The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Local News

In Pasco, it’s ‘code compliance’ team now, not ‘code enforcement’

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Pasco County has changed the name of its team responsible for making the county’s neighborhoods and communities safer, cleaner and more attractive.

Now that department will be known as Code Compliance, not Code Enforcement, according to a county news release.

The name change is intended to emphasize the county’s focus on education, which is intended to help customers come into compliance before any warnings or citations are issued, the news release says.

The idea is to reduce confusion because “code compliance is not law enforcement,” the release says. Plus, the focus is on why and how people can come into compliance with codes.

“We want to educate our community members about the importance of compliance and erase the negative stigma associated with the idea of enforcement,” Patrick Arotin, director of Code Compliance, said in the release. “Enforcement is the last step in the code compliance process.”

The Code Compliance team aims to help people understand the primary purpose of county codes, which are designed to protect and improve the health, safety and welfare of everyone living in or visiting Pasco County, the release notes.

To find out more about Code Compliance or to report a potential violations, call 727-847-2411.

Published December 14, 2022

Study results in higher pay for Pasco government workers

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Pasco County’s human resources staff has completed a Classification and Compensation Study, which subsequently led to salary increases that were approved as part of the county’s budgeting process.

“Our pay and class study is key to retaining team members and attracting new employees,” said Kathryn Starkey, who was board chairwoman when the raises took effect.

“Pasco County is committed to creating a better future for our community, and there’s no better way to do that than by investing in the right people,” Starkey said, in a county news release.

The human resources team worked with all county departments and hundreds of team members during a months-long study to review position equality internally and competitiveness within our local economy externally.

The salary increases took effect Oct. 1.

The increases include frontline workers from multiple departments including Fire/Rescue, Public Transportation, and Corrections.

The study resulted in the following average pay increases:

  • 14% for those making less than $30,000 a year
  • 12% for those making $30,000 to $40,000
  • 10% for those making $40,000 to $50,000
  • 6% for those making over $50,000

There also were increases of 10% to 15% in starting pay for most positions.

“This is our third pay and class study since 2016, and the biggest bump we’ve seen to date,” said Barbara Hitzemann, director of human resources, in the news release.

To learn more about Pasco’s career opportunities, visit MyPas.co/Jobs.

Published December 14, 2022

This prom gives people with special needs a ‘Night to Shine’

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Grace Community Church in Wesley Chapel is hosting a “Night to Shine,” an event aimed at giving people with special needs a prom of their own.

Churches around the world will be hosting the event simultaneously on Feb. 10, 2023, according to a news release from Jeff Olsen, pastor of Grace Community.

The event will be held at Cypress Creek Middle School, 8845 Old Pasco Road, Wesley Chapel, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

This is the first time the Wesley Chapel church has joined the worldwide event sponsored by the Tim Tebow Foundation. Organizers at Grace Community are encouraging those wishing to attend to register early, before the event reaches capacity.

(Courtesy of Grace Community Church)

“Every guest of ‘Night to Shine’ enters this complimentary event on a red carpet, complete with a warm welcome from a friendly crowd and paparazzi,” according to Olsen’s release.

“Once inside, guests receive the royal treatment including corsages and boutonnieres, a catered dinner, karaoke, prom favors, a dance floor… all leading up to the moment when each guest is crowned king or queen of the prom,” the release says.

“Grace Community Church is excited to be a part of this movement that God is using as a catalyst to change how cultures embrace people with disabilities and to rally the church to honor their local community of people with special needs, ensuring they know that they are valued and loved,” the church’s news release adds.

Night to Shine launched in 2015 with 44 host churches and 15,000 volunteers honoring more than 7,000 kings and queens of the prom, according to the release.

In February 2020, 721 host churches and 215,000 volunteers came together to celebrate 110,000 honored guests with special needs.

“Over the past two years, Night to Shine innovated and endured through the pandemic with the first-ever virtual Night to Shine, celebrating thousands of honored guests through unique adaptations, including a complete virtual video experience and socially distanced Shine Thru drive-thru events,” according to the release.

Tebow weighed in on the upcoming event, in the release.

“I’m so excited Night to Shine 2023 will be back in-person! All around the world, individuals with special needs are going to be celebrated like they should be,” he said. “We’ve been able to adapt over the last couple years but we can’t wait to be back together in person to cheer for every guest as they walk the red carpet, dance the night away with their friends, crown them as a king or queen of the prom and most importantly, tell every single one of them that their life has purpose and they are loved by us and the God of this universe.”

Lexus of Wesley Chapel is the Title Sponsor for the inaugural Night to Shine event in Wesley Chapel.

For additional information on the Night to Shine at Grace Community Church, visit NightToShineWesleyChapel.com.

For more information on the worldwide event, visit TimTebowFoundation.org/night-to-shine.

Published December 14, 2022

Don’t end up on the naughty list

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The holidays are a time for joy and celebrating, and with those celebrations comes a lot of extra waste.

Pasco County wants to remind residents about recycling, but to be mindful about what is tossed in the bin.

These items are on the “nice” list for recycling: wrapper paper; holiday cards and envelopes; cardboard boxes; plastic bottles and jars; small plastic containers; and aluminum steel and tin cans.

On the “naughty” list are: batteries; holiday lights, garland and tinsel; plastic wrap and bags; bubble wrap and styrofoam; plastic party cups and plates; and Christmas trees.

For more information, call 727-847-2411, email , or visit MyPasco.net.

Published December 14, 2022

Pasco County Commission reorganizes

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The Pasco County Commission has reorganized, naming Jack Mariano as its new chairman and Ron Oakley as its vice chairman.

The other members of the county board are Kathryn Starkey, Seth Weightman and Gary Bradford. Weightman was elected to replace Mike Moore, who did not seek reelection and Bradford defeated incumbent Christina Fitzpatrick.

Weightman and Bradford were sworn in on Nov. 22.

Oakley represents District 1, Weightman represents District 2, Starkey represents District 3, Bradford represents District 4 and Mariano represents District 5.

Pasco County Commission meetings typically are held every other Tuesday, with meeting locations alternating between the West Pasco Government Center in New Port Richey and the Historic Pasco County Courthouse in Dade City.

The meetings are streamed live online and are broadcast on Pasco TV.

Published December 14, 2022

Pasco leaning toward requiring commercial fence permits

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The Pasco County Commission wants to improve the county’s appearance and one of the ways it wants to do that is by prohibiting chain-link fences that are visible from its collector or arterial roadways.

The code change, adopted by the county board at its Dec. 6 meeting, does allow an exception for properties being used for legitimate agricultural purposes.

Enforcing the chain-link prohibition is expected to prompt new commercial fencing regulations.

Commissioner Kathryn Starkey said a commercial fence permit process is needed to enable the county to enforce the new standard.

“If we don’t have a commercial fence permit requirement, how will people know what’s allowed and what’s not allowed?” she said. “I don’t want someone to come in and put in a chain-link fence and then have code go out and say, ‘You’re not allowed to do this.’ That’s just a nightmare for us. I want them to know ahead of time.

“If we’re going to have some fence rules, we need to be sure that we are catching these and have the ability to enforce it,” Starkey said.

County Attorney Jeffrey Steinsnyder recommended the board revise its ordinance and then let the permitting process catch up to that.

He said the revised section of the code should read: “Chain-link, welded wire or similar fences and gates visible from collector or arterial roadways, on the highway vision map and functional classifications map, shall be prohibited.”

In addition to adopting the revision relating to fences, the board adopted a number of other changes to the land development code. These include:

  • Requiring two shade trees at residential lots that are 6,000 square feet or smaller. One shade tree had been required. The change also allows a shade tree to be placed in the right of way fronting the lot.
  • Requiring applicants for comprehensive plan amendments to post, publish and mail notices of the request. The code had only required notices of applications for comprehensive plan amendments to be published, and in some cases, posted, but not mailed.
  • Allowing publication of requests to be made by posting to a newspaper of general circulation, or any other means. That change anticipates the implementation of a new state law that allows publication on a publicly available website, instead of requiring publication in a paper of general circulation.
  • Making it possible for some projects to be approved through a development agreement, a special exception, (or) a conditional use, instead of being required to go through a master-unit planned development zoning.

The code revisions also provide new definitions for what constitutes a family, a group living arrangement, and a residential treatment and care facility.

Those changes were prompted by a previous case involving what the county considered to be a residential treatment and care facility, but which the applicant argued fell under the county’s definition of a family.

The changes are meant to clarify when special permission is needed for a particular living situation within a single-family neighborhood.

The amendment defines group living arrangements as those including, but not limited to, convents, monasteries, fraternities, boarding homes, shelters for abused children, runaway shelters, and dormitories.

Group living arrangements do not include residential treatment and care facilities or independent living facilities.

The definition for residential treatment and care facility was modified as well, to reflect that these facilities employ the help of skilled and licensed practitioners.

Published December 14, 2022

‘Building’ holiday spirit, one bear at a time

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Cindy Ross, of RP&G Printing in Wesley Chapel, knows the importance of every child experiencing the joy of the holiday spirit.

For the last six years (2016 to 2022), Ross has been hosting a Build-A-Bear fundraiser — donating all the stuffed animals to the ABC Program to be distributed to local underprivileged students.

Guests were invited to visit the Build-A-Bear store at The Shops at Wiregrass in Wesley Chapel, choose an animal, have it stuffed, pick an outfit and even give it a name. The store’s staff then printed out a ‘birth certificate’ for the child recipient. Monetary donations also were collected, which were put toward building more bears.

The total haul this year for the ABC Program was 161 stuffed animals, said Ross.

Audra Krause, Lisa Moore and Jennie Yingling were happy to ‘build’ stuffed animals to donate to the ABC Program fundraiser, at Build-A-Bear in Wesley Chapel. (Courtesy of Cindy Ross)
Cathy Dileo and her daughter, Olivia, chose several different animals to have stuffed and clothed for the ABC Program fundraiser, at Build-A-Bear in Wesley Chapel. (Cindy Ross)
Fred, left, and Charley were two of the numerous bears chosen, stuffed, clothed and donated to the ABC Program fundraiser at Build-A-Bear, at The Shops at Wiregrass. Participants had the choice to give their animal a name, which was printed on a ‘birth certificate’ for the child recipient. (Mary Rathman)
Barbara Beals has her arms full as she participates in the annual Build-A-Bear fundraiser for the ABC Program for underprivileged students. (Cindy Ross)

SWFMD provides information about wells to property owners

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The Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFMD) is working with the Florida Groundwater Association on a public outreach campaign on the issues regarding well construction and repairs.

The campaign aims to help homeowners find information about contractors who are licensed to construct and repair wells, according to a SWFMD news release.

In the release, David Arnold, well construction manager for SWFMD, provides this Q & A with information on these frequently asked questions.

David Arnold, well construction manager for the Southwest Florida Water Management District, offers some practical information for people who need to build or repair a well on their property. (Courtesy of the Southwest Florida Water Management District)

Q: Why do I need a permit to construct a water well?

A: A well construction permit is required before installation of a water well within the SWFMD district. The permits ensure that wells are constructed by qualified contractors to meet rigid safety and durability standards, and protect the groundwater resource.

Q: Does it matter what part of the District I live in?

A: Permits are required for the construction, repair, modification and abandonment of most water wells within SWFMD. A water use permit must be obtained from SWFMD before well construction permits can be issued.

  1. Who should I hire to construct my well?
  2. All wells must be constructed by a Florida licensed water well contractor. All water well contractors are licensed by the water management districts. You can determine if someone has an active water well contractor license by contacting SWFMD’s well construction section at 813-367-3052. The only exception to this law is for a water well 2 inches or less in diameter constructed by an individual to provide water into their single family residential dwelling or for farming purposes on their farm, as specified in Florida Statutes. In certain areas, mandatory well designs might apply that would create difficulties for an unlicensed individual to construct a water well themselves. As with licensed water well contractors, this exception also requires the owner to secure a permit from SWFMD before construction. The applicant is required to submit a well completion report, or as-built, within 30 days of completion of permitted well construction.

Q: What other research should I do before choosing a water well contractor?

A: Research customer reviews before choosing a contractor and get multiple quotes. Request a written estimate and contract, and review details for all customer liabilities. Determine if the contractor requesting the permit is the same person doing the work. Research what other steps may be required for well construction, such as treatment systems or additional local regulations.

Q: Where should I place a well on my property?

A: Your well is required to be located at an area on your property that meets mandatory setback distances from any sanitary hazards so the well will not pose a threat to the groundwater resource and provides protection for the health, safety and welfare of the user. For single-family dwelling potable water wells, these setbacks include 75 feet from any septic tank and drain field and 75 feet from drainage/retention ponds. If possible, it is recommended that your well be constructed on the highest ground possible so that surface water will drain away from the well. The top of casing for most wells is required to extend at least 1 foot above land surface. If located within a flood zone, the top of casing shall extend 1 foot above the 100-year flood elevation, if possible. In general, shallow wells that draw groundwater from a depth near land surface are the most susceptible to contamination. Deeper wells are generally less prone to contamination.

Q: Can SWFMD provide assistance if there is a contractual dispute between the water well contractor and the well owner?

A: SWFMD’s jurisdiction applies to the construction, repair, modification, and abandonment of most water wells. Price, business practices, reimbursement, and customer service provided by water well contractors are not under its jurisdiction. SWFMD cannot assign restrictions or suspend a water well contractor’s license based on the contractor’s transactions with the well owner. Those who feel they are a victim of a crime or scam, should contact the appropriate authorities.

For more information on well construction, including applicable well construction rules and regulations, visit WaterMatters.org/WellConstruction.

Published December 14, 2022

Just in time for the holidays: Avoid gift card scams

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The Pasco Sheriff’s Office is offering some timely reminders to help people spot and avoid potential gift card scams during the holidays.

The following tips are condensed from a sheriff’s office news release, which was accompanied by a more detailed posting:

  • Buying gift cards directly from the retailer and online purchases are best. Direct purchases require fewer transfers of funds resulting in more stringent security. Online retailers mail the gift card directly to you, preventing any access to the purchase codes and PIN. In addition, your receipt from the retailer for the gift card has a direct verification to validate your purchase. As a bonus, stores sometimes offer incentives when you purchase a specific amount.
  • Never buy gift cards from an auction or community website. Resale sites are often a traffic source for stolen, fraudulent or already used gift cards.
  • If purchasing a gift card at a retailer, inspect gift cards for signs of tampering before purchasing or placing a balance on them.
  • Keep in mind that gift cards stored near the register and under security camera coverage are less likely to be tampered with.
  • Carefully review cards and packaging for signs of tampering or exposure; be mindful of replacement stickers that may cover security codes, and look for scratches to the card beyond the security strip.
  • If the PIN is exposed on a gift card, notify a store representative and choose an untampered card.
  • Save receipts after the purchase of a gift card
  • Treat received gift cards like a debit card: change the security code to something creative, that only you would know.

Published December 14, 2022

Pasco County creates Public Safety Branch, names its leader

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The Pasco County Commission has approved a reorganization that establishes a new Public Safety Branch.

It will oversee the county’s department of corrections and its fire/rescue division.

The county assumed the operations of the county’s jail on Oct. 1, necessitating a reorganization to appoint a division to oversee corrections and fire/rescue.

The Pasco County Commission also confirmed the appointment of John J. Murphy to serve as assistant county administrator of the Public Safety Branch, at an annual $180,000 salary.

His official start date is Nov. 28.

County Administrator Mike Carballa said that Murphy was selected after a national search.

“We had a quite large pool of qualified candidates,” Carballa said, which was narrowed down to four finalists.

The finalists met with department directors, various stakeholders, the county’s executive leadership and Carballa.

Murphy has a mix of military and local government experience, Carballa noted. He also holds a master’s degree in public administration, with a concentration in criminal justice, from Marywood University.

Murphy also is a credentialed manager by the International City/County Management Association (ICMA) and serves on the ICMA’s Veterans Advisory Board, according to the agenda materials.

Importantly, Carballa said, “he shares our leadership philosophy here at the county.”

The county administrator said he’s confident that Murphy will do great things with the Public Safety Branch.

Murphy told the board: “It was a very thorough search. I got to meet a lot of staff. I think there was probably more than 25 (people) that were part of the process.”

He added: “I’m honored to be selected and join this team, and move the county forward, especially as you’re taking over a brand-new jail operation, that’s critical.

“I’ve met at least a half-a-dozen of the fire department’s leadership team and I look forward to working with them, as well,” Murphy said.

The Land O’ Lakes Detention Center previously was managed by the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office, but the operations shifted to Pasco County when the new fiscal year began Oct. 1.

In addressing the county board, Murphy said he’s looking forward to the new position and assured the board that the hiring process had been thorough, mentioning that he thinks he met with about 25 people.