The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Brian Fernandes

Amping up entertainment in Downtown Dade City

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It was an eventful day for Melanie Armstrong, as she stood at the site where she’ll soon be operating Savory Roots — Catering and Events.

The shop will soon be part of a coming downtown Dade City attraction that will be known as – The Block.

Located in the heart of downtown Dade City, the premise at 14313 Seventh St. is expected to become a hub for retail and social entertainment.

Business partners Melanie Armstrong, left, and Larry Guilford, don hard hats along with Ben Borregard, Bill Borregard and McKenzie Wiliamson at the groundbreaking for The Block, on Sept. 27. This new plaza is expected to become a hotspot for fun in downtown Dade City. (Brian Fernandes)

Armstrong was excited on the morning of Sept. 27, as she was joined by contractors, Dade City officials and area residents during a ground breaking celebration.

Besides being a future tenant, Armstrong helped conceptualize the project alongside realtor and investor, Larry Guilford.

“We’ve been working on this project for about a year and a half,” Guilford noted at the ceremony. “We want to create a place where people can enjoy family and friends.”

The project is a new take on two existing buildings.

The premises — which spans 21,000 square feet — has an extensive history as a car dealership, going back for decades.

After it became vacant, it became a coveted spot.

“Being in commercial real estate for many years, in the area, I’ve always loved to look at this building,” Guilford said. “I saw a lot of potential in this property.”

The First National Bank of Pasco provided a loan for the project, enabling Armstrong and Guilford to push their agenda forward.

Remodeling is expected to cost at least $700,000, he said.

Most of the construction will entail reconfiguring the interior space in both buildings.

The structure facing Seventh Street will have a section designed for retail spaces.

Another part of the building will be an open venue to accommodate events such as weddings, parties and fundraisers.

There also are potential plans for a bridal shop and a brewery, Guilford mentioned.

The second building will be turned into a CrossFit gym.

And an outdoor patio will run between the two complexes, placed with seats, tables and string lights hanging above.

While it will be inclusive to all, it also is geared toward the younger-adult demographic, Guilford said.

“You’re going to see more activity here, especially as residential growth gets closer,” he added.

With schematics drawn, Armstrong already has pinpointed where her food catering shop will be located.

Savory Roots has been operating for more than a year in downtown Dade City, but will be relocating to The Block, when it opens.

The newly modified plaza will accommodate the expanding business, Armstrong said, noting that “we’re growing a lot and we need the additional space.”

She thinks The Block will not only benefit her business, but also will be a boost for the whole town.

Dade City Mayor Camille Hernandez agreed: “This is going to be a major game changer – for Dade City – in terms of bringing people downtown [and] experiencing all that we have to offer.”

Most demolition work will be handled by construction workers, but visitors — donning hard hats and goggles — had the chance to take a few whacks, with sledge hammers, during the groundbreaking.

Guilford thinks The Block will help create a new vibe.

“I think it kind of changes the face of event entertainment. It brings new life to this end of town. I think it’s a win-win for everybody,” he said.

The CrossFit gym is expected to open its doors in February, followed by the retail complex in May.

Published October 09, 2019

Two families celebrate new Habitat homes

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It’s not every day that a new homeowner moves into a new Habitat for Humanity home, and it’s even less common for two housewarmings to take place on the same day.

But that’s exactly what happened on Oct. 2, as Debra Brown turned the key to walk the hallways of her new home. Charles and Megan Free with their children, who live next door, did the same thing.

Debra Brown was all smiles as she opened the front door to her new home on Oct. 2. Recently constructed, her house was an initiative by Habitat for Humanity of East & Central Pasco County, along with its community partners. (Courtesy of Richard Riley)

They were celebrating along with Habitat of Humanity of East & Central Pasco, which held a double-home dedication on Blanton Street, in Dade City.

The event attracted scores of people to share in the homeowners’ joy.

Both homes were constructed through a program supervised by Habitat for Humanity of East &  Central Pasco County.

Beyond celebrating the homeowners’ new dwellings, the Habitat for Humanity branch is celebrating its 25th year of building homes in Pasco County.

“These keys represent hours and hours of sweat, hours of work, hours of dedication [and] hours of love,” said Laurel Weightman, Habitat development director. “It doesn’t just take hands, it takes community support.”

There was a separate housewarming ceremony at each of the homes, with gifts for each household.

The gift baskets were filled, item by item, as a scriptural text was read, representing each gift.

The GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club contributed gardening supplies, a plant, books, food supplies, a first aid kit and fire extinguishers.

The club also gave back packs to each of the Free children, Keaton, Fallon and McKenna.

The East Pasco Quilters bestowed big, colorful quilts to the new residents of Blanton Street.

“We’ve had so much love and support from everybody all along the way,” Megan Free said, to the crowd assembled outside her home. “We really wouldn’t be where we are today without every one of you.”

In order to provide these homes, Habitat for Humanity relies on community partners, such as Catholic Charities, to help find the right candidates.

Habitat came across the Free family while they were being sheltered at a Catholic Charities facility.

The Free family children took an active role in cutting the traditional ribbon with gigantic scissors, before entering their new home. This was part of a double home dedication held on Oct. 2.

“Our circumstances were not the best, not making the money to survive on our own, with the always increasing living rates,” Charles Free said.

The couple had never owned their own home, and at times depended upon family support, he added.

Brown also faced hardships after moving to Dade City from West Palm Beach.

The phlebotomist, who also is a first-time homeowner, lived with her uncle for some time.

She sought out assistance from the Tampa Bay Community Development Corporation (CDC) and was soon referred to its collaborative partner, Habitat for Humanity.

Jere Ferguson is the director for Volunteer and Family Services at Habitat for Humanity of East & Central Pasco County.

He helped to approve Brown and the Frees for newly constructed homes that were financially suitable for them.

“The mortgage payment is capped at 30% of their income when they apply, and that never changes for the life of their mortgage,” the director explained.

This ensures the payments are manageable, so they can have funds available for other needs as well, Ferguson said.

Habitat is always thinking about long-term prosperity and that’s why Blanton Street was a good location for the homes, Ferguson explained.

Getting homeowners integrated into a safe and friendly environment is a priority, he added.

“Now what we started to do is build houses together,” Ferguson said. “Whether it’s two or three houses together, or a community of 14, so that they have each other to support and to stand with.”

And that’s why Brown and the Free family are now next-door neighbors.

For a year, the homeowners were helping to construct their new residences along with volunteers and construction crews.

Shaunce Gwinn was one of those volunteers.

“As I was walking through, I said to myself, ‘These are actual dream homes that we’re building and we’re making people’s dreams come true,’” Gwinn said.

Seeing the smiles on the homeowners’ faces makes him smile, too, he said.

Besides working on their own homes, the neighbors helped each other.

The homes were finished and ready for entry in September – 10 months after construction began.

The two homes have a similar layout. Upon entering, wooden floors lead to the dining and living rooms, as well as the hallway. The tiled kitchen is decked with marble counters, a stove, fridge, a built-in microwave and cabinets.

The hallway leads to the laundry room already supplied with a washer and dryer, then to a single bathroom and three bedrooms. The master bedroom has its own bathroom.

Looking around her new home, Brown said, “It’s something I worked towards for a long, long time.”

“Now I know how to build a house – a little bit,” she added, laughing.

In the Free household, the kids raced from room to room.

“It’s unbelievable, it’s amazing,” Charles Free said as he stood in one room. “Words can’t describe the feelings that I’m experiencing right now. We can’t wait to get in – just to have a place for the children to run and play.”

Published October 09, 2019

Land O’ Lakes route to lose bus stop, weekend service

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Bus Route 41, in Land O’ Lakes, no longer will be making a stop on Collier Parkway — and also will discontinue operating on Saturdays.

Those changes were approved by the Pasco County Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) board on Sept. 12.

Pasco County Public Transportation will remove the bus stop on Collier Parkway from Route 41, which runs in Land O’ Lakes. The entire route, which mainly runs along U.S. 41, also will exclude Saturdays from its service.(Courtesy of Pasco County Public Transportation)

The changes were prompted by a recommendation from Pasco County Public Transportation based on its research and public feedback.

“We received some concerns from some of our riders on Route 41,” Kurt Scheible  director of public transportation for the county told the MPO board.

“Unfortunately, it’s not one of our better routes.”

The route begins at the U.S. 41 intersection with Central Boulevard. It continues south to multiple stops, including where U.S. 41 meets Gator Lane, State Road 54 and the apex where U.S. 41 and North Dale Mabry Highway branch off.

Although other stops are along U.S. 41, the route also included a jog onto State Road 54, over to Collier Parkway, where riders could pick up the bus near the Land O’ Lakes Recreation Complex.

However, Scheible said, very few patrons took advantage of the stop and those riding the bus considered the stop to be an inconvenience because it delayed them in getting to their destinations.

A study done by the transportation department in June revealed a low volume of riders on Route 41, Scheible said.

There were only 250 trips made on weekdays and 20 on Saturdays during the month, he noted.

During 2018, of all of the county’s 825,767 bus trips, Route 41 only had slightly over 1,900 – making it the lowest performing route in the county’s transportation system, he said.

The study also showed that barely any riders used the service on Saturdays, he added.

The director also noted that those using the Collier Parkway stop were primarily using it to get to shops along State Road 54.

Because of the findings, the bus service decided to drop the Collier Parkway stop and to end Saturday services on the route.

Pasco County Commissioner Mike Moore, who sits on the MPO board expressed agreement.

“Obviously we wanted to make sure that everybody had access to our public facilities, including the library and the rec center,” he said. “But if nobody’s taking part in it, [it is] obviously understandable that we need to reevaluate that.”

The MPO board’s approval was the final action needed to push the initiative forward.

Scheible also mentioned future plans to extend Route 41 further north up to State Road 52, once that corridor has widened.

While services are being reduced in one part of the county, the MPO board took another action that may have the effect of boosting ridership countywide.

The board approved free bus transportation for veterans, active military and county employees who present proper identification.

The Pasco County Commission made the change official during its Sept. 18 meeting.

“The whole idea is: walk on [with a] picture ID, they hit the button and they’re riding for free wherever they need to go to,” Scheible said during the MPO meeting.

The changes to Route 41 and the free bus rides will take effect in October, the transportation director said.

Published October 2, 2019

East Pasco to receive new, upgraded veterans clinic

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The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is in the midst of building a new outpatient clinic in Zephyrhills.

As a branch of Tampa’s James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital, the facility will be an upgraded replacement to the current Zephyrhills Community Based Outpatient Clinic. It will serve former members of the military.

“I’d say accessibility is probably our biggest reason for building a new clinic,” said Shayna Rodriguez, public affairs specialist at James A. Haley. “It will be easier for veterans to use, and we’ll have more capability and accessibility for them.”

This rendering offers an idea of what the appearance will be of the exterior for the new Zephyrhills VA outpatient clinic. The facility, set to open in mid-2021, will replace the existing facility and will have more rooms.
(Courtesy of Shayna Rodriguez/James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital)

Danny Burgess is the executive director of the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs.

The Zephyrhills native said he’s anticipating the added amenities this new facility will offer service men and women.

Burgess stated that, “The new VA clinic in Zephyrhills will be a game changer for veterans in East Pasco. The expansion will provide increased access to quality healthcare. We are so excited for this commitment to our community by USDVA (U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs); and FDVA (Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs) looks forward to growing our strong relationship with our federal partners.”

The 14,000-square-foot facility will offer more space, housing both primary care and mental health services within the same building.

Ten rooms will be devoted to primary care, while six rooms will be used for treating mental health.

The expansion of rooms indicates the VA’s efforts to provide more access to psychiatric care, Rodriguez noted.

The clinic will be designed to accommodate the handicapped, and will offer new services such as podiatry and physical therapy.

It also will include anticoagulation pharmacy services and a lab. Telehealth – services provided remotely over the phone — also will be available.

Each patient will have an assigned “patient-aligned care team,” Rodriguez said. The team will consist of a physician, nurse, social worker and a mental health provider.

Patients will be referred to and treated at the James A. Haley hospital for surgeries and extensive therapy.

Those without their own transportation will be able to take advantage of a pick-up service to receive free rides to their doctor’s appointments.

“When we do these studies,” said Rodriguez, “we take a very close look at where is going to be most convenient for them, where the bulk of veterans live.”

Based on travel time, veterans may be eligible for reimbursement when commuting to the clinic in their own vehicle.

Veteran women’s health has been ongoing, but additional services will be provided  at the new clinic – especially for those with infants.

“We’ll also be adding a lactation room because women veterans are one of our fastest-growing demographics,” Rodriguez said.

The increase in the number of veterans living in Tampa Bay has led to a need for more clinics.

The James A. Haley hospital is not exclusive to just its VA clinics in Zephyrhills and New Port Richey, but branches out cross-county.

These counties include Hillsborough, Hernando and Polk, with Citrus County expected to join the list.

In September of last year, alone, there were over 6,000 visits to the current Zephyrhills clinic, Rodriguez said.

She also noted there’s typically an increase of veterans needing services, as snowbirds flock to Florida near the end of the year.

The U.S. Congress approved more than $12 million to fund the new complex, back in April. Construction on the Eiland Boulevard facility started in June.

Construction is expected to be completed by late 2020 and to open by mid-2021. Once operational, the current Zephyrhills clinic will be closed down.

Published October 2, 2019

Pasco opens first incubator kitchen

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An incubator kitchen has opened in Dade City, to promote economic development through food businesses.

The new facility is a collaborative effort between University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS)-Pasco County extension, the Pasco Economic Development Council, Inc.’s SMARTstart incubator program and Pasco County.

The kitchen was officially unveiled on Sept. 23, during a ribbon cutting at the Stallings Building, in Dade City.

Mark Richardson, Ron Oakley, Michael Anderson and Mick Hughes congregate inside the new incubator kitchen at Dade City’s Stallings Building. The kitchen is expected to support education and economic development.
(Brian Fernandes)

Pasco County Commission Chairman Ron Oakley, told those gathered, “This kitchen is going to do great things for Pasco County. It’s going to start those businesses off, and then they’re going to create jobs.”

The incubator will be operated in a renovated kitchen, where participants will  learn culinary skills and entrepreneurs will have a launchpad for new businesses.

Dr. Whitney Elmore said she had that vision in mind, when she first saw the building five years ago.

“Turning this corner out here on 14th Street, I saw this county-owned (Stallings)building sitting unused in a community that was, frankly, in need of resource development and economic opportunity.

“I saw this building’s potential to become an educational outreach center where members of the community, and all of Pasco County, could come for educational services and furthermore, empowerment,” Elmore said.

The Stallings Building, also now known as the One Stop Shop, was established in 1991.

It had been vacant when Elmore, the director for the Pasco Extension Office, came across it.

She has helped to establish the building as a hub for educational classes and food demonstrations.

The kitchen was not in a suitable condition for showing demonstrations, Elmore said.

The University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences-Pasco County Extension, recently unveiled its new incubator kitchen at the Stallings Building in Dade City.

The renovation has been three years in the making, she added.

The $30,000-project included refurbishing the oven hood, installing a built-in grease trap and new ceiling tiles. There also is a pantry closet to store dry foods and other products.

Welbilt, a kitchen equipment company, donated a stove, oven, a three-compartment sink, stainless steel counters, an ice maker, a fridge and a freezer.

“Not only did they donate that kitchen equipment that you see in there,” the director said, “they helped us figure out what needs to go where, to optimize safety and to optimize utility of the different parts.”

And Welbilt is planning to do more, Elmore said.

Oakley said the project is a “public-private partnership, working together for the betterment of the community.”

After the ceremonial ribbon cutting, guests had the opportunity to tour the newly-built kitchen.

What sets the incubator kitchen apart from other commercial kitchens, said Elmore, is that it’s open to the public to stock and preserve food.

The kitchen can be a learning space and can serve as a stock room, for a culinary instructor about to teach a class.

The storage space can be used by food trucks, too.

Those using the kitchen for storage will pay a fee.

Dan Mitchell, manager of Pasco Economic Development Council’s SMARTstart incubator program, has been involved in the project, too.

SMARTstart offers memberships so people can take advantage of the kitchen.

“When we start a new entrepreneur [as] a member, we build an action plan for them,” Mitchell explained. “If they think it’s going to take them a year to launch, we meet with them once a month, we coach them, we hold them accountable and we help them get to that launch date.”

Elmore said the kitchen will help people develop skills to be culinary entrepreneurs. She also thinks it will be an incentive for migrant workers to stay within the region.

Elmore also believes the kitchen will give people healthier food options, which will lead to fewer chronic illnesses.

The kitchen could help reduce crime, too, she said.

“We know through many different models all across the nation, and all kinds of studies, that if you offer economic opportunity, job growth development [and] educational services, that you can cut down on the crime,” Elmore explained.

And with a community garden based outside the Stallings Building, the kitchen provides a convenient space for preparing one’s own produce.

Long-term plans include starting an educational program for single mothers to become businesswomen within the food industry, as well as adding new incubator kitchens throughout Pasco County.

“That’s our goal,” said Mitchell, “to knock down the barriers to entries to starting a business, and be that launching pad.”

Under Construction 10/02/19

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Motorists in Odessa will have another option for auto parts and equipment when the new AutoZone shop begins operation at 12090 State Road 54. It is expected to open in November. (Brian Fernandes)

AutoZone shop
Motorists will have another convenient spot to pick up automobile parts and accessories with the soon-to-come AutoZone shop. The 6,815-square-foot facility will be located at 12090 State Road 54 in Odessa. Construction began in September. The store is expected to open in November.

 

 

 

 

 

 

A Checkers quick-stop restaurant, going up at 5505 Gall Blvd., is nearing completion in Zephyrhills.

Checkers restaurant
A Checkers fast-food hub is coming soon to serve hungry patrons in Zephyrhills. The 900-square-foot restaurant, at 5505 Gall Blvd., will have a single drive-thru lane and an outdoor patio. Construction began in August. An opening is expected in November.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Located in front of The Preserve residential community in Odessa, off State Road 54, a new Publix is emerging. Construction of the supermarket, at 2189 Sembler Drive, began in August.

Publix supermarket
A Publix grocery store is emerging at the front entrance of The Preserve residential community in Odessa. The store, approximately 27,600 square feet,  will be located at 2189 Sembler Drive, off State Road 54. Construction began in August.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Grease Monkey- Oil Changes & More, will be a convenient spot for vehicle tune-ups at 5847 Gall Blvd., in Zephyrhills.

Oil change stop
Retail chain Grease Monkey – Oil Changes & More, is opening its sixth mechanic shop in Florida. The 1,300-square-foot facility is located at 5847 Gall Blvd., in Zephyrhills. It will have three vehicle bays for basic auto oil change and maintenance. The shop is expected to open in October.

Dade City to hold first monarch festival

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Dade City is getting ready for its first Monarch Butterfly Festival.

The Dade City Monarch Butterfly Festival will offer visitors insightful tips on caring for the monarch butterfly species. (Courtesy of Dade City Garden Club)

The Oct. 12 event, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., will celebrate Dade City’s induction as a  Monarch City USA. The designation refers to the city’s efforts in maintaining the survival of monarch butterflies.

Vendors will offer food and items for sale, including pottery, birdbaths, metal art and jewelry, to name just a few of the options.

The day also includes educational presentations on the monarch butterflies. There will be butterflies there, too, of course, as well as their eggs and caterpillars.

Plants will be on sale, too, including milkweed – a nutritional source for monarch butterflies.

There will be a kids’ area where butterfly-themed crafts can be designed and photos can be taken with an oversized butterfly.

Visitors will be able to take a stroll and view wildlife, and also can purchase tickets for a chance to win a hand-crafted potting bench. Tickets will sell for $2 each, or six for $10.

Admission and parking are free.

The function will be held at Hibiscus Park at Seventh Street and Bougainvillea Avenue in Dade City. It is being presented by the Dade City Garden Club and the Dade City Youth Council.

Tickets can be purchased in advance at the Out of Our Hands Gallery, 14245 Seventh St. in Dade City or on the day of the event.

For additional information, contact Joan Hepscher at (908) 890-4630 or at .

What: Dade City Monarch Butterfly Festival

Where: Hibiscus Park, Seventh Street and Bougainvillea Avenue in Dade City

When: Oct. 12 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Cost: Free

Details: Dade City will celebrate its induction as a Monarch City USA, which means it aims to help maintain the survival of monarch butterflies. Educational presentations and plant sales will be available, along with activities for kids.

Info: contact Joan Hepscher at (908) 890-4630 or at .

Published October 2, 2019

 

Scarecrow fest to enliven Dade City

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Just in time for fall, patrons will have a chance to enjoy the Scarecrow Festival.

At the annual Scarecrow Festival, patrons get to customize their very own scarecrow and indulge in other fun activities.
(File)

The Dade City event function set for Oct. 12, will run from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. A host of vendors will offer food and crafts, and there will be entertainment, too.

Mr. Tommy will make his return with live musical performances, and a sing-along for kids and adults.

Patrons can design their own scarecrows for $5, and characters from the PAW Patrol television series will be there, with photos scheduled from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

If patrons choose, they can leave their custom-made scarecrows in a supervised area while they engage in other activities, then can pick them up afterwards.

Kids will have lots of options for fun too.

There will be a petting zoo, a pony ride and a barrel train ride through a corn maze, with Conductor Joe at the helm.

Other activities will include rock climbing, rock and pumpkin painting and touch-a-truck.

Admission is free for those under 5; $5 for those 5 to 18; and $10 for ages 18 and up.

Parking is free. Service animals are allowed, too.

The event will be held at the Pioneer Florida Museum & Village at 15602 Pioneer Museum Road in Dade City.

For additional information, contact Brenda Minton at (352) 206-8889 or at .

What: Scarecrow Festival

Where: Pioneer Florida Museum & Village at 15602 Pioneer Museum Road, Dade City

When: Oct. 12 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Cost: Free for those under 5; $5 for ages 5 to 18; $10 for ages 18 and up.

Details: The Dade City event makes its return with favorites such as performances by Mr. Tommy, and barrel train rides with Conductor Joe. Multiple vendors will  offer food and other items, too.

Info: Contact Brenda Minton at (352) 206-8889 or at .

Published October 2, 2019

Dade City set for fall fun

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The autumn season will soon be ushered in with the St. Joe Fall Festival, which will feature a wide range of vendors, diverse food selections and fun activities for kids.

At the St. Joe Fall Festival, kids will be able to show their creative skills with pumpkin painting. This will be one of many activities at the fall event on Oct. 5.
(File)

The Oct. 5 event runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 32145 St. Joe Road in Dade City.

Hungry patrons can choose from a diverse selection of foods ranging from barbecue ribs, and Cajun and Polish cuisines, as well as catering by Chick-fil-A.

Tickets, which sell for $1, can be used to purchase adult beverages — for those who are old enough — and also can be used toward a gift basket drawing.

There will be picnic tables where people can relax, enjoy live performances and eat.

The Pasco County Sheriff’s Office will present a canine demonstration.

And, there will be plenty for the youth to do, with bounce houses, face and pumpkin painting, obstacle courses and touch-a-tractor.

A $15 wristband gives kids unlimited access to activities.

Parking is free and the event is pet-friendly.

Proceeds will go toward the upkeep of the church.

For additional information, please call Larry Plunkett at (813) 431-8569.

What: St. Joe Fall Festival

Where: Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 32145 St. Joe Road in Dade City

When: Oct. 5 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Cost: Free

Details: Patrons can check out items offered by various vendors and sample a diversity of ethnic foods. Activities will be offered for youths and there will be live music.

Info: Call Larry Plunkett at (813) 431-8569

Published October 2, 2019

Advocates address legislators to reduce veteran homelessness

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Local agency officials recently addressed an array of issues facing homeless veterans, before members of the Economic Opportunity Subcommittee of the U.S. House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, at a session in New Port Richey.

U.S. Rep. Mike Levin, chairman of the subcommittee, and U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis, ranking member of the committee, listened to suggestions on reducing veteran homelessness from a group panel, to relay back to the U.S. Congress.

Levin, a Democrat, represents California’s 49th congressional district, and Bilirakis, a Republican, represents Florida’s 12th congressional district.

Mary White was one of several panelists urging an expansion of services for homeless veterans, during a Sept. 16 meeting of the Economic Opportunity Subcommittee of the U.S. House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs. The meeting was at the West Pasco Government Center in New Port Richey. (Brian Fernandes)

Panelists were Joe Battle, director of the James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital; Danny Burgess, executive director of the Florida Department of Veterans Affairs;

David Lambert, chairman of the Pasco County Housing Authority; Michael Raposa, CEO of St. Vincent DePaul Cares; Brian Anderson, CEO and founder of Veterans Alternative; and Mary White, a former homeless veteran.

“Today we’re here to examine and highlight programs and benefits to help combat veteran homelessness,” Bilirakis said, in his opening statement. “There’s been a significant amount of progress made nationwide in reducing homelessness among veterans, but we still have much more work to do.”

Burgess noted that Florida’s VA department implemented the Forward March initiative throughout the state earlier this year. This program teams state agencies with various grassroots organizations to find ways to deal with the crisis.

The executive director told the congressmen that strategies need to be in place to integrate servicemen and servicewomen back into civilian life.

Burgess also advised that the government should make the first initiative, approaching veterans with beneficial opportunities, as opposed to them seeking it out themselves.

“We have about an estimated 2,543 homeless veterans in Florida that we know about,” he said, adding that five counties have already been successful in ending this issue.

Burgess suggested that other regions of the nation could follow their example by having more community-based organizations invested in veterans’ welfare, while working alongside state government.

“As of 2018, Point-in-Time count reveals Pasco (County) and Pinellas County are leading in several homeless statistics, including veteran homelessness,” said Anderson, the Veterans Alternative CEO. “We lack the number of beds needed, and unfortunately cannot build and fund fast enough to keep up with the demand.”

Like Burgess, he emphasized the importance of community involvement backed by government support – especially as it relates to mental health.

More resources should be allocated to wellness programs in addressing the psycho-social needs of veterans, Anderson said.

“Homelessness is not the root cause – rather is a byproduct of several contributing factors, including mental health, medical and economic hardship,” he said.

Levin noted that earlier this year, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a bill that would provide grants in helping states collaborate with veteran organizations to address psychiatric needs for those coming out of service.

The pivotal role of HUD-VASH vouchers
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development-VA Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH) voucher program, also was a topic of discussion.

The federal government issues the vouchers to provide suitable housing for low-income people, the elderly and even veterans.

Bilirakis asked Battle: “What is the one message or need that I need to take back to Washington (D.C.) with me, that would make your job easier, or would reduce homelessness among veterans?”

Battle’s response: “How can we adjust HUD vouchers to be able to accommodate for rising rents in different areas.”

The VA hospital director stated that the program has been key in putting veterans into homes, and has seen its benefits.

“At (James A.) Haley, we have 1,060 HUD-VASH vouchers available for use and currently 119 veterans are permanently housed using these vouchers,” Battle explained.

However, as the cost of living continues to escalate, this has been a challenge, he noted.

In addition, Pasco County doesn’t have a sufficient number of homes to put these vouchers toward, said Lambert, chairman of the Pasco County Housing Authority.

The authority recently purchased property to build a 78-unit veterans housing community. But this, too, was a dilemma for the housing authority because various banks refused to lend the necessary funds.

Addressing the congressmen, Lambert said: “We respectfully request the federal government create regulations to do what you have already done in the housing arena – to allow banks to fund our projects.”

A first-hand account
White was one panelist who could attest to the importance of the voucher system.

“The program that probably helped me the most would be HUD-VASH and the housing voucher,” she said. “Without that, I would probably be couch-surfing with my son.”

As a U.S. Army veteran, White found herself as a single mother with an infant, when she became homeless.

With the HUD-VASH voucher, she was able to get herself and her child into an apartment, and various organizations donated furniture and food, she recalled.

White was able to go back to school with the help of the GI Bill, and the VA Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment program.

She also was granted a voucher to offset costs for child care while working and in school.

She currently holds a master’s degree and works for the Department of Economic Opportunity.

At the hearing, she took the time to address the transportation barriers that prevent veterans from sustaining a job, as well as their need for proper dental care.

St. Vincent DePaul Cares also was instrumental in helping White get proper housing.

“Since 2012, St. Vincent DePaul Cares has been a leader in many of the areas toward the end of veteran homelessness – including the counties of Pasco, Pinellas, Hillsborough and Polk,” said Raposa, the organization’s CEO.

Since the institution began, it has shortened the time it takes for veterans to transition from the street into a home — from 180 days initially to 60 days now, Raposa said.

He implored the congressmen to help expand Florida’s affordable-housing trust fund. Under the Sadowski Coalition, various organizations have pressed lawmakers in putting housing trust funds toward the state’s housing programs.

Raposa noted: “2019 was the first time in many years that we saw the governor’s office and the Senate on the same page to release a historic portion of that money, but the House did not support it. We desperately need your help with that.”

The Sept. 16 hearing was held at the West Pasco Government Center.

Published September 25, 2019