Local News

Pasco updates its landscaping regulations

May 10, 2022 By B.C. Manion

The Pasco County Commission has amended the county’s land development code to update its landscaping regulations.

The changes address issues such as tree preservation and replacement, green space requirements and standards, landscaping, and buffering and plantings in rights of way in residential subdivisions.

Here’s a look at some of the key changes. The revisions:

Add the ability for development plans to utilize representative samples for tree removal,

subject to the county’s discretion

Remove the requirement to submit an Alternative Standard Application when using existing

trees/shrubs as part of the landscape buffer

Reduce the requirement that 70% of the landscape buffer be other than grass
Updated information relating to invasive species
Added a reference to “right tree, right place”
Made it easier to use existing vegetation for buffers
Defined “shade trees” and “ornamental trees”
Clarified when palm trees may be used
Updated ground cover planting requirements
Updated tree diversity requirements
Added language regarding the proper maintenance of trees
Added language about keeping future planting areas free of debris
Added requirement of one shade tree in the front yard of new single-family homes
Updated and clarified requirements regarding landscaping in vehicle use areas
Increased the size of require landscape islands. Previously, they had to be 8 feet wide; that has been increased to 10 feet.
Added requirements for large vehicle, vehicle use areas (VUA)
Clarified plantings adjacent to building perimeters
Revamped the Buffer Requirement Table.
Revamped the Buffer and Screening Requirements Table
Adjusted the Vehicle Dealership Buffer
Added standards for ponds adjacent to rights of way

The changes were recommended by a task force, made up of county staff, members of the Tampa Bay Builders Association, experts in landscape architecture, an arborist, and a representative from the University of Florida/Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS)/Pasco County Cooperative Extension.

The group looked at some issues raised by TBBA, but a number of other items also surfaced during the review, according to Patrick Dutter, a planner for Pasco County.

One change deals with how tree replacements are calculated. Instead of measuring every tree on a project site, representative samples will be permitted — based on county approval.

The code also updates links to outside resources that had become outdated, Dutter said.

It also has a link to an invasive species list.

The tree list that had been presented as part of the code has been moved to the development review manual, so it can be updated on a timelier basis, Dutter said during a previous presentation on the changes.

Also, the cooperative extension representative and the tree arborist went through the list of trees, found the appropriate spacing requirements, called out where mitigation measures would be needed and where they wouldn’t be needed, Dutter added. The tree list calls out where different types of trees should be placed.

The issue of landscaping requirements has come up repeatedly during Pasco County Commission meetings, with Commission Chairwoman Kathryn Starkey and Commissioner Ron Oakley making persistent calls for changes that would promote better-looking development in Pasco.

Published May 11, 2022

Pasco continues preparing for jail takeover

May 10, 2022 By B.C. Manion

Pasco County’s administration will be taking over the operation of the Pasco County Jail beginning in the new fiscal year, and efforts are underway to prepare for that transition.

Pasco County Commissioner Jack Mariano asked County Administrator Dan Biles if he could provide regular briefings on the issue, since it is a major undertaking.

During the county board’s May 3 meeting, Mariano suggested the county may want to take a look at how other counties handle their jail operations.

He specifically mentioned Charlotte County, which has a hospital next to its jail, to take care of people with mental health and drug-related issues.

Biles told the commissioners that the county’s Human Resources department has been at the jail already, laying the groundwork for the jail’s employees to become county employees.

He said the county attorney’s office will be involved with the ordinances, resolutions and interlocal agreements that will be needed for the takeover.

He said the county’s information technology and finance departments also are involved.

“There is a lot of work to do and it changes and it’s evolving over time. So, there will be briefings and there will be updates, as we’re going forward with it,” Biles said, noting he expects to give the board an update during the first meeting of each month.

In terms of the jail’s staff, he said: “One day they’ll be sheriff’s office employees. The next day, they’ll be county employees.”

The jail will be run by a civilian administrator that will be confirmed by the board, Biles said.

Pasco County Clerk & Comptroller Nikki Alvarez-Sowles told the board that her staff has been involved in some transition meetings and would like to remain involved in meetings relating to finance, payroll, information technology and operations that would affect the court.

She also told the board that the list of items to be included in the transition audit has been compiled.

She expected to email it to Biles and Erik Breitenbach, assistant county administrator, for their review, to see if anything needs to be added before it is sent to external auditing firms for a quote, and to the sheriff’s office.

Published May 11, 2022

Pasco department wins national honors — again

May 10, 2022 By B.C. Manion

Pasco County’s Community Development Department has won national honors for the second year in a row, for its collaborative work to serve homeless individuals and families.

The group received the 2022 Audrey Nelson Community Development Achievement Award — the same honor it received in 2021.

The Pasco County Commission recently recognized the department’s efforts, through a resolution it adopted honoring Community Development Week in Pasco.

U.S. Representative Gus Bilirakis, who represents Florida’s 12th congressional district, also sent in a copy of remarks he made in the Congressional Record, to honor the Pasco department.

Pasco County Community Development has received national recognition two years in a row for its innovative programs. (Courtesy of Pasco County)

In his remarks, Bilirakis cited the department’s accomplishment in winning national recognition two years in a row.

This year’s honor highlighted Pasco’s collaboration on the Rosalie Rendu Residences project, Bilirakis noted.

“This innovative project in New Port Richey, with partner St. Vincent de Paul (SVdP) CARES, provides a safe, clean and permanent place for the homeless and those living with a disability. The units, renovated from a former multifamily building, opened in August 2021.

“Rosalie Rendu Residences include both efficiencies and two-bedroom units for shared housing.

“Federal funding from the Community Development Block Grant Program, coupled with state funding and private funding, made this project possible,” Bilirakis said.

“In 2021, Pasco County Community Development Department, won the award based on its collaborative efforts with the Vincent House Project, which provides job-training skills to those living with mental illness,” the congressman added.

He also noted “the department has a long history of utilizing diverse and innovative strategies to meet the needs of the people of Pasco County.”

Rosalie Rendu Residences is the fourth phase of SVdP CARES’ permanent supportive housing project, established in July of 2021. St. Vincent de Paul CARES celebrated the opening of Rosalie Rendu Residences on Aug. 5, 2021. It’s an affordable and supportive housing project in New Port Richey that features eight newly renovated apartments. The project provides a safe place for those who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.

The Pasco County Commission’s resolution also praised the department’s work.

The resolution, approved during the county board’s April 19 meeting, said the department “has demonstrated tireless dedication to the revitalization of neighborhoods and the creation of affordable housing throughout the county.”

The resolution also explained that the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program and the HOME Investment Partnership Program provide annual funding and flexibility to local communities, such as Pasco County.

That funding, according to the resolution, is used to “provide decent, safe, and affordable housing in a suitable living environment as well as economic opportunities to low- and moderate-income individuals.”

The resolution also provided some statistics, reporting that within the past eight years, Pasco has received more than $21.7 million in CDBG funds and more than $3.7 million in in Coronavirus Relief funds from Housing and Urban Development.

The department also allocated 100% of expended funds to benefit low-income to moderate-income households — exceeding the minimum requirement of 70%, according to the resolution.

The CDBG program also supported rapid rehoming projects for 254 of our most vulnerable neighbors, the resolution said.

Plus, the department provided affordable housing through the rehabilitation of existing units for 112 households, the resolution added.

In adopting the resolution, the county board also encouraged the community to support the department’s activities, throughout the year.

“Without these hardworking individuals, Pasco County would not be the vibrant community it is today,” according to the resolution.

Marcy Esbjerg, the director of community development, thanked the county board for its support, as well as the county’s leadership team, the community development staff and the department’s community partners.

She was gratified to receive a copy of the remarks that Bilirakis made on the Congressional Record, and noted that the department’s work on the Rosalie Rendu Residences project also was reported in a CDBG publication circulated to members of Congress.

Jack Mariano, who was filling in as the board’s chairman that day, told Esbjerg that she’s doing “a phenomenal job.”

Published May 11, 2022

Festival welcomes students interested in scouting

May 10, 2022 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

A festival featuring activities for Cub Scouts and students interested in learning more about the organization for boys and girls is planned for May 14, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Spring Cub Fest, sponsored by the Fort Brooke District of the Greater Tampa Bay Council of Boy Scouts of America, will be at Camp Brorein, 16901 Boy Scout Road, in Odessa, according to a news release.

Those wishing to attend are welcome at any point during the event’s slated time period.

The festival is designed for elementary school children. It will feature fun activities, including shooting sports, climbing, crafts, games and displays, said Tom Knotts, activities chairman in the Fort Brooke District, in the release.

“It’s a great opportunity to see what the Cub Scouts program offers – fun, friendship and outdoor activities,” Knotts said.

Event registration fee is $10 per participant. To register, visit ScoutingEvent.com/089-springcubfest.

Published May 11, 2022

Food drive aims to help ‘stamp out’ hunger

May 10, 2022 By Mary Rathman

This spring on May 14, the Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive returns in full effect, as the National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC) works together with Metropolitan Ministries, the campaign’s official 2022 Florida benefiting nonprofit for Hillsborough County.

For 30 years, NALC has conducted the largest one-day food drive in the country, collecting nonperishable food donations along postal routes, according to a news release.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, efforts over the past two years took a different approach, utilizing online fundraising strategies to ensure the needs of communities were still met as best it could.

The local NALC has named Metropolitan Ministries as this year’s benefiting local nonprofit for the food drive, stating, in the release: “The decision to partner with Metro was an easy choice. Keeping the food in our community and being a big part of Metro’s wonderful work in the Tampa Bay area is important to us.”

“This food drive could not have come at a better time,” said Metropolitan Ministries President and CEO Tim Marks. “After providing two years of COVID relief and a demanding holiday season our shelves are nearly bare, and we need the community’s help to feed hungry families in the Tampa Bay area.”

As mail is delivered on May 14, letter carriers will collect the donations that residents leave near their mailboxes

People are encouraged to leave a sturdy bag containing nonperishable foods, such as canned soup, canned vegetables, canned meats and fish, pasta, rice or cereal next to their mailbox before the regular mail delivery on Saturday.

All food donations stay in each community and go to help local residents.

Published May 11, 2022

Pasco signals increase to residential waste collection rates

May 10, 2022 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

The Pasco County Commission has approved a June 7 public hearing on a proposal to lift the ceiling on charges for residential solid waste collection and disposal.

Under the change, the proposed residential rates would be allowed to be increased based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for garbage and trash collection.

According to material in the board’s agenda packet: “The last adjustment to this rate ceiling was in June of 2019. Since that time, market forces have significantly impacted waste collection costs.

“Both the global pandemic and recent geopolitical events have resulted in increased labor rates, delays in supply chain, and higher fuel costs.

“To ensure the financial viability of residential waste collection in Pasco County there is a need to revise the county’s residential collection rate structure.

“Feedback from waste haulers has indicated that the ability to adjust rates annually will result in higher market confidence and increased competition. The majority of Florida counties do not employ a fixed price ceiling for residential waste collection and instead the price of residential collection is either bid as a component of the franchise process, or the haulers operate as an open market.”

Pasco’s staff recommended allowing a two-year lookback, which would result in a maximum increase of 8.6%.

After that, increases would be annually based on no more than the CPI for garbage and trash collection.

Board member Jack Mariano thought the 8.6% was too steep and asked if the lookback could be for just one year.

But that idea did not find support on the board.

Commissioners Mike Moore and Ron Oakley said the cost of doing business has gone up.

The item will come back to the board on June 7 for a public hearing.

Current multi-year agreements between haulers and HOAs/CDDs will remain in effect and will not be affected, unless the existing agreements have provisions for cost escalation.

When those agreements expire, the CPI for garbage and trash collection will be used as the maximum percentage the rates could increase on annual basis.

Published May 11, 2022

New fee for utilities assessment searches

May 10, 2022 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Pasco County Utilities will be charging a new $9 fee for utilities assessment searches, effective July 1, according to a county news release.

The fee will cover assessment search services for water, sewer, reclaimed water and commercial solid waste services at a specific property.

Assessments are designed to protect property owners who are taking on new loans or refinancing, the release says.

The fee rate was established through the Utility Rate Study and helps to offset associated costs, including staff and equipment, the release says.

“A title search should include checking for unpaid assessments,” Utilities Customer Information & Services Director Sandra Anderson, said in the release. “Overlooking an assessment could be detrimental, as any unpaid assessments will be levied against a parcel, and are subject to penalties and lien activity. A thorough search, before closing, reduces additional costs after the closing.”

Allow up to five business days for each assessment search. Billing statements, sent the first week of each month, will show requests that were received the month prior.

Payments may be made online or over the phone by calling 855-786-5344, which is available 24/7. A full list of payment options and payment methods are available by visiting bit.ly/PascoUtilitiesBillPay.

For more information on the assessment process or the tools developed by Pasco County Utilities, visit bit.ly/PCUAssessmentSearch.

Published May 11, 2022

Military discount extended for Rec Cards

May 10, 2022 By Mary Rathman

Tampa Parks & Recreation has announced that as of May 1, it has officially extended a military discount for all annual Rec Cards, both individual and family passes, in recognition of Military Appreciation Month, according to a news release.

The military discount of a recreation card is similar to the department’s senior discount and will reduce pass fees by 50%, regardless of residency status, the release says.

Qualified individuals simply need to show military ID, and the discount will extend eligibility to all family members in the household.

A Rec Card is required to participate in most Parks & Recreation programs and activities throughout the city.

An active card entitles the holder to the use of open gyms, fitness rooms and computer labs at any City of Tampa Parks & Recreation community center, as well as open swim sessions at City of Tampa aquatic facilities.

Participants should note that camps, clinics, lessons, leagues, classes, lap swim sessions, membership materials and supplies may not be included.

Only family members using the amenities or registering for programs need to have a Rec Card.

Rec Cards are not mailed to patrons, but can be printed out upon request at one of the facilities.

Individual military Rec Cards are $15 per year, and family military Rec Cards are $50 per year.

For more information, visit Tampa.gov/parks-and-recreation, click on “Online Registration,” and scroll down to “Rec Cards.”

Published May 11, 2022

Pasco creates cultural affairs advisory council

May 10, 2022 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Pasco County has created a Cultural Arts Advisory Council and is seeking volunteers to serve on it.

The five-member board will be involved in helping to shape the future of cultural opportunities in Pasco County.

The board’s purpose will be to bring additional arts and cultural resources, as well as opportunities, to Pasco — with the aim of enriching the county’s artistic vitality and cultural vibrancy, according to a county news release.

“This council will provide guidance and direction for arts and culture issues,” said Pasco County Commission Chairwoman Kathryn Starkey, in the release. “We’re thrilled to assemble this council, and we hope community members who’ve made significant contributions to the arts or have an interest in expanding cultural opportunities will apply for this amazing opportunity.”

The positions require individuals who:

Have extensive knowledge of the arts and culture scene
Can assist in applying for grants
Will be involved in establishing an awards program to recognize cultural programs and in organizing workshops and events

The deadline for applications is May 31. To apply, visit bit.ly/AdvisoryBoardApp.

The Pasco County Commission will appoint five members to the council, who will serve two-year, staggered terms.

Published May 11, 2022

Lightening things up, at the library

May 3, 2022 By Mike Camunas

Books usually illuminate the mind.

Now, the Lutz Branch Library, at 101 W. Lutz Lake Fern Road, is illuminating the books.

After undergoing a six-month, $790,000 renovation, the library has a fresh, bright new look — from more natural lighting, to new flooring, to new paint and walls, and even new furniture and installations.

The recent renovation at the Lutz Branch Library includes new carpeting and flooring. Some shelves were removed and new seating has been installed in the front area of the library, known as the Helen Swisshelm Reading Room. (Mike Camunas)

“We redesigned it, per se, to be more user-friendly,” Hillsborough County Library Public Service Regional Manager Suzy George said.

“It’s more open, brighter and more welcoming, as much as we could possibly make it,” she said.

Renovations included removing high shelves that were not being used and were blocking the flow of natural light, through the library’s windows.

The additional light was an immediate plus.

There were a number of upgrades, too: Better furniture, new carpeting, vinyl floors and glass doors.

A renovation at the Lutz Branch Library included updating the children’s reading area by enclosing it with glass-panel walls. The enclosure gives kids a more interactive area.

The library enclosed the children’s collection room. It’s now enclosed within glass walls, which reduces noise for other patrons, allows parents to see into the room, and gives children the freedom to have more interactive experiences.

“We wanted to give them the chance to create their own special space, as they now have more interactive toys and tools to use, and even a puppet theater,” George said.

“The new glass doors in the community rooms, the entrance and emergency doors — it all lets in so much more light and freshens up the library, as does a new coat of paint throughout the entire building.”

The library also added a self-checkout hub for drop-offs and pickups, near the front of the building.

“It’s a one-stop shop for all those in a hurry to get or return books,” George added.

Hillsborough County Library Public Service Regional Manager Suzy George

Library service in Lutz began in 1961, when a bookmobile started making regular stops. By the late 1960s, the library guild of the Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club set up a temporary library. It held thousands of volumes on homemade bookcases, while volunteers kept the library open 20 hours a week.

It wasn’t until April of 1970 that the Lutz Branch Library opened at its present location. Back then, it was only 2,000 square feet, but was expanded to its current size, 7,000 square feet, with a complete renovation in 2004. In 2007, the front area was dedicated as the Helen Swisshelm Reading Room, in recognition of her longtime service to the Lutz Branch and the Hillsborough County Library System.

Swisshelm founded the Friends of the Lutz Library and was its president from 2000 to 2007. She served on the Tampa-Hillsborough County Library Board from 1990 to 2005 and as its chair from 1992 to 1993.

The library also brought some of the community’s history into a new installation. A glass case houses several documents and artifacts donated by Dr. Susan McManus, a Land O’ Lakes native with a long family history in the area. She also wrote “Going, Going…Almost Gone: Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Pioneers Share Their Precious Memories,” which tells of the early history of the community.

Patrons arriving at the library will encounter a building with a new look, but the same hospitable vibe.

“I think (Lutz Branch has) always been a comfortable, welcoming, neighborhood branch,” George said. “We wanted to take a fresh approach to it, maybe modernize it a bit. By just changing the shelving, it let in so much more light, with an easy solution. It helped enhance all the other upgrades we were making, and let them shine. Literally.”

Published May 04, 2022