The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Special to The Laker/Lutz News

New State Road 52 alignment opens in East Pasco

By

A new alignment of State Road 52 has opened in East Pasco, from Uradco Place to U.S. 301.

Elected leaders and government officials gathered for a ribbon-cutting on Feb. 17 to signal the opening of the new State Road 52 alignment in East Pasco. (Courtesy of Andy Taylor/Pasco County)

Officials from state and local governments, including David Gwynn, secretary of Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) District 7, gathered for a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Feb. 17.

Traffic was switched to the new alignment on State Road 52, from Uradco Place, east of Interstate 75 to U.S. 301, before noon on Feb. 17.

The current traffic configuration consists of one lane in each direction (westbound and eastbound) divided by a median from the beginning project limits at Uradco Place to Prospect Road. Traffic just east of Prospect Road continues in the two-lane, two-way configuration along Clinton Avenue through the end limits just west of Fort King Road. Traffic signals are operational at Mirada Boulevard, Curley Road and Prospect Road, according to FDOT.

Clinton Avenue between Pasadena Avenue and U.S. 301 is now part of the new State Road 52. Construction will continue all along the new corridor into summer 2023 to open additional lanes and complete the project later in the year. Drivers should stay within the posted speed limit and remain alert that the area is still a construction zone.

The former alignment of State Road 52 from west of Mirada Boulevard to U.S. 301 is now designated as Pasco County Road 52. To access old State Road 52 (now County Road 52), use Mirada Boulevard, Curley Road or Prospect Road.

The short section of the old alignment near the west end between Emmaus Cemetery Road and Piney Grove Baptist Church is open to local traffic only; you can access that area from new State Road 52 by using Mirada Boulevard between County Road 52 (old State Road 52) and the new alignment of State Road 52.

Published February 22, 2023

Valentine’s Day tradition continues

By

Couples gathered on Valentine’s Day for a group wedding ceremony in the courtyard of the Historic Pasco County Courthouse. The event has become an annual tradition and has been going on for 15 years. (Courtesy of the Pasco County Clerk & Comptroller’s Office)

Pasco County Clerk & Comptroller Nikki Alvarez-Sowles presided over a group wedding ceremony in a Valentine’s Day ceremony that has become an annual tradition.

This year, 18 couples exchanged their “I Do’s” — including 16 who were tying the knot for the first time and two who were renewing their vows, according to information from the clerk’s office.

The brief ceremony took place in the courtyard at the Historic Pasco County Courthouse, at 37918 Meridian Ave., in Dade City.

The tradition began in 2009, with a total of 261 couples, so far, taking advantage of the romantic day to profess their love and dedicate their lives to each other.

Guests were welcome and refreshments were provided.

The couples received a gift bag, a marriage packet, and a complimentary consultation and preparation of simple wills from McClain & Alfonso P.A.

 

A walk through the past

By

Anita Nales was a lucky winner of tickets to the Dino & Dragons exhibit. Here, her two great grandchildren take a walk on the wild side, visiting these life-size creatures of the past. The exhibit runs through Feb. 26 at the Harry Schwettman Education Center in New Port Richey.

There’s plenty to see, do, and to eat, at this fair

By

The 76th annual Pasco County Fair kicks off with a parade in downtown Dade City, before ushering in all sorts of festivities and fun — for people of all ages.

The parade, dubbed “Something to Crow About,” is set to begin at 11:30 a.m., on Feb. 20 in downtown Dade City.

Later on, at 3 p.m., the fair gates and exhibits open at the fairgrounds, at the Pasco County Fairgrounds, 36722 State Road 52, in Dade City.

Fair-goers will have loads of choices.

This midway, from a previous Pasco County Fair, serves as a reminder of the fun that awaits visitors to the 76th annual Pasco County Fair, set for Feb. 20 through Feb. 26. (File)

They can check out the Big Rock Amusements Midway, or take in the poultry and rabbit exhibit. They can watch Robinson’s Racing Pigs, or take in Lew-E’s Comedy Circus, and those are just a few of the choices being offered on Day One of the fair.

That’s not to mention, of course, the rides.

Thrill-seekers who want to get their pulse racing will be able to satisfy their desires, as will the less adventurous types.

Choices on this year’s Midway include a Cobra Coaster, Flying Elephants, a Beach Buggy, the Giant Wheel and the Grand Carousel, to name just a few.

Of course, there are art, photography and plant exhibits. And, there are all sorts of contests, too, including a spaghetti-eating event, karaoke and a talent competition.

The history of fairs in Dade City dates back to 1915, according to the fair’s website.

But it wasn’t until 1947, when a group of local businessmen got together, that the fair began to showcase county resources.

“The group was led by San Antonio rancher D.E. Cannon, along with agriculture agent Jimmy Higgins and businessmen George Nikolai, Bob Williams and Joe Collura,” the website says.

“The group found a perfect location on 40 acres along State Road 52 and raised $3,500 to purchase the site. On April 7, 1947, the Pasco County Fair Association Inc. was chartered with the purpose of hosting an annual fair to promote youth and other county resources.”

Based on the planned activities and exhibits for this year’s fair, those ideals appear to have staying power.

76th annual Pasco County Fair
When: Feb. 20 through Feb. 26
Hours:
Feb. 20: 3 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Feb. 21 through Feb. 23: 4 p.m. through 11 p.m.
Feb. 24: 4 p.m. to midnight
Feb. 25: 10 a.m. to midnight
Feb. 26: noon to 8 p.m.
Where: Pasco County Fairgrounds, 36722 State Road 52, in Dade City
Cost: Regular ticket prices are $10 for adults, $5 for children ages 6 through 12, children under 5 admitted free.
Parking is free.
Info: Visit www.pascocountyfair.com

Published February 15, 2023

March 1 is application deadline for tax break

By

The Hillsborough County Property Appraiser has issued this reminder: Homeowners have until March 1 to apply for a homestead exemption.

When a home is purchased, state law requires the home’s value to reset to the current market value.

If a homestead exemption application is approved, Hillsborough County homeowners are protected with a 3% cap, thanks to the “Save Our Homes” Amendment, according to a news release from the property appraiser’s office.

Hillsborough County homeowners have until March 1 to apply for a homestead exemption, which if approved for a Florida resident, gives an annual 3% cap on the homestead property’s assessed value. (Mike Camunas)

This amendment places a limitation of 3%, or the percentage change of the Consumer Price Index (whichever is less), on any annual assessment increase on homesteaded properties in Florida.

Florida residents who are approved for a homestead exemption benefit from an annual 3% cap on the homesteaded property’s assessed value. 

“In order to protect against any future market-influenced increases, a new homeowner should file for a homestead exemption,” Hillsborough County Property Appraiser Bob Henriquez said, in the release. “With so many people relocating to Hillsborough County in the past year, and many people choosing to buy a home here, we want to make sure our residents are aware of the homestead exemption and the tax savings available to them.”

To file for a homestead exemption in Hillsborough County, you will need to show proof of permanent residency with a Florida Driver License or identification card, vehicle registration, voter registration, or Permanent Resident Alien Card.

The homeowner must establish Hillsborough County as their legal domicile, reside on the subject property as of Jan. 1 and be a U.S. citizen or Permanent Resident.

If a trust holds the property, the trust’s beneficiary with the right to occupy the home also may be entitled a homestead exemption, the release said.

Apply online for a homestead and other exemptions by visiting the Hillsborough property appraiser’s website. You also can file for a homestead exemption in person at one of four Hillsborough property appraiser office locations.

Pasco County homeowners also are eligible for a homestead exemption on their primary residence, For information regarding filing for exemptions in Pasco County, visit PascoPa.com/exemptions/exemptions/homestead/.

Published February 15, 2023

In Loving Memory of Dixie Della Trapp Higgins

By

January 12, 1933 – November 14, 2022

Dixie Della Trapp was born in a log cabin in Campbell County, KY January 12, 1933.  The cabin in which she was born had a frame farmhouse built around it.  Her first 18 years of life were spent on the farm, waking up at 5:00 a.m. to milk dairy cows, go to school, and at the end of the day, milk the cows again.  Dixie always said that she did not like the physical aspects of farm life, and on her 18th birthday, she moved to the YWCA in New Port, Kentucky to begin working across the river in Cincinnati, Ohio.

There, she began work at a radio station in Cincinnati, and at a Bank on 5th Avenue near Crosely Field.   In the fall of 1951, she enrolled at Eastern Kentucky University where she graduated with honors with a bachelor’s degree in Education and Home Extension.  Her first few years of working after college were in Floyd and Rowen Counties in Eastern Kentucky where she served as the Home Extension agent for those counties.  During this time, Dixie walked over many a railroad and suspension bridge which spanned over creeks and hollers in the most rural areas of Eastern Kentucky, where numerous families lived.  Her job was to provide education and the latest technologies on home extension and economics.

She met John Higgins on a blind date at Eastern KY, who happened to live in the Magoffin County area.  They began dating and were married on August 17, 1957.  They had four children, three of whom survived.  Dixie is survived by her children: John Fred Higgins (Carolyn), grandson John Ethan Higgins, Susanne Marie church (Greg Lay), and Timothy Alan Higgins (Nancy), grandchildren Bradley and Michelle Higgins.

Their early years of marriage were first as teachers in Adams County, Ohio, in a small town called West Union.  From there, they went to Bloomington where Dixie worked on her advanced degree in Education.  From there, the family moved to Chadron Nebraska to work at Chadron State College – a teacher’s college – from 1964 to 1967.  They then moved to Florida where they taught at St. Leo University from 1968 to 1998.

Dixie was also an expert seamstress and quilter.  As a young child, she learned to sew and make dresses, blouses, and shirts from the floral material from flour sacks for herself and her sisters.

Dixie and John enjoyed traveling throughout their lifetime.  They travelled wherever their children were stationed or lived.

Dixie was always a strong advocate for children, their safety, health, and education, whether it be through inoculations or ensuring that they were properly fed and clothed.

She advanced and was an advocate for the expansion of the library system in Eastern Pasco County, FL  and worked tirelessly to expand the elementary reading section, so children had a safe place to read and learn.

She was a proponent for equal pay and equal rights.  She learned this in part from her mother who was an advocate for the women’s suffrage movement in the early 1900s.   She was always a champion for the underprivileged, underserved, and for immigrants and fought tirelessly to help those who were not given equal footing.

It can be said that she lived her life as fully and completely as possible right up to the end.

For those wishing to make contributions in memory of Dixie, please consider Friends of Hugh Embry Library, 34043 State Road 54, Wesley Chapel, FL 33543.  Memorial services will be held at a later date.

Published 01/11/23

Pasco gets good news in lawsuit involving Ridge Road extension

By

(Mike Camunas)

A federal judge has granted the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Pasco County’s motion for summary judgment in a case involving the legality of the extension of Ridge Road, from Moon Lake Road in New Port Richey to U.S. 41 in Land O’ Lakes.

Pasco County Attorney Jeffrey Steinsnyder announced that finding during the Pasco County Commission’s Jan. 24 meeting.

Judge Charlene Edwards Honeywel issued the positive order on Jan. 20, Steinsnyder said.

The case involves a “permit challenge that was filed by Sierra Club when we issued our notice to proceed to our contractor to construct Ridge Road about two years ago,” Steinsnyder said.

“There is still the potential for an appeal but Judge Honeywel’s order is well-written and it should be difficult for them to challenge,” the county attorney said.

Published February 08, 2023

Pasco promotes from within for its executive staff

By

Pasco County has elevated one of its own staff members to serve as the next assistant county administrator for public infrastructure.

The Pasco County Commission on Jan. 24 confirmed the appointment of Branford N. Adumuah to fill the position, which he has been handling on an interim basis for six months.

County Administrator Mike Carballa recommended Adumuah for the promotion.

Carballa said the county conducted a national search. A series of interviews was conducted with county team members at all levels, before a selection was made.

Branford N. Adumuah has been promoted to Pasco County’s assistant county administrator for public infrastructure. (Courtesy of Pasco County)

“I’m happy to say that the general consensus was Mr. Adumuah was the man for the job,” Carballa told the board.

Adumuah joined the county in 2017, as its public works director.

In that role, Carballa said, Adumuah “has made sweeping, amazing changes to really help that department achieve the outcomes that we all need and that our citizens deserve.”

Adumuah is filling the post that Carballa held before being promoted to become county administrator.

Commission Chairman Jack Mariano said he’s glad to see the county is developing its own employees to enable them to rise through the ranks.

He congratulated Adumuah, saying: “The way you’ve elevated your team, empowered your team to get stuff done, all of the way through. No matter what the situation, you’ve been doing a phenomenal job.”

Commissioner Gary Bradford added: ““I am very, very pleased that we kept it in-house, because it is about our employees. It is about how we move up the chain.”

Commissioner Ron Oakley said he’s pleased how quickly Adumuah takes care of problems.

“When you call in about a pothole, within a day or two, it’s already filled. It seems like a little thing, but it’s huge. I remember going through many, many years of going through potholes that didn’t get fixed,” Oakley said.

When commissioners asked Adumuah if he’d like to say a few words, he stepped up to the podium and noted that his wife had told him he should say something.

He then proceeded to read a short speech on his cellphone that he’d apparently prepared, in case the occasion arose.

“It is indeed a privilege and an honor to stand before you today,” he told board members. “My presence here today would not have been possible without the dedication, hard work and support of our great team — field personnel, office employees, supervisors, managers, directors, assistant county administrators.

“Making a difference in the quality of life of our citizens is what motivates me every day.

“Integrity, respect, empathy, people, teamwork, pragmatism and outcomes are what define my leadership and shape my decisions and actions for the past 30 years.

“Together with the team, we’ll continue to move toward improving the quality of life for our citizens and making Pasco a premiere county.

“I thank you, county administrator and the team, for their confidence and trust they’ve placed in me. I pledge to work hard and do my best. I will not let you down.”

Published February 08, 2023

Pasco singles out exceptional staff members

By

Pasco County recently honored its Star Performer, Star Leader and Star Team of the year for 2022.

During the Pasco County Commission’s Jan. 24 meeting, board members formally acknowledged their contributions by adopting a resolution.

The 2022 winners of Pasco County’s program to recognize outstanding employees pose with members of the Pasco County Commission, Pasco Clerk & Comptroller Nikki Alvarez-Sowles and County Administrator Mike Carballa at the board’s Jan. 24 meeting. (Courtesy of Pasco County)

They also took a few minutes to honor the recipients, to allow them to share their remarks and to pose for photos with them.

Pasco County Administrator Mike Carballa explained how the selection works.

“I just want to give you an appreciation of what it takes to really get here,” Carballa said. “We took from every department. We’ve got star performers and star leaders in these departments. Those departments have to make those decisions within their own sphere.

“It goes to the branch level. Then the branches decide, from that group, how do we narrow this down?

“Then they come up to the executive leadership team who really has to make that tough call, at the end of the day, with so many fantastic applications, as to which group of folks and which individuals are going to rise to that level to what we call Star Performer, Star Leader and Team of the Year.

“My hat’s off to these folks. They’ve done a phenomenal job. It is about people.

“These are the folks, not only do they accomplish our mission of serving our community to create a better future, but they do so in such an exemplary manner. That is the example and they set the gold standard for those to follow.”

Here are the county’s outstanding performers:

Star Performer
Jordan Miltner, digital media coordinator with Pasco County Libraries. In a county news release, she is described as achieving impressive engagement on the Libraries’ social media channels. She also was praised for routinely going above and beyond, making a daily difference with her work.

In accepting the honor, Miltner told the county board: “I was absolutely thrilled and honored when I learned that I’d been selected for the Star Performer of the Year.

“I just have to say that I wouldn’t be able to be up here and I wouldn’t be able to do all of the work that I do without our amazing Libraries team. I am so fortunate to work with a group of unbelievably talented people who freely share their skills and knowledge with me.

“They’ve inspired me. They’ve mentored me and they have pushed me so much to grow during my time here. I’m very honored and humbled by this. I plan to continue to work hard and impress. I feel like the best is still to come. Thank you so much for this honor.”

Star Leader
Veronica Ignat, program coordinator in the county’s Senior Services Division, was described in a county news release as being “the embodiment of Pasco County’s core values. Her leadership style is transformational, having a major impact on the Senior Services Division and Community Services Department. She’s pioneered several, innovative methodologies for motivating and inspiring team members.”

Ignat told the county board: “Thank you so much for this honor. I am very humbled and grateful to be in this country and in this county. This is because of the team that I lead and the team that leads me. And, again, I am so grateful for this wonderful gift.”

Star Team
The Plat Review Team. This group guides the subdivision plat process, working in step with developers to ensure a smooth process, according to a county news release. They average about 60 plats a year, using innovative technology to make sure reviews and comments are processed quickly.

Alex Parnes, county surveyor, spoke on behalf of the plat team. That team is made up of Lisa Kral, Gary Howorka and Cody Vaughn.

Parnes said: “I would just like to say publicly, in this forum, thank you to my Plat Review Team, Gary, Lisa and Cody.

“They’re definitely unsung heroes in the critical role, in the whole development process, and certainly with respect to subdivisions and plats here in Pasco County, in our division.

“I would like to say that I feel surprised, and quite pleased, that this hardworking team won this award at this level. So, now other departments and other teams at all levels are able to recognize this team and all of the work they do, behind the scenes, every day, as we do, in house, in our division, on a daily basis, from our tiny little division.

“Every day this entire surveying and mapping team does the plat process and we’re very thankful that they do it so well.

“They help us get through this plat review process on a daily basis.

“It’s a very long and tedious process.

“Of course, this is not a solo effort. They work with many other departments and divisions, as well as Jeff Steinsnyder, county attorney; Margaret Smith (county engineer), and we thank them for their assistance and direction every day, as well as our field crews.

Published February 08, 2023

This staple — peanut butter — offers lots of options

By

Did you know that peanut butter has a day of its own?

I didn’t, but it turns out that it was just last week — Jan. 24.

It’s such a staple in my house that every day is peanut butter day.

Peanut butter has so much to recommend it.

It’s budget-friendly, shelf-stable, and a healthy plant food to include in your diet.

It’s true that its health benefits have been questioned at times given its fat content, but let’s take a look at its entire nutritional profile.

First of all, a peanut is technically a legume being that it grows in the ground; however, the dictionary definition classifies it as a nut.

It also is nutritionally similar to other nuts and is therefore categorized as such.

Peanuts are a plant-based protein that also supply healthy unsaturated fats in our diet. According to the American Heart Association, when it comes to fat, peanut butter is rich in monounsaturated fats, which help reduce your blood cholesterol and contain antioxidant properties.

When comparing the nutrition label of several brands, a standard jar of creamy peanut butter contains, in a 2 Tbsp serving of peanut butter, roughly:

  • 180 calories
  • 8 grams of protein, the equivalent of 2 ounces (most of us should get 5-6 ounces of protein a day)
  • 16 grams of fat
  • 5 grams of carbohydrates, with 2 grams coming from naturally occurring sugar
Homemade nut butters have a different taste than commercial ones. They are nuttier and usually less sweet and salty, unless you add your own flavorings. (Courtesy of Unsplash.com)

These numbers can vary slightly, depending on the brand.

Choose a brand of peanut butter that fits your taste and budget preferences.

Pay attention to the nutrition label and ingredients list, however.

Natural peanut butter must be at least 90% peanuts, with the only other allowable ingredients being salt, sweeteners, and hydrogenated vegetable oils.

Anything else, such as palm oil (a big clue), flavorings, or other ingredients, would make it a peanut butter spread, even if it does have at least 90% peanuts, according to the National Peanut Board.

While similar nutritionally, they technically don’t meet the FDA’s (Food and Drug Administration’s) definition of peanut butter.

What’s the difference between the peanut butters with the oil on top and those without?

The hydrogenated oil, such as cottonseed, rapeseed, soybean, or palm oil, prevents the natural oils in peanuts from separating and rising to the top of the jar, and extends the shelf life.

If you prefer the type of peanut butter with the oil on top, then it won’t have this hydrogenated oil (and therefore, has less ingredients, usually only peanuts and a dash of salt).

One tip to reduce the stirring: store the jar upside down in the refrigerator.

Peanut butter has countless recipe options from breakfast to dinner, sweet to savory.

  • Pairing peanut butter with apples, pears, whole wheat crackers or celery, creates great snack combinations that include plant-based protein and complex carbohydrates.
  • You can boost this nutritional combo with additional antioxidants and other micronutrients by sprinkling flax, chia or pumpkin seeds on top of your nut butter for an added crunch.
  • Adding peanut butter to granola bar recipes provide a sweet and salty combination while giving your snack bars a chewy yet crunchy texture.
  • Peanut soup, sauces and dressings are a great swap for your traditional cream or milk-based staples, which typically contain high amounts of fat with little nutritional value.
  • Peanut butter cookies are a quick and easy treat to satisfy a sweet-tooth craving.

Of course, not everyone enjoys, or is able to eat, peanut butter.

If you prefer nut butter with a lighter taste, you can use cashew or walnut butter; walnuts are actually a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, which supports brain health.

For those with a nut allergy, some suitable alternatives to nut butter include sunflower seed butter, flax seed butter or even tahini, which has grown in popularity and is nutritionally similar to peanut butter.

Just be cautious, as the tastes of these substitutes are very different.

If you have the time and own a high-powered blender or food processor, you can even make your own nut butter.

Just choose your favorite type of nut, such as peanut, almond or pistachio (or combine them for a fun flavor combination!)

It’s easy but can take a bit of time; some nuts blend up easier than others.

If you make it yourself, you can even flavor your nut butters with cocoa, vanilla, cinnamon, salt and/or sweetener of choice to suit your taste.

Toast them in the oven for about 10 minutes for deeper flavor prior to processing.

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 Intern, Syreeta McDonald, contributed to this column.

RECIPE
Homemade Nut Butter, courtesy of University of Illinois Extension:

Ingredients
2 ½ cups nuts
Yield: 1 ½ cup nut butter

Directions
In a 7-cup food processor with the chopping blade attached, pour nuts into work bowl.
Press the on button to process continuously.
Process until smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes to 3 minutes.
Transfer to bowl, cover and refrigerate.

Published February 08, 2023