The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Special to The Laker/Lutz News

A sea of tranquility

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Jeremy Vizzi snapped this shot of a Thanksgiving sunset over Land O’ Lakes, by piloting a drone about 350 feet above his house in Lake Padgett Estates. The peaceful sight renders a smile, and hope for the future.

The myths, legends and delicious varieties of bread

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Whether it’s a slice of toast in the morning, some garlic bread with spaghetti, or dinner rolls served as a finishing touch — bread is a commonly consumed item in many people’s diet.

But did you know that bread is found in nearly every culture, region and religion?

Historically, grains have been the most widely cultivated food crops, they have been harvested and processed for food since the beginning of civilization and remain a staple food across the world to this day.

Bread takes on many forms — from pita to challah to baguette.

Kneading is a basic part of making bread. Dry yeast is a basic ingredient. It was hard to find in stores or online in the midst of the pandemic, but supply chain issues have been improved since the demand for the ingredient has stabilized. (Pixabay.com)

There also are myths, legends and superstitions associated with bread, according to published reports.

For instance, have you ever heard that whoever takes the last piece of bread has to kiss the cook? Or, that if bread is part of your dream something happy is about to happen?

Did you know that when two people reach for a piece of bread simultaneously, visitors will be arriving?

Or, that you can reverse the bad luck of dropping a piece of bread butter-side-down by making a wish when you pick it up?

The origin of these ideas isn’t known, but the phrase “baker’s dozen” does have its place in history.

It came about because bakers in 13th century England were charging full price, but shorting customers on the size of their baked items.

King Henry III made that practice unlawful.

Any baker caught selling bread — at full price — that was below the standard weight — could end up in jail, or have a hand cut off.

Not wanting to take any chances, bakers began adding a 13th item, just to be safe.

Ah, if only shrinkflation could be punishable today.

Besides having a colorful history, many people also have a love-hate relationship with bread.

They love its taste; they hate the weight gain it can cause.

But at the end of the day, it depends on the quality of the bread product.

So, like many other nutritional options, bread can play a role in healthy eating — but there are ways to maximize the nutrients you consume in your breads.

Here are some tips:

  • Make sure half of all your grains are whole grains.
  • Check the ingredients on store-bought bread: Look for whole wheat, whole-wheat flour, or another whole grain as the first ingredient.
  • Remember: Whole grains are essential to the diet; they are a good source of complex carbohydrates and can provide protein and fiber, which helps lower cholesterol and glucose levels and promote a healthy digestive system.
  • Bulk up your baked goods: When baking breads, substitute half or all your white flour for whole wheat flour. Try adding nuts and seeds to your fresh-baked breads.
  • Remember, uncooked oats make a great addition to breads and muffins.
  • When consuming bread, combine it with other foods. It is a good idea to pair your bread with other foods like plant proteins, lean meats, and/or healthy fats to reduce blood sugar spikes.

For instance, you can enjoy a slice of toasted bread with olive oil with your breakfast eggs, or with a salad for lunch.

Remember you also can make your own bread, which, of course, allows you to control the ingredients that it includes.

Happy baking!

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: Mixed Grain Bread

Ingredients
1/4 cup cornmeal (yellow)
1/4 cup brown sugar (packed)
1 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1/4 cup water (boiling)
1 packet dry yeast (active)
1/4 cup water (warm 105 degrees to 115 degrees)
1/3 cup whole wheat flour
1/4 cup rye flour
2 1/4 cups flour (all purpose)

Directions

  • Mix cornmeal, brown sugar, salt and oil with boiling water, cool to lukewarm (105 degrees to 115 degrees).
  • Dissolve yeast in 1/4 cup warm water; stir into cornmeal mixture. Add whole wheat and rye flours and mix well. Stir in enough all-purpose flour to make dough stiff enough to knead.
  • Turn dough onto lightly floured surface. Knead until smooth and elastic, about 5 minutes to 10 minutes.
  • Place dough in lightly oiled bowl, turning oil top. Cover with clean towel; let rise in warm place until double, about 1 hour.
  • Punch dough down; turn onto clean surface. Cover with clean towel; let rest 10 minutes. Shape dough and place in greased 9-inch by 5-inch pan. Cover with clean towel; let rise until almost double, about 1 hour.
  • Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Bake 35 minutes to 45 minutes or until bread sounds hollow when tapped. Cover with aluminum foil during baking, if bread is browning too quickly. Remove bread from pan and cool on wire rack.

Source: Cornell University Cooperative Extension

Published November 30, 2022

Hazardous waste and electronics drop-off event

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Pasco County will host a mobile drop-off for household hazardous waste and electronics, for Pasco County residents.

Those tired of old household cleaners under their kitchen sink, pesticides in their garage or outdated electronics in the house can get rid of them at this event, according to a Pasco County news release.

The county is collecting the items on Dec. 3 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., at its West Pasco Government Center Complex, 7536 State St., in New Port Richey. Drivers should enter via Government Drive or Citizens Drive.

For a full list of household hazardous waste items you can drop off during the collection event, visit bit.ly/2mx7K0h.

This event is free to anyone living in Pasco County, except there is a $5 charge to dispose of televisions, computer monitors, computer towers and laptops, and a $10 charge for televisions 36 inches or larger.

To find out more, visit bit.ly/2getW9g.

Published November 30, 2022

Comments sought on 13th Judicial Circuit judge vacancy

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Gov. Ron DeSantis has convened the 13th Judicial Circuit Nominating Commission to select and submit the names of highly qualified candidates to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Judge Susan “Suzy” Lopez, according to a news release.

These individuals have applied: E. Christopher Abdoney; Alicia Whiting Bozich; Christine Shiver Brown; Cory L. Chandler; Travis J. Coy; Jeffrey D. Groover; E. Michael Isaak; Joseph W. Kudia; Elba C. Martin; Richard H. Martin; Bennett M. Miller; Diego F. Novaes; Matthew H. Perry; Lisa M. Thelwell and W. Michael Thornton, the release says.

The nominating commission encourages and seeks comments regarding the qualifications of these applicants from the public and from members of the Bench and Bar.

Comments may be addressed to Max Amster, chair, 13th Circuit Judicial Nominating Commission, and emailed to , or mailed to Max Amster, 1700 S. MacDill Ave, Suite 300, Tampa, FL 33629.

Comments must be received no later than noon on Dec. 5, to be considered by the commission.

Published November 30, 2022

Helping to take care of others

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(Courtesy of Kids Helping Kids Pasco County)

The Kids Helping Kids Pasco County wants to thank all its donors and volunteers who participated in its fifth annual Thanksgiving Meal Drive. The nonprofit organization was able to deliver meals to 57 Pasco County families (about 300 people). Yesterday we delivered meals to 57 Pasco County Families (nearly 300 people). For information on Kids Helping Kids, call 813-957-5711, or email .

Enjoy your Thanksgiving foods, and avoid illness, too

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The U.S. Department of Agriculture offers some simple steps to avoid food-borne illness during the Thanksgiving holiday.

There are four steps to keep in mind when it comes to food safety, according to a USDA news release. Those steps are clean, separate, cook and chill.

BE SANITARY
Clean and sanitize any surfaces that have touched raw turkey and its juices and will later touch food, such as kitchen counters, sinks, stoves, tabletops, etc.

DON’T CROSS-CONTAMINATE
Avoid cross-contamination by using separate cutting boards — one for raw meat and poultry, and another for fruits and vegetables.

BE CAREFUL WHEN THAWING TURKEY
There are three ways to safely thaw a turkey: in the refrigerator, in cold water and in the microwave.

To thaw in the refrigerator: Allow roughly 24 hours for every four pounds to five pounds of turkey. After thawing, a turkey is safe in a refrigerator for one to two days.

To thaw in a cold-water bath: Allow 30 minutes per pound and submerge the turkey in its original wrapping to avoid cross-contamination. Change the water every 30 minutes until the turkey is thawed. The turkey must be cooked immediately after thawing.

To thaw in a microwave: Follow manufacturer’s recommendations. Cook it immediately after thawing because some areas of the food may become warm and begin to cook during the thawing process.

BE SURE YOUR TURKEY IS COOKED PROPERLY
Cook your turkey thoroughly. It is safe to eat once it reaches an internal temperature of 165 F. To check the internal temperature, insert a food thermometer into the thickest part of the breast, the innermost part of the wing and the innermost part of the thigh.

The USDA recommends using a food thermometer even if the turkey has a pop-up temperature indicator to ensure it has reached 165 F in the three previously stated places.

IF YOU’RE GOING TO STUFF YOUR BIRDThe USDA recommends against stuffing your turkey since this often leads to bacteria growth.

However, if you plan to stuff your turkey, follow these steps:

Prepare the wet and dry ingredients for the stuffing separately from each other and refrigerate until ready to use. Mix wet and dry ingredients just before filling the bird’s cavity.

Do not stuff whole poultry and leave in the refrigerator before cooking.

Stuff the turkey loosely — about 3/4 cup of stuffing per pound.

Immediately place the stuffed, raw turkey in an oven set no lower than 325 F. Keep in mind that it will take longer to cook a stuffed turkey. To be sure it cooked, place a food thermometer in the center of the stuffing to ensure it has reached an internal temperature of 165 F.

Also, wait 20 minutes before serving the cooked turkey.

KEEP FOOD SAFE, BEFORE AND WHILE SERVING
Don’t leave your food sitting out too long! Refrigerate all perishable foods sitting out at room temperature within two hours of being cooked, or one hour if the temperature is 90 F or above. After two hours, perishable food will enter the danger zone, between 40 F and 140 F, which is where bacteria can multiply quickly and cause the food to become unsafe.

Discard all foods that have been left out for more than two hours. Remember this rule: Keep hot foods hot and cold foods cold.

When transporting hot foods: Wrap dishes in insulated containers to keep their temperature above 140 F.

When transporting cold foods: Place items in a cooler with ice or gel packs to keep them at or below 40 F.

When serving to groups: Keep hot food hot and keep cold food cold by using chafing dishes or crockpots and ice trays. Hot items should remain above 140 F and cold items should remain below 40 F.

KEEP LEFTOVERS SAFE
Store leftovers in small shallow containers and put them in the refrigerator. Thanksgiving leftovers are safe to eat up to four days after refrigeration. In the freezer, leftovers are safely frozen indefinitely but will keep best quality from two months to six months.

FOR MORE INFORMATION
For Thanksgiving food safety questions, call the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 1-888-MPHotline (1-888-674-6854), email , or chat live at Ask.usda.gov from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Eastern Time, Monday through Friday.

Do you have any last-minute turkey day questions? The Meat and Poultry Hotline will be open on Thanksgiving Day from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Published November 23, 2022

Safety tips for the holidays

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The Pasco Sheriff’s Office is offering reminders to help residents protect their belongings and to stay safe during the holiday traveling season.

Here are some of those tips, condensed from a sheriff’s office posting:

  • Never hide a spare key at an entry point.
  • Have someone you trust retrieve your mail, move your trash cans and take care of other routine activities.
  • Maintain your landscaping to eliminate hiding places for potential criminals.
  • Lock all windows and doors and be sure the locks work.
  • Make your home look “lived-in” while away: Use automatic timers or smart devices to control lights at different intervals to make it appear that someone is home.
  • Lock the garage door, or unplug the opener to disable it.
  • Set your alarm system, if you have one.
  • List a trusted alternate contact that’s local with your home security system in case of an emergency.
  • Store belongings such as recreational items or tools in a shed or a garage.
  • Check all fences are closed and gate latches are secured.
  • Share your travel plans with someone close to home while away, so they can quickly report suspicious activity at your home.

While Traveling

  • Adjust social media privacy settings not to share travel activities publicly, and don’t share travel plans on your social media platforms prior to travel.
  • Do not “check-in” virtually at places, to keep your location private.
  • Wait to post travel photos to social media until after you have returned home.
  • Be smart about potential scams and your personal safety.
  • Practice safe storage of any identification you carry, credit cards and money.
  • Tag luggage, including placing a card with your contact information inside your suitcase, and do not leave bags unattended to prevent theft.
  • Know how to contact your destination’s local law enforcement and emergency services before you get there.
  • If you are traveling internationally, know where the closest embassy is and how to contact them. Keep your important travel documents inside a hotel room’s safe.

Published November 23, 2022

AAA forecasts 2.9 millions Floridians will travel for Thanksgiving

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AAA forecasts that 2.9 million will travel for the Thanksgiving holiday — the most since 2005, according to a AAA news release.

Nationally, AAA predicts 54.6 million Americans will travel 50 miles or more from home this Thanksgiving.

The national figure is slightly below pre-pandemic levels, but Florida is forecast to be the busiest it has been in nearly two decades.

“Travel is still roaring back from the pandemic,” said Debbie Haas, vice president of travel for AAA – The Auto Club Group, in the release. “While gas prices and other inflationary pressures weigh on budgets, travel remains a top priority for Americans, particularly during the holidays. Travel spending is at the highest level since the pandemic began, which is a driving force behind our projections this year. AAA expects busy roads and long lines at the airport, so leave early and be flexible with your travel plans.”

Despite higher gas prices, 89% of all Thanksgiving travelers will drive. AAA forecasts 48.65 million Americans will set out for a holiday road trip. That’s 203,000 more drivers than last year.

In Florida, 2.7 million (91% of travelers) will take a road trip; an increase of 28,000 people from last year’s holiday, the release adds.

Pump prices are trending higher this month and could set new record highs for the holiday. In Florida, the highest daily average price for Thanksgiving was set back in 2013, at $3.46 per gallon.

“Higher gas prices don’t seem to be enough to stop people from traveling to be with family and friends,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman, AAA – The Auto Club Group. “We’ve found that when gas prices are high, travelers look to offset the added cost by staying in a less-expensive hotel or spending less on shopping and dining out.”

If you are hitting the road for the holidays, leave early, AAA recommends. Travelers should expect much heavier than normal congestion Monday through Wednesday afternoon and early evening. Traffic will be lighter during the morning and late evening hours and on Thanksgiving Day.

Be sure to get a full vehicle inspection before hitting the road, to check everything from tires, oil, air filter and wiper blades.

Also, be sure to  move over for first responders, tow trucks and people with disabled vehicles.

If you’re traveling by air

  • Check-in early online.
  • Monitor your flight status using your air carrier’s mobile app.
  • Arrive 2 hours to 3 hours before scheduled departure.
  • Pack medications and an extra set of clothes in your carry-on bag, just in case your flight is delayed or canceled.

Florida’s 2022 Election—a Red Tsunami

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Governor and Cabinet
Gov. Ron DeSantis beat Democrat Charlie Crist by nearly 20 points. The last Republican candidate to win a gubernatorial race by that much was Jeb Bush in 2002. The race was tight in 2018: DeSantis beat Democrat Andrew Gillum by just 0.4%, necessitating a recount.

For the first time since Reconstruction, Republicans now control all statewide elective executive positions — the governor and the Cabinet (attorney general, chief financial officer, and commissioner of agriculture and consumer services). The governor’s coattails were long: All of the Cabinet members won by double-digit margins.

U.S. Congress
Republican Marco Rubio beat Democrat Val Demings by almost 17 points, becoming the first Republican U.S. Senator from Florida to serve three terms.

Florida Republicans won 20 seats in the U.S. House, and Democrats won eight. Before redistricting and the addition of a seat due to the state’s population growth, the delegation was 16 Republicans and 11 Democrats. The Republican’s four-seat pickup helped Republicans to flip control of the U.S. House from Democrat to Republican. (The new map currently is being challenged in federal and state court.)

Dr. Susan A. MacManus, who lives within The Laker/Lutz News’ coverage area, is widely known for her deep knowledge of Florida politics. She is a retired University of South Florida distinguished professor. (File)

State Legislature
Republicans gained four seats in the Florida Senate and seven seats in the House. The Senate now has 28 Republicans and 12 Democrats; the House has 85 Republicans and 35 Democrats.

Republicans now have a supermajority in each chamber making it easier to control debate and dictate procedural rules. A supermajority is two-thirds of the members in each chamber (27 in Senate; 80 in House). The last time Republicans had a supermajority in both houses was during the 2010-2012 session.

Local School Board Races
For the first time in Florida’s political history, nonpartisan school board races in many counties became political. Controversial school policies related to curriculum (critical race theory; sexual and gender identity), parental rights, and health issues turned parents into activists. Moms For Liberty groups (founded by a Florida mom) supported DeSantis’ call for “Education, not indoctrination.”

In a first, gubernatorial hopefuls made endorsements in some of those races.  Of the 30 candidates endorsed by DeSantis, 25 won election. Of Crist’s seven endorsements, three won. (Tyler Kingkade, NBC News).

How did Florida Republicans win so handily?
It all began with an aggressive registration plan adopted by the party after the 2018 election. Nonstop knocking on doors (2 million) focused on registering new voters and persuading current registrants to switch parties.

In November 2020, there were 134,242 more registered Democrats than Republicans. But by Nov. 20, 2022, Republicans outnumbered Democrats by 305,590. Between Aug. 23 (the primary) and Oct. 11 (book closing), Republicans registered nine new voters for every one Democrat. (Man, Sun Sentinel).

During the Pandemic, 393,800 new voters moved to Florida  (3% of all current registrants) — 46% Republicans, 23% Democrats, and 29% independents (Renfro, Florida Politics.com). Many came here to escape mandatory mask and vaccine rules, lockdowns, and distance learning for schoolchildren.

More than 555,000 Floridians (4% of registrants) changed their party affiliation between January 2021 and Sept. 30, 2022. More of those who switched left the Democratic Party (42%) than the Republican Party (24%). Among those who were No Party Affiliation (NPA) registrants but became affiliated with a party, 62% became Republicans, but only 38% switched to the Democrats. (MacManus, sayfiereview.com).

More Floridians than ever (27%) turned their backs on both major parties and registered as NPAs.  Millennials and Gen Zers (40%) were the most likely to do so compared to 17% of Florida’s two oldest generations. NPAs are viewed as the state’s “swing voters.” In 2022, more NPAs (52%) voted for Republican than Democrat candidates (NBC exit poll).

Winning rural, suburban and urban counties

DeSantis won the rural (70%) and suburban vote (58%), both typically Republican, and the urban vote (56%). Large urban counties that had voted Democrat in 2018 turned red in 2022: Duval (55%), Hillsborough (64%), Palm Beach (52%), Miami-Dade (55%) and Pinellas (55%). Turnout was low in these urban areas among young and Black voters — key Democratic constituency bases, plus the Latino vote shifted significantly to Republicans.

Crist won only five counties (Alachua, Broward, Gadsden, Leon and Orange) — far fewer than the 13 counties won by Andrew Gillum, the Democratic candidate for governor in 2018.

For the first time in 20 years, Republicans won Miami-Dade County — the state’s largest with a majority (70%) Hispanic population. The result drew national attention.

Getting Out the Vote (GOTV)
Turnout actually went down from 63% in 2018 (the previous midterm) to 54% in 2022. The falloff rates were higher among Democrats particularly in heavily populated metropolitan areas. Democratic turnout problems were first evident in the August primary when the party’s turnout rate was 31% compared to Republicans’ 33%, in spite of Democrats having a competitive gubernatorial primary while Republicans did not. The lagging turnout among young (11%), Latino (16%) and Black (27%) Democrats was a sign of what was to come in November.

Getting a potential supporter to actually vote depends on four M’s: the right Message and messenger, the right Means of communication, Microtargeting to key demographic groups, and sufficient Money. Florida Republicans were better at each.

Marketing research in 2022 advised that a message be clear, delivered by ordinary people, and frequently changed. The DeSantis TV commercials were far more effective than the Crist and Demings ads. According to AdImpact, Crist and Demings ads continued to focus on abortion (airing 28,000 times), even when polls showed that Floridians’ priority was economic, especially inflation. Their ads also featured the candidates themselves and ran for long periods. By contrast, DeSantis’ ads featured everyday Floridians, with a different theme every week or so. The most impactful ad for DeSantis featured his wife Casey describing how he cared for her during her fight against breast cancer.

Democrats failed to mobilize two key voting blocs — the young and voters of color. The party relied more on broadcast television and mailers than on different social media platforms and influencer networks. They trailed the DeSantis campaign in micro targeting Latinos via social media and radio, and failed to generate enthusiasm among Black voters, particularly younger ones.

It’s Back to the Drawing Board for Florida Democrats
In 2022, Democrats got the worst drubbing in more than 100 years. Party officials blamed national Democratic groups for drastically reducing contributions to help local parties engage in aggressive year-round registration efforts. National Democratic donor groups sent Florida Democrats just $1.8 million in 2022, down from $55 million in 2018.

They also pointed fingers at over reliance on political consultants from outside Florida, failed efforts at recruiting strong candidates, and poor messaging especially to younger and Latino voters.

In a tweet, Kevin Cate, a political consultant for Democrats, wasted no words: “At the rate Florida is going, an NPA candidate for governor may have a better shot than a Democrat in 2026. It’s that bad. Complete collapse. We either reset or go extinct.”

David J. Bonanza and Anthony A. Cilluffo contributed to this report

Published November 23, 2022