The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Premier adds dental clinic space

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Premier Community Health Care Group Inc., will share clinic space with the Florida Department of Health in New Port Richey, and will provide dental services to insured and uninsured children throughout Pasco County.

The Pasco County Commission approved a lease agreement between the county and the health care agency at its Nov. 17 meeting.

In lieu of rent, commissioners will require an annual report each Oct. 1 detailing the number of children served. Premier Community Health Care also will pay $421 a month as its share of utilities.

The lease expires on Dec. 31, 2021. However, there are three one-year options to extend the lease.

The clinic is located in Building A, 10841 Little Road, in New Port Richey.

County commissioners agreed to the lease at the request of health department officials “to ensure dental services continue for school-age children throughout the county,” according to agenda documents.

Published December 23, 2020

Food advisory council members named

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The Pasco County Commission has appointed four new members to the Food Policy Advisory Council.

The action came during the board’s Nov. 17 meeting.

New members are Caitlyn Peacock and Dan Mitchell, both at-large; Sanithpriya Pedamella, a certified nutritionist; and Andrea Figart, a Farmers’ Market representative.

The advisory board, created in 2015, promotes nutrition and affordable food options for county residents. Members make recommendations regarding food policies, including ordinances governing food truck operations and community gardens.

The board consists of 11 members and one non-voting member who is employed by the University of Florida’s Institute of Food/Agriculture/Science Program and who works at the Pasco Cooperative Extension Program.

No one applied for a fifth open position reserved for a Pasco County attorney with experience in food systems. Council officials reached out to Welbilt Inc., but no response has been received to date.

Published December 23, 2020

It’s Time To Get Your Flu Vaccination

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Yearly influenza vaccinations are extremely important because it builds the body’s immune system to respond and fight off viral infection. And getting a flu shot this year takes on added importance because flu and new coronavirus symptoms are nearly identical.

“I recommend yearly vaccinations, but if a person hasn’t had one in a while, this year is the year to do it,” said Steve Lee, M.D., president of the Conviva Physician Group, a physician-led network operating in nine markets in Florida and Texas.

“We specialize in the care of seniors, and since they fall into the high-risk category, I encourage our patients and the general public to get vaccinated to protect against this highly contagious virus,”  he said.

People who receive an annual flu shots normally have very few side effects, unless a new, significantly different strain of vaccine is introduced. Based on epidemiological tracking studies, the human body builds up a substantial immune system response to combat influenza when vaccinations are received annually.

“I encourage everyone not to wait until flu season is in full swing, and to get their vaccinations now,” said Dr. Lee. “Flu seasons varies from temperate to the tropical climates, and a variety of vaccines are available this year,” he said. “It’s important that people check with their primary care doctor, who will advise them on which vaccine they need for the best protection.”

The Center for Disease Control also recommends that the earlier a person receives a flu shot, the better. Immunity to the virus may last up to six months, in most cases. The flu season predictably lasts into late spring, and typically peaks between December and February.

The perception of the effectiveness of flu vaccines has varied over the years. The shift in consciousness toward getting flu shots was uneven at best prior to the outbreak of the H1N1 swine flue in the 1970s. Up to that point, many people were fairly apathetic about getting a flu shot, but the epidemic triggered a rush to receive vaccinations.

“We went from being a very naive population, to a highly immunized population almost overnight,” said William Russell, M.D., managing partner of Conviva Palm Beach.

With a focus on cellular technology, vaccines are now purified to a much higher degree to genetically characterize strains. This indicates a significant improvement in the vaccine’s profile, and provides additional protection and additional choices.

To learn more, visit ConvivaCareCenters.com, or call 1-833-CONVIVA.

Published December 16, 2020

Adding safety, security and savings to holiday shopping

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‘Tis the season of comfort and joy — unless you are trying to complete your holiday shopping in these pandemic-induced, economically shaky times.

Then, it’s more like the season of stress.

The good news is that with proper preparation, precautions and common sense, things can run much more efficiently.

Taynisha Berenguer, of the Hillsborough County Public Library System, recently presented a webinar loaded with valuable information about saving money and avoiding scams during the holiday season. (Courtesy of Taynisha Berenguer)

And, you might even save some money along the way.

That’s the word from Taynisha Berenguer, a library service/technology guide with the Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Library System.

She recently shared a wealth of information in a webinar entitled: “Holiday Shopping: Safely, Securely, Sensibly.’’

“I know it’s a cliche, but shopping during the ‘new normal’ has a whole array of things to consider, and there are plenty of other things that you always need to think about,’’ she said.

Here’s how Berenguer broke it down:

The Basics
Any good shopping expedition needs a plan. That’s where budgeting applies. Even when they have a sound budget, shoppers often overlook the holiday incidentals — such as tape and wrapping paper, Berenguer said.

Research is essential, especially with so many online options.

The pandemic has mandated some creative thinking.

“You need to think outside the box … and by that, I mean it’s really easy to think about just the Big Three — Amazon, Walmart and Target,’’ Berenguer said. “There are a bunch of other retailers out there, along with many small local businesses. These are places to find some good buys and maybe find something really cool.

“If you’re going to the brick-and-mortar store, make sure that store is open. Some may be offering curbside service. You’ve got to have your hand sanitizer and mask. You should research the busy times, especially if you want to avoid crowds.

“Whether you’re online or in person, be ready for shortages and delays. There are issues finding gifts and even the necessities of daily life. You’ve got to be ready for an item not to be there. With everyone shipping everything, be prepared for delays and other issues.’’

Saving Your Money
Who doesn’t want to save money? It can be as easy as doing extensive Google searches, especially on big-ticket electronic items to unearth competitive prices and deals.

“Black Friday’’ is no longer just one day. Now it lasts for weeks. Major retailers everywhere are offering deep discounts that will linger through the holidays.

“You should look into price-tracking apps and coupon apps because there are a ton of them out there,’’ Berenguer said. “Price-tracking apps can help you compare prices with all the major retailers and maybe some others that you hadn’t considered. There are lots of coupons out there and they add up. You just have to seek them out.

“Also remember to use your credit card and store loyalty programs. Those points add up and sometimes we forget about them. If you keep up with those, it can significantly lower the cost of your purchases. But, you’ve got to stay organized.’’

Saving Your Sanity
If you don’t have your holiday shopping wrapped up before Thanksgiving, you must exercise patience, planning and good humor.

To avoid frustration, check shipping timelines before your purchase. There’s always a backlog at the holidays — but especially during the pandemic.

“Most retailers are good about establishing the timelines and letting you know about potential delays,’’ Berenguer said. “If you don’t need it to get there by Christmas, keep in mind that you could ask for a discount on the shipping.

“Be aware of the return policies. One of the biggest hang-ups on returns for gifts are people who don’t have the receipt. Keep all your emails concerning the purchase because it’s the same thing as a paper receipt. And, if you’re just not sure what to buy someone — that can be stressful, too — gift cards are always a good option. It can be for a local shop, an experience. Sometimes, people value experiences over products.’’

Safety And Security
It’s not just about masks and hand sanitizers. When it comes to holiday shopping, you need protection from the proliferation of scams.

“People are finding more inventive ways to take your money,’’ Berenguer said. “You can’t forget that when you’re shopping.’’

That applies when doing your research.

“Carefully consider the online reviews,’’ Berenguer said. “Not all are honest. Companies buy fake positive reviews. Competing companies buy fake negative reviews. You’ve got to vet them, read between the lines and look at a lot of them to pick up on patterns.

“Also, be very skeptical of social media ads. You will see really deep discounts popping up on your Instagram, Facebook and Twitter. Be wary. Sometimes, these products don’t even exist. If someone is trying to sell you a $700 television for $100, and it seems too good to be true, it probably is.’’

Berenguer cautioned to only shop on secure Web sites (look for the https:// prefix, which indicates that your data is secure and not out there for all to see).

“Your data is extremely valuable in this day and age,’’ Berenguer said. “You have to safeguard that data. You probably notice these very targeted ads on your social media accounts. Companies want to find out about you and what you are purchasing.

“You have to be proactive. Make sure you always update your safety features. Change your passwords. Don’t volunteer information or data. They want access to your location, your data, your microphone — and you should immediately say no to all of that.’’

Berenguer said it’s wise to use intermediate payment methods — such as PayPal, Apple Pay or Google Pay — in order to have a firewall between the retailer and your credit card information. You shouldn’t keep your payment information stored on any retail sites for convenience — even reliable ones — because any site can be hacked.

“My rule of thumb is give the least amount of data as possible,’’ Berenguer said. “When you sign up for coupons or take surveys, your information will be aggregated and you’ll get ads you don’t want. I use a secondary email and call it my junk email. I give a fake last name. You’re not obligated to provide this information and if you are pressured to do so, I would carefully consider whether you want to use that service. You have to protect your interests because no one else is going to do that.’’

By Joey Johnston

Published December 16, 2020

New auction venue to open in Zephyrhills

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Pasco County commissioners granted a conditional permit to Sierra Farms Inc., and Royal Auction Group for a public auction venue in Zephyrhills.

The venue will occupy about 23 acres in the southwest corner of a larger parcel at the intersection of Gall Boulevard and State Road 56.

Currently, DAX or Dealers Auction Xchange, and the 301 and 56 Flea Market operate on land in the northwestern portion of the property.

Sierra Farms and Royal Auction must submit a site plan to the county. Amplified music and a public address system are permitted only during the hours of 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

The county commission rezoned the property in 1984 to allow uses such as a fairgrounds, auto show, flea market, and exposition hall.

The property’s future land allows for “major attractions” and residential uses. The auction venue is located in the major attractions portion of the site, and doesn’t encroach on the designated residential area.

Published December 16, 2020

Wetlands’ impact costs $2.7 million

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Pasco County will pay about $2.7 million to buy wetland mitigation credits related to construction of the Ridge Road extension.

The Pasco County Commission approved a resolution for the payment to EIP (Ecosystem Investment Partners LLC) and the Old Florida Wetland Mitigation Bank during the county board’s Nov. 17 meeting.

The resolution described the payment as due to “unavoidable wetland impacts.”

Ridge Road is under construction but remains embroiled in a lawsuit filed by the Sierra Club against the United States Army Corp of Engineers. The federal agency approved the road’s permit after a controversy spanning more than two decades about its construction.

The Sierra Club alleges that the Army Corps of Engineers and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service relied on a faulty, outdated environmental report that omitted impacts to some endangered and threatened species.

County officials describe the road as a necessary addition to the county’s emergency evacuation routes.

Environmentalists have said the county wants the road to accommodate additional  development along the road’s pathway.

The road extension is intended to provide an east-west pathway from Moon Lake Road in New Port Richey, to U.S. 41, also known as Land O’ Lakes Boulevard, in Land O’ Lakes.

Published December 16, 2020

Pasco names director of support services

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Pasco County commissioners approved the appointment of Paula Baracaldo for the newly created position of director of support services, effective Jan. 1.

Baracaldo will receive an annual salary of $105,000.

The position results from a county departmental reorganization, prompted by Pasco’s growth over the past years. COVID-19 also is adding to the demands for services.

Baracaldo’s new position is part of the public services branch. She currently serves as chief of staff for Pasco County Administrator Dan Biles.

Baracaldo primarily will have oversight of the veterans services and the fiscal services divisions, formerly part of the community services department.

She also will support other executive functions within the public services branch.

Baracaldo is a public certified manager. She holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of South Florida in political science and international studies, and a master’s degree in public policy and administration from Northwestern University.

Published December 16, 2020

Commission fights human trafficking

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The Pasco County Commission has re-established and expanded the functions of the Pasco County Commission on Human Trafficking to “more robustly serve the community,” based on an action at the board’s Nov. 17 meeting.

Since 2014, the human trafficking commission has received regional, statewide and national recognition for its advocacy on behalf of human trafficking victims and survivors, according to the board’s agenda materials.

Under its expanded mission, the commission’s goals are to promote awareness of the problem in Pasco, Tampa Bay and Florida; to establish educational programs within the community on how to recognize human trafficking and procedures for reporting trafficking; to advocate strategies, including financial assistance, that will aid rescued and surviving victims; and, to support other individuals and programs that have similar goals.

As part of its public awareness efforts, the commission will continue its media campaign. The group also will make scholarships or other financial support available to students or individuals who want to expand their knowledge of human trafficking by attending educational programs.

Published December 16, 2020

Efforts being made to prevent wildfires

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The Southwest Florida Water Management District plans to set some fires deliberately to reduce the risk of fires getting out of control, according to a district news release.

The technique, known as setting prescribed fires controlled settings, reduces the chance of wildfires that can cause extensive damage, as well as threatening lives and property.

These are flames from a previous wildfire in Starkey Park. Prescribed fires controlled settings reduce the chance of wildfires causing extensive damage. (File)

Many Floridians witnessed the devastation that wildfires can create when the state was under a wildfire emergency in 2017.

Although the acreages may sound large, the release explains that the burns will be done in small, manageable units.

Between now and the end of the year, the water management district is planning prescribed burns on these Pasco County properties:

• Cypress Creek Preserve, east of Ehren Cutoff and south of State Road 52: About 300 acres

  • Conner Preserve, west of Ehren Cutoff and south of State Road 52: About 500 acres
  • Starkey Wilderness Preserve, east of New Port Richey, west of the Suncoast Parkway, north of State Road 54 and south of State Road 52: About 600 acres
  • Upper Hillsborough Preserve, south of the County Road 54 and east of Chancey Road in Zephyrhills: About 550 acres
  • Weeki Wachee Preserve, north of Hudson, west of U.S. Highway 19 and includes the Aripeka Sandhills tract: About 100 acres

Some trails may be temporarily closed during prescribed burn events.

Major benefits of prescribed burns include:

  • Reducing overgrown plants, which decreases the risk of catastrophic wildfires
  • Promoting the growth of new, diverse plants
  • Maintaining the character and condition of wildlife habitat
  • Maintaining access for public recreation

The District conducts prescribed fires on approximately 30,000 acres each year.

Published December 16, 2020

How Kia of Wesley Chapel Is Giving Back This Holiday Season

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Collecting Bikes for Kids
Kia of Wesley Chapel is teaming up with the Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA to collect bikes for students at Sulphur Springs K-8 Community School.

“We’re so excited to partner with the YMCA on this because they have a fantastic grasp on what the local community needs,” says Emily Brun, community coordinator at Kia of Wesley Chapel.

Sulphur Springs is a Tampa neighborhood where many families need help getting children to and from school. These holiday bikes will be a safe way for these kids to get to school every day.

“Besides putting a smile on a child’s face during this challenging year, what better way than on a brand new bike to stay healthy, get outside, and ride with their friends to school or the park,” says Brun.

Kia of Wesley Chapel is collecting new bicycle donations from Friday, Dec. 18 to Sunday, Dec. 20. The dealership is open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday and Saturday; and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sunday.

Staff from Kia of Wesley Chapel recently volunteered at Helping Hands Food Pantry, working together to feed 373 families.

Kia Staff Volunteer At Helping Hands Food Pantry
On Nov. 18, Kia employees volunteered at the Helping Hands Food Pantry located at Atonement Lutheran Church in Wesley Chapel. Together, they were able to feed 373 families, which was the largest distribution in the food pantry’s 10-year history.

Kia of Wesley Chapel recently hosted its Salute to Veterans Food Drive. From the left: employee Israel Santiago, General Manager Sean Visconte, Community Coordinator Emily Brun, West Tampa Memorial American Legion Auxiliary Member Mary McColgan, Stano Foundation President Paula Stano, and employee Sal Cris.

“After seeing just how many families we were able to help, we’ve decided to volunteer at the pantry at least once a month from now on,” says Sean Visconte, general manager at Kia of Wesley Chapel.

The food pantry is open every Wednesday from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Each vehicle can receive food for up to two families.

Kia of Wesley Chapel also recently donated food during its annual Salute to Veterans Food Drive, partnering with the Stano Foundation, a Wesley Chapel nonprofit dedicated to supporting veterans.

Over four boxes of food was donated to the West Tampa Memorial American Legion Auxiliary Unit 248 that operates a food pantry for area veterans.

Supporting Habitat for Humanity
In honor of the recent #GivingTuesday holiday, Kia of Wesley Chapel donated $100 to Habitat for Humanity of East and Central Pasco. As a way of saying thanks, the nonprofit dropped off a stud at the dealership for Kia’s staff to decorate for the holidays. Afterwards, it will be a part of the frame work of a new home being built by Habitat for Humanity.

“Our entire team is writing encouraging words on the stud,” says Emily Brun, the dealership’s community coordinator. It’s so cool that it will forever be part of a home.”

Published December 09, 2020