The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Local News

Sending coupon sales overseas

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Freedom isn’t free — even with coupons.

But that doesn’t mean military families have to pay full price.

At least that’s how the Auxiliary Unit for American Legion Post 108 sees it.

Members of the Auxiliary Unit from American Legion Post 108 in Land O’ Lakes work diligently to sort through and clip coupons, as part of an initiative to send overseas, so military families can use them in commerce areas. The newly formed Auxiliary Unit for Post 108 has been clipping away for only a few months, however, as the women collect coupon ads from local publications, they also are allowed to send expired coupons, which commerce areas will accept for up to six months. They are about to send the first batch of coupons, estimated to total more than $10,000 worth of savings. (Mike Camunas)

The auxiliary, which serves Lutz and Wesley Chapel and is based in Land O’ Lakes, has launched a coupon-clipping initiative to help military families overseas.

The auxiliary is made up of women who are spouses, daughters and granddaughters of veterans, living or deceased. They are rounding up discarded or unused coupons from local publications, including The Laker/Lutz News.

They take the coupon sheets, books and inserts, and painstakingly clip away at the deals. Then, they bundle and package them to send overseas for military families to use at the bases’ commerce areas.

“It’s a low-budget way to give back, to do things for our military and their families,” said Barbara Bird, leader of Auxiliary Unit 108. “We can do so many things, but sometimes it costs a little more to do things, but this is a way to do something and save them money.

Post 108 Auxiliary Unit leader Barbara Bird sorts through hundreds of coupons clipped from local publications. The coupons eventually will be bundled and shipped overseas to military families to use at commerce areas.

“We get a lot of them from The Laker, and I’ve asked my neighbor to save her Laker, and I’ve been trying to find where I can find extra Lakers and newspapers that are left over, but we’ll take any newspaper we can with coupons that people don’t use.”

Post 108’s Auxiliary Unit is relatively new, with it just starting in mid-2022 and getting its charter approved in December. However, Bird and about a half-dozen other women — including one Air Force veteran herself — have been gathering coupons out of newspapers and clipping since about September.

The women meet once a month and clip, or clip at home on their own time. Over time, they have sorted and put aside thousands of coupons.

They are about to send out their first batch that will go to a base in either Germany or Poland, and, in total, the coupons are valued at more than $10,000 in savings.

Commerce areas will also honor expired coupons of up to six months.

“Well, it’s definitely a labor of love, that’s for sure,” said Post 108 Chaplain Don Hinst, whose wife, Linda, also does a lot of coupon clipping. “It’s free money — there’s 10 grand right there of free money, and they pass them out to the families because it’s the non-commissioned officers and their families that are struggling.

American Legion Auxiliary Unit District 15 President Eileen Wilson cuts through a coupon sheet to help out Post 108’s unit collect coupons to be used by military families overseas.

“The dollar value of all the coupons in the newspapers, when the ladies are clipping, they can get anywhere from $80 to $120 per coupon insert. Why not put that to use for our military members?”

The key has been finding unused coupons, which has meant the women rounding up newspapers and other publications that have been discarded. Several of the women, such as Bird, have been seeking out old newspaper issues in bins, as well as asking their neighbors for their newspapers, if they’re not going to use the coupons.

“I just moved here and I live with my daughter,” Bird said, “and I’m trying to get out, walk around and get to know more people, and if they don’t want their coupons or their Laker, I’ll take them.”

Lutz resident Sandi Uhl intently searches for a hot deal while clipping coupons to send overseas. She’s helping in an initiative organized by Post 108’s Auxiliary Unit. Uhl, whose husband is a Vietnam veteran, is checking the expiration date on some coupons because commerce areas will accept expired coupons.

The Auxiliary Unit also invites people in the community to donate newspapers, which can be dropped off at Harvester Community Church in Land O’ Lakes.

Bird, who was instrumental in starting Post 108’s Auxiliary Unit to honor her late husband, a Vietnam veteran who died in 2020, admits most of her free time, as of late, has been spent clipping coupons.

“It’s really gratifying to know how much it has added up to,” she said. “Just the other night, I go, ‘Oh my gosh, it’s $9,000! So, the other night, I said, ‘Let me round this up to 10. And my daughter comes in and is like, ‘What are you doing? Oh, don’t tell me — it’s clipping coupons again! (laughs)’”

“We are so excited to get them the coupons,” Hinst, a Navy veteran, added. “I am so excited to see how much we can help them save, and to see the piles and bags of coupons that were clipped and put together finally get mailed out.

“We would’ve loved to get coupons. We could’ve used that when I served, for sure.”

Linda Hinst, whose husband, Don, is Post 108’s chaplain, pitches in during the Auxiliary Unit’s clipping session.

Bird agrees, knowing full well that if militaries can use anything, it’s discounts on the essentials.

“How great would it have been to get coupons?” Bird asked. “It was just the thought of someone doing something so nice, thinking about military families who do their shopping at commerce areas, and I just know that it is difficult as the price of everything rises, but their salary and pay doesn’t, I can identify with that.

“It’s going to be great when we send them over,” she added. “I hope they’re excited when they get them because I’m excited for them to use all the coupons.”

Coupon Clipping with Post 108’s Auxiliary Unit
American Legion Post 108 serves Wesley Chapel and Lutz, but is based out of the Plantation Palms community in Land O’ Lakes. It recently was granted the charter for its Auxiliary Unit. The unit is composed of spouses, daughters and granddaughters of veterans in the Post. The Auxiliary meets the fourth Monday of each month at 5 p.m. for a social gathering and then at 6 p.m. for a meeting, at the Plantations Palms Golf Club, 23253 Plantation Palms Blvd. The Auxiliary welcomes new members who have a veteran in their family. For more information, visit AmericanLegionPost108.org/index.php?id=20.

The Auxiliary welcomes coupon donations and volunteers to help clip them. The coupons can be dropped off at Harvester Community Church, 2432 Collier Parkway. Anyone interested in volunteering can contact Barbara Bird at 206-735-0597 or .

Published January 18, 2023

Recycled Christmas trees give trails new life

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Even after Christmas, these trees are still presenting gifts.

The Pasco County Parks, Recreation, and Natural Resources Department sets up its Trees to Trails Program each year, with residents dropping off Christmas trees at various parks around the county.

The program, which runs three weeks and ended on Jan. 11, aims to encourage residents to recycle their trees instead of tossing them in the garbage or, even worse for the community, burning them.

Pasco County Parks, Recreation, and Natural Resources Department has its annual used Trees to Trails Program for residents to drop off Christmas trees for recycling, which results in them being chipped into mulch for the county’s parks. At Wesley Chapel District Park, one of two of the drop-off locations, drop-off was available through Jan. 11. (Mike Camunas)

The annual effort typically yields a big haul for the parks department.

The county asks participants to remove the tinsel, if there was any. Then the county chips the trees to provide free mulch at the parks where the trees were dropped off.

“It’s a great program — it’s a great tax-funded program,” said Brian Taylor, the county’s Parks & Recreation Manager. “It actually saves the taxpayers money because it gives the parks some much-needed mulch for landscaping.

“Plus, it smells good (laughs).”

The county set up drop-off sites at Wesley Chapel District Park and Veterans Memorial Park in Hudson.

Peter Grayling, a park operator with the county for 28 years, says the turnout for drop-off was good, especially right after Christmas and at the beginning of 2023.

And, as good as residents were about bringing trees to be recycled, several residents were just as good about hauling some away for personal use.

Those trees weren’t usually taken for mulch.

“The reason why is, well, kind of funny,” Taylor added.

Some residents took a tree or two to create a reef, or new habitat for fish in their ponds or lakes.

Trees are placed upright in parts of the pond that are at least deep enough to cover the trees. That is an approved disposal method by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Conservation Biologists.

Once submerged, sunken trees are great for creating natural fish habitats in local ponds and lakes. Recycled Christmas trees become havens for a variety of freshwater wildlife, including small insects, snails and mussels.

These tiny organisms attract fish who feed on them, like minnows and crawfish, who in turn, attract such species as bass, bluegill and crappie.

One tree can become an entire ecosystem with an estimated lifespan of up to 10 years, which is not only great for lake life, but for fishing enthusiasts, too.

“We don’t discourage them from not taking them,” Grayling said. “We know that’s what they’re for, so it’s OK if they do, but we’re not going to be out here stopping them or monitoring.

“If they’re putting them in lakes, that’s recycling them, too.”

In the past, the county used to have more drop-off sites, but scaled back to have two centralized locations: one for East and Central Pasco and another for West Pasco.

It wasn’t, however, because the county saw a decrease in tree piles, not from people using them in lakes, but from people switching to artificial trees.

“We really haven’t seen a difference in the time we’ve been doing it, even going back how many years we can go back,” Taylor said. “Every year, there are plenty of trees brought to us, and every year we end up with plenty of mulch.

“From the county’s point of view, we’re just glad we can do our part and recycle the trees, in an environmentally friendly way, every year.”

Published January 18, 2023

Pasco approves about 400 new residential entitlements

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The Pasco County Commission has set the stage for an additional 240 single-family homes, near an area known as the Villages of Pasadena Hills in the southeast part of the county.

The board voted unanimously on Jan. 10 to approve a request to change the county’s long-range plan to increase the development potential on 61 acres of land, at 59430 Billmar Road, in Wesley Chapel.

The land previously was designated for up to three dwellings per acre, but the county board changed the category to allow up to six units per acre.

However, the applicant has agreed to a maximum of 240 units, which works out to be an average of 3.93 units per acre.

County planners and the Pasco County Planning Commission each recommended approval of the request.

The development is perceived as a transitional land use between the Villages of Pasadena Hills and surrounding higher density residential land uses. The request also is considered to support the mission of the county’s South Market area, according to materials in the county board’s agenda packet.

The site abuts the Chapel Crossing master-planned unit development (MPUD) to the west and Avalon Park West, formerly known as the New Rivers MPUD, to the south.

The access to the site is on Billmar Road, a 13-foot-wide private residential dirt road. There is a proposed trail that will bisect along the south side of the project site named the Eiland Boulevard Trail.

There also is a proposed arterial roadway identified on the highway vision road map as Zephyrhills Bypass extension planned for future development that will provide additional access south of the proposed project site.

There are no roads or access located to the east side of the subject site.

A rezoning request for the Hamilton Oaks MPUD is associated with the land use change.

In another action the county board approved a rezoning to change an agricultural-residential zoning to a medium density multifamily district, allowing the development of 158 townhomes.

The 30.2-acre site, at the intersection of Chancey Road and Diana Drive, historically has been used for timber and grazing.

Published January 18, 2023

Zephyrhills will make election decisions in April

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(Mike Camunas)

Residents of the City of Zephyrhills will be choosing a new mayor and selecting a representative for Seat 2 on City Council, during the Municipal Elections, set for April 11.

Here are the important election dates and information regarding the election.

Important Dates

  • Municipal Candidate Qualifying begins at noon on Feb. 7.
  • Municipal Candidate Qualifying ends at noon on Feb. 14.
  • Mayor’s Caucus is scheduled for 5 p.m. on Feb 17 in Council Chambers at City Hall, 5335 Eighth St.
  • Municipal Election: Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., on April 11, at Alice Hall Community Center, 38116 Fifth Ave., in Zephyr Park.

Candidate Requirements

  • All candidates must be a qualified and registered voter of the City of Zephyrhills and have been a resident of the city for a six-month period immediately preceding the next election to qualify for any City elective office.
  • The City Council may set filing fees to be paid by candidates at the time of qualifying to run for elective office.
  • The nomination of all candidates for elective offices shall be made by nominating petitions. The name of any elector of the City having the necessary qualifications to hold the office may be nominated for the election to such office when a petition shall be filed with the City Clerk, signed by not less than 25 registered voters of the City.

For additional information, please visit the Pasco County Supervisor of Elections website at PascoVotes.com.

Published January 18, 2023

Pasco shines spotlight on evil of human trafficking

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Human trafficking and modern-day slavery are problems that people tend to think wouldn’t happen where they live, but the Pasco County Commission wants the community to know that those crimes do happen locally, and they need the public’s help to combat them.

The board passed a resolution during its Jan. 10 meeting declaring January as National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month, and Jan. 11 as National Human Trafficking Awareness Day in Pasco County.

The board’s resolution explains that human trafficking occurs when an individual “is compelled to work or engage in a commercial sex act through force, fraud, or coercion, thereby being stripped of his/her rights and humanity.

Efforts to prevent human trafficking and modern-day slavery were spotlighted during the Pasco County Commission’s Dec. 10 meeting. Shown here are members of The Pasco County Commission on Human Trafficking, members of the county board and other county officials. (Courtesy of Pasco County)

“Traffickers typically use multiple means to control their victims, including beatings, rape, isolation, forced drug/alcohol dependency, withholding of documentation, and psychological and emotional abuse,” the resolution adds.

It also cites some statistics gathered by the International Labor Organization, which estimates there are more than 49.6 million victims of human trafficking worldwide.

The crime, the resolution says, “is second only to the illegal drug trade in terms of the speed of its growth and the profits that it generates as human beings can be sold repeatedly.”

The resolution also notes that “human trafficking has been reported in all 50 states,” with Florida consistently ranking third among the number of calls made to the National Human Trafficking Hotline (NHTH).

In fact, according to the resolution, hotline statistics reveal there were 3,587 human trafficking reports to the NHTH from Florida between 2016 to 2020.

The Pasco County Commission on Human Trafficking is working to prevent the crime and to help survivors.

It enlists the aid of a broad array of people to help in the effort, including representatives of law enforcement, schools, child welfare, nonprofits, businesses, faith-based organizations and survivors, too.

After the resolution was read, Commissioner Kathryn Starkey commented: “You know, it’s just unbelievable that we’re talking about slavery — slavery and human trafficking, in this day and age, and to know that’s occurring here in Pasco County. It’s just heartbreaking.

“I’m really glad that we’re bringing attention to this important issue. Everyone needs to be vigilant and keep your eyes open for someone who is being trafficked,” Starkey said.

Pasco County Commissioner Ron Oakley served on the Pasco County Commission on Human Trafficking for four years.

“It was an eye-opener to me all that goes on in our community,” Oakley said. He noted that he’s certain the situation would be worse, if it weren’t for the work of the Pasco County Commission on Human Trafficking.

Commissioner Gary Bradford, a new member on the county board, has been appointed to serve on that commission.

Bradford is eager to help attack the problem.

“There is no more vile crime than human trafficking. It’s a vile, hideous disease that our society can’t seem to fix, until now.

“We have to make a difference in Pasco County.

“In a previous life, in a previous career, I was out there fighting that fight. One victim at a time. One situation at a time,” said Bradford, a former Tampa Police officer.

“God blessed me with a different role, hopefully I can make a difference here, in that exact same fight,” Bradford said.

Also last week, Pasco County announced that the Pasco County Commission on Human Trafficking is partnering with the county’s public transportation system, GoPasco and the U.S. Institute Against Human Trafficking (USIAHT) to help bus riders and drivers recognize the signs of human trafficking and to help those who are potentially being exploited to get to safety.

This campaign will reach 45,000 riders a month through:

  • Placards and pamphlets for GoPasco bus riders
  • Tips for bus drivers to identify trafficking
  • Protocol for bus drivers who suspect trafficking
  • Providing USIAHT victims Safe Way Out cards

If you suspect or are a victim of human trafficking, call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 888-373-7888.

Published January 18, 2023

Navigating resources for special needs kids can be tricky

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Having a child with special needs can create daunting challenges for families.

Beyond not knowing what to do, it’s also hard to know who can help.

It can be confusing for families when they move into a new school district, explains Stephanie Long, assistant director of student support programs and services for Pasco County Schools.

People arrive in the district and they say: “I’m new to Pasco, what do I need?”

“I don’t understand your programs. I’m coming from another state. I’ve never heard this terminology? What do I do?”

Parents of students with special needs from other school districts often aren’t familiar with the terms used to describe programs here, or with the varying types of programs. They can get an introduction to the district’s programs from information provided on the district’s website. (File)

Long directs new families to the public school district’s website, where there is a page that’s specifically built to give parents a step-by-step guide to information, covering all of the basic needs for all students.

Plus, it gives parents a good start to find out what the district’s Exceptional Student Education (ESE) services and programs are for students with special needs.

The district also shares information about other resources available in the community, or through state partnerships.

The best place to start, according to Long, is at the Parents tab on the district’s website (Pascok12.fl.us). Then, parents can scroll down that page to a link called SSPS Resources.

“It immediately opens up to all of the parent resources,” Long said.

If you click on the ESE Guide, for instance, you’ll find information to help you navigate the world of special programs.

“This basically gives the alphabet soup of all of the different acronyms that we throw around in our world. A glossary of all of the terms that we use,” she said.

It also explains the district’s continuum of services for its ESE students.

Special services can vary from place to place, so this gives parents an idea of what to expect in Pasco.

Another resource, provided through the district, is a quarterly meeting intended to give parents a chance to identify topics of need, or interest, and to work collaboratively with other parents and the school district to address them.

Jennifer Hykes, senior supervisor of special programs, runs that group.

Historically, participation has been lower than the district would like, but the numbers are improving as a result of marketing and outreach efforts.

“We really want these meetings to be collaborative. We want to hear what the needs are and what they (parents) want,” Hykes said.

Identifying needs is the first step toward developing a plan to address them, she said.

That group’s next virtual meeting is set for Feb. 21 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. To find out more, reach out to Hykes via email at .

The sessions give parents an opportunity to learn about various topics.

And, if they have specific questions, this is a good place to get them answered.

“We always have a Q & A session at the end,” Hykes said. “I stay on as long as needed.”

Another way to find out more about available resources would be to attend Superintendent Kurt Browning’s Family Forum on Safety and Security. (See accompanying info box).

Some students need special services and it can be confusing for parents to know where to turn for help. There are a variety of resources available, both within Pasco County Schools, through state partnerships and with community groups. (Mike Camunas)

The forum is set up to provide information on various safety and security topics, but there also will be representatives from various service providers and community organizations to answer questions and provide information.

Those representatives can help clue in parents regarding sources of help that may be useful to them.

Pasco County School Board member Colleen Beaudoin, who has extensive experience in dealing with issues relating to children with special needs, also provided some guidance that may be useful for parents of ESE students.

She shared those thoughts during a recent Laker/Lutz News interview involving her, Long and Hykes.

It’s no secret that many parents may feel overwhelmed as they try to figure out what’s best for their special needs’ kids.

Beaudoin suggested this simple way to get started: “If you have a concern, request a meeting with your school.”

Once a meeting is scheduled, it’s  good to be prepared, Beaudoin said. Take a notebook and any relevant documentation, she advised.

Keep a positive attitude, too, Beaudoin said.

“I think some parents do feel that they really need to go in (to a meeting about their child), in defense mode,” the school board member said.

One excellent source of information for parents is the Florida Diagnostic and Learning System, FDLRS for short, Beaudoin said.

Long agreed.

Families can submit questions and receive information, typically within 24 to 48 hours, Long said.

Hykes said it’s important to know that many questions and concerns can be answered or resolved at the school level. She recommends that families have a list of contact names and numbers, to know who they should call, if an issue arises.

At the school level, the list should include the teacher, the case manager (if there is one) and the principal. Beyond that, the district has a list of program supervisors, which is available on its website.

Another place to find some easy-to-understand information about Florida’s ESE services is the Florida’s MTSS. The acronym stands for multi-tiered systems of support for families.

The parent guide explains that school districts must provide a certain procedure to ensure that they’ve implemented intervention, and to ensure that the students had a poor response to that intervention, before the district says that a student has a disability, Long said.

She also pointed out a program called Project 10, a program that focuses on transition.

“For those students with disabilities, how do we help them transition to post-secondary opportunities? How do we provide greater opportunities for students with disabilities to have greater outcomes when they leave us and they go on to postsecondary?” Long said.

Superintendent’s Family Forum on Safety and Security
Where/when:

  • Pasco Middle School, 13925 14th St., Dade City, on Jan. 24, doors open at 5 p.m.; event starts at 5:30 p.m.
  • Fivay High School, 12115 Chicago Ave., , on Jan. 31, doors open at 5 p.m.; event starts at 5:30 p.m.

Details:
Breakout sessions will include:

  • School safety in Pasco County
  • Data security in a connected society
  • Handling threats in schools
  • Suicide prevention for students
  • Accessing student services

Community resources available on:

  • Safety
  • Mental health
  • Student supports
  • Student services
  • Community supports

Free child care is available for children ages 4 through 10. Light refreshments will be provided, too. To register, visit SuperintendentsFamilyForum1.sched.com/.

Exceptional Student Education (ESE) Services
To help you acclimate to services and programs designed for students who have special needs, here are some places to go to get more information. Some services and programs are provided by Pasco County Schools and some are provided through partnerships or community organizations.

To get started, go to the Pasco County Schools’ website, at Pasco.k12.fl.us. Once there, click on the Parents tab. Then scroll down to Student Support Services.

Then, check out information provided in these categories:

  • Center for Autism Related Disorders (CARD)
  • ESE Parent Guide
  • ESE Parent Collaborative Network
  • ESE Programs and Resources
  • Florida Diagnostic and Learning Resources System (FDLRS), click on Parent Services link
  • FLDOE Exceptional Student Education, click on link for Parent Information page

Published January 18, 2023

Blue Triton Brands plans bottled water plant expansion

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Blue Triton Brands Inc., formerly known as Nestle Waters North America Inc., has secured permission to vacate a portion of platted right of way, to help accommodate the company’s planned plant expansion in Zephyrhills.

After hearing from county staff and a representative for Blue Triton Brands, the county board voted on Jan. 10 to unanimously approve the request to vacate a portion of Leaf Lane, which is a platted right of way, and to vacate portions of Camphorwood Lane and Breezewood Drive.

Zephyrhills Bottled Water Plant, at 4330 20th Street, will get an expansion through its parent company, Blue Triton Brands. (Mike Camunas)

Joann Ravida, a real property professional in the county’s Real Property & Planning Division, told the county board: “The purpose of the vacation (of the property) is to allow for the area to be utilized for parking and water retention, to serve the expansion of the petitioner’s existing plant.

“There were no objections to this petition and the team recommends approval,” she added.

Linda Pearson, a planner representing Blue Triton Brands, told the county that approval of the request was needed to accommodate the company’s plant expansion plans.

Pearson told the county board: “We’re not affecting anything or any access used currently, now or in the future, by the residents to the south that are currently in Pasco County.

“They have no access to it. There’s nothing there. Our company has owned that company for some time. It’s vacant,” she said.

Pearson also noted that the three homes that are affected are a considerable distance away.

The planned plant expansion will add 30 new positions and convert 45 of the existing 56 positions into full-time roles, Pearson said.

Salaries will generally range from about $44,000 to $64,000, in connection with the expansion, she added.

“Blue Triton Brands purchased the Nestle Corporation in April of 2021. They purchased all of the U.S. and Canadian plants, approximately there are 27 of them. And, they’re making their biggest capital investment this year, in this plant,” Pearson said.

Pearson told the county board that Blue Triton Brands has a pending application to annex into the City of Zephyrhills. She showed county board members a map indicating the only portion of its property that’s currently outside the city limits.

“We are being very careful in anything we do, to minimize the impact to the surrounding community,” Pearson said.

The landscaping and buffering provided will exceed code requirements, she added.

Commissioner Ron Oakley asked if the City of Zephyrhills could vacate the rights of way in question, if the land is being annexed.

County Attorney Jeffrey Steinsnyder said an argument could be made along those lines, but the original plat likely was recorded in the county records, and since the applicant had already gone through the county’s process, the board might as well take action.

Pearson agreed, noting the plan was recorded in the county and her company believes its best to have the county board take action, to ensure everything is legal.

The City of Zephyrhills is scheduled to consider the annexation, a comprehensive plan amendment and a zoning request on Jan. 23, Pearson said. Another neighborhood meeting is planned before then, she added.

Although no one spoke against the request during the board’s afternoon public hearing, Marlene Mann, a neighbor to the water plant, had voiced opposition during the morning public comment portion of the board’s meeting.

After Mann voiced her objections, Steinsnyder informed the board that her remarks were related to an item that would be heard by the board in the afternoon.

Mann signed up to speak during the afternoon session, but was unable to wait until the board took it up.

In the morning, she told board members: “I just want to go on record to say that I oppose the petition to vacate a portion of three platted rights of way by Blue Triton.

“I know it won’t do any good, but I speak on behalf of the neighborhood, that used to be a nice quiet neighborhood of 16 homes, dead-end street.

“We’re in the county, but right next to us used to be Nestle’s Zephyrhills Bottled Water, now owned by Blue Triton.

“Our neighborhood was there before Blue Triton or Zephyrhills Bottled Water was ever built,” she said.

Nestle bought eight of the 16 homes and bulldozed them, she said.

She objected to Blue Triton Brand’s planned expansion.

“They’re going get rid of a lot of big oaks, over 200 trees. They’re going to bring this retention pond within 75 feet of our backyards,” she said.

“None of the neighbors want this. We don’t want our peaceful neighborhood destroyed, with mosquitoes close by, all of the trees, big oaks, disappearing, plus the big noise factor of the trucks, which are 24 hours a day, which’ll be right close to our backyards and the big lights.

“I know there’s probably not much hope because big city and big companies always win, but thank you for hearing me out,” Mann said.

Published January 18, 2023

Pasco Sheriff’s Office explorer post to offer drone program

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The Pasco Sheriff’s Office (PSO) Explorer Post 916 is offering a new program to introduce those ages 14 to 21 to the world of unmanned aerial systems, also known as drones, and also to forensics, according to a sheriff’s office posting.

These fields are integral to law enforcement operations and this program offers a science-based look at roles outside of what is traditionally thought of as a responsibility of a law enforcement officer, the posting says.

The program includes instruction from guest speakers from PSO’s Forensics and UAS/Drone units, as well as the PSO’s Florida’s Institute for Research, Security and Tactics (F1RST), and other experts.

The introductory meeting is set for 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., on Feb. 15, at Safety Town, at 15362 Alric Pottberg Road, Shady Hills.

Registration is strongly encouraged and can be completed online. For more details about the Explorer Post 916 Drones/Forensics Program Informational Meeting, visit Community Events on the News.PascoSheriff.com website.

Published January 18, 2023

Nominations sought for environmental champion

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Hillsborough County is seeking nominations for its Theodore Roosevelt Hillsborough Forever Conservation Award, according to a county news release.

The honor, given annually, goes to an individual or a group whose efforts exemplify dedication to preserving the county’s natural resources.

The award is named after Theodore Roosevelt Jr., the 26th president of the United States and noted conservationist who placed more than 200 million acres under public protection.

Nominees must live or work in Hillsborough County and “be someone who shows persistence and dedication to long-term conservation of the county’s natural resources, demonstrates integrity in performance toward conservation goals, and displays attributes of true conservation stewardship,’’ according to the award criteria.

Nominations will go through the Jan K. Platt Environmental Lands Acquisition and Protection Program General Committee, which will send a recommendation to the Hillsborough County Commission for approval.

The board will have an award ceremony in the spring to coincide with National Arbor Day.

The deadline for nominations is Feb. 28, according to the release.

For more information, call 813-672-7876, or email Ross Dickerson.

Published January 18, 2023

Saddlebrook Resort redevelopment inches closer to approval

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The Pasco County Planning Commission voted 5-2 to recommend approval of a proposed change to the county’s comprehensive plan — as a first step toward the redevelopment of Saddlebrook Resort, in Wesley Chapel.

Despite the planning board’s positive Jan. 5 vote, members said they won’t support a needed companion zoning change unless it has a far greater degree of detail.

Saddlebrook opened in 1981 and achieved an international reputation for excellence in its tennis and golf facilities and programs. Through the years, premier athletes have flocked there to use the resort’s facilities — and its golf and tennis academies have helped prepare future champions.

There appears to be broad consensus that improvements are needed at Saddlebrook Resort, but residents and planning board members want myriad questions answered before a proposed redevelopment gains approval. (File)

Despite having a reputation as a crown jewel for Pasco County, there’s broad consensus that the 40-plus-year-old resort needs to be refreshed.

Mast Capital, based in Miami, is seeking approval to redevelop the property. But to do so it must gain approval from the Pasco County Commission to change the county’s comprehensive plan and also approval of a new master plan for Saddlebrook.

The planning board serves as an advisory board to the county commission.

Saddlebrook residents and attorneys packed the planning board’s public hearing, which lasted about four hours.

Residents expressed skepticism about Mast Capital’s intentions. They urged the planning board to protect Saddlebrook’s beauty, serenity, wildlife and legacy.

Greater clarity demanded
Two major sticking points centered on potential impacts from the proposed redevelopment and a lack of specificity in the plans.

Attorney Barbara Wilhite, representing Mast Capital, said her client has been meeting with Saddlebrook residents through the resort’s five homeowner’s associations.

Wilhite outlined Mast Capital’s proposal and said changes have been made, based on community feedback.

For instance, Mast Capital dropped a request to add 60 single-family residences and 100 townhomes on land the current proposal designates for golf course and golf course-related uses.

Wilhite also noted she’s working with attorneys on private deed restrictions, which will legally bind future uses of the land — a highly unusual step that her client is willing to take.

In broad strokes, the redevelopment plan has four parts: two areas are within Saddlebrook’s gated community and two outside, next to State Road 54.

The plan proposes combining the two 18-hole Arnold Palmer golf courses into a single 27-hole course.

“There are several holes that are plagued with terrible drainage situations that make them unplayable for significant amounts of time, throughout the year,” explained Eran Landry, a managing director for Mast Capital. “It’s going to take millions of dollars just in the golf course drainage improvements to change that.”

Landry said the company is in talks with two golf course designers.

Resident Patrick Hogan, who lives on Laurelwood Lane, told the planning board: “We’re on the Palmer course. It’s a Palmer course. There’s only one Arnold.

“It affects the value of our homes. That’s what we’re concerned about,” Hogan said.

Residents also want specificity regarding what “golf-related uses” would be allowed — and where the uses would be located.

They, and planning board members, also want to know where the tennis courts and driving range will be.

Mast Capital is seeking to increase the entitlement for commercial and retail uses from 100,000 square feet to 105,000 square feet; to 55 beds for the existing golf and tennis academy; to add a 12,000-square-foot clubhouse; to add 155 townhomes; and, to add 465 apartments.

The new development fronting State Road 54 will be a mixture of commercial and residential, in a walkable area featuring neighborhood parks, patio seating, a wide boulevard and other amenities.

Changes needed to reverse resort’s decline
“You want to create spaces that allow people to feel good, and obviously want to congregate and hang out, and enjoy their experiences at the resort. We intend to do that,” Landry said.

His company plans to spend millions to change the direction of the resort, which has been in decline, he said.

Mast Capital wants to add features such as a splash pad for kids; an ice cream shop for families; and, a coffee bar. It also wants to upgrade the pool area, which Landry characterized as “completely underwhelming.”

Plans call for a complete overhaul of existing resort rooms.

“Those resort rooms are just not competitive, relative to any other hotels nearby or other resorts. The occupancy and the rates have been in decline for a significant amount of time. We intend to change that,” Landry said.

A clubhouse is planned, too. Those are a common fixture at premier golf destinations, Landry said.

Wilhite said plans call for a dual left-turn lane and a dedicated right lane at the resort’s exit to improve traffic flow. A new right-in, right-out access onto State Road 54 also is planned to serve the project’s development along the state road.

Protect community’s character
Residents urged the planning board to protect the community they love.

“Driving home and entering the neighborhood has always felt like entering an oasis, a beautiful, quiet, natural haven,” said Judith Ranells, of Fox Hunt Drive, a Saddlebrook resident since 1988.

“The beauty within Saddlebrook is simply spectacular,” agreed Joann Barbetta, who lives on Fox Hunt Drive, too. “The expansive and dense collection of trees, the winding roads, the spacious driving range were all thoughtfully laid out.

“The homes are spaced far apart and there’s a lot of privacy and large, open spaces.

“The peacefulness and serenity of that can’t be overstated.

“Saddlebrook is also a place where you regularly interact with the best elite athletes in the world,” she added.

Her husband, Larry Barbetta, helped to form the Save Saddlebrook Coalition. The coalition seeks to protect the interests of residents throughout the community.

“We want to encourage investment enhancement in this community. We definitely do. But I cannot accept, and the coalition cannot accept, a complete lack of detail. There’s no idea where the (golf course) holes will go. There’s no idea where the driving range will go. That’s not written anywhere.

“This is really important to us. It’s incredibly important to us. It’s our lives,” he said.

Nancy Foster has lived on Saddlebrook Way for more than two decades.

“While living here, I’ve been privileged to watch pro tennis players practice and train.

“We have courts that provide for these players to play at Wimbledon, the French Open, the Australian Open and, of course, at home, at the U.S. Open. That’s why they come here.

“Keeping tennis courts and golf courses are important to the resort,” she said.

Foster cherishes the resort’s wildlife, too.

She described it this way: “There is a hawk who announces his arrival, as he flies over my house, every day. A coyote visiting my back porch, taking a nap. A bobcat checking out my backyard. Then the deer arrive. The many wild turkeys with their young, marching through. Let me not forget the otters, turtles and especially the owls keeping a watch over my pet bird, which is fortunately living in the house.”

Residents and planning board members raised question after question — and made it clear they want them answered before the next phase of the process, which involves the rezoning request.

After the planning board hears that request, both the land use and zoning change applications will be heard on the same day by the Pasco County Commission. That date has not yet been set.

Published January 11, 2023