The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Local News

Cruising on the Chassahowitzka

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Spring ahead with Seven Sisters

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Step on this crack

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

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

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

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

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

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

Spend the day

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

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

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

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

The Chassahowitzka River, or The Chaz

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

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

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

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

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

Published on May 25, 2022.

Revised May 27, 2022

Help to protect the Chassahowitzka River

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

Pasco continues attracting big employers

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

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

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

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

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

But another category high on the list is life sciences.

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

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

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

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

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

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

“We are busy,” Cronin said.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Published August 24, 2022

Explorer Hernando de Soto traveled through Dade City

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

They visited places that would become future Florida cities.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Published August 24, 2022

Traffic signals installed on Overpass Road

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

Motorists should be prepared to stop in all directions.

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

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

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

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

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

Published August 24, 2022

Celebrating the start of the 2022-2023 school year

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

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

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

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

Wesley Lorton attends ninth-grade at Steinbrenner High School, Megan is a sixth-grader at Lutz Preparatory School; Abigail is a third-grader at Lutz Preparatory; and, Madelyn is a kindergartner at Lutz Preparatory. (Courtesy of the Lortons)
Daphne Fread is in fifth grade at Pine View Elementary in Land O’ Lakes. (Courtesy of Jennifer Fread)
Luna Stoltz, 3, attends preschool at Mary’s House, in Land O’ Lakes. (Courtesy of Jan Crawley)
Nine-year-old Nykolus Di Roma is a fourth-grader at Denham Oaks Elementary, in Lutz. (Courtesy of Sabrina Di Roma)
Five-year-old Kaiden Hay is in kindergarten and his 6-year-old sister Kaiya is in first grade at Denham Oaks Elementary School, in Lutz. The family lives in Wesley Chapel. (Courtesy of Kara Hay)
Oliver Butler attends kindergarten at Lake Myrtle Elementary in Land O’ Lakes. (Courtesy of Laurie Butler)
Julia O’ Connor is a fifth-grader at Sand Pine Elementary. Her family lives in Meadow Pointe, in Wesley Chapel. (Courtesy of George O’ Connor)
Rachel Kocsis attends third grade at Denham Oaks Elementary, in Lutz and lives in Wesley Chapel. (Courtesy of Shelley Roth)
Camden Meyer, 5, is in kindergarten at Learning Gate Community School, in Lutz. (Courtesy of Maura Lanoue)
Five-year-old Luna Mistretta is ready for her first day of kindergarten at Dr. Kiran C. Patel Elementary School.
Greg Lewandowski, Megan Lewandowski and Margaret Lewandowski. Greg is entering his 16th year of teaching at Sickles High School; Margaret is a third-grader at Chiles Elementary; and, Margaret is entering her 18th year of teaching at Freedom High School. They live in Land O’ Lakes. (Courtesy of George O’Connor)
Nine-year-old Anora Smalls is a fourth-grader at Channelside Academy of Math and Science. (Courtesy of Marchele Smalls)
Thirteen-year-old Ivoryele Smalls, of Lutz, is an eighth-grader at Channelside Academy of Math and Science. (Courtesy of Marchele Smalls)

 

 

 

Efforts continue to blaze new trails in Pasco

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Pasco County is making progress on creating new trails to give residents more options — for getting around and staying fit.

The Pasco County Commission has approved a $2.3 million professional services agreement with Atkins North America Inc., to provide project development and environmental services in connection with the Orange Belt Multi-Use Trail.

The trail project was identified as a new project to be funded through the Pasco County Penny for Pasco Local Options Surtax that was renewed by voters in 2015, according to materials in the county board’s Aug. 9 agenda packet.

The board approved the professional services agreement, as part of a group of items approved on it consent agenda, without discussion.

The Orange Belt trail is on the Pasco County Metropolitan Planning Organization’s list of priority regional trails.

It is intended to be a paved trail, 12-feet to 15-feet wide, spanning the county.

It will provide connections between three existing regional trail corridors: Starkey Trail Connector, Suncoast Trail and the Withlacoochee State Trail.

Under the approved agreement, Atkins will develop the Project Development and Environment (PD&E) Study for the project, which would identify the alignment and required right of way acquisition and permitting.

The agreement also provides for the development of a plan that would divide the project into segments and would have independent schedules for design, right of way acquisition, and construction.

The agreement is to be completed within 740 calendar days from the date the Notice to Proceed is issued to Atkins, according to the agenda materials.

No dates have been established yet for the design, right of way or construction.

The study is expected to be finished by summer 2024. No dates have yet been set for design, right of way acquisition or construction. Preliminary cost estimates for the project are set at $38.5 million.

In another action related to new trails, the board approved a task order for $141,295, with Coastal Design Consultants Inc., relating to the design and permitting of the Boyette Road Multi-Use Path.

The task order provides for the design, permitting and post-design services required to construct an 8-foot multi-use path along Boyette Road extending from Vandine Road, on the south, to the most southerly pedestrian entrance into the Wesley Chapel District Park, on the north.

The project will create a continuous multi-use path along Boyette Road from State Road 54 to Overpass Road, and will provide walkers, runners and bicyclists with a safe route to and from the Wesley Chapel High School compound and Wesley Chapel District Park.

The design, construction plan preparation, permitting, utility coordination, and bid document preparation will be performed within 243 calendar days from the first Notice to Proceed. A second notice to proceed will be given for the post-design services.

Construction is expected to begin on the project in fall of 2023, with completion expected in 2024. The estimated cost of the project is slightly more than $1.3 million, including design, construction, construction engineering and inspection, according to materials in the agenda packet.

In other action on Aug. 9, the county board:

  • Approved an additional position in the Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources department to assist the department’s project manager to complete additional projects funded by the General Obligation Bond approved by voters.
  • Approved the purchase of two remote-controlled lawn mowers needed for maintenance of very steep areas in the county’s reclaimed water storage reservoirs.
  • Approved the reimbursement of $65,086.91 to Pasco County Tax Collector Mike Fasano for mailing expenses for tax notices for the 2021 tax year.
  • Approved an additional $35,000 in purchasing authority to Nabors, Giblin, Nickerson, P.A., for attorney’s fees, paralegal fees, travel expenses and costs as maybe incurred by the law firm on behalf of the county, for a cumulative total not to exceed $85,000. The law firm is assisting the county in its lawsuit involving a budget dispute between the county and Pasco County Clerk and Comptroller Nikkia Alvarez-Sowles.
  • Approved the appointment of Frank Cornier, president of Tampa Bay Neighborhood Housing Services, to serve on the board of the Pasco County Housing Finance Authority. He is filling a vacancy on the five-member board.
  • Approved a partnership between Pasco Fire/Rescue and the Florida Department of Health, Pasco County to treat and prevent opioid addiction in Pasco County. It includes the addition of up to three positions to support the program.

The program will implement a specialized unit to be deployed to incidents where citizens require medication assisted treatment and/or addiction stabilization services.

  • Approved $100,000 in additional purchasing authority for Florida’s Sports Coast, the county’s tourism marketing arm, for advertising, and funding of programs to incentivize events in Pasco, resulting in a new not-to-exceed amount of $1,272,064.00 for fiscal year 2022.

Published August 24, 2022

Opioid addiction is ‘a national crisis,’ congressman says

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U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis recently was back in his Tampa Bay home district and spent time with people working on the front lines in the battle against opioid addiction.

One stop was at a community meeting at AdventHealth Center Ice, in Wesley Chapel, where he met with members of the public and representatives of Live Tampa Bay — an organization that’s focused on drastically reducing deaths from opioid addiction.

Bilirakis offered big-picture thoughts on the opioid epidemic and discussed wide-ranging efforts he’s involved with to address it.

“Currently, fentanyl is the leading cause of death in the nation for individuals ages 18 to 45,” said Bilirakis, who represents Florida’s 12th congressional district.

“Folks, this is a national emergency. We must treat it like one. Our kids are dying. Our kids are dying.

U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis recently talked about a number of federal initiatives aimed at reducing opioid overdose deaths during a session at AdventHealth Center Ice, in Wesley Chapel. (B.C. Manion)

“Sadly, the epidemic of substance abuse disorder and addiction continue to have far-reaching consequences that touch every community, every demographic and every single one of us,” the congressman said.

“Tragically, despite historic increases in federal funding in recent years to tackle this issue, the problem is only getting worse.

“With provisional data, the CDC (Centers for Disease Control & Prevention) estimates that over 107,000 Americans died of a drug overdose during the past year, with Florida having particularly alarming numbers, with over 7,000 overdose deaths,” Bilirakis said.

“This is an issue that we must attack in different ways,” said the congressman, who has authored several pieces of successful legislation taking aim at the problem.

He shared insights he’s gleaned from meeting with people who are on the front line of responding to the crisis.

He cited Tampa Bay’s notorious history of illegal pill mills.

“When government stepped up and put a stop to the pill mills, law enforcement saw a huge surge in abusive, illegally trafficked, illicit street drugs, including heroin and synthetic opioids and stimulant drugs, like meth (methamphetamine),” he said.

Criminals will find a way to provide illegal substances, so getting to the root of the problem is crucial, Bilirakis said.

“We know that the issue of substance abuse and mental health are inextricably linked. For years, I’ve been working on legislation to address our nation’s broken mental health system.

“I’m proud to tell you that this is a bipartisan issue folks. (U.S. Rep.) Kathy Castor works with me on this issue. We both sit on the Energy and Commerce committee, and we’re both senior members of the health subcommittee,” he said.

While progress has been made, much work remains, Bilirakis said.

“Too many barriers still exist for getting someone the help they need.

“I recently held a roundtable discussion with federal and local law enforcement officials, public health officials, behavioral health providers and emergency room physicians, to discuss mental health and substance abuse disorder.

“These are the professionals in our community who are battling this epidemic every single day.

“I believe you must look to them for guidance on the ways we can all work together to find more effective solutions.

“Their stories were both powerful and heartbreaking.

“The law enforcement officials identified that they are navigating two distinct concerns. One being (the) trafficking rings and the other being illicit drug users.

“They made it clear that this is a public health crisis, one that we cannot arrest our way out of. “They felt strongly that instead of utilizing incarceration that we need to expand our available treatment options,” Bilirakis said.

Law enforcement officials also told the congressman that they’re seeing “almost every type of drug being laced with fentanyl or other synthetic opioids. Very scary, ladies and gentlemen. Very scary.’”

There’s also counterfeit vaping pens, marijuana and prescription pills that are manufactured to appear identical to their counterparts, Bilirakis said. As a result, unsuspecting users ingest substances that have been laced with fentanyl and overdose.

Law enforcement told Bilirakis they also need more resources to battle illicit distribution and drug use.

Another issue is the shortage of licensed psychologists, psychiatrists, mental health counselors, and others who can provide assistance to people struggling with mental health and substance addiction issues, Bilirakis said.

“This is definitely an urgent need,” he said.

The gap in insurance — relating to providing coverage for residential health care — makes that option out of financial reach for many.

And, even when families use their life savings to procure residential treatment for a family member, it’s difficult for them to discern the best provider, Bilirakis added.

“Stable care is such a vital component, in ensuring patients do not relapse,” he added.

Emergency room physicians are overburdened, too.

When Bilirakis talked to them, they estimated that roughly half of their time is spent addressing patients who are suffering from mental health or substance abuse disorder issues.

The problem touches everyone’s life, to some degree, Bilirakis said.

“Our neighbors, our friends, our families are struggling and they need help,” Bilirakis said.

Despite the difficulties and the work that remains, Bilirakis said he knows it’s a battle that can be won.

“I have hope,” Bilirakis said, mentioning individuals he’s met who received quality treatment and are living happy and fulfilling lives.

“Federal, state and local officials must work in tandem — that’s the key, collaboration — with nonprofits and private organizations, to generate and implement solutions.

“Together, I’m optimistic that we can, and we will, win this fight,” he said.

Live Tampa Bay mobilizes business, faith, nonprofit and philanthropic leaders in the Tampa Bay region who are dedicated to the mission of reducing opioid deaths.

Here are statistics from the organization’s research:

  • Tampa Bay’s opioid overdose rate of 23.3 per 100,000 population is 9.75% higher than the State of Florida, and 50.5% higher than the nation.
  • Experts estimate that the economic impact of the opioid epidemic on Tampa Bay is roughly $25 billion lost each year in gross regional product, with 35,000 workers sidelined from the labor force.
  • Nearly three people a day die in Tampa Bay from an opioid overdose, totaling 1,024 deaths in 2019.

For more information, visit LiveTampaBay.org.

Published August 24, 2022

Engineering firm wants office building on North Dale Mabry

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Tampa Civil Design is seeking a rezoning to clear the way for a 10,000-square-foot office on about 8.5 acres, on North Dale Mabry Highway, about 1,900 feet north of the Hillsborough County line.

Pasco County’s planning staff has recommended approval of the request and the Pasco County Planning Commission did the same during its Aug. 18 meeting.

The request now goes to the Pasco County Commission, which makes final decisions on land use and zoning issues.

Jeremy Couch is the applicant on the request.

He frequently appears before both the planning and county board in his professional capacity, but at the Aug. 18 planning board meeting, he was there to answer any questions the board had about his proposed office project.

Attorney Barbara Wilhite represented Couch during the hearing.

She told the planning board: “It’s an ROR (retail, office, residential) land use, it’s on Dale Mabry, it’s pretty straight-forward.”

During the public hearing, John Calamari, of 20719 Preston Lane, noted that there were errors in the application.

For one thing, he said, the site is on the west side of North Dale Mabry Highway, not on the east side as indicated in the application. Also, the application indicates that Preston Lane intersects with North Dale Mabry, but it does not.

Calamari, who has lived on Preston Lane since 1998 said he’s concerned about the use of Preston Lane, which is a 15-foot-wide road.

He said construction traffic or traffic from the project could cause damage to Preston Lane, which is substandard.

“Two vehicles cannot pass on Preston Lane,” Calamari said.

Couch said “it’s my full intention to access this property from Dale Mabry.

“The property does have a legal easement to Preston Lane,” Couch said, so there’s a chance it could be used during the construction phase.

However, once the project opens, the intention is to allow access only onto North Dale Mabry Highway, Couch said.

“I don’t want to encroach on these folks’ neighborhood. We’re going to be a very quiet low-impact use,” Couch said.

The application did not propose any kind of connection to Preston Lane. If Preston Lane is used in any capacity, the application would need to be amended.

A county staffer told Couch that if he uses Preston Lane at all, he must submit a videotape showing the road’s condition before using it. The road must be maintained during its use, and then it must be restored to the original condition when the use is finished. The applicant must then submit a videotape depicting the road after it has been restored.

Couch said he intends to block off access to Preston Lane, once the project is finished.

Goldstein said the application must be modified and conditions would be attached, if Couch wants to use Preston Lane.

Published August 24, 2022

As school activities and sports ramp up, be sure to stay hydrated

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The beginning of a new school year is full of fresh starts.

It’s also a time when many school teams begin to kick into high gear — creating lots of opportunities to work up a sweat and get thirsty.

There are team tryouts, practices and, of course, games and tournaments.

By checking this chart, you can see that a piece of cheese and sunflower seeds, or peanut butter on a bagel, have more sodium and potassium than a sports drink. (Courtesy of Michigan State University Extension)

Sports drinks are a popular way to slake a thirst, and they do serve an important purpose. But most recreational athletes and exercisers don’t lose the level of electrolytes that warrant drinking a sports drink.

Most of us are better off with water.

Sports drinks were designed primarily to help elite athletes to stay hydrated and to improve their performance.

Of course, cool packaging, notable flavor names and bright colors do make them appealing to youths.

Just remember, the purpose of sports drinks is to replenish electrolytes as they are lost through perspiration, and this electrolyte depletion happens at an extreme level.

In some circumstances, sports drinks are the better choice.

For instance, if your child is outside in intense heat for an hour or more while doing vigorous activity, such as long-distance running or soccer, sports drinks will provide hydration faster because the glucose and sodium they contain help the body absorb water faster than just the water on its own.

But, if your child is active outside for less than an hour and is doing intermittent physical activity, or is simply riding a bike, they are better off with water.

Sports drinks are mostly water, with the addition of carbohydrates, sodium and potassium.

Food sources have these, too.

So, to replace carbohydrates after an intense workout, you can eat a piece of fruit instead, such as a banana or orange, which gives additional nutrients as well, and doesn’t have added sugar.

A Yale study found that more than one in four American parents considered sports drinks to be healthy for kids. But they actually are considered a sugar-sweetened beverage, a category that is shared with soda, energy drinks and flavored coffees.

A 20-ounce bottle of a sports drink has about 34 grams of added sugar.

Therefore, sports drinks are not meant to be a substitute for water unless the circumstances call for it — again, consider the intensity of the exercise and the time in the heat.

Remember, healthy snacks, without so much added sugar, can replace electrolytes, too.

By Shari Bresin

Shari Bresin is the Family & Consumer Science Agent for the University of Florida/Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Cooperative Extension Pasco County.

Published August 24, 2022

East Pasco cleanup yields nearly 12 tons of trash

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Pasco County’s code enforcement and solid waste teams conducted a cleanup in the Lock Street area of East Pasco and collected nearly 12 tons of trash.

Those county teams joined forces with the community to complete the gargantuan cleanup, according to a news release.

The cleanup included 561 pounds of hazardous materials and 11.74 tons of solid waste debris, the release says.

Commissioner Ron Oakley, whose district includes the area where the cleanup occurred, expressed his appreciation of the effort.

“The Lock Street Community Cleanup got rid of nearly 12 tons of trash and other debris, keeping our community clean for everyone to enjoy,” Oakley said, in the release. “This event, like others we’ve hosted, ensures Pasco County is an exceptional place to live, work and play.  I extend my gratitude to the many volunteers who work so hard to ensure a clean and healthy county.”

Pasco County hosts community cleanup events to give customers a convenient opportunity to get rid of trash, debris and hazardous materials that might otherwise lead to code violations or illegal dumping.

To report illegal dumping in Pasco County, call 727-847-2411.

Published August 24, 2022