The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Old Pasco Road widening expected to cause delays

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Construction work that has begun on Old Pasco Road is expected to cause delays for those who travel on the road in Wesley Chapel. The project calls for widening Old Pasco Road, from just south of Sonny Drive to north of Overpass Road.

The work involves adding two travel lanes, a median, a sidewalk, a multi-use path and lighting. The project also includes adding two new traffic signals — one at Lindenhurst Drive and another at the Tampa Bay North Business Park driveway.

Work hours on the project are Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Motorists should expect single-lane closures between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., with message boards directing traffic.

The project is expected to take 20 months, with an expected completion date of August 2025.

B.R.W. Contracting Inc., is the contractor for this county project.

Published January 10, 2024

Making positive change needs not be tied to a certain time of year

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This is the time of year where we tend to welcome change.  

We usually let others know what we want to change, for the sake of accountability, and then we begin the endeavor.

Typically, we begin with great enthusiasm and intentions. Unfortunately, all too often, we give it up after a few weeks.

Why do so many of us — an estimated 80% — throw in the towel so early?  

Well, there’s at least one theory out there that explains this. It’s called the Transtheoretical Model, or the Stages of Change Model.  

Many habit changes can be achieved through environmental changes. Simply having more healthy food items around the house instead of high-calorie ones, or using smaller plates and bowls, can set you up for success in replacing bad habits. (Pixabay.com)

The true problem may be that despite the new year representing a fresh start, you just weren’t in the right stage to make the long-term change at the time.  

In other words, it doesn’t mean you’ll never get to where you want to be, it just means you weren’t ready to launch into it on Jan. 1.

Some people are only ready to make a change after they’ve hit rock bottom, or a major life event occurs. Those situational changes can include a divorce, a diagnosis or finding out that you’re having a baby.

For others, being ready to change can come on their own terms or by being inspired by someone else.

In any event, there are five stages of change:  

Precontemplation: Having no intention to make a change in the next six months.
Most people in this stage don’t realize they need to change or will defend their bad habit and focus on the cons of the change, instead of the pros.
There is no motivation to change until there is a change in life circumstances or they become more conscious of their actions.

Contemplation: Having the intention to make a change within six months.
Here, people see that their habits are problematic, and they weigh the pros and cons of change equally, though are still hesitant about making a change.
They’re more receptive to hearing others’ stories and seeking help.

Preparation: Ready to make a change in the next 30 days.
People here believe the change will improve their livelihood, and start taking small steps toward the change, such as touring a gym, looking up support groups, or reading self-help books.
This is the “research” or “information gathering” stage, and they believe the pros outweigh the cons.

Action: The change has been implemented within the past six months with intentions to continue.

Maintenance: The change has been sustained for six months or more.
Here, you maintain the habit to prevent relapsing to a previous stage.
This stage will last as long as necessary, up to several years.
In one study on smoking, 43% returned to smoking after 12 months of quitting, but five years later, the relapse rate was 7%.
People in the maintenance stage still need support, even if they feel confident in sustaining the change. 

One of the main issues when it comes to setting goals, whether for the new year or any time of year, is that people often skip the preparation stage.  

Going from contemplation to action can set one up for failure because the individual failed to thoroughly research what it will take to change his or her lifestyle, such as what’s required to implement it, what sacrifices will be necessary and what resources are available.

It’s important to consider challenges and ways to overcome them before taking action to avoid a long-term relapse.  

For instance, if you’re trying to cook more at home, what’s the plan if you get stuck at work?

Will you meal prep each evening prior to prevent the temptation of stopping for fast food?  

Will you delegate meal tasks to your partner or older children, if you need help?  

Be sure you have strategies in place to minimize setbacks.  

Also, if you do stop for fast food, it doesn’t mean you have to drop your attempt to change. It just means you had an off day and you will get back to your healthier routine the next day.

It’s important to realize that relapse is a normal part of the process.  

It’s not the relapse that determines your success, it’s your response to it.

Accept in advance that there will be bad days, and go easy on yourself when something takes you off course every now and then.

Also, keep in mind there are some limitations to the stages of change theory, as there’s plenty of gray area related to any habit change.

For example, there are people who may want to make a change, but they are thwarted by their environment. Living in a food desert, for instance, makes it difficult to access fresh food.

The change theory also fails to address the challenges of trying to tackle more than one behavior change at the same time.

Regardless, we probably see ourselves in our own health journeys within these stages, and the same goes for our loved ones, too.

If you’ve felt frustrated having the same conversation about habit changes with a loved one, this theory could explain why there hasn’t been much progress.  

So how do you make a habit stick?  

Even if you finally feel ready and you did all the research, how do you take that leap into action, make it to maintenance, and then stick to it?

Here are some suggestions from the American Heart Association:

First, identify the cue that causes the bad habit.  

It could be as simple as walking past a vending machine that you automatically stop at throughout the workday, or eating chips whenever you watch TV in the living room.

Once you realize the cue, you must disrupt it, such as taking a different path in your office building or watching TV in a different room that you don’t associate the chips with.

Replace the bad behavior with a good one instead of just ending the bad behavior by itself.  

The new path around your office can now be a cue for having a healthy snack when you return to your desk, whether it’s a handful of nuts or some grapes.  

It’s important to keep things simple because you want your brain to eventually take on the new habit where it goes into “autopilot” mode. This takes some time (sometimes as much as two months), so make the transition easy by avoiding complex replacement habits.

Also, keep in mind that even your bad habits were not second nature in the beginning.  

To give yourself a chance for success, replace habit cues so your brain associates the new signal with an improved habit.

Make sure you have laid the groundwork for success by having strategies to address relapses. And, be faithful to building new habits.

If you do that, the successful days will turn into months, and then into years.

Here’s wishing you a 2024 that provides ample opportunities for you to embark on bringing the changes you want to see in your life. 

Shari Bresin is the Family & Consumer Science Agent for the University of Florida/Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Cooperative Extension Pasco County. Pasco County Extension.

Published January 10, 2024

Why not usher in 2024 by trying a few new activities?

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If you’re new to the area, or a lifelong resident, you’ll find plenty of choices for staying fit and having fun within our local communities.

And, with 2024 just beginning, it might be the right time to try something new.

Here’s a sampling of sports and recreation offerings that you might find appealing.

TreeHoppers is an aerial adventure park, at 27839 St. Joe Road, in Dade City, which offers rope courses and obstacles — up in the trees. (File)

Treehoppers
If you like to swing through the trees, check out TreeHoppers
TreeHoppers, at 27839 Saint Joe Road, in Dade City, offers rope nets to climb, rope bridges to scale and zip lines to glide at what has been described as Central Florida’s largest aerial adventure park. 

Bill Morissey, 84, stands in the landing field at Skydive City in Zephyrhills, watching as divers come in from a jump. Morissey, a resident of Zephyrhills, helped develop the tandem skydiving technique in 1983. The venue attracts skydivers from all over the world.

Think it would be fun to jump out of an airplane?
If you’ve often wondered what it feels like to jump out of an airplane, you can satisfy that curiosity by taking the plunge at Skydive City, at 4241 Sky Dive Lane, at the Zephyrhills Municipal Airport.

This legendary place has attracted skydiving enthusiasts from around the globe.

The center trains skydivers at all levels, from beginners to seasoned veterans, and offers all types of skydiving activity, including tandem jumps, group jumps and water landings.

How about trying your hand at curling?
The Tampa Bay Curling Club has competitive leagues at AdventHealth Center Ice, 3173 Cypress Ridge Boulevard, in Wesley Chapel. The club also offers lessons for people interested in the sport. To find out more, call Tampa Bay Curling at 813-758-2279.

Do you like to golf?
Of course, there are dozens of golf courses within the region, including Saddlebrook in Wesley Chapel, Silverado Golf Club in Zephyrhills and Heritage Harbor in Lutz, but there are some local putt-putt courses, too.

One of those putt-putt ventures is called PopStroke Tampa, at 25297 Sierra Center Blvd., in Lutz.

It offers two 18-hole putting courses designed by Tiger Woods. The synthetic grass, bunkers, rolling hills and undulated greens aim to challenge golfers of all ages.

The putt-putt golfing destination also offers a dining area, with a full menu and craft beer, wine and signature cocktails. It has an ice cream parlor, outdoor game area and a playground, too.

Max Ludey, 13, right, tries to sprint past Alexa Zummo, 13, during a Friday night game in the Pirate Bay Flag Football League, at the Land O’ Lakes Recreation Complex. The league has games on Fridays and Sundays, with a new season for the spring beginning in February. The league is part of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Flag Football Network. It also has partnered with the Pasco County Parks, Recreation, and Natural Resources Department.

Hey, how about a little flag football?
Those looking to try a new sport may want to check out the Pirate Bay Flag Football League that operates out of the Land O’ Lakes Recreation Complex, 3032 Collier Parkway, in Land O’ Lakes. Hundreds of girls, from kindergarteners through high schoolers, are competing in the league, which began with 16 girls.

Now, five years after it was founded, Pirate Bay League has had to branch out to add a boys’ division because it has become so popular.

The league will begin its two spring seasons March 3, with a mandatory Player Combine on Feb. 18. Registration deadline is Feb. 9.

For more information or to register, visit PirateBayFlag.com.

Ever thought about fencing?
The Land O’ Lakes Fencing Academy, which meets at the Land O’ Lakes Recreation Complex, 3032 Collier Parkway, began last summer. But it’s an expansion of the Tampa Bay Fencing club that has been operating out of Northdale for about 30 years. Both clubs have dual members. The idea of expanding to the Land O’ Lakes complex was to provide space and opportunities for fencing enthusiasts to hone their skills and prepare for competitions.

For more information, visit LandOLakesFencingAcademy.com, or contact Alex Kossmann at 813-841-0984 or .

Dalton Gerbase is shown here leading Evan Hall. They are riding on the Tampa BMX Track at Lake Park in Lutz.

Check out this BMX race track
Lake Park, at 17302 N. Dale Mabry Highway in Lutz, has several activities available all year long, including the Tampa BMX track where bikers of all ages can ride.

Tennis or pickleball, anyone?
The Sarah Vande Berg (SVP) Tennis Center, at 6585 Simons Road, in Zephyrhills, features courts for tennis and pickleball, and fitness center, too. Several youth programs also are available through the center.

To find out more, visit SVBTennisCenter.com.

There is also a pair of pickleball enthusiasts, Kathay McCausey and Val Thomopalos, who call themselves PickelballFanatics. They are working to expand opportunities for people to play the sport. They offer lessons, run tournaments and coordinate impromptu meetups. To find out more, visit PickleballFanatics.biz, or email

Need some more ideas? Check with the Pasco County Parks, Recreation, and Natural Resources Department, the Dade City Armory, area recreation centers, local hospitals and local YMCAs to find out what low-cost or free activities are available to help you to have fun, and stay fit.

Russ Thor, of New Tampa, slides a stone across the ice on a rink at AdventHealth Center Ice in Wesley Chapel during a practice session of the Tampa Bay Curling Club.
Ten-year-old fencing student Arianna Bobe works on her en garde, attack and parry moves during a session of the Land O’ Lakes Fencing Academy, which meets twice a week at the Land O’ Lakes Recreation Complex. The fencing academy, which began in the summer of 2023, provides instruction for experienced and novice fencers, teaching them techniques and helping them hone their skills for competitions.
Isabella Little, of Spring Hill, watches her return shot sail over the net and into ‘The Kitchen’ during her match on the second day of a pickleball tournament at the Land O’ Lakes Recreation Complex.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PopStroke Tampa is a state-of-the-art putt-putt experience with courses designed by Tiger Woods. It also offers dining, cocktails, an ice cream parlor and game area.
Preparing to return a serve by his coach, former tennis pro Thomas Grinberg, Bautista Durrells (foreground), of Wesley Chapel, tries out one of the new tennis courts at the Sarah Vande Berg Tennis & Wellness Center.

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.