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Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Local News

Riding around at Swamp Fest

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The 14th annual Swamp Fest, the carnival of rides, games, food, entertainment and more at Land O’ Lakes Heritage Park. The four-day event is a community-wide fundraiser benefiting area schools, nonprofits and community groups as well as area businesses. It is hosted by the Land O’ Lakes High School Athletic Booster Club.

It was a wild, and swampy, weekend as Madison Froelich, left, and Amber Allen, both of Land O’ Lakes, are whipped around on a ride at the 14th annual Swamp Fest. (Mike Camunas)
Land O’ Lakes resident Aaron Hale and his daughter, Mika, laugh their way through bumping other bumper car riders at Swamp Fest, on Nov. 2 at Land O’ Lakes Heritage Park.
Isabella Sanchez, left, of Wesley Chapel, hopes her ping pong ball drops so she wins a fishy prize at the 14th annual Swamp Fest.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Land O’ Lakes youngster dragon rider Clayton Scalise wants the carnival ride to go around again during the 14th annual Swamp Fest at Land O’ Lakes Heritage.
Wesley Chapel residents Chris Teodorsky, left, and Raina Teodorskey, enjoy a spin on the Ferris wheel.
Hundreds of Land O’ Lakes and Central Pasco County residents turned out for the 14th annual Swamp Fest, held Nov. 2 through Nov. 5, at Land O’ Lakes Heritage Park.

Museum seeks volunteers to promote art

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The Florida Museum of Photographic Arts has moved to historic Ybor City for a new, dynamic environment to showcase its extensive collection and to host exhibitions. (Courtesy of Farrell Communications)

The Florida Museum of Photographic Arts (FmoPA), in Ybor City, believes in the power of photography to tell stories, evoke emotions and inspire change.

The museum is looking for dedicated and passionate volunteers to assist the museum as it continues its mission to preserve photography’s cultural heritage and promote photographic art, according to a news release.

Volunteers will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the world of photography while contributing to the essential work of the institution.

Whether individuals are seasoned photography enthusiasts or just beginning to explore this art form, there is a place for them on the team, the release says.

Volunteers are sought for these roles:

  • Museum greeter: Attend the front desk and help bring a comforting and professional feel when visitors enter FMoPA.
  • Event volunteer: Join FMoPA for opening receptions, fundraising events and more. Help in distributing light refreshments, taking pictures, and whatever else is needed on the day of the event.

The museum is now located at 1630 E. Seventh Ave., Ybor, in Tampa.

Those interested should contact Simone Leal at , or call 813-221-2222.

Published November 08, 2023

Clocks changed, so irrigation timers should too

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With the end of daylight saving time (Nov. 5), the Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFMD) is encouraging residents to check the timers on their irrigation system controllers.

The time change (clocks fell back one hour) is a good reminder to make sure irrigation system timers are set correctly to ensure that the system operates consistently with year-round water conservation measures.

All 16 counties throughout SWFMD’s boundaries are on year-round water conservation measures, with lawn watering limited to twice per week, unless your city or county has a different schedule or stricter hours.  

Local governments maintaining once-per-week watering by local ordinance include Citrus, Hernando, Pasco and Sarasota counties, and the cities of Dunedin and Venice.

Irrigation in Pasco County is day and time specific. For additional information regarding specific watering days, times and settings, visit bit.ly/PascoWatering.

Do not water your lawn just because it’s your day, but residents should know and follow local watering restrictions. The water management district suggests residents should irrigate their lawn when it shows these signs of stress:

  • Grass blades are folded in half lengthwise on at least one-third of your yard
  • Grass blades appear blue-gray in color
  • Grass blades do not spring back, leaving footprints on the lawn for several minutes after walking on it

For more irrigation and water-saving tips, visit WaterMatters.org/Water101.

Published November 08, 2023

Applications open for submissions from one-act playwrights

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The Carrollwood Cultural Center is accepting applications from local playwrights to stage and showcase their work for a live audience as part of The Studio Project, for the center’s 2023-2024 upcoming season, according to a news release.

(Courtesy of Carrollwood Cultural Center)

The Studio Project is a theatrical incubator with an alternative focus each year. It aims to foster the development of new theatrical and performative works in the Tampa Bay area, according to the release.

The center is seeking two previously unpublished/unproduced works that are 30 minutes or shorter, the release says.

As part of the project, the cultural center will offer rehearsal and performance space in The Studio, at 13345 Casey Road, behind the center’s main building.

The winning submission will receive a small stipend and some production support.

The center also will make available a professional director to help stage the piece if so desired. The winning work will be showcased for a live audience on Jan. 19 at 8 p.m., Jan. 20 at 8 p.m., and Jan. 21 at 2 p.m., at The Studio.

Applicants of all skill levels may apply through CarrollwoodCenter.org.

In the proposal, applicants must provide a brief synopsis, an excerpt of the piece, casting, and technical requirements, and state why the piece suits The Studio Project.

The deadline to apply is Nov. 27.

For additional information, email .

The Carrollwood Cultural Center is a partnership between Hillsborough County and the Friends of the Carrollwood Cultural Center. The mission of the Friends of the Center is to create culture through community and community through culture. The Friends of the Carrollwood Cultural Center, a 501(c)3 organization. For more information, visit the center’s website at CarrollwoodCenter.org.

Published November 08, 2023

Helping make an impact in the community

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Himani Patel just wants to help.

Help the community.

Help people.

Even help her classmates.

So, at the end of her sophomore year at Land O’ Lakes High, Patel founded Impact Service — a volunteering club, run by volunteers for volunteers. The club will help student volunteers connect with meaningful volunteering opportunities that are outside the school, making it easy for members to help the community.

Himani Patel, a senior at Land O’ Lakes High, founded the Impact Service club to serve as a conduit to connect high schoolers with meaningful volunteering opportunities. Since it was founded, it has grown to more than 80 members, who have completed more than 488 service hours. They have helped multiple charities, including Metropolitan Ministries, Habitat for Humanity, Feeding Tampa Bay, Akshaya Patra, Mental Health America and American Heart Association. (Mike Camunas)

In less than two years, the club has grown to more than 80 members, who have donated hundreds of service hours to local charity organizations. They have helped Metropolitan Ministries, Habitat for Humanity, Feeding Tampa Bay and others.

“We are the middle man. For the lack of a better term, we’re like customer service for our members, making it as easy as possible for them to volunteer or find a place to volunteer,” Patel said. “We have a lot of clubs at school that do volunteering inside the school, like IB (International Baccalaureate) events and prom and things like that, but not many organizations here that make an impact outside of school.

“We’ve strived to create an environment where everyone is genuinely passionate about helping in the community,” she added. “I didn’t create this group for volunteer hours. I created this club for those who are really passionate about helping others less fortunate.”

Patel, an avid volunteer herself, formed Impact Service, knowing there were many who wanted to give back to the community, not just in her high school.

The response was overwhelming.

At more than 80 members, it is one of the school’s largest clubs, plus more than 488 hours were completed by club members last school year.

The club also raised $635 (the most of any organization within the school for donations) within six months and donated to multiple charities, such as Feeding Tampa Bay, Akshaya Patra, Mental Health America and American Heart Association. The club was even invited by Big Brothers Big Sisters to assist in the Gasparilla Publix Run earlier this year.

“We connect them with the organization because I do want people to experience actually going to the Feeding Tampa Bay warehouse and volunteering,” Patel said. “Then, they are putting in the work, sweat and tears and can collaborate with the same passionate people who genuinely want to help the community.

“With some clubs, you always see numbers dwindle, but not us.”

While volunteer hours aren’t required to graduate from high school in Florida, those hours are required in order to be eligible for Bright Futures Scholarships. But Patel said that’s not really the point of the club, nor are members even using Impact Service to log volunteer hours.

In fact, most times, members already have the required hours to be eligible and are volunteering because they genuinely want to.

“Our club helps facilitate students getting volunteer hours because they know we’re getting them to places that are actually focused on making an impact,” she added. “My main thing was I wanted to help my community, so the hours are a side note. “Impact members genuinely want to be involved with these organizations and volunteering,” she said.

With that kind of dedication from Patel and the members, it makes being the club sponsor an easy job — just ask Dora Gallagher.

“Oh, yes, it is super easy because (Patel) is in charge,” said Gallagher, who teaches Spanish. “She does everything. She looks for the places to volunteer, does the contact, sets up the dates and times and informs all the participants. Honestly, I don’t do that much (laughs).

“She is on top of everything and making sure the club is doing exactly what the goal says it is setting out to do.”

Gallagher tells students Impact Service isn’t like other clubs, in that they actually put in the work and set out to help the community in meaningful ways.

“A lot of clubs are just that — a club or a name or don’t do much,” she added. “This one is actually participating in volunteering in several places that make an impact in the community.

“As a teenager, to see her do that, it’s impressive, and I’m impressed to see that they are actually volunteering. Other clubs I have sponsored, which were student-led, didn’t do much — not this one.”

As Patel heads toward graduation in May 2024, she plans to hand off leadership of the club to very capable hands that will continue it when she heads to college.

But that won’t stop Patel, as she plans to turn the club into a 501(c)3 (when she turns 18), so it can be an organization outside the school. She also plans to get Impact Service a website, all the while creating the same type of on-campus club at whichever college she ends up attending.

“I really just want to help people in the community, especially those who are underprivileged, and really, my ultimate goal is work for a nonprofit for underprivileged kids who can’t afford health care,” the IB student said. “The reason I created Impact Service was to help the community.

“Our whole purpose is to make the world a better place.”

Impact Service Club
Details: Founded by Land O’ Lakes High senior Himani Patel, Impact Service was created to connect high schoolers with meaningful volunteering opportunities. The club has donated time and resources to multiple charities, including Metropolitan Ministries, Habitat for Humanity and Feeding Tampa Bay. The club only includes  Land O’ Lakes High students now, but Patel wants the club to become a community-wide effort, and others are welcome to join.
Membership cost: $15 for entry and shirt
To learn more about Impact Service or to join, email .

Published November 01, 2023

Pasco budget hits get relief from tax collector’s surplus check to the county

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When the Pasco County Commission decided to reduce its property tax millage rate, the board said budget cuts should be across the board, including the county’s constitutional offices.

At the commission’s Oct. 24 meeting, though, Pasco Tax Collector Mike Fasano presented another idea to the board.

Every year, Fasano’s office estimates how much it will be able to save and give back to the county.

“We had proposed that we would give you back about $2.4 million. We’re giving you back today about $3.6 million,” Fasano said.

At that, there was applause and Commissioner Seth Weightman rang a bell, signaling approval of the good news.

“I got a bell,” Fasano said, surprised. “Normally, when people come into our office and put money into our charities, in the bucket, the bell goes off. It’s nice that we’re bringing you money and your bell is going off here.”

Fasano reminded the board that in the past 10 years his office has given back more than $24 million.

“But today, I come before you with an ask.”

He asked the board to “make whole” the Sheriff’s Office, the Pasco County Clerk & Comptroller’s Office and the Supervisor of Elections Office, which all suffered budget cuts when the board voted to reduce the millage rate during its recent budget deliberations.

That move was made to reduce the sting of higher taxes due to the increase for the Fire Municipal Services Taxing Unit, and when the cut was made, the board decided the pain of the cuts should be shared.

In making his case for restoring the cuts to the sheriff, clerk and elections offices, Fasano noted: “Each of them, of course, had to put a budget together and rely on what they thought they were going to get, hoped they were going to get, based on what they need.

“We have a sheriff that’s trying to make certain that he protects our community, as it grows. Public safety should always be No. 1.

“We have a supervisor of elections that does provide the best, the best service when it comes time for elections. When the elections come in at night, where does everybody look? The first one, Pasco County, to see what direction Florida is going.

“We have a clerk of the court, like the tax collector, who sees thousands of people each month.”

As Fasano prepared to give the check to the county, he said: “So, I present this check to you with an ask, and hopefully, maybe with a motion, and a second, to use some of these dollars to make those constitutional officers whole, as you did yourselves.

“I will present the clerk with a check and also some documents, and hopefully, before I go back to the podium, I’ll hear a motion.

Commissioner Kathryn Starkey: “I would make that motion to accept the check and to use this to make this as a payment to cover all of our losses, in the rollback.”

Weightman added: “I’ll happily second that, and thank you Senator (Fasano is a former state senator), for being a fiscal watchdog and bringing some good news to us today. I was proud to ring the bell in your honor.”

The board voted 4-0, with Commission Chairman Jack Mariano absent.

The action restored about $34,000 in funding for the clerk’s office, about $24,000 in funding for the election supervisor’s office and about $600,000 for the sheriff’s office, Fasano said, in an interview after the meeting.

He said he decided to make the request because he saw an opportunity to try to help his fellow constitutional officers and thought he should pursue it.

The tax collector also said he was pleased by the county board’s response.

Published November 01, 2023

Pasco County Commission approves cell tower in Angeline

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The approval of a cellphone tower on the campus of Angeline Academy of Innovation has again raised issues over the proper placement of such towers and whether more care should be taken when deciding where to locate them.

The Pasco County Commission approved the request for a conditional use request, clearing the way for a 154-foot above-ground monopole wireless communications tower on the northeast side of Angeline School Way, about one-half mile north of Ridge Road.

The site is owned by Pasco County Schools, and the applicant for the cell tower request is Vertex Development LLC.

The board’s 3-0 approval came despite a parent’s request to move the tower a greater distance away from the Angeline magnet school, which is at 8916 Angeline School Way, in Land O’ Lakes.

The Pasco County Commission has approved the request for a cellphone tower on the campus of Angeline Academy of Innovation. (Mike Camunas)

The magnet school ultimately will have sixth- through 12th-graders on the campus.

Robin Patel, who described herself as a parent, scientist and community member, said her primary concern is the health risk such towers can pose to people from prolonged exposure to radiofrequency (RF) radiation.

In this case, students will be exposed for six hours per school day, for up to seven years, she said.

“I have two children in the school district. One in elementary school and one currently at Angeline.

“I’m also interested because I’m a scientist. I have my PhD in biomedical sciences, and while my expertise is not in wireless communications, I have about 15 years doing research on human health, disease and biological systems.

“It should be noted that Angeline is a very tall, four-story building, with student classrooms on all levels. The upper floors are significantly closer to the antennas, compared to the ground level,” she said.

She also noted that “the strength and type of radiation that will be coming from this tower is not known. Proper cellphone tower placement is necessary to limit possible health effects and liability.”

“In the current research, cellphone towers would be cautiously placed 500 meters or about a third of a mile away from schools,” Patel said, but in the case of the Angeline tower, it is about 100 meters away from student classrooms.

Patel also pointed to a statement on the American Cancer Society’s website that says most expert organizations agree that more research is needed on the issue, especially for any long-term effects.

Patel did not request that the cell tower be eliminated, but simply relocated.

“Cellphone towers are a way of life and coverage is needed in the Angeline area, I agree.

“But we need to be thoughtful about where those cell towers are placed to achieve that coverage.

“Until we are sure there are no negative health effects on children’s growing bodies, we should not be placing cellphone towers near student areas,” she said. “Instead, place towers along roadways, fields or other unpopulated areas.”

Mary Solik, an attorney representing Vertex Development, told the county board: “I understand the sincerity of Miss Patel’s comments, but we meet all of the siting requirements that are set forth in your code and the (federal) Telecommunications Act has determined that local governments are preempted on the issue of the health effects of the towers. The FCC (Federal Communications Commission) regulates that and you’re not allowed to approve or deny or regulate the placement of towers based on their health effects, no matter how sincere Miss Patel’s comments may be. The FCC has just taken that away from you and they regulate it.”

Solik also noted that the distance between the corner of the school building and the tower location is 389 feet.

Pasco County Commissioner Kathryn Starkey acknowledged that the board is preempted from considering health concerns. But she added: “I just want to say something to the school district. You know, we keep hearing this and I think it’s part of the 5G scare that’s out there, that people say they didn’t test enough.

“It would be better for us, if you would, when you start laying out your school sites, if you plan for your cell tower site. It could have been on the other side of that pond.”

Commissioner Ron Oakley agreed with Starkey’s suggestion that the school district plan for cell towers on its campuses to be farther away from its school buildings.

Published November 01, 2023

Traffic signal may be coming to improve conditions in Watergrass area

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Watergrass area residents have turned out to recent Pasco County Commission meetings urging that something be done to improve traffic safety near their neighborhood.

At the Pasco County Commission’s Oct. 24 meeting, Commissioner Seth Weightman added his voice to underscore the urgency of the issue.

He called attention to an intersection at Overpass Road, near the Epperson lagoon.

Overpass Road carries some restrictions as residents urge improvement of traffic safety near their neighborhood. (Mike Camunas)

“That’s a pretty large intersection there,” Weightman said. “That’s a pretty hairy crossing going east-west. There’s currently, I don’t think, a red light there. At minimum, we need to take a look at that. We get a lot of emails.”

Brad Tippin, the county’s development review manager, responded: “There’s warrants that we need to do and different things that happen, to make sure that these are truly necessary lights. There are other options we can use to try to control the traffic.”

Weightman persisted: “The amount of golf cart traffic in the mornings, going eastbound to take kids to school — you’ve got a mix of commercial vehicles, residential traffic, parents on golf carts. It’s cringe-worthy.”

Commissioner Kathryn Starkey noted: “That’s all of the parents who have been coming here (to board meetings).”

Commissioner Ron Oakley noted: “You’ve got to remember that Watergrass was not set up to be a golf cart community, at all.”

Weightman reacted: “But they’re coming from Epperson.”

Tippin responded: “There’s a portion of Epperson, actually north of Watergrass, on that side of Curley Road, where there’s a charter school now. Some of that golf cart traffic tries to make that trip as well.

“We’re working with county engineers and several other folks to look at Watergrass, the scenario there.

“Overpass has some restrictions, as to what we can do with Overpass.

“But we’re trying to kind of look at all of that. We’re looking at the signalization of that intersection. I believe it is on the plans to be signalized, it’s just a matter of timing.”

Weightman responded: “It can’t happen soon enough.”

Tippin said he agrees,

Tippin also noted that while Watergrass was not designed for golf cart use, other communities nearby were intended for that use and it’s a good sign so many golf carts are being used in the area.

“These communities were designed to use golf carts and they’re actually panning out that way,” Tippin said.

Oakley explained that part of the problem is that the county has been delayed in extending Overpass Road over to Kossik Road and U.S. 301.

County staff is working to try to improve the situation near Watergrass, Oakley said, but he added that waiting for those solutions will require patience.

“It does take time to design and get things right.

“Good things are coming. Staff is really working hard on making that happen,” Oakley said.

Published November 01, 2023

Not too spooked for candy, costumes

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Wesley Chapel trick-or-treater Harper Webb reaches for that precious candy at the Halloween Spooktacular event hosted by Pasco County’s Parks, Recreation, and Natural Resources Department on Oct. 21 at Wesley Chapel District Park. The evening featured games, candy, music, arts and crafts, inflatables and entertainment, as well as a chance for those attending to show off their costumes. (Mike Camunas)

They came, all dressed up, in spooky, spirited and fun costumes.

And in the end, they were ‘goblin’ up candy all night.

Hundreds of kids, tweens, teens, families and even adults were out in force, and in costumes, at the Halloween Spooktacular, held on Oct. 21 at Wesley Chapel District Park.

The Pasco County Parks, Recreation, and Natural Resources Department hosted the event, which was spread out on the fields next to the gymnasium. The festivities included candy, music, arts and crafts, inflatables, face painting, vendors and entertainment. The DJ hosted dance parties, as well as a costume contest, with contest winners selected by votes from those in attendance.

The vendors, such as the Girl Scouts of Wesley Chapel and Delano at Cypress Creek Apartments, passed out candy to eager youngsters who were looking for sweet treats and no tricks.

Popular costumes at the event included lots of Super Mario Bros., Spider-Men and Harley Quinns, but also classics such as characters from books and movies — Harry Potter, Alice in Wonderland, Pirates of the Caribbean and Pennywise (from “It”).

This was one of a few Halloween events the Parks Department hosted, including the Second Annual Jack O’ Lantern Festival, on Oct. 20 at Land O’ Lakes Recreation Complex.

Published November 01, 2023

This Wesley Chapel super family — from left: Leigh, Madison, Jeremey and Matthew Cooper — didn’t need to smash blocks or defeat Bowser to snag candy and fun at the Halloween Spooktacular on Oct. 21 at Wesley Chapel District Park.
Wesley Chapel resident Sharon Hinds holds her grandson Kai Handy — oh wait, is that Miles Morales, aka Spider-Man? They were having fun at Wesley Chapel District Park on Oct. 21.
Angel Roman, of Wesley Chapel, plays the ring toss game at Wesley Chapel District Park’s Halloween Spooktacular as his mom, Jordan Dosal, watches.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wesley Chapel youngster Bhrett Tarbutton and his grandma, Lee Tarbutton, are all smiles spending the evening of Oct. 21 at the Halloween Spooktacular at Wesley Chapel District Park.
Baylie Brown, of Wesley Chapel, cracks a stitched smile dressed as Sally from ‘The Nightmare Before Christmas.’
Wesley Chapel resident Eli Follano went down the rabbit hole for some candy at the Halloween Spooktacular.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Riaan Shah, of Wesley Chapel, seen here as Sonic, makes a mad dash across the field at Wesley Chapel District Park, in a quest for candy.
Costumed kiddos and teens lined up around the DJ playing music for the Halloween Spooktacular costume contest.
Dustin Mills holds his daughter, Riley — a baby Wonder Woman — at the Halloween Spooktacular.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Yasaswini, right, and Jayanth Sripathi, left, reach out for some of the delicious candy they got during the Halloween Spooktacular on Oct. 21.
Wesley Chapel youngster Sanchit Sharma was as surprised as anyone else when an ‘alien’ carried and ‘abducted’ him during Halloween Spooktacular.
Costumed kiddos and teens lined up around the DJ playing music for the Halloween Spooktacular costume contest.

Pasco eyes new drive-thru and car wash standards

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In a continuing quest to improve the overall look of the county, the Pasco County Commission is eying new standards for car washes and drive-thru facilities.

Pasco County is seeking new regulations that will help reduce the proliferation of car washes and will give a better appearance to both car wash operations and drive-thru facilities at banks, fast-food, pharmacies and other businesses. The county planning staff is expected to come back with proposed amendments to the county’s land development code. (Mike Camunas)

The board discussed the drive-thru issue at its Oct. 10 meeting and directed county planners to come back with recommended standards. It previously discussed during its Sept. 19 meeting the need for new car wash standards.

In both cases, the board is looking to update land development code regulations that affect the design and appearance of drive-thru facilities and car washes.

In the case of car washes, the board raised concerns about the number of such businesses popping up across Pasco.

It wants to adopt standards similar to the ones it has imposed on self-storage facilities that affect the location of car washes.

The board also is looking at drive-thru facilities associated with fast-food restaurants, financial institutions, pharmacies and other similar uses.

The new standards involve building placement, drive-thru placement, on-site parking, drive-thru stacking requirements and landscape buffering.

Regarding drive-thru facilities, that county board authorized the planners to come back with amendments to the land development code that consider:

  • Requiring drive-thru facilities to meet design and development requirements, such as placing parking to the side and rear of buildings and reducing stacking requirements
  • Requiring site plans to locate buildings close to the road or internal streets with guidelines to distinguish between major arterials and local roads/streets
  • Establishing flexibility in the code for sites that cannot meet the new requirements

The plan also should optimize landscaping. It also should be possible for commercial sites to have spaces between buildings without requiring buffer yards. That would result in more usable space within the public realm.

Regarding car washes, during its Sept. 19 meeting, the county board directed county planners to come back with recommendations that relate to the site design, the location of parking, vacuuming areas and so on.

During that meeting, Commissioner Seth Weightman raised concerns about the proliferation of car washes.

“They’re everywhere,” he said. “They’re taking up our prime job-generating sites.”

Commissioner Ron Oakley agreed: “It seems like a new one is coming up every time you turn around.”

County planners will return to the board in coming months with proposed new requirements relating to both drive-thru facilities and car washes.

Published November 01, 2023