The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Mariano is regional planning council chair

By

Pasco County Commissioner Jack Mariano has been selected to chair the board for the Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council, according to a news release.

Mariano was selected as chairman of the board for 2021, during the board’s Feb. 8 meeting.

The council represents the Tampa Bay region, with its board leadership coming from Manatee, Pinellas and Pasco counties.

Mariano, who was first elected to the Pasco County Commission in 2004, is now serving his fourth term on the county board. He has previously served as chairman of the county board and also of regional planning council.

Only four elected officials during the regional planning council’s 59-year history have been selected to be board chairman twice, the release says.

The regional planning council works with six counties and 21 municipalities as they make long-range plans related to the future of the Tampa Bay region.

The council’s work focuses on resiliency, planning for climate change and sea level rise, environmental management, water quality, emergency preparedness planning, protection and restoration of the Tampa Bay estuary and numerous other issues.

To find out more, visit TBRPC.org.

Published March 10, 2021

Tampa water changes to affect Pebble Creek

By

A Tampa Water Department maintenance project is expected to affect some Hillsborough County water customers, including those living in Pebble Creek, according to a Hillsborough County news release.

The Tampa Water Department plans to temporarily change its water disinfection process to chlorine, from March 8 to March 29.

The water distributed in Pebble Creek during that period will be converted from chloramine to chlorine disinfection.

The system is scheduled to return to chloramine disinfection by March 30, according to the release.

Customers within the affected areas may notice a slight difference in the taste and odor of their drinking water while chlorine is in use.

Users of dialysis machines and owners of aquarium fish are advised to seek professional advice to ensure that the pretreatment steps they currently use to remove chloramines will accommodate the scheduled change in water disinfection.

Customers with any health questions or concerns are encouraged to contact their health care provider.

For additional information, customers may contact Hillsborough County Water Quality at 813-264-3835 or 813-744-5544.

Published March 10, 2021

USDA conservation program accepting applications

By

The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS)— through the Conservation Stewardship Program —  helps agricultural producers and forest landowners earn payments for expanding conservation activities while maintaining agricultural production on their land.

The Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) also encourages adoption of new technologies and management techniques, according to a news release.

The application deadline to participate in the CSP is March 26, for fiscal year 2021.

Changes in the 2018 Farm Bill authorizes NRCS to accept new CSP enrollments from now until 2023, and it makes some improvements to the program.

These updates include:

  • NRCS now enrolls eligible applications based on dollars rather than acres. For fiscal 2021, NRCS in Florida can spend up to $3 million in the program, which covers part of the cost for producers implementing new conservation activities and maintaining their existing activities in all eligible land, such as private and tribal agricultural lands, cropland, rangeland, pastureland, private non-industrial private forestland (NIPF), farmstead and Associated Ag Land.
  • Higher payment rates are now available for certain conservation activities, including cover crops and resource conserving crop rotations.
  • The annual payment limitation of $40,000 no longer applies.

While applications are accepted throughout the year, interested producers should submit applications to their local NRCS office by the deadline to ensure their applications are considered for 2021 funding.

For additional information about CSP, contact your local USDA service center.

Published March 10, 2021

12-Year-Old Ronnie Ierna Dreams Of The Daytona 500

By

Ronnie Ierna has been racing go-karts since he was a young boy. After many years of hard work and dedication, today Ronnie is one of the top competitors in Florida and recently was recognized for his outstanding performance at The New Year Shootout Race at the Florida Dirt Motor Speedway on State Road 52.

Ronnie Ierna (LMK Photography)

“Ronnie has been focusing on winning this race for quite some time now, and we are so proud of his accomplishments,” said his mother, Charlene Ierna. “He sat on the pole for all three races, and led every lap of every race to earn three first-place wins!”

Ronnie’s father, Ron Ierna, along with his mother, Charlene, support their son’s racing ambitions with encouragement and commitment. The sport is truly a family affair, with practice and races taking place most weekends.

When Ronnie is not racing his go-kart, the 12-year-old is busy as a top student at Pine View Middle School in Land O’ Lakes, where he is on the honor roll.

“Ronnie had volunteered at Lutz Elementary, before and after school as a safety patrol, and also helps out with community events, such as a recent trash collection drive,” said Charlene. “Most of Ronnie’s classmates have no idea that Ronnie is such an accomplished racer, because at school he is just a normal kid like everyone else.”

Ronnie is a member of the Lutz racing team, Team ERC (Eleanor Racing Chassis).

“He is fortunate to be part of a solid race team like Team ERC,” said Ron Ierna. “They set him up for success, week after week. Ronnie would not be where he’s at without his outstanding coaches.”

Ronnie Ierna driving at the Florida Dirt Motor Speedway in Spring Hill.

With his recent success at the New Year Shootout Race, Ronnie has moved up a class, and is now one of the youngest racers in this class. The entire Team ERC saw great success at this competition, with the team winning 10 out of 10 races.

“We really want to give a shout out to Team ERC, its coaches, pit crew, and all the parents and friends that support these young racers on so many levels,” said Charlene.

Because of his leadership and racing success, Ronnie has been featured as a guest on Last Lap Live, a live radio broadcast geared toward the go-kart racing sport.

Ron and Charlene Ierna are owners of local air conditioning companies. Both are very philanthropic and sponsor many local events. Since Ronnie was a preschooler, he has accompanied his parents and volunteered countless hours at chamber events, stuffing promo bags, collecting canned goods, trash pick-up operations, and many other charity activities.

Published March 03, 2021

Ronnie volunteering at a trash collection drive.
Ronnie Ierna placed first in three races at The New Year Shootout Race.

Bell Lake Road detour begins March 10

By

Pasco County has announced that Bell Lake Road will be temporarily closed, from Lake Padgett Drive to Peninsular Drive, starting March 10 at 5 a.m., and running through March 22, at 7 a.m.

The closure is part of the Bell Lake Road Reconstruction Project.

Although scheduled detour dates are from the evening of March 10 until the morning of March 22, those are subject to change, depending on weather conditions

During the closure, those west of the portion that is closed can take Bell Lake Road west to U.S. 41. At U.S. 41, they can head north traveling toward Hale Road, or south, traveling toward State Road 54.

Those east of the closure, can travel east on Bell Lake Road to Collier Parkway. At Collier Parkway, they can head north to Hale Road, where they can head west on Hale Road to get to U.S. 41.

Or, they can head east on Bell Lake Road to Collier Parkway, and then go south on Collier Parkway to get to State Road 54.

During the closure, residents will have access to their homes, via various subdivision streets. Also, emergency vehicles will  have access.

The project that is being completed consists of extensive infrastructure and safety improvements – including road reconstruction, stormwater modifications, curb and sidewalk.

Warm Feet, Happy Hearts

By

(Courtesy of Sandy Graves)

The Rotary Club of Land O’ Lakes sponsored “Warm Feet, Happy Hearts,” a fundraiser to benefit Fostering Hope Florida. Fostering Hope has served thousands of children in foster care through housing, resources, events, advocacy, mentoring and educational programs, and continues to expand its reach. In addition to much-needed supplies, such as diapers, baby formula and strollers, the club presented a $500 check to the organization. Shown are: Judy Moore, selfie-taker; John Callendar; Ken Lemanowicz; Gloria Lawson, Fostering Hope director; Sandy Graves; Chris Poole; Joe Justice; Elle Rudisill; and Larry Giannone. Those attending via Zoom are seen in the background.

Save money, get back behind the wheel

By

If you have a suspended license over unpaid court fees, costs and penalties, you may want to take advantage of Operation Green Light, a program offered by the Pasco County Clerk of Circuit Court and Comptroller’s office.

You may be able to save yourself money and get back on the road by taking advantage of Operation Green Light. The program runs from March 3 through March 6. (File)

The in-person, telephone and online program will run from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., March 3 through March 5, at the East Pasco and West Pasco judicial centers. The program is online only and by telephone on March 6 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The website is PascoClerk.com. The telephone numbers are 727-847-8031 or 352-521-4542 (option 2).

“This is an important moment for drivers who have seen their licenses suspended over unpaid court obligations,” Clerk & Comptroller Nikki Alvarez-Sowles, said in a news release. “So much of our modern lives depends on having reliable transportation, and for most of us, that means being able to drive.

“During Operation Green Light, penalties, interest, and collections fees that have been piling up can, in many cases, be waived. For those who can’t pay their obligations in total, we offer payment plans that allow driving privileges to be restored, too,” she added.

Any time leading up to and during the event, access is available to a special Operation Green Light web page, at PascoClerk.com/856/Operation-Green-Light.

Those with licenses suspended over failure to pay child support, DUI, failure to complete a driver’s course ordered by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), traffic-related felony, or deemed by FLHSMV as a habitual traffic offender may not be eligible to participate.

Drivers wanting to get a grasp on the financial obligations pending against their license may check their status at Services.flhsmv.gov/DLCheck/.

Published March 03, 2021

 

Looking for adventure, they found it at the fair

By

The COVID-19 pandemic continues — but the 74th annual Pasco County Fair found a way to work around it — offering rides, midway games, food, fun and entertainment. There were also plenty of social distancing signs and hand sanitizer stations, and masks were required inside of the buildings. See more about the fair and more photos in full story.

Eight-year-old Vashaun Smith, center, tosses rings at the ‘Ring-a-Bottle’ game, while family members cheer for him. The Dade City family was spending the day at the Pasco County Fair on Feb. 20. From left in back: Za’keyia Obanner, 16; Breshae Obanner, 15; and Anthony Lane, 13. From left in front: Ashley Washington, 8; Vashaun Smith, 8; Jeremiah Harris, 9; Rashawn Washington, 6; and Jawaun Washington, 9. (Christine Holtzman)

Pasco County Fair lives up to its billing

By

The theme for the 74th annual Pasco County Fair was “The Adventure Continues” — and, based on the sounds of laughter and the abundance of smiles seen across the fairgrounds, the event lived up to its name.

Evin Martinez, of St. Leo, left, holds a large plush cow over his shoulders, as he jokes with his best friend, Dominic Shaefer, of New Port Richey. The two were waiting for Martinez’s girlfriend, Hannah Haddad, of Dade City, who was placing an order of funnel cakes and cotton candy for the group. Martinez won the oversized doll for Haddad. (Christine Holtzman)

This year — in the time of COVID-19 — special safety precautions were taken.

There were signs all over the place, asking fair-goers to observe social distancing. Hand sanitizer stations were plentiful, and masks were required inside fair buildings.

The fair, which ran from Feb. 15 through Feb. 21, was held at the Pasco County Fairgrounds, 36722 State Road 52 in Dade City.

Thrill-seekers of all ages — who wanted to get their pulse racing — had lots of choices.

Mike Vazquez, of Tampa, sits for his portion of the caricature drawing that he commissioned from Orlando artist Haley Likes. His son, Carmelo, and nephews Truth and Terrance O’Neal, already sat for their portraits. Vazquez said he wanted the drawing to capture the priceless time he was having with family members at the fair.

This year’s rides that were not for the faint of heart included: ‘Vertigo,’ a spinning swing ride that soared to heights of nearly 90 feet; ‘Rock Star,’ an exhilarating 360-degree spinning ride that lifts riders to nearly 60 feet; and the ‘Zipper,’ a classic ride in which riders are seated in caged carts that are flipped upside down – and spun all around – as they travel along an oblong, rotating frame.

Seven-year-old Makenzie Gaarder, of Wesley Chapel, reacts with surprise, as magician Brad Matchett, of Richmond, Virginia, shows her ‘Houdini,’ the live bunny that was made to appear inside a wooden box. This was just one of many tricks the magician had up his sleeve, during his interactive agriculture-themed magic show, Agricadabra.

There was a daily entertainment lineup, too, including acts that were new to the fair this year, such as the agriculture-themed, audience-interactive magic show from Richmond, Virginia, called, ‘Agricadabra;’ the aerial and ground stunt circus acts of the ‘Victoria Circus;’ the musical entertainment of Leon Jacobs Jr.; and, ‘The Wagsters,’ a magic and illusion show from Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

Of course, there also were daily agricultural shows, competitions and exhibits.

A championship rodeo, sanctioned by the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA), was held on Feb. 19 and Feb. 20.

The Orbiter is seen in motion at the Pasco County Fair. This thrill ride lifts and spins riders, as they sit in cars, attached to the Orbiter’s arms.

There also were various special events, including a Miss Heart of Florida pageant, a Pasco Showcase of Talent Show, and a Karaoke contest – where top winners were awarded cash prizes.

And, the aroma of fair foods filled the air — enticing patrons to stop to enjoy such treats as funnel cakes, deep-fried Oreos, hot dogs and cotton candy.

Those feeling lucky could step right up and try to win a prize for their favorite guy or gal, or maybe even for themselves. They could shoot hoops, play fishing games, toss rings on bottles, or play other games in the hopes of taking home a fair souvenir.

Perhaps the best prize of all, though, were the memories they made by spending some time at the 74th annual Pasco County Fair.

By Christine Holtzman

Published March 03, 2021

Nine-year-old Levi Blake, of Dade City, rides the mechanical bull – a first for him – at the Pasco County Fair. After being bucked off the machine, he jokingly told 9-year-old Kasen Howard, his best friend, ‘I’m a cowboy, baby.’
Five-year-old Brayden Wright, of Dade City, tries to maintain balance as he climbs a ladder at the ‘Crazy Ladder’ game at the Pasco County Fair midway. He almost reached the end before the ladder flipped, causing him to fall onto the inflatable mat below.
Fourteen-year-old Cody Adams Jr., of Dade City, flashes the peace sign, as he rides the swing ride ‘Vertigo’ with his 10-year-old brother, Justin Young. Adams said that he likes the hand symbol, and does it all the time. Their mother, Jessica Young, waited on the ground while her sons rode the popular thrill ride, which rises nearly 90 feet in the air, and spins riders seated in swings.
Thirteen-year-old Colby Stewart, left, finds hilarity while seated on the thrill ride ‘Axis’ next to a giant plush panda, and his friend, 13-year-old Salena Briggs. The teens are sixth-graders at Raymond B. Stewart Middle School in Zephyrhills.

Pasco Planning Commission seeks three volunteers

By

Pasco County is seeking three volunteers to join the Pasco Planning Commission.

Ideal candidates will represent diverse knowledge and expertise in the areas of engineering, planning, real estate, surveying, property management, architecture, construction and other related fields, according to a news release.

Planning Commission members review and make recommendations to the Pasco County Commission on proposed amendments to the county’s comprehensive plan, rezoning requests, conditional use permit requests, development orders, development agreements, operating permits and other development applications.

Planning commissioners also conduct hearings and issue final determinations on all variances, alternative standards, certain appeals and special exception applications.

Planning commissioners generally meet twice a month, on Thursday afternoons at 1:30 p.m. The meetings alternate between New Port Richey and Dade City.

The Pasco County Commission approves planning commission appointments.

For more information about Pasco Planning and Development, visit bit.ly/2hMXfkD.

The deadline for applications is March 10.

To submit an application online, go to bit.ly/2G3IqUH.

Published March 03, 2021