The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Local News

Pasco public schools add capacity, make improvements

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As Pasco County’s public school system begins the academic school year, students aren’t the only ones who are busy in the district.

The school district continues to add, expand and upgrade its facilities to meet current and future needs.

During the 2022-2023 budget year, the district began or completed a number of sizable projects.

Those included:

  • Construction of Kirkland Ranch Academy of Innovation
  • Traffic improvements at Oakstead Elementary
  • Traffic improvements at River Ridge Middle and River Ridge High 
  • Food service renovations at Moon Lake Elementary
  • Safety and security improvements at various schools
  • Completion of Locke Early Learning Academy
  • Heating, ventilation and air conditioning projects at various schools

The district’s 2023-2024 capital budget includes these major projects:

  • Construction of Kirkland Ranch K-8
  • An addition of a classroom wing at Starkey Ranch K-8
  • Construction of Gulf High School
  • Design and construction of a new K-8 school in southwest Land O’ Lakes
  • Design and construction of West Zephyrhills Elementary School
  • Construction of the Angeline Athletic Complex
  • Design and construction of the cafeteria and an additional classroom wing at Pasco High School
  • Structural upgrades and roofing design and construction at Marchman Technical College
Kirkland Ranch K-8 is taking shape on a campus it will share with Kirkland Ranch Academy of Innovation, off Curley Road in Wesley Chapel. The new K-8 school is slated to open next school year. (Courtesy of Pasco County Schools)
A look at construction activities involving a charter school that will be operated by Dayspring Academy, and an athletics facility that will be used by Angeline Academy of Innovation. The site is off U.S. 41, in Land O’ Lakes.

Projects included in the district’s new budget were outlined during a Pasco County School Board workshop held July 18.

In addition to outlining proposed projects for the coming budget year, the district also included its 10-year capital plan summary, for 2023 to 2033, in a 51-page report provided in the board’s workshop agenda materials.

That report notes that “capital needs continue to outpace revenues, expanding the potential need for debt issuance.”

It also notes that the district’s current debt is $574.4 million.

On a bright note, the district’s local capital collections are increasing because of a 17.5% increase in the tax roll. That tax roll is projected to be $54.9 billion, which will generate approximately $79 million, according to the report.

Also, recent Penny for Pasco collections remain at their highest level since the Penny for Pasco began. The revenues are projected to be $48.3 million for 2023-2024.

The district’s capital budget for 2023-2024 includes about $241.5 million for construction projects. Those break down this way:

  • $210.7 million for new schools
  • $22 million for major remodeling projects
  • $462,000 for cafeteria renovations
  • $6.3 million for HVAC Repairs & Replace
  • $2.1 million for traffic improvements

The budget also includes about $16.2 million for maintenance projects. Those include:

  • $226,680 for fire alarm systems
  • $382,066 for flooring renovations
  • $67,480 for generator replacements
  • $4.9 million for other renovations
  • $134,288 for outside improvements
  • $475,000 for exterior painting
  • $1.1 million for pavement sealing
  • $8.6 million for roofing
  • $272,085 for water and sewer

Other capital projects include:

  • $2.2 million for athletics
  • $4.5 million for buses and motor vehicles
  • $113,340 for compliance with Americans with Disabilities Act
  • $235,000 for compliance with environmental regulations
  • $120,000 for energy retrofit programs
  • $180,876 for fencing
  • $67,480 for Habitat for Humanity

The budget for the 2023-2024 fiscal year includes carryover funding, as well as new funding.

A Sense of Place

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The Back Road
Barry M. White, of Land O’ Lakes, snapped the road to the Ehren Cemetery on Ehren Cutoff in Land O Lakes on Feb. 9, 2022, while out looking to capture wildlife and nature through his lens.
Towering Over the Railroad
Clyde Parson, of Wesley Chapel, took this photo of the Lacoochee Water Tower on July 3, 2022, noting, ‘the railroad has been a point of interest for me since I was a kid, so I enjoy finding rail-related subjects to photograph. These photos, and most things railroad, evoke feelings of freedom and nostalgia for me.’
Double the Luck
Renee DiGioia, of Land O’ Lakes, grabbed this image of a double rainbow on Fort King Road near LeHeup Hill in Dade City on Aug. 2.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If you’d like an image to be considered for publication, please email it to . Please add a sentence or two, describing when and where you took the photo and what the image means to you. Be sure to include who took the photo, where he or she lives and contact information, in case we need to reach back.

Cheers to the versatility of fresh fruits, and veggies

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There’s no doubt that fresh fruits and vegetables can play a multitude of roles in the daily diet.

They can be eaten raw or cooked.

Produce such as apricots, nectarines, peaches, pears, plums and tomatoes can ripen on the counter, while berries, leafy greens and bell peppers should be stored in the refrigerator. (Courtesy of Pixabay.com)

They can be used as ingredients for salads, smoothies, soups, stews and other meals.

Pears, oranges and berries typically are eaten without cooking them, but also can be part of an easy, quick and nutritious breakfast or snack.

Cabbage, potatoes and mushrooms can be cooked and combined with other foods for a wholesome, hearty meal.

One thing they have in common? All of these fruits and veggies are packed with vitamins, minerals, and other essential nutrients for good health.

Regardless of age, diet or lifestyle, it’s hard to go wrong when you are choosing fresh produce as part of a healthy diet.

It does, however, help to know how to pick those fruits and veggies, whether you’re at a roadside stand, in a specialty market or at the grocery store.

Unlike packaged foods — fresh produce doesn’t have labels and tags to tell you about the nutritional content, or when it will go bad.

So, it’s important to know what to look for when making your selections.

Here are some points to keep in mind:

  • Pay attention to color. Ripe bananas, for instance, are bright yellow; underripe bananas are mostly green. Ripe tomatoes have a deep, even red color; underripe tomatoes will be lighter and may have patches of green.
  • Pay less attention to shape. Perfectly ripe produce can grow irregularly in shape and size. Don’t let that deter you.
  • Use your sense of touch to help you out. Ripe zucchini or bell peppers should feel firm, but slightly soft to the touch; avocados and tomatoes, on the other hand, should give slightly when you gently press into the flesh. When produce is overripe, it will be very soft and may have some bruises or blemishes.
  • Use your sense of smell. Ripe fruits, such as pineapples or berries, will have a strong, pleasant aroma. Overripe fruits may smell sour or unpleasant.

It’s also important to keep in mind when you will be using your fruits or veggies.

If you don’t need it right away, you can select items that are slightly underripe. Many items can be left out on a kitchen counter to continue to ripen.

It’s also a good idea to pay attention to proper handling and storage. Techniques for both can differ, based on the food.

I recommend the FoodKeeper app. It allows you to enter the name of a food and it provides information on whether to store it in a refrigerator or on the counter, and estimates how long it will last.

Knowing the shelf life of your fruits and veggies can help when it comes to planning meals. You’ll want to use up your produce before it spoils.

It’s also good to know that nutrient content of produce can vary based on its ripeness. 

Ripe fruits and vegetables typically have higher levels of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants compared to underripe or overripe produce.

Using ripe produce helps you maximize the nutritional benefits. 

For instance, ripe bananas are a good source of fiber, potassium and vitamin C. 

Overripe bananas, covered in brown spots, may have less nutritional value and higher sugar content. 

Overripe bananas can be ideal for baking.

However, eating the banana while it is yellow and slightly green may be ideal for someone monitoring blood sugar. 

Similarly, ripe tomatoes are rich in vitamin C, vitamin A and lycopene, while underripe tomatoes may have lower levels of these nutrients.

How to handle, cook and clean fresh produce
To ensure safety and quality, here are some tips from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA):

  • Wash hands before handling any fruits or vegetables.
  • Rinse produce thoroughly under running water to remove dirt or bacteria, even if you do not plan to eat the skin.
  • Do not use soap: Produce has pores that can absorb these chemicals, which can cause you to become sick when ingested.
  • Scrub firm produce like apples, melons and cucumbers with a produce brush.
  • Store fresh fruits and veggies properly to prevent spoilage and contamination.

Of course, it’s always possible to buy canned and frozen fruits and vegetables to enjoy as part of a healthy diet, but there’s just something so satisfying about bringing fresh produce home to enjoy in its season.

Have you ever tried a fruity pasta salad? Here’s one featuring mangoes, which just happen to be in season.

Bon Appetit!

Shari Bresin is the Family & Consumer Science Agent for the University of Florida/Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Cooperative Extension Pasco County.

Pasco County Extension Intern Syreeta McDonald, contributed to this column .

Mango Berry Rotini Salad (Courtesy of MyPlate)

Ingredients

  • 1 cup (4 oz) whole-wheat rotini pasta, uncooked
  • 1 ripe mango
  • 1 cup raspberries
  • 1 cup blueberries
  • 2 cups fresh baby spinach
  • 1/2 cup reduced-fat feta cheese

For the vinaigrette:

  • 3 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 Tablespoons raspberry vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon poppy seeds
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Directions

  • In a small bowl, whisk vinaigrette ingredients. Set aside.
  • Boil water and cook rotini, as per package instructions. Drain rotini and rinse in cool water.
  • While rotini is cooking, cut mango into chunks, removing peel and pit.
  • Place salad ingredients in a large bowl. Drizzle with vinaigrette. Toss gently.

Published August 23, 2023

Defend yourself against phone scams

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The Pasco Sheriff’s Office (PSO) has been seeing an increase in warrant-related scams and is offering guidance on how citizens can protect themselves from warrant and similar phone call scams.

In a warrant scam, someone poses as a PSO member, using an agency member’s name and demanding payment over the phone. Often that caller tries to make the scam seem more legitimate by using a victim’s personal information, which the caller obtained from a public record search, according to a PSO news release.

The caller threatens the victim with an arrest warrant, or with an arrest, if the victim refuses to pay. The scammer also insists that victims do not disconnect the call or text anyone, or the fine increases.

The imposter also demands payment in the form of gift cards, wire transfers, credit cards or through money sharing apps, the release said.

Potential victims should know that the sheriff’s office will never demand payment over the phone to clear a warrant.

Here are some tips from the PSO to help you to protect yourself from phone scam:

  • Beware of requests for unusual payment methods for government business, such as gift cards or money-sharing apps.
  • Don’t provide or verify personal information with the caller.
  • Don’t feel pressured to act due to the urgency of the caller.
  • End suspicious phone calls immediately and report them.
  • Call the business back that the caller is posing to be associated with to verify the legitimacy of the request.

These scams often try to scare people into handing over personal information or hard-earned money. 

The best defense against fraud and scams is awareness, according to the PSO.

Visit PascoSheriff.com or follow the sheriff’s office on social media for the latest news.

Published August 23, 2023

Hillsborough Tax Collector tightens up appointment system

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The Hillsborough County Tax Collector’s Office has changed its appointment scheduling system after discovering that scammers were bulk-booking driver license appointments and selling them to residents for a fee.

The office received an influx of complaints regarding a lack of appointment availability and received tips that third parties were selling appointments, according to a news release.

The office launched an investigation that revealed a pattern of daily appointments being reserved under identical names and email addresses.

Appointments are not required for most services, but residents can reserve appointments on the tax collector’s website up to 30 days in advance at no charge.

The office believes that third parties are monitoring the scheduling software and immediately snapping up available appointments, possibly through the use of AI and bots, preventing residents from accessing available appointment slots, the news release said.

“This fraudulent behavior by individuals who are exploiting residents and denying them access to essential services is unacceptable. Unfortunately, appointment selling has become a growing trend across the nation, and in Hillsborough County, we are committed to putting an end to this interference and restoring fair and equitable access to services for all residents,” Hillsborough County Tax Collector Nancy Millan said, in the release. 

After learning of the problem, Millan’s office asked the Hillsborough Sheriff’s Office to investigate.

“It is believed that these individuals are targeting minority populations, with most of the suspected “sold” appointments taking place in the Hispanic community,” the release said.

Residents are encouraged to report any suspected incidents of appointment selling to Millan’s office.

These changes have been made to the appointment book process, to combat the fraud:

  • The new system only allows one appointment booking per person. The limitation aims to prevent the mass booking of appointments by unauthorized entities.
  • During the booking process, customers are required to enter their Driver License number, a parent’s Driver License number for minors, or an alien registration number.
  • Appointments are exclusively reserved for Hillsborough County residents and customers are required to confirm this acknowledgment before booking.
  • Staff at the tax collector’s branch offices check residency and ensure the names and ID numbers provided at the time of appointment booking match upon arrival to the office. If they do not match, the appointment will not be honored. 

For further information regarding services, locations and to book appointments, visit HillsTax.org.

Published August 23, 2023

Main Street Zephyrhills welcomes a new director

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Antwon Gildon is up in everybody’s business.

He’ll set foot in every single business on Main Street, or Fifth Avenue, in downtown Zephyrhills.

“I don’t feel like everyone knows Antwon, I feel Antwon has gotten to know everyone, ” said Gildon, who was appointed recently as the director and event coordinator for Main Street Zephyrhills.

He spends as much time as he can in Zephyrhills’ downtown district.

“Every time I look down (Main Street),” he added, “it looks different, so one thing can change everything here. One shop, one restaurant can change it all. 

Antwon Gildon, the director and event coordinator of Main Street Zephyrhills, was named to that post in June, but had already been working in the position for some time. He also was already a member of the 501(c)(3) organization’s board of directors. In his leadership role, Gildon reaches out to local businesses, vendors and even individuals to help the city’s downtown district thrive and survive. (Mike Camunas)

“We’re a blank canvas and it’s exciting.”

Gildon served on the board of directors of the 501(c)(3) organization for three years before he was appointed director of the organization in June. During his tenure, there have been three other directors, but his experience on the board has given him a close view of the position and he’s ready to hit the ground running.

“I read an article in (The Laker/Lutz News) about the director at the time, Paxton (McCullough) and I thought, ‘Hey, you know what? I can help with whatever they’re trying to do,” Gildon recalled. “I didn’t know what Main Street was, didn’t know about downtown — I had passed through it, but didn’t know a thing about it, so I reached out to help, and they told me to come on down.

“When I joined,” he added, “I learned a lot about Main Street and that when your city has one, it’s a big benefit. That’s what led me to going to the board to help.”

Hitting the pavement
Originally from Mississippi, Gildon moved to Wesley Chapel more than 15 years ago. During that time, he has grown to love Pasco County, and Zephyrhills, in particular.

“I started coming out to Zephyrhills on the reg, and thought,” Gildon said, “‘Wow. There’s something up here that no one knows about, there’s all these restaurants and businesses that no one knows about,’ and back then, there were only so many choices.

“Right now,” he added, “we’re in a position where the city is growing. No city can grow if the downtown district is not reflecting that growth, but in Zephyrhills, you’ve had all these things built outside the (the downtown district), so now the focus needs to be on downtown.

“I believe in the city — that’s what attracted me to it.”

So did the Main Street concept. 

Main Street Zephyrhills bases its plans and concepts on that of Main Street America, and the state’s Main Street program. But since every small town is unique, it’s up to Zephyrhills’ board to shape, mold or even transform its downtown district in its own way.

Main Street Zephyrhills emphasizes four main concepts: Economic vitality, design, organization and promotion. Each concept has its own committee.

Gildon headed the economic vitality committee before he was promoted to the director’s role. That committee seeks to address the economics of downtown through market research and business incentives.

Main Street, or Fifth Avenue, in Historic Downtown Zephyrhills, is the home of many local businesses, the Woman’s Club of Zephyrhills and The Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce. It also is the site of the annual Founder’s Day Parade and numerous street vendor events throughout the year. (Mike Camunas)

The design committee focuses on arts-related public improvements — such as the city’s mural or park improvements or additions. The organization committee handles the behind-the-scenes work that keeps Main Street running, such as fundraisers and membership renewals; and the promotion committee works on Main Street Zephyrhills’ public image, ranging from community events to media promotions.

Main Street Zephyrhills also works with individual businesses and vendors to help put the word out about upcoming special events, to promote other activities and shares profiles and links on its website.

“How do I connect the residents, in town, in the district and outside of town, to the businesses in this district?” he said. “We have to figure out what the town wants, so they support it. We listen to the businesses and work with them to get the foot traffic they want and need.”

So far, Gildon’s main focus is on figuring out ways to increase foot traffic on Main Street — without the aid of a downtown-wide event. Street events, such as the monthly market every third Saturday, will continue to be held.

Main Street also is getting more involved with events, such as Summer Fest and Founder’s Day. Being a part of those events — which they haven’t in the past — will help in promoting downtown, Gildon said, adding “We’re not just event-focused, and I want people to see we’re more than just events. We can’t just spend all our time on the event side when we have so much more to promote downtown.”

Main Street business owners agree.

“The passion he has for Main Street is exciting because you don’t always see it, but you want to see it, especially as a business owner on Main Street,” said Shaun Sikat, owner of Winners on Main and Take Solace Studios. “Since coming in as director, he’s jumping into everyone’s business and it’s something we need though. He works to get people down here, and the more people down here is a win for everyone.”

Change of direction
Gildon expects to buck the trend of a rotating door for Main Street directors.

He wants his approach to the job to show his evident devotion. 

The highlighted area on the map shows the downtown district of Zephyrhills. (Courtesy of Antwon Gildon)

“His vision, leadership and affable, outgoing personality will be instrumental in advancing the city’s mission for Main Street and our downtown area,” Zephyrhills City Manager Billy Poe said in a statement. “We look forward to the positive impact he will make on downtown.”

“He’s looking out for the local business, the little guy,” added Bella Rivera, whose parents own Seasons Farm Stand. “He helps my parents, and the business, by making sure we’re promoted as a downtown Zephyrhills business. Since we’re first-time business owners, that’s great.”

Gildon doesn’t take all the credit.

He points to the contributions of Linda Kerns, who is Main Street’s president and to members of the board. Perhaps that’s one of the reasons why everyone in downtown Zephyrhills not only seems to know Gildon, but love him, too.

“There’s not been focus on the residents because Main Street is not just a city thing — it’s a district thing,” Gildon said. “It’s the businesses and the residents that reside in the downtown district.

“I’m not an outsider (to Main Street), though not that you always need that fresh blood, just the fact I’ve seen a lot of things that went through the directors and the area and some exciting things are going to happen.”

Main Street Zephyrhills
Where: 5344 Ninth St., Suite 105, in Zephyrhills
Details: The 501(c)(3) organization, using The Main Street Approach™, offers community-based revitalization initiatives with a practical, adaptable framework for downtown transformation. It creates a deliberate path to revitalizing and strengthening a downtown through four points: Economic vitality, design, organization and promotion. Main Street members and benefactors receive advance notice of special events, promotions and other activities. They also can promote their establishments through profiles and links on Main Street’s website.
Info: Email Antwon Gildon at , call 813-780-1414, or visit MainStreetZephyrhills.org.

Published August 16, 2023

Improvements aim to make it easier to get in Land O’ Lakes High

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Road, sidewalk and parking improvements at Land O’ Lakes High, 20325 Gator Lane, will make it easier for students, parents, teachers and others to navigate on the campus this year.

The improvements recently were completed — just in time for the start of the 2023-2024 school year, which began Aug. 10.

Gator Lane is just off U.S. 41, also known as Land O’ Lakes Boulevard.

Improvements have been on the Land O’ Lakes High School campus, which is next to Pasco County Schools’ administrative offices. Gator Lane has been repaved, more space for vehicle stacking has been added near the culinary arts building, an additional lane offers more options for drivers near U.S. 41 and Gator Lane, and there is more parking and a new sidewalk. (Mike Camunas)

The project added a lane near the high school’s culinary arts building, to provide more stacking space for vehicles, according to Principal Ric Mellin.

An additional lane has been added to allow for left-turn, straight and right-turn movements for vehicles leaving the campus, Mellin said.

There’s also a new sidewalk in front of Building 4 that leads out to U.S. 41 and a new parking lot surrounding the tennis courts, adding approximately 95 spaces.

The first phase of the project was completed in late April.

The earliest work included the installation of a new irrigation well and electrical components within fenced areas near the existing district portables. 

After the 2022-2023 school ended, the north lanes of Gator Lane were closed to all traffic while the south lanes remained open for temporary two-way traffic.

The roadway and surrounding areas then were prepared for the additional lanes, and the new parking lot was built.

The project is now entering its second phase, Mellin said.

The school district will be working with the Florida Department of Transportation on this phase, which includes a new traffic signal on U.S. 41 and relocating of the district’s monument sign.

The second phase is tentatively scheduled for completion in January 2024.

Published August 16, 2023

Schools across the region ring in a new school year

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Schools across The Laker/Lutz News region have begun or will soon begin the 2023-2024 academic year.

First-year crossing guard Patricia Welch holds traffic on Weeks Boulevard, as Lake Myrtle Elementary students exit their school on Aug. 10, the first day back in classrooms for Pasco County. (Mike Camunas)

Students in the Pasco and Hillsborough public school districts had their first day of school on Aug. 10.

Many scenes playing out across the Pasco school district were similar to ones that happen every school year.

Kids were hopping on their bikes to ride to campus, following the lead of crossing guards at crosswalks, or boarding a school bus.

Schools used signs to help welcome their first-day crowds.

Arriving students were eager to catch up with old friends and begin to make new ones.

This year, free breakfasts and lunches are being served in Pasco district schools.

The school board also has tightened up rules regarding the use of electronic devices.

New to the district this year is Angeline Academy of Innovation, a magnet school in Land O’ Lakes that welcomed its inaugural crop of students.

And those arriving at Land O’ Lakes High School, at Gator Lane and U.S. 41, found a host of improvements aimed at making it easier for them to get around.

Of course, it almost goes without saying that schools are in the business of helping individuals to expand their horizons through learning.

We, at The Laker/Lutz News, are extending our best wishes to all students, teachers, bus drivers, cafeteria workers, other district staffers, school administrators, elected school district leaders, and parents for a 2023-2024 school year that’s stimulating, safe and fulfilling.

Published August 16, 2023

Lake Myrtle Elementary fifth-grader Kendall Cave, 10, walks her bike across Weeks Boulevard on Aug. 10, the official first day of school for Pasco County. Kendall, and thousands of other students made their way back to their respective elementary, middle and high schools throughout the district. This school year marked the inaugural year for Angeline Academy of Innovation, a magnet school in Land O’ Lakes.
Lake Myrtle Elementary kindergarten teacher Angela Proietto leads 5-year-old Liam Webb to his parents, who are eager to greet him following his first day of school.
Pine View Middle students climb aboard their departing school bus following the first day of school in Pasco County on Aug. 10 in Land O’ Lakes.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Students at Pine View Middle in Land O’ Lakes wait to board their buses after school, on the first day of the 2023-2024 school year.
This sign, at Pine View Middle School, offers students and staff a warm welcome, as they arrive at the Land O’ Lakes campus for the first day of school.
Nicole Well, a first grade teacher at Lake Myrtle Elementary, hugs her son, Christopher, who is a third-grader, after the first day of school in Pasco County.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Land O’ Lakes fourth-year crossing guard Carlos Tavarez holds up traffic on Parkway Boulevard, as Pine View Middle students head home after their first day of school.
Lake Myrtle Elementary students in Land O’ Lakes are heading home, finishing up Day One of the 2023-2024 school year.
Lots of children rode their bicycles to school for the beginning of a new academic year at Lake Myrtle Elementary, in Land O’ Lakes.

Lutz author writes children’s book about foster care

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Emily Mains took inspiration from Tom & Jerry cartoons.

The legendary cat and mouse duo inspired her to write, and illustrate, her children’s book “Arlo Helps A Friend.”

“I’ve always wanted to be a writer, ever since fifth grade,” the Lutz native, who graduated from Steinbrenner High School in 2021, said in an interview with The Laker/Lutz News. “From there, I found my passion for writing.

Emily Mains, a 20-year-old Lutz native, wrote and illustrated a children’s book called ‘Arlo Helps a Friend.’ The Steinbrenner High graduate is studying creative writing at Southeastern University. In her book, Lucia, who just entered the foster care system, is befriended by the cute creature, Arlo, who helps her feel better about being in the system and helps her make friends. (Mike Camunas)

“I mostly write young-adult fiction, but I have enjoyed writing children’s books because my style is a little more light-hearted. I also feel there’s a lot that kids need to hear and have not been told yet, so I just felt a calling to it.”

In “Arlo Helps A Friend,” Lucia is a young girl who has just entered the foster care system and doesn’t want to play with other children at her school. She’s worried about living with foster parents and living in a new house, which leads to her getting into trouble at her new school.

Then she meets Arlo, a cute creature who wants to help Lucia feel better. He tells her the story of how he was adopted through the foster care system and shares how he overcame the struggles he faced.

“They become friends, and he helps Lucia,” Mains said. 

“Foster Care has always been something that has been in my heart,” Mains added. Mains’ mom is a Guardian ad Litem, which is a group of statewide volunteers who represent abused, abandoned and neglected children in court and the community.

“She has stood up for kids in court,” she added. “After hearing some of their stories, and what those kids needed, I was inspired to write something that would really help them.”

Mains, now 20, is a creative writing major at Southeastern University in Lakeland. She launched her book at her college on April 24 after spending about eight months getting published through Xulon Press.

She’s had some online book sales and said she’s seen plenty of interest in the book and its subject. She brought the book to display at the 28th Annual National Foster Care Conference in Orlando in early June.

She noticed some kids looking at it and “they really seemed to love it,” she said.

“I’ve been blessed with the sales so far,” she added. “I think we’re getting places with it and working on marketing it out there.”

The book began as a school project in a creative writing class at Steinbrenner and it took her a whole semester to write. However, Mains said she designed Arlo back during her sophomore year.

“He’s his own creature — he’s an Arlo,” she quipped.

“But it was just a fun project,” she added. “With the first design, my family fell in love with him and they thought he was adorable, so here he is now with his own book.”

As the young writer heads back to Southeastern to start the upcoming semester, Mains is currently working on a young adult fiction writing project.

Still, her heart remains with Arlo. She has no immediate plans for a sequel, but she knows Arlo’s story is far from finished.

“I think there is definitely more in store for Arlo and his friends. I foresee that.

“Because he’s Arlo, and I hope kids will love him.”

Arlo Helps A Friend
Details: Written and illustrated by Lutz native Emily Mains, Lucia is a young girl who has just entered the foster care system and doesn’t want to play with other children at her school. She’s worried about living with foster parents and living in a new home and she’s been getting into trouble at her new school. But then she meets a cute creature named Arlo. Arlo wants to help Lucia feel better, so he tells the story of how he was adopted through the foster care system and shares how he overcame the struggles he faced.
The book is available for purchase on Amazon, at tinyurl.com/3ad3wsvn.

Published August 16, 2023

Pasco plans to designate ecological corridor on 1,500 acres

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The land use designation on more than 1,500 acres in Land O’ Lakes would be changed from planned development to conservation, under a proposal sent to state officials for review.

The Pasco County Commission voted on Aug. 8 to send the proposal to the state, and then it will come back to the county board for final action.

The 1,517.89 acres proposed for the change are located south of State Road 52, north of State Road 54, east of the Suncoast Parkway and west of a CSX Rail corridor in Land O’ Lakes.

The property is in the area previously referred to as Project Arthur, but now known locally as the emerging community of Angeline.

The change will amend the county’s conservation map in the North Pasco to Crossbar Critical Ecological Corridor and the North Pasco to Connerton Ecological Corridor.

The proposed change is a result of a collaboration between the county’s Planning and Development Department and its Parks, Recreation, & Natural Resources Department, according to the county board’s Aug. 8 agenda packet.

The departments are working together to implement an agreement approved on Nov. 19, 2019, relating to Project Arthur ecological corridor sites.

The proposed land use change includes 843.50 acres for the North Pasco to Crossbar corridor and 674.39 acres for North Pasco to Connerton corridor, according to the agenda materials.

“The 843.50 acres of the North Pasco to Crossbar corridor were acquired by the Environmental Lands Acquisition and Management Program (ELAMP),” materials in the agenda packet add.

The county’s ELAMP acquired that land from Len-Angeline LLC and the James and Mabel Family Partnership LLP, et al, for $21,950,000, according to the background materials.

On another matter, the county board approved Carmen Chucrala and Doug Traub each to three-year terms serving as consumer representatives on the Pasco County Construction Board (PCCB).

That board has 10 voting members who have the jurisdiction and authority to hear and decide alleged violations of the county’s codes and ordinances.

The board is made up of volunteers representing these disciplines: an air conditioning or mechanical contractor, an aluminum contractor, an electrical contractor, a general contractor, a plumbing contractor, a general or residential contractor, a roofing contractor and three consumer representatives.

There are currently vacancies for an aluminum contractor, an electrical contractor, a general contractor, and a roofing contractor.

 In other action, the board approved:

  • Renewal of life and disability insurance, with Standard Insurance Co., for long- and short-term disability insurance and life insurance, for $591,000 annually. This is an increase from $330,611. The higher rate is primarily due to the county having a bad claim year and an increased number of county employees. The rates are guaranteed for the next three years.
  • Renewal of individual stop loss reinsurance coverage with Florida Blue for high dollar health claim protection, in the amount of $2,130,660. This represents a 5% increase over the current premium. The county is self-insured for health insurance and the county uses Florida Blue as its third party administrator and for the purchase of stop loss coverage. Stop loss coverage is intended to protect the county against large, unanticipated health insurance claims.
  • A request to rezone 4.99 acres at the northwest corner of State Road 54 and Livingston Road for general commercial uses. The applicant proposes to develop the property with a coffee shop with a drive thru, an eight-bay tire store and 10,000 square feet of day care. The applicant also has signed a voluntary deed restriction that requires the site to be developed with general commercial uses, in order to preserve employment-generating use of the land.
  • Amended a contract with the Area Agency on Aging of Pasco-Pinellas Inc., to increase funding for the Emergency Home Energy Assistance for the Elderly Program by  $104,864.94. Previously, the total contract amount was $752,838.97. It is now $857,703.91.
  • Approved the purchase of field maintenance equipment to be used at the Wiregrass Ranch Sports Complex, at 3021 Sports Coast Way, in Wesley Chapel. The purchase is being made from Wesco Turf Inc., through a cooperative purchase — through Omnia Partners — in the amount of $379,086.80. The equipment will be used for upkeep and maintenance of five new soccer fields and two existing sports fields at the Wiregrass sports campus.

Published August 16, 2023