The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Kevin Weiss

Winning haul

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(Courtesy of John Medvid)

Jashua Dunn, left, and Calvin Crowe won the South Pasco Bassmasters (SPBM) May tournament in Lake Tarpon, hauling five bass for a total weight of 18.15 pounds. The catch also included the biggest bass of the tournament, weighing 5.43 pounds. The duo’s strategy included fishing shoreline vegetation and residential canals using plastic frogs. The next SPBM tournament is June 19 on the Kissimmee Chain. For information, visit SouthPascoBassmasters.com.

Will Zephyrhills golf course become home to armory?

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The future of the Zephyrhills Municipal Golf Course is uncertain, as city leaders are considering sale of the property for possible use for a Florida Army National Guard Armory.

The 18-hole, par 68 course, at 39248 B Ave., sits on roughly 65 acres of prime real estate on the southwest quadrant of the Zephyrhills Municipal Airport.

The Zephyrhills Municipal Golf Course is designed to provide a public, low-cost alternative compared to other courses in the area. The 18-hole, par 68 course is known as a haven for snowbirds and beginners alike. (Courtesy of Zephyrhills Municipal Golf Course)

It is regarded as a low-cost alternative compared to surrounding golf courses, where snowbirds and others flock to throughout the year.

Discussion about its future came up during the Zephyrhills City Council’s May 10 meeting when the council was set to consider a staff recommendation to approve a first amendment lease agreement between the city and Under Par Inc., to continue to serve as course management operators.

That contract includes running the pro shop and snack bar, and providing golf cart rentals and golf equipment.

But instead of considering that rather routine contract, council members tabled the issue for a future meeting and instead focused on breaking developments regarding the Florida Army National Guard’s interest in the property.

News that the organization had scouted the golf course and expressed interest in the property came about the same time the council’s meeting agenda was being prepared.

It all comes as state lawmakers recently approved allocating $25 million in appropriations to the National Guard, for a location in Zephyrhills.

Zephyrhills City Councilman Ken Burgess

With that in mind, council members Ken Burgess, Lance Smith and others figured it best to delay action at least a few weeks or months until more information can be gathered, given the present lease agreement doesn’t expire until April 2022.

“I know (Under Par) would like to have something done right now, but we do have a little bit of time,” Burgess said. “I don’t see a reason to approve it, and then six months from now say, ‘No, we’ve got to come back and do something different.’

Zephyrhills City Attorney Matthew Maggard said: “I don’t think it’s going to hurt anything to push it a couple of meetings.”

Zephyrhills City Manager Billy Poe told council members he’s set to have ongoing discussions with National Guard representatives to discuss various site alternatives and parcels throughout the city.

Zephyrhills City Manager Billy Poe

“We’re looking,” he said. “Obviously, we want them in the Zephyrhills area, in the Zephyrhills city limits.”

Down the line, if the golf course lease agreement as written is ultimately approved and the National Guard (or other group) later presents a lucrative enough offer for the property, a renegotiated buyout would need to be arranged between the city and Under Par, Poe explained.

Under Par’s annual rent is upward of $60,500 per year, broken up into monthly installments, which provides a solid revenue generator for the city.

The new agreement would have extended the lease for an additional 15 years, until April 30, 2037, with an option for two additional five-year renewable periods.

Zephyrhills City Council Vice President Jodi Wilkeson

Per the agreement, Under Par also would be required to invest $80,000 in total capital improvements over the 15-year extension. That could include clubhouse modifications, cart cage and parking lot enhancements.

The agreement also states the lessee’s total course acreage would need to be reduced by 0.65 acres due to construction of an airport access road from Alston Avenue, which slightly impacts one of the holes.

Even though consideration of Under Par’s lease extension has been delayed, Council Vice President Jodi Wilkeson did question why monthly rent costs on the golf course property aren’t being increased from the original September 2002 agreement.

She also pondered the overall level of service and added value it provides compared to other courses in the area in terms of full-fledged youth programs, memberships and even whether there’s ADA-compliant restrooms.

Zephyrhills City Councilman Lance Smith

“Those are the kind of questions that I feel like we should have answers to before we launch into another long-term lease with these folks,” Wilkeson said.

Later in the meeting, Wilkeson said she likely would have voted against the lease agreement, as she didn’t feel her questions were satisfactorily answered by city staff or Under Par representatives.

The course was established in 1957, then opened in 1978, according to the course’s website.

Its longstanding history prompted council members to express feelings of nostalgia.

Burgess mentioned it was the first golf course he ever played on, when he was growing up.

“We could play there for 50 cents,” he quipped.

Smith recalled similar positive experiences about the course, and said he knows there are others who feel an attachment to it.

“It’s a great course, and there’s people that have been out there for years,” Smith said. “Every winter they come down and they have their buddies that they play with, and there’s a social aspect to it as well.”

At the same time, Smith observed: “Something I can say is the golf industry is not a growing industry at all. Matter of fact, it’s going the other way; you see golf courses closing.”

Jeff Sweet assists with operating the golf course for Under Par.

Sweet asserted the course’s benefits, explaining there’s upwards of 200 rounds played on some days in the wintertime. He also noted there’s about 50 seasonal memberships sold.

“People like it,” Sweet said. “It’s a shorter course, it’s not a five-hour round, it’s three-and-a-half hours, and that really fits in. It’s more of a beginner’s course, not as much trouble, so I think it really has a niche.”

Fellow Zephyrhills golf course manager Ayako Burkhart added that youth can play the course free when accompanied by an adult. “We like to teach the kids how to play outside and be good in sports,” she said.

Published May 19, 2021

Pasco seeing tourism gains, road improvements

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Tourism is ramping up in Pasco County and considerable roadwork is underway, too, to make it easier for motorists to get around.

Those were the main messages delivered by Pasco County Commissioner Mike Moore at a meeting of the East Pasco Networking Group.

Pasco County Commissioner Mike Moore was a featured guest speaker during an April 27 East Pasco Networking Group meeting at IHOP in Dade City. (Kevin Weiss)

Moore, chairman of the Pasco County Tourist Development Council, described how well the 98,000-square-foot Wiregrass Sports Campus of Pasco County has been performing, even amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.

The sports complex, at 3211 Lajuana Blvd., in Wesley Chapel, has been attracting youth and amateur sporting events year-round since its August 2020 opening.

The indoor space can accommodate up to 17 different sports — including basketball, volleyball and cheerleading, or pickleball, futsal, wrestling, mixed martial arts, karate and others.

This widespread flexibility has seemingly been put to good use, with weekdays set aside for residents and weekends generally reserved for large-scale tournaments that can become family affairs, as parents and siblings road trip together.

Moore observed the complex is “constantly full.”

“Every single weekend there is a tournament there where people are coming from somewhere else,” he said. “There’s weekends where we get over 2,000 room nights for those tournaments. So, what happens? Hoteliers are obviously happy, supplying those jobs for our hotels. Those small businesses, restaurants, retail, gas pumps – everybody’s benefiting when you bring those people here.”

Pasco County Commissioner Mike Moore expressed optimism about the county’s tourism future, given amenities such as the 98,000-square-foot Wiregrass Ranch Sports Campus of Pasco County, in Wesley Chapel. (File)

Moore also pointed to AdventHealth Center Ice, which has continued to be a major draw since opening in January 2017, at 3173 Cypress Ridge Blvd., in Wesley Chapel.

At 150,000 square feet, it’s the largest ice sports facility in the southeastern United States, with four full-size rinks and one kid-size rink.

It’s regarded for being the training grounds of the 2018 U.S. women’s national hockey team that went on to win an Olympic gold medal in PyeongChang, South Korea.

“The ice rink is incredible,” Moore said. “They have tournaments on the weekends, international tournaments, and people coming from Canada, South America, people coming from over in Europe to literally play hockey right here at Center Ice.”

Moore posited that such youth, amateur and community-focused facilities can yield very similar — if not greater — economic impact as a major professional sports franchise, such as the NFL’s Tampa Bay Buccaneers, which plays eight regular season home games, plus a few preseason and postseason contests.

“Those (facilities) have just as large of an impact as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers playing on Sunday, when you think about how many people are (cumulatively) traveling for those events, and especially when they’re every single weekend.

“Personally I think it’s so much better to have these types of facilities than a pro sports team, because it’s a year-round benefit for the businesses in Pasco County, not just eight times a year or 10 times a year.

“These people, they’re traveling with their families, too. These kids aren’t typically driving on their own, their whole family’s coming (to Pasco).”

Moore addressed a number of roadway infrastructure projects, like the State Road 54 widening from east of Curley Road to east of Morris Bridge Road in the Wesley Chapel and Zephyrhills areas. (File)

Moore addressed other recreational and tourism developments, as well, such as the ongoing construction of a visitor’s center/bike hub in the heart of downtown Dade City, across from the Roy T. Hardy trailhead, at the corner of Church Avenue and Eighth Street.

The $250,000 project — expected to be complete in June — was funded by the county’s tourist development tax dollars.

The amenity is set to further motivate beginner and avid cyclists alike to stop in Dade City.

It also may serve as a driver for more organized road cycling races to the surrounding East Pasco area, too.

“We know how big biking is in this area,” Moore said. “You’ve got people coming from all over the country to Dade City, to ride those hills.”

Further on the tourism and recreation front, Moore mentioned an 18,000-square-foot indoor recreation center at Wesley Chapel District Park will be complete in July. The public-use facility will offer programming for basketball, volleyball and other activities for all ages. There’s meeting room space for clubs and other organizations, also. “That’s going to be beautiful,” Moore said of the forthcoming center.

Regarding road construction, Moore pointed out that many of the roads that traverse the county are state roads — and a considerable amount of work is being done to improve those roads.

Among them are construction projects on State Road 52, State Road 54, and an interchange improvement at State Road 56 and Interstate 75.

There’s also a new diamond interchange that will include a flyover ramp for westbound Overpass Road access onto southbound I-75.

To accommodate the new interchange, Overpass Road will be widened from two lanes to four lanes between the interstate and Old Pasco Road, and six lanes between the interstate and Boyette Road. Blair Drive will be realigned to connect with Old Pasco Road. McKendree Road will be realigned to connect with Boyette Road.

The $64 million design-built project aims to provide more relief to other exits off I-75, Moore said.

“When you think about people living in Dade City and San Antonio, and coming and living in that area, they’ll be able to get off that new overpass interchange and go right through Epperson Ranch and Connected City, and get right into Dade City, if they don’t want to take the next Dade City exit.”

Moore added the project’s contractor, The Middlesex Corporation, “is moving really fast,” with an estimated completion of summer 2023.

Meanwhile, the commissioner mentioned the county has another $6 million in state funds to support connection and widening projects along the U.S. 98/U.S. 301 corridor.

These “important” roadway upgrades should help alleviate freight truck traffic and allow for the movement of goods without jumping major highways, he explained.

Combined with the proximity to the Zephyrhills Municipal Airport, CSX Transportation Railroad, and an emerging light industrial manufacturing hub, the roadway plan “really helps when you think about the economy in this area,” he said.

Published May 19, 2021

Locals shine at state track championships

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The Sunlake track and field program had several representatives and put forth a strong showing at the 3A state championships in Jacksonville. (Courtesy of Sunlake High School Athletics)

Like all other spring sports during 2020, track and field athletes didn’t get an opportunity to showcase their abilities against Florida’s best as competitions abruptly shut down in mid-March last season amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

But, local performers and schools made up for lost time during the 2021 Florida High School Athletics Association (FHSAA) state track and field championships, at the University of North Florida’s Hodges Stadium in Jacksonville.

More than two dozen boy and girl athletes from The Laker/Lutz News coverage area ran, jumped and tossed their way to podium honors, or top-eight finishes, across all classifications at the state meet, on May 7 and May 8. (Several others earned top 16 overall finishes in the finals, as well.)

Land O’ Lakes senior Isaac Tavo earned a pair of individual state titles in the 3A boys discus and shot put. (Courtesy of Land O’ Lakes High School Athletics)

The performances included a handful of individual and relay gold medalists.

Land O’ Lakes senior Isaac Tavo showed his pure strength, taking first-place crowns in both the 3A boys shot put (57-7) and discus (154-0). Tavo bested Tallahassee Rickards sophomore La’Darion Dudley in the shot put (55-1.5) and Milton senior Dominic Lucas in the shot put (151-5), respectively.

Gaither senior Elizabeth Lydon claimed first in the 3A girls pole vault, clearing 11-9.75, narrowly edging Southwest Ranches Archbishop McCarthy sophomore Sydney Nicholson, who cleared the same height but lost on fewer misses.

Sunlake senior Daniella Vance earned top crown in the 3A girls javelin, tossing 119-6, to beat the event’s second-place finisher, Harmony junior Thora Gaston (117-11).

Gaither senior Elizabeth Lydon won gold in the 3A girls pole vault, clearing 11-9.75. (Courtesy of Gaither High School Athletics)

Land O’ Lakes resident Elli Black — a seventh grade home-school student who competes for Tampa Cambridge Christian School — anchored her school’s 4×800 relay team that took first in the 1A event, clocking 9:26.12. Others on the winning relay squad included juniors Caroline Lehman, Moriah Friedman and Mary Ellen Eudaly.

Black also took silver in the 1A 1,600-meter run, posting 5:01.75. She was second to the older Eudaly, who timed 4:52.93.

There were other notable showings throughout the meet, including several athletes making multiple podium appearances throughout the competition.

Carrollwood Day junior Camila Garanton claimed silver in the 1A 300 hurdles, clocking 44.63. (Courtesy of Carrollwood Day School Athletics)

Wharton junior Brooke Reif established herself as one of the state’s top distance runners, taking third place in both the 4A girls 1,600 (4:57.58) and 3,200 (10:49.47).

Zephyrhills junior Maguire Neal took sixth in the 3A boys 300 hurdles (39.09) and anchored the Bulldogs seventh-place 4×100 relay team, which also featured juniors Willie Queen and Timothy Jackson, and senior Clayton Cornelius, together clocking 42.39.

Sunlake senior Cade Whitfield went fifth in the Class 3A boys 800-meter run (1:56.52) and paced the Seahawks’ third-place 4×800-meter relay, which also featured sophomore Alex Pena and juniors Cason Meyer and Colby Robbins, together timing 8:00.34.

Bishop McLaughlin junior Dontrevius Jackson positioned himself as one of the state’s best small-school sprinters, placing fourth in the 1A 200-meter dash (22.19) and fifth in the 100-meter (10.83).

Others went home with exclusive hardware, too.

Land O’ Lakes resident Elli Black competes on Tampa Cambridge Christian School’s varsity girls track and field team. The seventh-grader took silver in the 1A 1,600 meter run (5:01.75) and was a leg on the gold medalist 4×800 team (9:26.12). (File)

Cypress Creek senior Carlos Lacosta took bronze in the 2A boys discus (143-9), finishing behind Boynton Beach Somerset Canyon senior Tremain Robinson (153-0) and Sarasota Cardinal Mooney senior Max Middleton (150-9).

Carrollwood Day junior Camila Garanton took silver in the 1A 300 hurdles (44.63), narrowly behind Naples Community School senior Loren Brown (44.45)

Local schools that earned points in the state meet for their respective classification included Bishop McLaughlin, Carrollwood Day, Cypress Creek, Gaither, Land O’ Lakes, Steinbrenner, Sunlake, Wesley Chapel, Wharton, Wiregrass Ranch and Zephyrhills.
The Land O’ Lakes boys tied for eighth place in 3A, tops among all local teams. Next best among area schools was the Wharton girls, who tied for 14th place in the 4A meet.

Class 4A
Boys-Teams
Wharton (Four points, tied-45th)
Steinbrenner (2.5 points, tied-56th)

100 — Tavis Wilson, Wharton, senior (ninth place, 11.07)
1,600 — Jared Hammill, Wharton, senior (fifth, 4:16.97)
High jump — Justin Boyles, Steinbrenner, senior (sixth, 6-3.5)
Pole vault —Illya Jackson, Wharton, senior (11th, 12-9.5)

Girls-Teams
Wharton (12 points, tied-14th)
Steinbrenner (Four points, tied-33rd)

400 — Serenity Brazell, Wharton, sophomore (11th place, 58.32)
1,600 — Brooke Reif, Wharton, junior (third, 4:57.58); Jacquelyn Abanses, Steinbrenner, senior (seventh, 5:03.59)
3,200 — Brooke Reif, Wharton, junior (third, 10:49.47); Jacquelyn Abanses, Steinbrenner, senior (seventh, 10:58.93)
110 hurdles —Kat Fleming, Wiregrass Ranch, junior (ninth, 15.13)
300 hurdles — Kat Fleming, Wiregrass Ranch, junior (ninth, 45.07)
4×800 relay — Wharton: Brazell, sophomore; Alexandria Frye, junior; Olivia Hammill, sophomore; Brooke Reif, junior (10th, 9:37.38)

Class 3A
Boys-Teams
Land O’ Lakes (22 points, tied-eighth)
Sunlake (10 points, tied-19th)
Zephyrhills (Five points, tied-39th)

100 — Maguire Neal, Zephyrhills, junior (12th place, 10.86)
200 — Jacoreyus Demps, Gaither, junior (15th, 22.77)
400 — Jaylon Gardiner, Gaither, senior (10th, 49.98)
800 — Cade Whitfield, Sunlake, senior (fifth, 1:56.52)
3,200 — Colby Robbins, Sunlake, junior (ninth, 9:33.47); Cason Meyer, Sunlake, junior (15th, 10:01.66)
110 hurdles — Maguire Neal, Zephyrhills, junior (16th, 29.83)
300 hurdles — Maguire Neal, Zephyrhills, junior (sixth, 39.09)
4×100 relay — Zephyrhills: Willie Queen, junior; Timothy Jackson, junior; Clayton Cornelius, senior; Maguire Neal, junior (seventh, 42.39)
4×400 relay — Gaither: Jacoreyus Demps, junior; Jacob Choe, senior; Tyler Summers, junior; Jaylon Gardiner, senior (14th 3:26.47)
4×800 relay — Sunlake: Cade Whitfield, senior; Alex Pena, sophomore; Cason Meyer, junior; Colby Robbins, junior (third, 8:00.34)
Triple jump — Mychael Tucker, Land O’ Lakes, sophomore (seventh, 45-3.75); Darrien Smith, Pasco, junior (14th, 41-3.75)
Shot put — Isaac Tavo, Land O’ Lakes, senior (first, 57-7); Aidan Marsh, Land O’ Lakes, sophomore (10th, 49-6.25)
Discus — Isaac Tavo, Land O’ Lakes, senior (first, 154-0)

Girls-Teams
Gaither (10 points, tied-20th)
Sunlake (10 points, tied-20th)

4×800 relay — Sunlake: Caitlyn Culpepper, junior; Shelby Viseur, junior; Ashley Spires, senior; Cathryne Newport, senior (12th, 10:16.80)
High jump — Maya Llanes, Zephyrhills, junior (15th, 4-9.75)
Pole vault — Elizabeth Lydon, Gaither, senior (first, 11-9.75); Lizzie Epps, Sunlake, junior (11th, 9-10)
Javelin — Daniella Vance, Sunlake, senior (first, 119-6)

Class 2A
Boys-Teams
Cypress Creek (Six points, tied-33rd)
Wesley Chapel (Three points, tied-48th)

100 — Davian Worrels, Wesley Chapel, senior (12th place, 10.86)
400 — Davian Worrels, Wesley Chapel, senior (eighth, 49.63)
1,600 — John Rowsell, Cypress Creek, senior (10th, 4:27.69)
High jump — Isaiah Burns, Wesley Chapel, senior (seventh, 6-3.5)
Discus — Carlos Lacosta, Cypress Creek, senior (third, 143-9)
Javelin — Carlos Lacosta, Cypress Creek, senior (12th, 139-11)

Girls—No local teams placed

300 hurdles — Ashleigh Lacey, Cypress Creek, senior (14th place, 49.27)
4×100 relay — Wesley Chapel: America Christopher, senior; Remiyah Harris, junior; Annalyse Rogers, junior; LaTia Dove, junior (12th, 50.92)
Long jump — Ashleigh Lacey, Cypress Creek, senior (16th, 14-10.75)

Class 1A
Boys-Teams
Bishop McLaughlin (Nine points, tied-31st)

100 — Dontrevius Jackson, Bishop McLaughlin, junior (fifth place, 10.83)
200 — Dontrevius Jackson, Bishop McLaughlin, junior (fourth, 22.19)
300 hurdles — Devin Chernin, Carrollwood Day, senior (13th, 43.39)
Triple jump — Gregory Smith, Carrollwood Day, freshman (11th, 41-5)
Javelin — Joseph Yann, Academy at the Lakes, senior (16th, 120-11)

Girls-Teams
Carrollwood Day (Thirteen points, tied-19th)

100 — Camila Garanton, Carrollwood Day, junior (ninth place, 12.62)
200 — Camila Garanton, Carrollwood Day, junior (ninth place, 26.20)
1,600 — Land O’ Lakes resident Elli Black, Cambridge Christian, seventh grade (second, 5:01.75)
300 hurdles — Camila Garanton, Carrollwood Day, junior (second, 44.63)
4×800 relay — Cambridge Christian: Caroline Lehman, junior; Moriah Friedman, junior; Mary Ellen Eudaly, junior; Elli Black, seventh grade (first, 9:26.12)
Long jump — Ariana Davis, Carrollwood Day, freshman (15th, 13-6.75)
Discus — Leighann Hanley, Carrollwood Day, freshman (fourth, 103-4)

Published May 19, 2021

Pasco EDC touts diversified economy, startups

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As Pasco County businesses and individuals look to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, the Pasco Economic Development Council (Pasco EDC) is continuing to provide wide-ranging resources and guidance.

Pasco EDC representatives Mike Bishop and Dan Mitchell were on hand during a Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce breakfast meeting last month at Lake Jovita Golf and Country Club, to discuss the group’s various opportunities and initiatives.

(Courtesy of Pasco Economic Development Council)

The Pasco EDC is a private, 501c3 nonprofit organization that promotes countywide economic development, and is partnered and funded by corporate and public investors focused on the economic vitality of Pasco County. The organization formed in 1987.

“It’s all about jobs,” Bishop, the organization’s director of stakeholder engagement, said during the April 20 meeting. “We are in the business of attracting these companies to provide jobs for our county residents.”

Pasco EDC’s six target industries encompass the following: manufacturing; aerospace, aviation, and defense; business and professional services; information technology; life sciences and medical technology; and, logistics and distribution.

Noticeable strides are being made in the life sciences and medical technology tract, in particular.

Bishop highlighted Moffitt Cancer Center’s expansion near the intersection of Suncoast Parkway and Ridge Road Extension in Pasco.

The multiphase campus ultimately is expected to comprise of an estimated 1.4 million square feet and some 14,000 jobs over the next 20 years, featuring research labs, offices, light industrial/manufacturing capabilities, and conference space.

The facility also is anticipated to attract other surrounding medical-oriented biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies. Said Bishop: “That’ll be the gift that keeps on giving.”

Mike Bishop, Pasco EDC director of stakeholder engagement

Bishop told the breakfast crowd that the manufacturing sector “is a big one for us,” given its contributions to the county’s tax roll.

Exporting is another area the Pasco EDC is “looking at getting back up and running,” Bishop said, noting “that’s something that COVID impacted pretty dramatically.”

Bishop described workforce connections as a point of emphasis now, as companies face the challenge of finding talented, skilled employees.

Pasco EDC has worked to help fill that gap, he said, partnering with institutions including Pasco-Hernando State College and Saint Leo University to facilitate internships and other opportunities, to link employers and career seekers.

Meanwhile, Mitchell emphasized the importance of the county fostering a diversified economy to help “rise all boats.”

Many economic development councils across the country have “a huge focus” on recruiting businesses to their respective areas.

But, Mitchell said: “Just recruiting $80,000 per year jobs doesn’t give everybody a job, so we believe in stimulating a diversified economy.”

For instance, residents who are in recovery from substance addiction need various employment opportunities.

Pasco EDC does more than recruit companies.

It also helps existing industry develop and grow.

Dan Mitchell, Pasco EDC SMARTstart program director

The organization’s SMARTstart program, led by Mitchell, offers resources and tools for established small businesses and also helps entrepreneurs who are looking to launch a business.

SMARTstart offers mentorship opportunities, educational workshops and roundtables, microloan funding, workspace incubators and other tools.

Some 1,500 business owners participated in at least one of its programs last year, Mitchell said.

At its core, SMARTstart seeks to resolve whatever is holding back would-be business owners.

“We’ve all been there, something’s holding you back,” Mitchell said, noting the obstacles can include insufficient funding, a lack of workspace, or a need for education or guidance.

Mitchell touched on specific opportunities available through SMARTstart.

For example, the organization has opened its microloan eligibility requirements due to the COVID-19 pandemic, for businesses looking to grow, expand, or pivot operations.

Loans are available for up to $50,000 for applying businesses that are otherwise unbankable; Pasco EDC’s revolving microloan fund has about $600,000 available.

The loans can’t be used for real estate, short-term needs or to pay off debt, but can be used for improvements, working capital and so on.

“It really needs to be used to grow new business,” he explained.

Another signature SMARTstart operation is a nine-week bootcamp — CO.STARTERS — which seeks to equip seasoned and aspiring entrepreneurs with the insights, relationships and tools needed to turn ideas into action, and turn a passion into a sustainable and thriving endeavor.

The CO.STARTERS operation, Mitchell explained, “helps people take a nascent idea and turn it into a business model, and really put it on a structure, and by the end of that nine weeks, they’ve got a little rolodex with several guest speakers that have come out, and they’re ready and prepared to launch their business.”

By the same token, Mitchell acknowledged people sometimes — upon finishing the nine-week program — decide they’re better off not turning their original idea or concept into a full-blown business, where they might have to invest their savings or resign from their current job.

To learn more about special events, available training and other Pasco EDC resources, visit PascoEDC.com, call 813-926-0827.

Published May 12, 2021

Pasco County commissioner addresses measured growth, development

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Pasco County Commissioner Mike Moore is well aware of the influx of countless new residents to the area he oversees.

After all, Moore was quick to acknowledge the county he oversees is one of the fastest-growing in the state, if not the entire nation, during a speaking engagement last month for the East Pasco Networking Group.

“If you drive down any road, you can probably tell that we are (rapidly growing) now,” Moore said, during the April 27 meeting at IHOP in Dade City.

Pasco County Commissioner Mike Moore was a featured guest speaker at last month’s East Pasco Networking Group meeting at IHOP in Dade City. He addressed a number of countywide issues during his visit. (Kevin Weiss)

“People want to come to Pasco County.”

Besides what Moore considers to be “a happening place,” the elected official posited the following for why the county is experiencing such rapid growth: “I think we do a good job of keeping our taxes low and offering the same amount of services of the surrounding counties, if not more services that the surrounding counties offer, and I think we’ll continue to be able to do that.”

Moore — a small businesses owner who moved to Pasco in 2007 — further added that the county has emphasized public safety over the years, with support and resources for the county’s fire rescue and sheriff’s office, “and making sure those people were staying here, and not leaving.”

Moore, who represents District 2, explained, “When I first came here, people were leaving Pasco County to go work other places. Now, people from Hillsborough, Pinellas and those areas want to come to Pasco County. It’s just a fact. It’s awesome to see all these people that at one time left are saying, ‘Wow, we need to come back,’ or are telling their friends, ‘You need to go work in Pasco County,’ and that’s what we’re seeing on that side.”

Moore noted the county’s fiscal year 2020 permit numbers “skyrocketed,” despite the arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Residential permits were up 32% from fiscal year 2019, while commercial permits increased 16.7% compared to 2019, he said during the meeting.

Moreover, the commissioner noted Pasco processed more single-family home permits than Hillsborough during the final quarter of 2020.

“It goes to show you, people like what’s happening in Pasco County and want to come to Pasco County. And not only do they want to move here, but they want to move their businesses here,” he said.

Continuing on the topic of growth, at least one area of concern is the number of apartment complexes popping up throughout the county, particularly in Moore’s district spanning much of central Pasco and Wesley Chapel, and generally bordering the Hillsborough County line south, U.S. 41 westbound, State Road 52 northbound and all the way east to U.S. 301.

Moore has been vociferous during commission meetings about enacting a temporary moratorium on apartments in a portion of his district until county officials can tally the number of entitlements currently on the books.

“There’s nothing wrong with apartments,” Moore said, “but when you have an over-saturation of one product, it can lead to bad things down the road.

“We saw it happen not only with Hillsborough County, but we did a lot of research on areas across the nation, and it really comes to spot zoning these apartments on every corner, and what we’re doing is actually taking away valuable land that could be office/commercial and job creating sites, especially in a hot market like this. If you don’t have the land available that’s conducive to having those products there, they’re not going to come.”

Moore added he disagrees with those in the apartment development industry who claim the county continually needs more complexes to satisfy the area’s growth, because “the land’s already entitled to allow it to happen,” he said.

Of further concern is the possible blight of such complexes decades into the future, which could bring down surrounding property values and increase crime rates, Moore said.

Moore put it like this: “We have to be very conscious and careful going forward, of, ‘How much of that one product do we actually have?’ because 10 years down the road, now it’s all bright, shiny and new, but what about the ones that have been here 20 years? Who’s going to take care of those? Who’s going to live in those? Are they going to become dilapidated?”

Though all sorts of residential and commercial development is in the pipeline, the local decisionmaker pointed out roughly 22% of county land is protected through the Environmental Lands Acquisition and Management Program (ELAMP).

ELAMP — created in July 2004 by county referendum — is responsible for purchasing environmentally sensitive lands throughout the county by either fee title or less-than-fee methods; funding is provided through a portion of the Penny For Pasco surtax.

“A lot of people don’t realize that, and that’s a big portion of the county, and it’s actually growing because there are still more funds available to do that,” Moore said.

“There’s land protected in Pasco, from east to west, north to south, that will never be built on, and will be there 100 years down the road for our great grandkids and great, great grandkids to enjoy.

“Some are passive park areas, obviously, and the public gets to typically have use of them, but it’s just land that’ll always be there and always be protected.”

ELAMP objectives, according to the county’s website, include the following:

  • Protect natural communities, including uplands and wetlands
  • Connect natural linkages
  • Conserve viable populations of native plants and animals
  • Protect habitat for listed species
  • Protect water resources and wetland systems
  • Protect unique natural resources
  • Enhance resource-based recreational opportunities
  • Expand environmental education opportunities

Published May 12, 2021

Art exhibit reveal planned for Dade City

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When these artworks are unveiled — they, quite literally — will bring some heart to downtown Dade City.

The public art exhibition is being organized by the Dade City Center for the Arts (DCCA), a 501c3 nonprofit that’s working to increase public art and art events in the city.

The showcase planned for May 15, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., will feature the installation of 14 large, 3D metal heart sculptures built by Pasco-Hernando State College welding students and painted by local artists.

The Dade City Center for the Arts (DCCA) is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to enhance the environment of Dade City through the arts and art events. The group provides opportunities for artists to showcase their talents in Dade City through community outreach and collaboration with Pasco-Hernando State College, Saint Leo University and area businesses. (File)

Funding support for the project came from local businesses and donors.

The free “Take Heart!” art, music and food event will take place at Agnes Lamb Park, 14200 Ninth St., in Dade City.

The permanent heart sculptures will be placed throughout city-owned parks and along the Hardy Trail that runs through historic downtown.

The painted hearts measure approximately 36 inches by 36 inches by 4 inches, attached to steel posts secured to the ground, to withstand inclement weather and other conditions.

Artwork patterns differ on each heart structure, but generally include positive visual representations of joy, hope, love and beyond.

Event-goers will have the opportunity to meet several of the artists who painted the heart sculptures.

Other highlights will include arts & crafts vendors, a scavenger hunt, live music and DJ, and Saint Leo University’s new food truck, The Hungry Lion.

“It’s one of the rare opportunities the public actually gets to meet the artists who have created these masterpieces that our community gets to enjoy permanently, so it’s a chance for the family and children to meet real artists, working artists,” said DCCA vice president Lee Taylor.

The vibrant fixtures also feature QR codes that direct people to DCCA’s website, to learn more about the artist who painted the particular piece, and where to find more of their work.

“Those QR codes are really fun, because you can read about them and that’s fun to know why an artist was inspired to do what they did,” Taylor said.

Since forming last summer, the DCCA had ongoing discussions about ways to introduce art into the community.

Its team of seven on the board of directors settled on permanent public art sculptures, something other municipalities have introduced to their respective communities.

“Melbourne has turtles, Lakeland has swans and Chicago has bulls, and we thought, ‘What a great way for Dade City to kind of jump into the arena,” explained Taylor, a longtime public school arts teacher who also co-owns Out of Our Hands Gallery in downtown Dade City with her husband, Russ.

The group landed on heart-shaped figures, given Dade City’s official seal includes a heart shape surrounded by kumquats in its center. The city also assumes the moniker, “The Heart of Pasco County.”

Said Taylor, “We all came into instant agreement on the heart idea and thought that would be a great way to appeal to the city, the residents and also to the town council, ‘It’s in your logo, so how can you not say yes?’”

The initiative received official approval by the Dade City Commission in September.

An outdoor public art walk is planned for May 15 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Agnes Lamb Park, in Dade City. The ‘Take Heart’ event will showcase 14 large, 3D metal hearts built by welding students at Pasco-Hernando Community College and painted by local artists. There also will be other arts & crafts vendors, a scavenger hunt, live music, a food truck and more. (Courtesy of Dade City Center for the Arts)

Multiple commissioners at the time expressed enthusiasm about the project as a way to increase the area’s aesthetic for photo and marketing opportunities, foster community pride, and otherwise encourage residents and visitors alike to stroll throughout city limits.

Taylor underscored the importance of such community art projects: “We know the impact that art has on communities because it gives the residents of that community a sense of pride in their city, they rally around it and say, ‘Come look at us.’ It gives the town an opportunity to market itself as a place to come visit, to embrace the arts. It encourages people to be outside, and we all want that, especially to promote health and well-being.”

Since commission approval, the organization put out a call for regional artists.

Entries were received from all ages, backgrounds, amateurs and professionals alike, Taylor said. From there, the committee picked 14 artists to participate and complete the project.

Aside from heart-shaped sculptures, the DCCA has other ideas for other community art initiatives, too.

This past October, they facilitated a painted hay bale project at various park locations, which drew participation from families, teachers, students and others of various ages.

The DCCA also has discussed more professional mural projects for the city’s downtown area.

Similar to the heart sculptures, the DCCA would similarly arrange for a mural’s funding and labor, pending city approval.

If and when a mural program gets the OK, Taylor said the group will likely solicit help from more established artists, as such an undertaking is “a big deal.”

For information, visit DadeCityArts.com, call (352) 437-3204, or email .

Published May 12, 2021

Wesley Chapel native Tre’ McKitty selected in NFL Draft

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Wesley Chapel native Tre’ McKitty soon will live out his lifelong dream of becoming a professional football player in the National Football League (NFL).

The local athlete was selected by the Los Angeles Chargers in the third round with the 97th overall pick of the 2021 NFL Draft, on April 30 in Cleveland, Ohio.

The pick occurred on the second day of the three-day, seven-round event broadcast live on national television and radio.

Wesley Chapel native Tre’ McKitty played the 2020 season at the University of Georgia, after transferring from Florida State University. Despite an offseason knee injury, his size, pass-catching and blocking abilities caught the attention of NFL scouts and teams. (File)

The 22-year-old McKitty is expected to sign a four-year contract in the neighborhood of $4.8 million with an $840,000 signing bonus, based on projections from Spotrac, the largest online sports team and player contract resource.

McKitty grew up playing youth football for the Land O’ Lakes-based South Pasco Predators (while attending Pine View Middle School), and played varsity football and basketball his freshman year at Wesley Chapel High School.

From there, McKitty transferred to Tampa Catholic High School and Bradenton’s IMG Academy, where he established himself as one of the nation’s top tight end prospects in the 2017 recruiting class, with over 30 NCAA Division I FBS scholarship offers.

The 6-foot-4, 246-pound McKitty began his college career Florida State University (FSU), where he caught 50 balls for 520 yards and two touchdowns from 2017 to 2019.

He did all that for a Seminoles program in turmoil, transitioning through three different head coaches (Jimbo Fisher, Willie Taggart and Mike Norvell) while on campus.

McKitty transferred to the University of Georgia for the 2020 campaign— about a month after Norvell was named FSU head coach in December 2019 — as a graduate student eligible to play football immediately after earning a degree in criminology.

An offseason knee injury kept him sidelined for the Bulldogs until mid-October.

He caught six passes for 108 yards and a touchdown in just four games for his new team, which went 8-2 and won the Peach Bowl.

This player is able to adapt
All told, McKitty had to be a quick study throughout his entire college career, playing for four different offensive coordinators — forcing him to get acclimated to varying systems, schemes, terminology, and coaching personalities and styles.

McKitty (No. 87) dives for the end zone during a Nov. 28 game against South Carolina. (Courtesy of University of Georgia athletics department)

McKitty believes those experiences will serve him well in the pro ranks, which he detailed in an April 30 post-draft Zoom media conference call.

“I think it does nothing but help me,” he said. “Having to pick up something new every year, I think my ability to learn is quick, so I think that will help me a lot. I definitely think that my experience as far as changing offensive coordinators and staffs is going to help me in the future.”

McKitty was noticeably amped and emotional throughout the virtual media call, as reporters peppered him with questions.

“It’s crazy,” he said of being drafted. “Once my phone rang, my heart started beating right away.”

When asked to describe his skill sets, McKitty observed: “Hard worker. Guy that’s going to get it done all three downs. I feel like I’m an all-around tight end.”

Besides pass-catching abilities evident in his statistics, McKitty is regarded for doing dirty work as an in-line run-blocking tight end.

It’s an area of the game he takes particular pride in.

McKitty put it like this: “Blocking, 80% of it is ‘want to,’ so I think I have that dog in me to want to go and put somebody on their back, and then also, it comes down to technique. I have to continue to grow in that, but I think it’s there, and I’m definitely going to improve on that, as well.”

McKitty’s strong blocking skills are something Chargers general manager Tom Telesco also emphasized during a virtual post-draft media conference.

“One of the best things he does is really block at the line of scrimmage,” Telesco said during the media session.

“Very good size, strength, power, good feet to stay on blocks, and he likes to do it, and you can tell. And, he comes from more of a pro-style offense at Georgia, so he’s had to do it.

“That position’s very hard to find in college nowadays — the guys that do it and do it well — and it’s also a big part of  our offense moving forward here, is having a tight end that can get on the line of scrimmage and block.”

Telesco acknowledged McKitty wasn’t frequently used in Georgia’s passing game as a receiver “so there’s still some things to work with and develop.”

But, the Chargers lead decisionmaker feels McKitty has the tools to succeed in that arena because “he does have some athletic ability to get out in space and run.”

Added Telesco: “He runs well, he’s smooth. His strength, his size, his frame is going to help us in that position group right now.”

Chargers first-year head coach Brandon Staley echoed many of the general manager’s comments about McKitty during post-draft media interviews.
The coach also pointed out the high-level of competition McKitty faced throughout the Atlantic Coast Conference and Southeastern Conference, as well as strong practices and workouts in the Senior Bowl, a post-season college football all-star game that showcases the best NFL Draft prospects.

McKitty was selected by the Los Angeles Chargers in the third round (97th overall) of the 2021 NFL Draft. The three-day, seven-round event was held in Cleveland, Ohio and broadcast live on national television and radio. The 22-year-old grew up playing youth football for Land O’ Lakes-based South Pasco Predators, prep ball at Wesley Chapel, Tampa Catholic and IMG Academy, and college ball at Florida State University and the University of Georgia. (Courtesy of NFL Media Communications)

“We just felt like we were getting a really good evaluation of the guy and felt like you could really see a projection to a guy that can play that position in the NFL,” Staley said. “We just felt really good about him. …He’s a big guy, so adding size to our offense, that was a big goal.”

McKitty is eager to get started.

“I can’t wait to get to get out to L.A., just can’t wait to be in the city,” he said, also thanking the Chargers for the opportunity. “I want to come in and learn, and do whatever I can to help this team win.”

McKitty will join a busy Chargers position group as one of six rostered tight ends — which also includes 13-year NFL vet and two-time Pro Bowler Jared Cook.

The established player is someone the soon-to-be rookie hopes to learn from in training camp and beyond.

“I’ve been watching him the last few years, that’s one of the tight ends I try to watch film on, so it’s going to be an awesome opportunity and I can’t wait to work with him,” McKitty said.

McKitty joins exclusive company
McKitty represents the highest draftee from The Laker/Lutz News coverage area since Wharton High School/University of Florida cornerback Vernon Hargreaves III was picked by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the first round (11th overall) in the 2016 NFL Draft.

The last local athlete drafted was Gaither High School/Penn State University defensive back Amani Oruwarie, who was taken in the fifth round (146th overall) of the 2019 NFL Draft by the Detroit Lions.

The draft otherwise showed the Sunshine State is king when it comes to producing NFL-level talent.

McKitty was one of 37 players from Florida high schools selected in this year’s draft of 259 players, more than any other state for the third time in four years.

Texas preps produced 33 players selected in the draft, followed by Georgia (21), California (19), Louisiana (13) and North Carolina (10) as the only other states that had at least 10 players selected, respectively.

Tre’ McKitty

What other NFL experts are saying about Tre’ McKitty:

Bucky Brooks, NFL.com: “The ultra-athletic pass-catcher didn’t put up big numbers as a collegian, but his physical tools could make him a key contributor at the next level. McKitty’s upside and potential makes him a solid value pick for the Chargers.”

Charlie Campbell, WalterFootball.com: “With his size, speed and athleticism, McKitty has the potential to develop into a starting three-down tight end in the NFL.”

Daniel Popper, The Athletic: “The Chargers need some run-blocking juice in the tight end room, and McKitty will provide that. He is fluid and athletic at 6-foot-4, 246 pounds with the traits to develop into a solid pass-catching option, as well.”

Drae Harris, TheDraftNetwork.com: “Tre’ McKitty aligned as the ‘move tight end’ for the Bulldogs offense. He has good athleticism, as evidenced by his good body control and agility. In the run game, he is willing to stick his face in the trenches and block. He will not be a vertical mover, nor will he create a new line of scrimmage, but he has adequate blocking ability. He is dynamic as a pass-catcher due to his outstanding ‘run after catch ability.’ He had a knee scope just before the start of the season and it is unknown how healthy he was playing in 2020.”

Lance Zierlein, NFL.com: “Pass-catching tight end who can be asked to do some minor positional blocking up front, but he’s better as a move blocker. McKitty’s play speed doesn’t always match his real speed, which is a problem in terms of his separation and ball tracking. He’s better up the seam and on the move than he is getting in and out of breaks. If he can get stronger and learn to play faster as a pass-catcher, he might have a chance as a developmental TE3.”

Steve Muench, ESPN.com: “McKitty shows the ability to create separation and find soft spots in zone coverage. He displays strong hands in traffic and does a good job of plucking the ball away from his frame. He was underutilized during his college career, but he showcased his higher ceiling at the Senior Bowl.”

Published May 12, 2021

HCC athletic director earns regional Coach of the Year honor

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Sarah Summerfield (Courtesy of Hillsborough Community College athletics department)

Sarah Summerfield, Hillsborough Community College (HCC) Athletic Director and tennis head coach, was selected as the Florida College System Activities Association (FCSAA) State/National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Region 8 Women’s Coach of the Year.

Under Summerfield and assistant coach Chris Nyholm, the Lady Hawks completed an undefeated season 6-0 and became the NJCAA Region 8 State Champions last month at Sanlando Park, Orlando. Summerfield received her award following the title run.

“I am honored to be selected as this year’s FCSAA Coach of the Year, representing Hillsborough Community College at the state level,” Summerfield said, in a release. “Coaching this team of hard-working women has been an honor and very rewarding.”

Summerfield played at Division I University of Wyoming, where she earned first-team All-Mountain West Conference honors in 2007 and 2009.

She began her coaching career as head women’s tennis coach at Saint Leo University, leading that program to a No. 3 national ranking and No. 2 in the Sunshine State Conference.

Summerfield went on become an assistant coach at Colgate University for both the men’s and women’s tennis teams before joining HCC in 2017.

Summerfield’s Lady Hawks practice and compete at the Tejas Pradip Patel HCC Tennis Center, on the college’s Dale Mabry campus.

The team has since advanced to Mesa, Arizona, for the National Championship, which began May 1.

Saint Leo softball hits record

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Kacie Kelly (Courtesy of Saint Leo University athletics department)

Saint Leo University fifth-year senior infielder Kacie Kelly recently set the Lions softball program’s all-time career hits record — when she picked up her 270th career hit (and counting) on a bunt single on April 30 in a road game against Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale.

The 5-foot-3 left-handed hitter had started the day off tied for first in program history with Devyne Duncan (2002-2005) with 269 hits.

Kelly has since finished the regular season with 273 career hits, with an opportunity to add on during postseason play.

A Jacksonville native, Kelly prepped at Callahan’s West Nassau High School before enrolling in Saint Leo.