Local News

Boaters must keep current on laws, equipment

August 30, 2022 By Mary Rathman

If you are a boater, there are new laws and requirements effective this year.

The Clearwater CG (Coast Guard) Auxiliary will teach virtual boating safety classes, via Zoom, to make sure boaters are up to date on all the equipment and operating laws, as well as the basics of boat handling, according to a news release.

Boat America is a boating certificate class that offers an in-depth boating safety course and provides the knowledge needed to obtain a certificate.

Some insurance companies offer discounts on boating insurance to those who successfully complete the course, the release said.

A boating safety class also is a requirement for many boaters in Florida, as anyone born after Jan. 1, 1988 must complete a boater safety course approved by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission in order to operate any boat powered by more than 10 horsepower.

Boaters should check their safety equipment to make sure it’s up date. They also should review laws to be sure they’re in compliance. (File)

Online classes are scheduled for Oct. 22 and Oct. 23, and Nov. 19 and Nov. 20, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The courses will cover topics including:

Introduction to Boating: Types of power boats, boating vocabulary, sailboats, paddleboats, powering boats, and engine types
Boating Law: Boating registration, regulations, hull identification numbers, required safety equipment, federal boating law, state boating law, and reporting accidents
Safety Equipment: Life jackets, fire extinguishers, sound-producing devices, visual distress signals, anchors, and other safety equipment
Safe Operation and Navigation: Buoys and beacons, aids to navigation, navigation rules, docking, and the dangers of alcohol on the water
Boating Emergencies: Hypothermia, boating accidents, man overboard, capsizing, emergency radio calls, carbon monoxide dangers, and weather
Trailering: Types of trailers, lights, hitches, towing a trailer
Sports and Boating: Water-skiing, hunting and hunting gear, PWC operation, and other boating tips

These classes are not lectures or animated cartoon sessions.

Each course is $50 per student.

For information or to sign up, contact the Coast Guard Auxiliary, Clearwater Flotilla, at CLWboatingsafety.com, email , or call 727-469-8895.

Published August 31, 2022

Family gets warm reception, and a mortgage-free home

August 30, 2022 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

National homebuilder PulteGroup’s Built to Honor program, in partnership with the national nonprofit Building Homes for Heroes, turned over the keys to a new, mortgage-free home last week to 22-year-old Nazeraeh Montrond and her three younger siblings at a ribbon-cutting ceremony, according to a news release.

The celebration was held on the morning of Aug. 25, in the Centex community of Wesley Reserve at Chapel Crossings, 5369 Elmview Crossing in Wesley Chapel.

Sean Strickler, PulteGroup division president for West Florida, helps Kevyn and Nazeraeh Montrond and their younger siblings, Arabella and Bentley, cut the ribbon outside their brand new townhome in Wesley Chapel. The family lost father Army Sgt. Alberto Montrond in February 2006 when an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) detonated near his Humvee while he was serving in Afghanistan. (Courtesy of Building Homes for Heroes)

Nazeraeh Montrond lost her father, Army Sgt. Alberto Montrond, in February 2006, when an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) detonated near his Humvee. He was serving in Afghanistan with the Group Service Support Company in the new Group Support Battalion (GSSC, GSB) for the 7th Special Forces Group, the release says.

Sgt. Montrond deployed at least four times in support of the Global War on Terror, supporting Special Operations forces in Iraq, Jordan and Afghanistan.

The children’s mother, Christl, passed away in March 2021, after suffering with several health issues, leaving Nazeraeh to care for her three younger siblings. Kevin is 18, Arabella is 15 and Bentley is 10.

Today, she manages the demands of a full-time job and a full-time college schedule, while raising her two brothers and sister. Nazeraeh currently is completing her bachelor’s degree in health sciences, according to the release.

The date of the ribbon-cutting holds a special place for the family, since it’s their mother Christl’s birthday.

The Montrond family’s new 1,762-square-foot, two-story townhome features 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths and a one-car garage. Located in the master-planned community of Chapel Crossings, residents will soon enjoy several state-of-the-art amenities including a community pool with lazy river, clubhouse and fitness center.

“The story of Nazeraeh and her siblings has touched all of us,” said Sean Strickler, president of the West Florida Division of PulteGroup, in the release. “Everyone involved in this project knows what having this new home means for the family. We’re so proud to be involved, and we hope Naz, her brothers and sister make many new memories in their new home.”

Founded by Andy Pujol, after he volunteered in the search-and-rescue in the aftermath of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, Building Homes for Heroes is a national nonprofit organization that builds and modifies homes and gifts them, mortgage-free, to veterans and their families. The organization averages one home gifted or modified every 11 days. In September, the organization will reach its milestone 300th home.

This is the fifth Built to Honor home delivered in Tampa Bay since 2016. Earlier this year, PulteGroup celebrated awarding its 75th mortgage-free home through the program in Dallas, Texas, according to the release.

Published August 31, 2022

Pasco adopts new flood prevention regulations

August 30, 2022 By B.C. Manion

Pasco County has adopted changes to its flood prevention regulations to assure the county can continue to participate in the National Flood Insurance Program.

The board approved the changes during its Aug. 24 meeting.

Participation in the flood insurance program allows Pasco residents to purchase federally backed flood insurance, Esther Oluyemi, a county building official, said during previous hearings before the Pasco County Planning Commission and the county board.

The county has taken part in that program since 1981, Oluyemi said.

The county also has been a member of the Community Rating System (CRS) since 1992.

The CRS allows the county to get a discount for its residents, with the amount of the discount based on the rating. Pasco has a rating of 6, which makes Pasco residents eligible for a discount of 20% on flood insurance rates, according to Oluyemi.

The county had 19,015 policyholders, as of 2021. Based on that, the county’s CRS rating yields an annual savings to policyholders of $3.1 million a year.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has made regulatory changes that the county must adopt to get discounts, Oluyemi said.

The county must:

Adopt the new FEMA flood insurance study and flood insurance map. (The flood insurance map has already been part of the Florida Building Code since 2020.)
Eliminate the 36-inch option for manufactured homes
Require wet-proofing for agricultural buildings over 600 square feet in flood zones
Standardize the use of market value, for private appraisals

Oluyemi said that adopting the flood map into the county’s local ordinance essentially is a formality because the map already has been incorporated into the Florida Building Code, which is the code the county uses.

The county also has approved a process that provides for appeals of actions taken or denial of proposed construction to be heard by a hearing officer, using the same rules and procedures as demolition appeals when such denials are based on load and flood requirements.

Published August 31, 2022

Pasco and Hillsborough voters make choices known in Primary

August 30, 2022 By B.C. Manion

Voters in Pasco and Hillsborough counties have spoken, choosing their candidates for the Nov. 8 General Election, and deciding the outcome of proposed property tax increases for the Pasco and Hillsborough school districts.

All voters were eligible to vote on the referendums for the tax increases, and in the races for school board and judges, which are nonpartisan seats.

Dozens of political signs decorated the drive up to the Wiregrass Ranch Sports Complex in Wesley Chapel, which was the site of Precinct 57. (Mike Camunas)

The tax initiative proposed by the Pasco School Board passed, while the one sought by the Hillsborough County School Board failed. The vote was so close in Hillsborough, it triggered an automatic machine recount.

In the races for Pasco County School Board, voters returned incumbents Cynthia Armstrong and Megan Harding for another four-year term.

Armstrong won the District 3 seat, receiving 58.87% of the vote, defeating Matthew Geiger, who received 41.13%. Harding secured District 5 by picking up 71.32% of the vote, compared to her challenger, Charles Philip Touseull, who took home 28.86%.

In the race for District 1, Al Hernandez garnered 44.77% of the vote, James Washington received 31.67% and Stephen A. Meisman attracted 31.66%.

Since no one received at least 50% plus 1 vote, Hernandez and Washington will compete in a runoff in November to see who will fill the District 1 seat being vacated by Allen Altman.

In the Republican Primary for the District 2 Pasco County Commission seat, Seth Weightman was the top vote-getter, with 48.88% of the vote. He will face write-in candidate Louie Rodriguez in the November election.

In District 4, Gary Bradford received 43.96%, overtaking incumbent Christina Fitzpatrick, who received 37.7% of the vote. Shannon J. Wittwer, a third candidate in the field, garnered 18.35%.

Bradford now faces write-in candidate Cory A. Patterson in the November General Election.

In Hillsborough County, in the race for the District 4 seat on the Hillsborough County Commission, Michael Joseph Owen received 61.79% of the vote defeating Noelle Licor, who received 38.21%. Owen has been elected as the new commissioner in District 4, since there are no other opponents.

In the races for Hillsborough County School Board, incumbent Stacy Hahn secured 63.76% of the vote, securing another term in District 2. She defeated challenger Damaris Allen, who received 36.24% of the vote.

Patricia “Patti” Rendon won District 4, by receiving 53.10%. She defeated Hunter Gambrell, who received 28.44% and Danielle Smalley, who received 18.46%.

In District 6, incumbent Karen Perez was reelected, with 50.74% of the vote. She fended off Alysha “Aly Marie” Legge, who secured 37.51% of the vote and Roshaun Gendrett, who garnered 11.75%.

Published August 31, 2022

Voters turn out to weigh in on decisions

August 30, 2022 By Mike Camunas

We caught up with a few voters around The Laker/Lutz News coverage area on Primary Election Day on Aug. 23, who shared their thoughts on voting and the election. We also talked to some candidates and some supporters, to hear what they had to say.

Thinks local elections are important
James Wolfe, a 45-year-old Pasco County Sheriff’s deputy, took the time to cast his ballot on Primary Day. The Zephyrhills man had this to say: “I have five children, and they’re all in school. This (election) is predominantly local, and school boards are important, and, of course, the new tax was an important issue, too. I think it’s important, too, because — they get overlooked by the national elections and coverage, so people need to realize that it starts here.”

He supported the millage for school district salaries.

A first-time voter
Eighteen-year-old Jacob Smith, a student at Pasco-Hernando State College, was a first-time voter.

“I think it’s important to add to our democracy, especially through voting,” the Zephyrhills resident said. “To me, at least, that’s what you’re supposed to do as an American. … I feel that the local elections, like these, and then the one for governor are important — obviously (voting for) the president is important, but the states are the ones who determine what happens to us directly. As someone who has lived in Zephyrhills his whole life, that’s important to me.”

Al Hernandez was vying for votes in the race for District 1 on the Pasco County School Board. He was outside the polling place at the Land O’ Lakes Recreational Complex, off Collier Parkway, in Land O’ Lakes. (B.C.Manion)

Showing support for teachers
Fifty-nine-year-old Penny Hopkins, of Wesley Chapel, is a former school district employee. She definitely wanted to make her voice known.

“I normally vote, especially in the local elections because they impact the community a little more when it comes election time. I guess voting on school board members is pretty important to me, especially since I used to work for the school system. Certainly, I was for school teachers getting much-needed raises.”

Local elections have biggest impact
Joshua Starsheil, of Wesley Chapel, said it’s important to be involved.

“Voting in the local elections is the one that most affects our lives, so I definitely want to get out to vote in them,” said the 33-year-old, stay-at-home dad.

“I’m definitely paying attention to the school board races, and taking a lot into those votes, because I have a couple of kids at home.”

Staying connected to her community
Gretchen Lasasso, a 70-year-old Wesley Chapel resident, said she likes to keep a pulse on what’s happening.

“I just like staying involved with who’s running and what’s happening, because it’s an election like this that is the most important to our community we live in,” the retiree said. “But all elections are very important. … I think (local elections) are getting more important than ever have been in the past, which is good, and which is why I get out to vote in them.”

She opposed the school millage increase.

“Well, it seems like so much money already goes to the schools, yet they don’t seem to get any better,” she said.

Representatives of Pasco Professional Firefighters Local 4420 of the International Association of Firefighters lined up along Collier Parkway, calling attention to Primary Election Day on Aug. 23. (B.C. Manion)

He’s a regular, when it comes to voting
Forty-five-old Danny Blunke, of Lutz, said he began voting a few years ago and now does so, routinely.

“Someone once told me, ‘You know, you really don’t have a voice to say (anything) unless you vote.’ So now I’m trying to learn more about voting and the issues,” the general contractor said.

“School boards are kind of important because the schools always are important and so are the kids, but also the judges and the commissioners, too … the more I vote, the more I realize that it’s elections like these that are important.”

He wants to be on the Pasco School Board
Al Hernandez, candidate for the District 1 school board seat, was at the Land O’ Lakes Recreation complex, soliciting votes. He was the top vote-getter in that contest, but didn’t secure the 50% plus 1 needed to win the election, so now faces James Washington, who came in second. They will face off on Nov. 8.

She wants to finish the job she’s started
Cynthia Armstrong, the incumbent school board member in District 3, was at the Land O’ Lakes Recreation Complex seeking support for another term.

“I’ve really enjoyed being on the school board. I believe I’ve made a difference in the students’ lives. We’ve got some good initiatives going on that I want to see to fruition. So, I’m really hoping I get a chance to do so.”

It turns out she will. Armstrong received 58.88% of the vote securing another four-year term.

Mike Moore, of Gilchrist County, came to Pasco County to demonstrate his support for his son Patrick’s quest to become a Pasco County judge. Patrick won his election. (B.C. Manion)

Campaigning for their favorite candidates
Firefighters lined up along Collier Parkway reminding motorists it was election day. The representatives of Pasco Professional Firefighters Local 4420 of the International Association of Firefighters, endorsed a slate of candidates, including judges, state lawmakers, the governor, and candidates for Pasco County Commission. Representatives from the group have appeared repeatedly before the Pasco county board seeking more fire stations and personnel to reduce emergency response times. A number of initiatives are underway, but emergency responders have complained it has taken the county too long to address Pasco’s burgeoning growth.

Standing in the hot sun to support his son
There is a Mike Moore who sits on the Pasco County Commission, but it’s not this Mike Moore. This Mike Moore, from Gilchrist County, is the father of Patrick Moore, who was running to become a Pasco County judge.

And, he did.

His dad came to Pasco early enough to help solicit voters during Early Voting and also helped to put up signs at precincts around the county.

On Primary Day, he was holding a sign seeking support from voters.

He said the traffic had been pretty steady on Aug. 23 and there’d been a good stream of voters on the previous Saturday, during early voting.

Many of the voters he spoke with didn’t seem to have a strong preference.

“I talked to quite a few people who said they didn’t know anybody on the ballot, that they just come and pick.”

One guy told him: “I’m picking people whose signs I recognize.”

Compiled by Mike Camunas and B.C. Manion

Published August 31, 2022

Lisa Moretti, of Dade City, was dancing away on Primary Election Day away, in support of Christie Zimmer and Shannon Wittwer, and in hopes to ‘Slow The Growth.’ Moretti was stationed on Fifth Avenue in Zephyrhills, just out front of Precinct 06, in Alice Hall Community Center. (Mike Camunas)

Nancy Hazelwood, of Dade City, waves at passing cars and in support of Christie Zimmer and Shannon Wittwer, and in hopes to ‘Slow The Growth.’ Hazelwood was holding signs on Fifth Avenue, just outside Precinct 06 in Zephyrhills. (Mike Camunas)

Several local voters enter Precinct 06, in Alice Hall Community Center on Fifth Avenue in Zephyrhills. (Mike Camunas)

Cruising on the Chassahowitzka

August 24, 2022 By Mike Camunas

Let’s just get right to it: We’re going to call this spot by its nickname because not even the locals call it by its full name.

It’s The Chaz. That’s short for the Chassahowitzka River, or “pumpkin hanging place.”

The Chassahowitzka River Campground and Boat Launch, at 8600 W. Miss Maggie Drive, in Homosassa, is a popular destination for weekend warriors and daily adventuring boaters. (Mike Camunas)

This spring-fed, 6-mile river starts near the Citrus/Hernando County Line, and then along with its tributaries, it runs out into the Gulf of Mexico.

The head spring is named after the river, but it’s also fed by the Seven Sisters Springs.

This crystal-clear waterway is scenic, mostly remote and a gorgeous little slice of Florida nature. It is simply perfect for even hardcore outdoorsy types.

There’s wildlife, from herons to otters. There’s plenty of fish. There are eagles. And, of course there are manatees seeking warmer waters during the “winter.”

It’s a place where visitors can boat, kayak, paddleboard, canoe, swim, fish, explore and, yes, even swing in a few spots.

The Chaz has just about a little bit for all, in a perfectly Floridian way.

Spring ahead with Seven Sisters

The Chaz’s main spring that feeds the river is the Chassahowitzka Spring, visible from the campground dock.

The Chassahowitzka River is fed by its head spring, the Chassahowitzka Spring, and also features Seven Sisters Springs that feeds the 6-mile river that eventually leads out to the Gulf of Mexico. (Mike Camunas)

There is a campground and boat dock with ample parking, so you can disembark small vessels, from kayaks to pontoons.

The western half of the river is known for tidal creeks, oyster bars, Mangrove-populated keys and, of course, vast saltmarsh.

The eastern 3 miles around the river is state-owned wilderness and the Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge.

The entire river is very shallow, about 1 foot to 4 feet deep.

There are cabins dotted along the outer portion of the river that are privately owned, just before “Buzzard Bay.”

Dog Island is a recreation area with a restroom and dock located off the main channel, just before John’s Island and the Gulf.

If you’re just out for a leisurely paddle, you probably won’t stray far from Seven Sisters Springs, which can be found by going right when casting off at the boat dock.

Seven Sisters is a popular hangout spot. Just about anyone can get out and walk and/or wade in the year-round 72-degree water. These spring heads can be found easily and have small caves that can be searched through diving. Please be careful, though.

Below the surface is beautiful at Seven Sisters, but please bring a mask. I always do.

Step on this crack

If you enjoy exploring, like me, then grab your paddle because do I have something to show you.

Not too far and just around the bend from the boat launch is one of the first tributaries on The Chaz. This is Baird Creek. You can’t miss it because it opens up at Blue Spring, and then it narrows basically to a shallow creek you must paddle for about one-fourth mile, maybe less.

This is the entrance to The Crack on The Chaz, which can be paddled to, but then one must dock their kayak, canoe or paddleboard and wade through ankle-deep water to access the hidden spring and lagoon. (Mike Camunas)

Toward the end, you’ll have to get out because the creek will become ankle- deep; dock your vessel and walk maybe 100 yards to find “The Crack” on The Chaz.

It’s a deep, turquoise spring that looks like a paradise lagoon, secluded by lush palms and other trees.

Locals have tied a rope swing up one of the trees, but you also can wade in the crack, sit in the shallow water and just enjoy the scenic seclusion. (Of course, how secluded it is will depend on just how many others are there to take advantage of the rope swing.)

Spend the day

Whether you’re an experienced explorer, a novice adventurer or a laid-back boater, The Chaz can give you a day’s worth of things to do.

My advice is to take your time and enjoy the activities allowed there, such as swimming or fishing.

Make the most of your full-day vessel rental because as the sun sets in the west over The Chaz, the golden hour is just as gorgeous as it is at noon.

Learn how to say the full name of this place, which yields such true Florida beauty — it will make you feel good and is sure to impress Chassahowitzka River natives, too.

The Chassahowitzka River, or The Chaz

Where: Chassahowitzka River Campground and Boat Launch, 8600 W. Miss Maggie Drive, Homosassa

When: Boat rentals are available from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., but the boat launch is available from dawn until dusk.

Cost: Parking is $5; parking with a trailer is $7. Watercraft rentals start at $30 for the day.

Details: A spring-fed, 6-mile river that features hidden lagoons, boating, rentals, swimming and more in southwestern Citrus County.

Info: Call 352-382-2200, or visit ChassahowitzkaFlorida.com.

Published on May 25, 2022.

Revised May 27, 2022

Help to protect the Chassahowitzka River

When The Laker/Lutz News initially published “Cruising on the Chassahowitzka,” the intention was to encourage readers to visit the river and enjoy its beauty.
It turns out that some of the activities described in the story are the same kinds of activities which the Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFMD), along with its state and local partners, have set out to discourage through a public education campaign.
The water management district circulated a news release in March urging the public to help protect the river, by avoiding any activities which pose a threat.
The Laker/Lutz News did not publish information from that March news release because “The “Chaz,” as its commonly known, is outside the newspaper’s coverage area.
However, after this Worth The Trip story published, the water management district reached out to us to alert us to potential threats to the river from some activities.
In the spirit of trying to ensure that visitors now, and, in the future, can enjoy this slice of Florida’s natural beauty, we are sharing the tips that were shared with us.
When visiting the Chassahowitzka River:
• Stay in the vessel when possible.
• If you have to leave the vessel, tie off in shallow waters.
• Avoid docking on riverbanks.
• Don’t trample vegetation or kick up silt.
• Avoid climbing on banks.
• Don’t climb trees or use rope swings.
• Don’t throw out litter or leave anything behind.
• Trim boat motors to prevent propeller scarring.
To learn more about protecting the Chassahowitzka River, visit WaterMatters.org/ProtectChass.

Pasco continues attracting big employers

August 23, 2022 By B.C. Manion

Pasco County is on the verge of adding to its mix of employment opportunities, Bill Cronin, president and CEO of the Pasco Economic Development Council Inc. (Pasco EDC), announced at a recent Pasco County Commission meeting.

“I anticipate you are going to have a couple of big wins here, before the end of the fiscal year, that you’ll be hearing at the board of county commissioners,” Cronin said during the Pasco EDC’s third-quarter report to the board.

“And, one of them is for 500 jobs coming up in the next couple weeks,” the economic development expert said, at the board’s Aug. 9 meeting.

Mettler Toledo opened its 270,000-square-foot manufacturing plant in 2018, in Northpointe Village, off State Road 54. The company is a global supplier of precision scales and services used in research, and the packaging and production of food and pharmaceuticals. (Courtesy of Mettler Toledo)

Advanced manufacturing still leads the county’s project pipeline, Cronin said, noting “we still have land and we still have people.”

But another category high on the list is life sciences.

“That should be no surprise to us at all, with what we’re doing with Moffitt. That seems to be the gift that’s going to keep on giving because we have companies that all want to co-locate next to Moffitt, including another really big manufacturer looking at right next-door.”

So far, the county has had seven wins resulting in capital investment of $169.2 million and 622 new jobs, Cronin reported.

Capital investment expands the tax base, which ultimately increases property tax revenues.

“For every dollar allocated by the county in the Pasco EDC, the return on investment is almost 300 to 1,” Cronin said.

While debate continues about the state of the economy and impacts on inflation, Cronin said he and his staff are having meetings and pursuing business in other places.

“We don’t just rely on people coming to us,” said Cronin, noting the county has 96 active projects in its pipeline, compared to a normal number of about 35.

“We are busy,” Cronin said.

Board Chairwoman Kathryn Starkey told Cronin: “I was just thinking, where are those people going to live?”

As the county adds jobs, residents driving to other counties can skip that commute and work in Pasco, Cronin said.

The Asturia Corporate Center, a speculative building project supported by Penny for Pasco funding, has reached full occupancy. The 235,000-square-foot building has a mix of occupants, representing various target industry sectors. (Courtesy of Pasco Economic Development Council Inc.)

Starkey responded: “I think we need to do a marketing campaign to promote that as much as we can. Much as I hate billboards, maybe the county should put some up: ‘Stay here, work here.’”

The board chairwoman added: “I’m hearing of companies that were going to come to the Tampa Bay area, but their employees couldn’t find housing they could afford and they’ve gone somewhere else. We’re starting to see that.”

Cronin told the board that during economic downturns, Florida fared well because it was a low-cost alternative to places like New York or New Jersey.

“We are no longer a low-cost solution, that’s for sure, especially when it comes to housing,” Cronin said.

He added: “We are still a low-tax solution, though, and business generally goes to where the tax burden is less.”

Starkey said efforts must continue to increase the supply of workforce housing — a problem that’s being experienced by communities across the country.

Besides recruiting new businesses, Pasco EDC also is engaged in a number of initiatives: to help existing businesses to expand; to help new entrepreneurs develop their businesses through incubators and workshops; to expand opportunities for international business; and to provide a source of microloans for businesses that are unable to obtain a loan.

To find out more about the Pasco EDC visit its website at PascoEDC.com.

Published August 24, 2022

Explorer Hernando de Soto traveled through Dade City

August 23, 2022 By Doug Sanders

Explorer Hernando de Soto, commissioned by King Charles V, of Spain, took formal possession of La Florida, on June 3, 1539 — two days after landing near a native village at the head of Charlotte Harbor.

Those were among the facts offered during a talk at the Florida Pioneer Museum & Village, presented by author Charles Enloe Moore.

Moore details de Soto’s expedition, including travels through specific areas in Pasco County, in his 2020 book, “The Long Road to Mabila.”

This map shows 34 locations of the De Soto Trail in Florida, including Zephyrhills, Dade City and Brooksville. (Courtesy of National Park Service)

De Soto and his men became famous as the first European expedition to explore the interior of the North American continent.

Spain’s quest for gold was a prime motivator for de Soto’s expedition, which traversed what would become 14 future states in the United States, according to the author.

Diaries kept along the 4,000-mile trek provide historians a glimpse of what life was like during the days of de Soto’s travels, Moore said.

As de Soto headed north in Florida, Moore explains, the ambitious explorers wanted to find gold as quickly as possible.

The explorer’s party included 620 men and 223 horses, as well as “knights, artisans, wives, war dogs, priests, boat builders, servants and cattle,” Moore wrote.

At the time of his death, at age 42, Hernando de Soto had completed expeditions in Peru, Nicaragua, the Yucatan Peninsula and territory in the modern-day United States. (Courtesy of Charles Enloe Moore)

It is considered likely that wild pigs still found in Florida today are descendants of the large herd of pigs that were part of de Soto’s expedition, the author said.

Shortly after leaving their fleet of ships in Charlotte Harbor, the expedition encountered Juan Ortiz, a Christian native and guide, who helped them follow trails that later became major highways.

They visited places that would become future Florida cities.

For instance, the de Soto expedition passed through what is present-day Mulberry and crossed over a “Great Swamp,” now known as the Green Swamp.

In the Green Swamp, the Spaniards witnessed a vast wilderness of giant cypress trees draped with bromeliads and orchards that would remain undisturbed until the logging boom that occurred 300 years later.

Charles Enloe Moore spent 11 years researching and five years writing his manuscript — by hand — in his quest to publish ‘The Long Road to Mabila,’ a book that details the Hernando de Soto expedition. (Courtesy of Brian Swann)

The huge contingent crossed the Hillsborough River, heading in the general direction of what would become U.S. 98 and entered into an area now known as Dade City.

Averaging at least 11 miles a day — and traveling for five days at a time — the de Soto expedition took the time to rest in Dade City.

One account, chronicled in Moore’s book, recounted that the expedition was “encamped in some very beautiful valleys having large maize (corn) fields, so productive that each stalk had three or four ears…”

In another report, the book notes: “The governor (de Soto) ordered all the maize which was ripe in the fields to be taken, which was enough for three months.”

Rumors persist, among residents of River Road, that Spanish explorers from Hernando de Soto’s expedition hid gold on land, north of Dade City, now owned by Linda Groover. (Courtesy of Doug Sanders)

As a conquistador and nobleman, it was de Soto’s duty to lead his men from the restful Dade City retreat to continue their quest.

They headed north and crossed the Withlacoochee River where they spotted “red deer like large bulls, very large bears and panthers,” Moore wrote.

As the namesake for Hernando and DeSoto counties in Florida, de Soto and his expedition, known as the entrada, entered Georgia where they fought the Indian warriors of Chief Tuscaloosa at a small fortress settlement called Mabila.

Continuing their long journey from 1539 to 1543, the de Soto expedition made its way through the Carolinas, Virginia, Kentucky, Indiana, and sent scouts as far north as present-day Chicago.

Searching for an elusive passage to the Pacific Ocean, de Soto sent scouts as far west as San Antonio, Texas.

Finding no gold or food, de Soto perished on the banks of the Mississippi River, in 1542.

His contingent, which had dwindled in 1543 to less than 300, fled south toward Mexico City where Spain’s major outpost was located on the continent.

At least 30 lancers of de Soto’s men headed back and stopped to rest in Dade City, before returning to Spain.

Published August 24, 2022

Traffic signals installed on Overpass Road

August 23, 2022 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

New traffic signals have been installed on Overpass Road at the Boyette Road and Old Pasco Road intersections, according to a news release.

Motorists should be prepared to stop in all directions.

They also should be alert to workers, as construction continues to open turn lanes, adjust signal timings, and many other work activities along Overpass Road and at these two intersections.

Also, Overpass Road was switched to new traffic alignments, as of Aug. 13, from Old Pasco Road to just east of Boyette Road.

Eastbound and westbound Overpass Road traffic is now on a divided roadway, with one lane open in each direction.

Additional lanes in each direction will open later this year. Motorists are advised to be alert to these changed conditions and watch for workers as construction continues to complete the project.

Also, ramps to and from the new interchange at Interstate 75 are not open. The interchange is projected to open to traffic in November or December of this year.

Published August 24, 2022

Celebrating the start of the 2022-2023 school year

August 23, 2022 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Whether they were heading to preschool, private school or public school, everyone in these photos has something in common: They’re smiling as they start a new school year.

Here’s a shoutout to our readers who shared their photos with us, so we could continue our yearly ritual of publishing these pictures —an annual tradition in many families to record a moment in time.

We hope you enjoy seeing them as much we enjoy sharing them.

We, at The Laker/Lutz News, also extend our best wishes to everyone heading into the academic year, for a year of fresh beginnings, new discoveries, friendships, fun — and, learning, too, of course.