The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Local News

The library is not just for books anymore

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Pasco County Libraries (PCL) is now offering the community the chance to borrow all sorts of items other than books, as part of its new Library of Things collection.

Nontraditional items can now be found in the Pasco County Libraries’ new Library of Things. (Courtesy of PascoLibraries.org)

“This new collection is a way for us to provide resources to people in Pasco beyond the typical bounds of a library,” said Program Manager Robert Harrison, in a news release.

“Our hope is that these nontraditional items will further the educational and cultural values of our community,” said Harrison.

Items in the Library of Things include: bird-watching kits, bakeware, children’s toys, adaptive toys, book club kits, Wi-Fi hotspots, and more, the release said.

Everything in the collection was provided for by the Friends of the Pasco County Library System, with the exclusion of the bird-watching kits that were provided by the West Pasco Audubon Society.

PCL offers these guidelines for checking out items:

  • The Library of Things collection is available only to verified library cards in good standing.
  • A damaged or incomplete item may result in a replacement fee.
  • The cardholder is responsible for material checked out to their card.
  • Items should be returned in the same condition as they were upon checkout.
  • Each item has its own loan period.
  • Pick up and return items to the Service Desk.
  • Items may have specific guidelines listed online or on the checkout bag.

For more information about the new program, and the library catalog, e-content and events, as well as links to all library branches, visit PascoLibraries.org.

Published October 26, 2022

Hay, would you look at that?

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The hay bales are back.

The Dade City Center for the Arts announced the kickoff of its third annual Dade City Hale Bale Painting Project with six painted hay bales on display at varying parks and locations throughout the city through Nov. 12.

Six hay bales painted by local artists have been placed in parks around Dade City, as part of the Dade City Hay Bale Painting Project. This bale, painted by Olivia Balogh, is at Naomi Jones Park, 38122 Martin Luther King Blvd. (Mike Camunas)

This is the third consecutive year painted hay bales have been on display, but the second year the center was able to provide sponsorships for them.

Sponsors include Florida Cracker Lunch on Limoges, the Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce, Karatinos Law, PLLC RX Pharmacy, Schaper Roofing, Construction & Pools and VITIS Realty.

The hay bales were donated by Joey Wubbena of Sumner Knoll Farms.

Local artists expressed their creativity through their designs on the bales.

Most of them have a fall theme, but one painted by Kevin Taggerty maintained his American flag theme from last year.

In a piece published by The Laker/Lutz News in 2021, Taggerty, a U.S. Air Force veteran, explained: “Veterans Day is in November and it’s a tribute to them.”

Lucy Avila, vice president of the Dade City Center for the Arts, said the community response to the art work has been well-received and draws considerable interest each year.

For more information, visit DadeCityArts.com.

Third Annual Dade City Hale Bale Painting Project
Artists and locations
Curtis and Jasmine Wright — Agnes Lamb Park, 14200 Ninth St.
Kevin Taggerty — Hardy Trail at Church Avenue, in front of The Spoke, at 37800 Church Ave.
Olivia Balogh — Naomi Jones Park, 38122 Martin Luther King Blvd.
Patty Reese, Delanie Reese, Alissa Ross and Cassidy Welch — Polly Touchton Park, 13620 Seventh St.
Randy Hernandez — Price Park, 37415 Magnolia Ave.
Ryah Taggerty — Watson Park, next to the Community Garden, at North Avenue and Main Street, in Dade City.

Published October 26, 2022

Curtis and Jasmine Wright painted this hay bale that is at Agnes Lamb Park at 14200 Ninth St., in Dade City.
The hay bale at Polly Touchton Park, painted by the team of Patty Reese, Delanie Reese, Alissa Ross and Cassidy Welch, is on display at the park, 13620 Seventh St., in Dade City. It features a pumpkin theme.
Kevin Taggerty kept his American flag theme with his painted hay bale on the Hardy Trail at Church Avenue, just outside The Spoke at 37800 Church Ave.
This bale, painted by Randy Hernandez, features a pumpkin. The bale sits at Price Park, 37415 Magnolia Ave.
Ryah Taggert painted this bale, which celebrates the upcoming Thanksgiving season. It is next to the Watson Park Community Garden, at North Avenue and Main Street, in Dade City.

 

 

Pasco County approves apartment project in Seven Oaks

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The Pasco County Commission approved a modification to the master plan for the Seven Oaks community, allowing a project for 320 apartment units and 25,000 square feet of commercial space.

The project is planned for a 10.6-acre site, off Ancient Oaks Boulevard, about 225 feet north of State Road 56. The development site is across from Sam’s Club.

The board’s approval is a reversal of its 3-2 rejection of the request on Jan. 9.

Board members Mike Moore, Jack Mariano and Ron Oakley voted in January to deny the request, while Chairwoman Kathryn Starkey and Christina Fitzpatrick dissented.

Seven Oaks community in Wesley Chapel soon will be adding 320 apartment units and 25,000 square feet of commercial space after the Pasco County Commission approved the 10.6-acre project off Ancient Oaks Boulevard, about 225 feet north of State Road 56. (Mike Camunas)

That decision was challenged and went to mediation.

Through the mediation proceeding, the application was updated to increase the minimum retail/office commercial entitlement from 20,000 square feet to 25,000 square feet.

The revised application also includes a new site plan, building size and vertical parking.

Other changes include pedestrian safety and traffic-calming features.

The applicant also agreed to work in good faith with Sam’s Club to extend walkway safety improvements onto the retail store’s property, if Sam’s Club will allow that work to be done.

The county board’s approval of the revised master plan resolves the dispute between the county and the applicant over the board’s previous denial. The applicant also has agreed to defend and indemnify the county from any third-party claims arising from the board’s approval.

The board voted 3-2 on Oct. 11 to approve the request.

Oakley said he was satisfied that changes to the plan addressed his concerns, and joined Starkey and Fitzpatrick in supporting the request.

The vote came after extensive debate among board members and strenuous objections by Seven Oaks residents and the Seven Oaks Community Development District’s attorney.

Moore and Mariano said the county must preserve job-generating uses to provide jobs for Pasco residents so they don’t need to commute elsewhere for work.

But Starkey, Fitzpatrick and Oakley said additional housing is needed to meet the county’s increasing demands, particularly as it looks to the future and jobs that are on the way.

Applicant Keith Gelder, of Stock Luxury Apartment Living, wants Seven Oaks to be the location for his first Pasco project.

During testimony at a previous hearing, Gelder told the county board that his company does “high-quality, large amenity, lifestyle-driven projects.”

Plans for the Seven Oaks project include a resort-style pool, multi-story buildings with commercial uses on the first floor, a dog park and other amenities.

Several speakers testified against the request at the Oct. 11 meeting, offering a litany of reasons for why the proposed project is not a good fit at the planned location.

They said they don’t oppose apartments, just the proposed location of this project.

They noted plenty of land is available that’s already zoned for apartment development, even within the Seven Oaks community.

Instead of changing the commercial designation on this site, they said the board should encourage the development of professional buildings that could serve the area’s demand for office space needed by small businesses.

Critics also noted the area already is congested and the planned project will make that worse.

They predict the neighborhood will experience more cut-through traffic, which will reduce the community’s desirability and diminish property values.

Patrick Mullen, one of those opponents, listed a multitude of objections.

In addition to various legal and technical objections, Mullen offered some basic reasons for opposing the proposal.

“This project is still too big for this property,” Mullen said.

“Development is a privilege, not a right,” he added.

And, “Denial should remain undisturbed,” Mullen said.

Opponents also told the board the reasons they rejected the proposal in January remain valid.

Attorney Joel Tew said his client’s proposed project represents the “poster child” for the type of urban infill mixed-use development encouraged by county’s policies.

He reminded board members the request “is not a rezoning for new density or new entitlements.”

The Seven Oaks master plan already includes entitlements for 1,726 multifamily units, so the request doesn’t increase the overall density, Tew said. The approval of the Seven Oaks master plan also took those traffic impacts into account.

Tew characterized the proposed modification as essentially being a map change, within an approved master plan. He also said the requested change is being made under the approved land use equivalency matrix, which requires the impacts to be on a 1:1 basis.

Despite the board’s approval, the issue might be far from over.

After the vote was taken, Moore asked David Goldstein, the chief assistant county attorney, whether the decision could be appealed.

Goldstein said it could be appealed by a third party, and typically an appeal must be filed within 30 days.

The chance of an appeal being resolved in less than a year is slim, the attorney said.

Published October 19, 2022

Land O’ Lakes Branch Library nearing reopening

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Closed for more than a year already, the Land O’ Lakes Branch Library, at 2818 Collier Parkway, is inching toward the finish line of its massive renovation.

The Land O’ Lakes Branch Library at 2818 Collier Parkway is nearly ready to open after its year-plus 4.75-million renovation that included new furnishings, lighting, computer, printers and even faster broadband in the 31-year-old facility. (Mike Camunas)

Pasco County Library Cooperative officials do not have a firm reopening date set, but hope to have one soon.

“There’s still some work to be done,” Bob Harrison, marketing program manager for the Pasco County Library Cooperative, told The Laker/Lutz News. “Plus, we’ll need time to move in the furniture, install the computers, transfer the book collection and more, to ensure the library is a vibrant, welcoming place for everyone.

“We know (people) are as anxious as we are to get back in there!”

When the 18,169-square-foot branch closed Aug. 14 for a $4.75-million renovation, completion was tentatively set for late 2022. And there is still time, as this branch has not been hit with supply chain issue delays, such as its sister branch — Dade City’s Hugh Embry Branch Library — has, according to Cooperative officials.

That branch, with its $2-million renovation, has no tentative completion or reopen date, either.

In early- to mid-2021, the Land O’ Lakes Branch was cleared of its contents and fenced off, with some of its books and services moving next door to the Land O’ Lakes Recreation Complex, at 3032 Collier Parkway.

The Land O’ Lakes Branch Library’s makeover will be a floor-to-ceiling remodel, and will include new furnishings, updated technology, faster broadband and other improvements. (Courtesy of Pasco County Library Cooperative)

The renovation includes a complete overhaul and remodel of the branch, including new furnishings, lighting, computer, printers and even faster broadband.

It’s the second time the branch has undergone construction, with the last being a two-year expansion project, which began in 2005.

“It’s a top-to-bottom remodel. Floor-to-ceiling,” Harrison told this publication in July 2021. “Everything is brand new. Literally, from the floor coverings to the wall, to the ceiling treatments.”

Funding for the library renovation is coming from proceeds of general obligation bonds that were approved through a referendum in 2018, with a 66% approval rating from voters, Harrison added.

The Land O’ Lakes Branch is one of three Pasco County libraries currently closed for remodeling: the aforementioned Hugh Embry, at 14215 Fourth St., in Dade City, and the South Holiday Branch Library, at 4649 Mile Stretch Drive, are the other two.

The Land O’ Lakes Branch began as a small section of a county building on U.S. 41, but was later moved to a larger location because of its increase in use. In 1980, it became an official part of the Pasco County Library Collective and moved into a Land O’ Lakes plaza storefront in 1988.

The branch at its current location was built through a $10-million bond referendum passed by Pasco County voters in 1986 to improve public library services and build new parks countywide.

The Land O’ Lakes Branch Library opened to the public on Dec. 12, 1991.

Published October 19, 2022

It’s the great pumpkin — patches!

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Fall is here — and with Halloween approaching fast — it’s time to check out these pumpkin patches for jack-o’-lanterns and other harvest-y items and fun activities.

Barton Pumpkin Patch
Where: 16921 Gunn Highway, Odessa
Details: A quaint, little side-of-the-road stand just down the street from Keystone Park. It not only offers pumpkins through October, but provides several fun photo ops with Halloween-themed cutouts.
Info and Hours: Call 727-243-3538.

Bearss Grove
Where: 14316 Lake Magdalene Blvd., Tampa
Details: Shaded by a tent, this pumpkin patch is next to the produce stand that provides local fruits and  vegetables. While there, be sure to check the estimated 400-year-old Live Oak Tree that was named a Millennium Landmark Tree for the State of Florida by the America the Beautiful Fund in 2003 and the 969-pound pumpkin that will be on display for photo ops.
Info and Hours: Visit Facebook.com/BearssGroves.

Boyette Family Farms
Where: 6715 Boyette Road, Wesley Chapel
Details: All are welcome during the fall and harvest season to stroll through its small pumpkin patch, to go along with locally sourced fruits and vegetables, as well as local vendors and food trucks on the weekends.
Info and Hours: Visit Facebook.com/BoyetteFamilyFarms.

Land O’Lakes pumpkin enthusiast Aubrie Provencher happily picks out her favorite from the pumpkin patch at Harvester United Methodist Church, 2432 Collier Parkway in Land O’ Lakes, just in time for Halloween. (Mike Camunas)

Harvester Community Church
Where: 2432 Collier Parkway, Land O’Lakes
Details: This one is hard to miss while driving down Collier Parkway. This church has been laying out hundreds of pumpkins in the field in front of its building for years. Proceeds from the pumpkin sales go toward the church’s youth group.
Info: Visit Facebook.com/harvesterumc.

HarvestMoon Fun Farm Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch
Where: 15990 Stur St., MasaryktownDetails: Grab a pumpkin, but also get lost in a 5-acre corn maze that has a different design every year. There’s also a cow train, petting farm and a 70-foot jumping pillow. Food and drink options are available, too, for a family friendly afternoon.
Info and Hours: Visit HarvestMoonFl.com.

Raprager Family Farm
Where: 16907 Boy Scout Road, Odessa
Details: It’s a fall festival the whole month of October at this farm, with a pumpkin patch, petting zoo, hayrides, corn pit, pumpkin carving, inflatable haunted maze, haunted barn, 40-foot hay chute slide, axe throwing, live entertainment, gem mining, and even scarecrow contests. Tickets are recommended to be purchased in advance.
Info and Hours: Visit RapragerFamilyFarms.com.

Starkey Market
Where: 3460 Starkey Blvd., Trinity
Details: Through October, Starkey Market will have a pumpkin patch and stand just in front of its general store, which sells local wares and foods, and The Barn, a local watering hole that serves local beers, wines and ciders.
Info and Hours: Visit Facebook.com/starkeymarket.

Gannon Cheney, of Trinity, picks out a small pumpkin at the patch and stand at Starkey Market, 3460 Starkey Blvd., in Trinity.

Sweetfields Farm
Where: 17250 Benes Roush Road, Brooksville
Details: Tickets are required at this farm, but admission includes hayride, hay play area, corn maze, treehouse play area, hay maze, tumbleweed rollers, jumbo foosball, pitcher pump duck races, access to the harvest barn and, of course, the pumpkin patch.
Info and Hours: Visit Sweetfieldsfarm.com.

Watermelon Swim
Where: 19509 N. Dale Mabry Highway, Lutz
Details: Hundreds of pumpkins will surround the indoor swim facility in Lutz, with a portion of the proceeds funding its special abilities program and to help families and continue to offer scholarships at this location. Pumpkins here will be sold up to and on Halloween.
Info and Hours: Visit Facebook.com/watermelonswimflorida.

Published October 19, 2022

James Plumley, of Land O’ Lakes, just keeps rolling his pumpkin selection at Harvester United Methodist Church’s pumpkin patch in Land O’ Lakes.
Diane Plumley, center, helps her grandsons, Oliver, left, and James, take home their pumpkin selections from the patch at Harvester United Methodist Church, 2432 Collier Parkway in Land O’ Lakes.
Noah Cheney, of Trinity, can’t decide if he wants a tiny or large pumpkin, or both at Starkey Market’s patch.

Delays slowing down Hugh Embry Library renovation

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Closed for more than a year already, Dade City’s Hugh Embry Branch Library, at 14215 Fourth St., has been hit by unexpected delays.

A tentative reopening date is unscheduled, according to Pasco County Library Cooperative officials.

The problem is supply chain issues, which has shown to be a huge factor with construction projects, both public and private.

Hugh Embry Branch Library, at 14215 Fourth St. in Dade City, is well underway on its $2-million renovation that started more than a year ago, but supply chain issues has delayed completion and Pasco County Library Cooperative officials are unsure of when reopening will occur. (Mike Camunas)

“The Hugh Embry Library Renovation Project remains a top priority for Pasco County’s Facilities Management team. Libraries are an important part of our community, and the work being done at Hugh Embry will ensure the library is a vibrant, welcoming place for everyone,” Pasco County Library Cooperative said in a statement to The Laker/Lutz News.

“Unfortunately, key pieces of critical equipment are on backorder, and we’ve experienced several major construction delays due to supply chain issues. This situation is not unique to Pasco.”

Library officials wanted to address the community, as well, understanding citizens’ desire to return to the library and enjoy its services.

“While these delays are frustrating for our customers and team members,” the statement added, “please understand, we’re doing everything we can to expedite this work — and all work that can be done, has been done. Once the necessary supplies arrive, we anticipate finalizing the project in a matter of weeks.

“We apologize these ongoing delays are keeping you out of your local library. We’re working as hard as we can to open Hugh Embry Library’s doors as soon as possible.”

In early to mid-2021, Hugh Embry was cleared of its contents for the $2-million renovation to begin, with completion by mid-2022. The renovation is to include a complete overhaul and remodel of the branch, including new furnishings, lighting, computer, printers and even faster broadband.

It was the first time the branch received renovation work since 1991, when the library was expanded through a $10-million bond referendum passed by Pasco County voters in 1986 to improve public library services and build new parks countywide.

The Hugh Embry Library’s makeover will be a floor-to-ceiling remodel, and will include new furnishings, updated technology, faster broadband and other improvements. (Courtesy of Pasco County Library Cooperative)

“It’s a top-to-bottom remodel. Floor-to-ceiling,” Bob Harrison, marketing program manager for the Pasco County Library Cooperative, told this publication in July 2021. “Everything is brand new. Literally, from the floor coverings to the wall, to the ceiling treatments.” Funding for the library renovation is coming from proceeds of general obligation bonds that were approved through a referendum in 2018, with a 66% approval rating from voters, Harrison added.

Hugh Embry is one of three Pasco County libraries currently closed for remodeling. The Land O’Lakes Branch Library, 2818 Collier Parkway, is in its final stages of renovation, but also does not have a reopening date.

Also under renovation is the South Holiday Branch Library, at 4649 Mile Stretch Drive.

Founded in 1904, the Hugh Embry Library is the oldest in Pasco County. Its namesake, the then 25-year-old Embry, had exhausted books he could borrow from friends. He raised $50 to start a library and called it the Shakespeare Club. He chose books and ran the library out of his family home until his death from tuberculosis in 1907.

The Pasco Library Association was established to manage the library, and aided by The Dade City Woman’s Club. In 1927, the woman’s club began loaning books to the general population for free, out of a room in the Herbert Massey Building. Within a month of its opening, the library had attracted 440 registered borrowers.

For years, the library was unincorporated, though it continued to grow. It wasn’t until 1952 that Dade City gave property across the street from City Hall for a library building, and in 1953, the City took over responsibility for the library.

It would take another 10 years before the library finally moved to its current location.

After the Pasco County Library Cooperative was founded in 1980, it began operating and maintaining the Hugh Embry Branch under a no-cost lease. In 1988, the City Commission of Dade City sold the library to Pasco County for $150,000.

Published October 19, 2022           

Dade City approves nearly $41 million budget

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The City of Dade City approved a budget of nearly $41 million for the 2022-2023 fiscal year.

The new spending plan represents a 64% increase over last year’s budget, which approached $25 million, and was adopted unanimously during an Oct. 4 meeting.

This is a significantly large increase from the previous budget, accounting for 64% higher than the $24,961,790 budget for last fiscal year.

Dade City Commissioners voted on Oct. 4 to approve the 2022-2023 budget of $40,994,350. The city covers 7.5 square miles and was incorporated in 1889. It has an estimated population of 7,888 in 3,029 households. (Mike Camunas)

The new budget is $40,994,350.

The substantial percentage of the increase comes from capital projects, while other costs are the addition of personnel and inflationary impacts.

Personnel costs are expected to be slightly more than $7.7 million, representing about 19% of the budget. That’s an increase of more than $1.3 million over last year.

The increase is due to new positions, increased health care premiums, salary increases and associated retirement costs.

Inflation also had a significant impact on the budget.

The city’s millage rate of 7.14 remained unchanged. The city’s property values came in at $403,362,761. That’s more than $63 million higher than the value in 2021, which was $339,633,298.

The general fund budget is expected to increase by almost $5.2 million.

Operating costs have increased by nearly $360,000.

Overall, departments continue to look for ways to improve operating efficiencies in the face of rising costs. Inflation and supply chain delays continue to impact operating costs.

Major projects include construction of the Dade Oaks retention pond, Morningside Drive Extension, design of the wastewater treatment plant, wastewater force main and lift station projects, utility relocation projects, splash pad, Irvin Center, playground equipment and sidewalk/road improvements. This amount includes $1.75 million collected from impact fees and system development charges that will be held in reserve for future capital projects, and $430,500 that will be deposited into the renewal and replacement fund for public utilities.

Capital expenditures increased by nearly $3.9 million, primarily due to the Morningside Drive Extension, splash pad, Irvin Center, road improvements and the purchase of police vehicles.

The Dade City Commission consists of Mayor James Shive, Mayor Pro Tem Knute Nathe, and Commissioners Scott Black, Ann Cosentino and Normita Woodard.

Published October 19, 2022

Pasco board rejects request for towing operation

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It’s not that the Pasco County Commission objects to a towing operator setting up shop in the county, it’s just the proposed location for one on U.S. 41 isn’t the right spot, board members unanimously agreed at the Oct. 11 meeting.

Concerns raised by nearby residents resonated with the board.

Those neighbors raised objections to the likely noise that will result after the towing business opens. They said a 24-hour operation isn’t compatible with the residential neighborhood that’s behind it.

Opponents also said the nature of the business isn’t exactly what they expected, as the county aspires to set a tone for redeveloping the main north-south artery in the heart of Land O’ Lakes.

Several neighbors spoke out against the proposal, including residents of a nearby 54-home subdivision and the owner of a commercial property next door.

One speaker talked about the current hazardous conditions, as motorists try to make U-turns at median cutouts along U.S. 41.

Tow trucks transporting vehicles will add to the hazards by making it harder for motorists to see, while they’re attempting U-turns, and causing greater traffic backups.

In general, opponents said, the proposed operation would not fit in.

The Pasco County Planning Commission and county planners both recommended approval of the request for the towing operation on a 0.62-acre site on the east side of Land O’ Lakes Boulevard, about a mile north of State Road 54.

Applicant Christopher Brown said his company provides a necessary service.

He said his business is under contract with apartment complexes and homeowner associations to remove cars that are double-parked, parked in fire lanes, or parked on properties without permits.

As Pasco grows, the demand for the towing services increases, Brown said.

Brown, who had a contract to purchase the property if his request was approved, said he understands property rights. He pledged he would be a good neighbor.

He said his trucks are new and they don’t have backup beeping sounds. He also offered to provide additional buffering and add soundproofing.

In the end, however, those promised weren’t enough.

Commission Chairwoman Kathryn Starkey told Brown she understands the need for this type of towing service, but said the proposed location just won’t work.

She asked the county’s staff to work with the applicant to see if they can help him find a more appropriate location.

The board voted 5-0 to deny the conditional use request.

Published October 19, 2022

A burning desire for history

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It started with a truck.

A Class B fire engine.

Museum vice president Lois Ressler, center, welcomes two retired firefighters: Pat Cotter, left, a former fire truck driver, and Wayne Garrett, a former battalion chief. The museum gets lots of visits from current and former firefighters, but also has become a hub for firefighters to meet up and reminisce about their careers. (Mike Camunas)

It was the fire engine that volunteer firefighters in Hillsborough County rode on, during the 1970s and 1980s.

In 2017, four dedicated individuals bought it, looking to restore it.

They did, and because of that, the Hillsborough Fire & EMS Museum was born — not out of fire and ash, but out of a respect for preservation and history.

“After they bought the truck, well, they said, ‘Let’s make a museum,’” said Beth Nevel, museum president.

The Hillsborough Fire & EMS Museum, 15961 N. Florida Ave., in Lutz, is home to artifacts and memorabilia from former firefighters, their families and from the county itself. The space is small, but the museum also has thousands of additional items in storage.

Then, the donations started coming in.

“People would call, and tell us, ‘I’ve got patches’ or ‘I’ve got a first aid box full of stuff’ or ‘I’ve got a helmet and a coat,’ and as our firefighters are dying, their husbands and wives are saying, ‘What do I do with all this stuff from their careers as a firefighter?’,” Nevel added.

Indeed, all the items displayed at the small nonprofit museum at 15961 N. Florida Ave., in Lutz, have been donated by friends or family of, or even current or retired, firefighters.

The donations have been pouring in for about five years, Nevel said. It’s to the point where the museum’s board had to get storage space.

Nevel estimated the museum has thousands of items, from helmets to masks to used tanks to axes and other tools to patches to even toys and memorabilia. However, because of its limited rented space, it can only display some of the collection.

The visitor sign-in book at the Hillsborough Fire & EMS Museum in Lutz sits under a seal of the Hillsborough County Fire Department. It’s been signed by many visitors, including retired firefighters.

The items on display are impressive, but Nevel would love to see the museum expand into a larger space.

“We are bursting at the seams here,” Nevel said. “We started a savings account to get a bigger space and that’s the dream, for now.”

And, like many museums, especially small ones, this one also relies on contributions from “Friends of the Museum.”

Nevel encourages visitors to come take a look.

“Just come by and say hi!” she said. “You just have to contribute — we don’t care. Send us 10 bucks, give us 100 bucks, donate 1,000 bucks (laughs). People are our biggest contributors.”

With an all-volunteer staff and board of about 10 people, the museum relies on contributions — such as receiving $10,000 from Seminole Hard Rock or money from the Lutz Guv’na — but also through its three fundraisers: a car show, a golf tournament and a clay shoot.

Those monies go to keeping the lights on at the actual museum, but also to its three-pronged mission.

Education. Preservation. Restoration.

The museum aims to educate not only visitors, but also seniors and children through virtual classes that teach fire safety and more.

It wants to preserve all the artifacts that are donated, that way they are kept in pristine condition to be shared with whomever may visit the museum.

And, finally, to restore the truck — fix up and bring back to impeccable life the fire engine that’s on a Ford truck chassis, but was transformed into a fire engine by the late Chief Mechanic Ross Macaluso.

“We do get a lot of people — we get everyone who wants to stop by and see some history,” Nevel said. “Just a few weeks ago, we had a retired battalion chief from New Jersey that was down here and just saw us (online) and asked if he could come by. It is a lot of former and retired firefighters, which is great, because they’re interested and have stories, and are more than welcome to come by here and visit or hang out.”

Hillsborough Fire & EMS Museum
Where: 15961 N. Florida Ave., Lutz
When: Tuesdays, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Details: Founded in 2017, this nonprofit organization and museum restores and preserves the history of the fire department and EMS in unincorporated Hillsborough County. The small museum relies on donations not just of monetary value, but also of any and all artifacts and souvenirs from current and former firefighters, as well as their families.
Info: Visit HillsboroughFireMuseum.org, or to schedule a visit, call 813-269-3459 or email .

Published October 19, 2022

The Hillsborough Fire & EMS Museum calls Lutz its home and has fire rescue artifacts on display, such as helmets, masks, air tanks, axes and more.
A well-used mask, worn by a firefighter, is one of the items on display at the museum.
An old radio unit that was used in Dover is one of the items on display at the Hillsborough Fire & EMS Museum.

Dig into this garden club

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They speak for the trees in Tree City, USA.

They speak for the butterflies, too, in Monarch City, USA.

In fact, the Dade City Garden Club, celebrating its 75th anniversary, speaks for and keeps an eye on all things plants and nature.

Members of the nonprofit organization work in the fields of gardening, horticulture, landscape design, floral design and environmental awareness through the conservation of natural resources.

The Dade City Garden Club Clubhouse, at 13630 Fifth St., is a 1913 church relocated to the garden club grounds in 1977. The structure then underwent a modern renovation. Volunteers help maintain the grounds and the building. The building is available for event rentals. (Mike Camunas)

The garden club has a diverse group of members.

“We have mothers, we have daughters, we have aunts, we have sisters, we have everyone,” said Mona Goossens, club president. “We have so many who are so into gardens and we have plenty who want to know more about gardens, and we have others that kind of look at gardens and they’re not as hands-on.

“But what we really have is so many who are dedicated to everything our club strives to preserve and educate the public about — horticulture and the environment,” said Goossens, who is serving as the club’s leader for her fourth year.

The club was founded in 1947 when club dues were only $1.50. The next year, the club formed five circles, allowing members to pursue activities and topics of specific interest to each group. Now, there are six circles: Azalea, Camellia, Hibiscus, Hollyhock, Magnolia and Poinsettia.

Over the years, the club has worked on a variety of projects throughout the East Pasco town. Club members have beautified streets, such as Meridian Avenue, and worked on the landscaping at places such as Pasco High School and the Dade City Armory.

The club initially met at the nearby woman’s club, but in 1976, Saint Rita Catholic Church presented its old church building to the club and it became the group’s clubhouse.

After a modern renovation of that 1913 church structure, the club took over its location at 13630 Fifth St., in 1977.

“This club, with its members and its garden, it takes into account what can help this town. It always has, and all you have to do is look back at what members have done over the 75 years,” said Joan Hepscher, a longtime member and co-chair of the Club’s Birds, Bees & Butterflies committee.

Longtime Dade City Garden Club member Pat Carver will be remembered for her 61 years of service to the club. Her legacy now has been enshrined with this special plaque in the 3-acre garden surrounding the clubhouse.

One of the mainstays of the garden club — member Pat Carver — was involved for 61 years before she passed away in March. The club honored her contributions with a plaque placed in its 3-acre garden.

“Pat always saw the bigger picture, of how we could do more,” said Hepscher, who was recruited to join the club by Carver. “She was a dedicated member to this club for 61 years, and the club wouldn’t be what it is today without her.”

The club annually celebrates Arbor Day and National Garden Week with special events. It also puts on the biannual Uncorked, a fundraiser event featuring wine, beer and hors d’oeuvres.

Since 1994, the club has been responsible for approximately 450 trees being planted throughout Dade City.

Also, since 1996, the club has decorated the buildings, grounds and gate at Pioneer Florida Museum and Village with permanent and fresh greenery that are brought in for Christmas decorations.

The club also deserves credit for pursuing the designation of Dade City as a Tree City, USA and Monarch City, USA.

Achieving the Monarch City USA designation was Carver’s “last hurrah.”

Club members take pride in the role their organization played in achieving those distinctions.

Polly Touchton Park, adjacent to the Dade City Garden Club Clubhouse, is the site of the Third Annual Monarch Butterfly Festival. It has art and signs on display that proudly proclaim Dade City’s Monarch City designation.

“We would not be a tree city or a monarch city without the Dade City Garden Club,” Goossens said. “We work so hard every year to retain those statuses (of having those titles), and it makes us all feel very connected to the city.”

Third Annual Monarch Butterfly Festival
When: Oct. 22, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: Polly Touchton Park, between Fifth and Seventh streets, and Bougainvillea and Southview avenues, in Dade City
Details: The festival, sponsored by the Dade City Garden Club and the Dade City Youth Council, will feature environmental educators, informational booths, presentations, native plant sale and hands-on activities for kids. Through the Dade City Monarch Project, the festival takes on special importance this year because the butterflies have been added to the “endangered” species list. “They’re just not another pretty face,” said Joan Hepscher, chair of the Monarch Butterfly Festival. “We want to make people aware of their ‘struggle.’”
Visitors can park downtown and hop on a free trolley, which will be traveling from downtown to the park from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Pickup locations are adjacent to the Robert B. Sumner Judicial Center, at 38033 Live Oak Ave., and at The Spoke, located at 37800 Church Ave. Parking is available in city- and county-owned lots, and other areas around downtown.
Info: Email , or visit DadeCityGardenClub.com.

Published October 19, 2022