The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Shari Bresin

Foods carry extra significance on New Year’s Day

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While black-eyed peas might bring prosperity by eating them on Jan. 1, they can also bring good health year round too thanks to their potassium, calcium, vitamin C, fiber and low fat. Adobe Stock Images

As with most holidays, New Year’s celebrations are centered around food.  

While ordering a pizza on New Year’s Eve or Day is a popular option (those are two of the top five days for pizza delivery), a fun way to welcome 2025 would be with food that represents good things for the new year.  

Whether you’re cooking for just your family or for a potluck gathering with dozens of people, check out these foods that are symbolic for good things ahead.

  1. Black-eyed peas: There are a few theories on this, but one states that because they swell when cooked, it symbolizes growing wealth.  Cook them in Hoppin’ John, a black-eyed pea dip, or in burritos on New Year’s Day.
  2. Leafy greens: Collard greens, Swiss chard, kale, spinach and so on.  These green veggies are said to represent a prosperous year ahead.
  3. Onions: Traditionally seen by the Greeks to hang a bag of onion over your door to indicate growth and rebirth due to onions easily sprouting even when left alone.  Their layers also represent shedding the old to welcome the new.
  4. Rice: Normally seen thrown at weddings, rice symbolizes prosperity and fertility.
  5. Pork: Because pigs push forward as they eat, it’s considered good luck to eat pork so we can move forward in the new year.
  6. Grapes: In Mexico and Spain, it’s good luck to eat 12 grapes for each stroke of midnight.
  7. Noodles: in many countries, the longer, the better, to represent the longevity of life.  In Japan, they traditionally slurp their noodles since it’s considered bad luck to break them.
  8. Lentils: Because they look like little coins, Italy and other countries eat them on New Year’s to bring luck and fortune.
  9. Fish: With so many fish in the sea, they represent abundance.  
  10. Cornbread: The color of gold, it’s said to represent wealth.
  11. Buttered bread: This represents abundance and the absence of hunger for the year ahead.  Ireland traditionally calls New Year’s Day the Day of Buttered Bread, where they leave a slice of buttered bread outside by the front door to thwart hunger.
  12. Doughnuts: These represent the year coming full circle.  In Germany, jelly-filled doughnuts are common on New Year’s Eve.

Have fun incorporating these meaningful ideas into your New Year’s traditions if you haven’t already, and I’ll see you in 2025.  

 

Black-Eyed Pea and Collard Greens Soup, from MyPlate.gov

 

Ingredients

  • 3 cups collard greens, stems removed and chopped (about 1/2 pound)
  • 2 cans (15 ounce each) black-eyed peas, low-sodium (or 4 cups)
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (or cooking oil of choice)
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 pound deli ham, sliced
  • 1 can (14.5 ounce) low-sodium broth (chicken or vegetable)
  • Salt and pepper to taste (optional)
  • 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar

 

Directions

  1. Wash hands with soap and water.
  2. Wash the collard greens.
  3. Drain and rinse the black-eyed peas.
  4. Collect, chop, dice and measure all ingredients before starting to prepare the recipe.
  5. Place oil, onion, garlic and ham in a large pot with a lid over medium heat. Stir occasionally until the onion is clear, about 3 to 5 minutes.
  6. Add collard greens and broth to the pot.
  7. Cover and simmer for about 20 minutes until the collard greens are tender.
  8. Place half of the black-eyed peas in a small bowl, and mash with a fork. Stir the mashed and whole peas into the soup. Simmer for another 5 minutes.
  9. Taste and add a small amount of salt and black pepper if desired.

10 Stir in vinegar just before serving.

  1. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours. Eat within 3 to 5 days.

 

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.

 

East Pasco Senior Center could open in July

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NEW PORT RICHEY – Pasco County commissioners agreed at their Nov. 10 meeting to spend up to $1,070,111.36 to have construction completed on what will be the East Pasco Senior Center. 

Ryman Construction of Florida Inc.began constructing the 7,334-square-foot building located at 13906 Fourth St. in Dade City while Community Aging & Retirement Services Inc. (CARES) owned it.

Pasco County obtained the 1.734-acre property free of charge from CARES, on Nov. 4.

The transfer of the partially constructed building and property from the nonprofit to the county was made because CARES had been experiencing financial difficulties for the past several months and lacked funds to complete construction of the building.

The agreement with Ryman’s allows them to resume construction of the building as soon as possible so the work could be completed in approximately 210 days.

This means the East Pasco Senior Center could possibly open in July 2025.

Pasco County received a $1.3 million grant from the Florida Department of Elder Affairs to cover the cost of completing construction of the building.

The county’s current senior center is located at 13853 15th St., in Dade City. It is 10 blocks from the new location. The services at the current senior center will be relocated to 13906 Fourth St. once that building is ready for occupancy, according to Brian Hoben, the county’s community services director.

In other business on Dec. 10, commissioners:

  • Appointed board leadership for the upcoming year: Kathryn Starkey (chair), Jack Mariano (vice chair) and Seth Weightman (second vice chair).
  • Approved the term sheet of an economic development agreement between Pasco County and a proposed project known as Legacy Wiregrass Ranch. Commissioners directed staff to draft a formal agreement. The proposed project will consist of apartments and townhomes, retail, hotel/conference and office uses supported by structured parking. Wiregrass is seeking public funding assistance for public infrastructure in the first phase of the project.  When completed, it will serve as a downtown for Wesley Chapel and provide amenities and services to area residents and businesses while serving as an economic growth driver for that area of the county.The developer is investing $84.5 million in public infrastructure. Wiregrass Ranch is requesting funding support via $50 million in property tax rebates paid over a maximum term of 30 years as a partial cost reimbursement for permitting, designing and constructing the public infrastructure. Wiregrass Ranch has agreed to reserve 1,225,000 square feet of office and 230,000 square feet of light industrial within the existing DRI in return for the property tax rebates.
  • Approved the establishment of The Preserve at Legends Pointe Community Development District in an unincorporated area of Pasco County. The district, which consists of 107.4 acres, is generally located north of State Road 52, south of Hudson Avenue, east of Hicks Road and due west of Hays Road. It encompasses a portion of the Legends Pointe Phase 3 Master Planned Unit Development.
  • Approved a substantial modification of the conditions of approval for part of the Wiregrass Master Planned Unit Development known as the Promenade Business Center. The Promenade Business Center covers roughly 77.08 acres of the entire 1,036.01-acre development area. The business center is located adjacent to Curley Road and bisected by Overpass Road. One of the adjustments includes the donation of a 2.142-acre site to Pasco County for the future construction of a library. 

 

Zephyhills celebrates Raymond B Stewart Middle principal

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ZEPHYRHILLS – Mayor Melonie Barh Monson recognized Joshua Borders on Dec. 9 for earning Principal of the Year honors from Pasco County Schools. 

Borders and his family attended the Zephyrhills City Council meeting, where he was honored for his work at Raymond B. Stewart Middle School. 

“We are beyond blessed in our community to have a principal like Principal Borders,” Monson said. “He does an amazing job at our junior high. And if anyone here has ever been to junior high, you know It’s the hardest school to do. He’s taken that on. He’s not just taking that on but he’s excelling at it.”

Monson read the following proclamation that mentions the connection Borders has with the city: 

 

WHEREAS, Pasco County Schools recognizes the contributions of its administrators for their efforts within the educational system and preparing students for future success; and WHEREAS, the Pasco County School District annually recognizes an outstanding administrator with special distinction; and 

WHEREAS, Joshua Broders, the Principal at Raymond B Stewart Middle School, was named the 2024 Principal of the Year, representing all principals within the Pasco County School District, a singular acknowledgement of his passion for education and ability to connect with and lead his students and staff; and 

WHEREAS, Mr. Borders is himself a product of the Pasco County school system graduating from Zephyrhills High School in 1999 and a graduate of Saint Leo University and the University of South Florida. He was previously named the 2020 Assistant Principal of the Year for Pasco County Schools; and 

WHEREAS, his professional focus has been to ensure a rich educational opportunity for each child in the Zephyrhills Community. 

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Melonie Barh Monson, by the virtue of the authority vested in me as Mayor of the City of Zephyrhills, along with members of City Council and fellow residents of the community proclaim December 9, 2024 as a day of honor to Mr. Joshua Borders in recognition of his outstanding leadership and continuous efforts and contributions to the students of the City of Zephyrhills and Pasco County. 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused to be affixed the official seal of the city of Zephyrhills, Pasco County, Florida on this 9th day of December 2024.

 

Faith group picking up where Healing Hearts Cafe left off

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ZEPHYRHILLS – Healing Hearts Cafe announced Dec. 3 on social media that it was going to be moving next month to the Yankeetown Community Church in Levy County.

The faith-based organization provides meals, showers and other services for people in need. 

“This move has come after much prayer and consideration of health concerns,” the nonprofit wrote in a Facebook post. “We are truly humbled by the outpouring of support we have had over the many years from our Zephyrhills community. Not a day goes by without some form of donation from many individuals and many businesses.”

Healing Hearts Cafe directed people to support Pastor Fran Stubbs and her organization, which will carry on its work beginning Jan. 1. Both organizations are neighbors. 

Stubbs founded the OAPN Network (Oasis Apostolic and Prophetic Network) in Zephyrhills. She also serves as senior pastor of Oasis Church Orlando at Zephyrhills.

Stubbs told the Zephyrhills City Council on Dec. 9 that continuing the work of Healing Hearts Cafe is a very huge undertaking, but she wants to expand the program.

“They did great work for the homeless community,” Stubbs said. “Our desire is to be able to expand for families and to have a resource center. One of the things that we’re missing here in Pasco County on this side are resources for our families.”

Stubbs wants to be able to offer programming for families in need, including those experiencing food insecurity. Her organization has a food pantry to help people in emergencies.

“We are here for our community,” Stubbs said. “We have already started with our feeding program, where we are partnering with several other organizations and collaborating with them.”

Stubbs wants to partner with Pasco Hernando State College to offer classes or training for families. She’d also like to partner with the City of Zephyrhills. 

“I think the real strength that Healing Hearts had was the daily support for those folks who are in transition and providing a place for them to do a load of laundry or wash up or do whatever they needed help in,”  Zephyrhills Councilwoman Jodi Wilkeson said. “The council members here do care about all of our residents. But it’s not just the city – it’s not just the government’s responsibility. It really is a community collective.”

 

Want to get involved?

Pastor Fran Stubbs gave her office phone number out during the Dec. 9 city council meeting. Reach her Monday through Friday at 813-355-3066.

 

Deputy shoots man with gun on Thanksgiving

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SHADY HILLS – Pasco County Sheriff Chris Nocco said a deputy-involved shooting on Thanksgiving was the result of a person of interest coming out of his home with a shotgun. 

Nocco said the sheriff’s office had received multiple reports of the man swinging a sword Nov. 28 on Boland Avenue. 

“There was an individual who was out in the middle of the street with a sword, swinging it around, making weird gestures,” Nocco told media later that night. “There’s kids out there. So as you can imagine, the parents were extremely upset, very nervous.”

Nocco said neighbors told the sheriff’s office that the man went back inside the house and was blaring music and throwing things. 

Deputies went to the home to perform a welfare check. Nocco said deputies identified themselves and tried to get him to come out of the house. They went to the back of the property and saw the sword on the ground.

“They’re doing everything they can to get this individual to come out of the house so they can talk to them because they know there’s something not right with this individual tonight,” Nocco said. “Instead of just coming out of the house peacefully, he comes out of the house holding a shotgun.”

Deputies ordered him to lower the gun before firing. The man was taken to the hospital, where he was treated with non-life threatening injuries. 

Nocco said the man had a blood alcohol content of 0.307 – nearly four times the legal limit. 

For any deputy-involved shooting, the deputy is placed on paid administrative leave and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement will investigate the incident.

Noccol said everyone, including deputies, just wanted to have a peaceful day on Thanksgiving, only for someone to cause fear in the neighborhood. 

“At the end of the day, he just didn’t listen to commands,” Nocco said. “Because of his actions, it dictated our actions “

 

Pasco sheriff outlines need for more deputies

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NEW PORT RICHEY – Pasco County Sheriff Chris Nocco told members of the Pasco County Planning Commission at their Nov. 21 meeting that he needs more deputies.

Figures provided by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement show that Pasco County is the seventh most populated county in Florida but it is ranked  63rd among the state’s 67 counties in terms of the number of deputies per 1,000 residents, Nocco said.

The national average is two deputies per 1,000 residents of a county, Nocco said. The Pasco Sheriff’s Office had 1.08 deputies per 1,000 in 2019. That number dropped to one deputy per 1,000 by 2022, Nocco said.

“The ratio of deputies per 1,000 keeps dropping because the population growth is growing so fast we just can’t keep up with the number of deputies,” Nocco said.

Growth that occurs in the county doesn’t mean he may hire new deputies right away and then put them into service, according to Nocco.

There is usually a lag time of up to 30 months from the time when growth occurs to when new deputies have been hired and have received the training that is needed before they can begin their jobs, Nocco said. 

An example he cited was that if a new housing unit were built at the beginning of 2024, its owner wouldn’t pay taxes on it until January 2025. 

The Pasco County Board of County Commissioners wouldn’t make funding available to the sheriff’s office as a result of that growth in 2024 until October 2025 – after the county’s budget had been adopted for the new fiscal year.

“By the time we actually get them hired, trained and go through the entire process, you’re looking at October 2026,” Nocco said.

A large amount of the tax revenue the county receives is from residential properties according to Nocco.

Pasco County’s Property Appraiser’s Office’s records confirmed there is a very significant amount of residential property from which the county receives its tax revenue.

Only 10,938 of the county’s 316,796 real property parcels are commercial. There are 186,988 single-family parcels and 11,879 condominium units. In addition, there are 3,990 agricultural parcels in the county, according to county records.

The value for new commercial construction so far in 2024 is $198.7 million while there has been $2.55 billion in new residential construction, county records show.

The sheriff told planning commission members that he was concerned about that “because history repeats itself.” There have been sharp declines in property values in the past and that could occur again, Nocco said. And if and when it does happen, “we will be hurting,” Nocco said.

He emphasized the importance of having a more diversified base from which the county could receive tax revenue and suggested additional commercial and business growth would be a way to accomplish that.

 

District discusses new charter schools

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LAND O’ LAKES – The Pasco County School Board unanimously approved Nov. 19 a five-year contract for the Dr. Kiran Patel High School to operate in Pasco County.

The contract will commence on July 1, 2026, and end on June 30, 2031, unless terminated sooner or extended pursuant to terms in the contract.

Patel, who is a local philanthropist and entrepreneur, heads up a foundation that wants to build the tuition-free charter school. It would be located on 20 acres that was purchased from the school district in the Trinity area of west Pasco County in 2023.

The school district had purchased that property about seven years ago as the possible site for a new high school. 

The Patel Foundation agreed in 2023 to pay 100% of the construction costs of the school that was originally planned to accommodate 1,000 students. 

The Patel Foundation is now reportedly seeking to have 1,500 students at the charter school, which is planned to open in fall 2025.

The Patel Foundation has also expressed an interest in having a 15-year contract for the charter school rather than the typical five-year contract. This is because the Patel Foundation is seeking a longer contract to make the project more viable.

Deputy Superintendent Betsy Kuhn was asked to have a discussion with Dr. Patel regarding the things that are now being requested.

“Let’s see how we can move forward – or not move forward – depending on the conversation,” Armstrong said.

It was noted at the meeting that a charter school could possibly be built quicker than one of the district’s schools. 

In other business, the school board approved a charter for Pinecrest Academy Connerton Middle School, which Fernando Barroso had submitted on Aug. 14. 

The proposed charter school is projected to open during the 2025-26 school year at 22672 Pleasant Plains Parkway in Land O’ Lakes. 

The maximum student enrollment projection for Year 1 (2025-26) is 198 for grade 6; Year 2 (2026-27) is 396 for grades 6-7; Years 3-5 (2027-2030) is 594 for grades 6-8.

Part of the mission of Pinecrest Academy Connerton Middle School is reportedly to inspire the hearts and minds of children to become tomorrow’s global leaders.

 

Adopt a Pet (12/04/24): Jenny is sure to bring joy for the holidays

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Meet Jenny, a 4-year-old Boxer mix with a face that’s impossible not to love! Jenny has a heart of gold and is eager to share her warmth and affection with her forever family. With her playful spirit and sweet nature, she’ll quickly become your best friend. Whether she’s curling up for a cuddle or running around with boundless energy, Jenny brings joy wherever she goes. Her adorable face and endearing personality are sure to melt your heart. If you’re looking for a loyal companion to brighten your days, Jenny is ready to make your house her home! You can see her at Pasco County Animal Services today!

 

If you would like to adopt Jenny, be sure to make an appointment at Pasco County Animal Services at 19640 Dogpatch Lane in Land O’ Lakes, by calling 813-929-1212. The adoption center is open Tuesday through Saturday, noon to 6:30 p.m. All adoption fees include spay/neuter, microchip and vaccines. Email for more information.

Adopt A Pet (12/04/24): Pirate would walk the plank for cuddles

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Meet Pirate, a 3-year-old cat on the lookout for his forever home! Pirate may have started off a little overwhelmed in the shelter, but he’s blossomed into a sweet, loving boy with a heart full of affection. His favorite thing in the world? Getting scratches! Pirate is so eager for attention that he’ll happily fall out of his kennel just to be close to you. With his soft white fur and a distinctive gray “hat” on his head, Pirate is as charming as he is adorable. If you’re looking for a loving companion who will shower you with affection, Pirate is your guy. He’s ready to share his cuddles and make your home a little brighter! Make an appointment to meet Pirate at Pasco County Animal Services today!

 

If you would like to adopt Pirate, be sure to make an appointment at Pasco County Animal Services at 19640 Dogpatch Lane in Land O’ Lakes, by calling 813-929-1212. The adoption center is open Tuesday through Saturday, noon to 6:30 p.m. All adoption fees include spay/neuter, microchip and vaccines. Email for more information.

 

Business Digest (10/04/24): Seats available on jobs committee

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Seats available on Jobs & Economic Opportunities Committee

PASCO COUNTY – The Jobs and Economic Opportunities Committee, which oversees the use of the Jobs and Economic Opportunities Trust Fund portion of Penny for Pasco, is looking for new volunteers.

Responsibilities of members include ensuring Penny for Pasco spending meets the requirements to promote projects creating new jobs and economic growth.  

There are two open seats: one available to any Pasco County resident and the other specifically designated for someone in the finance or banking industry.  

Applications are being accepted through Dec. 23. Return your application and resume to .

The committee consists of up to nine members, appointed by county commissioners. Members represent diverse knowledge and expertise from the following areas: agriculture, finance/banking, manufacturing, real estate and other private industries.

The committee meets at least quarterly and presents annual updates to commissioners.  Members will serve a two-year term, from March 2025 to March 2027.

 

Central Florida McDonald’s awards $33,000 to schools, nonprofits

Nine Central Florida educational organizations were selected as recipients of a 2024 McDonald’s Golden Grant. 

A total of $33,000 has been allocated to organizations, positively impacting the lives of hundreds of area children.

“We feel very honored we are able to help out organizations in our area,” said Kristina Ragatz, McDonald’s owner/operator. “On behalf of Central Florida owner/operators, we are honored to be a part of such tight-knit communities supporting children who need it most.”

Grants were awarded based on creativity, innovation, need and hands-on application of projects. Recipients were: 

  • $10,000 – Forever Outreach (Winter Haven).
  • $5,000 – Community Food Pantry (Tampa).
  • $5,000 – Steps Foundation (Saint Cloud).
  • $5,000 – Ayr’Reka’s Angels (Tampa).
  • $2,500 – FRC Team 801 Horsepower (Merritt Island).
  • $2,500 – Speak Up: Let’s Talk About Mental Health (Tarpon Springs).
  • $1,000 – Guardian Angels of SW Florida (Palmetto).
  • $1,000 – eSTEAMed Learning (Maitland).
  • $1,000 – UF/IFAS Extension Lake County (Tavares).

 

Greater Pasco Chamber happenings

NEW PORT RICHEY – The Greater Pasco Chamber of Commerce will hold a Medical Roundtable, ribbon cutting, brochure exchange and after-hours networking over the next several days. 

  • Adam Shoemaker facilitates the monthly Medical Roundtable from 8 to 9 a.m. Dec. 5 at Holiday Inn Express
    & Suites, 2125 Corporate Center Drive, Trinity. Register in advance. 
  • Members celebrate the grand opening of ElderClub Port Richey with a ribbon cutting from 3 to 7 p.m. Dec. 6 at 9735 U.S. 19, Port Richey. 
  • Members network during the Land O’ Lakes Brochure Exchange from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dec. 12 at New Beginnings, 18935 Michigan Lane, Spring Hill. 
  • Young professionals engage in some after hour networking during a social from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Dec. 13 at LaneGlo South, 8631 Old County Road 54, New Port Richey. 

Visit greaterpasco.com for details about the chamber and events. 

 

North Tampa Bay Chamber happenings

LAND O’ LAKES – The North Tampa Bay Chamber will cut some ribbons in celebration of member achievements in the coming days. 

  • Members celebrate the grand opening of 3Natives Wesley Chapel with a ribbon cutting from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dec. 5 at The Shops at Wiregrass, 28211 Paseo Drive, Wesley Chapel.
  • Members hold a ribbon cutting to celebrate Shields Accounting Services LLC from 4 to 6 p.m. Dec. 5 at the chamber’s Wiregrass Mall location, 28329 Paseo Drive, Wesley Chapel. 

Visit northtampabaychamber.com for details about the chamber and events. 

 

FEMA approves $1B for Florida homeowners, renters
TALLAHASSEE – FEMA has approved more than $1 billion in federal disaster assistance to help homeowners and renters recover from recent hurricanes. 

This includes $449.2 million for Hurricane Milton, $516.6 million for Hurricane Helene and $49.8 million for Hurricane Debby.

Under FEMA’s Individual Assistance program, homeowners and renters affected by Hurricanes Milton, Helene and Debby may be eligible for assistance for basic home repairs, personal property losses and other uninsured or underinsured disaster-caused expenses.

Floridians can still apply online at DisasterAssistance.gov or by using the FEMA App. You may also apply by phone at 800-621-3362. 

 

Florida awards bonuses for law enforcement recruits

TALLAHASSEE – Gov. Ron DeSantis announced that Florida is making 300 new bonus awards to Law Enforcement Officers and has reached a milestone of 6,400 bonuses awarded to new law enforcement recruits through the Florida Law Enforcement Recruitment Bonus Payment Program. 

The latest 300 bonuses were awarded to officers serving in counties impacted by Hurricanes Debby, Helene and Milton. This first-of-its-kind initiative, launched in 2022, constitutes a one-time, $5,000 bonus – after taxes – to newly employed officers in the state.

 

Quick Hits

  • Zachery Gibson and Carlos Lugo, of Weichert, Realtors – Florida Tropics, completed the Fast Track training program, according to Weichert Real Estate Affiliates. The training helps bring new and existing Weichert-affiliated agents up to speed on the latest information, resources and technology available to real estate professionals.