The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Local News

Go ahead, cave in for this adventure

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What if I told you that you could go spelunking nearby?

Well, you can, sort of.

Plus, you won’t even need a helmet flashlight or fancy repel gear.

Found within the Citrus Tract area of the Withlacoochee State Forest in Lecanto, Dames Caves is a hidden gem that’s become a popular site — considering there aren’t many caves in Florida. This cave, the biggest and most colorful, is aptly named Vandal Cave. (Mike Camunas)

With the Dames Caves complex in south Lecanto, there are 37 discovered caves, several of which are safe and wide open to explore. You can take selfies in them and climb back out of one of the more gorgeous holes in the ground this state has to offer.

Dames Caves is located on the Citrus Tract area of the Withlacoochee State Forest. It is somewhat popular, but also has some natural-rock formation that is a must-see for any avid hiker or adventurer.

Besides, it won’t take you all day, or be as dangerous as deep-cave diving, such as in other states, or Florida’s springs and underwater caves.

With its shaded areas, several steep climbs for entries and exits, and picturesque views, it is definitely Worth The Trip.

Watch your step
First and foremost, Dames Caves, while in a state forest, is not maintained or monitored by the parks service. Are there a few guard rails? Yes, however, unofficial markers — a few spray-painted rocks and tree trunks — guide the way. There are foregone warning signs, so enter at your own risk.

The entrance to Vandal Cave is somewhat hidden, and guarded, but clearly is marked by unfortunate graffiti.

Yet, the risk is never that great. You will need to be surefooted and most likely be wearing boots.

The semi-steep climb down into Vandal Cave — the largest and most colorful cave of the bunch — requires some maneuvering.

Once down there, take in all the graffiti, then realize where the cave got its name. There’s not a bright color to be missed.

The nature of this cave is still a sight to behold — so be sure to gaze up.

It is a good 30 feet to 40 feet deep, has some alcoves and the landscape is dominated by karst landforms.

This is a view of Vandal Cave, is at it appears from the bottom, looking up.

Geologically, the caves are among the oldest in Florida.

If you happen to go when it’s not raining or even after a shower, listen closely and you just might hear the underground rivers flowing beneath you.

Exit Vandal Cave and feel free to explore, at your own risk, other nearby caves such as Danger Cave, Peace Sign Cave and Sick Bat Cave, all of which are aptly named, though Bruce Wayne might not approve of the last one.

In Search of Dames
Getting to the Dames Caves system is not hard, however, it is not an exact location. There is no sign or parking lot, but most GPS apps will be able to take you to the “Unofficial Parking Lot,” which is on County Road 491, about 12 miles south of State Road 44. The entrance near the gate has several yellow posts almost directly across the street from West Lone Court.

Looking down into Vandal Cave, it’s obvious to see where it got its name … and popularity.

Once there, it is less than a half-mile to reach the biggest grouping of the caves. Peace Cave is about another quarter-mile from Vandal Cave, but can easily be found thanks to a big spray-painted peace sign. Groovy, baby.

Recommendation: Use the AllTrails app available for free download to your smartphone. Not only does it have thousands of trails, their locations and informative data, it works as a GPS tracker and can help you find your way.

Loop it, Lizzie
If you can’t spend all day exploring these caves (which you probably can’t), then definitely walk past them just a little further until you find the Lizzie Heart Sink Loop trail. It’s a nearly 4-mile, moderately-challenging trail, tucked under a tree canopy for plenty of shade and even includes some slight elevation.

Toward the bottom of the loop will be water runoff, or sink, but depending on the time of the year, it could be dry and it lets you cut the loop. Another recommendation, stay on the trail and enjoy the lush vegetation and some wildflower surprises. It’s worth the nearly 90 minutes it takes to complete it.

Besides, if you’re lucky, you might have it all to yourself for a nice serene and peaceful hike, while other adventurers are still spelunking in the caves.

Dames Caves and the Lizzie Heart Sink Loop
Where: 10701 S. Lecanto Highway (Note: this is an unofficial parking lot)
Details: Dames Caves is a set of 37 discovered caves in the Citrus Tract area of the Withlacoochee State Forest in Lecanto. There are several to climb into, including Vandal Cave and Peace Cave. These caves are situated on the Lizzie Heart Sink Loop, a nearly 4-mile trail that’s considered a moderately challenging route, takes an average of about 90 minutes to complete, and is a popular trail for hiking, biking and even a little motocross. The trail is open year-round and leashed dogs are welcome.
Cost: There is no charge to visit Dames Caves.

Published September 07, 2022

The Lutz Branch Library reopens

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The Lutz Branch Library has reopened, with limited services, after being closed for a month because of plumbing problems.

The Lutz Branch Library reopened on Aug. 30, after being closed a month due to plumbing problems. However, the new library now needs minor repairs and is without restroom services to patrons. (File)

The library, at 101 W. Lutz Lake Fern Road, reopened on Aug. 30.

It was closed temporarily after experiencing septic tank and plumbing problems on July 27.

The problems caused a backup of sewage into the library, causing a small amount of damage and leaving the facility without working plumbing.

The library posted to its social media and on its website that limited service will be available Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and that restrooms will be unavailable.

During that time, the library still had curbside service available, and will continue to offer that to patrons.

In the meantime, the Hillsborough County Library System suggests the Jimmie B. Keel Regional Library, at 2902 W. Bearss Ave.

All of this comes after the Lutz Branch Library underwent a six-month, $790,000 renovation that gave the interior a fresh, bright new look — from more natural lighting, to new flooring, to new paint and walls, and even new furniture and installations. Those renovations, which also featured new glass walls and a self-checkout hub, were finished in late 2021.

Additionally, the library announced in July that its Friends of the Lutz Branch Library book collection program had returned to providing an array of affordably priced books for patrons’ reading pleasure. The Friends were inactive for some time due to the COVID-19 pandemic and hiatus during the six-month renovation.

Published September 07, 2022

Passage of Pasco school tax is a very big deal, district leaders say

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When someone writes the history of Pasco County Schools, the date Aug. 23, 2022, likely will be remembered.

That’s the day that Pasco County voters approved a referendum allowing up to a 1-mil increase in annual property taxes to pay for wage increases, to recruit and retain non-administrative personnel who work for Pasco County Schools.

For Don Peace, president of the United School Employees of Pasco (USEP), the voters’ decision marked the culmination of five years of pursuing an additional source of revenue to support employee pay.

The union leader characterized the tax initiative’s passage as “probably the biggest thing to happen to Pasco County public education in the last 20 years.”

These students are making their way to the first day of classes at Kirkland Ranch Academy of Innovation. A new tax passed by Pasco County voters is intended to support the district’s educational efforts for students like these, by providing increased revenues to pay for higher wages for teachers, bus drivers, kitchen workers and other non-administrative personnel. (File)

Peace also expressed his gratitude to everyone who helped make it happen, during remarks he made at the Pasco County School Board’s Aug. 30 meeting.

He thanked the community for voting yes. He thanked Superintendent Kurt Browning and the school board for getting the initiative on the ballot.

The USEP president also thanked Lift Up Pasco, a group of retired district employees, as well as employees who volunteered their own time, to help generate support for the tax.

Peace singled out Pasco County Tax Collector Mike Fasano and former state Sen. John Legg, who provided written support for the cause.

“FEA (the Florida Education Association) and Stephanie Kunkel are also to be commended, as they worked to get information out to voters, through mailers,” Peace said.

In essence, the union leader thanked anyone who had anything to do with approval of the new tax.

Browning also characterized the Aug. 23 Primary Election Day as “a great day for the Pasco district.

“It is a game-changer,” Browning said.

The superintendent said the reelection of school board incumbents Cynthia Armstrong and Megan Harding, as well as the approval of the millage referendum, “sent a strong message that our parents are happy with the direction that this district is moving.

“I think they (voters) want to support our teachers, and I think, most importantly, they want to support our students.

“This was a huge thing for us because what it’s going to do is it’s going to put us at even, if not above, our neighbors to the south, when it comes to pay,” Browning said.

The superintendent also noted there’s already been an increase in the number of applicants wanting to work in the Pasco district.

“I think it’s just the beginning of things to come.” Browning said.

While delighted by the outcome, Browning added: “We need to be accountable. We need to be transparent and we need to do what we said we were going to do with those dollars. And, we will do just that.”

The school district leader also thanked the union for its involvement on the tax issue and thanked the school board “for having the courage to place that issue on the ballot.”

School board members expressed gratitude, too.

“I’m so thankful for the community voting yes for our students and for all of the support we had on that issue. That was just a big win for our district,” said Cynthia Armstrong, the board’s chairwoman.

Board member Megan Harding put it this way: “On Aug. 23, you voted yes for our Pasco County students because you believe in public education.

“I truly believe this is going to help us retain our teachers and staff, and recruit teachers and staff to help us be competitive with our surrounding counties.

“Our students deserve to have certified teachers in front of them, teaching them.

“Our teachers and staff deserve to be compensated appropriately for all of their hard work, they do every single day.

“Good schools are created when you have certified teachers teaching our amazing students, and when you have good schools, communities thrive,” Harding said.

Like the others, she voiced appreciation for the work done by Lift Up Pasco, USEP members and district volunteers to support passage of the tax.

Harding praised the efforts of board colleague Colleen Beaudoin, in particular. “She worked really, really, really hard on that, so thank you Miss Beaudoin for all of your support.”

Beaudoin, for her part, began by thanking the Pasco community.

Beaudoin was a fierce advocate for the referendum, reasoning the district had no other way to provide the pay necessary to recruit and retain employees.

“Our students deserve to have high-quality, certified teachers in front of them. This referendum, in addition to our commitment to permanent salary increases, will go a long way toward Pasco County school employees being the best-paid district in the area,” Beaudoin said, during the board’s Aug. 30 meeting.

She, too, expressed appreciation for everyone who pitched in.

“The additional income will be significant for our employees, but I must also say that knowing that the majority of the community supports public education and our educators and staff is a big morale boost to our team.

“I know that this was a big ask for our community in difficult economic times, and I appreciate our voters supporting our schools.

“This is a big win for Pasco students,” Beaudoin said.

Published September 07, 2022

School board urges more sidewalks

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Conversations had already been happening between Pasco County Schools and Pasco County government about the need for the county to build more sidewalks — but school board members want to ratchet up the urgency level.

They agreed during their Aug. 30 meeting to send a letter to the Pasco County Commission asking that sidewalks to be made a priority.

The issue has become more pressing because the school district has dropped “courtesy” bus rides this year for sixth- through 12th-graders who live within 2 miles of school.

A bus arrives on the first day of school at Kirkland Ranch Academy of Innovation. While this bus arrived on time, the school district continues to struggle with late buses because of a shortage of bus drivers. (File)

Pasco Schools Superintendent Kurt Browning said the district was forced to take that action because of a shortage of bus drivers and increasing enrollment.

Last year, the district changed its school start and end times, in a shift aimed at getting students to school and home on time.

Browning characterized that as “an extreme step” but said he hoped it would result in students arriving to school and at home on time.

It helped, but did not solve the problem, he said.

“The second initiative we put in place was the elimination of courtesy ridership for secondary schools for this school year.

“This, too, was an extreme step to take, but one that was necessary,” Browning said.

He said he’s received emails from parents who are asking that empty seats on buses be filed by courtesy riders.

But the superintendent said exceptions cannot be made because that would lead to inequities in the district.

He also told the board that district buses are more filled than ever before.

“We’ve eliminated (more than) 100 routes from the beginning of last year, despite the growth that this district has seen. We continue to combine routes this school year to adjust to the numbers of students that we’re required to transport, and we do not have enough drivers to get this work done today.

“At the beginning of the 2020-2021 school year, we had 436 bus routes. Today, we have 333 bus routes. We’ve grown by approximately 6,000 students in that time,” Browning said.

The Pasco County School Board is urging the Pasco County Commission to put a higher priority of building new sidewalks. Many sixth- through 12th-graders who live within 2 miles of school must walk to school now because the school district dropped its ‘courtesy’ bus rides for secondary students. (Mike Camunas)

Parents have raised safety concerns about their children having to walk to school on streets without sidewalks or lighting.

But Browning is holding firm: “The elimination of courtesy riders for secondary schools will remain in effect.”

Even with the steps the districts has taken, there are still late buses, Browning said.

He attributes that to the district’s 57 driver vacancies.

“I think it goes without saying that our transportation staff is working many, many hours, addressing the issues of parents and students,” Browning said.

School board member Megan Harding said she wants to know how many seats on the bus are vacant.

“I would like some kind of count. We make our decisions based on data, so I think I have the right to have some of that data.

“I believe there are empty seats. You talk about equity and you talk about fairness. It’s not fair if we have empty seats on the bus and we have kids that are walking an hour in the dark to school,” Harding said.

Browning told her the district has rosters of students assigned to buses, but doesn’t keep a running count of how many seats are occupied.

School board chairwoman Cynthia Armstrong noted that parents of students who qualify sign up their children for buses and are entitled to that bus service, whether they use it or not.

In some cases, parents transport their children on most days of the week, but occasionally use the bus, when they’re not able to take the child to school.

Harding said she understands the district is in a crisis, relating to the bus driver shortages, but she added, at the same time: “I do have families reaching out to me, still daily, about their children waiting an hour at their bus stop because the bus is late.”

She said she’s personally written the Pasco County Commission, but asked if the board would support sending a letter, too, which it did.

“I feel that they’re dragging their feet and it’s a huge safety issue,” Harding said.

Deputy Superintendent Ray Gadd said, “I think in the coming months, we’re going to have some commission members who are going to take up the charge for us on sidewalks.

“I think they’re sympathetic toward our cause.”

Meanwhile, Armstrong suggested parents may want to consider the old-school approach of carpooling.

With the availability of today’s social media tools, it might be easier to organize a carpool than it was in the past, Armstrong noted.

Published September 07, 2022

Pasco approves 2 million-square-foot corporate business park

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After months of back-and-forth between two adjoining landowners, the Pasco County Commission has approved a master-planned unit development for a corporate business park on State Road 52, in Land O’ Lakes.

The project, known as Eagle II, is entitled for up to 2 million square feet of corporate business park, targeted businesses and light industrial uses, as well as 150,000 square feet of commercial/office uses on 321 acres.

The site is on the south side of State Road 52 about a half-mile west of Bellamy Brothers Boulevard.

The property is within the Central Pasco Employment Village, which was designated years ago by the county board to create a coordinated vision among a group of landowners.

As adopted, the plan envisions a mixed-use employment village on more than 2,400 acres, located along the south side of State Road 52, roughly between the Collier Parkway Extension and Bellamy Brothers Boulevard.

The employment village is expected to contain commercial, residential and industrial uses.

A system had been developed to allow landowners to swap entitlements among themselves, under the county’s supervision.

But it became clear in this case that those swaps don’t always go smoothly.

During a Pasco County Planning Commission hearing on this request, the planning board voted 3-1 to recommend denial of the request, after it appeared that the applicant in this case, George Southworth, of 3KS Family LLLP, could not reach an agreement with Andy Joe Scaglione, of D&D Ranch, who owns the adjacent property.

During the county board’s Aug. 24 public hearing, Cynthia Spidell, a professional planner with the law firm of Stearns, Weaver, Miller, testified that the issues had been worked out between her client and his neighbor.

“The road alignment was changed, which the neighbor is fine with,” Spidell said.

Commissioner Mike Moore said: “the road alignment needed to get worked out.”

Scaglione said he no longer opposes the proposed connection between Eagle II and his  D&D Ranch.

“It’s a shame this wasn’t done at the planning commission, that it had to come to this point,” Scaglione said.

Moore agreed a quicker resolution would have been nice.

Meanwhile, another aspect of the application involves a proposed alignment for a portion of the proposed Orange Belt Trail.

Spidell said her client has agreed to provide 30 feet of the right of way for free, with the county having the option to buy an additional 30 feet of right of way.

The cost of the additional right of way would be based on the average of costs in the area, she said.

Commission Chairwoman Kathryn Starkey said Tampa Bay Water has control of a portion of the right of way and the county is seeking an agreement to use it for the trail.

Sam Beneck, a project manager with the county’s engineering services, has been working to secure an easement from Tampa Bay Water.

He said it appears that Tampa Bay Water is amenable to granting the easement, along with some reasonable conditions.

If that happens, the trail will be going through a beautiful area, Starkey said. But if it doesn’t, the county can purchase the additional land from Southworth.

Moore said he’d prefer to avoid that option.

“You’re going to pay a pretty penny for that,” Moore said, noting the current land values are inflated.

The price tag would be around $465,000 based on the 5.7 acreages needed at a current average cost $81,122, Moore said.

“I’d be concerned paying that high of price for a trail,” the commissioner said.

Starkey is confident the ongoing negotiations with Tampa Bay Water will be successful and the county won’t need to purchase Southworth’s land.

Published September 07, 2022

Taskforce focused on homelessness in Zephyrhills

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They are taking care of their own.

Over the past year, local organizations, churches, charities and citizens, have formed The Hub Taskforce. It’s a coalition of like-minded individuals, either representing a place in Zephyrhills or Dade City or just themselves, that comes together monthly to discuss initiatives and how to get more resources to the homeless community.

“This is a group effort — a community effort,” Zephyrhills Police Chief Derek Brewer said. “When we started over a year ago, we just started meeting to talk about resources and where we wanted to go as a group. It has snowballed into something much more.”

The Hub Taskforce, made up of community representatives from the city, churches, businesses, charities and citizens, meets at Genesis Community Center in Zephyrhills, and discusses initiatives and resources to help the town’s homeless people. (Mike Camunas)

At first, the taskforce was small and it reached out to the Pasco County Coalition for the Homeless. However, Brewer says it was evident that that group was “stretched pretty thin” and the community, at large, was looking for ways to make an immediate impact on their streets.

“We’ve learned over the years that you can’t rush away homelessness,” Brewer said, “and we wanted a humanitarian approach to it.”

Brewer admits, especially in the meetings, that his officers will be the first line in meeting with homeless people. Which is why he wanted to address the issue in a way that doesn’t involve escalation or even incarnation.

So, the taskforce sets about finding ways to help the homeless, by either getting them the resources they need at the moment, such as a food bank or a shelter.

Backpacks, full of useful supplies for the homeless, were packed and donated by Mechell Alline, a local entrepreneur and life coach.

“We want to get them out of the situation, that way they’re not just sitting in jail,” Brewer added.

Over time, more and more organizations, charities and businesses have joined or attended the meetings. The August meeting was well-attended, and joining the Zephyrhills Police Department (ZPD) was the Zephyrhills Women’s Club, Meals on Wheels Zephyrhills, Pasadena Food Pantry in Dade City, United Methodist Women of Zephyrhills, Saint Joseph’s Catholic Church Food and Baby Pantries, Premier Community HealthCare, First Presbyterian Church of Zephyrhills, Pasco County Schools Students In Transition (SIT) Program, Healing Hearts Cafe, Palm Medical Center for Seniors, and Samaritan Project in Zephyrhills.

The roundtable discussions will present new or recurring issues and those attending will offer solutions. The goal is to find resources and ways to help the homeless, with potential options to improve their lives.

“There are new people every single month, and it’s about what they can offer us, what we can offer them,” Brewer said. “Someone has an issue, everyone jumps on top of it to help. That’s the goal.”

Zephyrhills Police Chief Derek Brewer addresses attendees of The Hub Taskforce during its monthly meeting at the Genesis Community Center.

Others are going a step further. Mechell Alline, a local entrepreneur, life coach and aneurysm survivor, has been putting together helpful backpacks that include supplies like snacks and water, but also resource materials that could lead the homeless person to charities and organizations that might help their specific need.

Members of the taskforce will take a backpack and hand it out to a homeless person. Alline made 12 backpacks at the most recent meeting, paying for them out of her own pocket.

“My intention (with the backpacks) was to make people feel like they are human beings by providing some comfort — it was something I really wanted to do,” she said. “It feels good to be a part of something that’s working toward helping the people in the community who really need it.”

Other members of the taskforce are looking for ways to involve the city more. For the police department, “it’s typical for law enforcement to be thrust into this because we’re the ones making contact with them,” Brewer says, adding “unfortunately we don’t have all the resources available to us.”

“As the officers are coming in contact with them, we want to be able to say, ‘I know who you can call’ and it doesn’t matter if they need clothing or food or shelter or even a backpack.”

However, the taskforce is hoping to get more city representatives to the meetings, as a way to get their feedback and suggestions on solutions.

“I would like to see a little more involvement from the city, especially if we’re addressing this as a city issue and not just a police one,” said Becky Finley, who represents St. Joseph’s Catholic Church Food and Baby Pantries.

In the end, the taskforce sees homelessness as a community, a city and a citizen issue. One that should be solved by their own in the community.

“This is a great group of individuals with the same goal in mind and that’s to help people,” Brewer said. “I didn’t realize the impact these individuals can and will make, until I started meeting with them. They are entrenched in the community, and really care about what happens here.

“They are Zephyrhills people trying to take care of Zephyrhills people.”

The Hub Taskforce
When: Every third Wednesday of the month, 4 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Genesis Community Center, 38112 15th Ave., Zephyrhills
Details: A monthly roundtable of Zephyrhills community, local organizations and citizen representatives that meet to discuss initiatives to help the homeless and poor, and to share other resources to contribute to the city-wide effort. Anyone from the community is welcome to attend.
Info: Call Beth Aker at 813-782-7859.

Published September 07, 2022

Billy Brown to receive special Pasco EDC honor

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Billy Brown, known for his philanthropy and leadership, will receive a special honor at the Pasco Economic Development Council’s 34th annual awards ceremony on Sept. 8. (Courtesy of Pasco Economic Development Council)

The Pasco Economic Development Council (Pasco EDC) is honoring Billy E. Brown with its Leadership Award this year.

The economic development organization always singles out one person who has made extraordinary contributions and this year, it chose Brown, according to a news release.

Brown began his employment with Withlacoochee River Electric Cooperative (WREC) in 1956 as a lineman making just $1.10 an hour, the news release says.

Over the years, Brown’s leadership skills were recognized and he rose through the ranks, being promoted into supervisory positions, executive vice president and general manager — a position he has held for 49 years.

During his half-century of leadership, he has contributed to the community in myriad ways.

Brown has made an impact on many local charitable projects including the Boys and Girls Club, the Lacoochee Project, and the Vincent House Project, as well as being instrumental in the development of One Pasco Center, which has served as a catalyst economic development project and provided pad-ready sites for companies looking to locate to Pasco County, the release says.

Under Brown’s leadership, WREC has awarded over $15 million in local scholarships, provided lighting for college baseball fields, and funded equipment and technology for the local school system, release adds.

“Mr. Brown’s footprint is forever embedded in Pasco County; he has touched thousands of lives and made a lasting impression on our community. We are privileged to honor Mr. Brown with the 2022 Leadership Award,” Bill Cronin, Pasco EDC president/CEO, said in the release. “He is an exceptional example of a leader and philanthropist making a difference in the local community.”

Brown will be honored with this award at the Pasco EDC’s 34th annual awards, accompanied by a tribute from family and friends.

The event is set for Sept. 8 from 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., at the Pasco-Hernando State College Instructional Performing Arts Center (IPAC), 8657 Old Pasco Road in Wesley Chapel.

Tickets are available online, at PascoEDC.com.

Published September 07, 2022

Pasco cleanup needs volunteers

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Keep Pasco Beautiful is gearing up for its annual cleanup and is seeking volunteers to help out.

The annual countywide event aims to pick up debris before it has a chance to enter the area’s waterways.

Volunteers will work to pick up litter on roadways and in public spaces all around Pasco County, according to a county news release.

An estimated 80% of the trash that ends up in the county’s waters started out on land, so the cleanup efforts help to prevent pollution from entering the county’s stormwater system, which often leads to waterways and the Gulf of Mexico.

Here are the event details:
When: Sept. 17, from 8 a.m. until noon
Where: Various Pasco County locations.
Info: Visit KeepPascoBeautiful.org.

Registrations are being accept through Sept. 9.

Disposable gloves, trash bags and Keep Pasco Beautiful Cleanup T-shirts will be supplied while supplies last, the news release says.

“We’re excited to have the support of so many community organizations,” Keep Pasco Beautiful Coordinator Kristen King, said in the release.

She also expressed gratitude to Rotary District 6950, in partnership with West Pasco Rotary Clubs of New Port Richey, Holiday, Hudson, Seven Springs, Trinity and West Pasco Sunset for providing grant funding to support this year’s event.

This event is part of the International Coastal Cleanup coordinated by Ocean Conservancy.  The worldwide event has collected more than 348 million pounds of trash with help from around 17 million volunteers – since 1986.

Published September 07, 2022

Pasco has a new chief correctional officer

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The Pasco County Commission has confirmed the appointment of Stacey Jenkins to serve in the role of chief correctional officer, effective Oct. 1.

Major Jenkins will be leading the Land O’ Lakes Detention Center, as it transitions from being managed by the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office to a department operated by Pasco County.

Stacey Jenkins, the new chief correctional officer for Pasco County, thanks the Pasco County Commission on Aug. 24 for confirming her appointment to the role. (Courtesy of Pasco County)

She has more than 31 years of correctional operations experience as a corrections/law enforcement officer with the Pasco Sheriff’s Office, according to materials in the Pasco County Commission’s Aug. 24 agenda packet.

She is experienced in developing policy and providing direction for the operation of the detention facility, ensuring adherence to federal and state law, as well as standards of the Florida Corrections Accreditation Commission.

She also has developed and managed budgets, set department goals, and has communicated operational needs to the staff and the public, the agenda materials say.

She holds a Master of Science in Criminal Justice, with a concentration in legal studies, from Saint Leo University.

The county board approved her appointment on a 5-0 vote.

In another action related to the shift of jail operations, the county board approved the expenditure of nearly $1.58 million to replace correction department vehicles, to cover some trainee personnel costs and to provide for IT services.

Some of the vehicle replacements will be delivered in fiscal year (FY) 2022 and some in fiscal year 2023, but all are being budgeted in the 2022 fiscal year. The money will roll forward, if the cars are not yet available.

The county also is responsible for picking up the costs of salaries and uniforms for 20 new trainees, for the remaining two pay periods of FY 2022, according to materials in the agenda packet.

The increase includes $514,799 for a separate IT system that is needed for the corrections department.

In other action, the county board:

  • Approved $371,910.08 for the purchase of a fire rescue landing craft boat
  • Recognized the need to provide $6 million more for the health insurance fund because a higher number of claims caused the county to exceed its estimated costs
  • Approved an interlocal agreement with Tampa Bay Water for The Florida-Friendly Landscaping Program, to provide a coordinated environmental education program that promotes responsible actions by homeowners, businesses, and schools to conserve water and improve the water quality by reducing polluted runoff from yards and other landscaped areas
  • Approved an agreement with BayCare Behavioral Health Inc., to provide mental health and human development services for indigent residents in Pasco County. The contract is for an amount not to exceed (NTE) $1,221,148 for fiscal year 2023; NTE $1,221,148 for fiscal year 2024; and NTE $1,221,148 for fiscal year 2025. The cumulative NTE is $3,663,444 for the three-year agreement.

Published September 07, 2022

Pasco Fire Rescue employee named ‘public educator of the year’

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Lisa Brekke, an employee of Pasco County Fire Rescue, has been the focus of attention lately — in a good way.

Lisa Brekke was honored during the Aug. 24 Pasco County Commission meeting. She received a resolution from the county board, recognizing her contributions and for being named the 2022 Public Educator of the Year by the Florida Fire Marshal and Inspector Association. (Courtesy of Pasco County)

Most recently, she received a resolution applauding her work from the Pasco County Commission, during its Aug. 24 meeting.

The board acknowledged Brekke for her recognition from the Florida Fire Marshal and Inspector Association, which named her as the 2022 Public Educator of the Year.

The state association’s award recognizes “leadership for superior life safety strategies through inspection, investigation, public education, and code management,” according to the board’s resolution.

The distinction “signifies dedication and leadership in preventative risk education and fire safety,” the resolution adds.

Brekke joined Pasco Fire Rescue in 2018.

She has served as the lead contact for Pasco County’s Prom Promise, a program that educates high school students throughout Pasco County on the dangers of driving under the influence.

She also coordinates both Pasco County’s smoke detector installation program and the Knox Box program, which allows firefighters quick access into citizens’ homes during emergencies.

Brekke also is a program instructor for the Juvenile Fire Starter Intervention Program, according to the resolution.

The county’s commendation also notes that “Lisa does not hesitate to assist her coworkers in whatever way she can. She will do whatever it takes to ensure her team’s success, even if it includes working early in the morning, late at night, or on the weekends.”

The resolution goes on to credit Brekke’s “work ethic and spirit of cooperation” for bringing her team together, and it notes that beyond her work on countless safety events and programs, she also serves as “a preventative safety instructor in Pasco County Fire Rescue’s Community Risk Reduction division.”

Published September 07, 2022