Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Hillsborough water system earns AAA rating
HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY – Hillsborough County’s Water and Wastewater System credit rating has been upgraded from AA+ to AAA by S&P Global Ratings.
The AAA rating is the highest available and carries a stable outlook. The higher rating could allow the county to borrow money for water and wastewater projects at more favorable interest rates.
S&P cited the county’s investment in and expansion of its water and wastewater system, budgeting practices and growing customer base.
The upgrade comes as Hillsborough County prepares to sell up to $700 million in long-term bonds to fund construction of the One Water Campus in southern Hillsborough County. The financing would be the largest transaction undertaken by the county.
The county now has AAA ratings from Moody’s Investors Service, S&P Global Ratings and Fitch Ratings.
On the web: HCFL.gov/OneWaterCampus

 

Water disinfection change affects neighborhoods
HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY – Some Hillsborough County water customers may notice changes in the taste and odor of their drinking water while the Tampa Water Department temporarily changes its disinfection process.
From Sept. 14 to Oct. 5, water distributed to East Lake, Fairview Mobile Home Park, Hershel Heights, Pebble Creek and Seaboard will be disinfected with chlorine instead of chloramine. The system is scheduled to return to chloramine by Oct. 6.
Users of dialysis machines and owners of aquarium fish are advised to seek professional guidance to ensure their pretreatment methods accommodate the change.
Customers with health concerns should contact their health care provider.
Call Hillsborough County Water Quality at 813-307-1000, ext. 43906 or 43783 for details.

 

Gunn Highway closure planned for culvert work
HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY – A portion of Gunn Highway near the Pasco County line is expected to close for up to 28 days for a culvert replacement project.
The closure near 18830 Gunn Highway is expected to begin on or after Oct. 12. Crews will replace an aging 5-by-10-foot box culvert with two reinforced concrete pipes.
Drivers will be detoured to Lutz Lake Fern Road, Dale Mabry Highway and Van Dyke Road. The Veterans Expressway may also be used, but regular tolls will apply.
Hillsborough County will hold an open house at 6 p.m. Sept. 15 at Walker Middle Magnet School, 8282 N. Mobley Road, Odessa.
Residents may also provide feedback virtually through Sept. 21 on HCFL.gov/Engagement.
On the web: publicinput.com/gunnculvertrepair

 

Pet Resource Center upgrades online kennel
TAMPA – Hillsborough County’s Pet Resource Center has upgraded its online kennel to make it easier for residents to find pets available for adoption or fostering.
The new platform allows users to search and filter available dogs and cats, view additional photos and learn more about individual animals. Residents can also search for lost pets that have been brought to the shelter.
The online kennel also provides shelter statistics and reports about animals entering the Pet Resource Center and their outcomes.
Residents can meet available animals in person at the Pet Resource Center, 440 N. Falkenburg Road, Tampa.
On the web: HCFL.gov/Pets

 

Pasco expands housing recovery program

ZEPHYRHILLS – Pasco County has reached two milestones in its Better Future Individual Housing Program.

Dawn Buley recently received the keys to a new manufactured home after her previous home was destroyed during the 2024 hurricane season.

The county also expanded eligibility for the program and is accepting applications from households with higher incomes. The new income limits include $96,360 for a one-person household and $137,640 for a four-person household.

Residents can apply if their household income meets these 120% Area Median Income limits and they need help repairing, rebuilding or replacing a home damaged by Hurricanes Idalia, Helene or Milton.

The Better Future Individual Housing Program is administered through Pasco County’s Office of Disaster Recovery and Resources. On the web: mypas.co/IHPApp

 

Pasco County to give away up to 1,500 trees

PASCO COUNTY – Pasco County Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources will give away up to 1,500 trees Oct. 10 through a new lottery-based registration system.

Residents may register from Sept. 21 to Oct. 1 at mypas.co/FreeTreeRegistration. Those selected will be notified by Oct. 2.

Trees will be available for pickup from 8 a.m. to noon Oct. 10 at Starkey Wilderness Park in New Port Richey, Withlacoochee River Park in Dade City and Crews Lake Wilderness Park in Shady Hills.

Available varieties include Dahoon holly, Little Gem magnolia, red cedar and red maple.

 

District seeks input on land use rules

TAMPA – The Southwest Florida Water Management District will hold a virtual public workshop at 5 p.m. Sept. 16 to discuss proposed updates to rules governing the use of district lands.

The district owns more than 461,000 acres, with more than 97% of its managed lands open to the public. The proposed changes are intended to promote fair and equitable use, improve the user experience, address emerging issues and provide consistency with other water management districts.

The public may participate through Microsoft Teams at bit.ly/4wAXz9e or by calling 786-749-6127 and entering conference code 149-562-370#.

Public comments on the proposed rules will be accepted through Sept. 23 at WaterMatters.org/recreation/land-use-rules-update-and-public-comments.

 

Starkey appointed to statewide policy committees

PASCO COUNTY – Pasco County Commissioner Kathryn Starkey has been appointed to two Florida Association of Counties policy committees. The appointments are for one-year terms.

Starkey will serve on the Community & Urban Affairs Policy Committee and as chair of the Federal Policy Committee. FAC President and Pinellas County Commissioner René Flowers made the appointments.

The committees help develop policy positions that shape FAC’s legislative advocacy. The Community & Urban Affairs committee addresses issues including growth management, development and zoning, transportation and affordable housing. The Federal Policy Committee focuses on federal issues affecting Florida counties.

“I’m honored to represent Pasco County and contribute to statewide efforts that support smart growth, infrastructure and strong federal partnerships,” Starkey said. “These committee roles ensure local perspectives remain central in decisions that impact our communities and quality of life.”

 

Overman challenges Bilirakis to televised debates

TAMPA – Democratic nominee Kimberly Overman has challenged U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis to two televised debates ahead of the Nov. 3 general election for Florida’s 12th Congressional District.

Overman proposed holding one debate in Hillsborough County and another in Pasco County.

The National Organization for Women Political Action Committee has endorsed Overman in the race, her campaign announced Sept. 9. 

Overman served as a Hillsborough County commissioner from 2018 to 2022 and built advisory firm. 

 

U.S. Rep. Lee’s prison safety bill passes House

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Laurel Lee’s legislation, the Prison Staff Safety Enhancement Act, passed in the U.S. House on Aug. 31. 

The bill will help improve the conditions for correctional officers, staff and inmates by enhancing oversight, promoting safer facility operations and addressing issues with sexual abuse and misconduct within prisons. This bill will help to ensure all allegations are properly investigated and strengthen protections for the prison employees when an inmate assaults an officer occurs.

“For far too long, too many Bureau of Prisons employees have faced sexual harassment and assault by inmates while they are just trying to do their job,” Lee said. “This bill is a very important step toward strengthening oversight, protecting our hardworking correctional officers, and ensuring the inmates who commit these horrific crimes are held accountable to the fullest extent.”

 

Couple marks 50th anniversary of escape from East Germany

NEW PORT RICHEY – Liane and Bertram Haupt recently marked the 50th anniversary of their escape from East Germany with a gathering at The Hacienda in downtown New Port Richey.

The couple arranged to meet at a train station Aug. 26, 1976. After avoiding police, they stopped beneath a bridge, where Liane climbed into the trunk of Bertram’s vehicle. He then drove through the East German border with Liane concealed inside, successfully reaching West Germany.

The couple later married and eventually built a life in the United States.

The couple invited friends and family to celebrate their anniversary in the restored 1927 landmark. 

“We love Florida, we love the free United States of America, and we love all of you,” Bertram wrote in remarks prepared for the anniversary.

 

FEMA awarding $22M+ for Florida disaster recovery

LAKE MARY – FEMA announced more than $22 million in funding for 28 recovery and mitigation projects to help Florida communities recover from hurricanes and other disasters.

The funding is part of more than $348 million that FEMA announced for almost 170 projects nationwide.

FEMA is awarding nearly $19 million for 21 Public Assistance projects to reimburse Florida for the costs of repairs to recreational facilities, public buildings and debris removal. 

Notable projects include:

• $2.8 million to the state for recovery work, including emergency protective measures addressing flooding and extensive power outages following Hurricane Idalia.
• Nearly $1 million to health care facilities across north, northwest and west Central Florida, including facility repairs, administrative support and emergency measures to protect public health during disasters.

FEMA is also awarding more than $3 million through FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program for projects in Florida that will prevent, eliminate or reduce future disaster-related damage.

 

Affordable housing project breaks ground in Tampa

TAMPA – Urban ReWorx has broken ground on The Vicente, a 20-unit affordable housing development in Tampa’s V.M. Ybor neighborhood.

The $9.5 million project will transform a former car wash site at 2914 N. Nebraska Ave. into 20 affordable rental homes and about 950 square feet of neighborhood-serving retail space.

Urban ReWorx is co-developing The Vicente with the CDC of Tampa. The project is supported by the East Tampa Community Redevelopment Agency and the City of Tampa Housing and Community Development Division.

“The Vicente demonstrates what thoughtful infill development can accomplish,” Urban ReWorx partner Thad Bereday said. “By reinvesting in an underutilized site, we are creating much-needed affordable housing while contributing to the continued transformation of Nebraska Avenue.”

 

Quick Hits

• Habitat for Humanity of East & Central Pasco County broke ground on a new home on Coleman Avenue in Dade City. Wesley Chapel Toyota, Mazda of Wesley Chapel and Chevrolet of Wesley Chapel have partnered on the project. 

 

NEW PORT RICHEY – Brainstorms NPR Inc. has launched 250 Neighbors, a community campaign inviting 250 people to put their names behind the proposed Brainstorms STEAM Discovery Center in downtown New Port Richey.

Brainstorms is asking residents to give what they can, whether $10, $25, $50, $100 or more, because every person who participates becomes part of a demonstration that the community believes in the project. Every dollar contributed also counts toward a $125,000 matching commitment secured for the proposed center.

“As America marks its 250th anniversary this year, we thought there was something fitting about asking 250 members of our own community to invest in what the next generation will inherit,” said Daisy Thomas, vice president of the board of directors for Brainstorms. “We want people to be able to say, ‘I helped make this happen.'”

Brainstorms NPR has proposed transforming the property at Main and Bank streets into a science discovery center designed to serve children, families, educators and the broader Nature Coast community. 

The proposed center would combine hands-on STEAM learning, environmental education, technology, family programming and community engagement while creating a new year-round destination in downtown New Port Richey.

The campaign comes as Brainstorms prepares for the next stage of public consideration of the Main and Bank proposal. Rather than relying only on large donors or institutional support, the organization wants the campaign to capture the number of community members willing to stand behind the idea.

“A $10 gift and a $1,000 gift are obviously different financially, but for this campaign they share something important,” Thomas said. “Both represent a person saying they believe our community should have a place where kids can discover what excites them, families can learn together,and the next generation can see more of what is possible right here.”

 

Want to learn more?

Brainstorms is also inviting residents to learn more about the proposal through two public Ask Us Anything sessions.

The first session will be held from 12:30 to 1:45 p.m. Sept. 2, followed by a second session from 5 to 6:15 p.m. Sept. 9. Both sessions will take place in the Magnolia Room at New Port Richey Public Library.

 

PASCO COUNTY – The Pasco County Mosquito Control District is urging residents to take precautions against mosquito bites following an increase in dengue fever cases across the region.

The most recent Florida Department of Health arbovirus surveillance data show locally acquired dengue transmission occurring in multiple Tampa Bay-area counties. The latest information available identifies 30 confirmed locally acquired dengue cases in Hillsborough County, three in Pinellas County and one in Citrus County. There are additional suspected cases still under investigation.

The Pasco County Mosquito Control District is also aware of a dengue case involving someone who lives in Pasco County. At this time, the location where that individual acquired the infection is still under epidemiological investigation to determine exposure.

“Dengue transmission is a regional public health concern, and we cannot look at this solely on a county-by-county basis,” said Adriane Rogers, executive director of the Pasco County Mosquito Control District. “Thousands of people live in one county and work, attend school, shop, recreate or visit family in another. Residents of Pasco, Hernando, Citrus, Hillsborough and Pinellas counties are highly interconnected. That means mosquito-borne disease activity in one community can have implications for the entire region.”

Dengue is caused by a virus transmitted primarily through the bite of infected Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. These mosquitoes are well adapted to living around people and lay eggs in very small amounts of standing water commonly found around homes and businesses.

Hillsborough County Mosquito Management Services has also identified dengue-positive Aedes aegypti mosquito pools in Hillsborough County, demonstrating that infected mosquitoes are involved in transmission in the region.

The Pasco County Mosquito Control District is encouraging residents throughout Pasco County and neighboring communities to take the following precautions:

• Dump and drain standing water around homes and businesses at least weekly. This includes flowerpots, buckets, toys, birdbaths, pool covers, gutters and other containers that can hold water.
• Wear repellent containing a U.S. EPA-registered active ingredient such as DEET, picaridi and IR3535.
• Wear long sleeves, long pants and shoes with socks while outside during daytime and at night, when practical.
• Keep doors and windows closed or properly screened to prevent mosquitoes from entering homes.
• Check yards and properties regularly for small containers or other items capable of holding water.
• Report mosquito problems to the appropriate local mosquito control agency.

Dengue symptoms can include fever, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, muscle and joint pain, bone pain, nausea, vomiting and rash. Symptoms typically develop within several days after an infected mosquito bite. 

Anyone experiencing symptoms should contact a health care provider and inform them of their potential exposure to dengue.

Dengue is not spread directly from person to person through casual contact. It is primarily transmitted when an infected mosquito bites a person and subsequently bites another person.

The Pasco County Mosquito Control District routinely conducts mosquito surveillance and control operations throughout its 765-square-mile service area and is closely monitoring the dengue situation across the region. 

The district is coordinating its response with public health partners and evaluating mosquito surveillance data, disease activity and operational needs as additional information becomes available.

“This is the time for vigilance, not panic,” Rogers said. “Dengue is a serious mosquito-borne disease, but there are meaningful steps every resident can take to reduce their risk. Our team will continue monitoring mosquito populations and responding to areas of concern with increased control applications, but mosquito control works best when residents, travelers, businesses, healthcare providers and public health agencies all work together.”

On the web: pascomosquito.org