The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

B.C. Manion

Business Digest 08/24/2022

By

Brian Brijbag

Brijbag Law expands locations
Brijbag Law has opened two offices to bring its services closer to the clients it serves.

The office has received repeated inquiries from residents near Zephyrhills and Inverness, and has responded by opening a new office in Zephyrhills, at 5344 Ninth St., suite 102. It opened its Inverness office at the Masonic Business Center, 111 W. Main St., Suite 207B.

All meetings will be by appointment only at this time. To schedule an appointment call 352-358-5880, or email . The firm’s main office is at 5329 Commercial Way in Spring Hill.

Pasco EDC annual awards
The Pasco Economic Development Council Inc., has scheduled its 34th annual Awards Ceremony for Sept. 8 from 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., at Pasco-Hernando State College’s Instructional Performing Arts Center, 8657 Old Pasco Road, in Wesley Chapel. Space is limited. For additional information, email , or call 813-926-0827, ext. 229.

CareerSource Tampa Bay job fairs
CareerSource Tampa Bay (CSTB) has scheduled in-person information sessions about jobs available at Amazon for positions at their fulfillment center in Temple Terrace and Ruskin.

All job seekers must complete an Employ Florida Registration on www.EmployFlorida.com prior to attending an information session. Here are the upcoming dates and locations:

  • Aug. 24, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., at the CSTB Brandon Center, 6302 E. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd, Suite 120, Tampa
  • Sept. 7, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., at the CSTB Tampa Center: 9215 N. Florida Ave., Suite 101, Tampa
  • Sept. 21, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., at the CSTB Brandon Center, 6302 E. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd, Suite 120, Tampa
  • Oct. 5, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., at the CSTB Tampa Center, 9215 N. Florida Ave., Suite 101, Tampa.

Amazon is seeking to fill warehouse associates and warehouse team member positions, with pay beginning at $15. Amazon offers flexible schedules, as well as career planning and development.

View the flyer for these events online, at tinyurl.com/3p3r9sud.

To learn more about the events, visit CareerSourceTampaBay.com/events/.

‘The Model Plan’ for educators
Suncoast Credit Union, the largest credit union in Florida, is the newest provider to join The Model Plan, established by Florida public education groups working together as the nonprofit Independent Benefits Council (IBC), according to a news release.

“For nearly two decades, the IBC has selected a set of preferred products within 403(b) plans so Florida’s school employees can save more money for retirement,” Bob Cerra, executive director of the Independent Benefits Council, said in the release.

Suncoast joins Equitable, PlanMember Services, and Security Benefit as The Model Plan providers helping public school employees across Florida invest in annuities, mutual funds, or a combination of both, through multi-product accounts that combine these registered products. These investment products and the companies that provide them under The Model Plan are continually monitored to maintain the high standards and values established by the IBC.

For more information about The Model Plan and the IBC, visit TheModelPlan.com.

Zephyrhills Chamber breakfast
Shane Bedward, COO of AdventHealth Dade City and AdventHealth Zephyrhills, will be the featured speaker at the Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce’s September breakfast meeting. The session is set for Sept. 1 at 7 a.m., at Golden Corral, 6855 Gall Blvd., in Zephyrhills. There is a $10 entry fee for members.

Greater Pasco Chamber breakfast
The importance of local journalism will be the topic of discussion at the Greater Pasco Chamber of Commerce during the chamber’s monthly membership meeting. The Sept. 6 session begins at 7:30 a.m., at the Plantation Palms Golf Club, 23252 Plantation Palms Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes. The speaker will be the chairman and CEO of the Tampa Bay Times, who also will speak about the future of the newspaper. Register at GreaterPasco.com, or call the chamber at 813-909-2722.

Free business advice
Pasco Hernando SCORE offers free individual, confidential small business mentoring. It also provides a wealth of free, practical help for businesses.

To request a mentor or find out more, visit PascoHernando.score.org.

Risk management for entrepreneurs
The Pasco Economic Development Council’s SMARTstart program is offering a free session to help entrepreneurs with risk management issues. It will cover such topics as how to avoid, reduce and transfer risk. The session is set for Sept. 7 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., at the SMARTstart West Pasco Entrepreneur Center, 4532 U.S. 19, Port Richey.

To find out more about SMARTstart, or to register for this event, visit the SMARTstart website at https://smartstartpasco.com.

YMCA Corporate Cup
The YMCA of the Suncoast, Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA and the YMCA of Greater St. Petersburg will host the third annual Corporate Cup on Sept. 8.

Teams from across the Tampa Bay area will gather at the James P. Gills YMCA in New Port Richey for a day of team-building and networking, while supporting the YMCA.

The Olympic-style coed team-building promotes health and wellness in the workplace for local companies and organizations, according to a news release. Activities include obstacle courses, inflatable challenges and other games intended to help build teams.

Last year’s event raised $30,000, with proceeds supporting the YMCA’s financial assistance programs that support access to YMCA programs for community members in need.

For more information, or for companies interested in building a team, visit https://www.ymcasuncoast.org/event/corporate-cup-challenge.

East Pasco Networking
The East Pasco Networking Group will meet Sept. 13 at 7:30 a.m., at the Sarah Vande Berg Tennis and Wellness Center, 6585 Simons Road, in Zephyrhills, in the Ron Oakley Room. The featured speakers will be Pasco County Supervisor of Elections Brian Corley; Florida State Senator Danny Burgess; and, outgoing Zephyrhills CEO Melonie Monson. Monson is leaving the chamber to work in her family’s business.

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

Advocates for fire rescue crews keep up the heat on Pasco officials

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Advocates for Pasco Fire Rescue continue the push to reduce emergency response times in Pasco County.

Two speakers appeared before the Pasco County Commission during the public comment portion of the board’s Aug. 9 meeting, pushing for the board to have a greater sense of urgency regarding steps they can take to improve emergency response times.

Jim Carino, of New Port Richey, told board members that he has 35 years in fire service, including teaching stints to provide training for firefighters and emergency responders.

Ladder 38 is located at Pasco Fire Rescue Station 38, at 7541 Paramount Drive, in the Watergrass subdivision of Wesley Chapel. Its grand opening ceremony was on Aug. 27, 2019, several weeks after it began operations. (File)

“I moved to Pasco County in 1973 and have witnessed tremendous growth in the years I’ve lived here,” Carino said.

“I’ve been following with great interest Pasco firefighters’ fight to increase staffing and add more strategically placed fire stations to better serve the citizens of Pasco County,” he said.

“Government’s main responsibility is public safety. It must be a priority. Only a firefighter truly knows the demands and responsibilities that come with the title of firefighter,” he said.

The county’s firefighters have been asking the board for its help.

“The county continues to fall behind in keeping up with the demands of growth,” Carino said, and the additional demands for fire services.

He noted the county doesn’t meet the national standards on response times.

“I came here today to ask you to listen to the emergency workers and to develop a strategic plan and to follow it, to make the lives of the citizens of Pasco — and fire/rescue personnel here to protect them — safer.”

This badge represents Pasco/Fire Rescue.

Carino added: “We must stop kicking the can down the road and get serious.

“The longer we wait, the farther behind we fall and the more expensive it will get.”

Steve Akel, a member of International Association of Firefighters, Local 4420, also appeared before the board, reiterating numerous concerns he’s raised in the past.

He told board members the issue was brought to its attention in July of 2021.

The board continues to approve new construction at every meeting, but there are no new fire stations for emergency crews, Akel said.

“Response times are still above the national average. The department frequently has no ambulances available, and you’re still denying our firefighter his state-entitled cancer benefits,” he said.

“For a year now, Local 4420 has brought to your attention the death sentence you continue to issue to the citizens of Pasco, and the mass deficiencies in the board’s leadership. Leadership that allows fire stations to not be built for, and I quote, ‘for over a decade,’ knowingly putting the public at risk.

“Population increases by thousands monthly, with no support for public safety to retain experienced, or new employees, as is felt by the fire department and the sheriff’s office.

“In April, you were told that over 50% of response times were greater than 10 minutes and reminded that Signal 40 (the lack of available ambulances) was still an issue. In May, you were reminded that the G.O. Bond was approved in 2018, which was supposed to go to Fire/Rescue for five new fire stations and rebuild four, of which we have zero.

“You were told that in the last year we lost 50 firefighters, and that number has only increased,” Akel said.

Pasco Fire Rescue is third-busiest for EMS calls and eighth-busiest for fire calls in the state, Akel said.

Commissioner Christina Fitzpatrick responded to the comments at a later point in the meeting.

Fitzpatrick said she’s proud of the board, county staff and the fire chief for working together to address the issue.

She provided this update on the status of the various projects.

Regarding the four new fire stations:

  • Station 9: Expected to open this fall at the Suncoast Parkway and State Road 52
  • Station 3: Bid closed Aug. 9
  • Stations 2 and 4: Out for design and engineering; expected to begin construction in Spring 2023

Rebuilds

  • Station 17: Groundbreaking was held last year. Opening expected in late December or early January.
  • Station 20: Bid accepted. Groundbreaking expected within a month or two.
  • Station 18: Bids close Aug. 9. Groundbreaking expected within the next few months.

Fitzpatrick noted that Stations 9 and 17 were slowed down because of material and construction delays.

She added: “We still have stations 19, 22, and once that’s finished, we’ll be moving forward with the training center.

“I’m very excited to see that all of these stations are moving forward, and the majority of them will be built by next year.”

Commission Chairwoman Kathryn Starkey agreed that there’s a lot of activity.

“It’s surprising how slow government goes, but we have to follow all of these laws and rules, in purchasing and advertising and contracts,” Starkey said.

Starkey continued: “We’re doing everything we can up here to expedite these fire stations.”

Commissioner Ron Oakley thanked Pasco citizens for supporting the fire station projects through their approval of the General Obligation bonds, which have provided needed funding.

“We’ve got to be real grateful for our citizens stepping up, to take on some of that burden, along with us,” Oakley said.

Starkey added: “When these are done, our citizens will definitely feel the impact — in a positive way.”

Commissioner Jack Mariano said he’d like to see a presentation from Fire Chief Scott Cassin detailing what the county has done during the past 10 years, in terms of fire/rescue improvements.

“I think we’re doing all of the right things, as quick as we can. I think in a very short period of time, we’ll be in great shape,” Mariano said.

Published August 17, 2022

Incinerators proposed in Lutz

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Hillsborough County’s Environmental Protection Commission (EPC) has announced a virtual public meeting relating to a request for two incinerators in Lutz.

The EPC has received an application from Louis Geraci LLLP, seeking an air permit to allow two air curtain incinerators (ACIs).

The proposed air permit will be for operation of two permanent, above-ground ACIs at a new commercial vegetative yard waste and land clearing debris disposal facility, to be located at 1225 Crystal Lake Road, according to the EPC announcement.

The project is planned on the north side of Crystal Lake Road, across from Idlewild Baptist Church’s north parking lot, according to Jay Muffly, of the Lutz Civic Association.

The applications calls for an air permit relating to the installation of two permanent, above-ground ACIs and associated material handling operations on the property.

This type of operation has the potential to generate smoke and dust from the burning and handling of the materials, according to the EPC notice.

The notice explains that an ACI is designed to blow a curtain of air over the burning material to promote efficient combustion, and minimize the emission of smoke and embers.

The EPC does not regulate any zoning, siting, transportation or location matters.

The EPC has notified nearby property owners and registered neighborhood organizations, and will host a virtual community meeting on Aug. 23 at 6 p.m., to provide an overview of the proposed project, the process for public comments, and an opportunity to address questions and provide answers.

The community notice also points out that operation of an ACI for yard trash disposal also requires a Yard Trash Disposal Facility General Permit issued by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and requires the authorization of the EPC director, issued by the EPC’s Waste Division.

The public meeting is expected to last 90 minutes. The link to register for the virtual meeting was expected to be available on Aug. 16, after The Laker/Lutz News went to press.

To request access to the link or find out more, contact Diana M. Lee at 813-627-2600, ext. 1276.

Published August 17, 2022

Staff shortages persist in public schools

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School is back in session for more than 300,000 public students in Pasco and Hillsborough counties, but both districts continue battling staffing shortages.

Pasco County had 355 openings for teachers and 55 openings for bus drivers as of last week, according to Steve Hegarty, public information officer for Pasco County Schools.

The number of instructional vacancies is even greater when positions beyond classroom teachers are considered, Hegarty said.

The same goes for shortages of bus drivers, he added, referring to 55 driver vacancies.

“We are also short relief drivers, and there are always “call outs,” which is to say that we have a person assigned to that route, but they called in sick or had a family emergency. So the 55 number simply tells you how many open positions we have,” Hegarty said.

Pasco County School’s Transportation Call Center is open. If you have questions, call between 6:30 a.m. and 10 a.m., or between 2 p.m. and 6 p.m., through Aug. 19.
The numbers are: 813-794-2500, 727-774-2500 or 352-524-2500. (Courtesy of Pasco County Schools)

Hillsborough County Schools also is reporting a significant number of open positions.

The district has 837 bus routes, said Erin Maloney, director of media and public relations. It has 664 drivers and 174 driver openings.

As Pasco heads into the 2022-2023 school year, the district has added a new high school — the Kirkland Ranch Academy of Innovation. The magnet school, located in Wesley Chapel, offers a broad range of instruction, including technical and rigorous academic programs.

Students attending the new school will be able to pursue certifications, standard diplomas, Advanced Placement and dual enrollment programs.

Also, Centennial Elementary School, in Dade City, has transformed into a STEAM magnet school beginning this school year.

In Hillsborough County, Maniscalco Elementary and Lutz K-8, both located in Lutz, ranked No. 1 and No. 2, respectively, in terms of the largest academic gains since 2019, Maloney said.

Both schools earned A grades.

As students headed back to school, motorists driving down local roads on Aug. 10 were reminded in some locations by flashing signs about the need to slow down, because school was back in session.

On U.S. 41, near Lutz K-8, signs emblazoned with a photo of Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister, urge drivers to show down.

Even in normal years, transportation always is challenging during the early days of a new school year.

On top of those typical challenges, Pasco and Hillsborough both are grappling with bus driver shortages. Plus, Pasco changed its policy this year — eliminating “courtesy busing” for sixth- through 12th-graders.

Savannah Hall’s first-grade class at Lacoochee Elementary School seem to be having a great first day of classes on Aug. 10.

That change has caused families to readjust, as they figure out how to get their children to school — and some parents, who recently appeared at a Pasco School Board meeting, questioned the method used to measure the distance between their home and their school.

They also told the board that the change is posing a hardship for them because it is not safe for their children to walk to school, but they aren’t able to drive them because they must be at work.

During the same board meeting, Don Peace, president of the United School Employees of Pasco (USEP) and school board members Colleen Beaudoin and Megan Harding urged Superintendent Kurt Browning to do whatever the district can do to lighten the load on employees.

Peace said he expected dialogue to continue on that topic.

“As we gear up for this new year, I hope that we can work together to see to it that we have a positive start to the year and that our employees can feel respected,” Peace said.

Beaudoin and Harding both cited the number of resignations and retirements, and said action is needed to stem the tide.

Beaudoin said the district needs to brainstorm to find ways to take things off the plates of teachers and administrators.

“We really have to lessen the burden on them, in as many ways as we can. They’re working with students every day. Please consider this in your planning,” she said.

Harding shared similar sentiments: “We must continue to look at the workload we are putting on our teachers and staff, and must continue to look for ways to support teachers and staff, around discipline.”

School board members in both Pasco and Hillsborough hope that a proposed referendum to raise property taxes in each county will help them to attract and retain quality staff.

Voters will decide the issue in each county during the Aug. 23 Primary Election.

In Pasco, opponents to the additional tax have spoken at public meetings, criticizing the timing of the vote, noting that primary elections typically attract fewer voters.

Critics also cite funding sources they believe are adequate to address district needs.

District officials, however, have detailed that much of the funding provided must be spent on specific programs.

To find out more about the ballot referendum in each county and about each district’s budget, visit Pasco.k12.fl.us and HillsboroughSchools.org.

Pasco County Schools
Size of district: 86 schools; approximately 84,650 students
Number of classroom teachers: 5,136
Staff shortages: 355 teacher vacancies; 55 bus driver openings

Hillsborough County Schools
Size of district: 250 schools; approximately 225,000 students
Number of teachers: 14,000
Number of bus drivers: 664
Staff shortages: There are approximately 670 instructional openings and 690 non-instructional openings

Published August 17, 2022

Pasco rejects Feeding Tampa Bay’s request to help fund building

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The Pasco County Commission has decided that a quarter-million-dollar expenditure would be better spent on helping to feed the county’s food-insecure elderly than for helping to pay for a food storage facility in neighboring Hillsborough County.

Pasco board members previously discussed a $250,000 budget recommendation to help support the Feeding Tampa Bay project during a budget presentation. The proposed allocation would earmark $125,000 a year, for two years, to support the outside agency.

Commissioner Mike Moore raised objections to the proposal.

He balked at using Pasco County taxpayer funds for a capital project in another county.

Moore also warned colleagues that approving the request could trigger requests from a parade of organizations seeking support for projects outside of Pasco County.

No action was taken during the previous discussion, but the issue was part of the board’s Aug. 9 agenda.

Brian Hoben, the county’s director of community services, provided an overview of the county’s home-delivered meal program for food-insecure elderly.

Hoben said there are 411 people currently on the waitlist for that program.

The number fluctuates as new people qualify for the service and current clients die, move into a facility or move away from the county, Hoben said.

Each delivered meal costs $8.01, Hobel said.

Providing one meal a day for a year costs $2,916, Hoben said. To eliminate the current waiting list would cost $1,198,328, based on current costs. Those costs would be recurring, once the client joins the list.

Pasco County Tax Collector Mike Fasano attended the Aug. 9 meeting to inform the board that Feeding Tampa Bay had sold a building, on Ehren Cutoff, that initially was paid for with taxpayer funds.

Fasano, a former state lawmaker and a board member on Feeding Pasco’s Elderly, told the board that he helped secure funds to build the original food bank building on Ehren Cutoff.

That food bank later gave the building to another food bank, which then gave the building to Feeding Tampa Bay, Fasano said.

Then, Feeding Tampa Bay sold the building to a private company for $890,000, Fasano said.

“I’d love to know where that money went,” Fasano said.

“Just think of how many people we could have fed in Pasco County. How many seniors we could have taken off that waiting list,” Fasano said.

Pasco County Property Appraiser Mike Wells, a former county commissioner, also is on Feeding Pasco’s Elderly board. He told the county board that $125,000 for the next two years would feed 42 seniors who are on the waitlist for services.

Moore said he would not have objected to Feeding Tampa Bay’s request, if it had been for a specific number of meals that would be provided to Pasco residents.

But Moore added: “There’s no way in the world I’m ever going to say yes to a capital project in another county that’s going to provide services that aren’t going to benefit the citizens of Pasco County.”

Commissioner Ron Oakley agreed: “I shouldn’t be paying for their infrastructure in another county. I want to help the citizens in Pasco County. I will do everything I can to help our citizens before I send money to build a building in another county,” Oakley said.

Commissioner Jack Mariano said that when Feeding Tampa Bay was making the decision to sell the building on Ehren Cutoff, the county should have been notified.

“As far as I’m concerned at this point, we made a $890,000 donation. I think we’ve made our contribution,” Mariano said.

Instead of contributing the funds to Feeding Tampa Bay, Moore said they should be earmarked for Feeding Pasco’s Elderly efforts or the county’s senior services.

His colleagues agreed.

Published August 17, 2022

Medical offices, apartments approved on State Road 54

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The Pasco County Commission has approved a rezoning for a mixed-use project on nearly 21 acres of vacant land at the southeast quadrant of State Road 54 and Henley Road, in Lutz.

The project calls for 45,000 square feet of medical office space, up to 280 apartments, 5,000 square feet of commercial incorporated vertically in the apartment development and 5,000 square feet of additional commercial.

The medical office building must be constructed on the frontage of State Road 54, with the apartment project located to the rear, according to the conditions for approval.

The project also allows a free-standing emergency facility.

A pet center is planned along the frontage of State Road 54, with a pet park behind it.

The site is about 1 mile west of U.S. 41.

The project has cleared approvals of both a land use change and a zoning change, and can now proceed. The county board voted 4-1 to approve the rezoning at its Aug. 9 meeting, with Commissioner Mike Moore voting against the project.

Moore has consistently opposed the conversion of land that can be used for job-creating uses to residential developments, instead.

He maintained that position in this case, despite testimony by S. Elise Batsel, an attorney representing Liv Development, the applicant. Batsel said that an economic analysis revealed that more jobs would be created under the proposed use than otherwise would have been generated.

Moore questioned the accuracy of the analysis.

He also reiterated concerns that changes that are being granted will result in a proliferation of multi-family developments along the State Road 54/State Road 56 corridor, which is contrary to the county’s quest to increase the availability of jobs in Pasco.

Published August 17, 2022

Pasco board approves apartment zoning in Lutz

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The Pasco County Commission has approved a rezoning on North Dale Mabry Highway, near the Pasco County line, in Lutz, for an apartment development next to an existing Target store.

The approved rezoning will allow up to 238 multi-family units to replace commercial entitlements on about 9 acres.

The rezoning also changes the name of the development from Dale Mabry Town Center to Arlington Dale Mabry master-planned development.

The site is on the southeast side of Dale Mabry Highway approximately one-half mile south of the Dale Mabry Highway/U.S. 41 intersection. It is adjacent to Hillsborough County to the south.

The existing site has a Target and a bank, but the remaining commercial portion had been undeveloped.

Attorney Clarke Hobby, representing the applicant, said it had remained undeveloped for about 17 years because there were restrictions in place prohibiting all sorts of commercial uses that may have developed — had those restrictions not been in place.

The land was zoned for commercial, but is designated on the county’s long-range land for up to six residential units per acre.

The site has remained undeveloped because there have been significant restrictions for the types of commercial allowed on the site, Hobby said.

Those restrictions prohibit gas stations, bars, liquor stores, hotels, secondhand stores, car dealerships, bowling alleys, movie theaters, vet offices, massage clinics, schools and technical schools, and there’s a severe limitation on restaurants.

That’s the reason the site has been vacant for so many years and has become a place where semi-trailer trucks park and people dump mattresses, wooden pallets, tires and other items, based on photographs that Hobby provided to the county board.

Taxes weren’t paid on the property for eight years; it was almost lost to a tax deed sale and the lender foreclosed on the site in 2015, Hobby said.

The county also brought a code enforcement lawsuit against the property, the attorney added.

“The only realistic use is multifamily,” Hobby said. “This fills in an area that needs some productive use.

“This is clearly a good, economically viable use and is going to be the first time the site has been in any type of productive use since at least 2005,” Hobby said.

The request had previously been brought to the board, but was put on hold for additional study after commissioners Jack Mariano and Mike Moore questioned the wisdom of swapping out commercial land — which can generate jobs — for more apartments.

But after Hobby told board members about the restrictions that had been imposed on commercial uses, Mariano said he had a better understanding of the situation.

Commission Chairwoman Kathryn Starkey said: “This is a great improvement over what we have going on, there.”

She said the satellite photograph shows 11 semi-trailer trucks that are likely illegally parked on the property.

No one from the public spoke for or against the request.

The board rezoned the property on a 5-0 vote.

Published August 17, 2022

Voters set to make big decisions in Primary Election

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All registered voters in Pasco and Hillsborough counties are eligible to select school board members, decide the fate of proposals for higher property taxes, and choose judges, too, during the Aug. 23 Primary Election.

The Pasco County School Board’s ballot initiative ask voters for a yes or no on the question of levying an additional tax, not to exceed 1 mil, beginning July 1, 2023 and ending no later than June 30, 2027.

Craig Latimer, supervisor of elections for Hillsborough County, holds an ‘I Voted’ sticker. He hopes to distribute a larger number than normal of these stickers to Primary Election voters. (Courtesy of Hillsborough County Supervisor of Elections Craig Latimer)

The proceeds, according to the ballot question, will be used “for essential operating expenses to maintain salaries competitive with the market, attract and retain high-quality teachers, bus drivers and other non-administrative school support employees.”

The Hillsborough County School Board also is asking local voters for more support. The proposed 1-mil tax increase would last for four years, unless extended by voters, according to the district’s website.

At least 75% of the proceeds would go for increased compensation for teachers, counselors, media specialists, bus drivers and transportation assistants, classroom assistants, and other non-instructional support staff.

Other tax proceeds would be used to protect and expand art, music, physical education and workforce education.

Regardless of Primary Election results, changes are coming to leadership on boards in both counties.

Allen Altman, a longtime member of the Pasco County School Board, decided not to seek another term.

Candidates Al Hernandez, Stephen A. Meisman and James M. Washington are vying to fill Altman’s District 1 seat. One of those candidates must attain 50% plus one vote, or the race will be decided in a run-off in the General Election on Nov. 8.

Two Pasco School Board incumbents face opponents.

In District 3, incumbent Cynthia Armstrong is squaring off against challenger Matthew Geiger.

In District 5, incumbent Megan Harding faces Charles Philip Touseull.

The Pasco County Commission will have at least one new board member, as Mike Moore steps away after two terms.

On the Republican primary ballot, candidates Troy F. Stevenson, Seth Weightman and Christie Zimmer are vying to fill Moore’s District 2 seat.

Also, on the primary ballot, incumbent Republican Christina Fitzpatrick faces challengers Gary Bradford and Shannon Wittwer for the District 4 seat.

Changes could be coming to Hillsborough County’s leadership, too.

Three school board seats are being contested. Plus, six of the seven county board seats are up for grabs during the 2022 election cycle.

In Hillsborough’s school board race for District 2, Demaris Allen is challenging incumbent Stacy Hahn.

In District 4, Hunter Gambrell, Patricia “Patti” Rendon and Danielle Smaller each are vying to  join the board.

And, in District 6, incumbent Karen Perez is facing challengers Roshaun Gendrett and Alysha “Aly Marie” Legge.

In races for the Hillsborough County Commission, Gwen Myers was unopposed and has won reelection to her District 3 seat.

In District 4, Noelle Licor is facing Michael Joseph Owen. Since they are the only two candidates for this race, the seat will be elected during the primary and all registered voters are eligible to weigh in.

In District 7, Republicans Chase Harrison and Joshua Wostal are squaring off to be their party’s representative in the General Election, where the winner will face Democrat incumbent Kimberly Overman.

Across Florida, Democrats will be choosing who they want to represent the party in the statewide elections in November, for governor, attorney general and agricultural commission.

Congressional and state house seats are on the Primary Election ballot, too.

Signs like these will help voters find their polling places on Primary Election Day, which is Aug. 23.

Pasco County Supervisor of Elections Brian Corley said turnout for primary elections in Pasco tends to be about 50% of registered voters.

“Any pocketbook issues generally increase turnout,” Corley added, noting he’s projecting a turnout in this primary at somewhere between 55% and 60%.

Hillsborough County Supervisor of Elections Craig Latimer said he doesn’t make projections about turnout. Historically, about 25% of Hillsborough voters participate in primary elections, Latimer said.

“Primaries are kind of low turnout. I don’t understand why,” Latimer said, noting that primary voters will determine the outcome of six ballot issues in Hillsborough this year.

Both supervisors of election are confident that measures are in place to guarantee a safe and secure election. They also point to audits that are done to ensure the accuracy of the vote count.

The election supervisors advise voters who plan to vote on Primary Election Day to be sure they’ve checked their voter card to know where they need to vote. Some changes have been made since the last election

“If you vote on Election Day, you have to go to the polling site in your precinct. You can’t just go anywhere. Sometimes, people sometimes don’t understand that,” Latimer said.

Both supervisors of elections said historically about one-third of voters cast their ballots on Election Day, with about one-third voting by mail and the other third voting early.

However, they both said, in 2020 because of the pandemic, a greater percentage of people voted by mail. In Pasco, that figure stood at about 45% and in Hillsborough, around 47%.

Corley said he’s not sure what will happen in this election.

Latrimer thinks more people will come to the polls than in 2020 because people are feeling a bit safer about going out.

Early voting in Pasco County began on Aug. 13 and concludes on Aug. 20. Hours are from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Early voting in Hillsborough County began on Aug. 8 and ends on Aug. 21. Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

For specific locations and other voting information, check www.Pascovotes.gov in Pasco and https://www.VoteHillsborough.gov, in Hillsborough.

Pasco County

Pasco County School Board, nonpartisan, all voters
District 1
Al Hernandez
Stephen A. Meisman
James M. Washington

District 3
Cynthia Armstrong
Matthew Geiger

District 5
Megan C. Harding
Charles Philip Touseull

Pasco County Commission, Republican voters
District 2
Seth Wightman
Troy F. Stevenson
Christie Zimmer

District 4
Christina Fitzpatrick, incumbent
Gary H. Bradford
Shannon J. Wittwer

Hillsborough County

Hillsborough County School Board, nonpartisan, all voters
District 2
Damaris Allen
Stacy Hahn

District 4
Hunter Gambrels
Patricia “Patti” Rendon
Danielle Smaller

District 6
Roshaun Gendrett
Alysha “Aly Marie” Legge
Karen Perez

Hillsborough County Commission
District 4 (Universal primary, all voters)
Noelle Licor
Michael Joseph Owen

District 7, Republican voters
Chase Harrison
Joshua Wostal

Published August 17, 2022

Food pantries are feeling the pinch

By

Drivers wait patiently as cars inch their way toward the pickup point for the drive-thru food pantry at  Atonement Lutheran Church, at 29617 State Road 54, in Wesley Chapel.

Volunteers box the items and place them into a waiting vehicle’s trunk or back seat.

Another group of volunteers is inside the church, wheeling steel grocery carts around tables, “shopping” for food items to fill the food boxes.

They load up their carts with fresh produce, meat, beverages, bread, snacks and desserts to provide a source of food for people who are in need.

Carla Haberland is the ‘temporary’ volunteer director for Atonement Lutheran Church’s food pantry. She stepped into the temporary role 13 years ago and has been at it ever since. (B.C. Manion)

The church helps to feed the hungry every Wednesday, said Carla Haberland, who oversees the operation.

She became the “temporary, volunteer director” when the pantry began its weekly giveaways 13 years ago.

She’s witnessing a great need among the people who are dropping by to pick up food boxes.

“We’re getting a lot of families back that hadn’t been for a long time because of the food and gas (prices), Haberland said.

“We’re getting families where maybe before they would come once a month, but maybe now they’re finding they’ve got to come twice a month,” she added.

Scott Lindner, Atonement’s pastor, put it this way: “People are struggling. People that have never struggled before. Rent is an issue for people. It’s gas. It’s groceries. It’s hitting them from all sides.”

On the morning of Aug. 3, within a 45-minute period, 145 families registered to pick up food, Haberland said. “They were backed to (State Road) 54,” Haberland said.

And that was just during the rush.

Vehicles of varied makes and models continued streaming into the church’s parking lot, making way down the driveway line, throughout the pantry’s hours.

The pantry is open each Wednesday from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Before COVID-19, people would come inside the church, to do their own shopping, Haberland said. They would pick up an allotted number of items, based on the size of their household.

That all changed when the pandemic hit.

Instead of coming inside, everyone now drives through to pick up food boxes.

The drive-thru approach is faster for recipients; the old lines used to take hours.

The church also has experienced a notable uptick in pantry business.

When the shopping was done indoors, the church provided food supplies to about 200 people every week.

Since COVID, that number has soared to between 375 and 400 families each week, Haberland said.

The pantry could use some help, too
“The community is great in donations, but it’s hard keeping up every week,” Haberland said.

“We do get some (donations) from Feeding Tampa Bay,” but she noted, “their supplies have been going down.”

Donations from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) are down, too, Haberland said.

When the pantry closed out its records at the end of June, it had 1,413 registered families. It began a new year on July 1 and by Aug. 3, it already has registered 610 families, she said. By comparison, at the same time last year, it had registered 389.

Volunteer Greg Gehring is cheerful, as he loads boxes of food into trunks, during a recent pantry day at Atonement Lutheran Church.

Haberland said the program relies on donations it receives and the commitment of volunteers.

Although food is distributed just one day, it’s a five-day operation, including picking up food donations, accepting donation deliveries, sorting food and so forth.

Its volunteers range from some in their upper-80s to high-schoolers.

About 50 people pitch in, in some form or fashion, but the pantry can always use more help, Haberland said.

It’s especially in need of strong people with good backs, Haberland said.

People who want to help don’t have to put in tons of hours, but they need to know there’s physical work involved — standing, walking, lifting and loading — so would-be helpers should keep that in mind, she said.

Those who pitch in said it’s gratifying work.

“There are so many people who need help and I’m able to help,” said Barb Packer, a volunteer in the program for nine years. Before moving to Florida she was involved in food banks for 20 years.

“Jesus said, ‘Feed my sheep,’ and that’s what I keep doing,” Packer said.

It goes beyond providing food, she said, noting, there’s also a sense of connection.

“Everybody’s got a story and they want to share it. We have people who are still unemployed, unable to find work,” she said.

People may wonder why that would be true, with so many “Help Wanted” signs all around, but Packer explained that some people can’t find work because of something that’s in their past.

She notices the families that struggle during the summer to feed their children, and the seniors who would feed their pets before feeding themselves.

A look at some of the drivers lined up to pick up boxes of food at Atonement Lutheran Church, 29617 State Road 54, in Wesley Chapel.

She’s also aware that some people have unique needs.

“One gentleman, he stays at a rest stop out at (Interstate) 75, so we pack his stuff separately because he has no way to keep things cool or cook,” Packer said.

Some recipients are forced to make difficult choices.

For instance, Packer said, they may have to decide: “Do I get the laundry detergent or do I get food for my kids?”

If some laundry detergent comes in, it can go to help someone with that need, she said.

“I feel for them,” Packer said. “Everybody tells them ‘No.’ There’s so many ‘No’s in their life. So, if we can give joy to them at least while they’re here, they go out with a smile.”

Volunteer Cheryl Ohls, who lives in Wesley Chapel, said she’s happy she can help out.

“I love it here,” said Ohls, who is a member of the Wesley Chapel Rotary Club.

There are numerous food pantries in The Laker/Lutz coverage area (see accompanying box).

In general, they aim to make life easier for those in need.

Christian Social Services, at 5514 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes, provides bags of grocery from its pantry on Tuesday through Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The amount of groceries provided depends on the size of the family, said Jacquie Petet, executive director of the thrift store and food pantry, which operates out of large red building, off U.S. 41.

She noted that the pantry itself could use some donations of canned foods and other nonperishable items.

Over the years, the pantry has received donations from The Letter Carrier Food Drives to help stock its shelves.

“This year, we got maybe less than half,” she said.

Besides food, the pantry also could use brown paper grocery bags, like the ones used at supermarkets, such as Publix, she said.

The pantry would be happy to accept recycled paper bags.

That way, it won’t have to buy them and can instead use that money for food, Petet said.

Pantry List
Note: Before heading to a pantry, call ahead to verify that it remains open and its current days/times of operation. Also, if you want to help, touch base with individual pantries, to see what they need.

LAND O’ LAKES

  • Father and Son Love Free Food Pantry, 21418 Carson Drive, Land O’ Lakes, 813-846-9993: Free grocery shopping for military, first responders and essential workers. The pantry is open on Tuesdays, from noon to 2 p.m. ID is required
  • Christian Social Services and Thrift Store, 5514 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., Land O’ Lakes, 813-995-0088. Pantry open Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Keystone Community Church, 21010 State Road 54, Lutz, 813-948-4522. The first Wednesday of the month and third Saturday of the month, from 10 a.m. to noon.
  • Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Church, 2348 Collier Parkway, Land O’ Lakes, 813-949-4565. Call the church for details regarding its food pantry.

WESLEY CHAPEL

  • Atonement Lutheran Church, 29617 State Road 54, in Wesley Chapel, 813-973-2211. Drive-thru food pantry is open on Wednesdays, from 8:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m.
  • Life Community Center, 6542 Applewood St., Wesley Chapel, 813-994-0685. Call for pantry operating hours.

DADE CITY

  • Pasadena Baptist Church, 3548 Clinton Ave., Dade City, 352-521-0545. Food pantry: Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
  • DayStar Hope Center, 15512 U.S. 301, Dade City, 352-523-0844. Pantry operates Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to noon.

ZEPHYRHILLS

  • First Presbyterian Church of Zephyrhills, 813-782-7412. Hot takeout meals, Mondays and Fridays, 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. Food pantry, Tuesdays, 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
  • St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, 5316 11th St., Zephyrhills, 813-782-2813. Food and baby pantry, Wednesdays, 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
  • Farmworker’s Self-Help, 37240 Lock St., Dade City, 352-567-1432. Call for information.
  • Neighborhood Care Center, 5140 Sixth St., in Zephyrhills, 813-780-6822. Call for information.
  • Food Pantry at Emmanuel Ministries, 12639 Candlewood Drive, in Dade City, 813-713-0305. Call for information.

NORTH TAMPA

  • St. Mark the Evangelist Church, 9724 Cross Creek Blvd., Tampa, 813-907-7746. Call for information.

MOBILE PANTRIES

  • Make a Difference mobile food pantry, 12311 U.S. 301, Dade City, 352-437-3466. Conducts food distributions, either through pre-packed boxes or farmer’s market style. Call for information.

Published August 10, 2022

Early voting ramping up in Pasco and Hillsborough counties

By

Early voting has kicked off in Hillsborough County and is scheduled to begin soon in Pasco County.

Voters who want to cast their ballot in advance of Primary Election Day on Aug. 23 can choose from a number of locations within the county where they live.

This is what the early voting booths look like in Hillsborough County. (Courtesy of the Hillsborough County Supervisor of Elections Office)

Other voting options include casting a ballot-by-mail or heading to the voter’s assigned polling place within their precinct on Primary Election Day.

Both Brian Corley, supervisor of elections in Pasco County, and Craig Latimer, supervisor of elections in Hillsborough County, said they haven’t experienced any problems attracting poll workers and other personnel during this election season.

“That was a huge concern I had going into the 2022 cycle,” Corley said, citing national reports of poll workers being hassled in other localities.

The Pasco elections official continued: “Whenever we have orientations with prospective poll workers, I’ll ask: Why do you want to be a poll worker?”

Many of the poll workers are volunteers who tell Corley they want to give back.

“They’ll say, I had a good career, I want to give back.

“Younger people just want to (be a poll worker), for the love of country and democracy, and the county, quite honestly.

“It just blows my mind that people step up and do that. It’s a tough job, but we’re blessed to have such a loyal group of hardworking folks,” Corley said.

Latimer said his operation is ready, too.

“We are well-staffed,” he said.

“People can still apply on our website to be poll workers. They may go on a standby list,” Latimer said.

But he noted, those on the standby list could be called upon, if someone drops out. Plus, they’ll be gearing up for the General Election, in November.

Corley noted: “We had an excess, what we call our alternates —  in the bullpen, as we say, but just yesterday, one of my chief deputies reached out: ‘We’re losing some.’”

The top reason for poll workers dropping out is because of COVID, Corley said.

Anyone wanting to learn more about applying to work during the Election 2022 season in Pasco should call 800-851-8754, Corley said. The pay rates vary, based on position.

To find out more about voting in Pasco County, visit PascoVotes.gov; in Hillsborough County, visit VoteHillsborough.gov.

Early Voting*
Pasco County: Early voting in Pasco County starts Aug. 13 and runs through Aug. 20. Hours are from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Early voting sites:

  • Alice Hall Community Center, 38116 Fifth Ave., Zephyrhills
  • East Pasco Government Center, 14236 Sixth St., Dade City
  • Land O’ Lakes Recreation Complex, 3032 Collier Parkway, Land O’ Lakes
  • New River Library, 34043 State Road 54, Wesley Chapel
  • Pasco County Utilities Administration Building, 19420 Central Blvd., Land O’ Lakes
  • Wesley Chapel District Park, 7727 Boyette Road, Wesley Chapel
  • Wiregrass Ranch Sports Complex, 3021 Sports Coast Way, Wesley Chapel

Hillsborough County: Early voting in Hillsborough County began Aug. 8 and will end Aug. 21. Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Early voting sites:

  • Jimmie B. Keel Regional Library, 2902 W. Bearss Ave., Tampa
  • Keystone Recreation Center, 17928 Gunn Highway, Odessa
  • New Tampa Regional Library, 10001 Cross Creek Blvd., Tampa
  • Northdale Recreation Center, 15550 Spring Hill Drive, Tampa
  • University Area Community Center, 14013 N. 22nd St., Tampa

* These Early Voting locations are in, or near, The Laker/Lutz News coverage area.

Source: The websites of the Pasco County Supervisor of Elections and Hillsborough County Supervision of Elections offices.

What to bring to the voting site
Please bring one or two forms of identification that include your signature and photo. Without proper identification, you may still vote a provisional ballot, which will later be evaluated by a canvassing board for eligibility. Any of the following forms of photo identification are acceptable:

  • Florida Driver License
  • Florida ID Card issued by the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles
  • U.S. Passport
  • Debit or Credit Card
  • Military ID
  • Student ID
  • Retirement Center ID
  • Neighborhood Association ID
  • Public Assistance ID
  • Veteran Health ID (issued by VA)
  • Concealed Weapon License (issued pursuant to s. 790.06)
  • Government Employee ID (If your photo ID does not include your signature, you will be asked to provide another ID that has your signature.)

You also should bring your sample ballot to the polling place with notes on how you plan to vote. By making your voting decisions before going to the polling place, you help keep the lines down.

Source: Hillsborough County Supervisor of Elections Office

Published August 10, 2022