The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Special to The Laker/Lutz News

In Loving Memory of Dixie Della Trapp Higgins

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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

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(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

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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

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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

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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

Pasco department wins national honors, again

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Pasco County’s Community Development Department has brought home the 2023 Audrey Nelson Community Development Achievement Award for the third straight year.

The award, which was presented by the National Community Development Association, recognized Pasco’s department for its collaboration on the Family Services Center, according to a county news release.

The Family Services Center “helps families stay together until they get back on their feet,” Pasco County Commission Chairman Jack Mariano explained in the news release.

“We’re proud of the collaborative work by our Community Development team and our local partners to make this happen,” the board chairman added.

The Family Services Center consists of two buildings – a Family Services Shelter and a Housing Resource Center. More than 30 families have been helped there since it opened in 2021, according to the release.

Homeless families are referred through the county’s partnership with the Coalition for the Homeless of Pasco County.

The center helps families who are going through difficult times, by allowing families to get meals, receive case management services and keep their children in school, according to the release.

Pasco County owns the property, and the county has a 15-year lease agreement with Catholic Charities to operate the Family Services Center.

The county’s Community Development team was scheduled to receive the honor on Jan. 27 (after The Laker/Lutz News went to press), at a ceremony in Washington, D.C.

The Audrey Nelson Award recognizes exemplary local projects and programs funded through the HUD Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program and other HUD Office of Community Planning and Development funding.

The county’s Community Development also received the Audrey Nelson Community Development Achievement Award in 2021 and 2022 for its collaboration on the Vincent House and Rosalie Rendu Residences Project, respectively.

Published February 01, 2023

Donations being accepted for Special Olympics of Pasco

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Pasco County Tax Collector Mike Fasano’s offices are accepting charitable donations for Special Olympics of Pasco during the month of February, according to a news release from the tax collector’s office.

Special Olympics of Pasco is a sports and training program for people with intellectual disabilities, and includes training in about two dozen sports, which is provided for free to about 1,500 participants, the release says.

Funds raised last year helped the Pasco team attend the 2022 National Special Olympics USA Games in Orlando.

At the event, the Pasco County flag football team, the Dolphins, won gold.

All funds raised during this charitable giving effort will support the improvement of athletic programs for participants and will help offset costs of trips to Special Olympics games.

“Fundraisers like Pasco Tax Collector Mike Fasano’s are essential for equipment and uniforms along with training for volunteer coaches who create joy on the court and fields,” Amy Selvey, director for Pasco Special Olympics, said in the release.

“We will be able to send athletes to county, area, and summer games over the next three months and with those experiences, our athletes will grow personally. We appreciate every donation, but we also appreciate the exposure to our Pasco programs. We don’t want athletes to miss out, so public awareness is how we reach them all.  We are grateful for the partnership with Tax Collector Mike Fasano,” Selvey added.

In the release, Fasano said: “Special Olympics of Pasco has long held a special place in my heart. I’m proud that our staff and our community supports this organization that helps bring purpose to so many lives. The athletes and the volunteers who work with them are some of the kindest, most positive people I have ever met. So many of the athletes have intellectual challenges that make life difficult. To see the joy on the face of an athlete as they cross the finish line is indescribable. Special Olympics of Pasco provides a respite from the difficulties many face daily. It also provides a place to be with others who also aspire to do their very best.”

For more details regarding the charitable giving program, or services provided by the Pasco County Tax Collector’s Office, call Greg Giordano, assistant tax collector at 727-847-8179, or visit PascoTaxes.com. For more information about Special Olympics of Pasco, call Amy Selvey, Pasco Special Olympics Director at 727-492-8413, or visit SpecialOlympicsFlorida.org/westcoast.

Published February 01, 2023

Applications now being accepted for Spotlight on Talent

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Faith Phaller was named winner of the $1,000 Pasco Heritage Scholarship during last year’s Spotlight on Talent. (Courtesy of Heritage Arts Center)

Spotlight on Talent, a regional talent competition that’s celebrating its 40th year, is accepting applications for this year’s contest.

The deadline to apply is Feb. 9. Auditions have been set for Feb. 25.

The event, presented by the Heritage Arts Center Association, gives young performers a chance to show off their talents, as well as to compete for cash prizes, trophies, and a scholarship that is awarded to the most outstanding senior.

Hundreds of performers will audition in front of a panel of professional judges, who select the finalists. There are singers, dancers and instrumentalists, and competitors can enter as solo acts, as part of a group, or both. The competition also is divided by age groups.

Finalists from the audition will perform in two shows, set for March 25.

The performances typically attracts audiences numbering into the hundreds.

Over the years, the annual competition has gone on — even in the midst of COVID-19, without a stage or audience.

This year, the event is scheduled to take the stage at the Center for the Arts at Wesley Chapel, at 30651 Wells Road, in Wesley Chapel.

For more information, or to apply to compete, visit HeritageArts.org.

Published February 01, 2023

Beware of warrant scams

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The Pasco Sheriff’s Office (PSO) has seen a rise in warrant scams recently, and has issued a warning to make the public aware of this increasing crime.

Here’s how the scam works, according to PSO: A caller poses as a representative of the PSO, using an agency member’s name and demanding payment over the phone.

Often, the caller may use a victim’s personal information that can be gathered from public record searches, according to a PSO news posting.

The caller states that if victims do not pay, an arrest warrant will be issued. The caller insists for payment with gift cards, wire transfers, credit cards or through money sharing apps, the PSO alert says.

The PSO wants the public to know: These calls are not legitimate, as PSO will never discuss warrants over the phone or request payment with these methods to clear them.

Here are some tips from the PSO to help citizens protect themselves from warrant scams and other potential scams:

  • Be leery of requests for unusual payment methods, such as using gift cards to pay for government business.
  • Do not provide or verify personal information with the caller.
  • Do not feel pressure to act due to the urgency of the caller.
  • End suspicious phone calls immediately.
  • If you receive a warrant scam call, immediately report it to local law enforcement

The PSO also wants you to know that scammers:

  • Often pretend to be from an organization you know
  • Claim there’s a problem or a prize
  • Pressure you to take immediate action
  • Demand you pay in a specific way

Here are some suggestions from the PSO to help you avoid scams:

  • Block unwanted calls and text messages.
  • Don’t give personal or financial information in response to a request you didn’t expect.
  • Don’t pay someone who insists you pay with a gift car or use a money transfer service.

Published February 01, 2023

Protect yourself from ID theft: Shred sensitive documents

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You can take action during a free event to help protect yourself against identity theft.

Cars lined up to drop off sensitive documents, which were shredded at Big Shred VI. The idea is to shred the documents, to prevent identity theft. (Courtesy of the Pasco County Clerk & Comptroller’s office)

Pasco County Clerk & Comptroller Nikki Alvarez-Sowles will present part two of Big Shred VI, on Feb. 4 from 10 a.m. to noon, at the Robert Sumner Judicial Center, 38053 Live Oak Ave., in Dade City.

Those participating in Big Shred VI are allowed to bring three copy-paper size boxes or two tall kitchen trash bags filled with documents. Staples, clasps and paperclips do not need to be removed, but paper must be removed from three-ring binders, and electronics are not accepted.

The clerk and comptroller’s office already joined up with Keep Pasco Beautiful, Shred 360 and Covanta to provide the first part of the two-part event on Jan. 28 at the West Pasco Judicial Center in New Port Richey.

At the event in New Port Richey, 270 cars came through with people dropping off documents to be shredded, according to the clerk and comptroller’s office.

Each year, Big Shred is timed to be around Jan. 28, which is Data Privacy Day.

It’s no secret that identity theft is a widespread crime throughout the country.

The Federal Trade Commission reported that in 2022, there were 603,591 cases of identity theft nationwide. Florida claimed 101,367 of those cases, according to a news release from the clerk and comptroller’s office.

Published February 01, 2023