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Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Land O' Lakes News

Agricultural zoning allowed, with conditions

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Charles Gilbert Tucker received the approval he wanted for a small tree farm on a 5.46-acre tract, 1,750 feet south of Cypress Lane and Dupree Lane, in Land O’ Lakes.

Tucker said he needed the rezoning, in order for the property to qualify for an agricultural exemption, for taxing purposes.

The Pasco County Commission approved the request on Nov. 17, contingent on Tucker obtaining a deed restriction to limit operations on the site to a pine tree farm, and other non-commercial farm uses.

The deed restriction is intended to prevent uses that could have negative impacts on neighbors.

Pasco County Commission Mike Moore recommended a deed restriction be added to Tucker’s property, noting that it was a solution discussed during the Pasco County Planning Commission’s consideration of the request.

Tucker had agreed to the restriction, but planning commissioners did not require it when recommending approval.

Moore asked Tucker if he remained willing to obtain a deed restriction, and the property owner said he has no objections to doing so.

Tucker said he plans to use the property for a pine tree farm and for citrus trees for personal use.

The rezoning won’t take effect until Tucker obtains the deed restriction.

Published December 09, 2020

Veterans honored in surprise drive-by parade

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As the 50-vehicle red, white and blue parade of cars, trucks, minivans and campers wound its way — twice — around a circular drive at the Baldomero Lopez State Veterans Nursing Home, the sight that stood out most was the group of surprised and delighted spectators.

Forty residents from the 120-bed facility — who served in American wars dating back to the Korean Conflict —had been wheeled outside for their most significant fresh-air time since the COVID-19 pandemic hit in March.

Linn Rexroat, Pam Smith and Harry Provan, of the Santa Drill Team, prepare for the drive-by parade. (Joey Johnston)

They were socially distanced and wore masks.

They also waved American flags. They smiled. They cheered and applauded. Some teared up a bit.

It was a Veterans Day celebration — two days late — that was appreciated and treasured.

The event was conceived by Honor Flight of West Central Florida, a nonprofit agency that flies military veterans to Washington and honors their service.

Many elderly veterans can’t make that trip, so an “Honor Flight at Home’’ was planned, complete with a speaker from MacDill Air Force Base, shirts, hats, a clap-out parade and a redistribution of the medals earned during military service.

Those plans were canceled by the virus. The nursing-home lockdown lasted through the summer and still remains strict for safety purposes.

Veterans Day brought another opportunity — and some creativity.

The drive-by parade, which was staged and organized about a mile away at the First United Methodist Church, included the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office, the Pasco County Fire Department, Mission Barbecue, the Rough Riders, the Santa Drill Team, Operation Patriot and private citizens.

A variety of signs were displayed to honor the veterans.

“It was wonderful,’’ said Johanna Snee, activities director at the Baldomero Lopez facility. “It’s definitely a boost. It gave our residents a little bit of normalcy.’’

Or, as one of the drive-by banners read: “You Are Not Forgotten!’’

April Currie, Honor Flight president, said her group has taken 40 flights to Washington with approximately 3,000 veterans. The “Honor Flight at Home’’ program has honored nearly 600 more veterans.

Given the virus and safety stipulations, Currie said she was delighted to see great participation in the drive-by ceremony for the Baldomero Lopez facility veterans.

“We tried to make it a big surprise and everyone was told, ‘Let’s go outside and enjoy the weather,’ ‘’ Currie said. “We really cannot do enough for our veterans. We want them to know we love them, we respect them and we appreciate them. We feel like we got those messages across, even though the health circumstances dictated us doing things a little differently than we originally planned.’’

Spectators wave, as a parade passed by the Baldomero Lopez State Veterans Nursing Home.

It was just fine for Sharon Richmond, a member of Operation Patriot, a nonprofit group of former and current employees with the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office.

“Our purpose is to help the veterans and if they have a need that the VA can’t pay for, they often turn to us,’’ Richmond said. “Honoring the veterans with this parade was awesome. It was beyond my imagination. I’m so grateful because I was up here two or three times a week before the lockdown and I’m so happy they get recognized like this.’’

Richmond said she visited one of her veteran friends during the lockdown, but she could only come up to his window.

“He’s legally blind and hard of hearing and I couldn’t hear what he was saying either,’’ Richmond said. “He put his hand up to the glass and he wanted me to put my hand up to the glass. Then I cried all the way home.

“Just being here means so much. It’s our way of letting them know they are important and they are not forgotten.’’

The Santa Drill Team — a group of holiday Santa Clauses that honors veterans — added to the memories by displaying the flags from all military branches and the American flag on the rear of its truck.

“It’s more of an honor for us than it is for them,’’ said Pam Smith, of the Santa Drill Team. “It gives me goosebumps. We need to do more events like this. It’s so special and so meaningful. These veterans mean so much to our country, and we’re proud to honor them.’’

By Joey Johnston

Published November 18, 2020

Changes are coming to Pasco’s land development code

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One of the biggest changes in a batch of proposed amendments to Pasco County’s land development code involves the way requests for package sales and on-premises consumption of alcohol are approved.

Previously, the Pasco County Commission has considered these requests.

Under the proposed change, the requests would be handled administratively, unless a waiver is requested — which would be considered by the Pasco County Planning Commission.

The shift is highly likely to be approved by the county board, since they requested it.

The update to the land development code creates a new section where package sales and on-premises consumption of alcoholic beverages are approved administratively.

That section also adds the Planning Commission as the decision-making body, when specific distance waivers are requested from places of religious worship, schools and parks.

Another change in update clarifies that single-family detached homes on individual lots are only permitted on parcels zoned R-MH Mobile Home District prior to Dec. 8, 2020.

Other proposed changes:

  • Allows the side setback to be reduced to no less than 5 feet for R-4 subdivisions developed after Dec. 8, 2020, as long as they meet drainage requirements and do not allow side entry
  • In neighborhood commercial districts: Adds fitness centers as a permitted principal use; adds sale of alcoholic beverages as permitted principal use, subject to administrative approval
  • In general commercial district: Adds sale of alcoholic beverages as permitted principal use, subject to administrative approval
  • In section regulating fraternal lodges and social and recreational clubs: Clarifies that lot area and setbacks for fraternal lodges and social and recreational clubs do not apply in such clubs proposed in certain locations and zoning categories. Also clarifies buffering and landscaping requirements
  • Amends a section regarding the County Commission’s jurisdiction to indicate that the board reserves the jurisdiction and authority to review and revoke Special Exception, and

Conditional Use, and Administrative Use Permit for the Sale of Alcoholic Beverages approvals.

  • In the section relating to mobile food operations, the requirement for a county permit is deleted; and, the section specifies that such mobile food operations are allowed at construction sites, as long as they are intended to serve patrons working at the site.

In other action, the planning commission recommended approval of a rezoning request by Charles Gilbert Tucker to change the designation on his 5.46-acre property to allow an agricultural designation that qualifies for an agricultural tax break. Tucker told planning commissioners that he just wants to have a pine tree farm, as well as some orange trees for personal use. He intends to sell some of the pine trees, but does not envision a large-scale operation.

The property is on the east side of Conner Drive, about 1,750 feet south of the intersection of Cypress Lane and Dupree Drive, in Land O’ Lakes.

The planning commission recommended approval, despite concerns about potential impacts raised in an email from a neighbor.

The Pasco County Commission will determine the final outcome of both the proposed land development code amendments, and of Tucker’s request.

Published November 11, 2020

Treating others —  to a happy, haunting Halloween

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Every year, right after Labor Day, Sid Simandl starts sorting out his Halloween décor.

He begins early because it takes weeks for him and his wife, Kathy, to create a haunted attraction that will, well, raise people’s spirits.

“It started out small, just a little display. And, each year, it just got a little bit bigger and a little bit bigger. It’s taken on a life of its own,” said Simandl, who lives in the Stagecoach subdivision in Land O’ Lakes, just off Wesley Chapel Boulevard.

If spiders give you the creeps, you’ll likely want to steer clear of the massive one in front of this home, in the Stagecoach subdivision in Land O’ Lakes. (Courtesy of Sid Simandl)

“We change it every year. We do new props every year,” said Simandl, noting the display has 68 props, including many that light up and are animated.

The attraction has developed a reputation.

“Everyone knows that’s the Halloween House,” said John Higgins, who lives next door to the Simandls.

Hundreds of people typically drop by the house, at 3651 Mossy Oak Circle, on Halloween night — the only night the display is open, Simandl said.

For many, the annual visit has become a ritual.

Simandl has been setting up his display for 18 years.

It’s never quite the same, from year to year.

Typically, he has constructed a Haunted House, inside his garage, which people would tour through.

These skeletons like to lounge around in front of the house at 3651 Mossy Oaks Circle, in the Stagecoach subdivision in Land O’ Lakes.

But, this year, he’s changing that up because of a need for COVID-19 precautions and to provide social distancing.

Instead of traipsing through an enclosed Haunted House, visitors will be able to check out a haunted trail, outdoors.

This year, there’s also a bonus: “We’re actually sponsoring a movie in the park at 9 o’clock (p.m.) We’re right across the street from the rec center,” Simandl said.

There’s no admission charge to visit the Halloween display or to watch “Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein,” but nonperishable foods and canned goods are being accepted for a local food pantry, Higgins said.

The annual Halloween display at the Simandls is fun for both children and adults, Simandl said. It has become a tradition in the neighborhood: “There’s a whole group of us that gets together and hangs out,” he said.

This sign provides an inkling of how excited the Simandls get about Halloween each year. Sid Simandl, who puts up a giant display, says Halloween is his favorite holiday.

Typically, trick-or-treaters start showing up around 6:30 p.m., on Halloween.

Besides getting a feast for the eyes, the kids get a fistful of candy, too.

That’s because a lot of his neighbors hang out in the driveway, and the trick-or-treaters each get six or seven pieces of candy.

Higgins praised his neighbor, for creating such a nice experience for families and kids.

“He just does it for the pure joy of it,” Higgins said, noting that the couple’s children are grown and live out of town.

Simandl who has nicknamed himself “Mr. Halloween,” puts on a pumpkin sports coat for the occasion.

“It’s my favorite holiday,” he said.

He and his wife have a solitary goal, in sharing their seasonal showcase: “We want them to love Halloween as much as we do,” he said.

Typically, the last trick-or-treaters trickle in around 9 p.m., or shortly after, but this year that could be later, because Halloween is on Saturday.

All are welcome, Simandl said.

“We’re there until the last ghost goes home,” he said.

Check out Halloween décor galore
What: Visit a haunted Halloween trail in the yard at Sid and Kathy Simandl’s home. Dozens of animated and lighted props will be on display.
Where: 3651 Mossy Oak Circle, Land O’ Lakes
When: Oct. 31, beginning at 6:30 p.m.
Cost: Free admission; nonperishable foods and canned goods will be accepted to benefit a local food pantry.

Watch a spooky movie
What: Sid and Kathy Simandl are hosting a free outdoor Halloween movie at the Stagecoach park.
What: A screening of “Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein”
Where: 3632 Mossy Oak Circle, Land O’ Lakes
When: Oct. 31 at 9 p.m.
Cost: Free admission; nonperishable foods and canned goods will be accepted to benefit a local food pantry.

Published October 28, 2020

Pasco County purchasing land in Land O’ Lakes

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The Pasco County Commission has approved the purchase of 24.87 acres from Lennar Homes LLC, for $1.25 million, plus closing costs and $50,000 to be paid to Connerton Commercial Property Association, the closing agent.

The property is part of the Connerton Employment Center master-planned unit development.

The county’s Fleet Management department plans to use the vacant property, which is centrally located within the county, for the department’s future growth.

The property is strategically located adjacent to the 300-acre central campus of the Utilities Department and the Land O’ Lakes Detention Center, according to the board’s Oct. 6 agenda materials.

Commissioners also passed a resolution declaring Oct. 4 through Oct. 10 as Fire Prevention Week in Pasco and acknowledging this year’s theme of “Serve up fire safety in the kitchen.”

The resolution notes that 2,630 people were killed nationally in home fires in 2019, including five in Pasco County. The resolution also points out that cooking is the leading cause of home fires in the United States, with two of every five home fires starting in the kitchen and 31% of these fires resulting from unattended cooking.

The resolution offers these suggestions to prevent fires related to cooking:

  • Stay in the kitchen when cooking food on the stovetop
  • Keep a 3-foot kid-free zone around cooking areas
  • Keep anything that can catch fire away from stove tops

To reduce potential deaths, the resolution advises that residents have smoke alarms that are in working order, and practice fire escape plans.

On another matter, County Administrator Dan Biles told commissioners that the county’s Animal Services department is going to affected areas of Hurricane Sally and bringing back animals for adoption.

In other actions, commissioners:

  • Approved a rezoning to allow up to 150,000 square feet of retail and commercial uses on approximately 38.62 acres at the southeast quadrant of Gunn Highway and State Road 54.

Plans call for construction of a maximum of 7,000 square feet for two fast food restaurants with drive thrus; a 10,000-square-foot day care (with a maximum of 180 students); 100,000 square feet of mini-storage; and, 33,000 square feet of general commercial.

  • Approved a large-scale comprehensive plan amendment to the future land use map, which will allow light industrial and commercial on slightly more than 90 acres at the northeast corner of the Interstate 75 and Blanton Road interchange, extending northerly along I-75 to the Hernando County line. The previous designation was for an employment center and agricultural uses.
  • Approved an increase of $304,000 in the fund used to pay for medical autopsies because of an increase in autopsies performed by the medical examiner this fiscal year.
  • Approved up to $800,000 in purchases of library books, resource subscriptions, and related items within fiscal year 2021. The items will be purchased from various vendors.

Published October 14, 2020

New Dunkin’ coming to Land O’ Lakes

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The Pasco County Commission has approved a rezoning that will allow for a new convenience store, with gas pumps and a Dunkin’, near Ehren Cutoff, in Land O’ Lakes.

The 2.38-acre site is on the southeast corner of the intersection of Land O’ Lakes Boulevard and Ehren cutoff.

The rezoning involved joining two parcels together, one zoned for commercial and the other for rural residential.

Denise Hernandez, county zoning administrator, said the request would not introduce a new gas station onto the property — but replace one that’s already there.

The site plan also calls for a Dunkin’, she said.

County Commission Chairman Mike Moore noted that the new plan is essentially an upgrade from current conditions.

“So, it could use a little makeover and it’s getting a makeover, thankfully,” Moore said, noting that the Dunkin’ (previously known as Dunkin’ Donuts) will be an amenity in the area.

Commissioner Ron Oakley agreed with Moore’s assessment: “That’s what it says on the site plan — they’re redoing that to enhance it. It needs that in that area.”

Moore added: “It kind of goes in line with what we’re trying to do, to try to clean up (U.S.) 41.”

One resident, Rob Park, who lives on Ehren Cutoff, objected to the rezoning.

He questioned a discrepancy between two transportation studies done in the area.

A county staffer said it’s not unusual for two different transportation studies to have different data.

In other action, commissioners:

  • Approved a request for a conditional use to allow the sale of alcoholic beverages: beer, wine, liquor; package sales and on-premises consumption, anywhere within the common areas of The Shops at Wiregrass, in conjunction with the operation of a shopping center.
  • Heard an update from Moore regarding tourism prospects. Moore told board members that the county will be getting a volleyball tournament, a golf tournament, a fishing tournament and a basketball tournament. Some tournaments are coming from out-of-state, but others are shifting from other parts of Florida.

Published September 02, 2020

Design work begins on new Land O’ Lakes school

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Pasco County Schools has signed a contract with Harvard Jolly Architecture for the design of a new 6-12 School to be built within the Angeline community of Land O’ Lakes.

The architect will be paid nearly $3 million, under terms of the contract approved by the Pasco County School Board on July 28.

The school will be built on an 18-acre site, with a capacity for 1,694 students.

The estimated construction budget is $45 million.

Construction is expected to begin in December of 2021, with completion expected by June 2023.

The construction manager will provide construction management services, with a guaranteed maximum price. The project also will be designed in compliance with a sustainable building rating system.

The school is part of a new community that is expected to become a major job generator, and to be a place where people will live, work, play and learn.

The proposed development — referred in economic development documents initially as Project Arthur, is now known more commonly as the Angeline community.

It is being planned on 7,000 acres, in an area south of State Road 52, east of the Suncoast Parkway and west of the CSX rail line.

Plans call for a 24-million-square-foot corporate business park, which is expected to create large-scale employment opportunities. Supportive services also are envisioned, including residential communities, parks, schools and other uses to be connected through walking and bike trails, the report adds.

The property — which has uplands and wetlands areas — has been used for cattle ranching and a pine plantation for decades, according to a county report.

The landscape includes oaks and pine trees, and forested and non-forested wetlands. It also has open water lakes, which are mostly remnants from prior borrow pit operations, according to the county report.

The report also notes that the project site’s proximity to the CSX railroad line provides an opportunity for commuter rail, in the event that the rail line is converted to a commuter rail line in the future.

Two of the county’s vision roads also go through the project: Ridge Road and Sunlake Boulevard.

The extension of Ridge Road, and the construction of a new interchange at Ridge Road and the Suncoast Parkway also will have a significant impact on the area’s development.

Lee Moffitt Cancer and Research Institute has purchased about 775 acres for a future research hub near the interchange.

Published August 19, 2020

Connerton to get a downtown?

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The Pasco County Commission has taken the first step in the process needed to clear the way for a proposed Downtown Connerton in Land O’ Lakes.

Commissioners approved changes to the long-range plan that would set the stage for a new mixed-use community within Connerton, that would be on the west side of Ehren Cutoff, about 2 miles south of State Road 52.

There are 16 parcels within Connerton Villages III/IV, according to county planning documents.

No one objected to the proposed change to the county’s long-range plan, which commissioners approved unanimously.

Now that the long-range plan has been amended, the next step will be consideration of a request to create a master-planned unit development (MPUD).

The land currently is zoned for agricultural use, but would be used for a mixed-use development.

The rezoning calls for activating a mixed-use area of at least 40 acres to create a Downtown Connerton.

Specifics in the proposal call for approximately 2,160 dwelling units, 55,000 square feet of retail, and 150,000 square feet of office, and a 765-student charter school, the planning documents say.

The idea is to bring employment, retail, a school and higher-density residential together to make it easy for people to walk, bicycle or use forms of transportation other than vehicles.

The area also will have pedestrian-oriented open spaces, community gathering spaces and will be within walking distance to an 80-acre district park, planning documents say.

Planners also report that the county has been working with the applicant to draft a connectivity plan that “will ultimately provide a system of trails, multi-use paths and associated amenities.”

A request to rezone the land — to enable the development of the proposed Downtown Connerton — will be brought to the board for consideration, at a later date.

Published July 29, 2020

Summer camp offers ‘real-world’ look at forensics

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Some local high schoolers will get a chance to get an up-close look at the many components of forensic investigations — via a weeklong summer camp in Land O’ Lakes hosted by the Pasco Sheriff’s Office and FIRST (Florida’s Forensic Institute for Research, Security & Tactics).

The FIRST Forensic Summer Camp is scheduled for July 20 through July 24. Each camp day runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Lessons and demonstrations will take place outdoors, as well as inside training and read-off rooms at the Pasco Detention Center, 20101 Central Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes.

The camp is open to high schoolers ages 15 to 18. Enrollment is limited to 24 students. Students must ensure transportation to and from the camp each day.

The Pasco Sheriff’s Office/FIRST (Florida’s Forensic Institute for Research, Security & Tactics) will host a weeklong forensic summer camp for high schoolers from July 20 through July 24, in Land O’ Lakes. (File)

The camp ultimately will give students the chance to observe many aspects of the criminal justice system in action.

Students will receive hands-on learning and an opportunity to participate in an outdoor mock crime scene/field recovery.

Additionally, students will participate in forensic laboratory exercises to learn the science and techniques used by forensic investigators. The camp also includes demonstrations of K9s and unmanned aerial systems, or drones.

Some of the topics and activities covered throughout the week include:

  • Overview of the basic human anatomy and how to differentiate human from nonhuman bones
  • Introduction to drones, their ability to assist in mapping outdoor crime scenes, as well as a drone demonstration
  • Specific techniques used to recreate a crime scene and/or a suspected burial
  • Introduction to human remains detector dogs and how they can assist in located a buried body or surface remains
  • Basic crime scene investigation techniques
  • How to conduct a forensic archaeological dig in order to recover skeletonized remains, then presenting field recovery findings to fellow campers

Overseeing the camp is FIRST forensic science administrator Austin Polonitza, who holds a master’s degree from Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) in science and forensics studies, with a focus on human identification and trauma analysis. He joined the sheriff’s office in 2019, after working as a graduate-level lab assistant at FGCU.

Polonitza said the camp will give teens “real-world experience” into forensic investigations, including the meticulous detail and group work needed complete a task, like finding or identifying a missing skeleton.

Unlike what’s often portrayed on television dramas, Polonitza explained forensic work and solving a case goes well beyond technology and 3D renderings, and it doesn’t come together as quickly as some people might think.

FIRST forensic science administrator Austin Polonitza is organizing a weeklong a forensic summer camp in Land O’ Lakes. (Courtesy of Pasco Sheriff’s Office)

“The CSI effect is real and definitely excites a lot of people about the job,” Polonitza said, “but unfortunately these things don’t get solved in 40 minutes.”

Other instructors leading campers throughout the week include Dr. Heather Walsh-Haney, associate professor and program leader for forensic studies at Florida Gulf Coast University; Pasco Sheriff forensic supervisor K9 handler Sue Miller; Pasco Sheriff head K9 forensic trainer Jimmy Hall; and, representatives from Quiet Professionals, a Tampa-based government and commercial defense contractor specializing in cutting-edge drone technology.

Polonitza said the opportunity for high schoolers to learn from various professionals and get hands-on experience in forensics and related disciplines “will undoubtedly give them some discovery and direction of what they would like to pursue in their future careers, or even academic degrees.”

Polonitza himself became interested in crime scene investigations as a youth growing up in the Fort Myers, noting he “always had a drive for puzzles, mystery, kind of uncovering things as you go along and follow the clues.”

He realized forensics was a viable professional path, when the Lee County Sheriff’s Office made a presentation at a high school career day.

“I kind of fell in love with forensic anthropology and the hands-on, practical side of things where I could look at a piece of bone, identify a landmark, and be able to tell which side of the body it came from and which bone it is. …It excites me about the field, and I want to share that to others who have interest in forensics, as well.”

Polonitza said the first-of-its-kind forensic summer camp will be held annually, with future demonstrations planned at the FIRST campus, as more buildings and infrastructure come online over the next couple years. There are also plans to develop outreach programs for kindergarten through 12th grade schools and collaborate with other local universities, he said.

The FIRST campus is part of the sheriff’s office enterprise fund. It is promoted as a forensics and training facility that strives to become a collaborative resource for universities, forensic scientists and law enforcement,  serving as a one-stop shop to improve crime scene operations and investigations in the realm of homicides, missing persons cases and so on.

For cost and enrollment information and for other details, email or visit floridafirsttraining.org/#/camp.

Published July 08, 2020

Daisy Scouts give the gift of books

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Girl Scouts deliver much more than delicious cookies. They’re also leaders in delivering community services.

For example, some Daisy Girl Scouts from Land O’ Lakes Troop 50128 recently donated about 650 gently used books to BookWorks, a literacy program sponsored by Goodwill Industries-Suncoast Inc.

Daisy Girl Scouts Troop Leader Heather Tibbetts, left; Addison Bryant, 6; Kennedy Flege, 5; Reagan Flege, 6; and co-Troop Leader Audrey Flege donated about 650 books to Goodwill’s literacy program, BookWorks. Back row: Ken Karbowski, left, regional sales manager for Goodwill Industries-Suncoast Inc.; assistant Goodwill store manager Robert Taylor and Store Manager Mistie Bradley. (Kathy Steele)

Ken Karbowski greeted the Scouts and their troop leaders as they dropped off box after box of books at the Goodwill store, at 2390 Willow Drive in Wesley Chapel.

The books will end up in the hands of low-income preschool-age children or at area elementary schools that need them.

Getting such a large book haul is tremendous, said Karbowski, the regional sales manager for Goodwill Industries-Suncoast Inc.

The nonprofit serves a 10-county area, including Pinellas, Hillsborough and Pasco counties.

“You girls are awesome,” he told the Scouts. “You did a good thing for a lot of kids.”

Karbowski is quite familiar with BookWorks. Once a month he visits a Head Start program within the region and reads two or three books aloud to excited preschoolers.

Then, each child gets a book to take home.

“This program we have is huge,” Karbowski said. “We do so much good with it.”

Often, a child leaves the event with the first book they’ve ever owned, he added.

Goodwill estimates that BookWorks serves about 40,000 children each year.

The website for the Girl Scouts of West Central Florida includes BookWorks on its list of recommended service projects to earn a “Uniforms in Action” badge. The girls also earn a “Clover,” a green Daisy petal, for learning to use resources wisely. They can earn enough petals to eventually complete a flower design for display on their tunics.

Daisy Girl Scouts serves young girls from kindergarten through first grade.

Troop Leader Heather Tibbetts selected BookWorks from the website’s list, and in mid-March she started organizing.

Each year Girl Scouts in the West Central Florida division partner with a local organization to host a community service project.

“Originally, I thought I would do this fancy flier,” she said.

But then COVID-19 showed up. “I couldn’t use it,” Tibbetts said.

No one could get out and collect books, so Tibbetts and her Daisy Scouts turned to Facebook and conducted a virtual book drive.

In a way, Tibbetts said, a shutdown that originally seemed a roadblock had an unexpected benefit.

“Everybody is home,” she explained. “They’re cleaning their house.”

And, they found lots of books to give away.

“So many people came by and left them by my door,” Tibbetts said. “Between the books and cookies, I can’t wait to get my living room back.”

The lesson for the Daisy Scouts is to give within your community, Tibbetts said.

Troop co-Leader Audrey Flege said the virtual book drive became a community enterprise to give children the gift of books.

“I just feel like every house has got to have one book,” she said. “I know we’re very privileged.”

Published June 24, 2020