The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

B.C. Manion

Rezoning request calls for convenience store in Lutz

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A hearing on a proposed rezoning that would allow a gas station and carwash on the east side of U.S. 41, about 900 feet north of Sunset Lane, has been postponed until next month.

The hearing had been set for Dec. 14, but has been rescheduled to Jan. 19 at 6 p.m. It will be held at Robert W. Saunders Sr. Public Library, 1505 N. Nebraska Ave., in Tampa.

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.

This property could become the home of a convenience store and car wash, under a proposed rezoning in Lutz. (B.C. Manion)

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.

The request has attracted opposition.

“A number of Lutz residents do not like this proposal,” Jay Muffly, a longtime Lutz resident, wrote in an email to The Laker/Lutz News.

Thomas Pinta, of 405 W. Lutz Lake Fern Road, has voiced his opposition in a document included in Hillsborough County’s file on the request.

“As a longtime, 30-plus years’ resident of Lutz, I have seen unnecessary development over and over,” Pinta wrote.

He recommended that the hearing be held in a more convenient location, to give Lutz residents an opportunity to voice their thoughts on the request. He suggested the Lutz Branch Library, at 101 W. Lutz Lake Fern Road, in the heart of Lutz, as a better place to hold the meeting than a library located near Ybor City in Tampa.

Planners for the Planning Commission have reviewed the request.

In the rezoning file, Jiwuan Haley, senior planner, notes: “The site is not a qualifying intersection and does not meet commercial locational criteria.”

The zoning file indicates that the site of the proposed rezoning is outside of the Hillsborough County urban services area, but is next to a 12-inch county water line. There is no Hillsborough County wastewater line of adequate capacity currently available.

The property is subject to the Lutz Rural Development Standards, according to information included in the file.

Another detail reported in the file is that the applicant is proposing a reduction of the eastern perimeter buffer from the required 20 feet, down to 5 feet.

The reduction is needed, according to the file, to allow the maneuverability necessary for trucks to reach the proposed solid waste dumpster.

The transportation report, prepared by Palm Traffic of Tampa, shows the estimated daily trip ends at 3,697, including a substantial number of stops by motorists that already would be passing by the area.

The report estimates there would be 225 trip ends during the a.m. peak hours, including 83 new inbound trips and 84 new outbound trips.

During the p.m. peak hours, there would be 64 new inbound and 62 new outbound trips.

The report also notes that Hillsborough County’s capital improvement program calls for adding westbound and southbound dual left-turn lanes on Sunset Lane, and for a signal rebuild at the intersection. Construction of that project is expected to start in early 2021, the traffic analysis says.

The public hearing on the request will be conducted in a hybrid format, meaning those wishing to participate can do so virtually, through the use of technology, or in person.

Published December 09, 2020

Public asked to do more to help in COVID-19 battle

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Increasing COVID-19 cases in Tampa Bay has prompted the Florida Department of Health in Hillsborough, Pasco and Pinellas counties to urge members to help fight the spread.

Those officials are asking the public to follow guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to prevent the spread of COVID-19 during quarantine or isolation.

Quarantine is used to keep someone who might have been exposed to COVID-19 away from others, says a news release issued by the health department.

Quarantine can help prevent the spread of disease that can occur before a person knows they are sick or if they are infected with the virus without feeling symptoms.
People who have been in close contact with someone who has COVID-19 need to quarantine. In addition, if someone has been tested but unaware of exposure, they should remain in quarantine until they receive a negative result, the news release says.

People in quarantine, including those who feel sick and/or are waiting for test results, should stay home, separate themselves from others, monitor their health, and follow directions from their state or local health department.
The Tampa Bay health departments shared the CDC’s guidance.

Close contact means:

  • You were within 6 feet of someone who has COVID-19 for a total of 15 minutes or more
    • You provided care at home to someone who is sick with COVID-19
    • You had direct physical contact with the person (hugged or kissed them)
    • You shared eating or drinking utensils
    • They sneezed, coughed or somehow got respiratory droplets on you
    During quarantine:
  • Stay home for at least 14 days (check current guidance) after your last contact with a person who has COVID-19.
    • Watch for fever (100.4F), cough, shortness of breath, or other symptoms of COVID-19.
    • If possible, stay away from others, especially people who are at higher risk for getting very sick from COVID-19.
    Isolation is used to separate people who are infected with COVID-19 from those who are not.

People who are in isolation should stay home until it’s safe for them to be around others. 
In the home, if you are sick or infected:

• Monitor symptoms.
• Stay in a separate room from other household members, if possible.
• Use a separate bathroom, if possible.
• Avoid contact with other members of the household and pets.
• Don’t share personal household items, such as cups, towels and utensils.
• Wear a mask when around other people, if possible.

If you live with someone with COVID-19:

• Try to stay at least 6 feet away from the sick person.
• If you have to share space, make sure the room has good air flow.
• Open the window to increase air circulation.
• Improve ventilation to help remove respiratory droplets from the air.
• Avoid having unnecessary visitors.
If you are caring for someone with COVID-19 at home or in a non-health care setting:
• The person who is sick should eat (or be fed) in their room, if possible.
• Wash dishes and utensils using gloves and hot water: handle any dishes, cups/glasses or silverware used by the person who is sick with gloves. Wash them with soap and hot water or in a dishwasher.
• Clean hands after taking off gloves or handling used items.
• Do not share dishes, cups/glasses, silverware, towels, bedding, or electronics (like a cellphone) with the person who is sick.
• The person who is sick should wear a mask when they are around other people (Masks should not be placed on young children under age 2, anyone who has trouble breathing, or is not able to remove the covering without help.)
• The caregiver should put on a mask and ask the sick person to put on a mask before entering the room.
• Wear gloves when you touch or have contact with the sick person’s blood, stool or body fluids, such as saliva, mucus, vomit and urine. Throw out gloves into a lined trash can and wash your hands right away.
• Practice everyday preventive actions to keep from getting sick: wash your hands often; avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth; and, frequently clean and disinfect surfaces.
• Clean and disinfect “high-touch” surfaces and items every day: This includes tables, doorknobs, light switches, handles, desks, toilets, faucets, sinks and electronics.

The Florida Department of Health encourages individuals to discuss any questions or concerns with their primary care provider.

For more information to help prevent household spread of COVID-19, go to CDC.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/index.html.

For more information on how to protect yourself and others from COVID-19, visit CDC.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/.

For general information on COVID-19 in Florida, visit FloridaHealth.gov/covid-19, email , or call 866-779-6121.

Published December 09, 2020

Agricultural zoning allowed, with conditions

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Charles Gilbert Tucker received the approval he wanted for a small tree farm on a 5.46-acre tract, 1,750 feet south of Cypress Lane and Dupree Lane, in Land O’ Lakes.

Tucker said he needed the rezoning, in order for the property to qualify for an agricultural exemption, for taxing purposes.

The Pasco County Commission approved the request on Nov. 17, contingent on Tucker obtaining a deed restriction to limit operations on the site to a pine tree farm, and other non-commercial farm uses.

The deed restriction is intended to prevent uses that could have negative impacts on neighbors.

Pasco County Commission Mike Moore recommended a deed restriction be added to Tucker’s property, noting that it was a solution discussed during the Pasco County Planning Commission’s consideration of the request.

Tucker had agreed to the restriction, but planning commissioners did not require it when recommending approval.

Moore asked Tucker if he remained willing to obtain a deed restriction, and the property owner said he has no objections to doing so.

Tucker said he plans to use the property for a pine tree farm and for citrus trees for personal use.

The rezoning won’t take effect until Tucker obtains the deed restriction.

Published December 09, 2020

Pasco land development code changes are coming

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Changes are coming to Pasco County’s land development code — but most of them are minor fixes to the regulations that govern the way land can be used in the county.

One of the biggest changes in the proposed amendments involves the way requests for package sales and on-premises consumption of alcohol are approved.

Previously, the changes went to the Pasco County Planning Commission for a recommendation, and then to the Pasco County Commission for approval.

Under the amended land development code, the changes would go to the county’s administrative staff for approval, and to the planning commission for variance requests.

The county has rules about the minimum distance for alcohol sales from schools, parks and churches. If someone wants a variance from those rules, that request will be considered by the planning commission.

That process change is being made by staff, at the county commission’s request.

These are among the other changes being recommended:

  • The side setback can be reduced to no less than 5 feet for R-4 subdivisions developed after Dec. 8, 2020, as long as they meet drainage requirements and do not allow side entry
  • In neighborhood commercial districts: Adds fitness centers as a permitted principal use; adds sale of alcoholic beverages as permitted principal use, subject to administrative approval
  • In general commercial district: Adds sale of alcoholic beverages as permitted principal use, subject to administrative approval
  • In section regulating fraternal lodges and social and recreational clubs: Clarifies that lot area and setbacks for fraternal lodges and social and recreational clubs do not apply in such clubs proposed in certain locations and zoning categories. Also clarifies buffering and landscaping requirements
  • Amends a section regarding the County Commission’s jurisdiction to indicate that the board reserves the jurisdiction and authority to review and revoke Special Exception, and

Conditional Use, and Administrative Use Permit for the Sale of Alcoholic Beverages approvals.

  • In the section relating to mobile food operations, the requirement for a county permit is deleted, since that is now handled by the state.

No one spoke during the county board’s first public hearing, held on Nov. 17, on the proposed changes. Final action is expected during the 1:30 p.m. public hearing on Dec. 8, in New Port Richey, after The Laker/Lutz News press deadline.

Published December 09, 2020

KRATE begins taking shape at the Grove

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An attraction that will offer a new and unique retail and restaurant experience is beginning to take shape — as crews set down shipping containers that will house the businesses at KRATE, in the Grove at Wesley Chapel.

This shipping container is being maneuvered into place at the Grove at Wesley Chapel. (Courtesy of the Grove at Wesley Chapel)

While crews work at the site, the developers also are proceeding with a unified sign plan for the district, with the Pasco County Planning Commission reviewing those plans at its Nov. 19 meeting.

The county’s planning staff found that the signs detailed in the plan “are consistent with the urban industrial theme’s uniform and cohesive design based upon color, texture, materials, and architectural features.”

The first 17 containers at KRATE will be home to nine businesses, according to a news release from the Grove at Wesley Chapel. They will be occupied by tenants offering diverse dishes and items like Asian noodles, Puerto Rican fare, desserts, and charcuterie boards, according to the news release.

When completed, which is expected around the end of the year, KRATE will feature 94 containers and 55 units, comprised of 70% restaurants and 30% retail.

This is what KRATE, a container park planned in the Grove at Wesley Chapel, is expected to look like when it’s finished.

Other restaurants at KRATE will feature international foods, including cuisine from Colombia, Peru and Germany.

The retail shops will include a music store and a Lego product superstore.

The overall design includes plenty of outdoor seating, string lights, and speakers throughout the property – touches that contribute to a sense of community.

Many tenants moving into KRATE are entrepreneurs coming from cities such as Tampa, Miami and Chicago — looking to start businesses in an unique concept, the release says.

KRATE also will feature a stage with daily live entertainment, a dog park and a playground.

Local muralists have been commissioned to create Instagrammable wall art, the news release adds.

“There is nothing like this in the world,” Mark Gold, partner in Mishorim Gold Properties, said in the release.

Mishorim Gold Properties purchased the Grove for around $64 million in September 2019. Gold invested more than $110 million into the renovation of the property, which includes a movie theater of the future, a miniature golf course and a water park.

Published December 02, 2020

Florida is closing in on 1 million COVID-19 cases

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Experts are predicting that Florida will hit the 1 million mark in positive COVID-19 cases this week, and there are concerns nationwide about the impacts from potential spread that may have occurred during the Thanksgiving holidays.

The Florida Department of Health had recorded more than 992,660 positive cases of COVID-19, including 976,944 positive residents, according to health department figures available on the morning of Nov. 30.

The death toll stood at 18,500 for Florida residents and 236 for non-residents, according to the same report.

Hillsborough County had 57,673 positive cases, involving county residents, and 419 cases involving non-residents. The county has recorded 929 deaths related to COVID-19.

In Pasco County, there were 14,643 positive cases involving residents, and 140 involving non-residents. The death toll stood at 271.

The latest figures for the Pasco and Hillsborough public school districts had not yet been updated, since the districts were out for the Thanksgiving break.

The most recent figures from those districts show that there had been 475 student cases and 177 staff cases in Pasco County Schools. The positive cases affected a total of 8,265 students and 719 staff, who had to be quarantined.

In Hillsborough Public Schools, there was a total of 1,585 positive cases, including 640 staff members and 945 students.

Across the country, millions of Americans stuck to their plans to travel over the Thanksgiving holidays, despite pleas from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for them to stay home.

At Tampa International Airport, 40,000 passengers streamed through checkpoints on the Sunday before Thanksgiving — the greatest number since air traffic plunged in late March and early April, due to the pandemic, according to Emily Nipps, the airport’s manager of communications.

“To put it in perspective, we saw around 80,000 passengers on our busy days this time last year. So we’re still barely seeing about half of the traffic we saw this time in 2019. However, we’re way up from the few thousand daily passengers we saw at our low point in April,” Nipps said, via email.

She also noted that “the Saturday and Sunday after Thanksgiving are always our busiest – we ‘think’ we’ll see between 40,000 and 50,000 passengers on those days, though our projections are not as accurate as they’ve been in years past because of the uncertainty of travelers, COVID, cancellations, etc.”

Meanwhile, the state health department, the Florida Hospital Association, the Florida Medical Association and health insurance companies are urging the public to get flu shots. The groups want to help prevent severe illnesses and to keep Florida’s health care system from being overwhelmed by flu and COVID-19 cases.

While Florida’s positive cases approach the 1-million mark, the national figures for positive cases surpassed 13.1 million cases and the national death toll exceeded 265,000 as of the morning of Nov. 30, according to the CDC.

Internationally, the number of positive cases is approaching 62.2 million, with a death toll nearing 1.5 million, also as of the morning of Nov. 30, according to the World Health Organization.

Also, in national interviews, numerous health experts have said there may be a lag time before the extent of the impact is known, regarding the spread of COVID-19 related to Thanksgiving traveling and festivities.

Help prevent the spread of COVID-19
Avoid these high-risk activities:

  • Shopping in crowded stores
  • Attending large indoor gatherings with people from outside of your household
  • Using alcohol or drugs that may alter judgment and make it more difficult to practice COVID-19 safety measures.

Follow these safety protocols:

  • Stay 6 feet away from others
  • Wear a mask when social distancing isn’t possible
  • Wash hands frequently

Source: Florida Department of Health

Published December 02, 2020

Planning commissioners recommend land use changes

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The Pasco County Planning Commission has recommended a change to the county’s long-range land use map that would permit a greater intensification of development on a tract in a central area of Pasco County.

It also is recommending changes to policies affecting future development in the Villages of Pasadena Hills, in eastern Pasco County.

The recommendations will be considered by the Pasco County Commission, which has final authority over county land use and zoning matters.

The proposed change in Central Pasco involves increasing the maximum density from three dwellings per acre up to six dwellings per acre, on 77.21 acres on the south side of Tower Road, south of Bexley Village Drive.

The new land use designation would allow a maximum of 325 dwelling units, in a combination of single-family detached homes and townhouses.

The acreage is surrounded by a planned development called Bexley South, to the north; the Suncoast Meadows, to the south; Ballantrae, to the east; and Sapphire Village, to the west.

County planners recommended approval of the request, determining that the proposed plan amendment “is an appropriate location for the change in land use.”

Barbara Wilhite, an attorney representing the applicant, said plans call for 325 single-family dwellings.

No multifamily is proposed, she said, noting the specific plan will come back in a separate request for a rezoning to create a master-planned unit development.

On the issue involving the eastern Pasco development, planning commissioners agreed with a recommendation from the Villages of Pasadena Hills Property Owners Group to reduce the required wetlands buffer from 100 feet to 25 feet.

In supporting that recommendation, planning commissioners rejected a recommendation by  the VOPH policy committee that would have changed the requirement to match the requirement in the rest of the county.

The Planning Commission also rejected a recommendation by the parks, recreation and natural resources department that would have required a more extensive buffer. The county’s planning staff supported the parks and recreation department’s recommendation, but planning commissioners supported the property owners’ recommendation.

Pat Gassaway, representing Heidt Design, told planning commissioners the goal is to take a look at the rules and update them to today’s market.

The current rules, he said, “require preservation of upland habitat without bound,” Gassaway said.

The update also includes myriad of other changes in the VOPH plan, with the goal of the changes to create a more level playing field between regulations required in this planning area and others, and to make the Villages of Pasadena Hills “more market friendly and more competitive,” Gassaway said.

The county has undergone significant changes since the Villages of Pasadena Hills was adopted in 2008, Gassaway said.

Published December 02, 2020

Neighbors object to proposed house near wetlands

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A property owner’s request for a variance to front-yard setback requirements has attracted opposition from nearby neighbors.

Sachin K. Shah appeared before the Pasco County Planning Commission on Nov. 19, seeking a variance to the front yard setback requirements for the property on the east side of Raintree Road, about 1,350 south of Rainbow Lane, in Lutz.

The normal setback requirement is 50 feet, but Shah is requesting that be reduced to 30 feet.

Shah told planning commissioners the smaller setback is needed to reduce potential impacts on the wetlands behind the house.

But, several neighbors appeared before the planning commission raising objections to the request.

They said the property that Shah wants to build on has been known to be an unbuildable lot for decades because of its proximity to wetlands and the flood zone.

They said building on the lot will worsen the area’s flooding problems.

The lot is surrounded by single-family detached homes, in the Meadowbrook Estates and Sierra Pines subdivisions.

One neighbor told planning commissioners that he had told Shah that the lot was not a buildable lot, but that warning did not sway Shah.

Shah told planning commissioners that a drainage solution will need to be engineered, but he said the setback variance will reduce the impacts to the wetlands.

Will Poon, a senior engineer for Pasco County, said the property poses “a lot of physical challenges,” in terms of handling runoff, and the placement of a septic tank.

“Right now, what I see, is you’re very limited in uplands,” Poon said.

Brad Tippin, a development review manager for the county, agreed with Poon’s assessment: “This is absolutely going to be a challenging site to develop.”

Planning commissioners, however, said their role is to rule on the variance request, not whether a house should be built on the lot, and they voted to grant the variance.

Shah now will be required to meet the regulatory requirements of various agencies, in order to proceed with his plans.

Published December 02, 2020

New River Library upgrades to be expanded

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The Pasco County Commission has approved a change order for the county’s New River Branch Library renovation project that will enhance the project.

The library will be reopened, as planned, in January, but additional improvements are being made through the change order, according to County Commissioner Mike Moore.

This is the updated entrance to the New River Branch Library, at 34043 State Road 54, at the edge of Wesley Chapel and Zephyrhills. (File)

Moore’s comments came during the board’s Nov. 17 meeting, when it approved a change order in the amount of $381,067.49.

The agreement includes the construction of a new Community Garden and expanding the audio-visual equipment monitoring distribution system at the library.

Renovations to the New River Library include construction of an outdoor covered area and storage space on the east side of the building. These improvements necessitate relocating and reestablishing the garden area to continue providing the associated makerspace experience at this location, according to the backup materials in the board’s agenda.

Makerspaces are do-it-yourself centers that foster hands-on discovery and stimulate imagination. They are places where visitors can create, learn, design, experiment and build. The reestablished garden makerspace will include enhancements intended to maximize the visitor experience, according to the agenda materials.

Native and seasonal plantings will complement community garden beds, allowing for a multi-sensory experience, to be enjoyed as part of hosted and self-directed programs and workshops. The garden learning center will be defined by accessible pathways and offer multi-height activity zones to encourage the love of gardening among community members of all ages.

Renovations include a monitoring distribution system to integrate its audio-visual equipment. The plan called for the Meeting Room, Children’s Room, and Teens Room to be integrated. Upon consideration, the team would like to expand the scope to include those rooms, and also add the service desk area, community room and adult reading room.

Even though the change order cites a completion date of Feb. 17, 2021, Moore said the library will be open to patrons sometime in January.

The total contract cost, including the change order, is $2,128,945.52.

The total project cost is $2,642,541.40, including the design, construction and furnishings.

The library project is being funded through a general obligation bond approved by voters.

Published December 02, 2020

Business Digest 12/02/2020

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Pasco to conduct business surveys
The Pasco County Commission has approved spending $75,000 to conduct an annual business survey in 2021, 2022 and 2023.

Commissioners voted on Nov. 17 to approve a contract with ETC Institute Inc., to conduct the annual surveys. The contract calls for a not-to-exceed amount of $25,000 in fiscal years 2021, 2022 and 2023, unless canceled in accordance with solicitation documents.

Nine companies responded to the solicitation, including one from Pasco County.

A five-member committee evaluated the submissions, before selecting ETC.

Florida benefits fall short
Money.com did a study of the maximum unemployment benefits paid per state as compared to expenses. The study showed that Florida’s maximum benefits per person was $1.102 as compared to expenses of $2,494, for a difference of $1.302, according to a news release. Florida ranked second only to Arizona, in terms of the size of the gap between unemployment and expenses. The difference in Arizona was $1.322.

AT&T contributes $10,000 for Crisis Center project
AT&T has selected the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay for a $10,000 donation, in support of the  Gateway Contact Center.

AT&T is providing vital communications services for Super Bowl LV in Tampa and is investing in the Tampa Bay community by supporting the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay ahead of the event, according to a news release.

The funding will support the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay’s Gateway Contact Center, which includes the 2-1-1 line, where callers receive immediate information and referrals to local services, as well as emotional support, 24/7.

As the sole provider of these services in Hillsborough County, the Crisis Center anticipates an increase in demand surrounding Super Bowl LV events in Tampa Bay, the release notes.

“The Super Bowl is an incredible opportunity to showcase the Tampa Bay area on a world stage. However, it also means an increased demand on social services in the community due to all of the events surrounding the game, and higher volumes of visitors to our city. We are thankful for the funding from AT&T in support of our contact center during a time when there will be a higher demand on our services,” Clara Reynolds, president & CEO of the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay, said in the release.

“AT&T is committed to our Florida communities, and we are honored to support this worthy organization and its mission to help Floridians in their time of need,” Edwin Narain, vice president, external and legislative affairs, AT&T Florida, added in the release.

Hillsborough seeks damage reports from Eta
Hillsborough County is seeking reports from businesses that sustained damages from Tropical Storm Eta. The county is requesting businesses experiencing damage to complete the Florida Business Damage Assessment Survey at FloridaDisaster.biz. This information helps to make assessments and begin the recovery process., according to a Hillsborough County news release.

Professional business consultants are available at no cost to assist small businesses in identifying assistance that may be available for their individual business needs. Contact the Florida SBDC at Hillsborough County or call (813) 204-9267 to request a virtual or phone appointment.

Also, the county reminds businesses to use due care in selecting contractors to make repairs. Fraudulent and unlicensed contractors often seek to victimize vulnerable business owners and residents looking to repair damage.

Deadline approaching for human trafficking training
Florida lodging employees have until Jan. 1 to comply with human trafficking training requirements, according to a news release from the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA).

Legislation was passed in 2019, requiring that human trafficking awareness training be provided and that reporting procedures be established for Florida’s lodging operators and employees.

“Florida’s hospitality industry is committed to stopping human trafficking in our state,” Carol Dover, President & CEO of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA), said in the release. “Properly training our team members on the front lines in lodging is essential to spot and stop this horrific crime. FRLA stands ready to ensure that our people are trained and that our industry is no longer targeted or vulnerable for trafficking.”

State law mandates training for those lodging employees who perform housekeeping duties or work at the front desk or reception areas starts within 60 days of hiring or by Jan. 1, whichever occurs later.

To ensure the utmost vigilance, the FRLA recommends that lodging operators train all guest-interactive staff as well, including concierge, bell staff, valet, and others who have direct guest contact. The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR), which regulates lodging establishments, released additional details, including:

  • Training programs must be approved by the DBPR. The FRLA is an approved trainer and provides online training at no cost in English and Spanish. In-person training is available, too, at a fee.
  • Employees must complete training by Jan. 1, or within 60 days of hire, whichever is later. Retraining is required annually.
  • Covered lodging properties must implement a procedure to report suspected human trafficking to the National Human Trafficking Hotline, at (888) 373-7888 or local law enforcement. Signage must be posted in employee areas, regarding the hotline.