The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Local News

Pasco scores wins and losses, in this year’s state budget process

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When it comes to state funding for projects, Pasco had some wins and losses, during the last session of the Florida Legislature.

Ralph Lair, Pasco County’s intergovernmental officer and members of Sunrise Consulting Group, the county’s Tallahassee lobbying team, briefed the Pasco County Commission on some of the highlights during the board’s June 7 meeting.

One of Pasco County’s budget priorities that made it into the budget, but was axed by Gov. Ron DeSantis’ veto pen, called for $14 million for the second phase of the Ridge Road Extension.

The governor also slashed a request by Moffitt Cancer Center for a $20 a million a year, which would have been recurring for 30 years, Lair said.

That would have paid out $600 million over time, which Moffitt was going to use to build its hospital, Lair said.

On the plus side, DeSantis retained $106 million in funding intended for infrastructure related to the Moffitt project, Lair noted.

Shawn Foster, of the Sunrise team, added:  “I know some of you had some major concerns.”

But he reminded board members that Moffitt got $23 million a year last year, though an increase in the sales tax for cigarettes.

Lair said DeSantis also vetoed $35 million intended for a a sports complex and about $5 million for an intersection project near the Florida Pioneer Museum & Village.

He also noted the veto of a $7.1 million request by Pasco Schools for a partnership school with Moffitt Cancer.

“The Sheriff’s Office had two projects. One of their items was vetoed for their office community outreach and engagement initiative for $150,000; but they did receive $3.2 million for a center for recovery for endangered and missing persons,” Lair added.

Pasco County did receive $2 million for Green Key drainage improvements and $5.9 million for right-of-way improvements relating to Lacoochee industrial development.

The Pasco County Fair Association got $2.5 million to do a barn replacement and the Pasco County Housing Authority received $700,000 for a 77-unit affordable housing for veterans, Lair added.

On the municipal front, Dade City received $9 million for the extension of Morningside Drive and a $4.2 million appropriation for a five-point intersection roundabout, which will be over on Meridian/St. Joe Road/State Road 52.

Commissioner Ron Oakley noted that the roundabout project was scheduled for two years from now, but the funding was brought forward so it can happen now.

A big-ticket item for Dade City, however, fell victim to DeSantis’ veto pen: A $39.7 million project to do a replacement of the city’s wastewater treatment plant and a relocation was struck from the budget.

The City of San Antonio received state funding for two projects: $600,000 for a stormwater management project and $900,000 for a sewer extension project.

The city’s request for $500,000 to harden its historic fire station was vetoed.

“The City of Zephyrhills was  our big winner in our community,” Lair said. The projects involved a sewer and water main extension; airport improvements; and, a street extension into the planned National Guard Armory.

Lair also noted that Saint Leo University received $15 million for a multipurpose arena complex, but also had two items vetoed.

Gov. Ron DeSantis Veto Items
Before signing the state’s budget, Gov. Ron DeSantis vetoed 443 items, totaling $3.1 billion. Here’s a look at some of the local items rejected by the governor:

  • Ridge Road Extension Phase 2B: $14 million
  • Sports Training and Youth Tournament Complex: $35 million
  • Moffitt Pasco County Life Sciences Park: $20 million per year for 30 years
  • Pasco-Hernando State College, remodel buildings A through E and Chiller Plant, west: $22.5 million
  • University of South Florida, Environmental & Oceanographic Sciences, Research & Teaching Facility, $75 million
  • Saint Leo University Organic Farm (The Farm) Initiative. $311,000
  • Two Saint Leo University programs relating to its Robotics Engineering Degree and Microcredentials Program: $1.2 million
  • Bills relating to Academy at the Farm: $11.8 million
  • Bills relating to Moffitt Cancer Center Partnership School: $7.1 million
  • Tampa Bay Thrives: Behavioral Health Navigation and Support Line: $300,000
  • Pasco County Sheriff’s Office Community Outreach and Engagement Initiative: $150,000
  • Bills relating to Pioneer Florida Museum: $5.3 million
  • Bills relating to Tampa Bay Area Regional Transit Authority: $1.4 million
  • San Antonio City Hall & Fire Station Hardening: $60,000
  • Pasco County Cultural Arts: $2 million

Source: 2022 veto list of Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis

Published June 15, 2022

Take precautions now, to prevent mosquito-borne illnesses

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West Central Florida county health departments are emphasizing the importance for Florida’s residents and visitors to protect themselves against mosquito-borne diseases.

The department also encourages the public to remain diligent in preventative measures, such as “Drain and Cover,” according to a Department of Health (DOH)-Pasco County news release.

The DOH continues to conduct statewide surveillance for mosquito-borne illnesses, including the West Nile Virus, Eastern Equine Encephalitis, St. Louis Encephalitis, Malaria, and Dengue, the release said.

A human case of West Nile Virus has been confirmed in Hillsborough County. Health officials urge residents to take precautions to protect themselves from mosquito bites. (File)

The health department offers these tips, in the fight against illnesses.

Drain standing water to stop mosquitoes from multiplying

  • Drain water from garbage cans, house gutters, buckets, pool covers, and other containers where sprinkler or rainwater has collected.
  • Discard old tires, drums, bottles, cans, pots, pans, or other items that aren’t being used.
  • Empty birdbaths and pet water bowls at least once or twice a week.
  • Protect boats and vehicles from rain with tarps that don’t accumulate water.
  • Maintain swimming pools in good condition and chlorinate appropriately. Empty plastic swimming pools.

Cover skin with clothing or repellent

  • Wear shoes, socks, long pants and long sleeves. This type of protection may be necessary for people who work in areas where mosquitoes are present.
  • Apply mosquito repellent to bare skin and clothing. Always use repellent according to the label. Repellents with DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, para-menthane-diol, 2-undecanone, and IR3535 are effective. Some repellents are not suitable for children. Use mosquito netting to protect children younger than 2 months old.

To determine which repellent is right for you, use the U.S. Environmental Agency’s search tool at cfpub.epa.gov/oppref/insect/#searchform, for skin-applied repellent products.

For more information or questions, contact your county health department. DOH-Pasco can be reached at 727-619-0300.

Published June 15, 2022

A memorial gathering is planned for Pasco female trailblazer

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Sylvia Young — the first woman elected to the Pasco County Commission — has passed away.

She will be remembered at a “Gathering of Friends” on June 16, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Dan Cannon Auditorium, at 36722 State Road 52, in Dade City.

Sylvia Young was the first woman elected to the Pasco County Commission. She was initially elected in 1980 and was reelected until she retired, in 2000. (File)

Young served on the county board from Nov. 18, 1980 and re-elected to subsequent terms until she retired on Nov. 21, 2000.

Much changed during her tenure on the board, but one of her most obvious achievements involved championing the $2.3 million restoration of the Historic Pasco County Courthouse.

The distinctive building sits in the middle of a town square, at Seventh Street and Meridian Avenue, in the heart of downtown Dade City.

In addition to advocating the structure’s renovation — which included stripping away additions that had been constructed through the years, Young also played a significant role in choosing the furnishings for the restored building.

The project was a success and led to the courthouse being listed on the National Register of Historic Places on Sept. 20, 2006.

A marker on the building, dedicated to Young, credits her for vision and commitment. In part, it reads: ”With great appreciation for your dreams, efforts, and dedication to the major role you played to keep history alive with the preservation of this historic courthouse.”

When Young stepped away from her elected post, she described the courthouse project as her “crowning glory.”

The building continues to play an integral role in the county, with the board rotating its meetings between its meeting room there and one in a more modern government center building in New Port Richey.

The county board has its sessions on both sides of the county to make it easier for people to participate in public meetings.

This marker credits Sylvia Young’s tenacity in championing the restoration of the Historic Pasco County Courthouse.

News of  Young’s death was shared on the Pasco County Government facebook page and circulated by its communications team.

On its page, the county offered these words, at the commissioner’s passing: “We are grateful for Commissioner Young’s leadership and will forever remember her lasting impact and dedicated service to Pasco County.”

An obituary, published by Hodges Family Funeral Home & Cremation Center, offers a glimpse into the late commissioner’s personal and professional qualities.

Miller, a lifelong resident of Darby, was 83 at the time of her death on June 7, according to the funeral home’s obituary.

She was the daughter of J.D. Miller and Hattie Bellamy Miller, a farming family who instilled in her a hard work ethic, dedication and love of family, and pride in her heritage, the obituary said.

She was known “as an impeccably dressed and beautiful woman with a feisty, outgoing, quick witted and determined personality, as noted by a close family friend and relative, Howard Bellamy,” in the obituary.

Besides serving on the county board, she also served on the Pasco County Fair Board for 40 years, the obituary added. She also was  an active member of the Pioneer Florida Museum & Village for years.

Her survivors include her son, H.C. Young (Trish); a daughter, Mary (Mud) Lane; three grandchildren, Clint Young, Whitney Willis and Dakota Young; and, several great-grandchildren.

Published June 15, 2022

Voters set to vote in primary election on proposed tax for school pay

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Voters are scheduled to decide the fate of a referendum for school pay raises on the Aug. 23 primary ballot.

The Pasco County Commission approved the Pasco County School Board’s request to place the ballot question on the primary ballot, as part of the county board’s consent agenda. Items on that agenda are approved in a single motion, without discussion.

During the public comment portion of the meeting, before the board’s vote, speakers urged the board to place the ballot issue on the general election ballot in November.

Erin Pike, representing Pasco Watch, urged the board to abide by a new state law, which takes effect on Oct. 1 and requires such referendum questions to be placed on the general election ballot.

“This will give you a true voice of the community,” Pike said.

“It’s well-known that a third of the voters show up for primaries, compared to general elections. There’s plenty of data to show that.

“All voices should be heard, as much as possible, to make sure the will of the people is heard and that’s your responsibility to do so. Vote no, on knowingly and willingly allowing the majority to not be heard.

“If you vote yes for this, you’ll be telling your constituents that you care more about what the school board wants, than making you sure you hear from the overall, collective voices, of Pasco County,” Pike said.

Another speaker, Jim Stanley, of Odessa, raised similar concerns.

“This legislation (H.B. 777) passed by nearly unanimous votes, in both houses of the Legislature and signed by Gov. DeSantis. Think about that. Nearly unanimous vote in the legislature is rare. You can hardly get both parties to agree today is Tuesday.

“But they came together and recognized the importance of having all voters weigh in on proposals to increase property taxes.

“The Legislature passed this bill because they know that general elections have three to five times the turnouts of primary votes and a tax which affects everyone, should be voted on by everyone,” Stanley said.

Other speakers raised similar concerns.

One speaker, from Dade City, asked: “Is there an ulterior motive behind it? Is there an attempt to manipulate the system? I pray not.

“My question became, why would we want to present any referendum, much less a tax referendum, on a ballot, when only a small fraction of the electorate will vote?” the speaker continued.

Another speaker, from New Port Richey, told the board: “It doesn’t seem right to me, that we put this on a primary ballot, where there are very few voters engaged, in voting in the election.

“It’s just not fair. It should go before the entire electorate,” she said.

Later on in the meeting, Pasco County Attorney Jeffrey Steinsnyder noted that the board had left the issue on its consent agenda, but really didn’t have the option to change the date.

The board’s action to place the school board’s requested ballot initiative was “ministerial” in nature, Steinsnyder said.

“It’s not discretionary. You didn’t have a choice. It had to go on the ballot,” he said.

He also noted that the change in state law takes effect on Oct. 1.

“It is not in effect now, so you can’t rely on legislation that was passed this session. You had no choice but to honor the school board’s wishes and put it on the primary election,” Steinsnyder said.

At an April 5 school board workshop on the topic, it was estimated that a 1 mil increase would yield an average instructional boost of $4,000; for non-instructional, $1,700.

District calculations show that Pasco’s median home cost of $325,000, and assuming a $25,000 homestead exemption, a property owner would pay $300 more per year, if the increase is 1 mil.

Specifically, the ballot question asks for a yes or no vote on whether to levy an additional tax, not to exceed 1 mil,  beginning July 1, 2023 and ending no later than June 30, 2027.

The proceeds, according to the ballot question, will be used “for essential operating expenses to maintain salaries competitive with the market, attract and retain high-quality teachers, bus drivers and other non-administrative school support employees.”

Published June 15, 2022

Pasco Schools superintendent won’t seek another term

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Pasco County Schools Superintendent Kurt Browning has announced he will not seek reelection, when his current term ends in 2024.

Browning was elected as superintendent by defeating incumbent Heather Fiorentino in the primary election of 2012 and by defeating write-in candidate Kathy Lambert in the general election.

Before running for superintendent of Pasco Schools, Browning served as Florida’s Secretary of State under governors Rick Scott and Charlie Crist.

Pasco Schools Superintendent Kurt Browning will not seek reelection, when his current term expires in 2024. (File)

Before that, he was Pasco County’s Supervisor of Elections for 26 years.

The schools superintendent announced his decision to not seek a fourth term in a June 2 YouTube video.

Browning said a variety of factors played a role in his decision, including many personal reasons.

“My wife, Kathy, is contemplating retirement and we have grandchildren who live out of state. “We want to be free to visit them more a lot more than we do.

“Some of the reasons are professional. I believe we are nearing the point where we will accomplish many of the goals I set out when I was first elected.

“Another reason? Well, it’s kind of a cliché, but you just know when it’s time.

“I am now in the  middle of my third term as superintendent. When I complete my term at the end of 2024, I will have served for 12 years.

“The tenure of superintendents these days is around five to six years. I can understand why so many of my colleagues move on, after five years or so.

“This job has been challenging and it has been gratifying. I have benefited from a supportive community and a great staff. And, without both, I never would have made it this far,” he said.

“I’m extremely proud of so many things we’ve accomplished. We’ve expanded school choice, with innovative programs.

“We have done an amazing job managing growth.

“We weathered the pandemic better than most.

“And, all along, we kept the finances in order.

“But this is not a time to look backwards.

“I am determined to spend the rest of my term looking forward.

“We have so much more to get done, and I hope my announcement today will instill an even greater sense of urgency.

“I definitely feel that sense of urgency.

“We have work to do and I intend to finish strong,” he said.

When Browning came into office, he said he wanted to create a school system with more choices for parents and students.

During his tenure, the district has expanded educational options for students, by adding more magnet schools and more magnet programs. It also has increased participation rates in rigorous courses.

Under Browning, in concert with the elected school board, the district also has expanded opportunities for students wishing to pursue technical career options.

Some highlights during Browning’s administration include the opening of Starkey Ranch K-8 in Odessa. This was the first district school specifically designed to serve kindergartner through eighth-graders.

Through a collaborative partnership involving the school board, Pasco County and the developer of the Starkey Ranch community, the school was deigned to include a library, open to the public, as well as to students; a theater, which can be used for school and community performances; and, a district park, which provides facilities for both public and student use.

The district also partnered with Pasco-Hernando State College on a project to locate the state college’s  Instructional Performing Arts Center (IPAC) on a campus shared by Cypress Creek High School and Cypress Creek Middle School, also in Wesley Chapel.

Students in the school system can take advantage of IPAC’s programs and facilities. There’s a direct tie-in to the programming offered by the school district, too. Cypress Creek Middle has a black box theater.

In the coming school year, the school district intends to open Kirkland Ranch Academy of Innovation, also in the Wesley Chapel area. That school will feature a broad range of technical training programs, along with academic offerings.

The district also has begun construction on a 6-12 STEAM magnet (science, technology, engineering, the arts and mathematics) school.

The school is being built on a site in the heart of Moffitt Cancer Center’s planned Pasco County campus.

When fully developed the cancer research hub is expected to attract life science companies and researchers from around the world to pursue breakthroughs in the treatment of cancer.

While the district has made strides, it also has faced increasing criticism from speakers during its public school board meetings. Issues sparking controversy have included mask mandates on school campuses, money spent on professional training, textbook selection and the timing of a referendum intended to generate funding for raises for non-administrative district personnel.

On another front, soon after Browning announced his departure in 2024, former State Sen. John Legg pre-filed with the Pasco Supervisor of Elections, declaring his intention to seek the post.

Legg has served in the state’s Senate and in its House of Representatives, and is the co-founder and chief financial officer of Day Spring Academy.

The charter school, which serves pre-school through 12th grade, has five campuses.

Published June 15, 2022

New addition planned at Starkey K-8

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The Pasco County School Board has approved an architectural services contract with Harvard Jolly Architecture for a new classroom wing at Starkey K-8, a school in the Starkey development, at 12200 Lake Blanche Drive, in Odessa.

Residential growth has been booming and Pasco County Schools anticipates adding new schools in a number of locations to accommodate the growth.

Several schools are included in the school district’s plan for how it would spend proceeds from the extension of the Penny for Pasco 1-cent surtax, should voters approve the 15-year tax extension in November. This project is not on that list.

Starkey K-8, which is in Central Pasco, opened in the 2021-2022 school year.

The agreement with Harvard Jolly, adopted by the school board as part of its consent agenda, calls for reusing a design for a two-story classroom building addition the architecture firm designed for Sumner High School in Hillsborough County.

The planned classroom wing, estimated at $9.5 million, will involve adding 20 classrooms.

Starkey K-8 is the district’s first school designed to serve as a kindergarten through eighth grade school. It is within a public-private partnership project which includes a public library, with shared use by the public and Starkey Ranch K-8 students, a cultural arts theater and an adjacent district park.

Published June 15, 2022

Bell Lake improvements are complete

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(Mike Camunas)

Pasco County’s public works and engineering services have announced the completion of a 16-month project to expand and improve Bell Lake Road, in Land O’ Lakes.

The mile-long project— completed along Bell Lake, from east of U.S. 41 (also known as Land O’ Lakes Boulevard) to Banjo Lake Road — included work to provide improved drainage by replacing ditches and adding curb, gutter and inlets, as well as a closed pipe system. Five-foot sidewalks were added, too.

“This project was completed on time and under budget,” Engineering Services Director Margaret Smith said, in a county news release. “We’re proud of these important roadway updates, which help improve safety for those who drive the road and walk along the new sidewalks.”

Pasco County also helped with roadwork construction leading up to a new convenience store and gas station at U.S. Highway 41 and Bell Lake Road, the release said.

Published June 15, 2022

Hats off, grads!

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The Laker/Lutz News salutes grads of all ages!

There were lots of big moments being celebrated around our coverage area in recent weeks, and there will be more before Graduation Season 2022 concludes.

Whether your favorite graduate was making the transition from prekindergarten, finishing up a doctoral degree, or progressing at any stage in between — it was a time to pause and celebrate.

We invited you to share photos of your favorite graduates, and you responded.

Here’s a look at the gallery of photos we compiled.

Alexandra Paige Hendrix is a member of the Land O’ Lakes High School Class of 2022. Her mother, Lara Hendrix Brennan writes: ‘She loves God, family, friends, playing golf and animals. Alexandra will be attending Pasco-Hernando State College in the fall.’ (Courtesy of Lara Hendrix Brennan)
Cannon Frisco is a member of the Sunlake High School Class of 2022. Tammy Frisco writes: ‘Cannon will graduate with cum laude honors. He also won the Senior Superlative for Best Smile.’ Cannon plans to pursue the path to become an emergency medical technician/paramedic and firefighter. (Courtesy of Tammy Frisco)
Daniel Urbonas is the IB Valedictorian of the Class of 2022 at Land O’ Lakes High School. He is a National Merit Scholar and will attend the University of Florida, studying in the College of Engineering, Honors Program. (Courtesy of Pam and Allan Urbonas)
Ellie Guglietta graduated from voluntary pre-kindergarten at Kids’ Stuff Preschool, in Lutz. Jessie Guglietta writes: ‘When asked, Ellie wants to be a dog sitter, and singer and songwriter when she grows up. But for now she enjoys school, swimming and Disney!’ (Courtesy of Jessie Guglietta)
Nathan Christ is a graduate of Discovery Point Terra Bella in Land O’ Lakes. Victoria Christ writes: ‘He is very excited to graduate VPK (vol- untary pre-kindergarten).’ (Courtesy of Victoria Christ)
Trinity Swets is a member of the Class of 2022 at Land O’ Lakes High School. Katy Swets writes: ‘In this photo, she is at her annual dance banquet, for Contempo School of Dance. She currently is a dance student at Contempo, as well as a teacher.’ Trinity plans to continue to teach dance at Contempo and to attend Pasco-Hernando State College, in the fall. (Courtesy of Katy Swets)
Andrea Burgess is a graduate from Steinbrenner High School. She is the great-niece of Mary Jane Weeks, an account manager for The Laker/Lutz news. Mary Jane writes: ‘She graduated with a 6.04 GPA and will attend the University of South Florida this fall, working toward a double major in computer science and music. I am so proud of her.’ (Courtesy of Mary Jane Weeks)
Ethan Carnahan, of Lutz, graduated with honors from Hillsborough Virtual K-12. He will be attend- ing Florida Polytechnic University in the fall. (Shana Carnahan)
Katilyn Tawzer poses on her big day. Terry and Carroll Carpenter, longtime residents of Lutz, submitted this photo of their grand-daughter, Kaitlyn Tawzer, who graduated with a bachelor’s degree from Florida State University. Her grandparents were there to see their first grandchild to graduate from college. Kaitlyn is a graduate of Blake High School. Her family lives in Wesley Chapel. (Courtesy of Terry and Carroll Carpenter)
Lutz resident Mariah Tirado is a member of the Gaither High School Class of 2022. Her mom, Carolann Newsome, writes: ‘We are so proud of Mariah, she is truly one of a kind. She loves cowboy boots and rac- ing. Mariah races go-karts at Dirt Devils Speedway in Land O’ Lakes. She plans to become a Realtor.’ (Courtesy of Carolann Newsome)
Tracy Gaschler, who describes her- self as a super-proud momma, writes: ‘Rebecca Gaschler, of Lutz, graduat- ed with honors from the University of Central Florida Burnett Honors College with degrees in political sci- ence, pre-law and psychology. The National Merit scholar is the 2022 Austyn White Memorial Award recipi- ent for her contributions to the UCF Moot Court team, She placed in nationals this year.’ (Courtesy of Tracy Gaschler)
Daniella Gutiérrez graduated from Wesley Chapel Elementary School and will attend Thomas Weightman Middle School. Karem De La Hoz writes: ‘Good luck in middle school and remember, a positive mindset brings positive things.’ (Courtesy of Karem De La Hoz)
Kelsey Strigler, a graduate from Wiregrass Ranch High School, is heading to Florida State University. (Courtesy of Tara Strigler)
Kylie Strigler, left, and Delaney Strigler are both graduates of eighth grade at John Long Middle School, in Wesley Chapel. They’ll be attend- ing Wiregrass Ranch High School. (Courtesy of Tara Strigler)
Sebastian Gutierrez is a graduate of the Class of 2022 from Wesley Chapel High School. Karem De La Hoz writes: ‘Sending warm congratu- lations today and wishing you all the best at Wittenberg University. We are so proud of you!’ (Courtesy of Karem De La Hoz)
Nicole Sanchez is a graduate of the Class of 2022 from Saint Leo University, in St. Leo. She’s the digital content assistant for The Laker/Lutz News. The Laker/Lutz News staff says to Nicole: ‘We’re proud to salute our very own graduate! Congratulations, Nicole. We’re happy you’re part of our team.’ (Courtesy of Nicole Sanchez)
Rielly Perez, who played varsity baseball, and Brooke Lea, who played varsity softball, are both graduates of the Zephyrhills High School Class of 2022. Hiedi Perez writes that Rielly and Brooke have been friends since elemen- tary school and both are big believers in giving back to the community. Rielly will attend Nova Southeastern University. Brook will
attend the University of Central Florida. (Courtesy of Heidi Perez)
Everett Walker graduated from kinder- garten in Alpine, Wyoming. He lives with his mom, dad and little brother, Evan. He attends Thayne Elementary School. He is the great-nephew of Mary Jane Weeks, account manager for The Laker/Lutz News. (Courtesy of Mary Jane Weeks)
Kaylee Grace Billek is a volunteer prekindergarten graduate from The Cherry Tree. Shannon Billek writes, ‘I can’t believe your VPK year is over! Kaylee girl, you are the answer to my dreams. I am so proud of you and beyond excited you are now a Wildcat! Kindergarten here she comes!!!’ (Courtesy of Shannon Billek)
Luna Mistretta, 5, graduated from VPK at Temple Terrace Presbyterian Weekday School in Temple Terrace on May 26. She said she wants to be “a copy editor like Mama” when she grows up. She is the daughter of Ashley and Matthew Mistretta, art director of The Laker/Lutz News. (Courtesy of Ashley Mistretta)

A star-spangled show: benefit featured patriotism, pups

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Flags flap in the wind, as members of the Color Guard from Zephyrhills High School’s U.S. Army JROTC present the colors during the Star-Spangled Banner and the Pledge of Allegiance. The guard was part of a Memorial Day weekend event at Land O’ Lakes Heritage Park, to benefit the Tunnel to Towers Foundation and Let Us Do Good Village. (FRED BELLET)

A benefit was held over Memorial Day weekend to honor those who have served in the U.S. armed forces and to help the Tunnel to Towers Foundation.

The May 28 event featured a presentation of the colors by the Color Guard from Zephyrhills High School’s U.S.Army JROTC.

There were musical acts, vendors, special guests and activities.

Kevin Wright and Chandler Entertainment LLC organized the event, which served as a fundraiser for the Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation.

During the benefit, U.S.Army veteran Staff Sgt. Steven Daily thanked Corsos for Heroes, as he received a dog named Six from the organization that provides service dogs for disabled veterans and first responders in need. Daily served in Afghanistan and Iraq and sustained injuries during his military service.

Tunnel to Towers is building the Let Us Do Good Village, off Parkway Boulevard, about one- half-mile east of Ehren Cutoff, in Land O’ Lakes.

The subdivision of more than 100 homes is planned on 75 acres donated by the Esther and Harold Mertz Foundation to the Stephen Siller Tunnel toTowers Foundation.

Three of the Cane Corsos who came along for the ride to the benefit for the Tunnel to Towers Foundation and Let Us Do Good Village check things out from the back of a donated school bus. (FRED BELLET)

The Tunnel to Towers Let Us Do Good Village will be the first of its kind community of mort- gage-free homes for the nation’s fallen first responder families, Gold Star families and catastrophically injured veterans and first responders.

Ground for the village broke back in December, with the first of 110 houses estimated to be completed and given to a veteran by December.

The neighborhood also will feature amenities, including an indoor basketball court, pool, tennis court, an ADA-accessible gym, a theater, an outdoor playground, a game room and more.

The foundation is named after Stephen Siller, a New York City firefighter who had finished his shift and was on his way home when the Sept. 11 attacks occurred at the Twin Towers.

With 60 pounds of gear strapped to his back, he raced by foot through the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel to the Twin Towers, where he was one of 343 firefighters who perished that day.

Four-year old Hudson Kirby, of Lutz, plants an American Flag into the ground near the Land O’ Lakes Heritage Park stage. Hudson was at the benefit event for the Tunnel to Towers Foundation and Let Us Do Good Village with his grandmother, Jewel Brown, of Lutz. (Fred Bellet)

He left behind five young children.

In another local story related to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, the Wesley Chapel home of fallen U.S.Army Sgt. First Class Benjamin Bitner, who was killed in Afghanistan in 2011, was paid off by the foundation, according to a news release from the organization.

In observance of Memorial Day, the foundation paid off the mortgage on the homes of 21 Gold Star families in 16 states across the country.

Bitner left behind his wife,April, and two children, Rogue and Gunnar.

 

U.S. Army veteran Staff Sgt. Steven Daily, right, served in Afghanistan and Iraq and sustained injuries. He discussed his experiences during the event and expressed his gratitude to Corsos for Heroes. The 28-year-old St. Petersburg man received a Corsos for Heroes dog. The veteran was at the event with his wife, Rachael, an active member of the U.S. Air Force. Harry Toro, at left, a breeder from Lutz, was there to hand over the leash to Daily. (FRED BELLET)

The Tunnel to Towers Foundation has set a goal to reach 1,000 mortgage-free homes delivered across the country to our nation’s military and first responders, by the end of the year, the release says.

Published on June 8, 2022.

This party goes on in the street

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Dade City Street Bash shuts down Seventh Street every second Friday of the month to host live music and vendors just in front of The Block, at 14307 Seventh St., in Dade City. (Courtesy of Larry Guilford)

Every second Friday evening of the month in Dade City, there’s a party in the street. A street bash, actually.

Dade City Brew House, the craft beer dispensary located in The Block on Seventh Avenue, began hosting the Dade City Street Bash back in February. And with each passing month, the street-wide, open-container, live music and vendor event gets bigger and bigger.

“It was definitely a way to get local merchants involved,” said Meghan Bertovich, manager and one of the owners of the Brew House. “And it’s a way to give the people of Dade City something to do, some place to hang out on a Friday evening. We found there is a fair share of people who work here, but don’t live here. … This gives them a reason to stay and meet more of the vendors, but also gives a reason for people to come out, bring their families, shop some and enjoy some live music.

“There’s a little bit of something for everyone.”

When Bertovich and fellow owner Geoff Layne started the Street Bash, they were “blown away with the response from the city.” Now, each Street Bash has grown not only in the turnout, but the amount of vendors looking to set up shop during the event.

Vendors are required to pay a fee to have a table or booth, with all proceeds of the Street Bash going to the Dade City Police Foundation.

“It gets bigger and better every month,” said Larry Guilford, founder of The Block, the renovated city block in which the Brew House is the main tenant.

“It really does give everyone a reason to come into downtown Dade City,” Bertovich added. “Because while it’s all on Seventh Avenue down to Meridian (Avenue), it has branched out to the side streets and even further into the rest of down- town. It’s always been about promoting local merchants and most of our vendors are from Pasco County, too, as well as the food trucks that will come out.”

Bertovich and Layne were more than happy to not only get the event going, but also to give the proceeds to the Dade City Police Foundation, as they are big supporters of the charitable organization. Bertovich is excited for the next Street Bash, which is set for June 10 and will feature live music from Lisa Kay and The Goldtop Band.

Bertovich said one great selling point of the Street Bash is that it’s a wet zone area. That means Brew House beers and drinks can be enjoyed anywhere on the street.

“It is nice, people trying our beer, and then they can take it to go and enjoy the music and the vendors,” Bertovich said. “It’s a way for us to get people to see the brewery, but we’re glad they can go and enjoy the whole event, even look at the car show when we have those parked along the street.

“It really is a great evening in Dade City,” she said.

Dade City Street Bash

When: June 10, 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Where: Starting at the Dade City Brew House, at 14323 Seventh St., Dade City, and continuing down and past Meridian Avenue.

Details: Every second Friday of the month, Dade City Brew House takes over Seventh Street for local vendors, car showings, live music, food, and open-container wet zone for residents and visitors to enjoy part of Historic Downtown Dade City. The event is presented by the Brew House and Premium Title Inc.

Info: Visit DadeCityBrewhouse.com, or call 352-218-3122.

Published on June 8, 2022.