The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Local News

Delays slowing down Hugh Embry Library renovation

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Published October 19, 2022           

Dade City approves nearly $41 million budget

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

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

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

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

The new budget is $40,994,350.

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

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

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

Inflation also had a significant impact on the budget.

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

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

Operating costs have increased by nearly $360,000.

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

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

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

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

Published October 19, 2022

Pasco board rejects request for towing operation

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

Concerns raised by nearby residents resonated with the board.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Applicant Christopher Brown said his company provides a necessary service.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Published October 19, 2022

A burning desire for history

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It started with a truck.

A Class B fire engine.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Then, the donations started coming in.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Nevel encourages visitors to come take a look.

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

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

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

Education. Preservation. Restoration.

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

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

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

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

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

Published October 19, 2022

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

Dig into this garden club

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They speak for the trees in Tree City, USA.

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

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

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

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

The garden club has a diverse group of members.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Published October 19, 2022

Pasco schools continues work to improve safety and security

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Mass shootings on school campuses — in places like Uvalde, Texas and Parkland, Florida —  highlight the need to focus on continuous improvement of safety on school campuses.

In Florida, it’s the law.

Michael Baumaister, the district’s chief of safety and emergency operations, gave a general overview of the district security plan for 2022-2023 school year during the Pasco County School Board’s Oct. 4 meeting.

Entry buzzers have been installed at schools across Pasco County. Visitors push the doorbell and are buzzed in, individually. (File)

That overview followed a private session between the board, Baumaister,and representatives of law enforcement agencies who work closely with the school district on safety and security issues.

The closed-door meeting was necessary so security professionals could brief the board on issues that must remain confidential.

But during the board meeting, Baumaister explained general steps the district is taking to continue to improve security.

He explained Florida’s law for school safety plans was adopted after 17 people were killed and 17 were injured in the 2018 Valentine’s Day shooting spree at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, in Parkland.

Those shootings spurred a public outcry and persistent student protests. Ultimately, state legislators mandated a series of new steps intended to reduce threats on campuses across Florida.

Baumaister said even before those state actions, Pasco had been seeking ways to improve safety.

Those efforts continue.

“Every year, our partners do campus tours with us. We walk through our campuses and, from there, we develop new procedures, we plan projects and then we prioritize our projects.

“The partnership we have (with law enforcement) does work. We’re fortunate in our county that we have that. Not every county experiences that. We’re very lucky,” Baumaister said.

Baumaister described some of the current efforts, including a work-order system to make minor repairs at schools, such as repairing fences and cameras.

The district also uses window security film, to harden the exterior of its schools, aimed at making it harder for intruders to penetrate.

It also has added a doorbell system, to give staff the ability to find out who is visiting and why, before allowing access.

It also has polished up its reunification and emergency operations plans, he said.

Fencing also has been added at some schools, to make them “less open access,” while retaining the appearance of the building being a school, he said.

“We also added signage. And, we’re constantly doing more communication improvements,” Baumaister said.

Completing improvements, however, required funding, he said.

The district is asking the state to continue its funding at the current level, Baumaister said.

The district also has allocated funds for school hardening efforts, from potential future Penny for Pasco revenues, if voters approve that initiative.

School board member Alison Crumbley commented on the thoroughness of the presentation the board received during its closed-door session.

She commended Baumaister’s leadership.

“We can’t, obviously, share a lot because of security reasons. But everyone in this county, parents, citizens, should be aware of the work that he has led and that the teams have put together.

“It’s mind-blowing the good things we have in place here in Pasco County,” she said.

She also noted that the Pasco school district is considered a leader regarding its partnerships with law enforcement.

The “state looks to Pasco County for guidance in a lot of areas of school security,” Crumbley said.

She also noted those leading the efforts “are continuing to do work constantly — they’re not just stopping where we are, and it’s incredible.”

Published October 19, 2022

Pasco County Board bans retail sales of rabbits

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The Pasco County Commission adopted an ordinance on Oct. 10 banning the retail sales of rabbits.

The board previously had prohibited the sales of rabbits in public venues, but now is banning the sales at pet stores and retail establishments.

The board previously voted to prohibit the retail sale of dogs and cats, to protect the pet and consumer from unlicensed breeders, pet sellers and pet dealers.

Pasco County has banned the retail sales of rabbits. The Pasco County Commission previously had outlawed the retail sale of dogs and cats, kittens and puppies. (File)

In adopting the retail ban on rabbit sales, the board cited the necessity of the ordinance based on “the increase in abandonment of pet domestic rabbits in the wild and being surrendered in large numbers to rabbit rescues and animal rescue organizations by pet owners who are unable or unwilling to be responsible for ownership and care of their rabbit for the life of the pet.”

The ordinance also cites information from animal welfare organizations, animal rescues and animal shelters that attribute the primary cause for abandonment on the impulse buying from retail pet stores during specific holidays without sufficient forethought or education on the care and pet ownership required for the life of a rabbit.

It also notes domestic unvaccinated and unsterilized rabbits being abandoned in communities or in the wild present a growing threat to the health of native wild rabbit species through the potential spread of Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus, Type 2 (RHDV-2), which is now being monitored by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

During a Dec. 7 meeting, Dr. Betsy Coville, a veterinarian from Lutz, told commissioners that rabbits are the third most-surrendered pet.

“They require higher maintenance than dogs or cats and can live 10 to 12 years,” she said. “Frequently dumped outside, when the rescues are full, they starve, become prey for coyotes, or are hit by a car.”

Bunny mills are consistently the source for these rabbits that become unwanted.

They’re “no different from the puppy mills that we recognize as inhumane,” she said. “There are currently three locations in Florida that have placed bans on retail sales of rabbits: Orange County, Desoto County and Key West.

“They have all placed rabbits, along with dogs and cats, in their retail sale ban.”

Animal advocate Renee Rivard, who appeared before the board on Sept. 28 and at the Dec. 7 meeting, reiterated her concerns.

On Dec. 7 she said: “The Tampa Humane Society has taken in 246 unwanted pet rabbits so far this year. That’s 100 more than last year.

“Hillsborough County commissioners are taking action, because the Tampa Humane Society is their partner in helping the county with unwanted pets.”

She asked the Pasco board to do the same: “There is no facility in Pasco County that takes in unwanted rabbits. Suncoast House Rabbit Rescue is your partner with unwanted pet rabbits here in Pasco County. Suncoast House Rabbit Rescue has told you that they are overwhelmed.”

In September alone, they had to turn away 66 unwanted pet rabbits.

“It is extremely difficult to find fosters and homes for rabbits. Rabbits are a high-maintenance pet,” Rivard said. “They need specialized veterinarian care, which is expensive.”

She also explained the majority of rabbit sales are impulse buys at retail stores that especially occur around Easter, when children tell their parents they want a bunny rabbit.

Rivard told commissioners: “You have roughly 45 pet stores in Pasco County; 36 of them survive, without selling rabbits.”

The board directed its staff to bring back a proposal to amend the county ordinance to ban the bunny sales.

Mike Shumate, the director of animal services, brought the proposed change to the county ordinance to the board at its Oct. 11 meeting. The board approved the ban on a 5-0 vote.

Published October 19, 2022

Diversity Council seeks new members

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Hillsborough County Commissioners are seeking interested residents to serve on its Diversity Advisory Council.

The council was created to facilitate communication between Hillsborough County government and diverse populations, and to address matters related to diversity that affect county government and its citizens, according to a news release.

The council is comprised of two individuals from each of these categories: African American; Caribbean; Far East Asian; Lesbian, Bisexual, Gay and Transgender; Hispanic/Latino; Indian Asian; Middle Eastern; Native American; Northern and Southern European; People with Disabilities; and At-Large (Identification with a specific category is not required).

Currently, nine positions are being sought. Terms are for two years.

Appointments are voluntary positions; therefore, members serve without compensation.

All nominees must reside in and be registered voters in Hillsborough County.

Citizens who are interested must submit:

  • An essay of 200-500 words highlighting what their goals would be as a member of the council, and state why they are most suited to carry forth those goals
  • A completed Questionnaire for Diversity Advisory Council
  • A Standards of Conduct Form

Forms and more information are available online at HCFLGov.net. Click on “Government” at the top of the page, then “Boards and Committees.”

Forms can be filled out and printed, then scanned and emailed, faxed or mailed.

Applications are due by the close of business on Nov. 3.

Appointments will be scheduled for a meeting in December.

Published October 19, 2022

Pasco schools step up to help Ian victims

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Pasco County Schools plans to send 20 buses to Southwest Florida, to help in recovery efforts from Hurricane Ian.

Superintendent Kurt Browning asked the school board to surplus some of the district’s older buses, in order to give them to districts in need.

(File)

The Pasco County School Board unanimously approved that action, during its Oct. 4 meeting.

The superintendent also informed the board that more help will be provided to districts affected by Ian, but first, more information is required on what’s needed and where.

“There’s a lot of chatter out there: ‘What do we need to do? What do we need to do? We need to do something, we need to do something,’” Browning said. “We are still trying to contact superintendents in Southwest Florida, to find out specifically, ‘What are those needs?’

“As you’ve heard the news, there are still some districts that are not open and do not know when they will reopen,” Browning said.

“The last thing that we want to do, as a district, is get together a lot of supplies and (A), not know exactly what they need; and then (B), expect them to have some place to house and keep supplies dry and mold-free,” the superintendent said.

“I just want the board to know that we are working on a plan, but we’re going to work through the superintendent’s association, obviously working with the FDOE (Florida Department of Education) and the individual superintendents in those impacted districts.

“We are doing something, but we’re going to do it with a well thought-out plan, at the appropriate time, and for the needs that are actually needing to be met.”

Published October 12, 2022

These shelters run so seamlessly, it looks easy, official says

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While Pasco County was spared the death and destruction that Hurricane Ian left its in path, it didn’t escape massive disruptions caused by the hurricane’s threat.

As Hurricane Ian headed toward Florida, weather experts and local officials feared there could be a direct hit on the Tampa Bay region.

Bracing for that possibility, local governments issued mandatory evacuations for residents living in the most vulnerable areas.

Pasco County Schools Superintendent Kurt Browning praised the school district’s staff and volunteers for the smooth operations of the district’s shelters for Hurricane Ian evacuees.(File)

Pasco County Schools Superintendent Kurt Browning closed the district’s schools and child care programs, and canceled school-related events.

The district was forced to close its schools because of the serious nature of Hurricane Ian’s potential dangers, Browning said.

The district also opened shelters to give evacuees a place to go.

The operations ran so smoothly that people often forget the massive amount of effort required to make that happen, Browning said, during the Pasco County School Board’s Oct. 4 meeting.

The superintendent complimented everyone involved in the shelter efforts.

He took a few minutes to detail the efforts required.

He thanked the staff and volunteers who were involved in getting schools ready to serve as shelters, then operating the shelters and then getting the schools ready for classes to resume.

The district had shelter operations at Cypress Creek, Sunlake, Wiregrass Ranch, Wesley Chapel and Fivay high schools; at Cypress Creek, Centennial, Weightman and Pasco middle schools; and, at the River Ridge Complex.

The superintendent told the school board, audience and those watching the board meeting on YouTube that he couldn’t let the day pass without expressing gratitude for the district’s incredible team.

“The folks that make it look seamless in this district are sitting before you today,” Browning said. “These men and these women, around this table, are the ones that make it happen.

“The problem with making it look so seamless is that people don’t actually understand the amount of work that goes into preparing to close schools, open shelters, make sure they’re staffed, make sure you have food,” Brown said.

“They make it seamless. They do. But I’ll tell you, the people who are sitting around this table today worked their tails off.”

The superintendent praised the efforts of Mary Martin and her human resources team, who ensured the shelters were staffed.

“Mary and her team just knocked it out of the park,” Browning said.

He singled out Stephanie Spicknall, director of food and nutrition services (FNS), and her team, too.

Browning said he suspects some evacuees are “somewhat shocked” when they arrive at a school-based shelter and are served hot meals, instead of cold sandwiches.

“That doesn’t happen by accident, it happens because the FNS teams are there in those schools and they are preparing meals for those evacuees,” the superintendent said.

Browning also highlighted the efforts of Gary Sawyer, transportation director, and his drivers for getting people where they need to go.

He gave a shoutout to the system’s maintenance and custodial crews for getting the shelters ready for evacuees, and then after those sheltering had left, getting the schools ready to resume classes.

Browning also had good words for Michael Baumaister, the district’s chief of safety and emergency operations, and for Lt. Tom Perron, on that team, who was at the county’s Emergency Operations Center.

School board member Allen Altman noted that during Hurricane Irma, district shelters had a greater influx of evacuees, and issues arose because they had not been staffed with security or medical teams.

Those issues have been resolved, improving shelter operations, Altman said.

The changes occurred because of suggestions made after Hurricane Irma, the school board member said.

Browning said he’s looking forward to the debriefing regarding this year’s shelter operations, to see what other improvements can be made.

Betsy Kuhn, assistant superintendent for support services, told the board: “I know there are things that our shelter operations can do better, but I think, overall, we were very encouraged by what we saw.”

Kuhn was happy to see improvements implemented in this year’s operations, based on lessons learned from Hurricane Irma.

She expressed gratitude for the help by human resources, to manage shelter staffing.

“That was a huge lift,” Kuhn said.

She also mentioned the contributions from Chief Baumaister and Lt. Perron, of the safety and emergency operations team.

“Issues like this really show how people come together and how amazing of a team we have,” Kuhn said.

She described a moment that was particularly gratifying.

She said she was at a shelter and observed a principal checking in an evacuee.

“You would have thought this person was checking into the Ritz Carlton, the way this principal was treating this evacuee,” Kuhn said.

“It was just a very heartwarming thing to see that our team comes together in a crisis. No egos. Everybody pitches in, does the work and gets it done,” Kuhn said.

School board chairwoman Cynthia Armstrong also weighed in: “I can tell you what’s most meaningful to the evacuees … is the fact that they felt so welcomed and they felt so safe.

“That’s what our employees and our staff, and our teachers and principals were able to do — able to give those people a place where they felt safe and they felt welcomed,” the board chairwoman said. “If we can make them feel like that, then we were a success.”

Published October 12, 2022