The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Kathy Steele

Committee to study school impact fees

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As more rooftops pop up in Pasco County, more and more students living under those rooftops will take seats in crowded classrooms. While new residential construction is good for the county’s prosperity, it also is setting up a dilemma for Pasco County Schools.

The big question: Where will the district find money to build schools to keep up with demand over the next 10 years?

The apparent answer from the district’s school board is an increase in school impact fees applied to construction for new housing.

A 10-member committee, appointed by the Pasco County commissioners, will grapple with the issue and make recommendations.

County commissioners approved the creation of a School Infrastructure Funding Committee at their Jan. 10 meeting in Dade City.

Five members will be developer/builder representatives and five will be citizen/parent representatives. No employees of the county or the school board can serve on the committee, though they can serve as staff members to the committee.

Each county commissioner will appoint one person from each category. However, county commissioners plan to consult with school board members about the citizen/parent selections.

Based on a study, the school board is seeking to increase impact fees on new homes from $4,828 to $9,174 for single-family detached; from $1,740 to $3,693 for single-family attached; from $2,843 to $5,634 for mobile homes; and from $1,855 to $5,382 for multi-family.

Ray Gadd, deputy superintendent for Pasco County Schools, said the study lays out what the future holds for the school district’s growth and its financial needs.

“We think it can be legitimately defended,” Gadd said, of the proposed fee increases.

The study’s analysis completed by Maryland-based consulting firm, Tischler Bise, determined that school enrollment within five years will increase by more than 5,200 students. In 10 years, it predicts that nearly 10,500 new students will enroll.

The school district’s building plans include two new schools opening in fall, and another four schools that will be built within the next 10 years. The total cost is estimated at $196 million, and will add about 6,500 more classroom seats.

The authority to increase impact fees belongs to the commission, not the school board. The fees are assessed against builders for each new home, excluding 55 and older communities.

Impact fees are expected to pay for new growth as opposed to putting the burden on residents of existing homes.

Committee appointments are expected by Feb. 7.

County officials anticipate meetings, workshops and public hearings will be held over the next eight to 12 months.

School officials want a faster timetable.

“We’d like to be done in four to five months,” Gadd said.

Published January 18, 2017

New rules aim to protect cats and dogs

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The Pasco County Commission has approved new regulations to make it harder for convicted animal abusers to buy or adopt cats and dogs in the county.

But, those measures fall far short of what’s needed, a trio of animal rights advocates said during a Jan. 10 public hearing. They advocate the adoption of an animal abuser registry.

The county’s program will be “nothing more than a list on a website,” said John Marinello of the Alliance to Save 90.

Alliance to Save 90 is a Hillsborough County-based coalition that supports no-kill policies at animal shelters. Its goal is to save 90 percent of shelter populations from euthanasia.

County commissioners said a statewide registry is the better solution but, until legislation is passed, the new ordinance will help.

“We need to show we’re part of this now,” said Pasco County Chairman Mike Moore. “We can do something stricter later.”

Beginning March 1, to knowingly transfer a cat or dog to a convicted animal abuser will be a violation of county code.

The Pasco County Clerk of Court’s office will provide a link on its website of people convicted of animal abuse after March 1. Individuals or organizations that sell or adopt cats or dogs must document that they checked the link prior to the sale or adoption of a dog or cat. Records must be kept for five years.

Farm animals and service animals, including miniature horses trained to work with disabled people, are excluded from the ordinance. And, because the website link will rely on “other sources” for data, the county can’t guarantee the link’s accuracy or completeness.

No penalties are included in the ordinance, but county commissioners are expected at a later meeting to adopt a fine of up to $500 for violations. Citations would be issued for violations.

The commission unanimously approved the ordinance.

Marinello was one of three speakers during public comment to ask commissioners to reconsider and approve a registry.

Lutz-based veterinarian Betsy Coville and Land O’ Lakes resident Rebecca Foss also spoke against the amended ordinance.

An earlier draft of the ordinance included an animal abuser registry. But, at a Nov. 29 public hearing, county staff members cited problems with implementing a local registry, and recommended adoption of the scaled-back regulations.

The revised ordinance also was amended to cover cats and dogs only.

“They can go ahead and abuse a bunny rabbit, and they will find one and do it,” said Coville, who is a member of Save 90’s advisory board.

Foss said that a “true, strong registry is needed.”

The links between animal abuse, child abuse and domestic violence is well-documented, and a registry offers law enforcement protections, Foss said.

A registry approved in Hillsborough requires in-person registration that provides an address, photograph and other personal information. Anyone on the registry is banned from owning or living in a home with animals.

However, some Hillsborough County commissioners cited the need for a state registry.

Moore took the three speakers to task for waiting until the final hearing to object. But, he also offered some advice.

“I implore you to keep talking to your state legislators to put something forward,” Moore said.

Following the public hearing, Coville said she and others expected commissioners to approve the registry item that was posted in the Nov. 29 agenda. They were surprised by the last-minute substitution, she said.

State legislators failed to approve a statewide registry in 2012. That bill, known as Dexter’s law, was about as weak as Pasco’s ordinance, Coville said.

But, she hopes that Rep. Blaise Ingoglia of Spring Hill will file a registry bill for the 2017 session. The state lawmaker’s staff said he is contemplating such a bill, but had no further information.

Coville said she has helped to win approvals for registry ordinances in Hillsborough and Marion counties. She is pushing now for registries in Manatee and Miami-Dade counties, and eventually in Sarasota County.

“Once you have several counties passing these, (state legislation) is easier,” Coville said.

Revised January 19, 2017

Business Digest 01/18/2017

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Mary Gwathney, transportation services supervisor (left); Kevin Hoyt, operations manager; Rosemarie Bruckner, program coordinator; Phil Pumphrey, former director; and, Kurt Scheible, interim director, celebrate the marketing award won by the Florida County Public Transportation Department.
(Courtesy of Pasco County)

Marketing awards
The Pasco County Public Transportation Department earned two marketing awards from the Florida Public Transportation Association on Dec. 11, according to a Pasco County news release.

The department won first place for Electronic Media/Audio-Visual for a live-remote broadcast on Aug. 15 celebrating the inaugural bus ride of the new County Connector bus service on State Road 54. Local radio station, Hits 106, aired the broadcast.

A 30-second employee customer service video earned third place for Internal Employee Communications.

For information on bus routes, transportation news and schedules, visit Ridepcpt.com.

 

Liaison named
Joel Brown will serve as liaison between the Southwest Florida Water Management District (Swiftmud) and the county governments, municipalities and community organizations of Hillsborough, Pinellas and Pasco counties.

Brown is a graduate of the University of South Florida, where he majored in political science and minored in leadership studies. Previously, he worked as West Central Florida regional manager for Florida’s Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater, and the Department of Financial Services. He also served as district administrative assistant to the late U.S. Rep. Bill Young of Pinellas County.

Brown will work from Swiftmud’s Tampa office.

To contact Brown, call (813) 985-7481, ext. 2015, or email .

Food partners
Florida Hospital Center Ice entered an agreement to make US Foods the preferred food partner for the new ice rink and sports facility that will open Jan. 26, off State Road 56 near the Interstate 75 interchange.

US Foods is a foodservice distributor that provides food to a variety of facilities including Florida Hospital Center Ice, as well as independent and multi-unit restaurants, health care and hospitality businesses.

Florida Hospital Center Ice will have about 150,000 square feet of floor space to accommodate four ice rinks and a mini-rink. Z Mitch LLC invested about $28 million in the project.

Florida Hospital is the facility’s major sponsor and naming partner. The Tampa Bay Lightning is a program rink partner. Other sponsors include APH Stone Solutions, Bright House Networks, Buffalo Wild Wings, Busch Gardens Tampa, Coca-Cola Beverages Florida, DEX Imaging and The Toni Everett Co.

Lunch n learn
A Lunch N Learn Business Forum is scheduled for Jan. 19 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at The Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce Don Porter Boardroom, at 6013 Wesley Chapel Blvd., Suite 105.

Guest speaker will be David C. Alvarez of DCA Media Consulting. He will offer tips on how to build your brand through social media.

The cost is $15 including lunch. Please RSVP, as seating is limited.

For information, visit WesleyChapelChamber.com, or call (813) 994-8534.

Law firm ribbon cutting
The Devolder Law Firm will have a ribbon cutting on Jan. 19 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., at 8709 Hunters Green Drive, Suite 103, in New Tampa.

The event is free.

For information, call The Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce at (813) 994-8534, or email .

Spa ribbon cutting
The Cabana Spa will have a ribbon cutting on Jan. 20 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., at 27607 State Road 56 in Wesley Chapel.

Light refreshments and giveaways will be provided.

For information, call The Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce at (813) 994-8534, or email .

Ribbon cutting
Go Craft Yourself will have a ribbon cutting on Jan. 24 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at 103111 Cross Creek Blvd., Suite A, in New Tampa.

The event is free.

For information, contact The Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce at , or call (813) 994-8534.

Chamber mixer
The Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce will have a “Cup of Joe” and a “No Agenda” mixer on Jan. 25 from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m., at the law firm of Lucas/Magazine, at 2533 Windguard Circle, Suite 101, in Wesley Chapel.

This mixer takes place the last Wednesday of each month.

For information, call Elayne Bassinger at (813) 495-2336, or visit LucasMagazine.com.

Smithsonian exhibit comes to Pioneer Museum

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The working life of Americans from the mid-19th century to the late 20th century will be explored in a traveling Smithsonian exhibition that will make its first stop in Florida at The Pioneer Florida Museum & Village in Dade City.

Two children work at a mill in Macon, Georgia. This photo is from a Smithsonian exhibition on the working life of Americans.
(Courtesy of National Archives, Records of the Children’s Bureau)

The exhibit – “The Way We Worked” – is part of the Museum on Main Street, which is a national, state and local effort to bring exhibitions and programs to rural cultural organizations. The Florida Humanities Council selected the Pioneer museum as a host site.

Visitors to the Pioneer museum, at 15602 Pioneer Museum Road in Dade City, can view the exhibit from Jan. 28 through March 18.

A series of local speakers will bring insight into Pasco County’s contributions to the nation’s work history.

There also will be field trips, special programs, lunch and learn events, and tours.

The Pioneer museum released details on the exhibit in a news release. The museum is seeking corporate sponsors, speakers and docents for additional programming.

Two girls deliver ice in 1918. This photo is part of a Smithsonian exhibition on Americans’ work history that is coming to The Pioneer Florida Museum & Village.
(Courtesy of National Archives, Records of the War Department, General and Special Staffs)

“This is the first time a Smithsonian exhibition will be in East Pasco County,” said Stephanie Black, the museum’s executive director. “It allows us the opportunity to explore this fascinating aspect of our own region’s history, and we hope that it will inspire many to become even more involved in the cultural life in our community.”

The exhibit tells the story of working America through 86 black-and-white, and color, photographs. The photographs explain where Americans worked, how they worked, who they were and why they worked.

The traveling exhibit is an adaptation of an original exhibition by the National Archives and Records Administration, which explores the connections between work and American culture.

It is a look at the past 150 years at influences on the workforce and its environment, including the growth of manufacturing and the rise of technology.

Five other communities in the state also will host the exhibit in coming months, including the Polk County History Center in Bartow.

For information or to volunteer, visit PioneerFloridaMuseum.org.

Additional information also can be found at FloridaHumanities.org.

Published January 11, 2o17

 

New projects coming to Walmart site

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A new emergency health care center is ready for construction, and a self-storage facility is planned for outparcels surrounding the Walmart Super Center in Lutz.

They will join the new Famous Tate appliance store, which is under construction in front of the discount retail store, on a parcel off of Land O’ Lakes Boulevard.

New Port Richey Hospital Inc., plans to open an emergency health care facility on an outparcel at the entrance to Walmart Super Center, off Dale Mabry Highway.
(Kathy Steele/Staff)

Pasco County commissioners, in October, approved changes to a longstanding master plan for development of the entire site, located on a large triangular swath of land between Land O’ Lakes and North Dale Mabry Highway.

Adjustments will add about 60,000 square feet of retail and 12,000 square feet of office. About 50,000 square feet set aside previously for office is available for uses such as retail or a hotel.

The Nashville-based New Port Richey Hospital Inc., a subsidiary of HCA Holdings Inc., is building an approximately 10,800-square-foot emergency health facility on a parcel adjacent to the Dale Mabry entrance. Initial permits were issued in December according to a sign posted on the site.

New Port Richey Hospital Inc. also owns the Medical Center of Trinity in New Port Richey. The seller of the parcel was Hagman Properties Inc., and Canaan Development Corporation, according to county records.

Traffic zips past the construction site for a new emergency health care facility being built outside Walmart Super Center, off Dale Mabry Highway.

StorKwik Self Storage made inquiries with county planners about building up to 100,000 square feet of storage space on a parcel across from Famous Tate, by the Land O’ Lakes entrance, according to county records.

The new development isn’t expected to increase traffic, according to a new traffic analysis.

Under county code, the self-storage facility is considered retail though it generates little traffic, and the storage facility is counted as office space, said land use attorney Joel Tew, who represented the properties’ sellers.

“Essentially, it’s the same traffic as before, with no new net (daily) trips,” Tew said.

However, a traffic signal and turn lane will be installed at the Dale Mabry entrance into Walmart. Developers and county officials had sought approvals for the signal for years, Tew said.

The Florida Department of Transportation recently approved the signal, Tew added.

The eastern entrance off Land O’ Lakes Boulevard already has a traffic signal.

The outparcels at the site were ready for development for years, but for the stalled economy, Tew said.

“They simply sat there languishing through the downturn until recently,” he said.

Published January 11, 2017

New restaurant coming to Land O’ Lakes

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A new restaurant will replace the former Mosquito Bar & Grill, a waterfront restaurant on Lake Bell that closed down nearly four years ago.

Renovations are underway to upgrade the kitchen and modernize the building at 4422 Land O’ Lakes Blvd.

“We don’t know what the concept will be,” said Mike Faehner, a Clearwater-based attorney.

Work is underway to modernize the building for the former Mosquito Bar & Grill to make way for a new restaurant.
(Kathy Steele/Staff)

Faehner is listed on state records as the registered agent for the property’s owner, 4422 LOL Blvd. LLC.

Market research is being completed, Faehner said.

Whatever the final concept, the restaurant will be locally owned and operated. There are no plans for a chain restaurant, he added.

In 2014, someone posted a message on Mosquito’s marquee board that Hooters planned to open there in 2015. Hooters’ representatives quickly scotched the speculation.

The lakefront property has seen two restaurants come and go in the past decade.

Mosquito Bar & Grill opened in 2012, soon after the popular Rapscallions shut down.

But, Mosquito’s menu of gator bites, fish tacos, barbecue pulled pork and country-fried venison met with mixed reviews. Hot wings – a signature dish for Rapscallions – stayed on the menu, but with a milder sauce.

In 2011, Rapscallions’ very, very hot hot wings garnered the restaurant a feature spot on the Travel Channel’s former show, “Man vs. Food.”

Host Adam Richman took the dare of the Davy Jones Hot Wing Challenge for an honored spot on Rapscallions’ “Wall of Pain.”

Fame was fleeting for the restaurant, however.

Within a year, the property’s owners, C of Pasco Inc., headed to foreclosure.

The restaurant shuttered in 2012.

Mosquito buzzed to life soon after, but its short life ended in 2013.

The building has sat empty since then.

Current property owners bought the site from Centennial Bank in December 2014, according to county records.

A new restaurant finally is on the way.

“Stay tuned,” Faehner said.

Published January 11, 2017

San Antonio Rotary goes to the market

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The Rotary Club of San Antonio is getting a fresh start on a popular trend – the farmers market.

The nonprofit will host its first San Antonio Farmers Market on Jan. 14 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the San Antonio City Park, at 32810 Pennsylvania Ave.

In the future, the farmers market will be held every second Saturday of the month, at the same time and place.

“It will be really festive,” said Winnie Burke, the club’s president.

The market will offer fresh produce, yard art, baked goods and more. Local musicians will entertain. Rotary club volunteers will sell hot dogs and popcorn.

Wines from Brooksville vineyards will be sold, but Burke said a city alcohol ban in the park, means “it’s not for drinking in the park.”

The seed for the farmers market sprouted after a local produce stand on State Road 52 shut down.

“People were telling us they wanted a place to buy produce,” said Burke. “It grew from there.”

The second Saturday was chosen so as not to compete with Dade City’s farmers market, Burke added.

The rotary club has a loyal group of about 15 volunteers, who will organize the monthly event.

“Our club is pretty small,” Burke said. “But, we try to be active.”

Rotarian fundraisers help support local charities and community projects including playground equipment at the city park. The club also supports a girls’ mentoring program and food giveaways to area schools.

The Rotary Club of San Antonio was founded in 2005, and is one of eight clubs in east Pasco County.

Rotarians are governed by Rotary International, which has about 1.2 million members in 32,000 clubs in 200 countries and geographic areas, according to the international organization’s website.

To reserve a vendor space – for $25 a day – contact Burke at (352) 437-5161 or .

Published January 11, 2017

 

Business Digest 01/11/2017

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New RaceTrac?
Owners of In Play LLC and Relin Brothers LLC are seeking a zoning change to clear the way for a Race Trac convenience store and gas station at the northeast corner of Land O’ Lakes Boulevard and Ehren Cutoff, according to county records.

The item is on the consent agenda of the Pasco County Planning Commission, which meets Jan. 11 at 1:30 p.m., at the Historic Pasco County Courthouse in Dade City.

Planning staff members recommend approval.

According to county records, the Race Trac Market Store No. 1221 would be about 5,400 square feet. There would be 16 gas pumps. The “build-out” for the project is scheduled for 2018.

Cycle training and anniversary
Cycle Quest is now leasing a space at VisionQuest Fitness Studio, at 24434 State Road 54, in Lutz. And, VisionQuest is celebrating its one-year anniversary.

Cycle Quest owner Dana Newberry began offering cycling classes in December for small groups, generally of six to nine bicycle riders. Private/buddy classes also are available for one to two riders.

Riders can bring their own bicycles or use one of Cycle Quest’s bicycles. Class packages, at varying prices, are available.

VisionQuest Fitness owner Dawn Mong opened her fitness studio in January 2016. The studio offers group classes, boot camps and personal training.

For information on cycling, call or text Newberry at (352) 518-1563, or sign up for classes with the free mobile application, Bookfit!

For information on VisionQuest Fitness, call or text (813) 546-4867, or use Bookfit! to sign up for classes.

Both also are on Facebook.

Job fair
Goodwill Industries-Suncoast Inc., is set to have a job fair on Jan. 11 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Goodwill Superstore, 2390 Willow Oak Drive in Wesley Chapel.

Goodwill is seeking sales associates, donations processing associates and janitorial staff.

Applicants can complete an application at SbsGoodwill.com before attending the fair, but walk-ins are welcome.

For information, visit Goodwill-suncoast.org.

General meeting
The North Tampa Chamber of Commerce will have a general meeting on Jan. 12 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Iavarone’s Steakhouse & Italian Grill, 3617 Humphrey St., in Tampa.

The guest speaker will be Jeff Ruby, founder and president of RedRock Leadership.

For early bird registration, RSVP online with credit card or to the chamber office at by 5 p.m., on Jan. 10, at the discounted rate of $20 (whether you eat or not). After that date, the cost is $25 (whether you eat or not), payable at the door by cash, check or credit card.

For information, call the chamber office at (813) 563-0180, or visit NorthTampaChamber.com.

Employment seminars
CareerSource Pasco Hernando will offer two one-hour seminars on job searches and writing resumes on Jan. 13, at 1500 Citrus Country Drive, Suite 303, in Dade City.

The first seminar is from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. on EFM Essentials. The course will help people who are new to, or have limited experience with, the state’s job search engine. Workshop participants will learn to navigate key EFM functions including background, resume, job search, Virtual Recruiter, online training and self-assessments.

The second seminar is from 11 a.m. to noon, at the same address. It will offer tips on writing winning resumes to make a great first impression on employers.

For information and to register, visit CareersourcePascoHernando.com.

Hispanic leaders lunch
The Hispanic Business Leaders of the Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce will host a Hispanic Business Leaders Luncheon, open to all chamber members and guests, on Jan. 17 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Land O’ Lakes Community Center, 5401 Land O’ Lakes Blvd.

The guest speaker will be Meghan Frisco of Computer Mentors.

The cost is $20 for chamber members, and $25 for non-members. Members pay $15 and non-members pay $20 if prepaid by Jan. 12.

For information, email Ignacio Ruiz at .

Business seminar
The Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce will host a business seminar on Jan. 18 from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m., at its office on 6013 Wesley Grove Blvd., Suite 105, Don Porter Boardroom, in Wesley Chapel.

Founder of Business Success Training Steve Black will explain How to Have the Best Year Ever in 2017.

The event is free but space is limited, so RSVP.

For information, contact the chamber at (813) 994-8534 or .

Lunch n learn
A Lunch N Learn Business Forum is scheduled for Jan. 19 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at The Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce Don Porter Boardroom, at 6013 Wesley Chapel Blvd., Suite 105.

Guest speaker will be David C. Alvarez of DCA Media Consulting. He will offer tips on how to build your brand through social media.

The cost is $15 including lunch. Please RSVP, as seating is limited.

For information, visit WesleyChapelChamber.com, or call (813) 994-8534.

Ribbon cutting
The Devolder Law Firm will have a ribbon cutting on Jan. 19 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., at 8709 Hunters Green Drive, Suite 103, in New Tampa.

The event is free.

For information, call The Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce at (813) 994-8534, or email .

Spa ribbon cutting
The Cabana Spa will have a ribbon cutting on Jan. 20 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., at 27607 State Road 56 in Wesley Chapel.

Light refreshments and giveaways will be offered.

For information, call The Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce at (813) 994-8534, or email .

Economic forecast luncheon
The Pasco Economic Development Corporation has scheduled its 2017 Economic Forecast Luncheon on Feb. 3 from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., at Florida Hospital Center Ice in Wesley Chapel.

The luncheon will feature Mark Vitner, senior economist at Wells Fargo, who will give a presentation of the regional economy and his forecast for the year.

Vitner regularly meets with business leaders throughout the country, as well as overseas. He is expected to discuss potential impacts on Pasco County and Florida — from changes in local and national leadership.

For information, visit PascoEDC.com.

Pasco wants more state funding

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Pasco County commissioners have approved a list of local priorities for the 2017 legislative session, seeking to add state funds to the county’s coffers.

Commissioners want more state money for road construction, storm water improvements, efforts to fight blight and help the homeless population, and other projects.

The list of county priorities is expected to be presented to the local legislative delegation before the next session begins on March 7.

Members of the public also will have a chance to let the delegation know their priorities at a delegation meeting on Jan. 18 at Sunlake High School in Land O’ Lakes.

Members of Pasco County’s legislative delegation are Rep. Richard Corcoran, who will serve as speaker of the house; Rep. Amber Mariano; Rep. Danny Burgess; Sen. Wilton Simpson; Sen. Jack Latvala; and, Sen. Tom Lee.

The local delegation meeting is held each year before the Florida Legislature convenes. Committee meetings in advance of the 2017 session began in early December.

About 100 people attended last year’s delegation meeting, with individuals and organizations pitching for projects or legislative bills.

The Pasco County Commission’s priority list includes:

  • $15 million in state money for the Interstate 75 at Overpass Road/New Interstate Interchange
  • $1 million for a “navigation center” for the homeless population, with a focus on shelter, jobs and education
  • $2.5 million for stormwater mitigation through culvert repairs
  • $5 million revolving loan for the Pasco Prosperity Program to help small business owners in blighted areas along corridors such as U.S. 19, U.S. 41 and U.S. 301.

Pasco County Commissioner Kathryn Starkey said the prosperity program can help business owners spruce up their properties with upgraded signage, landscaping or “whatever it takes.”

Owners sometimes don’t have the funds to make improvements to their businesses, Starkey said. “I’m trying to give the small business owner a leg up. I see this as a key. I hope we can get this done,” she said.
Requests that make it into the state’s budget will be scrutinized by Gov. Rick Scott, who can use his line item veto to slash specific projects.

Last year, Scott cut about $256 million in local requests statewide from a budget of about $82 billion. Pasco had winners and losers.

Among the winners was the STEM aeronautics academy at Sunlake High School and other locations, with $750,000 in state funds; and, the Baldomero Lopez State Veterans Nursing Home in Land O’ Lakes, with $450,000. The county also got $400,000 for a storm water project.

But, Scott also eliminated an $11 million request for a proposed performing arts center at Pasco-Hernando State College.

Those who lobby on behalf of Pasco budget requests are likely to face challenges.

Estimates for the next state budget show a potential shortfall of about $3 billion.

“It’s going to be tough this year,” predicted Ralph Lair, the county’s governmental affairs officer.

What: Legislative delegation meeting, open to the public
When: Jan. 18 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Sunlake High School, 3023 Sunlake Blvd., Land O’ Lakes
Signup: If you want to speak at the meeting, complete an e-form by following the link – http://bit.ly/2gVEmxW. The deadline for submissions is Jan. 16.

Revised Jan. 4, 2017

State college clears the air – of smoke

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The campuses of Pasco-Hernando State College will become smoke-free and tobacco-free zones effective Aug. 14, 2017.

The college’s District Board of Trustees voted unanimously on Nov. 15 to expand an existing policy that prohibits smoking in college buildings and “workplace” areas, but allows smoking in designated areas.

That means smoking and other forms of tobacco will be banned entirely on the college’s campuses, said Courtney Boettcher, assistant director of marketing and communications at PHSC.

The no-smoking, no-tobacco rule will apply to cigarettes, cigars, pipes, E-cigarettes and any vaporizing devices, such as hookah pipes. Snuff and chewing tobacco also will be prohibited. The rule applies to students, faculty, visitors, vendors and others who come on campus.

Trustees approved the campus-wide ban “to promote the health and wellness of its students and employees, as well as a safe, comfortable environment for all who work, study, conduct business, or visit the college,” according to college documents.

The coverage area includes all properties leased and owned by the college. The college’s fleet of vehicles also will be smoke-free and tobacco-free, whether on or off campus.

The ban goes along with a national trend among colleges and universities to create smoke-free and tobacco-free campuses.

Hillsborough Community College also has such a policy, and the University of South Florida adopted a no smoking policy in January 2016.

In 2011, there were more than 580 smoke-free colleges and universities in the nation, according to the Association for Nonsmokers Rights.

As of October 2016, the nonprofit reported more than 1,700 schools with smoking and tobacco bans.

About 1,400 of that total includes schools that also ban tobacco use of any kind, and more than 1,200 that ban E-cigarettes.

Officials at PHSC will help ease people into the new policy.

During the transition, an ad hoc committee of students, faculty, staff and administrators will help spread the word on the tougher policy.

Free smoking cessation programs also will be available before and after the transition for students, faculty, staff members and other employees.

Published January 4, 2017