The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Local News

This woman knew her numbers

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Rosemary Syrakos recently stepped away from a 32-year career in the Pasco County Clerk & Comptroller’s Office.

And, during the course of her career, she handled all sorts of paperwork, in various capacities.

She joined the staff on Feb. 2, 1990, as a data entry operator in the support services department, before moving through the ranks, over three decades.

Rosemary Syrakos is honored during the Pasco County Commission’s Nov. 15 meeting, with a resolution of appreciation for her 32-year career in the Pasco County Clerk & Comptroller’s Office. (Courtesy of Pasco County)

She worked as a docket clerk, a civil records clerk, a probate clerk, an ex-parte clerk, a probate specialist, a human resources technician, a compensation benefits specialist, a payroll supervisor, the office’s operations supervisor and, finally, deputy clerk for the Office of Clerk & Comptroller.

“She has worked tirelessly for both of our offices (the clerk’s office and the Pasco County Commission), said Pasco County Clerk & Comptroller Nikki Alvarez-Sowles, during the Pasco County Commission’s Nov. 15 meeting.

The clerk read a resolution of appreciation for Syrakos’ service.

“In the 13 years, Rosemary has led the payroll team, she is estimated to have processed or approved over 429 payrolls, comprised of over 908,000 individual paychecks, and almost $47 million net payroll dollars, paid to county and clerk teammates for their services to the citizens of Pasco County,” the resolution says.

During the course of working in the clerk’s office, she initiated, processed, or approved more than 45,000 financial records, Alvarez-Sowles said.

Her abilities were “unmatched to resolve any and all FRS, 941 tax, W-2, and deferred compensation issues,” the resolution continues.

Her duties required her to dial phone numbers, “now committed to memory for eternity,” and to “remain on hold for hundreds of hours while she corrected thousands of timesheet entries and answered inquiries made by teammates and supervisors alike,” the resolution says.

Syrakos had a deep desire to instill a positive spirit and comradery within her divisions, and helped set the tone by decorating her workspace for every holiday or occasion, the clerk said.

The deputy clerk was known to deliver “one of the best hors d’oeuvres known to Pasco County — with crackers, of course — making her the Queen of Cheeseballs,” the clerk said, with a laugh, remarking, as an aside, that the resolution was written with love.

Syrakos was always willing to take on extra tasks when needed and to work through emergencies, storm situations, a global pandemic and office relocations.

She never forsook her responsibilities and was always willing to share her knowledge — providing a smooth transition to the office, at her departure, Alvarez-Sowles said.

Her retirement day was Nov. 4 and she was honored by the Pasco County Commission on Nov. 15.

Syrakos stood beside the podium, as the resolution was read, and when it was over, board members asked if she would like to say a few words.

She politely declined.

Alvarez-Sowles told the board: “In her retirement, she really wants to spend time with her grandson and pick him up from school and be able to take care of him. I think that’s an amazing retirement plan.”

While Syrakos did a great job preparing others to take on her duties, her presence will be missed, the clerk said.

“Rosemary is not only an amazing leader, but she’s an amazing human being; we are going to miss her terribly in our office,” Alvarez-Sowles said.

Published December 07, 2022

Pasco wants to know community’s thoughts

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Pasco County has launched its 2022 Pasco Community Survey and is asking the community to share information and feedback to help create a better future, according to a county news release.

The survey will be available through Dec. 16.

The county uses an annual survey as a “vital listening tool,” the release says.

The survey was initially launched in 2009 and it gathers feedbacks on all sorts of topics, including: Utilities; Parks & Libraries; Safety/Emergency Services; Transportation; Growth and the Importance/Quality of Services.

The responses help inform the Pasco County Commission in its planning and decision-making, the news release says.

“We value and appreciate our customers’ feedback and use it as guidance as we make important decisions,” Pasco County Commission Chairwoman Kathryn Starkey said, in the release. “Please take a moment to take our survey and help us improve how we serve you!”

Those wishing to take the survey can go to MyPasco.net and click on the survey link; go to MyPasco App and click on the Community Survey button; or go to Pasco County’s Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Nextdoor pages and click on the survey link; or click directly on the survey link at mypas.co/2022PascoSurvey.

Hillsborough seeking input on internet connectivity

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Hillsborough County is conducting an assessment to determine where internet connectivity disparities exist within the county, and to develop a plan to provide increased, equitable and effective broadband internet service coverage countywide, according to a news release.

Part of the effort includes a consumer survey and speed test, which will be available until Dec. 16.

To optimize results, Hillsborough County is asking all residents and businesses to participate. The survey is available in English and Spanish, the release says.

For those without digital access, paper surveys in English and Spanish will be available at local libraries, the release adds.

Information provided by residents through the survey will help the county verify its existing information about speeds and availability of broadband services.

The Hillsborough County broadband program supports activities and initiatives of the State of Florida Office of Broadband within the Department of Economic Opportunity, the release continues.

The information collected for Hillsborough County’s Digital Equity Action Plan will be used to leverage federal funding through the Infrastructure and Investment Jobs Act to bridge the digital divide in the county.

For more information on the County’s Digital Equity and Broadband Expansion, visit HCFLGov.net/Broadband.

A smokin’ roadside attraction

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There’s some good food in this neighborhood.

Those driving by the southwest corner of Collier Parkway and Parkway Boulevard, in Land O’ Lakes, will see smoke rising into the sky. The smoke is accompanied by an enticing aroma — produced by Brown’s Bar-B-Que Pit’s smoker, cooking up barbecue on the weekends.

Al Brown slices into some smoked ribs at Brown’s Bar-B-Que Pit, a street corner barbecue joint at the southwest corner of Collier Parkway and Parkway Boulevard in Land O’ Lakes. (Mike Camunas)

The Brown Family has set up shop at the location for about three years now, with nothing more than the smoker, a tent and chairs — and a TV to watch college football on Saturdays in the fall.

That’s where they serve up classic barbecue dishes, from ribs to chicken and brisket, to eager patrons. They offer sides, such as baked beans, collard greens and cornbread, too.

“We’ve always cooked and always done barbecue, but never gotten into the business of it,” Al Brown, the family patriarch said. “My sons wanted to start a business, but then the pandemic hit, so we were at home flushing the idea out a little more, which turned into us coming out with the smoker.”

The Brown Family, from left, Almari, Al, Almani, Danita and Alvaunte hang out at Brown’s Bar-B-Que Pit, which is a tailgating smoker operation under a tent at the southwest corner of Collier Parkway and Parkway Boulevard, in Land O’ Lakes. The Lutz family has been setting up shop for about three years, and serving homemade classic barbecue to hungry customers who have heard about the good food through word of mouth or just happened to be driving by.

The business is co-owned with Al’s sons, Almari and Alvaunte, who are students at Carrollwood Day School.

Their mom, Aleah, and other siblings when home from college, also help out — making it a family affair whenever they’re out on the corner.

“We always wanted a job, but once the pandemic hit, well, our dad kind of helped us make this job,” Almari said. “It’s great that we can do this and work with the family.”

Alvaunte added: “It’s pretty fun to be around the smoker and the family and learning from my dad, just about every day I can. (It’s a) little bit of hard work and sometimes — most of the time — it’s hot, but since it’s with the family, you don’t really notice.”

Originally, the Browns were going to go with a food truck, but the pandemic closed many businesses, where food trucks could park to sell meals, and also canceled events, another common source of customers.

Having a business requires the correct permits, certifications to serve food, and insurance, Al said.

Alvaunte Brown, of Brown’s Bar-B-Que Pit, serves up some collard greens for a hungry customer.

It also requires having a parking permit, which allows the Browns to be on private property — owned by family friend, Larry Engle, owner of CutLettering Sign Company.

The setup gives the “restaurant” a bit of a tailgate feel.

Customers will hang out and eat, especially if the Browns are watching the University of Miami Hurricanes — their favorite college football team.

“I’ve been smoking food and cooking barbecue since I was 15,” Al said. “Since we couldn’t do the truck, it was more of hanging out and being outside. With the truck, it would have been a real in-and-out business, so with the tent and smoker, we have more of a tailgate feel than a food truck.

“Working with the family keeps us around each other as much as possible, too.”

“It’s great,” Alvaunte added. “We get the TV out here and watch some football while serving up this food — doesn’t feel like work at all.

“I won’t share the secret recipe, but I’ll say our ribs are the best — the Brown specialty.”

Al Brown prepares a barbecue order at Brown’s Bar-B-Que Pit in Land O’ Lakes.

“I think our best dish is the ribs,” Almari agreed. “All the meat, though, is great and is real easy (to make) — you just got to know how to do it and not rush it.”

Brown’s Bar-B-Que Pit also caters events, and Al does a lot of cookouts for youth sports teams.

The Lutz family says they’ve been embraced by the communities nearby such as Lake Padgett Estates East, Plantation Palms and Dupree Lakes.

“The community here has been great with us,” Al said. “We did a trial run, like you would for any business, to see how people accept it. Everyone around here has been great, never had any complaints.

“It’s really been just word of mouth or people driving by and getting hungry. … But we’re out here, watching some football and enjoying the Florida sun and chatting with anyone who comes by for some barbecue!”

Brown’s Bar-B-Que Pit
Where: At the southwest corner of Collier Parkway and Parkway Boulevard, across the street from the entrance to Lake Padgett Estates East subdivision, in Land O’ Lakes.
When: Friday, Saturday, Sunday, around 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. or 6 p.m.
Details: Family owned, homemade barbeque “joint” on the side of the road out of a pickup truck and a smoker, and offering all the classic favorites such as ribs, chicken, brisket, sausages, turkey breasts, mac and cheese, baked beans, cornbread and collard greens. Catering is available, too.
Info: Visit Facebook.com/Brownsbbqpitwesleychapel, or call 813-575-2117.

Published November 30, 2022

Providing hope for those hurting at the holidays

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’Tis the season to be merry, right?

Well, not for everyone.

The Land O’ Lakes United Methodist Church wants to acknowledge that the holidays can be a painful, difficult time for people who have suffered losses and to provide a source of support, said Kevin Grills, the church pastor.

It is offering a Blue Christmas Service on Dec. 7 at 7 p.m., at the church, 6209 Land O’ Lakes Blvd.

Chris Cox, left, and David Endara lead caroling with acoustical guitar during the first Campfire and Carols at Land O’ Lakes United Methodist Church. This year’s free community event is set for Dec. 18 at 6 p.m., at the church. There is no charge. Bring your own lawn chair. (Courtesy of Kevin Grills)

“We just want to create a space for people to feel what they feel in the Christmas season,” the pastor said, noting sometimes that isn’t the joy that others are experiencing.

“I have heard of many people who are depressed and are going through a really hard time and are looking for reasons to be hopeful,” Grills said.

“Many have had a hard year. Some have had many hard years consecutively. With the pandemic, death of loved ones, the loss of jobs, financial stresses, inflation — there’s many reasons and many different kinds of losses.

“So, if anyone has lost somebody significant to them in the holidays, it tends to be a season that used to be a season of joy for them, now becomes exactly the opposite for them.

“Because they’re now reminded of the empty chair. They’re reminded of what they don’t have any more, and life just gets really hard and difficult, and overwhelming — when everybody is in celebration mode and you are in the season of mourning, or you’re just kind of down,” he said.

The church’s Blue Christmas Service is open to anyone who would like to attend.

The idea is to create a space that acknowledges the loss people are feeling and to convey a sense of community — “to let people know that they are not alone in their heartache and in their struggles,” Grills said.

“I’ve had some people say, ‘Why would we do that? It’s a joyous season. Why would we provide that? Shouldn’t they just suck it up?’

“I said, ‘Well, that’s just not the reality of it. You might feel that it’s odd to dwell on the darkness, or on the struggle, but it’s important to do so.

“All of us find ourselves in the darkness at some point,” he said.

“We dwell there in this (in the service) because that’s what some people are feeling, and we’re reminded from a Biblical sense and from a Christian sense that God doesn’t just tell us to ‘Chin up.’ And, He walks with us, not just through the light, but through the darkness, and He brings us into the light.

“So, our service, itself, it will be a liturgical service. We will be singing some hymns, some of the more somber, low-key, minor-chorded hymns. We’ll light some candles. We’ll have an opportunity to name our losses,” he said.

A crowd shot from last year’s Campfire and Carols at Land O’ Lakes United Methodist Church. This year’s free community event is set for Dec. 18 at 6 p.m., at the church.

Those who wish to write down the name of someone they’ve lost, or something difficult they’re going through, will have the chance to write it down on an ornament, to hang on a bare Christmas tree.

It can be any kind of loss — such as a layoff from work, or the death of a spouse — even it happened many years ago, Grills said.

There will be an opportunity to light candles, and there will be time for reflection.

Those attending the service will be free to participate as much, or as little, as they’d like, the pastor added.

“We will have our sanctuary already adorned, but we will have everything off, muting things for the service.

“The general tone of the service, itself, is intentionally solemn. But it does point to hope, peace and love and joy that’s offered in the advent of Jesus.”

The idea is to provide a hopeful message, without ignoring the pain and the struggle people are experiencing.

Loss, the pastor said, “is not a linear thing. It’s messy.”

Grills wants the service to be welcoming, helping community members to support one another.

He also has a wish of his own: “The best case scenario, is that people who come in without any hope, leave with hope.”

Land O’ Lakes church offers community events
Land O’ Lakes United Methodist Church, at 6209 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., has three upcoming holiday community events. (It also has Christmas services).
Dec. 3, 4 p.m.: The Silence and the Sound, a traditional choir providing Christmas music. No charge.
Dec. 7, 7 p.m.: Blue Christmas Service, offered to help those hurting at the holidays.
Dec. 18, 6 p.m. Second annual Campfire and Carols, check out the bonfire, sing-along to Christmas carols and enjoy some s’mores, plus crafts for kids. Bring your lawn chairs.

Published November 30, 2022

Housing a Christmas wonderland

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Christmas won’t be canceled this year.

Especially at the Old Lutz School House.

After a two-year COVID hiatus, Christmas at the Old Lutz School is back, celebrating its 26th year with a display of lights, trees, trains, nutcrackers and many more decorations for local residents to view.

Once again, a massive collection of nutcrackers will be on display, all from owner Phyllis Hoedt, longtime chairperson of the Old Lutz School Building’s nonprofit foundation. (Mike Camunas)

“Like everything else we’ve done in the Lutz community, we’re glad to be getting back and having our annual traditions — especially Christmas at the Old Lutz School,” said Stephanie Ensor, community liaison for the Old Lutz School Building’s foundation. “From the (Lutz) Guv’na Campaign to the Fourth of July Parade and now being able to host people inside the School House again, it’s just so great to finally be able to do the things we do every year here in Lutz.”

Since the school house is a Hillsborough County facility on county property, it had to adhere to pandemic restrictions, which prevented having events and gatherings in indoor spaces. Now that those are lifted, Citizens for the Old Lutz School Building, the 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization that maintains the building through volunteering and fundraising events, was able to bring back the annual tradition.

Volunteers began decorating the house before Thanksgiving.

The display once again will feature the Tree Room, which will have various trees decorated by people and organizations from Lutz; the Snowy Railroad Room: a massive model train display assembled by Wally Hoedt; and even breakfast with Santa, on the morning of Dec. 10.

“So many people are looking forward to the comeback,” Ensor said. “Definitely grandparents, who love bringing their grandchildren up here, who just love seeing the trains and Legos.”

Back on display for the first time since 2019 will be the Lego town, assembled brick-by-brick by Jason Burkett, who vows it will be five times bigger than last time it was at Christmas at the Old Lutz School House.

Returning also will be an impressive Lego town, assembled brick-by-brick by Jason Burkett.

The display includes a mishmash of Lego assembly kits from fan-favorite movies and TV shows, but with some fun nods, such as how certain Lego people are displayed throughout the town.

“2019 was my first year at the Old Lutz School, and COVID gave me three years to plan,” Burkett said. “So now, in 2022, it is (going to be) five times bigger than last time! I am excited for kids and adults to come back and see everything that we have been so eager to share with them.”

Also back on display will be the incredible massive nutcracker collection from longtime school house chairperson and supporter Phyllis Hoedt. Her collection takes up nearly half of one of the bottom floor rooms at the school house, and features a nutcracker with just about every theme imaginable.

“Phyllis has been collecting those nutcrackers for a long time,” Ensor added.

As always, coming to select evenings in December when Christmas at the Old Lutz School is open to the public, is free of charge. The school house will always take donations, but will also put out barrels to collect nonperishable food items and toys to donate to charity.

“Christmas at the Old Lutz School is part of what makes Lutz so great,” Ensor said. “I know for a fact the community is happy to have it back during this time of year in the holiday season.”

26th Annual Christmas at the Old Lutz School
Where: Old Lutz School House, 18819 U.S. 41, Lutz
Dates: Dec. 8, Dec. 10, Dec. 13, Dec. 15, Dec. 17, Dec. 20, Dec. 22, Dec. 26
When: 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Cost: Free. Donations are welcome.
Details: Back on display and open to the public is the School House’s annual celebration of Christmas, with the building decorated outside and the bottom floor’s room filled with Christmas trees, nutcrackers, a Lego town, an extensive model train display and other Christmas decor. There also will be Breakfast with Santa on Dec. 10 from 8:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. Cost for that is $4, cash only.
Info: Visit Facebook.com/oldlutzschool.

Published November 30, 2022

Land development code changes proposed in Pasco

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Pasco County is considering numerous changes to its land development code, with some aiming to improve the county’s appearance.

One change would require two shade trees at residential lots that are 6,000 square feet or smaller. Currently, one shade tree is required. The change also would allow a shade tree to be placed in the right of way fronting the lot, Denise Hernandez, county zoning administrator told the Pasco County Commission during the first public hearing on the proposed changes, at the board’s Nov. 4 meeting.

The requirement to add more trees reflects a desire by the Pasco County Commission to make the county’s residential neighborhoods more attractive.

Another proposed change would eliminate chain link fences or similar fences and gates that are visible from along the county’s arterials and collector roads — unless the properties are being used for legitimate agricultural purposes.

This change was prompted by county board discussions regarding a desire to improve the county’s appearance.

Two other changes relate to public notice of requested changes, Hernandez said.

One change would require applicants for comprehensive plan amendments to post, publish and mail notices of the request, Hernandez said. In the current code, applications for comprehensive plan amendments are only published, and, in some cases, posted, but are not mailed. The amendment will require all three.

Another change would allow the publication of requests to be made by posting to a newspaper of general circulation, or any other means, Hernandez said.

“This is in anticipation of the effective date of 50.011 of Florida Statutes, which happened during the last legislative session, where that publication on publicly available website would suffice, instead of having to do a publication in a paper of general circulation,” Hernandez said.

“And, we are working on a process to have that done on our website,” she added.

Another change in the land development code says that projects that are subject to a development agreement, a special exception, (or) a conditional use, do not necessarily require a master-unit planned development zoning.

Additionally, there’s a change that says if a building permit expires after the sixth year of a preliminary site plan, the preliminary site plan expires, as well.

New definitions also are included in the proposed code amendments. Those definitions relate to what constitutes a family, a group living arrangement, and a resident treatment and care facility.

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

The proposed 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, Hernandez said.

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, she said.

The board will have its final public hearing on the proposed changes at its Dec. 6 meeting, at 1:30 p.m., in the board chambers at the West Pasco Government Center, at 8731 Citizens Drive, in New Port Richey.

Published November 30, 2022

The myths, legends and delicious varieties of bread

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Whether it’s a slice of toast in the morning, some garlic bread with spaghetti, or dinner rolls served as a finishing touch — bread is a commonly consumed item in many people’s diet.

But did you know that bread is found in nearly every culture, region and religion?

Historically, grains have been the most widely cultivated food crops, they have been harvested and processed for food since the beginning of civilization and remain a staple food across the world to this day.

Bread takes on many forms — from pita to challah to baguette.

Kneading is a basic part of making bread. Dry yeast is a basic ingredient. It was hard to find in stores or online in the midst of the pandemic, but supply chain issues have been improved since the demand for the ingredient has stabilized. (Pixabay.com)

There also are myths, legends and superstitions associated with bread, according to published reports.

For instance, have you ever heard that whoever takes the last piece of bread has to kiss the cook? Or, that if bread is part of your dream something happy is about to happen?

Did you know that when two people reach for a piece of bread simultaneously, visitors will be arriving?

Or, that you can reverse the bad luck of dropping a piece of bread butter-side-down by making a wish when you pick it up?

The origin of these ideas isn’t known, but the phrase “baker’s dozen” does have its place in history.

It came about because bakers in 13th century England were charging full price, but shorting customers on the size of their baked items.

King Henry III made that practice unlawful.

Any baker caught selling bread — at full price — that was below the standard weight — could end up in jail, or have a hand cut off.

Not wanting to take any chances, bakers began adding a 13th item, just to be safe.

Ah, if only shrinkflation could be punishable today.

Besides having a colorful history, many people also have a love-hate relationship with bread.

They love its taste; they hate the weight gain it can cause.

But at the end of the day, it depends on the quality of the bread product.

So, like many other nutritional options, bread can play a role in healthy eating — but there are ways to maximize the nutrients you consume in your breads.

Here are some tips:

  • Make sure half of all your grains are whole grains.
  • Check the ingredients on store-bought bread: Look for whole wheat, whole-wheat flour, or another whole grain as the first ingredient.
  • Remember: Whole grains are essential to the diet; they are a good source of complex carbohydrates and can provide protein and fiber, which helps lower cholesterol and glucose levels and promote a healthy digestive system.
  • Bulk up your baked goods: When baking breads, substitute half or all your white flour for whole wheat flour. Try adding nuts and seeds to your fresh-baked breads.
  • Remember, uncooked oats make a great addition to breads and muffins.
  • When consuming bread, combine it with other foods. It is a good idea to pair your bread with other foods like plant proteins, lean meats, and/or healthy fats to reduce blood sugar spikes.

For instance, you can enjoy a slice of toasted bread with olive oil with your breakfast eggs, or with a salad for lunch.

Remember you also can make your own bread, which, of course, allows you to control the ingredients that it includes.

Happy baking!

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: Mixed Grain Bread

Ingredients
1/4 cup cornmeal (yellow)
1/4 cup brown sugar (packed)
1 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1/4 cup water (boiling)
1 packet dry yeast (active)
1/4 cup water (warm 105 degrees to 115 degrees)
1/3 cup whole wheat flour
1/4 cup rye flour
2 1/4 cups flour (all purpose)

Directions

  • Mix cornmeal, brown sugar, salt and oil with boiling water, cool to lukewarm (105 degrees to 115 degrees).
  • Dissolve yeast in 1/4 cup warm water; stir into cornmeal mixture. Add whole wheat and rye flours and mix well. Stir in enough all-purpose flour to make dough stiff enough to knead.
  • Turn dough onto lightly floured surface. Knead until smooth and elastic, about 5 minutes to 10 minutes.
  • Place dough in lightly oiled bowl, turning oil top. Cover with clean towel; let rise in warm place until double, about 1 hour.
  • Punch dough down; turn onto clean surface. Cover with clean towel; let rest 10 minutes. Shape dough and place in greased 9-inch by 5-inch pan. Cover with clean towel; let rise until almost double, about 1 hour.
  • Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Bake 35 minutes to 45 minutes or until bread sounds hollow when tapped. Cover with aluminum foil during baking, if bread is browning too quickly. Remove bread from pan and cool on wire rack.

Source: Cornell University Cooperative Extension

Published November 30, 2022

Hazardous waste and electronics drop-off event

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Pasco County will host a mobile drop-off for household hazardous waste and electronics, for Pasco County residents.

Those tired of old household cleaners under their kitchen sink, pesticides in their garage or outdated electronics in the house can get rid of them at this event, according to a Pasco County news release.

The county is collecting the items on Dec. 3 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., at its West Pasco Government Center Complex, 7536 State St., in New Port Richey. Drivers should enter via Government Drive or Citizens Drive.

For a full list of household hazardous waste items you can drop off during the collection event, visit bit.ly/2mx7K0h.

This event is free to anyone living in Pasco County, except there is a $5 charge to dispose of televisions, computer monitors, computer towers and laptops, and a $10 charge for televisions 36 inches or larger.

To find out more, visit bit.ly/2getW9g.

Published November 30, 2022

Keystone Park reopens, bigger and better

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Hillsborough County Parks & Recreation Department recently reopened Keystone Park & Recreation Center, 17928 Gunn Highway, in Odessa.

The project included $2.6 million in upgrades to the center and 26-acre park.

The recreation center improvements included an expansion and renovation that features a larger multipurpose room, kitchen and new restrooms. The 1,820-square-foot expansion brings the total size of the center to 7,494 square feet.

The park has added a new playground, refurbished the tennis courts and new pickleball courts, as well as a lighted walking trail, shaded benches and upgraded parking.

A walkway from the recreation center leads to the Austin Davis Public Library next door. The library, however, is currently undergoing renovations. It is tentatively set to reopen in late May or early June.

The recreation center construction costs came in at $1,619,600, while site improvements including new sidewalks, shelters, new playground and a proposed event pavilion were $1,030,000, according to county officials.

The renovation was part of the department’s Capital Improvement Program.

Keystone Park averages about 4,500 monthly visitors.

Published November 30, 2022

Keystone Park & Recreation Center, 17928 Gunn Highway, in Odessa, recently reopened after Hillsborough County gave it $2.6 million in upgrades, including an expanded rec center and new playground. (Mike Camunas)