The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Local News

City of Zephyrhills approves 33% budget increase

By

The numbers are in for the City of Zephyrhills’ budget — and this year’s total represents a 33% increase over last year.

The City of Zephyrhills approved a 33% increase in its budget, bringing the total budget for fiscal year 2022-2023 to slightly more than $100 million. (Mike Camunas)

The Zephyrhills City Council approved the city’s budget on Sept. 26. The budget for fiscal year 2022-2023 is slightly more than $100 million.

This is the fourth time in the past five budgets that the city increased its planned spending — and it marks the largest increase.

In the 2021-2022 fiscal year, the city budget increased 24.5%, for a total of $75.3 million.

This year’s budget is based on a millage rate of 6.25 mills, which will generate $6,591,549 in ad valorem taxes. The city’s total property valuation is  $1,110,155,587.

Last year, the valuation was $946,676,382, generating $5,710,825 in ad valorem tax revenues.

This fiscal year’s total expenditures are expected to be $100,621,184.

Budget particulars are detailed in a 54-page book.

Here’s a look at how spending breaks down:

  • General fund: $16,391,197
  • Special revenue fund: $32,739,894
  • Community Redevelopment Agency fund: $1,380,771
  • Impact fee fund: $3,037,407
  • Utility impact fee fund: $5,841,000
  • Utility fund: $30,027,676
  • Airport fund: $8,963,569
  • Sanitation fund: $2,239,670

Zephyrhills City Manager Billy Poe presented some budget highlights to council members. Those included:

  • Sarah Vande Berg Tennis & Wellness Center multipurpose indoor facility: $7,080,672, funded entirely by the state
  • Hercules Park Construction: $4,410,000, funded by Penny For Pasco and the American Rescue Plan Act
  • South Avenue Extension relating to National Guard: $1,940,000, funded entirely by the state
  • Sidewalks: $1.4 million, funded by Penny For Pasco
  • Eiland Boulevard/Simons Road intersection: $800,000, funded by transportation impact fees
  • Annual road resurfacing: $600,000, funded by gas tax
  • County Road 54, east of Hercules: $581,907, funded by Penny For Pasco
  • Stormwater Design Phase: $500,000, funded by Penny For Pasco
  • Zephyr Park Surveying: $400,00, funded by Penny For Pasco
  • Gateway Project: $350,000, funded by transportation impact fees
  • Park improvements: $300,00, funded with General Fund revenues
  • Design of City Yard: $200,000, funded by Penny For Pasco
  • Fuel tank upgrade: $150,000, funded by Penny For Pasco

The new budget calls for additional personnel, including four police officers, an administrative assistant, a code support specialist, a parks maintenance worker, an equipment operator and adding two employees to the High School Student Work Program.

City Council member salaries also will be getting an increase of $100 a month, taking effect at each election for the new elected Council member.

The budget includes a pay increase of 6% for employees and 41 cents to work toward the $15 minimum wage increase.

The budget includes $367,454 for the Zephyrhills Police Department to pay for renovation of an old ambulance, a camera system for command unit, stadium/portable lights and a dispatch consolidation project.

Also, $558,000 in Penny for Pasco funds has been allocated to purchase nine new SUV vehicles.

The streets department has budgeted $70,000 for an asphalt roller and trailer, and $600,000 for resurfacing, which will be paid for through gas taxes. It also has allocated $250,000 for a chipper truck, which will be paid for with Penny for Pasco funds.

The Sanitation Department will spend $535,000 on a new front load garbage truck, Curotto Can cart lift, cart tipper, automated truck arm, and the painting of two garbage trucks.

Parks will spend $93,000 for a zero-turn mower, two lawn trailers and a large area turf mower, paid for with gas tax proceeds, and $150,000 for playground equipment, paid for with park impact fees.

Additionally, Zephyrhills Municipal Airport received a 100% state appropriation for $6.6 million for new Terminal/Box Hangars/Taxiway and $390,000 for existing Runway 1-19 rehabilitation.

The city’s General Fund revenue sources include franchise fees, utility taxes, communication taxes, licenses and permits, state grants, state revenue sources, county shared funds (occupational licenses), building fees, other services fees, fines and forfeitures, interest income, miscellaneous fees and services, and interfund transfers.

Published October 12, 2022

School board members share joy over Kirkland opening

By

During board member comments at the Oct. 4 Pasco County School Board meeting, Allen Altman expressed his appreciation for the dedication ceremony held last month at Kirkland Ranch Academy of Innovation.

School board member Allen Altman said this photo of Kirkland Academy of Innovation, at 9100 Curley Road, in Wesley Chapel, perfectly captures the nature of the special celebration to dedicate the new high school. The school is designed to prepare students in an array of current and emerging technical and career fields. (Courtesy of Pasco County Schools)

The new high school, at 9100 Curley Road, in Wesley Chapel, has an emphasis on preparing students for a wide range of technical careers, in both current and emerging fields.

Altman, who is retiring from the board, has persistently pushed to increase opportunities for students living on the east side of Pasco County, which for years lagged in programming options behind other parts of the county.

Altman asked that a photo taken during the evening be shared with those attending or viewing the board’s meeting.

He praised Andy Dunn, a multimedia specialist for the district, for the excellent quality of the photograph.

“I thought this was an artist’s rendering when I first saw it, but it is an actual photograph,” said Altman, referring to a photo showing the school set against a stunning sky.

The school board member said the photo aptly recorded the special nature of the celebration.

“It was a tremendous night. The weather could not have been any more spectacular. Great turnout. Room was full.

“Everything was wonderful.

“We had some business partners that were there, that were in the tours, that have already reached out to us about participating and partnering in some other programs.

“So, it was well-received and very well done.

“So many students that were there that we heard just tremendous stories from, and what their intentions are and how motivated they are,” Altman said. “I’m really, really, really excited about this.”

School board member Allison Crumbley, who attended the dedication ceremony as well, said that Kirkland Ranch Academy of Innovation “is  such a beacon for the future for so many students.

“The school is beautiful.

“It’s truly a gem in our school district,” said Crumbley, adding that like Altman, she’s excited about what this school will do to support students’ futures.

Published October 12, 2022

Choose wisely, to support relief efforts

By

Hurricane Ian has had a devastating impact on Southwest Florida, with its record-breaking storm surge. More than 2 million people have been impacted by the storm, suffering from floods, power outages, home displacements and access to basic necessities such as safe water, according to a Better Business Bureau (BBB) news release.

Many charitable organizations are seeking to provide emergency relief and assistance.

To assist donors seeking to support relief efforts, the BBB Wise Giving Alliance offers these tips:

  • Is the disaster appeal clear? The contribution request clearly should identify what disaster relief activities you are supporting. There are many possibilities: temporary shelter, food, medical, other emergency needs. Don’t assume what the organization does based solely on the group’s name.
  • Does the charity already have a presence in the impacted area? Charities that already have support staff in the impacted areas are more likely to develop help quickly at a time of immediate need.
  • Is the charity an experienced relief organization? Experienced relief organizations will be able to provide help with greater speed and efficiency than a newly created one.
  • If considering crowdfunding, do you know its procedures? Some crowdfunding sites take measures to vet postings after a disaster, others don’t. Review the site’s policies and procedures. If in doubt, it is safest to donate to people who you personally know and trust.
  • Does the organization meet the 20 BBB Charity Standards? The Better Business Bureau recommends donating to charities that meet all 20 of the BBB Standards for Charity Accountability. To access a free evaluative report on charities, visit Give.org.

Published October 12, 2022

Pasco approves new office building on North Dale Mabry Highway

By

The Pasco County Commission has approved a rezoning that will clear the way for Tampa Civil Design to build a new 10,000-square-foot office on about 8.5 acres, on North Dale Mabry Highway, about 1,900 feet north of the Hillsborough County line.

The action came after some area residents appeared before the county board, seeking assurances, on the public record that the new development would not be using a private road known as Preston Lane for access to the office, either during construction or after the building opens.

The county board’s action was in keeping with recommendations for approval by Pasco County planners and the Pasco County Planning Commission.

Jeremy Couch is the applicant on the request. He often appears before the county board in his professional capacity, on zoning issues.

The proposed site of a new 10,000-square-foot office sits on 8.5 acres on North Dale Mabry Highway, about 1,900 feet north of the Hillsborough County line. (Mike Camunas)

His attorney, Barbara Wilhite, told board members that the application is a straight-forward request for an office in an area that’s been designated for retail, office and residential development.

She also noted its access is off of North Dale Mabry Highway.

But area residents wanted to be absolutely certain that the office won’t use the private road they live on.

John Calamari, who lives on Preston Lane, reiterated concerns he raised at the planning commission’s public hearing on the request.

He told the county board members: “I am a professional engineer. I’ve been licensed in multiple states for over 40 years and in the state of Florida since 1998. Prior to that, I was in construction. I’ve made my living that way for 50 years. I’m not opposed to construction and expansion. However, there are some items that need to be clarified.

“Mr. Couch just stated that he will not use Preston Lane for construction purposes, meaning as a haul road for heavy equipment and materials.

“However, he did not make it clear that it will not be used as a means of entry and exit for the occupants of his building, so that needs to be clarified.

“Secondly, it has been established that Preston Lane is a substandard drive.

“Preston Lane is only 10-feet wide.

“The paved surface does not allow passing of two vehicles. Somebody has to back down 500 feet, 900 feet, or they have to pull off on somebody’s driveway or a lawn. So, we would need to absolutely establish that it would not be used for vehicular traffic from the proposed office.”

Philip Passintino, another resident of Preston Lane, told commissioners: “We’re talking about protecting Preston Lane as a private road.”

He then showed board members a photo of a mail truck driving down the road, to help them visualize the road’s width.

“As you can see, a mail truck has to do a K-turn just to turn around to do the other side of the street.”

“Why do we care? Because we had to pay for a resurfacing awhile back for $35,000. We need to do that again. We were assessed $14,000 to make the corrections to Lake Como Drive, which is a feeder road to ours,” he said.

Area residents want to be sure that the road is protected.

They also wanted assurances that the buffering requirements will be met.

Wilhite assured the county board that her client will meet the county’s buffering requirements for the property.

Because of questions raised by the residents, Pasco County Commission Chairwoman Kathryn Starkey asked: “Will the applicant be using a private road to access his property?”

Commissioner Ron Oakley added: “I had the same question.”

Couch responded: “I swear, occupants of the building will not use Preston Lane for ingress and egress. I’m going to fence it off. I have no interest in using Preston Lane for anything. I’m going to put a fence on the perimeter and there will be no access to Preston Lane.”

He also told the board that the property is on North Dale Mabry Highway and he wants his business to have a North Dale Mabry Highway address.

After the board approved the rezoning, Commissioner Mike Moore remarked: “It is great to see more office, and congratulations on expansion because that means another Pasco County business is doing awesome things.”

Published October 12, 2022

Hurricane Ian pummels Florida, leaving a path of death and destruction

By

The death toll continues to climb, as crews continue searching for survivors of Hurricane Ian — a hurricane of historic proportions that flattened downtown Fort Myers, knocked out the bridge connecting Sanibel Island to the mainland, and caused billions of dollars in damage.

In the days leading up to Hurricane Ian’s landfall, local officials feared a direct hit to the Tampa Bay region.

The tracking path showed Ian heading straight toward Tampa, and weather experts predicted that hurricane-strength winds, record storm surge and heavy rainfall would combine to create a worst-case scenario for Tampa Bay.

A massive tree toppled over near baseball fields at Oscar Cooler Sports Complex in Lutz, however, did not damage any structures. (Mike Camunas)

Instead — just like Hurricane Charley in 2004 — Hurricane Ian shifted to the south.

It made landfall at Cayo Costa Island at 3:05 p.m., on Sept. 28, as a Category 4 hurricane, with an estimated wind speed of 150 mph.

The scope of devastation is almost unimaginable.

Footage from national and local television coverage reveals the destructive forces of Hurricane Ian, as it traveled through areas including Fort Myers, Sanibel Island, Cape Coral and other places to the south of the Tampa Bay region, and then headed across the state of Florida, before entering the Atlantic Ocean and making another landfall in South Carolina.

The news footage has shown heroic rescues, and search and rescue teams going house to house looking for survivors and crews.

The coverage has captured the human emotion of people being rescued, and others dealing with the loss of homes and businesses.

Television news crews also shared images of destruction.

Boats were piled in stacks in marinas, or carried onto nearby roadways.

Roads turned into rivers. Cars and trucks floated down streets.

High winds tore through mobile home parks.

Floodwaters filled up houses. High winds sheared off roofs.

Trees toppled.

Those toppled trees damaged homes, cars and other properties.

A large tree fell into part of Corvette Generation, located at 16541 US-301, Dade City, damaging a part of the business and knocking down power lines.

At one point, millions across Florida were in the dark, as a result of high winds that snapped utility poles and downed trees. Transformers exploded, too.

Power outages were the most widespread problem within The Laker/Lutz News coverage area, along with trees that fell, and additional damages.

Other disruptions occurred, as well, because schools, businesses and government offices closed, too.

But local officials were grateful the area was largely spared. At the same time they expressed empathy for Floridian communities that are dealing with Hurricane Ian’s destruction, and pledged to send support to help other communities reeling from the storm’s devastating impacts.

The scope of the state and federal response has been massive.

In the days leading up to the hurricane’s landfall, Gov. Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency, setting the stage for rapid deployment of emergency personnel to wherever the hurricane hit.

President Joe Biden has pledged to help the state, as it deals with rescue, recovery and rebuilding efforts.

The Florida Division of Emergency Management has been coordinating the state’s hurricane response.

The efforts include activating more than 5,000 Florida Guardsmen to help in Hurricane Ian operations. Up to 2,000 National Guardsmen from neighboring states also have been activated to assist.

Two massive tree limbs were knocked down by Hurricane Ian, bringing down power lines and blocking Fifth Street between Florida Avenue and Coleman Avenue in Dade City. Residents say the trees came down around 4 p.m. Wednesday, creating a loud explosion and leaving them without power for as late as Thursday afternoon.

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement’s mutual aid team is coordinating the deployment of more than 1,000 law enforcement officers statewide from more than 30 agencies.

Incident Management Teams from Ohio and Colorado stepped up to provide additional support for response and recovery efforts after the storm.

Efforts to restore power has involved 42,000 linemen from numerous states, who have been working around the clock to get the lights turned back on.

The state’s effort have been widespread and far-reaching, dealing with everything from providing supplies to organizing manpower.

For instance, the state has shipped more than 4,000 gallons of diesel to Lee County to provide power to water plants that provide water to nearby hospitals.

It also provided 500 traffic barrels to Charlotte County to safely modify traffic patterns. It sent more than 400 bottles of oxygen to Charlotte County.

And, those are just a few examples.

Officials say it will take time to assess the full scope of Ian’s destruction, to clear out the debris, and to find a way forward.

In the meantime, those who have suffered losses are encouraged to file insurance claims, and if they qualify, to seek assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Small Business Administration.

Also, if you know someone who is missing, or you want to report someone safe, visit these websites:

There are a number of ways you can help, such as through local groups, the American Red Cross at RedCross.org, or The Florida Disaster Fund, which can be found at FloridaDisasterFund.org, or text, DISASTER to 20222.

Published October 05, 2022

Some tips to help storm victims navigate a way forward

By

Although Hurricane Ian did not make a direct hit, as was feared, it’s always good to have some pointers on how to respond if your area suffers substantial harm from a natural disaster.

Here are some pointers we have compiled that we hope will be helpful to our readers, in case this type of information is ever needed.

After the storm, what hazards should I watch for?

  • Keep an eye out for fallen power lines.
  • Do not walk through standing water. It could be electrically charged. It also could contain harmful contaminants. It could have a strong undercurrent. It also may be deeper than it looks.
  • Keep an eye out for wild animals that may have been driven out into the open.

What should I do if I smell natural gas?
If you detect an odor that smells like rotten eggs, it could signal there is a gas leak. Natural gas has no odor, but gas companies add a harmless chemical to make it smell like rotten eggs.

If you detect that smell, do not light matches, turn on light switches or use the telephone — any of those actions could ignite the gas and cause an explosion.

Go to a phone that is away from the odor and immediately call your local gas company. If the scent is strong, leave the property before making your call. Be sure to tell others to leave and warn others not to enter the building.

Did you need to evacuate? If so, when re-entering your home:

  • Look out for standing water. If you do, turn off the main power switch. Don’t cross standing water to access the switch. Call an electrician, instead, to check out your home’s electrical system before turning the power back on. Also do not use electric tools or appliances while standing in water.
  • If the house has been closed up for several days, enter briefly to open doors and windows to let the house air out for a while (at least 30 minutes) before you go in to stay for any length of time.
  • If your home has been flooded and has been closed up for several days, assume your home has mold. Hire professionals to dry out your house, or get guidance on how to do it yourself.

Did your property sustain damage?
Call your insurance agent. Take photos to document damage. Make repairs to prevent additional damage. Keep receipts of the supplies you used to make repairs.

A toppled over tree sits pushed away from Hale Road in Land O’ Lakes. (Mike Camunas)

If you have or had to leave your home to stay elsewhere keep receipts for hotels and meals. Insurance policies often cover “loss of use” expenses.

Is your car damaged?
Check with your auto insurance to see if it is covered.

Car flooded? If the car has been flooded, avoid turning it on right away. If there’s water in the engine it can cause more damage. Unfortunately, flood waters can do serious damage to a car, especially to the electrical system. Repairs can become so expensive they can outstrip the value of the car.

Are you using a generator?
If you are using a generator do not use it in the house and don’t plug it into your home’s electrical system. Be sure the generator is kept outdoors and is well-ventilated. Fumes from generators can be deadly.

If power’s out, how can I preserve my food?
Open the refrigerator only when necessary and close it quickly. Keep your refrigerated foods cold longer by move food from your refrigerator into coolers.

Tightly pack the coolers with ice to keep food from spoiling. Prioritize foods you’re trying to save.

If you’ve lost power, be careful about eating food that may have spoiled.

Once your perishable food reaches room temperature, many experts say it’s safe for only two hours. Don’t assume it’s safe simply because it looks and smells OK.

Also, if you cook food and it has a questionable odor, throw it out.

What should I do if I see a fallen power line?
Report it to the local utility company.

Use care not to touch anything that’s in contact with the power line. Be especially careful around standing water that may be carrying an electrical charge.

Do you need repairs? Avoid unlicensed, fly-by-night operators
If you have roof damage, need tree trimming or removal or require another type of repair, be sure to secure bids for the work and require proof that the contractor is licensed and insured.

Get a written contract detailing the work to be performed, the completion date, the types of materials to be used, warranties for the work, the start and finish dates, and who is responsible for cleanup and trash removal. Do not pay upfront for the work, although partial payments sometimes are a reasonable request. Be sure to check references.

Do you need more help?
Check with your local government and local elected officials. Often they have staff who are familiar with community resources and can find the help you need.

Don’t forget to confer with friends and family who also may know who can provide the services you need or where you can go to file complaints.

Published October 05, 2022

Local area spared lasting impacts from Hurricane Ian

By

Local officials braced for Hurricane Ian — ordering evacuations in vulnerable areas and closing schools and government offices.

Many businesses locked up, too, as a precaution.

A damaged sign on Land O’ Lakes Boulevard hangs on to the remnants blowing in the wind left by Hurricane Ian. (Mike Camunas)

But instead of making the direct hit on the Tampa Bay region, as looked likely on hurricane path models, Hurricane Ian veered south, causing death and destruction.

While the communities of Fort Myers, Sanibel, Cape Coral and others reel from the losses, life in The Laker/Lutz News coverage area is back to normal routines.

But there are efforts to help being spearheaded.

Local government officials have pledged to send support to the regions hardest hit by Hurricane Ian.

Local groups also are stepping up.

Chris Casella, district governor election for Rotary District 6950, shared the group’s efforts, via an email to The Laker/Lutz News.

“As of this morning, every club president has received their flyers and directions for the Supply Drive. We encourage everyone to share the flyer to your social media and/or media outlets,” he said, in an Oct. 1 email.

Rotary District 6950 is collecting monetary donations and donations of items for those affected by Hurricane Ian. Visit Rotary6950.org/IanRelief for more information and to donate.

“A few emails that we received on people, ‘thinking outside the box,’” Casella wrote are these:

  • Wendy Rosario, wife of Rotarian Tony Rosario, posted on her neighborhood social media site and set up a temporary collection spot at her home.
  • Rotarian Mandy Williams plans on encouraging staff and clientele of her salon, Shear Joy Salon, to bring in supplies.
  • Rotarian Kyymara Rose Scott is planning on opening her shop, Esthetics813, as a temporary drop site for her clientele and neighborhood.

The club has identified seven drop-off spots for donations, including these within or near The Laker/Lutz News coverage area:

  • Maus Nissan of New Port Richey, 3939 U.S. 19, New Port Richey
  • Maus Nissan of North Tampa, 11011 N. Florida Ave., Tampa

The Diocese of St. Petersburg also planned to collect donations at its 79 parishes and missions this month, to help people affected by natural disasters, including Hurricane Ian.

In a Sept. 30 letter sent to all parishes in the diocese, Bishop Gregory Parkes wrote: “Our hearts are moved with compassion for all those who suffered damage and destruction due to Hurricane Ian, especially the Diocese of Venice.”

There are all sorts of individuals stepping up, too.

In one social media post, a local woman was asking people to lend her gas cans, so she could fill them up and deliver them to people who are having to wait for hours to get gas to power their generators.

In her post, she assured those lending the gas cans that she would return them, if they labeled them with their name and address.

In coming weeks, other efforts to help are very likely to happen, if the communities, organizations and individuals within The Laker/Lutz News coverage area demonstrate their habitual practice of helping their neighbors.

Published October 05, 2022

Political Agenda 10/05/2022

By

Vote-by-mail and sample ballots
Pasco County Supervisor of Elections Brian Corley has announced that he sent out 116,500 ballots on Sept. 29 to voters who requested vote-by-mail ballots for the Nov. 8 General Election, according to a news release.

Corley’s office also announced that ballots were sent on Sept. 23 to uniformed and overseas citizens.

Votes cast by mail must be returned to the elections’ office by 7 p.m. Election Day, Nov. 8.

Corley asks voters to allow sufficient time for first-class delivery by the U.S. Postal Service, or to hand-deliver ballots to any of the three Pasco County Supervisor of Elections’ Offices.

Voted mail ballots also are accepted at early voting sites, however voted mail ballots may not be turned in at the polls on Election Day.

Early voting sites and office locations are available online at PascoVotes.gov.

For eligible voters who did not previously request a ballot, they are still available by calling the elections’ office, by submitting the request in writing, or by using the online request form on PascoVotes.gov.

Requests must include the voter’s Florida Driver License number, Florida ID Card number, or the last four digits of voter’s SSN, date of birth, and Pasco County residence address. Written requests also must include the voter’s signature.

Vote-by-mail ballots cannot be forwarded but can be mailed to a temporary mailing address if outside of Pasco County. Voters are encouraged to confirm their mailing address when ordering a vote-by-mail ballot. The deadline to request a ballot to be mailed is 5 p.m. on Oct. 29.

Written or telephonic requests for vote-by-mail ballots must come from the voter, an immediate family member, or legal guardian on behalf of a voter.

Voters were able to pick up ballots for themselves at any of the three elections’ offices beginning, Sept. 26, but not for someone else until Oct. 30, which is nine days before the election.

Those picking up ballots on behalf of someone will need a written request from the voter, designating them as the person authorized to carry out the ballot.

The designee will be asked to provide a photo ID and to complete an affidavit before the ballot will be released to them.

Corley also has announced that sample ballots for the Nov. 8 General Election are now available online at PascoVotes.gov, and will be mailed to Pasco County voters on Oct. 10.

He encourages voters to look over their sample ballot and familiarize themselves with the candidates and issues before going to the polls.

To expedite the voting process, voters also are encouraged to bring their completed sample ballots with voting early or on Election Day.

An Accessible Sample Ballot is available on PascoVotes.gov. It is a web-based, interactive sample ballot for all voters. It is audio-enabled, multilingual, and fully accessible for voters with disabilities and compatible with all major screen readers, tactile switches, closed captioning, and sip and puff systems. It allows voters to view and mark an accessible sample ballot and print a reference sheet with their selections.

The direct link to sample ballots is PascoVotes.gov/Elections/Sample-Ballots.

The Precinct Finder option is available to voters who are unsure of their precinct number, at PascoVotes.gov/Precincts/Precinct-Finder.

Sample ballots are mailed to the address of record on the voter registration file. If your voter registration is not up to date with a current address, you can update it at any time online at RegisterToVoteFlorida.gov/home, or by calling 800-851-8754.

Republican Club meeting
The Wesley Chapel Republican Club will meet on Oct. 13 at 6:30 p.m., at Myrtle Lake Baptist Church, 2017 Riegler Road, in Land O’ Lakes. The guest speaker will be U.S.  Rep. Byron Donalds.

After the guest speaker, there will be a showing of the film “2000 Mules.”

All are welcome. Admission is free, and there will be coffee and dessert.

Public forum meet-and-greet
A candidate meet-and-greet cosponsored by the Pasco Unit of the League of Women Voters of Hillsborough County and the Pasco NAACP is scheduled for Oct. 8 from noon to 2 p.m., in Rooms 3 and 4, of the Land O’ Lakes Recreation Complex, 3032 Collier Parkway in Land O’ Lakes.

This is a public forum.

Each candidate will have 5 minutes to speak. When speeches by the candidates are completed, voters may visit the tables set up for each candidate to ask questions, pick up brochures and so on.

All candidates representing some or all of Pasco County on the Nov. 8 ballot have been invited to participate. This includes candidates for Pasco School Board, District 1; Pasco County School Board, District 4; 6th Judicial Circuit State Attorney; Florida State Legislature; Florida State Cabinet (CFO, Agriculture Commissioner and Attorney General); and, U.S. House Districts 12 and 15.

Email for more information.

Here’s a new way to (re)cycle

By

Ananth Kutuva is a tinkerer.

He also is a collector.

But the 16-year-old student in the International Baccalaureate program at Land O’ Lakes High School never thought he’d collect so many bikes, so fast.

“I just wanted to get 100 (donated) bikes,” Kutuva said. “All I did was post it on Facebook and NextDoor, and a lot of people contacted us with bikes. So, yeah, it was just crazy how many were ready to donate their bikes.

“Like I said, I just wanted to get to 100 (bikes), but now, I think maybe 250 because at the pace we’re going, I think that’s easily reachable (laughs).”

Teenager Ananth Kutuva works on a bike at WellBuilt Bikes in Tampa, volunteering his time because he genuinely just likes tinkering with bikes. Not only has he helped rebuild bikes, but Kutuva has reached out to the local communities to collect used and unwanted bikes to donate for refurbishment and parts. (Mike Camunas)

Kutuva began collecting used and unwanted bikes from neighbors and others in his surrounding communities, starting in his neighborhood, Seven Oaks in Wesley Chapel.

But then, people from near and far got in touch with him.

Soon, the lanai patio at his house was full of bikes — 60 to be exact on Aug. 20, not even a full month into his bike drive.

As Kutuva collects bikes — he is approaching 100 — he gives them to WellBuilt Bikes, a Tampa nonprofit bike shop that sells refurbished bikes at affordable prices and invests the sales revenue into its Earn-A-Bike program, which allows people with little to no money to access or own a bike.

The program works like this: Put in the volunteer hours at the shop, either helping out or fixing up bikes, and it goes to getting a fully refurbished bike.

This is how Kutuva became familiar with the shop and its program — he wanted a place to work on bikes. He has been volunteering at WellBuilt since he was a freshman, but has never taken a bike.

He just wanted to fix them up.

His interest in bicycles dates back to seventh grade.

“I got him a mountain bike,” his father, Ramesh Vasudevan, said. “He assembled it himself.

“But he said he needed to do more than just biking,” the boy’s father said. “He wanted to take it to the next level and thought how could he use his bike repair skills.”

His dad explains that when Kutuva made repairs at WellBuilt, he noticed how happy the people were who were getting bikes.

“He was just like, ‘Wow, there are so many bikes around us and in the area. Why can’t I get those for other people? How do I get those to (WellBuilt) so people who want, or need, can have them?’” his dad added.

“That kind of ambition, I encouraged it immediately.”

Through volunteering at WellBuilt, Kutuva wanted to learn more about bikes in general. Everything else he had already learned came from YouTube videos, and trial and error.

Ananth Kutuva is a 16-year-old student in the International Baccalaureate Program at Land O’ Lakes High. He has volunteered his time and efforts to collect used and unwanted bikes to donate to WellBuilt Bikes. He then repairs them so they can be purchased or earned at the nonprofit bike shop in Tampa.

Now, Kutuva has restored and fixed up about 10 bikes, which have been sold or earned at WellBuilt, and the whole process takes a few visits to finish.

“The hardest part is just getting the tools because it can take a lot of specialized tools made specially for that bike,” Kutuva said. “I am logging volunteer hours, but I really just wanted to learn more about bikes when I first came to WellBuilt.”

Once the bikes were stockpiled on the lanai, WellBuilt Bikes CEO Jon Dengler would bring over a trailer to load them up and then take them to storage. The initial collection of 60 took two trips for Dengler.

He was blown away by the teenager’s efforts.

“If someone takes the time and initiative to look, especially in the suburbs, there are probably two bikes laying around that just need a little work or are perfect for donating,” Dengler said. “Ananth just put in the work and went out and gathered them by tapping these different networks.

“No matter what, when someone puts that many bikes together, we’re on our way, but when it’s just a teenager in high school, that’s amazing.”

For now, Kutuva will continue his bike drive.

There’s also the matter of getting to WellBuilt to tinker around.

“Well,” the teenager said with a smile, “I’m pretty busy at school, so I’m always looking to find time.

“But I will try hard to find the time. Because I really want to fix up more bikes,” he said.

Bicycle Drive
Ananth Kutuva collects bikes in any condition and then donates them to Wellbuilt Bikes, a nonprofit bike shop that sells refurbished bikes at affordable prices. Wellbuilt is in the University Mall, 12256 University Mall Court, in Tampa. If you would like to donate a bike, but are unable to transport it to the shop directly or need more information about the drive, contact Ananth Kutuva at or 813-701-7870.

For information or to volunteer at WellBuilt Bikes, visit BikeShopTampa.com.

Published October 05, 2022

Pasco tamps on brakes for TBARTA funding

By

The Pasco County Commission has decided to stall a decision on whether to provide funding for the Tampa Bay Area Regional Transit Authority, until at least January.

The board took that action at its Sept. 20 meeting.

Cathy Pearson, an assistant county administrator, told the board: “We’re presenting a recommendation that we delay this until January. The total fee for this would be $95,521.”

“There’s been a little bit of challenges with the TBARTA board, we’ll put it that way,” Pearson said.

The regional transit authority’s purpose is to plan, develop, fund, implement and operate a regional transit system to serve Pasco, Hernando, Hillsborough, Pinellas and Manatee counties.

Finding a regional planning solution is becoming increasingly important, as the region continues to grow and it lacks an easy way for people to get around.

Efforts to create a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) network that would carry commuters through the region have been stymied because there’s a lack of agreement by the counties about the plan.

Hillsborough County essentially sits in the middle of the five-county region. But it has raised objections to plans to route a BRT through Hillsborough, using lanes within the existing right of way on Interstate 275.

There’s also been discussion lately regarding whether TBARTA should become part of the Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council.

At this point, though, it is unclear what direction the regional transit agency will go.

The Pasco County board wants more information before allocating funds for TBARTA.

Commission Chairwoman Kathryn Starkey said: “As your TBARTA member, I’m in support that we kind of wait and see what happens, after November and into January.”

She’s made previous reports to the board indicating that Hillsborough County doesn’t appear to want to be part of the regional planning efforts.

 “Talk about frustration. If you don’t have a player in the middle, things fall apart,” she said, during the county board’s Sept. 20 meeting.

Commissioner Mike Moore added: “I have a sneaky suspicion that TBARTA will be going bye-bye by our legislators come next session. I would probably put a wager on that.”

Starkey interjected: “Stay tuned for another direction, in a different way. That’s all I can say.”

Moore made a motion to continue the vote on the proposed payment until January.

“The last thing we want is our money sitting there and getting gobbled up because how do you get it back, once you give it?” Moore said.

Published October 05, 2022