The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Air Force graduate earns her ‘wings’

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(Courtesy of Ken Duncan)

Abbey Duncan, a 2017 graduate of Wesley Chapel High, graduated from the Air Force Academy on May 25.

She was nominated and recommended to the academy by U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis. Nominees to the academy undergo rigorous medical and physical testing, have their academic credentials reviewed and have to score a minimum of 26 on the ACT, as well as go through a series of interviews.

Athletics, extracurricular activities and community service also are considered. Abbey’s favorite training at the academy was jump school, of which she did all her jumps solo and earned her jump wings.

Abbey is the daughter of Denise Duncan, retired Shriners Hospital nurse, and Ken Duncan, retired teacher and coach.

Published on June 8, 2022.

Talent abounds in this competition

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(Courtesy of Heritage Arts Center Association)

The Heritage Arts Center Association (HACA) produces “Spotlight on Talent,” a regional performing arts competition for young students up to high school seniors. There are $4,000 in prizes and trophies, in addition to a $1,000 Pasco Heritage Scholarship.

This year, the scholarship was awarded to Faith Phaller, a Blackwood Studios dancer.

Heritage Arts also gives the Nereim Visual Arts Award to aspiring artists, in honor of the late founding board members Mr. and Mrs. Gordon Nereim.

Erin Caffarelli, a graduating senior at Zephyrhills High, was selected for this recognition. She shared her sculpture of a dramatic fox-like creature — realistic but completely imaginary — with the HACA Board. Her work can be viewed on Heritage Art’s Facebook page, as well as its website at HeritageArts.org.

Caffarelli will attend Pasco-Hernando State College and plans to study mechanical engineering and robotics at Florida Polytechnic.

Published June 8, 2022.

Chalk Talk 6/08/2022

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SUMMER HAUL PASS

Students can ride Pasco County Public Transportation buses on regular routes all summer, for just $20.The special rate is effective June, July and August 2022.

Summer Haul Passes are available at these locations:

• GoPasco Administrative Office, 8620 Galen Wilson Blvd., New Port Richey

• Pasco County Clerk & Comptroller Office, East/West Pasco Government Centers

• Pasco-Hernando State College bookstores, in Dade City, New Port Richey and Wesley Chapel

• County libraries

For more information, please visit bit.ly/SummerBusPass.

STUDENT ACHIEVEMENTS

• William Brockman, of Lutz, Dean’s List at Tallahassee Community College

• Austin Brown, of Lutz, Dean’s List at Tallahassee Community College

• Mya Cobb, of Lutz, Diversity Scholarship at Appalachian University (Boone, North Carolina)

• Hannah Coleman, of Lutz, Dean’s List at Tallahassee Community College

• Jaelyn Evans, of Odessa, Dean’s List at Mississippi College (Clinton, Mississippi)

• Kassidy Gordon, of Lutz, Dean’s List at Tallahassee Community College

• Jenny Han, of Odessa, President’s List at Georgia State University

• John Martinez, of Dade City, Dean’s List and Bachelor of Science in Business Administration Management, from Union University (Jackson, Tennessee)

• Ryleigh McElroy, of Lutz, Dean’s List at Tallahassee Community College

• JoAna Mucklow, of Odessa, Chancellor’s Honor Roll at the University of Mississippi. Mucklow is majoring in general business.

• Mykayla Christine Parise-King, of Lutz, Honor Roll of the Academic Dean at Mars Hill University (North Carolina)

• Brynnan Popper, of Odessa, Dean’s List at Tallahassee Community College

SUMMER MEALS PROGRAM

Pasco County Schools Summer Food Service program began June 6 and will continue through July 29.

Breakfasts and lunches will be provided Monday through Thursday to anyone age 18 and younger, at various West Pasco, Central Pasco and East Pasco schools.

Students attending PLACE or Extended School Year programs will receive meals on campus while attending the program.

For school locations, visit Connectplus.pasco.k12.fl.us/summerfoodpasco/si te-locations/.

Additionally, buses will be available at these lo- cations, also Monday through Thursday:

• Hilltop Landings Apartments, 37611 Colina Drive, Dade City

• Resurrection House Park, 37124 Lock Street, Dade City

• Trilby United Methodist Church, 37504 Trilby Road, Dade City

• Zephyrhills YMCA, 37301 Chapel Hill Loop, Zephyrhills

• Crystal Springs Community Center, 1655 Partridge Blvd., Zephyrhills

For questions and information, email .

FEE ADJUSTMENT MEETING

Pasco-Hernando State College’s (PHSC) District Board of Trustees (DBOT) will consider approving proposed adjusted course-related fees at its board meeting on June 21 at 6 p.m., at the North Campus.

Fee adjustment proposals are reviewed and approved for DBOT consideration by PHSC’s Council of Academic Affairs, a committee that includes representation by administrators, deans, academic department chairs, program directors, faculty and staff.

Many fee adjustments relate to vendor increases for workforce courses, laboratories and program testing. Some fees may be covered by financial aid, scholarships and grants.

For details regarding proposed fee adjustments, justification for the fees and fee implementation details, visit Policies.phsc.edu, and click on Policies and Procedures, Public Disclosures.

Published June 8, 2022.

Dana McKinney Tyre, 63,

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passed away May 22, 2022

Born in Kokomo Indiana & survived by husband Michael Tyre,

twin brother Mark Tyre and Friend Troy Lopez.

Children Nora Tolbert, Jerry McKinney, and Ruby Mae Cottrell.

9 grandkids and 1 great grandchild. Burial will be in Kokomo Indiana.

A special tour, for special veterans

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(Courtesy of Patricia Serio)

Members of the GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club joined in welcoming home a recent Honor Flight, at the St. Pete-Clearwater Airport. The Honor Flight takes veterans to Washington D.C., to tour the war memorials. The women were there to honor the veterans and present them with unique flag stars to commemorate their service. Woman’s club member Dolores Tarafa stands alongside a patriotic Santa veteran.

Dispatching annual Zephyrhills Police awards

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The Zephyrhills Police Department (ZPD) held its annual awards and recognition ceremony on May 12 at the Zephyrhills City Hall Council Chambers. Chief of Police Derek Brewer handed out awards to spotlight the feats and accomplishments of members of the police department from 2021. Here are the recipients:

Zephyrhills Police Officer Pedro Milliano, right, is given the annual Officer of the Year Award from Police Chief Derek Brewer, left. (Courtesy of Zephyrhills Police Department)

Officer of the Year: Officer Pedro Miliano
This award recognizes a sworn police officer who has displayed professionalism, courtesy, proficiency and continuous exemplary service. Miliano, a one-year officer, has a positive attitude that has been infectious. He also has remained committed to his daily responsibilities.

Employee of the Year: Lisa Jones
This award honors non-sworn personnel who have displayed professionalism, courtesy, proficiency and continuous exemplary service. Jones, who has been with the department a year and a half, is considered a model employee because of her work ethic and her desire to constantly seek additional knowledge on how to improve at her job.

Lisa Jones is awarded the Zephyrhills Police Department Employee of the Year and is seen here, from left to right, with City Manager Billy Poe, Chief of Police Derek Brewer and Mayor Gene Whitfield.

Volunteer of the Year: Gwendolyn Beasley
This award honors a volunteer who has displayed professionalism, courtesy, proficiency and continuous exemplary service. As a crossing guard at the busy school zone of West Zephyrhills Elementary, Beasley, or ‘Aunt Gwen,’ as she is known, helps students and pedestrians cross safely twice a day.

Life-Saving Award: Officers Steven Chimeri and Rocco DeSio
This award honors an employee or employees whose actions are directly responsible for saving or prolonging human life. On Nov. 25, Officers Chimeri and DeSio found a person discolored and with no pulse hanging over the guardrail by Zephyr Park. They performed chest compressions and helped the person resume breathing. The individual fully recovered once transported to a hospital.

Sandra Waters, center, receives the Chief’s Award from Zephyrhills Chief of Police Derek Brewer, right, and Mayor Gene Whitfield, left.

Distinguished Performance Award: Sgt. John Oleson
This award honors an employee who has performed a specific duty, action or assignment at a level that demonstrates exceptional professionalism and commitment to duty. On Aug. 25, Olsen was dispatched to the railroad tracks by Chancey Road where a suicidal subject was armed with a gun. Olsen diffused the situation and persuaded the subject to relinquish the firearm.

Chief’s Award: Stephanie NelsonThis award honors members in special recognition solely from the Chief of Police. Nelson was recognized for her extensive experience and knowledge that has been passed on as a mentor within the agency.

Chief’s “Lifetime Achievement” Award: Sandra Waters
Waters has been with Zephyrhills Police for 23 years, and is considered the ‘Google’ of the agency, given her knowledge and experience. She has worked for five police chiefs and has been a part of the evolution of the agency in her tenure.

Other Zephyrhills Police personnel were recognized, as well, with awards in Assignments, Tenure, Safe Driving, Perfect Attendance, Employee Recognition, Unit Citation SRT/CID and Communications.

Published May 25, 2022

Letter carriers food drive restocks local pantry

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This food was delivered from the Zephyrhills Post Office to Atonement Lutheran Church, in Wesley Chapel. The food was collected as part of the National Association of Letter Carriers Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive, conducted annually on the second Saturday in May. (Steve Vinik)

Steve Vinik, who often contributes photographs of wildlife to The Laker/Lutz News, turned his camera to another topic last week.

He recorded the work of volunteers at Atonement Lutheran Church, 2961 State Road 54, in Wesley Chapel, who sorted food that had been collected through the National Association of Letter Carriers Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive.

Members of Boy Scout Troop 2 were stationed at the Zephyrhills Post Office, where they received, weighed and loaded the food onto trailers for delivery, to stock the Helping Hands Food Pantry at the church, according to Vinik.

At times, the pace was so brisk, it was like watching a colony of ants, hard at work. (Steve Vinik)

Fifty-four volunteers — ranging from teenagers to retirees — sorted out the 14,535 pounds of food that had been donated by people throughout the community and collected by the letter carriers on their routes.

The items have been added to the pantry’s food supply.

Carla Haberland, director of the food pantry, said, “It took an entire community to accomplish this. This will help us get through the summer. God bless you all for remembering those less fortunate.”

Throughout the year, food is sorted into family portions and distributed each Wednesday from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., to the nearly 400 folks who are signed up for the food program, Vinik reported.

Published May 25, 2022

A new public access is planned for Starkey Wilderness Park

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The Pasco County Commission has approved an agreement that will provide public access to J.B. Starkey Wilderness Park from the Starkey Ranch residential community, next door.

Visitors to J.B. Wilderness Park, 10500 Wilderness Park Blvd., in New Port Richey, can hike and bicycle through gorgeous Florida scenery. (File)

The park, at 10500 Wilderness Park Blvd., is owned by the Southwest Florida Water Management District and managed by Pasco County. People across the county visit the park for its recreational opportunities and beauty.

The action taken by the county board allows TSR CDD, the owner of the Starkey Ranch residential development next to the park, to provide recreational access to the general public at two access points.

At the access points, TSR CDD will construct gates, and provide informational signs with park hours, a map, and allowed uses.

It also will maintain liability insurance and assume all risks related to use of the access points, according to the agreement.

Also, at one of the access points, TSR CDD will construct a foot bridge crossing over the South Branch of the Anclote River.

The agreement also calls for TSR CDD to pay for engineering and construction as well as for future maintenance, repair and/or replacement of the foot bridge, subject to approval by the county and the Southwest Florida Management District.

Pasco County Commission Chairwoman Kathryn Starkey said efforts to create these access points began a long time ago and she’s happy that people will finally be able to get access the lower portion of the park.

Published May 25, 2022

There’s more than books to check out at New River Branch Library

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Patrons at the New River Branch Library, 34043 State Road 54, can enjoy a free visual arts display — courtesy of the Zephyrhills Art Club.

The library has partnered with the art club, and the club’s president Joann Weatherbee curates the display, according to Danielle Lee, branch manager of the New River Branch Library.

Alla Prima Donna, by artist Sally Yoder, is an 8-inch by 10-inch oil painting. (Courtesy of New River Branch Library)

This month’s exhibit features artist Sally Yoder.

That exhibition is slated to come down on May 25, but a new one, featuring the works of Joyce Owens, also of the Zephyrhills Art Club, will open on June 1.

A new artist or group of artists will be featured each month.

Even though the Yoder exhibit is expected to come down this week, Lee shared information from Facebook, regarding the artist.

“Sally Yoder is an oil, acrylic and watercolor painter whose portraits, plein air works and boldly colored, large studio pieces offer surprising interpretations of the everyday ordinary.

“Having studied mostly oil painting classical realism, Sally ‘began to wonder why I’m copying great photos. So tight, and no creativity! Through happenstance, I realized old, black and white photos lend themselves to creative interpretation. So, I asked friends to send me fun, old pics I could try to paint. The watercolor of my friend Deb is a happy result of this practice.’”

Lee also shared information about accolades Yoder has received.

Those honors include: second place for a Myakka River watercolor at Zephyrhills Art Club’s 2017 annual show; wins in several categories at the monthly Venice Art Experience; first place in oil and acrylic at the North Tampa Arts League’s 2018 annual show with a Hillsborough River scene, and honorable mention for a Rembrandt inspired self-portrait at North Tampa Arts League’s 2019 show.

Yoder co-owns the Million Souls Mine and recently added lapidary arts to her creative repertoire. For more information, visit MillionSoulsMine.com.

Published May 25, 2022

This painting, called Preening, is a 12-inch by 16-inch oil, by artist Sally Yoder.
This oil painting, called Morris Bridge Plein Air, is an 11-inch by 14-inch oil, by artist Sally Yoder.
This painting, called Elephant’s Bath Time, is a 30-inch by 30-inch oil, by Sally Yoder.

Pasco County hires new utilities director

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The Pasco County Commission has confirmed the selection of David F. Allen, as the county’s new utilities director.

Allen begins in his new role June 6.

He arrives in Pasco County with more than 30 years of experience in technical, management and leadership in local government and utility business operations, according to information in the county board’s agenda packet.

His experience includes serving for the past 15 years as an assistant city and county manager, and utilities director for the city and county of Broomfield, Colorado.

He holds a Bachelor of Science in civil engineering from Colorado State University, and a Master of Science in water resources from the University of Southern California.

He is a licensed professional engineer in Colorado and California, and intends to apply for reciprocity in Florida.

This is a new role in the county. The position was necessitated by the increasing size of the department to address the county’s expanding needs, assistant county administrator Mike Carballa told the board, during Allen’s confirmation by the board on May 17.

Published May 25, 2022