The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

By Colleen Beaudoin

Pasco County Schools is here to support you

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Colleen Beaudoin

I’d like to take a moment to acknowledge the catastrophic loss that some of our families, employees and community members suffered last week due to Hurricane Helene. 

We know you are hurting, and we will do what we can to support you. 

Thank you to all our employees, our community partners, our first responders for your efforts to keep our Pasco residents safe during the storm, and for all the help cleaning up and coming to aid all of our residents in the aftermath.

We had our employees away from their own families working in shelters and evaluating damages to our sites.

I want to thank the superintendent and his staff for keeping the board informed throughout the weekend. 

This storm was devastating to our community and across several states as we know 

I know we are all feeling the impacts and are concerned about everyone’s well-being. 

As we get back to business today, let’s keep our students and our employees as well as all our Pasco residents at the forefront of our decisions – all the decisions we make as we always do. 

Colleen Beaudoin, a District 2 representative, on the Pasco County Schools Board of Education, gave these remarks Oct. 1 during the school board meeting. 

Renczkowski has watched Pasco County region grow over 30 years

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Suzanne Renczkowski

The Pasco County Board of County Commissioners recently recognized Suzanne Renczkowski for having worked for Pasco Economic Development Council for 30 years.

She is currently Pasco EDC’s director of operations.

The Pasco County Committee of 100 originally hired her on July 18, 1994. Its name officially changed to Pasco Economic Development Council on Oct. 1, 1998.

Pasco EDC is dedicated to the growth and prosperity of Pasco County through the development of a sustainable and diversified economy.  

Renczkowski, who is now 63, said she plans to work for Pasco EDC for two more years until she reaches the magic age of 65 when she will qualify for Medicare.

She added that her husband of 43 years, John Renczkowski, has already retired.

“Suzanne Renczkowski has been devoted to the Pasco Economic Development Council and its mission and vision for 30 years, demonstrating unwavering commitment and dedication to enhancing the professional landscape of Pasco County since beginning her career with them in 1994,” said part of the resolution the board adopted in August to recognize her accomplishments.

“Oh, gosh, no!” she said when asked if she had anticipated working for Pasco EDC for three decades. 

“It’s worked out well with me and my family. I like to work Monday through Friday and to have a very stable work environment,” Renczkowski said. 

Her job there has been very satisfying, said Renczkowski, who works in a significant support role for the organization.

“This job’s never boring because it’s always changing,” she said. That’s because of how Pasco County has continued to grow over the years, even during 2009 when the national economy took a downturn, she added.

As director of operations she is responsible for, among other things, serving as executive assistant to Bill Cronin, who has been Pasco EDC’s president/CEO since Jan. 19, 2016. She also assisted two other former chief executives – John Hagen, who led Pasco EDC from January 2010 to October 2015; and Mary Jane Stanley, who headed up Pasco EDC – and its predecessor the Pasco County Committee of 100 – from 1994 to June 30, 2009. 

Some of Renczkowski’s other duties include handling the organization’s payroll, accounts payable and receivable, and playing a pivotal role in the planning and execution of all major events for Pasco EDC, including the Annual Awards, NetFest and the Holiday Social.

She’s not quite as heavily involved in as many of those major roles now because Pasco EDC currently has a staff of 14 people, she said. This is a lot more employees than were working for the Committee of 100 when she started there in 1994, she added.

Although much of her work has been done “behind the scenes,” as she described it, Renczkowski said she’s thrilled about the number of things her employer has been able to accomplish during the time she has worked for them.

Some of her coworkers refer to her as the “office psychologist,” Renczkowski said with a chuckle. She explained that is because they come to her for help when they have questions or concerns. She’s able to help them, she said, because she knows a lot of the history of both Pasco EDC and Pasco County. 

The board’s resolution also gave Renczkowski credit for having “served as a mentor to many team members over the years.”

She has a solid background in business because she is a graduate of Taylor Business Institute, based in New Jersey. Renczkowski was one of its students during 1980 while she had worked for eye surgeon Dr. John Norris as he was developing cataract surgery with Dr. Gills. And she also took business courses at Saint Leo University in 1993 while working there as its public affairs coordinator, part of the board’s resolution said.

“Suzanne’s commitment to the betterment of Pasco County throughout her extensive career has not only bolstered economic development in Pasco County but has been an inspiration to many and has shown true passion for her community,” the board’s resolution said. 

 

Hurricane recovery efforts are underway in Pasco County

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Thousands of Pasco County residents and an unknown number of business owners have begun what will be a lengthy process for many to recover from the devastating impact of Hurricane Helene.

The powerful Category 4 hurricane passed alongside the county’s west side in the early evening hours of Friday, Sept. 27, before it made landfall later that day on Florida’s Big Bend area.

Both of the unincorporated areas of Hudson and Holiday sustained widespread damage from storm surges of four- to five-feet accompanied by heavy rainfall as Hurricane Helene passed by on her way northward.

Pasco Information Office spokespeople reported that damage assessments had been made at more than 10,000 locations throughout the county as of Monday, Sept. 30. It was also reported that this number was subject to change, as damage assessment teams would continue to make countywide inspections.

It was also advised that using the Pasco County online reporting tool – mypas.co/ReportDamage – would be the fastest way to report storm damage to homes and businesses and to get help and schedule assessments with Pasco County. “This was a major hurricane with incredible impact to life and property across our state. We stand united as Floridians and are ready to help our neighbors in need. We are about to see the best of Florida,” state Sen. Danny Burgess said Sept. 27 in a widely distributed email message.

Burgess, who is a Republican who represents District 23 in Hillsborough and Pasco counties, also said that he wanted to “salute those who helped our community 

get through this storm: our emergency responders, linemen, those who work in our Emergency Operations Centers, and everyone else who kept us safe. You have made us all proud.”

Gov. Ron DeSantis said in a recent press conference in the Hudson area that hundreds of travel trailers were available throughout the state which residents could stay in for between six and 18 months while they repair or rebuild their homes. DeSantis added that officials are working to provide more travel trailers.

The State of Florida and the Federal Emergency Management Agency are providing the travel trailers.

Residents can apply for a travel trailer by calling the Florida Hope Line at 1-833-GET-HOPE. The Hope Line directs those affected by the storm to the resources they need to recover, according to DeSantis.

Residents who experienced damages/losses due to Hurricane Helene can apply for financial help at disasterassistance.gov.

DeSantis also said while he was in Hudson that it was anticipated that power would soon be available to most Pasco County customers who had experienced outages. However, it is necessary, county officials said, to have homes inspected by electricians before the power is turned back on. This is because of the danger caused by salt water having flooded many of those homes.

Thirty-five fires were reported as a result of storm surges from Hurricane Helene entering residences and shorting out the electrical systems, according to PIO.

Pasco County opened three Comfort Stations on the county’s western side on Sept. 30 that will be available from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. according to PIO. 

They are located at the Hudson Library, 8012 Library Road, in Hudson; the J. Ben Harrill Recreation Complex, 2830 Gulf Trace Blvd., in Holiday; and Aripeka Baptist Church, 18731 Aripeka Road, in Aripeka. 

Food and supplies are available at the locations in Hudson and Holiday while supplies last.

All three of the stations have air conditioning, restrooms, charging stations and showers and laundry. People need to bring their own supplies for the showers and laundry.

The purpose of the Comfort Stations is to provide essentials to Hurricane Helene victims, according to PIO. 

The City of New Port Richey also has a Comfort Station located at the New Port Richey Recreation & Aquatic Center, 6630 Van Buren St., New Port Richey. It will also be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. “until further notice.”

Pasco County has begun picking up storm debris in affected neighborhoods.

All storm debris should be separated, whether it is taken to a drop off site or left at the curb. The drop-off site is located at the West Pasco Resource Recovery Center, 14606 Hays Road, Spring Hill.

Yard debris (branches, leaves, etc.) should not be mixed with home debris (mattresses, chairs, couches, etc.) or with household garbage.

Refrigerators and freezers must be emptied and the doors must either be secured or removed.

Only residential storm debris is eligible for free disposal. Commercial debris will not be accepted.

Both the West Pasco Resource Recovery Center and the East Pasco Transfer Station located at 9626 Handcart Road in Dade City will be open for regular garbage drop-off.

Visiting pascocountyfl.net for more information about Hurricane Helene’s impact on Pasco County and what recovery resources are available.

Business Digest (10/02/24): Tech entrepreneur invests in cybersecurity

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Tech entrepreneur invests in cybersecurity education

ST. LEO ­– For Tampa-based tech entrepreneur Arnie Bellini, cybersecurity is a mission.

Bellini is taking steps to ensure more people have the skills to protect businesses, organizations and the nation. With funding from Bellini, Saint Leo University is launching a new cybersecurity certification program and skills courses, beginning Oct. 1.

“The global cost of cybercrime is a staggering $8 trillion,” said Bellini, managing director of Bellini Capital. “Nation-states must defend their digital borders with the same urgency as their physical ones. We chose Saint Leo for this mission to significantly increase the number of cybersecurity professionals, given the university’s strong reputation in cybersecurity training.”

Saint Leo University’s College of Computing, Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, and Data Science is partnering with ConnectWise founder Bellini and John Strand, owner of Black Hills Information Security, to offer this online, self-paced program. 

The curriculum for the cybersecurity certification program includes three courses:

  • Security Operations Center Core Skills
  • Getting Started in Security
  • Introduction to Cyber Deception

Register at www.saintleo.edu/cybersecurity.

Bellini also donated software to Saint Leo University to create a cybersecurity lab for hands-on student learning. The new lab features simulation software for practicing digital attack prevention and will support both the cybersecurity certification program and the university’s cybersecurity degree programs.

“We want to equip security practitioners with affordable and accessible training,” said Derek Mohammed, dean of the College of Computing, Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, and Data Science.

The skills courses and cybersecurity certification program are intended for those with some prior knowledge of cybersecurity, but the program is practical. 

“The Tampa Bay area is quickly becoming a cybersecurity hub of talent and innovation,” Bellini said. “Our collective efforts will provide a talent pipeline for the many Tampa Bay organizations working to eliminate cybercrime.”

 

Firms make Inc. 5000 list

TAMPA – Eighty-eight firms in the  Tampa metro area were included in the 2024 Inc. 5000, an annual listing of the fastest-growing private companies in America. 

These firms spanned across several industries, including travel and hospitality, education, construction, health services, advertising and marketing and IT services. 

A handful of companies from the Laker-Lutz coverage area appeared on the list: 

  • Land O’ Lakes: ROX Strategy (No. 1,993), Qualityze (No. 2,586)
  • Lutz: Thorum (No. 880), ComplianceQuest (No. 1,714), CoVar Transportation (2,134)
  • New Port Richey: Skillable (No. 4,383)

The top Tampa-area firms were KashKick (No. 11), Superfan Live (No. 30), FlyUSA (No. 45), StatPearls (No. 72) and HVN Travel Group (No. 213)

 

Greater Pasco Chamber happenings

NEW PORT RICHEY – The Greater Pasco Chamber of Commerce will hold new installments of its Medical Roundtable, Mastery Series and Membership Breakfast over the next 10 days.

  • Dr. Victoria Menold, of W-E Primary Care & Acupuncture, speaks at the Greater Pasco Medical Roundtable from 8 to 9 a.m. Oct. 3 at Holiday Inn Express, 2125 Corporate Center Drive, Trinity.
  • Warrior Wellness Program holds an open house from 3 to 6 p.m. with a chamber ribbon cutting at 4 p.m. Oct. 3 at 1750 Arcadia Road, Holiday.
  • Tanner Kielty, of R.J. Kielty Plumbing, Heating, and Air, speaks during the Chamber Mastery Series from noon to 1 p.m. Oct. 9 via Microsoft Teams. 
  • New Port Richey City Manager Debbie Manns speaks during the Monthly Membership Breakfast from 8:30 to 10 a.m. Oct. 11 at Vesh Venue, 5811 Richey Drive, Port Richey.

Visit greaterpasco.com for registration information for these events and chamber information.

 

North Tampa Bay Chamber happenings

LAND O LAKES – The North Tampa Bay Chamber will celebrate member businesses as well as hold its latest Leading Ladies Network event over the next 10 days.

  • Durand Mortgage Group celebrates its grand opening from 4:30 to 6 p.m. Oct. 3 at 25200 Sawyer Francis Lane, Suite, 130 Lutz.
  • Denise Welter, of Welter Law Office, speaks at the Leading Ladies Network from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Oct. 4 at North Tampa Bay Chamber – Wiregrass Office, 28210 Paseo Drive, #190, Wesley Chapel. 
  • Mod Wash holds a ribbon cutting from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 10 at 5306 Ehrlich Road, Tampa.
  • Blue Heron Senior Living Community celebrates its grand opening from 4 to 7 p.m. Oct. 10 at 5085 Eagleston Blvd., Wesley Chapel.
    Visit northtampabaychamber.com for registration information for these events and chamber information.

 

Huey Magoo’s celebrating milestone

ORLANDO, FL – Huey Magoo’s is celebrating 20 years of serving the one-and-only “Filet Mignon Of Chicken” nationwide, President and CEO Andy Howard announced Sept. 25.  

In honor of the milestone, Huey Magoo’s is introducing the limited time “2 for $20 Sweet Caroline Sandwich Combo Deal” available through Nov. 24. 

The company has a restaurant in Odessa, located at 13372 Pine Gap Spur.

Huey Magoo’s is celebrating its 68th restaurant opening this month. It has locations in 12 states, with hundreds more franchises currently sold in 13 states.

 

SBA offers Hurricane Debby assistance

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY – Hillsborough County business owners, homeowners, renters and nonprofits impacted by Hurricane Debby can apply for financial assistance with the U.S. Small Business Administration.

The organization is offering three loan programs: 

  • Business Physical Damage Disaster SBA Loans  – Businesses of any size, private and nonprofit organizations, religious organizations, etc. may use these loans to repair or replace property.  Apply by Oct. 9.
  • Home Disaster Loans  – Homeowners or renters can use these loans to repair or replace disaster-damaged real estate and personal property, including vehicles. Apply by Oct. 9.
  • SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans  – Small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives and most private, nonprofit organizations can use these working capital loans to assist through disaster recovery.  Apply by May 12, 2025 .

Call 800-827-5722 for details. 

On the web: https://hcfl.gov/residents/stay-safe/storm-recovery-resources or https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/disaster-assistance.

 

Chalk Talk (10/02/24): Essay contest lands student at US Open

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Essay contest lands student at US Open

DADE CITY – Lincoln Powell-Stevenson won an essay contest through The Sarah Vande Berg Tennis Foundation that allowed him to go to the US Open in New York.

Lincoln, a fourth-grader at San Antonio Elementary School, got to rub elbows with the likes of tennis legends Andre Agassi, John McEnroe and Novak Djokovic. 

He also rang the bell at the New York Stock Exchange. 

The Sarah Vande Berg Tennis Foundation partners with 12 schools within Pasco County Schools, according to Kimberly Poe, executive director of elementary schools. 

“It truly is a great partnership not only just exposing our students to opportunities in tennis but beyond,” Poe said. 

 

Assistant principal was a Pasco student

ZEPHYRHILLS – One of the newest faces at Chester W. Taylor Elementary School in Zephyrhills is extremely knowledgeable about science and Pasco County Schools.

Lesley Kirkley joined the staff at Chester W. Taylor Elementary this fall as assistant principal. Kirkley is not only a 23-year veteran of Pasco County Schools but she’s also a graduate of Pasco High School. 

Kirkley comes to her new role as a senior instructional specialist with the district. She has also worked as a teacher, mentor teacher and curriculum specialist. 

Outside of Pasco County Schools, she has served as president of the Florida Association of Science Supervisors.

 

Anclote gets experience at office level

ELFERS –  Anclote Elementary School has welcomed an experienced educator as Jennifer Candiloro settles into her new role as assistant principal. 

Candiloro previously served as instructional trainer coach at Seven Springs Elementary School in New Port Richey. 

“She brings a wealth of instructional knowledge, skills and leadership after 28 years at Pasco County Schools,” said Kimberly Poe, executive director of elementary schools. 

 

New Hampshire students make dean’s list

MANCHESTER, NH – Four area students were named to the summer 2024 Presidents List at Southern New Hampshire University.

They were Kelsey Gulic of Lutz; Matt Moraca of Odessa; Fidel Johnson of Odessa; and David Hernandez of Lutz. 

Each earned at least a 3.7 grade point average from May to August. 

 

Preacher earns gold stars, dean’s list

CHARLESTON, S.C. – Jackson Preacher, of Lutz, was one of the more than 620 cadets and students recognized for earning gold stars at The Citadel for the spring 2024 semester.

Gold stars are awarded to cadets and students at The Citadel who achieved a 3.7 grade point average or higher. 

Cadets and students who achieve the recognition are also placed on the dean’s list.

Larger subdivision planned for Spring Hill

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This map shows the location of a Master Planned Unit Development proposed for 770 units. Photo courtesy of Pasco County

NEW PORT RICHEY – The Pasco County Planning Commission tentatively approved 70 additional residences being built in a subdivision near Spring Hill.

Planning commission members voted at their Sept. 19 meeting in New Port Richey to recommend that the Pasco County Board of County Commissioners approve the zoning amendment requested by Northridge 829, LLC.

Northridge wants to be able to increase the number of residential units in their Master Planned Unit Development from 700 units to 770 units (detached and villas).

The Master Planned Unit Development is located on 178.15 acres in northwest Pasco County and is south of and abutting County Line Road North and is 1.25 miles northwest of the Suncoast Parkway.

County commissioners have the final authority on the requested zoning amendment because the planning commission only acts in an advisory capacity regarding such requests.

The applicant requested in 2022 that its Master Planned Unit Development could contain 770 residential units and 40,000 square feet of non-residential entitlements. Commissioners requested instead at a July 12, 2022, meeting that more non-residential square footage should be contained within the Master Planned Unit Development. The applicant agreed to reduce the residential units by 70 so there could be an additional 20,000 square feet of non-residential entitlements.

This resulted in their Master Planned Unit Development being approved for 700 residential units and 60,000 square feet of non-residential entitlements.

Northridge has submitted an updated traffic study as part of its current request for the zoning amendment. That traffic study indicated all road segments are anticipated to operate at or above the service standards based on the project build-out year, which is assumed to be by 2034. However, the build-out date of the project is subject to change according to the traffic study provided by Raysor Traffic Consulting.

Michael Raysor, of Raysor Traffic Consulting, said a traffic signal would be installed as part of the project.

In other business on Sept. 19, the planning commission:

  • Recommended commissioners approve a rezoning request by Anodyne 54 LLC. The applicant is seeking to have the current zoning of 1.31 acres in southeast Pasco County changed from C-1 Neighborhood Commercial District to C-2 General Commercial District. The property is located on the northwest corner of the intersection of S.R. 54 and Point Cypress Boulevard. Anodyne 54 LLC proposes to develop the property with a Sherwin-Williams paint store and a drive-through restaurant/café.
  • Recommended commissioners approve a small-scale comprehensive plan amendment requested by Diagonal Road Business Park. The applicant is seeking to have the Future Land Use Map amended for 16.84 acres at the southeast corner of the intersection of Diagonal Road and New York Avenue. The current Future Land Use Map classification is Retail/Office/Residential and the request is to change it to Industrial-Light. The Planning, Development and Economic Department determined the proposed amendment to be consistent with the Comprehensive Plan.
  • Recommended commissioners approve a small-scale comprehensive plan amendment requested by Massachusetts Commercial. The applicant is seeking to have the Future Land Use Map amended for 3.05 acres south of Massachusetts Avenue, approximately 1,300 feet west of the intersection of Massachusetts Avenue and Rowan Road. The current Future Land Use Map classification is RES-12 (Residential) and the request is to change it to allow for commercial and office uses. If this request is approved by the commissioners during their Oct. 22 meeting the applicant will be entitled to add up to 79,714 square feet of commercial uses to the area. The amendment will also discourage urban sprawl if it is approved, according to county records. The Planning, Development and Economic Department determined the proposed amendment to be consistent with the Comprehensive Plan.
  • Approved a special exception requested by Lake Thomas Plaza LLC for a Self-Storage Facility in a C-1 Neighborhood Commercial District in south central Pasco County. The site, which is undeveloped, contains 2.1887 acres. It is located on the west side of Land O’ Lakes Boulevard (U.S. 41), approximately 185 feet south of Darter Road. Access to the property is from Land O’ Lakes Boulevard. The planning commission has the authority to grant requests for special exceptions.

 

Veteran teacher adapts to help school thrive

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ZEPHYRHILLS – Principal Christina Twardosz recognized Kathy Kessler for her contributions in helping turn around the performance at West Zephyrhills Elementary School.

Kessler has been teaching at West Zephyrhills Elementary for more than 35 years. But when the school received an F grade from the Florida Department of Education three years ago, Kessler and others on staff rolled up their sleeves and went to work. 

“When the going got tough on our journey, Mrs. Kessler did not leave,” Twardosz told the school board Sept. 10. “Instead, she embraced a growth mindset and stretched her knowledge to become an even more skilled educator. She continues to be a positive role model.”

Twardosz said Kessler has a willingness to go where she is needed most. Over the past three years, she has taught fourth and first grades. She is now serving as the K-5 STEM teacher.

“The work she has done with our before school science sessions for fourth and fifth grade over the past two years will now get to go school-wide,” Twardosz said. “Her experience and love for the animals and our 4H program will also reach a larger audience.”

Kessler plans to expand the school garden in addition to her ongoing efforts to keep the campus clean.

“Science is my favorite,” Kessler told the school board. “It’s wonderful to see the kids and to have them get excited about animals and about science.”

Twardosz explained how Kessler not only helps students reach their highest potential but she also serves as a mentor to her colleagues.

“She epitomizes the dedicated, hardworking compassionate teachers that we have at West Zephyrhills Elementary School,” Twardosz said. “It is easy to see with teachers like Mrs. Kessler how we rose from an F to a C in just a couple of years.”

 

PCS closing three schools to create Chasco K-8 

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This slide from a Sept. 10 school board presentation shows enrollment over time at three schools that Pasco County Schools is closing.

Plans are in the works to open Chasco K-8 School in New Port Richey next fall following a Sept. 10 vote by the District School Board of Pasco County.

The board unanimously approved closing Calusa Elementary, Chasco Elementary and Chasco Middle schools at the end of the current school year. This will enable the new K-8 school to open on the existing campus of Chasco elementary and middle schools in September 2025.

School district staff requested the closure of these three schools because of steadily decreasing enrollments at Calusa Elementary and Chasco Middle. 

Calusa is operating at 65% capacity with 429 students. Chasco Middle is operating at 73% capacity with 614 students. 

Wyatt Grinage, whose daughter attends Calusa, expressed concerns over whether the proposed K-8 school will have enough space to accommodate all the students who will be coming from Calusa.

The combined square footage of Chasco Elementary and Chasco Middle is 238,612 while Calusa Elementary has 75,000 square feet, Assistant Superintendent Betsy Kuhn said. There already is enough space at the Chasco campus to accommodate 254 more students than are currently attending there, Kuhn said. 

Minimal modifications and reconfigurations that can be made to the two buildings on the Chasco campus will provide more than enough space to accommodate the 1,600 students currently attending all three of the schools, Kuhn said.

That necessary work will include, among other things, converting a media center in one of the buildings on the Chasco campus into four classrooms, Kuhn said.

This work will occur during the summer of 2025 so it won’t have an impact with students’ learning, according to Corey Dierdorff, the district’s public information officer.

One of the advantages of the consolidation expressed by Kuhn included a minimal transportation impact because Calusa Elementary, which will be permanently closed, is only 1.4 miles from the campus where Chasco K-8 is going to be located. The schools are all in the same community according to Kuhn.

Other advantages include the stability of students being in the same school for nine years and the minimization of a negative impact with the transition to middle school, according to a presentation made by Kuhn.

Board member Al Hernandez agreed with Kuhn that consolidating the three schools would use the district’s financial resources more efficiently. 

“Closing a school is never fun,” Hernandez said. “This is not a take-away. It is enhancing the community.”

Kuhn also tried to alleviate concerns that had been expressed about children being able to walk safely to Chasco K-8 after it opens next year. There are currently five crossing guards assigned to Chasco Elementary, and a traffic control officer and two crossing guards are assigned to Calusa Elementary. Discussions will be held with the Pasco Sheriff’s Office next year to have the crossing guards currently at Calusa to be reassigned to Chasco K-8, Kuhn said.

Superintendent Kurt Browning said during the Sept. 10 meeting that parents who would be affected by the closure of the three schools would be notified the next day.

A public workshop focused on the closure of Calusa Elementary, Chasco Elementary and Chasco Middle and the reopening of those three schools as Chasco K-8 is scheduled for 5 p.m. Oct. 1 in the gymnasium at Chasco Middle School, according to the district’s website. A proposed boundary map for the K-8 School will be displayed and staff will be available to answer questions. 

Also, a public hearing on the boundary proposal will be held during the Oct. 15 school board meeting at 6 p.m. at the district office complex in Land O’ Lakes. 

The final vote on the boundary proposal will be held during the board’s Nov. 5 meeting at 9:30 a.m. at the district’s office complex, according to the district’s website.

Plans are also in the works for teachers currently assigned to Calusa Elementary to follow their students when they go to Chasco K-8, Kuhn said.

Acting on this so early in the current school year will give parents opportunities to explore other options regarding where their children could attend school within the district if they didn’t want them to go to Chasco K-8 next year, Kuhn said.

 

Chalk Talk (09/25/24): Schools respond to social media threats

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The Chick-fil-A Cow joins (front row) Daralis Robles, Anna Gomez-Marzano, Justin Telman, Cheyenne Oney, Tiana Williams, Angel Cruz and Xavier Rodriguez as well as (back row) Jason Jarman, Sarai Nieves, Katie Duncan (Marketing Manager, AdventHealth Dade City and AdventHealth Zephyrhills marketing manager), Carolyn Hodges (East Pasco Chamber Foundation board member). Photo courtesy of East Pasco Chamber Foundation

East Pasco Chamber honors Student Citizens of the Month 

ZEPHYRHILLS – The East Pasco Chamber Foundation and Greater East Pasco Chamber of Commerce recognized 10 students from Zephyrhills schools on Sept. 18 at Chick-fil-A.

Teachers and administrators selected students as Greater East Pasco Student Citizen of the Month for September for their exemplary effort, achievement and contribution to their schools, families and communities.

The students receiving honors were as follows:

  • Sarai Nieves – eighth grade, Academy of Spectrum Diversity;
  • Daralis Robles – first grade, Children’s Educational Services Elementary Campus;
  • Jason Jarman – sixth grade, Children’s Educational Services Secondary Campus;
  • Jase Kitchen – fifth grade, Chester W. Taylor Elementary School;
  • Anna Gomez-Marzano – first grade, Heritage Academy;
  • Angel Cruz – sixth grade, Raymond B. Stewart Middle School;
  • Justin Telman – pre-kindergarten, West Zephyrhills Elementary School;
  • Cheyenne Oney – fifth grade, Woodland Elementary School;
  • Tiana Williams – sixth grade, Zephyrhills Christian Academy; and
  • Xavier Rodgriguez – 12th grade, Zephyrhills High School).

The ceremony marks 27 years of celebrating student citizenship in Zephyrhills. Area businesses can support the program by calling Vicki Wiggins at the East Pasco Chamber of Commerce at 813-782-1913.

 

Schools respond to social media threats

LAND O’ LAKES – Pasco County Schools Superintendent Kurt Browning urged parents to talk with their children about making threats on social media. 

Browning said in a video posted to the PCS’s Facebook page on Sept. 13 that there were nearly 20 social media threats targeting the district’s schools over a two-week span. Two of these threats led to arrests. 

He also mentioned that two people were arrested Sept. 12 for “irresponsible behavior with a firearm” in the woods near a school. 

“Actions like these lead to significant disruption in learning and are unacceptable and have serious consequences,” Browning said. “They pose risk to not only to our students but also to those making the threats. They also drain valuable resources for both our schools and law enforcement.”

The district shared on Sept. 18 that it had received another threat overnight that mentioned Fivay, Gulf, Hudson, Mitchell and River Ridge high schools. A River Ridge student was charged with written threats to commit a mass shooting, two counts of disruption of school function and violation of probation, according to the district. 

 

Boy Scouts present superintendent an award

LAND O’ LAKES – Kurt Browning, superintendent of Pasco County Schools, received the 2024 Elbert K. Fretwell Outstanding Educator Award from the Boys Scouts of America.

Mark Rose, past president of the Greater Tampa Bay Area Council, presented Browning with the award Sept. 10 during the Pasco County school board meeting. 

Rose said the award goes to educators that demonstrate and inspire good character. 

Browning is proud to have been a scouting dad, having two sons that earned the rank of Eagle Scout.

“The scouting program is one that continues to change lives,” Browning said. “It provides boys and girls an opportunity to experience things they otherwise wouldn’t have an opportunity to be a part of.”

Browning, who is on the tail end of his tenure as superintendent, acknowledged the last couple of months have felt like a farewell tour but it’s always good to be recognized by your peers. 

 

Land O’ Lakes has top STEM student

LAND O’ LAKES – Pasco County Schools recognized Abhinav Katkoori, of Land O’ Lakes High School, on Sept. 10 for being named a 2024 Sunshine State Scholar. 

Scholars have to meet a high bar, including a GPA of 3.9, 25 hours of community service and an interest in STEM careers. Winners go through a two-day program in Orlando where they connect with colleges and employers. 

Katkoori serves as president of Mu Alpha Theta, a math honor society. He has tallied 80 hours of community service and took six Advanced Placement assessments by the end of last school year, according to officials. 

 

Student achievements 

  • Lutz residents William Miller and Ty Robinson are among the 835 new students starting at the College of the Holy Cross in fall 2024. The school is based in Worcester, Ma.

 

Pasco County approves $2.249 billion budget

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NEW PORT RICHEY – The Pasco County Board of County Commissioners adopted a budget of $2,249,943,417 for fiscal year 2024-25 during a Sept. 17 hearing.

The new fiscal year will begin Oct. 1.

The budget that was adopted is $13,005,811 less than the amount commissioners had considered during the first budget hearing held on Sept. 3 in Dade City. 

Commissioners also adopted an aggregate millage rate of 9.8597 mills per $1,000 of assessed property value. This is an increase of 6.95% over the roll back rate.

The aggregate rate that was adopted is a decrease of .2963 mills from the rate of 10.156 mills that the board had considered on Sept. 3.

These decreases were possible because of reductions in the millage rates that were going to be charged to cover general fund expenses and to fund the newly established Road Rehabilitation Municipal Services Taxing Unit. County Administrator Mike Carballa had recommended both of these reductions following discussions with board members.

Another reason for a significant reduction in the budget was because a proposed Municipal Services Taxing Unit that would have funded capital maintenance on the county’s 37 parks wasn’t approved on Sept. 3. That Municipal Services Taxing Unit would have raised $8 million during 2025 if it had been approved. 

The Pasco Sheriff’s Office will receive $174,524,315 during fiscal year 2024-25. This is a 15.6% increase over the sheriff’s office’s 2023-24 budget of $150 million.

Sheriff Chris Nocco had requested the additional funding in June so that 40 new deputies could be hired and trained. It will be possible for 50 new deputies to be hired through the sheriff’s office receiving 40% of the new property taxes the county receives annually because of its growth. Other funding sources for the hiring of the new deputies include the county providing an additional $4,137.702 from ad valorem revenue along with other money from Tax Incremental Financing money obtained from its public works department.

The Pasco Sheriff’s Office will now also be able to obtain an armored SWAT vehicle along with two armored vans for $725,000; upgrade its forensic unit resources for $650,000; have a pole barn built for $300,000 to provide shelter for vehicles and equipment; and $125,000 for the design of an armory for the department.

The budget for Clerk & Comptroller Nikki Alvarez-Sowles will be $9,250,747, which is an increase of 11.6% for fiscal year 2024-25.

Property Appraiser Mike Wells’ office will receive $7,761,214, which is an increase of $501,370, or 6.9%. Part of that increase is needed to pay the salaries of two new employees who have been hired along with salary increases given to employees. 

The office of Supervisor of Elections Brian Corley will receive $6,256,432, which is a decrease of $645,922, or 9.36%. This is because only one election – the general election on Nov. 5 – will be held during fiscal year 2024-25.

The budget for Tax Collector Mike Fasano’s office remains to be determined because information hasn’t been received yet from Florida’s Department of Revenue.

 

Commissioners limit building of car washes

In other business on Sept. 17, commissioners approved an ordinance changing the county’s Land Development Code to prohibit car washes being built in the Connected City near Wesley Chapel. 

The development of new car washes will also be limited in the Villages of Pasadena Hills, which is a large-scale development planned for approximately 22,000 acres of eastern Pasco County

And the changes to the Land Development Code will also prohibit car washes from being built in future land uses that are reserved for employment generation. 

These changes were made because of concerns commissioners had about car washes, which don’t usually produce many jobs, being built on prime locations of real estate throughout the county.

In the future, applications for the development of car washes will have to go through a request for a conditional use for the proposed location. Similar requests are currently required to be made by individuals or businesses desiring to place cell phone towers in certain locations.

In addition, commissioners:

  • Adopted a resolution recognizing Jamie Dye for having worked as a deputy clerk for 30 years in the Pasco County Clerk & Comptroller’s Office.
  • Approved a rezoning request made by Residences at Rolling Hills Master Planned Unit Development on 9.87 acres on the southwest corner of the Little Road and the Denton Avenue intersection. The applicant wants to be allowed to build 132 multi-family units (apartments), 104 senior multi-family units (apartments), 3,600 square\ feet of medical offices and 3,000 square feet of retail on the property.