The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

B.C. Manion

Pasco moves toward sharing in proceeds of opioid litigation

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The Pasco County Commission has moved a step closer to joining with the state of Florida and other local jurisdictions in a plan to distribute settlement proceeds from litigation against manufacturers, distributors and retailers of opiates.

The board reached that decision on Aug. 10, after a closed-door attorney-client session with County Attorney Jeffrey Steinsnyder and special counsel hired to assist the county.

The approved resolution allows the county to participate in the Memorandum of Understanding proposed by the Florida Attorney General, for a unified plan to distribute settlement proceeds.

The county board also authorized County Administrator Dan Biles to negotiate any necessary interlocal agreements with municipalities within the county.

In a separate action, the board will establish the Pasco County Opioid Task Force to develop an abatement plan and advise the board annually on the use and allocation of the regional funds.

The makeup of the advisory task force will be taken up separately because the board could not reach consensus on its makeup during the closed-door session, Steinsnyder said.

Plus, Commissioner Kathryn Starkey, who was absent, would like to weigh on the selections for that task force, he said.

In the resolution, “the county expresses its support of a unified plan for the allocation and use of opioid settlement proceeds as generally described in the Florida Plan.”

Although the makeup of the advisory board has not yet been approved, the resolution describes what it will do.

The advisory board will develop an abatement plan “that identifies strategies currently being utilized to respond to the opioid epidemic” and will present that to the county board before Dec. 1, according to the resolution.

“The abatement plan should also identify all programs in which the county is currently providing or is contracting with others to provide substance abuse prevention, recovery, and treatment services to its citizens,” the resolution adds.

The resolution also stipulates that “Pasco County has until Jan. 1, 2022, to establish the programs and abatement strategies required to meet the definition of ‘qualified county.’”

The board approved the resolution after Steinsnyder announced that both he and the board’s special counsel had advised them to take that action.

Published August 18, 2021

Pasco County increases maximum towing charges

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The Pasco County Commission has increased the maximum charges that towing companies can impose for tows, storage of vehicles and certain services, any time a wrecker is called to a site.

Pasco County Attorney Jeffrey Steinsnyder told commissioners that the proposed increase came after Commissioner Christina Fitzpatrick informed the board on June 8 that the fees had not been revised in some time. She also relayed the request for an increase from the two operators on the Pasco Sheriff’s Office and Florida Highway Patrol rotation.

At the same meeting, Chief Assistant County Attorney David Goldstein said if the county was going to raise the Class A fees, the staff also should review the Class B and Class C fees, to be sure there’s not a disparity in the different levels of charges.

The new charges are consistent, to a large extent, to what Hillsborough County is charging, Steinsnyder said.

“We did bump the base rate for Class A Wreckers to $150, which is what the wrecker operator had requested, based on some information that Hillsborough County is currently reviewing,” the county attorney said.

The resolution sets the maximum rates which may be charged “on the towing of vehicles from or immobilization of vehicles on private property, removal and storage of wrecked or disabled vehicles from an accident scene or for the removal and storage of vehicles, in the event the owner or operator is incapacitated, unavailable, leaves the procurement of wrecker service to the law enforcement officer at the scene, or otherwise does not consent to the removal of the vehicle.”

Besides setting the maximum rate for Class A, Class B and Class C wrecker services, the resolution also addresses the maximum mileage rate, the hourly rate for waiting or working time on a site and maximum administrative fees.

Class A Wreckers are used to remove and/or store cars and light-duty trucks and vehicles weighing 10,000 pounds gross vehicle weight or less. The maximum towing charge is $150 and $5 per mile.

Class B Wreckers are used to remove and/or store medium duty trucks and vehicles weighing  between 10,001 pounds and 16,000 pounds. The maximum charge is $170 and $5 per mile.

Class C Wreckers are used to remove and/or store vehicles weighing over 16,000 pounds gross vehicle weight. The maximum charge is $350 and $5 per mile.

Persons providing towing services on a rotation basis for third parties (such as law enforcement agencies) may be required by that third party to charge less than the rates on this schedule, or may be prohibited from charging for some of the types of services outlined by this schedule, the resolution notes.

It also says the rate schedule is not intended to serve as a minimum rate guarantee. Additionally, it spells out that the maximum base rates for Class A, B, and C wrecker services shall be adjusted up or down each year that the Consumer Price Index rises or falls.

The county administrator or designee shall publish a new fee schedule on Oct. 1 of each year.

Published August 18, 2021

Office zoning approved on State Road 54, at Meadowbrook Drive

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A rezoning has been approved to allow a professional office to be built on a 1.67-acre site at the southwest corner of State Road 54 and Meadowbrook Drive, in Lutz.

The Pasco County Commission approved the request by Kiddie Campus University Inc., at the board’s Aug. 10 meeting.

The application drew opposition from some area residents, but it was muted compared to the strenuous objections that accompanied a previous request to change the county’s land use map to allow the potential for a gas station and convenience store at the same location.

That proposal fell by the wayside when a divided county board refused to change the land use, which would have cleared the way for consideration of the commercial rezoning.

Instead, Kiddie Campus revised its pending rezoning application — asking for an office use, instead.

“We amended our application to PO1 (Professional Office 1), it’s the lowest intensity non-residential use in your code,” said Attorney Barbara Wilhite, representing the applicant.

“This is the solution,” Wilhite said.

Given the site’s location, at a signalized intersection on State Road 54, its future use will not be residential, Wilhite said.

The PO1 office district is designed to be compatible with residentially developed districts, she added.

That designation allows only office uses. It does not permit commercial uses, such as a hair salon, a nail salon or other personal services, Wilhite said.

She said the applicant didn’t want to bring anything forward that was retail-oriented, so its application calls for strictly office uses.

coming forward with the PO1,” the attorney added.

Additionally, the applicant has agreed to a deed restriction that limits the building height to two stories, Wilhite added.

“I could see the residents’ concerns,” the attorney said.

The voluntary deed restriction is the only thing limiting the building’s height, said Denise Hernandez, the county’s zoning administrator. That’s because the site is located within the county’s urban service area, she explained.

The application had received recommendations for approval from both the Pasco County Planning Commission and the county’s planners.

Some area residents, who had spoken against the plan before said they are confident that developer will work with the community.

But others — far fewer than before — persisted in their opposition, characterizing the proposed development as an intrusion into a residential area and raising concerns about a potential for future flooding issues.

Wilhite addressed the flooding concerns: “We can’t make the flooding worse. There’s plenty of regulations on the books regarding flooding.”

Published August 18, 2021

This 105-year-old enjoys life’s simple pleasures

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Regina Petrone will be the first to admit that she’s not as agile as she used to be.

After all, at 105, who is?

But the Land O’ Lakes woman still lives on her own, drives herself to the bank and grocery store, and makes scarves and hats for the homeless.

Recently, she celebrated her 105th birthday, at a party hosted by her son, Pete, who lives just minutes away.

This is a childhood photo of Regina Petrone, taken more than 100 years ago. (Courtesy of Debbi Petrone Cosme)

“The party at Pete’s house was such a wonderful feeling,” Regina said.

It was a nice Italian meal, complete with special cupcakes.

“They had 105 balloons all over the floor. They had balloons all over the ceiling,” Regina said.

Pete chimed in: “We had a big sign outside.”

That celebration, though, was small, compared to the party for Regina’s 100th birthday.

A limousine picked her up at her house to drive her to the party at Grace Family Church, in Lutz.

“That was the best party ever, ever,” Regina said. “I just had the feeling of peace and contentment.

“Everybody was happy. We had like 60, 70 people,” Regina said.

Pete interjected: “Try like 120.”

“All of my family were there. Nieces and nephews,” Regina said.

Friends came in from New York, too, Pete said.

But those were just two of the special birthday parties Regina has enjoyed through the years.

There was another one, in particular, that played a pivotal role in her life.

That was the party when she had her first date, with her future husband — John Anthony Petrone, whom she’d met a few months before.

“I worked in the library. He worked in A & P (grocery store), which was around the corner from the library,” she said.

“I used to go in there every day to buy some greens because that’s what my mother wanted.

“She made soup every night.

“I would go at lunchtime.

“That’s where I met him.

John and Regina Petrone (the couple in the middle) on their wedding day, on Oct. 19, 1941.

“I paid no attention to him. After a while, he started asking me out.

“I said, ‘No, no, no.

“That went from February to July,” Regina said.

“He told me he was having a birthday party. I said, ‘OK.’

“My mother said, ‘Go, have fun.’

“So, I went to the birthday party, which was in Hicksville, and I met his family, who were terrific.

“They treated me so good — like a sister — right away,” said Regina, who grew up in Glen Cove.

John grew up in Hicksville, where he lived with his brothers and his sisters. They lived on their own because their parents had died.

Regina and John married in October, with the expectation that John’s military service would end in January. Instead, World War II broke out and John was assigned to help protect the Panama Canal Zone, where he served until the end of the war.

Creating a home life in Hicksville
After John returned, the couple settled in John’s hometown. That’s where they raised their five boys: Chuck, Anthony, Pete, Bill and Timothy (who died in his 40s from a car accident).

John sold insurance and Regina ran the house — making meals from scratch, and canning fruits and vegetables from the family’s half-acre garden.

John and Regina Petrone had five sons, whom they raised in Hicksville, on Long Island in New York. Shown here, from left to right (front row), are: Bill, Pete, Regina (mom), Anthony and Timothy; and (back row), Chuck and John (dad).

The days started early, Regina said.

“I’ve been getting up at 5 o’clock in the morning ever since the kids were small,” she said.

It took a couple of hours each morning to make the boys breakfast and get them ready for school, she said.

Though they grew up in a close-knit family, the boys are scattered now.

Pete lives minutes away from Regina. Chuck lives in Dallas, Georgia; Anthony, in Anchorage, Alaska; and, Bill, in New London, Connecticut.

Regina talks frequently with her sons and other family members on the phone.

She also stays in regular contact with two dear friends — Debbi Lizza and Joanne Berger — who keep her posted on what’s happening in Hicksville.

“We write each other every week. Every once in a while, we call. But we’re old-fashioned, we like to write. They’re always sending me little goodies,” she said.

Regina moved to Florida in 2004, after living in Pennsylvania for four years.

Her sons wanted her to move closer to family, so she did.

She and her boys have rich memories of the life they had in Hicksville.

“They were wonderful kids. I have wonderful boys. None of them give me any problems,” Regina said.

The family garden was a source of food for the family, and a way to make money, too.

“You name it. We had it,” Pete said.

“From radishes to pumpkins. Broccoli. Cabbage,” Regina said.

“Potatoes. Strawberries. Asparagus,” Pete added.

“All kinds of berries,” Regina continued. “Apples. Pears. Peaches.”

And, corn and cucumbers, too.

Regina Petrone models one of the hats she’s made to help others. So far, she’s completed about 300 hats and scarves, and she continues to make more. While her primary focus was on family life, over the years she has volunteered her time and talents in a number of capacities. (B.C. Manion)

Pete’s brothers share those vivid recollections of the family garden.

“We had just about everything you can think of — any kind of vegetable,” Chuck said. “We canned our own food. We made our own jellies and jams.

“We had a root cellar where we kept our potatoes and onions and carrots,” Chuck said.

The family raised chickens and sold eggs, too.

“The kids sold the vegetables that were left over, in a little farm stand. That was their allowance — from what they sold, the eggs and the vegetables,” Regina said.

Besides picking vegetables, the boys did other chores.

“In high school, we all started cutting firewood. We worked really hard doing that. That’s how we made our money in high school,” Anthony said.

Work was such a regular part of their life — they didn’t see it so much as work but as part of their daily routine, Bill said.

Chuck noted: “All of us, when we started working — whatever job we did, delivering newspapers, peddling vegetables around the neighborhood — we had to give at least 10% to our mother for what she called ‘room and board.’  And then, when we became 18, she gave us all that money. And more.”

Family rules were crystal clear, Anthony said.

“It was a very disciplined household. Dinner was every day at 5 o’clock,” he said. And, when the church bells rang at 7 o’clock, it was time to be home.

But there was more to life than hard work, rules and responsibilities,  the boys said.

They also knew how to have fun
“We would go to the beach almost every day for an hour or two,” Chuck said.

Of course, Chuck added: “If we didn’t do what we were supposed to do, we didn’t go to the beach that day.”

Bill remembers the lively family gatherings.

“We’d have these big barbecues in our backyard. You’re having like 50 people or more — 25 kids running around the place.

This box contains numerous hats and scarves that Regina Petrone has made to help the homeless. They are distributed through Grace Family Church, according to Regina’s son, Pete, who lives minutes away from his mom. (B.C. Manion)

“My mother cooked all of the food,” he said.

Her pies, he added, were legendary: “Her pies are still talked about today.”

The family had lots of pets, too.

“We had rabbits at one time,” Regina said. “I had one snake in the house. And, I hate snakes.

“But one of my boys liked snakes and it got loose.”

There were dogs, too.

“My husband was a hunter,” Regina said, so they had golden retrievers, English Springers and all kinds of other dogs.

Regina had a turtle.

It was one of those turtles people used to buy for a quarter, she said.

Regina’s turtle lived for more than 50 years, moving freely about the house, just like a member of the family.

She called him Turtle.

“I was not imaginative,” she said, with a laugh.

Anthony added: “We had a big black cat called Mother Cat because she got pregnant every three months.”

The family sat together in front of the TV, to take in football and baseball games.

“I was an avid baseball and football fan, when my husband was alive and my children were all together,” Regina said. Her favorite teams were the Mets, the Jets and the Brooklyn Dodgers — before the Dodgers moved away.

Over the years, Regina said, she’s always enjoyed a good laugh.

She remembers Chuck coming home after school, with a joke for her he’d picked up that day.

“I always looked forward to them,” Regina said.

Now, he sends her five pages to six pages of jokes every month, that he finds by scouring the internet.

Throughout Regina’s life, most of her focus has been on the family. But she also has been active in charitable pursuits. She volunteered at a soup kitchen, and at a rock and butterfly museum, and in literacy efforts.

She still uses her talents to help others.

“I like to crochet,” Regina said. “I’m making scarves and hats for the homeless.”

She estimates she’s made about 300 pieces, which are distributed through Grace Family Church.

She still enjoys doing puzzle books and watches a limited amount of TV.

“I don’t put the TV on until 5 o’clock. Then I look at the news for an hour, at the most — the news is terrible. Then, I Iook at Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy, and some of the game shows,” she said.

She likes card games and typically plays once or twice month, when a nephew and his wife come by.

Although she still drives, she sticks to daytime hours and never goes out on main roads.

But, Pete said, she’s not stuck at home. “We go out at least three days a week, to get her out of the house.

“Whatever she needs, she gets,” he added.

Her sons marvel at their mom’s longevity.

Regina offers a simple explanation for her lengthy life: “If it wasn’t God’s will, I wouldn’t be here.”

At 105, she’s still going strong
Regina Petrone
Born July 3, 1916, in West Hampton on Long Island
Married to John Anthony Petrone, on Oct. 19, 1941  (She’d been married to John for 45 years, when he died on Nov. 22, 1986)
The couple had five sons: Chuck (Dallas, Georgia); Anthony (Anchorage, Alaska); Pete (Land O’ Lakes); Bill (New London, Connecticut); Timothy (deceased)
Regina has seven grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren

She’s a woman with definite preferences
Favorite foods: “American food. I like ordinary steak and potatoes. Pork chops. Hamburger. American food. Soup.”
Dessert: “I do like lemon meringue pie. And I do like a nice, delicious — it has to be delicious — chocolate cake. It has to be delicious. It can’t be run-of-the-mill.”
Movies: “Movies? I didn’t have a favorite. We didn’t go to movies too much. I was not a movie-goer.”
Music: “My favorite singer was Nat King Cole. I loved him. After him, was Dean Martin. I loved him. Of course, Perry Como.”
Card games: “My favorite is pinochle, but nobody plays pinochle.”

Some facts about 1916, the year Regina was born
The U.S. population was slightly under 102 million
Monet painted his Water Lilies series
A stamp cost 2 cents
Sugar was about 4 cents a pound
The light switch was invented
The Boston Red Sox won the World Series
A house in the U.S. cost about $5,000; a car, $400
The first 40-hour work week officially began
Nathan’s hot-dog-eating competition got its start
Just 6% of Americans were high school graduates
The Eiffel Tower was the world’s tallest building
Just 8% of homes had telephones
Albert Einstein published his theory of relativity (in full mathematical detail)
The National Park Service was born
The Professional Golfers Association began*

Excerpts from a list compiled by Annette and Chuck Petrone, to mark Regina Petrone’s 105th birthday

*Regina told The Laker/Lutz News: “I walked a golf course once and I got freckles. I said, ‘No more.’”

Published August 11, 2021

Local hospitals respond to surge in COVID-19 cases

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A surge in COVID-19 cases has prompted AdventHealth Wesley Chapel and BayCare’s St. Joseph’s Hospital-North in Lutz to temporarily halt elective surgeries.

BayCare also tightened its visitation rules, effective Aug. 3.

“No one takes any pleasure in having to limit visits from patients’ loved ones or telling someone they will need to wait for their procedure,” BayCare Chief Operating Officer Glenn Waters said, on a hospital website posting. “But our first priority has to be to keep our facilities as safe as possible for our caregivers, so patients can recover and return home as soon as possible.”

AdventHealth continues to see a significant increase in COVID-19 cases at its facilities across West Florida and has surpassed its highest peak since the pandemic began, according to the healthcare system’s website.

AdventHealth Wesley Chapel and AdventHealth Carrollwood have temporarily postponed any non-urgent elective procedures that require an overnight stay, according to media alerts from AdventHealth.

Dr. Doug Ross, is chief medical officer of AdventHealth Hospital Tampa, the largest AdventHealth Hospital in Tampa Bay. He shared updates for the West Florida Division locations during an Aug. 3 video interview, published on the hospital’s Facebook and LinkedIn Live event.

“In the Tampa Bay region, we’re well over 300 patients now,” Ross said, noting that number exceeds the hospital’s past surges.

“Greater than 90% of those patients are unvaccinated and our numbers continue to grow,” Ross said.

The health care system has seen patients ranging from a baby, to people into their 90s, he said. “But really the shift has been toward younger people because those are the people who have opted not to get vaccinated,” he said. “So, that’s what we’re seeing.”

“It’s the usual symptoms,” he said, including shortness of breath, flu-like symptoms such as congestion, headache, cough and runny nose.

Ross said the delta variant “is probably tied with some of the most contagious viruses we’ve ever known — measles and chicken pox being examples of that.”

“That’s very concerning because the amount of spread that is occurring is so much greater,” he said.

It went from one patient spreading it to two or three patients, in the early COVID cases, to now, with one patient spreading it to eight or 10, he said.

“The viral load seems to be so much greater in delta variant, probably a thousand times greater in the respiratory tract.

“That means when you cough or sneeze or whatever, there’s a lot more virus that’s being let out into your surroundings and makes it more likely that other people will pick up that virus,” Ross said.

He encouraged people who are not immunized to get immunized.

“You will have a lot less severity if you’re immunized and you get the delta variant than if you didn’t have it,” he said. “That, to me, seems a pretty compelling argument.”

The other argument, he said, “is that you want to protect other people. There’s a certain sense of community that I think we need to appeal to people on, because as we reach herd immunity, we’re actually protecting people that can’t protect themselves.”

That includes people who have immune deficiencies, as well as children who are 12 and under and can’t get the vaccine yet, he said.

Ross continued: “If we don’t get control of this virus and it’s continuing to mutate, there is some fear out in the scientific community that this virus could mutate to a point where it actually beats the vaccines. It comes to a point that it mutates in such a way that the vaccine is no longer effective to the virus and then, we are back to really Square One, with the entire population, because no one will be immune to that variant.”

Ross also advised both vaccinated and unvaccinated people to follow the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s recommendations.

Those going to indoor public spaces should wear masks, Ross said, “to protect themselves from getting the infection and from spreading the infection.”

It’s been shown that people who have been immunized can get infected, Ross said. It may stay asymptomatic, but they are still able to spread it.

He also encourages people to maintain social distancing, to limit their chance of exposure, and washing their hands.

“Try to avoid spaces that are indoor spaces, with a lot of people,” he added.

Ross also touched on the impact that this new surge has had on health care workers.

“We’d gone through two surges,” he said. “We thought we were sort of improving and getting better, and things were calming down.

“Now, all of a sudden, when we thought we were getting a handle on this whole thing, we had a surge and a surge bigger than any surge we’ve had so far. So that has really been a challenge emotionally to people because people were a little bit celebratory — in their own minds — because they had gotten through the worst of COVID, and that’s just not the case.”

While the hospital’s staff is very dedicated, he said, “we’re all a bit frustrated because of the fact that if more of the population had been vaccinated, we wouldn’t be seeing this surge and we wouldn’t be stressing our health systems out.”

Ross also offered another reason for wearing a mask: “One of the early reasons to wear a mask was to sort of dampen the curve, the rate of increase of the viral spread, so that it wouldn’t put a strain on our health systems.

“If this continues to rise, the way it’s rising, it’s definitely putting and will continue to put, a significant strain on our health systems,” Ross said.

To get the most current information relating to any changes regarding hospital policies, be sure to check with your local hospital.

In response to the surging cases, Hillsborough County has temporarily opened two COVID-19 testing sites, to help shorten the wait times for people wanting to check on their status, according to a county news release.

The county had anticipated administering 500 tests at each site but, in total, administered more than 2,000.

The sites are located at:

  • Palm River Community Center, 725 S. 58th St., in Tampa
  • Code Enforcement Complex, 1101 E. 139th Ave., in Tampa

The sites are open daily, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with testing done on a first-come, first-served basis.

There is no charge to be tested and health insurance is not required.

If you have health insurance, however, bring your insurance card because federal guidelines require the collection of health insurance data.

COVID 19 statistics, July 30 through Aug. 5
Florida: New cases: 134,506; new case positivity, 18.9%
Pasco: New cases, 3,404; new case positivity, 24.3%
Hillsborough: New cases, 8,583; new case positivity, 22.8%
Source: Florida Department of Health

Published August 11, 2021

Debate over masks continues, as a new school year begins

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Students streamed back to school campuses this week to start the 2021-2022 school year in Pasco and Hillsborough counties.

And, much like last year, the debate continues over mandatory face masks.

Gov. Ron DeSantis has taken a firm stand on the issue. He signed an executive order banning school districts from imposing mandatory mask requirements — instead letting parents make the call regarding whether their child wears a mask to school.

The Florida Board of Education also has adopted an emergency rule that allows a child to transfer to a private school or another school district, under a Hope Scholarship, “when a student is  subjected to harassment in response to a school district’s COVID-19 mitigation protocols.”

Masks are optional for students and staff in Pasco County’s public school district.

Pasco County Schools Superintendent Kurt Browning repeatedly has said the issue is closed, based on the governor’s actions.

In Hillsborough County, there’s a mandatory mask policy for students — but that policy allows parents to exercise an opt-out option for their children.

Masks are optional for the Hillsborough school district’s staff.

In media interviews, Hillsborough County Schools Superintendent Addison Davis has said he believes the district complies with the governor’s executive order because parents can choose to opt out their children from the requirement.

Meanwhile, at least two lawsuits have been filed challenging DeSantis’ executive order, according to media reports.

While those debates play out, the Hillsborough and Pasco school systems have been busy preparing protocols for the school year.

During the Pasco School Board’s last meeting, on July 27, Browning said he and his staff had spent considerable time going over the COVID protocols for the coming year, in terms of athletics, fine arts, social distancing, cleaning protocols and so on.

Deputy Superintendent Ray Gadd also told the school board that the district plans to have procedures that are “going to be considerably looser, as opposed to tighter than they were last year” as they relate to facilities, events and athletics.

Gadd told the board: “It’s only looking back, we’ll know if that’s a mistake. But going forward, we’re going to loosen up a little bit, so folks can attend ball games and dances, and things like that.”

Regarding procedures for quarantining students and staff, Browning said those rules are set by the Florida Department of Health and will remain the same this year as they were last year.

“All symptomatic cases will be sent home for 10 days. If you’re not vaccinated and you have come in contact with a positive case and the health department has made the determination that you’ll quarantine, then you’ll quarantine.

“If you are vaccinated and come in contact with a positive case and you are asymptomatic — not showing any signs — then you can remain in school, either as a student or as a teacher,” Browning said.

The district was still working out the details regarding how to handle sick time for teachers, if they have to quarantine because of COVID.

In Hillsborough, the district has posted its protocols for visitors on school campuses or district offices. In short, it prefers visitors to have a scheduled appointment.

It also requires visitors to practice social distancing, and all in-person meetings must allow participants to be able to maintain a 6-foot social distance.

Visitors also must complete a self-check before entering a school building.

They should check themselves for these symptoms: Fever or chills, fatigue, sore throat, cough, muscle or body aches, congestion or runny nose, shortness of breath, headache, nausea or vomiting, difficulty in breathing, diarrhea or new loss of taste or smell.

Also, those who are awaiting the results of a COVID-19 test, or who have a known exposure to COVID-19, should not visit the district’s campuses or offices, according to the district’s website.

Published August 11, 2021

School board member cites concerns about funding trends

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Pasco County School Board member Cynthia Armstrong is calling attention to a trend she finds worrisome relating to state funding for schools.

She made her remarks during the July 27 school board meeting, after she and her colleagues approved the tentative budget for next fiscal year.

Superintendent Kurt Browning provided an overview, highlighting some of the key points of the approximately $1.47 billion budget, which is a decrease of $53.5 million.

Pasco County School Board member Cynthia Armstrong is concerned about a reduction in state funding for schools. (File)

For instance, the budget includes $10.5 million in additional state funding, to accommodate the district’s projected growth of 2,277 students, and recurring expenses.

The operating budget, of $731.5 million, includes the allocation and operating costs for the opening of Starkey Ranch K-8 and the mid-year opening of the Kirkland Ranch Academy of Innovation.

The budget also includes an allocation of nearly $1.6 million to continue to increase the minimum base salary for full-time classroom teachers, Browning said.

The $351 million capital budget includes the construction of the Kirkland Ranch Academy of Innovation, the construction of the 6-12 academy in the Land O’ Lakes area, and major renovations for Hudson and Gulf high schools, he added.

Olga Swinson, the district’s chief finance officer, said the district set aside $5.5 million for COVID-19 retention supplements, for employees who would not qualify under the governor’s bonus plan.

Swinson explained some of the steps necessary to balance the proposed budget.

For instance, she said, “we are moving 30 custodial units to be paid with the Department of Health grant.”

The district also plans to move 35% of the salary of its school psychologists to be covered by funding allocated for mental health needs.

The district additionally used Elementary and Secondary Emergency Relief funding for the purchase of textbooks, which is allowed, but for this year only, Swinson said.

It also is transferring about $4.5 million from capital funds to the general fund to cover property insurance costs. Again, that’s for this year only, Swinson said.

Most of the new money received by the district resulted from an increase in property values, Swinson said. “The budget was built on about 6% property increase and we actually saw a 12.4% increase,” she said.

School board member Cynthia Armstrong raised concerns about the level of state funding received by the district and steps the district was forced to take, to maintain a balanced budget.

“You can see that we did use a few non-recurring funds to balance this budget, which is something that none of us like to do,” Armstrong said. “That just means we’re really going to have to dig in hard next year, unless the financial situation improves,” she said.

The board member continued: “I can only say, ‘Thank goodness property values went up, or we really would have been hurting.

“Because if you look at comparing this budget with last year’s, the money from the state that they give us was less than what we received last year,” she said.

The year before, the district received more money than it had the previous year — so it was on an upward trend, Armstrong said.

This year, she said, “despite what the Legislature (says) — how they spin it — when you look at the actual numbers, we actually got less from the state Legislature.

“Those are issues we need to be concerned with because, as we all know, the property values will not continue to go up at the rate that they’re going up,” she said.

She told her colleagues that she was raising the issue, as “kind of a cautionary thing.”

The district must remain fiscally strong to retain its high credit rating, so that it can borrow when necessary at the lowest cost possible, Armstrong said.

The district’s final public hearing on its budget is set for Sept. 14 at 6 p.m., in the board room at district headquarters, 7227 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes.

Pasco County Schools tentative 2021-2022 budget
General operating budget: $731.5 million
Capital budget: $351.1 million
Tax millage rate: $5.810
Taxes on a $175,000 home, assuming a $25,000 homestead exemption, would go down $16.80, under the proposed budget.

Published August 11, 2021

Planning board recommends rezoning approval for Two Rivers

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Two Rivers, a proposed new community off State Road 56, is approaching its final regulatory hurdle before work can begin to bring the plans on paper to life.

The Pasco County Planning Commission and the county’s planners have recommended approval of a rezoning for the sizable community.

Two Rivers is envisioned as a place that features a mixture of housing types, work opportunities, shopping, recreation and schools, according to county documents and testimony during previous public hearings involving the development.

The proposal, according to county records, calls for creating the new master-planned community on the southern edge of Pasco County. Two Rivers would tie into a community that’s under the same ownership, just south of the Pasco-Hillsborough line.

This land, along State Road 56, east of Morris Bridge Road, is now occupied by trees, ponds and open fields. It is proposed to become the future community of Two Rivers — a place that will feature homes, businesses, recreational options and schools, under proposals going through Pasco County’s regulatory process. (File)

Two Rivers’ master plan, county documents show, includes:

  • 6,400 residential dwelling units, including single-family, multifamily and age-restricted homes
  • 1,335,000 square feet of office/target industry
  • 1,355,000 of industrial
  • 630,000 square feet of retail uses
  • 246 acres of conservation area

The project has been in planning stages — off and on — for more than 10 years, and there have been a number of ownership changes.

The Pasco County Commission signaled support for Two Rivers, when it voted to transmit a proposed comprehensive plan amendment request to state officials for review.

The proposed rezoning for the master-planned community is a companion to that previously review comprehensive plan land use request.

The land use change and rezoning both are needed before Two Rivers can proceed with development.

At the Planning Commission’s Aug. 5 meeting, attorney Clarke Hobby represented Hickory Hills Land Company, the applicant for the Two Rivers master plan rezoning.

The planning board also heard from a handful of residents who raised concerns about potential flooding, increased traffic, possible loss in property value, and the likely noise that would arise from large machinery working on the proposed development.

Hobby told the planning board: “I think we’re all generally aware of Two Rivers and it’s a project that the county really has been planning for, and wants.”

Two Rivers is the largest of three parcels that the county worked with when it created a surcharge to build two additional lanes for the State Road 56 extension, Hobby said. Initially, just a two-lane extension was planned, but the county took out a loan from the Florida Department of Transportation’s infrastructure bank.

There’s $14.8 million in mobility fee surcharges from Two Rivers alone, to help pay back the county’s loan from the FDOT infrastructure bank, Hobby said.

The attorney addressed the concerns raised about potential flooding.

“As you all know, there are SWFMD (Southwest Florida Water Management District) rules and county rules to make sure we don’t flood our neighbors.

“The legal test that we must meet is that we can’t increase the rate of discharge, or the volume of discharge, from the pre-development condition, which we’re in now,” Hobby added.

“We have some of the smartest engineers in the (Tampa) Bay area working on this site, and I’m confident we won’t flood anybody,” he said.

Hobby also noted that the master plan calls for the creation of an 80-acre district park and a 77-acre school site.

While one neighbor expressed concerns about a potential decrease in property values, Hobby predicted just the opposite will occur.

He expects Two Rivers to “be a big benefit to this area.

“I actually believe it will raise property values considerably,” Hobby said.

The rezoning request now goes to the Pasco County Commission, which has final jurisdiction on land use and zoning issues.

Published August 11, 2021

Rezoning request for a gas station in Lutz is up for a hearing

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A rezoning request that would clear the way for a gas station, car wash and convenience store in Lutz is set for a public hearing next week.

The request — which has been scheduled and rescheduled — now is expected to be heard at 6 p.m. on Aug. 16, in the Robert W. Saunders Sr. Public Library, 1505 N. Nebraska Ave., in Tampa.

The applicant, RKM Development Corp., is seeking to rezone the 2.6-acre parcel at 18601 U.S. 41, to allow a 4,650-square-foot convenience store and 16 gas pumps, as well as a car wash.

The parcel is adjacent to an existing Walgreens store.

The land, owned by Lutz Realty and Investment LLC, currently is zoned for agricultural and single-family conventional use. The request calls for rezoning the site to become a planned development zoning.

Opponents have voiced objections, which are part of the application case file. They claim the request is contrary to the Lutz Community Plan.

Opponents also cite concerns about increasing traffic at the intersection of Sunset Lane and U.S. 41, which they said already poses dangers for motorists.

Concerns also were expressed about potential water contamination, noise, and negative impacts on property values and the environment.

Those objecting also say another gas station isn’t needed, and some said they won’t patronage the business, if it is built.

After the last hearing was delayed, representatives for the applicant held a community meeting on July 27, which was attended by both supporters and opponents to the request, according to Sam Calco, of the Lutz Citizens Coalition, who was present.

Planners for the Hillsborough County’s Planning Commission have found the request to be consistent with the county’s long-range plan.

“Overall, Planning Commission staff finds this proposed use and intensity to be compatible with the surrounding area,” according to a report by Planning Commission planner David Hey.

“The proposed development also fulfills the intent of the Lutz Community Plan,” Hey added to the report that’s included in the application case file.

Those interested in expressing support or opposition can weigh in at the rezoning hearing — either in person or virtually. Those participating virtually must sign up to do so by the county’s deadline. Check the county’s website for more information.

Once the zoning master makes a recommendation, the request will go to the Hillsborough County Commission, which has final jurisdiction over land use and zoning issues.

Published August 11, 2021

SADD names local student for national post

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Shaina Finkel likely didn’t know at the ripe old age of 6 that one day she would be taking her place on a national stage for a group that’s primary mission is to save lives.

But that’s exactly what happened on July 28, when the Wiregrass Ranch High School student was sworn in as the national student president for Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD).

Her selection was celebrated during a national news conference, which took place at Wiregrass Ranch High School and was streamed by SADD’s social media channels.

Shaina Finkel is the new national student president for Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD). The Wiregrass Ranch High student was sworn in during a national news conference last week, and took a moment to thank a long list of supporters in life, including her parents, grandparents, SADD chapter members and the Wiregrass Ranch school administration. (Courtesy of Pasco County Schools)

One of the key speakers at the event was Greg Finkel, the adviser for the SADD chapter since Wiregrass Ranch High opened. He’s Shaina’s dad.

“We do it to save lives,” said Finkel, who has been the adviser of the Wiregrass chapter since it began in 2008.

The chapter’s T-shirts have a Superman logo on the front and words on the back that say: “How to save a life.”

His pride in his daughter’s accomplishment was palpable, as he struggled, occasionally, to maintain his composure.

She was just a little girl, he said, when she asked if she could come along to a chapter meeting.

Finkel thought to himself: Why not?

She became a regular, and even at that early age, she was a leader, he said.

Whether the chapter was working with young kids or the elderly, he said, “she took over.”

As she grew older, she became even more involved.

At one point, she asked Finkel if he thought she could become chapter president.

He said he didn’t see why not, but they would have to see about it when she got to high school.

Shaina became president of the Wiregrass chapter during her sophomore year, and now, as a rising senior, she is entering her third year in that role.

Last year, though, she told Finkel: “Dad, I would like to see if we can go a little bit further.

“And,” he added, “here we are.

“Pretty amazing.”

Kids today face greater pressures
Pasco County Schools Superintendent Kurt Browning joined in the celebration.

“This is a big deal. This is a very big deal, isn’t it?” Browning said, adding he understands that today’s students are under a great deal of pressure.

“It was way different 45 years ago, when I graduated from Pasco High School,” the superintendent said. It was different, too, he added, when his sons, who are now in their 30s, graduated.

The leadership, exhibited by Shaina, and other officers in Wiregrass’ SADD chapter, “goes a far distance in encouraging students to make great choices in their lives,” Browning said.

SADD president and CEO Rick Birt conducted the swearing-in ceremony, as Shaina became student president of an organization with 7,500 chapters nationwide.

“Today, we honor your community, we honor your chapter, we honor the resilience and the compassion of one remarkable young woman as she assumes a new leadership role,” Birt said.

“As the national president, she will serve as our key spokesperson, representing SADD in the media,” he said.

She also will help advise and guide the organization in its programming and structure, while working closely with SADD staff, students, advisers, partners and stakeholders across the country, he said.

Shaina said she applied for the role because she was looking “to bring the amazing work that my chapter does to a new level. I wanted them to be in the spotlight. I think we work so incredibly hard here, to make change, to really empower students and I just thought that needed to go to a new level.”

She said she saw the application for the position on social media.

“With little hesitation, I went ahead and I applied. It really was a shot in the dark,” Shaina said.

“To me, SADD is very much an opportunity. It is an opportunity to be more than yourself. To help others. To help the community.

“It gives you the opportunity to connect with others who have the same mindsets and the same goals and aspirations, that you have,” she said.

Helping students find a place they belong
She sees the organization as a way to tackle issues and to play an important role in the lives of others.

“I believe many high schoolers, and middle schoolers for that matter — they’re very lost. They don’t know their group of people. It’s very hard to find a group of people that believes the same things as you.

“So, SADD allows for students across the nation to come together and find each other … to be able to work together, to make incredible changes,” she said.

The past year brought many obstacles, she said. But, she added, the students and adults involved with SADD “are so ready to adapt and be able to change on a dime, to keep helping students.”

Shaina wants to make mental health a key priority.

“There is such a negative stigma that surrounds having a mental illness. You walk around campus and nobody really sees it, but if you really just tune in and think about it, there are so many students who are right next to us who are struggling. They are suffering. And, they feel alone because they’re too embarrassed to go and speak out about what they’re feeling,” she said.

That’s because, she said, “they don’t realize there is someone right next to them who has, or does, feel the same way.”

SADD wants “to show kids that they’re not alone and to touch those topics that most people try to avoid because they are uncomfortable topics,” she said.

Published August 04, 2021