The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

B.C. Manion

Wesley Chapel woman hailed as ‘inspiration’ for others

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There’s a point in Pasco County Commission meetings when the county board passes resolutions to support a cause, or recognize an individual’s contributions.

Commissioner Mike Moore, who left the board on Nov. 21, used his final resolution to draw attention to Brianna Somoano, an author and inspirational speaker, who also is a family friend.

The young woman, who was born on April 25, 2000, is a quintuplet — with siblings Alyssa, Cody, Dante and Evan.

Brianna Somoano, seated, is surrounded by family, members of the Pasco County Commission and county staff members, after the young woman was recognized for her inspiring impact on others. (Courtesy of Pasco County/Andy Taylor)

They were born 27 ½ weeks early and Brianna faced health complications early in life, according to the board’s resolution.

Brianna was diagnosed with cerebral palsy, which affected her gross motor skills — leading her to use a wheelchair and a walker.

When she was just weeks old, she developed a staph infection and became seriously ill. While fighting the infection, her lungs collapsed and she coded for 30 seconds, requiring life-saving measures, the resolution says.

Despite her physical challenges, “since childhood, Brianna has been known for her wisdom. She has always been a source of advice and counsel for her siblings, friends, and family,” the resolution notes.

When she was 15, she began hippotherapy, which is a form of physical, occupational, and speech therapy that uses equine movement to develop and enhance neurological and physical functioning by channeling the gait and movement of a horse, according to the resolution.

The therapy helped Brianna gain confidence and independence, and she began speaking at fundraising events for the Emerald M Therapeutic Riding Center, where she receives her therapy, the resolution continues.

Brianna is currently a motivational speaker, and last year, she decided to share her journey by writing a book called, “My Walk and Conversations with God.”

The book, published on Dec. 24, 2021, is available on Amazon.

It is described this way, on Amazon: “My Walk and Conversations with God is about Brianna Somoano’s walk of faith and her love for God. She touches on different seasons of her life, the ups, downs and moments in between that served to teach her great life lessons about God, herself, and those she loves. She will share different stories that shaped the importance of her faith with different inspirational takeaways: Love Hard, Be Intentional, Live Life to the Fullest, Purpose to Pain, and Let Go and Let God.”

After the resolution was read into the record, Moore told Brianna: “Everybody wanted to honor you and everything you’ve accomplished.

“I’ve known the Somoana family for 15 years now. I’ve had the opportunity to watch all of the quintuplets grow up, from what, probably age 7, on,” he said.

Moore said he wanted to recognize Brianna for her work to encourage others and let them know: “Hey, you can do anything. Anything you want to do. Nothing’s going to hold you back.”

Moore also noted that he was talking with Brianna’s parents, Jack and Kathy, one day and they were marveling about how Brianna’s book is inspiring readers across the country.

“So, you’re a blessing,” he told her. ““We’re so very proud of you. We want you to continue to inspire others.”

Brianna told board members she was honored by the recognition.

“It’s always my greatest joy to be able to inspire my community.

“I feel like that’s one of my main purposes in this world, to show other people that no matter what you go through, you can accomplish anything,” she said.

Commission Chairwoman Kathryn Starkey told Brianna: “I’m very proud you are a citizen in our county. Wow, really inspiring. Great job!””

Commissioner Ron Oakley told the young woman that she’s a source of inspiration, proving that people can do what they set their mind to do.

“My office is open to you, whenever you need help or direction in this county, I will be there to help you,” Oakley assured Brianna.

Published December 07, 2022

Pasco bids adieu to tough litigator, after 20 years

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She may not have been a household name around Pasco County, but Katherine “Kristi” Sims was a familiar face representing Pasco County at court hearings.

During her 20 years with the Pasco County Attorney’s Office, the senior assistant county attorney litigated nearly 6,000 ordinance violations.

But that’s just one aspect of the work she did, until retiring in October.

Her other accomplishments include the creation of the first local government ordinance in Florida to address “spice”/synthetic drugs, based on deficiencies in package labeling.

Her legal work also led to the county’s demolition ordinance, which requires demolition or repair of slum, blighted or dangerous structures. Ultimately, that led to nearly 1,000 structures torn down or repaired.

Katherine ‘Kristi’ Sims is congratulated for her 20 years of service to Pasco County. She’s joined here by her husband and by the county administrator, the clerk and comptroller, colleagues in the county attorney’s office and the county board. (Courtesy of Pasco County)

Sims also was a driving force in a county initiative known as the “High Return Enforcement” task force, which combined personnel from multiple agencies to collaborate on enforcement issues. Strategies they employed included filing nuisance lawsuits under state law and petitioning for a guardian to be appointed in hoarding situations.

Those are just a few of the creative investigative and legal approaches that Sims harnessed to enforce laws and improve safety for Pasco County residents, according to a resolution, adopted by the Pasco County Commission as an expression of the board’s appreciation.

Pasco County board members at that meeting lavished Sims with praise and County Attorney Jeffrey Steinsnyder remarked that Pasco was fortunate to have someone with Sims’ background representing it in the arena of code enforcement.

Typically, litigators handle those types of cases for about five years and then move on to the other things, he said.

Sims didn’t move on, though, giving the county the luxury of being represented by a highly experienced and knowledgeable attorney to tackle those issues, Steinsnyder said.

Sims also was known for her willingness to share her institutional knowledge with her peers, regarding county laws and previous litigation.

She also served as counsel for the Pasco County Construction Board and the Pasco County Canvassing Board, and she drafted all orders issued during local states of emergency, the resolution notes.

Sims legal work, county board members said, improved life for Pasco County residents.

“Kristi, it goes without saying, you’re going to be missed. You’ve done a fantastic job and I certainly appreciate everything you did for Pasco County. You worked very hard. You were very successful, in what you do,” said Commissioner Ron Oakley.

Commissioner Jack Mariano added: “Kristi, you’ve been nothing but amazing. As far as a litigator goes — none better. Your passion has been phenomenal in making this county better. You have made a huge difference. You have helped this county in tremendous ways.

“You can hold your head high, you’ve made Pasco County a better place.”

Commission Chairwoman Kathryn Starkey lamented Sims’ departure.

“It’s just a huge hole for me. I just want to thank you for taking my calls, at all hours.

“Gosh, your dedication to your job and the challenges that we face here — immeasurable.

“When you said you were leaving, it was really hard to take. I’m very sad this day has come.

“You really have left your mark on this county, and I’m really going to miss you.”

At the podium, Sims addressed the board by first announcing herself: “Kristi Sims, senior assistant county attorney for the Pasco County Attorney’s Office.

“I just wanted to say that one more time,” she told the board, keeping her composure, but acknowledging that she was feeling emotional.

When she was hired and made her first appearance before the board, she said she kept her remarks to these six words: “Thank you, I will do my best.”

“I did,” she said.

“We did,” she added.

She acknowledged many others — including the county board, the county attorney, her peers on the county’s legal team, and both county and constitutional personnel — for helping her to succeed.

She expressed gratitude for being granted “creative freedom, support, respect … to do all of these things that I find to be important.

“Thank you so much, for five years ago recognizing that there was a path to do more than what we had been doing,” Sims said. “I’m proud of what was accomplished.”

The work required long hours away from family, Sims said.

As well as stress, Steinsnyder said.

But, as she and her family set off on the next chapter of her life, Sims summed up her time in Pasco this way: “It was all worth it.”

Published December 07, 2022

Pasco leaders cite safety concerns over blocked sidewalks

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The Pasco County Commission has been weighing in on design standards for subdivisions for several months, and now they’re pushing for changes aimed at keeping sidewalks clear.

It’s a public safety issue, according to Commission Chairwoman Kathryn Starkey, who shared photos of cars parked in driveways — blocking the sidewalks in front of homes.

“The kids were riding their scooters in the street because they couldn’t use the sidewalks,” Starkey said, during a recent board meeting.

“Same in my neighborhood,” chimed in Commissioner Ron Oakley.

Starkey continued: “I think we need to be looking at these driveway lengths and making sure this (blocking of sidewalks) doesn’t happen.

“I’ve talked to some developers already about solutions for this, but this is something that we need to get ahold of because we’re going to have children get hurt.”

Oakley added: “I think this happens often in (subdivisions of) 40-foot lots and 50-foot lots.”

Pasco County Attorney Jeffrey Steinsnyder said: “Anywhere where you have a garage setback that’s 20 feet or less, you’re going to see this.”

Starkey said the issue falls under the jurisdiction of homeowner associations.

“So, if the HOA is not doing it, not doing their job, then we have to step in,” she said.

“I guarantee you, one of those cars is going to pull out and not see a little one riding her little scooter, or trike, because she can’t ride … safely in her neighborhood.

“I’m not OK with this,” Starkey said. “And, we need to address this, in my opinion, pretty quickly.”

Commissioner Jack Mariano said setbacks are an issue, not only for parking but also for installation of propane tanks and air conditioners on the sides of houses.

“Staff is struggling with all of this stuff.

“I think it’s time to do a workshop on this. What we don’t want to do is build homes like this where the kids can’t go on a sidewalk, they’ve got to in the street. It’s dangerous. It looks lousy, and it’s just not good for the long-term growth of this county,” the commissioner added.

“We need to pick what we want. Do we want to be a high-level premiere county? Or, do we want to allow that? Stuff like that,” Mariano said.

Oakley concurred: “We need to get rid of this.”

The discussion occurred during the portion of the meeting reserved for board comments, so no formal action was taken. However, since a majority of board members appear to think action is needed, the issue is likely to resurface at a future board meeting.

Published December 07, 2022

This woman knew her numbers

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Rosemary Syrakos recently stepped away from a 32-year career in the Pasco County Clerk & Comptroller’s Office.

And, during the course of her career, she handled all sorts of paperwork, in various capacities.

She joined the staff on Feb. 2, 1990, as a data entry operator in the support services department, before moving through the ranks, over three decades.

Rosemary Syrakos is honored during the Pasco County Commission’s Nov. 15 meeting, with a resolution of appreciation for her 32-year career in the Pasco County Clerk & Comptroller’s Office. (Courtesy of Pasco County)

She worked as a docket clerk, a civil records clerk, a probate clerk, an ex-parte clerk, a probate specialist, a human resources technician, a compensation benefits specialist, a payroll supervisor, the office’s operations supervisor and, finally, deputy clerk for the Office of Clerk & Comptroller.

“She has worked tirelessly for both of our offices (the clerk’s office and the Pasco County Commission), said Pasco County Clerk & Comptroller Nikki Alvarez-Sowles, during the Pasco County Commission’s Nov. 15 meeting.

The clerk read a resolution of appreciation for Syrakos’ service.

“In the 13 years, Rosemary has led the payroll team, she is estimated to have processed or approved over 429 payrolls, comprised of over 908,000 individual paychecks, and almost $47 million net payroll dollars, paid to county and clerk teammates for their services to the citizens of Pasco County,” the resolution says.

During the course of working in the clerk’s office, she initiated, processed, or approved more than 45,000 financial records, Alvarez-Sowles said.

Her abilities were “unmatched to resolve any and all FRS, 941 tax, W-2, and deferred compensation issues,” the resolution continues.

Her duties required her to dial phone numbers, “now committed to memory for eternity,” and to “remain on hold for hundreds of hours while she corrected thousands of timesheet entries and answered inquiries made by teammates and supervisors alike,” the resolution says.

Syrakos had a deep desire to instill a positive spirit and comradery within her divisions, and helped set the tone by decorating her workspace for every holiday or occasion, the clerk said.

The deputy clerk was known to deliver “one of the best hors d’oeuvres known to Pasco County — with crackers, of course — making her the Queen of Cheeseballs,” the clerk said, with a laugh, remarking, as an aside, that the resolution was written with love.

Syrakos was always willing to take on extra tasks when needed and to work through emergencies, storm situations, a global pandemic and office relocations.

She never forsook her responsibilities and was always willing to share her knowledge — providing a smooth transition to the office, at her departure, Alvarez-Sowles said.

Her retirement day was Nov. 4 and she was honored by the Pasco County Commission on Nov. 15.

Syrakos stood beside the podium, as the resolution was read, and when it was over, board members asked if she would like to say a few words.

She politely declined.

Alvarez-Sowles told the board: “In her retirement, she really wants to spend time with her grandson and pick him up from school and be able to take care of him. I think that’s an amazing retirement plan.”

While Syrakos did a great job preparing others to take on her duties, her presence will be missed, the clerk said.

“Rosemary is not only an amazing leader, but she’s an amazing human being; we are going to miss her terribly in our office,” Alvarez-Sowles said.

Published December 07, 2022

Pasco invites public to weigh in on future Orange Belt Trail

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Pasco County has been talking for years about building a recreation trail that will mostly follow the former Orange Belt Trail rail line, from Trinity to Trilby.

But now planning efforts are ramping up and two open-house style public meetings have been set to give the community a chance to have a voice in the project.

“We’d really like to hear from people at these meetings — what they’d like to see the trail do, what kind of character they’d like it to have,” said Sam Beneck, a project manager for Pasco County.

The trail will link communities such as Trinity, Odessa, Land O’ Lakes, Wesley Chapel and Dade City, and will provide both recreational and economic opportunities along the way, based on discussions at Pasco County Commission meetings.

This map shows a generalized path of the future Orange Belt Trail, a recreational trail that will link Trinity to Trilby. (Courtesy of Pasco County)

The trail is expected to be a 12- to 14-foot-wide paved multi-use trail, but also could incorporate sections intended for equestrian use.

By holding community meetings now, planners hope to engage the public while drawing up the plans and to continue that involvement throughout the process, Beneck said.

The goal is to encourage public engagement early on and to keep communication lines open throughout the process, the project manager added.

He described the trail as “a linear park, by itself,” but noted that such trails typically connect to other trails and other recreational assets along the way.

A map has been drawn to show the approximate path, but the alignment is not locked in, Beneck said. The same goes for the time frame and budget, which will vary based on the final plans that are approved — with the timing partially tied to whether the county can secure additional funding through grants or other sources, he said.

“It’s been in concept for a long time, but we’ve only in the last few months started that real study to actually to figure out the where and the what and the how,” Beneck said.

Getting public input now will help planners incorporate desired features and take issues into account, while they’re drawing up proposed plans.

“We don’t want to draw any conclusions, we don’t want to get too far ahead of ourselves with anything, so everything right now is subject to change, based on the needs and the expectations and the desires of the public and the commission,” Beneck said.

Part of the planning will be to determine logical phases for construction.

A portion of the old Orange Belt Railroad rail line.

“We are going to be breaking the project down, into pieces that can be built, that would have logical termini, logical starts and ends. We definitely don’t want to have a segment of trail that is built that kind of drops people in an unsafe area to be cycling or jogging, or whatever,” he said.

The idea is to ensure “that each piece that we conceptualize and build makes sense by itself and can provide that value to the community, as the pieces around it come online,” he said.

The project manager also said he intends to avoid the mentality that the trail has to be done one segment at a time, extending in the same direction.

“It really will be something that we want to be thoughtful about, and not just start at the west side of the county and work our way to the east, or anything like that,” he said.

Rather, it could be that portions of the trail will be done on the east side, the west side and the middle and then would be tied together, he added.

“There’s really opportunities all over the place,” Beneck said.

“How we start to connect those opportunities together is actually its own phase in the study that we’ve assigned to the study team, the consultant team — identifying what the segments should be and what order we should be attacking them in,” he said.

There will be trailheads, which will be especially important in areas where there are disconnected segments, Beneck said.

“It will be important to have places to park, in order to access the system. Ultimately, we do want people to be able to access the system from their homes. And, those parking lots will be, maybe, less critical. But we certainly understand that while it’s a disconnected system, we’ll need to have parking for folks and we also want to have amenities for people. The water and the bathroom and even just places to stop and have a sandwich,” Beneck said.

Community meetings on Orange Belt Trail
Two community open-house style meetings are scheduled to begin sharing information about Pasco County’s proposed Orange Belt Trail. Both meetings will have the same content.

Here are the meeting times and places:

  • Dec. 6 from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., at Hampton Inn, 11780 State Road 54, in Odessa
  • Dec. 7 from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., Dade City Garden Club, 13630 Fifth St., in Dade City.

There will be a brief, formal presentation each evening at 6 p.m., and county staff will be available to answer questions. Those interested in finding out more can visit OrangeBeltTrail.com. To learn more about the county’s engineering services, visit MyPas.co/3tzL8N3.

Published November 30, 2022

Providing hope for those hurting at the holidays

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’Tis the season to be merry, right?

Well, not for everyone.

The Land O’ Lakes United Methodist Church wants to acknowledge that the holidays can be a painful, difficult time for people who have suffered losses and to provide a source of support, said Kevin Grills, the church pastor.

It is offering a Blue Christmas Service on Dec. 7 at 7 p.m., at the church, 6209 Land O’ Lakes Blvd.

Chris Cox, left, and David Endara lead caroling with acoustical guitar during the first Campfire and Carols at Land O’ Lakes United Methodist Church. This year’s free community event is set for Dec. 18 at 6 p.m., at the church. There is no charge. Bring your own lawn chair. (Courtesy of Kevin Grills)

“We just want to create a space for people to feel what they feel in the Christmas season,” the pastor said, noting sometimes that isn’t the joy that others are experiencing.

“I have heard of many people who are depressed and are going through a really hard time and are looking for reasons to be hopeful,” Grills said.

“Many have had a hard year. Some have had many hard years consecutively. With the pandemic, death of loved ones, the loss of jobs, financial stresses, inflation — there’s many reasons and many different kinds of losses.

“So, if anyone has lost somebody significant to them in the holidays, it tends to be a season that used to be a season of joy for them, now becomes exactly the opposite for them.

“Because they’re now reminded of the empty chair. They’re reminded of what they don’t have any more, and life just gets really hard and difficult, and overwhelming — when everybody is in celebration mode and you are in the season of mourning, or you’re just kind of down,” he said.

The church’s Blue Christmas Service is open to anyone who would like to attend.

The idea is to create a space that acknowledges the loss people are feeling and to convey a sense of community — “to let people know that they are not alone in their heartache and in their struggles,” Grills said.

“I’ve had some people say, ‘Why would we do that? It’s a joyous season. Why would we provide that? Shouldn’t they just suck it up?’

“I said, ‘Well, that’s just not the reality of it. You might feel that it’s odd to dwell on the darkness, or on the struggle, but it’s important to do so.

“All of us find ourselves in the darkness at some point,” he said.

“We dwell there in this (in the service) because that’s what some people are feeling, and we’re reminded from a Biblical sense and from a Christian sense that God doesn’t just tell us to ‘Chin up.’ And, He walks with us, not just through the light, but through the darkness, and He brings us into the light.

“So, our service, itself, it will be a liturgical service. We will be singing some hymns, some of the more somber, low-key, minor-chorded hymns. We’ll light some candles. We’ll have an opportunity to name our losses,” he said.

A crowd shot from last year’s Campfire and Carols at Land O’ Lakes United Methodist Church. This year’s free community event is set for Dec. 18 at 6 p.m., at the church.

Those who wish to write down the name of someone they’ve lost, or something difficult they’re going through, will have the chance to write it down on an ornament, to hang on a bare Christmas tree.

It can be any kind of loss — such as a layoff from work, or the death of a spouse — even it happened many years ago, Grills said.

There will be an opportunity to light candles, and there will be time for reflection.

Those attending the service will be free to participate as much, or as little, as they’d like, the pastor added.

“We will have our sanctuary already adorned, but we will have everything off, muting things for the service.

“The general tone of the service, itself, is intentionally solemn. But it does point to hope, peace and love and joy that’s offered in the advent of Jesus.”

The idea is to provide a hopeful message, without ignoring the pain and the struggle people are experiencing.

Loss, the pastor said, “is not a linear thing. It’s messy.”

Grills wants the service to be welcoming, helping community members to support one another.

He also has a wish of his own: “The best case scenario, is that people who come in without any hope, leave with hope.”

Land O’ Lakes church offers community events
Land O’ Lakes United Methodist Church, at 6209 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., has three upcoming holiday community events. (It also has Christmas services).
Dec. 3, 4 p.m.: The Silence and the Sound, a traditional choir providing Christmas music. No charge.
Dec. 7, 7 p.m.: Blue Christmas Service, offered to help those hurting at the holidays.
Dec. 18, 6 p.m. Second annual Campfire and Carols, check out the bonfire, sing-along to Christmas carols and enjoy some s’mores, plus crafts for kids. Bring your lawn chairs.

Published November 30, 2022

Land development code changes proposed in Pasco

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Pasco County is considering numerous changes to its land development code, with some aiming to improve the county’s appearance.

One change would require two shade trees at residential lots that are 6,000 square feet or smaller. Currently, one shade tree is required. The change also would allow a shade tree to be placed in the right of way fronting the lot, Denise Hernandez, county zoning administrator told the Pasco County Commission during the first public hearing on the proposed changes, at the board’s Nov. 4 meeting.

The requirement to add more trees reflects a desire by the Pasco County Commission to make the county’s residential neighborhoods more attractive.

Another proposed change would eliminate chain link fences or similar fences and gates that are visible from along the county’s arterials and collector roads — unless the properties are being used for legitimate agricultural purposes.

This change was prompted by county board discussions regarding a desire to improve the county’s appearance.

Two other changes relate to public notice of requested changes, Hernandez said.

One change would require applicants for comprehensive plan amendments to post, publish and mail notices of the request, Hernandez said. In the current code, applications for comprehensive plan amendments are only published, and, in some cases, posted, but are not mailed. The amendment will require all three.

Another change would allow the publication of requests to be made by posting to a newspaper of general circulation, or any other means, Hernandez said.

“This is in anticipation of the effective date of 50.011 of Florida Statutes, which happened during the last legislative session, where that publication on publicly available website would suffice, instead of having to do a publication in a paper of general circulation,” Hernandez said.

“And, we are working on a process to have that done on our website,” she added.

Another change in the land development code says that projects that are subject to a development agreement, a special exception, (or) a conditional use, do not necessarily require a master-unit planned development zoning.

Additionally, there’s a change that says if a building permit expires after the sixth year of a preliminary site plan, the preliminary site plan expires, as well.

New definitions also are included in the proposed code amendments. Those definitions relate to what constitutes a family, a group living arrangement, and a resident treatment and care facility.

The changes were prompted by a previous case involving what the county considered to be a residential treatment and care facility, but which the applicant argued fell under the county’s definition of a family.

The proposed changes are meant to clarify when special permission is needed for a particular living situation within a single-family neighborhood.

The proposed amendment defines group living arrangements as those including, but not limited to, convents, monasteries, fraternities, boarding homes, shelters for abused children, runaway shelters, and dormitories.

Group living arrangements do not include residential treatment and care facilities or independent living facilities, Hernandez said.

The definition for residential treatment and care facility was modified as well, to reflect that these facilities employ the help of skilled and licensed practitioners, she said.

The board will have its final public hearing on the proposed changes at its Dec. 6 meeting, at 1:30 p.m., in the board chambers at the West Pasco Government Center, at 8731 Citizens Drive, in New Port Richey.

Published November 30, 2022

Business Digest 11/30/2022

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From left, PulteGroup West Florida team members Kelli Bailey, Cheryl Jones, Joanna Lopez, Allison Medich, Keeley Platt and Nicole Tumminia help collect turkey for local food banks. In total, more than 400 turkeys were collected. Residents at Del Webb Bexley in Land O’ Lakes were among those participating. (Courtesy of Candace Rotolo)

Helping others at Thanksgiving
Residents at Del Webb Bexley in Land O’ Lakes and Pulte employees hosted a Turkey Drive to on Nov. 16, to benefit Metropolitan Ministries, according to a news release.

The Del Webb Bexley turkey drive was one of four that took place simultaneously at Pulte communities throughout the homebuilder’s West Florida Division, and their division office in Riverview, the release said. In total, more than 400 turkeys were donated.

Part-time job fair
Vinik Sports Group will host a job fair on Dec. 1 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Applicants are asked to go to the Cigar City Brewing Taproom at 375 Channelside Drive, under the Pam Iorio Parking Garage next to the west plaza at AMALIE Arena.

The job fair is being held to fill positions for the Tampa Bay Lightning, AMALIE Arena and Yuengling Center. There are a number of positions available for housekeeping, starting at $14 an hour and conversion, starting at $14.50 an hour.

An overnight shift for any of the positions pays an additional $2 per hour.

Candidates should dress professionally, bring three copies of their resume and written references. Applicants also are encouraged to pre-apply at viniksportsgroup.com/careers.

Candidates are asked to park in the Green Lot for the job fair. There will be no charge for parking there.

Business celebrations

  • The North Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce announced a ribbon-cutting that was held for GYMGUYZ on Nov. 28, at Florida Avenue Brewing Company, 2029 Arrowgrass Drive in Wesley Chapel.
  • Whit’s Frozen Custard of Land O’ Lakes announced its grand opening, which was held on Nov. 17. The shop offers freshly made frozen custard every day. It is at 7906 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes.

Chamber breakfast meeting
The North Tampa Bay Chamber will hold its annual membership breakfast meeting on Dec. 6 at 7:30 a.m., at Pasco-Hernando State College’s Porter Campus at Wiregrass Ranch, 2727 Mansfield Blvd., in Wesley Chapel.

The meeting, which will be hosted by Board Chairman Javan Grant, will include a recognition for volunteers, a salute to outgoing board members, a swearing-in ceremony for new board members, the installation of the new board chair and a look ahead to 2023.

The cost is $25 for members and $30 for nonmembers. Registration and payment are required in advance.

Networking starts at 7:30 a.m., with the breakfast beginning at 8 a.m.

For more information, call 813-994-8534, or email

Light industrial development
Pasco County has removed the light industrial and target industry cap for businesses in the Central Pasco Employment Village (CPEV).

“The removal of the cap on businesses will undoubtedly attract more businesses and more high-paying jobs to Pasco,” Pasco County Commission Chairwoman Kathryn Starkey said, in a county news release. “We’re all for smart growth involving businesses, and these new rules allow us to better plan for the future.”

The CPEV originally was created to drive business growth, including supporting residential and retail land uses. Now, there’s no limit on the size of businesses hoping to open – allowing that area of the county to achieve this policy objective, the release says.

Commissioner Mike Moore, whose last day in office was Nov. 21, advocated the removal of the cap to help spur more high-paying jobs in Pasco.

“If someone wants to bring high-paying jobs to our community in the Central Pasco Employment Village, they can, without worrying about entitlement caps. Working closer to home and spending more time with the family provides better quality of life,” Moore said, in the news release.

Bill Cronin, president and CEO of the Pasco Economic Development Council, weighed in, too.

“We applaud the Pasco Board of County Commissioners for creating a culture that invites more industry and jobs,” Cronin said. “We can truly say our local leaders provide a pro-business environment for the community and those looking to locate here in the future.”

To learn more about business resources in Pasco County, visit bit.ly/PascoEconomicGrowth.

Hale Road rezoning is rejected

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Opponents to a proposed rezoning on Hale Road erupted in cheers and applause, when the Pasco County Commission voted 5-0 against the request.

KB Home had sought to put a total of up to 107 homes on two parcels on the north side of Hale Road and another parcel on the south side of Hale Road. Both properties are near Collier Parkway, in Land O’ Lakes.

Opponents turned out in force to protest a request that would allow 107 homes on two parcels flanking Hale Road. The Pasco County Commission rejected the proposed rezoning on a 5-0 vote. (Mike Camunas)

Opponents came ready to do battle.

They made it easy to identify their opposition, by wearing fluorescent lime-green T-shirts.

They filled seats throughout the county board’s chamber. Some carried protest signs.

Maryann Bishop, who owns a 19-acre property next door to the proposed rezoning, on the north side of Hale Road, hired an attorney and a traffic engineer to fight the request.

Besides the family home, the property also is occupied by the Rosebud Continuum Ecological and Science Education Center. It also has a nature trail, a lake, bat houses, bee hives and farm animals.

Bishop and her attorney, Jane Graham, spelled out a multitude of reasons to deny the request.

They cited a recommendation for denial from the Pasco County Planning Commission, which listed 13 reasons for rejecting the rezoning.

Before showing up to the county board’s meeting, opponents voiced their objections to the Pasco County Planning Commission.

They also reached out to members of the county board, and they bombarded them with emails.

It didn’t take long to find out which team the people wearing lime green T-shirts were on, during a Nov. 15 public hearing before the Pasco County Commission. They came ready to make a case against a rezoning proposed on Hale Road, and, in the end, they won.

For their part, the applicant’s team noted that KB Home was proposing 2.4 houses per acre, far fewer than the six houses per acre contemplated in the county’s long-range plan.

They also noted changes made in the plan, after the planning board’s denial, intended to address safety concerns.

For instance, Cyndi Tarapani, a professional planner, told the county board: The project previously proposed two driveways to access the proposed development on the north side of Hale Road and one driveway to access the homes planned on the south side of the road.

After the planning board meeting, the applicant revised its plan to show access to Collier Parkway from the southern parcel, where all but 22 homes are planned.

The applicant also agreed to add turning lanes and sidewalks, to address traffic concerns, she said.

But those concessions failed to sway opponents.

Maryann Bishop, who owns property next to a proposed rezoning on Hale Road, offers a multitude of reasons for why the request should be denied. She was addressing the Pasco County Commission during a public hearing on Nov. 15 at the Historic Pasco County Courthouse. Her attorney, Jane Graham, is seen in the background.

They said Hale Road is a substandard road and objected to adding any new development beyond what’s already zoned.

To bolster their case, they showed photographs of a garbage truck getting stuck, after failing to negotiate a sharp turn. A school bus that tried to get around it got stuck, as well as another vehicle, according to an area resident, who testified at the public hearing.

Several speakers said it’s not uncommon for accidents to occur, people to crash into fences and people to run off the road into ditches.

Those ditches often fill with water and are choked with weeds, speakers added.

Students in grades six through 12 who live within 2 miles of school no longer receive “courtesy” rides from Pasco County Schools, because of a shortage of bus drivers and money.

Area resident Debra Martinez told the county board: “These kids scare me to death in the morning. They’re walking in the road because they can’t walk in the ditch … It’s not a good situation on Hale Road.”

Opponents also testified about kids being at risk, as they ride their bikes, while carrying backpacks, on a substandard road that carries considerable traffic.

As a case in point, they showed a photo of a student walking on the edge of the road, with little room to spare for passing motorists.

Russell Watrous, one of the opponents, told commissioners: “Hale (Road) is not safe. I’ve driven Hale Road now for 28 years, back and forth to work. I’ve seen it change from a peaceful country road to something that’s really unsafe.”

He also raised questions about compatibility, noting the proposed lots with 40- and 50-foot frontage are far smaller than nearby lots and developments.

Watrous said he’s worried that approval of this request would trigger requests from similar properties and would set a dangerous precedent for the area.

Tarapani noted the applicant had placed its 50-foot lots in areas next to larger lots and had committed to providing buffering.

Land O’ Lakes High student Lilly Xu, speaking on behalf of the school’s Scientific Journal Club, is sworn in during the public hearing. She submitted, via an email to Commissioner Ron Oakley, a packet of 200 emails from Land O’ Lakes High students, expressing their views on the proposed rezoning.

Several speakers, including Lilly Xi, president of the Scientific Journal Club at Land O’ Lakes High School, urged the county board to consider the area’s sustainability.

Prior to the meeting, Xi had submitted a packet of 200 emails or notes from Land O’ Lakes High students, expressing their thoughts on the issue.

Many students raised concerns about the need to protect the environment, to respect the ecosystem and to keep wildlife out of harm’s way.

One student told commissioners that “rapid-fire growth” isn’t in the interest of the people.

Area residents emailed commissioners, too.

Emily Keen reached out to Commissioner Mike Moore.

In part, she said: “I desire an end to developers coming into our neighborhoods to profit and then taking their money and running after they have put a strain on the environment, wildlife, our local community, roadways, water supply, water quality, and even understaffed/underfunded schools that don’t have room for more students.”

Keen also shared photos of white-tailed deer, sandhill cranes, a swallow-tailed kite, wood stork, spicebush swallowtail butterfly and Sherman’s fox squirrel. She said the photos were taken on her property, about a half-mile away from the proposed rezoning.

The public hearing lasted more than three hours, ending ultimately with a recommendation for denial by Commissioner Jack Mariano.

“I’ve never seen as much fact-based evidence in a hearing that we saw today. I’ve never see a planning commission go through and list 13 reasons to why a project shouldn’t go forward,” he said.

Like the opponents, Mariano cited concerns about safety, compatibility, stormwater runoff, a lack of streetlights and a substandard road without sidewalks.

“This just doesn’t fit,” Mariano said.

Pepin Academies forms partnership with Pasco County Schools

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Pepin Academies is planning a new charter school on the campus of Kirkland Ranch Academy of Innovation, between the magnet high school and a new public Kirkland K-8 planned on that site.

The Pasco County School Board approved a contract with Pepin Academies during its Nov. 8 meeting to seal the deal on the unique partnership.

Pasco Schools Deputy Superintendent Ray Gadd told the school board: “Today, the board is doing something that’s never been done in the state before.

“We are going to support the building of a charter school, Pepin Academies. “We’ve met with them. You have a contract on your agenda today,” Gadd said.

The deputy superintendent described Pepin Academies as “an independently owned charter school that specializes in working with kids that are unique, relative to their abilities, very talented kids.”

He also noted that “Pepin has an incredible reputation throughout the Tampa Bay area.”

Gadd is obviously enthused about the new venture.

“I can’t tell you how thrilled I am to have this kind of partnership, and to be working with the kind of people that are involved with these children at Pepin Academies.

“This is an exciting partnership — a lot of learning ahead of us to figure out how to navigate some of the rules and regulations that the state puts on us, relative to our relationship, but really looking forward to it,” he said.

Jeff Skowronek, executive director of Pepin Academies, stepped to the podium to address the board, and the audience.

“Thank you for your vision, Mr. Gadd. Thank you all for your support,” Skowronek said. “I think fitting today, for Election Day, we are electing to choose and vote for collaboration over competition, and students over division.

“And I couldn’t be more excited, more honored and more humbled to lead Pepin Academies into Wesley Chapel and see where it goes from there,” the executive director added.

Background materials in the board’s agenda packet call for Pepin to operate a charter school for students in kindergarten through 12th grade, at the Kirkland Ranch Academy of Innovation campus, at 9100 Curley Road, in Wesley Chapel.

The goal is to open the new Pepin school in 2024.

Background materials in the board’s agenda packet say that Pasco County Schools staff has determined “that it is in the best interest of the district to facilitate the construction of this school.”

The school construction must meet all state requirements, and Pepin and the school board have agreed to fund the construction of the school using impact fees.

The school board approved a memorandum of understanding, as well as step-in agreement for the district to take over the school, should the charter school cease operations.

Pepin Academies are full-time exceptional student education day schools that offer a standard diploma option for students with learning and learning-related disabilities in grades three through 12, according to Pepin’s website.

Pepin Academies operates a Pasco campus in New Port Richey, one in Tampa and one in Riverview.

Pepin provides individualized instruction, focused on providing academic and social achievement, its website says.

In other action, the school board is considering changes to a district policy that’s  intended to raise the level of respectful behavior — both from parents and from district staff — when disputes arise on school buses, on school campuses and in district offices.

The board received significant pushback regarding the proposed policy from speakers during its Nov. 8 meeting.

Numerous speakers described the policy as a violation of the constitutional right to free speech and said it is intended to stifle critics who are dissatisfied with the school system’s operation.

They also said that provisions within the proposed policy are subjective and vague, and pressed the board to provide more precise definitions regarding what constitutes a violation.

School board members told Superintendent Kurt Browning that language that pertains to social media posts should be stripped from the proposed policy changes.

Board members told the audience it is not their intention to stifle feedback or free speech.

Rather,  they said, they are trying to protect bus drivers, school secretaries and others who are being subjected to verbal attacks by people screaming at them.

Browning told board members that amendments will be made to the policy before it is brought back for board action, expected in December.

At that point, the board will accept additional public comment before taking a vote on the policy, according to Cynthia Armstrong, the school board’s chairwoman.

Published November 16, 2022