The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Brian Fernandes

Pasco tax collector’s office receives ‘Heart of Pasco’ award

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Pasco County Tax Collector Mike Fasano and the Land O’ Lakes Tax Collector’s Office recently accepted the Heart of Pasco Award for the office’s exemplary customer service and outstanding community outreach efforts.

Sandy Graves, the Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce’s chairwoman for community affairs, bestowed the award to Fasano, during a Jan. 10 ceremony outside the tax collector’s office in Land O’ Lakes.

The staff of the Pasco County Tax Collector’s Office in Land O’ Lakes stand alongside members of the Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce. The tax office became the recipient of the Heart of Pasco Award on Jan. 10 for its exceptional community service. (Brian Fernandes)

The “Heart of Pasco” award goes to a business that exemplifies the chamber’s mission to “aggressively advocate for the interest of our diverse business community by promoting business advancement, economic growth and job creation.”

Graves said the acknowledgement stems, in part, from that the tax collector’s office expansion in Land O’ Lakes, allowing it to better accommodate its patrons.

In accepting the award, Fasano said, “as Land O’ Lakes grows and Lutz grows, so did our office.”

Fasano, who became the county’s tax collector in 2013, said he wanted to improve the agency and to expand its locations to better serve its customers.

“In some ways, we were behind the times at the tax collector’s office,” said Fasano, recalling when he joined the office. “We needed to be at the same level [and] direction that Pasco was going.”

As a former member of the Florida House of Representatives and the Florida Senate, he understood the importance of serving the needs of his constituents.

As tax collector, he identified that more space was required to serve an expanding population.

“The growth has been overwhelming, but it’s been good, solid growth for our economy and the tax base,” Fasano said.

To help address expanding needs, the tax collector’s office relocated its Land O’ Lakes office to a building next door, in October 2017. The building, previously occupied by the county’s health department, underwent a renovation supported by $1.4 million in county funds.

The Land O’ Lakes office has Saturday hours, too.

Graves also complimented the friendly nature of the tax collector’s staff.

“They all act as if they want to be there,” agreed Suzanne Beauchaine, executive director of the chamber. “They’re happy serving the community.”

Graves and Beauchaine said they have personally witnessed humble attributes of a leader in Fasano.

“The fact that Mike Fasano is the tax collector and you walk in there – he’s right there to say hello to you,” said Beauchaine. “He’s hands-on.”

In addition to attracting Fasano’s staff and chamber members, some Pasco residents also attended the award ceremony — which also recognized the tax collector’s work involving charitable organizations.

The Heart of Pasco Award is given out every four months to Central Pasco organizations for their community outreach – especially for charitable work.

Phyllis Bross, is a chamber member, who also serves as vice chair of the Community Aging and Retirement Services organization.

She said she’s seen Fasano work on behalf of the non-profit group which assists senior citizens in Pasco County.

The tax collector’s office has been involved in helping to raise money for numerous community causes and organizations.  In fact, the office has helped 58 different charities and organizations, with some being helped more than once, according to Greg Giordano, who keeps track of the efforts for Fasano’s office.

Last year, for instance, Fasano and his staff put together cookbooks to sell to raise funds for the local animal shelter.

Bross said Fasano obviously values his employees and they work together, like a family.

Under his leadership, the staff has seen their hourly wages increase by more than $5.

Fasano sees this as an expression of appreciation for his team’s hard work and dedication.

“We could not come close to the success we have if it wasn’t for the employees at the tax collector’s office,” Fasano said.

Since becoming the Pasco County tax collector in 2013, Mike Fasano and his staff have sought community support through the office for dozens of charities.

Bikers Care Charities
Support Our Troops
Salvation Army’s Annual Red Kettle Drive
Farm Share Annual Holiday Food Giveaway
Be a Santa to a Senior Annual Holiday Gift Collection
Lighthouse for the Blind
The Volunteer Way
Hernando Pasco Hospice
Guardian ad Litem Recruitment Drive
Sertoma Speech & Hearing Foundation
Donate Life/ Lifelink Foundation
Center for Independence (now known as the Arc Nature Coast)
AAA Traffic Safety Foundation
Florida Breast Cancer Foundation Annual Campaign
Terri’s Tears Foundation
Toys 4 Tots Annual toy drive
Veterans Flag Pin Collection Drive
One Community Now’s Annual Hunger Walk
Salvation Army’s Domestic Violence Program
American Heart Association’s National Wear Red Day for Women Campaign
Big Brothers/ Big Sisters of Tampa Bay
Take Stock in Children
Pasco Kids First
Lauren’s Kids
Pasco Sheriff’s K-9 Foundation
Stop Heart Disease
Community Volunteer Corps
Pasco Fine Arts Council
Kiddy-Up Ranch
AFIRE of Pasco
PACE Center for Girls
Pasco Education Foundation
Metropolitan Ministries
Alzheimer’s Family Organization
ASAP of Pasco
Two Good Soles Shoes & Socks Drive
Moffitt Cancer Center
Restored Hope
Blanket Tampa Bay/ Blanket Pasco County
NAMI of Pasco
CARES – Pet Program
Smile Faith Foundation
Homeless Coalition of Pasco
Tax Collector’s Backpack Giveaway
Good Samaritan Clinic
Hurricane Irma Victims Relief – Pasco County
Feeding Pasco’s Elderly
Nourish to Flourish
Sheriff’s Explorer’s Post #916
Special Olympics of Pasco
Connections Job Development Program
CARES – Senior Health Care Center
Catholic Charities Women’s Shelter
RAP House
Shriner’s Christmas in July Toy Drive
Hudson Boy Scout Troop #545
The ROPE Center
Pasco Friends of Animal Services
Published January 16, 2019

Pasco animal shelter gets creative with names

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Pet owners have various reasons for naming their animals and so does the Pasco County Animal Shelter when it takes in a dog or cat.

Coming up with creative names at the shelter is one way to ease a sad situation when strays come in lost.

“We like to have some fun with the whole naming process,” explained Rachel Stever, education and outreach coordinator for Pasco County Animal Services. “We like to keep it light-hearted.”

One of the perks for Rachel Stever of Pasco County Animal Services is getting to come up with creative names for her furry friends. Here, Stever is holding up 9-month-old Clooney – named after actor George Clooney. (Brian Fernandes)

Some names come to mind spontaneously – as in the case for Rock, Paper and Scissors — a trio of kittens brought into the shelter.

Others are inspired by simple things.

That’s what happened with another litter of kittens that arrived at the shelter in a Tyson’s lemon-pepper chicken box – resulting in the names Tyson, Lemon, Pepper and Chicken.

Celebrities also have had their influence: Kitty Purry — a playful twist on singer Katy Perry’s name.

Making a first impression can also determine what an animal is called.

Stever recalled a stray dog taken in several months ago. Upon their meeting, he flattened out his body and legs across the floor – and from that day forward he was known as Pancake.

Sometimes two cats share the name of a famous person or band: George and Clooney; Fleetwood and Mac.

Sometimes seasonal holiday treats help to inspire that connection.

This past Thanksgiving, staff got creative, naming new strays Turkey, Mashed Potatoes and Biscuits.

“You know it’s really original,” said Stever with a chuckle. “You’re not going to find two of them in the same shelter.”

It is common for Stever and her colleagues to use character names they’re fans of from pop-culture.

At the shelter are cats Lestrange, named after the Harry Potter character; the Sesame Street-inspired Snuffleupagus; plus the pair, Peter and Cottontail from the Easter bunny song.

Many strays end up at the shelter without names or identification, but others do have IDs.

As of January, there are two animals named Diamond, which isn’t too hard to sort out for the shelter.

However, every once in a while, there’s a surge of animals with the same names brought into the shelter.

The most popular name documented by the shelter is Roxie, sometimes spelled  Roxy or Roxi.

“We try not to duplicate [names] here in the shelter,” explained Stever, in order to reduce possible confusion.

Each stray must be given an identification number.

That number can be used to pull up their information, whether the animal is at Pasco’s shelter or winds up in another one.

Naming the animals at the shelter isn’t required, Stever said. But, she added: “It feels a lot more humane and personable to do it.”

Once adopted, the new owners tend to keep the pet’s name, while others have one of their own in mind.

When Stever adopted her American Staffordshire from the shelter, she was content with the dog’s given name – Olivia.

She said that Olivia always had a happy smile, which contributed to her having a sense of humanity. So, she thought it only fitting that the dog have a human name.

Her parents stuck with a less traditional name when they adopted Pebbles from a kitten litter all named after characters from the Flintstones.

Potential adopters also help influence what names the animals are given.

As an advertising strategy, staff usually pick names that don’t sound intimidating to appeal more to adopters.

Stever said that sometimes names don’t match the description, like Tiny Tim, who in reality is a dog that’s a “big mass of muscle.”

“When you hear that name, it does soften your mind to the idea of what you’re about to see,” she reasoned.

Stever has her own experience with names that may seem mismatched.

Prior to Olivia, she adopted another dog named Precious, who she said was not small or dainty – but a big, red pit bull.

After they’re at the shelter for a while, the animals tend to respond to the names they’ve been given, she said.

“It’s a relationship you know you’ve built up with them all that time,” said the coordinator. “It’s one of those things you get to look forward to.”

Whether they have been given a name that is average, or unusual, having a name makes each animal at the shelter unique — and it shows that they are more than just an identification number.

Published January 16, 2019

Zephyrhills gets ready for Pigz in Z’Hills

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The ninth annual Pigz in Z’Hills BBQ & Blues Festival is set for Jan. 19 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., at the Zephyrhills Community Venue, 5200 Airport Road, in Zephyrhills.

About 60 teams are expected to vie for bragging rights and prizes during the barbecue competition at the event.

Ed Wright, left, and Chuck Riley, of the Ed Wright Duo, were the opening act at last year’s Pigz in Z’Hills BBQ & Blues Festival. Riley is set to liven the stage this year with his All-Stars band. (File)

The cooking showdown will determine who advances to the World Food Championship, with competitors testing their skills in preparing smoked chicken, pork, brisket and ribs.

In addition to enjoying barbecue foods, those attending can check out the offerings of various goods and craft vendors, and listen to blues performances throughout the day.

The musical lineup includes the Bird Tribe, the Ellie Lee Band, Chuck Riley’s All-Stars and the Dave Shepard Band.

A business expo also will be featured, and there’s a cornhole tournament with a chance to win a cash prize and a trophy.

Car enthusiasts are welcome to participate in the car show, or to simply check out the motorcycles and vehicles on display.

Visitors also can take a look at refurbished planes, and there’s a free tour of the Military History Museum.

Youths can have some fun, too, in the Kidz Zone, which will offer bounce houses and a climbing wall, and the chance to build birdhouses, or have their faces painted.

Proceeds benefit community organizations, such as the YMCA, and for scholarships for Zephyrhills High School students.

Admission is free and parking is $10.

No coolers or pets are allowed, but guests are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs.

For more information or to register for the barbecue competition, call (813) 782-1913, or visit ZephyrhillsChamber.org.

Pigz in Z’Hills BBQ & Blues Festival
Where: Zephyrhills Community Venue, 5200 Airport Road, Zephyrhills
When: Jan. 19 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Cost: Free admission; $10 for parking
Details: Guests can enjoy smoked barbecued foods right off the grill, listen to blues bands, and check out a car show and aviation show.
Info: Call (813) 782-1913, or visit ZephyrhillsChamber.org.

Published January 16, 2019

Pasco County adds texting 911 as new option

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In Pasco County, help during an emergency is now just a phone call — or a text message — away.

Last month, the county’s Department of Emergency Services launched its “Text-to-911” system.

Text-to-911 provides an alternative — and may be especially helpful to those who are hearing impaired and those involved in a hostage or domestic violence situation.

Pasco County is now one of 33 counties in Florida that offer the service to residents. More counties are expected to join, when it eventually becomes state law.

Using his smartphone, Capt. Dan Olds of Pasco County’s Department of Emergency Services demonstrates how the Text-to-911 service works. The county implemented the service last month. (Brian Fernandes)

“There is legislation that is going to make it a mandatory thing by a certain point,” explained Capt. Dan Olds, director of Emergency Services in Pasco County.

While the new option is seen as an asset, law enforcement still encourages the public to call 911, if possible. In essence, they say, call if you can, text if you can’t.

With telephone calls, 911 dispatchers are better able to assess a situation with any background noise, Olds said.

Those texting a call center are asked to deliver “clear, short, concise messages,” Olds said.

Be direct, he advised. Do not use emojis, abbreviations, acronyms or slang, he added.

Olds also noted that photos and videos cannot be sent through to dispatchers.

The service may be offered under an individual’s phone carrier, but authorities still encourage texters to contact their provider to inquire about their data plan.

To reduce delays, dispatchers already have a pre-typed response to a texter’s initial message — which asks about their state of emergency.

Glenda Harris is the operations manager for Pasco’s Department of Emergency Services.

From its beginning stages, Harris has been working with county officials, including Olds, to make sure the service benefits the public.

“As soon as you dial 911, we have a good idea (within) several hundred yards of where you are,” she said, through GPS. In certain subdivisions, she said, the call can be pinpointed to the specific area of a home where the text came from.

The department runs practice drills to ensure that texts are being traced efficiently.

Pasco County’s dispatchers are cross-trained in handling multiple situations whether it involves a fire department, hospital or police station.

With an average of 600 emergency calls coming in each day, time is of the essence.

The dispatchers have direct lines of communication to facilities — which avoids the need of transferring calls, thereby reducing delays.

Within minutes of receiving a text, they can send out an ambulance while keeping the caller occupied.

What’s more, each dispatcher is equipped to handle three incoming texts at a time.

Once texted, their screen will show the phone carrier of the person, plus a general vicinity of the person’s location.

Dispatchers will still ask the location of the texter, to make sure they have the precise information needed.

The system will automatically disconnect after there has been 20 minutes of no communication, but can be resumed with just another text.

Text-to-911 was first launched in 2014 using four major phone providers – Sprint, Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile.

It initially began in several counties in at least 12 states and has gradually expanded across the country.

Since the service was implemented in Pasco County, its call center has seen less than 100 emergency texts in the span of a month.

Harris attributes this to the strong emphasis on using phone calls as a first priority when necessary.

Despite its preference for those with emergencies to call 911, the county hopes that adding the texting option will increase the safety of its residents.

Published January 9, 2019

Zephyrhills class addresses cognitive disabilities

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Raising a child with developmental issues can be a complex situation for many parents.

Understanding a child’s physiology, as well as health needs, can help parents in making favorable accommodations.

Helping to increase that understanding was the mission set out by Dr. Christopher Schriver during a class last month at the Creation Health and Wellness Center in Zephyrhills.

Dr. Christopher Schriver, far right, explains the physiology of the brain and how it relates to attention-deficit disorder and autism, during a class at Creation Health and Wellness. (Brian Fernandes)

The course, open to the public, was geared toward helping the community to have a clearer understanding of attention-deficit disorder (ADD) and autism.

Both are neurological disorders, which can hinder a person’s cognitive skills beginning at infancy.

Schriver, a chiropractor at the Frank Clinic of Chiropractic in Zephyrhills, thoroughly explained these conditions to the audience.

He used slides to display areas of the brain affected by these disorders, such as the limbic region, cerebellum and prefrontal cortex.

Attention-deficit disorder affects someone’s ability to concentrate for long periods of time.

Autism involves a broad spectrum that may affect such issues as attention, language skills and social behavior to various degrees.

“I almost look at ADD as a very minor form of autism,” said Schriver.

He reasoned that both tend to affect the same areas of the brain, such as the frontal lobe.

When this lobe is suppressed, those with ADD are not able to focus properly, while those with autism may be disturbed by bright lights or loud sounds.

A person’s reflexes to touch can be delayed as well.

While it’s typical for children at 4 months old to 6 months old to respond by turning their head when gently stroked on the cheek, those afflicted by these conditions may not demonstrate any response.

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 5 percent of children in the United State have ADD.

One in every 59 children is diagnosed as autistic, and it is four times as prevalent among boys as it is among girls.

While Shriver was growing up, he played football and frequently sustained injuries, which led to trips to a local chiropractor.

His affinity for sports and an interest in aiding the body led him to a medical career.

“I started learning more about what chiropractic can do,” Schriver explained, noting he learned more about the holistic side of the career — not just treating back and neck pain.

He also became intrigued by neurological issues and how they can be addressed.

By reading the book, “Why Isn’t My Brain Working,” by Datis Kharrazian, the chiropractor said he began to understand that there was more than a nutritional component to a healthy mind.

This led him to start assisting underdeveloped kids with various exercises.

Schriver also talked about the importance of a balance in autoimmune cells in the body and how to increase them.

ADD and autism have no known cure, but they can be treated, Shriver said.

Diet plays an important role, he said.

He recommends avoiding products such as artificial food coloring, artificial sugar, MSG, soy and dairy.

Linda Schwartz, who was at the lecture, said the remarks about diet resonated with her.

Her 14-year-old grandson, Marcus, has autism and must stay away from foods that contain dairy, gluten and grains, she said.

“It is a very expensive diet – all organic,” she said, but added, “It’s helped immensely in everything.”

Marcus’ family didn’t pick up on the signs of his condition until he was about 5 years old.

“His is what they call social autism, which is like Asperger’s [syndrome],” explained Schwartz. “He will, for the rest of his life, be at 50 percent growth socially.”

Although she has attended multiple seminars on the issue, she said that she did learn new information during Schriver’s lecture – such as how different parts of the brain react.

She said Marcus has difficulty making friends because of his anger issues and his inability to filter what he says to others.

Schwartz said she worries about whether her grandson will remain committed to his diet when he becomes an adult.

Schriver said he understands these kind of sentiments, from his experiences of working one-on-one with underdeveloped children.

At times, he is there to help when parents need a shoulder to cry on or someone to listen as they vent their frustrations.

“Any parent with a child with a learning disability is just a saint,” Schriver said.

For information on upcoming classes, contact Schriver at .

Published January 9, 2019

Zephyrhills reopens program for senior citizens

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Margaret Dolly loves playing cards, while socializing with friends — and with the recent reopening of the Zephyrhills Senior Center, she can do that more often.

Pasco County rebooted its Senior Services Division within the city in December, after it had been dormant for a year.

The county and Saint Elizabeth Episcopal Church had a longstanding collaboration to serve seniors in the community, but that came to a close at the end of 2017, after it was determined the arrangement was no longer mutually beneficial, said Tom Snee, assistant manager of Pasco County Senior Services.

Christine Harden, left, Nina Bird, Margaret Dolly and Betty Walker enjoy a game of cards – one of several amenities offered by Pasco County’s Senior Program. The county recently reopened its Zephyrhills branch held at Saint Elizabeth Episcopal Church. (Brian Fernandes)

While the Zephyrhills center was closed, about one-third of Zephyrhills senior recipients began using services at the county’s Dade City branch.

When Diane Cunningham was named the new program director in early 2018, she reached out to Saint Elizabeth Episcopal Church in an effort to resume the services. Now, Zephyrhills has once again joined the ranks with the branches in Dade City, Port Richey, Land O’ Lakes, Shady Hills and New Port Richey, in having a local senior center.

The Zephyrhills program operates at the church’s dining hall, Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. It offers a daily meal and social activities.

It’s free and there’s no waiting list. Participants must be at least 60 years old.

However, those younger than 60 can join, as long as their spouse meets the age requirement.

The senior program is a service with a well-documented need.

Florida, which has a population of 21 million, is the nation’s third-largest state and has the highest rate of senior citizens. More specifically, seniors make up 31 percent of Pasco residents.

Besides helping to meet seniors’ social needs, the county’s program also helps address their nutritional needs.

“A lot of times our seniors aren’t eating as healthy as they should,” explained Snee. “Our meals are designed specifically to cater to the nutritional aspects of a healthy senior diet.”

Participants are also kept engaged through various activities such as bingo, yoga, and music therapy.

There are also introductory courses to help familiarize seniors with technology, as well as social media.

Ninety-two-year-old Dolly looks forward to the daily events.

“You get to get out of the house and meet other people,” the former nurse said.

Square and ballroom dancing are also in the works — with the aim of giving seniors a chance to be more physically active, while having fun.

“We try to really put programs into place that get people out of their homes [and] reengaged with the community,” Snee said.

The overall goal is to keep seniors living independently for as long as possible, he added.

Nina Bird, 93, has been attending the nutrition center for two years and previously was a volunteer.

When comparing her working years to her retirement, she said: “I like this better.”

The Zephyrhills center does not deliver food to those who are homebound and those who cannot commute, like other branches do, but plans to expand its program in the future.

Snee attributes much of the program’s success to volunteers who help prepare meals and help with social activities.

“We have a very strong volunteer force,” he remarked, adding, “volunteers are a key part of our business.”

Providing resources to 800 Pasco seniors every weekday also requires sufficient funding.

In conjunction with the Area Agency on Aging of Pasco-Pinellas Inc., the Older Americans Act funds the majority of the program with grants. Pasco County also provides a portion of funds to keep it operational.

The Zephyrhills branch is building up its daily attendance. During December, it had 10 to 18 seniors attending daily — about one-third of what it was before the center closed in 2017.

The county and Saint Elizabeth Episcopal Church are working to put the word out about the center’s reopening. It is using door-to-door flyers, providing presentations at community centers and distributing brochures.

An open house also is planned at Saint Elizabeth Episcopal, 5855 16th St., on Jan. 18 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., complete with refreshments, music and door prizes. The event will give guests a glimpse of what the program offers for seniors.

Expanding more centers in Pasco County is a long-term goal, although finding locations willing to enter into a public-private partnership is key to making that happen.

Zephyrhills, New Port Richey and Shady Hills branches are partnerships with organizations, while the other Pasco branches are solely owned by the county.

For more information, contact the Pasco County Senior Services at (727)-834-3340.

To RSVP for the open house, call Carolyn Johnson at (352) 521-5151, by Jan. 15.

Zephyrhills Senior Center Open House
Where: Saint Elizabeth Episcopal Church, 5855 16th St., Zephyrhills
When: Jan. 18 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Cost: Free
Details: Open to the community, the event allows the word to get out about a place offering a nice social atmosphere and meal for senior citizens in the Zephyrhills area. Refreshments, music and door prizes will be available.
RSVP (optional) by calling Carolyn Johnson at (352) 521-5151, by Jan. 15.

Published January 9, 2019

Zephyrhills to provide new trash bins to residents

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Zephyrhills residents will be issued new trash bins in the middle of February, free of charge from the city.

The Zephyrhills carts, or z-carts, will be a new alternative to residents purchasing their own bins — as they have done in the past.

The project has been four years in the making, as city officials have strategized what’s best for the community.

Bobby Black, sanitation supervisor of Zephyrhills, shows off the new z-cart which will be issued to the city’s residents and businesses in February. (Courtesy of City of Zephyrhills)

The 95-gallon cart will run on two wheels and will have a bar code designated specifically for each address.

Instead of being lifted by garbage removal crews, these garbage carts will be picked up through an automated system, using a side-loader truck.

“The automation is the collection mechanism on the truck instead of manually lifting the cart as we do now,” explained Shane LeBlanc, public works director of Zephyrhills. “You let the truck do all the work.”

While the side-loader will be a new addition, the city did not discount using other trucks as backup plans – such as the front-loader truck.

Rear-loader trucks will accommodate areas with narrow spaces, such as alleys.

Z-carts will be primarily for residential use, although they will be added to some businesses.

The carts will be spacious, but residents are asked not to use them for electronic equipment, chemical products or sharp objects, such as needles or glass.

The new approach, LeBlanc said, is “safer for our employees – less on-the-job injuries. There’s all kinds of hazards involved in collecting trash.”

The new trucks require only a driver, but other trucks meant for alleys will still have two additional garbage men for pickup.

Leaves and brush may be put out beside the trash bin, but must be tied in bundles.

Aside from protection and convenience, the project also addresses sanitation.

Many Zephyrhills residents use trash bins, but some leave tied bags at the curb of the road — leaving garbage vulnerable to rodents and causing messes.

Those issues are expected to decrease, with the 8,000 carts the city has ordered, as well as 500 spares.

Pickups will occur twice weekly, and z-carts should be placed by the curb by 7 a.m. Once everything is finalized with contractors, the city will provide the specifics on pickup days.

Zephyrhills is the only municipality in Pasco County with its own sanitation service.

Funded solely by the city, the z-carts will cost an estimated $350,000, while the first side-loader truck this fiscal year will be $300,000.

Next fiscal year, the city plans to purchase another truck, as well as provide automated service for recyclables.

While public reception has been positive, LeBlanc said that one concern has been workers potentially losing their jobs to automation.

He offered this reassurance: “We’re not going to reduce our workforce because we’ll be doing special pickups, dumpster maintenance [and] truck maintenance.”

He also expects a few hiccups along the way, as the new service gets underway. But, he’s confident that the project will run smoothly in the long run.

For more information on the z-carts call (813) 780-0022, or visit ci.zephyrhills.fl.us.

Published January 9, 2019

Dade City event offers sweet and spicy treats

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The community is invited to bring an appetite for the annual Raising Cane: A Sweet and Spicy Event, on Jan. 12.

The function will be held at the Pioneer Florida Museum from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

A hot Kiwanis pancake breakfast will usher in the event at opening time for $3.

Most folk-oriented events at the Pioneer Florida Museum encourage musical jam sessions. This one, with a variety of strings, performed in the cool weather at last year’s function. (File)

It will also give patrons the opportunity to try free samples for the cane syrup tasting contest.

Throughout the day, vendors will offer arts and crafts, as well as foods consisting of chili dogs, chili nachos and chili cheese fries.

At 11:15 a.m., the venue will be livened with performances from The Sara Rose Band, The Sandy Back Porch and The Barking Dogs.

Attendees will be able to sample various chili from two challenges – one held by city officials and another by local residents.

Ten tickets can be purchased for $5 with a sampling cup – one ticket per sample.

Three free voting tickets will be granted to guests to decide on their favorite chilis.

Cash and trophy prizes will be awarded to those in first, second and third place at 4:30 p.m.

“We’re looking forward to it,” said Stephanie Black, director at the museum. “It’s a great food event.”

Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for students and free entry for those under age 5.

Patrons are asked to only bring service dogs with a vest and proper documentation.

For more information or applications, visit PioneerFloridaMuseum.org, or email .

Raising Cane: A Sweet and Spicy Event
Where: Pioneer Florida Museum, 15602 Pioneer Museum Road, Dade City
When: Jan. 12 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Cost: $10 for adults; $5 for students; free admission for those under age 5.
Details: The event will offer a pancake breakfast, a cane syrup tasting contest, chili tasting contests and numerous vendors.
Info: Visit PioneerFloridaMuseum.org, or email .

Published January 2, 2019

Love One Another serves up food, and kindness

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It’s not uncommon for generous acts to surface during the holiday, especially charitable gestures for those who are less fortunate.

But, when you have a group that guarantees a hot plate every Sunday throughout the year, that’s not such a common thing.

That’s precisely what an organization called Love One Another has been doing for 10 years.

The Rev. Dayan Machado, left, of St. Rita Catholic Church, and Ed Laezza, a coordinator for Love One Another, are all smiles as they welcome people to Pasco County Nutrition Center on Dec. 16 for a meal served by the Love One Another ministry. (Richard Riley)

The ministry serves meals every Sunday at the Pasco County Nutrition Center, 13853 15th St., in Dade City.

It feeds whomever walks through the door.

Lucy Avila helped to found Love One Another.

She said it all began with a simple idea brought up during a staff meeting at the First Baptist Church, where she attends.

Initially, it was a program aimed at feeding only the homeless.

Flyers were placed around the city to get the word out.

In the beginning, organizers planned for 100 people, but only 10 showed up.

The First Baptist Church supplied and prepared the meals for the first five months, but then decided to reach out to other churches in Dade City, asking them to help.

The churches responded.

Now, in addition to First Baptist Church, other churches pitching in are St. Rita Catholic Church, Calvary Assembly of God, St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, First Presbyterian Church, First United Methodist Church and Dade City Christian Church.

“It’s really a joint venture, but it’s all to promote Jesus Christ,” explained Jesse O’ Berry, a volunteer who attends Dade City Christian Church.

Each Sunday, a different church prepares and serves the meals.

Besides expanding the ministry, the organization also began opening its doors to anyone who wanted to come to enjoy a hot dish.

Kevin Yawn, left, and his brother, Joey, enjoy a nice hot meal with their longtime friend, Ben Lehman.

There’s also a food pantry — so those attending can take home items to last them through the week, and they can select items from a collection of clothing and personal hygiene items.

Offering these items, Avila said, benefits people who are limited financially and who are sometimes are forced to make the difficult choice between buying groceries or prescription medicines.

Ithzi Diaz, a mother of four, has been enjoying the hot meals for three years now.

With scarce resources, she said it’s a struggle to provide for her children.

The ministry has been a source of real help, she said.

“It’s just a relief to have places like this,” Diaz said. “It’s hard for a single mom.”

And, besides being able to take home groceries to help her family, she also can pick up treats for the pet cat.

This time of year, the Nutrition Center has a holiday feel. There’s a decorated Christmas tree behind a table of pantry items, and the tables are neatly set with holiday-themed tablecloths.

The desserts even include some colorful cookies, shaped like ornaments.

Avila is grateful for the year-round generosity of those who sustain the ministry.

“I’m so thankful that people have contributed to make these things happen,” Avila said.

Donors include the nonprofit organization Restored Hope, and Panera Bread. A fitness center also helps, by providing canned goods and pet food.

Schools pitch in, too. Pasco Middle School, Centennial Middle School and Centennial Elementary School all contribute canned goods on Fridays.

Students from Saint Leo University volunteer occasionally, too.

In addition to the Sunday meals, Love One Another also helps other organizations, when it has a surplus of food.

“If there’s a need out there, and we can help somebody else because we’ve been blessed, then we pass that on,” Avila said.

Ithzi Diaz, left, has some great company for her Sunday meal, as she is joined by her children Daniel, Melina, Diana, Angie and Owen.

Forty-one-year-old Joey Yawn has witnessed Love One Another’s good works, and tries to emulate them. He’s been attending the Sunday meals for the past 10 years.

The Dade City man said he’s willing to open his home to others in need because the organization has helped him.

In addition to providing a welcome meal, the program has created a community, where friendships are formed and people care about each other, Yawn said.

He recalled one instance someone gave him some eggs and he passed them along to a single mom, so she could take them home.

Over time, Yawn has managed to get his brother, Kevin, and a friend, Ben Lehman, to come to the Sunday dinners.

“It’s been a blessing that God has put this in our lives because, without this, a lot of us would probably go hungry during the week,” the 20-year-old Lehman said.

Like his friend, he too has learned the meaning of sharing love and compassion to others.

“If I see a homeless guy on the way and I have a bag, I try to give him something,” he explained, quoting the Golden Rule.

When people ask him why he has such a joyful spirit, he tells them he can only attribute it to having a close relationship with God.

Many of those attending a recent Sunday gathering felt the same way as Vonette Mobley, who said, “Everybody that we meet, they’re very nice and make us feel like we’re family.”

Vonette Mobley smiles, while holding her granddaughter, Destiny, who is enjoying a candy cane.

Mobley, who initially came because she was invited by Avila, said she always felt respected and welcome.

There’s never been a sense of being looked down on, Mobley said. She has always felt like an equal.

She brings along her two daughters, Jasmine and Moesha, plus her granddaughter, Destiny.

“I was wondering earlier — ‘What am I going to cook for a Sunday meal?’ — and then my kids said, ‘Mom, just go to Love One Another’,” she said, chuckling.

Besides the meal and company, those attending often get something else, too: News of free events that will be coming up soon in the community, such as the Dade City Symphony or the Christmas Parade.

Plus, at the beginning of each month, there’s also a cake to celebrate those having a birthday that month.

At Love One Another gatherings, there’s food for the body, and soul.

For more information on Love One Another, contact Lucy Avila at (352) 424-4972 or at .

Love One Another
Where: Pasco County Nutrition Center, 13853 15th St., Dade City
When: Every Sunday from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Cost: Free
Details: Hot meals and desserts are provided at the center, as well as clothing, hygienic products and additional groceries to take home.
Info: If you’d like to know more about Love One Another, or you’d like to help, please contact Lucy Avila at (352) 424-4972 or at .

Published December 26, 2018

Study continues on Wesley Chapel congestion

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The Metropolitan Planning Organization heard a report about the Wesley Chapel Roadway Connection project — along with pros and cons on various aspects of potential roadway connections during the board’s Dec. 13 meeting.

Some residents worry about safety issues near schools because of traffic congestion on Mansfield Boulevard. (File)

The presentation was for information only, with no action taken by the board.

Meghan McKinney, of the AECOM organization, has been collaborating with the MPO to conduct studies on the pros and cons of potential connections.

The project is focused on three potential connections:

  • Mansfield Boulevard and Kinnan Street
  • Meadow Pointe Boulevard and Meadow Pointe Boulevard Extension
  • Wyndfields Boulevard and Wyndfields Boulevard Extension

Public workshops have been held, as part of the study, in both April 2017 and May 2018.

“The reasons we wanted to do this study is we wanted to get public input, to hear if views have changed,” McKinney said.

In general, it’s a consensus in the community that the area’s roads can’t handle the current traffic demands, and there are especially concerns about safety near schools, she said.

Of all three potential connections, the most controversial involves a possible link between Mansfield Boulevard and Kinnan Street.

In a 2017 survey, 36 people said they favored the connection, while 37 people were opposed.

Several alternatives are being considered, McKinney said.

  • No Build Alternative: Would have no connections for public use but only provide a gate for emergency vehicles, and would make accommodations for cyclists and pedestrians
  • Alternative 1: Would focus on connecting Mansfield Boulevard and Kinnan Street
  • Alternative 2: Would focus on the Mansfield Boulevard/Kinnan Street and Meadow Pointe Boulevard Extension
  • Alternative 3: Meadow Pointe Boulevard Extension
  • Alternative 4: Mansfield Boulevard/Kinnan Street, Meadow Pointe Boulevard and Wyndfields Boulevard Extension

McKinney also told board members that regardless of which alternative is selected, the area’s traffic projections for 2040 reveals significant traffic increases.

“Basically you have an area where just by connecting the road, you’re not necessarily adding more people to the area,” she reasoned. “You’re just shifting the routes they may use.”

However, the projection also showed that the No Build Alternative would have its greatest increase near Beardsley Drive and Mansfield Boulevard.

The alternative’s biggest decrease in traffic would occur on Bruce B. Downs Boulevard between County Line Road and Cross Creek Boulevard, she said.

Aside from the road connection proposed, McKinney also addressed several planned improvements, including additional traffic lights and turning lanes.

One plan addresses concerns about traffic near schools on Mansfield Boulevard.

The bus drop-off and pick-up area near Dr. John Long Middle School contributes to the heavy congestion on the road, she said.

She suggested relocating the bus area from Wiregrass School Road onto Mansfield Boulevard, to enable a more steady flow of traffic.

A new crosswalk on the north side of Wiregrass School Road already is funded and underway, she said.

Another proposal calls for adding lanes at all four stops at the intersection of State Road 56 with Mansfield Boulevard, Meadow Pointe Boulevard and Wyndfields Boulevard.

Any road expansions on State Road 56 would be independent projects from the three proposed roadway connections, she said.

Published December 26, 2018