The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Brian Fernandes

Scout seeks to help others understand their tech tools

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Holly Roberts is one tech-savvy kid, and she wants to help others who may struggle in using their everyday devices.

In fact, the young woman is so adept at using technology, she has initiated an effort to earn her Girl Scout Silver Award by sharing her skills.

Her mother, Carrie, sparked the idea earlier this year, as she witnessed Holly’s expertise in using phones and computers.

Fourteen-year-old Holly Roberts is side by side with her Girl Scout troop leader Tammy Whitworth, left, and her mother, Carrie. As part of her scout task, Holly wants to help those in the community to better understand their smartphones and other devices. (Courtesy of Gina Granger)

“She knew that I was good with technology, so she recommended, ‘Hey, why don’t you do workshops?’” the 14-year-old said.

So, the member of Zephyrhills Troop 148 decided to do just that.

She and other members of her troop had to come up with their own ideas for pursuing the coveted Silver Award.

Holly had her first tech workshop on June 27 at the GFWC Zephyrhills Woman’s Club building.

She came prepared: She had surveys ready in order to get community feedback, and there were light refreshments available.

She was joined by several others, including her mother and Tammy Whitworth, her troop leader.

For additional support, she also recruited Desmond Gadson, the director of a network operation center.

Gadson has committed himself to Holly’s project, helping to assist in breaking down technical jargon and giving those attending, guidance on using their phones.

Holly said she wants to tailor her teaching skills to what people want to know, or have not yet discovered.

That can include everything from downloading apps, taking photos, texting, using emojis or understanding the meaning of technical terms.

She’s thinking about using feedback she gets on her surveys to help her create a presentation on struggles that people have with technology and how they can address them, said the young woman who will be entering high school this year.

Her mom said that Holly also is “looking at doing a Facebook page once it’s approved through our council, so people can use that as a reference.”

That council represents the Girl Scouts of West Central Florida (GSWCF), and requires that the surveys and project be completed by this October before having a social media presence.

The council also will analyze whether the project is “sustainable” in helping the community and can continue to be of service long after the project is completed, Whitworth noted.

Holly said she’s confident that her task will meet those requirements because people will always need help in better understanding technology.

Holly is open to assisting people of all ages.

She first received her Bronze Award working with her fellow scouts to build and paint a bench that was donated to the Humane Society in Brooksville.

While the Silver Award doesn’t require a team effort, Holly said she’s ready to become a teacher and exercise the patience that comes along with the job.

In fact, she’d already taken on that role before the project began.

The teen has been helping her grandmother discover new features on her smartphone.

For instance, she taught her how to enhance text messages through the use of emojis.

Carrie has learned a few lessons, too.

“I took a picture, and I put words on it,” Holly said. “She didn’t know how to do it.”

So, the teen gave her mother a step-by-step tutorial.

“I was blown away,” Carrie said, adding that Holly is still teaching her new things because technology is constantly evolving.

That’s the kind of feedback Holly is hoping to get with her project — that it’s helpful and it’s needed.

Holly also has her eyes set on achieving a Gold Award in the future, but for now her No. 1 priority is to help people use technology to make their lives easier.

She will have her next workshop on July 11 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. It will be at the GFWC Zephyrhills Woman’s Club building at 38535 Fifth Ave., in Zephyrhills.

For more information, call Holly at (813) 312-5345.

Tech workshop
Where: GFWC Zephyrhills Woman’s Club, 38535 Fifth Ave., in Zephyrhills
When: July 11 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Cost: Free
Details: Girl Scout Holly Roberts, will be handing out surveys to gauge what respondents would like to learn about their phones or other tech devices.
Info: Call Holly Roberts at (813) 312-5345.

Published July 10, 2019

Lutz shows off its Fourth of July spirit

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It may be three-quarters of a century old, but the Lutz Fourth of July Parade showed no signs of slowing down last week.

Scores of people came out to this community, north of Tampa, to celebrate the nation’s birthday.

Mohamed Said, of Wesley Chapel, left, and his wife, Shannon, dressed their children — 4-month-old Sophia and 2-year-old Mila — in red, white and blue, to celebrate the nation’s birthday at the Fourth of July festivities in Lutz. (Christine Holtzman)

Runners endured the morning’s humidity, as they completed the 5K and 1-mile races while being cheered by onlookers.

By 8 a.m., pop music blared from the speakers as patrons came out in hordes to visit local vendors, who had set up on the expanse of green across from the Lutz Branch Library.

Vendors were offering everything from homemade jams to burgers to antiques and other goods. There was a place where voters could register, too.

Bubba Lee was there promoting his organic drinks called Bubba’s Earth Juice.

Based in Wesley Chapel, the company promotes good health by offering various drinks made from such ingredients as kale, spinach, cinnamon, ginger and fruits.

Amy Lancaster proudly holds the key to Lutz, after winning the Guv’na title.

“I think it’s good for the body, and I want everybody to try it,” Lee said. “I want to make America healthy again,” he added.

It was his first time at the Lutz event and he was impressed by the atmosphere.

“I plan on coming back,” Lee said. “It seems to be pretty nice, and I like the fact that they’ve got runners here.”

A more familiar vendor, Kona Ice, was present with its truck parked at the corner of U.S. 41 and Lutz Lake Fern Road.

Matt Burnett stood in the truck ready to sell snow cones on this hot summer day.

Kona Ice has been at the parade four times, Burnett said. “Each year, we do better and better.”

The snow cones are a big hit with children and adults, he said. The kids tend to favor the blue-raspberry cones, while the adults like the mango-pina colada combo.

AJ’s Snow Balls, across the field, was popular, too. A long line formed, as patrons stood in sweltering heat awaiting their turn to get their hands on the frozen treats.

Runner Lauren Belbel took refuge in the shade, after finishing the 5K run with her sister.

Korean War Veteran Col. Lester O’ Steen, of Lutz, right, sings ‘God Bless America,’ while he walks with Commandant and Marine 4 Life Chairperson Shawn Piccolo. The Marine veteran was in the Korean War in from 1951-1954.

Belbel said she heard about the upcoming race, and was glad that she and her family — on vacation from Illinois — were able to be at the event.

“It was pretty fun, [a] really good atmosphere to run in,” Belbel said. “Everyone seems really friendly and welcoming.”

In fact, that Lutz welcome was so warm it was enough to make her consider coming back again next year, she said.

While some along the parade route were enjoying the festivities for the first time, there were regulars like David Bellingar, a Lutz resident for over 40 years.

He was happy to share this year’s event with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Over the years, he has watched the parade evolve and witnessed all kinds of parade entries — including belly dancers.

“Every year there’s something different,” Bellingar said, adding he enjoys the vendors.

“I like to see what people bring to sell,” he said, including the antiques.

In his very first official race, 8-year-old Nathaniel Acosta, of New Tampa, right, is seen crossing the finish line of the 1-mile run. His father, Nathan, uses his cellphone to film the moment.

And, he doesn’t mind the attention directed his way, either, as people comment on his signature hat.

It’s hard to miss his brim hat decorated with small toy tractors and animals, as well as dollar bills folded in unique shapes.

He won the hat at a fundraiser in a Lutz Guv’na campaign years ago, and he’s worn it to the parade every year since then.

While spectators took notice of the tiny tractors on Bellingar’s hat, both children and adults were attracted to the life-size antique tractors and automobiles lining the open field near the Lutz Train Depot.

Kids couldn’t wait to check out the tractors, which were brought to the event courtesy of Wayde Lovelace, of Just Tractors company.

The Lutz resident sat to the side watching happy children grab a tractor’s steering wheel — and said he comes to the event mainly for the kids.

Boy Scout Troop 12 once again was involved in the event — arriving early to set up tables and to pitch in, where needed.

“It’s a good feeling knowing that the whole troop can give back to the country, give back to the community,” said scout Sean Monahan. “I’ve been doing it as long as I’ve been in Boy Scouts itself, since I was 11. I even did it with the Cub Scouts, since I was in first grade.”

One of the beautifully decorated cakes featured in the cake contest and auction. This cake, which was titled ‘The Ultimate Lutz Candy Celebration Cake,’ was one of the entries for the Youth 11- to 18-year-old category.

Fellow scout Mason Ritchie added: “I have not missed a single parade. I always like to march in the front of the parade with the American flag.”

And, sure enough, Troop 12 led the parade as the procession made its way down Lutz Lake Fern Road.

There were other regulars in the parade, too, including the GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club, the Lutz Chiefs, The North Tampa Lutz Cadette Squadron, band players, an antique fire truck and children riding bikes.

Large crowds lined the parade route, chanting and cheering as the parade passed by.

Those passing by in fire engines, pirate ships, military vehicles, jeeps and other vehicles did more than just wave back — they also tossed out candy, beads and toys into the enthusiastic crowd.

While most of the festivities were outdoors, there was a cake contest and auction inside the Lutz Community Center.

Tables were laden with entries.

The winning youth entry was titled “The Ultimate Lutz Candy Celebration Cake” and described as “An explosion of assorted candy that will gush out when cut.”

Other entries were a red-white-and-blue cake shaped like the United States, an orange creamsicle cake, a fudge coconut cake, a vanilla confetti, and a sour cream cake.

Sharon Oliphant, president of the GFWC Florida Woman’s Club, was one of three judges. “You can tell they did a lot of thinking ahead of time before they started decorating,” she said.

Another highlight was the swearing-in ceremony of the new Lutz Guv’na.

The honorary title goes to the person who raises the most money, which goes to help a variety of community causes.

This year’s candidates, Amy Lancaster and Jane Mason, raised a total of $5,562, with Lancaster raising the most.

In true Lutz tradition, she took the oath of office on the Old Lutz Depot stage — donning a Dr. Seuss hat, and receiving a sash and key to the city of Lutz.

Her family joined her on stage.

Lancaster’s efforts to raise funds to help her community and her family joining her on stage were just a couple of signs that Lutz’s time-honored traditions of celebrating Independence Day are still going strong, after 75 years.

Published July 10, 2019

Funding moves Morningside extension forward

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A $5 million allocation from the state is bringing the extension of Morningside Drive — to connect U.S. 301 to Fort King Road in Dade City — a step closer to becoming reality.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’ approval of the allocation in this year’s budget came as reassuring news to Dade City and Pasco County.

Officials believe the extension will yield numerous benefits.

“We’re anticipating it will reduce traffic volume on the roadways that are parallel,” said Leslie Porter, city manager of Dade City. “We’re also anticipating that [it] will drive our economic development by providing that connector.”

The extension also provides direct access to AdventHealth Dade City, on Fort King Road, which was considered as a top priority for the road’s extension.

“In addition to the hospital serving the citizens, we’re seeing that it will greatly improve public safety access for our police and fire rescue services,” Porter said.

DeSantis’ approval also was seen as a victory for Dade City because former Gov. Rick Scott vetoed the proposed funding last year.

Dade City Mayor Camille Hernandez also advocated for the county’s Metropolitan Planning Organization to put the project on its funding list.

The county’s Long Range Transportation Plan has the road designed as two lanes, but it may be widened to four lanes by 2040, according to Porter.

An alignment study has been done, but additional studies to collect current data must be done before a construction time frame can be set.

Published July 10, 2019

301/98/Clinton Avenue project in initial stage

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A realignment study of the U.S. 301/U.S. 98/Clinton Avenue intersection in Dade City has begun – with an eventual alternative corridor to be placed in the vicinity.

This comes as Pasco County has seen a need to ease the flow of traffic and to reduce the number of accidents where these roadways meet.

As a part of the study, the public is encouraged to weigh in with comments or concerns – which could help determine the project’s end result.

Efforts have been underway since April to seek an alternative corridor where U.S. 301 and U.S. 98 merge and intersect with Clinton Avenue in Dade City. The new roadway is aimed at easing traffic and reducing accidents. (Brian Fernandes)

An open meeting was held on June 20 at the Dade City Hall Council Chambers to initiate public feedback.

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) and the H.W. Lochner organization are working together on the project.

The study areas that the two departments are looking at range from:

  • The U.S. 301/U.S. 98 intersection to the west
  • Clinton Avenue to the north
  • Old Lakeland Highway to the east
  • U.S. 98 to the south

At the meeting, department officials explained the aim of the project and encouraged feedback from citizens, as well as city and county officials.

“This is a two-part study,” explained Brian Shroyer, FDOT project manager. “Where (U.S.) 98 comes into (U.S.) 301, there’s about a 1,600-foot offset to (Clinton Avenue) and there are issues with that intersection.”

There were 110 crashes within the study area between 2013 to 2017, according to the presentation.

The report also showed the density of accidents that occurred at the U.S. 301/U.S. 98 intersection, which continued north along the offset before reaching Clinton Avenue.

However, the majority of accidents took place at the intersection with Clinton Avenue. It accounted for mostly rear-end and angular vehicle-to-vehicle impacts.

Kevin Connor is the senior environmental manager at Lochner. He said that under current road models, traffic on U.S. 301 between U.S. 98 and Clinton Avenue will only increase.

In conjunction with the Pasco County Metropolitan Planning Organization, FDOT and Lochner are in the planning phase of development.

In this phase, an Alternative Corridor Evaluation is done to identify various corridor routes to take into consideration.

“We’re going to collect all the existing environmental and engineering data for the area,” Connor explained. “We’ll use that information to develop potential corridors.”

Possible impacts to residential and commercial buildings, as well as wetlands, will be a part of the information that’s collected.

Current FDOT findings show that environmental effects, due to the project, would be little to none.

The next phase, the Project Development and Environment Study, would look at the road width, number of lanes, sidewalks and trails that may be necessary.

At present, there are plans to widen U.S. 301 from four lanes to six lanes within the study area.

Bonnie Burton was one of the local residents at the meeting. While she stated that the installation of traffic lights at the U.S. 301/U.S. 98 intersection made her feel relieved, she still voiced concern about turning southeast.

“As a person who frequently makes that turn heading south on (U.S.) 301 and making a left onto (U.S.) 98, it feels a lot safer in a lot of ways, but it feels banked wrong,” the Dade City resident said. “Unless you’ve come to a complete stop and that light is on green, you attempt to make that and you’re often in the wrong lane.”

In response, Shroyer stated that the engineering study would analyze that issue. He also noted that additional traffic lights and roundabouts could possibly be factored into the project.

With designs and right of way acquisition yet to be planned, construction may not begin for another four years to five years.

Public feedback will be open and welcomed through the remainder of the year. Another meeting to update the public is expected in December.

For additional information or to send comments, contact Brian Shroyer by emailing or by visiting FDOTd7Studies.com/US301US98INT/.

Published July 03, 2019

Suggestions wanted for Burks playground improvements

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Dade City’s John S. Burks Memorial Park playground will be undergoing remodeling, and Pasco County wants its residents to have a say on ways to improve the play space.

The playground at the John S. Burks Memorial Park is set for renovation in 2020, and Pasco residents are being asked to help create the new look for the Dade City play area. (Courtesy of Angela Fagan-Pasco County Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources)

A session is set for July 10 from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., to give people a chance to  offer their ideas for the project. Kids too, are encouraged to brainstorm and bring fresh ideas for Pasco County Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources to consider.

While the county department has potential plans in mind, any expansion or additional amenities to the playground may be factored in after public comments have been weighed.

The renovation will occur during 2020, but no completion date has been given.

The public meeting will be in the Hugh Embry Library conference room, at 14215 Fourth St., in Dade City.

For additional information, contact the Pasco County Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources department at (813) 929-2760.

Public meeting for John S. Burks Memorial Park playground
Where: Hugh Embry Library conference room, 14215 Fourth St., Dade City
When: July 10 from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Cost: Free
Details: The public is invited to the library to offer their ideas for the remodeling of the Dade City playground.
Info: Call the Pasco County Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources department at (813) 929-2760.

Published July 03, 2019

Teen’s mobile app aids in communication

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Fourteen-year-old Bradley Rothbaum has already created a mobile app that has attracted national recognition.

He didn’t have to go far for the source that inspired this achievement.

He developed the app in response to his own health dilemma.

Bradley Rothbaum, 14, developed the app Speak Up to help those with communication delays, after he experienced the same while in the hospital. As seen here, the app will be available for smartphones, as well as tablets, in the near future. (Brian Fernandes)

Bradley was diagnosed with cancer in March 2017.

The condition affected  the chewing muscles in his mouth, and within weeks he began treatment.

The radiation treatment caused him to develop sores in his mouth, which made it difficult to speak.

So, he began texting and writing on a white board to communicate — but found those methods to be inconvenient.

“One of my main frustrations during treatment was the inability to speak,” Bradley said. “I turned this frustration into the app, Speak Up.”

He started working on this program last fall.

The concept behind Speak Up is to help those who have difficulty speaking to better communicate their needs, especially inside a health care setting.

The program uses voice automation to verbally translate a typed message to the receiver.

The app is already equipped with a list of greetings, requests or comments that are preset and can be sent with a push of a button.

For messages not already stored on the app, a user can preset additional ones for convenience, as well.

“You’re still telling the app what to do, but instead of typing in everything, it’s already there for you,” the Land O’ Lakes youth explained.

Speak Up enables the user to type a custom-made message or text a regular message, with both options providing voice automation.

And, not only is it for smartphones, but can be downloaded onto tablets and laptops, too.

Bradley decided to enter his project into the Invention Convention at his school, Academy at the Lakes, on Collier Parkway in Land O’ Lakes.

Along with a fellow schoolmate, Bradley earned his way into the Florida Invention Convention. There he was among 150 students statewide, all displaying their various creations.

“I made it to the Florida state level and then there were only four of us that moved on to nationals,” he stated.

For the national level, Bradley got to travel to The Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation in Dearborn, Michigan.

There, his work was showcased among those of more than 500 students from around the country.

He said he enjoyed the experience that resulted from much determination.

Like any invention, this one had its trials and errors, Bradley said.

However, what eased the process was receiving assistance from his friend in Ohio, as well as his dad, Howard.

As a physician who practices internal medicine, Howard comes across sick people on a regular basis.

Yet, when his own son became a patient needing help, it was a tough situation, he admitted.

“Everything I learned in medical school and beyond is what we had to use to navigate the whirlwind,” Howard said.

His admiration for his son has only grown through this experience, noting that Bradley is “probably the strongest person I’ve ever met.”

Bradley said that creating the app was a therapeutic experience for him because it took his mind off his health issues and redirected it toward helping others in need.

He is currently preparing to enter his first year of high school at Academy at the Lakes, and is in a much healthier condition, thanks to treatment.

He offers this message of hope to other sick kids: “Persevere and you can get through this.”

With a few more kinks to work out, Bradley has yet to officially launch Speak Up. Upon release, it will be available for download on Android phones and iPhones, as well as tablets.

Published June 26, 2019

Region offers plenty of ‘Independence’ celebrations

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Residents within The Laker/Lutz News coverage area will have plenty of options for celebrating the nation’s independence this year.

With various Fourth of July celebrations occurring, one common event will be fireworks shows, illuminating the sky with much color. (File)

Some festivities are being held before the Fourth of July, some are scheduled on the holiday itself, and there are a couple being held at the end of the holiday weekend.

Whether you enjoy watching a parade, like to run, enjoy listening to live music or get a kick out of fireworks — you’ll be able to find a place locally, or within the region, to celebrate the way you like best.

Enjoy the festivities, and be careful out there.

Here’s a roundup of area and regional activities:

LAND O’ LAKES
Connerton’s Independence Day Party
Where: Connerton Community, 21100 Fountain Garden Way, Land O’ Lakes
When: June 29 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Cost: Free
Details: The public is welcomed to a pre-Independence Day celebration consisting of games, live music, local crafters, food trucks, bounces houses and fireworks.
Info: Call (813) 996-5800

Fourth of July Concert for a Cause Celebration
Where: Bexley by Newland Communities, 16950 Vibrant Way, Land O’ Lakes
When: July 4 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Cost: Free
Details: The event will be comprised of a concert, food trucks, a kids’ bike parade and fireworks.
Info: Call (813) 425-7555

LUTZ
Red White & Blue Sunday
Where: CrossPointe Family Church, 919 Debuel Road
When: June 30 at 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Cost: Tickets are $7 per person; $25 per family
Details: Celebrate Independence Day early, with a Sunday service followed by a barbecue meal.
Info: call (813) 949-7727 or email .

Lutz Family Fireworks Celebration
Where: Idlewild Church, 18333 Exciting Idlewild Blvd.
When: June 30 from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Cost: Free
Details: Enjoy an evening filled with a choir and orchestra performance, a guest speaker, topped off with a fireworks show.
Info: Call (813) 264-1515

Lutz Independence Day Race
Where: Lutz Train Depot in front of Lutz Branch Library, 101 W. Lutz Lake Fern Road
When: July 4 at 8 a.m.; yoga stretches will proceed the race at 7:15 a.m. to 7:45 a.m.
Cost: Online: $25 for the 5K; $10 for the 1-mile; $27 for both 5K and 1-mile run
Same day registration: $30 for the 5K; $15 for the 1-mile; $27 for both
Details: Participants can either walk or run in the 5K run or the 1-mile sprint that follows.
Info: To register, visit  https://www.active.com/lutz-fl/running/distance-running-races/lutz-independence-day-run-2019.

July 4th Parade
Where: The parade begins at the intersection at Lutz-Lake Fern Road and Crooked Lane heading east to U.S. 41. (Most spectators gather along the parade route, or near the Lutz Branch Public Library)
When: July 4 at 10 a.m.
Cost: Free
Details: The parade will consist of dozens of floats. There will be vendors, a cake/bake competition, snow cones and other foods. The winner of the title of the honorary Lutz Guv’na also will be announced. Trophies and prizes also will be awarded that day for runners and for winning parade entries.
Info: Call Jennifer Rankin at (813) 240-5492 or email

Fourth of July Celebration
Where: Cheval Golf & Athletic Club, 4312 Cheval Blvd.
When: July 4 from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Cost: Free
Details: Celebrate Independence Day at the golf club with food, games, water slides, bounce houses, a live band and finished off with fireworks.
Info: Call (813) 949-4231

WESLEY CHAPEL
July 4th Picnic
Where: Wesley Chapel District Park, 7727 Boyette Road
When: July 4 from noon to 4 p.m.
Cost: Free
Info: Call (813) 907-9081

Fourth of July Celebration at Avalon Park West
Where: Avalon Park West Community Center, 5227 Autumn Ridge Drive, Wesley Chapel
When: July 4 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.; Fireworks show at 9 p.m.
Cost: Free
Details: Guests can enjoy Independence Day with a bike parade, a pie bake-off, live performances, food trucks and fireworks.
Info: Call (813) 783-1515 or email

ZEPHYRHILLS
Fourth of July Celebration at Skydive City
Where: Skydive City, 4241 Sky Dive Lane, Zephyrhills
When: 8 a.m. July 6 to 9 p.m. July 7
Cost: Free
Details: The one-day event will have an open field for recreational vehicles to park. Patrons can enjoy custom-made hamburgers and adults will have special beverages reserved.
Info: Call (800) 888-5867 or visit www.SkyDiveCity.com/Event/4th-of-July-Celebration/

DADE CITY
El Cuatrofest
Where: Barrington Hill Farm, 16117 Lake Lola Road, Dade City
When: July 4 from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Cost: $30 per ticket
Details: At this outdoor event, guests can listen to live music while enjoying watermelon-eating contests, artisan vendors, food trucks, various games and topped off with a fireworks show.
Info: Call (727) 643-6128; for tickets, visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/el-cuatrofest-food-trucks-fireworks-fun-at-the-farm-tickets-61433026837?aff=ebdssbdestsearch.

REGIONAL EVENTS
American Victory’s Freedom Fest
Where: American Victory Ship, 705 Channelside Drive, Tampa
When: July 4 from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Cost: $13 for age 13 and up; $7 for ages 4 to 12; $10 for active military or veterans
Details: Aboard the historical World War II ship SS American Victory, guests can enjoy live entertainment, food vendors, a kids zone, games and view a fireworks show.
Info: Purchase tickets at http://bit.ly/2KnjcYh. For further inquiries, call (813) 228-8766 or visit www.AmericanVictory.org.

Tampa Red, White and Blue Fest
Where: Grand Central at Kennedy, 1120 E. Kennedy Blvd., Tampa
When: July 4 from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Cost: Free
Details: Celebrate America’s birthday with southern food, ice cream, a dog walk and prize giveaways.
Info: Call (813) 226-0988

Fourth of July Hot Dog Eating Competition
Where: Armature Works, 1910 N. Ola Ave., Tampa
When: July 4 at 4 p.m.
Cost: $25 per ticket
Details: Hosted by local comedian Chuck Glass, the contest will offer both beef and vegan hot dogs to choose from. Contestants will have the chance to win a $500 gift card, a $100 gift card, a championship belt and t-shirts.
Info: Email . Tickets can be purchased at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/fourth-of-july-hot-dog-eating-competition-tickets-62875790181?aff=efbeventtix&fbclid=IwAR3nKaUVDR3g1GMkBQjmHVaLhophgDf3EJISD78VSDw97DidaaO2fyiTRAA

Published June 26, 2019

Pasco MPO board approves new Wesley Chapel connections

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Wesley Chapel motorists would have more options, under connections approved by the Pasco County Metropolitan Planning Organization board on June 11.

The first new connection calls for extending Wesley Chapel’s Meadow Pointe Boulevard, into Tampa.

The second new connection calls for extending the planned Wyndfields Boulevard, which would run from State Road 56 to K-Bar Ranch Boulevard, in Tampa.

Meadow Pointe Boulevard in Wesley Chapel, may soon see an influx of traffic if extended into neighboring Hillsborough County to the south. On June 11, the Pasco County Metropolitan Planning Organization board approved a proposal to lengthen both Meadow Pointe and Wyndfields boulevards cross county into Tampa. (Brian Fernandes)

The third new connection would link Mansfield Boulevard to Kinnan Street, but would only be used for emergency purposes and bicycle-pedestrian paths.

“We did a survey to try to gauge public input on the connections,” said Megan McKinney of the AECOM organization. “Today the goal is to get you all (MPO board) to make a recommendation on the connections to take forward to the (Pasco) Board of County Commissioners.”

AECOM had distributed surveys to Pasco residents to complete throughout last April and get feedback on the connection proposals.

The survey asked for the residents’ stance on four project options:

  • Mansfield Boulevard-Kinnan Street connection and Meadow Pointe Boulevard extension
  • Meadow Pointe Boulevard extension only
  • Meadow Pointe Boulevard and Wyndfields Boulevard extensions
  • Mansfield Boulevard-Kinnan Street connection, plus extensions for Meadow Pointe Boulevard and Wyndfields Boulevard

Bar graphs depicting the four options, showed overwhelming support for the two extension projects, while only a slight majority of those taking the survey favored the connection between Mansfield Boulevard and Kinnan.

McKinney also presented a map with dots along the three projects, representing residents living in the region.

The blue dots represented residents who approved of the proposed projects; the red dots represented residents who were opposed.

Pasco County Commissioner Mike Moore, who sits on the board, was quick to point out the primary areas of resistance.

“If you look along Mansfield Boulevard, you’ll see the majority is in red,” Moore said. “So the majority of residents that live right along Mansfield Boulevard said they prefer not to have that connection.”

He said the residents’ concerns are warranted because Mansfield Boulevard cannot be widened to accommodate an influx in traffic.

Moore said there’s also concern about adding traffic to a street that has multiple schools, a recreational center and a day care.

Pasco County Commission Chairman Ron Oakley, who also sits on the MPO board, added: “They’re the people that actually live in that area and see that traffic each and every day. I don’t necessarily think they should have that added traffic – and most of it from another county.”

Wesley Chapel resident Brad Jorgensen echoed the commissioners’ opposition as he took to the podium during the public hearing.

“I’m one of those red dots that was firmly planted on Mansfield (Boulevard),” Jorgensen said.

He came as a concerned father because his two sons ride their bikes to school and visit their friends along the stretch of road.

“This is about the safety of our kids in this neighborhood,” the father stated. “This is about not turning our neighborhood into alternative Bruce B. Downs (Boulevard).”

Others expressed the same sentiments, but there were others who had a different point of view.

“The Kinnan Street-Mansfield (Boulevard) connection is in the interest of the public good,” said Jim Davison, an emergency room physician.

He is also the founder of the New Tampa Transportation Task Force which takes a vested interest in resolving roadway obstacles.

According to Davison, the connection would decrease traffic along State Road 56 from Interstate 75 to Bruce B. Downs Boulevard.

“It takes off 5 (percent) to 10 percent of all the traffic on major roads in Pasco County – east of I-75 and south of (State Road) 54,” he claimed.

He also noted that most people come to hospitals by way of private vehicles, not ambulances, so limiting the roadway to only emergency vehicles would be ineffective.

Ultimately, the board passed the option extending Meadow Pointe and Wyndfields boulevards into Tampa, allowing full-vehicular access. They also approved extending Mansfield to Kinnan, limiting access to emergency vehicles, bicycles and pedestrians.

Published June 26, 2019

Pasco County Farm Bureau advocates for agriculture

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Protecting the lush farmland in and near towns, such as Dade City and Zephyrhills, has been the focal point, for decades, of the Pasco County Farm Bureau.

The grassroots organization supports the needs of farmers and their produce.

The agency is just one within 60 statewide counties that fall under the Florida Farm Bureau – an organization that began more than 75 years ago.

During routine maintenance, Allen Altman of Dade City, checks one of his Bingo variety tangerine trees for any pests that may potentially harm the tree. This block of trees, designed to be resistant to the citrus greening disease, is one of only two blocks currently planted in Pasco County. Altman is agency manager for the Pasco County Farm Bureau, and a member of the Pasco County School Board. (Christine Holtzman)

Allen Altman is an agency manager for the Pasco County branch and has been with the bureau for almost 40 years.

“[The] Farm Bureau is out there making sure that farmers have the opportunity to remain viable economically,” Altman said. “We’re a membership organization that embraces all agriculture producers and the values that they stand for.”

In doing so, the bureau offers coverage policies to farmers for their equipment and buildings, as well as automobile, homeowners and life insurance.

This coverage is not exclusive to only farmers, but open to everyday consumers who are Farm Bureau members.

And, while the organization is independent of government, it does work with legislators in helping pass measures beneficial to agriculture.

In the past, it has been successful in helping to implement a statewide agricultural sales tax exemption.

This has saved Florida farmers and ranchers more than $2.3 million in annual tax exemptions for health and medical products used for livestock.

An additional $13 million has been spared in taxes for farm equipment, as well.

In its efforts to preserve the Everglades, the bureau was instrumental in reducing the cost to build a water storage reservoir, and has advocated for access to proper water distribution to maintain healthy crops.

Last year, the federal government had signed into law the Agriculture Improvement Act, which allocated $867 billion to help sustain farmers nationwide.

The bipartisan measure was in response to the United States trade tensions with China, which had a negative economic impact for U.S. farm producers.

A Hamlin orange tree damaged by the citrus greening disease.

The financial aid has benefited Pasco farmers, but not to the same extent as those in Midwestern states that tend to have more farmland, Altman said.

While there are issues that the Farm Bureau can readily address, others aren’t as simple.
Throughout the early to late 1980s, harsh winter conditions devastated Florida’s citrus crops – especially in Pasco County.

“The entire economy revolved around citrus production,” Altman said. “Two freezes combined killed 98 percent of the producing citrus in Pasco County. It has never been the same since.”
During the aftermath, the Pasco agency has tried to produce alternative crops that could bolster the farm market to the levels that citrus once did.

Farmers have turned to Florida peaches as a viable commodity. While they are plentiful within the county, there are economic obstacles, such as shipping and sales, that have yet to be worked out, Altman noted.

In 2012, Pasco County’s market value for crop and livestock products sold, amounted to more than $73.8 million – representing a 34 percent decline from 2007, according to the United States Department of Agriculture.

Also, the citrus greening disease has plagued many crops, both locally and nationally.

This disease infects the trees of this fruit family when exposed to the Asian insect, citrus psyllid.

Although the infected citrus pose no threat to humans, they are not suitable for consumption because the oranges remain green and taste bitter. This in turn, hurts the citrus market in the county, which has struggled to recover since the winter freezes decades back.

This is a matter of concern for many farmers, including Altman himself, who owns 6 acres of tangerine trees.

While there is no known cure, scientists are striving to find solutions to eradicate this disease.
One successful method of helping stabilize the market has been collaborating with other farm bureaus in different states.

John Blommel plants a high quality Tifton 44 hay on his Dade City field, where citrus once grew. Many farmers are planting hay to protect the soil and minimize erosion of their land.

Upon entering the Dade City bureau office, a refrigerator and shelves stocked with various edibles can be spotted.

Many of these foods come from other states, including jams, jellies, sauces and cheeses.
Florida’s Best is a name brand company that distributes products that the Sunshine State is known for – including orange blossom honey.

Currently the largest production distributed out of Pasco County is live cattle, Altman said.
The Farm Bureau also tries to bring awareness to the public and emphasize the importance of agriculture.

The agency’s members attest to its efficiency by word of mouth – as does its county board of directors.

“We try to find people from a diverse background of agriculture to represent that board and help develop policy,” Altman explained.

One such person on the board is State Sen. Wilton Simpson, of Trilby, who also is a poultry farmer.
As a legislator, Simpson articulates the needs of Pasco County farmers to implement policies in their favor within Tallahassee, Altman said.

The agency also has a presence at the annual Pasco County Fair, taking advantage of the venue in its quest to educate the public about the farm industry.

The Farm Bureau puts a heavy emphasis on educating youth, in particular.

“We focus most of our efforts on young people and trying to make sure that those students [who] want to go into agriculture have our support,” Altman stated.

The agency educates kids through youth programs, such as the local Head, Heart, Hands and Health (4H) club and Future Farmers of America (FFA).

It also goes into Pasco County classrooms to introduce teaching and reading sessions for the students, said Altman, who also sits on the Pasco County School Board.

In collaboration with the Pasco Education Foundation, the bureau also offers scholarships to high school seniors who have an interest in pursuing a degree in an agriculture-related field.

Whether buying from a farmer’s market or a commercial grocery story, Altman said he wants the average consumer to understand the effort that goes into making produce or poultry available.

“Don’t take it for granted,” the agency manager said. “Somebody somewhere has worked extremely hard to produce that commodity and put it on the shelf for your convenience.”

The Farm Bureau isn’t the only organization that encourages youths to become involved in the agricultural industry. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently launched a Youth and Agriculture website to connect young people and youth-serving organizations with department-wide resources that engage, empower and educate the next generation of agricultural leaders.
The website’s three key components include: classroom studies, experiential learning and leadership training.
Visit: USDA.gov/youth.

Published June 26, 2019

MPO eyes ways to boost transportation funding

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The Pasco County Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) board is looking at ways to fund future transportation projects — including the possibility of increased revenues from the Penny for Pasco program or amendments to the county’s mobility fee program.

Under the current Penny for Pasco program, which expires in 2024, revenues are raised through a one-penny surcharge for every dollar of sales tax generated within the county.

Manny Lajmiri, senior planner for the Metropolitan Planning Organization, was one of several advocates for the new set of Penny for Pasco options. The proposals were presented to the MPO board at its June 11 meeting. (Brian Fernandes)

The tax revenue is divided among the Pasco County Commission, the school board and Pasco County municipalities. The county receives 45 percent; the school board, 45 percent; and the municipalities split 10 percent.

Of the county’s share, 18 percent goes toward transportation needs.

Existing revenue sources within the MPO’s 2045 Long Range Transportation Plan would amount to $3.2 billion, if Penny for Pasco was discontinued after 2024.

Under the 2045 plan, roadway needs are estimated at $7.6 billion – resulting in a deficit.

Wally Blain is a senior project manager at the Tindale Oliver company, which collaborates with the MPO.

Blain presented five scenarios, along with estimates of revenue they would generate, for the board’s consideration.

At a previous meeting, MPO board members considered options that would have allowed voters to renew the penny surtax, while at the same time, implementing an additional penny or half-penny on top. That idea was dropped because it was deemed to “not be a reasonable expectation” for voters to approve, the project manager said.

But, some MPO members expressed concerns about the new approach, too.

“For us to put that burden on future members is concerning to me,” said board member Mike Moore, a member of the Pasco County Commission. “I don’t think those scenarios should be there.”

However, Jack Mariano, also a board member who sits on the Pasco County Commission, had another idea: “I don’t want to cut the transportation down, but we want to look real closely at environmental lands. Maybe it’s time to build more trails [and] sidewalks.”

David Goldstein of the Pasco County Attorney’s Office stepped to the podium alongside Blain, to make a case for the new approach.

Goldstein affirmed that while the scenarios would not clear the deficit, they would result in substantial revenue growth.

MPO member Kathryn Starkey, another Pasco County commission board member, however, moved the conversation toward using mobility fees as a means of raising funds.

Mobility fees are charged to new development to help pay for the transportation impacts they create.

Starkey contends that the county waives fees for some commercial development that don’t need incentives to set up shop in Pasco.

“A source of revenue is to maybe not give discounts to fast food [restaurants] and only give it to targeted industries that bring high-paying jobs,” Starkey suggested.

But, Goldstein said the county commissioners should have taken that into consideration when working out the updates last year. The next mobility fee update is not scheduled for five years, he added.

Goldstein also said that removing incentives on restaurants and even hotels would not result in a significant boost in revenue.

The board took no action on the issue, and additional discussion is expected at the MPO’s August session.

Five scenarios for road funds

  • Scenario 1: Penny for Pasco extends through 2045, with current surtax kept in place

(That would yield an additional $335 million)

  • Scenario 2: Penny for Pasco extends through 2045, with a half-penny added in 2038

(That would yield an additional $398 million)

  • Scenario 3: Penny for Pasco extends through 2045, with a half-penny added in 2028

(That would yield an additional $818 million)

  • Scenario 4: Penny for Pasco extends through 2045, with one penny added in 2038

(That would yield an additional $796 million)

  • Scenario 5: Penny for Pasco extends through 2045, with one penny added in 2028

(That would yield an additional $1.6 billion)

These estimates reflect the accumulated figures from 2025 to 2045, providing the penny program continued past 2024.

Published June 26, 2019