Local News

Pasco board honors Porter family’s approach to growth

October 25, 2022 By B.C. Manion

If you’ve ever made a purchase at The Shops at Wiregrass, taken a class at Pasco-Hernando State College’s Porter Campus at Wiregrass Ranch, or attended an event at the Wiregrass Sports Complex of Pasco County — you’ve benefited from the way the Porter family chose to manage the development of its land holdings.

Acreage once owned by the Porters is now occupied by a multitude of developments — which make up the building blocks of community life.

The family purchased the land in the 1940s, which would become Wiregrass Ranch — a cattle and citrus operation in Wesley Chapel.

Don Porter was known for his visionary and patient approach to growth. The Porter family has played a key role in laying the groundwork for the building blocks of a community that provides places to learn, to heal, to work and to play. (Courtesy of Porter family)

The family pursued and obtained permission for a Development of Regional Impact, and, over time, it sold portions of its land for projects such as Saddlebrook Resort, The Shops at Wiregrass, AdventHealth Wesley Chapel, medical offices, apartments, subdivisions and other developments.

It also donated land for Pasco-Hernando State College and the Wiregrass Sports Complex of Pasco County.

The family was honored by the Pasco County Commission on Sept. 20 for its contributions toward improving the quality of life in Pasco County.

In previous interviews with The Laker/Lutz News, J.D. Porter explained the family’s philosophy of growth.

He said the family has been selective about the types of projects it brings into Wiregrass Ranch — making sure the user is a good fit and using care to ensure the pace of development allows ongoing projects to become successful before introducing new ones.

The idea, he added, is to have a mix of large and small users, to avoid relying too much on large users, in case they go away.

The family also has cultivated a mix of uses, such as boutique restaurants, shops, and locally owned businesses — as well as the kind of development needed to address basic needs, such as health care and education.

“We could’ve easily sold out to a bunch of different developers, but none of them represented the legacy that my dad and my grandfather really embraced,” Porter previously told The Laker/Lutz News.

The family has shared a collective vision and a collective will for what has been done so far, and for the foundation that has been laid for the future, he added.

One of the family’s contributions to the community was the donation of 60-plus acres for Pasco-Hernando State College’s Porter Campus at Wiregrass Ranch.

When the Porter campus opened in January 2014, it represented the first opportunity for Wesley Chapel students to attend college in their own community.

In its resolution of appreciation, the Pasco county board recounted some of the family’s history in Wesley Chapel.

James H. and Martha M. Porter established Wiregrass Ranch in the 1940s, raising their sons, Don, Tom and Bill there, the resolution says.

The name Wiregrass Ranch stems from a postcard sent in 1950 by Ed Madill, one of James Porter’s friends. Madill addressed it to “Wiregrass Porter, Gatorville, Florida, USA” and it reached its intended recipient, the resolution adds.

The resolution also notes Bill Porter, the president of Wiregrass Ranch, and the next generation of Porters — including J.D, Quinn, Colby, Haley, Hatcher, Alexis, Rachel, Lynda and Debbie — is continuing the family’s tradition of commitment to the county.

Pasco County Commissioner Mike Moore, who sponsored the resolution, said the board wanted to acknowledge the Porter’s contributions, not only to Pasco, but also to the region and state.

The Porter family has played a role in shaping the development of Wesley Chapel. They were honored with a resolution of appreciation by the Pasco County Commission on Sept. 20. (Courtesy of Pasco County/Andy Taylor)

Moore characterized the family as being philanthropists, innovators, community-minded and trailblazers.

Moore expressed gratitude for the Porters’ approach.

“They could have sold this land off years and years and years ago. They could have had more money than God, because of this.

“But they’ve been very methodical, in the way they’ve done things, because they wanted to do things right. They want to continue to do things right.”

“They really have this sense of community,” Moore said.

Commissioner Jack Mariano added: “Your family’s commitment from the get-go was always to do this first class. You took your time, you made sure you had it right, you waited for the right people to come in. And the way that you did it methodically, every step of the way, has been fantastic.

“Pasco is so much better off, because of the Porter family,” Mariano said.

J.D. Porter, who spoke on behalf of the family, told the board he appreciated the kind words.

“We still have a long, long path to go,” he said. “We’ve got a long runway that we’re working with, but on behalf of my entire family, thank you guys for making it an environment that we can succeed in, and for continuing to grow.”

“Working with you all and working with staff has become a lot easier and we look forward to a lot more great years, and we’ve got plenty of good stuff to come.”

Published October 26, 2022

The library is not just for books anymore

October 25, 2022 By Mary Rathman

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

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

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

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

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

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

PCL offers these guidelines for checking out items:

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

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

Published October 26, 2022

Hay, would you look at that?

October 25, 2022 By Mike Camunas

The hay bales are back.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

For more information, visit DadeCityArts.com.

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

Published October 26, 2022

Curtis and Jasmine Wright painted this hay bale that is at Agnes Lamb Park at 14200 Ninth St., in Dade City.

The hay bale at Polly Touchton Park, painted by the team of Patty Reese, Delanie Reese, Alissa Ross and Cassidy Welch, is on display at the park, 13620 Seventh St., in Dade City. It features a pumpkin theme.

Kevin Taggerty kept his American flag theme with his painted hay bale on the Hardy Trail at Church Avenue, just outside The Spoke at 37800 Church Ave.

This bale, painted by Randy Hernandez, features a pumpkin. The bale sits at Price Park, 37415 Magnolia Ave.

Ryah Taggert painted this bale, which celebrates the upcoming Thanksgiving season. It is next to the Watson Park Community Garden, at North Avenue and Main Street, in Dade City.

Pasco County approves apartment project in Seven Oaks

October 18, 2022 By B.C. Manion

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

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

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

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

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

That decision was challenged and went to mediation.

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

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

Other changes include pedestrian safety and traffic-calming features.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Published October 19, 2022

Land O’ Lakes Branch Library nearing reopening

October 18, 2022 By Mike Camunas

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Published October 19, 2022

It’s the great pumpkin — patches!

October 18, 2022 By Mary Rathman

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Published October 19, 2022

James Plumley, of Land O’ Lakes, just keeps rolling his pumpkin selection at Harvester United Methodist Church’s pumpkin patch in Land O’ Lakes.

Diane Plumley, center, helps her grandsons, Oliver, left, and James, take home their pumpkin selections from the patch at Harvester United Methodist Church, 2432 Collier Parkway in Land O’ Lakes.

Noah Cheney, of Trinity, can’t decide if he wants a tiny or large pumpkin, or both at Starkey Market’s patch.

Delays slowing down Hugh Embry Library renovation

October 18, 2022 By Mike Camunas

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Published October 19, 2022

Dade City approves nearly $41 million budget

October 18, 2022 By Mike Camunas

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

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

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

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

The new budget is $40,994,350.

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

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

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

Inflation also had a significant impact on the budget.

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

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

Operating costs have increased by nearly $360,000.

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

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

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

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

Published October 19, 2022

Pasco board rejects request for towing operation

October 18, 2022 By B.C. Manion

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

Concerns raised by nearby residents resonated with the board.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Applicant Christopher Brown said his company provides a necessary service.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Published October 19, 2022

A burning desire for history

October 18, 2022 By Mike Camunas

It started with a truck.

A Class B fire engine.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Then, the donations started coming in.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Nevel encourages visitors to come take a look.

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

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

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

Education. Preservation. Restoration.

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

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

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

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

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

Published October 19, 2022