The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Adopt A Pet: Macho appreciates relaxation

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Meet Macho, a wise and wonderfully laid-back 10-year-old canine companion. With his striking white and brown brindle coat, Macho is a distinguished gentleman who has mastered the art of enjoying life at a relaxed pace. His idea of a perfect day involves leisurely strolls, cozy naps and quality time in the company of other easy-going dogs. Macho is a connoisseur of comfort, always seeking out the softest beds and the coolest spots in the house, especially if there’s a hint of air conditioning involved. This easy-going pup has a heart full of love and a knack for making every day a little bit brighter with his gentle presence. If you think you can give Macho the home of his dreams for his golden years, visit him at Pasco County Animal Services today.

If you would like to adopt Macho, be sure to make an appointment at Pasco County Animal Services at 19640 Dogpatch Lane in Land O’ Lakes, by calling 813-929-1212. The adoption center is open Tuesday through Saturday, noon to 6:30 p.m. All adoption fees include spay/neuter, microchip and vaccines. Email for more information.

 

Adopt A Pet: Chantilly’s love is worth the wait

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Meet Chantilly, a sweet and shy 1-year-old calico beauty. With her enchanting blend of colors and delicate demeanor, Chantilly is a gentle soul who takes her time to adjust to new surroundings. Though she may initially be a little reserved, her heart is full of potential for deep bonds and affectionate purrs once she feels safe and secure. Chantilly thrives in a calm and patient environment, where she can slowly explore and find her place. With a bit of time and understanding, this lovely girl will reveal her true, loving nature and become a cherished member of the family. Make an appointment to meet her at Pasco County Animal Services today.

If you would like to adopt Chantilly, be sure to make an appointment at Pasco County Animal Services at 19640 Dogpatch Lane in Land O’ Lakes, by calling 813-929-1212. The adoption center is open Tuesday through Saturday, noon to 6:30 p.m. All adoption fees include spay/neuter, microchip and vaccines. Email adoptionpartners@pascocounty .net for more information.

 

Tampa Bay Sun FC looking for first home win

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The Tampa Bay Sun Football Club was the more aggressive team but Brooklyn goalkeeper Sydney Martinez made several key saves to keep her team in the match. Photo courtesy of Tampa Bay Sun FC

TAMPA – After two draws, the Tampa Bay Sun Football Club won its first game of the season, 3-2, at Lexington Sporting Club on Sept. 8, but the USL women’s soccer team is still searching for its first home win. 

The Sun lost to Brooklyn FC, 0-1, on Sept. 14 at Riverfront Stadium but forward Sydny Nasello remains optimistic.

“I think we’re just trying to find our identity – what our tactics are and what Tampa Bay Sun football is and trying to bring that every single day,” Nasello told reporters after the game. “The first game obviously, you’re making history. There’s a lot of emotions. There’s a lot of fans. It’s something to celebrate but as we go forward, we do have an identity now and we know what kind of football we want to play.”

Nasello played every minute of the match in front of a home crowd that is very familiar with her game. The 24-year-old grew up playing soccer in Land O’ Lakes and was a star at the University of South Florida from 2018 to 2021. Before joining the Sun, she played for the Florida Tropics and Turkish club Fatih Vatan Spor. 

“I love this city,” Nasello said. “I’ve grown up here. My dad retired here from the Navy – lived in Land O’Lakes, so it’s really nice to be able to have all my family and friends celebrate all the small victories and not have them be so far away. It’s so much more exciting to have them here. It’s the people who got me here.”

Sun head coach Denise Schilte-Brown also coached Nasello at USF. 

“She is such a role model,” Schilte-Brown said. “Everybody in Tampa Bay obviously gets to look on the pitch and emulate these women but we have one of our most talented players and with a special ability that’s homegrown. She played in the Tampa Bay clubs. She grew up in Land O’ Lakes – didn’t leave, blessed us with coming to USF and now she blessed us again by being here at Tampa Bay Sun. I just think every little girl would be so excited because they say, ‘I see it. I can be this.’ That’s pretty exciting.”

Against Brooklyn FC, Schilte-Brown said the Sun was the more aggressive team. 

“We were the one impacting the game,” Schilte-Brown said. “We were setting the tone of the game. They were chasing us. That happens in soccer. You give up one goal and the anxiety gets to you a little bit.”

The Sun will go on the road for their next two contests. 

They’ll take on the Carolina Ascent FC at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 27 in Charlotte and the DC Power at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 2 in Washington, D.C. Both games will stream live on Peacock. 

The Sun’s next home game pits them against in-state rivals Ft. Lauderdale United at 7 p.m. Oct. 12. Tickets are available now at TampaBaySunFC.com for the game, which celebrates Breast Cancer Awareness Night. 

 

Watering restrictions extended to end of year

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PASCO COUNTY – As western Florida’s water resources remain lower-than-normal, Pasco County Utilities urges everyone to conserve water and follow watering guidelines to drought-proof your landscape. 

The Southwest Florida Water Management District is extending its current modified Phase I Water Shortage Order through Dec. 31, which limits lawn watering to once per week.

“Recent rains in Pasco County have not been enough to combat earlier months of dry conditions in our region,” said Sandra Anderson, customer information and services director for Pasco County Utilities. “Reservoir levels remain lower-than-normal, making it vital for everyone to follow irrigation guidelines. Once-a-week watering can result in a thriving, strong and drought-proof landscape.”

Watering is only permitted once per week regardless of your watering source. Year-round irrigation in Pasco County for potable, well and surface water remains between 6 p.m. and 8 a.m. The irrigation window for Pasco County reclaimed water customers is between midnight and 8 a.m. Using reclaimed water only when needed is just as important as conserving any other source of water, according to the county.

Pasco County offered these tips for efficient landscape irrigation: 

  • Know your watering day by visiting bit.ly/PascoWatering
  • Stick to your watering schedule. Turf becomes drought tolerant. More is not better
  • Ensure your irrigation system is operating properly and efficiently
  • Email if you need assistance setting your irrigation controller

Tips for outdoor and indoor water conservation and efficiency are available at bit.ly/PascoLawn and bit.ly/PascoIndoor. Visit PascoCountyUtilities.com for details. 

 

Pasco County Utilities customers to see rate changes

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PASCO COUNTY – Pasco County Utilities customers should anticipate rate changes on their water, wastewater and reclaimed water bills effective Oct. 1.  

The average residential water and sewer customer, using 6,000 gallons per month, will see a billing increase from $86.15 to $88.65 – a difference of $2.50.

Residential reclaimed water customers will also experience small increases in the reclaimed water base charge and the Back-Flow Prevention Device fee as follows:

  • Reclaimed Water Base Charge: $11.79 increases to $12.20 – a difference of $0.41 per month
  • Includes the first 10,000 gallons
  • $1.18 increases to $1.22 for every additional 1,000 gallons – a difference of $0.04
  • Back-Flow Prevention Device Fee: $6.42 increases to $6.64 – a difference of $0.22

A full list of rates and fees is available online at bit.ly/pcurates. 

Pasco County Utilities uses these revenues to operate, maintain, repair, and replace water, wastewater, and reclaimed water systems and services.

A four-year rate schedule went into effect Oct. 1, 2021, with changes adopted from a Cost-of-Service Rate Study approved by the Pasco Board of County Commissioners. The study includes projected annual adjustments to service rates, fees and charges through Sept. 30, 2025.

Visit PascoCountyUtilities.com for details about Pasco County Utilities services.

 

Business Digest (09-18-24): Pasco offers Brownfields grant program

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Program explores revitalizing commercial properties

HUDSON – Do you own commercial property?  Are you thinking about buying property to expand your business or build a new one? 

If so, Pasco County’s Office of Economic Growth invites you to learn about its Brownfields Redevelopment Grant Program.

This funding, while helping you to assess and plan for cleanup of your commercial property, also ensures future protection should additional issues be found following initial reports. 

While focusing on property with possible contamination from prior use, the Brownfields program also includes blighted or semi-blighted properties, and is available for all of Pasco County.

The event takes place from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Sept. 18 at Hudson Regional Library, 8012 Library Road. 

Learn how Pasco’s Brownfields Grant Program, funded by the Environmental Protection Agency, can offer free assistance site assessments, phase I and II reports, and cleanup planning. Discover how these benefits can help redevelop or resell commercial property. 

 

Conference to empower minority-owned businesses

TAMPA – Kelvin McCree, chief learning officer of Laser Focus Leadership Solutions, will serve as keynote speaker for the Minority Enterprise Development Corp’s MED Conference 2024. 

The conference is built around the theme “Inspire, Innovate, Influence: Unlocking Potential & Empowering Growth. It takes place Oct. 3 and 4 at the Sheraton Tampa Brandon. 

The conference allows networking among minority businesses, in addition to workshops and an awards luncheon. 

Sponsors include Hillsborough County and the Hillsborough Transit Authority. 

On the web: www.flmedc.org

 

Nominate outstanding businesses 

WESLEY CHAPEL – The North Tampa Bay Chamber is accepting nominations for its 2024 Celebrating Excellence in Business Awards.

Nominations will recognize excellence in collaboration, Inclusivity, Innovation and Integrity as well as a community hero. 

The event will include networking, an awards ceremony, heavy hors d’oeuvres and cash bar. 

It takes place from 6 to 8 p.m. Nov. 14 at the PHSC Performing Arts Center, 8657 Old Pasco Road. Registration costs $60. Register at northtampabaychamber.com.

 

Suncoast Credit Union Foundation supports Better Together 

TAMPA – Better Together, a nonprofit dedicated to families and children, has received a $5,000 donation from Suncoast Credit Union Foundation to support its programs.

These funds will support Better Together’s Better Families program in Hillsborough County, which builds strong families and prevents the need for foster care by empowering parents with meaningful connections, work opportunities, mentoring and short-term care for children. 

Suncoast Credit Union, Florida’s largest credit union, founded the Suncoast Credit Union Foundation to promote the education, health and emotional well-being of children in the community. Each time a Suncoast member uses their debit or credit card, the credit union donates two cents to the Foundation to fund local initiatives. Since its inception in 1990, the Foundation has raised and donated over $45 million.

 

Chalk Talk (09-18-24): Give feedback on safe routes for schools

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Residents can provide input on safe routes to five schools

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY – Hillsborough County is requesting feedback from residents about School Route Safety Improvements Projects at five schools in Ruskin, Seffner and Palm River in September.  

Seffner Elementary, Thompson Elementary, Giunta Middle, Mann Middle and Lennard High all were studied and prioritized for student walking and bicycling safety improvements based on traffic risks, historical crash data and socioeconomic factors.  

Each student safety project aims to address the risk to students and barriers to walking and bicycling to school using engineering solutions identified through data analysis, stakeholder input and community feedback.  

Improvements for student safety can include raised crosswalks, flashing beacons at crossings, bicycle lanes, new sidewalks, pedestrian signage, and speed management to slow drivers along school walking routes.

Residents are encouraged to learn about the school safety projects and provide feedback using the links below.  

  • Giunta Elementary: Participate through Sept. 18 at https://publicinput.com/x8101#tab-55177.
  • Seffner Elementary and Mann Middle: Participate through Sept. 19 at https://publicinput.com/i1057#tab-55228.
  • Thompson Elementary and Lennard High: Participate through Sept. 22 at https://publicinput.com/g7856#tab-55370.

Contact Public Works Customer Service at 813-635-5400 or email for details.

 

Wesley Chapel Lions Club sponsors superintendent forum

LUTZ – The Wesley Chapel Lions Club will host a forum featuring Chris Dunning and John Legg, candidates for Pasco County’s next school superintendent.

The Ultimate Candidate Forum will take place Oct. 7 at Denham Oaks Elementary School, 1422 Oak Grove Blvd. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. 

Both candidates will be on stage for an hour, answering questions submitted by the public. After the forum, attendees will have the chance to engage with the candidates during a light reception. 

The Wesley Chapel Lions Club encourages attendees to bring lightly used books as donations for its Read-4-a-Ride. The program helps distribute books throughout Pasco County and Southwest Florida.

The club is also seeking event sponsors. They’ll be promoted on the event website and materials as well as have the opportunity to distribute promotional materials at the forum. 

On the web: www.wclions.org/current-events.

 

Phoenix RISE aids adults with intellectual disabilities

LAND O LAKES – Fred K. Marchman Technical College has launched the Phoenix RISE program, an innovative postsecondary transition program designed for adults with intellectual disabilities.

RISE, which stands for Remarkable Individuals Seeking Employment, will provide students with hands-on learning experiences and opportunities to earn industry certifications across various vocational disciplines. The program is set to begin in the fall of 2025.

Phoenix RISE is supported by the Florida Center for Students with Unique Abilities through the University of Central Florida. This partnership will empower students to gain the skills and certifications needed for successful employment and greater independence.

Contact Todd Byers at 727-774-1700 or to learn more about the program. 

 

Competition lets students explore the law 

TALLAHASSEE – The Florida Bar announced the commencement of its annual High School Appellate Brief Writing & Moot Court Competition.

Registration is open for teams that would like to participate in the 2025 competition at floridabar.org/flmootcourt. 

This competition offers high school students the opportunity to gain a firsthand understanding of the appellate process by engaging in brief-writing and oral argument exercises based on a fictitious case.

The competition, sponsored by The Florida Bar’s Law Related Education Committee, is open to high school students across Florida. Students work in teams of two, coached by a teacher or qualified sponsor, to draft a brief for either the petitioner or the respondent, using only the cases, citations and legal authorities provided in the case problem.

 

IRS reminds teachers about classroom deductions for 2024

TALLAHASSEE – As Florida educators gear up for the new school year, the IRS reminds schoolteachers that the maximum deduction for classroom expenses in 2024 remains at $300.

This deduction allows educators to offset the cost of supplies, materials and other classroom essentials, providing some financial relief for those who spend their own money to improve their students’ learning experience.

Under federal law, this $300 cap is unchanged from 2023, continuing the adjustment for inflation that began in 2022 when the limit was raised from $250.

 

Pasco neighbors push back on proposed employment center

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This map shows the 80-acre property up for rezoning that may yield 300 apartments and 1.5 million square feet of light industrial uses. Photo courtesy of Pasco County

A proposal to develop an employment center and apartment complex in Pasco County’s Northeast Rural Area drew opposition from citizens during a Pasco County Planning Commission meeting Sept. 5 in Dade City.

Evans Properties Inc. is seeking a change in zoning that would allow the proposed development on the east side of Lake Iola Road about 1,350 feet north of Blanton Road.

The request is being made in the name of Evans County Line 80 MPUD Master Planned Unit Development to have the property’s zoning changed from an Agricultural District to a Master Planned Unit Development District. 

Evans wants to use 1,500,000 square feet of the property for light industrial purposes and develop 300 multi-family units (apartments) there.

However, a continuance was requested, pushing a potential planning commission recommendation until Oct. 3.

Ronald Pianta, a senior planner representing Coastal Engineering of Brooksville, said the continuance had been requested so additional evidence could be submitted when a formal hearing is held regarding the rezoning request.

Attendees were given the opportunity to make comments about the request because it hadn’t been advertised as a continued item. 

Joan Kerwin said she believes the rezoning request violates Pasco County’s Comprehensive Plan that outlines where and how development should occur. 

“Why would this community be approved when it directly conflicts with the Northeast Rural Protection Zone?” Kerwin asked. 

Pasco County officials established the rural protection zone in 2016. It is bordered by Bellamy Brothers Boulevard on the west, Green Swamp on the east, State Road 52 on the south and the Hernando County line on the north. 

Evans’ property is east of Bellamy Brothers Boulevard and south of County Line Road North.

Under policies in the comprehensive plan, Kerwin said, county officials are “mandated to protect Lake Iola Road and our rural northeast community residents.”

“To condone this plan, or any future plan by potential carpetbaggers, will be the obvious violation of the comprehensive plan and breach of public trust that could result in costly legal proceedings,” Kerwin said.

Resident Lisa Moretti expressed concerns about traffic hazards in the area where the project might be located. 

“We know what’s going on at that corner and the only people who are going to do well are Life Flight and a list of hospitals and trauma hospitals all the way across the county,” Moretti said.

Moretti also said she didn’t think 300 apartments should be put on property that may initially have to be served by wells and septic tanks. 

“This would be unsanitary and a health hazard not only to them but to all of the residents surrounding that area as well,” Moretti said.

And she added there’s no way to supply water to that area and there is also no wastewater treatment system in the area that Evans’ development could connect with.

“The beneficiaries of this proposed plan will only be the current owners of the parcel and the developers, not the current residents and farmers in the area,” Stephen Couture said. 

Couture added he thought the development Evans is considering would negatively impact wildlife in the area. 

“I urge you to vote against this irresponsible request,” Couture said.

County staff supports it but planning commission members weren’t able to offer a recommendation on the request because of it being continued until Oct. 3. The Pasco County Board of County Commissioners has the final authority regarding rezoning requests.

Pianta, who had requested the continuance, responded, in part, to some of the concerns people expressed at the meeting, including that:

  • The property is located in a designated employment center and the uses the applicant is requesting are consistent with that designation so they are consistent with the county’s comprehensive plan.
  • A traffic study was approved by county staff in which the applicant has agreed to make improvements to Lake Iola Road.
  • Alternative public facilities – for water and sewer – will need to be provided if development occurs before public facilities – from Pasco County – are available; and that an agreement will be required to connect to public utilities when those public services do become available.
  • And that all conditions of being a Master Planned Unit Development have been agreed to in what is “a long-term planning project,” Pianta said.

In other business on Sept. 5, the planning commission recommended commissioners approve changes to zoning, the small-scale comprehensive plan and the future land use plan map that would allow for 200 townhomes and 36,000 square feet of retail, office and commercial uses on 29.01 acres at 2154 Gall Blvd. in the East Market Area.

 

Habitat affiliate rebrand reflects growth 

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Site rendering of similar Habitat Development, Longlake Preserve Townhomes. Rendering courtesy of Habitat for Humanity

CLEARWATER – Habitat for Humanity of Pinellas and West Pasco Counties has rebranded to become Habitat for Humanity Tampa Bay Gulfside. 

The new name reflects the affiliate’s recent expansion into Hernando County. The affiliate now represents three of the four counties in the Tampa Bay MSA.

This rebranding comes at a pivotal time for the organization, which is recognized as the second largest, based on its new home construction out of the U.S. network of 1,100. 

In April, Habitat for Humanity International selected Habitat for Humanity of Pinellas and West Pasco Counties to expand its service area to include Hernando County. Its 900th Home build was celebrated in the Greater Ridgecrest Community in Largo in June. Most recently, Pinellas County selected Habitat for Humanity as the top proposal for 62 lots designated for a mixed housing development in Lealman.

“Our new name not only reflects the expanded geographic reach but also underscores our commitment to transformative community development throughout the region,” President and CEO Mike Sutton said.

Since its announcement of expansion in Hernando County, leadership has been working to raise awareness of its services and create partnerships with community stakeholders. 

Habitat recently announced the hire of a new executive director, Whitney Dinu, to support efforts in the region.

“It’s an exciting time for Habitat for Humanity,” Sutton said. “The most recent selection by Pinellas County for the Lealman Heights Development will allow over 60 families access to affordable homeownership in the community. In a time where too many of our neighbors are being priced out of the area they live, grow and work in, homeownership helps anchor families to our region.”

The Lealman community is a focus area for Habitat for Humanity, with more than 60 homes built since the pandemic. The overall site plan for the Lealman Heights Development is designed to create a cohesive and sustainable community that addresses the area’s diverse housing needs. The plan includes the development of 31 single-family infill homes and 31 townhomes, arranged to increase land use while maintaining a balance between density and the surrounding lower-density neighborhood.

At a nearly $14 million investment, the development will feature a mix of 2-bedroom, 3-bedroom and 4-bedroom units, ranging between 1,100 to 1,400 square feet and serving an estimated 204 people. 

The development will be executed in three phases, ensuring prompt development of vacant single-family parcels while concurrent development activities occur on the additional parcels. Officials said this approach ensures the Lealman Heights Development meets current housing demands and sets a standard for future developments in the region.

“The primary goal of this development is to address the growing need for affordable housing in the Lealman community,” Sutton said. “By providing high-quality, affordable homes, we aim to create stable communities, reduce housing insecurity, and promote economic mobility among residents. Additionally, we seek to empower residents through homeownership, providing them with the tools and support necessary to build generational wealth.”

 

Health & Wellness (09/18/24): Super Bowl champ visits hospital

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Martin Gramática
Martin Gramática, who played for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers from 1999 to 2004, takes photos with AdventHealth Tampa staff. Photo courtesy of AdventHealth

Super Bowl winner cheers on clinicians

TAMPA – Super Bowl winner Martin Gramática stopped by AdventHealth Tampa on Sept. 8 to greet hundreds of doctors, nurses and clinicians as they kicked off the 2024 football season. 

The former Bucs kicker took time to sign autographs, take photos and show his appreciation for the hard work frontline healthcare workers do every day.

AdventHealth is the exclusive hospital of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

 

Embodhi opening Lutz location

LUTZ – Embodhi Integrative Wellness and Medspa, a company specializing in holistic health services, invites the community to a pair of events celebrating the opening of its new Lutz location. 

The North Tampa Bay Chamber will celebrate the grand opening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sept. 19. An open house will be held from noon to 4 p.m. Sept. 21. 

Located at 16007 North Florida Ave., Embodhi Integrative Wellness and Medspa offers medical weight loss, hormone therapy, IV therapy and aesthetic services, such as dermal filler, neuromodulators, microneedling and polydioxanone thread. 

On the web: em-bodhi.com

 

St. Joseph’s Hospital-North promotes breast cancer awareness

LUTZ – St. Joseph’s Hospital-North in Lutz is holding a free, special event for Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October. In which women of all ages can socialize, shop and learn about wellness services at the hospital. 

The event is highlighted by personal breast cancer screenings with St. Joseph’s Hospital-North and BayCare Medical Group breast surgeon Dr. Diane Durgan. She’ll also answer questions about breast health and the latest in breast cancer treatment and detection. 

The event includes information about St. Joseph’s Hospital-North’s Shimberg Breast Center, a pop-up shop with breast cancer awareness items, a photo booth, an opportunity to schedule annual mammograms, food, vendors with health products, fitness clothing and other gifts and accessories.

The event takes place from 4 to 6 p.m. Oct 2 in St. Joseph’s Hospital-North Atrium, 4211 Van Dyke Road. Parking is available in the visitor’s lot in front of the Physician Office Building. RSVP at https://bit.ly/3MDiCDH. Call 813-443-7114 for details. 

 

University has innovative brain equipment

TAMPA – The University of South Florida has been breaking in a new functional MRI machine with full research capabilities.

U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL-14) secured $1 million in federal community project funding to bring the fMRI to the Tampa Bay area to advance the prevention and treatment of brain disease.

The new fMRI measures activity in different parts of the brain during mental and physical tasks.

Officials say it is the first such machine in the metro area.

 

BayCare offers health screenings

LAND O’ LAKES – BayCare will offer free health screenings at Land O Lakes Library. 

This includes lipid screenings with blood pressure, lipid, BMI and glucose checks (all done via finger sticks). Each screening should take about 10 to 15 minutes per person. 

The event takes place from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. Sept. 19 at 2818 Collier Parkway. Walk-ins are welcome. 

 

‘Denying Gravity’ address aging

NEW PORT RICHEY – SAGES Theater will usher in National Fall Prevention Month with a free performance of “Denying Gravity.” 

The play is a collaboration among the theater, local first responders and groups like the AARP and Area Agencies on Aging. 

It is a “narrative woven with humor and heartache that resonates profoundly with older adults and their loved ones,” according to a news release.

The play will take place from 2 to 3:30 p.m. Sept. 21 at the Richey Suncoast Theatre, 6237 Grand Blvd. 

There also will be resource tables, complimentary goody bags and prize drawings.

Reserve a free seat by visiting MyTBtickets.com or SagesTheater.org (and click on the RED reservation banner). Call 727-692-0902 for more information.