The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Pasco adopts new water, stormwater rates

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Pasco County Utilities customers will see a change on their monthly water, wastewater and reclaimed water bills beginning Oct. 1, according to a Pasco County news release.

The average residential customer who uses 6,000 gallons of water will see an increase on their bill from $79 up to $81.30, an increase of $2.30.

Residential reclaimed water customers also will see small increases in the reclaimed water base charge and the Back-Flow Prevention Device fee, along with a new tiered rate for reclaimed water use in excess of 10,000 gallons, according to the release.

The base change for reclaimed water will be $11, which includes the first 10,000 gallons. There will be an additional charge of $1.10 for every additional 1,000 gallons.

The Flow Prevention Device fee will be $5.99.

A full list of the new rates, fees and charges effective 10/1/21 is available at MyPasco.net/4723/Rates-FY22.

Visit PascoCountyUtilities.com for more information about Pasco County Utilities services.

Published September 29, 2021

Pasco adopts solid waste, stormwater rates

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The Pasco County Commission unanimously approved increased solid waste fees and maintained the status quo for stormwater rates during the board’s Sept. 15 meeting.

Justin Roessler,  the county’s solid waste director, told the board that the proposed increase represents the third of a seven-year rate increase in the county’s solid waste assessment.

The adopted resolution establishes the annual solid waste disposal assessment, tipping fees, and other rates, fees and charges that fund the Solid Waste Disposal and Resource Recovery System.

The assessment generates revenue to cover operations and maintenance costs, meet debt service coverage as required by bond covenants, and supports the capital costs of the county’s solid waste disposal system.

The fiscal year 2022 single-family residential assessment will increase by $7, going from $79 to $86 per Equivalent Residential Unit (ERU). A single-family parcel is equal to an ERU.

Tipping fees will increase from $72.08 to $78.47 per ton.

“The rate increases have been structured to address the growth that we’re seeing and the need to expand the waste energy facility, as well as to replace some of the revenue that’s being lost when the power purchasing agreement expires in 2024,” the solid waste director said.

“When you look at the residential assessment and the residential collection ceiling for Pasco County, we do see it as comparable with other municipalities that do have waste-to-energy facilities.”

The board also passed a stormwater rate resolution that keeps the residential rate per ERU at $95, the same as it is this year.

Published September 29, 2021

Tune in for tree webinar

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If you want to find out about the best trees to plant in your yard, or if you’re a Hillsborough County resident and want to apply for a tree removal permit, this upcoming webinar may be helpful to you.

The session is set for Oct. 7, from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.

The webinar will cover tree removal and tree planting, and will include common questions about removing trees in Hillsborough County.

It also will go over what types of trees you can plant in its place, and how to remove a Grand Oak tree.

You can register by visiting the calendar section on HillsboroughCounty.org, and clicking on the Oct. 7 events.

Once you register, you will receive an email with a link to join the webinar.

Published September 29, 2021

Pasco employee wins statewide award

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Sam Beneck is congratulated by the Pasco County Commission and members of the county staff, for his recent recognition by the Florida Bicycle Association as professional of the year. (Courtesy of Ryan Hughes, Pasco County)

Sam Beneck, a project manager for Pasco County, has been honored as the professional of the year by the Florida Bicycle Association.

Pasco County Commissioner Kathryn Starkey read a resolution congratulating Benick for the accomplishment during the county board’s Sept. 15 meeting.

Beneck was recognized for his involvement as project manager on the Ridge Road extension project, which will include a multi-use path that will connect to the Suncoast Parkway Trail.

He also has been involved in other projects that are now being enjoyed by cyclists, including the Starkey Gap Trail and the Anclote Coastal Trail, according to the resolution.

Starkey, a regular trail user herself and huge proponent of creating safe ways for people to get around, said the fact that Beneck himself is a cyclist has given him insights and helped to inform his professional work.

Published September 29, 2021

Be sure to understand insurance, before storm hits

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The Florida Association of Public Insurance Adjusters provides these pointers to help homeowners to be ready, in case a major storm hits.

If storm damage does occur, you need a firm understanding of your current insurance policy and what steps are necessary to file a claim, the organization says, in a news release.

It recommends that homeowners:

  • Know what their policy covers and doesn’t cover. Not all policies are the same. Be sure you are aware of any restrictions in your policy.
  • Make sure your deductible isn’t too high. That’s the out-of-pocket expense you will have to absorb if you have a loss.
  • Know your home’s vulnerability to storm surge, flooding and wind.
  • Be sure you purchase flood insurance before a major storm threatens. Be aware that flood insurance doesn’t go into effect for 30 days.
  • Review the “duties after loss” section of your policy. Failure to follow these provisions could result in a nonpayment of a legitimate claim.
  • Check the “exclusions” portion of your windstorm policy. Many insurance companies have added new exclusions to coverage, which could affect your protection.
  • Make a visual record of your home and possessions. Use a digital camera, smartphone or video recorder to document the condition of your home and belongings before any damage occurs.
  • Prepare a detailed list of your personal property. This will help you document your claim after a loss. Gather your receipts for large items, such as major appliances, furniture and appliances. Make copies to include with your property inventory.
  • Create a disaster supply kit that includes copies of your insurance policies, family medical information, deeds, wills and so on. Place the originals in a safe place, and keep a digital copy in the cloud for easy reference.

If your property sustains damage, be sure to hire only licensed, trained public insurance adjusters rather than roofers, contractors or restoration consultants to represent you in filing a claim.

To learn more about public adjusters, visit GetReadyFlorida.com.

Published September 29, 2021

HVAC upgrade approved for jail

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The Pasco County Commission has approved spending an amount not-to-exceed $238,936 to design and build a heating, air conditioning and ventilation upgrade at the Land O’ Lakes Detention Center.

The medical isolation rooms at the detention center are not meeting the current standards to be considered negative pressure isolation rooms for medial quarantine. This project would replace an air-conditioning unit that is over 20 years old and will install additional venting to meet the required parameters for these rooms to meet current isolation room standards, according to backup materials for the county board’s Sept. 15 meeting.

Updating the system would allow the Detention Center to isolate inmates for COVID-19 purposes.

Published September 29, 2021

Young photographer wins contest

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The San Antonio Citizens Federal Credit Union’s (SACFCU) Claim Your Youth (CYY) Photo Contest drew teen entries at credit unions in several states that partner with the Claim Your Youth Culture Club for its youngest members. The selected winning photo was submitted by Jacob Valdes, who received a CYY certificate, selfie stick, sunglasses and SACFCU swag.

(Courtesy of San Antonio Citizens Federal Credit Union)
Jacob’s winning photo

 

What is a hockey game without a fight?

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(Fred Bellet)

Referees break up a fight, but not before Tampa Bay Lightning prospect Cameron MacDonald, of Nova Scotia, Canada, gets the brunt of a glove in the face by Carolina prospect Seth Jarvis, No. 24, of Winnipeg, Canada. See the full story and more photos in the sports story below.

A treat for local first responders

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(Courtesy of Patricia Serio)

Members of the GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club delivered a total of 12 gift baskets filled with snacks, treats and fruit to eight local first responder stations in Land O’ Lakes and Lutz, in commemoration of the 20th anniversary of 9/11. The club has long supported the fire and EMT first responders in the community and wanted to show their deep appreciation for the dedication and difficult work of our local heroes. Dee Knerr stops by Station 22 in Connerton to deliver a basket to the station’s captain and two firefighters. ** Please note that it is the policy of the fire departments not to release individual names of their firefighter/EMT staff.

The Double Branch Name Runs Deep In Wesley Chapel

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Brewer Bob Hunt (left) and co-owner Ryan Clarke at DBAA in Wesley Chapel.

The roots of Double Branch Artisanal Ale (DBAA) run deep in the history of Wesley Chapel, beginning with its name.

Double Branch, named after twin creeks that once flowed through the area, preceded what we now know as Wesley Chapel. It wasn’t until the postal service was established inside a Methodist chapel in the Wesley district, that the name Double Branch was lost.

But thanks to this local brewery, this historical name is no longer forgotten. “We wanted a name that calls back to our community,” said co-owner Ryan Clarke.

During prohibition, the Wesley Chapel area was a refuge for moonshiners. Nowadays, these brewers of old would be impressed with the lineup of 29 taps that DBAA offers. Guests can try entry-level craft beers, as well as drinks on the more experimental side, all of which are rotated throughout the year and handcrafted on site. This keeps things fresh, and allows guests to come back for another love-at-first-sip experience.

“We see what space needs to be filled on our list and we fill it. It’s what we have fun doing,” said Clarke, who has dreamed of owning a bar since he was very young.

DBAA is the only brewery in Tampa Bay to use dedicated laagering tanks, which provide the necessary space and temperature for their pilsners and other lagers. A crowd favorite, the “Grove Gold” pilsner, is named after Grove owner Mark Gold, and is crafted in these one-of-a kind tanks. The pilsner calls back to the essence of our area once again, with notes of citrus.

DBAA also bottles and distributes its beers farther into the community and throughout Pasco, Pinellas and Hillsborough counties.

Outside of what’s brewing in the back, the family friendly brewery offers just as much excitement in the dining room. There’s ample room for entertainment with sports TV and arcade games, complete with a dedicated scratch kitchen. A diverse, high-end menu is not your run-of-the-mill bar food — everything from the smoked brisket to sauces are homemade, boasts co-owner Travis Glenn.

“I grew to enjoy craft beer and I loved the environment, and now we are here. We’re welcoming, we’re open, we have a lot of options, and we really do have something for everyone,” said Clarke.

With strong ties to the community, DBAA is dedicated to giving back by supporting local charities throughout the month with day-long events. The brewhouse also celebrates with its guests holidays and special events, including its upcoming Oktoberfest from Sept. 17 through Oct. 3.

813-492-8800 • 5956 Wesley Grove Blvd., Wesley Chapel, FL 33544

Published on 9/22/21