The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Local News

Nominations sought for lifetime achievement awards

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The League of Women Voters of Hillsborough and Pasco Counties (HCLWV) is seeking nominations for local leaders who have made significant contributions to the local community and the state of Florida, according to a news release.

The 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award (or awards), will be bestowed to an individual or individuals who have dedicated their life to serving the public through education and advocacy at the local, state or national levels.

The 2024 Sydney and Thalia Potter Civic Leadership Award(s) are open to individuals in Hillsborough or Pasco County who have improved government, protected the environment or enhanced their community through civic leadership at the local and/or state levels.

The League will honor and celebrate the achievements of the award recipients on Feb. 21 at the 16th Annual Lifetime Achievement Award Luncheon. The event will be from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Bryan Glazer Family JCC, 522 N. Howard Ave., in Tampa.

Liana Fernandez Fox was honored during the February 2020 luncheon. The memory of Dena Gross Leavengood was honored, too.

Nomination forms may be found at HCLWV.org/laa.

Deadline for submission is mid-September. Angela Birdsong is the chair, and may be reached at .

Published August 30, 2023

PHSC names four finalists in its search for a president

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Pasco-Hernando State College (PHSC) has announced its four finalists in the search for a new president, to replace Dr. Timothy Beard who is retiring in January 2024.

A presidential search committee made up of business leaders, community representatives and faculty and staff members from PHSC have selected these finalists to succeed Beard and to become the college’s fifth president.

The finalists are: Gilbert L. Evans Jr., J.D., Ph.D; Eric Hall, Ed.D; Jesse D. Pisors, Ed.D; and, Saul Reyes, Ed.D.

The finalists will be introduced during a town hall at the PHSC Instructional Performing Arts Center in Wesley Chapel on Sept. 6, according to a news release from the state college. (More details will come soon regarding the town hall meeting.)

The candidates will tour PHSC’s five campuses on Sept. 7, providing a chance for them to meet faculty and staff members.

The PHSC District Board of Trustees will make the final selection, expected later in September.

The search committee selected the finalists from among 50 of the most qualified candidates provided by Myers McRae Executive Search and Consulting firm, the release said.

“This search committee has meticulously reviewed all applicants and we are confident PHSC’s District Board of Trustees’ final selection is amongst these distinguished candidates,” John Mitten, PHSC trustee and chair of the PHSC Presidential Search Committee, said in the release.

The college’s news release also provided information about each of the finalists. Here’s a condensed synopsis:

Gilbert Evans Jr.

Gilbert L. Evans Jr., J.D., Ph.D.: Evans is a native of Central Florida. He received his Associate in Arts degree from St. Johns River Community College. He also holds a Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts degree in English and educational leadership from Florida State University, and a Ph.D. and J.D. from the University of Florida.

While at the University of Florida, Evans’ Ph.D. dissertation, “Job Satisfaction and Organizational Climate as Perceived by Community College Presidents,” was nominated Dissertation of the Year.

He graduated law school with distinction. 

His work also has been published in several professional and educational journals.

He has been at St. Johns River State College for 26 years, serving in various capacities. He currently is vice president for legal affairs/general counsel for the college.

He also served as an attorney at Lowndes, Drosick, Doster, Kantor, and Reed in Orlando, Florida, where he specialized in bankruptcy, family law, and probate. He is a member of the Florida Bar and is a Florida Certified Family Law mediator.

He is married to Detra Nicole Evans, and they have two children, Derrick and D’Asia.

Eric Hall

Eric Hall, Ed.D: Hall was raised in Pasco County, and has more than two decades experience serving in executive leadership, with extensive expertise in the fields of education, public safety and public policy.

Currently, he is secretary of the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice, a position he assumed through a November 2021 appointment by Gov. Ron DeSantis.

Previously, he served as the state’s first senior chancellor at the Florida Department of Education (FDOE), where he oversaw multiple divisions, including the Florida College System.

Before joining FDOE, he was deputy state superintendent at the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction, where he led multiple divisions and initiatives within North Carolina’s education system.

He holds a bachelor’s degree in secondary science education, a master’s degree in educational leadership, and a doctorate in educational leadership and policy studies from the University of South Florida.

He serves on several boards and councils including the Florida Children and Youth Cabinet, CareerSource Florida Board of Directors, and Special Olympics Florida, among others.

He is the son of two public school teachers. He and his wife, who is a school social worker, have two children.

Jesse Pisors

Jesse Pisors, Ed.D.: Pisors is a seasoned leader in the field of higher education. His 25-year career includes serving as vice president at Texas A&M University-San Antonio (TAMUSA) and at the University of Houston-Victoria (UHV).

His leadership at TAMUSA showcases his dedication to inclusivity, where more than 75% of the student body is Hispanic and 60% are first-generation students. 

During his tenure at UHV, initiatives included restructuring the Office of University Advancement and executing a $13 million campaign, surpassing its goal by 12%.

His work in the University of Houston System’s $1 billion campaign, indicates his involvement on a larger scale.

Pisors holds a Doctor of Education from Texas Tech University, where his dissertation focused on fundraising challenges and expectations facing university presidents.

Fluent in Spanish, he spent three years leading a private K-12 school in Mexico earlier in his career.

He has provided conference presentations and articles to the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE), presenting at conferences, sharing his insights on various aspects of educational advancement and serving on conference committees.

Pisors also has served on the board for a number of organizations, including Rotary, United Way, the American Heart Association, and the YMCA.

Saul Reyes

Saul Reyes, Ed.D: Reyes has served as vice president for enrollment management and student affairs of the College of Central Florida since January 2015.

The college, which serves Marion, Citrus and Levy counties consistently has been recognized by the Aspen Institute as one of the top 150 community colleges in the nation.

Reyes’s 35-plus years of higher education experience includes 14 ½ years in the Florida College System.

He previously served at Polk State College, as dean of student services and center manager for the JD Alexander Center. Before that, he worked at the University of South Florida.

He’s had extensive involvement in leading student-centered programs and services to promote enrollment, retention, completion, transfer, and employment.

He holds a doctorate in higher education leadership from the University of South Florida and a master’s in counseling from West Virginia University.

He has participated in numerous educational leadership programs.

He serves as board chairman for the Marion County Cultural Alliance and is on the national board for the Higher Education Research and Development Institute.

Reyes, born to Cuban immigrants, is a first-generation American and first in his family to graduate from college.

Reyes and his wife, Sharon, have been married since 1986. They have sons, daughters-in-law and four grandsons.

Published August 23, 2023

Motorists have a new way to get around in Wesley Chapel

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There’s a new way to get from State Road 56 to State Road 54, in Wesley Chapel.

The extension of Wiregrass Ranch Boulevard, between the two state highways, opened on Aug. 12.

The completed project is expected to improve traffic heading north and south through Wesley Chapel, and to provide an alternative to Bruce B. Downs Boulevard, another route for north and south travel.

(Mike Camunas)

Prior to the extension, Wiregrass Ranch Boulevard was only partially open, ending at Chancey Road that came off Bruce. B Downs, and ended near the gated communities of Estancia and Esplanade.

Work is underway to extend Chancey Road to the east, where it ultimately will create a new intersection at Meadow Pointe Boulevard, just north of State Road 56 headed east.

The new Wiregrass Extension, heading south, eventually turns into Mansfield Boulevard at State Road 56, with Mansfield passing by the Pasco-Hernando State College Porter Campus, Wiregrass Ranch High School and Dr. John Long Middle School.

The road, heading north, ends at State Road 54, bringing drivers to the Wesley Chapel Super Walmart, as well as the several car dealerships by the nearby Saddlebrook Resort. 

The extension between State Road 56 and State Road 54, with its 45 mph speed limit, has been landscaped with greenery. It also has streetlights to enhance safety at night, sidewalks for pedestrians and dedicated bicycle lanes.

Additionally, starting Aug. 20, Mansfield Boulevard began its pavement rehabilitation project, with crews resurfacing the roadway and adding new markers from Oakwood Preserve Drive to just south of Ganga Way.

The project is expected to take a few weeks to complete, while work hours will be Sunday through Thursday from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m.

Published August 23, 2023

Advisory board recommends renaming Zephyrhills park

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A special city advisory board unanimously approved the recommendation of renaming of Lincoln Heights Park in Zephyrhills to honor the city’s first African American employee.

The advisory board held a special meeting on Aug. 15 to consider the issue.

The name of Lincoln Heights Park, located on Lincoln Avenue, east of Airport Road in Zephyrhills, soon could be Ellis Harrold Neighborhood Park. An advisory board voted for the renaming on Aug. 15 and the Zephyrhills City Council is scheduled to vote on that recommendation at its Aug. 28 meeting. The name change has been suggested as a way to honor Harrold, who was the city’s first African American employee. He worked for the city for 34 years. (Mike Camunas)

The group was made up of Mayor Melonie Monson, Dave Walters, Eileen Westerman, Beth Aker, Randy Stovall, Tracy Mahon and Tracy Sullivan.

City Manager Billy Poe also was in attendance.

The board voted 4-0 to recommend the renaming of the park to Ellis Harrold Neighborhood Park. (Three advisory board members were absent).

Poe said the resolution will be presented to the City Council for approval at its Aug. 28 meeting.

During the June 12 City Council meeting, the board was formed to look into renaming Lincoln Heights Park, which sits between homes on Lincoln Avenue, just east of Airport Road. The action was spurred by a resolution brought forth by newly elected Seat 2 City Councilman Steve Spina.

The park’s renaming is the city’s way to honor Harrold, who was hired by the city in 1962 and worked there for 34 years. Harrold has resided in Zephyrhills since 1957 and was a resident of the Lincoln Heights neighborhood.

The city previously honored Harrold in a proclamation on Feb. 27.

That proclamation noted Harrold “broke barriers that existed at the time and opened doors for other African Americans to work for the City of Zephyrhills.”

According to the board, and the town charter, there is criteria to rename a park, with this small park falling under the consideration of “a person, living or deceased, that has made a significant contribution to the city, either monetarily or through outstanding civic service.”

Board members enthusiastically agreed it was a worthy renaming and the park “was in need of not only a rebranding” but also of some improvements.

The park includes a pavilion, picnic tables, basketball court and playground.

Poe said the park needs some minor fixes, but nothing major or urgent.

He also noted the park currently has no signage, but a sign will be added with the park’s new name.

But the city manager also noted that new signage will come after the city unveils its new town-wide signage, as part of Zephyrhills’ rebranding efforts, which remain under development.

Poe said it’s likely that at some point there will be a small ceremony featuring Harrold and his family, following the city commission’s final action on the park’s renaming.

Published August 23, 2023

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