The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Local News

Pasco board approves apartment zoning in Lutz

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The Pasco County Commission has approved a rezoning on North Dale Mabry Highway, near the Pasco County line, in Lutz, for an apartment development next to an existing Target store.

The approved rezoning will allow up to 238 multi-family units to replace commercial entitlements on about 9 acres.

The rezoning also changes the name of the development from Dale Mabry Town Center to Arlington Dale Mabry master-planned development.

The site is on the southeast side of Dale Mabry Highway approximately one-half mile south of the Dale Mabry Highway/U.S. 41 intersection. It is adjacent to Hillsborough County to the south.

The existing site has a Target and a bank, but the remaining commercial portion had been undeveloped.

Attorney Clarke Hobby, representing the applicant, said it had remained undeveloped for about 17 years because there were restrictions in place prohibiting all sorts of commercial uses that may have developed — had those restrictions not been in place.

The land was zoned for commercial, but is designated on the county’s long-range land for up to six residential units per acre.

The site has remained undeveloped because there have been significant restrictions for the types of commercial allowed on the site, Hobby said.

Those restrictions prohibit gas stations, bars, liquor stores, hotels, secondhand stores, car dealerships, bowling alleys, movie theaters, vet offices, massage clinics, schools and technical schools, and there’s a severe limitation on restaurants.

That’s the reason the site has been vacant for so many years and has become a place where semi-trailer trucks park and people dump mattresses, wooden pallets, tires and other items, based on photographs that Hobby provided to the county board.

Taxes weren’t paid on the property for eight years; it was almost lost to a tax deed sale and the lender foreclosed on the site in 2015, Hobby said.

The county also brought a code enforcement lawsuit against the property, the attorney added.

“The only realistic use is multifamily,” Hobby said. “This fills in an area that needs some productive use.

“This is clearly a good, economically viable use and is going to be the first time the site has been in any type of productive use since at least 2005,” Hobby said.

The request had previously been brought to the board, but was put on hold for additional study after commissioners Jack Mariano and Mike Moore questioned the wisdom of swapping out commercial land — which can generate jobs — for more apartments.

But after Hobby told board members about the restrictions that had been imposed on commercial uses, Mariano said he had a better understanding of the situation.

Commission Chairwoman Kathryn Starkey said: “This is a great improvement over what we have going on, there.”

She said the satellite photograph shows 11 semi-trailer trucks that are likely illegally parked on the property.

No one from the public spoke for or against the request.

The board rezoned the property on a 5-0 vote.

Published August 17, 2022

Pasco High honors Gerald Newton

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Gerald Newton (File)

The Pasco County School Board has named the press box at W.F. Edwards Stadium after Gerald Newton, who was known as the “Voice of the Pirates.”

Pasco High School Principal Kari Kadlub and Athletic Director Dawn Wetherby submitted the request, which was approved during a July school board meeting.

In part, the letter of request notes that for 40 years, Newton “volunteered at Pasco High School—providing play-by-play coverage for the fans in the stands at football games and the voice of WDCF (local radio station).

“He loved coming to the games and helping create the electric atmosphere,” the letter adds.

“Additionally, he announced countless homecoming and senior nights.

“He wrote a local sports column in the Dade City Banner, Pasco News, and Dade City News from 1965 to 2012. He truly was the “VOICE” of the Pirates,” the letter says.

Newton worked for 40-plus years as a teacher, coach and athletic director.

Published August 17, 2022

Hillsborough seeks input on Cross Creek Park

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Hillsborough County is planning improvements at Cross Creek Park and is asking members of the public to share their thoughts on how to proceed.

Cross Creek Park currently has an outdoor basketball court, two kickball fields, picnic shelters, and a playground on 14 acres at 19025 Basset Creek Drive, in Tampa, according to a county news release.

Future improvements could include a recreation center with programming, splash pad, walking trails, and an updated playground, the release says.

The county is conducting a virtual engagement exercise, using the Hillsborough Engagement Hub to collect feedback from the public on plans for the park.

Comment for this project is open until Aug. 21.

To participate, visit HCFLGov.net/HCEngage.

Questions in English or Spanish about the virtual public engagement for the park plan may be directed to the Customer Service Center at 813-635-5400.

Published August 17, 2022

Town of St. Leo honors valued service

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The Town of St. Leo has bestowed a Proclamation of Appreciation to Mary Cabot and Luke D’Ambrosio for their time and service to the community.

The recognitions came during a Town Commission meeting in July.

Cabot was singled out for her litter pick-up efforts and her “years of service and positive impact” she has had on St. Leo, through her “exemplary efforts.” D’Ambrosio, who served as Town intern before joining the staff, was recognized for both for his contributions and for “the example he has set for future interns.”

The partnerships between the Town of St. Leo and the Pasco County Health Department received recognition, too.

Mary Cabot, right, stands with St. Leo Mayor Vincent D’Ambrosio, during a July meeting when she received a proclamation of appreciation for her community contributions. (Courtesy of Town of St. Leo)
St. Leo Town Clerk Andrea Calvert, right and Luke D’Ambrosio, proudly display the proclamation bestowed to D’Ambrosio, who served as a Town intern, before joining the staff. He was praised for setting an example for future interns.

 

Starkey and Mariano named to state board

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Kathryn Starkey (File)

Pasco County Commission Chairwoman Kathryn Starkey and Pasco County Commissioner Jack Mariano have been named to two-year terms on the board of the Florida Association of Counties (FAC), according to a county news release.

Jack Mariano

The election took place during the association’s annual conference in July.

“I’m thrilled to represent Pasco County on this important board,” Starkey said, in the release. “I look forward to working with leaders from around the state on policy issues that will help make Florida and Pasco County great places to live, work and play.”

“It’s an honor and a privilege to serve on a board comprised of dedicated, talented public servants from all over Florida,” Mariano said, in the release. “We plan to do great work as we represent our communities on multiple levels.”

Ginger Delegal, executive director for FAC, also offered some thoughts in the release.

She said that commissioners selected to serve on the executive board must be committed to representing local interests and be willing to speak up for their communities.

Both Starkey and Mariano “have demonstrated these qualities and been carefully selected by fellow commissioners to take on this position,” Delegal added.

FAC was founded in 1929 and represents the diverse interests of Florida’s counties, emphasizing the importance of protecting home rule – the concept that communities and their local leaders should make the decisions that affect their individual communities.

Published August 17, 2022

Idlewild Baptist Church hosts teacher celebration gala

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From left: Wiregrass Elementary teachers Amy Wright and Danielle Bockus, pose with musical guest Gabriela Shephard. (Courtesy of Idlewild Baptist Church)

Idlewild Baptist Church wanted to give teachers a fresh start to the 2022-2023 by expressing the church’s appreciation for them at its first-ever Teacher Celebration Gala.

Teachers from the Pasco and Hillsborough public school districts were invited to the church for an evening of refreshment, relaxation and fun, according to a news release from the church, which is located at 18333 Exciting Idlewild Blvd., in Lutz.

When teachers walked down a red carpet, on July 30, they were greeted with enthusiasm and smiles, the release notes.

The teachers also could take advantage of photo booths, as well as enjoy a meal served by more than 50 Idlewild church member volunteers, the release adds.

Senior Pastor Ken Whitten gave the teachers a warm welcome and reminisced about a teacher who had played a special role in his life.

After dinner, there were drawings for prizes — such as teacher supplies, an ice-cream social, teacher lunches and various gift cards, a dinner for two at Bern’s, a beach weekend getaway and other prizes provided by sponsors.

Then, the teachers were treated to a comedy show by comedian Jonnie W.

Other highlights included live music, closing remarks and a prayer over the teachers by Dr. Edgar Aponte, the global missions pastor.

The evening concluded with desserts with chocolate fountains, specialty-made coffee, and a spread of hors d’oeuvres after the presentation.

Published August 17, 2022

Early voting ramping up in Pasco and Hillsborough counties

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Early voting has kicked off in Hillsborough County and is scheduled to begin soon in Pasco County.

Voters who want to cast their ballot in advance of Primary Election Day on Aug. 23 can choose from a number of locations within the county where they live.

This is what the early voting booths look like in Hillsborough County. (Courtesy of the Hillsborough County Supervisor of Elections Office)

Other voting options include casting a ballot-by-mail or heading to the voter’s assigned polling place within their precinct on Primary Election Day.

Both Brian Corley, supervisor of elections in Pasco County, and Craig Latimer, supervisor of elections in Hillsborough County, said they haven’t experienced any problems attracting poll workers and other personnel during this election season.

“That was a huge concern I had going into the 2022 cycle,” Corley said, citing national reports of poll workers being hassled in other localities.

The Pasco elections official continued: “Whenever we have orientations with prospective poll workers, I’ll ask: Why do you want to be a poll worker?”

Many of the poll workers are volunteers who tell Corley they want to give back.

“They’ll say, I had a good career, I want to give back.

“Younger people just want to (be a poll worker), for the love of country and democracy, and the county, quite honestly.

“It just blows my mind that people step up and do that. It’s a tough job, but we’re blessed to have such a loyal group of hardworking folks,” Corley said.

Latimer said his operation is ready, too.

“We are well-staffed,” he said.

“People can still apply on our website to be poll workers. They may go on a standby list,” Latimer said.

But he noted, those on the standby list could be called upon, if someone drops out. Plus, they’ll be gearing up for the General Election, in November.

Corley noted: “We had an excess, what we call our alternates —  in the bullpen, as we say, but just yesterday, one of my chief deputies reached out: ‘We’re losing some.’”

The top reason for poll workers dropping out is because of COVID, Corley said.

Anyone wanting to learn more about applying to work during the Election 2022 season in Pasco should call 800-851-8754, Corley said. The pay rates vary, based on position.

To find out more about voting in Pasco County, visit PascoVotes.gov; in Hillsborough County, visit VoteHillsborough.gov.

Early Voting*
Pasco County: Early voting in Pasco County starts Aug. 13 and runs through Aug. 20. Hours are from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Early voting sites:

  • Alice Hall Community Center, 38116 Fifth Ave., Zephyrhills
  • East Pasco Government Center, 14236 Sixth St., Dade City
  • Land O’ Lakes Recreation Complex, 3032 Collier Parkway, Land O’ Lakes
  • New River Library, 34043 State Road 54, Wesley Chapel
  • Pasco County Utilities Administration Building, 19420 Central Blvd., Land O’ Lakes
  • Wesley Chapel District Park, 7727 Boyette Road, Wesley Chapel
  • Wiregrass Ranch Sports Complex, 3021 Sports Coast Way, Wesley Chapel

Hillsborough County: Early voting in Hillsborough County began Aug. 8 and will end Aug. 21. Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Early voting sites:

  • Jimmie B. Keel Regional Library, 2902 W. Bearss Ave., Tampa
  • Keystone Recreation Center, 17928 Gunn Highway, Odessa
  • New Tampa Regional Library, 10001 Cross Creek Blvd., Tampa
  • Northdale Recreation Center, 15550 Spring Hill Drive, Tampa
  • University Area Community Center, 14013 N. 22nd St., Tampa

* These Early Voting locations are in, or near, The Laker/Lutz News coverage area.

Source: The websites of the Pasco County Supervisor of Elections and Hillsborough County Supervision of Elections offices.

What to bring to the voting site
Please bring one or two forms of identification that include your signature and photo. Without proper identification, you may still vote a provisional ballot, which will later be evaluated by a canvassing board for eligibility. Any of the following forms of photo identification are acceptable:

  • Florida Driver License
  • Florida ID Card issued by the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles
  • U.S. Passport
  • Debit or Credit Card
  • Military ID
  • Student ID
  • Retirement Center ID
  • Neighborhood Association ID
  • Public Assistance ID
  • Veteran Health ID (issued by VA)
  • Concealed Weapon License (issued pursuant to s. 790.06)
  • Government Employee ID (If your photo ID does not include your signature, you will be asked to provide another ID that has your signature.)

You also should bring your sample ballot to the polling place with notes on how you plan to vote. By making your voting decisions before going to the polling place, you help keep the lines down.

Source: Hillsborough County Supervisor of Elections Office

Published August 10, 2022

Don’t rubberstamp projects, planning board member says

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Jon Moody, who has returned to serve on the Pasco County Planning Commission for a second time, has noticed some things he’d like to see change.

Moody was sworn-in on July 7 to fill a vacant seat. He previously served on the board from January 2007 to November 2013.

When the planning board met Aug. 5, Moody raised some issues for discussion with his colleagues and Pasco County’s staff.

He said he’s noticed “that the consent agenda has changed a lot, since I last occupied this seat.”

The consent agenda contains a number of items that the board votes on in a single action, without discussion. Items are placed on the consent agenda when they are considered to be non-controversial because no one has come forward to object or raise questions.

“I’m frankly shocked that I see large-scale comprehensive plan amendments; 3,000-acre projects; 800-home subdivisions; 1,600-home subdivisions — all slide through on the consent agenda,” Moody said.

“In my mind, the consent agenda is for Mrs. Jones’ 5-foot variance for her shed, not for us just to rubberstamp a 1,000 homes here, a 1,000 homes there,” Moody added.

His comment drew applause from the audience.

“That needs to change,” Moody said. “I’m just going to sit up here and pull them off, and we’re going to hear them.”

He also cited an application that was on the agenda that day, which was for a request on the west side of the county — even though the planning board meeting was in Dade City.

Both the planning board and the Pasco County Commission alternate their meetings between the Historic Pasco County Courthouse in Dade City and the government center in New Port Richey.

In the past, applications were heard at the meeting place closest to the site in question.

Chief Assistant County Attorney David Goldstein said: “The old, old policy, called the (former County Administrator) John Gallagher policy — maybe when Mr. Moody was here — was that anything on the east side of the county had to be heard on the east side; anything on the west side of the county had to be heard on the west side.

“There was no deviation from that.

“The more current county administrator (former County Administrator Dan Biles) relaxed that policy. If there was no opposition to the item, it could be heard on either side of the county.”

Brad Tippin, the county’s development manager explained: “The reason why that change was made was it was due to the volume of submittals.”

“A directive was given to us to do the first available hearing after we’re ready to go, unless there is some form of opposition. That was done to try to improve the processing time, due to the volume of stuff that is happening in the county right now.”

Tippin also noted that another part of the rationale is that anyone who wants to participate in any public meeting can do so, remotely, through the county’s WebEx system.

Planning Commissioner Peter Hanzel also weighed in, noting that when the staff schedule applications, it should consider not just distance from the meeting place, but also driving time.

For instance, it takes about 40 minutes for people in Central Pasco to get to Dade City, compared to about 75 minutes for them to get to New Port Richey, Hanzel said.

Moody also raised a question about public notice requirements for requests to amend the county’s comprehensive plan.

Nectarios Pittos, the county’s planning and development director, told Moody: “Comp plan amendments are noticed in the newspaper, per state statute requirements at this time.

“But we have identified an update that needs to be made to our land development code to align the notification requirements and make them similar to (master-planned unit development) notification requirements.”

Moody then asked: “How far around the perimeter of the MPUD are the notification requirements?”

Denise Hernandez, county zoning administrator, told Moody that the notification requirements vary by land use. In essence, notice must be given within 1,000 feet for properties designated for agricultural (AG), agricultural residential (AGR) and residential, one home per acre (Res-1).

For property designated for three houses per acre (Res-3) and above, the notice requirement is 500 feet, she said.

Moody asked: “Why is the notification requirement less, if the development is more intense?”

Hernandez: “If you look at the logic, it’s because the AG, AGR — those are larger pieces of property, so you’ll pick up more people, if you do the 1,000 feet.

“Typically, those properties, AG or AGR, are 5 acres, 10 acres, 20 acres, 40 acres. That’s why the notice is 1,000 feet,” Hernandez explained.

Goldstein added: “That’s why staff requires the posting of signs, because signs are supposed to be the notice to anybody that lives beyond those radiuses.”

Published August 10, 2022

Helping monarchs is even more important now

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News of the addition of the monarch butterflies to the “endangered” species list has caught the attention of the Dade City Garden Club.

The garden club is the group that spearheaded efforts that led to Dade City being declared a Monarch City USA in 2019.

The club’s work resulted in the East Pasco town to be declared one of 17 cities across Florida to bear that designation.

So, with the International Union for the Conservation of Nature’s addition of monarch butterflies to its “endangered” species list, it underscored the importance of protecting the winged creatures, according to Joan Hepscher, co-chair of the Dade City Garden Club’s Birds, Bees & Butterflies committee, and chair of the Monarch Butterfly Festival.

Polly Touchton Park, 13620 Seventh St.., Dade City, is decorated with artwork depicting monarch butterflies and will host the Monarch Butterfly Festival, on Oct. 22 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. (Mike Camunas)

This is the first time Union for the Conservation of Nature has included the migrating monarch butterfly on its “red list” of threatened species, categorizing it as “endangered,” — just two steps from extinction.

The conservation group has estimated that the population of monarch butterflies in North America has declined nearly 72% over 10 years.

And the conservation group’s recent designation “was a real kick in the pants for us,” Hepscher said.

“Our mission has always been to get out the message, but now it will be getting it out to the individual person — you can see people really care because people were really upset about it and saying, ‘Oh, no! Can you believe it? What can I do?’” she added. “We, as a group, use the monarch as the poster child to make people aware of all the things we are doing to nature, and the butterfly is a good mirror to how our nature is doing. So it’s about not only helping the monarch, but also our whole environment and getting the message out to take better care of our world.”

Now, helping monarchs with their migration has become key to their survival.

“Homeowners can have plants to support these magnificent animals,” said Dr. Whitney Elmore, director of Pasco County Extension, a partnership between Pasco County and the University of Florida/Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences.

Planting milkweed is the best way to help because milkweed is the only plant monarch caterpillars eat, and it’s where the adult butterflies lay their eggs. Without this plant, the species simply could not exist.

Milkweed is low maintenance, Elmore said. But she cautioned it’s important to purchase the plants from reputable nurseries, to be sure they are free of pesticides.

The horticulture expert also noted that monarchs need “rest areas,” because they undertake the longest migration of any insect species known to science.

“Just like drivers, they need a place to stop and rest. If there are large areas or no stations around, they are going to be stressed,” she said.

Unfortunately, urban development and environmental depletion have hindered the migration. Fortunately, adding the resting places is not complicated, she added.

“Rocks and twigs — a place to sit and rest, even provide fresh water with a low dish on the ground and a stone in there to rest. Or habitats for them to roost, like Spanish moss — just providing a diversity of things in your garden can help attract them and move along in migration.”

Hepscher agrees, adding that while there are “plenty of milkweed tips on social media,” the monarchs really need “weigh stations” for their migration.

“They just need a place to stop and refresh and have nectar, a place to lay their eggs,” Hepscher said.

“Small pockets around town and county will give them what they need to survive. Pocket gardens will help because they don’t need 20 acres,” she said.

Elmore encourages citizens to contact the local Extension Office for additional information about how to help monarchs and other species.

“We have all the info on how to attract pollinators,” Elmore added. “A 72% decline in monarch population, which is bad, is from losing the plants and habitats they need. But there are 17 cities in Florida that are monarch cities, and the garden club works very hard at (its efforts).”

Hepscher vows the garden club is committed to continuing its efforts.

“We are going to really try to get more gardens right in the city — just little spots they can use and get some other organizations to help us with the awareness,” she added. “The festival will really be making the point that anyone can make a difference. It is scary news, but the reality is that if we stop and do our part, we can really help them — and we can help them today.”

Third annual Monarch Butterfly Festival
When: Oct. 22, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: Polly Touchton Park, 13620 Seventh St., Dade City
Details: Local vendors will be on hand, as will the Dade City Garden Club to promote awareness of the city’s efforts to maintain the survival of the monarch butterflies.
Info: Visit DadeCityGardenClub.com, and click on “Monarch Project,” or visit the Pasco County Extension’s website at SFYL.ifas.ufl.edu/pasco/.

Published August 10, 2022

Newberger shares name, legacy with Lutz

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Just like the road that bears his family’s name, Carl Newberger’s life cut a path through Lutz.

Born to one of the original Lutz Pioneer families, Carl and his brother, Calvin, were the community’s first set of twins.

Newberger attended Lutz Elementary and later served in the U.S. Army in the Korean War. He played an instrumental role in the building of Tims Memorial Church in Lutz, where he served as a deacon.

Carl Newberger

He died on July 4 at the age of 94.

Newberger embedded himself in community life, said his daughter, Tina Hevel.

“He was always constantly busy doing something. He was never the type of guy to just sit around, and I think that’s pretty evident with his involvement in the Lutz community,” she said.

He was active in the local Boy Scouts, serving as a troop leader for years. He enjoyed bowling, taking part in The Odd Couples at Royal Lanes. He played softball, too.

He was an avid outdoorsman, and enjoyed hunting and fishing for most of his life. He competed in shooting tournaments and was a member of the Florida Highway Patrol Auxiliary.

His name comes up several times in the local history book, “Sawmills, Citrus, Critters and Crackers: Life in Early Lutz,” by Elizabeth Riegler MacManus and Susan MacManus.

He and his brother, Calvin, were part of the ribbon-cutting ceremony when the former Vernon Road, a sand trail, was paved in the 1930s and turned into what is now known as Lutz Lake Fern Road. The twin boys rode in a Model T flatbed truck, holding little American flags at the ceremony, the local history book recounts.

The book also shares the story about Newberger attempting, but ultimately failing, to rescue a 7-year-old boy who drowned near First United Methodist Church of Lutz.

After being involved in Lutz for decades, Newberger retired from a 30-year career with Anheuser-Busch and moved to Webster, Wisconsin, in 1993.

Carl Newberger and his brother, Calvin, seen here as infants with his family in 1927, were the first set of twins born in Lutz. (Courtesy of ‘Sawmills, Citrus, Critters and Crackers: Life in Early Lutz’/Susan MacManus)

Although he has passed on, the name Newberger will live on in Lutz, thanks to the road that has existed since the late 1800s.

Originally, it was a dirt trail that led to the residence of Wolfgang and Mary Newberger, Carl’s great grandparents.

Briefly it was renamed Feinsinger Road, after other early settlers of the area. But it reverted back to Newberger Road to honor longtime lawman and former Tampa Chief of Police Fred Newberger.

“We’re very proud of that road,” Hevel added.

A Celebration of Life Ceremony for Newberger is scheduled on Aug. 13 at 11 a.m., at Lutz Community Church, 601 Sunset Lane, in Lutz, the same one he helped to build back when it was Tims Memorial.

His family expects several members of the community to be there, and possibly they will share stories.

It won’t be a depressing affair, his daughter said.

“We’re going to have an uplifting ceremony. Because that’s who he was. He had funny stories, so it’s not going to be all depressing and what not. We’re going to celebrate my dad’s life, much of it that was here in Lutz.”

She added: “My cousin, Barry (Newberger), who was Calvin’s son, will have even more stories to tell at the ceremony. That’s just who Carl, and Calvin, were — always involved in something.”

Carl is survived by his wife, Suzanne; his daughter, Tina Hevel and Robert Hardy; his granddaughter, Jessica Vickery and Jason Vickery; great-granddaughter, Bella Vickery; and his first wife, Phyllis Newberger, and his stepson, Pete Okins.

His survivors also include several nieces and nephews in Lutz and Land O’ Lakes.

Carl Newberger Celebration of Life
When: Aug. 13, 11 a.m.
Where: Lutz Community Church, 601 Sunset Lane

Published August 10, 2022