Local News

Habitat affiliate rebrand reflects growth

September 17, 2024 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Site rendering of similar Habitat Development, Longlake Preserve Townhomes. Rendering courtesy of Habitat for Humanity

CLEARWATER – Habitat for Humanity of Pinellas and West Pasco Counties has rebranded to become Habitat for Humanity Tampa Bay Gulfside.

The new name reflects the affiliate’s recent expansion into Hernando County. The affiliate now represents three of the four counties in the Tampa Bay MSA.

This rebranding comes at a pivotal time for the organization, which is recognized as the second largest, based on its new home construction out of the U.S. network of 1,100.

In April, Habitat for Humanity International selected Habitat for Humanity of Pinellas and West Pasco Counties to expand its service area to include Hernando County. Its 900th Home build was celebrated in the Greater Ridgecrest Community in Largo in June. Most recently, Pinellas County selected Habitat for Humanity as the top proposal for 62 lots designated for a mixed housing development in Lealman.

“Our new name not only reflects the expanded geographic reach but also underscores our commitment to transformative community development throughout the region,” President and CEO Mike Sutton said.

Since its announcement of expansion in Hernando County, leadership has been working to raise awareness of its services and create partnerships with community stakeholders.

Habitat recently announced the hire of a new executive director, Whitney Dinu, to support efforts in the region.

“It’s an exciting time for Habitat for Humanity,” Sutton said. “The most recent selection by Pinellas County for the Lealman Heights Development will allow over 60 families access to affordable homeownership in the community. In a time where too many of our neighbors are being priced out of the area they live, grow and work in, homeownership helps anchor families to our region.”

The Lealman community is a focus area for Habitat for Humanity, with more than 60 homes built since the pandemic. The overall site plan for the Lealman Heights Development is designed to create a cohesive and sustainable community that addresses the area’s diverse housing needs. The plan includes the development of 31 single-family infill homes and 31 townhomes, arranged to increase land use while maintaining a balance between density and the surrounding lower-density neighborhood.

At a nearly $14 million investment, the development will feature a mix of 2-bedroom, 3-bedroom and 4-bedroom units, ranging between 1,100 to 1,400 square feet and serving an estimated 204 people.

The development will be executed in three phases, ensuring prompt development of vacant single-family parcels while concurrent development activities occur on the additional parcels. Officials said this approach ensures the Lealman Heights Development meets current housing demands and sets a standard for future developments in the region.

“The primary goal of this development is to address the growing need for affordable housing in the Lealman community,” Sutton said. “By providing high-quality, affordable homes, we aim to create stable communities, reduce housing insecurity, and promote economic mobility among residents. Additionally, we seek to empower residents through homeownership, providing them with the tools and support necessary to build generational wealth.”

Pasco EDC recognizes business success at annual awards

September 17, 2024 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

WESLEY CHAPEL – The Pasco Economic Development Council hosted its 36th annual awards event Sept. 5 at the Pasco-Hernando State College Instructional Performing Arts Center.

The award finalists this year included companies that exhibited exemplary growth through job creation, capital investment, technology, innovation and community service.

“It is always our pleasure to recognize Pasco County companies who have greatly contributed to the economic growth of our community,” said Bill Cronin, Pasco EDC president and CEO. “Last night, we recognized five companies and of course, the recipients of the Leadership Award who have demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to Pasco County, Mrs. Avis Phillips and the late Ted Phillips.”

The 2024 winners are as follows:

Garyline

Pasco Establishment Award

Garyline specializes in creating and selling branded promotional products with an environmental focus to provide customers with manufactured reusable products. Its new 440,000-square-foot manufacturing facility is in west Pasco near the Suncoast Parkway and State Road 52 and houses 30 injection molding machines, five extrusion blow molding machines and seven stretch blow molding machines.

JTD Enterprises Inc.

Economic Excellence Award (small)

JTD is a high-volume production, build-to-print fabrication and assembly company. With JTD earning multiple quality certifications, the company has been a high-volume build-to-spec manufacturer and assembler for the Navy for over 20 years and the industrial market for over 40 years. JTD recently expanded and added an additional 8,200 square feet to its facility in Compark 75. After recently investing over $125,000 in new equipment, JTD sales increased over 35%, and the company added six new positions with the goal of hiring more over the next year.

TRU Simulation + Training

Economic Excellence Award (large)

TRU Simulation designs, manufactures and maintains flight training devices for pilot training in the business aviation, helicopter and military markets. Their products and services include full flight simulators, flight training devices and classroom training tools designed to meet each market’s unique training needs. TRU invested over $780,000 to remodel its existing space near the Suncoast Parkway and State Road 54 to allow for an expansion within its existing facility and purchase new lifts and tooling. With this expansion, the company added 23 new jobs.

John Richardson, Jon’s Gourmet Nutrition

SMARTstart Entrepreneur of the Year

Richardson began working with the SMARTstart program as an East Pasco Incubator Kitchen member in Dade City to prepare his food products that were sold at local markets around Pasco County. He was later approved for a Pasco EDC Microloan, which was used to establish a physical location at Saint Leo University as the new Wellness Center vendor at Café 36. Jon’s Gourmet Nutrition specializes in clean and healthy food and beverages that provide energy and benefit the body.

OpenBuilds

International Achievement

OpenBuilds recently relocated from Pennsylvania and is now headquartered in Zephyrhills. The company is a global leader in affordable robotics and automation solutions and provides a wide range of high-quality build solutions, including V-slot linear rails, pre-engineered CNC machines and electronics fueled by new tech. In 2023 the company invested over $1 million in the purchase and remodel of its new warehouse, infrastructure and equipment. OpenBuilds conducts 20% of business globally and serves customers worldwide. International customers include shipments to Australia, Canada, France, Germany, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom.

Ted and Avis Phillips

Leadership Award

Ted and Avis Phillips have built tremendous careers, all while giving back to their community. Phillips & Jordan Inc. (P&J) was established in 1952 by the late William “Ted” Phillips Sr. and his brother-in-law. Over the next 72 years, P&J grew into a nationally recognized critical infrastructure contractor, while maintaining its family-owned roots. The company established its Pasco County location more than 40 years ago, and its regional headquarters is now located in San Antonio, Florida. Ted and Avis Phillips operated as a team until Ted’s passing, and their values and spirit formed the foundation of P&J. The Phillips were also integral to the Pasco Master Reuse project, which used a portion of their 4G+1 Ranch property to create 133 wetted acres, replenish Pasco County’s water supply and foster biodiversity through a partnership with Pasco County and the Southwest Florida Water Management District.

With these grocery prices, don’t throw away food too early

September 17, 2024 By Shari Bresin

Vegetable Soup — Soups, stews and stir fries are easy meals to make when you want to throw together several ingredients approaching their expiration date. (Adobe Stock)

How often are you throwing away food?

If it’s regularly, you’re in good company. While food waste occurs at every stage of the supply chain, from farmers, to packers, to retailers, 43% of all food produced in the United States is thrown away at the household level, followed by 40% at the retail level, including restaurants and grocers, according to Earth.org.

The top three most wasted foods are grain products (namely bread), milk and potatoes.

And half of the produce we purchase gets thrown away simply due to appearance, not because it actually spoiled.

A recent survey on food waste showed that Floridians, on average, throw away $835 worth of groceries each year.

With the sky-high cost of groceries, the last thing we want is to throw away food.

Confusion on storage guidelines and stamped dates have contributed to much of the food waste from consumers (and retailers).

The same survey found that almost 49% of respondents said they don’t eat food beyond the sell-by date, and 30% inaccurately believed the use-by date meant the last day the food was edible.

These terms indicate freshness, not food safety, so don’t throw out that food just yet (the landfills and your wallet will thank you):

“Best if used by” or “best before”: indicates when a food is at its best quality or flavor. It is not related to food safety and can be eaten beyond this date, though it may not taste as fresh.
“Sell-by”: how long a store can display the product for sale for inventory purposes. It is not related to food safety and can be eaten beyond this date.
“Use-by”: the last day at peak quality (similar to “best if used by”). It is not related to food safety and can be eaten beyond this date. Two exceptions: baby food and infant formula should not be eaten past this date.

Dairy can be consumed five to seven days past the “sell by” date, and eggs are still good three to five weeks after this date.

Deli meat and cheese are good up to four days after slicing, provided it was stored and handled correctly (ie: not left out at room temperature for over 2 hours).

What about fresh food like fruits and vegetables that don’t necessarily have a marked date?

Just because something is softening or wrinkling doesn’t necessarily mean there’s bacterial growth, just that it’s getting overripe and should be eaten or cooked sooner rather than later.

Signs it’s time to toss them: liquid is expelling, there is an off odor, mold growth or it feels slimy.

As for leftovers, they can be kept in the fridge for three to four days. Eat them by then or freeze them.

A few ways to reduce food waste:

The FoodKeeper app from the USDA, (as well as their website FoodSafety.gov) gives easy access to information on food storage and product dating. Simply type in a food item and it will tell you when to throw it out.
If you have food going bad soon and need ideas on what to do with it, there are apps and websites, such as Recipe Matcher, My Fridge Food, and Super Cook where you can enter your current ingredients on hand and it will suggest recipes for you.
You can also make Thursday Night Soup a new tradition in your home. The term comes from the factory days when workers would get paid on Friday, so Thursday night would be a soup made from whatever food was still left.

If you think you’re one of those Floridians that throw away over $800 in food a year, that’s a sign you may be shopping impulsively and may not be meal planning.

Have a plan for everything you put in your shopping cart so it doesn’t end up forgotten about in the back of the fridge going bad.

And always shop your refrigerator and pantry before creating your meal plan for ideas first based on what you currently have, saving money at the store and preventing food waste.

Have excess overripe vegetables?

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

Vegetable soup is an easy way to use them up, whether or not it’s Thursday:

Garden Vegetable Soup

(source: University of Maryland Extension):

Servings: 6

Ingredients
Non-stick cooking spray
2 carrots, washed and sliced
1 small onion, chopped
1 clove garlic minced or 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
3 cups low-sodium broth (beef, chicken or vegetable)
1 cup green cabbage, washed and chopped
1 (14 ounce) can green beans, no salt added, rinsed and drained
1 (14 ounce) can diced tomatoes
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 zucchini, washed and chopped

Directions
In a large sauce pan sprayed with nonstick cooking spray, cook the carrot, onion and garlic over low heat for 5 minutes.
Add broth, cabbage, green beans, tomatoes and Italian seasoning; bring to a boil.
Cover, lower heat. Simmer about 15 minutes or until carrots are tender.
Stir in zucchini and heat for 6 to 8 minutes. Serve hot.
Refrigerate leftovers.

Milton Funeral Home approaches 50-year anniversary

September 13, 2024 By Joe Potter

Rosandrea Pulley McClendon serves as owner/operator of Milton Funeral Home. Photo courtesy of Milton Funeral Home

DADE CITY – Milton Funeral Home has helped thousands of people at times of their greatest need during its first half century of service in the greater Tampa Bay area.

Sherman Milton founded Milton Funeral Home in mid-1974. He had been a partner in the Manker-Milton Funeral Home in Miami for 17 years before moving to Dade City and opening his own funeral home.

Milton Funeral Home was originally located at a site further north on Fifth Street than at its current location at 13950 Fifth St.

Three generations of Milton’s family are licensed funeral directors and embalmers.

Milton received his degree from Gupton-Jones College of Funeral Science in Atlanta, Ga., in 1954, when he was about 19 years old. He obtained his license shortly afterwards.

Milton operated Milton Funeral Home for approximately 30 years before turning over management of it to his daughter, Rosandrea Pulley McClendon, after she became a licensed funeral director and embalmer.

McClendon began helping her father at the funeral home in 1993 when she was 18 after having graduated from high school in New York and moving to Florida.

She received her Associate of Arts degree in Funeral Services from St. Petersburg College in 2002 and obtained her funeral director and embalmer’s licenses shortly afterwards.

She became fully in charge of Milton Funeral Home a few years before her father, Sherman Milton, passed away on June 2, 2013, at 73 years of age.

Her son, Darrell McClendon, who is 24, recently graduated from St. Petersburg College and received his funeral director and embalmer’s licenses on April 29, which is his mother’s birthday.

There’s a fourth licensed funeral director and embalmer, Cedricjuan Wilson, who, along with Mrs. McClendon, has been working at the funeral home for more than 30 years.

Several other of Milton Funeral Home’s staff members have also worked there for many years, Mrs. McClendon said.

Visitations, viewings and services can all be held at Milton Funeral Home, Mrs. McClendon said. However, services have also been held at churches and other locations throughout the state of Florida.

The largest funeral service Milton Funeral Home ever held was for Pasco Sheriff’s Office Capt. Charles “Bo” Harrison, who was killed in the line of duty on June 1, 2003.

Harrison, who was the sheriff’s office’s highest ranking Black employee at that time, was fatally shot at about 2 a.m. while performing surveillance near a nightclub on U.S. 301 in Lacoochee. He died only 15 days before he was set to retire after having worked for PSO for 31 years. Harrison, who was 56, had been a lieutenant at the time but was posthumously promoted to the rank of captain.

Five thousand programs had to be printed for Harrison’s funeral service that was held on June 7, 2003, in the gymnasium of Pasco High School in Dade City, Mrs. McClendon said.

The dedicated staff of Milton Funeral Home tries its best to professionally assist and comfort people during times of their greatest need following the transitioning of loved ones from this life to the next, according to Mrs. McClendon.

A lot of personalized services are held by Milton Funeral Home, Mrs. McClendon said. This can include providing blankets or special garments for the deceased who are being cared for. Video recording can be taken of services and provided to family members and others who desire to have an endearing memory of their loved one’s homegoing service.

The variety of funeral services provided by Milton Funeral Home includes traditional burials and cremation. Caskets may be chosen from an assortment featured in catalogs, Mrs. McClendon said.

The funeral home has five automobiles of various types that may be used as part of a funeral procession. These include two Cadillac hearses, two Cadillac limousines and a Chevrolet Suburban that serves as a lead car for a procession.

Milton Funeral Home tries to play an active role in the community by helping to support churches and other charitable organizations, according to Mrs. McClendon.

Want to learn more?

Additional information about Milton Funeral Home may be obtained by calling 352-567-6534, visiting www.miltonfh.com or emailing .

Memorial in Pasco County honors fallen law enforcement officers

September 12, 2024 By Joe Potter

DADE CITY – More than 100 people turned out Sept. 11 in downtown Dade City to witness the unveiling of a memorial honoring law enforcement officers who had lost their lives in the line of duty.

The ceremony on the grounds of the Historic Pasco County Courthouse was the result of nine years of fundraising efforts, according to attorney Craig Laporte, who was one of the speakers at the event.

Attorney Craig Laporte, District 1 County Commissioner Ron Oakley, Dade City Police Chief James Walters and Pasco Sheriff Chris Nocco unveiled the Fallen Law Enforcement Memorial during a ceremony Sept. 11 on the grounds of the Historic Pasco County Courthouse in downtown Dade City. Photo courtesy of Joe Potter

Laporte, who had been a Pasco Sheriff’s Office deputy in the 1970s and 1980s, said he understood the stress that families of law enforcement officers experienced when their loved ones were working. He added that the memorial is a good thing for families to relate to.

“Everybody chipped in to help to make this possible,” Ronald E. “Ron” Oakley said, adding that the memorial “was very much worth the wait.”

Oakley, who is chairman of the Pasco County Board of County Commissioners, was another one of the speakers at the event. He represents District 1, which is located in eastern Pasco County.

“We’re not only honoring those who gave their lives . . . we’re honoring their families as well,” Sheriff Chris Nocco said.

He added the memorial would be a place families of fallen officers could find solitude and receive God’s comfort.

Nocco noted he was at The Pentagon in Washington, D.C., on the night of Sept. 11, 2001, when terrorists had attacked it along with both towers of the World Trade Center in New York.

The demand for the memorial had been so great that it was actually ordered six years before the Pasco County Fallen Law Enforcement Memorial and Benefit Foundation Inc. had enough money to pay for it, according to Laporte.

Several donors combined their efforts to contribute $100,000 in a week and a half, Oakley said.

The final cost of the memorial hasn’t been disclosed but it was completely funded through charitable contributions to Pasco County Fallen Law Enforcement Memorial and Benefit Foundation Inc., which is a 501c3 nonprofit.

Members of the foundation and its supporters were reportedly inspired to create the memorial after having seen one in Polk County honoring law enforcement officers who had died there in the line of duty.

Brian Brown, the sheriff’s office’s chaplain, said a prayer at the beginning of the ceremony. Part of what he said was that fallen law enforcement officers had put their lives on the line so that others might live.

Several people who assisted in raising funds for the Fallen Law Enforcement Memorial are shown in front of it after it was unveiled on Sept. 11. Photo courtesy of Richard K. Riley

Other things that occurred before the unveiling of the memorial included Jennifer Ferguson singing the National Anthem and Dade City Police Chief James Walters leading attendees in saying the Pledge of Allegiance to the American Flag.

District 4 County Commissioner Lisa Yeager read a list of donors who had contributed toward the cost of the memorial.

Donors recognized for their contributions were Adam Smith Enterprises, Barbara L. Wilhite P.A., BRW Contracting, Deeb Construction & Development, Deeb Family Homes, Heidt Design, JDR Properties of Pasco, members of the Maggard Family, Make A Difference (a 501c3 nonprofit), Pasco County Property Appraiser Mike Wells, Pasco Office Park, PCS Civil, Randy & Shannon Blankenship, Ronald E. Oakley, Santo Carollo, Floria Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson, Sunrise Consulting Group, Tew & Associates, Thomas B. Dobies Funeral Home, Waist-Aid Systems and Wiregrass Ranch Foundation.

The Laker Readers’ Choice Awards 2024

September 10, 2024 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

The Laker has opened voting for its 2024 Readers’ choice awards.

Readers can nominate their favorite companies in more than 10 categories through Oct. 31.

The readers’ choice campaign allows local companies to get the recognition they deserve while also providing the community a resource in the form of a list of businesses that deliver exceptional products, services and experiences.

Imagine if Rocky Balboa bothered looking up the winners of Best Gym, Best Massage Therapy or Best Supplement Store. The Italian Stallion may have beaten Apollo Creed in their first boxing match.

The Griswold family in “National Lampoon’s Vacation” could have avoided a series of cross-country calamities had they consulted first with the Best Travel Agent.

And Anakin Skywalker probably would have made better decisions in “Star Wars III: Revenge of the Sith,” if he had talked about his troubles with a bartender from the Best Bar or a server from the Best Wine Bar. Perhaps a trip to the Best Coffee House would have given Young Skywalker a bit more focus?

Time to give local businesses the spotlight they deserve. Here are the pages of categories where you can vote:

Animals (Best Dog Trainer, Best Pet Store etc.)

Beauty (Best Hair Salon, Best Hair Stylist etc.)

Drinks (Best Bar, Best Coffee Shop etc.)

Education (Best College Preparation Service, Best Day Care etc.)

Entertainment (Best Art Gallery, Best Community Theater etc.)

Food (Best Bakery, Best Mexican Food etc.)

Health (Best Chiropractor, Best Dentist etc.)

Home (Best Hardware Store, Best Plumber etc.)

Shopping (Best Bookstore, Best Gift Shop etc.)

Professional Services (Best Attorney, Best Bank etc.)

Sports (Best Gym, Best Dance Studio etc.)

Cancer battle inspires a new path for Jolie Dopa

September 10, 2024 By Joe Potter

olie Dopa shifted from music to fashion as she battled Stage 4 breast cancer. Photo courtesy of Jolie Dopa

Jolie Dopa has been working in the fashion industry for the past couple of years. This is a new interest of hers that was inspired, in part, by surviving breast cancer.

Dopa, who lives in Land O’ Lakes, was originally diagnosed with the disease in November 2017. It was at stage 4 at that time.

Dopa said she has survived since then due to having had 78 rounds of chemotherapy treatments and through God’s help.

Dopa has accomplished two significant dreams during her lifetime.

Her most recent accomplishment was being able to work in the fashion industry.

Prior to that, the other dream she had shortly after graduating from Land O’ Lakes High School was to become a musician. She began accomplishing that dream in Atlanta, Ga., when she was 19 years old.

She’s now well known for her album, “Struggling 4 Thee Diamond Life,” which was released in December 2020. She traveled far and wide as a singer and songwriter.

Having cancer resulted in her mind being “totally reprogrammed” to do things that would bring her happiness and help her to heal, Dopa said.

Healing, for her, is an ongoing process because Dopa said she will have to receive cancer treatments for the rest of her life.

She started to focus on things that didn’t require her to be in the public eye after taking a break from the entertainment industry. It was during that time that she felt led to choose to create unique clothing.

“I believe God gives us the vision and then we must act on that vision. So I did and do,” she told Bold Journey magazine in a Sept. 29, 2023, interview.

Her career in fashion designing originated as a jacket line but has since grown into mostly wire bras, bikini bras and vest/jackets, she previously told Bold Journey.

She began to make money off of her clothing by offering them for sale on Instagram after her mother had suggested that she do that, Dopa previously told Bold Journey. This led to her being invited to do her first fashion show as a vendor, Dopa also previously told Bold Journey.

The first show she was talking about was during the annual 2023 SKIN! Art Show, which was held at the Art Institute of Tampa on July 14 and 15, 2023.

Some of her other displays have also been featured at The Armature Works and Hotel Haya, both of which are in Tampa; and at Coastal Creative – The Factory, which is in St. Petersburg.

The past two years working in the fashion industry have been wonderful, Dopa said. She does about two to three events a month as a vendor.

And she has also been posting her unique clothing on various other social media platforms since 2021.

But her life isn’t just about being involved in the fashion industry, Dopa said.

She’s a single parent who’s actively involved in the life of her son, Josiah, who’s 10 years old.

Want to reach out?

Learn more about Dopa by visiting her Instagram @d0paminedreamz or by emailing her at .

Tentative Pasco County budget of $2.262 billion is approved

September 10, 2024 By Joe Potter

Pasco County Sheriff Chris Nocco is on track to receive more resources in terms of deputies, vehicles, and investigations for the next fiscal year. Here, he is seen working with youth from the 2024 class of Leadership Pasco. Photo courtesy of Leadership Pasco

DADE CITY – The Pasco County Board of County Commissioners adopted a tentative budget of $2,262,949,228 for fiscal year 2025 during a Sept. 3 hearing.

Commissioners also adopted a tentative aggregate millage rate of 10.156 mills per $1,000 of assessed property value.

This is an increase of 9.61% over the roll back rate.

A public hearing will be held Sept. 17 in New Port Richey after which both the budget and the millage rate will be officially adopted by the board.

The new fiscal year will begin Oct. 1.

The amount of the budget and millage rate will have to be adjusted downward before they are presented to the commissioners for final adoption.

This is because a proposed Municipal Services Taxing Unit that would have funded capital maintenance on the county’s 37 parks wasn’t approved on Sept. 3. That MSTU would have raised $8,000,000 during 2025 if it had been approved. The proposed millage rate of 0.714 that would have funded that MSTU won’t be included in the county’s final aggregate millage rate for 2025.

The MSTU required a unanimous vote of 5-0 since it was a new tax that would be levied on the county’s property owners. Commissioners Seth Weightman and Jack Mariano both said they favored funding for parks maintenance to be obtained from elsewhere within the county’s budget. Vice Chairwoman Kathryn Starkey said she favored the MSTU because she didn’t want the county’s parks to fall into disrepair like they had during a recession that had occurred in 2008.

Meanwhile, commissioners tentatively approved fully funding the budget for the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office, which will receive $174,524,315 during fiscal year 2025. This is a 15.6% increase over the sheriff’s office’s 2024 budget of $150,000,000.

Sheriff Chris Nocco had requested the additional funds in June so that 40 additional deputies could be hired and trained. The amount his department will receive will enable 50 new deputies to be added to his staff. This has been made possible through the sheriff’s office receiving 40% of the new property taxes the county receives annually because of its growth. Also, an additional amount of $4,137.702 is being provided by the county from ad valorem revenue along with other money from tax incremental financing money obtained from its public works department.

The sheriff’s office’s budget will also enable it to obtain an armored Special Weapons and Tactics vehicle along with two armored vans for $725,000; upgrade its forensic unit resources for $650,000; have a pole barn built for $300,000 to provide shelter for vehicles and equipment; and $125,000 for the design of an armory for the department.

Budgets were also tentatively adopted for other constitutional officers, including those of:

Clerk & Comptroller Nikki Alvarez-Sowles, Esq., who is requesting $9,250,747, which is an increase of 11.6%;
Supervisor of Elections Brian Corley, who is requesting $6,256,432, which is a decrease of $645,922, or 9.36%, because only one election – the general election on Nov. 5 – will be held during fiscal year 2025;
Property Appraiser Mike Wells, who is requesting $7,761,214, which is an increase of $501,370, or 6.9%. Part of that increase is needed to pay the salaries of two new employees who have been hired along with salary increases given to employees.

The budget for Tax Collector Mike Fasano’s office remains to be determined because information hasn’t been received yet from the Florida Department of Revenue.

In other business on Sept. 3, commissioners:

Continued until Oct. 8 making decisions on a couple of requests that had been made by CPA Fletcher. The applicant is seeking to have a change in the county’s comprehensive plan for and rezoning of approximately 100.8 acres of property located adjacent to Pilot Country Airport in the area of U.S. Highway 41 and Leland Avenue. The applicant would like for 160 townhomes, 350 multi-family apartments and 100,000-square-feet of commercial to be developed on the property. These requests were delayed because residents of the airport’s community told commissioners that they hadn’t been consulted regarding the proposed project.
Approved a State Housing Initiatives Partnership funding agreement between Pasco County and Port Richey Leased Housing Associates, III, LLLP in the amount of $3,000,000 for The Anchors at Gulf Harbors. The Anchors will be a newly constructed 388-unit apartment complex in New Port Richey that will provide critically needed affordable housing that will be income restricted and dedicated for the elderly.
Approved a required local match of $64,900 for the Ekos at Bayonet Point II project. This will enable the project’s developer to apply for full funding from the Florida Housing Finance Corporation for a multi-apartment community for elderly housing in Pasco County. The project, Phase II of their master-planned community located along the west side of Lakeshore Boulevard in Hudson, consists of 160 units dedicated to seniors at 70% and below of the area median income.

Cross Creek Park to get major upgrades

September 10, 2024 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

These renderings show the future of Cross Creek Park, which is located at 19025 Basset Creek Drive. Photos courtesy of Hillsborough County

TAMPA – Hillsborough County broke ground Aug. 30 on a project that will transform Cross Creek Park.

The centerpiece of the $8.7 million upgrade will be a new 16,000-square-foot community center and gymnasium with a fitness room, multipurpose room, multiple classrooms and a covered outdoor space. The old playground will be replaced with a state-of-the-art one, and the project will add a new parking lot, walking path, pavilion, shelter and green space.

The park is in an area that also includes the popular New Tampa Performing Arts Center, John B. Sargeant Sr. Park and Flatwoods Park.

Pasco sheriff explains officer-involved shooting

September 10, 2024 By Justin Vick

Sheriff Chris Nocco (Pasco Sheriff’s Office Facebook page)

NEW PORT RICHEY – A suspect wanted for a federal warrant was shot Aug. 29 as Pasco Sheriff’s Office deputies attempted to apprehend him.

Deputies were part of a U.S. Marshals Task Force trying to locate suspect Tom Rose, 40.

“Tom has a very long history of criminal history – a 35-page rap sheet,” Sheriff Chris Nocco said. “He has numerous gun and drug violations – spent over 10 years in state and federal prison. He is a very violent individual.”

Nocco said Rose warned others that if someone contacted the police about his whereabouts they would have to answer to him and that he would “take cops with him.”

“Clearly this individual is not going to go back to prison and clearly he didn’t care who he harmed to make sure that he did not go back to prison,” Nocco said, in explaining the heightened sense of awareness among his deputies.

After surveillance and tracking, officers found Rose at the Home Depot at Ridge and Little roads. Rose was able to elude law enforcement but officers opted to reestablish surveillance instead of continuing their pursuit.

A plain-clothes Pasco County detective later spotted Rose in the River Ridge neighborhood. Nocco said the detective was wearing a carrier issued by the sheriff’s office that had the word sheriff on it.

He said Rose attempted to strike the detective with his vehicle, prompting the detective to fire at the vehicle. Rose was taken to the hospital with injuries that were not life-threatening, according to officials.

“I thank God Almighty because the suspect, Tom Rose, tried to kill one of our detectives today,” Nocco told reporters. “I thank God Almighty that detective did a hell of a job ensuring that he was safe and ensuring the community was safe.”

Nocco reiterated that the detective thought his life was in danger and that it was obvious just listening to the radio traffic.

“It’s a sad day in society where people think there is no consequences or negative actions,” Nocco said. “In our community, in our region, there absolutely is. And today, the Pasco deputies, the Pasco detectives did one hell of a job getting him off the street.”

The detective was placed on administrative leave. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement is handling the investigation.