The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Business Digest (09/04/24): Design firm expands in Pasco

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Florida Design Consultants considered other sites for expansion but landed at 54 Crossings with the help of the Pasco Economic Development Council. Photo courtesy of Pasco EDC

Florida Design Consultants expands in Pasco County

Florida Design Consultants recently moved to a 9,000-square-foot office at 54 Crossings and invested over $300,000 in relocation expenses to the new space.

The new location will allow Florida Designs Consultant to add 12 new positions above the average county wage.

“We are pleased to continue our growth in a new space that aligns with our focus on teamwork and collaboration,” said Ed Rogers, CEO of Florida Design Consultants. “The location’s convenience and the bright, more open office design helps create an energized atmosphere for our team.”

Florida Design Consultants offers civil engineering, land planning, landscape architecture and environmental services. The company has been serving clients throughout Florida for over 30 years.

“Florida Design Consultants chose a wonderful location as they continue to flourish in Pasco County,” said Bill Cronin, president and CEO of Pasco Economic Development Council. “I look forward to continuing to develop our relationship with them not only as our existing industry, but as Pasco EDC investors as well.”

The Pasco EDC provided advisory services to Florida Design Consultants, helping to identify available buildings in Pasco County, as well as local and state workforce development programs to raise awareness of career opportunities within the company, particularly for high-skilled workers in surveying and civil engineering. 

The Pasco EDC Business Retention and Expansion program will also provide ongoing assistance with recruiting and training new employees through the WorkforceCONNECT Program.

“Florida Design Consultants’ expansion is a testament to the strength of Pasco County’s business environment,” said Pasco County Commissioner Lisa Yeager. “Their decision to invest in our community not only brings new jobs but also underscores the growing opportunities for Pasco County.”

 

This image still taken from award-winning videos posted to YouTube shows how Pasco County uses rich imagery and humor to break down difficult topics like biosolids and lost pooches. 

Pasco County wins gold, bronze Telly Award

Pasco County’s media relations and communications division has clinched two Telly Awards, which honor excellence in video and television across all screens. 

The team won its first gold Telly Award for the video, “A Stinky Story: How Pasco County is turning Poop into Profits,” which explains how the county turns biosolids into fertilizer.  

The team garnered a bronze award for the video, “Finding Home: Pasco Offers Steps to Help Strays Get Home,” which helps connect lost dogs with their worried owners. 

“This is an incredible honor for our Media Relations & Communications team and for our entire organization,” said Pasco County Administrator Mike Carballa. “This is the MR&C team’s fifth Telly Award, highlighting our dedication and commitment to sharing our stories with the community we serve.”

 

Owner talks about minimizing tax liabilities

Tiffany Watson, owner of All Abora Financial Tax Preparation Service, will speak at the North Tampa Bay Chamber’s next Leading Ladies event.

Watson will talk about minimizing tax liabilities with proven strategies. 

The event takes place from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Sept. 6 at the North Tampa Bay Chamber – Wiregrass Office, 28210 Paseo Drive #190, Wesley Chapel. Admission costs $15. Register in advance at northtampabaychamber.com.

Leading Ladies is a networking series designed to uplift women in the chamber. 

 

Fancy Flea Vintage heads to downtown Zephyrhills

The renowned Fancy Flea Vintage Market will make its way to downtown Zephyrhills as part of its 2025 Spring Show Tour, according to Main Street Zephyrhills

Vintage on 5th Avenue will take place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Feb. 1, 2025, at 38500 5th Ave, Zephyrhills.

Voted as one of the top vintage markets in the country, Fancy Flea’s Vintage on 5th Avenue will feature a curated selection of vendors. Attendees can expect antiques, chic furniture, prairie and farmhouse styles, cottage and mid-century pieces and repurposed items.

“We are beyond thrilled to welcome The Fancy Flea to the Zephyrhills historic downtown district,” said Linda Starr-Kerns, president of the Main Street Zephyrhills Board of Directors. “The ‘Vintage on 5th Avenue’ event will be more than just a market. It’ll be an experience that celebrates creativity, craftsmanship and community. We look forward to seeing both locals and visitors come out to enjoy everything Fancy Flea has to offer.”

Visit www.fancyflea.net for details. 

Chalk Talk (09/04/24): Pasco County Schools feeds students

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Summer Feeding reaches more

Pasco County Schools saw a huge increase in the number of meals served through its Summer Feeding program.

The district served 128,032 meals last year and 273,642 meals this year, according to Elizabeth Kuhn, assistant superintendent for support services.

Kuhn said the increase was attributable to curbside locations. 

Curbside sites were available at Connerton Elementary School in Land O’ Lakes, Watergrass Elementary School in Wesley Chapel, and Lacoochee Elementary School and San Antonio Elementary School in Dade City.

 

PCS buys risk insurance

Pasco County Schools has agreed to buy builder’s risk insurance from Arthur J. Gallagher Risk Management Services for construction at West Zephyrhills Elementary School.

The insurance will cover the school in case of fire, wind damage, theft or vandalism, according to a staff memo. The amount is not to exceed $260,776.96.

The district is adding a two-story building with classrooms and a media center on the West Zephyrhills Elementary School campus. 

 

Firms picked for repairs

Pasco County Schools has selected three firms to provide architectural and engineering, permitting and construct administration services for projects under $7.5 million. 

The district selected Hepner Associates; Long & Associates Architects and Engineers; and Renker, Eich, Parks Architects.

Projects may include remodeling or renovations, heating and air replacements, general consulting services or emergencies.

 

Weeds treated at property

JT Cattle Company is working with the USDA on herbaceous weed treatment on property it leases from Pasco County Schools.

The district signed off on the treatment last month for the 40-acre site on Hicks Road in Hudson. JT Cattle Company has leased the site since 2015. 

 

School buses sold

Pasco County Schools has sold three school buses to Creation Foundation Inc. for $3. 

The district deemed the buses as surplus property after realizing they were not operational or cost too much to repair, according to a staff memo. Each was sold “as is” to the charter school for $1 each.

 

Music school open houses

Saint Leo University’s Community Music School will host several open house events for those interested in joining the community choir and band or participating in ballroom dance classes at University Campus, 33701 County Road 52 in St. Leo.

The music school was launched to offer Saint Leo’s neighbors and those in the Tampa Bay area a variety of opportunities to take classes to learn and practice music, dance and other arts under the direction of expert guidance of faculty members, who also are professional musicians, dancers and artists.

Open house events will be as follows:

  • Ballroom Dance Showcase & Open House – Sept. 6, 6:45 p.m., Wellness Center Dance Studio.
  • Community Choir Open House – Sept. 9, 7 p.m., Music Building.
  • Community Band Open House – Sept. 9, 7 p.m., Blackbox Theatre, Benedictine Hall.

Email Cindy Selph at to register for the choir or band events. Email 

Sergiy Borysov at to attend the ballroom dancing event.

 

Two Good Soles drive underway

The ninth annual Two Good Soles Shoes and Socks Drive is underway, through Oct. 23, with Pasco County government and constitutional offices working together to collect footwear for kids in Pasco County Schools.

Types of shoes and socks to consider donating include:

  • Children’s shoes sizes 9 and up
  • Adult shoes in all sizes
  • Socks in all sizes (neutral colors)
  • Closed-toe shoes, no flip-flops

More than 3,000 pairs of shoes and nearly 6,000 pairs of socks were collected in 2023.

Donations can be dropped in collection boxes at Pasco County Government locations and the Pasco County clerk & comptroller, property appraiser and tax collector offices.

All new shoes and socks will be donated to Pasco County Schools at the end of October.

Health News (09/04/24): Hospital lauded for robotic surgery

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St. Joseph’s Hospital-North team members with the surgical arms of the robot positioned over the surgical table in an operating room. From left, Primo Gunabe, Jennifer Downing, Louis Garcia, Paige Bruseski and Chris Vinas. Photo courtesy of ourtesy of Martin Bahl/BayCare

Hospital receives high marks for robotic surgery program

St. Joseph’s Hospital-North in Lutz has received accreditation as a Center of Excellence in Robotic Surgery by the Surgical Review Corporation. 

The designation signifies that St. Joseph’s Hospital-North’s robotic surgery services provide the highest quality of care to patients.

St. Joseph’s Hospital-North underwent a series of inspections and visits where all aspects of the robotic surgical program were scrutinized. 

The inspection and visit process involved physicians, nurses and administrators within robotic surgery at St. Joseph’s Hospital-North.
The accreditation process is done every three years. The hospital will be up for reaccreditation in 2027.

Surgeons have performed nearly 3,500 robotic surgeries from 2014 to July 31, 2024. St. Joseph’s Hospital-North is on track to perform more than 700 robotic surgeries in 2024 – the highest number of robotic surgeries in a year in the hospital’s history. 

The top three years at St. Joseph’s Hospital-North for robotic surgeries are 655 in 2023, 647 in 2022 and 533 in 2021.

“Accreditation shows our dedication to high-quality surgery outcomes for our patients,” said Jennifer Downing, surgical services director at St. Joseph’s Hospital-North. “Robotic surgery is minimally invasive and can provide faster recovery times so our patients can get back to their regular lives and activities quickly with less pain and less downtime.”

The surgeon operates the robot from a console that has four interactive arms and a high-resolution screen that projects 3-D images of the surgical site. The surgeon manually operates the instruments using their hands and fingers. When the surgeon moves, the instruments respond precisely to those movements in real time. The instruments work identically to the movement of a human arm, human elbow and a human wrist, however with an enhanced range of motion.

Robotic surgery can provide superior dexterity, enhanced vision and improved surgical access compared to conventional minimally invasive surgery or traditional open surgery. The robot navigates a precise approach to areas that traditional surgical instruments are unable to reach.

Many robotic surgeries are done as outpatient surgery, and patients are discharged on the same day as their surgery.

Dr. Louis Matherne IV, a BayCare Medical Group general surgeon, has performed robotic surgery since 2016. He uses the robot at St. Joseph’s Hospital-North for surgeries on the gallbladder, appendix, colon, small bowel and hernias.

Matherne was a strong proponent of St. Joseph’s Hospital-North pursuing the Center of Excellence in Robotic Surgery status and designation.

“We perform a high number of robotic cases at St. Joe’s North,” Matherne said. “It is important for that to be recognized and the community to know that we have the expertise and ability to do advanced robotic surgeries safely with good outcomes. If people are looking for minimally invasive surgery, they should look here at St. Joseph’s Hospital-North.”

Robotic surgeries at St. Joseph’s Hospital-North are performed in gynecology, urology, colorectal and general surgery. Learn more at StJosephsNorthRobotics.org.

 

CUP employees do the honor at the ribbon-cutting ceremony. The coffeehouse is officially open at St. Joseph’s Hospital-North. Photo courtesy of Martin Bahl/BayCare

New coffeehouse promotes inclusion

St. Joseph’s Hospital-North in Lutz has opened a new coffeehouse, located in the hospital’s Twigs Café, in partnership with the community organization CUP. 

It is staffed by employees of CUP — Coffee Uniting People, a nonprofit Tampa Bay organization about inclusion, empowerment, acceptance and opportunity for people of all abilities. Employees of CUP have intellectual and developmental disabilities.

“Having CUP here allows us to really deepen our culture of inclusivity and live it every single day,” said Mary Partridge, the hospital’s operations director. “These employees have a lot to teach us and I’m excited about everything that is to come.

CUP will offer a variety of coffee and tea options, light snacks and baked goods. This is its third location in the Tampa area.

 

Algal toxin prompts alert

The Florida Department of Health in Pasco County issued a health alert Aug. 28 for the presence of harmful blue-green algal toxins in Blanton Lake. 

This was in response to a water sample taken on Aug 27, 2024. 

The department urged the public to be cautious in and around Blanton Lake.

Residents and visitors were advised to take the following precautions:

  • Do not drink, swim, wade, use personal watercraft, water ski or boat in waters where there is a visible bloom.
  • Wash skin and clothing with soap and water if there is contact with algae or discolored or smelly water.
  • Keep pets away from the area. Waters where there are algae blooms are not safe for animals. Pets and livestock should have a different source of water when algae blooms are present.
  • Do not cook or clean dishes with water contaminated by algae blooms. Boiling the water will not eliminate the toxins.
  • Eating filets from healthy fish caught in freshwater lakes experiencing blooms is safe. Rinse fish filets with tap or bottled water, throw out the guts and cook fish well.
  • Do not eat shellfish in waters with algae blooms.

The department encouraged the public to report a bloom by calling 855-305-3903, report fish kills by calling 1-800-636-0511 and report symptoms from exposure to a harmful algal bloom or any aquatic toxin to call 1-800-222-1222. Veterinarians can address issues related to pets. Other questions or concerns about blue-green algae blooms can be addressed by the Florida Department of Health in Pasco County by calling 813-619-0300.

 

Hospital offers newborn classes

St. Joseph’s Hospital-North will offer these free in-person classes and events in September:

  • Breastfeeding Support Group – Sept. 12 and 26, 12:30 to 2 p.m.
  • Understanding Breastfeeding – Sept. 12, 3 to 6 p.m.
  • Understanding Your Newborn – Sept. 26, 3 to 6 p.m.

The hospital is located at 4211 Van Dyke Road, Lutz.

Registration is required. Visit BayCareEvents.org and choose “St. Joseph’s Hospital-North” in the “Facility/Location” filter, or call 855-314-8352 and press the number 2 at the prompt.

Classes are for those who have delivered or will deliver their baby.

 

Recovery walk set for Sept. 21

The ASAP Recovery Committee at Empowered Communities is registering participants for the fourth annual Stronger Together Recovery Walk.

The walk will take place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sept. 21 at Sims Park in New Port Richey. It will include vendors, speakers, food, prizes, music and kids’ activities.

The first 200 people will receive a free T-shirt. Admission is free.

Email to walk or become a vendor.

‘Denying Gravity’ address aging

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., New Port Richey.

Sign language interpreters will be there. 

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. 

Adopt A Pet: Toyota is a handsome fellow

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Two-year-old Toyota has a heart as golden as beautiful as his champagne-colored coat. He is full of youthful energy and charm, and his expressive face is always ready to share his enthusiasm for life. Toyota’s personality sparkles, too. With his playful spirit and loving nature, he’s sure to bring joy and laughter into any home — whether he’s chasing after his favorite toy, snuggling up for some downtime or giving you those irresistible puppy-dog eyes. Toyota is looking for a family who can match his zest for life and provide him with plenty of love and playtime. If you’re ready for a loyal companion with a flair for fun, Toyota is your perfect match. Come meet him at Pasco County Animal Services today.

If you would like to adopt Toyota, 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. For more information, email .

Adopt A Pet: Artichoke is bundle of potential love

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Artichoke may be a bit shy at first, but don’t let that reserved demeanor fool you. At 4 years old, Artichoke is looking for a patient and understanding human who can help her come out of her shell to blossom and show her true colors. Though she takes a little time to warm up, once she feels secure, she becomes a gentle and affectionate companion. Artichoke would thrive in a calm and quiet home where she can take her time adjusting to new surroundings. With a bit of patience and a lot of love, she’ll reward you with a deep bond and the kind of loyalty that’s worth the wait. If you’re ready to give Artichoke a chance to shine, visit her at Pasco County Animal Services today.

If you would like to adopt Artichoke or Toyota, 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. For more information, email .

Local Wildlife: A beauty to behold

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Miguel Antonio Ortiz snapped a photo of this monarch at Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park in New Port Richey. These butterflies may be found throughout North America feeding on milkweed, their toxic host plant. Monarchs live mainly in prairies, meadows, grasslands and along roadsides, across most of North America.

 

Back to school: the role of high school sports in student development

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High school sports have long been an integral part of the American educational experience, offering students opportunities to develop physically, mentally and socially. As students return to classrooms and playing fields, the significance of these activities extends beyond the pursuit of athletic excellence. High school sports play a crucial role in shaping young minds, fostering skills that are invaluable both in and out of school. Here are some of the multifaceted impacts of high school sports on student development.

(FatCamera/Getty)

Building discipline and time management

Participation in high school sports requires a significant commitment of time and energy, often balancing rigorous practice schedules with academic responsibilities. According to the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS), student-athletes must develop strong time management skills to meet the demands of both school and sports. This balancing act teaches discipline, a quality that is essential for success in all areas of life.

Research from the University of Kansas supports this, showing that high school athletes tend to perform better academically than their non-athlete peers. The study found that student-athletes had higher grade point averages, better attendance records, and were more likely to graduate on time. The discipline required to juggle multiple responsibilities helps students develop the ability to prioritize tasks and manage their time effectively, skills that are transferable to college and career environments.

(Cavan Images/Getty)

Enhancing teamwork and leadership

High school sports provide an ideal setting for students to learn the importance of teamwork. In team sports, individual success is often tied to the performance of the group, making collaboration essential. This environment helps students develop strong communication skills, learn to trust others, and understand the value of working together toward a common goal.

Leadership is another key aspect of high school sports. According to the NFHS, students who take on leadership roles, such as team captains, gain valuable experience in decision-making, conflict resolution, and motivating others. These experiences build confidence and prepare students for leadership roles in the future, whether in their careers or communities.

Promoting physical and mental health

The physical benefits of sports are well-documented, with regular physical activity being crucial for maintaining health during adolescence. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that physical activity helps build and maintain healthy bones, muscles and joints, while also controlling weight and reducing the risk of developing chronic diseases such as obesity, diabetes and heart disease.

However, the mental health benefits of sports are equally important. A report from the Aspen Institute highlights that sports participation can reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety, improve mood and boost self-esteem. High school sports provide a sense of belonging and community, which is vital for students’ emotional well-being. The camaraderie developed through team sports can offer a support system, helping students navigate the challenges of adolescence.

(Kingfisher Productions/Getty)

Fostering resilience and preparing for future challenges

High school sports teach students to cope with both success and failure. Athletes learn that setbacks are a natural part of life and that perseverance is key to overcoming challenges. This resilience is not only crucial in sports but also in academic pursuits and personal relationships.

According to Angela Duckworth, a psychologist and author of the book “Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance,” the ability to persevere in the face of adversity is a predictor of long-term success. High school sports provide an environment where students can develop this “grit,” which will serve them well in their future endeavors, whether in higher education, the workforce or personal goals.

 

High school sports are more than just a source of physical activity and entertainment; they are a vital component of student development. By promoting discipline, teamwork, leadership and resilience, sports help shape well-rounded individuals who are prepared for the challenges of adulthood. As students return to school and sports, the lessons they learn on the playing field will continue to benefit them long after the final whistle blows.

 

Published August 28, 2024.

Governor announces expansion of Hope Florida program

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(The Center Square) — Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis announced Aug. 21 that he will expand Hope Florida, an initiative spearheaded by first lady Casey DeSantis.

DeSantis said that in early August, Hurricane Debby hit the Big Bend region and caused flooding throughout the Gulf Coast and southwest Florida. He said Hope Florida was involved in helping people get back on their feet.

Hope Florida’s mission is to create pathways to prosperity for communities and individuals, to help them become more economically self-sufficient and to instill hope. 

Buildings impacted by rain and storm surge from Hurricane Debby on Aug. 5, in Cedar Key.
(Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

“Hope Florida was spearheaded by the first lady several years ago and the impetus for it is just the recognition that government cannot solve all these problems that we deal with as a people,” DeSantis said. “Particularly when you start talking about people that are less fortunate, they may need a hand-up.”

DeSantis added that making people dependent on the government does not lead to the realization of their dreams, which is why many government bureaucracies fail to solve social issues.

“What Hope Florida sought to do, is to recognize we have all these resources throughout our communities — our churches, our charities, individual volunteers, businesses that wanna help — that we can tap into,” DeSantis said. “So, rather than think government and be in that silo, let’s use government as a way to connect people in need to all these great resources.”

Since Hope Florida’s launch, DeSantis noted that 30,000 people have either completely or partially eliminated their need for government financial assistance and are moving on a path to self-sufficiency.

“It’s better for those folks and also better for the taxpayers, and so based on our efforts so far, Hope Florida-related initiatives are projected to save taxpayers almost a billion dollars over the next 10 years. Why? Because you have needs, those needs are being met by all these great resources we have,” DeSantis said.

The governor said Hope Florida helps people become self-sufficient enough to stay off public assistance for the long term and is within several Florida agencies, such as the Department of Children and Families and the Department of Elder Affairs.

Veterans are also linked to resources through Hope Florida, which includes mental health resources and job placements. DeSantis noted that other states follow Florida’s lead with initiatives like Hope Florida.

“We have other states that have come down here, studied what we’re doing with Hope Florida and then they’re implementing it in their states respectively,” DeSantis said.

 

Published August 28, 2024.

Moody: Florida will put transnational criminals in prison

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(The Center Square) – From a Romanian theft ring to a notorious Big Boi drug trafficking ring, Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody’s Office of Statewide Prosecution is continuing to prosecute transnational criminal organizations.

She’s also issued a warning to criminals: “Florida law enforcement will track you down, and my statewide prosecutors will ensure you end up in prison.”

Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody (File)

In one case, Moody’s office secured 40-year prison sentences for three members of a Romanian crime ring that targeted and stole hundreds of thousands of dollars from schools and churches. A Fort Myers jury found Panait Dumitru, Catalin Trandafir and Simona Trandafir guilty of multiple felonies including racketeering, conspiracy to commit racketeering, grand theft, money laundering, aggravated white-collar crime, and unlawful possession of personal identification information.

The verdict was delivered after an extensive investigation conducted by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE). The Romanians operated out of Orlando from 2019 to 2021, targeted schools and churches in six states, and stole more than $800,000 from them combined, according to the investigation.

“Florida is a law-and-order state, and we work hard to hold criminals accountable,” Moody said. “This Romanian crime ring stole more than $800,000 by taking checks from the mailboxes of more than 250 churches and schools in six states. Many of the donor victims were seniors.”

FDLE Commissioner Mark Glass said the case exemplifies how law enforcement officers followed the evidence, were involved in detailed analysis, served search warrants and worked across multiple jurisdictions and regions. 

“It also demonstrates the importance we play in court, breaking down complex facts so juries can easily understand the case,” he said.

The crime ring stole checks from the mailboxes of more than 250 churches and schools in Florida, Illinois, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina and South Carolina. During a three-week trial, more than 60 pastors, reverends, ministers and priests testified about the thefts their congregations experienced. When some churches began noticing a pattern, they installed mailboxes with locks. The defendants then returned with crowbars to break into the mailboxes, they testified.

The defendants deposited the stolen checks using a network of 59 bank accounts that had been opened by various members of the crime ring using forged documents, investigators found. They then withdrew the cash from some accounts and redeposited it in others, moving more than $800,000 worth through 1,600 stolen checks.

Three Romanians were charged with multiple felonies and sentenced to 40 years in prison. Two others fled and are at large. Another previously “pled open to the court and was sentenced to 10 years in state prison,” Moody’s office said.

In another case, a supplier in a large drug trafficking ring operating out of the Boynton Beach area was arrested and charged with felony counts of trafficking cocaine and conspiracy to traffic cocaine. According to the investigation, William Moyo supplied cocaine and fentanyl for a notorious Big Boi drug trafficking ring. He is the latest arrest; authorities had already arrested 17 defendants.

“Law enforcement continues to take poison peddlers and their deadly products off our streets, and this latest arrest should serve as a warning to anyone looking to traffic drugs in our state,” Moody said. 

According to the investigation, Moyo supplied multiple kilograms of cocaine and fentanyl to a drug trafficking ring run by Johnson Joseph. After executing a search warrant, authorities found more than 20 kilograms of cocaine at Moyo’s residence.

The Big Boi drug trafficking ring is known among law enforcement for distributing fentanyl and cocaine throughout the Palm Beach County area. Throughout the investigation, authorities seized a combined 50 pounds of cocaine and other illicit substances.

The investigation is ongoing. It is funded through a Florida Department of Law Enforcement State Assistance Enforcement for Fentanyl Eradication grant.

 

Published August 28, 2024.

Report: Florida facing a serious teacher shortage

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(The Center Square) – The Sunshine State may soon reach crisis levels as a teacher shortage looms.

Florida TaxWatch has released a new report showing that Florida’s teacher salaries rank 50th in the nation and school districts are struggling to fill vacancies.

(Kenny Eliason/Unsplash)

“The well-being of Florida’s K-12 education system should be a concern for all taxpayers. Comprising 43.9% of general revenue spending for Florida’s FY 2023-2024 state budget, education is one of the biggest consumers of taxpayer dollars,” the report says.

According to the report, teacher vacancies declined 13% in four years during the 2023-2024 school year. However, the available vacancies were still more than double those during the 2016-2017 school year.

The Florida Department of Education says in the report that many teachers needing to be certified in the appropriate fields are being hired to fill teaching positions. It also notes that postsecondary institutions need to produce more graduates to meet K-12 needs.

Around 15% of courses offered in F-ranked and D-ranked schools are taught by out-of-field teachers, compared to only 6.4% of courses in A-ranked schools.

The report notes the subject area with the most out-of-field teachers is English for speakers of other languages, often these teachers are instructing lessons in different subject areas. Science-Earth and Space and Science have the most significant demand, equating to two courses per certified teacher.

Florida TaxWatch notes several reasons for the growing shortage, the first being a decline in popularity with 270,000 teachers projected to leave the profession every year. Half of those go on to change careers altogether.

There are also fewer people entering the profession from college, as teacher salaries in Florida continue to lag around $53,000 per year.

Compared to other states, Florida’s cost of living adds further barriers to teacher recruitment despite having no state income tax. Teachers’ take-home pay in states like Pennsylvania, New York and Illinois averages between $500 and $1,000 more for every bi-monthly check after state and federal taxes than Florida’s.

The report notes that Florida lawmakers are trying to elevate these burdens and have launched various programs since 2020. These include the Florida Hometown Heroes Housing Program, which helps with a down payment and closing costs and increases to teacher salaries in the state budget.

 

Published August 28, 2024.