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Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

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Exploring the origins of pizza — a truly universal food

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Before we start exploring the early beginnings of pizza, I thought I’d share a little joke.

Did you hear about the guy who took a second job at a pizza parlor? 

He kneaded the dough.  

From controlling the sodium, to adding whole wheat flour to the dough for extra fiber, homemade pizza is a healthier version of the typical delivery and frozen options. (Courtesy of Unsplash.com)

Was that humor a bit too cheesy?

Well, I did say it was a little joke.

But all kidding aside, it’s no secret that pizza is a staple in the American diet.

It’s everywhere: On college campuses, in school cafeterias, at business meetings, at parties, on Sunday game days, and on, and on, and on.

In fact, about one in every eight Americans reports eating pizza on any given day.

So, here are some fun facts that I’m guessing you haven’t heard about pizza.

For one thing, pizza’s origin has roots in several countries.

The Greeks and ancient Egyptians made flatbreads for thousands of years before pizza was introduced in the United States. Also, Romans prepared panis focacius, their version of flatbread — today described as focaccia.

Here are a few more facts:

  • In the late 1800s in Naples, Italy, a pizza maker named Esposito made a pizza special for Queen Margherita in honor of the colors of the Italian flag (mozzarella, tomatoes and basil).

Today that’s known as Margherita pizza.

  • Modern pizza was influenced heavily by Italian immigrants, who introduced pizza to the United States. The first pizza parlor on record opened in New York in the early 1900s.
  • Industrialization brought about the ability to mass produce ready-made foods including fresh and frozen pizzas in grocery stores.
  • Different regions began developing their own style of pizza. Chicago deep-dish, New York’s thin crust, California-style, Philadelphia Tomato Pie, St. Louis-style, Detroit-style, and others.

Now that we’ve gotten to know a bit more about the history of pizza, I’m wondering: Which kind of pizza do you prefer?

Pizza continues to evolve.

The list of toppings has been expanded to include barbecue, mac and cheese, eggs, fruit, nachos, even 24-k gold.

Some pizzas are topped with tomato-based or pesto sauces, but there also are white sauces and sauce-free pizzas, too.

Of course, herbs are a common ingredient, and when it comes to herbs, the fresher the herb, the stronger the flavor.

Vegetables also can be a fun ingredient, such as onions, tomatoes, eggplant, peppers, asparagus tips, zucchini, green beans, broccoli.

The options truly are endless. 

Common pizza ingredients — tomatoes and cheese — combine to provide umami, one of the five basic tastes. 

Meats are savory and salty, while fresh fruit like pineapple, pears or peaches give a little sweetness to balance out the savory. 

Crusts come in many varieties, too. Some are thick, others thin. There’s whole wheat, gluten-free, cauliflower crust and others.

From a nutritional standpoint, pizza gets a bad rap because of the high calories, sodium, and saturated fat, mostly in the cheese and meat. 

A typical thin slice of just cheese has about 300 calories, so be mindful of how many slices you have and what toppings you put on.

To help keep your pizza healthier, use vegetable toppings to help fill you up.

You also can resist the temptation of overindulging by making your pizza a side item, instead of  an entrée. 

Prepare a big salad with your favorite greens and low-fat dressing, then have a slice of pizza on the side.

Remember, pizza can be enjoyed on occasion and it’s a fun food to share.

In fact, Pi Day, which is coming up on March 14, could be a perfect day to do just that.

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.

Recipe

Tomato-basil Pizza
Note: This made-from-scratch pizza, from Mayo Clinic, has a chunkier sauce made from chopped fresh tomatoes or crushed canned tomatoes. Also, to make this plant-based, leave out the cheese.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup whole-wheat (whole-meal) flour
  • 1 cup all-purpose (plain) flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon yeast
  • 1 teaspoon olive oil
  • 3/4 cup warm water
  • 2 cups canned unsalted crushed tomatoes, drained
  • 2/3 teaspoon dried basil
  • 2/3 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 cup grated reduced-fat mozzarella cheese 

Directions
Heat the oven to 375 F. 

Lightly coat a 10-inch round pizza pan with cooking spray. 

In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, sugar and yeast. 

Add the oil and warm water and mix well. 

Turn the dough out onto a generously floured work surface. 

With floured hands, knead the dough for 1 minute. 

If dough is too sticky, add flour 1 teaspoon at a time. 

Gather into a loose ball. 

Cover dough with plastic wrap and let rest for 10 minutes. 

In a small bowl, stir together the tomatoes, basil, black pepper and garlic powder. 

Roll out dough and press into the prepared baking pan. 

Spread the tomato mixture over the dough. 

Top with grated cheese. 

Bake until the dough is browned, and the cheese is bubbly, about 10 minutes to 20 minutes. 

Cut the pizza into 8 slices and serve immediately. 

Published March 08, 2023

Ash Wednesday begins a season of prayer, reflection and sacrifice

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A student receives ashes from Father Anthony Ujagbo outside of Saint Jude Chapel at Saint Leo University on Ash Wednesday. (Courtesy of Isaac Jeter/Saint Leo University)

Saint Leo University marked the beginning of the Lenten Season with the distribution and reception of ashes on Ash Wednesday, which was Feb. 22 this year.

Father Cosmas Amadi, left, and Father Anthony Ujagbo, who are seeking master’s degrees at the university, distributed ashes outside of the Saint Jude Chapel. Benedictine Monks of Saint Leo Abbey also distributed them at the Saint Leo Abbey Church.

Lent is a 40-day period leading to Easter, during which Christians of many different denominations choose to fast, pray, reflect, do penance, give alms or use other means of making a sacrifice or performing works of charity.

The ashes, which are applied on foreheads in the shape of a cross, are an outward sign reminding Christians of their mortality and their need to repent and seek forgiveness for their sins.

Published March 08, 2023

Festive day marks open house for BayCare Wesley Chapel Hospital

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Visitors had plenty of options at BayCare Wesley Chapel Hospital’s community open house.

Outdoors, they could get free health screenings, apply for jobs, grab a bite from a food truck and enjoy live music.

Indoors, they could take self-guided tours, with stops in various parts of the hospital.

They could peek into the fully equipped private patient rooms. The rooms have ample space for visitors and they are Alexa-enabled, allowing patients to play music, turn lights off and on, raise and lower blinds, and, of course, call the nurse, among other things.

BayCare Hospital Wesley Chapel is scheduled to open on March 7. It aims to help meet the health care needs in a growing region. (B.C. Manion)

Tour-takers also could see a surgical suite, check out different departments, learn about various services and enjoy the artwork adorning walls along some hospital corridors.

They also could get a glance at the hospital’s restaurant, Waves Café, and take a look at the gift shop.

Hospital employees were stationed at spots throughout the tour, to field questions. Signs were posted, too, providing additional details.

Staffers eagerly shared their enthusiasm for being part of the BayCare team.

Some employees at the Wesley Chapel location transferred from other BayCare hospitals. They said they’re happy to work closer to home.

Others are new to the health care organization.

Many — whether new to BayCare or not — said they were attracted by having the opportunity to be part of a brand-new hospital and to help set the tone for quality care.

Rebecca Schulkowski, president of BayCare Hospital Wesley Chapel, is enthused, too.

Rebecca Schulkowski, president of BayCare Hospital Wesley Chapel, is eager to lead a new hospital that aims to introduce the area to BayCare’s quality of care. Some patients who will use the hospital already are familiar with BayCare because they’ve received care at the health system’s St. Joseph’s Hospital-North in Lutz and at BayCare’s main campus in Tampa.

“I’m just so thrilled to be here. I’m so excited to be a part of bringing something new to the community, to be able to represent BayCare and the BayCare values,” she said.

She was pleased, too, by the event’s turnout.

“It’s been a phenomenal morning. It’s extremely humbling, to me, to see how gracious the community is to us,” the hospital executive said.

Thousands turned out.

The crowd was diverse. There were families with young children, retirees and people of all ages, in between.

The vast majority arrived in shuttle buses provided by the hospital, catching rides at stops at The Shops at Wiregrass or Pasco-Hernando State College’s Porter Campus at Wiregrass Ranch.

Others strolled over, from the adjacent Seven Oaks neighborhood.

“It’s a testament of the healthiness of this neighborhood — how many people have just walked over,” Schulkowski said.

All of the patient rooms in the hospital are private. They are Alexa-enabled and there’s ample room for visitors, too. Visiting hours are 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Many of those she spoke with were curious about the hospital’s services.

Those services will include medical services and health care resources relating to: breast health; diabetes and endocrinology; diagnostic services including imaging and lab; ear, nose and throat; emergency room; gastroenterology; heart and vascular; intensive care unit with virtual-monitoring beds; interventional radiology; orthopedics; primary care; pulmonology and respiratory; surgery including robotic surgery; urology and wound care.

But the services will not include labor and delivery.

“One of the reasons we chose not to do it is when we looked at the demographics, most of the people moving to this area — they’re established families,” the hospital president said.

BayCare does offer those services at St. Joseph’s Hospital-North in Lutz and St. Joseph’s Women’s Hospital in Tampa.

Beyond providing health care services, BayCare Hospital Wesley Chapel is providing a significant number of jobs.

It currently has about 350 team members, including full-time, part-time and labor pool positions, with about 90% of the openings filled, Schulkowski said.

There also will be additional staffing needs, as the hospital grows.

“We built the foundation of this hospital, with expansion in mind. We want to grow with the community,” Schulkowski said.

She estimated the staff will grow to around 600 in the future.

Originally, expansion wasn’t expected for at least four or five years.

But the hospital president said: “According to the response of the community this morning, it might be faster than I thought.”

BayCare Hospital Wesley Chapel
Where: 4501 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., in Wesley Chapel. (The location is on Bruce B. Downs Boulevard, between State Road 56 and State Road 54, east of Interstate 75.)
When: Opening day is March 7. Visiting hours will be 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Why: The hospital will provide health care services in a growing region. It has 86 private rooms and 20 Emergency Room beds. It offers comprehensive medical services and health care resources, including an emergency department, an intensive care unit with virtual-monitoring beds, diagnostic services such as imaging and lab, and surgical services.
Cost: The 318,000-square-foot building is on a campus of more than 40 acres. The project’s estimated cost is $246 million.
Fun fact: Alexa stands ready to assist. Patients can ask Alexa to play music, turn on the TV, turn off the TV; raise the blinds, lower the blinds; change the temperature; and, of course, call the nurse.

Published March 01, 2023

 

Pasco’s tourism numbers approach 1.5 million visitors

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Pasco County attracted nearly 1.5 million visitors during fiscal year 2022, and impact from tourism on the economy was more than $916.5 million, according to a report shared with the Pasco County Commission last week.

In terms of direct spending, tourism generated more than $636.6 million. That’s up 24% over fiscal year 2021.

The tourism industry also generated 11,403 jobs, totaling $288.2 million in wages.

Scalloping is a popular activity, bringing a significant number of visitors to the area during Pasco’s summer scalloping season. (File)

For every 130 visitors to Pasco County, a job is created, said Adam Thomas, executive director for Florida’s Sports Coast, the county’s Destination Management Organization.

In terms of revenues, the county received slightly more than $5 million in Tourist Development Tax revenues collected for more than 1.5 million room nights generated in Pasco’s short-term rental accommodations.

Pasco restaurants, gas stations, hotels, shopping and entertainment venues benefit from the traffic tourism brings to the area, but Pasco residents benefit, too.

Thomas said that revenues generated by tourism saved an estimated $384 per Pasco County household in fiscal year 2022.

That figure is based on how much more revenue the county would have had to generate to provide the same amount of services as it provided — with the economic boost provided by tourism, Thomas explained.

Tourists said they would like to see additional dining options added in Pasco County. (Mike Camunas)

With the exception of 2020, when the pandemic hit, Pasco’s tourism trends have been up for the past five years, Thomas said.

“People are noticing us, they’re coming here, they’re experiencing our product from a visitor perspective and the market is rich, in terms of tourism,” Thomas added.

The county’s tourism marketing efforts also are paying off, according to Thomas.

Every dollar spent on marketing the destination results in $106 in visitor spending, he said.

The report also tracks how visitors arrive to Pasco, how long they’ve been planning their trip, where they are coming from and how long they stay.

Generating room nights is a big part of a successful tourism effort. Pasco County has set its sights on attracting more international visitors. (Mike Camunas)

It turns out that 90% of Pasco visitors drive into the market and 47% of them planned their trip within a month of traveling.

Of those staying in the area, 25% stayed at hotels or motels and 17% stayed with family or friends.

About 38% of the visitors traveled with one or more children, and about 25% traveled to the area to attend or participate in a sporting event. 

Three in five visitors stayed one or more nights, and the average stay was four nights. Typical travel parties spent $227 per day, with an average of $982 over the course of their trip.

Thomas’ comments to the board were based on a report completed by Downs & St. Germain Research Inc.

Downs & St. German has been partnering with several events, tourism attractions, venues and short-term rental accommodations since 2018, in order to run face-to-face, phone, and online surveys with Pasco County visitors.

As a result of those efforts, the research company compiles profiles of visitors coming to Pasco County and quantifies the economic impact of tourism.

Florida’s Sports Coast, Pasco’s Destination Management Organization, uses the information to better target its marketing efforts to increase tourism in Pasco.

Pasco tourism by the numbers
These figures are from a report compiled by Downs & St. Germain Research, comparing fiscal year 2022 to fiscal year 2021:

Economic impacts:

  • Overall economic impact: $916.6 million, up 27%
  • Visitor spend: $636.6 million, up 24%
  • Room occupancy: 68.1%, up 1.5%
  • Average daily rate: $119, up 28.7%
  • Room nights: 1.5 million, up 7%
  • Local jobs created: 11,403, up 23%
  • Wages and salaries: $2.9 million, up 24%
  • Tourist Development Tax: $5 million, up 39%

Visitor profile

  • Average visitor: Is 49 years old, female, with income of $90,800
  • 90% drive into the area; 10% fly through Tampa International Airport
  • The typical stay is 4.3 nights
  • Travel parties spend $227 per day; $982 over course of visit

Top visitor activities

  • Casual dining: 73%
  • Shopping: 54%
  • Seeing family and friends: 54%
  • Visiting parks and nature: 52%

Top desired additional activities

  • More restaurants: 26%
  • More family friendly activities: 23%
  • More outdoor activities: 23%
  • More sporting events: 22% 

Published March 01, 2023

Pasco eyes possible Ridge Road extension to Overpass Road

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The final segment of the Ridge Road, which is scheduled to reach U.S. 41 in Land O’ Lakes, could turn into just another stop along the road.

The board of the Pasco County Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) — the county’s lead transportation planning agency — has decided to let its staff explore the possibility of extending Ridge Road over to Overpass Road in Wesley Chapel.

The study came at the suggestion of Pasco County Commission Chairman Jack Mariano who noted that work has been approved to plan an extension of Overpass Road to U.S. 301.

If that extension occurs to the east of Overpass and if the proposed link is approved to U.S. 41, then Ridge Road potentially could become another east-west road corridor across Pasco.

The stars on this map indicate the end point of Ridge Road on U.S. 41, in Land O’ Lakes and a potential endpoint for an extension that would take it to Overpass Road. The potential extension is just an idea at this point. (Courtesy of Pasco County)

Mariano discussed the idea with Carl Mikyska, executive director of the Pasco MPO, and brought the issue to the board at its Feb. 9 meeting, for discussion and direction.

“Currently, state roads 54 and 52 offer east-west movements, but there’s a distance between those two roads. The concept here is to look at a mid-county, east-west connection,” Mikyska said.

Mariano told his MPO board colleagues: “The traffic relief we’ve felt from the Ridge Road extension, running from let’s call it Moon Lake to Suncoast has been great,” Mariano said.

Ridge Road is slated to reach Sunlake Boulevard in the summer and then stretch over to U.S. 41 in 2025, he said.

He encouraged his colleagues to support a closer look at extending it to Overpass Road.

“Let’s investigate it, see if it works. I think if you put that other road going across this whole county, it’s going to really help us long-term with our transportation issues,” he said.

Mariano added: “This is not a brand-new idea. When I was first elected, this was one of the things we talked about. We had to decide whether we were going to keep fighting with (U.S.) Army Corps (of Engineers) to get the Ridge Road extension, we were looking to get all of the way to (Interstate) 75.”

The decision was made at that time to get Ridge Road to U.S. 41 and then look at an additional extension, Mariano said.

“I think it’s wise to take a look at it now. Let’s get started on it and see where it takes us.”

Starkey asked about potential environmental restrictions.

Mikyska noted: “There are some wellfields in there and it’s labeled the Cypress Creek Preserve.”

Starkey added: “I don’t know what kind of restrictions are on there. I just don’t know what we would be up against if we went through there.”

Pasco County Commissioner Seth Weightman expressed words of caution.

“So, obviously this goes through the heart of my district,” he said.

“The property that is owned through here is kind of a conglomerate of Tampa Bay Water, SWFMD (Southwest Florida Water Management District) owns parcels and there’s some private entities.

“As it gets further east, there’s conservation easement with one family. A little bit further south, Quail Hollow, then it connects into the Overpass area.

“That area is such a significant area for our water supply, our water quality,” he said.

“Studying it (the road extension), is one thing. I think we really, really need to understand the impacts, if we go disturbing that because that water supplies, obviously, you know the Greater Tampa Bay area, with an essential resource,” Weightman said.

“It’s a very environmentally sensitive place. It’s a very pristine piece of nature.

“I just want that on the record as we look at this,” Weightman said.

Mariano responded: “I respect what it is. I look at the Suncoast Parkway running right through the heart of Serenova. Keep in mind, too, when we did that, there were 6,500 homes that had been built, 250 acres of commercial development, 250 more acres of other retail that was going to be put in and all of that got extinguished going through.

“I don’t know what the limitations are. I don’t exactly know all of the effects. But I will say, I think that we’ve built that Ridge Road extension, environmentally very sensitive, protected everything down below it.”

Mariano added that the extension could be a two-lane road or a four-lane road.

“We don’t know until we study, the ramifications, etc., but it’s such a critical piece of us, going east-west. I think it’s worth a look. Especially now, since the Overpass interchange has been built. That’s a $55 million product that we’ve got for infrastructure, instead of going all of the way to (U.S.) 301. I think we need to look at both sides.

Weightman responded: “I don’t disagree with looking at a road concept. My concern is once the road is there and limits are pushed, for developments and what comes along with it. I think we just need to be very measured, as we go through this process and really understand the impacts of these properties and building on them.”

Mariano: “’I’m not looking at anything but the roadway to go through.

“If we don’t look at it, we’ll never know.”

Lance Smith, who sits on the Zephyrhills City Council, told his colleagues: “I’m like Commissioner Weightman, I’m very sensitive to the land there. We can study that and we could minimize any impact to it because we don’t need sprawling development along a road, but if we need to move traffic, that’s a different issue.”

The next step will be for the Pasco MPO staff to look at the idea, as it screens projects that would be conducted with the long-range transportation plan.

That list is due in December of 2024, Mikyska said. 

“So the suggestion would be, that as we put in projects to the long-range plan, we take them to a higher-level screening,” Mikyska said.

That screening will provide “a better sense of what exactly we would be facing, in terms of any challenges, such as you’re identifying here.

“I think that would give you a clearer picture of what this facility may offer for challenges and opportunities, and it would allow you to have a more informed choice as we look at going forward or not going forward,” Mikyska said.

Published March 01, 2023

Saint Leo University announces program changes, budget cuts

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Saint Leo University has announced plans to close several programs and to eliminate 111 faculty and staff positions.

Of those positions, 80 were occupied, according to university officials, who announced the changes in a Feb. 16 news release.

Some positions were eliminated effective on Feb. 16 and others will remain active until the end of the academic year, according to university officials, who provided additional details at the request of The Laker/Lutz News.

Saint Leo University will discontinue three of its degree programs: the bachelor degree in international hospitality, which is offered at the university’s campus in St. Leo, and the bachelor and master degree programs in human services, which are only offered online and at some education centers.

Saint Leo University has announced program changes, budget cuts and layoffs, as it seeks to put itself in a stronger position for the future. (Mike Camunas)

Students enrolled in these programs will be assisted with a plan to achieve degree completion. Also, all degree programs in the College of Education and Social Services will become a part of other colleges, effective at the end of the academic year.

The university also has announced that it will discontinue six of its 23 NCAA Division II sports teams at the end of the Spring Semester. The programs that have been cut are: men’s and women’s track, men’s and women’s cross-country, and men’s and women’s swimming.

The cuts will affect 72 students competing on those six teams and four staff members who serve in supporting roles.

Athletic staff will be available to provide guidance and support for students on their next steps — whether they choose to stay or to leave Saint Leo, according to Saint Leo officials.

Plans also call for closing eight of the university’s 14 education centers, which are located in five states. None of those closures are in the Tampa Bay area.

Many of the eliminated positions are in the areas of education centers, athletics and academics, according to the university.

Employees whose positions were eliminated were given the opportunity to speak with Human

Resources about their options, including severance, health care, and out-placement assistance. They also have the opportunity to apply for any positions that may be open, university officials said.

Depending on the number of credits students have in their degree programs, an advisor will help them complete their degrees, even though the program is being discontinued, or help them find another similar program that can be completed within the same timeline.

Students will receive an individualized plan with a timeline for course offerings and course substitutions for their major. Students must be in continuous enrollment to complete the major. Those just beginning in their majors will be advised to transition to another major. Related programs of interest will be discussed with students to ensure a smooth transition to a new program with minimal interruption to their degree completion timeline, officials said.

The changes are a result of a thorough audit of the university’s enrollment trends that revealed an opportunity to improve efficiencies and enhance future offerings for students, officials said.

The university did not disclose the amount of savings that will be achieved through the cuts, but in a written statement, Dr. Edward Dadez, university president, said the university needed to right-size by cutting expenses.

“We are now in a much stronger financial situation. We will now strive to hit our campus and online enrollment numbers; add academic programs that will increase enrollments; develop new revenue streams; and increase our university donor program.  These strategies will provide stability and opportunity for growth,” Dadez said.

The college’s on-campus enrollment in St. Leo has been holding steady, with more than 975 new students enrolled during the Fall of 2022, compared to the new students enrollment during the Fall of 2021 at slightly more than 1,000.

The budget cuts and program changes are not expected to affect community partnerships.

“The university already maintains strong partnerships with many school districts, law enforcement agencies, faith-based groups, and other organizations,” said Dr. Mark Gesner, vice president of Community Engagement & Communications, in a written statement.

“We look forward to growing our community partnerships and being a full-service education and training partner for many more businesses, nonprofits, and groups of all sizes,” he said.

Published March 01, 2023

County board rejects recommendation to sell property for $1

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The Pasco County Commission has rejected a recommendation of its staff that would have allowed the sale of a property to Pinellas Habitat for Humanity for $1.

The item had been part of the board’s consent agenda — meaning it would have been approved with a group of items, without discussion — if no one pulled the item off that agenda.

But Commissioner Seth Weightman pulled the item. He told his colleagues that he was “philosophically opposed” to selling any surplus county property for a dollar.

He said he wouldn’t sell any of his personal property for a dollar and doesn’t think the county should do so either.

He said the county has a responsibility to taxpayers to protect their assets.

Commissioner Kathryn Starkey, however, said the county also is facing a significant problem regarding affordable housing.

In her view, this sale would give the county a chance to give a resident a chance to pursue homeownership through Habitat.

Weightman said his position wasn’t a reflection on Habitat or any other nonprofit. He just thinks the county should seek a better price for its property.

County Administrator Mike Carballa noted that the county received the property because it had not paid its taxes, so it was awarded to the county.

Weightman held firm.

Starkey again urged her colleagues to approve the sale to Habitat, but they took Weightman’s position, voting 4-1 to reject the sale.

On another issue, the board authorized additional purchasing authority in the total amount of $100,000 to Nabors, Giblin, Nickerson, P.A., for attorney’s fees, paralegal fees, travel expenses and costs, as may be incurred on behalf of the county, for a cumulative not-to-exceed $235,000.

The action was taken as part of the board’s consent agenda.

The law firm has been providing legal assistance to the county regarding the case of Nikki Alvarez-Sowles, clerk of the court v. Pasco County. To date, the law firm has spent more than 400 hours related to the defense, according to materials in the county board’s agenda packet.

“Given the nature of the litigation, it is the opinion of the county attorney that the time spent has been reasonable, given the amount of work involved,” the agenda backup says.

Alvarez-Sowles lost in the first round of the legal battle, but has notified the county that she plans to appeal that ruling.

In other action, the board:

  • Met in closed-door session with the county’s legal representatives to discuss the lawsuit filed by RADDSports, Pasco Wiregrass LLC against Pasco County
  • Approved a task order with Alfred Benesch & Company for $70,274.68 to provide planning services as necessary to amend the Pasco County Comprehensive Plan Conservation and Coastal Management Elements, to include Peril of Flood policy as required by Florida law.

This task order is made possible by a $75,000 Florida Resiliency Coastal Program grant, from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.

  • Approved the reappointment of Michael Davis, Michael Fittipaldi, Jay Michlin, Rocio “Rosie” Paulsen,and Joseph “Joe” Ward to a term of two years on the Jobs and Economic Opportunity Committee, which provides general oversight of the Jobs and Economic Opportunity Trust Fund (Penny for Pasco) projects and marketing efforts funded through the Penny for Pasco
  • Passed a resolution congratulating Jackson Davis for achieving the rank of Eagle Scout
  • Adopted a resolution commending Bill Roberts for his three-year term as chairman of the Tampa Bay Area Regional Transit Authority. Roberts was Tampa International Airport’s representative on the committee

Published March 01, 2023

Chasing the blues with music, and bourbon, too

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The Annual Pasco Blues Festival, at Heritage Park in Land O’ Lakes, has always been a staple of live music, local food and vendors and a bluesy, rocking good time every February.

But this year, the event took a shot and added something new: It added bourbon tastings.

Hundreds attended the Seventh Annual Pasco Blues Festival on Feb. 18, at Heritage Park in Land O’ Lakes, all out to enjoy some lively music, local food, and free bourbon samples (a new addition to the year’s event). (Mike Camunas)

Those attending the Feb. 18 event could taste samples of bourbon, whiskey, rye whiskey and even cocktails featuring those liquors.

Distilleries taking part in the event included Cleveland Whiskey, WhistlePig Whiskey, Redwood Empire Whiskey, Tarpon Springs Distillery, Three Chord Bourbon, Old Forester and Ammunition Bourbon.

Several local food vendors were at the event with their offerings for hungry patrons. Those included Sweet Suga’ Grillin’, Gigglewaters Food Truck, TK-Oh Burgers, Divinos Tacos, Always Fresh SusSus Gyros & more and Let’s Get Toasted Grilled Cheese. Casey’s Lemonade was there, too.

Entertainment, on the breezy afternoon, began with a local blues hero, Alex Lopez & The Express. Then, Grammy-nominated Canadian Blues Star Crystal Shawanda played songs from her latest album, “Midnight Blues,” and to close out the event,  St. Louis chart-topper Jeremiah Johnson, performed songs from his latest album, “Hi-fi Drive.”

The Pasco Blues Festival started in 2017 with a small shindig called the Wings BBQ & Blues Festival starring Troy Youngblood, at the Cheval Golf & Athletic Club in Lutz.

As the concert grew and the audience expanded, the festival was moved to Heritage Park.

After the concert stage was built that same year, the event sought top Blues artists from Florida and beyond.

Some artists that have performed at the festival include Steve Arvey, Pasco Lefty, Memphis Lightning and Double Your Trouble: Stevie Ray Vaughn Tribute.

Adult beverage sales benefited the Rotary Club of Wesley Chapel to support the Bridging Freedom Foundation to build a transitional home in Tampa for young children saved from human trafficking. 

To learn more about the Bridging Freedom Foundation at the Rotary Club of Wesley Chapel, visit WCRotary.com/buildthathome.

Published March 01, 2023

Eboni Reed, left, and Donette Howe enjoy a coconut drink and some bluesy music during the Seventh Annual Pasco Blues Festival on Feb. 18, at Heritage Park in Land O’ Lakes. Three popular Blues artists performed throughout the afternoon.’
Lutz residents Jewel Brown, left, and Jerry Brown jam out to the belting beats and wailing lyrics of Grammy-nominated Canadian Blues Star Crystal Shawanda.
From left: Land O’ Lakes residents Mike Piltaver, Mike Gault and Steve Koenis enjoy a good laugh while grabbing another small bourbon sample at the Seventh Annual Pasco Blues Festival on Feb. 18, at Heritage Park. In this iteration of the event, six distilleries were on hand to pass out bourbon samples to guests.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

St. Pete resident Lisa Casey walks her dog, Giggles, through the blues festival in Land O’ Lakes.
Grammy-nominated Canadian Blues Star Crystal Shawanda is all smiles as her daughter, Zhaa-Zhaa, sings a chorus to one of Shawanda’s hit songs.
This year’s Annual Pasco Blues Festival included a new element: free bourbon samples from six distilleries on hand for an afternoon of boozy and bluesy fun.

All’s fair — with animals, rides and food

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The 76th annual Pasco County Fair lived up to its theme this year.

It gave everyone who attended “Something to Crow About.”

The event, which ran from Feb. 20 through Feb. 26, also gave fair-goers of all ages plenty to talk about, too.

The 76th Annual Pasco County Fair, which ran from Feb. 20 to Feb. 26, boasted this year’s theme as ‘Something to Crow About,’ and featured a food vendor area, talent shows, vendor exhibitions, hypnotism shows, pig races, livestock competitions, and a midway that included several rides like a large Ferris wheel. (Mike Camunas)

At the annual Dade City fair, Big Rock Amusements brought its rides to the Midway.

They included Cobra Coaster, Flying Elephants, a Beach Buggy, the Giant Wheel, the Grand Carousel, Rip Tide, Air Flyer and Zero Gravity.

Monster truck rides on the Dade City Motocross were available, too.

Entertainment included Robinson’s Racing Pigs, Lew-E’s Comedy Circus, hypnotism acts and even a few trick dog shows. There was a short lawn mower race on Feb. 20, too.

There were plenty of exhibits, from art, photography and plants, plus competitions from talent shows, karaoke singing and even one for spaghetti eating.

Of course, as is the county fair’s tradition, there were dozens of livestock competitions, from cows, to hogs and chickens and more.

Food sales were brisk, too, with the eating area packed with fair-goers enjoying meat on a stick, pizza, gyros, doughnut burgers, funnel cakes, elephant ears and, of course, oversized corndogs.

Hosting fairs in Dade City dates back to 1915, but it wasn’t until 1947 that a group of local businessmen began to showcase the county’s resources.

On April 7, 1947, the Pasco County Fair Association Inc., was chartered with the purpose of hosting an annual fair to promote youth and other county resources, according to the association’s website.

The Fair Association has remained an independent, nonprofit organization since its founding. The association relies mostly on local community sponsorships, along with fair memberships, revenue from our guests, and rental income from the buildings housed on the fairgrounds. 

The Pasco County Fair Association Inc., currently has 1,538 members and continues going strong.

Published March 01, 2023

The Zero Gravity ride spins Pasco County Fair attendees around and around, in the hopes of throwing them off their equilibrium.
Dade City resident McClaine Hancock hungrily, and happily, enjoys an oversized corn dog in the food vendor area during the 76th Annual Pasco County Fair on Feb. 20.
Dade City mom Kristen Maggard is all smiles riding a carnival ride at the 76th Annual Pasco County Fair in Dade City, as her kids, from left, Easton, Grace and Cameron, also enjoy the whirlwind movements on the brisk evening in February.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A prize-winning rooster at the Pasco County Fair struts his stuff on Feb. 20.
A cow and her handler during the Pasco County Fair.
Hungry fair-goers filled the seating area to enjoy a variety of foods during the fair on Feb. 20.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Zephyrhills residents T.J. Smith, left, and Zayden Best share a laugh when going neck and neck during the lawn mowers races at the 76th Annual Pasco County Fair in Dade City.
Dade City residents Anna McIssac, left, and Jeylin Perez enjoy the rise into the sky as they prepare to be spun around by the Air Flyer ride at the 76th Annual Pasco County Fair on Feb. 20.
In Rip Tide, riders spin around, in a vertical and fun fashion.

New HOPE Services training center creates opportunities

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One would think it’s been 20 years in the making.

But actually, it’s just been a few.

On Feb. 10, Hope Services opened the doors to its state-of-the-art Life Skills & Vocational Training Center, at 5426 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes.

Cindy Bray, founder and executive director of Hope Services, had been set to start on the center in 2019, but COVID intervened.

HOPE Services founder and executive director Cindy Bray, left, stands in front of the nonprofit’s brand new Life Skills & Vocational Training Center. She is accompanied by her daughter, Danica, who inspired Bray to launch Hope Services in 2003. (Mike Camunas)

Then in June 2020, HOPE Services purchased a building — just a gray shell, finished on the outside but completely unfinished inside.

Bray and her staff seized on the opportunity to design the center’s layout to best meet their training needs.

Each of the center’s six rooms is dedicated to a different type of training and profession.

The new Land O’ Lakes facility will provide training in culinary arts/food safety, construction, customer service/retail, hospitality, computers/technology and GED education.

“So, we’re really excited to get people in the building and get them trained,” Bray said. “This is a dream come true,” Bray said. “This is really my dream and vision.

“Back in 2003, this started out with just little ol’ me, and I was inspired to do HOPE Services because of my daughter, Danica, who lives with disabilities,” she said.

From that small beginning, Hope Services has built a 20-year history of helping teens and adults who have disabilities and special needs, to secure and maintain meaningful, competitive and integrated employment.

Besides providing training, HOPE Services also helps its clients to prepare for interviews, find jobs and to become more self-sufficient.

HOPE Services provides vocational evaluations, work incentive planning and assistance, on-the-job training, psychotherapy, employment services, pre-employment transition services and supported employment.

HOPE Services had a ribbon-cutting to celebrate the opening of its Life Skills & Vocational Training Center, 5426 Land O’ Lakes Blvd. It will provide on-site job training and classes aimed to help those with special needs obtain steady work. (Courtesy of Toyita Rivera)

These services are provided at no charge, as HOPE Services’ funding comes entirely from Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) and the Agency for Persons with Disabilities.

Once a candidate is eligible to receive services from VR or the Agency, the candidate must ask to be referred to HOPE Services, which immediately begins processing them as a client.

While based in Wesley Chapel, and now Land O’ Lakes, HOPE Services also serves Hillsborough, Hernando, Pinellas, Polk and Citrus counties.

“I’m a little surprised by our size now, and we will even add more now with the (on-site) training,” Bray said.

The new center allows Hope Services to expand to help a broader range of clients.

It will now be able to provide training to home-schooled children, to those who were recently released from incarceration and even those who are now free from human trafficking.

“Really anyone that struggles with vocational skills,” Bray said. “We want to be able to give them the life skills they need to live a better life — a full life.”

The training center is designed to provide practical training, which can be useful in vocations, and in life.

One example of this at the new center is the hospitality room. It not only features a washer and dryer, but is across the hall from the restroom. This allows training in not just the service industry, but also life skills such as picking up after oneself.

“They may get a job in a hotel or hospital and need to know how to do laundry, but then they can go across the hall where the restroom is and learn how to clean the restroom,” Bray said. “Sure, no one likes to (clean a restroom), but if that’s a job they have to do, then they know how to do it.”

This room will be used to provide training in hospitality, and other cleaning and washing skills.

The training rooms also “allow students to get individual attention, and we will be able to offer that so they can get the best training possible and go out fully prepared to enter the workforce.

“Again, it’s really a dream come true.”

HOPE Services Life Skills & Vocational Training Center
Where: 5426 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., Land O’ Lakes
Details: A center that provides youths and adults who have disabilities and special needs the opportunity to receive on-site training in culinary arts/food safety, construction, customer service/retail, hospitality, computers/technology and GED education.
There are training rooms within the center dedicated for various vocations, as well as a multimedia conference room for larger seminars and meetings.
Certified instructors will tailor courses to accommodate clients of all abilities, while maintaining high-quality instruction. The skills and certifications will enable individuals to earn higher wages, find sustainable careers and set a solid foundation for self-sufficiency.
Info: Visit HOPEGetsJobs.com.

Published February 22, 2023