The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

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What’s Happening (10/30/24): Kids love giant pumpkin

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A group of PreK students from Corbett Preparatory School of IDS were the first to experience the new attraction. The children watched as the 868-pound pumpkin was transported by tractor and placed in front of the farm stand.

Big pumpkin arrives at Bearss Groves

TAMPA – Bearss Groves is home to Florida’s largest pumpkin.

The 868-pound pumpkin was purchased and transported from Indiana. It arrived at the family-run farmers market on Oct. 18.

The pumpkin is on display in front of the farmer’s market where visitors come from all over the area to enjoy the fall season. Visitors are encouraged to take photos in front of the pumpkin display, free of charge. Pets are also welcome. 

Bearss Groves opens from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Oct. 26, 27, 28, 29, 30 and 31 at 14316 Lake Magdalene Blvd.

 

Oct. 31

Ghosts of Tampa

Tampa Theatre shares stories of its ghostly guests, preternatural patrons and eternal employees during the Ghosts of Tampa Theatre Tour. Tickets cost $15 for general admission. Tampa Theatre members get in free. Space is limited. Visit tampatheatre.org for details. 

11 a.m.-1 p.m.; 711 N. Franklin St., Tampa

 

Trunk or Treat

Children collect candy during Trunk or Treat at Balm Park & Recreation Center. Bring a candy bag or bucket to this free event. 

6:30-9:30 p.m.; 14747 Balm/Winmauma Road, Wimauma

 

Nov. 1

Preschool Praise and Play

Dade City First United Methodist Church opens its sanctuary every first Friday of the month for a free community preschool playtime. The church offers a scripture story, music, crafts and playtime with new friends. Activities are geared towards toddlers and preschoolers, but all ages are welcome. Contact for questions. 

9:30-10:30 a.m.; 37628 Church Ave., Dade City

 

Art Guild

West Pasco Art Guild holds its general meeting followed by a demonstration by Susan Huskey. Register in advance at or visit westpascoartguild.org.

1 p.m.; 6206 Jefferson St., New Port Richey

 

Haunted Ship

The American Victory Ship takes a spooky turn as it becomes UNDead in the Water, Tampa’s premier nautical haunted attraction. The event features live scare actors and state-of-the-art special effects. Recommended for ages 11 and older. Tickets cost $24-$29. Get tickets at undeadinthewater.com.

7:30 p.m.; 705 Channelside Drive, Tampa

 

Nov. 2

Honey Market

Pinellas Beekeepers Association presents the inaugural Pinellas Honey Market and Festival at the City of Seminole Recreation Center. Be there for live music, magician and an educational and fun Kid’s Corner. Vendors can reserve a table for a $20 donation. Visit https://tally.so/r/w5LddQ for details.

9 a.m.-2 p.m.; 9100 113th St. N., Seminole

 

Art Workshop

Sarah Uys conducts a workshop on the theme, “How to Use Procreate in your Art,” at the West Pasco Art Guild. Members pay $40. Others pay $50. Register in advance at or visit westpascoartguild.org.

9 a.m.-3:30 p.m.; 6206 Jefferson St., New Port Richey

 

Haunted Ship

The American Victory Ship takes a spooky turn as it becomes UNDead in the Water, Tampa’s premier nautical haunted attraction. The event features live scare actors and state-of-the-art special effects. Recommended for ages 11 and older. Tickets cost $24-$29. Get tickets at undeadinthewater.com.

7:30 p.m.; 705 Channelside Drive, Tampa

 

Nov. 3

Garden Tour

The Coalition of Community Gardens showcases more than 20 amazing gardens in Hillsborough, Pinellas and Pasco counties during the inaugural Community Garden Tour. Tickets cost $25 through Oct. 23 and $30 after Oct. 23 at coalitionofcommunitygardens.org. Kids get in free. Proceeds benefit the coalition, a network of garden groups in the Tampa Bay area. 

10 a.m.-4 p.m.; various locations

 

Nov. 8

Veterans Outreach Court

Veterans Outreach Court addresses legal issues such as active misdemeanor warrants, fines, legal fees, court costs and ordinance violations at James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital, Primary Care VA Annex. Register at www.HillsClerk.com. Call the public defender’s office at 813-277-1364 for details. 

9 a.m.-noon; 13515 Lake Terrace Lane, Tampa

 

Stage Play

Bishop McLaughlin Catholic High School presents “A Play So Funny, You’ll Die Laughing: The Play That Goes Wrong,” at the school. There’s another performance Nov. 9. Tickets cost $15 for adults, $15 for seniors or $10 for students. Call 727-857-2600 for details. 

7 p.m.; 13651 Hays Road, Spring Hill

 

Theater Production

Live Oak Theatre opens its latest production, “Beauty at the Beast,” at the Carol and Frank Morsani Center for the Arts. Future performances are held at 7:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday and 2:30 p.m. Sunday on Nov. 8-10, 15-17 and 22-24. Tickets cost $25 for adults, $10 for children and free for 13 and under with the purchase of an adult seat. Buy them at  ​​liveoaktheatre.org/current-production.

7:30 p.m.; 21030 Cortez Blvd., Brooksville

 

Nov. 9

St. Timothy’s boutique

The St. Timothy’s Women’s Club Holiday Boutique features more than 100 vendors, a plant sale, food, music and raffles. Interested vendors only should email . Visit the women’s club on Facebook for details. 

9 a.m.-3 p.m.; 17512 Lakeshore Road, Lutz. 

 

Stage Play

Bishop McLaughlin Catholic High School presents “A Play So Funny, You’ll Die Laughing: The Play That Goes Wrong,” at the school. Tickets cost $15 for adults, $15 for seniors or $10 for students. Call 727-857-2600 for details. 

2 & 7 p.m.; 13651 Hays Road, Spring Hill

 

Nov. 11

Air Force Band

The United States Air Force Band’s premier jazz ensemble, “The Airmen of Note,” from Washington, D.C., performs at the Straz Center for the Performing Arts as part of a nine-day community relations tour through Florida. The tour honors the service of Airmen both past and present. Tickets are required for the free concert. Get them at music.af.mil/Bands/The-United-States-Air-Force-Band/Events/.

7 p.m.; 1010 N. MacInnes Place, Tampa

 

The Zephyrhills Art Club meets at First Baptist Church. Guests should use the back entrance.  The club offers demonstrations and workshops.  Call Sandra Lallemand 352-523-1213 for details. 

7 p.m.; 38231 Fifth Ave., Zephyrhills

 

Nov. 12

Republican Club

The East Pasco Republican Club convenes at the Academy of Spectrum Diversity. The guest speakers will be Danny Burgess, state senator; and Mike Wells Jr., Pasco County property appraiser. A social begins at 6 p.m. 

6:30 p.m.; 5320 First St., Zephyrhills. 

 

Nov. 15

Theater Production

Live Oak Theatre presents its latest production, “Beauty at the Beast,” at the Carol and Frank Morsani Center for the Arts. Future performances are held at 7:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday and 2:30 p.m. Sunday on Nov. 15-17 and 22-24. Tickets cost $25 for adults, $10 for children and free for 13 and under with the purchase of an adult seat. Buy them at  ​​liveoaktheatre.org/current-production.

7:30 p.m.; 21030 Cortez Blvd., Brooksville

 

Nov. 16

Park Event

Be Seen Be Heard hosts Saturday @ Zephyr Park with artisans, food trucks and vendors at Zephyr Park. beseenbeheard.us/events/

9 a.m.-2 p.m.; 38116 5th Ave., Zephyrhills

 

Train Show/Sale

Regal Railways presents a Model Train Show/Sale with more than 60 tables of vendors selling various trains and toys at Elks Lodge. There will be a running train layout and a train to be an engineer. Admission costs $6 for adults or free for children 12 and younger. Credit cards are accepted to get into the show. Prepay at www.regalrailways.com.

9 a.m.-2 p.m.; 7201 Congress St., New Port Richey

 

Art Workshop

Susan Huskey conducts a workshop with the theme, “Painting Outside the Lines with Watercolor,” at the West Pasco Art Guild. Members pay $40. Others pay $50. Register in advance at or visit westpascoartguild.org.

9 a.m.-3:30 p.m.; 6206 Jefferson St., New Port Richey

 

Pasco Flea Fest

The Pasco Flea Fest: Fall Edition features vendors, a flea market, food vendors, a swap meet and live entertainment at Land O’ Lakes Heritage Park.. Tents, tables, tarps and tailgates cost $30 for a 10-by-10-foot space. Call Community Market & Events at 727-365-6411 or email FleaFest@CommunityMarkets for vendor and swap information.

10 a.m.-3 p.m.; 5401 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., Land O’ Lakes

 

Nov. 17

Catholic-Jewish Studies

Saint Leo University’s Center for Catholic-Jewish Studies hosts its Eternal Light Award Dinner: An Evening of Dialogue at Higgins Hall at St. Lawrence Catholic Church. Joseph Sievers, professor emeritus of Jewish history and literature of the Hellenistic period at the Pontifical Biblical Institute in Rome, will receive the Eternal Light Award. Registration is required by Nov. 1. Tickets and sponsorship opportunities are available at https://your.saintleo.edu/ccjs/elad. Contact Laurie Gens at or (352) 588-7711 for details. 

6-9 p.m.; 5225 N. Himes Ave., Tampa

 

Nov. 22

Art Workshop

Pamela Varricchio conducts a workshop with the theme,  “Beginner Oil (Water Soluble) Painting,” at West Pasco Art Guild. Members pay $40. Others pay $50. Register in advance at or visit westpascoartguild.org. 

9 a.m.-3:30 p.m.; 6206 Jefferson St., New Port Richey

 

Theater Production

Live Oak Theatre presents its latest production, “Beauty at the Beast,” at the Carol and Frank Morsani Center for the Arts. Future performances are held at 7:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday and 2:30 p.m. Sunday on Nov. 22-24. Tickets cost $25 for adults, $10 for children and free for 13 and under with the purchase of an adult seat. Buy them at  ​​liveoaktheatre.org/current-production.

7:30 p.m.; 21030 Cortez Blvd., Brooksville

 

Nov. 23

Comedy Show

Max Amini performs stand-up comedy at Tampa Theatre. Amini burst into comedy in Los Angeles in 2002. This show, which features mature themes and adult language, is intended for ages 13 and older. Minors must be accompanied by an adult. Tickets range from $45 to $110 plus taxes and fees (VIP tickets for front four rows cost $125). Buy them at tampatheatre.org.

7 p.m.; 711 N. Franklin St., Tampa

 

Nov. 30

Indoor holiday fair

A Lutz Indoor Holiday Craft Fair includes unique handmade crafts made by local artisans. Visit the Facebook page for details. 

9 a.m.-1 p.m.;  2155 Northpointe Pkwy., Lutz

 

Dec. 7

Holiday Arts & Crafts

Koren’s Quarters Arts & Crafts Show  includes vendors, food trucks, holiday shops, Christmas music and pony rides. Admission and parking are free. Vendor spots cost $50. Visit Koren’s Quarters Show Facility on Facebook for details. 

9 a.m.-3 p.m.; 1120 Swilley Road, Plant City

 

Dec. 21-23

Talk to Santa

The East Pasco Amateur Radio Society lets children talk to Santa via ham radio during the Church Street Christmas Walk in Dade City. The free event is open to the public. Kids will receive a card from Santa and a candy cane after they make contact with the North Pole.  Call Chris at 224-221-5064 or visit eparsonline.org for details. 

7-9 p.m.; 37744 Church Ave., Dade City 

 

Jan 25, 2025

Ham Radio

The East Pasco Amateur Radio Society hosts its Winter Field Day event at the San Antonio Train Depot Museum. Local amateur radio operators will be on the air for 24 hours straight. This is a practice for emergency radio communications. The free event is open to the public. Call Chris at 224-221-5064 or visit eparsonline.org for details. 

Noon; 32627 Railroad Ave., San Antonio

 

Jan. 31, 2025

Comedy Show

Comedian Becky Robinson brings her Members Only Club Tour to the Tampa Theatre. You may know her as the Entitled Housewife, the outspoken viral golf character Becky, or from her time as a regular on MTV’s “Wild ‘N Out with Nick Cannon.” Tickets cost $39.50-$59.50 plus taxes and fees. Buy them at tampatheatre.org.

8 p.m.; 711 N. Franklin St., Tampa

 

Chalk Talk (10/30/24): School collects donations for Tampa Hope 

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St. Anthony Catholic School students show off some of their donations to Tampa Hope. Photo courtesy of Diocese of Saint Petersburg

School collects donations for Tampa Hope 

LAKELAND – Students, faculty and families of St. Anthony Catholic School donated items, such as pet food, baby items and personal hygiene items, to Tampa Hope to benefit people in the community who have suffered losses during Hurricane Helene and Milton.

Sarah Fowler, a fifth-grade teacher, spearheaded the collection after hearing about the difficulties in Tampa Bay following the hurricanes.

“It weighed on my heart,” Fowler said. 

Tampa Hope is a shelter operated by Catholic Charities Diocese of Saint Petersburg serving up to 234 homeless adults with plans to expand to 335. 

 

PHSC to host financial recovery workshop

WESLEY CHAPEL – Pasco-Hernando State College will host a financial recovery workshop to connect students and the community to resources after Hurricanes Helene and Milton. 

The workshop takes place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 30 at the Porter Campus at Wiregrass Ranch Conference Center, 2727 Mansfield Blvd. The Copeland Team sponsors the event, which is open to the public and free with lunch provided.

Visit phsc.edu/about/events/campus/community-awareness-series-financial-fitness for event and registration details. 

The workshop will explain steps to work toward financial wellness as well as community resources and agencies to assist families.

Originally, the event was intended as a Financial Fitness workshop; however, the focus shifted in the best interest of the community. A Financial Fitness workshop for spring 2025 will be announced soon.

“For PHSC, our community partnerships are essential in our service to students and each other,” said Davina Jones, provost of the Porter Campus. “Natural occurrences, like hurricanes, have a way of reminding us that we are in this together.”

 

Pasco schools approved to operate afterschool meals 

LAND O’ LAKES – Pasco County Schools announced the approval of 64 schools for participation in the Afterschool Meals Program, a subcomponent of the Child Care Food Program. 

The Afterschool Meals Program is designed primarily to provide nutritious meals to children participating in afterschool programs on campus. 

Approved schools hosting programs and activities (including PLACE) after school hours will have the ability to provide meals for the 2024-25 school year. 

Parents should contact the coordinator of the program their child is participating in to determine if meals will be provided.  

The following schools, grouped by city, have been approved to participate in the program:

  • Dade City: Centennial Elementary School, Centennial Middle School, East Pasco Education Academy, Lacoochee Elementary School, Pasco Elementary School, Pasco High School, Pasco Middle School, R.B. Cox Elementary and San Antonio Elementary. 
  • Holiday: Anclote High School, Gulf Trace Elementary School, Gulfside Elementary School, Paul R. Smith Middle School and Sunray Elementary School. 
  • Hudson: Fivay High School, Hudson High School, Hudson Middle School, Hudson Primary Academy and West Pasco Education Academy.
  • Land O’ Lakes: Connerton Elementary School, Lake Myrtle Elementary School and Pineview Elementary School.
  • Lutz: Denham Oaks Elementary School.
  • New Port Richey: Anclote Elementary School, Athenian Academy, Bayonet Point Middle School, Calusa Elementary School, Cotee River Elementary School, Cypress Elementary School, Deer Park Elementary School, Gulf High School, Gulf Middle School, James M. Marlowe Elementary School, Longleaf Elementary School, Mittye P. Locke Elementary School, Moon Lake Elementary School, Pepin Academy, Plato Academy, Richey Elementary School, River Ridge Middle/High School, Schrader Elementary School, Seven Springs Elementary School and Wendell Krinn Technical High School.
  • Port Richey: Chasco Elementary School, Chasco Middle School, Dayspring Academy (Elementary), Dayspring Jazz, Fox Hollow Elementary School and Gulf Highlands Elementary and Learning Lodge.
  • Shady Hills: Shady Hills Elementary School.
  • Spring Hill: Classical Preparatory School, Crews Lake Middle School and Dr. Mary Giella Elementary School.
  • Wesley Chapel: New River Elementary School, Quail Hollow Elementary School, Veterans Elementary School and Watergrass Elementary School.
  • Zephyrhills: Chester Taylor Elementary School, R.B. Stewart Middle School, West Zephyrhills Elementary School, Woodland Elementary School and Zephyrhills High School.

 

Student Achievements

  • Chad Cooper of Lutz, has earned a Master of Science in Analytics from the Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta. 

 

The Book Shack begins new chapter

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Jenny Williams, left, owner of Farmhouse Brew & Bites, and Kristy Kassabaum, owner of The Book Shack, stand by some of the thousands of new and used books available at the business’ new location. Photo courtesy of Joe Potter

DADE CITY – The Book Shack, a Dade City business founded 45 years ago, recently opened in a space that is three times larger than its Seventh Street location. 

Owner Kristy Kassabaum celebrated the store’s grand reopening Oct. 5 at 37838 Pasco Ave. 

She bought the business from her husband’s grandmother, Jo Kassabaum, in September 2016. Kassabaum said she wanted to have a business of her own and that she was happy to keep the business in the family.

The move to a larger space was necessary, Kassabaum said, because she had outgrown the previous location. Kassabaum said she not only wanted more room for her products but she also wanted to offer more services to her customers.

In addition to purchasing new or used books, customers may enjoy coffee and treats provided by Farmhouse Brew & Bites, a business owned by Ronnie and Jenny Williams.

“We thought it would be a good opportunity … kind of like an Oxford Exchange kind of look,” Ronnie Williams said regarding Farmhouse Brew & Bites’ location in The Book Shack. 

Williams was referring to a bookshop/coffee shop/restaurant called The Oxford Exchange in Tampa.

Aubrey Weldon, left, and Jenny Williams are shown behind the counter of Farmhouse Brew & Bites, which is owned by Jenny Williams and her husband, Ronnie. It’s inside The Book Shack’s new location. Photo courtesy of Joe Potter

The Williamses also own The Farmhouse Market & Café at 14124 Fifth St. The company has been in business since 2018 “with a vision of supporting local farms & businesses to bring the best & freshest products,” according to its website. 

The Book Shack customers can also admire and buy pieces of art created by local artists in a mini-version of Out of Our Hands Gallery, provided by Russ and Lee Taylor.

The gallery, located at 14245 Seventh St., will celebrate its sixth year in business on Nov. 11, Lee Taylor said. It “specializes in offering local, regional, original, handcrafted work from Florida fine artists. Everything is selected with great care, directly from the artists,” according to its website. 

Art pieces displayed inside The Book Shack are priced at $50 and below. Lee Taylor said the purpose of having them there is to provide a mini introduction to customers of the things the gallery has to offer at its location, which is three blocks away.

Sixteen artists are providing samples of their work at the gallery and eight of them live in Dade City, Lee Taylor said.

Customers visiting The Book Shack’s new location on Pasco Avenue will be thrilled to see the comfortable places where they may sit and relax while looking at a book, drinking coffee, eating a treat or admiring an art piece, according to Kassabaum.

The previous location on Seventh Street had a limited seating area and the aisles were difficult to navigate if there were many people in the store, Kassabaum said. This isn’t the case at all with the new location.

Customers may purchase new or used books at the store or by placing an order at mybookshack.com. 

Customers may also trade books they own in for other books offered at The Book Shack, Kassabaum said. A record is kept online of how much credit a customer has acquired through trading books at The Book Shack, Kassabaum said.

Better Together receives $50K to support hurricane relief efforts 

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TOWN ‘N’ COUNTRY – Gov. Ron DeSantis and First Lady Casey DeSantis presented Better Together with $50,000 to aid the nonprofit’s continued relief efforts following Hurricanes Helene and Milton.

The grant, made possible through the Florida Disaster Fund, was announced at an Oct. 17 news conference in Town ‘n’ Country, a Tampa Bay community that Better Together served immediately after the storms.

With a mission to strengthen families and prevent the need for foster

Photo courtesy of Better Together

care, Better Together helps families weather life’s storms – a medical emergency, homelessness, addiction and isolation. A hurricane is yet another crisis, and in the aftermath of Helene and Milton, Better Together is working alongside families to serve as a support system, distribute essential supplies, provide short-term host families to care for children and offer work resources and mentorship to help parents get back on their feet.

Before Helene and Milton made landfall, Better Together volunteers were boots on the ground preparing supply trucks to deploy immediately after each storm. Volunteers have since been helping families pick up the pieces, knocking on doors in at-risk communities, delivering meals and supplies, and triaging the most urgent needs of vulnerable children and families across Florida.

“For many of the families we serve, life was difficult enough before the arrivals of Hurricanes Helene and Milton a mere two weeks apart. A crisis like this can push them over the edge, leaving their children at risk. Our goal is to step in before it comes to that point,” said Megan Rose, CEO of Better Together. “We are so thankful for Gov. DeSantis and the First Lady’s leadership, trust and support of our efforts, allowing us to help families emerge from this difficult situation stronger. The Disaster Relief Fund cuts through red tape and gets resources to those who are helping. We’re receiving referrals from Hope Florida and the Department of Children and Families, working alongside them to fill in gaps and support families.”

This is not the first time Better Together has risen to meet the needs of families in crisis after a natural disaster. Similar efforts took place following Hurricane Ian in 2022 and most recently after Hurricane Helene made landfall in Florida’s Big Bend.

“We would not be able to accomplish the things that we do, and to serve the thousands of individuals that we have, without the generous hearts and acts of service by our Hope Florida partners,” said Shevaun Harris, secretary of the Florida Department of Children and Families. “These entities step into the gap each and every time and they answer the call each time.”

Visit BetterTogetherUS.org/Hurricane-Relief to learn more about Better Together and ways to give or get help.

Former Veteran’s Affairs clinic pitched for adult daycare center

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NEW PORT RICHEY – The Pasco County Planning Commission approved a special exception Oct. 17 that will allow a former Veteran’s Affairs Medical Clinic building to be used as an adult care center.

The 7.99-acre site is located on the southeast corner of Little Road and Grove Drive in west central Pasco County.

Plans call for the center to be developed in conformance with the E-R Estate-Residential District. 

The property was operated as a Veteran’s Affairs Medical Clinic from 2000 to mid-2023. The property consists of a 45,700-square-foot office building. 

The owners intend to use the property for a BoldAge PACE center. PACE (Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly) is a national managed care program aimed at keeping older adults who qualify for nursing home level of care living independently and safely at home. PACE programs coordinate and offer a wide range of services, including preventative, primary care, acute and long-term care. 

The proposed project will occupy 29,000 square feet of the building to provide the PACE services. All of the intended services BoldAge PACE provides fall within the already approved special exception for professional offices use. 

The Adult Day Care component of the program will use 6,064 square feet, or 13% of the total square footage of the property.

The special exception was necessary because the Adult Day Care component of the BoldAge PACE program is outside of the professional office special exception.  

Plans call for the remaining 16,000 square feet to be leased for other professional office uses. 

Subject to a portion of Pasco County’s Land Development Code, the owner/applicant may be required to convey, at no cost to Pasco County, the amount of right-of-way needed to achieve 73 feet from the centerline of Little Road.

 

Other business

In other business, the planning commission:

• Recommended the Pasco County Board of County Commissioners approve a request by Sandarben LLC to rezone 92.6 acres on the northwest corner of Bellamy Bros Boulevard and Johnston Road in northeast Pasco County. The applicant is seeking to change the zoning from an A-C Agricultural District to an AR-5 Agricultural-Residential District.

The site consists of two single-family homes on 92.60 acres. The applicant proposes to develop the property with 18 single-family homes on five-acre lots.

Subject to a portion of Pasco County’s Land Development Code, the owner/applicant may be required to convey, at no cost to Pasco County, the amount of right-of-way needed to achieve 57 feet from the centerline of Bellamy Bros Boulevard. 

The board is scheduled to consider the request Nov. 12 in Dade City.

• Recommended approval of an application for a small-scale comprehensive plan amendment for 3.02 acres located at the northeast corner of Jasmine Boulevard and Little Road.

Little Road Commercial is requesting the amendment from RES-1 (Residential-1 DU/GA) to COM (Commercial) to allow for commercial, retail and office uses on the property. 

Commissioners will hold an adoption hearing on the request Dec. 10 in New Port Richey.

If adopted, the amendment would enable the development of commercial uses and promote economic growth for the surrounding area. 

The applicant has proposed a voluntary deed restriction on the site to ensure the intended use of the property is for commercial/industrial uses and not include residential uses.

The development would expand the existing commercial uses, which aligns with the intent of the Commercial Future Land Use classification, as it would act as a community-serving commercial development.

The planning commission’s action came after it was agreed to strike all references to C-2 (General Commercial) in the application along with references to access points from Jasmine Boulevard and Little Road.

The applicant has also agreed to a voluntary deed restriction to ensure the property is used only for industrial uses. 

 

Browning: Normalcy, routine is important

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Kurt Browning

LAND O’ LAKES – Pasco County Schools Superintendent Kurt Browning acknowledged Oct. 15 that plans to reopen schools following Hurricane Milton were met with some criticism.

But that’s par for the course for decisions involving such storms.

“It doesn’t matter what the decision is that you’ve made,” Browning said. “You will have people over here that think you are a rock star. And there are people over here that if they saw you in the produce section of Publix, they would drag you out of that store and beat you about the head and shoulders.”

Staff returned to work Oct. 15. Students returned to class Oct. 16. 

Browning explained that he believes consistency and routine are important for children to have a sense of normalcy. 

“They’ve lost their homes. They’ve lost their clothes. They’ve lost the roof over their head. They’ve lost their automobile. And they need a place to belong,” Browning said. “Oftentimes, that place they belong is their school.”

Browning said storm-related decisions are vetted multiple times by his amazing team at Pasco County Schools. He described his top-level staff as selfless.

“I continue to be amazed when we get into a situation of not just one storm but back-to-back storms,” Browning said. “People are dead-dog tired but they don’t hesitate to step up and do what’s right for this community – mainly our students and our families.”

Elizabeth Kuhn, assistant superintendent for support services, told the school board Oct. 15 that Pasco and Zephyrhills high schools sustained the most damage from Hurricane Milton. 

“The fortunate thing is in both situations, we were able to reopen without making huge changes,” Kuhn said. 

Pasco High School had roof damage to Building 6 and the gym. The district is putting a temporary roof on Building 6 but the gym is going to take time to fix.

Zephyrhills High School experienced heavy flooding. Staff discovered water in the band room and a couple of classrooms. The city has helped by pumping water into two retention ponds. School leaders have had to make adjustments related to student drop-off and parking.

“We’re monitoring water all over the county as everyone,” Kuhn said. “The biggest challenge with this storm is that it changes. Today there were roads that might have been OK and now they’re not.”

Transportation staff has been evaluating roads daily to ensure they’re unobstructed. 

Kuhn said as many as 44 schools were without power. Power returned for all schools by the end of Oct. 15. 

“We’re very happy that you’re back at school,” said Megan Harding, chair of the school board. “That’s all our hearts want is for you to be at school but we also understand this is a very difficult and stressful and traumatic situation. So,if it’s not safe or if you’re having (trouble), please contact your administrator, contact your school, because we’re all in this together.”

 

Ideas to create healthy little monsters leading up to Halloween 

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Get some nutrition in the midst of all the candy by making healthy food fun for Halloween. Photo courtesy of Shari Bresin

Additives, and sugar and dyes – oh my. You guessed it. I’m talking about candy. 

I’m not here to be the candy police, as I’m all for partaking in the Halloween fun. 

But it’s important to know that the American Academy of Pediatrics says kids 2 and older not have more than 25 grams of added sugar per day (and zero for kids under 2). 

Adult women should also limit their added sugar intake to no more than 25 grams per day, and under 36 grams per day for men, according to the American Heart Association. 

So yes, there is room in our daily eating pattern to indulge, but of course, doing so in moderation. 

These sugar recommendations are easy to exceed this time of year, as this equates to just a few pieces of fun-sized candy. 

The following examples with their sugar content:

  • 16 grams of sugar are in a six-piece package of Starbursts
  • 16 grams are in two packages of M&Ms
  • 14 grams in two packages of KitKats
  • 11 grams of sugar are in one package of Skittles
  • 10 grams are in one piece of Reese’s 
  • 8 grams in one snack-sized Snickers

And all the events in October like Halloween parties, trunk-or-treat events and so on add up to make for a month-long sugar fest. And don’t forget to factor in the other food you or your child consumed the same day (soda, flavored yogurt, sweetened applesauce, etc). 

Get some nutrition in the midst of all the candy by making healthy food fun for Halloween. Photo courtesy of Shari Bresin

There’s no getting around it, but there is a way to make nutrition more appealing this time of year: crafting with fruits, vegetables and other healthy food. During this month of excessive sugar intake, here are some ways you can make nutrition part of the Halloween festivities that are easy for the non-artistic parents, inexpensive and require minimal cleanup:

  • If you have a clementine or an orange, and a marker, then you can simply draw a jack-o-lantern face on the outside of the peel.
  • Take an apple and a peeler or spiralizer, then peel/spiralize it to make it into a snake, and put mini chocolate chips dipped with honey to use for eyes.
  • In addition to carving pumpkins, carve a face into an orange or grapefruit: Simply carve out a face with the segments still intact, or slice the top of the fruit, remove the segments by running a pairing around the interior and then carve out the face. You can add the segments back in, along with any other small pieces of fruit, to make into an adorable fruit cup.
  • Make apple mummies: Cut an apple in half, remove the core and use a vegetable peeler to remove strips of apple peel. For the eyes, press chocolate chips (pointy end first) into a part that was peeled. Honeycrisp and Pink Ladies won’t brown as quickly.
  • Pumpkin-face oatmeal: After making oatmeal, either in a bowl or in a slow cooker, simply add cinnamon or pumpkin spice into a face (triangle eyes, nose and a mouth)
  • Boo-nana (ghost banana): Peel and cut a banana in half, press in three mini chocolate chips for eyes and an open mouth and insert a lollipop stick, popsicle stick or skewer.
  • Monster smoothies: Turn a fruit smoothie into a green monster or goblin by adding spinach or kale. Pour into a clear plastic cup and draw a face with a marker. You can repeat this on St. Patrick’s Day, minus the scary face.

These are just a few ideas to have some non-candy fun with your kids or to offer at your Halloween party. 

Candy is highly visible and accessible this time of year, so switch things up a bit and get creative with something that has more natural sugar than added.

 

Shari Bresin is the Family & Consumer Science Agent for the University of Florida/Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Cooperative Extension Pasco County, An Equal Opportunity Institution.

 

High school sports teams get more flexibility heading into playoffs

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GAINESVILLE – The Florida High School Athletic Association has loosened some requirements for fall sports to allow schools more flexibility following hurricanes Helene and Milton.

Craig Damon, executive director of the Florida High School Athletic Association, outlined changes Oct. 14. 

“This year has been a very unique year for us,” Damon said. “Most of the state has been impacted directly or indirectly by inclement weather throughout the year with two major hurricanes, unprecedented tornadoes, some severe thunderstorms and extensive flooding.”

Such weather has led to games getting delayed or canceled. 

The Florida High School Athletic Association is waiving the minimum contest requirement for individual fall sports tournaments for bowling, cross country, golf, swimming and diving. 

“We’re waving that minimum contest for those individual sports so our student-athletes, who may have been impacted by weather at some point in time during the year, will have the

ability to participate in state series,” Damon said. 

For volleyball, the Florida High School Athletic Association extended the time frame for district tournaments to end one day later on Oct. 19. 

For football, the Florida High School Athletic Association is moving a bye week originally scheduled for Dec. 2 to 6 for finalists in 1A to 7A state tournaments to Nov 4 to 7 to allow for an extra week during the regular season. 

“This week can be used in several different ways,” Damon said. “It can be used to make up a game or it can be used as a bye before starting a playoff.”

Football playoffs now start Nov. 15. State championships for 1A through 7A will be held Dec. 11 to 14 at FIU’s Pitbull Stadium. 

Damon said these adjustments could change considering there’s seven weeks remaining in hurricane season. No changes have been made to the winter sports schedule. 

“None of us here on staff are meteorologists and we are at the mercy of Mother Mother Nature at this point in time,” Damon said. 

 

Pasco County zoning amendments earn positive recommendations

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This aerial map shows the 76.55 acres targeted for Old Pasco West Master Planned Unit Development. Map courtesy of Pasco County

DADE CITY – The Pasco County Planning Commission recommended approval of three zoning amendments during its Oct. 3 meeting.

All three of the rezoning requests are for properties located in either south central or southeast Pasco County.

The Pasco Board of County Commissioners has the final authority regarding zoning amendments because the planning commission only acts in an advisory capacity.

One of the requests was for a rezoning to allow for the construction of 99 single-family detached units on 76.55 acres south of State Road 52 and west of Old Pasco Road. 

Mary Elaine Sharp and Maxine Green submitted the application for the Old Pasco West MPUD Master Planned Unit Development. Attorney Barbara Wilhite, whose law office is in New Port Richey, represented the applicants.

The applicants requested to not have to provide an access point to the north or west due to an existing wetland system and because a portion of the site is adjacent to an Environmental Lands Acquisitions and Maintenance Program property.

One of the conditions of approval is the applicant will need to provide a 340-foot northbound left turn at the Old Mill Road and Old Pasco Road intersection. Improvements will be made to Old Mill Road between Old Pasco Road and the project access.

A date wasn’t given for when commissioners would decide on that rezoning request.

Anodyne 54 LLC/Anodyne 54 LLC (East) is seeking to rezone 1.27 undeveloped acres at the northeast corner of the intersection of State Road 54 and Point Cypress Boulevard from a C-1 Neighborhood Commercial District to a C-2 General 

The applicant has volunteered to record a deed restriction to the property to ensure it provides the benefits of commercial development, including adequate employment generation.

Sitex NR Holding LLC is seeking to rezone 1.06 acres on the west side of Ernest Drive, approximately 200 feet south of State Road 54, changed from an A-R Agricultural-Residential District to a C-2 General Commercial District.

The site consists of an unoccupied single-family dwelling. 

The applicant has volunteered to record a deed restriction to ensure the property provides the benefits of commercial development, including adequate employment generation.

More than 100 daily trips are estimated to occur from the property after it is developed for commercial uses. Therefore, the applicant will be responsible for the design, construction and right-of-way donation/acquisition for all the improvements needed to provide access from the property to State Road 54, the application said.

Commissioners are scheduled to decide on requests by Anodyne 54 LLC and Sitex during their Nov. 12 meeting.

 

Health & Wellness (10/16/24): Hospital evacuates ahead of storm

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AdventHealth North Pinellas evacuates ahead of storm

TARPON SPRINGS  – AdventHealth North Pinellas decided to evacuate the hospital as Hurricane Milton approached due to the hospital’s proximity to the Gulf of Mexico and potential impacts from the storm. 

Staff began transferring 40 patients to other AdventHealth facilities around 5 p.m. Oct. 7.

“We have been in constant communication with state and local emergency management teams throughout our preparation for the storm,” said Ryan Quattlebaum, president and CEO of AdventHealth North Pinellas. “Given Milton’s projected impact, we are evacuating out of an abundance of caution.”
The AdventHealth Palm Harbor ER, located at 34106 US Hwy 19 N. in Palm Harbor, remained open throughout the storm to serve the community’s emergency needs.

AdventHealth gives out pink light bulbs

TAMPA – AdventHealth has been giving away 6,000 pink light bulbs across seven counties, including Hillsborough and Pasco throughout October, which is Breast Cancer Awareness.

AdventHealth will distribute the pink bulbs at a series of “Pink Out” events for the #PinkPorchFL initiative throughout October to encourage women to prioritize breast cancer screenings and early detection.

While picking up their pink light bulb, women ages 40 and older are encouraged to schedule a mammogram at any AdventHealth Care Pavilion location. For women without insurance coverage, AdventHealth offers mammograms for $99.

Visit ScheduleYourMammoToday.com to learn more.

Dr. Rachel Burke, a breast cancer diagnostic radiologist with the Kay Meyer Breast Center at AdventHealth Tampa, says it’s important for women to have regular screenings and speak to their health care provider regarding their family history and breast cancer risk.

“Every 14 seconds, somewhere in the world, a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer,” Burke said. “Mammograms and health checks are not just appointments; they’re opportunities to safeguard your future.”

 

Hurricane delays grand openings

RUSKIN –Hurricane Milton delayed health-related openings in the area. 

  • Elite DNA Behavioral Health, a comprehensive behavioral and mental health service provider, postponed an Oct. 8   ribbon cutting for its new location in Ruskin. The practice offers a range of in-person and virtual mental and behavioral health services, including psychiatry, therapy and medication management. 
  • Saint Leo University postponed the Oct. 10 grand opening celebration of its new nursing floor. The floor will be home to the Bachelor of Science in nursing program.

 

AdventHealth provided virtual care during storm

TAMPA – AdventHealth Centra Care offered free virtual urgent care for the state of Florida from Oct. 9 to 10.

AdventHealth medical professionals were available to provide virtual consultations and recommended treatment for urgent, non-life-threatening medical needs via the AdventHealth app. 

People could bypass payment pages with the code MILTON.

Visit AdventHealthVideoVisits.com for details. 

 

Hotline helps Alzheimer’s caregivers

NEW  YORK – The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America reminded families in areas affected by hurricanes who are caring for loved ones with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related illnesses that it AFA Helpline is available for assistance, answers and support. 

FA’s Helpline is staffed seven days a week by licensed social workers specifically trained in dementia care. They can address questions such as:

  • How do I answer questions about the hurricane and its consequences?
  • How can I keep my loved one feeling safe?
  • How do I help them cope with disorientation, stress or anxiety?
  • What can I do to help prevent or reduce agitation?
  • How do I help my loved one handle disruptions to their daily routine?
  • How do I acclimate my loved one to new surroundings after evacuating?

Call 866-232-8484, text 646-586-5283 or web chat at www.alzfdn.org for details.

 

DOH-Pasco issues alert about beaches, pools

Pasco County – The Florida Department of Health in Pasco County advised the public not to enter the water following Hurricane Milton due to the increased risk of water-borne illness.

Heavy winds and rain can negatively impact coastal waters. Excessive amounts of rain and storm surge can increase the levels of harmful bacteria in public beaches. The sources of the bacteria can vary and include failing septic systems, sewer line breaks, overflowing manholes, and wildlife.

Debris brought onto beaches by storm surge and floodwaters can be hazardous and may carry harmful bacteria. No one should handle debris without proper safety equipment.

Residents and visitors should avoid swimming in coastal waters until bacterial testing shows an acceptable level in accordance with state guidelines. Test results can be accessed at FloridaHealth.gov/HealthyBeaches.

Residents and visitors should avoid swimming in any pool until it has been properly cleaned and is fully functional. Public swimming pools need to be approved for opening by DOH-Pasco. 

 

DOH-Pasco offers mold cleanup tips

PASCO COUNTY – The Florida Department of Health in Pasco County suggests these post-storm tips for mold cleanup:

  • Any items soaked with flood waters that can’t be cleaned or dried completely within 24 to 48 hours should be disposed of.
  • Open all doors and windows when removing wet or moldy items to avoid exposure.
  • Scrub wet surfaces with detergent and water to remove visible mold. 
  • Remove visible mold before painting or caulking.
  • Never mix bleach with other cleansers or ammonia to avoid health issues.

Visit pasco.floridahealth.gov/ for more tips. 

 

DOH-Pasco offers flood safety tips

PASCO COUNTY – The Florida Department of Health in Pasco County urges residents to be aware of the health risks associated with flooding. 

Skin contact with flood waters does not, by itself, pose a serious health risk. However, health hazards are a concern when waters are or become contaminated with bacteria or contain dangerous debris.

DOH-Pasco recommends the following to prevent illness or injury from flood waters:

  • Basic hygiene is critical. If you are under a boil water notice, use commercially bottled water for mixing baby formula. Wash hands with soap and either disinfected or boiled and cooled water, especially before preparing or eating food, after toilet use, after handling a soiled diaper, after participating in flood cleanup activities and after handling objects contaminated with flood water or sewage.
  • Avoid eating or drinking anything that has been contaminated with flood waters. 
  • Avoid contact with flood waters, especially if you have open cuts or sores.
  • If you have any open cuts or sores and come in contact with flood waters, wash the area well with soap to prevent infection. If a wound develops redness, swelling, or drainage, seek immediate medical attention.
  • Residents who sustain lacerations or puncture wounds are encouraged to contact their primary health care provider to make sure they are current on their tetanus vaccine and possibly get a booster.

Visit pasco.floridahealth.gov/ for more tips. 

 

Healthy Kids board approves KidCare aid

TALLAHASSEE – The Florida Healthy Kids Corporation board of directors approved financial and administrative relief for families impacted by Hurricane Helene. 

These relief measures apply to families residing in the 22 Florida counties currently designated by FEMA as eligible for individual assistance. This included Pasco and Hillsborough counties. 

To help families following the storm, the corporation agreed to cover 100% of eligible October monthly payments for November coverage. An additional month of payment relief will be made available to those who contact the Florida KidCare Call Center expressing a need. Members enrolled in both subsidized and full-pay plans are included.

On top of monthly payment support, families with annual renewals scheduled for September or October will have extra time – until Nov. 30 – to complete the renewal process.

Altogether, more than 48,000 children live in the 22 identified counties, representing more than 25% of the total Florida KidCare population (excluding Medicaid). The cost to cover waived October payments is an estimated $2,300,000.

 

TRICARE authorizes temporary prescription refill waivers

FALLS CHURCH, Va. – The Defense Health Agency announced TRICARE beneficiaries in 51 Florida counties, including Hillsborough and Pasco, may receive emergency prescription refills now through Oct. 17 due to Hurricane Milton.

To receive an emergency refill of prescription medications, TRICARE beneficiaries should take their prescription bottle to any TRICARE retail network pharmacy. If the bottle is unavailable or the label is damaged or missing, beneficiaries should contact Express Scripts Inc., or their retail network pharmacy for assistance.

Beneficiaries may call Express Scripts at 1-877-363-1303 to find a network pharmacy.