The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

By Justin Vick

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.

 

Tampa Bay Sun FC players assist with hunger relief

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Tampa Bay Sun FC players and coaches assist Feeding Tampa Bay. Mike Carlson/Tampa Bay Sun FC

TAMPA – Tampa Bay Sun FC players and coaches, along with dozens of community volunteers, sorted and packaged over 16,000 pounds of food, which will provide nearly 14,000 meals through Feeding Tampa Bay.

This initiative is part of the Sun’s ongoing Season of Giving campaign. The team wants to ensure families in need have access to nutritious food during the holiday season.

Defender Brooke Hendrix, who leads the player-led Servant Heart group, emphasized the team’s dedication to community service. 

“We all come together as players to determine how we can better serve our community and each other,” Hendrix said. “We wouldn’t be here without the community. It’s nice [that our supporters] give so much to us, so we want to pay it forward.”

To further support local hunger relief efforts, the Sun has partnered with Feeding Tampa Bay and Seeds of Hope to host donation boxes at Riverfront Stadium during recent home matches.

The team encourages fans and community members to continue their support by participating in Holidays in The Sun during the team’s next home match on Dec. 14. 

Winter Village returns to downtown Tampa

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Winter Village Tampa offers a chance to ice skate with special themed nights. Photo courtesy Of Tampa Downtown Partnership

 

TAMPA – Winter Village Tampa, presented by the Tampa Bay Lightning, kicked off Nov. 22 in Tampa’s Downtown and runs through Jan. 5 with new attractions for all ages.

The Tampa Downtown Partnership has transformed Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park into a cozy wonderland with entertainment, festive skating, shopping and treats.

 

Skate Under the Stars

Ice skating on real ice is a signature Winter Village experience, and this year brings even more fun to the rink. For $17, skaters enjoy 90 minutes of ice time and an included skate rental.

  • Theme Skate Tuesdays – New this year, skaters joining theme skate nights will be entered into a weekly raffle. Theme nights include Nov. 26 (Fall-la-la-la-la), Dec. 3 (The Nutcracker), Dec. 10 (National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation), Dec. 17 (Lightning Bolts & Snowflakes), Dec. 24 (Ugly Holiday Sweater) and Dec. 31 (Holiday Shimmer).
  • Thunderstruck Thursdays – Embrace your Tampa Bay Lightning pride every Thursday with themed food and drink. 
  • Silent Disco Fridays – Dance under the stars with silent disco headphones every Friday from 6 to 9 p.m. Headphones are first-come, first-served.

Artistry meets athleticism as skilled skaters twirl, glide and leap on real ice during the Tampa Bay Ice Show. Catch the 10-minute shows at 7 p.m. Dec. 24 and 31 as well as Jan. 3, 4 and 5. 

 

Other attractions

  • Winter Village Shops – Stroll through the Shops of Winter Village, delivered by PODS Moving and Storage, where local businesses and boutiques offer hand-picked gifts. This year’s market is the biggest yet, brimming with unique finds to check off every name on your holiday list.
  • Winter Village Café – Enjoy seasonal flavors at the Winter Village Café with options like gourmet crepes, craft cocktails from Icicles, coffee from Mi Cafecito and sweet treats from Whatever Pops. 
  • Winter Village Express – Hop aboard the Winter Village Express and take a holiday trip on the TECO Line Streetcar. On select Sundays, this one-hour, round-trip ride from Downtown’s Whiting Station to historic Ybor City features holiday sing-a-longs, trivia, milk and cookies, and festive surprises for the family. Buy tickets for rides on Dec. 1, 8, 15 and 22.

 

Pasco leaders work toward regional solutions for traffic

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DADE CITY – The Pasco County Metropolitan Planning Organization is laying the groundwork for a merger with similar groups in Hillsborough and Pinellas counties that may attract more federal funding for larger-scale transportation projects. 

Tania Gorman, executive director for Pasco County MPO, said state legislation asked the three MPOs about a year and a half ago to engage in an exercise on what a merger may look like. Pasco leaders agreed to a  scope of work Nov. 14 that involves hiring a consultant with legal expertise in how MPOs work to guide a merger by July 1, 2027. 

The consultant would deliver drafts for a Memorandum of Understanding, an apportionment plan, organizational structure, cost estimates and other details. 

Pasco County leaders have heard some pushback on the plan coming out of Hillsborough County. 

“We all work together and there’s the availability of having more funds for all of us,” Pasco Commissioner Ron Oakley said Nov. 14. “Because a lot of these roads and the widening of these roads help all of us that are in this region.”

Oakley pointed to the need to widen U.S. Route 301. Even though Hillsborough County has more of the highway on its side than Pasco County, Oakley said widening the route would help everybody.

Justin Hall, of the Florida Department of Transportation, told the Pasco County MPO that while there was a leader from Tampa that expressed an opinion regarding the merger, the City of Tampa had yet to do so. 

 Pasco Commissioner Kathryn Starkey encouraged colleagues not to be consumed by “us against them,”  

“What I want everyone to remember is the money that we get for our county is still coming to our county and same with all the other counties,” Starkey said. “The purpose of this regional MPO is to work together on large federally funded projects. The fact of the matter is those are probably going to start in Hillsborough because that’s where the issue is and then it’ll spoke out from there.”

 

Defining membership

The Regional MPO would consist of 25 voting members, including Port Tampa Bay and Tampa International Airport.  The other 23 voting seats would be determined by population, so Hillsborough County would get 11 seats, Pinellas County would get eight seats and Pasco County would get four seats. 

The Pasco County MPO discussed how small cities would be represented in the Regional MPO. Ultimately, members decided that one of the four seats on the Regional MPO would be devoted to someone representing the cities. The cities would pick their representative and a voting alternate. 

 

Y2K quilting project brought people together

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Rozanne Ritter, Judy Croucher and Christine Cruz-Cooper stand in front of a quilt put together by members of the East Pasco Quilt Guild. Photo courtesy of Joe Potter

DADE CITY – As fears of Y2K computer crashes spread leading up to the turn of the century, Kathleen Sullivan sought to connect quilters worldwide.

Sullivan, an avid quilter and officer with the Tampa Police Department, thought it would be fun to create a project with a Y2K theme. She encouraged other quilters online to exchange 25 2.5-inch fabric squares with one another. The idea was to incorporate 2,000 squares into each quilt in honor of the millennium. 

Sullivan received 250 envelopes filled with fabric blocks from throughout the United States, Canada and 27 other countries. Many envelopes included letters sharing personal stories about the senders’ lives and families. 

After Sullivan passed away in 2022, her family donated the fabric squares and letters to the East Pasco Quilt Guild.

Members of the guild incorporated these squares and letters into 10 quilts of different sizes for the  “Y2K Quilt Collection Exhibit,” currently on display at The Bike Spoke. The project took about a year and a half to complete. 

“We wanted to see Kathleen’s vision through,” \member Judy Croucher said. 

Each set of fabric squares came with a “siggie” block that included the sender’s name and hometown. 

“We have kept track of each block so it is kind of like the world came to Dade City,” President Rozanne Ritter said. “This is an opportunity for our community to see what people had sent from around the world.”

Some quilts in the collection are designated as “scavenger hunt quilts,” encouraging visitors – especially children – to search for specific things within the designs. 

“It’s a fun way for people to spend more time exploring the details,” Ritter said.

Since the Dade City Heritage Museum is being renovated, the exhibit will be displayed through Dec. 20 at The Bike Spoke, 37800 Church Ave., Dade City. The shop is open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.

The guild will also display the quilts at Dade City events, such as Church Street Christmas, Kumquat Festival and Farm Festival & Quilt Show. 

Email for details about the quilts and the guild.