The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

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Divided Pasco school board approves Patel Charter deal

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The Pasco County School Board voted 3-2 to approve a partnership to advance a plan for a Patel Charter School, expected to open in 2025.

The parties making the agreement are the Pasco County School Board and Drs. Kiran and Pallavi Patel 2017 Foundation for Global Understanding Inc., a Florida not-for-profit corporation. The not-for-profit organization is referred to as Patel, throughout the agreement with the school board.

Under terms of the deal, the school board will donate 20 acres for the Patel charter high school and Patel will construct the school, in accordance with the state’s building code and its educational facilities standards.

As part of the agreement, at least two of the charter school’s board members will be Pasco County residents.

The school campus is planned at the school district’s Starkey/Tower site, where the school system owns 76 acres.

The district will retain 56 acres, which at some point could be used for a district school, according to information provided by district staff and background materials in the board’s May 16 agenda packet.

Patel plans to offer the Cambridge Programme, which is known for its rigor and/or a medical/health careers pathway program at a school being built for 1,000 students.

Since it is a charter school, a lottery system will be used to select students.

As part of the agreement Patel and the school board have agreed to enter into a Step-in Agreement, which gives the district the ability to step in, in the event the charter school fails for any reason.

That agreement confirms the charter school facility will be created to mitigate the educational impact created by the development of new residential dwelling units, and therefore the land will be donated to Patel. For its part, Patel will cover the costs associated with the design and construction, including reasonable costs associated with financing.

Patel also has agreed to pursue efforts to recruit Pasco students who have a free or reduced lunch status to attend the high school.

School board chairwoman Megan Harding and board members Cynthia Armstrong and Al Hernandez voted for the partnership. Board members Alison Crumbley and Colleen Beaudoin voted no.

The building design for Patel’s Pasco school will closely emulate its Hillsborough Charter Campus regarding room sizes, support spaces, building systems, and finishes, according to background materials.

School board member Armstrong made the motion to approve the partnership, citing several benefits of the deal.

She noted Patel’s “extremely good work” in Hillsborough County and expressed confidence it will provide the same quality of programming to Pasco County.

Armstrong added that the system would benefit because the charter would accommodate extra growth in an area where a new district high school is not yet scheduled.

She also noted the value of the land being donated is far less expensive than the costs associated with building the school.

Board member Hernandez, who seconded the motion, said he based his support primarily from considering the deal from a business perspective.

“We’re talking about donating 20 out of the 76 acres.

“We’re saving, potentially, $40 million in capital, here, which we can use,” he added, noting it may be possible to use some of those savings in other parts of the district.

“They (Patel) do a phenomenal job in Hillsborough County. I think it behooves us, as a business community, to actually bring the Patel family into our community, as well,” Hernandez said.

But board colleagues Beaudoin and Crumbley raised objections.

Both board members made it clear that their opposition in no way reflects on Patel.

Crumbley said she could not support giving away the land, when she voted on purchasing that site years ago to use for a district high school.

Both she and Beaudoin also object to having Patel offer the Cambridge Programme — something they believe the district should expand into Central Pasco.

Both women spoke passionately about Pasco’s great efforts and achievements with Cambridge. They want the district, not Patel, to provide the program in Central Pasco.

But Superintendent Kurt Browning said the district is not in a position to expand its Cambridge Programme until it is able to provide additional support for its existing Cambridge schools.

Betsy Kuhn, assistant superintendent for support services, said she worked with Deputy Superintendent Ray Gadd and Planning Director Chris Williams and Ash Bagdy, from Patel, to iron out the terms.

She also noted that school board attorney Nancy Alfonso reviewed the agreement.

Kuhn also pointed out that several provisions in the agreement protect the district’s interests.

Bagdy, who appeared on behalf of Patel, assured board members: “We are doing this for the right reasons. We have good intentions. This is our investment back into the community.

“It’s not a management company. It’s not a for-profit. None of us are on the payroll. It is truly something we want to do for the county, for the kids in that area. 

“He (Dr. Kiran Patel) does not need to make money from this school.”

Published May 24, 2023

Soaring to new heights

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From left: Jaymin Anzaldua, 18, Windsor Academy in Tampa; Logan Covington, 16, Steinbrenner High in Lutz; and Jackson Davis, Wendell Krinn Technical High in New Port Richey were among the Eagle Scouts honored at a recent Greater Tampa Bay Area Council of Boy Scouts of America reception. (Courtesy of Greater Tampa Bay Area Council of Boy Scouts of America)

The Greater Tampa Bay Area Council of Boy Scouts of America (BSA) recently recognized area Eagle Scouts for their community service, leadership and accomplishments, at a May 7 reception in their honor.

The rank of Eagle Scout is the highest in Scouting and requires earning at least 21 badges, completing an Eagle Scout community service project, and holding leadership positions in the Scouting unit. It can be earned by both boys and girls by their 18th birthday.

The council had 236 Scouts who earned the rank between May 1, 2022, and April 30, 2023.

The event also included the announcement of the council’s Eagle Scout Project of the Year by Jackson Davis of New Port Richey. Davis raised $15,000 and worked to turn an old school bus into a Mobile Food Pantry for Messengers of Hope Mission in Odessa. It has been named the BSA National Service Territory 16 winner of the Glenn A. and Melinda W. Adams Eagle Scout Service Project of the Year Award for 2023.

Published May 24, 2023

Five ways to make Memorial Day weekend memorable

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Late in May, many of us get a three- or -four-day weekend thanks to the yearly tradition of honoring our late veterans for Memorial Day.

Why not make this year’s a memorable one and get away with a nice, fun-filled day trip to a nearby attraction or adventure?

Here are some suggestions to help you create lasting memories:

(Note: This is a recap of some of the places we’ve featured in our Worth The Trip series)

(Mike Camunas)

Dames Caves and the Lizzie Heart Sink Loop
Details: Dames Caves is a set of 37 discovered caves in the Citrus Tract area of the Withlacoochee State Forest in Lecanto. There are several to climb into, including Vandal Cave and Peace Cave. These caves are situated on the Lizzie Heart Sink Loop, a nearly 4-mile trail that’s considered a moderately challenging route, takes an average of about 90 minutes to complete, and is a popular trail for hiking, biking and even a little motocross. The trail is open year-round and leashed dogs are welcome.
Where: 10701 S. Lecanto Highway (Note: this is an unofficial parking lot)
Cost: There is no charge to visit Dames Caves.
For full article, visit LakerLutzNews.com/2022/09/105455. 

The Chassahowitzka River and Seven Sisters Springs
Details: It’s the Chaz, for short, or, translated to “pumpkin hanging place.” It also is a spring-fed, 6-mile river that features hidden lagoons, boating, rentals, swimming and more in southwestern Citrus County. A popular hanging spot is the spring heads of Seven Sisters Springs, however, most visitors are drawn to one of the river’s first tributaries. That leads to Baird Creek, which will eventually narrow basically to a shallow creek you must paddle for about one-fourth mile, maybe less. It’ll be worth the trip when the creek becomes ankle deep and brings you to “The Crack” on The Chaz: a deep, turquoise spring that looks like a paradise lagoon, secluded by lush palms and other trees.
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.
Info: Call 352-382-2200, or visit ChassahowitzkaFlorida.com.
For full article, visit LakerLutzNews.com/2022/08/101799.

Tampa Baseball Museum at the Al Lopez House
Details: Step inside the museum set up in Al Lopez’s House, and 135 years of Tampa baseball history and heritage greets visitors. It’s a place where 89 professional baseball players with Tampa roots are honored. The impressive and immersive exhibit displays the rich and diverse stories dating back to long before the Tampa Bay area received a major league franchise. There’s a continuous running video presentation and various timelines of the different aspect of baseball in Tampa, including Tampa Bay receiving the expansion Devil Rays, the Negro Leagues and baseball during wartime. Oh, and there probably will be roosters greeting you at the front steps.
Where: 2003 N. 19th St., Tampa
When: Thursday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Cost: $12 adults, $10 Military, Seniors 65+, Students 18+ (ID required), $6 children
Info: Call 813-400-2353, or visit TampaBaseballMuseum.org
For full article, visit LakerLutzNews.com/2022/04/100012.

Bonnet Springs Park
Details: A once-abandoned rail yard, from the 1980s, was idle until a group of community investors and developers came together to bring new life to the historic site. The park, which opened in October 2022, represents a collaboration of local developer David Bunch, retired Lakeland Parks and Recreation Director Bill Tinsley, and Carol and Barney Barnett. The redeveloped site is a 168-acres park just outside of downtown Lakeland, between West Memorial Boulevard and George Jenkins Boulevard on the east side of Lake Bonnet. It features several amenities including a Welcome Center, a cafe, coffee and gift shops, event venues, play areas, nature centers, a children’s museum, a treehouse, boardwalks, botanical and butterfly gardens, and more. The park is dog-friendly.
Where: 400 Bonnet Springs Blvd., Lakeland
When: Open daily from 6 a.m. to dusk.
Coffee Shop in the Welcome Center: Open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The Depot Cafe: Open 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Rooftop Garden Bar: Open 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Cost: Free
Info: Visit BonnetSpringsPark.com.
For full article, visit LakerLutzNews.com/2023/04/113327. 

King’s Landing
Details: Considered one of the top paddling destinations in Florida, King’s Landing, located on Rock Springs Run, is part of the Wekiva River. King’s Landing is just the launch area, which offers an easily accessible dock, self-guided tours, kayak and paddleboard rentals and guided tours, too. There is a small shop with some snacks and drinks, plus souvenirs or necessities, but bringing a lunch is recommended. Also, pets and tubes are not allowed. Once out on the water, King’s Landing allows access to Rock Springs Run, which is part of the Wekiva River — and its crystal clear, 72-degree, gorgeous freshwater, with 26,000 gallons pumped out of the ground every minute.
Where: 5722 Baptist Camp Road, Apopka
When: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., daily
Info: Visit KingsLandingFl.com.
For full article, visit LakerLutzNews.com/2023/03/112766.

Published May 24, 2023

These free fish can help fight mosquitoes

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Mosquito season has officially begun and Hillsborough County residents will have various opportunities to pick up free mosquito fish this summer, at events across the county, according to a news release.

Hillsborough County is giving away fish to help people reduce mosquito populations near standing water, such as koi ponds or other water bodies. (File)

Homeowners can use the fish to help fight the insects on their property.

The free giveaways are only for Hillsborough residents who have intentional standing water, such as koi ponds or other bodies of water that are filled 12 months a year.

Mosquito fish fight mosquitoes before the insects can bite, by eating mosquito larvae. They are small enough to hide from predators, and their favorite food is mosquito larvae, according to the release.

Hillsborough operates its own mosquito fish hatchery to breed healthy fish for the giveaways.

The Mosquito Management Services educational trailer also will be on site at each event to help residents learn about eliminating the pests and to illustrate the work the county does to keep residents healthy and safe.

To receive fish, a resident must show photo ID proof of living in Hillsborough County so county staff can scan or enter the ID information into the county’s mosquito database.

Quantities of the fish are limited and will be available only while supplies last.

For a complete list of dates and locations for upcoming giveaways, visit HillsboroughCounty.org/en/newsroom/2023/04/28/fight-mosquitoes-with-free-fish.

Published May 24, 2023

Donations needed for Duffels of Dignity

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It’s called Duffels of Dignity, but the program accepts suitcases and backpacks, too. Donations are needed to provide a way for children, who are in foster care or difficult situations, to have a way to pack their belongings when they move from one place to the next. (B.C. Manion)

Hillsborough County continues to need donations for its Duffels of Dignity program, which helps children who are in foster care or in  difficult situations who often must leave where they are — without a bag to carry their belongings.

The county’s program launched in October 2022 and since then, nearly 700 duffels, backpacks and suitcases have been donated. Residents also have contributed thousands of personal care items to help Hillsborough County youth who are in need, according to a Hillsborough County news release.

Residents are asked to donate any of these items:

  • New or gently used duffel bags, 24 inches to 28 inches, or a suitcase (wheelie bags, suitcases with handles and backpacks all are accepted)
  • New personal care items (in original packaging): Toothbrush and toothpaste; comb and brush; shampoo and conditioner; and, deodorant 

Donations can be dropped off Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., at the Hillsborough County Children’s Services Administrative Office, 3191 Clay Mangum Lane in Tampa.

The Duffels of Dignity program partners with nonprofits throughout Hillsborough County to donate items to their clients.

The Children’s Network of Hillsborough County has been a partner since the program started, and most of the items collected through the Duffels of Dignity program are given to the youth in foster care or temporarily housed at the Children’s Services campus.

Other recipients include Metropolitan Ministries, Emergency Care Help Organization (ECHO) of Brandon, Mary & Martha House, and The Spring of Tampa Bay, which help women and their children escape domestic violence.

Published May 24, 2023

Retiring chamber executive is honored in St. Leo

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(Courtesy of Andrea Calvert)

The Town of St. Leo bestowed a proclamation of appreciation upon John Moors, executive director of the Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce, who is retiring on June 7. The proclamation was bestowed during the Town Commission meeting on May 8.

Town commissioners honored Moores for his longtime service to the East Pasco area, including St. Leo, San Antonio, Zephyrhills and Dade City.

Moors has spent nearly 13 years promoting economic growth and quality of life in the greater Dade City area. He represented area businesses on the Saint Leo University Hospitality program industry liaison council and, at one point, was an adjunct professor at Saint Leo University.

Moors also initiated the “Access” series of events, which provides an opportunity to showcase the East Pasco area for elected officials and business leaders, and Moors nurtured the growth of the Annual Kumquat Festival, which is now an event with regional economic impact.

Published May 24, 2023

In a ‘league’ of their own

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(Courtesy of Carrollwood Service League)

The Carrollwood Service League, a nonprofit, serves the Tampa Bay community through various service projects.

This year, Liberty Manor for Veterans was chosen as the league’s Charity of the Year.

The charitable group raised a  total of $17,000 through a fashion show and luncheon and a check was presented to the veterans organization.

Liberty Manor’s mission is to promote the developmental and social needs of disabled and honorably discharged veterans who have fallen victim to homelessness. The group provides transitional supported housing and establishing objectives to contribute to self-sufficiency. 

For details regarding a Service League membership, email . For more information on Liberty Manor, call Connie Lindsay at 813-900-9422, or visit LibertyManor.org.

Published May 24, 2023

Community input sought on Zephyr Park update

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Zephyrhills’ largest, and most beloved, park is moving toward an upgrade.

But first, the city needed to reassure the public that plans had not yet been decided. City officials had to set the record straight because rumors were flying after an old rendering of renovations to Zephyr Park was shared on social media — sending the town into a tizzy.

Zephyr Park is a 34-acre park that features the Alice Hall Community Center, five lighted tennis courts, handball, fishing, picnic pavilions with picnic tables, barbecue grills, horseshoe pits, playground equipment and a 5/8-mile fitness path. Zephyr Park includes many Civil War Era large oak trees that provide plenty of shade and a peaceful setting for recreation and relaxation. A $5 million renovation is tentatively planned by the city of Zephyrhills. (Mike Camunas)

Residents packed the City Council Room at Town Hall on April 27 to share their concerns and their desires for the park — with worries expressed about the potential for diminishing and dismissing the history associated with the 34-acre park on Fifth Avenue.

Zephyr Park is a popular gathering place for locals, featuring the Alice Hall Community Center, five lighted tennis courts, handball, fishing, picnic pavilions with picnic tables, barbecue grills, horseshoe pits, playground equipment, and a 5/8-mile lakeside fitness path. Some of its trees date back to the Civil War era.

And here is a community consensus improvements are needed at the park. But speakers raised concerns about the possibility of the Veterans Memorial being removed from the park.

Gail Hamilton, director of Community Redevelopment Agency, and other city officials, including City Manager Billy Poe, squashed that and other rumors circulating because of the social media post.

Residents turned out in force to an April 27 meeting at Zephyrhills City Hall to share their thoughts on a planned renovation of Zephyr Park, the city’s largest public park. (Mike Camunas)

Hamilton and Poe assured the crowd the Veterans Memorial will not be removed, but said it likely will be upgraded when the park renovations occur.

Poe said there had been some talk about moving the memorial to nearby Veterans Memorial Park, but he added that was only talk — no plan had been made to move it.

Another rumor involved the potential loss of the park’s five tennis courts at Zephyr Park. Poe refuted that, too.

“I’m just going to say it right out, nothing is happening to the memorial or the tennis courts,” Poe said. “They’re not going anywhere.”

Speakers also expressed their desires for the park’s upgrade. They’d like to see updates to Alice Hall, the restrooms and the splash pad.

Other suggestions include new amenities such as an adaptive playground, a disc golf course and a snack bar or recreational club room at Alice Hall.

They’d also like to see more amenities geared for older youth and teens, better park maintenance and an increased police presence at the park.

This 2016 rendering represents one vision of a Zephyr Park renovation, but the City of Zephyrhills is seeking public input to update the master plan to better reflect current desires, keeping in mind today’s economy. (Courtesy of City of Zephyrhills)

Hamilton said planning for the park’s upgrade is at the beginning stage — starting with finding out the community’s current desires.

“We hear you,” she assured the crowd. “We also see you with this turnout today at this input meeting, and we appreciate the passion of this community for this park.”

The artist rendering shared on social media was done several years and never reached fruition because of higher priorities, economic conditions and COVID-related issues.

City officials do have a budget in mind — as they requested $5 million in grants from the state — but were mainly focused on their new park project: Hercules Park, the other nearly $5 million project that will be adjacent to Woodland Elementary and behind the WaWa gas station on Gall Boulevard.

City and park planning officials want to be on the same page as to what should be done at Zephyr Park, as well as making sure none of it overlaps at Hercules Park.

Officials want to make sure having the same or similar amenities at both or either parks makes sense. However, they say further study and public input is needed, all of which will come over time and “several, several more meetings,” Hamilton added.

“This is not a shovel-ready project,” Hamilton said. “It’s not even really a ‘ready’ project because we are looking for more input. That’s where we are right now — looking for input from you (the residents).”

Published May 17, 2023

Hugh Embry Library to reopen May 30

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With construction and renovation nearly complete, Pasco County Libraries officials told The Laker/Lutz News the Hugh Embry Library in Dade City will reopen May 30.

Hugh Embry Branch Library, at 14215 Fourth St. in Dade City, is nearly complete with its $2 million renovation, and is set to reopen to patrons May 30. While some items are still on backorder, technology installation has begun and Pasco County Libraries officials say, ‘We are excited to show off the new look of the library!’ (Mike Camuans)

Officials also said “there are some final touches,” including partial furniture installation, which is scheduled with some items on backorder, while the next steps include installation and testing of public computers and technology.

The final steps involve the team members and librarians moving into the branch and planning service offerings, but officials added, “We are excited to show off the new look of the library!”

In early to mid-2021, Hugh Embry was cleared of its contents for the $2 million renovation to begin.

The Hugh Embry Library’s makeover will be a floor-to-ceiling remodel, and will include new furnishings, updated technology, faster broadband and other improvements.
(Courtesy of Pasco County Library Cooperative)

The renovation includes a complete overhaul and remodel of the branch, including new furnishings, lighting, computer, printers and even faster broadband.

It was the first time the branch received renovation work since 1991, when the library was expanded through a $10 million bond referendum passed by Pasco County voters in 1986 to improve public library services and build new parks countywide.

Founded in 1904, the Hugh Embry Library is the oldest in Pasco County. Its namesake, the then 25-year-old Embry, had exhausted books he could borrow from friends. He raised $50 to start a library and called it the Shakespeare Club. He chose books and ran the library out of his family home until his death from tuberculosis in 1907.

The Pasco Library Association was established to manage the library, and aided by The Dade City Woman’s Club. In 1927, the woman’s club began loaning books to the general population for free, out of a room in the Herbert Massey Building. Within a month of its opening, the library had attracted 440 registered borrowers.

For years, the library was unincorporated, though it continued to grow. It wasn’t until 1952 that Dade City gave property across the street from City Hall for a library building, and in 1953, the City took over responsibility for the library.

It would take another 10 years before the library finally moved to its current location.

After the Pasco County Library Cooperative was founded in 1980, it began operating and maintaining the Hugh Embry Branch under a no-cost lease. In 1988, the Dade City Commission sold the library to Pasco County for $150,000.

Published May 17, 2023

Pasco County bans thru trucks on portion of Overpass Road

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Complaints about increased truck traffic and damage being caused by the heavy vehicles have resulted in a ban on thru truck traffic on a segment of Overpass Road, from Curley Road to Old Bridge Road.

The ban also applies to Old Bridge Road, from Overpass Road to Handcart Road.

The Pasco County Commission adopted an ordinance instituting the ban during its May 9 meeting.

The action arose after residents from the Watergrass area appeared before the county board complaining about problems being caused by increased truck traffic, which resulted from the opening of the new Interstate 75-Overpass Road interchange.

The reasons for the ban, as outlined in the May 9 agenda packet, are:

  • Old Bridge Road from Overpass Road to Handcart Road runs through a dense residential neighborhood, even though it provides a connection to Handcart Road from Overpass Road.
  • There is a significant amount of non-motorized activity along this roadway, along with the presence of some neighborhood parks along the road and a significant number of pedestrians crossing along Old Bridge Road.

The county board has the authority to restrict truck traffic, based on Pasco County Ordinance Chapter 106, Article II, Section 106-3, according to information in the agenda packet.

The opening of a new interchange at Interstate 75 and Overpass Road has resulted in increased truck traffic in residential areas, prompting calls for a No Thru Truck ban on the affected roads. The Pasco County Commission listened and adopted an ordinance to make that happen, until the extension of Overpass Road from Old Bridge Road to U.S. 301 is completed. (Courtesy of the Florida Department of Transportation)

That ordinance says, the county board, “by the adoption of a resolution, may restrict the use of roads, highways, and streets under its regulatory jurisdiction by placing reasonable restrictions on the operation of commercial vehicles in residential neighborhoods.”

Once the board establishes the restrictions and the sign is installed, “it shall be unlawful for the operator of any commercial vehicle to operate the vehicle in violation of the restrictions.”

The board’s new restrictions will be effective upon the posting of signs, as required for enforcement.

The cost to install new signs is estimated at $400.

When the extension of Overpass Road from Old Bridge Road to U.S. 301 is completed, the No Thru Traffic ordinance on the section of Overpass Road from Curley Road to Old Bridge Road will be repealed, according to the agenda materials.

Tami Cook, who lives on Bluestem Court in Watergrass, appeared during the public comment section of the board’s meeting.

She thanked the board for taking up the truck traffic issue.

She asked: “Will there be a flashing sign trailer put up until permanent signage (of the No Thru Trucks) is in place?”

She also told the board that residents of Watergrass and the CDD board have paid $7,000 in repairs on the manhole cover on the corner of Overpass and Old Bridge Road because the road is too narrow for big trucks to make the turn.

Cook also asked about the status of an interim plan to route the I-75 traffic from the Overpass Road interchange.

She noted that the plan was to route the traffic to U.S. 301, via the Overpass Road extension.

But that project isn’t done and might not even be started for five years, Cook said.

“Wesley Chapel is now one of the fastest-growing communities in the region, with projections estimating a population of 93,700 people by 2024.

“May I propose that this project be moved to the earliest possible start date? The population density growth has already warranted that,” Cook said.

The area resident also noted the noise problems being caused by traffic.

“Does Pasco County have a noise ordinance for decibel limits allowed for roadway noise caused by traffic in residential zones?” Cook asked. “If so, can we request a noise pollution study in the affected areas of Watergrass and Epperson?

“As concerned citizens, in this area, the additional thousands of homes will produce thousands of cars on the road, within these two communities.

“It’s our understanding that New Port Richey has strengthened their noise ordinance. In residential areas, the ordinance sets the limit for 55 decibels from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. It drops to 50 decibels from 10:01 p.m. to 6:59 a.m.

“Does this ordinance also apply to Wesley Chapel?

“The traffic noise in Watergrass and Epperson currently far exceeds these limits,” she said.

She also asked: “Are their noise ordinances for mufflers, the use of Jake-Brakes in residential areas?

“Who enforces them, if there’s a violation, if so,” Cook said.

The county board typically does not respond directly to questions raised during the public comment portion of its meetings, but rather refers speakers to staff members who can assist or their office staff, who can take their contact information.

In this case, Pasco County Commission Chairman Jack Mariano referred Cook to a county staff member regarding the concerns over the manhole damage.

Published May 17, 2023