The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Local News

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

AmSkills opens new workforce center, garners accolades for its work

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AmSkills, a not-for-profit organization that provides training and apprenticeships, recently opened a new workforce training center and has been garnering accolades for its efforts to cultivate a skilled workforce.

AmSkills received the 2023 Special Recognition Award from the Pasco Economic Development Council during its annual awards banquet on Sept. 7, and was recently honored through a resolution adopted by the Pasco County Commission on Sept. 19.

The Pasco County Commission honored AmSkills, a workforce training organization, for its accomplishments, during a Sept. 19 county board meeting. AmSkills just celebrated the opening of a 14,000-square-foot workforce training center in Holiday. (Courtesy of Pasco County)

The Pasco EDC award recognizes “a company that has gone above and beyond their typical mission to solve an issue, create an opportunity to provide extraordinary support in the Pasco County community,” according to a Pasco EDC posting.

The Pasco County Commission’s resolution celebrated the recent opening of the 14,000-square-foot Amskills Workforce Training Center, in Holiday, and applauded the organization’s progress through the years.

The resolution notes that “AmSkills is a Florida not-for-profit organization, established as an economic development initiative to help manufacturers recruit, plan, and sustain a skilled workforce with a mission of transforming lives and strengthening communities through workforce training and apprenticeships for youth, adults, veterans, the uniquely abled, and economically disadvantaged.”

The resolution notes that the training facility addresses workforce recruitment and skills training needs for manufacturing, public works, utilities, and other industries in the Tampa Bay area. 

“It provides training opportunities for persons with little to no skills or experience, employers, and also to those with experience who are ready to advance their skills in the areas of maintenance, machinery, mechatronics, robotics, supply chain logistics, and industry 4.0,” the resolution says.

Besides training residents from Pasco County, the new workforce center is expected to attract people from all over the country for Amatrol Technical Training and Universal Robotics equipment training, the resolution adds.

It also will be home to the Pasco County Economic Development Council’s SMARTstart Incubator, offering local Pasco County entrepreneurs the support they need to successfully start their new businesses, the resolution says.

The new facility was celebrated with National Manufacturing Day, with AmSkills and the Upper Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce hosting the 10th Annual Manufacturing Day Dinner on Oct. 4, at the center.

Published October 11, 2023

‘Good neighbors’ encourage community involvement

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Hillsborough County has marked National Good Neighbor Day by announcing the winners of its 2023 Neighborhood Awards. The awards recognize community organizations in unincorporated Hillsborough County that foster healthy, safe, and engaged neighborhoods through exceptional programs, projects and events.

National Good Neighbor Day was established in 1978 to encourage people to take time to care for and connect with their neighbors.

These three winners were recognized:

  • Keystone Civic Association earned the Engaged Neighborhood Award for hosting several community events at Keystone Park in Odessa, including food drives, movies in the park, and fall festivals.
  • Summerfield Master Community Association, Riverview, won the Safe Neighborhood Award. An increasing number of wildlife sightings and interactions were reported in the community, so leaders sought help and direction from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to speak to community members to learn about the different animal species they may encounter and how to best handle them if they do.
  • Calusa Trace Homeowners Association earned the Healthy Neighborhood Award for hosting an annual community event that engages dozens of neighbors. Volunteers from the Calusa Trace HOA, Hillsborough Sheriff’s Office staff, and Steinbrenner High School students and faculty spent hours collecting hundreds of pounds of garbage along Calusa Trace Boulevard and the conservation areas and ponds in Lutz to benefit the environment.

These three winners are now finalists for the Neighborhood of the Year Award.

To learn more, visit tinyurl.com/3e47ztyr.

Zephyrhills unveils new town-wide brand

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It’s time to jump right into Zephyrhills.

It took more than a year, but the City of Zephyrhills has finally settled on its new brand — from a logo, to town slogan, to color schemes and more.

There will be a blue, green and teal color palette that honors the sky and the water and green for the rolling hills and open spaces in the area and an emphasis on the Z in Zephyrhills in the logo.

After more than a year of research, development and design, the City of Zephyrhills soon will unveil the efforts behind its rebranding initiative in conjunction with North Star Place Branding + Marketing. Since July of 2022, they have been collaborating to come up with a new town logo, slogan, color schemes and marketing campaign for Pasco County’s largest municipality. (Courtesy of City of Zephyrhills)

All of this was shown by city officials, as well as representatives from North Star Place Branding + Marketing, a Jacksonville-based consulting firm hired to research the town and develop a new brand, in a detailed presentation to the City Council on Sept. 25.

The city has long been associated with bottled water — hence the former town slogan, ‘The City of Pure Water.’ It’s also widely known for its skydiving and annual flock of snowbirds.

Now, it has a new slogan: ‘Jump Right In.’

“It’s a homage to the identity already there, while still moving forward with a new brand, a new message for Zephyrhills,” Sam Preston, director of project management for North Star, told The Laker/Lutz News. “And the city is much more than skydiving and water. (The new slogan) is an invitation to, well, everything — to businesses to dining to residents to all the events.

“It’s ‘Jump Right In’ where you can belong, where you can make the most of your life.” 

While the rebrand was formally accepted by the city, Zephyrhills officials said it will take time rolling out the new brand.

Firstly, the city and North Star are still putting the final touches on the designs of the new logo. Then, the rollout of the new brand will be very gradual, as it will take time to integrate it around town and through the city’s varying departments.

Plus, rolling out a city-wide brand of this magnitude takes time — most likely years.

The City of Zephyrhills is shedding its current title, ‘The City of Pure Water,’ including removing the sign on the right from the corner of Gall Boulevard and Fifth Avenue, after a year-and-a-half rebranding effort to better incorporate a city-wide image of Pasco County’s largest municipality. (Mike Camunas)

“You don’t want to do it all at once,” Preston said. “For example, when you retire one car in the fleet, you replace it with the new branding — doing it all at the same time is difficult and expensive.”

The city has several plans to implement the new colors and logo, which could include new monuments around town, but also putting it on park and street signs.

City officials told The Laker/Lutz News there are no plans for a formal reveal event or celebration, instead it will use a gradual approach, integrating the new brand over time.

One of the first times residents could see the new city’s new brand will be at the tentative groundbreaking for the updated Hercules Park. The groundbreaking event for the more than $5-million project on the 12-acre parcel of land at the corner for County Road 54 and Gall Boulevard is set for Nov. 28 at noon.

North Star began the nearly $70,000 rebranding project in July 2022, starting with collecting data from Zephyrhills residents and those that live nearby, looking for input on the town from outsiders’ perspectives.

The firm collected data from 1,486 unique inputs that included nearly 1,000 people completing an online survey, plus on-site conversions, focus groups and interviews. The information revealed how the city is perceived and helped shape the new logo and slogan.

North Star officials said it wanted to find a new narrative for the town, while still embracing its longstanding identity. In the end, the new brand still incorporates two important elements from Zephyrhills: the water and the skydiving.

Ironically, the City began the rebranding process because “City leaders also believe strongly that Zephyrhills offers much more than simply being referred to as the city of pure water.”

“People just walk up to me, and say, ‘Why are you spending so much money on this (rebranding)? Why are you spending any money at all on this? What’s wrong with the logo we have? This is where the water comes from, what’s wrong with that?” City Manager Billy Poe told The Laker/Lutz News in February.

“And it’s not to get rid of the water logo or get rid of the skydiving component. We feel we’re more than one thing, and we want to tell our story before someone can tell it for us and then not get it right.”

The City also posted a website laying out its rebranding initiatives, as well as answering questions behind the reasoning of the process and research.

All that information can be viewed by visiting AuthenticZephyrhills.com.

Published October 04, 2023

Appreciating the work of lifesavers, professional eaters and county staffers

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The Pasco County Commission’s Sept. 19 agenda was packed with resolutions to celebrate the accomplishments of people from all walks of life.

It passed a resolution to celebrate the life-saving actions of teenagers Mia Watkins, Finley Watkins and Regan Barron.

Commissioners praised the accomplishments of Miki Sudo and Nick Wehry — two world-class professional eaters, who happen to live in Pasco County.

Teenage lifeguards Mia Watkins, Finley Watkins and Regan Barron, center, were honored by the Pasco County Commission for their life-saving actions. (Courtesy of Pasco County)

And, the board passed resolutions to honor the work accomplished by retiring staffers — Fire Chief Scott Cassin and Budget Director Robert Goehig.

Mia Watkins, Finley Watkins and Regan Barron positively glowed as Pasco County Clerk & Comptroller Nikki Alvarez-Sowles read the resolution into the record.

For her part, the clerk got a little choked up, while reading it.

“Mia and Finley were lifeguarding at Anclote River Park (on July 19) when a moment of crisis emerged in the designated swim area when a visitor swimming experienced an epileptic attack,” Sowles-Alvarez read. “Mia and Finley swiftly initiated safety protocol and rescued the patron from the water.”

Then, on Aug. 5, “Mia, Finley and Regan were on duty as lifeguards at Anclote River Park when a 2-year-old child approached the deeper portion of the designated swim area, became submerged, and lost consciousness.

“The lifeguards responded and found the 2-year-old child unresponsive and not breathing” and then “worked together to perform life-saving measures, including Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and rescue breathing,” the clerk read from the resolution, getting a little choked up, as she detailed what happened.

Their swift response is credited with saving the young child’s life.

They have a need for speed
Another resolution, brought forward by Commissioner Seth Weightman, heaped praise on Sudo and Wehry, professional competitive eaters who live in Pasco.

Sudo’s competitive eating career began in Las Vegas when she was a student and she entered a 12-pound bowl of pho eating challenge.

Wehry’s career began when he was talked into entering a doughnut-eating contest.

They compete in about 20 contests a year and are the highest-ranked couple in history according to Major League Eating, the official league that oversees professional eating contests worldwide.

Sudo is ranked No. 3 overall, and No. 1 for women. She is a nine-time Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Champion, including seven consecutive titles; she is a four-time Buffalo Wing Eating Champion; and a former tamale, turkey, rib, and a doughnut-eating champion, the resolution says.

Wehry is ranked No. 4  in the world and is a Wonderful Pistachios Eating Champion, Wings for Wishes Wing Eating Champion, and a Hard-Boiled Egg Eating Champion.

Sudo also holds world records for eating 14.5 pounds of Minnesota hot dish in 8 minutes, 48.5 hot dogs in 10 minutes, 5.5 pounds of kimchi in 8 minutes, and 16.5 pints of ice cream in 6 minutes, the resolution says.

Wehry, meanwhile, holds world records for eating 188 pistachios in 8 minutes, 50 hard-boiled eggs in 3 minutes and 4 seconds, as well as 2 gallons of pureed baby food.

Both work to raise money through various charitable events and organizations.

Nick Wehry, left, and Miki Sudo are world-class professional competitive eaters. Their unusual skills have taken them to competitions across the world, and have resulted in raising money for various charities.

They worked with Wings for Wishes, as part of a wing-eating and charity event that has raised over $850,000 for Make a Wish in South Florida and with Friends of We Care to raise over $150,000 for kids to attend summer camp programs.

They also work with Nathan’s at the hot dog-eating contest every year, where 100,000 hot dogs are donated to the food banks in New York, according to the resolution.

They are the proud parents of Max, and Miki is a loving stepmom to Nick’s other children William and Sylvie.

Weightman was thrilled the competitive eaters could fit the commission meeting into their schedule.

Sudo told board members that the resolution is an honor.

“You have a lot of serious business to tend to,” she said, adding that she hoped that she and her husband could bring a little bit of levity and laughter to the boardroom.

Wehry added: “The insanity of what we do isn’t lost on us. But to be able to represent the community, raise copious amounts of money with our absurd skill, and bring happiness to people, that’s really cool.

“I never thought I’d get to travel the world and represent a great community and raise money for those in need, by eating pistachios in a short period of time.

“I found the love of my life, and a job and a great community, through an absurd talent. It’s a strange job, but it’s a job,” he said.

Weightman said he’s been watching Sudo compete at least since 2015.

“Leading into our Fourth of July festivities, we’ve watched the Nathan’s hot-dog eating contest, as part of our Fourth of July,” he said.

When he learned the couple lived in Pasco, he wanted to bring them in.

He told them that he was “super-excited and honored, and a bit star-struck” by their appearance in the boardroom.

Before moving onto the honors involving Goehig and Cassin, Alvarez-Sowles commented: 

“The resolutions have been great. I’ve cried. I’ve laughed. This has been great.”

Pasco County Administrator Mike Carballa, seated, expressed his gratitude to Budget Director Robert Goehig, during the Pasco County Commission’s Sept. 19 meeting. Carballa’s remarks came after the county board honored Goehig’s work by adopting a resolution of appreciation.

“Full range of emotions,” agreed County Commission Chairman Jack Mariano.

And now, more traditional honors
Next up, the board honored Goehig for his accomplishments as a leader and a mentor.

The resolution noted that beyond the budget director’s outstanding work ethic and fiscal guidance for the county, he “worked tirelessly during storm events and could be found in the Emergency Operations Center on the night shift as the Finance Section chief during catastrophes and disasters.

The resolution says that Goehig is leaving behind “a legacy of transparency, trust, and collaboration in budgeting.”

It also noted that Goehig is known for his work with the Florida Sterling Council in his roles as Master Examiner, Chair of the Sterling Exam Committee, Results Lead, Team Lead, and Trainer. He also received recognition with the Examiner Excellence Award in 2014.

Cassin, the retiring fire chief, was honored for his many accomplishments during his 13-year career with the county, where he rose to the rank of fire chief in 2012.

His achievements included work that improved public safety communications, enhanced safety for personnel, improved emergency services, strengthened relationships with other jurisdictions and improved fire station design.

The department added shift commanders during his tenure, new fire stations have come online, and he led the department during COVID 19, the resolution says.

Published October 04, 2023

Pasco Waste-To-Energy Facility expansion contract approved

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The Pasco County Commission has entered an agreement with Covanta Pasco Inc., for a $260-million design-build project to expand the county’s Waste-To-Energy (WTE) Facility.

The facility, at 14220 Hays Road, is used to convert solid waste into energy.

Justin Roessler, the county’s solid waste director and the board’s agenda packet provided background about the WTE facility and expansion before the board voted to approve the design-build agreement and to extend its service agreement with Covanta.

The Pasco County Commission has entered an agreement with Covanta Pasco Inc., for a $260-million design-build project to expand the county’s Waste-To-Energy (WTE) Facility, at 14220 Hays Road, Hudson, which is used to convert solid waste into energy. (Mike Camunas)

The WTE facility was built by Covanta as a result of a 1988 agreement between the county and Covanta.

The board restated its service agreement with Covanta in March of 1989, to operate and maintain the WTE facility for 20 years. That agreement has since been extended twice, with the latest agreement approved in 2013. That is set to expire on Dec. 31, 2024.

In the meantime, the county’s Solid Waste and Resource Recovery Department has been planning for the future. It presented a solid waste master plan to the county board in April 2019, outlining a long-term solid waste strategy for the county.

The key component of the plan is the expansion of the WTE facility to allow all of the county’s garbage to be converted into renewable energy.

That will reduce the volume of the waste that goes to the landfill and provide a source of energy.

The county board authorized county staff on Feb. 18, 2020, to begin negotiations with Covanta for a 10-year service agreement, which will extend to 2034, and to work out a design-build agreement with Covanta for the WTE expansion.

The board then voted on Dec. 7, 2021 to award Covanta a Stage 1 design and pre-procurement services contract to develop the expansion up to a 30% design level of effort and to secure more firm commitments from large equipment suppliers. Then, on Aug. 16, 2022, the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) was signed into law.

That law provides financial incentives and tax credits for renewable energy projects.

The WTE expansion qualifies under IRA, provided it meets certain labor and domestic material requirements.

Roessler told the board that the fourth boiler will come online at the WTE facility, enabling it to convert more garbage to energy and avoid using landfill space.

When the boiler comes online in 2026, the county will get a 6.6% reduction in the overall per pound cost, he said.

Here’s an overview of the county’s agreements:

Design-build agreement:

  • This includes a $260 million agreement for the design-build of the WTE facility. This includes a $30 million contingency fund, in case of supply chain, construction or other cost increases. If the contingency fund isn’t depleted, the parties will split the difference.
  • The project will have a 36-month time frame, which breaks down this way: Design and off-site fabrication, will be finished in fall 2024; Construction, finished in summer 2026; First firing and commissioning, finished in summer 2026; commercial operation: September 2026.

Agreement terms also include $29,500 per day for liquidated damages in the event that Covanta fails to reach full commercial operation by the 36-month contract end date.

The parties also have agreed to a drawdown schedule to ensure the county’s maximum monthly obligation relating to payments for the WTE expansion construction. That schedule will enable the county to effectively manage its cash reserves and borrowing.

Pasco County Chairman Jack Mariano praised Roessler for his work connected to achieving the agreement.

“Justin, this is a phenomenal contract that you negotiated. It’s been a long-term plan for us to expand this for many, many years, for all of the great reasons you cited,” Mariano said.

County Administrator Mike Carballa also congratulated Roessler, his team and the county attorney’s office for successfully bringing the contract forward for the board’s approval.

“This is a complex deal,” Carballa said. “They come in and they make it look easy, but this has been four years of negotiations — many ups and downs. There were some parts and times when we didn’t think we were going to get there. But hat’s off, too, to our partner at Covanta, as well. This is truly a team effort. But my compliments to you, Justin, and the infrastructure team for getting it here.”

Published October 04, 2023

Pasco’s budget is lean on new initiatives

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While the tax increase for fire services dominated the discussion at Pasco County’s final budget hearing on Sept. 19, the overall spending plan covers everything from pay raises to increased code enforcement to athletic field maintenance.

Pasco County Administrator Mike Carballa told the Pasco County Commission that the county’s budget was thoroughly scrubbed, to keep it as lean as possible before he presented it to the board. (File)

During its discussion of increasing the Fire Municipal Services Taxing Unit (MSTU) millage rate from 1.8 mills to 2.1225 mills, county board members agreed to reduce the operating millage from 7.6076 mills to 7.57 mills.

One mill is equal to $1 for every $1,000 of taxable value.

In reducing the operating millage, the board directed County Administrator Mike Carballa to make across-the-board cuts, including the budgets of the county’s constitutional officers, where that’s legally possible.

At both public hearings on the $2.1 billion budget, Budget Director Robert Goehig offered an overview and covered some of the spending plan’s highlights.

“Last year, we were here talking about the record height of new construction in Pasco County,” Goehig told the board.

But it turns out this year’s new construction surpassed last year’s mark by about $500 million.

“We’re almost at $2.5 billion in new construction values in Pasco County,” Goehig said.

However, at the same time, he said: “Inflation is taking its toll on our ability to meet customer demands. We have growth in demand for services.”

Here are some of the highlights for this year’s budget:

  • Health insurance costs are going up because of inflation.
  • The county also must increase its contributions to employee retirement costs because of a state mandate.
  • The county has assumed operations of the detention center from the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office and is facing renewal on contracts that are expected to cost more. A 15% increase has been budgeted for those renewals.
  • The county has earmarked $1 million Pasco Hope, to address homelessness.
  • Additional staff is being hired, including an animal services officer, five code enforcement officers and detention center crew leaders.
  • Additional funding is being provided to the Pasco Sheriff’s Office (PSO) to cover the cost of 10 additional deputies.
  • A 5% wage increase is planned for county employees.
  • Operations of Wiregrass Ranch Sports Campus, now being run by the county, $300,000

Highlights in the capital budget include:

  • Building renovations and upkeep: $5.8 million
  • IT hardware and software: $1.4 million
  • Parks and recreation athletic fields: $300,000
  • Parks maintenance: $1 million
  • Pinehill Park improvements: $1.4 million
  • Detention Center expansion: $2.9 million
  • Magnolia Valley Park, phase one: $5 million
  • Seven Oaks Library: $5 million

Funding to outside sources, includes: 

  • $19,500 in additional funding for Pasco Kids, which provides examinations for children who are thought to be victims of abuse
  • $85,000 in additional funds to United Way, which has not received an increase since 2015

About 40% of the increase in property tax revenues will go to the PSO, as part of an agreement between the county and the sheriff. The split previously was 50-50, but the county decreased it to 40%, after taking over jail operations.

Most of the increases in the budgets for the Pasco County Clerk & Comptroller’s Office, the Property Appraiser’s Office, the Supervisor of Elections Office and the Tax Collector’s Office are  related to wage hikes and higher costs for retirement and health care.

The Supervisor of Elections Office also will have additional expenses because of the Presidential Preference Primary and local elections in August, and some funding has been earmarked for the clerk’s office to pay for updates to the criminal justice system software, Goehig said.

Published October 04, 2023