The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Special to The Laker/Lutz News

107 homes approved in Land O’ Lakes

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The Pasco County Commission has approved a rezoning that would allow up to a maximum of 107 homes on a 43.5-acre site in Land O’ Lakes.

The property is on the north side of Dogpatch Lane, about 390 feet west of Joy Drive, and abutting Joy Drive, about 690 feet north of Dogpatch Drive.

As a condition of approval, Attorney Barbara Wilhite said her client has agreed to install one 8-foot-wide sidewalk, heading north to south through the subdivision, to provide a safe place for students to walk to school. Normally, a 5-foot-wide sidewalk would be required.

The rezoning, approved unanimously by the county board at its Aug. 9 meeting, changed the zoning from agricultural and agricultural-residential designations to a master-planned unit development.

County planners and the Pasco County Planning Commission had recommended approval of the request, deeming it to be consistent with the county’s long-range plan and land development code.

The county board’s approval came despite objections from area residents who raised concerns about potential impacts on wildlife and the prospect for additional traffic on Lake Patience Road.

Prior to the board’s vote, Debbie Moore, who lives nearby, told commissioners: “You guys don’t know this land at all. You haven’t walked it.”

She said she lives on 6 acres and her neighbors live on 20 acres.

“We have wetlands all around us,” she said. “You guys need to go see the area.

“You’re not considering the wildlife,” she added.

Cathryn Baxter Polonitza who lives in a nearby subdivision urged the county board to reject the request.

She said she’d gathered a petition with about 100 signatures of people opposing the proposed development.

She also noted that many area residents were unaware of the request.

Wilhite said the rezoning request was properly noticed.

Pat Rubrecht and other area residents raised concerns about adding traffic to Lake Patience Road, which they said is already dangerous.

Wilhite told the county board that this project is consistent with what the county envisions in its long-range plan.

The density also complies with the plan. The development also will be served by county water and sewer, the attorney said.

During the discussion, Commission Chairwoman Kathryn Starkey told county staff that she’d like an update regarding the potential for adding a traffic signal at the intersection of Lake Patience Road and U.S. 41.

Published August 17, 2022

Hillsborough adopts rules to protect renters

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Hillsborough County has adopted new provisions aimed at protecting renters.

The new provisions, adopted by the Hillsborough County Commission, require residential landlords in unincorporated Hillsborough County to give at least 60 days’ notice for rent increases higher than 5% and must meet minimum notice requirements for terminating leases, according to a county news release.

Those provisions are included in the Tenants’ Bill of Rights ordinance, adopted by the Hillsborough county board earlier this month.

Provisions to the Tenant’s Bill of Right Ordinance expand the required notifications to include:

  • At least 30 days’ notice before termination of residential month-to-month leases
  • At least 60 days’ notice for the termination of all other residential leases
  • At least 60 days’ notice for residential rent increases of more than 5% for leases with a specific term

The ordinance changes took effect on Aug. 8.

Enforcement penalties for landlords begin on Oct. 1.

Violation of the ordinance is punishable by a $500 fine for a first offense and any subsequent offenses.

The Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners first approved the Tenant’s Bill of Rights Ordinance in March 2021, with its provisions going into effect July 1 of that year. The ordinance requires landlords to provide new tenants and those renewing their lease a copy of the Tenant’s Bill of Rights and Resources. Among other provisions, the ordinance bans discrimination based on lawful income, requires written notice of each late fee, and prohibits retaliation for tenants who report a health or safety violation or file a Fair Housing complaint.

Full details on Hillsborough County’s Tenant’s Bill of Rights Ordinance and how to report violations are available at HCFLGov.net/TenantRights.

Published August 17, 2022

Pasco High honors Gerald Newton

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Gerald Newton (File)

The Pasco County School Board has named the press box at W.F. Edwards Stadium after Gerald Newton, who was known as the “Voice of the Pirates.”

Pasco High School Principal Kari Kadlub and Athletic Director Dawn Wetherby submitted the request, which was approved during a July school board meeting.

In part, the letter of request notes that for 40 years, Newton “volunteered at Pasco High School—providing play-by-play coverage for the fans in the stands at football games and the voice of WDCF (local radio station).

“He loved coming to the games and helping create the electric atmosphere,” the letter adds.

“Additionally, he announced countless homecoming and senior nights.

“He wrote a local sports column in the Dade City Banner, Pasco News, and Dade City News from 1965 to 2012. He truly was the “VOICE” of the Pirates,” the letter says.

Newton worked for 40-plus years as a teacher, coach and athletic director.

Published August 17, 2022

Hillsborough seeks input on Cross Creek Park

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Hillsborough County is planning improvements at Cross Creek Park and is asking members of the public to share their thoughts on how to proceed.

Cross Creek Park currently has an outdoor basketball court, two kickball fields, picnic shelters, and a playground on 14 acres at 19025 Basset Creek Drive, in Tampa, according to a county news release.

Future improvements could include a recreation center with programming, splash pad, walking trails, and an updated playground, the release says.

The county is conducting a virtual engagement exercise, using the Hillsborough Engagement Hub to collect feedback from the public on plans for the park.

Comment for this project is open until Aug. 21.

To participate, visit HCFLGov.net/HCEngage.

Questions in English or Spanish about the virtual public engagement for the park plan may be directed to the Customer Service Center at 813-635-5400.

Published August 17, 2022

Town of St. Leo honors valued service

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The Town of St. Leo has bestowed a Proclamation of Appreciation to Mary Cabot and Luke D’Ambrosio for their time and service to the community.

The recognitions came during a Town Commission meeting in July.

Cabot was singled out for her litter pick-up efforts and her “years of service and positive impact” she has had on St. Leo, through her “exemplary efforts.” D’Ambrosio, who served as Town intern before joining the staff, was recognized for both for his contributions and for “the example he has set for future interns.”

The partnerships between the Town of St. Leo and the Pasco County Health Department received recognition, too.

Mary Cabot, right, stands with St. Leo Mayor Vincent D’Ambrosio, during a July meeting when she received a proclamation of appreciation for her community contributions. (Courtesy of Town of St. Leo)
St. Leo Town Clerk Andrea Calvert, right and Luke D’Ambrosio, proudly display the proclamation bestowed to D’Ambrosio, who served as a Town intern, before joining the staff. He was praised for setting an example for future interns.

 

Starkey and Mariano named to state board

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Kathryn Starkey (File)

Pasco County Commission Chairwoman Kathryn Starkey and Pasco County Commissioner Jack Mariano have been named to two-year terms on the board of the Florida Association of Counties (FAC), according to a county news release.

Jack Mariano

The election took place during the association’s annual conference in July.

“I’m thrilled to represent Pasco County on this important board,” Starkey said, in the release. “I look forward to working with leaders from around the state on policy issues that will help make Florida and Pasco County great places to live, work and play.”

“It’s an honor and a privilege to serve on a board comprised of dedicated, talented public servants from all over Florida,” Mariano said, in the release. “We plan to do great work as we represent our communities on multiple levels.”

Ginger Delegal, executive director for FAC, also offered some thoughts in the release.

She said that commissioners selected to serve on the executive board must be committed to representing local interests and be willing to speak up for their communities.

Both Starkey and Mariano “have demonstrated these qualities and been carefully selected by fellow commissioners to take on this position,” Delegal added.

FAC was founded in 1929 and represents the diverse interests of Florida’s counties, emphasizing the importance of protecting home rule – the concept that communities and their local leaders should make the decisions that affect their individual communities.

Published August 17, 2022

Idlewild Baptist Church hosts teacher celebration gala

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From left: Wiregrass Elementary teachers Amy Wright and Danielle Bockus, pose with musical guest Gabriela Shephard. (Courtesy of Idlewild Baptist Church)

Idlewild Baptist Church wanted to give teachers a fresh start to the 2022-2023 by expressing the church’s appreciation for them at its first-ever Teacher Celebration Gala.

Teachers from the Pasco and Hillsborough public school districts were invited to the church for an evening of refreshment, relaxation and fun, according to a news release from the church, which is located at 18333 Exciting Idlewild Blvd., in Lutz.

When teachers walked down a red carpet, on July 30, they were greeted with enthusiasm and smiles, the release notes.

The teachers also could take advantage of photo booths, as well as enjoy a meal served by more than 50 Idlewild church member volunteers, the release adds.

Senior Pastor Ken Whitten gave the teachers a warm welcome and reminisced about a teacher who had played a special role in his life.

After dinner, there were drawings for prizes — such as teacher supplies, an ice-cream social, teacher lunches and various gift cards, a dinner for two at Bern’s, a beach weekend getaway and other prizes provided by sponsors.

Then, the teachers were treated to a comedy show by comedian Jonnie W.

Other highlights included live music, closing remarks and a prayer over the teachers by Dr. Edgar Aponte, the global missions pastor.

The evening concluded with desserts with chocolate fountains, specialty-made coffee, and a spread of hors d’oeuvres after the presentation.

Published August 17, 2022

Is that road really pink?

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Some motorists could be doing a double-take over the next several months, as Pasco County treats some of its roads with a substance that makes them turn temporarily pink.

Pasco County Public Works crews will be applying Reclamite, an asphalt pavement penetrating rejuvenator intended to give the roads longer life by sealing them, preventing air and water intrusion and improving durability, according to a county news release.

The process can add up to five years of life to a road, the release said.

The project is beginning on the west side of the county, but will be done on other select arterial and collector roads in the future.

When initially applied to the road, the substance appears pink, but that disappears in about 30 minutes, the county reports.

The first stretch of road to be treated will be Aripeka Road from U.S. 18 to the Pasco County line.

Published August 10, 2022

Avalon Applauds Healing Hearts Cafe

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Congratulations to Healing Hearts Cafe for being applauded by Avalon Park Wesley Chapel.

Healing Hearts Cafe’s mission is to provide the homeless with all the resources needed to become contributing members of the Zephyrhills community.

The nonprofit has evolved over the last 10 years, as its roots were originally with the Grace Cafe, founded by Donna Nelson. Grace Cafe served a free meal every Saturday, to anyone in need.

After Nelson moved from the area, director Kathy Pahl changed the name to Healing Hearts Cafe and began serving Saturday night meals, followed by a church service. She also began taking meals to the park two days a week.

Around this time, Joni Keane began helping her, along with Nelson who had just moved back to Zephyrhills.

The three of them felt a need to do more, as the home-insecure had multiple issues to address. They began to pray that God would provide a building where they could offer showers, laundry facilities, and a safe place out of the heat or severe weather. God answered their prayers and they’ve been in their current building for about 16 months.

At Healing Hearts Cafe, three free meals are provided each day. The dining room also serves as a “family room” where displaced persons can hang out, play board games, watch TV, and charge their phones. The building also has laundry facilities and a shower.

The nonprofit also provides rides to job interviews, doctor appointments, court appearances and numerous other places. All of its services are free of charge.

“If there is something we can’t provide, we find someone who does,” says Keane.

In its first year of operation, the nonprofit served 25,000 meals to an average of 50 or more people each day, as well as offered 2,400 showers and completed 700 loads of laundry.

Homelessness has always been an issue, but Keane says it’s been exacerbated lately due to the increased cost of rent, food and other essentials.

People from all walks of life have come to Healing Hearts Cafe for help. Keane says many circumstances can lead to homelessness, including addiction, mental illness, medical catastrophes, abuse, abandonment from loved ones, and poor decision-making.

There are a variety of ways the community can help support Healing Hearts Cafe, including serving food, stocking shelves, cleaning, and spending a few moments to provide encouragement to the clients.

“We are also looking for job coaches, financial advisors, and Bible study leaders. Our facility lso often needs repairs with plumbing and electrical issues, to keep it running smoothly,” says Keane.

The cafe accepts donations of food, paper products and cleaning supplies, at any time.

Monetary donations are greatly appreciated, too. “Due to the high volume of laundry and showers, our utility bill is quite high. We also have the usual expenses of rent, insurance, and cable/wifi,” says Keane.

And, at the end of the day, prayer is always welcomed and appreciated.

Healing Hearts Cafe is located at 6436 12th St., Zephyrhills, FL 33542 and is open Monday through Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. For more information, go to  HealingHeartsCafe.com.

Spending quality time with seniors

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(Courtesy of Linda Mitchell)

Little Women of Lutz members Alexis Mitchell, Alyssa Mitchell and Zoey Cropper (in blue shirts), joined the GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s club for games and crafts at the Land O’ Lakes Senior Center of Pasco County. Club members and center residents played dominos and painted door hangers. The residents also learned how to make ground sleeping mats — a specialty of the woman’s club — for the homeless.