Stacy C. Myers

As I travel through Pasco County, I’m struck by the number of “Help Wanted” and “We’re Hiring” signs displayed by businesses. Finding and keeping talented employees has become an increasingly difficult challenge for employers. While it’s often possible to hire individuals with the right skills – be it in accounting, welding, sales, customer service or project management, the real hurdle is retention. Skilled workers can be easily lured away by slightly better pay or benefits, making employee turnover a constant and costly concern.

Research from the Association for Talent Development and the Society for Human Resource Management shows that employees are far more likely to stay with organizations that invest in their growth. When people see a clear career path, not just a job, they become more engaged and committed. It allows them to develop a professional identity and feel a stronger connection to their work – and their employer.

However, Gallup’s research over the last decade reveals a troubling trend: employee engagement in the U.S. is steadily declining. Their most recent survey reports that only 34% of American workers are actively engaged in their roles.

So, how can employers boost engagement and loyalty, especially when faced with tightening budgets? In the past, organizations often created in-house training departments or brought in external consultants to deliver broad, one-size-fits-all programs. While well-intentioned, these approaches often missed the mark for many employees.

Today, workforce development is evolving, and three modern approaches are gaining traction:

 

1. Internal Mentors, Coaches and Trainers

Many organizations are now investing in their own people to train and mentor others. By offering facilitation and coaching training, companies can turn experienced employees into internal experts. These mentors not only help upskill the workforce but also feel valued themselves—deepening their engagement and loyalty. In many ways, they become the organization’s most valuable talent developers.

 

2. Specialized External Vendors

There’s still an important role for outside training providers. These vendors bring deep expertise in areas like project management, IT, leadership, communication, supervision, and more. When large numbers of employees need specific skills, external trainers can deliver targeted, high-quality instruction that’s difficult to replicate in-house.

 

3. Training Partnerships

Perhaps the most collaborative approach is the training partnership model, where multiple non-competing organizations pool resources to offer shared development opportunities. A great example in our region is the Pasco County Training Partnership.

Four years ago, the Pasco County Economic Development Commission launched the Executive Success Program in collaboration with E-Assessments, Inc. Over the past three years, more than 20 companies have sent key employees to participate in leadership and communication workshops. Participants come from diverse sectors, including manufacturing, retail, healthcare, hospitality and real estate.

The program continues into 2025-26, with sessions beginning in September at 4&Co’s facility in the Bexley development. These workshops, shaped by client feedback, are designed to strengthen leadership at all levels and ultimately foster a more engaged, resilient workforce.

 

Pasco County Training Partnership 2025/2026 Schedule

• Sept. 9, Interpersonal Communication*, Full Day
• Oct. 9, Personal Listening*, Half Day
• Nov. 13, Conflict Management*, Full Day
• Dec. 11, Adapting to Change, Half Day
• Jan. 8, 2026, High Performance Work Teams*, Full Day
• Feb. 12, 2026, Facilitative Leadership*, Full Day
• March 12, 2026, Decision Making, Full Day
• April 9, 2026, Managing Your Career, Half Day
• May 7, 2026, Interviewing & Selection of Employees, Full Day

Sessions marked with a * indicate that individual pre-session assessments will be used by participants to enhance the learning outcomes. 

Contact Dr. Stacy Myers at or call him at 865-250-1343 for more information. 

On the web: eassess.net

 

Stacy C. Myers serves as president of E-Assessments in Land O’ Lakes.

LAND O’ LAKES – The Pasco County School Board has approved a tentative budget of $2,338,437,781 for the 2025-26 fiscal year, an increase of $53,462,164 over last year.

Superintendent John Legg reiterated to the school board July 29 that the general operating fund has grown from $1,099,842,895 in 2024-25 to $1,138,694,212 in 2025-26 despite a $3.6 million reduction in state funding due to a decline in student enrollment by 638 students.

Legg said $92 million in the budget is set aside for charter schools and $71 million for Florida Empowerment Scholarships (for area private schools). The budget also includes $66,726,372 in categoricals and set asides.

Other drivers include increases in health insurance and retirement rates, utilities, student resource officer contracts and the opening of Skybrooke K-8. 

The proposed capital projects fund is $671,563,602, an increase of $12,172,213 over the 2024-25 budget. 

Legg said major capital projects include construction at Gulf Middle, West Zephyrhills Elementary and the Kirkland Ranch K-8 gym; renovations at Cypress Elementary and Pasco High; and roof construction, HVAC system replacements and infrastructure upgrades at various schools. 

“The 2025-26 budget also reflects fiscal priorities which support student achievement,” Legg said. “Additionally, it’s designed to ensure the smooth delivery of effective school operations by prioritizing the needs of our students and the community.”

The budget includes a millage rate of 6.274 mills, a decrease of 0.057 from the previous year. District leaders say they have limited flexibility in setting millage and point to the state legislature. 

Legg said the owner of a $350,000 home, after the $25,000 homestead exemption, would pay $2,039 in taxes, an $18.53 decrease from last year. 

Legg described the budget as a living document that continuously changes over the course of the year. Budget amendments are submitted to the board to reflect changes. 

“We will continue to prioritize and make the best decisions we can for our students, teachers and staff with the funding that we have,” said Colleen Beaudoin, District 2 representative on the school board. “I am always reminded that the budget is fluid and that I remain committed to prioritizing our students.”

Beaudoin thanked Pasco County voters for passing the Salary Referendum in 2022. 

“Without this funding, it would be increasingly difficult to compete for the best teachers for our students,” she said. “That’s crucial for student success. Our community recognizes the importance and the value of public education.”

Megan Harding, District 5 rep on the school board, said she is also dedicated to ensuring the budget puts kids first. 

The school board set a final public hearing for the budget at 6 p.m. Sept. 9. 

 

ZEPHYRHILLS – The Zephyrhills City Council has added regulations for harboring backyard chickens. 

The regulations allow for residential units in single-family, estate, low density and medium density residential zoning districts to have up to five hens or pullets at a time. Roosters, capons or cockerels are not allowed. 

No chickens are allowed in other zoning districts, including duplex and multi-family lots. 

The intent of the ordinance is more about egg consumption than having pets.

“An interest in local food sources, food resilience and desire for fresher, more nutritious foods is being embraced by residents throughout the country,” according to the ordinance. “The City of Zephyrhills intends to integrate sustainability and resilience strategies that foster healthy communities, educate and empower residents to lead healthy, sustainable lifestyles, and invest in the wellbeing and success of our children.

“Many communities in Florida and throughout the United States have found in adopting ordinances to integrate the keeping of chickens in residential areas that up to four chickens are sufficient to meet the needs of the average family’s egg consumption.”

The ordinance does not allow breeding, slaughtering or the onsite sale of eggs, poultry or manure. 

Neighbor Brad Bush told the council that he supported the ordinance.
“I think it’s about as bulletproof as anything can get,” Bush said. “Obviously, at the end of the day, someone’s always going to try to take advantage of it, but it takes both the welfare of the chicken plus the individual freedoms of everyone into full account, along with holding up accountability for people to properly take care of said chickens.

Residents interested in having backyard chickens have to fill out an application from the city. 

Councilwoman Jodi Wilkeson felt like the application needed more work. She wanted to see more specific language about what zoning districts the hens are allowed in. Staff assured Wilkeson that the districts would be added.

The ordinance has 16 bullet points to follow. Violators will be fined $500 per day. Residents can lose their ability to harbor chickens after three separate code enforcement violations. 

ZEPHYRHILLS – The Zephyrhills Daughters of the American Revolution has approached city leaders about allowing a permanent masonry burning pit to be built at Veterans Memorial Park to retire U.S. flags.

The Echebucsassa Chapter of DAR plans to pursue $40,000 through the America 250 Florida Grants program, according to Regent Marie Wunderlich. The program, offered through the Florida Department of State, is accepting grant applications through Aug. 6. 

“Currently, there exists no venue open to the public for them to witness such a ceremony, partake in such a ceremony by providing their flags, and educating the children about the U.S. flag,” Wunderlich told the city council July 28. “Not only why we raise it, why we salute it, why we pledge to it, but why we burn it.”

The U.S. Flag Code suggests burning a flag in a dignified way when it is no longer a “fitting emblem for display.”

Wunderlich said the grant would include eight benches, each representing the different branches of the Armed Forces.

“We would like to have signage educating the public on not only the Declaration of Independence,” Wunderlich said, “but Revolutionary period events – whether it would be the Liberty Tree, the different battles that took place – an educational experience devoted to the history of our veterans’ service, from Revolutionary War period to the current period.”

Wunderlich said these park upgrades can be used by all patriotic and civic organizations, such as the Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts and Veterans of Foreign Wars. 

The council was receptive to the idea, saying that staff could make sure the grant proposal aligns with ongoing park plans. One member of the council offered to get his daughter, who has written grants professionally, to help with the application. 

 

Neighbor reports park abuse

Neighbor Michael Cooper has encouraged the City of Zephyrhills to do something about people riding motorcycles, ATVs and golf carts at Veterans Memorial Park. 

Cooper told the Zephyrhills City Council on July 28 that he and his wife enjoy walking at the park but people are driving on the grass and pavement all the time. 

“You call the cops – sometimes they show up, a lot of times they don’t,” Cooper said. “So I called the city manager, complained several times. He talked to them. When they do come out and catch them, they don’t do nothing to them. They just let them go. I don’t understand it. How are they going to learn not to do this?”

LAND O’ LAKES – Pasco County Schools is trying to finalize its 2025-26 fiscal year budget despite some challenging variables from state and federal governments. 

Staff has brought forward a $2.3 billion tentative budget to the school board. This represents a 2.3% increase from the 2024-25 budget and includes $1.1 billion for the general fund (primary operating fund) and $671.5 million budget for capital projects (construction/facilities fund).

“They are working,” Superintendent John Legg said of his team. “They put their numbers together, and it just seems like within a couple of hours, they have to adjust it because more information is coming.”

Legg said it seems like the district keeps getting new information due to the state budget being late and the federal government reviewing grants. 

Tammy Taylor, chief financial officer for Pasco County Schools, met with the school board July 22 to explain some of the state and federal impacts on the budget. 

 

Student enrollment  

Pasco County Schools projects traditional schools will see a 638-student decrease this coming year as interest grows in charter and private schools.

Taylor said the district expects to get $3.6 million less in funding due to declining enrollment. 

The district expects charter school enrollment to grow by 1,645 students. This comes as three new charter schools open in 2025-26: Imagine School at Trinity, Pinecrest Academy Connerton and Pinecrest Academy Connerton Middle School.

The district also anticipates an increase of 1,645 students receiving the Florida Empowerment Scholarship, a program that helps families pay tuition for private schools.

Taylor said the district accounts for approximately 79% of enrollment in the county with charter schools at 11% and Florida Empowerment Scholarship at 10%.

 

Florida Empowerment Scholarships

Funding for the Florida Empowerment Scholarship has grown from $33.9 million in 2023-24 to $51.2 million in 2024-25 to $71 million in 2025-26. 

“These funds are included in our budget,” Taylor told the scholar board. “It’s very difficult when we’re looking at balancing the budget and reserves when there’s this large sum of money in here that really never comes to us and becomes part of our budget.”

Taylor said the state didn’t budget enough for the scholarships in 2024-25, resulting in the district waiting on $1.5 million in anticipated revenue. 

“Our desire would be to see FES scholarship students as their own school, similar to Florida Virtual School, so the funds are not included in our budget,”  Taylor said. “It would be much easier across the state if they were set up as their own schools but we’ll see what happens.”

 

Employee health insurance & retirement rates

The district will contribute $8,801 per employee this year for health insurance. Taylor said this represents a 40% increase over the past 10 years. 

“The fund is experiencing a very bad year and is expected to have a $15 million shortfall,” Taylor said. “Discussions are still ongoing and subject to negotiations to bring the plan back into compliance with the required reserves.”

In total, the district expects to pay $112,807,393 in health insurance expenses for 2025-26. 

The district is also seeing an increase in retirement rates. 

Pasco County Schools projects $76.2 million in retirement expenses compared to $75.8 million in 2024-25 and $72.5 million in 2023-24. Five years ago, the district’s retirement expenses totaled $48.7 million.

 

Florida Education Finance Program changes

Finance staff has had to adjust to state changes to funding categories, such as instructional materials, reading allocation and classroom supply funds. 

Another change, made this year, involves “academic acceleration options” that includes Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate and similar programs. 

Taylor could not say at this time how this would impact the district. 

 

Federal Funding

Taylor said that $6.3 million in federal grants are being held for review. 

This includes line items for supporting effective instruction/teacher retention ($3.5 million), student support and academic enrichment ($1.9 million), language instruction for immigrants ($798,099) and migrant education ($83,840).

Not getting this funding will result in staff going back to the school board with budget changes. As many as 56 positions are funded through these allocations, Taylor said.

The district has received grants that were originally withheld, including the 21st century community learning centers ($2.5 million). Grant funding related to adult general education was received but reduced from $845,536 to $406,432. 

 

Millage rates 

The district will vote on a budget with a total millage levy of 6.274 mills, which is a 0.057 decrease from the previous year. 

Taylor said the owner of a $350,000 home would pay $2,039.05 in school taxes, a decrease of $18.53 from 2024 millage rates.

 

Salary referendum revenue

Pasco County voters approved a referendum to allow the school board to levy up to one mill in each of the four years of the referendum to increase salaries for teachers, bus drivers, nutrition staff and custodians. 

This has allowed a starting teachers’ salary to increase by $2,500 with an average teacher supplement of $5,800. 

“The district is very thankful to the voters for their trust and support of the school district in this effort,” she said. Without these funds, it would be an even more challenging year and the district could not remain competitive with our surrounding counties.”

The district projects $64,129,768 in projected revenue in 2025-26 from this move.

 

School board reacts

School board members did not express shock at Taylor’s presentation. 

District 2 Member Colleen Beaudoin credited Taylor and her team for keeping the board in the loop for several months. 

District 3 Member Cynthia Armstrong appreciated the staff’s conservative approach to budgeting, noting how preparing for worst-case scenarios positions Pasco County Schools better than other school districts. 

Superintendent John Legg reiterated that the biggest variable involves getting health insurance wrapped up from the previous year and forecasting for next. Legg said the district may get updated information about this in the coming days. 

The district is required to hold two public hearings for the budget. The first hearing, scheduled for July 29, is to adopt a millage and tentative budget. The second hearing, scheduled for Sept. 9, is to adopt the final millage and budget. 

“Employee salaries and benefits is the largest portion of the district’s budget and it accounts for over $667 million,” Taylor said. “Over 90% of the budget is appropriated to instruction and school level programs. A small percentage of our budget is going to other areas.”

 

LAND O’ LAKES – Superintendent John Legg expressed concern to the school board July 8 about how state and federal decisions will affect the budget for Pasco County Schools.

Legg told the school board that a state budget had been signed since their last meeting. 

Gov. Ron DeSantis celebrated signing a $117.4 billion fiscal year budget on June 30 for 2025-26 after making $567 million in line item vetoes.

DeSanctis’ office said the budget “builds on Florida’s record investments in education, providing a historic $15.9 billion in funding for the K-12 public school system.” 

His office also touted $1.36 billion to provide salary increases for teachers and other instructional personnel, an increase of about $101.6 million from the previous fiscal year. 

Legg described it to the school board as “a tight budget.” The school board will explore how the state budget will affect the district’s general operations on July 22. 

“While we may be in better shape than some districts, we still have challenges,” Legg said. “We’re not going to be able to do everything we want. We have some hard decisions that we are going to have to wrestle with here in the next several weeks.”

Legg told the school board, “I do feel like our backs are up against the wall a little bit in terms of timing. We’d rather have these discussions in May rather than in July but our team is working very aggressively on that.”

Pasco County Schools is also concerned about recent news that the U.S. Department of Education is withholding nearly $7 billion in grant funding. 

Legg said the district hopes to get clarity or a time frame on the withheld grants in a phone call this week. 

“We don’t want to do some draconian cuts or adjustments when the money may just be released in three or four weeks,” Legg said. “So we want to make sure we proceed cautiously but we also don’t want to overextend ourselves as well. We want to be very cautious in how we proceed in that area. That has definitely caused us some consternation.”

Jeff Larsen, president of the United School Employees of Pasco, also shared concerns with the school board July 8 about the federal freeze on education grant funding. 

“This horrible decision from the federal government could have disastrous implications if it is not reversed,” Larsen said. “We stand ready to work with the district on the potential impacts of this issue.”

 

Governor’s Veto List

Here are line items related to Pasco County that were included in Gov. Ron DeSantis’ veto list: 

• Empowering Educators: A Resilience Initiative for Hillsborough and Pasco Counties (SF 1678) (HF 2520) – $1,00,000.
• Affordable Homeownership Initiative in Pasco and Hernando (SF 1680) (HF 1216) – $750,000.
• United Way of Pasco County – Fighting Human Trafficking Program (SF 1607) (HF 1251) – $271,350.
• Pasco County Board of County Commissioners (SF 1677) (HF 1268) – $100,000.
• East Pasco Emergency Shelter (SF 1524) (HF 2578) – $25,000.

 

Editor’s Note: Francesca Stubbs, senior pastor at Oasis Church, gave these remarks during the June 9 Zephyrhills City Council meeting. 

I stand before you as the founder and chief operating officer of Oasis Community Outreach and Cafe to share the critical needs of our community and to seek your invaluable support.

Oasis Community Outreach and Cafe has taken on the humbling task of being a beacon of hope for many in our city since the unfortunate closing of Healing Hearts Cafe in December 2024, providing essential support to those facing hardship. 

Recently, we have witnessed a dramatic rise in families with young children seeking our services, driven by economic challenges and job losses. 

Our mission has expanded from feeding the homeless to supporting entire families who find themselves in desperate need.

While we are deeply grateful for the generous contributions of food and supplies from our donors, some financial seeds from our friends and our community, and the huge support shown from our church, Oasis Church, and its members, these donations do not always cover all of the growing financial overhead necessary to maintain and carry out our operations.

Despite our best efforts, including a commendable grant application applied for through Pasco County for community development funds, we were not selected due to a limited amount of funding available and the number of organizations with similar applications here in the East Pasco region.

As we face the summer months and an increasing number of children out of school, the need for our services grows ever more urgent. I come before you with a heartfelt appeal for financial assistance as our city council and community leaders.

Your support would enable us to continue our outreach, expand our programs, and ensure that every individual and family, especially those with children in our community, has access to basic necessities that they deserve.

I’m asking the city to look into their budget and to assist with funding our community endeavor. 

We are a 501c3 organization operating under the auspices of Niecy’s Hope for Kings and Queens, who seeks to be able to continue our assistance for the residents of our beloved neighborhood. 

But we know collaboration and help from our partners will provide a significant boost. 

Together, we can build a stronger, more resilient community where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

Thank you for your time, your compassion and your commitment to our community. 

I look forward to the possibility of partnering with you to make a lasting difference in the lives of those we serve here in our beautiful city of Zephyrhills.

 

INFOBOX: Council member responds

Zephyrhills City Council Member Steve Spina said the city provides funding to CHIPZ (Community Hope & Intervention Project of Zephyrhills). He also mentioned homeless outreach by the Zephyrhills Police Department.

Spina asked Stubs if her organization worked with these groups. 

“The idea of CHIPZ was to bring different groups together so everything’s under kind of one umbrella,” Spina said. “I think before we were to pledge more money to another organization, I’d like to see what you can do with CHIPZ and work with the police department and see if we can’t resolve these issues. Because CHIPS does all those things as well – working with providing utility reimbursements, trying to keep families in their houses, and then finding emergency care.”

Stubs said her organization collaborates with CHIPZ regularly but she said there’s a gap in service when it comes to helping children of struggling families. 

NEW PORT RICHEY – Pasco County commissioners approved a proclamation June 17 encouraging the community to support and celebrate people recovering from addiction. 

The proclamation not only recognizes Pasco as an Inclusive Recovery County but also mentions the collaboration of groups like the Alliance for Healthy Communities, The Hope Shot and Drug-Free America Foundation.

“We hope that this proclamation and this movement continues to grow so we can become more diverse and show that recovery is possible for anybody from any walk of life in any side of Pasco County, all over,” said Nathan Cantie, peer support director for The Hope Shot. 

Cantie said collaboration among community organizations helps create opportunities for those battling addiction and empowers them to walk on their own through those doors. 

“Inclusive recovery means breaking down stigma,” Cantie told commissioners. “It means building systems that embrace diversity and offer real opportunities for healing. This proclamation is a statement that Pasco County is committed to that vision, and we are so grateful for your leadership in helping make it a reality.”

Commissioners expressed appreciation for the work that The Hope Shot does in the community. Based in New Port Richey, it has three primary programs: 

• All Ways Center – A recovery center, based at 6020 U.S. 19, that offers resources and support. 
• Bridge to Recovery – Peer-led coaching to help people live healthy lifestyles.
• Community Connection – A program that connects people to employment and housing opportunities. 

Commissioner Lisa Yeager said that The Hope Shot meets people where they are. She’s seen them help people not only overcome  alcohol and substance abuse but also receive help during storm recovery. 

Commissioner Seth Weightman described The Hope Shot’s work as mission-driven and oftentimes thankless. He thanked them for their passion, love, tenderness and care.

 

Upcoming event

The Hope Shot is planning a Stronger Together Recovery Walk from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sept. 20 at Sims Park in New Port Richey. Visit thehopeshot.org or facebook.com/thehopeshot for details about the nonprofit.