The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Avoid Gift Card Scams This Holiday Season

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The Pasco Sheriff’s Office offers these tips to help you avoid gift card scams this holiday season:

  • Inspect gift cards for signs of tampering, such as scratches or scuff marks around the bar code or additional adhesives on the exterior of the card.
  • If the PIN is exposed on a gift card, notify a store representative and choose an untampered card.
  • Never buy gift cards from an auction or community website; buy gift cards directly from the retailer.
  • Be sure to save receipts when purchasing a gift card.
  • Treat gift cards like a debit card; change the security code to something creative.

Also, remember that a digital gift card may be a safer option.

Published December 20, 2023

Avoid household dangers during the holidays

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The holidays can be a festive and jolly time, but they also can be a source of hazards around the home.

State Farm has compiled a list of tips, aimed at helping you to maintain happy holiday spirits by avoiding electrical fires that result in costly damages.

Here are some of State Farm’s tips:

Be sure to use the proper lights and extension cords when setting up your holiday display to prevent a potential house fire during the holidays. (Mike Camunas)

Lights
Use only lights that have been tested for safety by a nationally recognized testing laboratory, such as UL. Lights for both indoor and outdoor usage must meet strict requirements that testing laboratories are able to verify.

Check each set of lights, new or old, for broken or cracked sockets, frayed or bare wires, or loose connections.

Check outdoor lights for labels showing that the lights have been certified for outdoor use, and only plug them into a ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI)-protected receptacle or a portable GFCI.

Make sure to unplug or turn off any decorations when you leave the house or go to bed at night, to prevent harm and possible fire hazards.​ ​

Cords
Purchase only extension cords that have been approved by an independent testing laboratory.

When using outdoors, use only extension cords marked for outdoor use.

Avoid powering multiple appliances with one cord.

Never use indoor extension cords outdoors.

Don’t plug multiple cords together.

Don’t run extension cords under rugs or furniture and never staples or nails.

Stop using extension cords that feel hot to the touch.

Published December 20, 2023

Dade City Police swears in cop brothers

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(Courtesy of Dade City Police Department)

The City of Dade City and the Dade City Police Department, welcomed two new brothers to the badge — and these two are actual brothers, too. Dalton Grafafolo and his brother, Hayden, were sworn in as officers at the Dade City Commission meeting on Dec. 12. Operations Capt. Bill Rowe conducted the installation at city hall. The Garafolo brothers are seen here with Rowe and Dade City Mayor Jim Shive, and City Commissioners Lisa Simon, Anne Cosentino and Normita Woodard. Karissa Prindle (not pictured) also has been added as the police department’s second employee in its forensics unit.

FEMA encourages property owners to buy flood insurance

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Many Floridians choose not to purchase flood insurance because they don’t live in a high-risk flood area, but officials with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) want to encourage property owners to purchase the insurance to be on the safe side.

It’s important to remember that flooding can happen anywhere, FEMA officials remind property owners.

It’s important for property owners to understand their insurance coverage. Standard homeowner’s policies do not cover damage from floods. But flood insurance is available in most localities across Florida. (File)

When flooding occurs, standard homeowner insurance policies typically do not cover it, says a FEMA news release. Just 1 inch of floodwater can cause up to $25,000 of damage in a home.

Residential and business property owners as well as renters can protect themselves from financial losses by having a flood insurance policy through the National Flood Insurance Program to insure buildings and/or their contents. Flood insurance coverage is available regardless of federal disaster declarations, according to a FEMA news release.

There is a 30-day waiting period before new policies go into effect, so don’t wait to obtain a policy.

Flooding in Florida is common. After Hurricane Idalia, more than 5,000 flood claims were filed through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) with a total payout over $300 million to date, closing over 85% of the NFIP claims in the first 90 days after the event, the news release says.

In all, the Hazard Mitigation Community Education & Outreach has counseled more than 11,000 survivors on the NFIP and other mitigation measures. The flood insurance program has more than 1.7 million policyholders across the state with total coverage exceeding $448 billion.

In Florida, 468 communities participate in the NFIP; 10 communities do not. Residents can purchase a flood insurance policy if their community participates in the NFIP, no matter their flood risk.

Coverage is available for residential and commercial buildings and the contents therein:

  • Up to $250,000 in building coverage and up to $100,000 in contents coverage for single-to-four family residential structures
  • Up to $500,000 in building coverage and up to $500,000 in contents coverage for five-or-more family residential structures
  • Up to $500,000 in building coverage and up to $500,000 in contents coverage for businesses

As part of its disaster assistance, FEMA has provided Group Flood Insurance Policies (GFIP) to homeowners and renters after Hurricane Idalia. The group policies are 36-month NFIP insurance certificates for disaster survivors who live in a high-risk flood zone, sustain flood damage, do not have flood insurance, and receive FEMA disaster assistance. When a GFIP certificate expires, the survivor is responsible for obtaining and maintaining flood insurance. Failure to maintain flood insurance will affect their eligibility for future disaster assistance.

To purchase a policy, contact your insurance company or agent. In addition to the NFIP, flood insurance is also available from some private insurance providers. For an agent referral, call 800-427-4661, or visit FEMA.gov/flood-insurance.

Published December 13, 2023

Bilirakis seeks swift action on likely fuel spill off Pasco’s coast

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U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis

U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis began pressing federal officials early last week to take swift action to investigate the cause of a likely fuel spill near Miller’s Bayou in Port Richey, according to a news release from Bilirakis’ office.

The congressman also is urging federal officials to mitigate any damage, and identify possible remedies to prevent future recurrences.

Port Richey residents recently woke up to a strong smell of fuel in the air, the release says.

Bilirakis, who serves on the House Energy & Commerce Committee and co-chairs the Travel & Tourism Caucus, understands the value of water quality throughout the region, the release adds.   

“Countless people rely on these waters for their livelihoods, sporting, and recreation, which together make Port Richey the vibrant community that many people call home,” Bilirakis said, in the release. 

“The local economy is also largely dependent on our ability to maintain our area’s pristine natural resources. 

“For these reasons, I have been championing a variety of initiatives to protect Florida’s waterways.  “Therefore, it is very concerning that this fuel spill occurred, and I’m determined to make sure that no stone is left unturned in discovering its source as we strengthen precautions to prevent future spills,” Bilirakis said, in the release.

Bilirakis called for a thorough and timely federal review to limit the environmental and economic impact. 

Published December 13, 2023

Sharon Streater and Carlton Ward Jr. to be honored for their work

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Sharon Streater and Carlton Ward Jr. are being singled out for recognition by the League of Women Voters of Hillsborough and Pasco Counties.

Streater and Ward are being honored for their contributions to the local community, and to the state of Florida, according to a news release from the organization.

Tampa Mayor Jane Castor will speak at the awards luncheon on Feb. 28 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Shanna and Bryan Glazer JCC, 522 N. Howard Ave., Tampa.

Tickets and sponsorships are available now and start at $55.

Streater is being honored for her 34 years of teaching, training, organizing, and empowering community members with HOPE, the Hillsborough Organization for Progress and Equality, an organization that has united diverse faith-based groups to improve the quality of life in Hillsborough County, according to the release.

Streater recently retired from her latest role as HOPE’s lead organizer. Based on shared values of justice, fairness, love of neighbor and the dignity of all people, HOPE’s mission is to train residents to identify common community problems, to research long-term solutions, and to build collective power and skills to hold systems accountable to implement those solutions for their communities.

Ward is receiving the 2024 Sydney & Thalia Potter Civic Leadership Award.

He has been a conservation photographer and National Geographic Explorer.

For more than 20 years, his mission has been to inspire appreciation and protection of Florida’s original nature and culture — the endangered wildness that is often hidden in plain sight but very much needs our attention to be saved, the release says.

Ward began his career working with the Smithsonian Institution in Central Africa, and in 2004, he retrained his focus on his native Florida, motivated by eight generations of family heritage and a drive to bring new attention and protection to the state’s under-appreciated wild heart.

Ward published Florida Cowboys in 2009 and founded the Florida Wildlife Corridor project in 2010. With fellow explorers Mallory Dimmitt and Joe Guthrie, he has since trekked more than 2,000 miles through the Corridor during two National Geographic-supported expeditions, which both produced award-winning books, PBS films and widespread outreach for the statewide vision to keep Florida wild.

Registration and sponsorship information for the event is available at HCLWV.org/laa. Organizers may be reached at or at 813-461-5365.

The League of Women Voters of Hillsborough and Pasco Counties is a nonpartisan political organization that encourages the informed and active participation of citizens in government and works to increase understanding of major public policy issues.

Published December 13, 2023

Pasco County Commission names Ron Oakley as chair

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Ron Oakley
Gary Bradford

The Pasco County Commission has named Ron Oakley as its new board chair, following the completion of Jack Mariano’s one-year term in that role.

The board also named Gary Bradford as the board’s vice chairman.

Oakley said he is pleased to serve as chairman.

He noted this marks the third time he has been named to that position during his nearly eight years on the county board.

 

The Point Distillery to produce The Rolling Stones’ Crossfire Hurricane

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A distillery in Pasco County that recently expanded to add new bottling lines and new jobs has secured a contract to produce The Rolling Stones’ first-ever spirit, Crossfire Hurricane, according to a Pasco Economic Development Council news release.

Pasco County helped The Point Distillery to expand, by providing economic incentives.

Spencer Wolf, CEO of The Point Distillery, expressed his exuberance by his company’s selection by The Rolling Stones to bottle a rum known as Crossfire Hurricane.

The Point Distillery in New Port Richey has been selected by The Rolling Stones to bottle a rum known as Crossfire Hurricane, the band’s first-ever spirit. (Courtesy of Pasco Economic Development Council)

“We are beyond ecstatic and very proud to be producing a product for the most iconic rock band in the world,” Wolf said, in the release.

He credited his team and called it “a classic example of how local government can work hand-in-hand with business, creating employment opportunities, economic growth and provide unique recognition both domestically and internationally for Pasco County.”

He said the announcement of the launch has been featured internationally by the media.

The Point Distillery, at 11807 Little Road in New Port Richey, will carry out the entire rum-bottling process.

That includes setting the bottling line up for production, filling the bottles with the Crossfire Hurricane rum, completing the packaging by attaching the corks and labeling, and, lastly, sealing the bottles with a capsule over the cork. The products will then be packed into display cases ready for shipment to distributors, the news release says.

“As The Rolling Stones say, the consumer can now ‘take your tongue for a ride with Crossfire Hurricane.’ We make the rum, they make the music,” Wolf added.

Bill Cronin, president/CEO of Pasco EDC, also weighed in.

“Securing a contract like this brings more job opportunities to our residents and showcases our business community in such a cool and different light,” Cronin said, in the release. “The county supported The Point and its expansion and now they are working with one of, if not, the biggest name in rock ‘n’ roll.”

Pasco County Commission Chairman Jack Mariano is delighted, too.

“Pasco County is proud to share in the success of such a top-notch company that’s truly premier in the industry,” Mariano said, in the release. “The Point Distillery is now exporting products around the U.S. and the world – with more than 30 full-time employees.”

The board chairman also noted: “Our board has provided the company with approximately $239,000 in repayable equipment purchase loans over the past several years, which is a great example of how Pasco County supports redevelopment and thriving small businesses.”

Published December 06, 2023

These soups can provide warmth and comfort, especially on chilly days

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After a brutally hot summer, we finally can welcome a chill in the air.

While people in some places dread the approach of winter, Floridians tend to get excited about breaking out their cold-weather clothing and stoking wood in their fire pits again.

Add soups to your menu, to provide warmth and comfort, especially when you are battling with a cold or dealing with cold weather. Soups provide easy meals, whether cooked on the stove, or in a slow cooker. (Pixabay.com)

Winter also is a time of year for certain meals to find their ways back onto menus, and that’s especially true for soups.

A comfort food in the colder months, soups also are a great option for the days you’re sick — and, we all know the flu season coincides with the colder months.  

While all of that coughing and blowing your nose can make you dehydrated, soups provide a great way to rehydrate and replenish electrolytes.

At the same time, you can get some sinus relief from the steam, and benefit from the nutrient-dense vegetables, which provide needed vitamins and minerals.  

While soup won’t cure a cold, it seems to be just what the nose, lungs and throat need on a sick day.  

As with any food, it’s important to pay attention to what you are consuming.

For instance, canned soups are high in sodium, with some having as much as 50% or more of the day’s sodium recommendation.  

Cream-based soups have more calories and saturated fat, so broth-based soups are a healthier alternative.

There are many ways to prepare soup, but the University of New Hampshire Extension offers a basic formula to simplify the process. It recommends choosing an item from each of these categories:  

  • A fat to heat in a large pot (oil — olive, canola, etc., butter or margarine)
  • 3 cups of chopped vegetables in addition to 1 onion (celery, carrots, zucchini, squash, kale, etc.), can be fresh, canned or frozen
  • A protein (canned or fresh beef, chicken, ham, sausage, black beans, kidney beans, chickpeas, etc.)
  • A starch (diced potatoes, noodles, rice, barley)
  • Broth Broth (crushed or diced tomatoes, chicken/beef/vegetable bouillon or broth, etc.)
  • Dried seasoning (basil, rosemary, bay leaves, pepper) during the cooking process, or fresh herbs to add at the end.

What’s the difference between broth and stock?
Stock is made with the bones of chicken or beef, for example, while broth is made from the chicken or beef meat itself.

Broth is typically lighter, and stock is thicker due to the bone marrow and collagen released from boiling the bones.  

Stock has bones, water and aromatic vegetables simmered for 2 hours to 6 hours, with added herbs and spices. Broth contains meat, vegetables and salt — and possibly seasoning — and is simmered for under 2 hours.  

Stock typically has more calories, fat, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, and protein.

Essentially, there’s no such thing as a true vegetable stock because vegetables don’t have bones.

So, if a brand offers vegetable stock and vegetable broth, the label is likely related to marketing.

Soup is a staple in many cultures.

Choices include miso, pasta fagioli, matzo ball, French onion and, of course, a favorite among many Americans — classic chicken noodle soup.

With so many ways to mix and match soups, it’s easy to see why it’s never a boring menu option.

It’s also affordable.

Making a double or triple batch to get a second dinner, several lunches, or both can be accomplished without having to spend a fortune on the extra ingredients.  

I love Iowa State Extension’s website for recipes, they have more than 20 soup recipes, with many that cost less than a dollar per serving. Check out some of those recipes, which accompany this column.

Shari Bresin is the Family & Consumer Science Agent for the University of Florida/Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Cooperative Extension Pasco County. Pasco County Extension 

Soup recipes (Courtesy of Iowa State Extension)

Winter Black Bean Soup
Serving size: 1 ¼ cups; serves: 4

Ingredients:
3 cups black beans, cooked
2 teaspoons vegetable oil
1/2 cup onion, chopped (about 1/2 medium onion)
1 Tablespoon chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin (optional)
1 can (14.5 ounces) Mexican-style diced tomatoes
1 cup water
1 Tablespoon lime or lemon juice (optional)
Nonfat yogurt or low-fat sour cream and cilantro for garnish (optional)

Instructions:
Prepare beans as directed.
Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
Add onion and cook.
Stir until onion begins to soften (about 2 to 3 minutes).
Add chili powder.
Add cumin, if desired. Cook and stir for 1 minute.
Add tomatoes, beans and water.
Bring to a boil.
Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes (covered).
Remove from heat and stir in lime or lemon juice, if desired.
Garnish before serving.

Mexican Chicken Soup
Serving size: 1 cup, serves 8

Ingredients:
2 cans (15 ounces) diced tomatoes (Mexican-style)
1 can (15 ounces) black beans (drained and rinsed)
2 cups frozen corn or 1 can (15 ounces) corn (drained and rinsed)
1 can (14.5 ounces) low sodium chicken broth OR 2 cups homemade chicken broth
2 cloves garlic, minced, or 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin (optional)
|1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 pound skinless, boneless chicken breast
Optional ingredients: baked tortilla chips, chopped cilantro, sliced or chopped avocado, light sour cream, shredded cheese

Instructions:
Add tomatoes, beans, corn, broth, garlic, chili powder, cumin (if desired) and pepper to large saucepan.
Remove and discard any visible fat from chicken.
Cut chicken into large chunks and add to the saucepan.
Heat to boiling, reduce heat, and simmer (covered) for 20 minutes, or until chicken is tender.
Remove the chicken and place on a plate.
Use forks to shred the chicken. Return the shredded chicken to soup.
Serve with choice of optional ingredients.

Slow Cooker Black-Eyed Pea Soup
Serving size: 1.5 cups, serves: 5

Ingredients:
1/2 pound dried black-eyed peas
2 cups vegetable broth
1 cup water
6 carrots, chopped
2 ribs celery, chopped
1 medium onion, chopped
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon seasoning (basil, dried oregano, rosemary, or sage

Instructions:
Rinse and sort black-eyed peas to remove any dirt or debris.
Place all ingredients in the slow cooker and mix.
Cook on low for 8 hours.

Published December 06, 2023

Conserving water through the holidays

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Katherine Munson, lead communications coordinator for the Southwest Florida Water Management District, compiled tips to help conserve water through the holidays. They are especially timely this year, as the region experienced its driest rainy season in 26 years. (Courtesy of Southwest Florida Water Management Disrtrict)

The Southwest Florida Water Management District recently declared a Modified Phase 1 Water Shortage for several local jurisdictions, including Pasco, Hernando and Hillsborough counties.

To reduce water use, the Water Management District has placed limitations on lawn watering.

Even before the water shortage was declared, the Water Management District had prepared a number of tips to help residents reduce water use during the holidays.

Here’s a condensed version of those pointers, prepared by Katherine Munson, lead communications coordinator for the Water Management District:

  • Defrosting frozen foods: Defrost frozen foods in the refrigerator or the microwave instead of running hot water over them. Rinse vegetables and fruits in a sink or pan filled with water instead of under running water. This water can then be reused to water houseplants. A running faucet can use approximately 2 gallons of water per minute.
  • Washing dishes by hand: When washing dishes by hand, fill one sink or basin with soapy water and fill the rinsing sink one-third to one-half full. Avoid letting the water run continuously in the rinsing sink.

Scrape food scraps into the garbage can or a composting bin, rather than rinsing them into the sink’s garbage disposal. A garbage disposal uses approximately 2 gallons of water per minute.

  • Using the dishwasher: Run your dishwasher only when you have a full load. Standard dishwashers can use 5 gallons of water or more per load.
  • When cooking: Select the proper size pans. Large pans require more cooking water than may be necessary.
  • Prepping your house to be away: Check for indoor and outdoor leaks before you head out. If you have a permanent in-ground irrigation system, make sure your controller is set to follow local water restrictions or turned to the “off” position if your lawn and landscape are not in need of additional water. Also, confirm that you have a functioning rain shut-off device for your irrigation system to account for natural rainfall that might occur while you’re away.
  • Shopping for water-saving gifts: Look for WaterSense or ENERGY STAR labeled products to help friends and family save water and money on utility bills long after the holidays are over. A WaterSense labeled smart irrigation controller can save an average home up to 15,000 gallons of water a year.
  • Find more water conservation tips? Visit the Water Management District’s website at WaterMatters.org/Water101.

Published November 29, 2023