The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Nominations sought for environmental champion

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Hillsborough County is seeking nominations for its Theodore Roosevelt Hillsborough Forever Conservation Award, according to a county news release.

The honor, given annually, goes to an individual or a group whose efforts exemplify dedication to preserving the county’s natural resources.

The award is named after Theodore Roosevelt Jr., the 26th president of the United States and noted conservationist who placed more than 200 million acres under public protection.

Nominees must live or work in Hillsborough County and “be someone who shows persistence and dedication to long-term conservation of the county’s natural resources, demonstrates integrity in performance toward conservation goals, and displays attributes of true conservation stewardship,’’ according to the award criteria.

Nominations will go through the Jan K. Platt Environmental Lands Acquisition and Protection Program General Committee, which will send a recommendation to the Hillsborough County Commission for approval.

The board will have an award ceremony in the spring to coincide with National Arbor Day.

The deadline for nominations is Feb. 28, according to the release.

For more information, call 813-672-7876, or email Ross Dickerson.

Published January 18, 2023

Federal funding will benefit local projects

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Twelve of the 15 priority projects identified by U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis, in Florida’s 12th Congressional District, have received federal funding allocations.

The projects will bring a total of nearly $20.3 million to the Tampa Bay area, according to a news release from Bilirakis’ office.

Projects receiving allocations include:

  • $3 million for Moffitt’s Pasco County Expansion to build the Research and Life Science Facility that will serve as a regional hub for the delivery of high-quality health care, cancer research, education, and biotech business development
  • $2 million to help prevent flooding in north Pinellas and south Pasco counties through stormwater and roadway improvements
  • $800,000 for the Pasco County Alliance for Healthy Communities Substance Use Prevention Program to provide coordinated behavioral health services to reduce overdose deaths
  • $500,000 to support more than 300 at-risk middle and high school aged girls in Pasco and Hernando counties enrolled in the PACE Center for Girls program
  • $2.5 million to build a one-stop-shop senior center in Pasco County operated by CARES
  • $1.27 million to build new units of housing at the Vincent House for those struggling with mental illness
  • $600,000 for the Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired to assist older adults in Pasco, Hernando and Citrus counties by empowering these adults with disabilities to live more independently in their home and communities with a focus on improved mental health
  • $2.4 million to install ADA-compliant bus stops along Moon Lake Road in West Pasco
  • $2 million for the Pasco Sheriff’s Department to upgrade technology at its regional Center for the Recovery of Missing Persons
  • $2 million for renovation of the Children’s Crisis Stabilization Unit operated by Personal Enrichment through Mental Health Services
  • $2 million for the Craig Park/Spring Bayou Seawall Repair in Tarpon Springs
  • $1.2 million for a school readiness and early literacy program operated by the Pinellas County Education Foundation

In the release, Biliarkis said: “While I am no proponent of big government spending, I have a duty to ensure my community receives its fair share of allocated federal resources and to be transparent about my efforts to prioritize these important projects. Each of these good projects will help strengthen our local infrastructure, benefit our community, and assist local residents.”

Also, of note, the boundary lines for congressional districts changed as a result of the 2020 U.S. Census. Effective Jan. 3, the 12th district’s new boundaries include Hernando, Citrus and parts of Pasco, but no longer includes Pinellas County. Pinellas is now in the 13th district.

Published January 11, 2023

‘Pasco TC Gives’ tops $1 million in charitable donations

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When Pasco County Tax Collector Mike Fasano took office, he created a charitable giving program aimed at helping local nonprofits and individuals in need.

In time, an entity called Pasco TC Gives was created to raise and disburse funds for charitable causes, according to a news release from Fasano’s office.

Mike Fasano has led charitable giving efforts through his office for nearly 10 years. The efforts have raised $1.26 million in assistance to more than 116 nonprofit organizations and to individuals in crisis needing immediate help. (Courtesy of Pasco County Tax Collector’s Office)

Since it began in 2013, the nonprofit has raised more than $1.26 million and has provided assistance to more than 116 nonprofit organizations in the community, as well as to individuals in crisis situations needing immediate help, the release says.

The funds are raised through the Charity of the Month Program and sales of advertising on in-house screens in each tax collector’s office in Pasco County.

“Without the hard work of our staff and a very generous community we would not have been able to support so many fine organizations that dedicate themselves to helping those in need,”  Tax Collector Mike Fasano said in the release. “Our Pasco TC Gives Board of Directors independently reviews every request for donations and approves them based on merit and need of the organization or individual. I am proud of the effort made by our employees who sit on this board and help steer funds to where they are needed most.”

Fasano added he’s “most grateful to the community organizations that see us as an important resource to help them and their membership” in times of special need.

Donations to Pasco TC Gives support such diverse programs as CARES Seniors Services, The Humane Society, Support Our Troops, The Volunteer Way, Tax Collector Mike Fasano’s Annual Holiday Food Giveaway that feeds families each holiday season, the Florida Breast Cancer Foundation, Special Olympics of Pasco, the Pasco Sheriff’s K-9 Foundation and more than 100 other charitable organizations.

Pasco TC Gives also has responded to crisis situations to help Hurricane Ian victims, Hurricane Irma relief efforts and by providing support to the families of the United States Coast Guard.

Additionally, one-time donations have been made to many nonprofits throughout Pasco County.

For more information about Pasco TC Gives, the organizations it supports and the charitable giving program in general, please contact Assistant Tax Collector and Board Chairman Greg Giordano at 727-847-8179.

Published January 11, 2023

She served her community in a multitude of ways

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Sister Dianne Wansley — a former spiritual director, a former town commissioner and a member of the Benedictine Sisters of Florida — has been laid to rest. (Courtesy of Benedictine Sisters of Florida)

Sister Dianne Wansley, O.S.B., a member of the Benedictine Sisters of Florida, passed away on Dec. 30.

She came to the Benedictine Sisters of Florida in January 1978 as a live-in volunteer and then joined the Benedictine Sisters in September 1978.

She served the community for 46 years, serving in numerous capacities including as an accomplished iconographer, an artist and a member of the liturgy committee. She also provided spiritual direction for retreatants and was the director of Postulants and Novices (sisters in discernment vow stages) for the Community. She was the organist and pianist for the community, according to a news release from the Benedictine Sisters of Florida.

She also was a music minister for student Masses at Saint Leo University.

Plus, she served as a member of the St. Leo Town Commission.

A Mass of the Resurrection was celebrated on Jan. 7.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be directed to Benedictine Sisters of Florida, P.O. Box 2450, St. Leo, FL 33574.

Published January 11, 2023

Efforts aim to prevent wildfires in Green Swamp

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The Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFMD) is planning “prescribed fires” in the Green Swamp Wilderness Preserve with the goal of preventing wildfires there, according to a news release from the district.

Prescribed fires are those that are started in controlled settings to reduce the risk of wildfires burning out of control.

The water management agency will conduct the controlled fires from January through March, at the Green Swamp Wilderness Preserve, which includes the Green Swamp West Tract in Pasco County, the Green Swamp East Tract in Polk, Sumter and Lake counties; and, the Hampton Tract in Polk County.

The Green Swamp Wilderness Preserve is located north of U.S. Highway 98 along State Road 471 and Rockridge Road, between Lakeland and Dade City. Approximately 12,000 acres will be burned in manageable units, the release said.

Major benefits of prescribed fires include:

  • Reducing overgrown plants, which decreases the risk of catastrophic wildfires
  • Promoting the growth of new, diverse plants
  • Maintaining the character and condition of wildlife habitat
  • Maintaining access for public recreation.

Prescribed fires are conducted by SWFMD on approximately 30,000 acres each year.

Published January 11, 2023

Ag land owners can apply for conservation program

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The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is accepting applications from agricultural land owners for its voluntary conservation program.

The program works one-on-one with producers to develop a conservation plan that enhances existing efforts while improving their agricultural operations, according to a U.S.D.A. news release.

The deadline is Feb. 24 for ag land owners to apply to participate in the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) in the current funding cycle.

Using new conservation practices or activities, agricultural producers can adopt practices and activities that expand on the benefits of cleaner water and air, healthier soil, and better wildlife habitat, all based on management objectives specific to their farming operation, according to the U.S.D.A. release.

“If you are already taking steps to improve the condition of the land, chances are, CSP can help you find new ways to meet your goals,” Juan C. Hernandez, state conservationist for NRCS in Florida, said in the release. “CSP offers annual payments for implementing conservation practices on your land and operating and maintaining existing conservation efforts.”

Eligible CSP lands include: Associated ag land, cropland, farmstead, non-industrial private forestland, pastureland and rangeland.

Individuals who are eligible to apply include agricultural producers, Indian tribes, owners of non-industrial forestland and those with an interest in the agricultural or forestry operations.

Farm records must be established or updated with the Farm Service Agency for both the person(s) and the land for your application to be eligible and evaluated. Farm records for the person must indicate the applicant: controls or owns eligible land; is in compliance with highly erodible land and wetland conservation requirements; and, meets adjusted gross income (AGI) and payment limitation provisions.

Published January 11, 2023

Pasco seeking to fill openings on its jobs committee

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Pasco County is seeking to fill openings on its voluntary Jobs and Economic Opportunities Committee (JEOC).

The committee oversees the use of the Jobs and Economic Opportunities Trust Fund (JEOTF) portion of Penny for Pasco, according to a county news release.

Responsibilities of JEOC members include ensuring Penny for Pasco spending meets the requirements of promoting projects, to creating new jobs and economic growth.

Applications are being accepted online through Feb. 6 at MyPas.co/AdvisoryBoardApp.

The JEOC consists of up to nine members, appointed by the Pasco County Commission.

Members are being sought who represent diverse knowledge and expertise from one of the following areas:

  • Finance/Banking
  • Agriculture
  • Real Estate
  • Manufacturing
  • Other Private Industries

The JEOC meets, at minimum, on a quarterly basis and presents annual updates to the county board.

Members serve for one-year or two-year terms, depending upon the industry they represent.

The Penny for Pasco has been approved by voters three times, with the most recent approval extending the government infrastructure surtax for 15 years, beginning in January 2025 through December 2039.

The Penny for Pasco provides funding for Pasco County, Pasco County Schools and Pasco’s six municipalities.

The JEOTF portion from the renewal adopted in 2015 is estimated to generate more than $70 million in revenue to be used for target industry job creation and economic development projects designed to improve the local economy, according to the county’s news release.

Published January 11, 2023

Avalon Applauds Tighten The Drag Foundation

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Congratulations to Tighten The Drag Foundation for being applauded by Avalon Park Wesley Chapel. This Lutz-based nonprofit foundation helps to improve the quality of life for those that have suffered a spinal cord injury.

Tighten The Drag Foundation provides therapeutic sponsored outdoor activities and outings, links to valuable resources, the latest news on rehabilitation, research and recovery, and continuous support for families of the spinal cord injured. The nonprofit also raises money that helps to pay for activity-based exercise therapy rehabilitative and recovery programs, which is not covered by any insurance.

“Insurance companies don’t cover therapy because, most likely, someone with a spinal cord injury won’t walk again. While this therapy is necessary and worthwhile, it’s deemed this way by insurance companies because you just don’t know what kind of recovery each person will have,” the foundation’s lead volunteer, Sheila Tramontana, said.

Sheila’s own son, Robert Tramontana, was paralyzed 10 years ago, suffering a spinal cord injury while out on Crystal River. As Robert spent 87 days in the hospital, Sheila soon found out insurance would not cover the rehab therapy. It would have to be paid out-of-pocket and those sessions can run up to or more than $100 an hour, and, most likely, the therapy’s location is not nearby. Meaning, transportation also factors into this uncovered cost.

“It blew my mind just how little resources there were for helping this kind of injury. There weren’t places to go, nor is there an advocate for someone in a hospital who is looking for help for paralysis,” Sheila recalls.

According to the nonprofit’s website, “There are approximately 17,500 new spinal cord injuries in the U.S. every year. There are over a half-million people living with spinal cord injuries (SCI in the United States. Every 38 minutes in our country, a person becomes paralyzed.”

Some of the nonprofit’s upcoming fundraising events include its annual fishing tournament and walking program, both of which are in September.

In the meantime, for more information on the nonprofit, go to TightenTheDragFoundation.org.

Published January 11, 2023

A puppy on a mission

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Lindsay Brauer of Land O’ Lakes submitted this photo of her pup bringing in the paper and said, “Cash says thanks for always keeping us up to date on all the things in Land O’ Lakes/Lutz!”