The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Festival welcomes students interested in scouting

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A festival featuring activities for Cub Scouts and students interested in learning more about the organization for boys and girls is planned for May 14, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Spring Cub Fest, sponsored by the Fort Brooke District of the Greater Tampa Bay Council of Boy Scouts of America, will be at Camp Brorein, 16901 Boy Scout Road, in Odessa, according to a news release.

Those wishing to attend are welcome at any point during the event’s slated time period.

The festival is designed for elementary school children. It will feature fun activities, including shooting sports, climbing, crafts, games and displays, said Tom Knotts, activities chairman in the Fort Brooke District, in the release.

“It’s a great opportunity to see what the Cub Scouts program offers – fun, friendship and outdoor activities,” Knotts said.

Event registration fee is $10 per participant. To register, visit ScoutingEvent.com/089-springcubfest.

Published May 11, 2022

Pasco signals increase to residential waste collection rates

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The Pasco County Commission has approved a June 7 public hearing on a proposal to lift the ceiling on charges for residential solid waste collection and disposal.

Under the change, the proposed residential rates would be allowed to be increased based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for garbage and trash collection.

According to material in the board’s agenda packet: “The last adjustment to this rate ceiling was in June of 2019. Since that time, market forces have significantly impacted waste collection costs.

“Both the global pandemic and recent geopolitical events have resulted in increased labor rates, delays in supply chain, and higher fuel costs.

“To ensure the financial viability of residential waste collection in Pasco County there is a need to revise the county’s residential collection rate structure.

“Feedback from waste haulers has indicated that the ability to adjust rates annually will result in higher market confidence and increased competition. The majority of Florida counties do not employ a fixed price ceiling for residential waste collection and instead the price of residential collection is either bid as a component of the franchise process, or the haulers operate as an open market.”

Pasco’s staff recommended allowing a two-year lookback, which would result in a maximum increase of 8.6%.

After that, increases would be annually based on no more than the CPI for garbage and trash collection.

Board member Jack Mariano thought the 8.6% was too steep and asked if the lookback could be for just one year.

But that idea did not find support on the board.

Commissioners Mike Moore and Ron Oakley said the cost of doing business has gone up.

The item will come back to the board on June 7 for a public hearing.

Current multi-year agreements between haulers and HOAs/CDDs will remain in effect and will not be affected, unless the existing agreements have provisions for cost escalation.

When those agreements expire, the CPI for garbage and trash collection will be used as the maximum percentage the rates could increase on annual basis.

Published May 11, 2022

New fee for utilities assessment searches

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Pasco County Utilities will be charging a new $9 fee for utilities assessment searches, effective July 1, according to a county news release.

The fee will cover assessment search services for water, sewer, reclaimed water and commercial solid waste services at a specific property.

Assessments are designed to protect property owners who are taking on new loans or refinancing, the release says.

The fee rate was established through the Utility Rate Study and helps to offset associated costs, including staff and equipment, the release says.

“A title search should include checking for unpaid assessments,” Utilities Customer Information & Services Director Sandra Anderson, said in the release. “Overlooking an assessment could be detrimental, as any unpaid assessments will be levied against a parcel, and are subject to penalties and lien activity. A thorough search, before closing, reduces additional costs after the closing.”

Allow up to five business days for each assessment search. Billing statements, sent the first week of each month, will show requests that were received the month prior.

Payments may be made online or over the phone by calling 855-786-5344, which is available 24/7. A full list of payment options and payment methods are available by visiting bit.ly/PascoUtilitiesBillPay.

For more information on the assessment process or the tools developed by Pasco County Utilities, visit bit.ly/PCUAssessmentSearch.

Published May 11, 2022

Pasco creates cultural affairs advisory council

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Pasco County has created a Cultural Arts Advisory Council and is seeking volunteers to serve on it.

The five-member board will be involved in helping to shape the future of cultural opportunities in Pasco County.

The board’s purpose will be to bring additional arts and cultural resources, as well as opportunities, to Pasco — with the aim of enriching the county’s artistic vitality and cultural vibrancy, according to a county news release.

“This council will provide guidance and direction for arts and culture issues,” said Pasco County Commission Chairwoman Kathryn Starkey, in the release. “We’re thrilled to assemble this council, and we hope community members who’ve made significant contributions to the arts or have an interest in expanding cultural opportunities will apply for this amazing opportunity.”

The positions require individuals who:

  • Have extensive knowledge of the arts and culture scene
  • Can assist in applying for grants
  • Will be involved in establishing an awards program to recognize cultural programs and in organizing workshops and events

The deadline for applications is May 31. To apply, visit bit.ly/AdvisoryBoardApp.

The Pasco County Commission will appoint five members to the council, who will serve two-year, staggered terms.

Published May 11, 2022

Avalon Applauds Kids Helping Kids Pasco County 

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Congratulations to Kids Helping Kids Pasco County for being applauded by Avalon Park Wesley Chapel.

The nonprofit organization was founded in 2018 by president Michelle Patel, who was looking for ways for her family to serve the community together. Patel didn’t find many local opportunities for children to be involved, until a sandwich-making project in​​ the community became the ‘building blocks’ for Kids Helping Kids Pasco County.

The nonprofit strives to be a source of assistance to local, low-income families that are struggling financially but may be unable to receive assistance elsewhere.

“We have a ‘no questions asked’ policy when it comes to most of the support we provide. If a family reaches out in need of support, we will do everything in our power to help them,” says vice president Dara Dimeler.

Kids Helping Kids Pasco County has a few projects it does every year, such as its summer food drive and holiday toy drive.

“Our Teen Advisory Board helps to guide our projects every year – they provide valuable insight into the needs of their peers,” says Patel.

The organization also has started installing some Free Little Libraries around the area, and are doing more routine road cleanups.

The two Little Libraries are located at the RCMA Dade City Learning Center and the Pasco Woods Apartments in Wesley Chapel.

“We supply the books, and we have volunteers that routinely check on the libraries to make sure they are not damaged and are fully stocked,” says Dimeler.

Patel says the nonprofit’s greatest achievement to date has been its COVID-19 food project.

“When schools abruptly closed in March 2020, the access for food was initially very limited within our county. We saw a need and stepped in immediately to provide supplemental food to families that had suddenly lost the food support they would have otherwise been receiving through free/reduced school lunches,” says Patel.

Together with the help of more than 100 volunteers, community donations and business sponsors, Kids Helping Kids Pasco County provided more than 27,000 meals over a 21-week period.

“Watching the community come together in what was such a unique and confusing time was absolutely amazing to witness, and something I personally will never forget,” says Patel.

For Patel, the most rewarding part of founding Kids Helping Kids Pasco County is the impact the nonprofit has on these young children.

“Watching a child with a smile on their face genuinely wanting to help make a difference in their community is what keeps me going. We’ve had the opportunity to watch many of these young volunteers grow over the years, step up into their community and really make a difference,” says Patel.

Kids Helping Kids Pasco County is currently looking for a fundraising chair. The nonprofit also is looking to fill spots on its Back to School Planning Committee. Ideal volunteers for this role would be available to work through the summer to plan and execute its drive scheduled for July 30, 2022. Both of these roles would be adult-held positions.

For more information on how to support or volunteer for the nonprofit, call 813-957-5711.

Be sure to follow the nonprofit on Facebook (Facebook.com/KidsHelpingKidsPasco) and Instagram (@kidshelpingkidspasco).

Southport Springs resident celebrates big birthday

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(Courtesy of Joe Grigelevich/The Southport Sun)
Gene Poupard when he joined the service.

Gene Poupard will be turning 100 years old on May 28 and soon will celebrate with his family in Michigan. Meanwhile, his friends in Southport Springs Golf & Country Club in Zephyrhills had a party to mark his milestone. His daughter, Marie, and her husband Paul Weston, also live in Southport Springs and, together with Poupard’s friends, threw him a party, according to Joe Grigelevich, editor of The Southport Sun, a community newsletter. ‘And, what a great celebration it was,’ the editor noted.

Shirley Ann Garrison

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79, passed away peacefully on April 27, 2022, at her home in Land O’ Lakes, FL with her husband, John Garrison, of 59 years, by her side. Shirley owned and operated Tender Years Daycare in Land O’Lakes for 30+ years. Family was the most important thing in her life, and she lived for spending time with her grandkids and great- grandkids. Shirley loved rooting for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, her favorite color was blue, and she enjoyed hosting all holidays just to get extra time in with her family.

Shirley is survived by her husband; John, daughters; Laura and Donna Butrick, son; James (Rita) Garrison, six grandchildren; Andrew Garrison, Krysta Rosello, Nikki and Joella Butrick, Austi Dial, and Nina Butrick, and 10 great-grandchildren; James Lewis, Adrian, John, Marion and Dominick Garrison, Brian O. and Jasmyne Butrick, Brian B. Butrick and Remington Jackson.

She is preceded in death by her parents; Glenn and Evelyn Straight, six brothers and sisters; Mary Jo, Wilma Jean, Glenn Jr., Iona Lee, Donnie Lee and Wanda Mae and sons-in-law Rick Butrick and Brian Butrick.

Shirley’s family couldn’t think of a better way to celebrate her life than to have her service on Mother’s Day, May 8, 2022, at Loyless Funeral Home in Land O’ Lakes, FL.

Published May 11, 2022

Ralph ‘Rick” Butrick Jr.

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Passed away peacefully on February 24, 2021 at his home in Land O Lakes, Fl, with his wife Laura Butrick, of 36 years, by his side.

Rick loved his family, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and was an avid NASCAR fan. Rick had a larger- than-life personality which is why he will be missed by so many.

He is survived by his wife Laura, & his daughter Krysta and son-in-law Miguel Rosello.

Siblings; Barbie (more like a daughter) and husband Gary Thronson, Debbie Fields, Pam Wallace and Curtis Butrick as well as several nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his grandparents, Earl and Barbara Dean; mother JoAnne Dean; father, Ralph Butrick and brother Brian Butrick.

Until we meet again – love you forever!

Published on 3/17/21.

New River Branch Library celebrates its revival

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Artwork adorned the walls of the main lobby.

A butterfly release was held outdoors.

This sign helps guide visitors to New River Branch Library and its Discovery Gardens, at 34043 State Road 54, in Wesley Chapel, near Zephyrhills. The library has been updated through an extensive renovation. (Fred Bellet)

Speakers addressed the crowd, and people toured the building and grounds, as the New River Branch Library, at 34043 State Road 54, celebrated its rededication.

The $2.8 million project — including design, construction, furnishings, technology and associated expenses — is one of seven library renovation projects being completed through General Obligation bonds approved by voters in 2018.

From the outside, New River’s red brick building, constructed in 1991, looks much the same.

But now, the Discovery Gardens is on the east side of the building, and additional trees and flowering plants on the library’s campus give the property a fresh, new look.

Indoors, the library space is brighter and more open. The update includes new flooring, restrooms, seating and technology.

The space has been reconfigured to provide more opportunities for public use.

There’s a children’s room, a teen room, study rooms, a community room and other spaces designed to meet various needs.

This library is far more than just a place to read and check out books.

It’s a place where adults gather to do chair yoga, crochet or knit; children gather for story time; and, people of all ages garden and take advantage of the library’s many other offerings.

Published May 04, 2022

Dignitaries and people involved in the renovation project prepare to perform the ribbon-cutting, signaling the rededication of the New River Branch Library.
Discovery Gardens is located on the east side of New River Branch Library. Because of its location, it gets plenty of early morning sunshine. Four-year-old Riley Roby is watering some of the lettuce leaf basil and other vegetables growing in the garden. The Wesley Chapel boy was there with his mom, Bethany, and his 1-year-old brother, Judah.
Residents, staff and members of the Friends of the Library, fill the main lobby at the New River Branch Library rededication ceremony.
A sunflower blooms in the Discovery Gardens at the New River Branch Library.
Ted Williamson, of Williamson Design Associates, spoke during the rededication ceremony.
Jane Kane, left, and Oaklee Gagnon, right, both of Dade City, check out the seed library for those wanting to cultivate plants or flowers. The two women were among members of the Friends of the Library.
After the ribbon-cutting ceremony, the butterfly release and touring through the New River Library, Judy Semonick, left, of Wesley Chapel, and Pat Smith, of Zephyrhills, take a break inside the library to cool down.
George Tharin, senior project architect from Williamson Design Associates, shares details about the library’s update.
Angelo Liranzo was one of the event’s masters of ceremonies who introduced people who played a role in revitalizing the library and creating the Discovery Gardens. Normally, Liranzo is based at the Hugh Embry Branch Library, in Dade City.

 

Ceremony celebrates new Dade City leaders

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The Dade City Commission swore in a new mayor, a new mayor pro-tem, a new commissioner and an incumbent, during the commission’s April 26 meeting.

Jim Shive is the city’s new mayor, replacing Camille Hernandez, who retired from elected office. Knute Nathe is the new mayor pro tem. Ann Cosentino will fill the seat vacated by Hernandez, and Scott Black was reelected to another term.

Hernandez was elected in 2006 to a commission seat and served as mayor from 2012 until retiring in 2022.

Commissioners unanimously elected Shive as the city’s mayor and Nathe as the mayor pro tem.

Published May 04, 2022

The Dade City Commission, from left are Knute Nathe, Jim Shive, Scott Black, Ann Cosentino and Normita ‘Angel’ Woodard. Commissioners selected Shive as the city’s mayor and Nathe as mayor pro tem. (Courtesy of Jennifer Tussing)
Dade City Mayor Jim Shive, right, shakes hands with Mayor Pro Tem Knute Nathe during a City Commission Meeting on April 26.