The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

B.C. Manion

Public comment sought on proposed Suncoast Parkway expansion

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The Pasco County Metropolitan Planning Organization is seeking public comment on a proposal to amend the county’s 2045 Long-Range Transportation Plan to include the widening of the Suncoast Parkway, from the Hillsborough County line to State Road 52.

The amendment calls for widening the Suncoast Parkway in Pasco County from four lanes to eight lanes from the Hillsborough County line to State Road 54; and, from four lanes to six lanes, from State Road 54 to State Road 52.

The public has been invited to weigh in on a proposed widening of the Suncoast Parkway. The widening would be between the Hillsborough County line and State Road 52, in Pasco County. The expressway would be widened from four lanes to eight lanes from the Hillsborough County line to State Road 54, in Pasco; and from four lanes to six lanes, from State Road 54 to State Road 52, also in Pasco. (Mike Camunas)

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) and Florida’s Turnpike Enterprise (FTE) are seeking the change to the long-range transportation plan (LRTP).

The Mobility 2045 LRTP includes recommended highway, public transportation, bicycle, pedestrian and freight facility improvements that are planned over a 25-year time horizon, according to a posting on the Pasco MPO’s web page, on the Pasco County website.

The plan identifies strategies and improvements aimed at alleviating congestion, improving safety, and promoting increased system efficiency, the posting says.

In addition to physical improvements, strategies include systems management techniques and coordination with land use planning and development activity.

In drafting the adopted Mobility 2045 LRTP, considerations included different modes of transportation to accommodate the movement of people and goods throughout Pasco County and the region, the posting adds.

The notice, posted by the Pasco MPO, alerts the public of an opportunity to provide input on the proposed amendment to plans for the Suncoast Parkway.

The public is entitled to a reasonable opportunity to comment, in accordance with the MPO’s Public Participation Plan and in compliance with federal law and Florida statutes, the posting adds.

The comment period began on July 17 and continues through Aug. 16.

Comments received during the comment period will be recorded by MPO staff and provided to the appropriate parties for review. 

The Pasco County MPO is responsible for countywide transportation planning. Its board members are made up of elected leaders from Pasco County, Dade City, Zephyrhills, New Port Richey and Port Richey.

The Pasco MPO board will consider the requested amendment to the Mobility 2045 LRTP at their regularly scheduled meeting on Aug. 17 at 10 a.m., in the Pasco County Commission’s boardroom, on the first floor of the West Pasco Government Center, 8731 Citizens Drive, in New Port Richey.

The proposed amendment to the Mobility 2045 LRTP is available for public review and comment in the Metropolitan Planning Organization section of the Pasco County Public Notices web page and at the MPO Office at the West Pasco Government Center in New Port Richey. Persons wishing to obtain additional information, or a copy of the proposed Mobility 2045 LRTP amendment, may call the MPO at 727-847-8140, ext. 8804.

NOTE: Florida’s Turnpike Enterprise is conducting a Project Development and Environment Study to evaluate alternatives for widening Suncoast Parkway/State Road 589 from south of Van Dyke Road to north of State Road 52, approximately 16 miles. The study also is evaluating a potential new interchange north of State Road 54 and improvements to existing interchanges. The study began in the spring and is is anticipated to be completed in summer 2025.

Florida’s Turnpike Enterprise will hold a public information meeting and public hearing for the project, but that has not yet been scheduled. Until the meetings are held, anyone interested in obtaining more
information or commenting on the project can contact the project manager, Anil Sharma, P.E., via email at or via phone at 407-264-3041.

Published August 02, 2023

Business Digest 08/02/2023

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Ashley HomeStore has rebranded, with a new look and a new approach to serving its customers. (Courtesy of Ashley)

Ashley HomeStore rebrands to Ashley
Ashley HomeStore is refreshing its corporate stores nationwide with an elevated in-store shopping experience and modern look and feel, according to a news release from the company.

Tampa Bay is one of the first markets to undergo the refresh with stores in Wesley Chapel, Tampa, Clearwater and Pinellas Park getting a new look, as part of the rebrand.

The new stores feature an open-concept, updated mattress gallery, and new interior design elements, the release said.

Ashley’s new store layouts will showcase trend-forward styles and highlight new product offerings inspired by current design trends.

The rebrand seeks to maintain relevance among consumers while attracting a younger demographic of customers who are looking for an upscale and on-trend look at an affordable price point, the release added.

Empowerment Conference
Women in business who are looking for inspiration, who want to learn about practical tools that can be useful for entrepreneurs and who want to meet other like-minded women may want to check out the Women in Business Empowerment Conference. The event has a slate of featured speakers. It is scheduled for Sept. 15 from 8 .m. to 12:30 p.m., at the Residence Inn by Marriott, 2101 Northpointe Parkway, in Lutz. The registration cost is $20 and the deadline for registration is Sept. 8. Register via https://rb.gy/iduj0.

Temporary NTBC location
The North Tampa Bay Chamber has moved from its Highland Oaks Boulevard location and had expected to move into its new location on Aug. 1. However, that space is not yet ready, so the chamber is temporarily operating at 4&CO in Land O’ Lakes. Its office hours are Monday through Thursday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The chamber also can host meetings, so be sure to check the location of events when registering.

The chamber’s physical address is 16703 Early Riser Ave., No. 208, in Land O’ Lakes.

Florida’s unemployment rate
Florida’s unemployment rate was 2.6% in June, a full percentage point below the nation’s rate, according to a news release from FloridaCommerce.

Florida also charted the lowest unemployment rate among the nation’s 10 most populous states for the 13th consecutive month, FloridaCommerce reported. The state’s unemployment rate has been lower than the nation’s rate for 32 consecutive months, according to the release.

In June 2023, Florida’s labor force grew by 2.4% (+257,000) over the year, outpacing the national labor force growth rate of 1.8% during the same period, the release added.

U-Haul teams with Savory Roots
U-Haul Co. of Florida has announced that Savory Roots signed on as a U-Haul® neighborhood dealer to serve the Dade City community. Savory Roots, at 14326 Seventh St., will offer essential services like U-Haul trucks, trailers and support rental items, according to a news release.

Small Business Executive Program
Are you a small business owner? If so, you can apply for the upcoming Tampa Bay Small Business Executive Program (SBEP). The program will teach small business owners how to think differently and to work on your business in a classroom environment with 24 other entrepreneurs.

Small business owners can join the fall cohort for free and graduate with a certificate from the Jim Moran Institute and Florida State University, according to a posting in a North Tampa Bay Chamber newsletter. The SBEP is ideal for CEOs, entrepreneurs, presidents of small businesses, and immediate successors of businesses.

To find out more and to sign up, reach out to the North Tampa Bay Chamber, at NorthTampaBayChamber.com.

City of Zephyrhills is hiring
The City of Zephyrhills is hiring. It is seeking employees in these roles: Chief wastewater plant operator; crime scene technician I; customer service representative – utility billing; equipment operators; GIS technician/community planner; parks maintenance; patrol officer; sanitation workers; utilities worker; and other positions. To find out more, visit ci.zephyrhills.fl.us/Jobs.aspx.

Get help with SCORE mentors
Running a business can be challenging and issues pop up that you don’t always know how to handle. That’s where SCORE mentors can provide useful advice, to help you manage through unknown territory, according to a posting by the organization. 

SCORE mentors can help with such questions as:

  • How do I get started in launching a business?
  • How do I market my business?
  • How can I find funding for my business to survive?
  • Can you provide guidance on managing my business’s finances?

For those and other business issues, feel free to contact SCORE. Their mentors often can provide direct assistance, or point you in the right direction to get the help you need.

To get started, visit SCORE’s website, at SCORE.org.

Pasco calls for limited new spending in its proposed 2024 budget

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As Pasco County began developing its budget for the 2024 fiscal year, it was mindful of two conditions that could increase its expenditures, according to Bob Goehig, the county’s budget director.

“The first one, of course, was the stubbornly high interest rate; right now it’s up to about 6%. The second one was the rapid growth in our population, which is increasing the demand for services throughout the county, throughout all of our departments,” Goehig said.

“We thought if we developed a conservative budget that that would serve our residents well.

(Courtesy of Pasco County)

“By conservative, we mean, we want to go into this budget with limiting the number of new spending … and, instead rely on spending for one-time, capital-type things, just in case things get worse, we can always pull back on those capital expenditures,” he said.

So, in planning the budget, county administration assumed there would be no changes in the operating millage rate of 7.6076 mills, the budget director said.

The county administration is, however, recommending an increase to the Fire Municipal Service Taxing Unit (MSTU). The proposed increase is from the current rate of 1.8036 to a new rate of 2.3 mills.

That increase would pay for salary increases and for additional staff to work at new stations being added to reduce response times.

The additional boots on the ground are needed, county board members said during the July 11 board discussion of the proposed budget.

Goehig also went over other elements of the tax bill.

“There will be no change in the stormwater assessment; water and wastewater rates will be as they were represented in the four-year rate resolution; and, we are in year four of seven for the Seven-on-Seven solid waste plan,” he said.

He also broke down the revenues that the county expects.

The county’s final taxable values received on July 1 showed an increase of  16.5%, Goehig said.

That is expected to yield property tax revenues of nearly $49 million, he said.

“If we take 40% of that for the sheriff, that yields a $19.5 million increase for the sheriff’s budget,” he said.

The proposed budget also includes a 5% wage increase for county employees, increased wages for firefighters and increases to the county’s constitutional officers.

For instance, the budget includes a $1.5 million increase for the Pasco County Clerk & Comptroller’s Office.

“That represents normal increases to the clerk’s budget, including things like software increases, retirement, wages, health care. It also includes the increase for Year 3 of the CJIS — Criminal Justice Information System, Goehig said.

“It does not include the $7 million that the clerk has asked for, for the operation of the courthouse annex,” he added.

The funding for the courthouse annex is the subject of a lawsuit between the clerk’s office and the county. The clerk believes it’s the county’s responsibility to provide that funding; the county disagrees.

Pasco County Commission Chairman Jack Mariano noted that an initial court ruling in the county’s favor has been appealed.

“If we happen to lose that appeal, we would have to restructure this whole budget to make that money up,” Mariano said.

He asked what the financial impact would be if that happens.

Goehig said it would have a $7.4 million impact.

County Administrator Mike Carballa told Mariano: “We would have to find a way to make a recurring expense, yes, sir.”

Mariano responded: “So, just keep that in mind.”

Goehig also mentioned that the Supervisor of Elections’ budget will increase by about $1.5 million.

“You’ll notice the Supervisor of Elections’ budget increases in those years when we have elections and decreases in the following years, when there are no elections,” the budget director said.

“There is a Presidential Preference Primary next year, so most of this goes to funding the salaries for those who staff the poll stations,” Goehig added.

The Property Appraiser’s budget calls for an increase of nearly 12%, which will be used to pay for some new software and increases to salary, retirement and health care costs, Goehig said.

The first public hearing on the budget is set for Sept. 5 at 5:15 p.m., at Historic Pasco County Courthouse, 37918 Meridian Ave., in Dade City.

Published July 26, 2023

New coffee shop, daycare may be coming soon to Land O’ Lakes

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The Pasco County Commission has approved a rezoning to allow commercial development on 4.99 acres at the northwest corner of State Road 54 and Livingston Road, in Land O’ Lakes.

The application for the rezoning indicates that the site will be used for a coffee shop with a drive-thru, an eight-bay tire store, and a 10,000-square-foot day care.

Access to the site will be from State Road 54, Livingston Road and 20 Mile Level Road, according to the county board’s July 11 agenda item. The board approved the item as part of its consent agenda. Items on that agenda are approved in a single vote without discussion, unless someone asks for an item to be pulled.

The Pasco County Commission has approved a rezoning to allow commercial development on 4.99 acres at the northwest corner of State Road 54 and Livingston Road, in Land O’ Lakes.
(Mike Camunas)

In other action, the county board:

  • Confirmed the appointment of Pasco Sheriff’s Office Capt. Eric Seltzer to serve as director of the department of emergency services. Pasco Sheriff Chris Nocco selected Seltzer for the position.
  • Approved a rezoning on 2.11 acres at the northeast corner of Jerry Road and Paul S. Buchman Highway to allow general commercial uses. The applicant indicated the site would be used for a Dollar General Store.
  • Approved the purchase of a Gradall Hydraulic Excavator for $493,426. The purchase is being made by using a Florida Sheriffs Association’s contract, and the unit will replace one that has reached the end of its life cycle. 
  • Approved an agreement between the Florida Department of Transportation and Pasco County for the design of the School Road multi-use path, from Community Center Road to U.S. 41, also known as Land O’ Lakes Boulevard. The project will add an 8-foot concrete multi-use path along the east side of School Road, for a distance of slightly under two-tenths of a mile. The estimated design cost is $99,000; FDOT has agreed to pay up to $99,000 for the design project.
  • Approved the purchase of two Skeeter wildland fire apparatuses from Ten-8 Fire & Safety LLC, for a cost not-to-exceed $642,960. The brush trucks are used for Pasco Fire Rescue wildland firefighting needs. The new units will replace two existing units.
  • Provided a letter of support and agreed to provide $25,000 in funding for an effort by the University of South Florida to be selected as a Regional Technology and Innovation Hub Program. The U.S. Economic Development Administration is seeking applicants for the program. Pasco’s portion of the matching funding will come from Penny for Pasco proceeds intended to promote the county’s economic development.

Published July 26, 2023

Pasco County is ramping up code enforcement

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The Pasco County Commission has authorized hiring five full-time code compliance positions in a quest to address code violations and to create a better curb appeal for the county.

The county board unanimously approved an allocation of $306,821 this year for startup costs and $409,097, in fiscal year 2024. Budgeting for the positions will continue to be needed in subsequent years, as well.

Commissioner Kathryn Starkey, who frequently brings photographs to board meetings to call attention to violations, is excited about the additional staff.

Commissioner Gary Bradford, who has urged county administration to find a way to provide additional help for the code compliance team to handle mounting workloads, said he’s glad to see county administration taking this step.

Both commissioners said the need is great.

Besides obvious violations, the county also has a problem with businesses that do not comply with county regulations, Starkey said.

“I am finding many places that never came in for a site plan. They may have got their zoning, but then they just went off and opened their business with no site plan review, no site plan approval,” she said.

Some businesses fail to meet the county’s regulations, or, if they do initially, they fail to maintain their properties, Starkey said.

“If we’re trying to attract quality business here and help our residents with taxes, we have to have curb appeal. I think this is really critical. I don’t want to keep sliding backwards.

“I can tell you, if we don’t stay on top of these things, we are sliding back,” Starkey said.

Commission Chairman Jack Mariano said he’d like to see a greater focus on dealing with homeless camps.

Patrick Arotin, director of code compliance, explained how the five additional personnel will be deployed.

“We are going to be looking at businesses and commercial properties a little harder. We’re going to review business tax receipts; research site development plans; and that coincides with that landscaping issue,” he said.

Staff will be asking: “Who has kind of violated that original site plan?” he said.

Additional attention also will be focused on right of way violations, including trash, illegal signs, fence violations and zoning compliance, he said.

Arotin said he also hopes to have staffing on at least one weekend a month, on varying weekends to avoid tipping off potential violators.

Published July 26, 2023

Public comment sought on proposed Suncoast Parkway expansion

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The Pasco County Metropolitan Planning Organization is seeking public comment on a proposal to amend the county’s 2045 Long-Range Transportation Plan to include the widening of the Suncoast Parkway, from the Hillsborough County line to State Road 52.

The amendment calls for widening the Suncoast Parkway in Pasco County from four lanes to eight lanes from the Hillsborough County line to State Road 54; and, from four lanes to six lanes, from State Road 54 to State Road 52.

The public has been invited to weigh in on a proposed widening of the Suncoast Parkway. The widening would be between the Hillsborough County line and State Road 52, in Pasco County. The expressway would be widened from four lanes to eight lanes from the Hillsborough County line to State Road 54, in Pasco; and from four lanes to six lanes, from State Road 54 to State Road 52, also in Pasco. (Mike Camunas)

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) and Florida’s Turnpike Enterprise (FTE) are seeking the change to the long-range transportation plan (LRTP).

The Mobility 2045 LRTP includes recommended highway, public transportation, bicycle, pedestrian and freight facility improvements that are planned over a 25-year time horizon, according to a posting on the Pasco MPO’s web page, on the Pasco County website.

The plan identifies strategies and improvements aimed at alleviating congestion, improving safety, and promoting increased system efficiency, the posting says.

In addition to physical improvements, strategies include systems management techniques and coordination with land use planning and development activity.

In drafting the adopted Mobility 2045 LRTP, considerations included different modes of transportation to accommodate the movement of people and goods throughout Pasco County and the region, the posting adds.

The notice, posted by the Pasco MPO, alerts the public of an opportunity to provide input on the proposed amendment to plans for the Suncoast Parkway.

The public is entitled to a reasonable opportunity to comment, in accordance with the MPO’s Public Participation Plan and in compliance with federal law and Florida statutes, the posting adds.

The comment period began on July 17 and continues through Aug. 16.

Comments received during the comment period will be recorded by MPO staff and provided to the appropriate parties for review. 

The Pasco County MPO is responsible for countywide transportation planning. Its board members are made up of elected leaders from Pasco County, Dade City, Zephyrhills, New Port Richey and Port Richey.

The Pasco MPO board will consider the requested amendment to the Mobility 2045 LRTP at their regularly scheduled meeting on Aug. 17 at 10 a.m., in the Pasco County Commission’s boardroom, on the first floor of the West Pasco Government Center, 8731 Citizens Drive, in New Port Richey.

The proposed amendment to the Mobility 2045 LRTP is available for public review and comment in the Metropolitan Planning Organization section of the Pasco County Public Notices web page and at the MPO Office at the West Pasco Government Center in New Port Richey. Persons wishing to obtain additional information, or a copy of the proposed Mobility 2045 LRTP amendment, may call the MPO at 727-847-8140, ext. 8804.

Published July 26, 2023

Pasco school board approves Pepin’s charter school application

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The Pasco County School Board has approved the charter school application for Pepin Academies Wesley Chapel, to be located at the campus of Kirkland Ranch Academy of Innovation.

The charter school, which will serve third- through 12th-graders, is scheduled to open in the 2024-2025 school year.

The application clearly states that the school will enroll students with learning or learning-related disabilities and a current Individual Education Plan. The school is focusing on students with learning disabilities in Wesley Chapel, St. Leo, San Antonio, Dade City and Zephyrhills.

The application for the school was submitted by Jeffrey Skowronek on March 10, 2023. The school board approved the application at its July 18 meeting.

The campus will be on land that was acquired for the school through a partnership and memorandum of understanding between Pepin and Pasco County Schools, according to materials in the school board’s agenda packet.

The school will be opened in phases, with maximum enrollments increasing over a period of five years, as follows:

  • Year 1 (2024-2025): 85 students in grades three through six
  • Year 2 (2025-2026): 155 students in grades three through eight
  • Year 3 (2026-2027): 225 students in grades three through 10
  • Year 4 (2027-2028): 255 students in grades three through 11
  • Year 5 (2028-2029): 285 students in grades three through 12

The mission of Pepin Academies Wesley Chapel at Kirkland Ranch is to “empower students with learning disabilities to maximize their potential in a positive therapeutic educational  environment,” the board’s agenda packet said.

In Pepin’s charter application, an evaluation determined that 16 of 22 sections of the application “meet the standard,” and six of the sections “partially meet the standard.” None of the sections were rated as “did not meet the standard,” the budget materials reported.

The application review noted, in part, that Pepin “clearly explains a therapeutic model and classroom environments that cater to the specific needs of their unique student population.”

Also, the “applicant has a clear understanding of the value of making data-driven decisions when setting educational goals,” the evaluation said.

Although a contingent of Pepin representatives attended the board meeting, none of them spoke.

Ray Gadd, deputy superintendent of Pasco County Schools, remarked that the partnership is a unique arrangement among public schools in Florida.

Published July 26, 2023

Talks continue over taking regional approach to transportation planning

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Opinions continue to shift regarding the wisdom of creating a regional board to tackle transportation issues in Tampa Bay.

When the issue came up at the Pasco County Metropolitan Planning Organization’s meeting in June, officials resisted the idea when they found out that Pasco would have far fewer seats on the board than Hillsborough or Pinellas counties.

At the time, Pasco County Commissioner Ron Oakley said he’d resist a regional approach — without assurances that Pasco’s voice would be heard.

Pasco County Commissioner Kathryn Starkey is a staunch advocate for a regional approach to tackling transportation issues. She says that failure to do so is a disservice. (File)

But the county board member told his board colleagues that he came away with a different opinion, after attending the June 23 meeting of the Tampa Bay Area Transportation Leadership Group and Suncoast Transportation Planning Alliance Board.

At that meeting, Oakley said David Gwynn, the secretary for the District Seven office of the Florida Department of Transportation, explained the advantage of joining the region’s forces together on transportation issues.

“I was looking at a small picture of supporting Pasco County. I wasn’t looking at the big picture, which supports the region,” said Oakley, whose comments came during the Pasco County Commission’s July 11 meeting.

If the individual counties in Tampa Bay joined together, they’d stand a much greater chance to attract a greater share of federal funds, the Pasco board member said.

Because of the population it would represent, the Tampa Bay regional board would rank No. 17 in the nation, Oakley said.

“It’s a lot bigger picture than what I was thinking at first. It’s very important for us to be a part of that group, so we can get some of those monies in our area,” Oakley said.

His board colleague Kathryn Starkey, a staunch advocate for regional  transportation planning, agreed.

She told Oakley: “I am really grateful that you came. We had some new people there.”

She said the mayor of Temple Terrace was there and she believes he initially felt the same way that Oakley had felt, regarding representation, prior to that meeting.

“But afterwards, he told me, he really had his eyes opened,” she said.

Starkey said FDOT Secretary Gwynn was eloquent in explaining the disadvantage that results from a lack of a regional transportation approach in Tampa Bay.

She added: “This is not about our local votes and our local issues. We get that money, and that money will still come to us in the same formula. This is about working together on big projects, for West Central Florida. And, we’re not doing it and it’s such a disservice.

“I was very happy with some of the comments I heard around that room.”

“Some people in Hillsborough had been hearing a story from a few commissioners that don’t really reflect what the importance of this regional MPO (Metropolitan Planning Organization) means to the community, and they had their eyes opened at that meeting. I was grateful for that,” said Starkey, who has been elected chairwoman of the Tampa Bay Area Transportation Leadership Group.

“There’s still discussion of how our representation falls out,” she said, adding that there are also federal rules that must be followed.

Pasco County Commission Chairman Jack Mariano agreed that the county must pursue potential opportunities.

“I think it’s important that we make the right step forward to get that money. If it allocates a whole ‘nother pot of money that we weren’t getting, it’s definitely something to pursue.”

Starkey is confident that a regional approach to transportation can occur in Tampa Bay.

“We’re going to get this done. We’re going to get our regional MPO in place,” she said.

Published July 26, 2023

Business Digest 07/26/2023

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Bucs COO to speak
Brian Ford, chief operating officer of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, will be speaking at the Greater Pasco Chamber of Commerce membership luncheon on July 28. He’ll be sharing team updates and other developments within the organization.

Space is limited so secure your spot early. The cost is $33 for members and $38 for non-members.

For more information, visit GreaterPasco.com

Commerce & Coffee
The North Tampa Bay Chamber hosts Commerce & Coffee on the fourth Tuesday of each month, from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. at Raining Berries, 25595 Sierra Center Blvd., in Lutz. It’s a chance for chamber members to network, without an agenda, in a relaxed setting.

East Pasco Networking Group
The East Pasco Networking Group (EPNG) meets on the second Tuesday of the month (except for December), at 7:30 a.m., at IHOP, at 13100 U.S. 301, in Dade City. The group’s meetings feature speakers from a wide array of backgrounds. Here is its upcoming slate of speakers:

  • Aug. 8: Peter Castellani, founder of Oasis Pregnancy Care Center and Amy Yarborough, director of Pregnancy City Center
  • Sept. 12: Todd Vande Berg, director of planning, City of Zephyrhills
  • Oct. 10: Nikki Alvarez-Sowles, Pasco County Clerk & Comptroller

For more information about EPNG, contact Nils R. Lenz at 813-782-9491 or  

Avoiding unlicensed contractors
The Pasco Sheriff’s Office (PSO) offers these tips to help citizens to avoid unlicensed contractors, especially in hurricane season, according to a news release. This crime places citizens at potential risk for poor quality work and noncompliance with building codes. Also, property owners become liable for any injuries, run the risk of contractors failing to meet obligations and may become a victim of scams.

To avoid unlicensed contractors, the sheriff’s office offers this advice:

  • Ask for licenses and confirm a contractor’s references before agreeing on a project;
  • Do not  feel pressured into a contract or work with which you’re not comfortable;
  • Obtain several written estimates before you start any remodeling;
  • Do not make full payment until the job is complete.

In addition to the PSO’s advice, it’s a good idea to make sure that complaints have not been lodged against a particular contractor. You can check in with your local government representative’s office to get guidance on how to find that information.

SCORE mentors
Businesses needing help can get it from a SCORE mentor, and people with knowledge to share can volunteer to mentor others. SCORE welcomes those needing assistance, as well as those who are able to provide it. Find out more by visiting SCORE.org/pascohernando.

Registrations open for EDC awards
The Pasco Economic Development Council’s Annual Awards ceremony, now in its 35th year, is considered Pasco’s premier business event. It attracts hundreds of business, community and elected leaders from around Tampa Bay. The highlight of each year’s event is the Annual Industry Awards honoring Pasco County companies that have exhibited major economic and community impact .

This year’s event is set for Sept. 7 from 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., at the Pasco-Hernando State College Instructional Performing Arts Center, 8657 Old Pasco Road, in Wesley Chapel.

Online registrations are now available. To find out more, go to Pasco EDC’s website at PascoEDC.com.

‘Green Eyeshade’ awards
WUSF Public Media has received three prestigious “Green Eyeshade” awards for excellence from the Society of Professional Journalists. This included work created through a new collaboration between WUSF and several Black-owned publications, including The Weekly Challenger, Florida Courier and Royaltee Magazine, according to a news release.

“I am immensely proud of the work this newsroom has produced to delve into issues that are vital to Florida residents,” Jann Urofsky, the general manager for WUSF, said in a release. “To see recognition of work done in cooperation with our new partners is especially important.”

Named in honor of the green eyeshades traditionally worn by newsroom editors, these awards date back to the 1950s and recognize the very best print, television, radio, and digital journalism in the southeastern United States, the release says.

Entries for this year’s awards came from newsrooms in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and West Virginia.

This year, WUSF’s Green Eyeshade awards include:

  • First Place: Breaking news Reporting/Radio for coverage of Hurricane Ian
  • Second Place: Best Newscast/Radio awarded to host Craig Kopp and reporters Stephanie Colombini and Gabriella Paul. Morning Edition, Nov. 14.
  • Second Place: Public Service in Radio Journalism for “Black Mental Health Series” awarded to WUSF’s Stephanie Colombini, Daylina Miller, Octavio Jones, Julio Ochoa and Mary Shedden, in collaboration with The Weekly Challenger, the Florida Courier and Royaltee Magazine.

The series on Black mental health previously won regional Edward R. Murrow Awards, and it explored the issues of racism, health inequities and the effects of Jim Crow segregation for Black Americans.

Barbecue & Networking
The Greater Pasco Chamber of Commerce has its monthly barbecue lunch and networking event in Land O’ Lakes on the second Thursday of each month, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at New Beginnings, 18935 Michigan Lane, in Land O’ Lakes.

The event is hosted by Judi Fisher. Those attending can place a lunch order for barbecue, catered by Hungry Harry’s, if they choose. The gathering is free for chamber members, plus the cost of food. There’s a $10 fee for non-members.

If you are not a member but would like to check out the event for free, call the chamber office at 727-842-7651 or 813-909-2722 for a one-time free entry.

The lunch is sponsored by Architectural Signage & Printing.

Pasco considers additional taxes to support its firefighters

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On the same day it confirmed the appointment of Anthony “Tony” Perez as the county’s new fire chief, the Pasco County Commission indicated it likely will support a tax increase to cover firefighter pay increases and additional personnel.

The board unanimously confirmed Perez’s selection at its July 11 session.

During the public comment portion of the meeting, John-Michael Morin, president of Pasco County Professional Firefighters, expressed what a significant day it was in the department’s history.

As new fire stations continue to be built for Pasco Fire Rescue, the county needs to add additional firefighters. An increase in the tax rate for the county’s Fire Municipal Taxing Unit has been recommended to support pay raises and additional first responders. (Courtesy of Pasco County)

He said the department is looking forward to working with Perez, who began his firefighting career in Pasco, before rising through the ranks at Tampa Fire Rescue and returning back to the county.

The union president asked the county board “to contemplate the resources necessary to keep up with the unprecedented growth in residential and commercial development, population and the subsequent strain on the emergency services response system.

“Our success, including that of the new fire chief, is predicated on your commitment to public safety and to providing adequate, fiscally responsible and sustainable funding,” Morin said.

Later on in the meeting, four of five county board members indicated they would support a tax increase to provide additional support to Pasco Fire Rescue.

County Administrator Mike Carballa has recommended the tax rate for the Fire Municipal Services Taxing Unit (MSTU) be increased from 1.8036 mills to 2.3 mills.

Although four commissioners spoke in favor of the increase, a unanimous board vote is required to make it happen.

Commissioner Seth Weightman said he would support an increase, but not necessarily the entire amount recommended.

Pasco County Budget Director Robert Goehig explained the increase to 2.3 mills would cover pay raises and step plan increases for firefighters. It also would provide funding for the staff that’s needed at five new fire stations the county is building.

The opening of those stations will help to reduce emergency response times, Goehig said.

Weightman said he would prefer to take a look in 24 months to see what increases are needed, rather than approving what is essentially a five-year plan.

Weightman also objected to the way the recommendation came forward.

“Back in May, May 16, when we had our meeting, there was a recommendation that there would be no charge to the Fire MSTU. Then, we get a notice last night that we want to jump up, essentially over 27%,” he said.

The commissioner also noted that in the agenda backup materials, posted online, there was no indication of a proposed change in millage — meaning the public didn’t see it.

“I have concerns with how this process was handled. We go from no movement on the MSTU in May to a pretty significant bump in what you are asking for, today, right?”

He also reiterated his conservative approach relating to taxes.

“I will be supportive of the 5% wage increase for staff and some level of an increase on Fire MSTU,” Weightman said.

But he also noted: “We’re all feeling the impacts of inflation. Our residents are feeling it. Our seniors are feeling it. So, I just want to be cautious and truly understand … what this money is going to be spent on.”

Other county board members, however, voiced support for the increase.

Commission Chairman Jack Mariano put it this way: “One of the biggest goals of the MSTU is to get the firefighters to 95% of Hillsborough’s firefighters’ wages — not even 100%.”

Mariano said taxpayers have shown their support for Pasco Fire Rescue by approving a bond issue to pay for additional fire stations.

He also mentioned the parade of speakers who appeared before the board last year, pleading for additional funding to get the stations built and staffed, to reduce emergency response times.

Commissioner Ron Oakley agreed: “Cut those (response) times down, so we can service our citizens the right way.”

Commissioner Kathryn Starkey said the tax increase is necessary.

“To have service calls wait 14 minutes. That’s not OK. That’s a life-and-death scenario,” she said. “Funding public safety adequately is one of our most important roles.

“I think the step has been needed for a while, and I just think we need to do it. I think this is an important step forward.”

Commissioner Gary Bradford added: “I agree with Commissioner Starkey that it’s our obligation to fund public safety, our sheriff and our fire (and rescue services), as best we can. Fourteen minutes is too long.”

Bradford and Mariano both also noted that the board can revisit the Fire MSTU millage every year, as part of its budget deliberations.

Carballa said the planning that went into recommending the rate is based on a five-year plan and projection.

The county administrator told commissioners: “I don’t take lightly bringing a recommendation forward to increase taxes on any of our citizens, but when I am confronted with new data, I do feel compelled to act.

“We have found a way that we can work with our first responders to help overcome a lot of the serious issues that we’re seeing and facing out there today,” the administrator said.

Published July 19, 2023