The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Celebrating the accomplishments of Pasco women trailblazers

By

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

By

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

By

(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.

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

By

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’

By

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

By

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

By

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

By

(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

By

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

By

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