The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Special to The Laker/Lutz News

New free guide offers recreational ideas

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This new guide provides information for outdoor enthusiasts who want to take advantage of free recreational areas and campsites managed by The Southwest Florida Water Management District. (Courtesy of The Southwest Florida Water Management District)

The Southwest Florida Water Management District has published a free recreational guide highlighting nearly 70 of its properties.

The guide has a new, sleeker design and allows users to scan QR codes to access up-to-date details about each property, according to a news release from the water management district, typically referred to as SWFMD.

There are thousands of acres of recreational lands throughout SWFMD, with most available for free to visitors.

The new recreation guides also allow users to take notes, learn about various volunteering opportunities and discover more SWFMD’s conservation lands, the release says.

The places featured in the guide include 30 unique campgrounds, including backcountry, primitive and equestrian-styled sites.

It’s also easy to make a reservation through SWFMD’s recreation website, the release notes.

The recreation website also features georeferenced maps, which visitors can download to be used with map apps that require no cell service.

Outdoor lovers also can check out the new Water Matters Podcast found on SWFMD’s recreation webpage or major podcast platforms. The podcast features Felicia Nudo, land manager, who discusses what it’s like to experience the recreational side of the great outdoors on SWFMD lands.

To download or order the free recreation guide, make a free camping reservation, listen to the podcast, or learn more about SWFMD’s recreational opportunities, visit WaterMatters.org/Recreation.

Published October 11, 2023

Hurricane season isn’t over yet: Make plans for family safety

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The 2023 Atlantic Hurricane Season doesn’t end until Nov. 30, so it’s important to be sure you have a family disaster plan.

Kevin Guthrie, director of the Florida Division of Emergency Management, has shared some pointers aimed at helping families be prepared, if disaster should strike.

Like many of the stores in and around Pasco County, this Publix in Lutz saw swarms of shoppers hit the stores preparing for Hurricane Idalia impacting the Tampa Bay area. Families can avoid empty shelves or last-minute scrambling — by planning in advance. (File)

“Involving each member of your family in the process of developing or updating your family disaster plan is crucial to making sure everyone’s needs are met during a disaster,” Guthrie said, in a news release. “You may not always be together when a disaster strikes, so by planning in advance and as a unit, you can ensure the safety of your family.”

Here are some simple steps, shared by Guthrie, that will help your family account for the needs of each family member, including household pets and livestock.

Step 1: Discuss these four questions with your household, family, or friends to start your plan:

How will we receive emergency alerts and warnings?
What is our shelter plan?
What is our evacuation route?
What is our family/household communication plan?

Step 2: Put together a disaster supply kit, including food, water, sanitary supplies and other items for basic needs. In addition to that, your plan should be tailored to the specific daily needs of your family. Part of the planning process should include discussing how you will continue daily tasks including communication with loved ones, care for children, businesses, and pets, or specific medical needs such as the operation of durable medical equipment.

Step 3: Write the emergency plan down and ensure everyone in your household has a copy. You can go to Ready.gov to find a Make a Plan form.

Step 4: Practice your plan with your entire household, including young children. Children who are prepared often experience less anxiety and feel more confident during actual emergencies and disasters. In addition, going over scenarios for how the plan may change is a vital step in being properly prepared.

Visit FloridaDisaster.org/family-plan/ for more preparedness tips and resources.

For weather updates and safety tips, follow the Florida Division of Emergency Management on social media channels.

Published October 11, 2023

AmSkills opens new workforce center, garners accolades for its work

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AmSkills, a not-for-profit organization that provides training and apprenticeships, recently opened a new workforce training center and has been garnering accolades for its efforts to cultivate a skilled workforce.

AmSkills received the 2023 Special Recognition Award from the Pasco Economic Development Council during its annual awards banquet on Sept. 7, and was recently honored through a resolution adopted by the Pasco County Commission on Sept. 19.

The Pasco County Commission honored AmSkills, a workforce training organization, for its accomplishments, during a Sept. 19 county board meeting. AmSkills just celebrated the opening of a 14,000-square-foot workforce training center in Holiday. (Courtesy of Pasco County)

The Pasco EDC award recognizes “a company that has gone above and beyond their typical mission to solve an issue, create an opportunity to provide extraordinary support in the Pasco County community,” according to a Pasco EDC posting.

The Pasco County Commission’s resolution celebrated the recent opening of the 14,000-square-foot Amskills Workforce Training Center, in Holiday, and applauded the organization’s progress through the years.

The resolution notes that “AmSkills is a Florida not-for-profit organization, established as an economic development initiative to help manufacturers recruit, plan, and sustain a skilled workforce with a mission of transforming lives and strengthening communities through workforce training and apprenticeships for youth, adults, veterans, the uniquely abled, and economically disadvantaged.”

The resolution notes that the training facility addresses workforce recruitment and skills training needs for manufacturing, public works, utilities, and other industries in the Tampa Bay area. 

“It provides training opportunities for persons with little to no skills or experience, employers, and also to those with experience who are ready to advance their skills in the areas of maintenance, machinery, mechatronics, robotics, supply chain logistics, and industry 4.0,” the resolution says.

Besides training residents from Pasco County, the new workforce center is expected to attract people from all over the country for Amatrol Technical Training and Universal Robotics equipment training, the resolution adds.

It also will be home to the Pasco County Economic Development Council’s SMARTstart Incubator, offering local Pasco County entrepreneurs the support they need to successfully start their new businesses, the resolution says.

The new facility was celebrated with National Manufacturing Day, with AmSkills and the Upper Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce hosting the 10th Annual Manufacturing Day Dinner on Oct. 4, at the center.

Published October 11, 2023

World-class Medicine. Hometown Care.

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Founded in 1984, Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute (FCS) has built a national reputation for providing world-class cancer care in community settings. From genetic screening to immunotherapies and access to the latest clinical trials, our top-ranked cancer experts provide the most advanced treatments available – increasing cure rates and extending lives – all in one location, close to home.

In Pasco County, 16 board-certified physicians specializing in medical oncology, hematology, gynecologic oncology and radiation oncology provide personalized care to each of our patients at our state-of-the-art clinics in Hudson, Trinity, Wesley Chapel and Zephyrhills.

Supporting patients and families through every step of the cancer journey.
Despite rapid advancements, cancer treatment can be complex and span months and years. That’s why it’s critical for patients to have convenient access to the comprehensive care they need in a single place, close to loved ones, without driving long distances or traveling out of state.

At FCS, every interaction is focused on each patient’s experience and well-being to minimize disruption to daily life. Beginning with your rst appointment through your last round of targeted treatment and survivorship, our dedicated FCS team will provide expert guidance and support. Our highest values are embodied by our outstanding team of highly trained and dedicated physicians, clinicians and staff.

At the forefront of science and research.
Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute (FCS) offers patients access to more clinical trials than any private oncology practice in Florida. In fact, the majority of new cancer drugs recently approved for use in the United States were studied in clinical trials with FCS participation prior to approval.

No other community-based oncology practice in Florida matches the clinical trial opportunities we make available to patients.

We take care of the big things in cancer care so you can make the most of the little moments – every step of the way.

Learn more or schedule a consultation today: FLCancer.com.

Published October 11, 2023

Pasco scores grant for New River debris project

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The Pasco County Commission has approved a cooperative grant agreement between the county and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, National Resource Conservation Service (NRCS), relating to cleaning up debris in New River, in an area of Wesley Chapel.

The agreement calls for the project cost not to exceed $1,799,712, according to materials in the county board’s Sept. 19 agenda packet.

The Pasco County Commission has approved a cooperative grant agreement between the county and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, National Resource Conservation Service (NRCS), relating to cleaning up debris in New River, in an area of Wesley Chapel. The agreement calls for the project cost not to exceed $1,799,712. (Mike Camunas)

The project funding is related to damage caused by Hurricane Ian, which caused a significant amount of damage in the New River waterway, on Sept. 28, 2022.

Hurricane Ian littered the waterway with debris, branches and fallen trees, in an area between Betts Drive and Creek Road.

That debris impeded the river’s flow and has created potential risks to life and/or property.

The county’s public works department is undertaking a project to restore the impacted section of the New River to pre-storm conditions by removing the debris, branches and fallen trees.

The public works department applied for a grant from the NRCS to help pay for the project, under the Emergency Watershed Protection Program of the federal Flood Control Act of 1950. 

The public works department received word on April 17, 2023, that its grant had been approved.

Under the grant, the NRCS will provide 75% of construction costs, which totals $1,249,800, and all technical assistance costs up to 8% of construction costs, up to $133,3120, for a total of up to $1,383,112 in federal funding.

The county is expected to provide the remaining 25% of the cost, which equals $416,600, as well as any technical assistance costs that exceed the federally funded amount.

The cooperative grant is a cost reimbursement grant.

The county will spend the budgeted funds and then request reimbursement. The county has until March 1, 2024 to complete the eligible work.

Published October 04, 2023

Zephyrhills approves 2023-2024 fiscal budget

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The City of Zephyrhills has adopted a budget of slightly less than $106.5 million.

The Zephyrhills City Council has approved a millage rate of 6.25 for the 2023-20224 fiscal year. One mill equals $1 for every thousand dollars of taxable value.

The City of Zephyrhills approved its 2023-2024 fiscal budget, with the tab coming in at just over $106 million, a $6 million increase from last year. (Mike Camunas)

This is the fifth time, out of the past six budgets, that the city has increased its spending plan.

The millage rate approved on July 24 is expected to generate $7,990,644 of ad valorem tax revenue for the general fund. 

The council adopted a budget of $106,470,399 for the coming fiscal year, up slightly from the previous year, at its Sept. 25 meeting.

Total expenditures for the 2022-2023 budget were $100,621,184.

The city — Pasco County’s largest municipality — now has an estimated property valuation of more than $1.1 billion. It also has a steadily increasing population, which is now approaching nearly 20,000.

Several ongoing projects in the city, however, were part of last year’s budget, including the city’s massive sidewalk construction project spanning approximately 10,500 linear feet in areas surrounding West Zephyrhills Elementary School.

The city earmarked $1 million of the 2022-2023 fiscal budget — which is a 33% increase from the previous year — specifically to address this sidewalk project, which is expected to be completed in June 2024.

Funds for the sidewalk project, as well as other projects, such as the Hercules Park project, were made available through the Penny for Pasco initiative, which was renewed through Dec. 31, 2039 in the municipal elections in November 2022.

Published October 04, 2023

Merger is pending for Dade City and Zephyrhills chambers

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The Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce and The Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce are discussing a merger to become the East Pasco Chamber of Commerce.

The chambers announced the pending merger in a news release on Sept. 28.

The Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce and The Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce are discussing a pending merger to become the East Pasco Chamber of Commerce, the two chambers announced on Sept. 28. (Mike Camunas)

Discussions of a possible merger have popped up in the past and now the two groups are in the planning stages to create a single business support organization.

They are expected to combine their efforts to “continue to strengthen and enhance the businesses throughout East Pasco.
By uniting their efforts they will be able to bring “new cooperative marketing opportunities, workforce development strategies and a stronger combined effort for advocacy,” the release says.

During the coming weeks, committees will address how to preserve traditions, while assisting area businesses to help build prosperity.

“The merger aims to enhance the organization’s presence in the area including workforce development, membership services, small business networking, mentoring, growth opportunities and a broader impact in this fast-growing economic environment,” the release adds.

The Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce has been operating as a successful trade association organization for over 50 years and represents over 430 businesses, associations, nonprofits, and individuals throughout Pasco County, according to the release.

Membership in The Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce includes businesses, government agencies, public-private corporations, nonprofit organizations, and individuals with a shared interest in preserving and enhancing the quality of life in Zephyrhills, the release says.

The East Pasco Chamber Foundation is incorporated in the State of Florida as a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and is dedicated to advancing the quality of life in East Pasco through education, leadership, economic development, and community enhancement.

Revised October 03, 2023

A Sense of Place

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Way of the Water
Frances V. Innace, of Zephyrhills, snapped this shot of one of downtown Zephyrhills’ murals on Sept. 23. This mural, titled ‘Ocea,’ which means water goddess in Greek mythology, was painted by Jonathan Sierra and unveiled in May 2021 and is on the south-facing wall of 5210 Seventh St., also home to Painted Pixie hair salon. ‘I think it’s great artwork!’ Innace said, ‘and sort of symbolic of Zephyrhills, since it’s known for its bottled water.’
Swamp Thing
Barry White, of Land O’ Lakes, grabbed this picture of a cypress swamp near Ehren Cutoff in Land O’ Lakes.

If you’d like an image to be considered for publication, please email it to . Please add a sentence or two, describing when and where you took the photo and what the image means to you. Be sure to include who took the photo, where he or she lives and contact information, in case we need to reach back.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Crossroads
The Laker/Lutz News Staff Photographer Mike Camunas shot this pic of the intersection of Robinson Avenue and Seventh Street, outside the Dade City Brew House in downtown Dade City in July.
Out to Pasture
The Laker/Lutz News Staff Photographer Mike Camunas got this pic of a sunset going down over the fields just off State Road 52 in Land O’ Lakes in August.

 

Water management district approves $224.8 million budget

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The Southwest Florida Water Management District’s governing board has approved a $224.8 million budget for fiscal year 2024, according to a news release.

The budget includes about $92.4 million in cooperative funding initiatives and district grants for water resources projects.

Key initiatives include:

  • $65.2 million for development of alternative water supplies to ensure an adequate supply of water resources for all existing and future reasonable and beneficial uses
  • $17.8 million for Watershed Management Program plans to support flood plain management decisions and initiatives, and projects to address potential and existing flooding problems
  • $17.1 million for the management and improvement of critical flood control and water conservation structures, canals, culverts and levees
  • $6.6 million for springs initiatives to improve water quality and clarity of springs and spring-fed rivers, as well as restore their natural habitats

Through cooperative funding partnerships, the water management district will leverage funds for a total regional investment of more than $175 million for sustainable alternative water supply development, water quality improvements and other water resource management projects, the news release says.

For the 12th straight year, the governing board adopted a millage rate that is equal to, or less than, the rolled-back millage rate. 

The adopted millage rate for the coming fiscal year is 0.2043 mill, 9.6% lower than the current fiscal year. One mill is equal to $1 for every $1,000 of taxable value.

The water management district’s new rate will save taxpayers an estimated $13.9 million in property taxes, according to the release.

Published October 04, 2023

Hillsborough seeks applicants for diversity council

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The Hillsborough County Commission is seeking applicants for its Diversity Advisory Council. 

The council was created to facilitate communication between Hillsborough County government and diverse populations, and to address matters related to diversity that affect County government and its citizens. 

The county board appoints council members who represent a number of categories.

There currently are five vacancies on the board, in these categories: Caribbean; Indian Asian; Middle Eastern; Native American; and Northern and Southern European.

Advisory council members are volunteers and serve for two years.

All nominees must live in Hillsborough County and be registered voters.

The council meets on the second Wednesday of the month at 6:30 p.m.

Those interested in applying must submit:

  • An essay of 200-500 words highlighting what your goals would be as a member of the Diversity Advisory Council and state why you are most suited to carry forth those goals.
  • A completed Questionnaire for Diversity Advisory Council
  • A Standards of Conduct Form  

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.” The forms can be filled out and printed, then scanned and emailed, faxed, or mailed.

All forms must be signed and dated, and all questions must be answered in entirety to be eligible. Applicants declining to submit an essay will be eliminated from further consideration for service on the Diversity Advisory Council of Hillsborough County.

The deadline for applications is the close of business on Oct. 12. The county board is scheduled to make the appointments in November.

Forms can be –
Mailed to: P. O. Box 1110, Tampa, FL 33601
Faxed to: 813-239-3916
Emailed to:
Delivered to: 601 E. Kennedy Blvd, second floor, in Tampa

Published October 04, 2023