The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

B.C. Manion

Business Digest 01/31/2024

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The City of Zephyrhills is hiring
The City of Zephyrhills is hiring for positions across multiple departments. The city offers competitive pay and benefits including medical, dental, life insurance, and Florida Retirement System (FRS).
View the city’s current job openings and apply online at www.ci.zephyrhills.fl.us/Jobs.aspx.

Greater Pasco Medical Roundtable
The Greater Pasco Medical Roundtable meets on the first Thursday of each month, from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m., at the Holiday Inn Express & Suites, 2125 Corporate Center, in Trinity. The next meeting is Feb. 1.

The meeting, sponsored by Holiday Inn Express & Suites Trinity, provides a venue for a discussion about everything that affects the Greater Pasco health care industry. Participants get a chance to learn and interact with members of the health care community and to discuss current topics in the industry. Registration is free and anyone who would like to be part of the conversation is welcome.

GROW Pasco
Take advantage of the opportunity to learn about a wide array of business topics at Grow Pasco, which is set for March 14 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the Saint Leo University Wellness Center, 12338 Priory Circle, in San Antonio. Grow Pasco features 15 breakout sessions led by some of the best business minds in the area.

Go to the Pasco Economic Development Council’s website to find out more about the topics, the speakers and how to register. The Pasco EDC’s website is PascoEDC.com.

Pasco County Day at the Capitol
Join the Greater Pasco Chamber of Commerce’s public policy committee for its “Pasco County Day” at the Capitol. Those taking the trip will have the opportunity to visit with our local representatives serving in the Florida Legislature, and to provide advocacy for your business and/or industry. The trip is open to all, not just chamber members. The cost is $40 and this is what you can expect:

* Arrival at Center for Innovation where refreshments will be served

* Break

* Legislative speakers

* Complimentary lunch with legislative speakers

* Senate Chamber with more legislative speakers

* Tour of Old Capitol and/or 22nd floor Capitol Observatory Gallery visit 

* End the evening with a social at Proof Brewing Company with complimentary heavy hors d’oeuvres and refreshments

* Bus ride back to Pasco

The chartered bus will depart from Pasco County at 6:15 a.m., on Feb. 13 and will return by 11 p.m., the same day.

To reserve your seat or for additional information, call 727-842-7651, or visit the chamber’s website at GreaterPasco.com.

International Tourism & Trade Day
Registration is open for Pasco County International Tourism & Trade Day. The event will bring together Pasco County business leaders, international resource partners and exporters.

It offers opportunities to learn about resources available to help Pasco businesses expand their business through exporting. There will be a panel discussion featuring Pasco County businesses who have participated in trade missions and with resource partners who made that possible. There also will be opportunities to meet resource partners to assist with international business development, and information will be shared about an upcoming trade mission to Canada.

The event is set for Feb. 22 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Florida Avenue Brewing Company, 2029 Arrowgrass Drive, in Wesley Chapel. Seating is limited and a complimentary lunch will be provided.

For more information, reach out to .

Pasco/Hernando SCORE Mentoring
Pasco Hernando SCORE offers free confidential small business mentoring. Our volunteer business experts will provide free assistance to small business owners to help solve their problems and grow their business. To request a mentor, visit SCORE.org/pascohernando.

Setting priorities for better ways to get around in Pasco

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It’s no secret to those living or working in Pasco County that serious attention is needed to make it easier to get from place to place.

Traffic congestion and traffic safety are two key concerns that the public has identified so far, in an online survey conducted by Kimley-Horn, the consultants working with the Pasco County Metropolitan Planning Organization (Pasco MPO) on the long-range transportation plan update.

Innovate Pasco 2050 will be the long-range transportation plan for Pasco County, guiding future projects to address all types of transportation needs. Tackling congestion has been identified as a top priority by the public so far, in the early stages of the planning effort. (File)

The plan has been christened Innovate Pasco 2050.

Jonathan Whitehurst, a consultant from Kimley-Horn, briefed the Pasco Metropolitan Planning Organization’s board at its Jan. 11 meeting, regarding what’s being done to prepare the plan.

The Pasco MPO board, made up of elected leaders from Pasco County, Dade City, Zephyrhills, New Port Richey and Port Richey, is responsible for addressing transportation needs and setting priorities across Pasco.

In general, Innovate Pasco 2050 will identify current and anticipated transportation needs in the county for the next 20-plus years, Whitehurst said.

The plan is being updated at the same time the county is updating its long-range comprehensive plan.

Innovate Pasco 2050 will consider all modes of transportation — which include motorized vehicles, public transportation, bicycles, walking, freight and goods movement, and air travel.

Planning efforts will involve analyzing the county’s current transportation system and its projected growth to identify needs and set priorities.

The initial stakeholder interviews and community workshops were held on Dec. 12 and Dec. 13.

“We’re getting really, really good participation through the online survey. To date, with the online survey, we have 930 participants,” Whitehurst told the Pasco MPO board. “That created a lot of work for the consultant team because that has already generated over 13,000 data points and over 1,400 written comments. So, that’s a lot of information for us to kind of go through and summarize. But we like that.”

Figuring out how much money is available to address Pasco County’s trail plans is likely to be a topic of discussion, as the county tackles its long-range needs.

The survey can be done in as few as 5 minutes, or, it can take longer, depending on the level of detail in the responses.

Based on the level of feedback so far, people seem to be putting in more time, Whitehurst said.

During his presentation, he asked the MPO board for some feedback.

He identified eight transportation themes and asked them to rank them in order of importance.

These are the themes they ranked: Improve Transit Service, Improve Transportation Connectivity, Increase Transportation Choices, Maintain Roadways, Promote Economic Growth, Reduce Congestion, Reduce Crash/Injuries and deaths and Shorten Vehicle Trips.

The top three themes identified in the boardroom were: Economic growth, congestion and connectivity. The bottom three were shortening vehicle trips, increasing transportation choices and improving transit service.

The public’s response was different, based on the 930 surveys.

The public identified congestion as the top issue, safety as the second highest and maintenance of existing facilities as number three, Whitehurst said.

The consultant also noted the survey has a map, where people can place pins on areas where they believe a transportation improvement is needed.

How will transit figure into the county’s long-range transportation plans?

That improvement can involve a roadway, a trail, transit or other type of transportation facility, Whitehurst said.

So far, the map has about 2,000 pins indicating needed improvements. That doesn’t correlate to 2,000 separate suggestions because many pins can be clustered at a single location, he explained.

Along those lines, though, Whitehurst asked the board: What is the first project you would construct, if funding wasn’t an issue?

Their responses included the Orange Belt Trail and the intersection of U.S. 41/State Road 54 .

“The Orange Belt Trail was certainly a topic that came up in those meetings that we had back in December,,” Whitehurst said.

Safety along U.S. 19 was another issue that came up, when focusing specifically on bicycle and pedestrian improvements, he added.

Another project that’s been identified involves the widening of U.S. 301, between Tampa and Zephyrhills, he said.

That potential widening offers a great example of why it’s important to work with neighborhood MPOs, because a portion of U.S. 301 is in Pasco’s MPO and another portion is in Hillsborough’s MPO, Whitehurst said.

Another comment that has frequently surfaced deals with a lack of east-west roads in the county, the consultant said.

The online survey also asks the public to assign budget priorities to different types of transportation projects. Of the 930 responses, the public clearly identified roadway capacity and roadway maintenance as top priorities, Whitehurst said.

As more planning efforts are being made to provide ways for people to get around better within their communities, bicycle safety is expected to gain more attention.

While the initial work has been informative, much work remains to be done, the consultant said.

In coming months, community members will have additional opportunities to participate in shaping the vision and direction of the long-range transportation plan. 

That input will be received both through in-person meetings and in digital activities conducted through the planning project’s website.

Innovate Pasco 2050 “really will be the road map that the county will use through the MPO to fund transportation projects through the year 2050,” Whitehurst said.

It will define what projects are needed to address the county’s transportation needs through the year 2050 and beyond.

Once those projects are defined, then a determination will be made regarding local and federal sources that are available.

A priority list will be created and a cost feasible plan will identify how much of that work is possible, based on funding sources.

Whitehurst said that Kimley-Horn will create a State of the System Report, which will review existing and projected conditions. That report will be done in late January or early February, he said.

A needs plan will be done, which will include all types of transportation projects the consultants believe the county needs to look at through the year 2050 and beyond. That is expected to be completed in mid-March.

The cost feasible plan is expected to be completed toward the end of April.

The report and executive summary are scheduled to be written by the end of June, but final adoption is not expected until later in the year, Whitehurst said.

Get involved
Do you have thoughts about Pasco County’s roads, trails, sidewalks and other forms of transportation? Get involved in the county’s long-range transportation planning by signing up for email alerts and taking an online survey at InnovatePasco.com.

Published January 24, 2024

Be prepared to savor some Southern Charm, and kumquats, too

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Downtown Dade City soon will be transformed into a marketplace and center of activity for the 27th annual Kumquat Festival.

The event celebrates all things kumquat.

Thousands of visitors head to Dade City each year to enjoy some old-fashioned Southern Charm at the annual Kumquat Festival. (File)

The festival draws its name from a tiny, sweet and tangy citrus fruit.

The annual gathering began nearly three decades ago, when Phyllis Smith, Roxanne Barthle and Carlene Ellberg were trying to find a way to inject new life into downtown Dade City.

They decided to have an event to celebrate the kumquat because the Kumquat Growers, based in Dade City, are the nation’s largest producers of the fruit, sometimes described as “the little gold gems of the citrus family.”

The festival began small, on the lawn of the historic Pasco County Courthouse.

All sorts of products featuring kumquats will be available at the 27th annual Kumquat Festival in downtown Dade City on Jan. 27 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Over the years, the event spread through the city’s historic downtown core, and it routinely attracts thousands of visitors from the Tampa Bay area and beyond.

Besides giving people a chance to sample the distinctive flavor of kumquats, the festival also offers them a chance to experience Dade City’s hospitality, at a family friendly event.

This year’s event is being presented by AdventHealth Dade City, the City of Dade City, and dozens of other valued sponsors, according to Vicki Wiggins, CEO of the Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce.

About 20,000 are expected to attend, including residents from the Tampa Bay area and surrounding counties, winter residents, tourists and “day-trippers,” according to Wiggins.

The event presents opportunities for fun, shopping, eating and entertainment.

Admission is free; parking is available in the downtown area.

The event will feature art displays, a “Health and Wellness” section, a children’s activity area, a classic car show, a quilt show, vendors selling food and unique craft items, kumquat items in myriad varieties and, of course, kumquat beer and wine.

Kumquat facts
Kumquats have been called the ‘little gold gems’ of the citrus family. They are believed to be native to China and have a very distinctive taste. Kumquats, like grapes, can be eaten whole.
The peel is the sweetest part and can be eaten separately. The pulp, which contains seeds and juice, is sour. Together, the peel and pulp taste sweet and sour. The seeds contain pectin, which can be removed by boiling for use in jams and jellies.

Source: The Kumquat Growers Association

27th annual Kumquat Festival
When: Jan. 27, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Downtown Dade City
Cost: Free admission and free parking
Info: Visit DadeCityChamber.org.

Published January 24, 20234

Appellate court issues split decision in clerk’s office lawsuit

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An appellate court has issued a split decision in a legal action filed by Pasco County Clerk & Comptroller Nikki Alvarez-Sowles against Pasco County, involving a funding dispute. (File)

Pasco County Clerk & Comptroller Nikki Alvarez-Sowles has prevailed in one portion of her legal challenge against Pasco County, while Pasco County has prevailed in another part of her lawsuit.

Alvarez-Sowles’ office filed the lawsuit in late 2021 seeking clarity regarding statutory funding obligations after the county resisted fully funding the services and expenses of the multiagency criminal justice information system and the operating expenses for the West Pasco Judicial Center, the county’s second full-service courthouse, which is in New Port Richey.  

A trial judge ruled against the clerk’s office on both issues in February 2023, and Alvarez-Sowles appealed that decision.

In a ruling issued Jan. 17, the Florida Second District Court of Appeal ruled the county is responsible for fully and immediately funding the multiagency criminal justice information system.

The appellate court also ruled that the county did not have a responsibility to provide Clerk’s Office funding for the operating expenses of the West Pasco Judicial Center.

The clerk’s office announced the ruling in a news release and shared a copy of the court’s decision.

“Filing a lawsuit against Pasco County was never our first choice,” Alvarez-Sowles said, in the release.” This case of first impression involved evaluating complex legislative history and significant funding issues. I thank the appellate court, as well as the trial court judge, and all involved for considering and clarifying these complex and important issues.”

In the same news release, Alvarez-Sowles said she looks forward to working with the Pasco County Commission to resolve the remaining issues involving this litigation.

Published January 24, 2024

County officials talk up new approaches to increase public engagement

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A recent workshop session to discuss Pasco County’s five-year strategic plan update made it clear that the county must address wide-ranging needs and desires.

It also became obvious that as it is updating its plan, the county is undergoing significant growth, and is providing services for a population that is much younger than it was in the past.

At the same time, the work of the Pasco County Commission and the county’s planning board is facing greater scrutiny than it did before, Pasco County Commissioner Seth Weightman told consultant Patrick Ibarra, who is helping the county to update the strategic plan.

Weightman told the consultant, “People are excited to be in Pasco County. They’re excited about what the future is. But they’re also paying attention to what type of development we’re having, the quality of development, whether it’s rental, residential home product.

Pasco County Commissioner Seth Weightman said the county is experiencing an exciting time, when decisions about growth will be consequential for years to come. (File)

“They’re longing for something fun to do. They don’t necessarily want to travel south. They’re looking for more family friendly opportunities within closer proximity to where they live.

“So, I think there’s a higher level of demand on the decision-makers and the staff planning process to really increase the quality control measures of what we bring here. Be very strategic,” Weightman said.

At the same time, the board is facing a substantial volume of requests.

“We went from an older, sleepy, more rural county to … where there’s a lot of action going on here,” Weightman said, noting hundreds of people are moving to Pasco each month.

“We have tremendous opportunity to make some very smart decisions and our staff has tremendous opportunities to really plan — think bigger in their planning duties,” Weightman said.

Commissioner Jack Mariano told Ibarra that it’s important to make a distinction between the board’s decisions relating to comprehensive plan requests and applications for rezonings.

The comprehensive plan is based on the input of a wide range of people, Mariano explained.

“When we’re changing the comp plan, that’s a bigger deal than zoning,” Mariano said.

When the board changes the comp plan, it can be for things that residents don’t want and that’s frustrating for the residents, Mariano said.

“I think that’s where people are saying, ‘Why are you guys doing this? Why are you bringing apartments in here when I don’t need any? Why do I want to bring that in? I’ve got enough traffic on the road already. Where’s the benefit?’” Mariano said.

The county currently is working on the Pasco 2050 comprehensive plan update.

Commission Chairman Ron Oakley said it’s imperative to get that comprehensive plan update right, to ensure it reflects the county’s vision for its future.

County board members also discussed the need for new businesses to boost the county’s tax base and new jobs for residents, while at the same time expressing a desire to help small businesses thrive.

They also acknowledged the need for a supply of workforce housing, so employees can live and work in Pasco and not need to move to find affordable housing.

Pasco County Commissioner Jack Mariano suggested one way to get people more involved in local government would be to hold public hearings at night.

Ibarra reminded the board that the strategic plan must consider the services the county intends to deliver.

“Service delivery is changing,” Ibarra said. For example, he noted: “Most governments today, they’re not building tennis courts, they’re building pickleball courts.”

It’s also important to know what not to include in the strategic plan, Ibarra said. “Government does a lot of things well. One of the things it doesn’t do well is stop doing things.”

When writing the strategic plan, it’s important to ask: “What is no longer value-added because there’s not an appetite for it?,” he said.

It’s also essential to understand how to connect with residents.

“The young people, the way they want to work with government is online, virtually, when it’s convenient for them,” Ibarra said.

He asked commissioners: “Politics and citizen activism, is that increasing or decreasing in Pasco County?”

They responded: “Increasing.”

That’s happening around the country, he said.

“What we’re seeing is that social media is driving social change because on social media, there’s social capital. A lot of people, that’s how they’re trying to drive social change.

“You may not like it. You may be frustrated by it. But the fact is, it’s not a hiccup,” he said.

At the same time, there’s a large part of the populace who is not engaged at all with local government, Ibarra said.

“How do you make this (local government) compelling to people who are busy?” Ibarra asked.

Weightman had a couple ideas.

One way to reach young parents with families is to head out to the soccer fields, he suggested. Or, to hand out fliers in the car lines at schools.

Mariano had another thought: Why not have public hearings in the evenings, like they were in the past.

Weightman said that’s an idea he would not oppose.

Published January 24, 2024

County planners will take another look at Lacoochee planning area

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The Pasco County Commission — at the urging of board chairman Ron Oakley — has directed the county’s planners to take another look at long-range plans for the Greater Lacoochee area.

The county board had been scheduled to adopt a “nonbinding” plan for the area – but speakers during the public comment portion of the meeting asked the county board to send it back to the Pasco County Planning Commission for a second presentation.

Pasco County Commission Ron Oakley urged his colleagues to send a nonbinding planning document regarding the Greater Lacoochee area back to planning staff, rather than sending it back to the Pasco County Planning Commission as the planning board had requested. (File)

The planning board, at the urging of residents, had asked the county board to consider sending it back to them to allow a second presentation of the plan, followed by public comment.

Initially, during the county board’s Jan. 9 meeting, county board member Jack Mariano made a motion to send it back to the planning board, seconded by Kathryn Starkey.

But Oakley objected.

He said it didn’t make sense to send a “nonbinding plan” back to the planning board, since the plan is nonbinding.

Doing that, according to Oakley, would be a waste of time.

Instead, Oakley suggested sending the plan back to the county’s planning staff.

Oakley recommended designating some areas for a minimum lot size of 1 acre per home. He said that lot size is considered to be a rural development category.

He also said there’s a demand for homes on lots of 1 acre or more, especially among executives who want to live on lots that are much larger than those with a 40-foot frontage.

Oakley also pointed out there is land already designated for greater density and those areas need to remain that way to support workforce housing.

Oakley’s colleagues deferred to his wishes.

County planning staff is expected to bring back the results of their work to individual board members before the issue would come back to the board.

A public hearing is required before the board can make any changes to the county’s long-range land use plan.

Published January 24, 2024

Steps continue toward creating regional MPO

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Efforts are continuing to determine whether the transportation planning agencies for Pasco, Hillsborough and Pinellas counties should merge, and if so, how the new regional board would work.

Although they go by different names, each county has a board that’s responsible for identifying and prioritizing transportation needs within its border.

In Pasco, the Pasco County Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) is made up of elected leaders from Pasco County and elected representatives of the cities of Zephyrhills, Dade City, New Port Richey and Port Richey.

The makeup of the boards varies in Hillsborough and Pinellas counties, but the roles are essentially the same.

The Florida Legislature has mandated a study outlining what would be the benefits and drawbacks of shifting to a single regional MPO.

The MPO merger report has been sent to Tallahassee, Tania Gorman, the new executive director for the Pasco MPO reported during that board’s Jan. 11 meeting.

A request also has been sent to David Gwynn, who is secretary for District 7 of the Florida Department of Transportation, for a $500,000 startup for the merger, Gorman said.

Work is underway with the merger, Gorman said, noting, “we’re moving forward, putting the building blocks together.”

At the same time, “in our unified planning work program, we are trying to get another task in there to quantify the MPO’s time working on the merger.”

At the end, it wants to be able to report how much time has been devoted to the effort, and at what cost.

Gorman also addressed the issue of the makeup of the new regional board.

“What does that look like?” she asked.

For instance, the maximum number of board members is 25 and apportionment is based on population, she said.

But a question arises regarding how the seat for Tampa International Airport and the Tampa Port Authority should be counted.

Since they are regional, some may think their seats should come from a share of each of the counties. On the other hand, based on population, Hillsborough County would have 12 seats, Pinellas would have nine and Pasco County would have four.

And, it’s not clear how a partial seat would be assigned, Gorman said.

That’s just one of the issues that would need to be worked out.

There’s also the issue of how cities will be represented on the regional board.

“How does each MPO want to approach the cities being on the board?”

Pasco County Commissioner Kathryn Starkey, who is one of five county board members sitting on the Pasco MPO board, said it’s important not to lose sight of the big picture.

“The thing to remember is, Secretary Gwynn told us, ‘The money that comes to our county, stays in our county,’” Starkey said. “City of Tampa can’t take our money.

“I wanted everyone to remember — to have that comfort,” she said.

She also noted that while 92% of Pasco’s population lives in the county’s unincorporated areas, the county will not overlook the needs of the county’s cities.

“We will find a way to make sure all of the cities have input, whether it’s sitting on the main board or in a committee of cities, or whatever,” Starkey said.

Dade City Commissioner Scott Black expressed concerns about how the regional board will address Pasco’s issues.

“We’re only going to get four votes at the table. That’s less than half of what Pinellas is getting and a third of what Hillsborough is getting,” he said.

“I need more education. We’re only going to get four votes out of 25. Tell me how this is to our benefit.”

Starkey reminded him that other counties will not be able to control how Pasco spends its funding.

But she added, the regional approach puts all three counties in a more competitive posture.

“It’s the only way we’re going to get more federal money,” Starkey said. “It’s a no-brainer for me.”

She’s also confident that the three counties will find a way to work together.

“Every one of those regions (with a regional MPO) had these same issues and they figured out a way to come together to speak together, in one voice, to go after the big money. So, we can work it out.”

Pasco Commission Chairman Ron Oakley agreed: “As a regional MPO, we will all benefit because we are going to be reaching out at a higher ranking in the country. We could be able to get monies that we’ve never gotten before, so that’s what you have to keep in mind.

“You have to look at the whole picture. We’re all part of the whole, so we’ll all benefit,” Oakley said.

Published January 24, 2024

K-8 ‘builder’s risk’ insurance approved

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The Pasco County School Board has approved the purchase of an insurance policy to cover any potential losses during the construction of a new K-8 school planned at 2272 Skybrooke Blvd., in Lutz.

The board has approved a not-to-exceed expenditure of $307,804.57 for Builder’s Risk Insurance, a type of property insurance coverage that is normally purchased by the owner of a building that’s under construction. 

The insurance is being provided by Brown & Brown, an insurance company that provides public sector insurance coverage to more than 200 Florida entities.

The policy will cover the replacement costs for the structure, as well as the materials and contents stored within the building, resulting from fire, wind damage, theft and vandalism. 

The school district secures this type of insurance on all its major capital projects.

The board approved the renewal of an umbrella Builders Risk policy with the Public Risk Insurance Agency, during its Oct. 17 meeting, but the scope of this project requires a stand-alone policy, according to the board’s Jan. 16 agenda packet.

The insurance was purchased as part of the board’s consent agenda. The consent agenda bundles several items together, which are approved without discussion in a single vote.

The policy covers a total of $57,414,697, including $50,351,121 in covered property and $7,063,576 in soft costs.

The school board approved construction of the new K-8  board during its Oct. 17 meeting, and issued a notice to proceed.

A presentation made during that meeting indicated the school is being built on a 22-acre site and will consist of a single building, with two stories and three stories.

It also will have an enclosed gymnasium, a track, a multi-purpose playfield, basketball courts and a courtyard that can be used for outdoor learning.

The school is expected to have a robust music program, as well as an arts lab and a science lab.

It is intended to relieve crowding in area schools, but also will have some spaces for magnet students.

The project is scheduled for substantial completion as of April 24, 2025, with final completion slated for June 2, 2025, according to materials contained in the board’s Oct. 17 agenda packet.

Published January 24, 2024

Your local library – a rather novel place to look for recreation

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When it comes to recreation, a trip to the branch library may not be the first thing that springs to your mind.

But that’s likely because you haven’t been to your local library lately.

Tracy Weaver, a master gardener volunteer with the Pasco County Cooperative Extension, shared her knowledge about bats, which she says, are often misunderstood. She delivered her talk in a meeting room at the Starkey Ranch Theatre Library Cultural Center. (File)

With some exploring, however, chances are you’ll find something to do that appeals to you.

Keep in mind, the pursuit that interests you might be at a branch across town, or perhaps even over the county line — but with just a little bit of research, you may discover whole new worlds of opportunity that you had no idea existed.

Maybe you want to learn to crochet or play chess. Or, perhaps you’d like to meet some new friends, while playing cards or board games.

It’s possible you enjoy discussing books, or listening to music, or shouting out “bingo” to win a small prize.

Many events presented by the libraries are free, but even those that aren’t typically aren’t very expensive.

As you are considering your options, be sure to keep in mind that libraries aren’t places just to do research or check out books. They’re also places where you can have some fun, and make new memories.

Here’s a look at some of the options that await you. This is just a small sampling. For an expanded look at your choices, check the Pasco County Libraries’ website at PascoLibraries.org, or the Hillsborough County Public Library Cooperative, at HCPLC.org.

Readers attending a ‘Novels on Tap’ session enjoyed discussing the reading selection at Wicked Pour in Odessa during the monthly meetup. The book club, held at a local brewery and organized by the Starkey Ranch Theatre Library Cultural Center, gave readers ages 21 and older a chance to get together and share their thoughts on the book, over a few adult beverages.

Starkey Ranch Theatre Library Cultural Center, 12118 Lake Blanche Drive, in Odessa
Feb. 1, 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.: Bingo for adults. Players can win a variety of prizes at this free event.
Feb. 17, 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.: Gary West: For the Love of Cash. Gary West performs the songs of Johnny Cash. Check with the library for ticketing information.
Feb. 25, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.: Pretty in Pink dance

March 20, 6 p.m. to 7 p.m: Lecture presented by Tampa Bay History Center about widely known blues and jazz artists, such as Tampa Red and Ray Charles, who began their rise to fame in Tampa Bay.
The Starkey Ranch Theatre Library Cultural Center also has a studio where ceramics and arts and crafts can be done.
Call 727-815-7126.

Land O’ Lakes Branch Library, 2818 Collier Parkway, in Land O’ Lakes
Jan. 25, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Woodworking, open build: Intended for ages 18 and older. This allows the use of the library’s tools on an approved project, with volunteers and staff on hand to provide help.
Jan. 29, 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Card games. Meet new people while playing cards.
Jan. 30, 4 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.: Chess club. Play chess with other members, or learn how to play with help from volunteers and the library’s staff. This club is open to people of all ages and ability levels.
The Land O’ Lakes Branch Library also has a Foundry, which features a complete wood shop, sewing machines and a craft center.
Call 813-929-1214.

A sunflower blooms in the Discovery Gardens at the New River Branch Library.

New River Branch Library, 34043 State Road 54, in Wesley Chapel
Jan. 25, 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.: University of Florida/Institute for Food and Agricultural Sciences presents “Controlling and Preventing Weeds in Your Lawn and Landscape.”
Feb. 3, noon to 2 p.m.: Ukulele Jam. Bring your ukulele and jam with the Tampa Bay Ukulele Society.
Feb. 13: Master gardeners present: Backyard Fruit. Learn about what kinds of fruit trees and other edibles grow in Pasco County.
The New River Library also has a community garden, offers gardening demonstrations and has a butterfly garden.
|Call 813-788-6375.

Patrons at the New River Branch Library, 34043 State Road 54, enjoyed a free art exhibit, courtesy of a partnership between the library and the Zephyrhills Art Club. This painting, called Elephant’s Bath Time, is a 30-inch by 30-inch oil, by Sally Yoder.

Hugh Embry Branch Library, 14215 Fourth St., in Dade City
Feb. 16. 2 p.m.: Afternoon cinema, “You Hurt My Feelings”
Feb. 27, 2 p.m.: Card and board games at the library
Feb. 29, 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.: Dave Deluca: Remember Then. This event celebrates the radio hits of the ‘50s and ‘60s. Call 352-567-3576.

Zephyrhills Public Library, 5347 Eighth St., in Zephyrhills
Jan. 26, 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m: Thrifty crafters. This month crafters will be making a folded book cat. Registration is required.
Jan. 30, 11 a.m. to noon: Learn basic tai chi moves. Space is limited.
Feb. 10, 9 a.m. to 10 a.m.: Ask a master gardener. Bring your plant and questions to this free, informational session.
Call 813-780-0064.

Other nearby options
Hillsborough County also has numerous public libraries. Three of those are in, or near, The Laker/Lutz News’ coverage area.
They are: New Tampa Regional Library, 10001 Cross Creek Blvd., in New Tampa; the Jimmie B. Keel Regional Library, 2902 W. Bearss Ave., in Tampa; and the Austin Davis Public Library, 17808 Wayne Road, in Keystone.
Like the Pasco libraries, these Hillsborough facilities also offer an array of recreational options for library patrons.
Finally, the county library system in both Pasco and Hillsborough counties offer Discovery passes. Those passes provide free entry to a selection of regional museums and other attractions. To find out more, check the websites for each of the library systems.

Published January 24, 2024

Business Digest 01/24/2024

By

Gary Plastic is now hiring
Gary Plastic Packaging Corp. (Garyline) has scheduled a hiring event for Jan. 27, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., at its new facility at 14799 Shady Hills Road, in Spring Hill. A similar event held on Jan. 13 by the company drew quite a crowd. The company is hiring 500-plus employees. It was recruited to Pasco County from New York by the Pasco Economic Development Council, a private, nonprofit economic development organization that is supported by Penny for Pasco tax proceeds and corporate investors.

East Pasco Networking Group
The East Pasco Networking Group invites speakers in on a variety of topics and gives people a chance to do some networking of their own. The group’s meeting begins at 7:30 a.m., at the IHOP in Dade City, 13100 U.S. 301, in Dade City. Here is its list of upcoming speakers:

Feb. 14: Bob Hatfield from the office of U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis; David Wallis, chairman of the Republican Liberty Caucus of Pasco County and candidate for Pasco County Republican Executive Committee
March 12:  Melonie Monson, past executive director/CEO of the Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce and mayor of Zephyrhills; Randy Stover, provost dean emeritus of Pasco-Hernando State College; Kathryn Starkey, Pasco County Commission, District 3
April 9:  Dr. John Legg, candidate for Pasco County Schools Superintendent; Christopher and Tammi Dester, director and founder of the Academy of Spectrum Diversity
May 14: Madonna Wise, retired educator and author
June 11: Peter Castellani, founder and director of Oasis Pregnancy Care Centers; Amy Yarborough, director of the Pregnancy Care Center
July 9: Mike Fasano, Pasco County tax collector; Vicki Wiggins, CEO, the Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce
Aug. 13: Bill Cronin, president and CEO of Pasco Economic Development Council
Sept. 10: Brian Corley, Pasco County Supervisor of Elections
Oct. 8:  Nikki Alvarez-Sowles, Pasco County Clerk & Comptroller
Nov. 12: Todd Vande Berg, planning director of the City of Zephyrhills

Contact Nils R. Lenz, 813-782-9491 or , or any of the board members for suggested topics that you would like to hear about or to suggest specific speakers. If you would like to speak, contact us now to schedule your time during our networking meetings.

North Tampa Bay Chamber is seeking ambassadors
The North Tampa Bay Chamber is seeking 10 business-minded individuals to become ambassadors for the chamber. Ambassadors take on the responsibility of engaging, encouraging, nurturing and expanding relationships within the chamber. Ambassadors also serve as the primary hospitality arm of the chamber, attending most chamber programs and events. The goal of each ambassador is to personally welcome every attendee and create a positive experience for all members.

To find out more, email . Applications are due by Jan. 31.

Pasco County Day at the Capitol
Join the Greater Pasco Chamber of Commerce’s public policy committee for its “Pasco County Day” at the Capitol. Those taking the trip will have the opportunity to visit with our local representatives serving in the Florida Legislature, and to provide advocacy for your business and/or industry. The trip is open to all, not just chamber members. The cost is $40 and this is what you can expect:

* Arrival at Center for Innovation where refreshments will be served
* Break
* Legislative speakers
* Complimentary lunch with legislative speakers
* Senate Chamber with more legislative speakers
* Tour of Old Capitol and/or 22nd floor Capitol Observatory Gallery visit
* End the evening with a social at Proof Brewing Company with complimentary heavy hors d’oeuvres and refreshments
* Bus ride back to Pasco

The chartered bus will be departing from Pasco County at 6:15 a.m., on Feb. 13 and will be returning by 11 p.m., the same day. To reserve your seat or for additional information, call 727-842-7651, or visit the chamber’s website at GreaterPasco.com.

International Tourism & Trade Day
Registration is open for Pasco County International Tourism & Trade Day. The event will bring together Pasco County business leaders, international resource partners and exporters. It offers opportunities to learn about resources available to help Pasco businesses expand their business through exporting. 

There will be a panel discussion featuring Pasco County businesses who have participated in trade missions and with resource partners who made that possible. There also will be opportunities to meet resource partners to assist with international business development, and information will be shared about an upcoming trade mission to Canada.

The event is set for Feb. 22 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Florida Avenue Brewing Company, 2029 Arrowgrass Drive, in Wesley Chapel. Seating is limited and a complimentary lunch will be provided.

For more information, reach out to .

$8.1 million earmarked in battle against opioids
Pasco County has approved a multi-pronged approach to battle the ills caused by opioid addiction.

The Pasco County Commission has approved nine recommended projects, submitted to the county’s Opioid Task Force, that are aimed at helping people who are struggling with substance use and mental health disorders, according to a county news release.

The money, which comes from a global settlement with opioid manufacturers and distributors, will go for programs which include: Treatment and supportive services; education and caregiver support; system level abatement; prevention and education; mitigation and enforcement.

“The services funded through these projects are vital tools toward integrating preventative measures and necessary resources into our community,” Pasco County Support Services Director Paula Baracaldo said, in the news release.

“It demonstrates Pasco County’s commitment to fighting the horrible effects and consequences of substance-use disorder.”

Funding will provide access to the following services: mental health support, medical supplies, supportive and transitional housing, comprehensive case management and community outreach efforts.

To learn more about the Opioid Task Force, visit MyPas.co/AdvisoryBoardsCommittees.