The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Local News

Pasco County Schools is identifying more gifted students

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Pasco County Schools has seen an increase in the number of students identified as academically gifted since the district began using a screening tool with all district second-graders, according to Vanessa Hilton, the district’s chief academic officer.

“Since that time, we have increased our number of gifted-identified students by 20%, especially in some of the more disproportionate areas,” Hilton said.

She said the district also has launched more professional development opportunities to help increase the number of educators to help serve the district’s gifted learners.

“In June of 2022, we started to offer all five endorsement courses over the summer, so teachers didn’t have to come out of their classrooms, they could do that when they weren’t doing other things, or as they did things for summer.

“We prioritized the teachers who were already teaching gifted learners, and, as a result, in that first year, we had over 250 classes completed,” Hilton told the Pasco County School Board, during its Dec. 5 meeting.

“And then, since we started, we’ve had a total of almost 650 classes completed, and we’ve increased the number of our gifted endorsed teachers by 33%,” she added.

“So, we have done support for students and support for teachers,” Hilton said.

She expressed her gratitude to district departments that help to pull off opportunities for students and staff in this area, including the Office for Leading and Learning, the Office for Student Support Programs and Services, and Accountability Research and Measurement.

School board chairwoman Megan Harding said she has heard positive feedback from a couple of her friends who have been able to take the classes.

“It’s just a great opportunity,” Harding said.

Published December 13, 2023

Zephyrhills’ leaders step up to help school children

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City leaders from Zephyrhills are stepping up to boost literacy efforts among the community’s young children.

City leaders are getting involved in efforts to help school children learn to read. They have volunteered to help a specific group of young children in Zephyrhills’ public elementary schools.

“There’s a commitment from the city to support our literacy efforts. They are doing that not only through their innovative programs at the public library, but they’re also committed to have their city employees volunteer in our schools,” said Poe, the district’s assistant superintendent of elementary schools.

“So, at this time — and they’ve been doing it for over a month —  every week we have the librarian, airport director, finance director and public information officer volunteering at West Zephyrhills Elementary.

“We have the city manager, police chief and public works director volunteering at Woodland Elementary. They have an assigned time, an hour a week, that they do during their work day, with assigned third-graders.

“So, they are working with those students who are really trying to give it their all this year, and we know that’s a high stakes year and we’re focusing our efforts there.

“Also, City Council members Lance Smith and Steve Spina — they are members of the Zephyrhills Noon Rotary — so they heard of the initiative and wanted to get involved, so they and the Rotary members are pushing into West Zephyrhills Elementary, focusing on first-grade learners.

“So, we’re super-excited to know that the efforts are citywide.

“And they’re working along our two elementary schools to impact their youngest citizens.

“We know it takes a village. It’s cliché. We hear it, but we know it does take all of us working together to positively impact our community, and we are all in on literacy this year.”

Published December 13, 2023

Bilirakis seeks swift action on likely fuel spill off Pasco’s coast

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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

Sharon Streater and Carlton Ward Jr. to be honored for their work

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Sharon Streater and Carlton Ward Jr. are being singled out for recognition by the League of Women Voters of Hillsborough and Pasco Counties.

Streater and Ward are being honored for their contributions to the local community, and to the state of Florida, according to a news release from the organization.

Tampa Mayor Jane Castor will speak at the awards luncheon on Feb. 28 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Shanna and Bryan Glazer JCC, 522 N. Howard Ave., Tampa.

Tickets and sponsorships are available now and start at $55.

Streater is being honored for her 34 years of teaching, training, organizing, and empowering community members with HOPE, the Hillsborough Organization for Progress and Equality, an organization that has united diverse faith-based groups to improve the quality of life in Hillsborough County, according to the release.

Streater recently retired from her latest role as HOPE’s lead organizer. Based on shared values of justice, fairness, love of neighbor and the dignity of all people, HOPE’s mission is to train residents to identify common community problems, to research long-term solutions, and to build collective power and skills to hold systems accountable to implement those solutions for their communities.

Ward is receiving the 2024 Sydney & Thalia Potter Civic Leadership Award.

He has been a conservation photographer and National Geographic Explorer.

For more than 20 years, his mission has been to inspire appreciation and protection of Florida’s original nature and culture — the endangered wildness that is often hidden in plain sight but very much needs our attention to be saved, the release says.

Ward began his career working with the Smithsonian Institution in Central Africa, and in 2004, he retrained his focus on his native Florida, motivated by eight generations of family heritage and a drive to bring new attention and protection to the state’s under-appreciated wild heart.

Ward published Florida Cowboys in 2009 and founded the Florida Wildlife Corridor project in 2010. With fellow explorers Mallory Dimmitt and Joe Guthrie, he has since trekked more than 2,000 miles through the Corridor during two National Geographic-supported expeditions, which both produced award-winning books, PBS films and widespread outreach for the statewide vision to keep Florida wild.

Registration and sponsorship information for the event is available at HCLWV.org/laa. Organizers may be reached at or at 813-461-5365.

The League of Women Voters of Hillsborough and Pasco Counties is a nonpartisan political organization that encourages the informed and active participation of citizens in government and works to increase understanding of major public policy issues.

Published December 13, 2023

Pasco County Commission names Ron Oakley as chair

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Ron Oakley
Gary Bradford

The Pasco County Commission has named Ron Oakley as its new board chair, following the completion of Jack Mariano’s one-year term in that role.

The board also named Gary Bradford as the board’s vice chairman.

Oakley said he is pleased to serve as chairman.

He noted this marks the third time he has been named to that position during his nearly eight years on the county board.

 

A new Village Green is coming to East Pasco

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The Pasco County Commission has approved a request for a rezoning to clear a project that includes 470 apartments and townhomes, as well as 14,000 square feet of commercial space, which will feature lawn space for a Village Green.

The 48-acre site on the west side of Wirt Road, about one-half mile north of Prospect Road in San Antonio, previously was zoned for agricultural and agricultural residential uses.

But the board voted unanimously at its Nov. 14 meeting to clear the way for the site to be used for a mixture of multifamily and commercial uses.

“The Village Green concept is based around a centrally located green space where the applicant plans to hold farmer’s markets, craft fairs, holiday markets or similar events,” according to background materials in the county board’s agenda packet.

When it is not being used for events, the green space will be a passive space for the public to enjoy, the background materials add.

Gavin Covey, a Pasco County planner, presented the request by Bruce Landis of Landis, Evans and Partners, for the board’s consideration.

During his presentation, Covey described the concept as a “really good community asset” in his opinion.

Madonna Wise urged the board to reduce the proposed intensity of the project, saying it is not compatible with other development in the area.

“This has been a nightmare for us,” she told the county board.

She called for a decrease in density.

“This is what it looks like now in the area,” she said, showing board members a slide in a PowerPoint. “Majestic oaks are everywhere.”

She also lamented the plight of wildlife, which is being forced out into other areas because of increasing development.

Her husband, Ernie, raised concerns about the area’s traffic hazards, which will only worsen with the number of residential dwellings proposed in the plan.

Linda Snell, who lives on Wirt Road, said her house was built in 1889, and she’s the current resident of four generations of the McCabe family.

“We’re proud of this area,” she told the county board. “As stewards of this area, I’d like you all to help it.”

County board members said they like Landis’ design, but want to be sure that what gets built on the site actually matches that plan.

Landis said his company has a good track record in that request, but County Attorney Jeffrey Steinsnyder said the board wants to make sure that it does, and can add that as a condition of approval.

So, the board did just that, noting that the site plan submitted for approval must substantially match the plan Landis presented during the Nov. 14 zoning hearing.

After raising concerns about lack of access to the site, the board also added a requirement for a multi-use trail to be constructed to provide that access, in exchange for granting mobility fee credits to the developer.

Board members also instructed Landis to have a meeting with residents, with a county staff member present, to address the issue of buffering on Wirt Road to reduce impacts to neighbors.

Published December 06, 2023

The Point Distillery to produce The Rolling Stones’ Crossfire Hurricane

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A distillery in Pasco County that recently expanded to add new bottling lines and new jobs has secured a contract to produce The Rolling Stones’ first-ever spirit, Crossfire Hurricane, according to a Pasco Economic Development Council news release.

Pasco County helped The Point Distillery to expand, by providing economic incentives.

Spencer Wolf, CEO of The Point Distillery, expressed his exuberance by his company’s selection by The Rolling Stones to bottle a rum known as Crossfire Hurricane.

The Point Distillery in New Port Richey has been selected by The Rolling Stones to bottle a rum known as Crossfire Hurricane, the band’s first-ever spirit. (Courtesy of Pasco Economic Development Council)

“We are beyond ecstatic and very proud to be producing a product for the most iconic rock band in the world,” Wolf said, in the release.

He credited his team and called it “a classic example of how local government can work hand-in-hand with business, creating employment opportunities, economic growth and provide unique recognition both domestically and internationally for Pasco County.”

He said the announcement of the launch has been featured internationally by the media.

The Point Distillery, at 11807 Little Road in New Port Richey, will carry out the entire rum-bottling process.

That includes setting the bottling line up for production, filling the bottles with the Crossfire Hurricane rum, completing the packaging by attaching the corks and labeling, and, lastly, sealing the bottles with a capsule over the cork. The products will then be packed into display cases ready for shipment to distributors, the news release says.

“As The Rolling Stones say, the consumer can now ‘take your tongue for a ride with Crossfire Hurricane.’ We make the rum, they make the music,” Wolf added.

Bill Cronin, president/CEO of Pasco EDC, also weighed in.

“Securing a contract like this brings more job opportunities to our residents and showcases our business community in such a cool and different light,” Cronin said, in the release. “The county supported The Point and its expansion and now they are working with one of, if not, the biggest name in rock ‘n’ roll.”

Pasco County Commission Chairman Jack Mariano is delighted, too.

“Pasco County is proud to share in the success of such a top-notch company that’s truly premier in the industry,” Mariano said, in the release. “The Point Distillery is now exporting products around the U.S. and the world – with more than 30 full-time employees.”

The board chairman also noted: “Our board has provided the company with approximately $239,000 in repayable equipment purchase loans over the past several years, which is a great example of how Pasco County supports redevelopment and thriving small businesses.”

Published December 06, 2023

City of San Antonio objects to potential Orange Belt Trail Route

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The City of San Antonio is raising objections to one of the paths for the proposed 37-mile Orange Belt Trail, intended for runners, walkers and cyclists to make their way across Pasco County.

As envisioned, the trail will be a multi-use path from Trinity to Trilby.

San Antonio officials have declared their opposition, specifically, to the proposed B1 Route of the trail, citing concerns by residents that the path is too close to private homes and could result in various negative impacts.

The objections are outlined in a Sept. 20 letter to the Pasco County Commission, from Mayor John Vogel II, Mayor pro-tempore Mark B. Anderson and commissioners Alison Cagle, Kevin Damic and Sarah Schrader.

Pasco County Commissioner Ron Oakley, whose district stretches across about half of Pasco County, including San Antonio, asked Pasco County Clerk & Comptroller Nikki Alvarez-Sowles to read a letter into the record, at the county board’s Nov. 14 meeting.

The letter notes that the city appreciates the county’s efforts to expand recreational opportunities and promote connectivity.

However, the city officials said, as representatives of the residents of San Antonio, they felt compelled to do their “due diligence in protecting the interests and well-being of our community.”

The letter adds: “We believe that the proposed B1 Route poses significant drawbacks and concerns for our community.

“Route B1 of the Orange Belt Trail Route intersects with several residential neighborhoods, leading to concerns of privacy, safety, and noise pollution.

“The increased foot and bicycle traffic in these areas may disrupt the tranquility and security that residents have long enjoyed in their homes, qualities many have sought after and appreciated in their decision to call San Antonio home.

“Moreover, the potential for increase in littering, vandalism and other undesirable activities along the trail is a worry for many.”

City commissioners also noted they’ve been approached by residents “with fears of eminent domain, and discomfort with having a public trail in close proximity to their private homes and yards.

“Traffic congestion and safety are additional worries associated with the B1 Route.

“Sections of the trail would intersect with small residential streets — including Railroad Avenue, Michigan Avenue and Joe Hermann Drive, creating potential hazards for residents of the streets, trail users and motorists,” the letter adds.

Safety is a major issue, too.

An increase of pedestrians and cyclists, particularly near Curley Street, city leaders wrote, “would lead to an uptick in accidents endangering lives and property.”

The letter also raises concerns about a lack of community involvement in the process.

“We believe that the proposed Orange Belt Trail Route does not adequately consider the preferences and needs of our community,” the letter says.

“We feel that our concerns have not been adequately addressed,” it adds.

Communication has been lacking, too, city leaders say.

“Paths for the proposed routes have changed between public meetings, with sparse details available, leading to confusion and uncertainty over who will be impacted by the project.

“We urge the Pasco County Board of County Commissioners to undertake a more comprehensive and inclusive community engagement process to ensure that the trail aligns with the wishes and values of our residents,” the letter continues.

The city leaders urge the county board to reject the B1 Route within San Antonio.

“While we are not opposed to the Orange Belt Trail as a project overall, we are strongly opposed to any route that would run adjacent to any of the city of San Antonio residential streets.

“Routes B2 and B3, adjacent to State Road 52 and County Road 52, would have a less significant impact on the City of San Antonio community and residents.

“We believe that a more thoughtful and community-driven approach is necessary to address the concerns of residents, protect our environment and enhance our city’s recreational offerings.

“We look forward to further dialogue and collaboration with the Pasco County Board of County Commissioners to find a solution that benefits our community as a whole,” the letter says.

Concerns about the alignment of the Orange Belt Trail have been voiced throughout community meetings regarding planning for the recreational path.

Property owners have voiced worries that they could lose portions of their land through eminent domain to make way for the trail.

Pasco County Commissioner Kathryn Starkey, a staunch advocate for trails, in general, and for the Orange Belt Trail, in particular, has proclaimed those fears are unfounded. There are no plans for the county to take property against property owner wishes for the Orange Belt Trail, Starkey has said repeatedly at public meetings.

While acknowledging the concerns that have been raised about the Orange Belt Trail’s path, Oakley has said he believes a path will be found to move the project forward.

The Orange Belt Trail will, more or less, follow the path of the old railway and will link communities such as Trinity, Odessa, Land O’ Lakes, Wesley Chapel and Dade City.

It is expected to have recreational and economic opportunities along the way and will make use of the Coast-to-Coast Trail, Starkey Trail, Suncoast Trail and Withlacoochee Trail. The multi-use trail is expected to be 12 feet to 14 feet wide, and will be paved, but portions of the path also could incorporate equestrian uses.

Published December 06, 2023

Audrey Major, co-owner of ‘The Party Line’ passes on

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There was a time when Audrey and Alban Major, co-owners of “The Party Line,” were widely known in the communities of Lutz and Land O’ Lakes.

“The paper – everybody wanted it. It just covered every facet of life here. The photo element really was much more extensive than most small papers had at that time,” said Dr. Susan A. MacManus, who lives in Land O’ Lakes.

MacManus is an expert on Florida politics and co-author of local history books about Lutz and Land O’ Lakes.

“If there was an event, they would cover it. And, if there was a family accomplishment or a highlight of someone’s achievement, they would publish it.

“So, basically, anyone who wanted to share news, they were the venue for doing it,” MacManus said.

Audrey and Alban Major were the co-owners of The Party Line, a community newspaper that covered all facets of daily life in Lutz and Land O’ Lakes. Audrey died at age 100 on Nov. 17. (Courtesy of Dr. Susan A. MacManus)

The couple was tuned in to what mattered to area residents, she added.

“They were neighborly, very insightful about what people enjoyed about local life and they were sort of like the glue that stuck the communities of Land O’ Lakes and Lutz together,” said MacManus, whose family supported the creation of a digital collection of historic photographs and documents, which was recently dedicated at the Lutz Branch Library.

MacManus said one story published by The Party Line was particularly notable.

“They ran a piece that was classic, what I think was exemplary of their service to the community, which really identified all the old pioneer families in the area. It, to my knowledge, was the only such collection that was ever done along those lines,” she said.

Audrey Major, of Lutz, a co-owner of The Party Line, passed away peacefully on Nov. 17 at her home, at the age of 100, according to information provided to The Laker/Lutz News by her daughter, Heidi M. Taylor.

Audrey was born on Oct. 7, 1923 to Capt. Adrian and Amey Bicker-Caarten in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, as a dual citizen of the United States and Great Britain.

In St. Thomas she lived in the family compound, which included Black Beard’s Castle, according to obituary information, provided by her daughter.

While living in St Thomas, she flew with Charles Lindbergh, the obituary says.

When she was 10, Audrey’s family moved to London, where she attended boarding school.

“One day, Audrey defied warnings and climbed a Monkey Tree with huge thorns. She refused to come down because of the thorns, so the school had to rescue her,” the obituary information says. 

The obituary goes on to say that Audrey was a registered nurse at 18, working in a London hospital during World War II.

Her obituary provides these additional details.

“Her family evacuated London, but Audrey stayed behind with her dog, a British Bull Terrier. One day, as bombs were falling, she ran to an air raid shelter where they refused to let her in because dogs were not allowed. She refused to go inside without her dog. They finally let her in.

“Amidst the bombings, she cared for the wounded at a London hospital. She alternated working on the live ambulance and the dead ambulance. In 1945, she cared for Holocaust survivors among the other war veterans after her fiancé’s fighter plane was shot down.”

By 1947, she had moved to the United States and in 1950, she met her husband, Alban, in Miami.

The Party Line’s office operated out of a building that was originally constructed by the MacManus family.

The family relocated to Lutz, where Audrey and Alban owned and operated “The Party Line,” with the help of their three children.

Alban was the reporter and photographer and Audrey was the editor.

Alban died suddenly at age 65, and after that Audrey founded a single-family home property management business, known as “MD Management.”

The company thrived and Audrey continued to run it until she was 90.

In addition to her professional life, she had many other interests.

She loved reading romantic novels, was an avid gardener at one point having 150 rose bushes and 50 orchids, and loved dogs, British Bull Terriers and German Shepherds, in particular.

She also enjoyed traveling the world with her three granddaughters, Amey, Norah and Paulla, the obituary says.

“In 1965, Audrey planted a Monkey Tree as a reminder not to do stupid things in life,” the obituary adds.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 35 years, Alban Roland Major; her son, Patrick Scott Major, and siblings, Capt. Delmar John Bicker-Caarten, Capt. James Bicker-Caarten and Peter Bicker-Caarten.

She is survived by her son, Gil R. Major, and his wife, Pamela, and daughter, Heidi M. Taylor and her husband, Stephen; and her grandchildren, Amey Major and Billy Marckesano, Norah Taylor and Paulla Taylor; and great-grandchild, Jamie Marckesano.

The Party Line went on to become The Lutz News, which went on to become The Laker/Lutz News.

Published December 06, 2023

Pasco planning board recommends against cell tower

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A request for a 155-foot cell tower in an Odessa neighborhood has met with resistance from area residents and has received a recommendation for denial from a divided planning board.

An attorney for the applicants, Joan E. Patterson/Anthemnet and Verizon Wireless, told the planning board that the request meets the requirements spelled out in county regulations and asked the board to agree with the planning staff’s recommendation for approval.

The application called for a 155-foot pole, including a 150-foot monopine, which resembles a pine tree, as well as a 5-foot lightning rod on a property at the terminus of Roland Drive, about 600 feet north of Balough Road, in Odessa.

Neighbors made their objections loud and clear during a Nov. 16 public hearing before the Pasco County Planning Commission.

Residents expressed fears about potential negative impacts on their health and also on their property values.

A request for a 155-foot cell tower, which will be disguised as a tree, in an Odessa neighborhood has met with resistance from area residents and has received a recommendation for denial from a divided Pasco County planning board.

They said the cell tower would become an eyesore in an area that boasts natural beauty.

One speaker told the planning board that if a cell tower must be approved, it would be better to have one of a different design.

He voiced concerns about the monopine’s materials deteriorating and shedding over time, posing environmental risk to people, property, wetlands and a lake.

Others expressed worries about the wear and tear that will be created as trucks come to the site to build and maintain the cell tower.

David Goldstein, Pasco’s chief assistant county attorney, told the audience that the Federal Communications Commission has preempted local governments from regulating cell towers based upon potential harmful effects on people, plants or animals from radiofrequency emissions.

The planning board’s role, he said, is to look at it from a land use and zoning perspective and not to consider any potential health effects.

Planning Commissioner Jon Moody was receptive to the argument that materials shedding from a monopine could have negative impacts. He called for approval of the request, but said the cell tower should be a monopole, made of galvanized steel.

While not being able to produce hard evidence, other speakers told the planning board they fear the presence of a cell tower in their neighborhood would deter buyers, should they ever want to sell their homes.

Planning Commissioner Jaime Girardi raised concerns about placing a cell tower in a residential neighborhood, and, in general, about the increasing proliferation of cell towers.

“Are we heading down the path that we’re going to have a cell tower every mile in the county?” Girardi asked.

Bill Compton, a technical expert for the applicant, said there are areas where the sites are needed that close together based on demand and cell tower capacity.

Girardi said he’s also concerned about this request because “it’s very close to existing residential in the area,” noting the tower would be just 100 feet from the property line.

“That’s bothersome to me,” he said. Girardi added: “I think we’re headed down a dangerous path here, if you need one of these things every mile.”

Planning Commissioner Derek Pontlitz, who voted in favor of the request, said today’s technology demands the installation of cell towers to support it.

Planning Commissioner Richard Tonello asked if the roads leading to the site will allow the equipment needed to carry the necessary materials to build the tower.

Representatives for the applicant said the roads are sufficient to gain access and any damage that occurs to the roads during the construction phase will be repaired.

The attorney for the applicant also noted that if any damage to the monopine’s fronds occurs, the applicant is required to provide repairs within 15 days.

Planning Commission Chairman Charles Grey asked if the applicant would be willing to build a bell tower, rather than a monopole or monopine.

The attorney responded that the clients support a monopole or monopine, not a bell tower structure.

Goldstein asked: “Is it because of a technical reason or cost issue?”

The attorney said cost is a factor, but deferred to her expert regarding the technical question.

Compton said the types of structures used are becoming a bigger issue as different frequency bands come out.

Grey told his colleagues that he would not support the request.

“We do have a responsibility, as a board, to try to protect the people that live in that area.

“The other thing that I don’t like is that I don’t like it when a company comes and says, ‘We don’t want to do that because it’s going to cost more money.’ How it affects the neighbors is more important to me than whether it’s going to cost more money.

“I’m not sure all of the best efforts were made here to find the better location,” Grey said. 

The planning board voted 3-2 to recommend denial of the request. It now goes to the Pasco County Commission, which has final jurisdiction over zoning and land use issues.

In other action, the planning board:

  • Approved a special exception request from Esther’s School Inc., for a private school in a high-density residential area. The school will operate on a roughly 6-acre site on the south side of State Road 52, about 165 feet east of Meadow Drive.
  • Recommended approval of a request by The Crossings at Sunlake to rezone a 3.69-acres site on the north side of State Road 52, at the intersection of Sunlake Boulevard. The property is zoned for general commercial uses and a light industrial park district. The applicant proposes a general commercial district for a portion of The Crossings at Sunlake Commerce Park. A request is pending to change the comprehensive land use designation on the site from light industrial to commercial.

Published December 06, 2023