The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Three Essential Tips For Caregivers

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As a result of the COVID-19 crisis and Stay-At-Home Order, caregivers are feeling more overwhelmed and sequestered than ever. The important thing to know is that you’re not alone, and there are essential resources available to help.

Charlie Lowry

The new Caregiver Support Services program at Gulfside Hospice is currently helping those who are caring for their hospice patients, with the goal of empathetically interacting with them to improve quality of life for them and those for whom they provide care. We have over 700 caregivers in our program right now — some who are new to Hospice whose loved one has been recently diagnosed, and others who have been caregivers for years with their loved ones entering the final phase of their life.

Some caregivers live with the patient, and some live out of the area and yet are still responsible for their loved one’s care. Either way, caregiver services are important for family members who manage their loved one’s care. That’s why we have put together this quick list of tips to help you stay organized and take time for self-care.

While love and commitment are at the core of caregiving, and it can produce feelings of joy and fulfillment, we understand the stress and chaos that can also be produced by caregiving responsibilities, especially during this time, and we want to lend a helping hand.

Take Care of Yourself
If you are a caregiver, you are the person responsible for running your household and making sure quality care is being provided. It is essential that you take care of yourself first, so you don’t get sick or run out of energy.

– View yourself as your top priority – if you aren’t healthy in mind and body, you won’t be able to properly take care of others.

– Set aside 15-20 minutes, two or three times a day, to unwind and focus on yourself. Do a crossword puzzle, work on a jigsaw puzzle or color a page with pencils or markers.

– Take a 30-minute walk around the neighborhood, and/or exercise along with a You Tube video.

– Schedule your personal breaks into your day planner — just like you do meals and medication.

Build Your Support System
Don’t be afraid to ask people to help. Grow your support system so you can utilize them when you need help with errands, or to help with family communications that can take up much time and be emotionally draining.

– Your support system can be family, friends, neighbors, and hospice volunteers and staff. Ask in advance if they are able to help when the need arises, and keep their contact information in an easy to remember spot, so you have it when you need it.

– Your support system can shop for groceries and other household needs, pick up medications and even fill up your gas tank. All this can be done without coming into your home and exposing them or your household during this crisis.

Get Organized
It’s important to have everything you need in one place when you are a caregiver. This includes assembling a medication list, banking information and passwords, a list of email addresses and passwords to pay utilities, mortgage and auto loans, credit cards and other monthly obligations, maintain an updated list of family names, phone numbers and email addresses, and assemble wills and other legal documents, such as do not resuscitate orders and other medical directives.

By Charlie Lowry, Director of Caregiver Support Services
Gulfside Healthcare Services

Charlie Lowry is the Director of Caregiver Support Services and has been at Gulfside Healthcare Services for three years, and has worked in hospice services since 2012. The caregiver services that Lowry’s team provides are not covered by Medicare and other insurance companies, and are dependent on fundraising events and private donations. To contribute, go to Gulfside.org/make-a-gift, or call (800) 561-4883.

Published April 15, 2020

When life gives you time, make art

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Editor’s note: If the COVID-19 pandemic has taught us anything, it’s likely this: When the routines of everyday life come to a screeching halt, we need to find creative ways to take care of ourselves and each other.

This trio of kids decided to celebrate the completion of an online week of school by doing some sidewalk chalk art. Fortunately for us, their grandmother, Sheila Withum, decided to send us the photos.

What are you doing? Please share your photos and blurbs, to help us tell our community’s story. Send your submissions to .

Front to back: Madi, Kenzie and Easton, children of Darrell and Sarah Seelochan, of Heritage Harbor, in Lutz, lift the tape they used to separate colors in their liquid chalk art design. (Courtesy of Sheila Withum)

 

Unsung heroes crash in the deep woods of Pasco County

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Twelve enthusiastic young soldiers — with their lives ahead of them — met their fate in the rugged frontier terrain of Central Pasco.

Ten of the men were from the 488th Bomber Group from MacDill Field, flying in a B-17 Flying Fortress on Feb. 28, 1944. The plane crashed, leaving just one survivor.

The B-17 was referred to as the ‘flying fortress’ because of its ability to sustain abuse. The plane was used in flying reconnaissance over Normandy. This type of plane also was involved in a crash in Central Pasco County, where nine men perished and one was seriously injured. (Courtesy of Dennis Cole)

The other two men each were flying P-51 Mustangs from Bartow Army Air Field on June 8, 1945. They did not survive the crash.

One of the men on the B-17 was Leopold Palm, who was the first German alien to be inducted in the Fifth Army Corps, after begging entry.

As a Jewish citizen of Germany, Palm and his family fled the Nazis to come to the United States in 1942. Palm’s utmost desire was to give back to the country who gave him refuge.

He wrote jubilant letters home about his service, and received medals for marksmanship.

In one letter he said, “As anxious as I was, you will understand how proud I am to be a citizen of the United States… and I am trying to live up to the responsibilities which it brings with it.”

As a local historian and genealogist, I became aware of part of this story in 2015 during research I was doing on the history of Wesley Chapel. While working on that project, I encountered 92-year-old Bill Smith, who shared his deep knowledge of the area.

He told me about the two crashes in Central Pasco.

Smith had seen the wreckage.

He has passed away since our conversation in 2015, but as the widely known radio host Paul Harvey used to say, some of “the rest of the story” recently fell into my lap.

The period leading up to World War II was one of enormous economic strife, following the Great Depression.

It was also a time of escalating scientific milestones, and of secrecy, too. Even President Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s handicap was kept from the American people — in a conspiracy partially enabled by the media.

When our country entered World War II on Dec. 8, 1941, preparation had been ongoing to become proficient in rapidly evolving industries.

(Courtesy of Dennis Cole)

Part of that involved perfecting aircraft and quickly training pilots.

Taking a step into the distant past
A series of Army Air bases were constructed in Florida — in such places as Zephyrhills, Bartow and Hillsborough County.

In fact, there were 172 military installations across the state.

At the Zephyrhills Air Base, said to be populated by young soldiers in training, the spirit of patriotism was high.

The threat was unlike anything we have seen since domestically except 9/11: German U-boats and submarines were in our Gulf of Mexico.

Flash forward to the present.

On Feb. 26, 2020, a small group gathered at the welcome center at MacDill Air Force Base to meet public relations officer Shannon Bowman.

We met — more than 70 years after the accidents — to piece together other parts of the story. Among those gathered were:

  • Linda Ligon Rodgers, who is interested in finding out more about the history of her uncle, John, who was a copilot on the B-17
  • Robert Widner and Dennis Cole, who, for years, have been collecting information on the aircraft, runways, training protocols and military data of the day
  • Myself and my husband, Ernest, who wanted to fill in gaps in stories shared with us by Smith, who was a veteran, too

At MacDill, Bowman led us past Hangar 3 where the plane was prepared and then to Hangar 5 — two hangars in the base’s historic district.

This group recently met at MacDill Air Force Base to find out more about the history of the planes that crashed in Central Pasco, during World War II. From left: Linda Ligon Rodgers, niece of co-pilot Thomas Ligon; Dennis Cole; Karen Ariele; Madonna Wise and Ernest Wise. (Courtesy of Madonna Wise)

That’s where we learned about the B-17 crew and the events of their day.

Stephen Ove, MacDill’s official historian, told us that over 20% of the soldiers who had gone through Hangar 5 had not returned.

The historian explained that the B-17 was an extraordinary plane with a long length of service—flying reconnaissance over Normandy and obtaining its name ‘flying fortress’ for its ability to sustain abuse.

It was a war horse.

The 1941 hangar was a history book of facts and information.

Ove recounted that the Boeing B-17 took off at 9 p.m., on Feb. 28, 1944. After two hours of flying, the control tower radioed for the plane to return.

But, instead of arriving at MacDill Air Force Base, the plane collided with trees and crashed northeast of Hillsborough Army Air Field, on K-Bar Ranch. The B-17 careened into the terrain, broke up and burst into flames. Debris scattered over a distance of 520 yards, in a semi-wooded area of the ranch.

These photos are of the crew members of the B-17, which crashed in Central Pasco County. (Courtesy of Madonna Wise)

Nine fliers were killed and Sgt. Tom E. Norman, was injured seriously, according to base records.

The B-17 careened into the terrain, broke up and burst into flames.

Those killed, close to the midnight hour of that Leap Year, were:

  • William P. Alsabrock Jr., flight officer, age 21
  • Donald G. Barber, second lieutenant/pilot, age 19
  • Larice Lavell Boyle, staff sergeant/flight engineer, age 23
  • Twyman W. Harper, private first class/assistant radio operator, age 22
  • John Fulton Ligon Jr., second lieutenant/co-pilot, age 25
  • Arthur P. O’Connor Jr., second lieutenant/bombardier, age 27
  • Ernest Leopold Palm, sergeant/assistant engineer, age 24
  • Lawrence R. Siers, sergeant/radio operator, age 21
  • Roy D. Stroh, sergeant/tail gunner, age 25

The accident reports, photos of the accident scene and documentation of the plane’s remains are filed away in the historical records at MacDill.

Besides Bill Smith, the late local historian Eddie Herrmann also described the account of the two Mustangs in the 1945 crash. Herrmann was only 9 at the time of the event.

It was mid-day on May 30, 1945, when a squadron of 16 Mustangs flying from Bartow Army Air Field made their way over Pasco County, on their way to Marianna Airfield.

Two P-51 Mustangs made contact in a mid-air collision at about 9,000 feet.

The pilots involved in the crash were Flight Officer John Terry, age 21, of Lakeland, and Second Lt. Robert Walker, age 20, of Great Falls, Montana.

This is the hangar MacDill Air Force Base where the B-17 plane was equipped and maintained. (Courtesy of Madonna Wise)

One plane came down in an area near current-day Interstate 75 and State Road 52, while the other crashed south of what’s now known as Bellamy Road.

Researcher Robert Widner has meticulously worked for more than 50 years and was able to pinpoint the site where the plane carrying John Terry went down.

The crashes occurred during an ominous time, in an era where patriotism permeated community cultures, especially in places such as Zephyrhills, where the Army Air Base had a transformative effective on local life.

Undoubtedly these two crashes were acknowledged by many at the time — but perhaps more through quiet prayer and thanksgiving than in flashy outward displays.

With the passage of time, the deep woods of the area are being uncovered with settlement, and it may well be time to acknowledge the deaths of these courageous solders.

Indeed, there are plans to place a plaque somewhere along Bruce B. Downs Boulevard, in one of the local park areas, to pay tribute to their heroism.

During our recent visit to MacDill, despite the long passage of time, we hid moist eyes, as empathy for their tragic end transcended the years.

By Madonna J. Wise

Published April 08, 2020

Keystone Community Church delivers Easter joy

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Members of the Keystone Community Church delivered Easter baskets and food to 26 families on April 1.

Volunteer Charlie Bell is bagging up some frozen food items, to be distributed to families. (Courtesy of Lisa Kamps/Keystone Community Church)

The food boxes contained dairy, meat, bread from Publix, fruit, veggies and nonperishable items.

The Easter baskets were made by the church’s women’s group, along with Emma Wasson, a volunteer’s granddaughter.

The church, which is on State Road 54 just west of the U.S. 41 intersection, in Lutz, will continue to distribute to families and individuals in need, as often as possible, according to information provided by Lisa Kamps, of the KCC Second Serving outreach ministry.

The church reaches out to the local community providing food to those in need, according to its website. People the church serves range from single seniors to young families with children. Because the church is a Feeding Tampa Bay agency, it can purchase frozen foods and other items at a low cost. It also collects nonperishable food from our members and friends to round out what it distributes. Also, it also prepares food for the homeless.

Published April 08, 2020

Emma Wasson was one of the volunteers who helped to make Easter baskets.
Christy Smith, who is a teacher, is shown here bagging some cartons of orange juice.

A Letter From Your Representative

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For the last few weeks, we have had to make major lifestyle changes that were completely unexpected, but we will get through these tough times. Simply taking the proper precautions that have been recommended by the Center for Disease Control can help protect not only you, but also those around you from contracting COVID-19. Social distancing, washing your hands regularly and using hand sanitizer and other disinfectants are a few important things that you can do to make a major difference.

Representative Randy Maggard addresses the Florida House during this year’s legislative session in Tallahassee.

I applaud Governor DeSantis for his response to the pandemic and have full confidence in his ability to see our great state through this crisis. His numerous Executive Orders have been extremely helpful in protecting our state from receiving more cases from out-of-state, and have also opened the doors to ensure that we are prepared in the event that the Covid-19 surges. The Legislature has also been closely monitoring the spread of this virus and stands ready to take action if needed.

With that being said, there are plenty of ways to enjoy life and practice social distancing at the same time. Getting outdoors is a great way to pass the time and get proper exercise. The Southwest Florida Water Management District has made the decision to keep their public recreational lands open in order to provide a place for jogging, hiking and fishing.

To feel productive at home, try landscaping, gardening or spring cleaning. Often times we work so much that we are too exhausted to do more work once we get home, so now is a great time to do these things. When possible, please support your local small businesses through ordering via phone or online. These shops and stores are owned by members of our community. During these times they will feel the economic impacts and will need our support.

I want to thank all of those on the front lines of this pandemic. Doctors and nurses have been working around the clock across the United States to fight the virus, and they deserve all of the support and respect we can provide them for their hard work. Also, all those in law enforcement, firefighting, mail delivery and garbage collection have been putting themselves at high risk by having to come into contact regularly with citizens who may have contracted the virus. So, if you see any of these workers, thank them for the job that they are doing.

The Legislature recently wrapped up the 2020 Legislative Session, and I am proud to say that we accomplished a lot this year. We passed the largest water policy in state history and secured $690 million for water protection and restoration of the Everglades. We provided $1.7 billion dollars for hurricane response, and $17 billion for PreK-12 education funding, including $500 million for teachers pay raises.

For East Pasco County, we were able to secure a total of $16.6 million in appropriations to be used in projects by Zephyrhills, Lacoochee, Pasco County and Saint Leo University. These projects include intersection improvements, establishing a new robotics program, and septic to sewage for a fast-growing part of our county.

I am proud to represent District 38 in the Florida House and look forward to serving our community further in Tallahassee. For now, be strong, be kind, use common sense — we will get through this time of uncertainty together.

By Randy Maggard
House District 38

Randy Maggard is our Florida State Representative for District 38, which includes Dade City, Zephyrhills, San Antonio, Wesley Chapel and Land O’ Lakes (east of Collier Boulevard). He is also an owner of Sonny’s Discount Appliances in Dade City, a business his father founded in 1959.

Published April 08, 2020

A Vote For Jim Shive Is A Vote For Experience And Results

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Jim Shive has served Dade City residents for over 35 years — the first 27 years as an employee of the City working in the Public Works and Utilities Department and serving on public boards, and since 2012 as a results-driven city Dade City Commissioner.

Dade City Commissioner Jim Shive, left, was recognized as Volunteer of the Year by The Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce in 2007. Presenting the award was Mark Davis, a member of the Chamber Awards Committee.

While Shive and his colleagues on the City Commission have made many decisions to improve the lives of residents, he is most proud of the following achievements — many which took years of planning and work before they became reality.

Transportation
– Morningside Drive Extension, from State Road 52 to Fort King Avenue, funded by $5 million in state appropriations to construct the extension’s second phase to create a new east-west corridor from U.S. 301 to Fort King Avenue. This will relieve traffic on residential streets and improve access to Advent Health Dade City.

– Implementing an ongoing paving management plan by utilizing and committing $200,000 of Infrastructure Surtax (Penny Monies) annually, and revitalization of lower income neighborhoods by utilizing Community Development Block Grants.

Utilities/Wastewater and Stormwater
– $16 million in wastewater infrastructure improvements to shore up system capacity, and allow for future growth and development.

– Beauchamp Pond Neighborhood Revitalization project, eliminating blight, adding a new walking trail and boardwalk, and increasing stormwater capacity in the area.

– Completion of the Downtown Stormwater Project.

Parks and Facilities
– Beautification and expansion of the recreational Hardy Trail, expanding from Church Street to Lock Street to give families and youth a paved bicycle and walking trail.

– Construction of a new City Hall and Police Station.

– Over $800,000 in improvements to Mickens Field and City parks. 

Shive is the only incumbent on the April 14 ballet in this month’s city election, giving him a tremendous advantage over other candidates when it comes to experience and knowledge.

“The downtown stormwater project has been discussed for over 20 years, and we’re almost in completion and getting it done,” said Shive, who explains that this project affected many of the city’s existing water and sewer lines that go back 100 years in the downtown area.

“In conjunction with this project, the City updated its 1965 Stormwater Master Plan to address flooding in other outlying areas of the City,” added Shive.

Shive is especially proud of the tremendous progress the City has made with improvements to its utility system, and also the City’s efforts to maintain compliance with all regulatory agencies.

“Protecting the health and well-being of the public is our number one priority,” said Shive, who obtained duel state certifications in water and wastewater while working in the Public Works and Utilities Department, which he joined at age 19 after graduating from Pasco Comprehensive High School in 1976.

“I began in the maintenance department, doing everything from pulling up railroad ties, driving a garbage truck, repairing sidewalks and setting up the City’s annual Christmas decorations,” said Shive. He eventually would be promoted to the Utilities Department, where he earned duel state certifications in utilities to become the City’s Environmental Coordinator, working with regional and state authorities on water and wastewater projects. 

“I have a great deal of institutional knowledge within the City, having worked for many years in the areas of water and wastewater and public works,” said Shive. “In 2004, I was there to manage and oversee the City’s utilities when Florida reeled under the assault of four hurricanes: Charlie, Frances, Ivan and Jeanne. It was my job and responsibility for keeping Dade City with drinking water and system pressure throughout the storm.”

After Shive left the City, he decided to run for the city commission because he had so much knowledge to share, and because he truly loved the City and its residents.

“My knowledge of Dade City is very personal. For me, it’s about giving back to a community that has given so much to me. I want to continue to give back to the community by serving as a community voice and Dade City commissioner,” said Shive.

Shive was first elected in 2012 to the Dade City Commission for a four-year term, and ran unopposed for re-election in 2016. He is running now for another four years, and is asking residents to vote for him because of his experience, commitment and vision for the future.

“It’s more important than ever that we have a vision of how we want Dade City to look,” said Shive. “My vision promotes our long heritage, and looks to a promising future.”

Shive identifies the following as the most important issues facing the City over the next four years.

1. Putting in place a vision and plan for controlling the substantial growth coming our way that embraces our motto, “Proud Heritage Promising Future,” but also creating a community for families with children to relocate, work and play. 

2. Working with Pasco County in defining boundaries regarding utility service areas and annexation of properties (expanding the city limits), as we grow into the future.

3. Creating an atmosphere for businesses to relocate within the municipal boundaries, by crafting policies that offer tax Incentives over a short period of time that benefit businesses that create jobs and increase property values.  

Shive has lived in Dade City since he was 8 years old, and attended local public schools, including Dade City Grammar School (now Rodney Cox Elementary). In 2007, Shive was awarded “Volunteer of the Year 2007” by The Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce at its annual banquet.

He and his wife of 38 years, Teresa, have four children and five grandchildren, ages 3 to 13.

Published April 1, 2020

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Residents urged to be counted in 2020 Census

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Residents of Hillsborough and Pasco counties are being urged by government officials to respond to the 2020 Census.

Pasco County Commission Chairman Mike Moore is urging citizens to take part in the nation’s official count.

April 1 is officially Census Day, meaning the number of people staying in your household must be counted to assure that communities receive their fair share of federal funding, and that congressional representation is properly apportioned.

“This is the first time the Census has had an online option for self-response. If you prefer, you can still submit your census by mail, telephone or in person to a Census Bureau representative,” Moore said, in a letter sent to news media outlets.

“Beginning in May, Census Bureau representatives will be following up to addresses that did not respond.

“It is important to know you will never be asked for sensitive personal information, such as Social Security or bank account numbers, by a Census Bureau employee. Your responses are secure, confidential and protected by federal law,” he added.

Moore also noted that Pasco County is one of the fastest-growing counties in Florida, and participation in the Census helps provide federal funding for roads, schools, public programs and reapportionment for the U.S. House of Representatives.

Pasco County Commissioner Kathryn Starkey also is encouraging participation in the 2020 Census, in a newsletter sent out by her office.

She notes that responding takes about 10 minutes.

“It is your civic duty to respond, but it is also a way to make for a better future for your community,” the newsletter says.

Hillsborough County officials also are urging participation.

On its website, Hillsborough notes that it’s Florida’s fourth-largest county, and is already bigger than 10 U.S. states.

During the 2020 Census, the county notes that it “is poised to potentially be counted as home to 1.5 million.”

It also explains why the count matters.

Besides affecting congressional representation, “It also helps with distribution of federal and state funding.

“Education, health care, law enforcement and highways are just some of the things that receive funding based on population,” the website says.

Published April 1, 2020

Slices of life, in the shadow of COVID-19

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Impacts from the threat of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) is touching life on virtually every level. The closing of school campuses disrupted family schedules and student learning.

The shuttering of businesses has left people out of work.

The number of people testing positive for COVID-19 and people dying from the virus continues to rise.

Nobody knows yet, when we will emerge to the other side, and when we do, what the lasting impacts will be.

For now, here’s a small sampling of how people are coping with the impacts of COVID-19.

Holding on, in a tough time
Normally, TJ’s Deli & Ice Cream does steady lunch business between 11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m.

(B.C. Manion)

“Now, we’ll be happy if we get a customer every two hours,” said Rosa Benitez, who owns the restaurant, along with her husband.

“We have lost a lot of business,” Benitez said. “It’s definitely overwhelming. It’s something you didn’t expect,” said the woman, who also works two part-time jobs.

“It’s been really life-changing. If you don’t have a second job or a second income, this could definitely put you out of business. It’s very sad,” she said.

Normally, the restaurant has four employees. Now, it’s just Benitez and her husband, Michael Holman.

They’re worried about how long the pandemic will last and wonder when business will return.

Meanwhile, Holman asks: “When are the (government stimulus) checks going to be handed out? When is the relief coming?”

Despite uncertainties, she trusts the universe
Sixty-nine-year-old Sheila Prater, of Land O’ Lakes, is dealing with uncertainties on all sides.

(Christine Holtzman)

She’s a caregiver for an 88-year-old woman who has Alzheimer’s disease.

She said the COVID-19 pandemic is adding to stress she’s already been feeling.

The house she’s been renting for years is up for sale and, when it sells, she’ll have to move.

Her daughter just lost her job as a server because of the impacts of COVID-19, and Prater isn’t sure where they’re going to live because it’s hard to find a place that will allow her three cats and one dog.

Prater also is unsure if she’ll be able to buy a house, given her daughter’s unemployment and today’s trying times.

Still, she is doing her best to remain positive.

“There are no accidents. Everything happens for a reason and everything happens on time. Not always our time, but the right time. Whatever the universe’s will, if it’s meant to be, it will be,” Prater said.

Being careful — and enjoying ice cream
Ken Graham and Kathy Patrick recently dropped by TJ’s Deli & Ice Cream, at 37752 Meridian Ave., in Dade City to get themselves a treat.

Patrick said she’s glad some businesses are closing.

(B.C. Manion)

But, she added: “A part of me also thinks it’s too hyped up. People are too afraid to go out. You can’t stop living your life. You can’t just let it defeat you.

“There’s some people that are just scared to death to go anywhere.”

Graham said concerns about COVID-19 have created a “very weird feeling — unexpected.”

The couple is still going out, but is being careful.

“We’re staying away from people,” Graham said. “We just had to have a meeting with a lawyer friend. We did it outside, in a patio setting, with distance between us,” he said.

“I think our medical community is doing a fantastic job. I think people, in general, are accepting their part. Everywhere we go, we see everyone practicing measures of safety,” Graham added.

So, when the couple had a chance to get some ice cream, they went for it.

They got their ice cream in waffle cones.

“Always, a waffle cone,” said Graham, who’s been going to TJ’s for years.

Patrick got a Happy Tracks cone.

Graham got a Black Cherry. That’s his new favorite.

Compiled by B.C. Manion and Christine Holtzman

Published April 1, 2020

Pasco Sheriff’s Office warns of coronavirus scams

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As coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) dominates attention globally, the Pasco Sheriff’s Office warns that cybercriminals are seeking to capitalize on the public’s desire to know more about the outbreak.

The Pasco Sheriff’s Office is warning of potential coronavirus-related cybercrimes. (Courtesy of Pasco County Sheriff’s Office)

There are nationwide reports of phishing scams that attempt to steal personal information or to infect devices with malware, and ads that peddle false information or scam products, the sheriff’s office says.

In one example, a phishing email used the logo of the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) Health Alert Network and claimed to provide a list of local active infections. Recipients were instructed to click on a link in the email to access the list. Then, recipients were asked to enter their email login credentials, which then were stolen.

The sheriff’s office says it isn’t aware of any cases in its jurisdiction, but is encouraging people to report phishing and other cybercrime.

The law enforcement agency also is advising the following:

  • When seeking information on COVID-19, visit known reputable websites like the (CDC) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, World Health Organization (WHO) or the Florida Department of Health.
  • Be on the lookout for phishing emails, which may appear to come from a trusted source. Remember, you can look at the sender’s details — specifically the part of the email address after the “@” symbol — in the “From” line to see if it looks legitimate.
  • Be wary of emails or phone calls offering unexpected or unprompted information. Also, do not click on links in emails from unfamiliar sources: they could be embedded with malware.
  • Although social media companies, such as Facebook, are cracking down on ads spreading coronavirus conspiracies and fake cures, some ads may make it past their review process.

Published April 1, 2020

Pasco schools add feeding sites for students

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Pasco County Schools planned to expand its number of student feeding sites from its initial seven locations up to 25 school sites, effective March 31, according to a school district news release.

While wearing an N95 mask for her safety during the COVID-19 pandemic, Linda McCabe, of Dade City, confirms the amount of food bags needed for one of the cars that showed up for the Pasco County school district’s free lunch program, at the Pasco High School site on March 26. McCabe is the school’s registrar and volunteered for this program that is handing out hundreds of free food bags daily. The school district since has expanded the number of food distribution sites and changed its delivery strategy. (Christine Holtzman)

Pasco also will add feeding sites at 16 bus stops throughout the county.

There are other significant changes in the way Pasco County Schools is getting food to students. The drive-thru sites and the bus deliveries will take place on Tuesday only, and the food provided will include food for five days for each student, the release adds.

A family with two children would receive 10 lunches and 10 breakfasts on Tuesday.

The student, or students, must be present to receive food.

Here is the list of Pasco sites, in and near The Laker/Lutz News coverage area, where meals will be delivered:

School bus deliveries, on Tuesdays only:

  • 11 a.m.: Wilson Street grass lot, 13800 Wilson St., Dade City
  • 11 a.m.: Zephyrhills YMCA, 37301 Chapel Hill Loop, Zephyrhills
  • 11:20 a.m.: Hilltop Landings 37611 Colina Drive, Dade City
  • 11:25 a.m.: Crystal Springs Community Center, 1655 Partridge Blvd., Zephyrhills
  • 11:45 a.m.: Trilby United Methodist Church, 37504 Trilby Road, Dade City

Drive-thru student food distribution sites

Tuesdays, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

  • Centennial Middle School, 38505 Centennial Road, Dade City
  • Chester W. Taylor Elementary School, 3618 Morris Bridge Road, Zephyrhills
  • Rodney B. Cox Elementary School, 37615 Martin Luther King Blvd., Dade City
  • New River Elementary School, 4710 River Glen Blvd., Wesley Chapel
  • Pasco High School, 36850 State Road 52, Dade City
  • Pasco Middle School, 13925 14th St., Dade City
  • Quail Hollow Elementary School, 7050 Quail Hollow Blvd., Wesley Chapel
  • San Antonio Elementary School, 32416 Darby Road, Dade City
  • West Zephyrhills Elementary, 37900 14th Ave., Zephyrhills
  • Zephyrhills High School, 6335 12th St., Zephyrhills

Published April 1, 2020