The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Andrew Powell

Pinellas County approves Tampa Bay stadium deal

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(The Center Square) — The Tampa Bay Rays moved closer to getting a new stadium after the Pinellas County Commission approved the deal on July 30. County commissioners approved the redevelopment project by a 5-2 vote. 

Christopher Morel #24 of the Tampa Bay Rays reacts after hitting a solo home run during the fourth inning against the Miami Marlins at Tropicana Field on July 30, 2024. (Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty)

The project will be a collaboration between the city of St. Petersburg and the Tampa Bay Rays, which will include a multi-purpose stadium in the heart of the city’s Historic Gas Plant District.

The domed stadium will replace the existing 30,000-seat Tropicana Field and will be accompanied by a neighborhood revamp, new infrastructure and affordable housing. The district will also include restaurants, hotels, retail shops and medical space.

A total of $312.5 million in hotel taxes are being contributed to kick off construction — $287.5 million will start construction, while another $142 million will be spent on infrastructure.

View during a game at Tropicana Field on March 30, 2023 in St Petersburg, Florida. Construction for a new stadium could break ground as early as next year. (Mike Ehrmann/Getty)

“The economic growth stemming from this partnership with the city of St. Petersburg and the Rays will help fuel the Board’s future ability to fund key services in areas like law enforcement, housing, emergency response and more. It honors what was voted on by residents decades ago – keeping baseball in St. Petersburg for all Pinellas residents to enjoy,” Commission Chair Kathleen Peters said.

The collaboration between the county and Rays-Hines is set to be one of the biggest development projects in county history. It will cost approximately $1.6 billion for the city and over $2 billion in total.

Construction could break ground as early as next year. It is expected to generate more than $1.04 billion in tax revenue over the next 30 years, create more than 15,000 jobs and produce more than $400 million in economic output annually.

However, the project has been met with some pushback since it was announced. In April, a report from Florida TaxWatch raised concerns about the redevelopment project going over budget and urged officials to consider the risks closely before making a decision.

According to Florida TaxWatch, the city would invest $1.6 billion — this includes not only the stadium and supporting infrastructure but also $411 in lost property taxes and another $545 million in lost city revenue after the city sold 64 acres to Rays-Hines.

Pinellas County alone would lose $222 million in property taxes and there is no way to recover those funds, according to the report.

Published August 14, 2024

An experience they won’t forget

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(Courtesy of Deborah Erdahl)

The GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club raised $500 to cover the cost of member Shirley Willhite’s flight to escort veteran Bob Prairie to tour the memorials and monuments in Washington D.C., through Honor Flight West Central Florida. Prairie is a Vietnam veteran who served in the Navy. Seventy-five veterans were recognized on the 50th Honor Flight to visit Arlington Cemetery, the Korean War and World War II memorials, the Jefferson Memorial and the Lincoln Monument. The return flight at the St. Petersburg/Clearwater airport was greeted with applause, music and flag-waving. For more information about the woman’s club, visit GFWCLutzLandOLakesWomansClub.org or its Facebook page.

Overpass at U.S. 41 and S.R. 54 anticipated to help resolve traffic situation

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Planners with the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) announced earlier this year an overpass is likely to be the best way to help resolve the traffic situation at the intersection of U.S. 41 and S.R. 54 in Land O’ Lakes.

The anticipated cost of the overpass was approximately $222 million when FDOT officials discussed plans for it in February. However, the cost has reportedly since increased to approximately $260 million. 

An overpass at the I-4 and S.R. 46 intersection in Sanford (Jeffrey Greenberg/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)

The Pasco County Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) agrees with FDOT that the intersection of U.S. 41 and S.R. 54 is one of the busiest in Pasco County. The MPO is the lead transportation-planning agency in Pasco County, serving the municipalities of Zephyrhills, San Antonio, St. Leo, New Port Richey, Port Richey and Dade City.

Approximately 124,000 vehicles travel through the intersection daily and that number is anticipated to increase to 176,000 by 2045, FDOT said.

The intersection also has been identified by FDOT as one that has a crash average higher than the state average. A total of 442 crashes were reported there from 2012 to 2016, in which 90% of the crashes involved property damage, while the remaining 10% involved injuries. A single fatal crash was reported during the five-year analysis period, according to FDOT. 

The intersection reconstruction is among the biggest projects on the work plan for Pasco County, according to Tania Gorman, MPO’s executive director.

FDOT is reportedly in the process of conducting a Project Development & Environment Study for the construction of the proposed overpass. Its current schedule calls for property to begin to be acquired in 2028 for the improvements to the intersection, according to Gorman.

The design of the proposed overpass is still being reviewed by FDOT but it could reportedly be similar to overpasses that have been constructed in other locations, such as the one at Roosevelt Boulevard and U.S. 19 in Pinellas County. That type of overpass would be for through-traffic with turns made at the ground level.

It’s anticipated FDOT will hold a public hearing regarding this proposed intersection improvement project during the fourth quarter of 2024. The design phase will be conducted between 2025-2027 and right of way acquisition will likely occur between 2028-2030.

Funding has not yet been obtained for the proposed intersection improvement project, according to FDOT. 

Published July 31, 2024

State officials predict Florida K-12 enrollment will continue to grow

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(The Center Square) — Florida economists have suggested that full-time enrollment in Florida’s schools has increased over recent years but still remains below pre-COVID-19 pandemic levels.

The Florida Office of Economic and Demographic Research (EDR) held a two-part education estimating conference in late June and July for Florida’s Public Schools Capital Outlay Full Time Equivalent (COFTE) Membership — and forecasts show a small but steady increase in enrollments.

(kali9/Getty Images)

During the pandemic, enrollments in Florida schools decreased by 6% in the fall of 2020. While they have begun to increase, they remain 3% below their prior level. Economists noted that this is due to more school options being presented to parents, including homeschooling options and access to scholarships.

According to state data, full-time equivalent enrollment from pre-K through 12th grade had a total of 2.37 million students in 2022-2023, an increase of over 32,000 or 1.4% over the previous year.

This was, however, less than anticipated from the 2023 forecast, and EDR economists pointed out more parents are choosing a different setting for kindergarten.

“The take-home point here is that kindergarten came in less than anticipated, which is a reflection of families choosing a non-COFTE setting for their kindergartener,” Elizabeth Goodman from EDR said during the conference.

The conference projected in 2023-2024, student numbers will again increase by 0.2% or 3,774 full-time students. Into the future, enrollment is forecast to continue growth trends, projected to grow by 0.5% in 2024-2025, and 0.7% in 2025-2026.

State Pre-K numbers only include preschool-aged children with disabilities and children whose parents are in the Teenage Parent Program. Estimates also do not include children participating exclusively in the Voluntary Prekindergarten Program who receive services through the public school system.

School districts were invited to submit comments on the June forecast between July 2 and July 12. Five school districts — Hernando, Brevard, Flagler, Osceola and St. Lucie — requested workbooks.

Flagler requested a change to the conference’s forecast model, asking to use the two most recent years. Flagler’s preliminary forecast was 12,112.39 membership. The district’s new forecast for the projected 2024-2025 is now 12,242.64 membership, and the conference adopted it.

Published July 31, 2024

Strategies for students to prepare for the upcoming school year

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Throughout the summer, students had the perfect opportunity to relax and recharge. But with the end of summer approaching, here are some strategies students can still use to set themselves up for success in the upcoming school year. 

1. Set clear goals
Before the new school year starts, it’s helpful for students to set clear academic and personal goals. This could include improving in a specific subject, developing a new skill or achieving a personal milestone. By outlining what they hope to accomplish, students can create a focused plan for their summer.

2. Review and refresh
The last few weeks of summer is an ideal time for students to review what they learned during the past school year. Picking up where they left off with subjects they found challenging can help them retain knowledge and build a stronger foundation. Many students find it useful to use online resources or educational apps to brush up on key concepts.

(Klaus Vedfelt/Getty)

3. Read for pleasure and knowledge
Reading isn’t just for enjoyment — it can also be a powerful tool for academic preparation. Students can explore books related to their upcoming coursework or delve into genres that spark their interest. This not only enhances their reading skills but also broadens their knowledge base.

4. Develop study habits
With free time, students can experiment with different study techniques, create a study schedule and set up a dedicated study space. These habits will be invaluable when the school year begins, helping students manage their time and stay organized.

5. Engage in enrichment activities
Participating in enrichment activities can be both fun and educational. Students might consider attending workshops or taking online courses related to their interests. Whether it’s coding, art, sports or another field, these activities can help students develop new skills and interests.

6. Work on time management
Learning to manage time effectively is a crucial skill for academic success. Students can practice this by developing a schedule that balances relaxation with productivity. Setting aside specific times for study, leisure and chores can help them establish a routine that will benefit them during the school year.

7. Practice self-care
Preparing for the school year also involves taking care of oneself. Students should focus on maintaining a healthy balance between work and play, ensuring they get adequate rest, eat well and stay active. Self-care practices, like mindfulness or exercise, can improve overall well-being and readiness for the upcoming challenges.

8. Explore future interests
Having free time is great for students to explore their future interests. Whether it’s through internships, volunteer work, or job shadowing, gaining experience in areas they are passionate about can provide valuable insights and help them make informed decisions about their academic and career paths.

9. Connect with peers
Reconnecting with classmates or making new friends in the last weeks of summer can ease the transition back to school. Students can participate in community events, join study groups or engage in online forums related to their interests. Building these connections can foster a supportive network that enhances their school experience.

10. Organize and plan
Getting organized before the school year starts can make a big difference. Students can prepare by organizing their study materials, setting up their backpack and ensuring they have all the necessary supplies. Planning ahead for school projects or extracurricular activities can also reduce stress when the new year begins.

The end of summer offers a valuable opportunity for students to prepare for the upcoming school year in a way that balances productivity with relaxation. By setting goals, reviewing academic material, developing study habits and engaging in enriching activities, students can enter the new school year with confidence and enthusiasm. A well-prepared student is not only ready for academic challenges but also equipped to enjoy a successful and fulfilling year ahead.

Published July 31, 2024

One million Floridians have been disenrolled from Medicaid since 2023

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(The Center Square) — Data from the Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF) shows over 1 million Floridians were disenrolled from Medicaid since 2023, primarily for administrative reasons.

As of July 12, over 24 million U.S residents have been disenrolled from Medicaid.

The federal government asked states to provide continuous Medicaid coverage to those enrolled during the COVID-19 pandemic, even if their circumstances changed, making them ineligible for coverage.

(Spotmatik/Getty)

Since the pandemic came to an end, Medicaid allowed a year for states to transition back to normal operations. Florida began unwinding Medicaid enrollments in 2023.

According to KFF’s Medicaid Enrollment and Unwinding Tracker, Florida had 1.9 million residents disenrolled from coverage, while 3.1 million have had coverage renewed. Data shows around 64% were terminated for procedural reasons, while 36% of Floridians were found to be ineligible.

Before sending a renewal form or requiring documentation from an enrollee, federal rules specify that states are required to complete administrative renewals, also known as ex parte, to verify ongoing eligibility using available data.

In Florida, 32% of enrollees had coverage renewed through ex parte, while the remaining 68% had Medicaid coverage renewed through a renewal form. Net Medicaid enrollment declines for Florida from 2023 to July 12 was about 24%.

In the neighboring state of Georgia, approximately 792,000 people were disenrolled, while the state renewed coverage for almost 1 million people.

Alabama disenrolled roughly 369,000 people and renewed coverage for approximately 745,000, while Mississippi disenrolled 148,000 people and renewed coverage for 434,000 others.

The Foundation for Government Accountability released a report on the expansion of Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act — also known as ObamaCare — to include able-bodied individuals, which will push up spending even further.

“Surging enrollment has led to skyrocketing spending. In 2013, taxpayers spent $406 billion on the Medicaid program,” the report states. “A decade later, total Medicaid spending has more than doubled, reaching nearly $874 billion.

“Medicaid now consumes nearly one-third of states’ non-capital budgets and is growing nearly twice as fast as state tax revenues. Expanding Medicaid in non-expansion states would burst already tight budgets and kick millions off of private insurance.”

Florida is currently a non-expansion state and provides over two million low-income people with health plans with no out-of-pocket premiums or deductibles.

Published July 31, 2024

DeSantis: Florida’s tough-on-crime policies are necessary

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(The Center Square) — Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis spoke at the Florida Sheriffs’ Association Summer Conference on Wednesday and said the Sunshine State does not allow criminals to run amok.

DeSantis pointed out that in other states, leadership is cutting police resources and are allowing illegal migrants to form criminal gangs that loot businesses with no consequences.

“CNN of all places was investigating illegal aliens that would create criminal rings, and they were stealing and looting a lot of places in New York City,” DeSantis said. “It turned out that when they would get the proceeds of this, they would try to wanna come down to Florida to spend the money. Someone asked them from CNN, why don’t you steal in Florida? They said because in Florida, they put you in jail.”

(ATU Images/Getty)

DeSantis noted that if you want a lower crime rate, you have to have good policies, and if Florida enacted some of the laws seen in states like Illinois, California or New York, law enforcement would be “kneecapped.”

An example is Illinois’ abolishment of cash bail, which he says makes it easier for criminals to get back out on the street. DeSantis said this policy has already been tried and failed in New York.

“Los Angeles defunded police by $175 million, San Francisco has reduced by $120 million for police budget. NYPD has gone a billion due to budget cuts, basically since 2020 that’s happened. Washington D.C., our nation’s capital…homicides up 30%, motor vehicle theft up 103%, robberies up 70% and violent crime up 40%,” DeSantis said.

According to DeSantis, the increasing crime rate in D.C. is reportedly costing over $3 billion annually, and this debt then falls on the taxpayers.

“We’ve seen examples of what’s happened, and we’ve done the opposite in Florida, and we’re better off for doing the opposite in Florida,” DeSantis said.

DeSantis noted that because the state budget is fiscally sound, it allows room to include huge support for law enforcement.

“A lot of these states that are doing poorly, you know they’re not even fiscally solvent as is, and so if anything more happens, they’re gonna be in big big trouble,” DeSantis said.

Meanwhile, Florida is offering recruitment bonuses of up to $5,000 to law enforcement officers who relocate from other states while encouraging veterans and the younger generation to choose law enforcement as a career.

Published July 31, 2024

UnBinged: Summer of Adaptations — Reviews for ‘Lady in the Lake,’ ‘Sunny’ and ‘Those About to Die’

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Lounging by the pool or hiding from the heat is the perfect time to indulge in a little summer reading. But for those who prefer the small screen to the written word, here are a few literary adaptations that found their way to streaming this month. From engaging mysteries to unhinged sci-fi, this month’s UnBinged reviews big-budget book adaptations looking to nab your interest. Parents, please note that these television series are rated TV-MA and are intended for mature audiences.

“The Lady in the Lake” (Apple TV+)

‘Lady in the Lake’ (Apple TV+)
Being underestimated, undervalued and underappreciated is discouraging when it comes from strangers, disheartening when it comes from friends, and depressing when it comes from family. And for many women, it is an everyday occurrence. But there is a gift in this thoughtless cruelty that undermines others: it motivates people to transform, as they have nothing to lose. 

The story of “Lady in the Lake” follows two vastly different women in 1966 — one a Jewish housewife and another a struggling single Black mother — whose lives are forever entangled due to the tragic murder of the latter. For Maddie Schwartz (Natalie Portman), the disappearance of a young girl sparks something within her to flee her middle-class existence, as well as her nebbish husband and surly teen son, in an effort to reinvent herself. Meanwhile, bartender and model Cleo Johnson (Moses Ingram) falls deeper into the seedy underbelly of Baltimore’s corrupt political scene, placing her life in danger as she attempts to provide for her family. Ultimately, Cleo’s world collides with Maddie’s as the fate of the two women become intertwined.

Both Portman and Ingram are given a chance to embody their characters before the crux of the story takes hold. Portman brings her acting aptitude to the role of Maddie as the Oscar winner epitomizes an Orthodox Jewish housewife who experiences a midlife crisis due to past trauma triggered by a horrific event in her community. And Ingram is equally pivotal, both as the struggling Cleo and as the omnipresent narrator, keeping the twisted tales in tandem even when the story seems uneven.

But “Lady in the Lake” isn’t just about how the case of a little girl galvanized a housewife or why a Black woman was murdered, but about women finding their identity through devastation. The performances and ethereal direction of the series bring the novel to life, captivating the viewer and holding their interest until the final climactic moments.  

“Sunny” (Apple TV+)

‘Sunny’ (Apple TV+)
Meet Suzie Sakamoto. Suzie (played by Rashida Jones) is not doing well. She just lost her son Zen and her husband Masa in a horrific plane crash, but their bodies cannot be found. Slightly abrasive even before the incident and all alone in Kyoto where she can barely speak the language, Suzie is isolated in her pain. Taking pity on her situation, her husband’s employer Imatech supplies the grieving woman with Sunny (voiced by Joanna Sotomura), a top-of-the-line robot created by her husband Masa (Hidetoshi Nishijima) specifically for Suzie. 

But something is amiss with Sunny. Beneath “her” constant chipper demeanor is a sinister secret, something that eventually leads Suzie to seek out “The Dark Manual,” a hacker’s guide that can allow bot owners to unlock the dark side of their automatons. Along with her new edgy friend Mixxy (Annie the Clumsy), Suzie explores more of this world in hopes of unraveling her roboticist husband’s secrets, but only discovering a dangerous faction who wishes to stay concealed.  

Based on the book “The Dark Manual” by Colin O’Sullivan, A24’s daring new comedic thriller for the small screen embodies new fears about AI and gives it a cheery disposition with vaguely threatening undertones, just enough to make audiences side-eye their Alexas and not fully trust their Roombas. The performances from Jones and Ms. Clumsy, particularly their chemistry together and their ability to interact with Sunny, work quite well as a source of comedy, though the antagonists are a little over the top. But the real stars here are the special effects, which are so seamless it is easy to overlook the outstanding work that went into the character creation of Sunny, whose expressions from elation to dismay are a wonder unto themselves.  

“Sunny” should garner interest from those who enjoy their dark future tales with a dash of black humor and mystery but grounded in reality. Fans of “Black Mirror” or other malevolent yet mundane sci-fi tales in which shades of the fantastic take a backseat to the horrors of humanity will find “Sunny” a uniquely creative series that will keep viewers enthralled. 

“Those About To Die” (NBCU)

‘Those About To Die’ (Peacock)
As extortionate series about dragon-based families and bodice-rippers set during the Regency era continue to draw large audiences, streaming services search for the next hit series among epic productions and costume dramas. Over at Peacock, Roland Emmerich enters the field with “Those About To Die,” a historical drama spotlighting gladiators and gambling halls of an ancient era.

Based on Daniel P. Mannix’s nonfiction novel, “Those About To Die” lifts up ancient rocks overlooked by most Hollywood productions and explores the Flavian Dynasty — the chaotic period that followed right after Nero’s fiddle fell silent — in which Emperor Vespasian (played by Anthony Hopkins) took to the throne. 

The story follows several social classes, from patricians such as Vespasian’s two sons, Titus and Domitian (Tom Hughes and Jojo Macari), who both eye the throne, to plebeians like Cala (Sara Martins), a mother who pursues her daughters after they are forcibly taken into slavery. But much of the series’ focus falls on Iwan Rheon who plays Tenax, owner of the largest betting tavern in Rome. The heart and soul of the series, the character is a stark (ahem) contrast to his iconic role as Ramsay Bolton from “Game of Thrones” (or “Misfits’” Simon for longtime fans). 

Elaborate sets and costumes paired with a top-tier cast and crew makes “Those About To Die” one of Peacock’s most ambitious projects to date, hoping to pique curiosity with its lavish production, but the drama has to clear more than just the high hurdle of notice among the many streaming offerings. Without the familiarity of Queen Cleopatra, Mark Antony, or other titans of history, a majority of viewers will depend on the storytelling to keep them absorbed, and while most of the tale is captivating, the multiple narratives are stretched a bit thin. So while characters can be compelling, particularly Rheon’s Tenax, there are too many of them in the onset, so some characters feel tacked on and shallow.

“Those About To Die” is an exorbitant historical melodrama hoping to nab the attention of picky at-home audiences. And while the series has done well by focusing on Rheon, the disjointed storytelling, particularly in the beginning, muddles the narrative enough to get the series off to a shaky start. But it is footing that has the ability to find more stable ground if or when it gets a second season. 

Published July 31, 2024

Report finds decrease in number of victims of commercial sexual exploitation

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(The Center Square) — A new report from the Florida Legislature’s research arm found a significant decrease in the number of child victims of commercial sexual exploitation in the Sunshine State, but some services still sorely need improvement.

The Florida Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability published its annual report on the sexual exploitation of minors in Florida and the data shows there has been an 11% decrease overall since 2020 in child victims of exploitation.

In 2023, there were a total of 339 minors who were identified as victims of exploitation, according to the Florida Department of Children and Families. However, while there has been an overall decrease in cases, reporting has increased by 6% since 2020.

The report identified a pattern of higher incidences of maltreatment and abuse in dependent youth under the care of the department than youth in the community. It was also found that the department lacks access to specialized settings for child victims of exploitation.

This includes facilities for youth needing rehabilitation for substance abuse and treatment for mental health. Other reported gaps in service included a lack of beds, which has not increased since 2023.

State officials say in the report that the department’s funding amounts fluctuate from year to year and note that agencies have consistently expended more funds than allocated. Between $3 million and $5.1 million per year has been allocated to department agencies since fiscal year 2018-2019.

For fiscal 2022-2023, the department allocated $3.5 million to lead agencies. It was found that in that same year, $11.5 million was spent. The report notes the huge upswing in spending was due to providing services and placements to 482 youth. This equates to around $23,000 per child.

The report points out the department is actively involved in recruitment and anticipates it will increase its capacity in placements by 2025. The majority of exploited youth spent most of their time in traditional foster homes and at-risk group homes once they had been verified.

Revictimized youth were the exception to this and spent more time in the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice facilities than foster homes and relative/non-relative placements.

Approximately 56% of youth with an exploitation finding were white, of which 92% were female and 95% of them were between 13 and 17 years old. Five counties — including Broward, Miami-Dade, Duval, Hillsborough and Escambia — accounted for over 40% of all verified exploitation cases.

Published July 31, 2024

Scott leads polls, fundraising in Florida U.S. Senate race

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(The Center Square) — If recent polls and fundraising totals are to be believed, Florida incumbent U.S. Sen. Rick Scott will likely keep his seat in the GOP column.

Scott is leading in both the polls and fundraising efforts against his Democrat challenger Debbie Mucarsel-Powell ahead of the general election on Nov. 5.

Sen. Rick Scott speaks during preparations for the second day of the Republican National Convention at the Fiserv Forum on July 16, 2024 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

According to the Federal Election Commission website, Scott has raised almost $30 million between 2019 and 2024 and ranks 13th out of all U.S. Senate candidates running for office in 2024.

In total, Scott has spent over $26 million, most of it being on operating expenditures. Around $6.7 million was contributed to Scott’s campaign by individuals, while $7.8 million came from authorized committees. Around $5 million of the total was raised between 2023 and 2024.

Mucarsel-Powell raised $11.8 million between 2023 and 2024 alone, most of it from individual contributions. In 2018, She was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives but lost her reelection bid in 2020.

According to the Cook Political Report, Scott’s seat was listed in the likely Republican category, along with U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas. 

Republicans could take back the Senate in this election cycle, as the GOP is defending 11 seats and Democrats will have 23 seats. Cook rates four of those seats in the tossup category and predicts a Republican flip for the seat of retiring U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin, D-West Virginia. 

According to several different polls listed on ABC News’ Five ThirtyEight, Scott was leading in the polls in some instances up to 15 percentage points over Mucarsel-Powell in May.

However, a June poll released by Florida Atlantic University shows Scott’s lead shrinking from an eight-point advantage to a two-point lead. Florida Atlantic University’s Mainstreet poll had Scott in the lead by 17 percentage points in April.

Published July 31, 2024