The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Special to The Laker/Lutz News

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Those tired of old household cleaners under their kitchen sink, pesticides in their garage or outdated electronics in the house can get rid of them at this event, according to a Pasco County news release.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

Florida monitoring above average cases of RSV

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The Florida Department of Health (Department) is monitoring an above average number of cases of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in Florida communities, according to a news release.

This common respiratory virus may cause a higher number of pediatric emergency department visits compared to previous years, the release says.

RSV is an infection of the lungs and respiratory tract with symptoms similar to a common cold. Mild case symptoms can include congested or runny nose, dry cough, low-grade fever, sore throat, sneezing, and headache. In severe cases, RSV symptoms may include fever, cough, wheezing, rapid or difficulty breathing, or bluish skin color.

The health department recommends these steps to help protect yourself and others from respiratory illness:

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces.
  • Stay home if you are sick and keep children home if they are sick.
  • Cover your mouth and nose when sneezing and coughing. If you don’t have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve or elbow, not your hands.
    Infants are the most affected by RSV.

Symptoms of severe cases in infants are short, shallow, and rapid breathing, struggling to breathe, cough, poor feeding, unusual tiredness, or irritability, the release says.

Most children and adults recover in one to two weeks, although some might have repeated wheezing. Severe or life-threatening infection requiring a hospital stay may occur in premature infants or in anyone who has chronic heart or lung problems.

For more information, please visit the Florida Department of Health and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Published November 16, 2022

Voice of The Voter

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The Laker/Lutz News Staff Reporter Mike Camunas caught up with some voters to ask them what motivated them to head to the polls for the 2022 General Election. We share their thoughts here:

  • Maria Cuebas, Zephyrhills: “It’s my duty to vote and I try to regularly vote. … This was one of the most important midterms in a long time. It was important that everyone was heard this time around. Penny For Pasco — it’s going to serve its purpose.”
  • Rolanda Avila, Zephyrhills: “We need to vote and be heard — especially with the way this country has been going. People need to get out and be heard, and voting is the right way to do that. We got to make sure that we turn this around as much as we can and we use every tool that we got to help people that are struggling.”
  • Tiffany Musak, Wesley Chapel: “I just want to make sure that we stay free, because I like our state the way it is — it was an important midterm. I voted for Penny For Pasco because it’s for Pasco. It’s right in the name.”
  • Tammy Loomis, Wesley Chapel: “Yeah, I think (as a teacher), it’s pretty obvious I voted for Penny For Pasco (laughs). I mean, it helps out everyone, our classrooms, especially, and I look at it that way, obviously, because all the teachers need help, but you always want to thrive in our community and that is an important way to make sure that we continue to thrive.”
  • Phillip Fields, Land O’ Lakes: “It’s always important to vote — no matter how long the line is, it’s important to vote at every election. As far as I’m concerned. … It was an important one for our state, but our area, too.” (He also mentioned he voted for Penny for Pasco.)
  • Noel Garcia, Land O’ Lakes: “Well, certainly, I think the governor’s race was really important this time around, but I also think that it’s important to vote (at midterms) to keep control of the House and the Senate, no matter your (party) affiliation. It was important to vote on the school board (members) because those are important for our schools and kids and teachers. I voted to retain Penny For Pasco, because my wife, (and) my mother-in-law, are both teachers, and that, in part, but also so we don’t lose all the funding that goes to the rest of the county, too.”
  • Jessica Powser, Land O’ Lakes: “It’s always important to vote because every vote matters — every voice matters. It’s what makes this country great — that you can vote and matter. … There were a lot of things that we needed to vote for here in Pasco, and I’m glad I did and hope everyone who could did, too.”

Published November 16, 2022