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Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

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Enjoy your Thanksgiving foods, and avoid illness, too

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The U.S. Department of Agriculture offers some simple steps to avoid food-borne illness during the Thanksgiving holiday.

There are four steps to keep in mind when it comes to food safety, according to a USDA news release. Those steps are clean, separate, cook and chill.

BE SANITARY
Clean and sanitize any surfaces that have touched raw turkey and its juices and will later touch food, such as kitchen counters, sinks, stoves, tabletops, etc.

DON’T CROSS-CONTAMINATE
Avoid cross-contamination by using separate cutting boards — one for raw meat and poultry, and another for fruits and vegetables.

BE CAREFUL WHEN THAWING TURKEY
There are three ways to safely thaw a turkey: in the refrigerator, in cold water and in the microwave.

To thaw in the refrigerator: Allow roughly 24 hours for every four pounds to five pounds of turkey. After thawing, a turkey is safe in a refrigerator for one to two days.

To thaw in a cold-water bath: Allow 30 minutes per pound and submerge the turkey in its original wrapping to avoid cross-contamination. Change the water every 30 minutes until the turkey is thawed. The turkey must be cooked immediately after thawing.

To thaw in a microwave: Follow manufacturer’s recommendations. Cook it immediately after thawing because some areas of the food may become warm and begin to cook during the thawing process.

BE SURE YOUR TURKEY IS COOKED PROPERLY
Cook your turkey thoroughly. It is safe to eat once it reaches an internal temperature of 165 F. To check the internal temperature, insert a food thermometer into the thickest part of the breast, the innermost part of the wing and the innermost part of the thigh.

The USDA recommends using a food thermometer even if the turkey has a pop-up temperature indicator to ensure it has reached 165 F in the three previously stated places.

IF YOU’RE GOING TO STUFF YOUR BIRDThe USDA recommends against stuffing your turkey since this often leads to bacteria growth.

However, if you plan to stuff your turkey, follow these steps:

Prepare the wet and dry ingredients for the stuffing separately from each other and refrigerate until ready to use. Mix wet and dry ingredients just before filling the bird’s cavity.

Do not stuff whole poultry and leave in the refrigerator before cooking.

Stuff the turkey loosely — about 3/4 cup of stuffing per pound.

Immediately place the stuffed, raw turkey in an oven set no lower than 325 F. Keep in mind that it will take longer to cook a stuffed turkey. To be sure it cooked, place a food thermometer in the center of the stuffing to ensure it has reached an internal temperature of 165 F.

Also, wait 20 minutes before serving the cooked turkey.

KEEP FOOD SAFE, BEFORE AND WHILE SERVING
Don’t leave your food sitting out too long! Refrigerate all perishable foods sitting out at room temperature within two hours of being cooked, or one hour if the temperature is 90 F or above. After two hours, perishable food will enter the danger zone, between 40 F and 140 F, which is where bacteria can multiply quickly and cause the food to become unsafe.

Discard all foods that have been left out for more than two hours. Remember this rule: Keep hot foods hot and cold foods cold.

When transporting hot foods: Wrap dishes in insulated containers to keep their temperature above 140 F.

When transporting cold foods: Place items in a cooler with ice or gel packs to keep them at or below 40 F.

When serving to groups: Keep hot food hot and keep cold food cold by using chafing dishes or crockpots and ice trays. Hot items should remain above 140 F and cold items should remain below 40 F.

KEEP LEFTOVERS SAFE
Store leftovers in small shallow containers and put them in the refrigerator. Thanksgiving leftovers are safe to eat up to four days after refrigeration. In the freezer, leftovers are safely frozen indefinitely but will keep best quality from two months to six months.

FOR MORE INFORMATION
For Thanksgiving food safety questions, call the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 1-888-MPHotline (1-888-674-6854), email , or chat live at Ask.usda.gov from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Eastern Time, Monday through Friday.

Do you have any last-minute turkey day questions? The Meat and Poultry Hotline will be open on Thanksgiving Day from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Published November 23, 2022

Zephyrhills community keeps on collecting food

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Frances Fusco doesn’t have to bug anyone.

She doesn’t have to knock on doors or solicit or even beg.

“They just do it,” the longtime resident of Southport Springs Golf & Country Club in Zephyrhills said.

Fusco is referring to her neighbors and community friends — the same ones, without hesitation, that brought large helpings of food and goods and other pantry donations for the annual food drive she heads up just before Thanksgiving.

First Presbyterian Church of Zephyrhills Reverend Denise Lay, left, and one of her parishioners, Tom Hannold, sort through the donated foods and goods that were brought by residents during Southport Springs Golf & Country Club food drive on Nov. 9. (Mike Camunas)

On Nov. 9, Fusco, and about a dozen helpers, stationed themselves at the community’s clubhouse and welcomed anyone from Southport — and neighboring communities — who were willing to donate to the food banks of nearby churches.

The food drive is in its fifth year and has always benefited St Joseph’s Catholic Church, First United Methodist Church of Zephyrhills and Chancey Road Christian Church. First Presbyterian Church of Zephyrhills was added to the congregation this year.

Fusco and company loaded up car trunks and backseats, while Reverend Denise Lay, of First Presbyterian, brought the church’s van and was able to take back plenty of food, including a frozen turkey.

“Any drive is very huge for us,” Lay said, “but this one, being included this year, has been wonderful. We’re thankful for it, as we are for all our food that comes in the door and then goes right back out.”

Lay said there has been high demand at her church’s food bank, which is why it is planning two Thanksgiving meal giveaways. One will be before the holiday, with those in need able to pick up to-go meals. The church also will host a Thanksgiving dinner on Nov. 24.

Southport Springs Golf & Country Club food drive coordinator Frances Fusco loads some donated goods into a car that will eventually go to First United Methodist Church. For five years now, Fusco and other residents of the Zephyrhills community have reached out and collected food and other goods for food pantries of nearby churches. On Nov. 9, about eight cars and a large van from First Presbyterian Church of Zephyrhills were loaded up with donations that were brought up to the community’s clubhouse from residents and other Zephyrhills citizens.

“Our food ministry has risen up to serve and we’ve served so many,” Lay said.

The Southport community runs several fundraisers or charitable activities throughout the year. In January, they’ll host one to benefit Caterpillars to Butterflies, the Dade City charity that supports at-risk children.

At Southport, Fusco says, the residents have the full support of the community management group, Sun Communities, which “gives us a general manager who is so open and responsive to all that we do as a community,” she added.

Fusco said everyone is made well aware of the food drive, from it being in the neighborhood newsletter, email blasts and reminders at the weekly coffee social.

Fusco, a former nurse in the Air Force who served in Vietnam, is proud of her community for stepping up, especially since promoting the food drive was pretty unnecessary.

Here,” she said, “you don’t have to bug people to donate, or beg from them. They have enough that they’re willing to donate their food, as well as their time and talents, to help out.

“I think more communities should do this, because this is one of the great things about Southport.”

First Presbyterian Church of Zephyrhills Community Thanksgiving Dinner
Where: 5510 19th St., Zephyrhills
When: Nov. 24, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Details: Meals will be served inside the church’s Fellowship Hall to those who are alone or need a meal. No reservations required for the event. Meals will be served until all are served or food runs out.

Published November 23, 2022

Safety tips for the holidays

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The Pasco Sheriff’s Office is offering reminders to help residents protect their belongings and to stay safe during the holiday traveling season.

Here are some of those tips, condensed from a sheriff’s office posting:

  • Never hide a spare key at an entry point.
  • Have someone you trust retrieve your mail, move your trash cans and take care of other routine activities.
  • Maintain your landscaping to eliminate hiding places for potential criminals.
  • Lock all windows and doors and be sure the locks work.
  • Make your home look “lived-in” while away: Use automatic timers or smart devices to control lights at different intervals to make it appear that someone is home.
  • Lock the garage door, or unplug the opener to disable it.
  • Set your alarm system, if you have one.
  • List a trusted alternate contact that’s local with your home security system in case of an emergency.
  • Store belongings such as recreational items or tools in a shed or a garage.
  • Check all fences are closed and gate latches are secured.
  • Share your travel plans with someone close to home while away, so they can quickly report suspicious activity at your home.

While Traveling

  • Adjust social media privacy settings not to share travel activities publicly, and don’t share travel plans on your social media platforms prior to travel.
  • Do not “check-in” virtually at places, to keep your location private.
  • Wait to post travel photos to social media until after you have returned home.
  • Be smart about potential scams and your personal safety.
  • Practice safe storage of any identification you carry, credit cards and money.
  • Tag luggage, including placing a card with your contact information inside your suitcase, and do not leave bags unattended to prevent theft.
  • Know how to contact your destination’s local law enforcement and emergency services before you get there.
  • If you are traveling internationally, know where the closest embassy is and how to contact them. Keep your important travel documents inside a hotel room’s safe.

Published November 23, 2022

AAA forecasts 2.9 millions Floridians will travel for Thanksgiving

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AAA forecasts that 2.9 million will travel for the Thanksgiving holiday — the most since 2005, according to a AAA news release.

Nationally, AAA predicts 54.6 million Americans will travel 50 miles or more from home this Thanksgiving.

The national figure is slightly below pre-pandemic levels, but Florida is forecast to be the busiest it has been in nearly two decades.

“Travel is still roaring back from the pandemic,” said Debbie Haas, vice president of travel for AAA – The Auto Club Group, in the release. “While gas prices and other inflationary pressures weigh on budgets, travel remains a top priority for Americans, particularly during the holidays. Travel spending is at the highest level since the pandemic began, which is a driving force behind our projections this year. AAA expects busy roads and long lines at the airport, so leave early and be flexible with your travel plans.”

Despite higher gas prices, 89% of all Thanksgiving travelers will drive. AAA forecasts 48.65 million Americans will set out for a holiday road trip. That’s 203,000 more drivers than last year.

In Florida, 2.7 million (91% of travelers) will take a road trip; an increase of 28,000 people from last year’s holiday, the release adds.

Pump prices are trending higher this month and could set new record highs for the holiday. In Florida, the highest daily average price for Thanksgiving was set back in 2013, at $3.46 per gallon.

“Higher gas prices don’t seem to be enough to stop people from traveling to be with family and friends,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman, AAA – The Auto Club Group. “We’ve found that when gas prices are high, travelers look to offset the added cost by staying in a less-expensive hotel or spending less on shopping and dining out.”

If you are hitting the road for the holidays, leave early, AAA recommends. Travelers should expect much heavier than normal congestion Monday through Wednesday afternoon and early evening. Traffic will be lighter during the morning and late evening hours and on Thanksgiving Day.

Be sure to get a full vehicle inspection before hitting the road, to check everything from tires, oil, air filter and wiper blades.

Also, be sure to  move over for first responders, tow trucks and people with disabled vehicles.

If you’re traveling by air

  • Check-in early online.
  • Monitor your flight status using your air carrier’s mobile app.
  • Arrive 2 hours to 3 hours before scheduled departure.
  • Pack medications and an extra set of clothes in your carry-on bag, just in case your flight is delayed or canceled.

Florida’s 2022 Election—a Red Tsunami

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Governor and Cabinet
Gov. Ron DeSantis beat Democrat Charlie Crist by nearly 20 points. The last Republican candidate to win a gubernatorial race by that much was Jeb Bush in 2002. The race was tight in 2018: DeSantis beat Democrat Andrew Gillum by just 0.4%, necessitating a recount.

For the first time since Reconstruction, Republicans now control all statewide elective executive positions — the governor and the Cabinet (attorney general, chief financial officer, and commissioner of agriculture and consumer services). The governor’s coattails were long: All of the Cabinet members won by double-digit margins.

U.S. Congress
Republican Marco Rubio beat Democrat Val Demings by almost 17 points, becoming the first Republican U.S. Senator from Florida to serve three terms.

Florida Republicans won 20 seats in the U.S. House, and Democrats won eight. Before redistricting and the addition of a seat due to the state’s population growth, the delegation was 16 Republicans and 11 Democrats. The Republican’s four-seat pickup helped Republicans to flip control of the U.S. House from Democrat to Republican. (The new map currently is being challenged in federal and state court.)

Dr. Susan A. MacManus, who lives within The Laker/Lutz News’ coverage area, is widely known for her deep knowledge of Florida politics. She is a retired University of South Florida distinguished professor. (File)

State Legislature
Republicans gained four seats in the Florida Senate and seven seats in the House. The Senate now has 28 Republicans and 12 Democrats; the House has 85 Republicans and 35 Democrats.

Republicans now have a supermajority in each chamber making it easier to control debate and dictate procedural rules. A supermajority is two-thirds of the members in each chamber (27 in Senate; 80 in House). The last time Republicans had a supermajority in both houses was during the 2010-2012 session.

Local School Board Races
For the first time in Florida’s political history, nonpartisan school board races in many counties became political. Controversial school policies related to curriculum (critical race theory; sexual and gender identity), parental rights, and health issues turned parents into activists. Moms For Liberty groups (founded by a Florida mom) supported DeSantis’ call for “Education, not indoctrination.”

In a first, gubernatorial hopefuls made endorsements in some of those races.  Of the 30 candidates endorsed by DeSantis, 25 won election. Of Crist’s seven endorsements, three won. (Tyler Kingkade, NBC News).

How did Florida Republicans win so handily?
It all began with an aggressive registration plan adopted by the party after the 2018 election. Nonstop knocking on doors (2 million) focused on registering new voters and persuading current registrants to switch parties.

In November 2020, there were 134,242 more registered Democrats than Republicans. But by Nov. 20, 2022, Republicans outnumbered Democrats by 305,590. Between Aug. 23 (the primary) and Oct. 11 (book closing), Republicans registered nine new voters for every one Democrat. (Man, Sun Sentinel).

During the Pandemic, 393,800 new voters moved to Florida  (3% of all current registrants) — 46% Republicans, 23% Democrats, and 29% independents (Renfro, Florida Politics.com). Many came here to escape mandatory mask and vaccine rules, lockdowns, and distance learning for schoolchildren.

More than 555,000 Floridians (4% of registrants) changed their party affiliation between January 2021 and Sept. 30, 2022. More of those who switched left the Democratic Party (42%) than the Republican Party (24%). Among those who were No Party Affiliation (NPA) registrants but became affiliated with a party, 62% became Republicans, but only 38% switched to the Democrats. (MacManus, sayfiereview.com).

More Floridians than ever (27%) turned their backs on both major parties and registered as NPAs.  Millennials and Gen Zers (40%) were the most likely to do so compared to 17% of Florida’s two oldest generations. NPAs are viewed as the state’s “swing voters.” In 2022, more NPAs (52%) voted for Republican than Democrat candidates (NBC exit poll).

Winning rural, suburban and urban counties

DeSantis won the rural (70%) and suburban vote (58%), both typically Republican, and the urban vote (56%). Large urban counties that had voted Democrat in 2018 turned red in 2022: Duval (55%), Hillsborough (64%), Palm Beach (52%), Miami-Dade (55%) and Pinellas (55%). Turnout was low in these urban areas among young and Black voters — key Democratic constituency bases, plus the Latino vote shifted significantly to Republicans.

Crist won only five counties (Alachua, Broward, Gadsden, Leon and Orange) — far fewer than the 13 counties won by Andrew Gillum, the Democratic candidate for governor in 2018.

For the first time in 20 years, Republicans won Miami-Dade County — the state’s largest with a majority (70%) Hispanic population. The result drew national attention.

Getting Out the Vote (GOTV)
Turnout actually went down from 63% in 2018 (the previous midterm) to 54% in 2022. The falloff rates were higher among Democrats particularly in heavily populated metropolitan areas. Democratic turnout problems were first evident in the August primary when the party’s turnout rate was 31% compared to Republicans’ 33%, in spite of Democrats having a competitive gubernatorial primary while Republicans did not. The lagging turnout among young (11%), Latino (16%) and Black (27%) Democrats was a sign of what was to come in November.

Getting a potential supporter to actually vote depends on four M’s: the right Message and messenger, the right Means of communication, Microtargeting to key demographic groups, and sufficient Money. Florida Republicans were better at each.

Marketing research in 2022 advised that a message be clear, delivered by ordinary people, and frequently changed. The DeSantis TV commercials were far more effective than the Crist and Demings ads. According to AdImpact, Crist and Demings ads continued to focus on abortion (airing 28,000 times), even when polls showed that Floridians’ priority was economic, especially inflation. Their ads also featured the candidates themselves and ran for long periods. By contrast, DeSantis’ ads featured everyday Floridians, with a different theme every week or so. The most impactful ad for DeSantis featured his wife Casey describing how he cared for her during her fight against breast cancer.

Democrats failed to mobilize two key voting blocs — the young and voters of color. The party relied more on broadcast television and mailers than on different social media platforms and influencer networks. They trailed the DeSantis campaign in micro targeting Latinos via social media and radio, and failed to generate enthusiasm among Black voters, particularly younger ones.

It’s Back to the Drawing Board for Florida Democrats
In 2022, Democrats got the worst drubbing in more than 100 years. Party officials blamed national Democratic groups for drastically reducing contributions to help local parties engage in aggressive year-round registration efforts. National Democratic donor groups sent Florida Democrats just $1.8 million in 2022, down from $55 million in 2018.

They also pointed fingers at over reliance on political consultants from outside Florida, failed efforts at recruiting strong candidates, and poor messaging especially to younger and Latino voters.

In a tweet, Kevin Cate, a political consultant for Democrats, wasted no words: “At the rate Florida is going, an NPA candidate for governor may have a better shot than a Democrat in 2026. It’s that bad. Complete collapse. We either reset or go extinct.”

David J. Bonanza and Anthony A. Cilluffo contributed to this report

Published November 23, 2022

Pepin Academies forms partnership with Pasco County Schools

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Pepin Academies is planning a new charter school on the campus of Kirkland Ranch Academy of Innovation, between the magnet high school and a new public Kirkland K-8 planned on that site.

The Pasco County School Board approved a contract with Pepin Academies during its Nov. 8 meeting to seal the deal on the unique partnership.

Pasco Schools Deputy Superintendent Ray Gadd told the school board: “Today, the board is doing something that’s never been done in the state before.

“We are going to support the building of a charter school, Pepin Academies. “We’ve met with them. You have a contract on your agenda today,” Gadd said.

The deputy superintendent described Pepin Academies as “an independently owned charter school that specializes in working with kids that are unique, relative to their abilities, very talented kids.”

He also noted that “Pepin has an incredible reputation throughout the Tampa Bay area.”

Gadd is obviously enthused about the new venture.

“I can’t tell you how thrilled I am to have this kind of partnership, and to be working with the kind of people that are involved with these children at Pepin Academies.

“This is an exciting partnership — a lot of learning ahead of us to figure out how to navigate some of the rules and regulations that the state puts on us, relative to our relationship, but really looking forward to it,” he said.

Jeff Skowronek, executive director of Pepin Academies, stepped to the podium to address the board, and the audience.

“Thank you for your vision, Mr. Gadd. Thank you all for your support,” Skowronek said. “I think fitting today, for Election Day, we are electing to choose and vote for collaboration over competition, and students over division.

“And I couldn’t be more excited, more honored and more humbled to lead Pepin Academies into Wesley Chapel and see where it goes from there,” the executive director added.

Background materials in the board’s agenda packet call for Pepin to operate a charter school for students in kindergarten through 12th grade, at the Kirkland Ranch Academy of Innovation campus, at 9100 Curley Road, in Wesley Chapel.

The goal is to open the new Pepin school in 2024.

Background materials in the board’s agenda packet say that Pasco County Schools staff has determined “that it is in the best interest of the district to facilitate the construction of this school.”

The school construction must meet all state requirements, and Pepin and the school board have agreed to fund the construction of the school using impact fees.

The school board approved a memorandum of understanding, as well as step-in agreement for the district to take over the school, should the charter school cease operations.

Pepin Academies are full-time exceptional student education day schools that offer a standard diploma option for students with learning and learning-related disabilities in grades three through 12, according to Pepin’s website.

Pepin Academies operates a Pasco campus in New Port Richey, one in Tampa and one in Riverview.

Pepin provides individualized instruction, focused on providing academic and social achievement, its website says.

In other action, the school board is considering changes to a district policy that’s  intended to raise the level of respectful behavior — both from parents and from district staff — when disputes arise on school buses, on school campuses and in district offices.

The board received significant pushback regarding the proposed policy from speakers during its Nov. 8 meeting.

Numerous speakers described the policy as a violation of the constitutional right to free speech and said it is intended to stifle critics who are dissatisfied with the school system’s operation.

They also said that provisions within the proposed policy are subjective and vague, and pressed the board to provide more precise definitions regarding what constitutes a violation.

School board members told Superintendent Kurt Browning that language that pertains to social media posts should be stripped from the proposed policy changes.

Board members told the audience it is not their intention to stifle feedback or free speech.

Rather,  they said, they are trying to protect bus drivers, school secretaries and others who are being subjected to verbal attacks by people screaming at them.

Browning told board members that amendments will be made to the policy before it is brought back for board action, expected in December.

At that point, the board will accept additional public comment before taking a vote on the policy, according to Cynthia Armstrong, the school board’s chairwoman.

Published November 16, 2022

Florida monitoring above average cases of RSV

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The Florida Department of Health (Department) is monitoring an above average number of cases of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in Florida communities, according to a news release.

This common respiratory virus may cause a higher number of pediatric emergency department visits compared to previous years, the release says.

RSV is an infection of the lungs and respiratory tract with symptoms similar to a common cold. Mild case symptoms can include congested or runny nose, dry cough, low-grade fever, sore throat, sneezing, and headache. In severe cases, RSV symptoms may include fever, cough, wheezing, rapid or difficulty breathing, or bluish skin color.

The health department recommends these steps to help protect yourself and others from respiratory illness:

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces.
  • Stay home if you are sick and keep children home if they are sick.
  • Cover your mouth and nose when sneezing and coughing. If you don’t have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve or elbow, not your hands.
    Infants are the most affected by RSV.

Symptoms of severe cases in infants are short, shallow, and rapid breathing, struggling to breathe, cough, poor feeding, unusual tiredness, or irritability, the release says.

Most children and adults recover in one to two weeks, although some might have repeated wheezing. Severe or life-threatening infection requiring a hospital stay may occur in premature infants or in anyone who has chronic heart or lung problems.

For more information, please visit the Florida Department of Health and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Published November 16, 2022

Kings and queens dance the night away

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It was a night to remember.

The Zephyrhills Lions Club, in collaboration with Meals on Wheels, held the inaugural Senior Prom on Nov. 5.

Residents, age 50 and older, donned formal attire, enjoyed a lovely buffet and had some fun “gambling” before dancing “One Enchanted Evening” away — all in the name of raising money for charity.

Mary Gagmon holds her husband, Joe, tight during a romantic slow dance at the first-ever Senior Prom, held at the Zephyrhills Lions Club and presented by Meals on Wheels. (Mike Camunas)

“We were thrilled with the turnout,” said Beth Aker, the event organizer. “Who says raising money can’t just be a fun evening?”

Men in tuxedos and women in formals arrived at the Zephyrhills Lions Club, 5827 Dean Dairy Road, with nothing more on their minds than having fun.

At the same time, they were raising money for Meals on Wheels.

Aker said she would be “thrilled to raise $5,000” with proceeds coming from ticket and raffle sales, a cash bar, other donations, as well as “gambling,” with players using “funny money” on Blackjack, Roulette, Texas Hold ‘Em and more.

About 125 people attended the event, which featured lively music for dancing, a cake walk, giveaways and a crowning of a Prom King and Queen.

After a series of fun questions, the crowd cheered to signify whom they favored to be named the evening’s Prom King — which turned out to be Larry Wills, and Prom Queen, which turned out to be Joan Lawrence.

Aker was encouraged, and gratified, by the crowd’s enthusiasm.

“People were already asking about (prom) for next year,” Aker said. “I really hope we can make this a yearly thing because people are clearly having a great time and, maybe, we can get even more to come to prom next time!”

Published November 16, 2022

Randy Jones, left, rolls the dice as his wife, Paula Jones, left, and Sunny Gebhardt, middle, cheer him on in the hopes he rolls a hard seven and wins some “funny money” while “gambling” during the inaugural Senior Prom at Zephyrhills Lions Club.
Denny Mason dances happily with his date, Helen Druidi, for “One Enchanted Night,” at the inaugural Senior Prom held at the Zephyrhills Lions Club on Nov. 5. The fundraiser brought in money for Meal on Wheels.
Mary Gagmon, left, has a blast dancing with her husband, Joe Gagmon,during the inaugural Senior Prom on Nov. 5 held at the Zephyrhills Lions Club. “One Enchanted Evening” was hosted by the Lions Club and Meals on Wheels, with proceeds going to Meals on Wheels. The 50-and-older event included raffles, funny-money gambling and dealers from Seminole Hard Rock Casino.
Domenic Martucci holds his wife, Barbara, close during a slow dance at the inaugural Senior Prom, held at the Zephyrhills Lions club for “One Enchanted Evening” on Nov. 5.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Senior Prom Queen Joan Lawrence, middle, tries to decide whether to double down or hold during a game of Blackjack, as Marcie Baker, left, and Denise Oatley-Hall, wait to see if Lawrence will win more “funny money” during some “gambling” at the Senior Prom.
Diane Shelton, left, rolls her eyes to a Prom Court question posed by Senior Prom organizer, Beth Aker, that will help determine if she will be crowned Queen at the Nov. 5 fundraising event.
Mia Clark dances like nobody’s watching. She was accompanied by her husband, Bob, at the inaugural Senior Prom.
Amy and Terry Wilson are thrilled to have Blackjack while “gambling” at the first-ever Senior Prom held on Nov. 5. Proceeds from the event went to support Meals on Wheels.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Roxanne Haack, left, smiles at her husband, Joe Haack, during a lovely dance for “One Enchanted Evening” at Zephyrhills Lions Club.
Barbara Martucci gets down as funky music plays during the Senior Prom at Zephyrhills Lions club on Nov. 5.
Senior Prom attendees partake in a little “gambling” with “funny money” but with actual dealers from Seminole Hard Rock Casino, with Meals on Wheels being the real winner from the event.
Mia and Joe Clark are having fun on the dance floor at the Zephyrhills Lions Club during the Senior Prom’s “One Enchanted Evening” on Nov. 5.

Nicole first November hurricane to hit Florida in decades

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Hurricane Nicole had weakened to Tropical Storm status by the time it reached the Tampa Bay region, but not before it made history as the first hurricane to hit Florida in November in almost four decades.

Hurricane Nicole was a Category 1 storm when it slammed into Florida, about 3 a.m. on Nov. 10, near Vero Beach, according to national weather reports.

National news outlets showed footage of huge Atlantic Oceans swells, eroded beaches, splintered piers and houses toppling into the ocean in Nicole’s aftermath

Nicole made a rare November landfall, becoming just the third hurricane to make landfall in Florida since 1935. The last time it happened was in 1985, according to Scientific American.

While Tampa Bay escaped widespread damage, it did not avoid substantial disruptions.

The region experienced persistent rain, high winds and power outages.

Perhaps the biggest impacts locally came from schedules that were suddenly shifted to avoid Nicole’s potential threat.

Both Hillsborough and Pasco’s public-school districts closed on Nov. 10. School buses can’t operate in high winds, Superintendent Kurt Browning said, when he announced the Pasco district would be closed on Nov. 10.

It’s not a move the district wanted to make because officials recognize the difficulty of making up the time lost to closure.

Schedules also were disrupted at local colleges.

Pasco-Hernando State College closed on Nov. 10; Saint Leo University also closed its campus in St. Leo that day. Hillsborough Community College and the University of South Florida went remote on Nov. 10.

The City of Tampa, Pasco County and Hillsborough County closed government offices on Nov. 10.  All Pasco County Parks, Recreation, and Natural Resources events and activities scheduled for Nov. 10 were canceled, as well.

Trash collection and recycling services were suspended in the City of Tampa, and Pasco County noted that possibility in the county on Nov. 10, too. Pasco residents were advised to put out their trash on their next regularly scheduled pickup up and to contact their trash hauler, if they had questions.

Hillsborough County also announced that its solid waste facilities would be closed on Nov. 10 and that there would be no residential pickup that day.

The Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority (HART) suspended bus services on November 10, in Hillsborough County, as did GoPasco, in Pasco County.

The state Department of Health in Pasco County also closed on Nov. 10, so staff could work in special needs shelters.

Meanwhile, Veterans Day programs also were disrupted.

Hillsborough County’s Consumer & Veterans Services department and the Veterans Council of Hillsborough County cancelled the 58th annual Veterans Day Tribute, which had been scheduled for Nov. 11 at Veterans Museum, at 3602 N. U.S. 301, in Tampa. Organizers hope to schedule a tribute at a later date.

The Zephyrhills Battle for Veterans event, scheduled for Nov. 11 through Nov. 13, at 5200 Airport Road, was cancelled because of the weather, according to a news release distributed by the Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce.

Published November 16, 2022

Voters make choices known in Election 2022

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Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis cruised to re-election in the 2022 General Election, and Republican Marco Rubio won another term in the U.S. Senate.

Other Florida candidates winning statewide seats include Wilton Simpson, a Republican from Trilby, who is Florida’s next Commissioner of Agriculture; Republican Ashley Moody, who won another term as Attorney General; and Republican Jimmy Petronis, who was re-elected to Chief Financial Officer.

State lawmakers who secured the most votes include Danny Burgess, a Republican from Zephyrhills, in District 23 of the Florida Senate; Republican Randy Maggard, who won the District 54 seat in the Florida House of Representatives;  Kevin M. Steele who won the House district 55 seat; and, Traci Koster, who won the district 66 seat.

Al Hernandez will be joining the Pasco County School Board, replacing Allen Altman who stepped away from the board after 16 years. (B.C. Manion)

At the federal level, Incumbent Republican Gus Bilirakis was re-elected to represent Florida’s 12th congressional district by a commanding margin.

In Hillsborough County, Republican challengers defeated two Democrat incumbents on the Hillsborough County Commission.

Kimberly Overman lost her bid for re-election to Republican challenger Joshua Wostal. Democrat Muriel Smith was defeated by Republican challenger Donna Cameron Cepeda.

Democrat incumbent Harry Cohen won by a thin margin over Republican challenger Scott D. Levinson.

Republican incumbent Ken Hagan also won another term on the Hillsborough County board by a significant margin, defeating Democrat challenger Angela Birdsong.

In Pasco County, Al Hernandez defeated James M. Washington in the nonpartisan race for District 1 on the Pasco County School Board, which was vacated by Allen Altman, after 16 years on the board.

Hernandez joins school board members Cynthia Armstrong and Megan Harding, who won re-election during the Primary.

On the Pasco County Commission, Republicans Seth Weightman and Gary Bradford will be new faces on the five-member board.

The outcome for both of those seats was known before the General Election.

Weightman replaces Mike Moore, who steps away from the board after two terms. Bradford replaces Christina Fitzpatrick, whom he defeated in the Primary.

Besides making choices for elected leaders, voters in Pasco and Hillsborough counties made their voices known on a local referendum on each ballot.

Pasco voters overwhelming approved a 15-year extension of Penny for Pasco, a 1-cent surtax that is divvied up between Pasco County, the Pasco County School Board and the six municipalities within the county.

This Penny For Pasco sign on Fifth Avenue in Zephyrhills wants to make sure that voters realized that the referendum is the last item listed on the ballot. (Mike Camunas)

Hillsborough County, voters rejected a proposed tax to pay for transportation improvements. The transportation referendum had been challenged, was ruled unconstitutional and was the subject of an appeal, when voters cast their votes.

A legal issue also popped up in the Pasco County School Board District 1.

Hernandez initially was disqualified by a judge, after allegations arose claiming that he did not meet the residency requirement.

Hernandez challenged that ruling and won his appeal.

He spent much of Election Day on Nov. 8 holding a political sign outside the polling place at Land O’ Lakes Recreation Complex, and chatting with people passing by.

He said he could not let the disqualification stand.

“I care about my integrity,” Hernandez said.

Voter Michael Faust, who lives in Land O’ Lakes, came to the polling place at the recreation complex on his way home from work.

Participating in the political process is important to him.

“A lot of people in the world don’t have a chance to vote. A lot of people don’t have a say. I think it’s important, as Americans, to make our opinions known and to ensure the continued existence of our free country,” he said.

While generally not a pro-tax guy, he said he supported Penny for Pasco.

“I do think it’s important to give back to the community. I think it’s a good thing.”

He said his main motivator in this year’s election was to show his support for Florida’s incumbent governor.

“I just wanted to keep Ron DeSantis in,” he said.

Based upon Election Day results, that’s a sentiment widely shared across the state.

VOTER TURNOUT
Hillsborough County: 52.36%
Pasco County: 54.71%

KEY LOCAL RACES

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY
Hillsborough County Commission

District 1
Scott D. Levinson: 49.66%
Harry Cohen: 50.34%

District 2
Ken Hagan: 56.58%
Angela Birdsong: 43.42%

District 5
Donna Cameron Cepeda: 52.73%
Mariella Smith: 47.27%

District 7
Joshua Wostal: 52.38%
Kimberly Overman: 47.62%

Hillsborough County Referendum (Transportation)
Yes: 48.72%
No: 51,28%

PASCO COUNTY
Pasco County  School Board, District 1
Al Hernandez: 64.85%
James Washington: 35.15%

Penny for Pasco referendum
Yes: 64.71%
No: 35.29%

 KEY FLORIDA RACES
Governor
Ron DeSantis: 59.38%
Charlie Crist: 39.96%

Attorney General
Ashley Moody: 60.59%
Aramis Ayala: 39.41%

Chief Financial Officer
Jimmy Patronis: 59.98%
Adam Hattersley: 40.52%

Commissioner of Agriculture
Wilton Simpson: 59.31%
Naomi Esther Blemur: 40.69%

State Attorney, 6th Judicial Circuit
Bruce Bartlett: 58.84%
Allison Miller: 41.16%

Florida Legislature
State Senate
District 21
Ed Hooper:  64.76%
Amaro Lionheart: 35.24%

District 23
Danny Burgess: 63.19%
Mike Harvey: 36.81%

State House of Representatives
District 54
Randy Maggard: 61.62%
Brian Staver: 36.11%

District 55
Kevin M. Steele: 77.52%
Charles “C.J.” Hacker Jr: 39.67

District 66
Traci Koster: 60.12%
David Tillery: 39.88%

Statewide Referendums

(Note: Constitutional Amendments require approval of 60% or more to be adopted)

Constitutional Amendment 1: Limitation on the Assessment of Real Property Used for Residential Purposes
Yes: 57.26%
No: 42.74%

Constitutional Amendment 2: Abolishing the Constitution Revision Commission
Yes: 53.87%
No: 46.13%

Constitutional Amendment 3: Additional Homestead Property Tax Exemption for Specified Critical Public Service Workforce
Yes: 58.67%
No: 41.33%

KEY FEDERAL RACES
U.S. Senate
Marco Rubio:  57.69%
Val Demings: 41.26%

U.S. House of Representatives
District 12
Gus Bilirakis: 70.38%
Kimberly Walker: 29.62%

District 14
Kathy Castor: 56.9%
James Judge: 43.1%

District 15
Laurel Lee: 58.55%
Alan M. Cohn: 41.45%

*Sources: Unofficial results from the websites of the Hillsborough County Supervisor of Elections, the Pasco County Supervisor of Elections and the Florida Division of Elections.

Published November 16, 2022