The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Local News

Voter-backed salary increases expected to start soon in Pasco schools

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Pasco County Schools and the United School Employees of Pasco have reached an agreement on how funds from a voter-backed tax increase will be used to raise salaries for non-administrative district employees.

Payment of the salary supplements is expected to begin with the start of the eligible employees’ 2023-2024 work calendars on or after July 1, according to information in the Pasco County School Board’s June 20 agenda packet.

The approved plans outline how to distribute these funds to eligible teachers and school-related personnel (SRPs) for the 2023-2024 school year.

The school district also developed a plan for the distribution of a proportional share of these funds to eligible district employees who are not represented by the union.

For the 2023-2024 school year, approximately $53,470,000 of referendum revenue will be generated based on a 1 mil levy of the projected 2023 Pasco County tax roll, according to district calculations, according to the agenda packet materials.

Assuming a maximum collection rate of 96%, establishing 5% reserve for fund balance and providing eligible charter schools with their proportional share of funds, the district estimates that $43,880,000 will be available to provide non-recurring salary supplements, including mandatory employer deductions for the district’s non-administrative employees.

By providing a proportional share of funds to each of the eligible employee groups, an estimated $28,860,000 will be provided for instructional employees, $10,410,000 for SRP employees, $3,730,000 for non-instructional, non-bargaining employees and $880,000 for professional-technical employees, the background materials say.

On another salary-related matter, the board and the union are expected to soon begin the traditional annual negotiations process for the 2023-2024 school year.

In other action, the board discussed two new tools the district intends to use to help improve communications with parents and bus safety.

The first tool — called “Where’s the bus?” — is an app allowing parents to see where their student’s bus is located. The board also expects to eventually have cards students can use to check onto and off of the bus.

“We know with our driver shortage we do have a lot of late buses in our system. We’ve worked hard on making sure that we’re connecting our routing system with our communication. This would then ramp that up and provide additional communication,” said Betsy Kuhn, assistant superintendent for support services.

The district also wants to improve its use of data to make its bus routing more efficient. By having daily counts, the district will have better information to use when making routing decisions, Kuhn said.

The district also plans to install a more sophisticated video system on its buses, which also will have additional features, Kuhn said. The system will provide reliable video and additional capabilities that are intended to enhance the district’s safety efforts.

Published on June 28, 2023.

Zephyrhills considers naming park to honor Ellis Harrold

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Lincoln Heights Park, located on Lincoln Avenue, east of Airport Road in Zephyrhills, may soon have a new name, as the City Council has voted to convene a special city advisory board to consider renaming the park. Spearheaded by new councilman Steve Spina, the board will consider changing the name of the park to honor Ellis Harrold, the city staff’s first African American employee. He worked for the city for 34 years. (MIKE CAMUNAS)

The City of Zephyrhills is home to many parks, large and small, but one tucked inside one of its oldest neighborhoods may soon be getting a new name.

The city has convened a special advisory board to consider renaming Lincoln Heights Park. City Councilman Steve Spina has suggested changing the park’s name to Ellis Harrold Neighborhood Park, to honor the city’s first African American, who was on the city’s staff for 34 years.

The idea came up during a June 12 City Council meeting, when City Manager Billy Poe brought forth a resolution to convene a special city advisory board to rename Lincoln Heights Park, which sits between homes on Lincoln Avenue, just east of Airport Road.

The newly elected Seat 2 City Councilman Steve Spina brought forth the resolution.

In a letter to advocate the renaming of the park to honor Ellis, Spina wrote: “I believe Mr. Ellis Harrold meets these criteria, in breaking the racial barriers of his time, in contributing to the fabric of the community and having support of the neighborhood of which he resides and where the park is located.”

The City Council voted 5-0 to convene a special advisory board to consider the park’s renaming.

The special advisory board will consist of seven members: two planning commissioners, two historic planning members, two parks and recreation representatives, and the mayor, Melonie Bahr Monson.

Spina told city leaders that he has spoken to several residents of the neighborhood surrounding the park and “has the full support” of them, including the Rev. Adrian Gay of Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church, which is close to the park.

Harrold has lived in Zephyrhills since 1957 and previously resided in the city’s Lincoln Heights neighborhood. He was hired by the city in 1962.

The city honored Harrold with a proclamation on Feb. 27, which in part, noted that when Harrold was hired he “broke barriers that existed at the time and opened doors for other African Americans to work for the City of Zephyrhills.”

Ellis Harrold, center, is surrounded by family members on Feb. 27 when the City of Zephyrhills honored him with a proclamation for his 34 years of dedicated service to the city. He was the city staff’s first African American employee hired by the city. (Courtesy the City of Zephyrhills)

The board will come up with a few suggested names, but ultimately the City Council will choose the name and then appropriate changes, including signage at the park, will be made.

Meanwhile, the board will hear public comments, including suggested names from residents, all of whom can support naming it after Harrold or suggest other names and/or individuals they may think worthy of the honor.

“There were several people there the night of his proclamation (in February), so we think that residents in Lincoln Heights are very supportive of naming it after Mr. Harrold,” Poe said.

Published on June 28, 2023.

Land O’ Lakes man singled out for his volunteer ombudsman efforts

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Robert “Bob” Fortney has been named the District Ombudsman of the Year for the North Pinellas and Pasco Council of the Florida Ombudsman Program, which is part of the Florida Department of Elder Affairs.

Bob Fortney holds a certificate recognizing his contributions to the Florida Ombudsman Program. (Courtesy of Bob Fortney)

Fortney was recognized for exceptional service in a presentation made on May 22.

Volunteers in the ombudsman program are involved in advocating for quality long-term care in senior living facilities throughout Florida.

The volunteers receive special training and are certified. They work to identify, investigate and resolve complaints made by, or on behalf of, long-term care residents in nursing homes and assisted living facilities.

In another honor, Fortney received the President’s Volunteer Service Award and Medal, as well as a letter from The White House, in recognition of his 292.45 hours of volunteer service

Fortney lives in The Groves Golf and Country Club in Land O’ Lakes.

Published on June 28, 2023.

Bringing these American flags to an honorable end

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Flags awaiting a dignified disposal ceremony. (Courtesy of Raymond Williams)

American Legion Post 108 hosted a Flag Retirement Ceremony on the afternoon of June 11, at Harvester Community Church at 2432 Collier Parkway, in Land O’ Lakes.

The ceremony retired 357 community flags, bringing the total the group has retired to more than 1,700 to date, according to information provided by Raymond Williams, second vice commander of the American Legion Post 108.

Post Commander Randy Holeyfield presided over the ceremony and Retired U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. James S. “Hammer” Hartsel delivered the keynote address. Hartsel is the executive director of Florida State Veterans Affairs. 

Besides the speakers, the ceremony included the Legion Rifle Team, its Color Guard and a bugler who played ‘Taps.’

Post 108 partners with Pasco County Fire/Rescue, which collects unserviceable flags that are brought by the public to the county’s fire stations.

Post 108 then conducts public ceremonies to honorably dispose of the flags.

Before the ceremony, Post 108 held a picnic, with about 150 people in attendance, Williams estimated.

A Dunkin’ truck was on hand providing samples, and a Tap Truck dispensed fruit punch and lemonade.

Published on June 28, 2023.

‘Prescribed fires’ aim to reduce wildfire risk

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To help reduce the risk of wildfires — set by lightning or other sources — the Southwest Florida Water Management District conducts “prescribed burns” in specific areas, according to a news release from the district.

Some major benefits of prescribed fire include:

  • Reducing overgrown plants, which decreases the risk of catastrophic wildfires

    The Southwest Florida Water Management District conducts ‘controlled burns,’ which are intentionally set fires aimed at providing active forest management by reducing the risk of wildfires and promoting the growth of new, diverse plants and creating other benefits. (Courtesy of the Southwest Florida Water Management District)
  • Promoting the growth of new, diverse plants
  • Maintaining the character and condition of wildlife habitat
  • Maintaining access for public recreation

The water management district has scheduled these “prescribed burns” at these Pasco County properties, between June and September:

  • Starkey Wilderness Preserve: This preserve is located east of New Port Richey, west of the Suncoast Parkway, north of State Road 54 and south of State Road 52. Approximately 1,500 acres will be burned in small, manageable units. 
  • Cypress Creek Preserve: Cypress Creek Preserve is located east of Ehren Cutoff, 1 mile south of State Road 52. Approximately 100 acres will be burned in small, manageable units.
  • Upper Hillsborough Preserve: Upper Hillsborough Preserve is located south of County Road 54 and east of Chancey Road in Zephyrhills. Approximately 1,000 acres will be burned in small, manageable units.
  • Conner Preserve: Conner Preserve is located south of State Road 52 and west of Ehren Cutoff. Approximately 400 acres will be burned in small, manageable units.

The water management district conducts prescribed fires on approximately 30,000 acres each year, the release says.

Published on June 28, 2023.

Pasco County building leader wins top state honor

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The Building Officials Association of Florida has selected Esther Oluyemi as its 2023 Building Official of the Year, according to a county news release.

Oluyemi is the county’s building official, in the county’s Building Construction Services department.

She was nominated for the award by the county’s building construction services team for her continuous efforts to keep Pasco County a safe place to live, work and play, according to the release.

The award is bestowed by the Building Officials Association of Florida (BOAF) to someone whose contributions to the code enforcement profession, and the building industry, as a whole, is considered to be commendable, the news release adds.

“I’m humbled and deeply honored to accept this award,” Oluyemi said, in the release. “I take pride in my work and strive to make sure everyone in Pasco is safe and healthy.”

“The role of the building official is integral to the health and safety of our residents and visitors,” Pasco County Administrator Mike Carballa, said in the release. “We commend Esther for her efforts in leading the way for Pasco County.”

Oluyemi received the award on June 12 at the BOAF’s conference in Orlando.

Published on June 28, 2023.

There’s a local connection to that familiar ‘Publix’ name

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You might call it a twist of fate — for all of the parties involved.

The late Lakeland developer John E. Melton, who has descendants living in Trilby; the once-heralded Publix Theatre Corporation; and George Jenkins, founder of Publix supermarket, all have a connection to the widely known supermarket’s chain name.

Publix now has 1,300 locations, operating in seven states, with 225,000 employees.

The first store with the name “Publix” opened in Winter Haven on Sept. 6, 1930. (Courtesy of Publix Corporation)

Of course, Publix also has cooking schools, corporate offices, grocery distribution centers and manufacturing facilities. 

It is the largest employee-owned company in the United States. 

But have you ever heard how Publix got its name?

Melton’s Machinery Museum was established in 2002. It represents: ‘Investing in the future, by preserving the past.’ (FILE)

John E. Melton, who was a prominent Lakeland businessman, had developments including Cleveland Heights and the 18-hole golf course and country club adjoining Lakeland.   

He was the first to plan a multipurpose building anchored by a grand movie palace in Polk County, according to a published history of the Polk Theatre, in Lakeland.

At the time, about 15,000 people lived in Lakeland, which was a predominantly rural community.

It turns out that the timing of John E. Melton’s project wasn’t great.

Florida’s economic bubble burst around 1926 and the developer sold his unfinished building to Publix Theatres Corporation in 1928.

Publix Theatres was the movie group that at one point operated 19 opulent theaters in Florida, according to a report in The Palm Beach Post.

Many of the Publix Theaters ended up closing their doors at a time when borrowing money became nearly impossible.

John E. Melton had experienced the same kind of problems.

The name that had been used by the theater company that purchased his theater ended up being the name that Publix supermarkets would adopt.

Hannah Herring, a media relations manager for Publix told The Laker/Lutz News:

“Mr. (George) Jenkins had an admiration for the name of Publix.”

In a speech on file as a “Florida Memory” at the state library in Tallahassee, and later published as The Publix Story, Jenkins himself explains, “…I liked the sound of the name so I just took it for my store.”

Much of the history of Publix is preserved at its Lakeland headquarters, in Jenkins’ old office, which has been  preserved from the 1970s. His original Rolodex is there, as are his eyeglasses. There are receipts from the first transactions after Publix installed ATMs in 1982. There are copies of the first prescriptions written when pharmacies were added to the Publix stores in 1986.

Perhaps the largest historic exhibit there  is the 4,200-pound safe that belonged to Jenkins’ grandfather, dating back to 1873.

There are also Publix shopping carts, from the 1940s.

The Polk Theatre, built in 1928 by John E. Melton, has a Renaissance-era Mediterranean-themed décor. The two-level auditorium has 1,400 seats. Some of the theater-developer’s descendants live in Trilby. (Courtesy of Doug Sanders)

While Publix supermarket would go on to create a sizable presence in the grocery industry, the Melton family has a legacy of its own.

John E. Melton’s son, “Jack” Melton III  moved to Trilby, in northeast Pasco, to grow watermelons.

He and his four sons and his daughter created a ranch and farm operation that expanded to include a cow/calf operation, working quarter-horses, citrus crops and seed harvesting.

The family continued to assemble acreage through the years, growing their enterprise to 1,500 acres. 

Steve Melton, the grandson of John E. Melton, created his own kind of attraction:  Melton’s Machinery Museum, a free museum featuring antique agricultural tools and equipment. 

With its array of diverse artifacts, the agriculture museum aims to keep alive the history of the agrarian way of life.

The museum is open by appointment only. To schedule one, email Steve Melton at

Doug Sanders has a penchant for unearthing interesting stories about local history. His sleuthing skills have been developed through his experiences in newspaper and government work. If you have an idea for a future history column, contact Doug at .

Published on June 28, 2023.

Saddlebrook Resort appears poised for massive makeover

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In its heyday, Saddlebrook Resort enjoyed an international reputation for excellence, and attracted luminaries from the worlds of professional golf and tennis to compete and train there.

Those glory days diminished over time, as fewer resources were invested in the property, which is located off State Road 54, east of Interstate 75.

The current owner, Miami-based Mast Capital — who purchased the resort from original owner Tom Dempsey — has proposed a redevelopment plan it says will recapture Saddlebook’s potential to be a world-class resort.

Mast’s initial plans faced a wall of resistance.

The Pasco County Commission will consider a Saddlebrook redevelopment proposal on July 11.(File)

Over time — through 30-plus private, community, public, in-person and virtual meetings — Mast has changed its plans and opposition decreased.

Efforts continue by some Saddlebrook residents and their attorney to push for additional concessions and more assurances, but the gap between the two sides is considerably smaller.

Issues involving the request were thoroughly discussed during the June 8 meeting of the Pasco County Planning Commission, which makes recommendations to the county board relating to land use and zoning requests.

“We’ve done a lot of work since we were here in January. We’ve had a lot of meetings over time,” Barbara Wilhite, an attorney representing Mast told the planning board.

“We’ve worked very hard on a private deed restriction,” Wilhite said, noting that will ensure that golf course land would remain golf course land.

“Every home in Saddlebrook that is now on a golf course is still on a golf course and maintains their view,” said Jordan Kornberg, managing director and head of acquisitions for Mast.

The company has agreed to a binding concept plan and to phasing conditions that are intended to give Saddlebrook residents assurances that the company will be making an investment in the resort itself, not just redeveloping land along State Road 54 into a mixture of apartments, town homes, office and retail uses.

“We’ve ensured that ultimately, for development to happen, we need to make a significant commitment to the improvement of the resort to ensure that ultimately Saddlebrook will be improved and receive the investment that we all know it needs,” Kornberg said.

In broad strokes, Mast’s redevelopment plan has four parts: two areas are within Saddlebrook’s gated community and two are outside, flanking State Road 54.

Area 1 and Area 2 are outside of the gated community.

The plans for Area 1 call for 75,000 square feet of commercial retail/office, 465 multifamily units and 35 townhomes.

The plans for Area 2 call for 25,000 square feet of commercial retail/office and 120 townhomes.

Area 3 and Area 4 are within the existing resort community.

Plans for Area 3 address tennis courts, parking, the renovation of the clubhouse and resort area.

Plans for Area 4 call for the redesigned golf courses and relocation of the driving range, which currently fronts State Road 54.

The developer also has committed to improvements aimed at increasing the access points into and out of Saddlebrook, to address additional traffic the redevelopment will create.

Eran Landry, a managing director of Mast said: “Our intention is to really enhance what is out there today.

“The community has been very vocal about wanting to make sure that it feels good as you come in,” he said.

Plans call for the village center to have retail on the ground floor, with offices on the upper floors.

Planning board member Chris Poole asked Mast if some parking could be placed under apartment buildings, to reduce the amount of surface parking.

But Landry responded: “The economics doesn’t work.”

Wilhite said that Mast will commit to an enhanced landscaping plan.

Larry Barbetta, of the Save Saddlebrook Coalition, said he doesn’t want to minimize the progress that’s been made.

However, he said some gaps remain.

“Specifically, we need better commitments on the resort renovations, in terms of the scope of the renovations and the timing,” Barbetta said.

Concerns also continue over the amount and type of development that would be added and the amount of traffic it would create, he said.

Barbetta wondered if it would be possible to shift some of the proposed density to another area of the plan.

But Wilhite said “the design is village-focused. It’s the density that you need to have a village.

“If you drive around Pasco you’ll notice that we have mostly anchor-based retail, with outparcels. It’s all auto-dependent. It serves people driving by.

“When you try to create a village center, you need density.”

“You have restaurants where people want to stay and eat outside and listen to music, and you have festivals and markets. The density is very important for people to have those kinds of businesses,” she said.

Jane Graham, attorney for the Save Saddlebrook Coalition, told the planning board: “We’re getting really close, but we’re not there yet. There are continuing issues as far as the density and the compatibility of land use.”

But planning board chairman Charles Grey noted that it’s important to keep in mind that Mast’s investment is needed for the overall common good.

“From all of the reports that I’ve heard, Saddlebrook needs somebody to come in there and put some money into it.

“These people seem to be making a monumental effort in working with you,” Grey told Graham.

“If somebody is going to come and try to rescue Saddlebrook, give them something. They’ve got to have a carrot, too.

“You have to think for the greater good of everybody in there,” Grey said.

At the same time, Grey complimented both the applicants and the community for being willing to work together to iron out differences.

“You’ve come a long way. I think you’re almost there.

“I think we’ve got to do what we can to push it over the edge because if you lose out on this investor, who knows when the next one might come along, especially in this market,” Grey said.

Published June 21, 2023

On track for a wicked ride

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Amateur and first-time riders had a chance to experience the thrill of BMX during an open house on June 11 at Tampa BMX, a track located within Lake Park, in Lutz.

The track, one of the area’s top BMX tracks, has been operating since 1974 and is operated by Tampa BMX, a nonprofit organization.

Twelve-year-old Payton Wilson, of Wesley Chapel, readies for a run at Tampa BMX, the long-standing track located inside Lake Park in Lutz. Tampa BMX, as a track and organization, has existed since 1974 and hosts an annual open house to try out BMX. It also has produced some of the nation’s top professional riders. (Mike Camunas)

It provides a place for BMX riders, both amateur and professional, to practice and race weekly and it has produced some of the nation’s top riders.

“We’re a bit of a hidden gem,” said track operator Jason Aleman, a Land O’ Lakes resident. “We’ve been here a while and a lot of people don’t really know that we’re here. That’s why we hold an annual open house, so new riders can come check us out and the track.”

Aleman adds that once a first-time rider experiences the Tampa BMX track, they are usually hooked. That’s why full-time riders, who are required to have a USA BMX membership to regularly use the track for practice and races, can occasionally bring a friend or family member. 

Tampa BMX runs practices and holds races for its different motos, or divisions, based on age.

It’s why this track attracts some of the top riders in the area, the state and nation for races held year-round. It’s also why the track has produced some of the best BMX riders around.

“It’s like a family here, as in everyone helps out everyone else,” Aleman said. “You have riders of all ages, from 7 to 17, and those are here instead of out somewhere else being dumb and crazy, doing dumb and crazy stuff like I was when I was that age.

“Here, at Tampa BMX, everyone is here to help everyone ride.”

Tampa BMX
Where: 17302 N. Dale Mabry Highway, in Lutz
When: Wednesdays for practice; Fridays evenings and Sunday afternoons for practice and racing.
Details: Tampa BMX is a nonprofit organization and track located inside Lake Park in Lutz that hosts weekly practices and races for amateurs and professional riders. While the organization has an annual open house to try out BMX, riders with USA BMX memberships, which are required to use the track, can bring guests for a trial.
For more information, visit TampaBMX.com.

Published June 21, 2023

Colby Rolls, a 6-year-old from Wesley Chapel, awaits his turn at the top of the starting gate at Tampa BMX. The professional grade BMX track has been in Lake Park, in Lutz, since 1974.
Reed Bozatrh, of Fish Hawk, readies himself to ride down the Tampa BMX track at Lake Park, in Lutz.
Land O’ Lakes rider Lucas Aleman watches as other riders make their way toward the finish line of Tampa BMX in Lake Park.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A portion of the Tampa BMX track reflects on R.J. Monreal’s goggles. The 17-year-old is from Land O’ Lakes.
Wesley Chapel residents Chad Wilson, left, and Brayden Wilson, take advantage of the open house at the Tampa BMX Track, inside Lake Park, on June 11.
Port Richey rider Karen Young, 63, stays true to her last name and takes a youthful ride around Tampa BMX track in Lutz.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Several BMX riders get ready to head down the starting gate ramp during an open house event on June 11.
Fearless BMX riders rapidly make their way around the Tampa BMX track located inside Lake Park in Lutz.
Nine-year-old Chandler Davis, of Zephyrhills, comes down the finishing stretch at Tampa BMX.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Four-year-old Sebastian Sierra, of Wesley Chapel, is an avid BMX rider at Tampa BMX. The track is at Lake Park in Lutz.
Fearless BMX riders rapidly make their way around the Tampa BMX track located inside Lake Park in Lutz.
BMX riders head down the starting ramp at Tampa BMX, a track that has been inside Lake Park, in Lutz, since 1974.

 

First Baptist of Lutz makes progress on upgrades 

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Renovations to one of the oldest buildings in Lutz continues — with completion of the $3 million project expected later this year.

Renovation work at First Baptist of Lutz, 18116 U.S. 41 North, is slightly behind schedule, said Paul Vahue, the church’s administrative pastor.

First Baptist of Lutz, 18116 U.S. 41 North, is in the midst of a $3 million renovation, with tentative plans to be finished in late November or December. The steeple, installed in the late 1950s, was removed and will be repurposed into the new church’s sign. (Courtesy of Paul Vahue)

But one of the building’s most important elements was removed on June 2 and has been set aside for later use.

Workers gently and diligently took down the steeple cross that was installed at the church in the late 1950s.

The cross will be incorporated into the sign that will be installed on the new building, Vahue said.

The last overhaul of the church was in 1959, when the church was rebuilt.

The groundbreaking for this renovation was held in April 2022.

The First Baptist Church of Lutz was originally built in 1944 and then rebuilt after a fire.

The current renovations and upgrades include enclosing the entire front of the church and creating an entirely new look.

An atrium will be added, which will serve as the centerpiece and it will connect the sanctuary to the fellowship hall.

The atrium will be a large open space for welcoming guests, checking in children to the children’s wing, and hosting events.

There also will be new, larger, handicap-accessible restrooms at the front of the fellowship hall, on both the first and second floors.

Services remain in the main sanctuary, which is not being affected during the renovation.

The project will give the church a new, updated look.

In a previous interview with The Laker/Lutz News, Vahue said it’s a refresh that is needed.

“Many parents didn’t want to bring their kids to this aging building where it just looks like a blast from the past,” he said. “People like stuff that is new and we want to get modern here. The church isn’t going anywhere — it’s just going to get modern and new.”

Published June 21, 2023

An artist rendering of the $3 million update of the First Baptist Church of Lutz.