The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

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Health officer’s contributions praised by Pasco County Commission

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When the COVID-19 pandemic was shutting everything down, Mike Napier and his team were ramping up.

The recently retired health officer for the Florida Department of Health-Pasco County led efforts during the pandemic, building on partnerships the health department had already established within the community, to help prevent the spread of COVID and to respond to those sickened in the pandemic.

Napier collaborated closely with Pasco County, Pasco County Schools and a network of local health providers and community organizations.

Mike Napier, the recently retired health officer for the Florida Department of Health-Pasco County, played a pivotal role in helping Pasco County government, businesses and residents navigate through the COVID-19 pandemic. He was honored for his work recently by the Pasco County County Commission. (Courtesy of Pasco County)

He was immersed in the work of keeping the public informed and creating strategies for making vaccinations available and responding to ever-changing conditions.

Napier’s efforts were acknowledged by the Pasco County Commission during its Aug. 22 meeting, when it adopted a resolution honoring Napier.

The resolution noted that Napier focused on organizational performance and fostered community collaboration.

He worked to provide the first Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) services on a school campus in Pasco, according to the resolution.

The resolution also cited Napier’s selection as the “Pasco County Public Servant of the Year” by the West Pasco Board of Realtors, in 2022, “bestowed upon him for his exemplary service during the COVID-19 pandemic by working closely with the BOCC (Pasco County Commission) and Pasco County School District to provide testing and vaccines.”

Also, the resolution adds that Napier “demonstrated his leadership outside of Pasco County, having been the President of the Florida Association of County Health Officers, President of the Florida Public Health Association, and President of the Florida Association of County Health Department Business Administrators, and accepting the added responsibility of interim Health Officer for Osceola County in 2018 while still maintaining his duties as Health Officer in Pasco County.”

Pasco County Commissioner Kathryn Starkey brought forth the resolution for the board’s action.

“What an inspirational leader you were for this county,” Starkey said, mentioning that Napier was so highly regarded, he was temporarily on loan to the state, in Tallahassee, because of his expertise.

“You were such a leader during COVID. I don’t think any of us will forget, or will ever want to go through again, what we did for that year, or year and a half.

“I’m just grateful that you were here during that time,” Starkey said.

“I just want to congratulate you on such a successful career,” she added.

Commissioner Ron Oakley agreed: “Mike, you’ve done a great job. You’ve done so much for us.”

Commission Chairman Jack Mariano heaped on praise.

“The things you’ve done — not only COVID, but hepatitis, when we had outbreaks,” Mariano said.

Napier’s public awareness campaign led to a significant reduction of hepatitis cases, the county board chairman said.

“You’ve had a great career. You’ve worked hard all of your life. You’ve been very successful. Now, it’s time to enjoy it all,” Mariano told Napier.

Napier responded by sharing the credit for his success with the 160 employees at the health department.

“A leader is only as good as those who follow,” Napier said.

He reminded commissioners that the health department continues to need the county’s support.

“COVID was the latest (major health concern). There is going to be something else,” Napier said.

He told commissioners that much of what goes on at the health department never reaches public view because it works with hospitals, day cares and other places on disease interventions and to prevent outbreaks from getting worse.

He thanked the county board for its support and also voiced appreciation for the help his department has received from the Pasco community.

“We have a great county in Pasco County, and they’re willing to partner, whether it’s the sheriff’s office, or whether it’s the tax collector, the property appraiser. Everyone’s been very supportive of what we do here,” he said.

County board members told Napier they’re confident that his successor, Trang L. Chitakone, who was his assistant county health administrator, will perform well in the role.

Published September 20, 2023

Lutz Church of God gains approval for Land O’ Lakes location

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The Lutz Church of God has been granted a special exception from the Pasco County Planning Commission, allowing it to locate a church on 8.50 acres, on the west side of School Road, at the northernmost intersection of Land O’ Lakes Boulevard and School Road.

The planning board approved the request, with conditions. Planning board Peter Hanzel voted no, saying he doesn’t think the proposed church is compatible with the surrounding development.

Lutz Church of God has been granted a special exception from the Pasco County Planning Commission, allowing it to locate a church on 8.50 acres, on the west side of School Road, at the northernmost intersection of Land O’ Lakes Boulevard. (Mike Camunas)

In granting the request, the planning board stipulated that the future church be prohibited from allowing access to the lake by motorized boats.

The church’s pastor said that won’t be a problem.

It may have an observation deck at some point, so people can view the lake, but has no plans for a boat launch, he said.

Three neighbors spoke against the request.

They said they were worried that the church could create an access to the lake, which already suffers from water quality issues, posing an ecological threat to the lake.

They said if that access was granted, there’s no way of knowing how many members of the congregation would use that access.

They also said the church’s traffic and other impacts would just be another thing they’d have to live with, in an area that already has traffic from nearby Sanders Memorial Elementary School, a church and Christian school on School Road, and Land O’ Lakes Heritage Park.

Planning board members told opponents of the project that the church would not be able to add a boat dock without environmental clearances, which would be unlikely to occur.

The site is flanked on the north by Edmonson Electric; on the east by School Road, vacant property and Land O’ Lakes Boulevard; on the south by wetlands and vacant land; and on the west by Lake Thomas and wetlands.

The site currently has a single residential dwelling, which will remain on the property to be used for church purposes, according to the church’s pastor.

Published September 20, 2023

A rocket blast on the bay

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Be prepared to get blasted — with speed and sprays of water.

That’s what you can expect on board Bay Rocket — one of the newest attractions at the Riverwalk in downtown Tampa.

Bay Rocket, based out of the Riverwalk in downtown Tampa outside the Tampa Convention Center, offers a nearly hour-long adrenaline-filled jet boat ride in a 2,800-horsepower speedboat that takes passengers in thrilling 180-degree spins, turns and bow dips on Hillsborough Bay. Setting sail on the weekends, Bay Rocket’s crew also cranks up music while cruising, and provides whimsical narration, fun interactive games and a dance party on the slow ride back into dock. (Mike Camunas)

The 2,800-horsepower speedboat, outfitted with dozens of passenger seats, docks outside the Tampa Convention Center. It takes passengers who dare to board it on an adrenaline-filled ride out onto Hillsborough Bay.

But like many of the boat rides through Channelside around Davis and Harbor islands, a ride on Bay Rocket is more than meets the eye.

Yeah, the boat looks super cool, but it’s also a fun, easy-to-do experience right in the heart of Tampa. It’s for thrill junkies, for families and couples, and even those who are just killing some time before dinner or waiting for the sunset.

It’s a rocket-blasted experience, and ride, that’s totally worth the trip. 

Water warning
Captain Shane Lance has plenty of experience driving speed boats and other passenger water taxis. So, he gets to do a job that many would love — driving a vessel with the kind of power many have never experienced.

“It’s not everyday you can hop on a boat this size and go that fast, unless you find the right ride,” Lance said. “People come here looking for a good time, and, probably, don’t mind getting wet, as well.

“Almost everyone is definitely looking for something they’ve never done before.”

Bay Rocket passengers board outside the Tampa Convention Center on the Riverwalk for a nearly hour-long adrenaline-filled jet boat thrill ride in Hillsborough Bay in the 2,800-horsepower speedboat.

Those lining up on the Riverwalk along The Sail Plaza to board the (Tampa Bay) pirate-themed boat will experience an nearly hour-long ride filled with 180-degree spins, turns and bow dips in Hillsborough Bay.

Lance says the boat does about 30 knots (35 mph), adding, “which doesn’t sound very fast, but on a boat it is or can be.”

“We’re going to do zig-zags,” he added. “Then we’re going to do about five spins and two dips. I think everyone loves the dips.”

The dips entail taking the bow of the boat and “just slam it into the water.”

“And those in certain, and most rows, depending on the wind, will get wet,” Lance added with a sly smile.

Indeed, the spray of water goes high and wide, lightly or thoroughly drenching passengers that are desperately hanging onto their seats — and their phones recording the action.

Passengers do wear seatbelts and will be treated to views — as well as some historical notes of the Seddon Channel between Harbor and Davis islands — with a slow taxi out to and back from Hillsborough Bay.  

Amira Ali, left, and Carlos Puchades, right, take a thrill-filled ride on Bay Rocket speedboat on Hillsborough Bay.

“(People) definitely come to ride for the thrills, the views and, even as it’s hot,” Lance said. “They’re like, ‘Let’s get on there and get a little wet, cool off a little with some breeze and have some fun.’

“It’s something new and different and there will be entertainment.” 

Rocket-ing the boat
Now, it’s time for a dance off.

That entertainment Captain Lance mentioned goes beyond just a history lesson.

Bay Rocket will crank up the tunes, for a dance party, that every passenger can enjoy from the comfort of their seats.

The boat’s first mate will, enthusiastically, lead the dancing, as pop music blasting from the speakers will make every passenger groove, even just a little bit.

“People really do seem to love that part,” Lance added. “This is going to be a fun ride, no matter what.”

In the span of an hour, passengers will be tossed and turned, to their delight, on Hillsborough Bay.

Passengers aboard Bay Rocket, a 2,800-horsepower speedboat, might get wet from 180-degree spins, turns and bow dips during a nearly hour-long thrill ride.

They will then be brought back to the many other attractions at Riverwalk, such as Cycleboats, The Sail Plaza or Cotanchobee Fort Brooke Park.

Rocket Bay — one of the newest many attractions at the widely popular Riverwalk — is meant for anyone age 5 or older — who wants to enjoy a thrilling experience on the water.

Just be prepared for that water to be blasted on you.

Bay Rocket
Where: 333 S. Franklin St., Tampa (in front of the Tampa Bay Convention Center)
When: Fridays through Sundays, six daily rides starting at noon
Cost: Adults – $34.95, Children (ages 5 to 12) – $29.95. Groups of 15-plus passengers must call in advance.
Details: Blast off on a nearly hour-long adrenaline-filled jet boat ride in Bay Rocket’s 2,800-horsepower speedboat that takes passengers in thrilling 180-degree spins, turns and bow dips. The crew will crank up music while cruising, and provide whimsical narration, fun interactive games and a dance party on the slow ride back into dock.
For more information or to book online, visit BayRocketTampa.com, or call 813-223-7999.

Published September 20, 2023

Carlos Puchades holds on tight during an evening run of Bay Rocket, a 2,800-horsepower speedboat that takes passengers out on Hillsborough Bay.
First Mate Rebeca Ibarra leads the lively dance party aboard Bay Rocket, the 2,800-horsepower speedboat that takes passengers for rides with 180-degree spins, turns and bow dips in Hillsborough Bay.
Bay Rocket docks itself at the Tampa Riverwalk and can load up dozens of passengers to take on a nearly hour-long adrenaline-filled jet boat thrill ride in Hillsborough Bay, full of 180-degree spins, turns and bow dips.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Passengers on Bay Rocket, a 2,800-horsepower speedboat docked outside the Tampa Convention Center, await a nearly hour-long adrenaline-filled jet boat ride in Hillsborough Bay.
Bay Rocket passengers board outside the Tampa Convention Center on the Riverwalk for a nearly hour-long adrenaline-filled jet boat thrill ride in Hillsborough Bay in the 2,800-horsepower speedboat.
The Bay Rocket thrill boat takes off from the docks at the Riverwalk outside the Tampa Convention Center and offers riders an adrenaline-filled jet boat ride for about an hour. (Courtesy of Bay Rocket)

 

 

Pasco County School Board adopts nearly $2 billion budget

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Pasco County Schools’ budget for the 2023-2024 fiscal year is just slightly under $2 billion.

The Pasco County School Board adopted the budget during its second public hearing, held Sept. 11.

Pasco County Schools Superintendent Kurt Browning provided an overview of the budget for the board and public.

The actual 2023-2024 budget amount is $1,996,021,940, which is an increase of $189,409,710 — representing a 10.5% increase, Browning said.

That budget includes all funding types, not just locally generated revenue, the superintendent noted.

“The total tax millage for the 23-24 fiscal year is 6.449 mills. That’s an increase of .933 mills,” Browning said.

Without the 1 mill voter-approved tax to improve salaries for teachers and non-administrative personnel, the district’s tax rate would have been lower by .67 mills, the superintendent added.

One mill equals $1 for every $1,000 of taxable value.

Browning said a homeowner of a $350,000 home, taking into account a $25,000 homestead exemption, would pay $2,096 in taxes. That represents an increase of $303 over last year.

The superintendent offered this rundown on the budget. It includes:

  • A general operating budget of nearly $997.1 million, of which $53 million is from the voter-approved 1 mill increase.
  • A capital budget of $520 million
Operating costs for Angeline Academy of Innovation, plus construction costs for that school’s athletic complex, are part of Pasco County Schools’ 2023-2024 budget. (File)

The operating budget is increasing from $850 million to $997 million, and the capital budget is decreasing by $14 million, Browning said.

He noted the district received $59 million more in state funding, to accommodate a projected growth of 3,479 students and recurring expenses.

He then detailed how some of that $59 million will be spent.

Approximately $11 million will be set aside for charter schools, which are public schools, he said.

About $8 million is set aside for Family Empowerment Scholarships, which the state uses to provide scholarships to private schools.

Other expenses being paid with the additional state funding include $7 million for Florida Retirement System increases, $3 million for health insurance increases, and $3 million for software licenses, utilities and School Resource Officer contract increases.

The 2023-24 budget also includes an increase of 158 school allocations, for an increase of $12 million, Browning said.

He also noted: “There were no increased allocations at the district office, at the district level.”

Additionally, there’s an increase of $1.4 million for allocations and operating costs for the opening of Angeline Academy of Innovation, which opened in August, and for Kirkland Ranch K-8 school, which will open in August 2024.

Browning attributed the decrease in the district’s capital budget to a spending down of bond proceeds on construction projects.

He listed these major capital projects:

  • Completion of the construction of Gulf High School
  • Completion of construction of Kirkland Ranch K-8 school
  • Completion of the Starkey Ranch K-8 wing
  • Completion of the Angeline Academy athletic complex
  • Major renovations of West Zephyrhills Elementary School and Pasco High School

Other capital projects include: Marchman Technical College structural and roofing construction, infrastructure upgrades at various schools and HVAC system replacements.

Speakers at the public hearing urged the board to cut back on spending. They said they and other property owners simply can’t afford the increases.

School board member Cynthia Armstrong noted that the voter-approved tax increase is intended to help the district deal with a persistent problem.

“The whole reason for the salary referendum — the reason it was voted (approved) by over 60% of the voting population was because they saw the need for us to improve the salaries of our non-administrative people, because we were not competitive with the surrounding counties.”

Browning noted: “I’ll be the first to admit and maybe I shouldn’t be saying this, but I’ll be the first to admit, I don’t like the (tax) increase I saw on my house. I did not like it.

“But I will tell you that I know that the increase for the teacher salaries was certainly needed. I voted for it. It was certainly needed in order for us to stay competitive and to continue to have great teachers in our classroom. And, we are getting teachers from Hillsborough, Pinellas and Hernando counties,” he said.

Published September 20, 2023

Pasco Schools helps in response to Hurricane Idalia

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Pasco County Schools has provided a helping hand in response to Hurricane Idalia.

Locally, the district set up and operated five hurricane shelters, to enable Pasco residents who were potentially in harm’s way to leave their homes and to safely wait out the storm.

“I cannot begin to thank our team, our staff, enough for staffing those shelters,” Pasco County Schools Superintendent Kurt Browning said, noting personnel from every district department pitched in to respond.

Pasco County Schools has provided a helping hand in response to Hurricane Idalia, with district employees heading down to Suwannee County to help the school district get ready to reopen. (Mike Camunas)

District crews also responded to give a helping hand to the Suwannee County Schools.

“I got a call on Labor Day wanting to know if we could send a crew to Suwannee District Schools. They have eight schools, total. They were having a hard time getting those schools ready for students, without help.

District employees Mike Witfoth, Richard Witfoth, Harold Wolf and Fred Smith headed to Suwannee County to help the school district get ready to reopen.

They arrived there on Sept. 5 and worked there through Sept. 7, Browning said.

On the first day they arrived, they removed eight dump trucks of materials. The next day, they removed over 30, Browning said.

“These guys slept on hard floors in dark schools, with no electricity. They literally sacrificed … and worked like dogs, ensuring that Suwannee County Schools opened.

“They removed all what they call ‘widow-maker trees’ that were stuck overhead and other trees. They cleaned up all of the downed trees and hauled off tons of debris off their eight school sites.

“So, they were able to open when the rest of the districts opened up,” Browning said.

Assistant Superintendent Betsy Kuhn also thanked district staff for all that they did to open shelters, to feed people in shelters, to transport them there and take care of other duties.

“I saw people acting as waiters and waitresses to some of our elderly residents, to make sure they were taken care of. It really is an experience that makes you feel good to be part of this system, not that we don’t every day, but to see that in action is a really powerful thing,” Kuhn said.

In addition to the shelter staff and management, she thanked the district’s security team, the food and nutrition team, the transportation team and the maintenance team for their work relating to the storm.

In another action, the school board approved Browning’s recommendation to donate 14 buses the district had intended to sell as surplus, but instead are being donated to districts affected by Hurricane Idalia who need them.

In other action, during its Sept. 11 meeting, the board:

  • Approved seeking proposals from firms to conduct an impact fee study that includes “an appropriate and legally defensible impact fee methodology and fee schedules for growth-related capital facilities.” Impact fees for schools are charged against new residential construction and are intended to address the costs associated with additional student enrollment resulting from that new development.
  • Approved a proclamation relating to the importance of school attendance and how that relates to student achievement. Pasco County Schools is placing particular emphasis on student attendance this year, noting that when students  are absent, they lose valuable instructional time, which can cause significant consequences.
  • Approved a proclamation recognizing the month of September as suicide prevention awareness month and supporting education and efforts aimed at helping students, teachers and staff to identify and act upon warning signs and risk facts to prevent the loss of life from suicide.
  • Approved engaging Wagstaff & Cartmell, LLP and its co-counsel Alfonso Hersch, P.A.; Hand Arendall Harrison Sale, LLC; Beasley Allen Cros, Methvin Portis & Miles, P.C.; and Goza & Honnold, LLC, to provide legal services in connection with the pursuit of claims for damages associated with social media in litigation.

Published September 20, 2023

More actions needed for traffic safety, Watergrass residents say

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Watergrass residents are continuing to push Pasco County to make more road improvements to reduce safety concerns in their area.

Some residents appeared before the Pasco County Commission, during the public comment section of the Sept. 5 board meeting, urging the board to take action.

The Watergrass area has been dealing with increased traffic since a new interchange opened at Overpass Road and Interstate 75.

Residents have called for road improvements to provide more options for motorists entering into their community.

Watergrass community residents in Wesley Chapel appeared before the Pasco County Commission on Sept. 5 to voice their concerns about road improvements and increased traffic in their area ever since a new interchange opened at Overpass Road and Interstate 75 earlier this year. (Mike Camunas)

One Watergrass resident, who lives on Summerglade Drive, told the county board she expects additional issues to result from the construction of a new development called Vida’s Way.

Pulte Homes has announced plans that it will be building a development on more than 332 acres of land in Wesley Chapel, which is less than five miles away from State Road 54 and State Road 56, and is close to Interstate 75.

It plans to build 700 homes in the first phase of its development, according to information previously provided to The Laker/Lutz News.

The Watergrass resident addressing the board said she’s concerned about impacts from construction trucks traveling into the area while the project is being built.

She said conditions already are hazardous.

“On a daily basis, it’s taking your life into your hands, coming out of this neighborhood,” she said.

“How do we slow down the traffic on Overpass (Road) so people start thinking about the people that live in this community?” she asked.

She added that accidents occur, as motorists try to get ahead of each other, and that fire trucks aren’t able to get through when traffic is backed up.

“There’s nowhere for people to pull off,” she said.

She said the county needs to do more to address infrastructure needs, as growth continues.

“We need to get serious at looking at all of this development.

“How can we do this so it’s thoughtful and it’s not just to generate new tax revenue from new houses being built?”

Another resident expressed similar concerns.

She predicted that thousands of construction trucks will be headed to Vida Way, as that project is being built.

“Right now, the only way in, is going down Overpass (Road) and down Watergrass Parkway,” she said.

The community is “begging and pleading” that the county fast-track projects that are already planned in the area.

Pasco County Commissioner Ron Oakley, whose district includes this area, asked county staff to bring back “some answers that are more concrete (regarding traffic problems in Watergrass) than have been given, so we all know how the traffic is going to flow.”

He added: “We need to do everything we can to get a resolution in there that will satisfy those citizens along that way.”

County Administrator Mike Carballa told the board: “We are probably looking for a developer-in-kind project going on out there. We’ll talk with the team, figure out what the challenges are and we’ll see how we tackle them.”

Commissioner Seth Weightman told Carballa: “Whatever relief we can get there would be fantastic.”

Published September 20, 2023

National bicycle route will be running through Pasco County

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The Pasco County Metropolitan Planning Organization has approved a proposed bicycle route through Pasco County to be part of the U.S Bicycle Route System.

The countywide transportation planning agency has agreed to a route proposed by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, which is working to expand the national bike route system.

The draft enters Pasco on the Withlacoochee State Trail, then goes to U.S. 301, Christian Road, Powerline Road, Frazee Hill Road, 14th Street, U.S. 301 and State Road 39.

The route going through Pasco is U.S. Bicycle Route 15, which will be a designated route for cyclists traveling through the Florida Gulf Coast.

Currently, the route is only in southern Georgia, 92 miles from Fitzgerald, Georgia, and in northern Florida, from the Georgia line to Madison.

The proposal is to extend it from Madison to Miami, which is 496 additional miles,  according to materials in the Pasco MPO’s agenda packet.

The Pasco MPO’s Bicycle Pedestrian Advisory Committee recommended approval of the proposed route, with the caveat that Pasco has safe alternative routes in addition to the route chosen by the national group.

Pasco officials favor the extension of the national bicycle route through the county because it fits in with the county’s tourism development goals.

Published September 20, 2023

Billy Brown’s positive impacts in Pasco lauded by county board

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During a career that spanned 67 years, Billy E. Brown left his mark on the Withlacoochee River Electric Cooperative where he worked, and on countless lives in Pasco County.

His achievements were honored on Sept. 5 by the Pasco County Commission, which passed a resolution detailing his many accomplishments.

Brown is a lifelong resident of Pasco County and attended Pasco High School before he served in the U.S. Coast Guard and in the Korean War, the resolution says.

The resolution also provides additional details of Brown’s life.

Pasco County Commission passes resolution recognizing Billy Brown (center).

He went to work for the Withlacoochee River Electric Cooperative (WREC) on Oct. 16, 1956.

At that time, WREC served 2,996 members and employed 40 people, the resolution says.

Today, the electric cooperative is the third-largest in the nation and has more than 250,000 members.

In 1985, Brown “formed a for-profit entity named ‘URADCO’ that brought thousands of jobs to the Cooperative’s service area and built two industrial parks: One Pasco Center and One Hernando Center,” the resolution adds.

“The Cooperative also formed the WRECares/Operation Round-Up program that provides financial assistance to families who have suffered a catastrophic event,” it adds.

Brown “founded the WREC Educational Foundation, which awards 110 college scholarships valued at $12,000 each to high school seniors on an annual basis,” the resolution adds.

“To date, the Foundation has awarded 2,414 scholarships valued over $18.5 million.”

Brown “is not only a well-respected leader at the local, state, and federal levels, but also a vocal advocate for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA).”

Brown has received recognition for his work through the years, including the NRECA Regional Award for Outstanding Service, NRECA Paul Revere Award, NRECA President’s Award, NRECA Cooperative Purpose Award, NRECA William F. Matson Democracy Award, NRECA National Community Investment Service Award, Dade City Chamber of Commerce Richard Tombrink Lifetime Achievement Award, and the 2022 Pasco County Economic Development Council Leadership Award, the resolution adds.

He also served on the Seminole Electric Cooperative’s Board of Trustees for more than 48 years and on the Florida Rural Electric Cooperative Association, and served with various nonprofit organizations, such as the Rotary and United Way.

He retired from WREC in April.

In accepting the board’s honor, Brown said: “It has been a joyous and rewarding experience to work for the co-op, the board of trustees, its members – a highly loyal and dedicated group of employees of unusual talents for 67 years.

“Early on, as manager of the cooperative, there was an extreme downturn in the economy in Florida. Construction was our only industry then and when it came to a halt, we saw many people losing their jobs, their incomes and ability to provide for their families.

“We decided then that we wanted to be more than just another utility supplying quality electric service.

“We wanted to do some things to improve the quality of life for the people in our service area. I thought that we probably were one of the few that had the wherewithal to do those kinds of things.

“We presented the proposal to our board of trustees. They unanimously approved it. The net result is all of the great things the cooperative has done.

“It’s also been my pleasure to work with this board of commissioners and those before you, to be helpful in projects presented by the county that were in the benefit of the people of Pasco County, my home county, and I thank you very much.”

Pasco County Commissioner Ron Oakley told Brown: “Mr. Brown you have been an icon in our community, and I can say for a fact that you’ve been a true friend to me and my family for many, many years.”

He said Brown “has worked so tirelessly to make this community better, and I appreciate everything you have done toward making it a better community for all of us to live in.”

Oakley added: “When I graduated from high school, same as when you graduated from high school, if you weren’t involved in citrus here in this community, you didn’t have a job here to come back to. You had to go find a job somewhere else.

“Well, that’s changing, and part of that is due to what you have done with WREC.”

Commissioner Seth Weightman told Brown: “Mr. Brown, I sit here as a proud co-op kid. My dad just retired after 45 years and three months of service with the co-op.

“Because of you and this co-op, it provided life and provided a way for my dad and other families to have a family and live a life here in Pasco County that otherwise might not have been. So, I owe a great deal of my success because of what the co-op provided my family through the years and the jobs it created.

“I honestly don’t believe that my brother, my sister or I would be where we are today if it weren’t for the foundation of the co-op and what it brought to our county, what it brought to Dade City and to so many folks here.”

Published September 20, 2023

NHTSA cautions on teen drivers’ immaturity

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While summer is a popular time for teens to get driver’s licenses, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) warns that teen drivers have a higher rate of fatal crashes — mainly because of their immaturity, lack of skills and lack of experience.

On average, eight teens die each day from motor vehicle injuries, according to WalletHub’s recently released report, 2023’s Best & Worst States for Teen Drivers (for the complete report, see WalletHub.com/edu/best-worst-states-for-teen-drivers/4598). 

The NHTSA encourages parents to learn about the state’s Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) laws and to not rely solely on a driver’s education class to teach a teen to drive.

A driver’s education class can teach road rules and safe driving practices, but those are only part of a GDL approach, which is designed to ease teens onto the roadway by controlling their exposure to progressively more difficult driving experiences.

The GDL has provisions and restrictions for three stages: Stage 1-Learner’s Permit; Stage 2-Intermediate (Provisional) License; and Stage 3-Full Licensure. 

Parents also are advised to talk to their teen drivers about the dangers of drug and alcohol use; distracted driving (texting, talking, eating, applying makeup, etc.); and other potentially dangerous behaviors, such as not wearing a seatbelt, speeding and having too many passengers in a vehicle.

The NHTSA also recommends parents set driving ground rules and consequences for distracted driving.

For more information and tips, visit NHTSA.gov/road-safety/teen-driving. 

Published September 20, 2023

Pasco Utilities rates to increase

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Pasco County Utilities customers will be paying higher water, wastewater and reclaimed water bills, effective Oct. 1, according to a county news release.

The average residential customer, using 6,000 gallons of water and sewer each month, will see a billing increase of $2.47 — going from the current charge of  $83.68 to a new charge of $86.15.

Residential reclaimed water customers also will see small increases in the reclaimed water base charge and the Back-Flow Prevention Device fee as follows:

Reclaimed Water Base Charge: increasing 40 cents, from the current charge of $11.39 to a new charge of $11.79, for the first 10,000 gallons.

After that, the charge will increase 4 cents — from the current rate of $1.14 for every additional 10,000 gallons to a new rate of $1.18.

The back-flow prevent device fee also is increasing. It is going up 22 cents, from the current fee of $6.20 to a new fee of $6.42.

A full list of rates and fees is available online at bit.ly/pcurates – scroll to the middle of the page. 

A four-year rate schedule went into effect Oct. 1, 2021, with changes adopted from a Cost-of-Service Rate Study approved by the Pasco Board of County Commissioners. The study includes projected annual adjustments to service rates, fees and charges through Sept. 30, 2025.

Visit PascoCountyUtilities.com for more information about Pasco County Utilities services.

Published September 20, 2023