The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Special to The Laker/Lutz News

As dry conditions persist, here are some tips to reduce outdoor water use

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Pasco, Hillsborough and Pinellas counties are operating under a Modified Phase 1 Water Shortage declared by the Southwest Florida Water Management District’s governing board.

Under that order, all three counties are limited to one day a week for outdoor irrigation.

Katherine Munson is the lead conservation education coordinator for the Southwest Florida Water Management District. (Courtesy of Southwest Florida Water Management District)

Katherine Munson, lead conservation education coordinator for the Water Management District, has compiled a list of questions and answers to help individuals reduce their water use by taking a few simple steps. A condensed version of that Q&A is presented here.

Q: Why is it important to conserve water outdoors?
A:  Outdoor water use accounts for about 50% of water consumed by households, so it’s important to pay attention to your outdoor water use. If using a permanent in-ground irrigation system, be sure to conduct regular maintenance to ensure it is working properly and make seasonal adjustments throughout the year. If using a non-permanent above-ground sprinkler, only run the sprinkler when you’re home, water slowly to reduce runoff and allow deep penetration, and be sure to use a kitchen timer to remind yourself to turn it off.

Q: What are signs to tell me my in-ground irrigation system is working properly?
A: Manually test run your system to visually check for broken or misdirected sprinkler heads, where water is shooting into the air or into the road or driveway. Also, look for areas where water may be spraying unevenly across your lawn.

Q: Does it matter when I water my lawn?
A: You should only water on your designated day and only if needed. You can learn more about local water restrictions at WaterMatters.org/Restrictions.

Q: What should I check on my irrigation controller to make sure it’s set to water more efficiently?
A: There are three main elements to check on your irrigation controller — the start time, run time and schedule. The start time refers to when your sprinkler system will turn on. Only one start time is needed to initiate watering all irrigation zones. The run time refers to how long each zone in your system will run. Check with your local UF/IFAS Extension office for run time recommendations. The schedule refers to the days of the week your system will turn on. Always check local water restrictions before setting your start time and schedule at WaterMatters.org/Restrictions.

Q: Can smart irrigation controllers help save water outdoors?
A: Yes, smart irrigation controllers help to reduce outdoor water use by automatically adjusting your irrigation run times and/or frequency depending on local weather and other site conditions. Smart controllers are an especially great option if you travel often or live in Florida only part of the year, and still want your irrigation system to adjust to seasonal changes. If properly installed and programmed, a smart irrigation controller can result in water savings of up to 30% to 40% during dry conditions and up to 70% to 90% during the rainy season.

To find more water conservation tips, visit the District’s website at WaterMatters.org/Water101.

Published December 20, 2023

Avoid these ’12 scams of Christmas’

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The Better Business Bureau (BBB) has compiled its ‘naughty list’ of the top 12 scams of Christmas, according to a news release from the organization.

You can avoid most of these scams, however, by exercising caution.

Be careful when shopping or donating during this holiday season and keep an eye out for schemes that are trying to swipe your cash or steal your personal information, the BBB advises. If you are asked to make a payment or donation by wire transfer, through a third party or by a prepaid debit or gift card, regard that as a red flag and refuse to do so.

Here’s the BBB’s 12 scams of Christmas, in condensed form:

Be wary of misleading social media ads. Online purchase scams are the most common cons reported to BBB’s Scam Tracker.

Avoid social media gift exchanges. This scam aims to collect your personal information. Stick to buying your friends gifts from trustworthy businesses.

Be careful with holiday apps: There are dozens of holiday-themed apps that allow children to video chat live with Santa, light the menorah, track Santa’s sleigh and so on. Be sure to review privacy policies to be aware of what information will be collected and also be aware that some of these apps may contain malware.

Watch out for fake texts that say you’ve been hacked. BBB receives tons of reports on Scam Tracker about fake texts and emails, many of them claiming your Amazon, Paypal, Netflix or bank account has been compromised. Be extra cautious about unsolicited calls, emails and texts; contact the business directly and don’t click on any links.

Be wary of free gift cards. Scammers have been known to take advantage of our weakness for ‘free things’  by sending bulk phishing emails requesting personal information to receive free gift cards. In some of these emails, scammers impersonate legitimate companies and promise gift cards to reward their loyal customers. They may also use pop-up ads or send text messages with links saying you were randomly selected as the winner of a prize. Mark these emails as spam or junk. If you did open the email, do not click on any links.

Temporary holiday jobs: Retailers typically hire seasonal workers to help meet the demands of holiday shoppers. Shippers and delivery services are top holiday employers this year because of the increase in online orders and the need to get most of these packages delivered before Christmas. Job seekers need to be wary of employment scams aimed at stealing money and personal information from job applicants. Watch out for opportunities that seem too good to be true.

Look-alike websites: Be wary of emails with links enclosed. Some may lead to look-alike websites created by scammers to trick people into downloading malware, making dead-end purchases, and sharing private information. If you are uncertain about the email, go directly to the official website.

Fake charities: Keep a look out for fraudulent charities and scammers pretending to be individuals in need. Avoid impromptu donation decisions to unfamiliar organizations. Where possible, donate to the charity through their website and use a credit card.

Fake shipping notifications: As more consumers make purchases online, there’s an increase in the number of notifications about shipping details from retailers and carriers. Scammers are using this new surge to send phishing emails with links enclosed that may allow unwanted access to your private information or download malware onto your device. They may also try to trick people into paying new shipping fees. 

Advent calendars: In the past, BBB has received reports to Scam Tracker about advent calendar ads on social media not delivering as promised. Some were not received, and others received inferior products or incomplete orders. Do your research before placing an order.

Top holiday wish list items: Low-priced luxury goods, jewelry, designer clothing, and electronics are almost always cheap counterfeits and knockoffs. The same applies to popular toys. This year, Barbie and Ken, Bitzee, and Paw Patrol headphones are some of the items in high demand. Be very cautious when considering purchasing popular toys from resellers or on social media platforms.

Puppy scams: Many families may be considering adding a furry friend to their household this year. However, be on the lookout for scams. Experts say as much as 80% of sponsored pet advertisements may be fake. Be sure to see the pet in person before making a purchase.

For general information on how to avoid scams, visit BBB.org/AvoidScams.

Published December 20, 2023

Avoid Gift Card Scams This Holiday Season

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The Pasco Sheriff’s Office offers these tips to help you avoid gift card scams this holiday season:

  • Inspect gift cards for signs of tampering, such as scratches or scuff marks around the bar code or additional adhesives on the exterior of the card.
  • If the PIN is exposed on a gift card, notify a store representative and choose an untampered card.
  • Never buy gift cards from an auction or community website; buy gift cards directly from the retailer.
  • Be sure to save receipts when purchasing a gift card.
  • Treat gift cards like a debit card; change the security code to something creative.

Also, remember that a digital gift card may be a safer option.

Published December 20, 2023

Avoid household dangers during the holidays

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The holidays can be a festive and jolly time, but they also can be a source of hazards around the home.

State Farm has compiled a list of tips, aimed at helping you to maintain happy holiday spirits by avoiding electrical fires that result in costly damages.

Here are some of State Farm’s tips:

Be sure to use the proper lights and extension cords when setting up your holiday display to prevent a potential house fire during the holidays. (Mike Camunas)

Lights
Use only lights that have been tested for safety by a nationally recognized testing laboratory, such as UL. Lights for both indoor and outdoor usage must meet strict requirements that testing laboratories are able to verify.

Check each set of lights, new or old, for broken or cracked sockets, frayed or bare wires, or loose connections.

Check outdoor lights for labels showing that the lights have been certified for outdoor use, and only plug them into a ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI)-protected receptacle or a portable GFCI.

Make sure to unplug or turn off any decorations when you leave the house or go to bed at night, to prevent harm and possible fire hazards.​ ​

Cords
Purchase only extension cords that have been approved by an independent testing laboratory.

When using outdoors, use only extension cords marked for outdoor use.

Avoid powering multiple appliances with one cord.

Never use indoor extension cords outdoors.

Don’t plug multiple cords together.

Don’t run extension cords under rugs or furniture and never staples or nails.

Stop using extension cords that feel hot to the touch.

Published December 20, 2023

Dade City Police swears in cop brothers

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(Courtesy of Dade City Police Department)

The City of Dade City and the Dade City Police Department, welcomed two new brothers to the badge — and these two are actual brothers, too. Dalton Grafafolo and his brother, Hayden, were sworn in as officers at the Dade City Commission meeting on Dec. 12. Operations Capt. Bill Rowe conducted the installation at city hall. The Garafolo brothers are seen here with Rowe and Dade City Mayor Jim Shive, and City Commissioners Lisa Simon, Anne Cosentino and Normita Woodard. Karissa Prindle (not pictured) also has been added as the police department’s second employee in its forensics unit.

FEMA encourages property owners to buy flood insurance

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Many Floridians choose not to purchase flood insurance because they don’t live in a high-risk flood area, but officials with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) want to encourage property owners to purchase the insurance to be on the safe side.

It’s important to remember that flooding can happen anywhere, FEMA officials remind property owners.

It’s important for property owners to understand their insurance coverage. Standard homeowner’s policies do not cover damage from floods. But flood insurance is available in most localities across Florida. (File)

When flooding occurs, standard homeowner insurance policies typically do not cover it, says a FEMA news release. Just 1 inch of floodwater can cause up to $25,000 of damage in a home.

Residential and business property owners as well as renters can protect themselves from financial losses by having a flood insurance policy through the National Flood Insurance Program to insure buildings and/or their contents. Flood insurance coverage is available regardless of federal disaster declarations, according to a FEMA news release.

There is a 30-day waiting period before new policies go into effect, so don’t wait to obtain a policy.

Flooding in Florida is common. After Hurricane Idalia, more than 5,000 flood claims were filed through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) with a total payout over $300 million to date, closing over 85% of the NFIP claims in the first 90 days after the event, the news release says.

In all, the Hazard Mitigation Community Education & Outreach has counseled more than 11,000 survivors on the NFIP and other mitigation measures. The flood insurance program has more than 1.7 million policyholders across the state with total coverage exceeding $448 billion.

In Florida, 468 communities participate in the NFIP; 10 communities do not. Residents can purchase a flood insurance policy if their community participates in the NFIP, no matter their flood risk.

Coverage is available for residential and commercial buildings and the contents therein:

  • Up to $250,000 in building coverage and up to $100,000 in contents coverage for single-to-four family residential structures
  • Up to $500,000 in building coverage and up to $500,000 in contents coverage for five-or-more family residential structures
  • Up to $500,000 in building coverage and up to $500,000 in contents coverage for businesses

As part of its disaster assistance, FEMA has provided Group Flood Insurance Policies (GFIP) to homeowners and renters after Hurricane Idalia. The group policies are 36-month NFIP insurance certificates for disaster survivors who live in a high-risk flood zone, sustain flood damage, do not have flood insurance, and receive FEMA disaster assistance. When a GFIP certificate expires, the survivor is responsible for obtaining and maintaining flood insurance. Failure to maintain flood insurance will affect their eligibility for future disaster assistance.

To purchase a policy, contact your insurance company or agent. In addition to the NFIP, flood insurance is also available from some private insurance providers. For an agent referral, call 800-427-4661, or visit FEMA.gov/flood-insurance.

Published December 13, 2023

Bilirakis seeks swift action on likely fuel spill off Pasco’s coast

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U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis

U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis began pressing federal officials early last week to take swift action to investigate the cause of a likely fuel spill near Miller’s Bayou in Port Richey, according to a news release from Bilirakis’ office.

The congressman also is urging federal officials to mitigate any damage, and identify possible remedies to prevent future recurrences.

Port Richey residents recently woke up to a strong smell of fuel in the air, the release says.

Bilirakis, who serves on the House Energy & Commerce Committee and co-chairs the Travel & Tourism Caucus, understands the value of water quality throughout the region, the release adds.   

“Countless people rely on these waters for their livelihoods, sporting, and recreation, which together make Port Richey the vibrant community that many people call home,” Bilirakis said, in the release. 

“The local economy is also largely dependent on our ability to maintain our area’s pristine natural resources. 

“For these reasons, I have been championing a variety of initiatives to protect Florida’s waterways.  “Therefore, it is very concerning that this fuel spill occurred, and I’m determined to make sure that no stone is left unturned in discovering its source as we strengthen precautions to prevent future spills,” Bilirakis said, in the release.

Bilirakis called for a thorough and timely federal review to limit the environmental and economic impact. 

Published December 13, 2023

Sharon Streater and Carlton Ward Jr. to be honored for their work

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Sharon Streater and Carlton Ward Jr. are being singled out for recognition by the League of Women Voters of Hillsborough and Pasco Counties.

Streater and Ward are being honored for their contributions to the local community, and to the state of Florida, according to a news release from the organization.

Tampa Mayor Jane Castor will speak at the awards luncheon on Feb. 28 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Shanna and Bryan Glazer JCC, 522 N. Howard Ave., Tampa.

Tickets and sponsorships are available now and start at $55.

Streater is being honored for her 34 years of teaching, training, organizing, and empowering community members with HOPE, the Hillsborough Organization for Progress and Equality, an organization that has united diverse faith-based groups to improve the quality of life in Hillsborough County, according to the release.

Streater recently retired from her latest role as HOPE’s lead organizer. Based on shared values of justice, fairness, love of neighbor and the dignity of all people, HOPE’s mission is to train residents to identify common community problems, to research long-term solutions, and to build collective power and skills to hold systems accountable to implement those solutions for their communities.

Ward is receiving the 2024 Sydney & Thalia Potter Civic Leadership Award.

He has been a conservation photographer and National Geographic Explorer.

For more than 20 years, his mission has been to inspire appreciation and protection of Florida’s original nature and culture — the endangered wildness that is often hidden in plain sight but very much needs our attention to be saved, the release says.

Ward began his career working with the Smithsonian Institution in Central Africa, and in 2004, he retrained his focus on his native Florida, motivated by eight generations of family heritage and a drive to bring new attention and protection to the state’s under-appreciated wild heart.

Ward published Florida Cowboys in 2009 and founded the Florida Wildlife Corridor project in 2010. With fellow explorers Mallory Dimmitt and Joe Guthrie, he has since trekked more than 2,000 miles through the Corridor during two National Geographic-supported expeditions, which both produced award-winning books, PBS films and widespread outreach for the statewide vision to keep Florida wild.

Registration and sponsorship information for the event is available at HCLWV.org/laa. Organizers may be reached at or at 813-461-5365.

The League of Women Voters of Hillsborough and Pasco Counties is a nonpartisan political organization that encourages the informed and active participation of citizens in government and works to increase understanding of major public policy issues.

Published December 13, 2023

Pasco County Commission names Ron Oakley as chair

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Ron Oakley
Gary Bradford

The Pasco County Commission has named Ron Oakley as its new board chair, following the completion of Jack Mariano’s one-year term in that role.

The board also named Gary Bradford as the board’s vice chairman.

Oakley said he is pleased to serve as chairman.

He noted this marks the third time he has been named to that position during his nearly eight years on the county board.

 

The Point Distillery to produce The Rolling Stones’ Crossfire Hurricane

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A distillery in Pasco County that recently expanded to add new bottling lines and new jobs has secured a contract to produce The Rolling Stones’ first-ever spirit, Crossfire Hurricane, according to a Pasco Economic Development Council news release.

Pasco County helped The Point Distillery to expand, by providing economic incentives.

Spencer Wolf, CEO of The Point Distillery, expressed his exuberance by his company’s selection by The Rolling Stones to bottle a rum known as Crossfire Hurricane.

The Point Distillery in New Port Richey has been selected by The Rolling Stones to bottle a rum known as Crossfire Hurricane, the band’s first-ever spirit. (Courtesy of Pasco Economic Development Council)

“We are beyond ecstatic and very proud to be producing a product for the most iconic rock band in the world,” Wolf said, in the release.

He credited his team and called it “a classic example of how local government can work hand-in-hand with business, creating employment opportunities, economic growth and provide unique recognition both domestically and internationally for Pasco County.”

He said the announcement of the launch has been featured internationally by the media.

The Point Distillery, at 11807 Little Road in New Port Richey, will carry out the entire rum-bottling process.

That includes setting the bottling line up for production, filling the bottles with the Crossfire Hurricane rum, completing the packaging by attaching the corks and labeling, and, lastly, sealing the bottles with a capsule over the cork. The products will then be packed into display cases ready for shipment to distributors, the news release says.

“As The Rolling Stones say, the consumer can now ‘take your tongue for a ride with Crossfire Hurricane.’ We make the rum, they make the music,” Wolf added.

Bill Cronin, president/CEO of Pasco EDC, also weighed in.

“Securing a contract like this brings more job opportunities to our residents and showcases our business community in such a cool and different light,” Cronin said, in the release. “The county supported The Point and its expansion and now they are working with one of, if not, the biggest name in rock ‘n’ roll.”

Pasco County Commission Chairman Jack Mariano is delighted, too.

“Pasco County is proud to share in the success of such a top-notch company that’s truly premier in the industry,” Mariano said, in the release. “The Point Distillery is now exporting products around the U.S. and the world – with more than 30 full-time employees.”

The board chairman also noted: “Our board has provided the company with approximately $239,000 in repayable equipment purchase loans over the past several years, which is a great example of how Pasco County supports redevelopment and thriving small businesses.”

Published December 06, 2023