The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Local News

Voters approve school tax in Pasco, reject it in Hillsborough

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A ballot initiative by the Pasco County School Board was approved, with 58.66% of the total 94,230 voters who weighed in on the issue.

After the vote, in a video, Superintendent Kurt Browning assured voters “that every penny that is raised as a result of this referendum will go to improve non-administrative salaries for teachers, bus drivers, custodians, food service workers, maintenance workers and many, many more.”

A similar ballot initiative in Hillsborough County failed, by the thinnest of margins.

In Hillsborough, 111,076 voters cast “no” ballots, while 110,486 voted “yes.” The end result was a difference of 590 votes, or 0.26% difference in the total.

Voting on the issue was so close in Hillsborough, it triggered an automatic machine recount of the ballots. In the end, though, the negative outcome remained the same.

Prior to that recount, Hillsborough Schools Superintendent Addison Davis addressed the issue on his blog, which is posted on the Hillsborough public school district’s website.

Davis wrote: “If the unofficial results stand, it will not change our efforts as we fight to increase education funding for students and staff. The following facts remain:

  • We are facing an alarming teacher shortage due in part to salary levels.
  • Florida is ranked near the bottom in education funding nationally.
  • Hillsborough County is ranked 45th in state and local per-pupil funding.
  • Twenty-three Florida school districts – many bordering Hillsborough County – now have an additional millage allowing them to enhance compensation packages for teachers, administrators, and support staff.”

Davis added: “Please know we will be back in 2024 to ask the board to place a millage referendum on the ballot, asking voters for additional funding to further support education. As the seventh-largest district in the nation, we must do everything possible to inform our community on how education is funded in Florida and push lawmakers to help us create the best educational system for our children.”

Pasco County voters were urged to support a referendum intended to approve higher property taxes to support higher salaries for Pasco public school teachers, bus drivers, kitchen workers and other non-administrative personnel in the district. The ballot initiative passed. (Mike Camunas)

Meanwhile, in Pasco, on Aug. 24 — the day after the Primary Election — Pasco Schools Superintendent Browning issued a video expressing gratitude for the voters’ support.

Browning characterized approval of the ballot initiative as “a wise investment in our schools, our employees and our students.

“It’s an investment in the future of our community,” Browning continued. “It will enable us to be more competitive with surrounding school districts so we can recruit, retain, the best employees and make good on our promise to provide a world-class education. As superintendent of schools, I have to tell you that it is gratifying to see this kind of support from our community.

“Community support is essential to our success,” the superintendent said.

Don Peace, president of United School Employees of Pasco (USEP), played a key role in persuading school board members to place the measure on the ballot.

On a motion by Colleen Beaudoin and a second by Alison Crumbley, the board voted unanimously in April, to pursue up to a 1-mil tax. The additional tax will begin July 1, 2023 and end no later than June 30, 2027.

The proceeds, according to the ballot question, will be used “for essential operating expenses to maintain salaries competitive with the market, attract and retain high-quality teachers, bus drivers, and other non-administrative school support employees.

An oversight committee will be appointed to ensure that the revenues are properly spent, Browning previously announced.

Much like the Hillsborough school district, Pasco has hundreds of vacancies in the district, for a wide variety of jobs.

After Pasco voters approved the referendum, USEP president Peace shared his thoughts on the initiative’s passage in a posting on the union’s website.

Due to the referendum’s success, Peace wrote, “Pasco County will now be able to negotiate competitive salaries for our employees and keep the high-quality educators we already have working here in Pasco. It is our goal to see that the multitude of vacancies in this district are filled with competent, qualified people being paid a fair, competitive, and rewarding salary.”

Like Browning, Peace thanked the Pasco voters for their support.

He also thanked all of the people who played a role in helping to ensure the adoption of the referendum.

“Many of you joined with USEP and waved signs and had roadside conversations with drivers to push the information out. Thank you.

“Many of you spent some pretty warm hours outside polling places to greet and educate voters. Thank you!

“No matter how you helped, USEP wants to say a heartfelt thanks to you for working toward this cause,” Peace said.

He also expressed gratitude to a group of former educators and school district who formed a group called Lift Up Pasco, to help in the effort.

Peace also thanked Browning for his support.

Peace said the next step will be “collecting the funds and negotiating salary increases and doing it in a way to provide transparent information to all those voters who heard of our concern and stepped up to make something positive happen.”

The union leader characterized the vote’s passage as being “momentous” for Pasco County’s public school system.

“Long-term, both our students and our employees are going to benefit from this victory,” Peace wrote.

Published August 31, 2022

Hillsborough board will take one more step to block incinerators in Lutz

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Applicant Louis Geraci LLLP recently withdrew his application for two air curtain incinerators in Lutz, after infuriated neighbors and elected leaders rose up against it.

Now, the Hillsborough County Commission wants to be certain the request can’t surface again on the site at 1225 Crystal Lake Road. They are expected to modify the original rezoning that listed the incinerators as an allowable use in an agricultural zone.

The county board is expected to take that action on Oct. 11.

County board members, who also sit as the board of the Environmental Protection Commission (EPC), said they had no knowledge the incinerators were being planned because there had been no discussion of that possibility when the rezoning occurred.

Hillsborough County Commissioner Mariella Smith noted: “We have to count on the people who come and testify to us, to give us an accurate assessment of what is being approved in the zoning stage.

“In this case, we had the founder of the assisted living facility right up the road writing us a letter saying he was in support of this because it was going to revert back to agriculture, because it was going to reduce traffic. He was fooled into thinking this was going to be good.

“His clients at the assisted living facility were going to be at risk because of the fumes,” Smith said.

County Commissioner Ken Hagan thanked his colleagues for supporting his motion at the EPC board meeting, which called for halting the EPC staff from working on the application and communicating the EPC board’s objections to the secretary of the Department of Environmental Protection, to the governor and to members of the Hillsborough Legislative Delegation.

“I knew what I was asking for was unprecedented. Procedurally, this was supposed to be an administrative issue. It did not come under our purview.

“I want to thank each board member for standing with the neighborhood and doing the right thing, even though we knew it was unprecedented and it could have led to legal challenges,” Hagan said.

He continued: “The reaction was swift. That day I received a call from their attorney. At that time I encouraged them to rescind their permit application, as well as their site development plan.”

They did both.

It was, Hagan said, “a clear victory for the neighborhood.”

The commissioner added that the intense community opposition played a key role in the outcome.

“Very rarely have I ever seen a neighborhood come together so quickly and be so unified.

“With respect to Lutz, I think it goes back to the ‘80s, when it was the East-West road that wanted to go through Lutz,” Hagan said.

Smith pointed out that the EPC’s staff played a crucial role on the issue, too, because of the notice it provided to neighbors about application for state approval of the incinerators.

“Typically, the applicant in a case like this, just would have gone straight to the DEP (Department of Environmental Protection),” Smith said.

But Hillsborough has its own EPC staff and board, and its staff is under contract with DEP to process such applications.

The EPC staff recognized that the request was for a project of heightened concern, triggering public notice and a planned community meeting.

When word got out about the proposed use, hundreds of opponents bombarded county board members with emails, and more than 600 signed up for the planned community meeting.

The county commissioners, sitting as the EPC board, listened to more than an hour of public testimony against the request. Opponents raised issues about public health hazards, negative impacts on the quality of life, potential dangers caused by truck traffic in area neighborhoods, and a likely reduction in nearby property values.

“If we didn’t have EPC, nobody would have even know that this was happening. It would have gone straight to the state, and the state would have issued a permit. Boom,” Smith said.

Adam Gormly, director of development services, said that beyond modifying this particular rezoning application, the county also will engage in amending the county’s land development code regarding the location of incinerators and the types of operations.

For instance, the way the code is currently written, there’s no distinction between temporary and permanent incinerators, he said.

Gormly added: “This site is a good example of a location of where it would not be a good use for the community.”

Commissioner Pat Kemp said she’d like to pursue whether the county can charge a fee and conduct its own traffic studies on rezonings. She noted that Sarasota County does that.

“We should have had a traffic study for everything in here,” Kemp said, noting the county board had no idea that truck traffic might be coming and going to the Crystal Lake Road location.

Gormly told the board that having the county handle the traffic studies would add a significant amount of time necessary to process rezoning requests.

Published August 31, 2022

Who says play time is just for kids?

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A spot of tea turned into a cup of coffee. And a tearoom has turned into a cafe.

Parents of younger children and infants gather around and converse, while other children enjoy toys and making friends during Playdate Café, at First United Methodist Church of Lutz. (Mike Camunas)

That’s because Heather Kirk’s vision of the Pushchair Club — the kid-friendly time for parents to get out and meet other parents while their children play — has become the Playdate Café at First United Methodist Church of Lutz.

“Pushchair — that’s what they call a stroller in England, and that club was everywhere,” said Kirk, who is British and is married to Chris, the church pastor.

“So when I came to Florida and had younger kids, I was like, where can you go that isn’t a boiling park or pouring rain, where it’s not a day care — it’s about parents getting to know other parents while the children play and have fun.”

Toddler Bryant McKinney rides a Spider-Man airplane during Playdate Café, at First United Methodist Church of Lutz. The 2 ½-hour playtime gives children, and their parents, an informal venue offering opportunities to meet new friends and have fun.

Playdate Café, which began its second year on Aug. 17, is slightly different from Pushchair Club. It’s held in the morning and serves coffee and snacks, instead of being in the afternoon and with tea.

“It has more of a coffee-shop atmosphere,” Heather added. “Plus, they tend to nap in the afternoon.”

For 2 ½-hours, kids can run around, play with and climb on toys, and enjoy meeting other children, while parents have the chance to chat with parents.

Playdate Café is open every Wednesday during the Hillsborough County school year. It is free and open to anyone in the community, not just members of the church, , which is located at 960 W. Lutz Lake Fern Road, in Lutz.

“If fact, we don’t know any of these parents or kids,” said Janell Lockhart, the church’s director of children and family. “Even right now, I think I’ve only seen two of our kids here. This is for the community — the parents looking to have something to do indoors with their children.”

Lutz grandma Barbie Pleus holds up her granddaughter, Aurora Brooks, with a smile, during Playdate Café, at First United Methodist Church of Lutz.

“This is our gift to the community where we felt there was a need,” Heather added. “There is no obligation to be a part of the church or even have the same faith. We want it available to anyone who wants to come as a way to meet people and have something to do outside the house.”

Bonnie Quintana watches with a smile as her granddaughter, Justice Gomillion, rides down a fun slide, during Playdate Café, a kid-friendly environment held every Wednesday at First United Methodist Church of Lutz.

Heather said when the weekly outing first started, there were just four children, but by Christmastime last year, it grew to 50. That was helped by Facebook groups and word of mouth.

“Oh, and us ‘accosting’ moms at Target to give them an invite and let them know about it,” Heather said with a laugh.

Playdate Café also does some themed weeks, such as a Mother’s Day photo op or a Halloween event where kids can get candy. Additionally, Pastor Chris has added Story Time in the Book Nook to read short stories to kids.

Parents seem to be glad to have this option, as the Playdate Café is well-attended,  with new parents and kids arriving each week.

“This was our first time and not our last time we’ll be coming,” said Lutz mother Stephanie Meyer, who brought her twin girls to the church. “I found out about it from my Tampa Bay Twin Mom group, and it’s just amazing, especially meeting parents that know what you’re going through and have something in common with.

“And then hearing from the pastor’s wife, who is from the UK, tell us how there are hundreds of these over there — that’s amazing, and this is amazing because we need more of these!”

Playdate Café
When: Wednesdays 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., following the Hillsborough County school year calendar
Where: First United Methodist Church of Lutz, 960 W. Lutz Lake Fern Road, Lutz
Details: A kid-friendly playtime environment with toys and more for preschoolers. There’s a story time and refreshments, and volunteers are on hand to help with kids, so parents and grandparents can have a chance to relax. Parents and children are not required to be church members.
Info: Call 813-949-1751, or visit FantasticFirst.org.

Published August 31, 2022

Massive Pasco Town Center project gets OK

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The Pasco County Commission has given a greenlight to a rezoning that clears the way for the Pasco Town Center — a development planned on 997 acres at the southeast corner of Interstate 75 and State Road 52.

Project plans call for 4 million square feet of industrial space; 725,000 square feet of office space; 3,500 housing units, 400,000 square feet of retail and 300 hotel rooms.

The development has been the topic of numerous discussions during the past several months, with conditions and details being worked out at meetings.

The Pasco County Commission voted 5-0 to approve the rezoning, at its Aug. 24 meeting.

During that session, Rob Park, who lives on Ehren Cutoff, raised concerns about how the project’s traffic on State Road 52 will be addressed.

Joel Tew, an attorney whose client owns the property, told the county board that extensive efforts have been underway to work out plans for his client’s property and adjacent properties to gain access on and off State Road 52, at the I-75 interchange.

“Everyone is collaborating. They’ve formed basically a task force to try to get DOT (Department of Transportation) to approve a better way of access on and off of (State Road) 52, east of that interchange.

“We think it’s very close to being resolved. The good news is thanks to the input of your county administration and all of the different stakeholders, it seems to be headed in what all of the parties think is the right direction, at DOT,” Tew said.

Commissioner Ron Oakley wanted to make sure there are no plans to change the name of McKendree Road to Boyette Road, as has been shown on some plans.

Tew assured Oakley: “Pasco Town Center was not trying to rename McKendree to Boyette.

“We received an edict from the county administrator’s office that that (McKendree Road) will continue to be McKendree Road, so we stated that on the record (at the Pasco County Planning Commission meeting).

“Obviously, we’re going to call it what the county tells us to call it. And, we’ve been told to call it McKendree. We love McKendree. We’re going to call it McKendree,” Tew said.

Oakley responded: “Well, that will make my citizens very happy.”

The board previously approved an economic incentive deal related to Pasco Town Center with Columnar Holdings.

Terms of the agreement, approved on June 7, provide a $55.8 million package for Columnar, funded mostly through property tax rebates, as specific milestones are met.

The development company also will install key roads and utility connections beyond the Pasco Town Center Property – providing $70.1 million in public infrastructure, with no direct cost to taxpayers, David Engel, the county’s director of the office of economic growth, said the day the agreement was approved.

Published August 31, 2022

Boaters must keep current on laws, equipment

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If you are a boater, there are new laws and requirements effective this year.

The Clearwater CG (Coast Guard) Auxiliary will teach virtual boating safety classes, via Zoom, to make sure boaters are up to date on all the equipment and operating laws, as well as the basics of boat handling, according to a news release.

Boat America is a boating certificate class that offers an in-depth boating safety course and provides the knowledge needed to obtain a certificate.

Some insurance companies offer discounts on boating insurance to those who successfully complete the course, the release said.

A boating safety class also is a requirement for many boaters in Florida, as anyone born after Jan. 1, 1988 must complete a boater safety course approved by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission in order to operate any boat powered by more than 10 horsepower.

Boaters should check their safety equipment to make sure it’s up date. They also should review laws to be sure they’re in compliance. (File)

Online classes are scheduled for Oct. 22 and Oct. 23, and Nov. 19 and Nov. 20, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The courses will cover topics including:

  • Introduction to Boating: Types of power boats, boating vocabulary, sailboats, paddleboats, powering boats, and engine types
  • Boating Law: Boating registration, regulations, hull identification numbers, required safety equipment, federal boating law, state boating law, and reporting accidents
  • Safety Equipment: Life jackets, fire extinguishers, sound-producing devices, visual distress signals, anchors, and other safety equipment
  • Safe Operation and Navigation: Buoys and beacons, aids to navigation, navigation rules, docking, and the dangers of alcohol on the water
  • Boating Emergencies: Hypothermia, boating accidents, man overboard, capsizing, emergency radio calls, carbon monoxide dangers, and weather
  • Trailering: Types of trailers, lights, hitches, towing a trailer
  • Sports and Boating: Water-skiing, hunting and hunting gear, PWC operation, and other boating tips

These classes are not lectures or animated cartoon sessions.

Each course is $50 per student.

For information or to sign up, contact the Coast Guard Auxiliary, Clearwater Flotilla, at CLWboatingsafety.com, email , or call 727-469-8895.

Published August 31, 2022

Family gets warm reception, and a mortgage-free home

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National homebuilder PulteGroup’s Built to Honor program, in partnership with the national nonprofit Building Homes for Heroes, turned over the keys to a new, mortgage-free home last week to 22-year-old Nazeraeh Montrond and her three younger siblings at a ribbon-cutting ceremony, according to a news release.

The celebration was held on the morning of Aug. 25, in the Centex community of Wesley Reserve at Chapel Crossings, 5369 Elmview Crossing in Wesley Chapel.

Sean Strickler, PulteGroup division president for West Florida, helps Kevyn and Nazeraeh Montrond and their younger siblings, Arabella and Bentley, cut the ribbon outside their brand new townhome in Wesley Chapel. The family lost father Army Sgt. Alberto Montrond in February 2006 when an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) detonated near his Humvee while he was serving in Afghanistan. (Courtesy of Building Homes for Heroes)

Nazeraeh Montrond lost her father, Army Sgt. Alberto Montrond, in February 2006, when an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) detonated near his Humvee. He was serving in Afghanistan with the Group Service Support Company in the new Group Support Battalion (GSSC, GSB) for the 7th Special Forces Group, the release says.

Sgt. Montrond deployed at least four times in support of the Global War on Terror, supporting Special Operations forces in Iraq, Jordan and Afghanistan.

The children’s mother, Christl, passed away in March 2021, after suffering with several health issues, leaving Nazeraeh to care for her three younger siblings. Kevin is 18, Arabella is 15 and Bentley is 10.

Today, she manages the demands of a full-time job and a full-time college schedule, while raising her two brothers and sister. Nazeraeh currently is completing her bachelor’s degree in health sciences, according to the release.

The date of the ribbon-cutting holds a special place for the family, since it’s their mother Christl’s birthday.

The Montrond family’s new 1,762-square-foot, two-story townhome features 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths and a one-car garage. Located in the master-planned community of Chapel Crossings, residents will soon enjoy several state-of-the-art amenities including a community pool with lazy river, clubhouse and fitness center.

“The story of Nazeraeh and her siblings has touched all of us,” said Sean Strickler, president of the West Florida Division of PulteGroup, in the release. “Everyone involved in this project knows what having this new home means for the family. We’re so proud to be involved, and we hope Naz, her brothers and sister make many new memories in their new home.”

Founded by Andy Pujol, after he volunteered in the search-and-rescue in the aftermath of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, Building Homes for Heroes is a national nonprofit organization that builds and modifies homes and gifts them, mortgage-free, to veterans and their families. The organization averages one home gifted or modified every 11 days. In September, the organization will reach its milestone 300th home.

This is the fifth Built to Honor home delivered in Tampa Bay since 2016. Earlier this year, PulteGroup celebrated awarding its 75th mortgage-free home through the program in Dallas, Texas, according to the release.

Published August 31, 2022

Pasco adopts new flood prevention regulations

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Pasco County has adopted changes to its flood prevention regulations to assure the county can continue to participate in the National Flood Insurance Program.

The board approved the changes during its Aug. 24 meeting.

Participation in the flood insurance program allows Pasco residents to purchase federally backed flood insurance, Esther Oluyemi, a county building official, said during previous hearings before the Pasco County Planning Commission and the county board.

The county has taken part in that program since 1981, Oluyemi said.

The county also has been a member of the Community Rating System (CRS) since 1992.

The CRS allows the county to get a discount for its residents, with the amount of the discount based on the rating. Pasco has a rating of 6, which makes Pasco residents eligible for a discount of 20% on flood insurance rates, according to Oluyemi.

The county had 19,015 policyholders, as of 2021. Based on that, the county’s CRS rating yields an annual savings to policyholders of $3.1 million a year.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has made regulatory changes that the county must adopt to get discounts, Oluyemi said.

The county must:

  • Adopt the new FEMA flood insurance study and flood insurance map. (The flood insurance map has already been part of the Florida Building Code since 2020.)
  • Eliminate the 36-inch option for manufactured homes
  • Require wet-proofing for agricultural buildings over 600 square feet in flood zones
  • Standardize the use of market value, for private appraisals

Oluyemi said that adopting the flood map into the county’s local ordinance essentially is a formality because the map already has been incorporated into the Florida Building Code, which is the code the county uses.

The county also has approved a process that provides for appeals of actions taken or denial of proposed construction to be heard by a hearing officer, using the same rules and procedures as demolition appeals when such denials are based on load and flood requirements.

Published August 31, 2022

Pasco and Hillsborough voters make choices known in Primary

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Voters in Pasco and Hillsborough counties have spoken, choosing their candidates for the Nov. 8 General Election, and deciding the outcome of proposed property tax increases for the Pasco and Hillsborough school districts.

All voters were eligible to vote on the referendums for the tax increases, and in the races for school board and judges, which are nonpartisan seats.

Dozens of political signs decorated the drive up to the Wiregrass Ranch Sports Complex in Wesley Chapel, which was the site of Precinct 57. (Mike Camunas)

The tax initiative proposed by the Pasco School Board passed, while the one sought by the Hillsborough County School Board failed. The vote was so close in Hillsborough, it triggered an automatic machine recount.

In the races for Pasco County School Board, voters returned incumbents Cynthia Armstrong and Megan Harding for another four-year term.

Armstrong won the District 3 seat, receiving 58.87% of the vote, defeating Matthew Geiger, who received 41.13%. Harding secured District 5 by picking up 71.32% of the vote, compared to her challenger, Charles Philip Touseull, who took home 28.86%.

In the race for District 1, Al Hernandez garnered 44.77% of the vote, James Washington received 31.67% and Stephen A. Meisman attracted 31.66%.

Since no one received at least 50% plus 1 vote, Hernandez and Washington will compete in a runoff in November to see who will fill the District 1 seat being vacated by Allen Altman.

In the Republican Primary for the District 2 Pasco County Commission seat, Seth Weightman was the top vote-getter, with 48.88% of the vote. He will face write-in candidate Louie Rodriguez in the November election.

In District 4, Gary Bradford received 43.96%, overtaking incumbent Christina Fitzpatrick, who received 37.7% of the vote. Shannon J. Wittwer, a third candidate in the field, garnered 18.35%.

Bradford now faces write-in candidate Cory A. Patterson in the November General Election.

In Hillsborough County, in the race for the District 4 seat on the Hillsborough County Commission, Michael Joseph Owen received 61.79% of the vote defeating Noelle Licor, who received 38.21%. Owen has been elected as the new commissioner in District 4, since there are no other opponents.

In the races for Hillsborough County School Board, incumbent Stacy Hahn secured 63.76% of the vote, securing another term in District 2. She defeated challenger Damaris Allen, who received 36.24% of the vote.

Patricia “Patti” Rendon won District 4, by receiving 53.10%. She defeated Hunter Gambrell, who received 28.44% and Danielle Smalley, who received 18.46%.

In District 6, incumbent Karen Perez was reelected, with 50.74% of the vote. She fended off Alysha “Aly Marie” Legge, who secured 37.51% of the vote and Roshaun Gendrett, who garnered 11.75%.

Published August 31, 2022

Voters turn out to weigh in on decisions

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We caught up with a few voters around The Laker/Lutz News coverage area on Primary Election Day on Aug. 23, who shared their thoughts on voting and the election. We also talked to some candidates and some supporters, to hear what they had to say.

Thinks local elections are important
James Wolfe, a 45-year-old Pasco County Sheriff’s deputy, took the time to cast his ballot on Primary Day. The Zephyrhills man had this to say: “I have five children, and they’re all in school. This (election) is predominantly local, and school boards are important, and, of course, the new tax was an important issue, too. I think it’s important, too, because — they get overlooked by the national elections and coverage, so people need to realize that it starts here.”

He supported the millage for school district salaries.

A first-time voter
Eighteen-year-old Jacob Smith, a student at Pasco-Hernando State College, was a first-time voter.

“I think it’s important to add to our democracy, especially through voting,” the Zephyrhills resident said. “To me, at least, that’s what you’re supposed to do as an American. … I feel that the local elections, like these, and then the one for governor are important — obviously (voting for) the president is important, but the states are the ones who determine what happens to us directly. As someone who has lived in Zephyrhills his whole life, that’s important to me.”

Al Hernandez was vying for votes in the race for District 1 on the Pasco County School Board. He was outside the polling place at the Land O’ Lakes Recreational Complex, off Collier Parkway, in Land O’ Lakes. (B.C.Manion)

Showing support for teachers
Fifty-nine-year-old Penny Hopkins, of Wesley Chapel, is a former school district employee. She definitely wanted to make her voice known.

“I normally vote, especially in the local elections because they impact the community a little more when it comes election time. I guess voting on school board members is pretty important to me, especially since I used to work for the school system. Certainly, I was for school teachers getting much-needed raises.”

Local elections have biggest impact
Joshua Starsheil, of Wesley Chapel, said it’s important to be involved.

“Voting in the local elections is the one that most affects our lives, so I definitely want to get out to vote in them,” said the 33-year-old, stay-at-home dad.

“I’m definitely paying attention to the school board races, and taking a lot into those votes, because I have a couple of kids at home.”

Staying connected to her community
Gretchen Lasasso, a 70-year-old Wesley Chapel resident, said she likes to keep a pulse on what’s happening.

“I just like staying involved with who’s running and what’s happening, because it’s an election like this that is the most important to our community we live in,” the retiree said. “But all elections are very important. … I think (local elections) are getting more important than ever have been in the past, which is good, and which is why I get out to vote in them.”

She opposed the school millage increase.

“Well, it seems like so much money already goes to the schools, yet they don’t seem to get any better,” she said.

Representatives of Pasco Professional Firefighters Local 4420 of the International Association of Firefighters lined up along Collier Parkway, calling attention to Primary Election Day on Aug. 23. (B.C. Manion)

He’s a regular, when it comes to voting
Forty-five-old Danny Blunke, of Lutz, said he began voting a few years ago and now does so, routinely.

“Someone once told me, ‘You know, you really don’t have a voice to say (anything) unless you vote.’ So now I’m trying to learn more about voting and the issues,” the general contractor said.

“School boards are kind of important because the schools always are important and so are the kids, but also the judges and the commissioners, too … the more I vote, the more I realize that it’s elections like these that are important.”

He wants to be on the Pasco School Board
Al Hernandez, candidate for the District 1 school board seat, was at the Land O’ Lakes Recreation complex, soliciting votes. He was the top vote-getter in that contest, but didn’t secure the 50% plus 1 needed to win the election, so now faces James Washington, who came in second. They will face off on Nov. 8.

She wants to finish the job she’s started
Cynthia Armstrong, the incumbent school board member in District 3, was at the Land O’ Lakes Recreation Complex seeking support for another term.

“I’ve really enjoyed being on the school board. I believe I’ve made a difference in the students’ lives. We’ve got some good initiatives going on that I want to see to fruition. So, I’m really hoping I get a chance to do so.”

It turns out she will. Armstrong received 58.88% of the vote securing another four-year term.

Mike Moore, of Gilchrist County, came to Pasco County to demonstrate his support for his son Patrick’s quest to become a Pasco County judge. Patrick won his election. (B.C. Manion)

Campaigning for their favorite candidates
Firefighters lined up along Collier Parkway reminding motorists it was election day. The representatives of Pasco Professional Firefighters Local 4420 of the International Association of Firefighters, endorsed a slate of candidates, including judges, state lawmakers, the governor, and candidates for Pasco County Commission. Representatives from the group have appeared repeatedly before the Pasco county board seeking more fire stations and personnel to reduce emergency response times. A number of initiatives are underway, but emergency responders have complained it has taken the county too long to address Pasco’s burgeoning growth.

Standing in the hot sun to support his son
There is a Mike Moore who sits on the Pasco County Commission, but it’s not this Mike Moore. This Mike Moore, from Gilchrist County, is the father of Patrick Moore, who was running to become a Pasco County judge.

And, he did.

His dad came to Pasco early enough to help solicit voters during Early Voting and also helped to put up signs at precincts around the county.

On Primary Day, he was holding a sign seeking support from voters.

He said the traffic had been pretty steady on Aug. 23 and there’d been a good stream of voters on the previous Saturday, during early voting.

Many of the voters he spoke with didn’t seem to have a strong preference.

“I talked to quite a few people who said they didn’t know anybody on the ballot, that they just come and pick.”

One guy told him: “I’m picking people whose signs I recognize.”

Compiled by Mike Camunas and B.C. Manion

Published August 31, 2022

Lisa Moretti, of Dade City, was dancing away on Primary Election Day away, in support of Christie Zimmer and Shannon Wittwer, and in hopes to ‘Slow The Growth.’ Moretti was stationed on Fifth Avenue in Zephyrhills, just out front of Precinct 06, in Alice Hall Community Center. (Mike Camunas)
Nancy Hazelwood, of Dade City, waves at passing cars and in support of Christie Zimmer and Shannon Wittwer, and in hopes to ‘Slow The Growth.’ Hazelwood was holding signs on Fifth Avenue, just outside Precinct 06 in Zephyrhills. (Mike Camunas)
Several local voters enter Precinct 06, in Alice Hall Community Center on Fifth Avenue in Zephyrhills. (Mike Camunas)

Cruising on the Chassahowitzka

By

Let’s just get right to it: We’re going to call this spot by its nickname because not even the locals call it by its full name.

It’s The Chaz. That’s short for the Chassahowitzka River, or “pumpkin hanging place.”

The Chassahowitzka River Campground and Boat Launch, at 8600 W. Miss Maggie Drive, in Homosassa, is a popular destination for weekend warriors and daily adventuring boaters. (Mike Camunas)

This spring-fed, 6-mile river starts near the Citrus/Hernando County Line, and then along with its tributaries, it runs out into the Gulf of Mexico.

The head spring is named after the river, but it’s also fed by the Seven Sisters Springs.

This crystal-clear waterway is scenic, mostly remote and a gorgeous little slice of Florida nature. It is simply perfect for even hardcore outdoorsy types.

There’s wildlife, from herons to otters. There’s plenty of fish. There are eagles. And, of course there are manatees seeking warmer waters during the “winter.” 

It’s a place where visitors can boat, kayak, paddleboard, canoe, swim, fish, explore and, yes, even swing in a few spots.

The Chaz has just about a little bit for all, in a perfectly Floridian way.

Spring ahead with Seven Sisters

The Chaz’s main spring that feeds the river is the Chassahowitzka Spring, visible from the campground dock.

The Chassahowitzka River is fed by its head spring, the Chassahowitzka Spring, and also features Seven Sisters Springs that feeds the 6-mile river that eventually leads out to the Gulf of Mexico. (Mike Camunas)

There is a campground and boat dock with ample parking, so you can disembark small vessels, from kayaks to pontoons.

The western half of the river is known for tidal creeks, oyster bars, Mangrove-populated keys and, of course, vast saltmarsh.

The eastern 3 miles around the river is state-owned wilderness and the Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge.

The entire river is very shallow, about 1 foot to 4 feet deep.

There are cabins dotted along the outer portion of the river that are privately owned, just before “Buzzard Bay.”

Dog Island is a recreation area with a restroom and dock located off the main channel, just before John’s Island and the Gulf.

If you’re just out for a leisurely paddle, you probably won’t stray far from Seven Sisters Springs, which can be found by going right when casting off at the boat dock.

Seven Sisters is a popular hangout spot. Just about anyone can get out and walk and/or wade in the year-round 72-degree water. These spring heads can be found easily and have small caves that can be searched through diving. Please be careful, though.

Below the surface is beautiful at Seven Sisters, but please bring a mask. I always do.

Step on this crack

If you enjoy exploring, like me, then grab your paddle because do I have something to show you.

Not too far and just around the bend from the boat launch is one of the first tributaries on The Chaz. This is Baird Creek. You can’t miss it because it opens up at Blue Spring, and then it narrows basically to a shallow creek you must paddle for about one-fourth mile, maybe less.

This is the entrance to The Crack on The Chaz, which can be paddled to, but then one must dock their kayak, canoe or paddleboard and wade through ankle-deep water to access the hidden spring and lagoon. (Mike Camunas)

Toward the end, you’ll have to get out because the creek will become ankle- deep; dock your vessel and walk maybe 100 yards to find “The Crack” on The Chaz.

It’s a deep, turquoise spring that looks like a paradise lagoon, secluded by lush palms and other trees.

Locals have tied a rope swing up one of the trees, but you also can wade in the crack, sit in the shallow water and just enjoy the scenic seclusion. (Of course, how secluded it is will depend on just how many others are there to take advantage of the rope swing.)

Spend the day

Whether you’re an experienced explorer, a novice adventurer or a laid-back boater, The Chaz can give you a day’s worth of things to do.

My advice is to take your time and enjoy the activities allowed there, such as swimming or fishing.

Make the most of your full-day vessel rental because as the sun sets in the west over The Chaz, the golden hour is just as gorgeous as it is at noon.

Learn how to say the full name of this place, which yields such true Florida beauty — it will make you feel good and is sure to impress Chassahowitzka River natives, too.

The Chassahowitzka River, or The Chaz

Where: Chassahowitzka River Campground and Boat Launch, 8600 W. Miss Maggie Drive, Homosassa

When: Boat rentals are available from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., but the boat launch is available from dawn until dusk.

Cost: Parking is $5; parking with a trailer is $7. Watercraft rentals start at $30 for the day.

Details: A spring-fed, 6-mile river that features hidden lagoons, boating, rentals, swimming and more in southwestern Citrus County.

Info: Call 352-382-2200, or visit ChassahowitzkaFlorida.com. 

Published on May 25, 2022.

Revised May 27, 2022

Help to protect the Chassahowitzka River

When The Laker/Lutz News initially published “Cruising on the Chassahowitzka,” the intention was to encourage readers to visit the river and enjoy its beauty.
It turns out that some of the activities described in the story are the same kinds of activities which the Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFMD), along with its state and local partners, have set out to discourage through a public education campaign.
The water management district circulated a news release in March urging the public to help protect the river, by avoiding any activities which pose a threat.
The Laker/Lutz News did not publish information from that March news release because “The “Chaz,” as its commonly known, is outside the newspaper’s coverage area.
However, after this Worth The Trip story published, the water management district reached out to us to alert us to potential threats to the river from some activities.
In the spirit of trying to ensure that visitors now, and, in the future, can enjoy this slice of Florida’s natural beauty, we are sharing the tips that were shared with us.
When visiting the Chassahowitzka River:
• Stay in the vessel when possible.
• If you have to leave the vessel, tie off in shallow waters.
• Avoid docking on riverbanks.
• Don’t trample vegetation or kick up silt.
• Avoid climbing on banks.
• Don’t climb trees or use rope swings.
• Don’t throw out litter or leave anything behind.
• Trim boat motors to prevent propeller scarring.
To learn more about protecting the Chassahowitzka River, visit WaterMatters.org/ProtectChass.