The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Tania Gorman appointed MPO’s executive director

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Tania Gorman has been named the new executive director of the Pasco Metropolitan Planning Organization.

Gorman replaces Carl Mikyska, who resigned from the post in October.

The Pasco MPO board confirmed Gorman’s appointment at its meeting on Jan. 11.

Roy Mazur, the county’s assistant county administrator for development services, presented the recommendation to the MPO board.

The recruitment process had been completed when Mazur assumed his position, but he said he had met with the top two applicants and also observed Gorman in her day-to-day activities.

“I came to the conclusion that she would be absolutely the top pick to represent the MPO as their executive director. I absolutely, with zero hesitation and total confidence, submit her name for your confirmation,” Mazur told MPO board members.

The board unanimously approved Gorman’s confirmation.

The Pasco MPO board is made up of elected officials from Pasco County, Zephyrhills, Dade City, New Port Richey and Port Richey.

The Pasco County MPO is the lead transportation planning agency in Pasco County, which serves the following municipalities in Pasco: Zephyrhills, San Antonio, St. Leo, New Port Richey, Port Richey and Dade City.

Under federal and state laws, the Pasco County MPO is responsible for establishing a continuing, cooperative and comprehensive transportation planning process for Pasco County.

Its key responsibilities are the creation of the 20-year Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP), the five-year Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP), and the five-year Transportation Improvement program.

Published January 24, 2024

Quilters stitch together projects to help others

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The Cypress Creek Quilters Guild put their collective talents together this year. Members joined forces to make a block each month, with those blocks being assembled to create more than 80 quilts that were donated to local charities.

The quilts were donated to Sunrise of Pasco County Domestic and Sexual Violence Center, the Redeeming Love Foster Closet and the Oasis Pregnancy Care Center. 

The local guild meets the second Monday of the month at the Jimmie B. Keel Library, 2902 W. Bearss Ave., in Tampa, and each Thursday that school is in session at the Land O’ Lakes Recreation Complex, 3032 Collier Parkway.

The guild’s mission is to foster the art of quilting, according to Jennifer Ackart, the group’s president.

More information about the guild can be found at CypressCreekQuilters.net.

The quilters also made 391 pillowcases for Ryan’s Cases for Smiles — an organization that distributes cheerful handmade pillowcases to hospitalized children.

Published January 24, 2024

Members of the Cypress Creek Quilters Guild donated their time and talent to make 80 quilts for local charities. (Courtesy of Jennifer Ackart)
These are some of the quilts lovingly stitched together by members of the Cypress Creek Quilters Guild to benefit local charities.
These women sewed together fabric to make pillowcases to help bring smiles to the faces of hospitalized children.

Applicants needed for new veteran’s advisory board

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The Hillsborough County Commission is seeking applicants for its newly created Hillsborough County Veteran’s Advisory Board.

Those interested in applying must live in Hillsborough County and must be a registered voter, according to a Hillsborough County news release.

The board will advise the Hillsborough County Commission, the Hillsborough County Consumer & Veteran’s Services Department, and the Conservation & Environmental Lands Management Department regarding the development of additional phases of the Veterans Resource Center. It also will weigh in on issues involving the memorials and grounds of Hillsborough County Veteran’s Memorial Park, and revitalization of the museum.

The advisory board also will convene community groups that are interested in providing resources to veterans and their families, the news release says.

Plus, it will deliver an annual report to the Hillsborough County Commission detailing priorities, goals, and issues pertaining to veterans and their families.

The board will serve on an ad hoc basis until December 2027 when it will be determined if it should continue, the release adds.

Terms on the seven-member board are for two years. At least one board member will be selected from each county commission district.

Applicants should meet this criteria:

1) Served in the U.S. Armed Forces and received an honorable discharge with a minimum of six years’ service (preference given to those who have retired by years of service or medically retired from active service);

2) Provide a resume of veteran-related community service;

3) Indicate educational background and work experience that would significantly contribute to the board when serving as a member; and

4) Identify all memberships in professional organizations.

There is no compensation to serve on the board, and the board is subject to the Florida Sunshine Law.

The meeting schedule has not yet been determined.

All applicants must submit a completed Questionnaire for County Appointments and a Standards of Conduct form.  

All forms must be signed and dated, and all questions must be answered in entirety to be eligible. 

Forms are available on the county’s website at HCFLGov.net. To download a form, click on the following tabs/links: “Government,” “Boards and Committees Forms.”

Forms can be mailed to: P. O. Box 1110, Tampa, FL 33601; faxed to 812-239-3916; emailed to ; or delivered to 601 E. Kennedy Blvd., second floor, in Tampa.

Applications are due by the close of business on Feb. 8. Appointments will be scheduled for a Hillsborough County Commission meeting in March or April.

Published January 24, 2024

Help conserve water – skip a week of irrigation this winter

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The Southwest Florida Water Management District is encouraging residents to “skip a week” or more of irrigation this winter.

District officials note that overwatering during winter can encourage pests and disease. 

Lawns need less water during cool winter months. It’s also important to avoid overwatering to help discourage pests and disease. (File)

They also cite research by the University of Florida that indicates that grass doesn’t need to be watered as often during winter months because the weather is cooler.

Based on that research, one-half inch to three-quarters inch of water is sufficient every 10 days to 14 days, according to a news release from the Water Management District.

“In fact, if your lawn has received any significant rainfall, then you can turn off your irrigation system and operate it manually as needed,” the news release says.

If you’re not sure when to water your grass, look for these signs:

Grass blades are folded in half lengthwise on at least one-third of your yard

Grass blades appear blue-gray

Grass blades do not spring back, leaving footprints on the lawn for several minutes after walking on it.

The Water Management District’s request is in keeping with its efforts to conserve water use.

Its governing board in November declared a Modified Phase 1 Water Shortage, which prohibits “wasteful and unnecessary” water use and limits irrigation to one day per week in Hillsborough, Pasco and Pinellas counties.

For additional information about water conservation, visit the District’s website at WaterMatters.org/SkipAWeek.

Published January 24, 2024

Fires planned to reduce wildlife risk

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The Southwest Florida Water Management District conducts planned fires on about 30,000 acres each year to reduce overgrown plans and decrease the risk of wildfires. Other benefits include promoting the growth of new, diverse plans and maintaining the character and condition of wildlife habitat. It is planning to conduct fires in the Green Swamp from January through March. (Courtesy of Southwest Florida Water Management District)

The Southwest Florida Water Management District is planning to conduct prescribed fires from January through March at the Green Swamp Wilderness Preserve.

The preserve includes the Green Swamp East Tract in Polk, Sumter and Lake counties; the Hampton Tract in Polk County; and the Green District aims to reduce risk of wildlifes by scheduling prescribed fires in the Green Swamp Tract in Pasco County.

The Green Swamp Wilderness Preserve is located north of U.S. Highway 98 along Highway 471 and Rockridge Road, between Lakeland and Dade City. Approximately 15,000 acres will be burned in small, manageable units.

Major benefits of prescribed fire include:

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

The Water Management District conducts prescribed fires on approximately 30,000 acres each year.

Published January 17, 2024

Samaritan Corporation seeks to enrich youths’ lives

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Samaritan Corporation of Pasco County Inc., (501c3), seeks “to foster social service initiatives that connect with the community, celebrate its cultural diversity, promote education, uphold spiritual values, and cultivate an authentic and enriching quality of life for all residents,” according to the Rev. Clyde E. Carter, who is the CEO of the program.

Carter recently reached out via email to The Laker/Lutz News to share information about opportunities offered through the organization’s three programs.

It has a “Blue Diamond Drumline,” which focuses on percussion, the rhythmic pulse of any band. It provides comprehensive training in the 26 rudiments of percussion and the art of reading music. The Drumline has begun instructional classes at Wesley Chapel District Park, 7727 Boyette Road, Wesley Chapel, with musicians ages 7 to 12.

The corporation also operates the Samaritan Corporation Learning Center, which offers after-school tutoring for elementary, middle and high school students. 

The center uses a combination of traditional teaching methods and computer-based learning labs to pursue effective learning for all. It offers one-on-one tutoring tailored to address specific needs.

It measures success by the students’ ability to complete classroom assignments and homework with 80% scoring accuracy. Our goal is to help each student achieve academic proficiency and build confidence in their abilities.

The Samaritan Golf Academy was designed to give young golfers a different outlook on sports. The program will open in March. Its mission is to “foster hidden talents, embrace social and cultural diversity, and instill spiritual values in every aspiring golfer.”

Samaritan will be hosting a registration for drumline, for kids ages 6 to 17, on Jan. 16, Jan. 17, Jan. 18, Jan. 23, Jan. 24 and Jan. 25 at Wesley Chapel District Park, 7727 Boyette Road, in Wesley Chapel. The program is year-round.

For more information about the Dade City-based organization, visit SamaritanCorp.org.

Published January 17, 2024

Pasco EDC announces promotions of key executives

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The Pasco Economic Development Council (Pasco EDC) has announced internal promotions to fill two key positions, according to a Pasco EDC news release.

Mike Bishop, previously director of stakeholder engagement, is now the economic development organization’s senior vice president.

Mike Bishop has been promoted to senior vice president of the Pasco Economic Development Council. Previously, he was director of stakeholder engagement. He also founded Big Storm Brewing, a company that expanded to 50 employees and won accolades for its quality. He joined Pasco EDC after selling the brewery. (Courtesy of Pasco Economic Development Council)

Tom Ryan, previously director of business development, is now the vice president of business.

Bishop graduated from the University of South Florida with a Bachelor of Science degree in finance, in 2006. He began his career as a financial advisor and then made a career shift, founding Big Storm Brewing in 2012, which was the first craft brewery in Pasco County.

Big Storm expanded its operations and garnered accolades, including being named the Best Beer in Florida in 2016, according to Pasco EDC news release, announcing his promotion. It also grew to 50 employees.

After selling his business, Bishop joined the Pasco EDC’s staff as director of stakeholder engagement.

In his new role, he will cultivate an internal culture of innovation, ensuring each team member is aligned, equipped, and continuously developed in keeping with the organization’s vision and objectives.

Bishop is highly engaged in the community, serving on the boards of the Pasco County Tourism Development Council, the Pasco Education Foundation and the United Way of Pasco. He also is a graduate of the Leadership Pasco Class of 2017 and the Pasco County Citizens Academy, and is a member of the Rotary Club of New Port Richey.

Tom Ryan has been elevated by the Pasco Economic Development Council to the position of senior vice president. He has had a hand in helping the economic development organization land a number of large businesses for Pasco County.

He lives in Land O’ Lakes with his wife, Erin, and three children — Angelo, Eric and Alessandra.
Ryan has had a hand in many of the big deals that have come Pasco County’s way.

He has more than 12 years of experience in economic development. His background in commercial real estate for 16 years provides him with invaluable tools to offer company executives, site consultants, real estate developers, and brokers when evaluating site specific needs of major companies considering upgrading and expanding their facilities.

His primary responsibilities include coordinating and implementing economic development strategies, confidential site analysis, regulatory assistance, compiling location data and qualifying projects for incentive programs designed to recruit new and expanding companies.

In 2021, Ryan achieved his goal of becoming a Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) from the International Economic Development Council and was honored to be named one of ConsultantConnect’s North America’s Top 50 Economic Developers.

He has been involved in helping the county attract major projects, including: 

Bauducco: This 403,000-square-foot bakery and distribution facility will create 600 new full-time jobs. It also represents $233 million in capital investment in building and machinery.

Gary Plastic Packaging Corp.: This 260,000-square-foot manufacturing facility is creating 555 new, full-time jobs resulting. It represents $66 million in capital investment in new building and machinery.

Santander Consumer, USA: This project will generate 875 new, full-time jobs and represents $22 million in capital investment. The project converted an 115,425-square-foot Target store into a professional office facility.

TouchPoint Medical, Inc.: This company located its 125,000-square-foot global headquarters and manufacturing facility in Pasco. The project resulted in the creation of 228 new executive, management, engineering and production jobs, and $23 million in capital investment for the building and machinery.

Mettler Toledo: This 250,000-square-foot office and manufacturing facility is producing 493 new, high-wage manufacturing and office support jobs, and generating $35 million in capital investment for the building and machinery.

TRU Simulation+Training: This 29,000-square-foot facility and simulator expansion is resulting in 212 new high-wage jobs and a capital investment of $40.8 million.

Ryan achieved his goal in 2021 of becoming a Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) by the International Economic Development Council and was honored to be named one of ConsultantConnect’s North America’s Top 50 Economic Developers.

Ryan lives in Wesley Chapel with his wife of 27 years, Caitlin, and has two adult sons. He is a graduate of The University of Dayton.

Published January 17, 2024

Pasco opioid task force members named

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The Pasco County Commission has appointed some new members and reappointed some former members to the Pasco County Opioid Task Force.

The committee advises the county board on expenditure of any regional funding the county receives in its role as a qualified county from the national prescription litigation.

The 12 members who will each serve a two-year term are:

  1. Glenn Traiger, community paramedic, Mobile Integrated Health Program, will serve as the Pasco County Fire Rescue fire chief’s representative/designee;
    2. Michelle Hudson, MSW, supervisor of social work, will serve as the Pasco County superintendent of schools representative/designee;
    3. Capt. Toni Roach will serve as the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office representative/designee;
    4. Paula Baracaldo, support services director, will serve as the assistant county administrator for the Public Services Branch’s representative/designee;
    5. Derek Brewer, Zephyrhills police chief, will serve as the City of Zephyrhills representative/designee;
    6. Trang Chitakone, administrator of the Pasco County Health Department, will serve as the Pasco County Florida Department of Health representative/designee;
    7. Joseph Resnick, CEO of Premier Community HealthCare, will serve as the subject-matter expert in public health or addiction who is employed by a provider of opioid-
    related services in Pasco County;
    8. Tracey Kaly, director of clinical operations at BayCare Behavioral Health, will serve as the subject-matter expert in public health or addiction who is employed by a hospital
    system operating in Pasco County;
    9. The Hon. Judge Shawn Crane, chief judge of the Sixth Judicial Circuit Court, will serve as the chief judge of the Sixth Judicial Circuit’s designee/representative;
    10. Parnia Roghani Shareef, co-chair of the Pasco County Alliance for Substance Addiction Prevention (ASAP) Opioid Committee, will serve as the Pasco Alliance for
    Substance Addiction Prevention (Pasco ASAP) representative/designee;
    11. Art Rowand, retired Pasco County Sheriff’s Office sergeant, will serve as the subject-matter expert in public health or addiction, who is retired.
    12. Lauren Letona, deputy chief of the City of New Port Richey, will serve as the City of New Port Richey representative/designee

Published January 17, 2024

Native plant group names president

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The Nature Coast Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society has named Laurie Campbell as its new president for 2024, according to information provided by Molly Hays.

Campbell has lived in Florida since graduating from college, spending most of her time in Miami, where she taught high school art classes.

As a teacher, she also sponsored her school’s environmental club and also was the lead teacher in the Fairchild Challenge, a program orchestrated by Fairchild Gardens.

She became involved in the local Native Plant Chapter after moving to Lutz.

In the release, Campbell said: “I am continually impressed by the active group we have with so many dedicated members. I am truly honored to be president.”

Hays, the club’s outgoing president, added: “It has been a privilege to serve as your president for the past three years. My sincere thanks to the Nature Coast Chapter membership for your support.”

Published January 17, 2024

Explore the great outdoors: Check out Hillsborough’s hiking spree

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Maybe you’re an old pro at hiking trails, or perhaps a complete novice — wherever you fit on the spectrum, chances are you’ll find plenty of options to explore in the 2024 Hillsborough County Hiking Spree.

The spree, which runs through March 31, features trails at 22 locations throughout Hillsborough County. Some locations have more than one qualifying trail in the spree.

Lettuce Lake Conservation Park is a popular hiking trail included in the 2024 Hillsborough County Hiking Spree. Many trails are switched out each year in the spree, but Lettuce Lake Park, at 6920 E. Fletcher Ave., in Tampa, is a regular. Besides hiking there, those visiting the park can check out its boardwalk, observation tower and a variety of wildlife. Seen here is a paved path, under ancient oaks, at the park. (File)

Trails are rated from easy to moderate to strenuous. Lengths range from less than a mile to more than 7 miles.

Parks officials recommend that novices first gain hiking experience at a neighborhood park, and then progress to more arduous paths at conservation parks and nature preserves.

The neighborhood parks and recreation centers are generally short, paved trails with water and facilities, unless otherwise noted. Additionally, most trails at neighborhood parks are ADA-accessible (Americans With Disabilities Act).

Conservation park trails provide more of a nature experience than your typical neighborhood park trail. Though some are paved, most are primitive trails that traverse a variety of natural habitats ranging from upland pine flatwoods to wetland swamps to bottomland forests. Most of the conservation parks have amenities, such as running water, restrooms, playgrounds and manicured pathways.

Nature preserve trails, meanwhile, take the nature experience up several notches — almost as if you’re briefly leaving civilization for a hike. On a nature preserve, development is kept to a minimum to protect natural areas and wildlife.

This photograph of an osprey in flight was captured by a bird enthusiast at Lettuce Lake Conservation Park.

Nature preserve trailheads have small, unpaved parking lots, a fence with a walk-through entrance, and a small kiosk with trail information. They do not have restrooms or running water. Moreover, trails are unpaved, longer with fewer trail markers and have rougher terrain.

Dogs are welcome on most trails, but must be on a leash.

The hiking extravaganza — which draws thousands of participants annually — began in 2016 to encourage people to exercise, explore the outdoors, and experience nature through numerous parks and preserves.

Here’s how it works: Complete at least eight trails during this year’s spree and you will earn a patch, a medallion for a walking stick, or a bandana for a pet.

Participants can choose one hike that is not among the listed locations. They also can do the same trail twice — but not on the same day.

Hikers at Lettuce Lake Conservation Park can take advantage of many of the park’s features and amenities, including this boardwalk.

Hikers may go solo, explore new paths with a group, or go on a guided hike.

Many parks, preserves and trails are rotated in and out of the hiking spree each year, but a few locations are constants because they have so much to offer.

One of the regulars is Lettuce Lake Park — one of the county’s most popular parks, at 6920 E. Fletcher Ave., in Tampa.

More than half of Lettuce Lake Park is in the natural floodplain of the Hillsborough River and consists of hardwood swamp forest.

The park has a paved exercise trail and a 3,500-foot boardwalk with an observation tower that provides scenic views of the Hillsborough River. There’s also plenty of opportunities to see wildlife, from wading birds and songbirds, to even alligators.

Hillsborough’s Hiking Spree was modeled on successful programs elsewhere, most notably Summit Metro Parks’ community hiking event throughout Akron, Ohio.

The spree is timed to span fall and winter to take advantage of the cooler, drier weather, and to coincide with prime birdwatching times.

For more information and to register, visit HCFLGov.net/HikingSpree.

Parks and trails in the 2024 Hillsborough Hiking Spree:

Neighborhood Parks — short, paved trails with water facilities

  • Country Place Park, 15728 Country Lake Blvd., Tampa. Bluebird Fitness Trail: 0.6 miles
  • FishHawk Sports Complex, 16000 FishHawk Blvd., Lithia. Pandio Fitness Trail: 2.0 miles
  • Jackson Springs Community Center, 8620 Jackson Springs Road, Tampa. Conejo Fitness Trail: 0.5 miles
  • J.C. Handly Sports Complex, 3402 S. Kings Ave., Brandon. Vita Trail: 1.0 miles
  • Lakeview Village Park, 1530 Lakeview Village Drive, Mango. Duck Pond Fitness Trail: 0.5 miles
  • Miller Park & Life Center, 6105 E. Sligh Ave., Tampa. Oak Bluff Hiking Trail: 0.75 miles and/or All People’s Fitness Trail: 0.42 miles
  • Wortham Park, 12108 Rhodine Road, Riverview. Bluestem Hiking Trail: 1.4 miles

Conservation Parks — mid-range, well-maintained paths and trails

  • Alderman’s Ford Conservation Park, 100 Alderman’s Ford Conservation Park, Plant City. Picnic Trail and River’s Edge Extension: 2.3 miles
  • Lettuce Lake Conservation Park, 6920 E. Fletcher Ave., Tampa. Hammock Run and Boardwalk: 2.0 miles (no dogs on boardwalk)
  • Edward Medard Conservation Park, 6140 Turkey Creek Road, Plant City. Singing Bluffs: 1 mile
  • Flatwoods Conservation Park, 14302 Morris Bridge Road, Thonotosassa. Big Loop in the Woods; Nature Trail Extension (out and back): 7.05 miles
  • Lake Conservation Park, 17302 N. Dale Mabry Highway, Lutz. Lake Vista Trail: 1.5 miles
  • Northwest Equestrian Park,10711 S. Mobley Road, Odessa. Triple Crown Trail: 4.5 miles, or Pony Express: 2.16 miles

Nature Preserves — no facilities, subject to daily conditions

  • Bell Creek Nature Preserve, 10940 McMullen Road, Riverview. Second Chance Trail: 4.0 miles
  • Blackwater Creek Nature Preserve, 2469 Patrinostro Road, Plant City. Savannah Trail: 6.4 miles
  • Brooker Creek Headwaters Nature Preserve, 18102 Ramblewood Road, Odessa. Headwaters Heritage Trail: 4.5 miles
  • Lake Dan Nature Preserve, 19116 Huckavelle Road, Odessa. Pasture to Prairie Trail: 2.0 miles
  • Triple Creek/Balm Boyette, 13305 Balm Boyette Road, Riverview. Restoration Ramble: 2.6 miles
  • Upper Little Manatee-579, 2608 South County Road 579, Wimauma. Pennyroyal Trail: 1.5 miles and/or Twin Pine Trail: 3.5 miles

Florida State Parks

  • Alafia River State Park, 143626 S. County Road 39, Lithia. Old Agrico Hiking Trail: 0.8 mile
  • Bullfrog Creek Wildlife and Environmental Area, 14601 U.S. 301, Wimauma. Tortoise Trek: 4.2 miles
  • Hillsborough River State Park, 15402 U.S. 301 N., Thonotosassa. Barnyard Trail: 1.1 miles

Come prepared
When hiking, remember to bring these items:

  • Correct trail map for your destination
  • A compass or GPS
  • Plenty of drinking water
  • Appropriate shoes
  • Sun protection

Additional details

  • Participants can hike on their own, with a group or on a guided park staff hike
  • Some sites have entrance and parking fees (check ahead)
  • You must register for the hiking spree to receive a prize
  • For more information and to register, visit HCFLGov.net/HikingSpree.

Published January 17, 2024