The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Brian Fernandes

Ease of 54/41 traffic congestion in progress

By

Nightly lane closures are now underway for a project aimed to improve traffic flow at the intersection of U.S. 41 and State Road 54, in Land O’ Lakes.

The lane closures began on June 16 and will last until June 21. They are being done from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m., to minimize disruption.

Current construction to extend eastbound turning lanes on State Road 54 will smooth traffic flow and lessen wait times for motorists turning onto U.S. 41. (File)

Construction has been underway since April, to help ease congestion at an intersection used by about nearly 100,000 motorists daily.

The improvement aims to improve flow for motorists who are heading east on State Road 54, but who are not able to turn right or left onto U.S. 41 because the turn lanes are blocked by through traffic.

The development is extending the turning lane to enable them to accommodate more vehicles, thus reducing the wait times.

The lengthening of the left-turn lane has already begun with the installation of a lime rock base. It will be followed by new drainage features and finally new asphalt.

Construction work occurs at night from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m., to avoid interfering with peak traffic hours.

However, some night lane closures, such as the current one, will be necessary at different times during the project.

The project also will alter the median opening where State Road 54 intersects with Hunt Road.

The modified median will have a separator in place, allowing eastbound traffic to turn left onto Hunt Road or make a U-turn. It will also grant motorists the option of turning left onto State Road 54 from Hunt Road.

The separator will no longer permit westbound traffic on State Road 54 to make U-turns.

The development is a part of Pasco County’s Long Range Transportation Plan, as well as the Vision 54/56 program – set to make long-term improvements along the corridor of State Road 54 and State Road 56.

It is estimated at $1.1 million in costs and is expected to be completed by fall of this year.

For further updates on closures, visit tinyurl.com/y2hvm7vr.

Published June 19, 2019

Pasco County honors its 2019 graduates

By

As graduates stepped across the stage at the University of South Florida’s Yuengling Center to accept their diplomas — the crowd erupted with cheers and applause.

That’s not an atypical reaction at graduation ceremonies, but this one was particularly special.

The Class of 2019 at Cypress Creek Middle High School made history on June 5, by becoming the first crop of graduates from the Wesley Chapel high school.

Lucas Budd, class valedictorian, addresses his peers, during the Graduate-to-Graduate Message portion of the program. (Christine Holtzman)

They were among thousands of seniors marking the traditional rite of passage, in graduation ceremonies large and small across The Laker/Lutz News coverage area.

Many of those graduation ceremonies took place at USF’s Yuengling Center, but some were held in smaller, more intimate settings.

The Cypress Creek seniors wore gowns donned with green and yellow — representing their school colors.

These graduates have been leaders at the school since it opened in the Fall of 2017, without a senior class.

“Every graduating class is special, but these guys and girls are incredibly near and dear to our hearts,” said Cypress Creek Principal Carin Hetzler-Nettles. “They’ve literally built the foundation for this school.”

The graduating class is comprised of 225 students, included six pairs of twins.

Many Cypress Creek graduates have been accepted already to colleges, such as  Saint Leo University, the University of Central Florida, the University of Florida, the University of South Florida and scores of others.

“I’ve been accepted into USF since September (2018),” said Cypress Creek graduate Hayley McManus.

She’s considering a major in engineering or psychology.

Graduation marks an end, and a beginning
Thousands of students across the region are leaving a familiar place — whether it was a sprawling college campus, a small private school, or a large high school — to start a new journey in life.

The thought of receiving her diploma was a lot to take in, for McManus, an 18-year-old from Cypress Creek.

Lisa McMahon, a speech therapist at Cypress Creek High School, straightens the cap of graduate Matthew Montesant, before festivities begin.

“It’s kind of surreal,” she said. “I had hopes that I would graduate, but I never thought about how being the inaugural class would feel. I feel kind of special that I’m setting the precedent.”

Sam Mazzeo had a similar feeling of pride about being Cypress Creek’s first graduating class, and also about helping to set an example for the school’s younger students.

He wants to return to Cypress Creek to help coach football.

Jason Stahlgren, a Florida transplant from Ohio, didn’t arrive at Cypress Creek until his senior year.

But, the warm welcome he received made it a good experience, he said.

“Moving my senior year was tough, but everybody here made it really easy,” said Stahlgren.

When Karisma Brooks initially arrived at Cypress Creek, her only desire was to return to her former high school in Tampa, she recalled.

Over time, though, she adjusted to her new environment and was able to create some memorable moments – especially as a member of the school’s first step team.

“It was a really big impact on us to bring African-American culture to the school,” Brooks said, with a smile.

The 17-year-old is now ready to serve her country as part of the U.S. Air Force, and then plans to seek a degree in health sciences.

Graduates earn diplomas, accolades
Lucas Budd, the Cypress Creek valedictorian, was one of more than 60 Pasco seniors from various high schools to receive an associate’s degree from Pasco-Hernando State College.

During the ceremony, Budd told his fellow students: “Today marks the end of a significant and memorable chapter in our lives. Be proud of this accomplishment, but leave some praise for the people who helped us graduate. We should be thankful for our families who have supported us.”

Lori Vogel was in the crowd to support Ashley Nickisher, a graduate and Vogel’s niece.

“This is a very special moment, and I’m very excited for her,” Vogel said.

A group of Cypress Creek High School graduates pose for a picture with the school’s mascot, Carmine the Coyote, before the graduation ceremony. From left: Derek Attwood, Michae’la Davis, Christian Wilmore (dressed as the mascot), Rebecca Bobik and Jonathan Blake.

In her remarks during the ceremony, Cypress Creek Principal Hetzler-Nettles told the Class of 2019: “You’ve made me so very proud. As you move into life on your own personal journey and to new territory, exploring new things, remember what you’ve accomplished. You’re an integral part of something larger than yourself.”

While Cypress Creek graduates were making history, members of the Class of 2019 across Pasco County had plenty of reasons to celebrate.

Land O’ Lakes High School, with more than 400 graduates, received more than $12 million in scholarship offers.

Zephyrhills High, with an estimated 360 graduates, pulled in more than $750,000 in scholarship offers.

Pasco High School, which issued diplomas to more than 300 students, received more than $1 million in scholarship money.

And, that’s just to mention a few of the accomplishments, among the region’s public schools.

Private schools and area colleges also had plenty of reasons to be proud.

Academy at the Lakes in Land O’ Lakes had its graduation ceremony on May 18.

“We had 42 graduates – 100 percent of them going on to college,” said Mark Heller, head of the private school.

Among the schools accepting Academy students are Yale University, Vanderbilt University, University of Florida, University of Washington and the Pratt Institute art school.

“At a school like Academy at the Lakes, relationships are everything,” Heller stated. “Relationships between the teachers and students really are the key to preparing these young adults to be the best they can be.”

Even at the collegiate level, there was much to be celebrated.

Pasco-Hernando State College had two commencement ceremonies at its West Campus in New Port Richey.

Graduate Stephanie Bostick received an associate of arts and associate of science degree in legal assisting. Tracy Meshey persevered with a brain injury to earn her associate of science degree, and Maria Madeiros received her associate of arts degree after relocating from her native Brazil and learning to speak English.

Saint Leo University awarded more than 1,250 degrees.

The university’s valedictorian was Angela Lazzaro, a psychology major. Its salutatorian was Jennifer Fields, a criminal justice major.

Published June 12, 2019

Construction crews busy on roadwork in Pasco County

By

When it comes to construction activity on Pasco County roads, State Road 52 is a hotspot.

At least that was the message that David Gwynn, secretary for the Florida Department of Transportation’s District Seven, delivered during the North Tampa Bay Chamber’s breakfast meeting.

Gwynn briefed the audience on the state transportation department’s current and upcoming projects in Pasco, during the June 4 session at Pasco-Hernando State College’s Porter Campus at Wiregrass Ranch.

Construction barrels, like these, have been a familiar sight on State Road 52, as work has been done to widen the road. (File)

“We’re trying to address some of our major issues we have in the transportation system in the region,” the transportation secretary told the crowd. “The State Road 52 Corridor is one that we’ve really put a lot of money into in the last few years, and we’re going to continue to do that in the near future.”

Among the projects, the state DOT is widening State Road 52, from the Suncoast Parkway to the east of U.S. 41.

That stretch will be expanded to six divided lanes.

It is currently under design, with construction expected to begin later this year, Gwynn said.

Heading from east of U.S. 41 to west of County Road 581 (Bellamy Brothers Boulevard), State Road 52 will be expanded to four divided lanes.

State Road 52 also will be expanded to four divided lanes from County Road 581 to Old Pasco Road, with that project expected to be completed this year.

In 2020, the state DOT expects to widen U.S. 41 to a four-lane road, from just south of State Road 52 to Connerton Boulevard.

The biggest project, Gwynn said, will introduce a new State Road 52 route to U.S. 301.

That project involves widening the road to four lanes, beginning at the intersection of State Road 52 and Uradco Place, extending to the Bayou Branch Canal.

East of the canal, a brand new four-lane State Road 52 will branch off (south of existing State Road 52) and eventually will merge with Clinton Avenue.

This new alignment, expected to begin this fall, will provide an additional route from Interstate 75 to U.S. 301.

When that project is completed, the existing State Road 52 will be turned over to Pasco County to become County Road 52.

U.S. 301 is scheduled for several improvements, too.

There are plans to repave U.S. 301 from Pond Avenue to the north of Long Avenue. And, another project will widen the stretch from County Road 54 (Eiland Boulevard) to north of Kossik Road into six lanes.

David Gwynn is the secretary of District Seven for the Florida Department of Transportation. On June 4, at Pasco-Hernando State College Porter Campus in Wesley Chapel, he informed an audience about Pasco County’s new road projects. (Brian Fernandes)

Another project would expand U.S. 301 to four lanes south of State Road 56 to south of State Road 39. That two-mile project is expected to include a median, as well as a bike lane, sidewalk and a shared-use path.

Another two-fold project is under evaluation on U.S. 301, Gwynn said.

That project would expand the stretch from State Road 39 to Corey Street in Downtown Zephyrhills. Then, branching out from the Corey Street intersection would be two newly built one-way roads.

Each road would hold three lanes, run parallel to U.S. 301 and end just south of County Road 54.

Gwynn also mentioned the plans to add another entrance in Wesley Chapel from Interstate 75.

The new diamond interchange would connect Overpass Road to the interstate by way of a flyover ramp.

Overpass Road would be accommodated with two additional lanes from its intersection with Old Pasco Road to the exit ramp getting off the interstate.

From the ramp, to the intersection with Boyette Road, Overpass Road would be widened to six lanes. No start date has been determined yet, Gwynn said.

The director also revealed that Wesley Chapel is one of five areas being studied as a possible public transportation hub for traveling cross-county.

It would afford commuters traveling out of Pasco County to neighboring Hillsborough County an alternative from personal transportation.

And, Gwynn informed attendees of the new Florida legislation to build three multi-use corridors, adding new toll roads as well.

“The main purpose of them is to revitalize some of the rural communities that may have been left behind as Florida has prospered – to encourage job creation in these areas,” the director said.

One local corridor will be the Northern Turnpike Connector, which will bridge the Florida Turnpike northwest to the Suncoast Parkway.

Construction on the corridors is set for late 2022.

Gwynn also mentioned that the construction of the long-awaited diverging diamond in Wesley Chapel is still progressing.

The project, which is reconfiguring the State Road 56 bridge overpassing Interstate 75, will crisscross eastbound and westbound lanes upon reaching the bridge.

Four through lanes and two left-turn lanes will make up the westbound road on the south end of the bridge, to better accommodate heavier traffic flow. The eastbound road will hold only three lanes on the north end.

The project is still set to be completed in late 2021, Gwynn said.

Published June 12, 2019

Music group aims to bolster local artists

By

Nomi Webb, of Lutz, is calling out to local Christian music artists interested in showcasing their work through her organization.

Her faith-based group, Tumbleweed Music Ministry, will present a platform for artists trying to break into the music industry. They’ll be producing their own records to be uploaded to the group’s website.

“I’m really about bridging the gap and bringing people together so that everyone feels inclusive,” Webb said. “My goal at Tumbleweed Music Ministry is to market all the original music that we’re going to be making here.”

In doing so, Webb is working with the Florida Christian Songwriters Association, in a quest to help Christian artists achieve a higher profile.

The group will meet in a space that has production equipment for creating tracks.

Instruments will be available for practice, but musicians are requested to bring their own instruments, too.

Webb, who is a songwriter, will assist those attending to address any areas of concern to them, and there will be an open forum for discussion.

She also will encourage group members to help each other to build their skills and to motivate each other.

Those attending also will have the opportunity to share personal testimonies and talk about their spirituality.

The first meeting will be on June 22 from 10 a.m. to noon, with sessions meeting at the same time on following Saturdays.

Those interested in joining the group should contact Webb for additional details and the location of the meeting space. To reach Webb, call (813) 358-3142, or email .

Tumbleweed Music Ministry
When: Starts June 22 from 10 a.m. to noon. After that, the group will continue meeting on Saturdays, at the same time.
Cost: Free
Details: Nomi Webb is hosting a Christian music production group to help local artists’ work gain notoriety.
Info: To find out where the group is meeting and for more information, call (813) 358-3142, or email .

Published June 12, 2019

Guardian ad Litem program wins a legislative victory

By

A new state law will improve the flow of information from court cases involving abused and neglected children, who are involved in both dependency and delinquency cases.

Guardian ad Litem volunteers are involved primarily in dependency cases, which means the children are in the legal system because they need a safe, permanent home.

Delinquency cases deal with children who have been charged with committing a crime.

Florida State Rep. Tyler Sirois, left, and State Sen. Aaron Bean stand at the side of Gov. Ron DeSantis after he signed into law a bill aimed at improving information to help abused or neglected children being helped by Guardian ad Litem. (Courtesy of Guardian ad Litem)

Sometimes kids leave an abusive home and are placed with relatives or a foster family in another district.

Some abused youth may later find themselves in legal troubles.

“We have a lot of children who we call crossover kids,“ explained Mariela Ollsen, director for the Sixth Judicial Circuit for the Guardian ad Litem program. “What this is going to do is allow our volunteer to be a part of those crucial stages in the delinquency so that they know what’s happening.”

Guardian ad Litem pushed for a better flow of information and the program’s voice was heard.

The new law requires that pertinent information about the child be shared in both cases – even when each is held in different circuits or counties. The new law received overwhelming bipartisan support in Tallahassee.

Under the new law, Guardian ad Litem volunteers and attorneys can now present dependency matters before a delinquency judge in order to provide a broader picture of the child’s situation – which they hope will result in a ruling that’s in the child’s best interest.

Because of child-attorney confidentiality, a Guardian volunteer may not be privy to all information. But, based on the trusting relationship with the child, the volunteer can still speak in the child’s favor.

The Department of Juvenile Justice also will be required to notify the dependency court of any updates, such as a youth being transferred to another juvenile justice facility.

“You have two different circuits who are trying to make decisions based on the same child,” Ollsen said.

She also noted that the Sixth Judicial Circuit was already one step ahead because it has attorneys that advocate for the youth in both court cases and has “unified family court systems, so one judge listens to everything involving the child.”

Now, the program can better advocate on a child’s behalf throughout Florida’s 20 circuit courts – some of which oversee multiple counties.

The legislation also allows guardianship over youth to be granted either in the district where the dependency case occurred, or the district where the child lives.

Before the new law, guardianship could only be filed where the child was currently living.

The new measure also allows guardians to be assigned in either districts to youth deemed as ‘incapacitated.’

These are young folks who have reached age 18 but may need help managing finances or daily routines.

The new law will help Guardian ad Litem in its efforts to find a safe, permanent home for children, Ollsen said.

“We want them to have a better future. The best way to do that is making sure that everybody has the information necessary,” Ollsen said.

Published June 12, 2019

New Wesley Chapel fire station comes with more offerings

By

Wesley Chapel now has Pasco County’s second largest fire station, and the opening of Station 13 was celebrated at a ribbon cutting on May 30.

The 9,400-square-foot station, off Old Pasco Road and Dayflower Boulevard, became operational several weeks before the celebration because the original station — which had been next to it — was torn down.

With scissors in hand, from left: Chief Mark Spudie, Fire Marshal Karl Thompson, Chief Scott Cassin, Pasco County Commissioner Mike Moore, Pasco County Attorney Jeff Steinsnyder and Deputy Fire Chief of Operations Mike Cassano, get ready to officiate the opening of Station 13 with the traditional ribbon cutting. The ceremony took place on May 30 outside the new station in Wesley Chapel. (Brian Fernandes)

Despite the blistering heat, a crowd of firefighters, county officials and local residents gathered for the event.

The new station improves the county’s ability to respond to emergencies in the growing Wesley Chapel community.

“The new station is much larger [and] able to accommodate more firefighters,” explained Chief Scott Cassin, who oversees all county stations. “We were just maxed out over at the old station. It was too small for the growing community around here.”

The $3.5 million project was funded by the Penny for Pasco program.

Station 13 has three drive-thru bays, which can accommodate five vehicles, including a fire engine, an ambulance, a tanker and a brush truck.

Each rotating shift will be staffed by six firefighters, which includes one paramedic. A battalion chief also will be on duty.

The station is designed to house 10 firefighters, each with their own bunkrooms. The station also has a physical fitness area and a kitchen. There’s also a storage space for equipment.

And, there’s a sheriff’s substation.

“The station is also environmentally friendly, energy-efficient and storm-hardened, which are all critical elements in today’s infrastructure,” the chief added.

Members of the Pasco County Fire Department are all smiles as they celebrate the official opening of Fire Station 13 in Wesley Chapel. Department members, as well as county officials and residents, were present for the ribbon cutting ceremony on May 30.

In addition to safety precautions, all vehicles will be hooked up to a diesel exhaust extraction system. With this, exhaust fumes will be vented out from the trucks to the outdoors.

“That way none of that diesel exhaust is in the air that we’re breathing,” Cassin said.

Many in the community came out to celebrate the opening, including Cypress Creek Middle-High School Principal Carin Hetzler-Nettles and student Sam Mazzeo.

“We have an incredible partnership with Station 13,” Hetzler-Nettles said. “They are our responding station.”

The importance of the station’s proximity to the school was evident last year when Mazzeo suffered a cardiac arrest on the school field.

An AED machine and CPR had to be used at the school to keep Mazzeo’s heart going before the firefighters arrived and rushed him to the hospital.

“I appreciate all the work you did,” the 18-year-old said, before the staff.

As a token of gratitude, the principal and senior student presented the station with a framed No. 13 Cypress Creek sports jersey.

Pasco County Commissioner Mike Moore, who oversees the district where the station is located, offered a few words.

“This station means an improved level of service for both our citizens and our fire rescue team to serve one of the fastest-growing areas in the state, and actually the country,” Moore said.

He also added: “When I first came on as a county commissioner, one of the things we promised was we were going to make public safety one of our top priorities. I’m confident that we’ve done that, and we’ll continue to do that.”

The newly erected Fire Station 13 stands off Old Pasco Road in Wesley Chapel. The facility is the second largest station in Pasco County with new amenities for a safer environment and shorter waiting times in emergencies.

Jackie Parker was one of many who endured the sweltering heat to join the occasion.

She has been living in Wesley Chapel for more than 40 years and hasn’t had concerns about safety – knowing Station 13 is not far away.

“The department here has been quick to respond to needs in the community, and they’re very efficient,” she mentioned.

In fact, Parker witnessed the building of the original station in 1979, recalling when the antique fire trucks used to be parked on residents’ yards.

More Pasco residents will be put at ease when Wesley Chapel’s Station 38 will be opened late summer this year.

The opening of the sister station will reduce Station 13’s coverage zone, enabling quicker response times, Cassin said.

The occasion was marked with a traditional ribbon cutting ceremony.

With scissors handy, Commissioner Moore and County Attorney Jeff N. Steinsnyder, joined Chief Cassin, as well as Chief Mark Spudie, Fire Marshal Karl Thompson and Deputy Fire Chief of Operations Mike Cassano in cutting a big red ribbon.

In a closing remark, Cassin said, “It’s time now to make new memories and turn the page to the next chapter in our history.”

After that, those attending were welcomed inside for a tour and refreshments.

Published June 05, 2019

Sunlake High turns in soaring performances

By

Sunlake High School knows how to keep the energy level up — both on and off campus, with the help of its color guard, marching band and choir groups.

Whether twirling flags, playing instruments or singing — students from Sunlake have performed well regionally and even nationally.

Draped in school colors, the Land O’ Lakes Sunlake High marching band has taken its musical performances throughout Florida, and nationwide. (Courtesy of Sunlake High School Band’s Twitter page)

“We’re a very comprehensive program,” explained Brandon Slaughter, Sunlake’s band director. “Most of the time we perform at local high schools, in either their gyms [or] concert halls.”

The school has a marching band, a concert band, a choir, instrumental groups and a color guard.

And, while each group has independent rehearsals, they often come together to perform in shows, such as the Winter Showcase Concert.

The showcase typically is at the end of each year and lasts for about two hours – offering anywhere from 35 to 40 different acts.

The ensemble’s recognition has allowed them to entertain at the Ocean Center in Daytona Beach and out of state at the University of Dayton, in Ohio, just to mention two.

In uniforms bearing the school’s colors — black, white, teal and gold — the marching band has made its mark, especially in the Southeastern United States.

The program recruits students with an interest in music and dance through word of mouth, and through directors speaking with local middle school students who are preparing to enter high school.

Parents help with recruitment, too, said Paul Champion, Sunlake’s choir director, noting they pass on the word to other parents.

When talking to parents about the program, Champion said he tells them that students who take part develop strong time management skills.

The emphasis on recruitment has resulted in an increase in participation, Champion said.

“The chorus here has grown greatly in numbers since two years ago,” Champion said, more than doubling in size.

The young women of Sunlake High School’s color guard recently won the silver medal at the 2019 Winter Guard International competition in Ohio.

Jonathan Bearint didn’t need to be persuaded to join the marching band.

His interest was first sparked back in fifth grade, as he watched his older sister perform shows at her school.

“As soon as I saw their first marching show on the football field, I decided I [wanted] to be a part of that,” the 11th-grader recalled.

As a French horn player, Bearint has helped set a precedent for his school’s band. His percussion class is a four-time champion for the Florida Federation of Colorguards Circuit competition.

“It set the record for winning the most consecutive championships for the state of Florida, which is absolutely incredible,” band director Slaughter noted. “Those kids work so hard competing.”

While Bearint is happy with the accolades of the percussion class, he said he is equally impressed by the cohesive nature of all the groups performing as one.

“I like how everyone comes together,” he said. “Everyone in their individual part just comes together and makes a bigger picture that everyone can enjoy.”

Sunlake junior, Nicole Boisson, also has seen the rewards of hard work and persistence.

As color guard captain, she has taken her team to the 2019 Winter Guard International competition in Ohio to become the silver medalist winners.

The 16-year-old was initially a part of the school band, but soon traded her marching uniform for another physical activity.

“I decided to try something new – spinning flags, spinning rifle(s) – and I just fell in love with it,” Boisson explained.

Although she often competes with other school teams, she said that it feels like they all belong in one family unit.

As this school semester comes to a close, the Sunlake ensemble already is preparing for the next.

They’ve started summer training, which includes a mini camp, and have their eyes set on the Bands of America Regional Championship in October.

Even in the midst of rehearsing, the ensemble remains open to new recruits.

“We welcome everybody,” Slaughter said. “Every time we start a new season, the most advanced student to the beginner all start with the same training. If we’re all starting in the same place, we’ll progress a little bit better going forward.”

The directors enjoy seeing their students succeed, but they also emphasize to them the importance of appreciating the art of what they do.

“I always say that I get to teach the best kids in the world,” Champion said. “It’s about developing and fostering a lifelong love for music.”

Published June 05, 2019

Pasco County hosts Disaster Expo to help residents

By

Pasco County marked the beginning of this year’s hurricane season with an expo aimed at helping residents better prepare for potential disasters.

The county’s 2019 Disaster Expo, held at the Veterans Memorial Park in Hudson, gave those attending a chance to learn about myriad ways to better protect themselves, if a disaster should strike.

Tim Exline of the Pasco County Health Department explains necessary storm precautions to New Port Richey resident Natalie Griffin. The health department was among a host of booths at the June 1 Disaster Expo, preparing residents for potential storms. (Brian Fernandes)

Participants at the June 1 event included the Pasco County Health Department, Pasco County Fire Rescue, the county’s Emergency Management team and other groups, such Home Depot and the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP).

Judith Tear, a wildlife mitigation specialist for the Florida Forest Service, focused on educating residents about steps they can take to protect their homes from the danger of wildfires.

She encourages residents to trim trees near their homes, especially trees that have branches that hang over roofs.

When a fire is spreading, tree limbs hanging over a home can allow the fire to endanger the residence, she said.

Her organization also works in conjunction with Pasco County’s Emergency Management team and Pasco County Fire Rescue to predict the effects of harsh weather conditions, especially with summer humidity.

“Florida Forest Service is a state agency, and we work closely with our community partners,” the specialist said. “If we find that we’re getting too dry, we look at our drought index and how many days since rain.”

Depending on how dire the circumstances look, the county can place a burn ban, which it did in 2017.

The Florida Forest Service also collaborates with the Emergency Management team to issue reverse 911 calls to those living in target areas of a fire.

Along with the Florida Highway Patrol, they help post consistent alerts on digital message boards on the highway.

And, with special occasions, such as July 4, on the way, Tear strongly advises residents to avoid fueling fires with gasoline because it makes them harder to put out.

To keep documents safe, in the event of a fire, Tear said you either need to place them in a fire safe, or keep them off site.

She also suggests scanning documents and saving them on a flash drive, as a backup.

Andy Fossa, director of Pasco County’s Emergency Management, encourages residents to have generators handy in case the power goes out.

Attendees crowded inside the Veterans Memorial Park to learn about safety tips in preparing for the hurricane season. The 2019 Disaster Expo on June 1 featured various Pasco County and independent organizations.

Fossa also emphasized the importance of using generators safely.

To avoid posing a risk to utility workers, it is important to have a generator with an automatic transfer switch, which will turn off the generator once the home’s power goes back on.

If a generator is still running when the power goes back on, a utility worker could get electrocuted, or explosions can occur within the home, he said.

Fossa said a common mistake people make is operating their generator within the home, which can lead to deadly carbon monoxide poisoning.

He recommends keeping generators outdoors and well anchored to the ground.

Residents also should be careful when they are using candles. They should not be left unattended, and they should be placed somewhere stable, so they won’t tip over.

Candles should not be left burning overnight, when everyone is asleep, he said.

Fossa also urged taking precautions to avoid become overheated.

He said unless you are not able to leave, staying home during a power outage should be a last resort.

He recommends staying with family or friends, or at a hotel, if possible.

There are also local shelters available, he said.

“Dependent on where the storm is coming from, we have the ability to open certain shelters,” the director noted. “As we see population growing, we’re very proactive. We’ll go ahead and get another shelter ready to go.”

Fossa said it’s also important to heed evacuation warnings.

In some cases, residents become stranded by flooding.

When that happens, Fossa said, it is best to stay put and wait for assistance.

In the aftermath of a storm, Pasco County Human Services and the Red Cross will go out into neighborhoods to assess the needs of residents.

For those displaced from their homes, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) can provide temporary housing – even hotels rooms for up to 90 days.

In sustaining a home for harsh weather, Fossa suggests protecting windows with shutters or plywood, or installing missile-proof windows.

“Some insurance companies actually give a break when you storm-harden your house,” he added.

Residents should have a go-kit they can take with them, if they leave their homes, Fossa said.

“If they decide they’re going to leave, they need to have a bag to pick up and walk out the door,” Fossa said.

This kit should include medications, hygiene products, flashlights, batteries, nonperishable food, water, plastic utensils, paper towels and other items.

Fossa suggests that residents should start stockpiling weeks in advance of hurricane season – buying nonperishable food in small increments.

Tim Exline of the Pasco County Health Department said residents should have a food supply stocked up to last 10 days to 14 days.

Getting a surplus of prescription medication is a good idea, too.

“Once an (emergency) declaration is made from the governor, you can go to your pharmacy and get up to a 30-day supply,” Exline mentioned.

Some pharmacies will send out prescriptions through the mail for those who cannot make the commute, he added.

Exline stressed that for those coming to a shelter, medication should be kept in its original prescription bottle, so that it can be properly identified by health officials on the premises.

Transportation services are available for all, but especially the disabled with limited mobility.

“If you have no way to get to that shelter, then you can call Pasco County [Emergency Management’s] office and they’ll make arrangements to have someone come pick you up,” Exline pointed out.

For constant alerts and notifications, residents can download the MyPasco app on their phones.

For additional information to prepare for emergencies, visit PascoCountyFL.net/2813/Prepare-For-An-Emergency.

Published June 05, 2019

A home welcomes Zephyrhills’ impoverished

By

There’s an open-door policy to whomever walks in the Samaritan Project of Zephyrhills Inc., with economic struggles weighing them down.

The organization has become a fixture in Zephyrhills to combat the continuing cycle of homelessness.

Established in 2008, the agency was in response to those already living on the streets, or on the verge.

The Samaritan Project works to get its name out to the community in helping the homeless. Pedro Molina and Roxxy Geisenheimer advocate on behalf of the organization at Zephyr Park. (Courtesy of the Samaritan Project of Zephyrhills Inc.)

Roxxy Geisenheimer is the executive director for the Samaritan Project and has been with the agency for the past two years.

“This organization was founded to stop the domino effect that happens when people experience traumas, tragedies or unforeseen circumstances,” she explained.

The director added that Zephyrhills saw a need for a “one-stop shop resource center.”

In turn, its office has a donation pantry where the less fortunate can come to collect food boxes, hygienic products and comb through racks of clothing.

The Samaritan Project staff also sits down with individuals to assess their situation and refer them to the proper resources.

Some may need things as simple as identification cards or bus passes, while others’ needs are more urgent.

In pinpointing the necessary resources, the agency works with the Coalition for the Homeless of Pasco County, among other organizations, in what is known as the Continuum of Care.

Under this program, local institutions collaborate in collecting data to ultimately house the homeless and take preventive measures.

One such partnership the Samaritan Project has is with United Way of Pasco County.

Together they have established an agreement with Duke Energy to help clientele with past due electric bills.

Homeless veterans and their loved ones are referred to the Supportive Services for Veteran Families to help get on track to stable housing.

And, while the Samaritan Project has a psychologist on staff, there are those whose mental instability prevents them from properly articulating their needs.

In these cases, they may be sent for treatment to such places as Premier Community HealthCare, BayCare Behavioral Health or the North Tampa Behavioral Health Hospital.

Agency staff is also ready to drive people to their needed destinations, if necessary.

The collaborations go both ways as the Samaritan Project also receives referrals from local hospitals, law enforcement and churches, Geisenheimer said.

“We all try to share information and resources the best we can, and wrap around people who are struggling,” she added.

Job counselors help to get some on the road to employment, and disability attorneys advocate for those who cannot work.

Guardians ad Litem also support parents in the courtroom to reunite with their children when living conditions begin to improve.

However, not everyone who walks through the agency’s door comes from a cycle of poverty.

Samaritan Project staff members often go outdoors to befriend the homeless and help to get them on their feet. From left, front: Karen Greene, Carol Greene and Roxxy Geisenheimer; and, back: Paul Bathrick and Lawrence Vickstrom are several of the friendly faces found at the agency’s office.

“We work with people who, at one point, did very well for themselves,” the director said.

She noted that currently employed individuals, such as electricians, health care workers and teachers, also find themselves homeless.

From 2013 to 2017, the average household income in Zephyrhills was only an estimated $35,100 and the current poverty rate stands at 20 percent (of the population), according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

While some with jobs make a steady income, it may not be enough to keep them in their home – or even put down a security deposit.

In turn, the agency offers the Rent/Utility Assistance Program.

This initiative grants funds to help pay the rent or mortgage short-term, while trying to find a long-term solution.

“We try to help them figure out ‘how do we prevent this from being a problem next month,’” Geisenheimer explained.

With the Emergency Cold Weather Shelter program, staff will be on call 24 hours a day.

When the temperature drops below a certain level, displaced individuals are taken to safe shelters, whether a gymnasium or a hotel room.

To support its efforts, several grants are given from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, and the Florida Department of Children and Families.

However, most of the agency’s funding comes from community donations, like businesses, churches or individuals, the director said.

Although Geisenheimer has seen various demographics seek help, she said she’s most surprised by the amount of elderly people who are homeless.

She recalled once helping a wheelchair-bound woman in her 80s make the transition from the woods to being placed in an assisted living facility.

That too, is what staff will do once closing up the office – street outreach. The agency sets out to find those in the woods or in abandoned buildings.

And, while they offer assistance to get people off the street, they will help set up tents for those not quite ready to leave the outdoors.

This is understandable to staff that volunteer, as they were, at one point, in the position as those they serve.

Geisenheimer, herself, was struggling years ago to find a stable home when she was pregnant.

She stated that staff members offer others not sympathy but empathy, noting:

“They know when they walk through the door, that they’re not being judged.”

What’s more, the agency does not operate in a plaza or off a main road, but within a residential area.

Its office is a renovated, two-bedroom house, which adds to a welcoming atmosphere, the director said.

She said that those who are displaced should remain hopeful that their situation is temporary.

And, by stepping through the front door of the office, that hope can become a reality.

For additional information or help, call (813) 810-8670, or visit Facebook.com/SamaritanProjectZephyrhills.

Published May 29, 2019

Proposed recycling amendment met with concerns

By

An amendment to reshape Pasco County’s recycling collection was an agenda of importance at the Board of County Commissioners meeting on May 21.

The proposal was first introduced by the county’s Solid Waste and Resource Recovery Department at a board workshop in April.

It came in response to a 2017 survey, which showed that over 75 percent of its Pasco County respondents preferred a higher frequency of recycling service, as well as carts.

Residents provide their own containers for recycling, which are identified with stickers supplied by one of the haulers. (File)

This change would increase recycling pickup from twice a month to once a week.

While residents would be able to continue using their own personal bin to load recyclable items, there would be the option of private haulers issuing a cart for a monthly fee.

Regardless of what container is used, it would have to be labeled with a signature sticker in order for it to picked up.

Also, glassware would no longer be accepted as a recyclable item, as it is deemed as a ‘contaminant.’

Broken glass mixed with other recyclables leads to potential contamination, thus lowering the commodity value of those items.

What’s more, glass has led to higher costs for the county when hauled away with recyclables – with foreseeable increases on the way.

According to the county, glass makes up about 40 percent of the weight for recyclables annually.

Costs become a burden when factoring in the transportation to a processing plant, then the separation of dirty glass from other recyclables, once there.

“We’re currently paying $45 a ton to transport the materials down to [the material recovery facility],” added John Power, the county’s solid waste director. “By 2020, our contract is going to disappear, so we’re going to see that price go up drastically.”

If glass was separated, it could potentially save the county over $100,000 in yearly expenses.

Joe Meierhoff stood before the Board of County Commissioners on May 21 as the sole opponent to the new proposal to phase out glass from recyclables. Meierhoff is a regional manager for Strategic Materials: a company that buys and redistributes refurbished glassware. (Brian Fernandes)

However, there was pushback against the proposal during the public hearing segment.

Joe Meierhoff is a regional sourcing manager of the glass-processing company, Strategic Materials.

He took to the podium to address his opposition before the board.

His company takes in recycled glass from material recovery facilities. Based on the condition of the glass, the business may see profit as it sells the material to bottle manufacturers.

Meierhoff expressed doubt about the reported annual glass weight, suggesting that contents inside glass perhaps adds to the bulk.

He also added that whether thrown in a garbage or recycling bin, the glass ultimately ends up at a landfill either way.

“I would like you to not agree to put glass out of the recycling,” he implored. “At the very least, give me the opportunity to work with the contracted recycler and see if we can come up with a resolution.”

While no definitive answer was given by the board, there was no indication that the manager’s request would be ruled out.

Although, that was not the only conflict that arose from the proposed amendment.

Under the new ordinance, Pasco residents who belong to a homeowners association (HOA) or a community development district (CDD), would not receive once a week pickups until their contract with private haulers expired.

Once the contracts end, these groups would be expected to abide by the same level of service as the rest of the county.

After receiving feedback from residents within these groups, Commissioner Mike Moore contested the idea.

“They have concerns about budgeting,” he said. “They want to be able to continue to negotiate those terms themselves, as they do now with the haulers.”

Other board members, however, took a different stance.

Commissioner Mike Wells noted that he had not received any negative feedback on the particular proposal.

He also went on to state: “I think we need to do it county-wide. I don’t know that we need to make an exception for one community.”

In agreement, Commissioner Kathryn Starkey added that “they can negotiate their price, they just need to have recycling once a week.” She also mentioned that the only alternative would be for HOAs and CDDs to pay a higher fee if they did not comply with the ordinance.

Currently, the maximum amount a private hauler can charge a resident for both garbage and recyclable pickup is $12.44 a month.

If passed, the ordinance would grant haulers a 90-day period before providing the amended services.

The ordinance would not require any funding in order to go into effect.

The Board of County Commissioners meeting was held in the West Pasco Government Center board room in New Port Richey.

It was agreed unanimously by the board to continue discussions on the ordinance at a June 4 meeting.

Published May 29, 2019