrink their list of priorities and work hard to get them through.

Lair agreed with the approach: “Short and sweet. Condensed is best.”

He also advised commissioners to go after funding for “shovel-ready” projects.

They tend to favor projects that are ready to go, and aren’t just in a planning stage, Lair said.

Published May 22, 2019

Business Digest 05/22/2019

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Honorary Mayor events
Meet candidates Kathy Balthazard, of First National Bank of Pasco, and Melissa Brown, of Nautilus Soap Company, who are vying for the title of Honorary Mayor of Land O’ Lakes.

The women will be at a June 3 fundraiser from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., at Hungry Harry’s Family BBQ, 3116 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes. Fifteen percent of the total sales will be split between the candidates. Patrons are invited to eat in or take out.

They also will face off on June 6 at the Land O’ Lakes Honorary Mayor Slow Pitch Softball Game, at Land O’ Lakes Heritage Park, 5401 Land O’ Lakes Blvd.

It will be Kathy Balthazards’s Rotary Renegades vs. Melissa Brown’s Bath Bombers. The gate opens at 5 p.m., with the game set for 6 p.m. There will be 10 players on the field, and players must be 18 or older to play. There is a $25 fee to play. There is also a $5 admission charge.

Food and beverage will be available for purchase.

For more information, call the Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce office at (813) 909-2722.

Tourism and Travel Week
The Pasco County Commission declared May 5 through 11 as Travel and Tourism Week in Pasco County. The resolution, adopted by commissioners, acknowledged that the week was nationalism tourism week, that tourism is Florida’s top economic driver and that in 2018 the tourism industry contributed more than $615 million to Pasco County’s economy, including more than $436 million in direct spending by 965,000 visitors.

New pet resort
The Barkmore Resort recently opened at 10125 Land O’ Lakes Blvd. It offers overnight care, doggy daycare and dog training. It’s a place where pets stay, play and bark, according to the company’s website. For more information, visit BarkmoreResort.com.

Chamber business breakfast
David Gwynn, P.E., the District Seven secretary of the Florida Department of Transportation, will be the featured speaker at the North Tampa Chamber of Commerce breakfast meeting on June 4. The meeting is from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m., at Pasco-Hernando State College’s Porter Campus at Wiregrass Ranch, 2727 Mansfield Blvd., in Wesley Chapel. For more information, visit NorthTampaBayChamber.com.

Academy groundbreaking
Join the North Tampa Bay Chamber at the groundbreaking for Pinecrest Academy K-8 on June 5, at 33425 State Road 54. The groundbreaking is at 10 a.m. The celebration lasts until noon. For more information about the school, visit PinecrestWesleyChapel.com.

Teal Plank ribbon cutting
Join the North Tampa Bay Chamber at the ribbon cutting for the Teal Plank Workshop, at 10353 Cross Creek Blvd., Building No. 10. The event is on June 6, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. The business is a do-it-yourself home décor store. To find out more, visit TealPlankWorkshops.com.

Zephyrhills chamber breakfast
The Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce will have its chamber business breakfast on June 6 from 7 a.m. to 8:30 a.m., at the Golden Coral, 6855 Gall Blvd., in Zephyrhills.

East Pasco Networking
Bob Hatfield from the Office of U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis will be the featured speaker at the East Pasco Networking Group’s June 11 meeting. The group meets at 7:30 a.m., at the IHOP at 13100 U.S. 301 in Dade City. Maria Reza, a business services consultant at Career Source Pasco-Hernando, will be the featured speaker at the group’s June 25 meeting.