The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Strutting their stuff in celebration

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(Courtesy of John Oddo)

Tampa Bay Golf and Country Club in San Antonio hosted its sixth annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade that featured the Dunedin Bagpipe Band, IMPACT Drum and Bugle Corp, Pasco Middle School Band, members of the All That Dance Studio, and future leaders of Boy Scout and Girl Scout troops. The Color Guard from MacDill Air Force Base led veterans representing the Army, Air Force, Navy and Coast Guard. The event also included a decorated golf cart contest, lucky leprechauns, Choyce Ranch horses and a  Pasco Fire engine. Residents representing the Philadelphia Mummers (shown) strutted to string band music, too.

Emergency access is granted to Hazel Avenue

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The granting of emergency access to Hazel Avenue from a proposed 321-lot subdivision in Hudson was approved during the April 23 meeting of the Pasco County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) held in New Port Richey.

The emergency access was part of a request made by Gary L. Blackwell Investments Inc., for the zoning of approximately 107.24 acres in northwest Pasco to be changed from A-R Agricultural-Residential District and A-C Agricultural District to Master Planned Unit Development (MPUD).

(Timothy L Brock/Unsplash)

It was approved by a vote of 3-1. Commission Chairman Ronald Oakley of District 1, District 2 Commissioner Seth Weightman and District 5 Commissioner Jack Mariano voted in favor of the measure that was opposed by District 3 Commissioner Kathryn Starkey.

The Pasco County Planning Commission (PC) had voted against the proposed emergency access during its March 21 meeting.

The PC’s decision came after hearing testimony from several area residents who voiced their opposition to any vehicular access being granted to Hazel Avenue from the proposed subdivision.

Approving the emergency access was one of three options put before the BOCC on April 23. The other two options were to either grant no vehicular access at all to Hazel Avenue or to grant full access to Hazel Avenue.

Several of the same people who opposed the access on March 21 also spoke against it on April 23.

The subdivision’s developer, Meritage Homes, has agreed to contribute $250,000 toward the cost of improving sidewalks along Hudson Avenue that will be the main entrance to the subdivision, said Kamala E. “Kami” Corbett.

She is an attorney with the Clearwater office of the Law Firm of Hill Ward Henderson and was representing the applicant.

In addition, Corbett said, the developer will contribute $3,800,000 in mobility fees and would have no objection if that money was used to improve the intersection of Hudson Avenue and Cobra Way.

In other business on April 23, commissioners:

  • Approved a construction contract with David Nelson Construction Company for a project to widen Wesley Chapel Boulevard/County Road 54 to six lanes from north of State Road 54/SR 56 to Old Pasco Road. The project is expected to cost $69,440,908 and to be completed by May of 2027.
  • Adopted a resolution for the Pasco County Housing Finance Authority to issue bonds in an amount not to exceed $85 million for the proposed development of 388 affordable housing units for persons aged 62+ at the Anchors at Gulf Harbors. The units will be located in the City of New Port Richey northeast of the intersection of Marine Parkway and Sea Forest Drive. The entire development will be affordable for tenants earning 60% or less of the area median income.
  • Approved a Conditional Use Request, with conditions, made by Word of Life Fellowship/Word of Life GLA for a Group Living Arrangement in an A-C Agricultural District in northwest Pasco County containing approximately 471.40 acres. The applicant will now be allowed to have a total of 1,237 beds in 52 dormitory buildings for church-related activities on its property located on the south side of Hudson Avenue, approximately 1,500 feet west of Hays Road.
  • Received a presentation from Bill Cronin, director of Pasco County Economic Development Council, regarding accomplishments in the previous quarter of 2024. Pasco is leading in the area of high technology and there are good jobs for area residents, according to Cronin. He added that 765 jobs had been created in Pasco County in the past quarter.

“We are probably bringing in twice as many businesses as residential projects,” Chairman Oakley said following Cronin’s presentation.

“We are third in residential growth but first in commercial,” added Commissioner Mariano.

  • Approved having the skate park located at the Land O’ Lakes Recreation Complex to be expanded from 10,000 square feet to 25,000 square feet. Its anticipated construction will begin in the fall of 2025 and be completed in the winter of 2025.

Published May 01, 2024

Prescribed burns help reduce risk of wildfires

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The Southwest Florida Water Management District (District) will conduct prescribed burns, also known as prescribed fires, in controlled settings, now through the month of June on the Starkey Wilderness Preserve and the Cypress Creek Preserve. Setting fires in this manner can reduce the risk of wildfires burning out of control by mimicking “the natural process and benefits of fires in Florida’s ecosystems,” according to the District’s website.

(File)

The Starkey preserve is about 7 miles east of New Port Richey. The District will burn about 300 acres in small, manageable units.

Cypress Creek is east of Ehren Cutoff, 1 mile south of State Road 52. The District plans to burn about 100 acres in small, manageable units.

Prescribed fires include these benefits:

  • Protects and enhances water resources
  • Reduces overgrown plants, vegetative fuel buildup
  • Promotes the growth of new diverse plants
  • Maintains the character and condition of wildlife habitat
  • Maintains access for public recreation.

For more information, visit https://www.swfwmd.state.fl.us/ and search “prescribed burns.”

Published May 01, 2024

Governor touts more spending for wildlife corridors, red tide research

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(The Center Square) — Gov. Ron DeSantis announced on Tuesday that the Florida Wildlife Corridor program and red tide research will receive a financial boost.

The corridor program will receive $100 million through Senate Bill 1638, while the red tide program that combines the efforts of the Department of Environmental Protection, the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and the Mote Marine Laboratory will continue after the signing of House Bill 1565.

Taxpayers have spent $125 million on the red tide mitigation program since 2019. 

(NPS, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons)

He said that being a good steward of Florida’s natural resources is important because it is the right thing to do and because it has a huge economic impact on the state.

“Outdoor recreation in the state of Florida generates over $52 billion in economic output, and our Florida state parks alone have an economic impact of $3.6 billion, and it supports 50,000 jobs total,” DeSantis said.

DeSantis added that the impact is significant and that he and lawmakers understand that this is part of the Sunshine State’s lifeblood and that he is proud that he and lawmakers have taken action to preserve and restore Florida’s natural assets.

Florida’s Wildlife Corridor funding began in 2021 to allow animals to move more freely, and lower the risk of them going onto interstates and highways. DeSantis added that to date, almost 18 million acres of land are dedicated to the corridor, including 10 million acres of protected conservation land.

“This includes state parks, includes our forests, includes privately managed conservation lands, family farms, and national parkland,” DeSantis said. “So, this corridor is specifically designed to connect the state land so wildlife can freely and safely move between them.”

DeSantis noted that since 2019, around 216,000 of conservation land, and more than 90% of that land was inside Florida’s wildlife corridor, representing a $1.4 billion investment. Six billion dollars have also been allocated to the Everglades Restoration Program and other water quality projects.

The Republican governor said that Senate President Kathleen Passidomo, R-Naples, spearheaded a new gaming compact with the Seminole Tribe of Florida, to allow a portion of gaming and casino profits to go towards conservation efforts.

The state also is working on research around the occurrence of red tides. HB 1565 will help to mitigate the impacts of red tide algal blooms.

“We think this is something that is a noble effort, and so HB 1565, this is gonna continue our red tide mitigation and technology development initiative,” DeSantis said.

Published May 01, 2024

Audit finds issues with Bright Futures Scholarship Program

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(The Center Square) — The Florida auditor general has released a report detailing problems with the administration of the state’s scholarship and grant programs.

The audit was focused on the administration of both scholarship programs between June 30, 2022 and June 30, 2023.

The Bright Futures Scholarship Program disbursed $547,700,035 in fiscal year 2022-23. A slight drop over the previous FY of 2021-22, which disbursed $549,061,819.

(Brett Jordan/Unsplash)

The audit found three issues — this included the return of advances without identifying students who may be eligible, noncompliance with state law and Florida Department of Education (FDOE) policies, as well as the need to improve disbursement of funds in a timely manner.

The Legislature established the Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Program to provide scholarships to Florida high school students who merit recognition of high academic achievement, and enroll in a degree, certificate or applied technology program at an eligible in-state college or university.

The program, funded by the Florida Lottery, consists of four different awards: The Florida Academic Scholarship, the Florida Medallion Scholarship, the Florida Gold Seal CAPE Scholarship, and the Florida Gold Seal Vocational Scholarship.

Also part of the auditor general’s report was the Florida Public Student Assistance Grant Program, established to provide financial assistance to Florida resident students seeking a degree from Florida public universities or colleges.

The report states that Eastern Florida State College returned around $1.2 million worth of FSAG-Public Program advances, contrary to State Board of Education rules. The auditor general recommended that management at the college continue its efforts to ensure that all eligible students are able to receive the advance and records are properly reported to the FDOE.

The audit also found that the University of South Florida had failed to comply with state law regarding the refund of Bright Futures Scholarship Program funds from students who withdrew or dropped a course on time. The report adds that the university made 146 refunds to the FDOE that totaled $141,476, on average 99 days after the required date.

Lastly, the report found that Pensacola State College needed to improve its procedures to ensure that Bright Futures and the grant program funds received were more promptly put on record when funds are disbursed to students.

Published May 01, 2024

DeSantis signs two bills to bring chaplains, patriotic organizations to schools

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(The Center Square) — Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed legislation Thursday intended to provide more educational opportunities for public school students.

House Bill 1317 allows patriotic organizations to speak to students and distribute certain materials to encourage participation. Patriotic organizations mentioned in the new law include Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, Boy Scouts of America, Boys & Girls Clubs of America, Civil Air Patrol, Naval Sea Cadets and the Marine League Corps.

(JV/Unsplash)

HB 931 authorizes each school district or charter school board to adopt a policy that would allow volunteer school chaplains to provide support, services and programs to students.

DeSantis said that he and the Legislature have worked very hard to support students, including expanding school choice, scholarship programs and mental health support, adding that the new legislation will help bolster these efforts.

“We have ensured that mental health education involves personal resiliency, talks about perseverance, volunteerism, mentorship, problem-solving, empathy, citizenship and honesty. A really comprehensive approach,” DeSantis said, noting that these school years can be tough for students.

Funding for mental health programs in schools across Florida has ranged from $75 million in 2019-2020 to $140 million during the 2022-2023 fiscal year. For the 2024-2025 budget, $160 million has been secured. A further $5.5 million has been earmarked to go toward evidence-based teacher training, so educators can recognize the signs of mental health and substance abuse.

DeSantis added that it is important for children to stay active, as often many children are glued to their devices and are not spending as much time outside as they used to and that the legislation will help encourage students to spend more time outdoors.

“Now you’re gonna have these key groups come in, talk about what they do and ask the students to participate,” DeSantis said. “I really believe when you are engaged in extracurricular activities, athletics, some of these other things, that’s gonna be a net positive for these students.”

DeSantis added that chaplains in schools also will be a positive thing for students, providing useful resources and would have a role similar to chaplains in the Armed Forces.

“I think that model of just having this available as part of the services that you’re providing, like we do in the military, we should be doing the same for our students here in school,” DeSantis said.

Published May 01, 2024

Confused by nutrition labels? You’re not alone

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Shopping for groceries can be like navigating a maze: so many choices in every aisle, food packages covered in marketing claims and little direction on what is truly healthy and what isn’t. People want to make healthy choices for themselves and their families, but how can they when the information available to them can be so overwhelming?

For years, the Nutrition Facts label on the back of food packages has provided important nutrition information, such as the amount of calories, fat, sodium, sugar, protein and vitamins and minerals. But all the numbers can be confusing, and they’re not readily visible. Given America’s high rates of diet-related disease and illness, advocates say that more must be done to make sure consumers have the information they need to make healthy choices.

(Courtesy of the Food and Drug Administration)

That’s why the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which sets standards for nutrition labeling, is developing a new labeling system that would appear on the front of food and beverage products, offering clear and concise information to help people quickly and easily identify healthier foods. Research from other countries shows that front-of-pack labeling helps consumers make healthier purchases and even gets manufacturers to make healthier products.

What could a front-of-pack label look like? More than 40 countries already require it. Some countries use stoplight colors like red, yellow and green, or a grading system like a report card — A, B, C, D, E — to indicate how healthy a product is. Other countries use a warning system that indicates whether products include high amounts of added sugars, saturated fat or sodium. Approaches like these make it easy for consumers to understand with a quick glance what’s healthy and what’s not.

The success of front-of-pack labeling in other countries suggests it will help people in the United States make healthier choices that can improve well-being and reduce high rates of diet-related diseases, including some forms of heart disease and cancer. In fact, the National Academy of Medicine (formerly the Institute of Medicine) recommended such a system more than 10 years ago, and national polls show most Americans support it.

The FDA plans to release a proposal for a front-of-pack food labeling system in the United States that can get everyone out of the food shopping maze. To stay informed and learn more, visit YoureTheCure.org/FOP.

“Clear, concise front-of-pack nutrition labeling is the answer. After all, grocery shopping shouldn’t require a degree in nutrition,” says Nancy Brown, CEO of the American Heart Association.

-StatePoint

Published May 01, 2024

Swimmers aim to fight cancer by hitting the waves

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Swimmers from across Florida will be participating in the 13th annual Swim Across America – Tampa Bay, an open water swim and fundraiser with all proceeds benefiting Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital for cancer research. 

The charity event will be held on May 4, at North Shore Park, 901 North Shore Drive, NE., in St. Petersburg. 

Heather Pryor and Haley Campbell of Team Hakuna Ma-Tatas (Courtesy of Swim Across America)

Most participants have a personal connection to the fight against cancer, with many joining the charity swim to honor survivors, commemorate loved ones or simply to find the hopeful camaraderie of community swims.

Two of the participants are Haley Campbell and Dr. Heather Pryor who are joining with the team name Hakuna My-Tatas — a nod to Pryor’s battle with breast cancer.

“Through Swim Across America, I not only help myself recover from breast cancer treatments, but I can also help fund research to help others overcome cancer, too,” said Pryor, in a news release. “I am swimming in honor of all the people who are currently fighting cancer and in memory of those who lost the battle. I am hopeful that my efforts help find a cure for cancer, so others will not have to endure what I and so many others have faced.”

As a family physician for 25 years, the doctor has discovered cancer in many of her patients, and getting in the water with her friend Haley is a way to fight back.

“We both have competed in some form, whether it be competitive swimming or triathlons, and we both wanted to get back in the water,” said Campbell, in the release. “For Heather, it was more than swimming. She had just finished heavy treatments for breast cancer and wanted to find a way to get active again.”

Campbell also has a familial connection to cancer — her father was diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukemia when she was 5 years old.

“At the time, he was given three to five years to live. He looked the doctors dead in the eyes and said, ‘No, I WILL watch my kids graduate from high school,’” said Campbell. “Not only did he get to see us graduate high school, he saw my brother graduate from college. He passed away 16 years after he was diagnosed. I have no doubt that modern advances in cancer research – and his incredibly positive attitude – are the reasons that I was able to not only grow up with my daddy, but I was also able to make memories that I never would have been able to make.”

Swim Across America was founded in 1987, and has since raised over $100 million to fight cancer through the swims of over 100,000 participants. More than 24 communities hold open water swims each year.

To learn more about the May 4 Swim Across America – Tampa Bay swim, visit SwimAcrossAmerica.org/tampa. 

Published May 01, 2024

65th Birthday Bash

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(Courtesy of Deborah Erdahl )

Members of the GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club enjoyed a fun, exuberant 65th Birthday Bash to commemorate GFWC Florida Federation Day, to which Federation the club has belonged since 1960.  A wonderful buffet was served, along with beautiful cake centerpieces handcrafted by club member Aniko Solomonson. For more information on this community service organization and membership opportunities, visit gfwclutzlandolakeswomansclub.org or its Facebook page.

 

SR 54 to be closed at US 41 at Night

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(Courtesy of Department of Transportation)

Portions of the intersection of U.S. 41 and S.R. 54 will be closed for milling and paving work from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m., on May 1,  May 2, May 5 and May 6, weather permitting, according to a news release.

The Department of Transportation said the work is planned to keep at least one lane open on US 41 in each direction. No SR 54 traffic will be able to cross US 41 and will be detoured to right turns at the intersection. Lane closures will be in place in all directions leading into the intersection and no left turns will be permitted at the intersection. Drivers who planned to make left turns at the intersection will need to use one of the detour routes listed below. Drivers are advised to plan extra travel time to travel through the area or choose alternate routes, the release says.

Detour routes:
1) Eastbound SR 54: Traffic will be reduced from three lanes to one lane and detoured to southbound US 41, U-Turn at Lake Floyd Drive, then go north and turn right to continue east on SR 54 or stay straight to continue north on US 41.

2) Westbound SR 54: Traffic will be reduced from three lanes to one lane and detoured to northbound US 41, U-Turn at Morgan Road, then go south and turn right to continue west on SR 54 or stay straight to continue south on US 41.

Project information: https://www.fdottampabay.com/project/759/441659-1-52-01-441658-1-52-01