The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Keeping safe from dangerous flood waters

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The Florida Division of Emergency Management has shared information to help educate the public about flood hazards and some suggestions to help reduce risks of injury or death.

Flooding is one of Florida’s most frequent hazards and is a coast-to-coast threat that occurs on a yearly basis, according to a news release issued by the emergency management division.

Do not drive through an area when you cannot see the bottom of the road; deaths have been known to occur when a driver couldn’t see the bottom of the road and wound up driving into a canal. (File)

Here’s a condensed list of suggestions from the state’s emergency management experts:

  • Know the types of flood risks in your area.
  • If you are told to evacuate, do so immediately. Prior to any threatening weather, be sure you have an evacuation plan, know the evacuation routes and have a plan on where you will shelter.
  • Keep important documents in a waterproof container or store them on a password protected digital drive.
  • When possible, move valuables to higher ground.
  • Do not walk, drive,or swim through floodwaters. Just six inches of water will reach the bottom of most passenger cars and can cause loss of control and stalling; 12 inches of water can make a vehicle float away.
  • If you are trapped in your car in rapidly moving water, stay inside. If the water begins rising inside the vehicle, get on the roof.
  • If you are trapped in a building, move to higher ground or a higher floor.
  • Do not return to your home until it is deemed safe to do so. Avoid driving unless it is an emergency.
  • Stay out of floodwater in your home which can be contaminated with dangerous debris or live wires.
  • Wear protective clothing when cleaning up and do not touch any wires.

Visit FloridaDisaster.org/hazards/Floods to learn more about flood safety and protecting yourself before, during, and after a flood.

For weather updates and safety tips, follow the Division on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter @FLSERT.

Published March 29, 2023

Safe Places for youths in crisis

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Hillsborough County teens and children in crisis can receive help by sending a single text message, according to a news release from Hillsborough County.

Hillsborough County’s Children’s Services wants to remind kids and teens that there are nearly 200 ‘Safe Place’ locations for kids in need.

Safe Place is a national initiative locally managed by Hillsborough County Children’s Services that provides access to help and supportive resources for youth in need.

So, whether they’ve had a fight with their parents or are fleeing domestic abuse in the home, youth under the age of 18 can visit any of the dozens of Safe Place locations in Hillsborough County, most of which are open 24/7, to get assistance. From fire stations to libraries, and even many McDonald’s locations, there are staff trained to help, the news release says.

Each location displays the recognizable yellow and black “Safe Place” sign to provide a visual cue for kids to know they are in a safe place. 

Kids and teens in crisis can text SAFE with their current location to 4HELP (44357) and, within seconds, receive a message with the closest Safe Place site and phone number to Children’s Services.

The employee at the Safe Place location will call Hillsborough County Children’s Services and within 30 minutes to 60 minutes, a qualified Safe Place volunteer or staff member will arrive to talk to the youth, and, if necessary, provide transportation to the Children’s Services campus in Tampa.

Once at the campus, counselors meet with the youth and their family to make sure they receive the help and professional services they need. 

For more information about Safe Place in Hillsborough County, including how your organization can become a Safe Place location, visit HCFLGov.net/Children.

Published March 29, 2023

Operation Green Light aims to get drivers back on the road

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Motorists with a suspended license over unpaid court fees, costs and penalties may be able to have their driver’s license restored through Operation Green Light, a program offered by the Pasco County Clerk of Circuit Court and Comptroller’s office.

The Pasco County Clerk & Comptroller’s Office is offering drivers a chance to pay unpaid fees, costs or penalties to have their driver’s license restored, through Operation Green Light.

If paid in full, customers can save up to 25% in collections fees to get their license reinstated on March 30 and March 31 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

They also can take advantage of the program on April 3 and April 4 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., as well as on April 5 from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.

All programs can be done in person, by phone and online.

The in-person payments can be made at the West Pasco Judicial Center, at 7530 Little Road, in New Port Richey, or at the Robert Sumner Judicial Center, at 38053 Live Oak Ave., in Dade City.

Or, over the phone by calling 727-847-8031 or 352-521-4542, and select Option 2.

For more information about paying online, visit PascoClerk.com.

Published March 29, 2023

Dogs Days brings smiles, and barks, to Dade City

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The 13th annual Dogs’ Day in Dade City brought out its usual crowd of dogs, and owners, to Agnes Lamb Park on March 18, attracting several businesses and local organizations to the event. Dog-Mania & Cats, Dade City Animal Clinic and Nutrena Farmers Feed Depot were part of Dogs’ Day activities, including costume contests, a dog parade, talent portions and even an ice-cream eating contest that pairs the dogs with the humans (who eat yogurt). Ava Larkin’s dog, Luna Belle, was named Dog Mayor, which is awarded to the person who raises the most money for the fundraiser and then has the honor of having his or her dog named Dog Mayor for a year. Sponsors for this year’s event were The New Barker, an online dog magazine and the Green Door on 8th.

(Courtesy of Kevin Taggerty)

In Loving Memory of Curtis Brown Crosson

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Curtis Brown Crosson, age 86 and a life-long resident of the Tampa Bay area, died March 11, 2023 from complications due to Alzheimer’s.

A graduate of Hillsborough High School (class of 1955), Curtis went on to own a painting business in which he provided commercial and residential painting services. He married Mary Bradberry Davidson in 1965, and they enjoyed a long relationship of 55 years until her passing in December of 2020.

Curtis and Mary moved to Land O Lakes in 1991 to enjoy retirement on a small lake which allowed Curtis to fish as much as he liked, often every morning.

Besides fishing Curtis also greatly enjoyed baseball and fast-pitch softball. As a member of several fast-pitch teams in Tampa, Curtis became a highly skilled hurler, and threw several no-hitters against various opponents over the years in which he played. He sometimes played on the same team as his brother Ray.

Curtis is survived by his daughter Debra Schlaughenhoupt (George), son Darril Davidson, his brother Ray Crosson, sister Shirley Smith and grandson Ryan Davidson. He was predeceased by his wife Mary, his brother Donald and his parents, Elijah Preston Crosson and Mattie B Crosson.

Curtis was an active member at El Bethel Baptist Church in Tampa and First Baptist Church of Land O’ Lakes.

The family wishes to thank the caregivers and staff at Advent Health Care Center Zephyrhills North and Gulfside Hospice.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to Gulfside Hospice, 2061 Collier Pkwy, Land O’ Lakes, FL 34639.

Published 03/22/23

Wesley Chapel Boulevard widening to start soon

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Wesley Chapel Boulevard, between State Road 54 and State Road 56, is a busy road and has needed widening for years. That work is expected to begin in nine months, according to Margaret Smith, Pasco County’s engineer. (Mike Camunas)

Right of way needed to widen Wesley Chapel Boulevard has been acquired and the work to widen the busy road is expected to begin within nine months.

Once the project is completed, the road will have three lanes in each direction between State Road 54 and State Road 56.

Some of the widening work has already occurred.

The project is of considerable interest to motorists who use it for their daily commutes, to take advantage of the area’s shopping and dining options, and to access Interstate 75, via State Road 54 or State Road 56.

Wesley Chapel Boulevard also is known as County Road 54.

It straddles the edge of Cypress Creek Town Center, where State Road 54 turns into State Road 56, and it leads to the other part of State Road 54, which heads east through Wesley Chapel toward Zephyrhills.

Published March 22, 2023

City of Zephyrhills revamps website, making it more user-friendly

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The City of Zephyrhills is continuing efforts to rebrand itself, and at the same time, it’s working to use advanced technology to streamline day-to-day operations and improve communications.

It will soon unveil a new city motto, logo, color scheme and other changes.

While that work is continuing, it also has redesigned its website.

Notable updates to the website include:

  • Specialized landing pages for the city’s Community Redevelopment Agency and its police, public works and human resources departments.
  • Updated content, throughout the redesign
  • Easier navigation
  • More appealing visuals
The City of Zephyrhills unveiled its redesigned website on March 20, making it easier to navigate for users. (Courtesy of City of Zephyrhills)

Elements of the website will change after the launch of the city’s rebrand.

The city also plans to install parks and recreation software, CivicRec, which will allow citizens to make reservations online at any time for Alice Hall Community Center, the Train Depot, cemetery plots, parks and recreational facilities, and so on.

The software is intended to ease the workload of the City Clerk, while at the same time giving citizens flexibility. In other words, reservations won’t be limited to in-person visits to City Hall, on Monday through Friday.

The web address has not changed and still be accessed at ci.zephyrhills.fl.us.

Published March 22, 2023

Pasco County Schools recognizes Medal of Honor recipients

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The Pasco County School Board took a moment from its March 7 meeting to honor the men and women recipients of the nation’s Medal of Honor.

State law designates March 25 as Medal of Honor Day, and required instruction on that day is intended to encourage patriotism and to make students aware of the sacrifices that veterans and Medal of Honor recipients have made in protecting democracy, according to a proclamation adopted by the school board.

Medal of Honor recipients are recognized for rising above the call of duty “at the risk of grave injury and loss of life,” the proclamation adds.

These “fearless service members distinguished themselves as heroes in the eyes of their comrades through their bravery and self-sacrifice,” according to the proclamation.

The U.S. Congress established the Medal of Honor in 1862, “as the highest award to be given to the country’s military forces in recognition of their incredible valor during armed conflict,” the proclamation says.

Before reading it, school board member Colleen Beaudoin addressed board members and others attending or watching the meeting.

“This really is more than a proclamation. This district is very committed to this,” Beaudoin said, noting she’s attending training on the topic with staff and teachers.

Teachers create lesson plans relating to the day, Beaudoin said.

Schools also have welcomed Medal of Honor recipients, who have come to speak at many schools over the years, the board member said.

Published March 22, 2023

Longtime Rays broadcaster Dave Wills passes away

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Dave Wills, one-half of the Tampa Bay Rays’ radio broadcasting team for the past 18 seasons, died in the early morning of March 5, according to a team news release.

Wills, who lived in Lutz, joined the Rays in 2005, along with partner Andy Freed, and were fan favorites and considered one of the top radio duos in Major League Baseball.

(Courtesy of Tampa Bay Rays)

“Dave was an outstanding broadcaster, a great friend, and an even better person,” Rays principal owner Stuart Sternberg said in a statement. “He had a remarkable talent for bringing the game to life for our fans and was a vital part of the Rays family. We will miss him dearly, and our thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones during this difficult time.”

Wills, who was 58 at his death, lived in the Heritage Harbor community, off Lutz Lake Fern Road.

During the 2022 season, Wills missed the final two weeks due to “a little bit of a heart situation” after being hospitalized in Toronto. At the time, he said on his  social media that he was diagnosed with supraventricular tachycardia, which is an irregularly fast or erratic heartbeat (arrhythmia) that affects the heart’s upper chambers.

Wills returned to work the Rays broadcast for their playoff series against Cleveland in October. He also worked on the broadcast for the Rays’ March 4 Spring Training game against the New York Yankees.

In a news release, the team also noted: “During his time with the Rays, Wills became a beloved figure among fans for his passion, enthusiasm and expertise. He called some of the most memorable moments in Rays history, including the team’s run to the World Series in 2008 and 2020. Wills was known for his impeccable play-by-play calling, his insightful analysis, and his infectious personality. His contributions to the Rays organization and the Tampa Bay community will never be forgotten.”

The team will honor Wills with a special pregame tribute during the season, with details to be announced at a later date.

Wills is survived by his wife, Liz; son, Alex; and daughter, Michelle.

Published March 15, 2023

Pasco offers more homebuyer assistance

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If you are ready to buy a home but are concerned about the down payment, Pasco County has a program that may be able to help.

The Down Payment Assistance Program is offered through the county’s Community Development department.

Changes are being made to increase the possibility of home ownership for homebuyers who otherwise might be unable to purchase a home.

The program now will allow a buyer to qualify for a loan of up to $50,000. The previous maximum was $25,000.

The maximum sales price of a home also has increased up to $275,000, up from $200,000.

Residents of Pasco County can qualify for the program if they earn less than 120% of the area median income.

Community Development provides assistance to income-eligible buyers toward the purchase of a home in Pasco County if you have not owned a home in the last three years. Applicant households who make less than 120% of Area Median Income (AMI) for the Tampa Bay Area may apply for assistance. Funding for both programs is based on current availability for each income level.

All interested homebuyers will need to contact Suncoast Housing Connections to attend a Homebuyer Education Class. Homebuyers must work with a Community Development-approved lender.

Lenders must attend training in order to participate in the Down Payment Assistance Program. All interested lenders will need to email Mari Thieryung to sign up for lender training. 

If you have any questions about the homebuyer programs available through the county, please call Pasco County Community Development at 727-834-3447, or visit MyPas.co/HomeBuyers.

To learn more about Pasco Community Development programs and services, visit MyPasco.net.

Published March 15, 2023