The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Tips to help avoid holiday traffic jams near I-75/State Road 56

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Officials from the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) have offered a bit of a playbook to help motorists avoid holiday traffic jams near the Interstate 75/State Road 56 interchange.

The interchange happens to be near Cypress Creek Town Center, which includes Tampa Premium Outlets, west of the intersection on State Road 56; and The Shops at Wiregrass, east of the interchange on State Road 56.

There also are myriad shops and restaurants in the general area — making the State Road 54/State Road 56 corridor a busy area.

Add the holidays and a major construction project into the mix, and traffic jams could become a real source of frustration during the holidays.

So, the folks at FDOT’s District Seven office are offering some practical suggestions that could help during the holidays, from Thanksgiving through New Year’s Day.

Their first word of advice? Avoid the area, when possible.

Instead of getting off at the State Road 56/I-75 exit, FDOT officials advise southbound motorists to get off at the State Road 54/I-75 exit. Those motorists can head west from that interchange and then take Wesley Chapel Boulevard south to State Road 56, to access the area on State Road 56, west of I-75.

At the same exit, head east over to Bruce B. Downs Boulevard and then south to State Road 56, to access the areas east of I-75.

Here are some other suggestions:

  • Use other roads to travel around the highly congested area of SR 56 at I-75, and also near shopping malls, especially if your destination is not actually on the State Road 54/State Road 56 corridor.
  • Seek out alternate access points to shopping and dining destinations. (Remember many major shopping areas have multiple access points to and from parking areas.)
  • Shop or commute during off-peak hours, when possible. Congestion at SR 56/I-75 is at its worst between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m., on weekdays, so try to avoid that area during those hours.

In addition to issuing this guidance, the FDOT “will adjust traffic signals for seasonal traffic patterns and the project team is working on other plans to help improve travel times,” according to a news release from Kris Carson, spokeswoman for FDOT’s District Seven office.

Published Nov. 24, 2021

New agreement aims to give EMS students practical experience

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The Pasco County Commission has approved a request for the Pasco County Fire Rescue Department and the School of EMS to pursue a contract to allow students to participate in patient care activities.

The agreement, approved last month, calls for students to gain experience in a prehospital setting through an established clinical program, when the students are enrolled in the paramedic program at the School of EMS.

Currently, students that are employed by Pasco County Fire Rescue and enrolled in the School of EMS program to obtain paramedic credentials are not able to practice and apply paramedic exercises toward their certification hour allotment requirement.

Firefighters hired by Pasco County Fire Rescue agree to a “Condition of Employment” to elevate their Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) status to Paramedic (a medically advanced treatment designation in the emergency services field more appropriate for service delivery through a premier organization within three years of employment with Pasco County Fire Rescue).

Establishing this agreement is expected to provide students with the opportunity to apply skills mastered in the classroom within a “real-world” setting while under close supervision and mentorship from their colleagues, and substantially increase efficiency in the educational advancement path of the county’s firefighters, according to the Oct. 26 agenda materials.

Published Nov. 24, 2021

MPO advisory committee adds two members

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The board of the Pasco County Metropolitan Planning Organization has appointed Christie Zimmer and Jim Engelmann to serve on the organization’s Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC).

The Pasco MPO is the lead transportation planning agency in Pasco County that serves unincorporated Pasco and the municipalities of Zephyrhills, San Antonio, St. Leo, New Port Richey, Port Richey and Dade City.

The board took the action at its October meeting.

The CAC advises the Pasco MPO board on various issues coming before the board.

Under state and federal laws, the Pasco County MPO is responsible for establishing a continuing, cooperative and comprehensive transportation planning process for Pasco County. Key responsibilities are the creation of the 20-year Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP), the five-year Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP), and the five-year Transportation Improvement program.

Published Nov. 24, 2021

Thousands of new socks and shoes collected for Pasco kids

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Here’s a look at the scores of shoes collected in the sixth annual Two Good Soles Shoes & Socks Drive, a partnership between Pasco County. Pasco Constitutional Offices and Pasco County Schools. The annual drive provides footwear for Pasco students in need. (Courtesy of Pasco County)

The sixth annual Two Good Soles Shoes & Socks Drive yielded nearly 3,000 pairs of shoes and nearly 4,000 pairs of socks that will be given to kids in Pasco County Schools, according to a county news release.

The annual effort, which involves Pasco County government and the county’s Constitutional Offices, resulted in a bounty of new footwear that was delivered to Wendell Krinn Technical School in New Port Richey on Oct. 27.

Since 2016, the Two Good Soles Drive has collected 12,310 pairs of shoes and 34,457 pairs of socks. Social workers give the items to Pasco students, according to the release.

“This donation drive makes a huge difference for our students in Pasco,” Assistant County Administrator Cathy Pearson, said in the release.

Published Nov. 24, 2021

County allocates $100,000 for tourism website

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The Pasco County Commission has approved a $100,000 agreement with Madden Preprint Media LLC for a website redesign and redevelopment for the county’s destination management organization (DMO), known as Florida’s Sports Coast.

The bid was awarded as part of the board’s consent agenda, meaning it was part of a vote including several items, without board discussion or public comment.

The contract is for an amount not-to-exceed $100,000 in fiscal year 2022.

It is a one-year deal, but includes three one-year options to renew, upon mutual agreement, or unless it is canceled, according to the materials in the board’s Oct. 26 agenda.

During the bid process, 266 vendors received automatic email notices, including eight from Pasco County. Eighty-five manually searched for and downloaded the solicitation, three of which were from Pasco County. Four responses were received, none of which were from Pasco County.

The bids were evaluated by a committee made up of assistant county administrators Cathy Pearson and Erik Breitenbach; Adam Thomas, director of the county’s DMO; Louise Morgan, IT product manager, information technology; and Kolby Kucyk-Gayson, communications manager for the DMO.

Madden Preprint Media ranked the highest in the evaluation.

Published Nov. 24, 2021

The “Artist” at Artistic Dental Associates

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When you think of an “Artist,” you think of a professional, someone highly talented and someone who has perfected their trade.

Artistic Dental Associates has earned the right to that name. They provide a professional, friendly, and comprehensive dental service to families living in Zephyrhills and the neighboring communities of Wesley Chapel, Dade City, Plant City, Lakeland and more.

Led by Dr. Kulwant S. Bedi, affectionally called Dr. K by patients and staff, the practice has been operating for over 35 years. Dr. K actively practices in oral surgery, dental implants, prosthetics, periodontal treatments, and the entire range of dentistry. He has been a successful practitioner since 1976, when he graduated from the University of Louisville, Kentucky. This began a long career as a medical professional, after first gaining his master’s degree in nuclear physics, in Michigan.

“When patients come here, we don’t need to refer them to other practices, because we do everything in-house,” explains Carla Dignall, who has worked for Dr. K for many years. “We offer all general dentistry services, including oral surgery, extractions, bone grafting, crowns and bridges, dentures, lab repairs, as well as root canals, dental implants, periodontal treatments, cosmetic procedures and even TMJ solutions.

“We have our own in-house lab to provide a speedy and comprehensive dental health service to our patients. We maintain chartless record-keeping and have the most modern 2D and 3D X-ray and imaging equipment to ensure the best possible solution to whatever a patient requires.”

Carla continues, “Our goal is always to restore a person’s smile, or even make it look and function better. In doing this, we see all the other benefits a patient realizes by going through this transformation—it can truly be life-changing.”

In addition to being an exceptionally versatile dentist, Carla describes Dr. K as “a most kind and caring person. He is gifted in having a warm and gentle approach, which has a calming effect on patients that puts them at ease.”

The entire staff at Artistic Dental is patient-focused. “We understand that sometimes it’s the little things that matter most,” said Carla. “We are very concerned about the future of a patient’s dental health, and plan systematically according to individual needs in approaching a patient’s treatment. We all want the care we provide today serve them for years to come.”

This philosophy and caring reputation did not develop overnight. It started with Dr. K’s foundational approach to dentistry. “Good dentistry is like building a house – you must have a solid, healthy base from which to work,” said Dr. Bedi, who performed his first dental implant procedure in 1978.

Planning for long-term solutions for a patient’s dental health is essential for someone’s overall health and quality of life.

“Being able to chew and benefit from your food is an everyday enjoyment and important to one’s overall quality of life,” said Dr. Bedi. “Everyone enjoys eating and sharing meals with family and friends, and that begins with being able to chew your food thoroughly and without pain.”

Good dental health is also a major contributor to longevity, explains Dr. Bedi.

“Studies show that heart disease and Alzheimer’s are directly related to oral health,” said Dr. Bedi. “Gum disease is the number one cause of heart disease — everything starts in our mouth, and if there’s bacteria, it can be pumped by the heart into your circulatory system.”

Everything at Artistic Dental is done for the betterment of the patient, including seeing Dr. Bedi at every visit.

“Dr. K personally sees every patient. He is very hands-on and makes all the decisions, so patients don’t have to wait,” explains Carla. “We typically see between 10-15 patients per day, which is much less than multiple-office, chain-type dental practices. Patients have commented they feel their care here is individualized, which is our goal.”

After several decades practicing dentistry, Dr. Bedi loves his profession more than ever.

“I love that I get to do different things every day. I’m a perfectionist, and so appreciative that I can share my medical knowledge and skills with patients to give them a better quality of life,” said Dr. Bedi.

Artistic Dental provides dental services to adults and children of all ages and even provides a line for 24-hour emergency. Call now to schedule an introductory visit and receive a free X-ray with your consultation.

(813) 780-1403
(813) 815-2127 (24/hour emergency cell#)
6153 Fort King Road, Zephyrhills, FL

Published November 17, 2021

It’s Thanksgiving: So, let’s talk turkey

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For some families, turkey has been the centerpiece of the Thanksgiving dinner table for generations.

But maybe this is your first attempt at preparing a turkey — or maybe it’s been awhile and you could use some reminders. Or, maybe there’s a thing or two here that you never knew.

So, let’s get you started.

You might wonder: How big of turkey should I buy?

Of course, that depends on how many people you’re serving, but the rule of thumb is one pound per person, whether buying a fresh or frozen bird.

You probably also want to know: When should I buy my turkey?

That depends.

Purchase a fresh turkey a day or two before you plan to cook it.

Of course, you can buy a frozen turkey at your convenience. Just remember to leave enough time to let it thaw.

• If thawing in the refrigerator, allow 24 hours for every 4 pounds to 5 pounds. In other words, plan for four days of thawing for a frozen 16-pound bird.

To properly thaw it, keep it in its original wrapper and place it on a tray on the bottom shelf of the refrigerator.

After it’s completely thawed, it can remain in the refrigerator for a day or two before cooking.

• If thawing in cold water, allow 30 minutes for every pound — in other words, eight hours for a 16-pounder.

To use this method, submerge the wrapped turkey in cold tap water, refreshing the water every 30 minutes.

Cook the turkey immediately after thawing.

• If thawing by microwave, remove the wrapper and place the turkey on a microwave safe dish. Follow the thawing instructions in your microwave manual.

Cook the turkey as soon as it’s thawed.

Whether you’re an old pro at preparing turkey, or are cooking one for the first time, there may be a tip, or possibly a few, in this What’s Cookin’ column that may prove useful to you. (pixabay.com)

To stuff or not to stuff?
Stuffed frozen turkeys, with a USDA-inspected label, are considered safe to eat. They can go from freezer to oven, without thawing.

In general, though, if you’re preparing your own stuffing, it is safest to cook it separately from the turkey.

If you do choose to stuff your turkey, be sure the cooked internal temperature of the stuffing is at 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Here’s another pointer, that may seem odd: Don’t wash or clean the turkey before cooking it. Instead of cleaning the turkey, the action of washing it can actually spread bacteria around and creates a potential of cross-contaminating other foods.

Just remember, cooking the turkey is the best way to get rid of bacteria.

Of course, it’s also a good idea to wash your hands and keep surfaces clean, using warm soap and water.

Cooking methods
Although oven-roasting is popular, there are other options for cooking a turkey. They include deep-frying, smoking and grilling.

Whatever cooking method you choose, be sure that the minimum internal cooking temperature of the turkey is 165 degrees Fahrenheit, to ensure that it’s safe to eat.

Follow the appliance cooking manuals to be sure to produce the proper temperatures.

Also, use a meat thermometer to check the temperature. The best places to probe the turkey are the thigh, the wing and the larger part of the breast.

Oven temperatures should be set at a minimum 325 degrees Fahrenheit.

Cooking times, of course, vary by the size of the turkey.

This table provides some recommended cooking times, courtesy of the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Services:

Size of turkey              Unstuffed                                            Stuffed
8-12 pounds                2 ¾-hours to 3 hours              3 hours to 3 ½-hours
12-14 pounds              3 hours to 3 ¾-hours              3 ½-hours to 4 hours
14-18 pounds              3 ¾-hours to 4 ¼-hours           4-hours to 4 ¼-hours
18-20 pounds              4 ¼-hours to 4 ½-hours           4 ¼-hours to 4 ¾-hours
20-24 pounds              4 ½-hours to 5 hours              4 ¾-hours to 5 ¼-hours

Steps for roasting a Thanksgiving Turkey
Here’s one way to roast a Thanksgiving turkey:

  • Be sure to read the packaging for important information.
  • Grease and salt the outside of the turkey, for a crispy skin.
  • You may want to lift up the skin and rub the meat with spices, such as thyme, garlic, rosemary and other seasonings.
  • If you’re baking a frozen turkey, don’t forget to remove the bag of giblets in the neck and body cavities, and the wire that holds the legs together.
  • Roast the turkey, uncovered, at 450 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 minutes, then reduce the heat to 335-340 degrees Fahrenheit. (That seals in the juices of the bird.)
  • Consult the chart in this column for estimated cooking times.
  • Toward the end of cooking, tent the turkey with aluminum foil to keep in the moisture.
  • Remember: Use your meat thermometer to be sure it is properly cooked. It’s not possible to tell by appearance, smell or taste alone.

Last, but not least, gather your favorite people to enjoy a Thanksgiving feast, with your turkey playing a starring role.

Food safety tips
When gathering with loved ones through the holidays, keep these food safety tips in mind:

  • Observe the 2-hour rule. When food has been left at room temperature for 2 hours or more, it should be discarded. Leaving it out for more than 2 hours can allow bacteria to grow, making the food unsafe to eat.
  • You can safely refrigerate turkey for 3-4 days; you can freeze it for 2-6 months.
  • Cold food should be kept at 40 degrees Fahrenheit or below.

Shari Bresin is the Family & Consumer Science agent for the University of Florida/Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Cooperative Extension Pasco County. Intern Alisa Boderick contributed to this column.

By Shari Bresin, Alisa Broderick

Published November 17, 2021

St. Petersburg’s Pier: great views, fun options

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St. Petersburg’s new pier on Tampa Bay just may be one of the best places to visit during this trying pandemic.

Besides the geometric Pier Point building, shaped like a futuristic spaceship, the 26-acre pier district offers soaring sculptures, vast grassy areas, waterfront beaches and trails, a splash pad for kids, local artisans selling their creations, and an array of restaurants. No wonder it cost $93 million and took three years to build.

The Pier Point building at the new St. Pete Pier looks like a futuristic spacecraft. (Karen Haymon Long)

Here, you can take yoga and pilates classes on the grass; and walk, bike, skateboard, paddleboard, and, yes, even fish on a fishing deck that’s part of the five-story Pier Point building.

If you park along Beach Drive, you can walk three-quarters of a mile to the pier’s end with water views on both sides. Turn around for a panoramic view of downtown St. Petersburg’s skyline.

Yachts and smaller boats bob in Tampa Bay to the south, and the iconic Vinoy Renaissance St. Petersburg Resort and Golf Club sits majestically to the north, just as it has since 1926.

On the over-water walkway just before the Pier Point building, Tampa Bay Watch Discovery Center offers a touch tank, interactive displays, videos and exhibits on the bay’s ecosystems, marine wildlife and the group’s conservation efforts. The highlight is an 1,800-gallon estuary habitat filled with fish from local waters. Admission is $5 for adults and $3 for children ages 4 to 12.

A children’s splash pad, quiet and lit up at night, is popular in the daytime, especially when it’s hot. (Courtesy of City of St. Petersburg)

Plan to spend the day if you can, especially if you like to walk. From the pier district you can walk north and south along the waterfront or on sidewalks that lead to a bayfront volleyball court, a palm garden, Williams Park, and to the Museum of Fine Arts, the St. Petersburg Museum of History and the Salvador Dali Museum. Downtown shops and restaurants are an easy walk west.

The district has on-street parking and two metered parking lots. Boaters can slide into boat slips and stroll to the pier.

A 10,000-square-foot Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille, close to a parking lot, offers indoor and outdoor dining with views of the bay and downtown. Owned by Florida author Randy Wayne White and partners, it has an extensive Florida-themed menu featuring grouper and Cuban sandwiches, shrimp and grits and pork many ways. You can even buy White’s hot sauces and Doc Ford T-shirts, in honor of the main character in many of White’s popular novels. It gets very crowded, so reservations are recommended by calling 727-857-8118. See DocFords.com for the menu.

Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille, with the new pier stretching out beyond it, is a good place to eat grouper sandwiches with a water view. (Courtesy of City of St. Petersburg)

Nearby, Fresco’s Waterfront Bistro offers everything from crab avocado eggs Benedict to shrimp tacos. Spa Beach Bistro, near Spa Beach Park, sells pizzas, ice cream, cocktails and more.

The Pier Point building has several options: the casual Driftwood Cafe sells takeout snacks and ice cream. A fancier restaurant, Teak, is on the fourth floor and is open for lunch and dinner. It offers breathtaking views and a menu featuring everything from paella to short ribs. The roof-top Pier Teaki, is a modern take on a classic tiki bar. It has the best views of all and serves local draft beers, 30 varieties of rum, and bar snacks.

A tiki totem seat in Pier Teaki, a modern take on a classic tiki bar at the St. Pete Pier. (Karen Haymon Long)

The Pier Point building also has a few shops. Gator Jim’s Tackle sells fishing supplies, while Pier Gear & Gifts sells T-shirts, hats and other items touting the pier.

Outside, along the promenade leading to the pier’s end, The Marketplace features local vendors in kiosks under artistic solar shades selling St. Petersburg souvenirs, hats, locally made foods and gifts, jewelry, T-shirts, Caribbean sauces and other items. Here, kids – and adults, too – can get their faces painted.

Some people like the district’s sculptures most of all, especially the billowing, color-changing net flying high in the sky called “Bending Arc,” created by Tampa’s Janet Echelman. Another favorite is an airplane sculpture by Mark Aeling entitled “First Flight,” in honor of the world’s first commercial flight in 1914, when Tony Jannus flew the city’s mayor from St. Petersburg to Tampa.

“Myth (Red Pelican)” was inspired by the pier’s geometrical design and pelicans, which artist Nathan Mabry says symbolize St. Petersburg’s kindness, friendship and generosity. “Morning Stars,” a mosaic by Xenobia Bailey consisting of colorful, crocheted geometric configurations, is 23-feet wide and 7 ½-feet tall, while a bronze sculpture called “Olnetopia” depicts rocks and wild waters, representing “the dynamic power of life,” according to its creator Nick Ervinck.

That sculpture’s theme seems fitting for the pier district.

Everywhere you look – from couples toasting cocktails in Pier Teaki to kids romping through the splash pad – you see the joy of life.

‘Bending Arc,’ a billowing net sculpture that changes colors, is one of the highlights of St. Petersburg’s new Pier District. It was created by Tampa’s Janet Echelman, internationally known for her works. The Vinoy hotel looms in the background. (Karen Haymon Long)

St. Pete Pier
Where: 800 2nd Ave. N.E., St. Petersburg
Hours: Open 30 minutes before sunrise to 11 p.m. Restaurant hours vary.
Cost: Free admission to pier; parking fees vary
Info and restaurant details: StPetePier.org.

By Karen Haymon Long

Published November 17, 2021

Seeking tax assistance volunteers

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Two programs that provide tax assistance and tax counseling for the elderly are seeking volunteers to assist in the effort.

The IRS’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) programs offer free basic tax return preparation to qualified individuals.

The VITA program, which has operated for over 50 years, helps people who need assistance to prepare their own tax returns.

The TCE program offers free tax help, particularly for those who are 60 years of age and older, specializing in questions about pensions and retirement-related issues unique to seniors, according to a news release.

While the IRS manages the VITA and TCE programs, the VITA/TCE sites are operated by IRS partners and staffed by volunteers, who are certified by the IRS.

In Pasco County, the VITA Tax Program is under the umbrella of the United Way.

There currently are 100 volunteers, but more are needed.

Training is provided. To find out more, email lead volunteer Bill Humphrey, at  , or call him at 727-808-4483.

For additional information, visit UnitedWayPasco.org.

Published November 17, 2021