The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Celebrating Mother Earth’s bounty

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In honor of Earth Day, let’s recognize how the Earth provides foods to keep us nourished and fed.

Gardeners tend to have an appreciation for what the Earth has to offer, but that may be especially true right now — as the world grapples with the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

A microwavable silicone popcorn popper is an easy way to make popcorn. Pour enough kernels to fill the base, close the lid (this one is foldable flaps) and microwave for about 2 minutes, or until the pops are 1 second to 2 seconds apart. (Shari Bresin)

Fears have caused people to panic shop and hoard food.

People who grow their own food don’t have such worries.

So, even if you aren’t yet a gardener, perhaps the recent times we’ve been living through will serve as a motivator for you to consider taking it up.

Having a diet that consists primarily of foods that came from a plant is helpful to maintain good health.

It’s hard to get the recommended amounts of vitamins, minerals and fiber if you mostly consume processed prepackaged foods. If you’re doing that, you’re likely consuming too much sodium, fat and sugar.

Food from the ground, such as herbs, spices, beans, nuts, whole grains, vegetables and fruit are full of nutrients. They’re considered nutrient-dense foods because they have a high nutrition content, with few calories.

A calorie-dense diet, on the other hand, is one that has lots of calories and little nutrition.

For instance, think of the choice between a sugary soda vs. a homemade fruit smoothie.

Your body will get lots of calories from the soda, but negligible nutrition.

A fruit smoothie, on the other hand, has much more nutrition. To make one, use a small amount of 100% juice, some plain flavored yogurt, and various fruits and vegetables, such as strawberries, bananas, kale and so on.

Or consider the difference between a doughnut and a bowl of oatmeal (no sugar added), mixed with fruit.

The doughnut provides plenty of calories, sugar and fat. The oatmeal with fruit provides fiber, vitamins and minerals.

Some options are less obvious.

When choosing packaged foods, be sure to read the ingredients.

Here’s a tip: Look for packaged foods with a short list of ingredients, and ingredients that are easy to pronounce.

Also, be sure to check the nutrition content on the nutrition facts label.

Be sure to keep in mind that even when a meal starts off healthy, it can quickly become less healthy by heaping on toppings containing fat, sodium, sugar and calories.

One way to add flavor to your foods while skipping all of the extra calories is to use herbs and spices.

So, skip the sauces, gravies or dressings, and use herbs and spices to add flavor.

Here are some popular herb/spice combinations, recommended by the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension, for livening up common meals:

  • For beef: Try bay leaf, marjoram, nutmeg, sage, thyme, onion powder or pepper
  • For lamb: Try curry powder, garlic, mint or rosemary
  • For pork: Try onion powder, garlic powder, sage, pepper or oregano
  • For veal: Try bay leaf, curry powder, ginger, marjoram or oregano
  • For chicken: Try ginger, marjoram, oregano, paprika, poultry seasoning, rosemary, sage, tarragon or thyme
  • For fish: Try curry powder, dill, dry mustard, marjoram, paprika or pepper

And now, for some popular combinations for vegetables that are currently in season:

  • Carrots: Try cinnamon, cloves, dill, ginger, marjoram, nutmeg, rosemary, sage
  • Corn: Try cumin, curry powder, onion, paprika, parsley
  • Potatoes: Try dill, garlic, onion, paprika, parsley, sage
  • Summer squash: Try cloves, curry powder, marjoram, nutmeg, rosemary, sage
  • Tomatoes: Try basil, bay leaf, dill, marjoram, onion, oregano, parsley, pepper

Here are a couple of tips.

Herbs (the leafy part of the plant) and spices (the root, bark, stem, etc.) can be fresh or dried; just know that if a ratio calls for one and you substitute for the other, the amount will vary.

Keep in mind that 1 tablespoon of cut fresh herbs is the equivalent of one teaspoon of crumbled dried herbs and ¼ teaspoon to ½ teaspoon of ground dried herbs.

Also, remember there really isn’t a right or wrong way to flavor your food. So, add spices and herbs, based on your personal preferences — and enjoy!

By Shari Bresin

Shari Bresin is the Family & Consumer Science Agent for the University of Florida/Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Cooperative Extension Pasco County.

Recipe
Here’s a nice healthy snack you can make for the kids (or yourself) as they do school, or you work at home.

Directions:
Pop popcorn kernels on your stove, or in a microwavable silicone popcorn popper.

Instead of the typical toppings of salt, butter or cheese — try topping the popcorn with some olive oil and dried herbs or spices.

Some possible topping flavor combinations include:

  • Rosemary and ground pepper
  • Garlic powder and onion powder
  • Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes
  • Cilantro and lime juice
  • Basil, oregano and red chili powder

Published April 22, 2020

Pandemic affects Pasco services

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Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) has affected local government services.

Here’s a look at some of the changes. Be sure to check the Pasco County website, at PascoCountyFl.net, for updated information.

CLOSED Pasco County buildings and properties until further notice:

  • Historic Pasco County Courthouse, 37918 Meridian Ave., Dade City
  • Guardian Ad Litem Office West
  • Guardian Ad Litem Office East
  • Elderly Nutrition East, 13853 15th St., Dade City
  • Elderly Nutrition Central, 6801 Wisteria Loop, Land O’ Lakes
  • Elderly Nutrition West, 8600 Galen Wilson Blvd., New Port Richey
  • All Pasco County Libraries (closed until April 30)
  • All Parks are closed, along with Recreation Complexes, Community & Education Centers
  • All parks-sponsored large events and mass gatherings are cancelled, until further notice, and the following parks facilities in The Laker/Lutz News coverage area are closed: Land O’ Lakes Recreation Complex; Land O’ Lakes Heritage Park Community Center; and Starkey Wilderness Park Education Center.
  • All Pasco County libraries are closed through April 30.
  • All Pasco County Senior Centers are closed, and all senior programs, activities, classes and meetings are cancelled until further notice. Call (727) 834-3340 for more information.
  • Pasco County Recycling closed its three community recycling drop-offs until further notice.
  • All Property Appraiser’s offices are closed to the public until further notice. Employees are working remotely, and online services are available: PascoPA.com.
  • The Pasco County Tax Collector’s five offices are closed to lobby traffic, but drive-thru services are available for certain transactions. Visit PascoTaxes.com for more information.

OPEN

  • The Animal Services shelter is open. Animal Services is restricting all field operation calls to only emergency response and priority calls. Animal Services is not accepting owner/agent surrendered animals; intakes will be scheduled for a later date. In-person pet licensing sales are suspended until further notice.
  • Pet licensing is available online: secure.pascocountyfl.net/petlicensing.
  • Select boat ramps and the Suncoast Trail will remain open. (Please follow all CDC social distancing guidelines.)
  • Pasco County Public Transportation (PCPT) is suspending all fares until further notice. The number of riders will be limited, and to accommodate the change, there will be more buses on the county’s busiest routes by temporarily suspending services on Routes 18, 25, 31 and 41.

For more information, visit: bit.ly/PCPTRiderAlerts.

  • Pasco County Solid Waste is limiting access to the West Pasco Resource Recovery and the East Pasco Transfer Station. Only commercial vendors and customers with bagged, household waste will be able to drop off trash.
  • The Pasco County Clerk & Comptroller’s Office is encouraging the use of online and telephone resources to resolve issues, pay fines, check on public records, track court events and much more. To see a full list of services available to you remotely, visit PascoClerk.com/809/COVID-19-Coronavirus-Pandemic.

• UF/IFAS Extension Pasco County is offering online webinars, meetings and activities, and postponing all in-person events, meetings and activities through April 30. Visit its website for more information.

Published April 15, 2020

Local home store helps during crisis

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Furniture retailer Ashley HomeStore announced in a news release that it is donating 250,000 meals to Feeding Tampa Bay, part of the national Feeding America network, during the current crisis.

The donation aims to help Feeding Tampa Bay’s programs and ensure neighbors in need have required food and resources.

Ashley’s contribution not only will help cover people that the Feeding programs already serve daily, but it will help others at risk, too, including:

  • Children who are out of school and will have no access to school meals or after-school meals
  • High-risk seniors and others who cannot reach food
  • Families experiencing higher expenses and lower wages who would not normally need their services

Due to recent events, the size and scope of these populations are now significant and Feeding Tampa Bay’s response reflects that growing reality.

“We are in the midst of a time when more people than ever before are facing challenges in getting food and supplies they need,” said Thomas Mantz, president and CEO of Feeding Tampa Bay.

“Ashley HomeStore is standing with Feeding Tampa Bay, giving us the ability to direct these crucial resources to our neighbors who need them most,” Mantz said.

As COVID-19 continues to impact the Tampa region, Feeding Tampa Bay has seen a 40% increase in need for their services, the release states.

“At this time, there are a lot of needs that must be met both in our communities and around the world,” said Greg Kammer, executive vice president of retail and sales operations, Ashley HomeStore.

Kammer said it’s important “for us to do our part, spread positivity and remind everyone that we are in this together.”

Published April 15, 2020

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