The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Lutz Chiefs football registration

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Registration is now open for Spring 11v11 Tackle Football for new and returning Lutz Chiefs players. The season runs from late January through the end of April.

Cost is $200 for players ages 8 to 13**, $150 for ages 6 to 7 and $100 for ages 4 to 5*.
*Learn to Play team will be offered if there is enough interest in spring. Practice only, no games.
**Ages 14 to 15 Spring Football will be in a competitive league and is open to returners only for preparation to play high school football.

For more information or to register, visit LutzChiefs.org, email , or call 813-777-3144.

Pasco workforce expert wins state honor, and local accolades

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Turner Arbour, who works for the Pasco Economic Development Council (Pasco EDC), has been named the recipient of the 2023 Toni Jennings Workforce Development Professional of the Year by the Florida Economic Development Council.

Arbour also was recently honored with a resolution adopted by the Pasco County Commission, congratulating him for his accomplishments.

The resolution, adopted by the county board on Dec. 5, detailed many of Arbour’s achievements, including the fact that he’s the youngest recipient of the Jennings award of the 16 recipients to date.

Turner Arbour, the recipient of the Toni Jennings Workforce Development Professional of the Year, is surrounded by supporters, colleagues, county staff and Pasco County commissioners during the county board’s Dec. 5 meeting, where he was honored. (Courtesy of Pasco County)

The county board’s resolution praises Arbour for “demonstrating unwavering commitment and dedication to enhancing the professional landscape of Pasco County.”

It also notes that Turner joined the Pasco EDC as an intern in 2018, when the economic development organization launched its Workforce Connect program.

He transitioned into the role as the workforce development manager, and forged partnerships with local workforce training and education entities, created the WorkforceConnectPasco.com platform, and was promoted to senior economic development manager overseeing all business, retention and expansion, international, and workforce programs, the resolution says.

The recognition also credits Arbour for being instrumental in hosting the Pasco 50 event, an initiative allowing the top 50 employers in Pasco County to collaborate, share insights, and benefit from discussions on pertinent topics such as mental health in the workplace and starting internship programs.

Arbour holds a Bachelor of Science in Global Business, serves on the CareerSource Pasco Hernando board of directors and is a founding member of the Pasco Hernando Local College Access Network, the resolution says.

Arbour’s “professionalism and expertise have influenced the outcomes of key initiatives including making

Workforce Connect a permanent fixture in the Pasco EDC’s economic development plans,” the resolution adds.

Plus, “Turner’s efforts in compiling extensive reports on labor availability, wages, and workforce training programs were pivotal in attracting Gary Plastic Packaging Corporation to Pasco County in 2022, resulting in an investment of over $16 million and the creation of 555 new jobs,” the resolution says.

It’s also noteworthy that beyond bolstering Pasco’s workforce development, Arbour also has made a positive difference in Florida’s economy “by attracting more employers, fostering collaborations

between educational institutions, nonprofits, and businesses, and innovating training programs,” according to the resolution.

After the board approved the resolution, Arbour thanked board members for the honor.

He credited the team he works with at Pasco EDC; the leadership of Bill Cronin, its president and CEO; his family; and, the workforce development community.

“The award from the Florida Economic Development Council is a testament to our community’s commitment to our businesses and their workers, through the WorkForce Connect program,” Arbour said.

He thanked the county board for continuing to support the program through proceeds from Penny for Pasco.

“Workforce Connect was created to connect businesses to the talent they need now and to help them plan for their talent needs in the future. Over the past five years, we’ve had the opportunity to personally help hundreds of businesses find and train their talent, right here in Pasco County and our website has helped thousands more.

“We’ve been able to help companies like nfant labs in Port Richey connect with Wendell Krinn Technical High School and take on interns from their biomedical science program.

“We’ve also helped companies like Delta Hydronics in Hudson upskill their employees through AmSkills program, and ConGlobal in Odessa connect with Saint Leo University and take on interns from Saint Leo’s new College of Computing, artificial intelligence, robotics and data science program, just to name a couple of examples.

“It’s been success stories like these that also help Pasco attract new employers, like Gary Plastics Packaging Corp. to Hudson and Bauducco to Zephyrhills.

“I believe that Workforce Connect really gives Pasco County a leg up on other communities when it comes to attracting new businesses.

“It’s been a blast doing this work, through building relationships with our partners and local businesses. I look forward to continuing to help our employers hire local,” Arbour said.

Pasco County Commission Jack Mariano told Arbour: “Turner, you are a breath of fresh air in the economic development world. Your passion shows in your voice. Your actions are phenomenal. You’ve got a great team with you, great leadership with Bill Cronin and company. 

“We appreciate you here. We want you to keep on growing and keep on doing the great work you’re doing.”

Pasco County Commissioner Kathryn Starkey was pleased by the recognition that Arbour received by his selection for the Toni Jennings award.

“This is a great honor, Turner. Thank you for your commitment, and great job!” Starkey said.

Commissioner Seth Weightman added:  “Our job is to set strategic and quality policy that allows employers to come here and want to invest in Pasco County and with that comes the need for workforce.

“I hope that this board continues to be tremendous partners with you as we grow our economy.

“Thank you for your strategic efforts. Board members are fierce advocates for quality jobs.” 

Commission Chairman Ron Oakley told Arbour: “Just keep up the good work because we’re going to keep bringing good businesses here, so you’ll have a lot to do.”

Published January 03, 2024

Not-for-profit utility refunds more than $350,000 to Pasco County

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The Withlacoochee River Electric Cooperative Inc. (WREC), an electric utility company based in Pasco County, presented a refund check for $352,760.31 to the Pasco County Commission on Dec. 5.

David Lambert, executive vice president and general manager of the WREC, and Joe Marina, its district manager, made the presentation.

Marina made most of the remarks. He told commissioners:  “As you know, Withlacoochee is proud to be based in Pasco County. We’re a member-owned, not-for-profit electric utility. We had another year of growth, averaging over 700 accounts a month, and we’ve been successful with that, despite supply chain constraints, as you all experience yourselves.”

The Withlacoochee River Electric Cooperative Inc., is a not-for-profit electric utility that is member-owned. Typically, it delivers a refund check at the end of the year to Pasco County, which this year totaled more than $350,000. Shown here during the check presentation are, from left, Nikki Alvarez-Sowles, Seth Weightman, Ron Oakley, David Lambert, Jack Mariano, Joe Marina, Kathryn Starkey, Gary Bradford and Mike Carballa. (Courtesy of Pasco County)

He said the WREC’s educational foundation donated $152,000 to Pasco-Hernando State College to pay for ballfield lighting. The electric utility also awarded 110 scholarships, valued at $12,000 each, including 62 of those in Pasco County.

“Since that program’s inception, we have awarded 2,414 scholarships, valued at $18.5 million,” Marina said.

“Our charitable foundation, WREC Cares, helped 12 families this year. Since that program’s inception, we’ve awarded $2.45 million, helping 673 families through catastrophic events that were no fault of their own.

“We also partnered this past year with the Boy Scouts, Habitat for Humanity, Mid-Florida Community Services, Special Olympics, United Way and many other agencies helping to better the communities that we serve.

“We all experienced the hurricane this past year. We did have some flooding and damage, but thank God there was no loss of life.

“Our employees right now are busy finishing up with Withlacoochee’s Angel Tree program, which we’re very proud of.

“We’re very proud of our employees and what they do in the community as well.

“We will soon be providing toys, clothing and necessities for children so they can also experience the joy of Christmas.”

All total, the WREC is refunding a total of $23.2 million, which is a new record for the utility, Marina said.

Ron Oakley, who is the county board’s new chairman, and Jack Mariano, who just wrapped up a year in that role, both praised WREC for what it does for the county.

“Joe and David, both of you, the working relationship that the county has with WREC has been a great relationship for many, many years. We’ve got a lot more to do, but we know that you all are prepared and when the growth comes, you’re ready for power when we need it,” Oakley said.

Mariano added: “For all the years, Withlacoochee has been just the best partner the county has ever had. As far as utilities go, you are No. 1. What you do for the community, what you do as far as keeping rates low, the effectiveness and everything. Your community involvement is unparalleled, unbeaten. Thank you guys.”

Published January 03, 2024

County changes name of Fern Park Place to Wiregrass Road

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The Pasco County Commission has renamed Fern Park Place to Wiregrass Road, beginning at its southern end, extending north to Starkey Boulevard.

The road currently known as Fern Park Place, in Land O’ Lakes, will be extended to existing Wiregrass Road, according to the county board’s Dec. 5 agenda backup materials.

The extension will create one contiguous road.

The street will need the same name for 911 purposes.

Wiregrass Road has existing addresses, so keeping that name instead of changing the street name to Fern Park Place alleviates the need to change addresses.

The name change was approved as part of the county board’s consent agenda. Items on that agenda are considered non-controversial and are approved in a single action, unless someone pulls an item from consent for discussion.

Published January 03, 2024

A man of quick actions, and a man of few words

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Jeremy Dallaire shakes hands with Pasco County Commission Chairman Ron Oakley. Dallaire was honored by the county board for taking quick actions to save a man who was struggling to breathe, after overdosing. (Courtesy of Pasco County)

The Pasco County Commission recently honored Jeremy Dallaire, a field inspector who took quick actions to save the life of a man who had overdosed and was struggling to breathe.

A resolution adopted on Dec. 5 by the county board describes what happened.

It says Dallaire was in a restroom of a local Walgreens on Oct. 10 when he heard a man gasping for air.

The field inspector recognized the man had overdosed and immediately went to get the store’s pharmacist, who administered two doses of Narcan. Dallaire performed chest compressions.

The combination of the chest compressions and the Narcan were able to resuscitate the man and keep him alive until Pasco County Fire Rescue arrived. The emergency responders stabilized the man and transported him to the hospital.

The resolution says Dallaire’s actions serve as “testament to the (field inspector’s) dedication, professionalism, and readiness to help.”

His actions also resulted in Dallaire receiving a “Point of Light award, which is given to ‘recognize humanitarian accomplishments that occur outside of a team member’s normal work duties,’” the resolution notes.

Dallaire received a standing ovation from the audience at the board meeting.

Board chairman Ron Oakley offered the field inspector a chance to say a few words, but he politely declined.

The only thing he said was “thank you” in response to individual board members and Pasco Clerk & Comptroller Nikki Alvarez-Sowles who praised his actions.

Published January 03, 2024

Pasco needs to do more to protect trees, commissioner says

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Pasco County Commissioner Kathryn Starkey wants the county to figure out a way to deter landowners from clear-cutting trees.

During the county board’s Dec. 5 meeting, Starkey told her colleagues: “We had somebody come in without a permit and (he) cleared a beautiful, beautiful forested property with an intent to put something on there that I think we would never ever, ever allow.”

She then asked: “What’s the penalty for clearing without a permit?” And then she added: “It’s not enough.”

The penalties meted out do not deter bad actors, the commissioner said.

“I hear it all of the time: ‘It’s better to just do it and pay the penalty fee,’” Starkey said.

Pasco County Attorney Jeffrey Steinsnyder told Starkey: “The fines are capped by state statute.”

But Starkey responded, saying there must be another way the county can take action.

“What else can we put on there? Don’t call it a fine, call it something else. Let’s get creative.

“We need a deterrent. People are coming and they’re clearing lands without permits all of the time.

“And then, we have to figure out, how do we count the trees that they cut down? 

“It needs to be more punitive, in my opinion,” she said.

County Administrator Mike Carballa said: “I thought we were limited, $500.”

Steinsnyder responded: “That’s what I just said to the commissioner and she told me to get creative.”

Carballa added: “We’ve done things like stack the charges, if you will.”

Steinsnyder: “Technically, depending on how the code officer writes it, violations could be each and every tree that is taken down and that gets the number up.”

Starkey responded: “But then you have to figure that out.”

Steinsnyder said he’s not sure if it’s possible, but the county might be able to create a “timeout” for someone who violates the code.

Starkey urged county staff to continue seeking creative ideas to tackle the problem.

Published January 03, 2024

Service initiative helps to spread holiday cheer

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(Courtesy of Sarah Watson, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints)

The youth of the Land O’ Lakes congregation of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints participated in a service project at the Metropolitan Ministries Trinity location. Twenty-six youth and nine adults came together to make a positive impact on the local community. The focus of the project was to provide assistance to Metropolitan Ministries by delivering food and helping with shopping for those in need during the holiday season. The youth also shared the joy of the season by singing Christmas carols. ‘We believe in the importance of giving back to our community and spreading love and joy, especially during the holiday season,’ said RJ Anderson, the JustServe specialist for the church, in a news release.

Celebrating the accomplishments of Pasco women trailblazers

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The Pasco County Commission paused during its Dec. 5 meeting to honor Pasco County women who have distinguished themselves and created new pathways for others.

A group of Pasco County women were honored by the Pasco County Commission recently for helping to open the door to new opportunities. Pasco County Commissioner Jack Mariano, who was the resolution’s sponsor, is seen holding his grandchild. His daughter, Amber Mariano Davis, was one of the honorees. (Courtesy of Pasco County)

“These are pioneers,” said Pasco County Clerk & Comptroller Nikki Alvarez-Sowles, as she prepared to read a resolution honoring a group of Pasco women.

The resolution, sponsored by Pasco County Commissioner Jack Mariano, recognizes the role that the Greater Pasco Chamber of Commerce, established in 1944,  has had in supporting female leaders. It also pays homage to the contributions of the Professional Women in Business, a group that was initially established as a book club.

It also recognizes individual women singled out by The Professional Women in Business.

That group, according to the resolution, “would like to recognize the achievements of Pasco County women who have broken through the glass ceiling and risen above invisible barriers that have marginalized women when seeking career advancements.”

Women honored in the resolution are: Amber Mariano Davis, the youngest State Representative elected in Florida history to represent District 36 in the Florida House of Representatives; Republican State Committeewoman Sandy Graves, founder of the Republican Club of Central Pasco; Marilyn DeChant the first female Rotarian of the New Port Richey Rotary Club;  Dr. Paula O’Neil, the first female Pasco County Clerk and Comptroller; Debbie Manns, the first female city manager for the city of New Port Richey; Margaret Sutterlin, the first female council member for the city of Port Richey; and, Elaine Todneri, who revitalized the Pasco Chapter of the National Organization of Women (NOW) in 1966 and is the current chapter president.

The resolution also notes that the Professional Women in Business of the Greater Pasco Chamber of Commerce “is immensely proud of the achievements of these women and encourages women in Pasco County to continue the tradition of rising above barriers and empower all women distinguishing themselves in their roles in the community.”

The women’s accomplishments drew applause from the audience.

Published December 27, 2023

Church in Zephyrhills is changing its affiliation

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The First Methodist Church of Zephyrhills has dropped its previous affiliation with the United Methodist Church and has re-established its affiliation with the Global Methodist Church, according to a news release from the church. The transition occurred on Dec. 15.

The church’s new name is a return to its name prior to 1968, when the United Methodist Church merged with the Evangelical United Brethren Church to form the United Methodist Church.

“After a three-year discernment process, our congregation chose to reaffiliate to the Global Methodist Church, a new denomination founded for more traditionally minded Methodists who want to remain faithful to orthodox Christian theology, stand on scriptural authority, and be part of a leaner and simpler denominational structure,” Dr. Steve Ezra, senior pastor of the church, said in the news release. “We are excited to continue building on our 111 years of worshiping God and making disciples of Jesus Christ in Zephyrhills but doing so as part of a new and rapidly growing worldwide Methodist movement.”

Founded in 1912, First Methodist Church of Zephyrhills has ministered to thousands of people locally and around the world through their mission partnerships. The church offers two worship services on Sunday mornings: 9:30 a.m. contemporary worship and 11 a.m. traditional worship, both live-streamed through its Facebook page, at Facebook.com/fumczhills/.

The church offers a variety of discipleship opportunities for children, students and adults throughout the week, as well as multiple opportunities for ministry and service, including a thrift shop and food pantry. Its mission is “to make disciples of Jesus Christ who worship passionately, love extravagantly, and witness boldly.”

Published December 27, 2023

Providing the ‘tools to help veterans

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(Courtesy of LIberty Manor for Veterans)

Liberty Manor for Veterans was presented with 25 assembled picnic tables donated by ToolBank and Home Depot Tampa. Liberty Manor promotes the developmental and social needs of disabled and honorably discharged veterans who have fallen victim to homelessness. It provides transitional, supported housing and establishes objectives designed to contribute to self-sufficiency. ToolBank’s mission is to serve community-based organizations by providing tools, equipment and expertise to empower their most ambitious goals. For information, visit LibertyManor.org. For more about ToolBank, contact ToolBank USA at 727-239-4601.