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Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

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A splashy, and spooky, ski show

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The Tampa Bay Water Ski Show Team performed a Halloween-themed show on Bell Lake in Land O’ Lakes on Oct. 7 while entertaining those around the lake, but also those packing the outdoor and dock dining and seating at Stonewater Grill, 4422 Land O’ Lakes Blvd. (Mike Camunas)

The Halloween spirits wanted to ski — and make a splash for the crowd.

The Tampa Bay Water Ski Show Team performed a “spooky” ski performance, fully dressed in Halloween costumes while passing by Stonewater Grill, the Land O’ Lakes eatery on Bell Lake.

The water ski show team entertained eager diners, as they noshed on a late lunch on Oct. 7.

As “Gomez and Morticia” — the patriarchs from ‘The Addams Family’ — led the narrating, the ski team made several passes, while music played, and dozens of patrons watched from the outdoor and dock seating at the restaurant.

The team made several trips, as well as costume changes, but also did some of their traditional acts, such as a three-tier pyramid and a nine-person line, in which the skiers held the handle with just one foot.

This is the second time Stonewater Grill has had a ski show on a Saturday afternoon, and restaurant management said that based on the turnout and anticipation for each show, a third one will be planned.

Stonewater Grill is at 4422 Land O’ Lakes Blvd.

To learn more about the Tampa Bay Water Ski Show Team, visit TampaWaterSki.com or the team’s Facebook page.

Published October 18, 2023

Members of the Tampa Bay Water Ski Show perform a nine-person, one-footed line as they entertain those watching from Stonewater Grill on the shore of Bell Lake in Land O’ Lakes.
The Tampa Bay Water Ski Show makes a pass by the dock and outdoor seating at Land O’ Lakes restaurant, Stonewater Grill, on Bell Lake on Oct. 7.
The Tampa Bay Water Ski Show donned various costumed characters during its show, which included passes in front of Stonewater Grill in Land O’ Lakes on Oct. 7.

So, if it’s Tuesday night, it’s time for some tacos

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Did you know that Oct. 4 was National Taco Day in the United States?

Do you have any idea why Oct. 4 was selected?

You might think that it marks the day that tacos were created. No, that’s not it.

Or, maybe it signifies the day that tacos were first introduced to the United States.

Tacos are so versatile that you can have your own Taco Tuesday night at home — changing up ingredients for several weeks, by using different meats, vegetarian options, and switching up flavors. (Courtesy of Pixabay.com)

Nope, that’s not it either.

Maybe it’s the day that a national taco chain decided to declare it so, as part of an advertising campaign. Yep, that’s it!

That campaign occurred in 2009 and the designation stuck.

But there are some connections to the taco’s Hispanic roots.

National Taco Day is celebrated in the middle of National Hispanic Heritage Month, which runs Sept. 15 through Oct. 15. And that month coincides with independence days in several Latin American countries.

Still, who needs to wait until October to celebrate tacos?

Obviously, many restaurants don’t.

“Taco Tuesday” is offered at numerous restaurants on a regular basis.

Maybe you’re curious about where tacos began.

First, let’s start with the basics.

One dictionary defines the taco as a Mexican dish made of a folded tortilla, sometimes fried into a hard taco shell, and filled with meat, cheese, lettuce or other ingredients. 

This is how most Americans likely define it, too.

Historically, though, the word “taco” had different definitions before it became associated with the popular food dish.

The word taco is generally believed to have its origins in the 18th century, in association with silver mines in Mexico.

History professor Jeffrey M. Pilcher reported the first recorded use of “taco” was in reference to “miner’s tacos” or “tacos de minero.”

That phrase was used in connection with the gunpowder wrapped in paper, used to demolish silver mines.

The first mention of the word taco in the United States is believed to have been in a newspaper, dating back to the early 1900s.

As Mexican migrants came over to work the mines, railroads, and similar jobs, they brought Mexican food with them.

Americans initially looked down on Mexican food, as lower-class street food.

But it became mainstream around the 1920s when the migrants’ children started to advance economically and began adding “American” types of ingredients such as ground beef, instead of organ meat, and iceberg lettuce, tomato, shredded yellow cheese, and sour cream.

Traditional Mexican toppings include meat, cilantro, lime and onion.  

The version of tacos that we’re familiar with in the United States is less than 100 years old. It would be considered Tex-Mex, rather than traditional Mexican cuisine.

An authentic taco has a fresh corn tortilla, as corn has been the main crop in Mexico for thousands of years. 

Some historians say that flour tortillas became common in northern Mexico, including what is now the Southwestern United States, when Jews escaping the Spanish Inquisition settled there. The Jews didn’t consider corn tortillas to be kosher, so they made tortillas with wheat they brought from Europe.

But there are other origin stories on flour tortillas, too.

The fried, crunchy U-shaped tortilla shell further popularized tacos because the longer shelf life of the hard shells made it more fitting for use in a mass-producing, fast-food environment.

Taco Bell opened in the early 1960s.

Of course, there are varying opinions on the ingredients that comprise a taco, such as the type of cheese or variety of tomato, for instance.

There can be regional differences, too.

Over the years, taco lovers have been creative — using whatever ingredients they have available, including beef, pork, shrimp, fish or beans.

Barbacoa and barbecue tacos are extremely popular in the southern United States, particularly in Texas. These tacos usually contain specific cuts of beef. 

Korean Tacos are a unique fusion of Asian and Spanish cuisine. 

CNN journalist Forrest Brown recently reported on the historical popularity of breakfast tacos in cities in northern Mexico and neighboring Texas cities.

Tacos have been a beloved part of traditional Mexican cuisine for years, and continue to be enjoyed by people all over the world. 

Thanks to the wide range of recipes available, there arguably is a taco for every taste preference, from sweet potato tacos, lentil tacos, Hawaiian shrimp tacos, caramelized pork, teriyaki chicken, breakfast tacos, and everything in between.  

Even the pickiest of eaters can enjoy what tacos have to offer.

The taco is a symbol of versatility and convenience and has the ability to bring people together over a delicious and satisfying meal.  

Taco bar stations and buffets are common at graduation parties, holiday parties, tailgates, showers and other occasions.

So, while Taco Tuesday is an enjoyable outing, it’s also fun to make them at home, too.

Check out the recipe accompanying this column and give it a try.

Shari Bresin is the Family & Consumer Science Agent for the University of Florida/Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Cooperative Extension Pasco County. Pasco County Extension Intern, Syreeta McDonald, contributed to this column.

Soft chicken tacos
Courtesy of MyPlate.gov

Ingredients

  • 2 chicken breasts, thawed, skin and bone removed from each piece
  • 1/2 teaspoon vegetable oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic, finely chopped
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2/3 Tablespoon taco seasoning or chili powder (optional)
  • 1 green pepper, sliced
  • 1 medium onion, sliced
  • 4 soft tortillas, 6-inch size
  • 1/4 head Romaine lettuce, sliced thin
  • 1/4 cup tomatoes, diced
  • 4 teaspoons fresh tomato salsa
  • 1 Tablespoon parsley or cilantro, chopped (optional)

Directions

  • In a large bowl, mix chicken, vegetable oil, garlic, salt and pepper.
  • If using taco seasoning or chili powder, add them, too.
  • Cover the bowl with plastic wrap, and place it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes.
  • While the chicken is in the refrigerator, cook the pepper and onion, on stovetop, over medium heat until done (about 12 minutes).
  • Cook the chicken over medium heat. Cook each side about 10 to 15 minutes.
  • Place chicken on a plate. Let it cool for 5 minutes. Cut the chicken into strips.

Making the tacos
Put chicken on the tortilla first. Add peppers and onion strips next. Top with lettuce, tomato and salsa. If using parsley or cilantro, add that, too.

Published October 18, 2023

Pasco school officials voice concerns over charter schools

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Pasco County School Board members and Pasco Schools Superintendent Kurt Browning are raising concerns involving issues regarding contract compliance of some charter schools operating within the district.

The item regarding the charter school reports was presented for information only, on the school board’s Oct. 3 agenda.

But school board member Colleen Beaudoin pulled the item for discussion.

Pasco school board member Colleen Beaudoin raised questions about some of the district’s charter schools being out of compliance with their contracts.

“I have some questions and concerns with regards to some of the charter schools.

“I notice that Pinecrest and Innovation Prep are out of compliance with the contract, and it appears they didn’t respond to the district’s review or provide clarification or comments,” Beaudoin said.

“And, also there are schools with net deficits, the most significant being Union Park, with the net deficit position of over $1.6 million, so what’s the district’s plan of action to address this?”

Browning said that he, too, had planned to discuss the item.

“I did want to draw attention to three schools. One was Union Park Charter Academy, which is experiencing a $1.6 million net deficit position, as Miss Beaudoin said. That is a concern for us.

“You will also find that there were a number of governance standards they had not met and they did not comment, return any comments at all to Mr. (Jeff) Yungmann (who reviews charter schools) and his staff to answer their deficits.

“In addition to that, Innovation Preparatory Academy, a number of governance standards were not met. Five of the 11 finance and operations standards were not met.

“Again, there were no corrective comments from Innovation Prep Academy .

Browning said Pinecrest Academy Wesley Chapel also had not met a number of standards and had not provided comments in response to the district’s concerns.

The superintendent went on to say: “I will tell you that this process is incredibly frustrating to me, because quite honestly, I think the school board has a perfunctory role when it comes to charter schools. Generally, if charter schools don’t get what they want from local school districts, they go to Tallahassee and the department generally grants what they’re asking for.

“I don’t know why they even have us as part of the approval system or even require us to have the reviews, when the reviews really don’t amount to a hill of beans.

“I think all it does is shine a light.

“But it’s frustrating because these are our kids that they are educating.

PPasco Schools Superintendent Kurt Browning says school boards play a ‘perfunctory role when it comes to charter schools.’

“I’ll tell you, we have standards we have to meet. We will get whacked, as a school district, if we don’t meet those standards. It’s not necessarily the same case for our charter schools.”

Yungmann said the school district, which sponsors charter schools, must monitor them for compliance in areas such as governance, finance, human resources, insurance, facilities, food and nutrition services.

“As part of the review, we do highlight certain areas, and of course, we give the opportunity for the schools to provide school comments.

“Five of the schools did not provide school comments. We even gave them two opportunities. “One was to provide documentation by a certain deadline and the other was to provide school comments,” Yungmann said.

Union Park, which was showing a net deficit of $1.6 million, is now showing one of $1.9 million, Yungmann said.

“To me, as a layman for finance, that’s signal-signs for distress,” he said.

While school districts have little authority when it comes to charters, the school board does vote on charter school extensions.

He pointed out to the board: “these are the same schools that are going to come back to this board, asking for a 10-year or 15-year extension, when their contracts are renewed.”

School board member Alison Crumbley expressed frustration regarding the situation.

“What do we do about a $1.9 million deficit?” she said.

Megan Harding, the board’s chairwoman agreed: “That’s huge.”

Crumbley added: “That’s ridiculous.”

Yungmann said if a charter school is being operated by the same governing board in other counties, they can share funding across the counties.

He also said that a recent state law requires charter school renewals to be granted for at least five years, unless they are deemed to be operating at a Double F status.

Browning told board members: “in large part, your hands are tied.

But he added: “‘We’re just bringing this information to your attention. Your action will come into play when they come back for contract renewals.”

Published October 11, 2023

Improving school safety is a never ending job, district security chief says

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The Pasco County School Board held a closed-door session on Oct. 3 to discuss the district’s security risk assessment and actions to improve safety in the district schools.

Annual assessments of safety on each school campus must be completed by Oct. 1, under Florida law requiring school safety plans.

The law was adopted after 17 people were killed and 17 were injured in the 2018 Valentine’s Day shooting spree at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, in Parkland.

Those shootings spurred a public outcry and persistent student protests. Ultimately, state legislators mandated a series of new steps intended to reduce threats on campuses across Florida.

Michael Baumaister, Pasco County Schools’ district chief of safety and emergency operations, said there are always ways to improve school safety, and, he added, it’s everyone’s job to help. (Courtesy of Pasco County Schools)

The state law also requires that every three years, local school districts must conduct the annual risk assessments in consultation with local law enforcement, fire and emergency management.

The school board held a workshop to discuss findings of those assessments and suggested actions before its regular meeting on Oct. 3.

The meeting was closed due to the sensitive nature of security issues.

At the board’s regular meeting, Michael Baumaister, the school district’s chief of safety and emergency operations, reported: “This year we conducted public safety tours with our partners from the sheriff’s office, fire and emergency management.”

“We reviewed every school.

“Our walk-throughs did identify some areas, small areas, that we can improve upon and we’re making those improvements,” he said.

The security chief also noted that the district’s security efforts are widespread.

“We collaborate with a lot of different departments, not just the schools themselves, but we do reach out to the sheriff’s office, some of our municipal agencies, and within our school district,” he said.

The collaborations also include working with various departments within the school district, such as the facilities, construction and planning teams, as well as others, he said.

“School security is not just my job. It’s everybody’s job. We have an obligation to be part of it,” the safety expert said.

Baumaister thanked the school board for its level of funding support to enhance school safety. He said that’s not true in every school district.

“Most of our recommendations are just to continue what we’ve been doing,” he said.

He asked for the board’s continued support.

“Keep us funded where we need to be, so we can keep moving forward and be where we need to be,” Baumaister said.

“I don’t think there’s ever a sunset on school safety. I think school safety always has to be at the forefront and we always need to continue moving forward. 

“Even if you think your school is as safe as it could be, there’s probably other things you can do to make it safer,” he said.

He also noted: “We have to keep that balance, to keep our schools (as) education centers, not prisons.”

Published October 11, 2023

Proposed project includes hospital, hotel, offices, apartments

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The Pasco County Planning Commission has recommended approval of a zoning change that would clear the way for a hospital, hotel, retail, offices and multifamily development at the northeast corner of McKendree and Overpass roads.

The Pasco County Planning Commission has recommended approval of a zoning change that would clear the way for a hospital, hotel, retail, offices and multifamily development at the northeast corner of McKendree and Overpass roads. (Mike Camunas)

Attorney Clarke Hobby, representing the applicants, said the request calls for a 365,000-square-foot specialty hospital, noting there’s only one other hospital like it in Central Florida. Hospital plans call for a helipad, but Hobby said it will not be heavily used.

The requested change also would allow:

  • 1,275 multifamily units, which can include apartments, townhomes and other multi-family arrangements
  • 155,000 square feet of retail
  • 250,000 square feet of medical office
  • 150,000 square feet of office
  • 250 hotel rooms

The proposed development is within Connected City. 

In addition to recommending approval of the rezoning request, the planning board also recommended approval of a proposed development agreement that requires the developer to design, permit and construct certain roadway improvements, including floodplain compensation, wetland mitigation, drainage and retention associated with a segment of McKendree/Boyette Road. In exchange, the developer will receive transportation development fee credits.

Hobby provided background on the 176-acre site, which is in the Connected City area.

“Pasco County was directed by the state of Florida to create this Connected City area in 2015,” Hobby said.

“The county subsequently adopted policies in 2017 that created this series of regulations,” he said. “The state felt it was important and wanted the county to shorten the approval process to bring this kind of a product to the market.”

Connected City has a financial plan and a master plan, Hobby said.

That plan includes 26,000 multifamily units, which includes apartments, townhouses and duplexes, he said.

The idea is to allow employees to live close to work, Hobby added.

Area residents, however, raised concerns about whether the proposed development will be compatible with nearby properties.

They also expressed worries about the additional traffic, crowded schools and potential negative impacts on area lakes.

The planning board recommended approval of the master-planned unit development zoning request, but changed a condition relating to the height of a buffer wall for the closest neighbor.

The conditions now require an 8-foot wall, rather than a 6-foot wall.

Planning board members also responded to concerns by neighbors about the possible degradation of area lakes.

To address that issue, the board added a condition that prohibits motorized boats being operated on the lakes by occupants of the MPUD.

Richard Tonello, an alternate on the planning board representing Pasco County Schools, said the district has evaluated the additional students that would be generated by the development. He said the district will be opening the Kirkland K-8 magnet school in the fall, and also has capacity at Kirkland Ranch Academy of Innovation, another magnet school.

He also noted that the district owns sites, or is pursuing acquisition for others, to meet future demands.

Planning board member Jamie Girardi said he understands that residents in the area have been living in a rural setting, and have been for years.

But Girardi noted: “This is now part of Connected City. It is not going to be rural.”

The requests for the MPUD zoning and the development agreement now go to the Pasco County Commission, which has final jurisdiction on zoning and land use issues.

Published October 11, 2023

U.S. 41 now four lanes in north Land O’ Lakes

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After more than two years of reconstruction, U.S. 41 in Land O’ Lakes has more, much-needed lanes.

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) removed construction barrels off the highway in early October, opening the new lanes on U.S. 41, also known as Land O’ Lakes Boulevard.

U.S. 41 has been widened north of Connerton Boulevard, creating a four-lane divided highway heading north to State Road 52. (Mike Camunas)

The widening project, which expanded U.S. 41 to a four-lane divided highway, begins at Connerton Boulevard, heading north to State Road 52. Now, U.S. 41 is a four-lane divided highway from north of Ehren Cutoff and ending at State Road 52.

The $16.9-million project began March 12, 2021 and added nearly three miles of new lanes that go past northern Land O’ Lakes subdivisions such as Tierra Del Sol and Asbel, and AdventHealth Connerton. The project also included drainage improvements, and roadway signage and markings.

A shared-use path was constructed on the east side of U.S. 41 and connected to the paved path that ends just south of the Wilderness Lake Preserve subdivision.

Also about two years ago, an extension of Asbel Road was added to the east side of U.S. 41 and connected to Central Boulevard — the road that leads to Pasco County Jail. The road also wraps around the new Fire Station 22, which is now under construction.

The addition of this extension led FDOT to install a new four-way stoplight.

The new four-lane U.S. 41 will come in handy, as the county and FDOT readies to extend the Ridge Road Extension even further, bringing it from Sunlake Boulevard to U.S. 41 and Connerton Boulevard.

That project, which is Phase 2 of the Ridge Road extension, is slated for completion in late 2025.

As for State Road 52, the widening to a six-lane divided highway from the Suncoast Parkway to east of U.S. 41 and approximately one-mile total of widening on U.S. 41 approaching the State Road 52 intersection in each direction is still underway. According to the FDOT website, completion on that $49.9-million project is tentatively set for early 2024.

Following that in 2026, the county and FDOT will then widen State Road 52 headed east even further, expanding it to a four-lane divided highway up to Ehren Cutoff.

Published October 11, 2023

Besides widening U.S. 41, the project included adding a shared-use path north of Connerton Boulevard, on the east side of the highway.
Motorists will have more room now on U.S. 41, north of Connerton Boulevard, because a lengthy reconstruction project is now complete.
Aerial shot of U.S. 41 headed north from Connerton Boulevard in Land O’ Lakes and the new expanded four-lane highway. (Courtesy of FDOT)

Parents weigh in on book bans through survey

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The EveryLibrary Institute, a public policy think tank for libraries, and Book Riot, the largest independent editorial book site in North America, announced the results of a comprehensive survey that sheds some light on the perceptions of parents regarding public libraries and the current issues they face.

Each member of the GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club ESO reading Sorority and Book Club chose a book to re-read and discuss; however, most of the books that have been in publication for decades now have been banned from school and library book shelves. The club, which has many retired teachers, participated in a lively discussion on why these books (of which many are classics) are now banned and whether they should be. (Courtesy of Patricia Serio)

The “Public Libraries and Book Bans – Parent Perception Survey” garnered insight from 853 parents and guardians with children younger than age 18, during September 2023, according to a news release.

The survey asked parents and guardians to share their experiences and opinions about book bans, their trust in libraries, their understanding of librarians’ book selection process, and their feelings on sensitive subjects in children’s books such as sex, LGBTQ+ characters and themes, race, and social justice issues in reading and literature.

Top-level findings show that a majority of respondents (67%) think that “banning books is a waste of time” and 74% agree or somewhat agree that book bans infringe on their right to make decisions for their children.

The survey also found that 92% of all respondents feel their child/children are safe at the library, and 58% think librarians should be primarily responsible for what books are selected in the public library, the release said.

The survey also noted that parents are more comfortable with children accessing age-appropriate books related to social justice and race than LGBTQ+ themes and sexual education.

Respondents are largely unaware of how librarians decide what books to include in the library collection and many believe that some books in children’s sections are inappropriate, too.

“By gathering insights from parents, we hope to generate a body of informative and thought-provoking material that sheds light on the complex issues surrounding book bans and censorship,” said Kelly Jensen, Book Riot, in the release.

“Our ultimate goal is to foster an open dialogue around these issues and to support libraries and their users in navigating this challenging landscape,” said Jensen.

To see the complete survey findings, visit EveryLibraryInstitute.org/parent_perceptions_survey_2023. 

This is the first survey in a series of three focusing on parents and libraries.

Published October 11, 2023

This program reminds you, ‘You are not alone’

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Sue Shea, the office administrator at the First United Methodist Church of Land O’ Lakes, understands the challenges of having a child with a substance addiction.

There are feelings of fear, anger and hopelessness that can lead to a host of problems for all concerned, she said.

It was her firsthand experiences that have played a role in the formation of a new group at the church called “You Are Not Alone,” or YANA, for short.

Sue Shea, office administrator at the Land O’ Lakes United Methodist Church, spearheaded the formation of You Are Not Alone (YANA), a group that aims to provide support for people whose loved ones are experiencing substance abuse disorders. (Courtesy of Land O’ Lakes United Methodist Church)

Pastor Kevin Grills said the ministry is one that addresses a widespread need.

“I believe that things that need to happen within the church are naturally born.

“We walk through the doors that God opens,” Grills said.

Right now, the program is very small.

But Grills said, the need is very big.

The problem, Grills said, is there’s a high likelihood that the people who need YANA the most, won’t respond.

Parents of children with addictions often feel conflicted, Shea said.

“They’re adults now, but we gave birth to these babies. We’ve loved them from the very, very beginning and we still love them. But they’re not only hurting and destroying themselves, but they’re eroding relationships around them,” she said.

Parents of children with addictions often feel like they’ve failed their children, Shea said.

They also get caught up in a cycle of shame and guilt that prevents them from seeking help for themselves, Grills said.

But YANA hopes to help people lower their guard and seek the support they need.

Pastor Kevin Grills, who leads the Land O’ Lakes United Methodist Church, estimates there are thousands of people who need the help that You Are Not Alone can provide, but he’s not confident that a single person will step forward to take advantage of the program.

The program provides a confidential setting, where people facing similar circumstances can gather.

“There’s a great level of comfort when we get together on Tuesday evenings. We bring comfort to each other, even though we’re not solving the problems that our children – our adult children, in this case, have,” Shea said.

She added: “It sometimes lightens the load, lightens the stress level, so we can actually look at our addictive loved one through different eyes.”

“We do not do a lot of cross-talking, and we certainly don’t say, ‘Well, what you need to do is this. And, what you need to do is that,’” Shea said.

The church wants to spread the word about the program, and asked The Laker/Lutz News to help raise awareness.

“I would not be shocked if there were not 10,000 people (living within the newspaper’s circulation area) who have this exact same struggle. I also would not be shocked if we don’t hear a peep from this,” Grills said.

The group doesn’t promise magic solutions.

“This is not a, ‘Hey, how do we solve the problem of our addict?” Grills said.

It’s more of an “I’m baring my burdens and I’m recognizing that I’m not alone,” the pastor added.

Shea said has come to realize that: “My loved one’s addiction doesn’t define me.”

And, she added: “For me, this helps keep the guilt at bay.”

The church’s prayer is that people who most need YANA will respond.

YANA is the acronym for a program at the Land O’ Lakes United Methodist Church whose members aim to support each other, as they care for themselves and their loved ones who are experiencing substance abuse disorders.

Grills said he wants to encourage people to overcome that voice in their heads that is discouraging them from doing what they need to do.

He hopes they will walk through the door, to have these conversations.

The first step, the pastor said, is taking that first step.

For more information about YANA, call the church at 813-996-3533, or email Shea at .

You Are Not Alone (YANA)
A program at the Land O’ Lakes United Methodist Church aims to allow its members to support one another as they care for themselves and help — but avoid enabling — loved ones who are experiencing substance use disorders.
The group, called You Are Not Alone, is based on biblical principles coupled with 12-Step guidance. It is working to build a community of people who want to be there for their loved ones, but also take care of themselves along the way.
The free group, which abides by confidentiality, meets from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., on Tuesdays, in Room 103, at Land O’ Lakes United Methodist Church, 6209 Land O’ Lakes Blvd.

Published October 11, 2023

 

New free guide offers recreational ideas

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This new guide provides information for outdoor enthusiasts who want to take advantage of free recreational areas and campsites managed by The Southwest Florida Water Management District. (Courtesy of The Southwest Florida Water Management District)

The Southwest Florida Water Management District has published a free recreational guide highlighting nearly 70 of its properties.

The guide has a new, sleeker design and allows users to scan QR codes to access up-to-date details about each property, according to a news release from the water management district, typically referred to as SWFMD.

There are thousands of acres of recreational lands throughout SWFMD, with most available for free to visitors.

The new recreation guides also allow users to take notes, learn about various volunteering opportunities and discover more SWFMD’s conservation lands, the release says.

The places featured in the guide include 30 unique campgrounds, including backcountry, primitive and equestrian-styled sites.

It’s also easy to make a reservation through SWFMD’s recreation website, the release notes.

The recreation website also features georeferenced maps, which visitors can download to be used with map apps that require no cell service.

Outdoor lovers also can check out the new Water Matters Podcast found on SWFMD’s recreation webpage or major podcast platforms. The podcast features Felicia Nudo, land manager, who discusses what it’s like to experience the recreational side of the great outdoors on SWFMD lands.

To download or order the free recreation guide, make a free camping reservation, listen to the podcast, or learn more about SWFMD’s recreational opportunities, visit WaterMatters.org/Recreation.

Published October 11, 2023

Hurricane season isn’t over yet: Make plans for family safety

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The 2023 Atlantic Hurricane Season doesn’t end until Nov. 30, so it’s important to be sure you have a family disaster plan.

Kevin Guthrie, director of the Florida Division of Emergency Management, has shared some pointers aimed at helping families be prepared, if disaster should strike.

Like many of the stores in and around Pasco County, this Publix in Lutz saw swarms of shoppers hit the stores preparing for Hurricane Idalia impacting the Tampa Bay area. Families can avoid empty shelves or last-minute scrambling — by planning in advance. (File)

“Involving each member of your family in the process of developing or updating your family disaster plan is crucial to making sure everyone’s needs are met during a disaster,” Guthrie said, in a news release. “You may not always be together when a disaster strikes, so by planning in advance and as a unit, you can ensure the safety of your family.”

Here are some simple steps, shared by Guthrie, that will help your family account for the needs of each family member, including household pets and livestock.

Step 1: Discuss these four questions with your household, family, or friends to start your plan:

How will we receive emergency alerts and warnings?
What is our shelter plan?
What is our evacuation route?
What is our family/household communication plan?

Step 2: Put together a disaster supply kit, including food, water, sanitary supplies and other items for basic needs. In addition to that, your plan should be tailored to the specific daily needs of your family. Part of the planning process should include discussing how you will continue daily tasks including communication with loved ones, care for children, businesses, and pets, or specific medical needs such as the operation of durable medical equipment.

Step 3: Write the emergency plan down and ensure everyone in your household has a copy. You can go to Ready.gov to find a Make a Plan form.

Step 4: Practice your plan with your entire household, including young children. Children who are prepared often experience less anxiety and feel more confident during actual emergencies and disasters. In addition, going over scenarios for how the plan may change is a vital step in being properly prepared.

Visit FloridaDisaster.org/family-plan/ for more preparedness tips and resources.

For weather updates and safety tips, follow the Florida Division of Emergency Management on social media channels.

Published October 11, 2023