The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Christmas parade in Dade City is unlikely

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The Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce recently posted a notice on its website to clarify apparent myths regarding the Christmas Parade held in Dade City.

“The chamber has withdrawn the application it submitted in May, to operate, staff and insure the Christmas Parade for 2020,” the notice says.

“It takes a lot of time, effort and interaction for the entries to produce their floats, bands to practice and groups to meet and rehearse what they would be doing in the parade,” the post adds.

“A host of volunteers is needed to actually ‘run’ the parade – in some cases, folks are not yet ready to say ‘yes’ to participating in large, uncontrolled groups,” the post continues.

The announcement goes on, to make this point: “The chamber does not “own” a parade.  If another group would like to produce a Christmas Parade, they simply need to obtain a special event permit from the city.”

If any group is interested in pursuing the project of putting on the parade, the chamber would be happy to provide guidance or counsel, the posting adds.

John Moors, executive director of the chamber, invites anyone with questions to call him at (352) 567-3769.

Published October 21, 2020

Community input sought on strategic plan

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Pasco County is embarking on its five-year strategic plan and is seeking feedback from its stakeholders and the public in general to help shape the plan.

The county had planned to hold SWOT — Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats — analysis sessions before the COVID-19 pandemic put a halt to its plans, and now it is reviving the effort, according to a Pasco County news release.

A series of community meetings will be held to solicit feedback and ideas. The first session is  set for Oct. 22, from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., at the Cooperative Extension Office, at 36702 State Road 52 in Dade City.

The Pasco County Commission is seeking input on these topics:

  • Identifying Pasco’s competitive advantages in the Tampa Bay region
  • Exploring opportunities for increased levels of service
  • Preparing Pasco County for the next five years of growth
  • Identifying potential challenges
  • Improving operations and service delivery to the community

The SWOT strategic planning tool helps to clarify and summarize key internal and external issues and opportunities that affect Pasco County.

By conducting these sessions, the county is seeking to gain a better understanding of Pasco’s unique assets and competitive positioning in the Tampa Bay region, according to the news release.

This process will help develop the strategic plan — in areas related to capacity for growth, as well as cultural, economic, technological, intellectual and physical assets to promote Pasco County’s economic vitality.

Preregistration is required, face masks are required and social distancing guideline will be followed. Several virtual sessions will be offered for those who prefer not to participate in person.

To learn more about the process, view a complete community meeting schedule, and register to participate, visit bit.ly/PascoSWOT.

For more information, call (727) 847-8115, or email .

Published October 21, 2020

Contract extended on intersection improvement

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The Pasco County Commission has granted an extension of 240 calendar days to D.A.B. Constructors Inc., to complete the construction of intersection improvements at State Road 54 and Morris Bridge Road and Eiland Boulevard.

The project had been scheduled to be completed by Nov. 22, but needs to be delayed because of utility coordination and relocation delays in the state Department of Transportation’s project that is widening State Road 54 to Curley Road.

D.A.B. also is the contractor on that project.

The contractor can’t proceed until utilities have been coordinated at the intersection. This coordination effort resulted in the need to extend the intersection improvements (SR 54 at Morris Bridge and Eiland Boulevard) construction contract by an additional 240 days.

The new completion date is expected to be July 19, 2021.

Published October 21, 2020

Use care in watering — or face fines

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Here’s a friendly reminder from the folks at Hillsborough County Public Utilities: Pay attention to the county’s watering restrictions.

Residents living in unincorporated Hillsborough County are allowed to water their lawns twice a week, and those restrictions are effective throughout the year, according to a Hillsborough County news release.

To help conserve on water, make sure your watering systems have no leaks, that spray patterns are directed properly and that the sprinkler heads are in working order. (Courtesy of Hillsborough County)

The ordinance covers all sources of water, except for reclaimed water.

These are the watering rules:

  • Lawn watering must be done before 8 a.m. or after 6 p.m., and property owners can only water once on the designated days.
  • Addresses ending in 0, 1, 2, or 3 can water their lawns on Mondays and Thursdays.
  • Addresses ending in 4, 5, or 6 can water their lawns on Tuesdays and Fridays.
  • Addresses ending in 7, 8, or 9 can water their lawns Wednesdays and Saturdays.
  • Locations with no addresses, such as common areas, and locations with mixed addresses, such as office complexes, can water their lawns on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

Hillsborough County Code Enforcement enforces the county ordinance for year-round watering restrictions.

Violations may result in citations starting at $100.

The release also provides this advice, from the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Science: A rule of thumb is to water the lawn when 30% to 50% of the lawn shows signs that the grass has folding leaf blades, a blue-gray color, or footprints are visible in the grass.

It’s also a good idea to check to make sure that the sprinkler system is working properly and that there are no leaks, broken sprinkler heads or misdirected spray patterns, the release added.

To report properties that are not adhering to watering restrictions, call Code Enforcement at (813) 224-8993.

Learn more online at HCFLGov.net/WaterRestrictions.

For more information on conserving water, visit HCFLGov.net/WaterConservation, or call the Water Conservation Hotline at (813) 663-3295.

Published October 21, 2020

Fire Safety Week

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(Courtesy of Andy Taylor/Pasco County)

The Pasco County Commission honored efforts of the county’s fire rescue workers and recognized Fire Safety Week through a resolution at the board’s Oct. 6 meeting. This year, Fire Safety Week focused on the importance of preventing house fires — with a particular emphasis on staying safe in the kitchen. Many house fires occur because of cooking food left unattended on stove tops. Shown here, Pasco County Commissioner Kathryn Starkey, Commission Chairman Mike Moore, Commissioner Ron Oakley, Commissioner Jack Mariano, County Administrator Dan Biles and Fire Chief Scott Cassin pose with members of Pasco Fire Rescue.

Note: National First Responders Day is on Oct. 28 and recognizes the heroic men and women who make it their business to take immediate action when disaster strikes. 

And, first place goes to…

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(Courtesy of Sarah Brown)

Alec Brown, a fourth-grader at Bexley Elementary, took this photo of an alligator in one of the Bexley ponds, in Land O’ Lakes. He submitted the photo for a youth art exhibition, called the ‘Mini Matisse Show,’ at the Carrollwood Cultural Center and won first place.

See Alec himself in Chalk Talk, under the Education tab!

Pasco County launches citizen survey

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Pasco County is conducting its annual Citizen Survey through Nov. 6, according to a county news release.

The Citizen Survey, initially launched in 2009, is conducted annually to collect feedback on a variety of topics that affect the county’s future.

Here are topics included in the survey: Transportation; parks and libraries; emergency services; safety; growth; importance and quality of services.

The survey typically receives thousands of responses, intended to help the Pasco County Commission with planning discussions and decision-making.

“We’ve adapted in the face of unprecedented challenges to serve you in innovative new ways during 2020,” Organizational Performance Management Director Dr. Marc Bellas said, in the release. “Your feedback is a critical component to learn what matters most as we work to develop future programs and places that ensure a bright future for Pasco County.”

You can take the short survey in one of the following ways:

  • On the Pasco County’s homepage: MyPasco.net
  • On the MyPasco App, by clicking on the Citizen Survey button
  • On the Pasco County Facebook or Twitter pages
  • Click directly on the survey link: bit.ly/2020CitizenSurvey.

Published October 14, 2020

For Pasco’s Spotlight on Talent, the show must go on

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For those of you who may have been wondering — yes, Spotlight on Talent plans to continue its tradition of giving young singers, musicians, dancers and artists a chance to compete and show off their skills.

After all, Spotlight on Talent, has been providing a showcase for performers from throughout Central Florida since 1982.

Guitarist Salvador Hernandez performs during the 2020 Spotlight on Talent. (Gary Hatrick/Courtesy of Spotlight on Talent)

The Pasco County tradition will continue in 2021 — but the event might look different this time, due to COVID-19 protocols.

Barbara Friedman, the event producer, said the preliminary auditions are scheduled for Feb. 13, with two final shows set for March 6 at the Center for the Arts at Wesley Chapel.

“That’s what we hope happens because it’s a really big deal for about 200 kids and their families,’’ said Friedman, who also is publicity chairman for the Heritage Arts Center Association (HACA) nonprofit organization.

Performers in the talent showcase compete, with participants ranging from kindergartners through high school seniors.

Ticket sales for the live shows are typically robust.

“People from all over are already calling to ask, ‘Are you going to have Spotlight?’ The answer is yes we are, but given what’s going on in the world, we need a Plan B,” Friedman said.

Under Plan B, the auditions will be canceled and everything will wrap into the March 6 performance date. Tickets won’t be sold. Performers will be presented in small groups with a socially distanced staggered format and all Center for Disease Control (CDC) protocols will be followed, she said.

Either way, Friedman said the event will offer $4,000 worth of cash and prizes, including a $1,000 scholarship to the graduating senior who has the highest score.

“If it all doesn’t go exactly as we’d like it, we won’t be completely heartbroken,’’ Friedman said.

She added: “We’re not sure what the world will be like in February and March, but we’re going to make it (the competition) happen.’’

Dancer Julianna Mazza, who won the top prize of a $1,000 scholarship, performs during the 2020 Spotlight on Talent.

As they say, the show must go on.

That’s what the HACA, which is charged with promoting the arts, has made happen for nearly four decades. Between the Spotlight on Talent and the annual Moonlight and Ivory concert at the Dade City Women’s Club (used to raise scholarship money for performing arts students), the organization has provided numerous opportunities for local performers.

Spotlight on Talent was founded by Sally Blackwood, whose family still runs a dance studio in Dade City.

The annual showcase has grown into a long-anticipated event for performers and audience members throughout Central Florida.

“There just isn’t anything like this in our area, so we draw from well beyond Pasco County,’’ Friedman said.

Spotlight on Talent prides itself on its organization and professionalism. At the auditions and final performances, each participant is analyzed by a panel of five professional judges. Some might be college professors. Others could be dance studio owners, or artists. But, they bring a level of expertise that is valued by everyone.

“We want to develop and reward all these kids with God-given talents who are working really hard,’’ Friedman said. “One great way to do that is through our judges. It’s one thing to prepare a piece, come on a big stage and perform in front of people. But, the judges really make a difference.”

She went on: “We pay these judges to evaluate the performance with a written evaluation, so they get feedback on what they should do to further develop their talent. They get experience at auditioning and performing, plus they get tips from professionals. If kids are serious about their talent, those are exactly the things you need to get to college and get scholarships. Our event is very valuable for the performers — the serious piano students and the serious dance students — in the area. It represents an opportunity for them.’’

The all-volunteer, 15-member HACA board of directors oversees everything from event administration to ticket sales.

“We are very hopeful that everything will work out,’’ Friedman said. “It would be great to have it come off like it always does. I think we’d all like COVID to just go away. But, regardless of what happens, we’re going to be able to offer everything we normally do — with the possible exception of a large crowd.

“We’re moving forward and we’ll make it work,” Friedman said.’

For more information about Spotlight on Talent, including a look at last year’s show, log onto HeritageArts.org.

By Joey Johnston

Published October 14, 2020

Pasco construction board has openings

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The Pasco County Construction Board (PCCB) is seeking volunteers to serve on its advisory board.

There are several vacancies on the board, for both contractors and consumer representatives.

The board hears and decides complaints about contractors, unpermitted work and appeals regarding construction and home improvement, contractor licensing, and Florida Building Code interpretations and amendments.

Contractors interested in applying must:

  • Hold a state or county contractor license
  • Be actively engaged in the construction business
  • Have five consecutive years of contracting experience

Consumers who are interested in applying cannot be either presently or previously a member or practitioner of a profession regulated by the construction board, or a member of any closely related profession.

Openings on the board include: Consumer representatives and licensed contractors, representing the areas of general or residential contractor, aluminum contractor, roofing contractor, and A/C or mechanical contractor.

Board members serve staggered, three-year terms and typically meet on the third Wednesday or Thursday every other month at 9:30 a.m.

Applicants must be at least 18 years old, and live in Pasco County, or regularly conduct business in the county.

Applications are being accepted through Oct. 30.

Apply online at bit.ly/PCCBapplication.

To learn more about the Pasco County Construction Board, visit bit.ly/34pcKHK, or email .

Published October 14, 2020

Pumpkin patch photo op!

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(Courtesy of Brock Communications)

Bearss Groves, 14316 Lake Magdalene Blvd., in North Tampa, is home to a gigantic pumpkin weighing 989 pounds that Bearss Groves purchased at auction in Michigan. The pumpkin is on display in front of the farmer’s market. Visitors are encouraged to take photos in front of the pumpkin display, free of charge. Pets also are welcome. Bearss Groves also has a large pumpkin patch open through the end of October. Explore the market’s pumpkin patch, take photos, and relax under Bearss Groves very own 400-year-old Oak Tree. Fall attire is welcome!