The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Special to The Laker/Lutz News

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

Passport applications way up in Pasco County

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Passport applications are reaching record highs in Pasco County, according to Pasco County Clerk & Comptroller Nikki Alvarez-Sowles.

Her office held a Saturday event on March 4, and within four hours, it received 309 passport applications.

“The line here in Dade City was out of the office, down the hall and to the stairwell in the government center,” she told the Pasco County Commission, during its March 7 meeting.

“The question I usually get when I’m out and about is, ‘What is the turnaround time for the Passport Agency to process passports. So, I can give that information. A routine passport is about eight to 11 weeks right now. Expedited is between five to seven weeks. You have to pay extra for expedited.

“There’s a way to get it even sooner for urgent travel, a non-emergency case. You have to go to the actual Passport Agency.”

The closest ones are in Miami and Atlanta.

A passport on an urgent basis can be granted in about 14 business days.

If there’s an emergency situation, it can be processed within three days.

Renewals can be mailed in.

Commissioner Kathryn Starkey also told her colleagues that it’s important to know that some countries will not let in foreign travelers if their passport is set to expire within six months.

Published March 15, 2023

Pasco commissioner named to national board

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Pasco County Commissioner Kathryn Starkey will represent the county as a member of the board of directors for the National Association of Counties. (File)

Pasco County Commissioner Kathryn Starkey has been appointed to a one-year term on the board of directors for the National Association of Counties (NACo).

“I’m humbled and honored to represent Pasco County and the State of Florida on NACo’s board of directors,” Starkey said, in a Pasco County news release.  “I look forward to exchanging ideas with colleagues across the country and bringing Pasco County’s interests to the table when discussing the wide range of issues.”

The NACo board governs the strategic goals and priorities of the association, as well as oversees the association’s policies and business.

Board members are elected and appoint county officials from active NACo member counties.

Starkey was appointed to serve on three NACo committees in 2021.

NACo seeks to strengthen America’s counties and create healthy, safe and vibrant counties across the country, the news release says.

The association serves nearly 40,000 county elected officials and 3.6 million county employees.

Published March 15, 2023

Pasco proclaims its first International Trade and Tourism Day

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Pasco County recently celebrated its first International Trade and Tourism Day, and plans to make it an annual tradition.

The Pasco County Commission adopted a resolution on Feb. 21 to recognize relationships between Pasco and its partners around the world and the increasing role that global trade is playing in the county’s economy.

The increasing interactions between Pasco and other parts of the world have boosted Pasco’s gross regional product and have resulted in thousands of local high-skill, high-wage jobs, the resolution says.

A delegation, including Pasco County staff, trade and tourism representatives and the mayor of two towns in Belize, joined with the Pasco County Commission to celebrate the county’s first International Trade and Tourism Day. The county intends to make this an annual tradition to highlight the positive impacts the county derives from international trade and tourism. (Courtesy of Pasco County)

Setting aside a special day to celebrate each year is intended to highlight the benefits derived from global partners through their direct-foreign investments, and their contributions to Pasco through job creation and capital investment.

The resolution notes these activities by international partners “are made possible through strong partnerships with international resource partner organizations; the Association of Bi-National Chambers of Commerce; Foreign Consular Offices; the United States Department of Commerce; and Global Tampa Bay, a regional partnership between Pasco, Pinellas, and Hillsborough Counties that increases international business opportunities for local companies and markets the region globally as a top business destination.”

The resolution adds that the Pasco county board “and local trade and tourism companies continue to work together to connect with future generations, build the next generation of skilled trade and tourism employees, take charge of the public image of trade and tourism, and ensure the ongoing prosperity of the whole industry.”

Earl Trapp, who is the mayor of two towns in Belize, joined a delegation representing trade and tourism interests at the county board’s Feb. 21 meeting to accept the resolution.

The group also had its photograph taken with the county board.

Trapp told the county board: “We are very much humbled and privileged to be here this morning, at this historical moment. I want to congratulate you on your great strides in developing this International Trade and Tourism Day, something of what I believe will bring economic development to your area.

“I’m very much amazed at the many developments that have taken place over the past 20 years.

“I am sure the transformation, through your leadership, had to have come with vision, with enthusiasm, proper planning, unity and of course, had to come through support of the community.

“I’m hoping this visit today will be the beginning of building relationship among common interest for both regions, and something that will bring mutual benefits for all of us.”

Pasco County Commissioner Kathryn Starkey, who advocated for the new day set aside to honor tourism and international trade, said “We are so excited that you are first visitors on our International Trade and Tourism Day.”

Adam Thomas, executive director of Florida’s Sports Coast, said that as the county’s tourism marketing becomes more sophisticated, it is telling the county’s story in an international marketplace.

“Central America is a key market for us. We are very honored and appreciative of the partnership we have with the TDC (Tourist Development Council), as we continue to tell our story to the global market,” Thomas said.

Published March 08, 2023

Watch out for door-to-door scammers

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The City of Tampa Utilities department has issued a consumer alert after a customer reported being targeted by a man posing as a water department employee, according to a news release from the city.

The imposter reportedly knocked on the customer’s door and threatened to shut off water service unless he received payment immediately. The customer did not pay, and the imposter left, the release says.

The water department wants to remind customers that all notices, including notices for overdue balances and shutoff notices, are sent in writing through the mail or via email for e-bill customers.

Customers also may be contacted over the phone regarding overdue bills, the release adds.

Authorized payment methods are listed on the back of the utility bill.

“We’ve seen different types of scams pop up over the years, preying on people’s fears,” Eli Franco, director of water operations, said in the release. “We want residents to know that we do not send city employees to knock on people’s doors to perform collection activities. We also remind residents that they can always contact our office directly to confirm that they are speaking with a city employee.” 

Water department employees are required to show proper identification and operate vehicles that display the city logo and other official markings.

Any contractors working on behalf of the department also are required to display identifying credentials, the release says.

Water department officials urge customers to report similar incidents, or verify their account status, by calling 813-274-8811.

Anyone who believes they have fallen victim to this scam should contact the Tampa Police Department by calling 813-231-6130.

Published March 08, 2023