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Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

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Themes emerge, as Pasco updates plan

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As Pasco County works to update its comprehensive plans, themes have been emerging through listening sessions, according to a consultant working with the county on the Pasco 2050 update.

Pasco residents primarily identify as being residents within a specific community, said Steve Schukraft, a planner with HDR Inc., the consultants working on the county’s plan update.

There’s “a very diverse set of perspectives and a diverse set of ideas about what their life is like in their community and how they see the county, overall,” he said.

Schukraft shared some of the key issues that have emerged during the listening sessions with members of the Pasco County Planning Commission, during a June 16 workshop.

The State Road 52 and Interstate 75 interchange is expected to become far busier, as large industrial projects that are planned near the interchange are developed. Pasco County has approved recent incentive packages that are expected to yield more than 8,000 jobs in the area. Planning for industrial development has been identified as one of the county’s key needs, during Pasco County Commission discussions. (Mike Camunas)

He also shared information gleaned from reviews of previous engagement efforts by the county, and from a review of the county’s planning practices and documents.

Plus, he opened the discussion up to the planning board’s thoughts on issues they think must be addressed in the Pasco 2050 plan.

One topic that’s been raised repeatedly during the listening sessions is a concern about the impacts from rapid growth on community character and compatibility, Schukraft said.

He also told the planning board: “An observation that we would make is that there’s not a real clear sense among the general public about what the comprehensive plan calls for. So, they’ll see development on the side of the road that is perfectly in line with what the comp plan calls for and what zoning allows — they’re just upset because it represents a change in their day-to-day life,” he said.

“People talked a lot about their concern when they see a site cleared for development, when they see corridors getting more development and getting more dense over time,” he said.

“People don’t know where the line is drawn now between the more suburban future land use categories and the rural categories,” he noted.

Opinions about life in Pasco vary widely, depending on where people live, he added.

“We heard from people in the new large-scale master-planned communities (who said) that they had the best quality of life of anyone in the country. We had some people in some other communities who felt they were kind of falling behind, that they didn’t have the advantages of other folks in the county —  they didn’t have the same quality of facilities, same accessibility. So, there was a big divergence in perspectives.”

One big theme that came up centered on “protecting and conserving rural communities and landscapes.

“We heard that often. We heard that throughout the county,” Schukraft said.

The consultant said he thinks for many, it’s an issue of visual impact.

His sense of their sentiment was this: “I like my open views. I like the rolling hills in Northeast Pasco and I don’t want those developed.”

Planning board member Chris Williams told Schukraft: “As somebody who lives in the Dade City area and lives on a rolling hill and has an open view, those (statements) ring true to me.”

But David Goldstein, chief assistant county attorney, noted: “The people who are saying, we need to protect our rural area, where are they suggesting that growth go? You can’t say, ‘We want no growth.’”

During listening sessions for the upcoming update of Pasco County’s comprehensive plan, the need for preserving rural areas was one of the common themes that emerged. Balancing that desire with the need to accommodate growth could surface as one of the major debates, in the process to create the Pasco 2050 plan.

Work on comprehensive plan update is in early stages
Schukraft told the planning board, at this point in the process, he was merely presenting what was heard in the listening sessions and what has been gleaned from reviewing previous county engagement efforts,

The research being done also includes a look at the county’s demographics and socioeconomics; land use development conditions; mobility; a review of existing planning and policy framework; a market analysis to look at where the market opportunities are; strengths and weakness in Pasco’s market position; and, some planning best practices.

Charles Grey, the planning board’s chairman raised an issue that bothers him.

“It really turns me off when I drive by a nice wooded piece of property and then the next day I drive by and it’s leveled, there’s not a tree on the site.

“I’ve seen them tear out 500-year-old oak trees to put in a car wash. That doesn’t make sense to me,” Grey said.

He’d also like to see what can be done to encourage redevelopment.

“There’s plenty of areas that could be redeveloped. From a practical point of view, how do you do it?” Grey asked.

Schukraft noted the negative impacts caused by congestion.

“One of the direct impacts of development is traffic and most of the county is developed in auto-oriented fashion, so to get a gallon of milk, or to get your kid to school or to get to work, you’re driving.

“So, you’re in a car and you experience the county in a car to meet most of your daily and weekly needs.

“We need to look really carefully about how we accommodate those additional trips on the network with already constrained capacity,” Schukraft said.

Planning board member Don Anderson addressed the shortage of affordable housing.

He told Schukraft: “There’s already tenants being displaced because people are moving into the area. People who have lived here, were raised here, are actually being displaced because of the increase in rents.”

Schukraft responded: “People are bringing fat checkbooks into the region and pricing folks out.”

“And then just the movement from folks getting priced out of Hillsborough and Pinellas, coming up to Pasco to try to find cheap housing is putting pressure on the market, too. Some of it has to do with raw supply. The market needs to probably be producing twice the amount of houses per week or month, or units per week or month to meet that demand. And, that ramp-up hasn’t happened yet.”

If you would like to know more about Pasco County’s comprehensive plan update efforts, visit Pasco2050.com.

Published July 06, 2022

‘Watch what consumers do, not what they say’ expert says

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Is the nation headed toward recession?

Rising interest rates, high gas prices, supply chain issues, labor force shortages and the highest inflation in 40 years are prompting lots of commentators to raise the prospect of a looming recession.

But Ryan Severino, chief economist at JLL, looks at the issue this way: “If we keep the faith on this, there’s a really good chance that we can avoid a downturn.

“If we start to lose that confidence and adjust our behaviors, that’s where I think this could become a bit of a problem at some point,” Severino said.

Presently, he said, “I still think there’s good momentum. Job growth is strong. Wage growth is strong. Consumers are spending money.”

However, he noted: “We don’t live in a world of certainty, we live in a world of probability.”

If rising interest rates start to influence psychology and the way people behave as economic actors, a downturn could become a self-fulfilling prophecy, said Severino — who has been quoted in The Economist, The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, and The Financial Times, and others.

Severino was among a panel of experts assembled by Hillsborough County Property Appraiser Bob Henriquez to talk about such issues as the economy’s impact on the current and projected real estate market in Hillsborough County. The panelists shared their expertise at a morning meeting at The Cuban Club in Ybor City, on June 23.

Tampa Mayor Jane Castor offered a snapshot of what’s happening in Tampa — noting she has meetings all of the time with companies that want to move their headquarters to Tampa, or establish a presence in the city.

Other expert panelists shared their insights about what’s currently happening in the commercial and residential markets.

Severino focused on the national picture.

He expects inflation will peak this year and then begin to decline.

He notes that the pandemic, the government stimulus and the war in Ukraine each have contributed to an inflation rate that’s the highest it has been in four decades.

“The situation in Eastern Europe is not helping at all, with this,” he said. “Right now, because that part of the world is so important to energy production and food production and the economy, it is having an out-sized effect,” he said.

Severino also noted that the pandemic remains disruptive.

“It’s certainly disrupting the supply side of the economy.

“China is still shutting parts of production down because it’s (COVID) still spreading,” he said.

Economists look at core inflation, which doesn’t include food or fuel because those prices are too volatile, Severino said.

In looking at the current inflation rate of 8.5%, and backing out fuel and food, the result is 6%.

Then, back out the government stimulus of $6 trillion, that drops it to in the 3% range.

“(It’s) not as bad as 8½%, but certainly not where the Fed would like it to be,” he said.

The demand side of the economy, on the other hand, has been “doing a spectacular job of rebounding,” he said.

“It’s (inflation) not really impacting behaviors.

“Watch what consumers do and not what they say, because if you look at what consumers are doing, which is pretty much all of us, we are pretty much out powering the economy,” he said.

U.S. consumers make up 18% to 20% of the global economy. By itself, the U.S. would be the second- or third-largest economy in the world, he said.

He also noted that “the aggregate spending power of consumers has grown faster than inflation has.”

The aggregate earnings figure, he explained, serves as a proxy for the overall spending power in the economy. It’s based on the number of people working, how many hours per week they are working and the hourly wage they are paid.

“The Fed thinks the labor market is too hot,” he said.

The Fed wants to tamp down what it views as an excess demand for labor, Severino said.

“I’m not so sure that they’re really going after the right thing,” the economist said.

“I worry that there is potential for collateral damage.”

“The bad news is the more aggressive the Fed is with interest rates, the higher the probability of the dreaded R word. The good news is that the Fed doesn’t have a really great track record for even following its own forecast for a measure that they themselves control,” Severino said.

He expects the Fed to respond to signals it gets from the economy.

“For now, short- to medium-term, I still feel confident about the economy,” the economic expert said.

Published July 06, 2022

Fate of Penny for Pasco will be on November ballot

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Voters will decide in the Nov. 8 general election whether Penny for Pasco, a local infrastructure surtax, should be extended for an additional 15 years.

If approved, the extension is expected to yield about $1.9 billion in revenues, which would be split between the school district, the county and the county’s municipalities.

The school district and county each would receive 45% and the municipalities would share the remaining 10%.

The special 1-cent sales tax initially was adopted in March 2004, and was in effect from Jan. 1, 2005 through Dec. 31, 2014. Voters extended it for 10 years, with that renewal going from Jan. 1, 2015 through Dec. 31, 2024.

The proposed renewal would be from Jan. 1, 2025 to Dec. 31, 2039.

The Pasco County Commission and the Pasco County School Board both took action June 21 to ensure the initiative could be placed on the general election ballot.

The Pasco County School Board has identified a list of projects that the tax extension would support and Pasco County has identified a similar list.

The school board’s list includes new schools, school expansions, school renovations, additional technology, school safety enhancements, athletic facility improvements, improvements in the driver pickup areas at schools, and other projects.

The county proposes to spend its portion of the tax revenues this way: 40% for transportation, 20% for economic development, 20% for public safety; and, 20% for environmental lands, as well as park infrastructure.

Economic development funds will be used to attract new companies, enhance the potential for existing companies, stimulate redevelopment of blighted areas and help develop the work force, among other things. The funds also will support business incubators and locally owned small business assistance.

In general, the aim of these programs is to help businesses of all sizes to be successful, to generate more high-paying jobs in the county and to broaden its tax base.

A portion of the county’s proceeds also would be used to acquire environmentally sensitive lands. It is estimated that 3,000 to 3,700 additional acres could be acquired with future Penny for Pasco revenue.

The funds also would support infrastructure projects at Baillies Bluff Wilderness Park and at the Len Angeline Wilderness and Recreation Park.

The county’s allocation also would include 20% for public safety.

Fire Rescue would receive boats, life-saving emergency response equipment, in-vehicle computers, facility upgrades and some new vehicles, including utility terrain vehicles.

The Sheriff’s Office would receive new vehicles and in-vehicle computers and equipment.

Transportation and engineering services would receive 40% of the county’s share of the proceeds.

A portion of that money would be spent on a countywide multimodal needs study.

Tax proceeds also would go for a wide array of projects in specific areas around the county, including sidewalks, multi-use paths, bicycle lanes, intersection improvements and roundabouts.

Published July 06, 2022

Zephyrhills planning for, looking toward 2035

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Zephyrhills — the city and its officials — are turning to the citizens for help.

The East Pasco County city — also known as the county’s largest municipality — is spending the rest of 2022 to plan through 2035. The city will take a look at its comprehensive plan and make various updates on what it intends to do to make improvements over time.

However, a significant part of the planning effort is to bring people together from all parts of the city to talk about issues and needs that should be addressed, as well as new ways to help Zephyrhills be an even better place to live, work and play.

That’s why the city set up three “Community Conversations” aimed at collecting ideas from residents, business owners, workers, and other community stakeholders for use in creating a citywide vision for 2035.

The final “Community Conversation” will be July 7 at 6 p.m., at the Zephyrhills Train Depot Museum. Townsfolk are encouraged to attend not only to learn more about the city from a statistical and analytical point of view, but also to suggest ideas of what they’d like to see from Zephyrhills in the next decade-plus.

City Planning representatives will be on hand to take suggestions, but also to explain exactly what goes into a city’s comprehensive plan.

Zephyrhills also will engage its citizens through an online hub, where they can take a survey that will help answer two central questions of comprehensive planning: “What does our community’s best future look like?” and “How will we achieve that vision of the future?”

The citywide vision will be described in words and illustrations, to paint a picture of the community’s desired future. This ‘picture’ will become the foundation for setting goals and policies for the new comprehensive plan: PlanZepyrhills 2035.

Zephyrhills Community Conversation Session 3
When: July 7, 6 p.m.
Where: Zephyrhills Train Depot Museum, 39110 South Ave.
Details: Join representatives from the City of Zephyrhills in a conversation focused on the PlanZephyrhills 2035 and to help plan for the city’s next phase.
To participate in the PlanZephyrhills 2035 Comprehensive Plan Survey, visit Plan2035.zhills.city.

Published July 06, 2022

Zephyrhills is ranked among top RV destinations

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It’s no secret that Zephyrhills has been known as a ‘Snowbird Haven’ for decades.

It’s a place where northerners routinely flock, to escape the winter chill.

Happy Days RV Park is home to several RV sites and plugs, year-round, as the resort features several amenities and is well-located in between vacation destinations, such as the Disney parks and the Gulf beaches. (Mike Camunas)

So perhaps it’s only logical it would become home to lots of RV parks. There are 19 to be exact, within the city limits.

But it appears that the city is becoming a more popular place, in general, for RV enthusiasts.

StorageCafe.com has ranked Zephyrhills as the fourth-best RV destination nation, based on the number of campsites and their amenities; the local cost of living; the proximity to other attractions, and, of course, the year-round warm weather.

City officials were happy to hear about the survey results.

“Well, while this is a bit of news to me, it is always good to rank high in great places to visit, so we’re definitely happy and excited about that,” said Zephyrhills City Manager Billy Poe.

“Does this mean the secret is out?” Poe said, with a laugh. “We’re not marketing (Zephyrhills) as a great place to RV, but my thought is, we’re a retirement community — Snowbird Haven — and we’ve always been that.”

Certainly, Zephyrhills always has been a retirement or winter-home destination. However, now there’s a trend of younger retirees and even travelers who are purchasing RVs, and using RV resorts and parks in Zephyrhills.

Part of that stems from the city’s convenient location: It’s a quick trip to destinations such as the Disney attractions and the Gulf beaches.

“Just look at us (Zephyrhills) on a map,” Poe said. “You can be in Orlando and Disney in an hour. You can be in Downtown Tampa in an hour. Wesley Chapel is nearby, too, and then, of course, the beaches.”

Majestic Oaks RV Resort is one of Zephyrhills’ larger RV resorts within city limits, and has sites and plugs available year-round.

Plus, he said, “in Zephyrhills, it’s a smaller-paced, hometown feel, which I think many people like coming to, to stay for a while.”

According to the RV Industry Association, projected 2022 RV shipments range between 578,800 and 603,300 units — slightly more than the 600,240 vehicles shipped last year.

The numbers in 2021 were up 39% from the previous year. And, from 2001 to 2021, RV ownership increased by more than 62%.

More than 11.2 million households now own RVs, with the average age of owners being 55. However, 22% of RV owners are in the 18 to 34 age range.

“I would have to say this is certainly a welcomed surprise, even if, as a town, we’ll have to revisit it (from a marketing standpoint) and be more open to it,” City Planning Director Todd Vande Berg said. “If I had to guess (on why Zephyrhills is ranked so high), it would be the affordability of RV parks. Because I think that’s the demographic that comes into play, of what people can afford. Certainly the weather and the small town feel with close proximity to beaches and a bigger city help.”

Poe added: “And not really trying to sound selfish here, but, obviously, those RVing typically have disposable income at their fingertips, so why not come spend it in Zephyrhills?”

RVs sit parked at RV Optimum Zephyrhills, the lone RV dealer in a town that has become an increasingly popular destination for RV travel, vacationing and living.

There is definite appeal to Zephyrhills, as it is a small yet still basically rural town that offers affordable sites for RVs.

Lisa Carletti, a master-certified RV inspector who has been an avid RV enthusiast since 2016, said the primary force behind Zephyrhills’ popularity is clear.

“I would say it’s the space, said Carletti, who owns MyRVResource.com and MyRvInspection.com, both which perform independent inspections of RVs, similar to the kind done when you purchase a home.

“We live part-time in a fifth wheel (RV) in Dover and the appeal there is the same: usually more space in the parks. I can fit my RV, a large shed and three vehicles — you’re never going to find a place like that over in Tampa. All those lots are too tight.”

Carletti has inspected hundreds of RVs and been to numerous parks. She said Zephyrhills’ location will rank high on any list.

“And, of course, it’s going to be less expensive in Zephyrhills than in Tampa, Orlando or the beach areas,” she added.

So, while they may not have been deliberately trying to entice RV users, the town has much to offer.

Besides being close to numerous attractions, Zephyrhills also has nice golf courses, and nearby hiking and kayaking at the Hillsborough River.

“There are so many activities at our fingertips and then we’re not as expensive to stay as other places,” Poe said.

“I think people are really starting to see that,” he said.

Zephyrhills has 19 RV resorts or campsites within the city limits. Of those, 80% have pools and nearly all have extended stay rates that are beneficial to RV enthusiasts. Zephyrhills also has a large RV dealership, Optimum RV Zephyrhills, at 3334 Paul Buchman Highway. To inquire about an RV inspection with MyRVResource.com, email Lisa Carletti at .

Published July 06, 2022

Pasco signals that it will ban retail rabbit sales

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It’s not official yet, but the Pasco County Commission said it wants to end the retail sale of rabbits, except for agricultural uses.

The board voted on June 21 to end the retail sale of rabbits at flea markets, open-air venues,  parking lots and other public places. It also voted to bring back a future amendment to its ordinance that would ban the retail sale of rabbits, except for agricultural uses.

The action followed testimony by advocates for the ban, who have been seeking the change for months. Those asking for the ban told commissioners that rabbit purchases frequently are impulse buys, especially around Easter.

Many buyers are unaware of the care that rabbits require, which leads to a large percentage of rabbits being abandoned, they said.

The creatures are not well-equipped to survive in the wild, so the abandonment typically leads to death, the advocates have told commissioners in the past and reiterated their concerns at the recent meeting.

The commission was not able to call for an outright ban during its meeting last week because the public notice did not include that provision, but the issue will be placed on a future agenda, according to a motion by Commissioner Mike Moore, which the board approved.

On another matter, the county board approved the acquisition of the Florida Governmental Utility Authority Lindrick Utility System for $24 million, using American Rescue Plan Act grant funds.

Lindrick customers will transition to county rates, representing a 41.75% reduction in the average water/sewer bill.

The acquisition area includes 3.24 square miles, and represents 3,161 water accounts and 2,661 sewer accounts, according to materials in the board’s agenda packet.

In other action, the board:

  • Approved changes in the comprehensive plan involving the types of uses allowed in the Gateway Hub area, at the northwest corner of State Road 52 and Interstate 75. A rezoning request to designate the area as a master-planned unit development (MPUD) is being processed.
  • Approved a change to the county’s land use plan on 188 acres on State Road 52, west of Bellamy Brothers Boulevard. A rezoning petition to create a MPUD with a maximum of 380 single-family attached and detached dwellings also was approved on the site. The property is across State Road 52 from the Central Pasco Employment Village, and across Bellamy Brothers Boulevard from the Gateway Hub and the Hillcrest Preserve MPUD. It also abuts the Fort King MPUD.
  • Approved a rezoning request by MMLJ Holdings LLC and Christina H. Dilorenzo for a rezoning to allow Hillcrest MPUD, a development on 740 acres at the northeast quadrant of State Road 52 and Bellamy Brothers Boulevard. It is expected to include up to 1,800 single-family detached units, 600 single-family townhouses, 450,000 square feet of retail and 200,000 square feet of light industrial/office.
  • Approved a county-initiated rezoning on a 0.92-acre site on the north and side of Chapman Street, east of Pine Products Road and west of Bower Road. The applicant is One Lacoochee Center Inc./WREC Property-EDC. The rezoning was from a high density residential category a light industrial park district.
  • Approved updates to the county’s land development code relating to the sign regulations. The changes were needed to allow digital signs in certain districts of the county and to comply with a United States Supreme Court decision, Reed v. Town of Gilbert, Arizona.
  • Authorized the distribution of more than $23.3 million in school impact fees to the Pasco County School Board. The fees are associated with new construction and are collected by the county. The money is used to provide additional schools to accommodate growth. Revenues collected have been higher than anticipated because of the pace of building, as well as the timing of the rate increase in 2020. The amount being distributed is based on an estimate of the total through the end of fiscal year 2022.
  • Approved a budget amendment for slightly more than $2.1 million for expenses associated with additional staff, maintenance and system operations for fiscal year 2022.
  • Adopted a resolution recognizing former Speaker of the House Will Weatherford, for the many contributions he made to Pasco County through his public service. Projects he championed as a legislator included securing the funding for two lanes of the extension of State Road, from Meadow Pointe Boulevard to U.S. 301; construction for the Porter campus of Pasco-Hernando State College and for the College’s Instructional Performing Arts Center, according to the resolution. It also notes that Weatherford’s commitment to public service in the greater Tampa Bay area continues as he currently is the Chairman of the Board of Trustees for the University of South Florida and was co-chairman of the host committee for Super Bowl LV in Tampa in 2021.

Published July 06, 2022

Political Agenda 07/06/2022

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Precinct lines changed
The Pasco County Commission recently approved changes to some precinct lines that were brought forward by Pasco County Supervisor of Elections Brian Corley.

The following precinct lines have been modified:

  • Precinct 9 and Precinct 76: Precinct 76 was split by a Florida House District line. The portion of Precinct 76 lying west of the House District line will be combined with Precinct 9.
  • Precinct 90 and Precinct 101: Precinct 101 was modified to accommodate additional census blocks pertinent to its respective Community Development District from District 90 to meet the census block requirements in accordance with state law.
  • Precinct lines of 011, 031, 36 and 095 were modified to include the census block requirements under state law and to conform to new congressional lines. No voters are affected by this change.

Democratic Club meeting
The East Pasco Democratic Club is set to meet remotely, via Zoom, on July 18. The speaker will address the referendum on raises, which voters will decide on the primary ballot. Socializing begins at 6 p.m., with the meeting starting promptly at 6:30 p.m. Email , or call 813-383-8315 for details.

Pasco Republican Party
The Pasco Republican Party of Florida recently had a ribbon-cutting at its second office, at 14341 Seventh St., in Zephyrhills. A celebration was held on June 14 to mark the office’s opening.

Be ready to vote
Here are some reminders from Pasco County Supervisor of Elections Brian Corley, to help you to be sure you are ready to vote. (These pointers are excerpted from Corley’s Corner, a column posted on election supervisor’s website).

  • In addition to registering to vote, make sure your voter registration is up to date with your current name, address, party affiliation, and signature. Address changes can be done by telephone, online, or by written notification. Failure to update your address prior to Election Day could result in delays at the polls.
  • Check your voter registration online at PascoVotes.gov or by calling 800-851-8754. Don’t wait until Election Day to make sure you are registered and your registration is in good standing.
  • In addition to partisan contests on the Primary Election ballot, nonpartisan races, such as school board members and judges, are elected at large and are on every voter’s ballot. These offices are assigned specific geographical areas, but are elected by all voters.
  • Use your sample ballot to help expedite voting at the polls. Mark your sample ballot and take it with you, so you can copy your choices onto your official ballot.
  • Due to redistricting and facility agreements, some polling locations have changed. Once redistricting is complete, all voters will be sent a new voter information card that will list their new districts and their assigned polling location. We anticipate mailing the new information cards around the middle of June. If you have not maintained a current address with my office, you may not receive your new card.
  • Information relating to voter registration deadlines, closed Primary Elections, polling places,
    early voting, voting by mail, etc. can be found at PascoVotes.gov.

Endorsement
The American Association of Senior Citizens has endorsed Gus Bilirakis, who is running for reelection in Florida’s 12th congressional district, according to the Bilirakis campaign.

Park passes offered at public libraries

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The Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s (DEP) Florida State Parks and its partners are advancing outdoor access for all Floridians through the Real Florida Reader Program.

Through a partnership with the Florida Department of State’s Division of Library and Information Services, public libraries across the state and the DEP, library patrons now can check out a Real Florida Reader pass at their local public library for free admission to one of more than 170 participating state parks, according to a news release.

The 2022 library summer reading theme is “Oceans of Possibilities.”

“A visit to one of Florida’s state parks goes hand-in-hand with a visit to the library,” said DEP Secretary Shawn Hamilton, in the release.

“We welcome all Floridians to read about our state’s diverse environment and culture, and then get outside and experience these natural wonders firsthand,” said Hamilton.

Floridians can use their public library card to check out a Real Florida Reader day pass, which provides free admission to state parks for up to eight people in a vehicle. The pass excludes Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park, Skyway Fishing Pier State Park and Weeki Wachee Springs State Park.

The promotion will run through Sept. 12.

Those without a library card can sign up at their local library to take part in the program.

Visit FloridaStateParks.org/RealFloridaReader for more details, park exclusions, and library guidelines and policies.

Published July 06, 2022

Basketball coach’s influence honored at Land O’ Lakes High

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For over three decades, he ran basketball players up and down the court — getting them ready for big moments, in big games, in big seasons.

On the evening of June 21, retired Land O’ Lakes High School basketball coach Dave Puhalski had a big moment of his own: That’s when the Pasco County School Board approved a request to name the Land O’ Lakes High School gym after him.

The effort to honor the coach in this way was brought forward by Ric Mellin, the school’s principal, and Heather Wall, the school’s assistant principal. Former assistant coaches, players and others were there, too, to signal their support.

From left: Land O’ Lakes High Principal Ric Mellin; Coach Dave Puhalski; the coach’s wife, Erika; the coach’s children, DD and Kenzie; and Land O’ Lakes High Assistant Principal Heather Wall. (Courtesy of Ric Mellin/Land O’ Lakes High School)

The coach retired in May of 2021.

Mellin addressed the board: “I’m here tonight to speak with you about the dedication of the gym at Land O’ Lakes High School, in honor of Coach Dave Puhalski.

Cheers and applause erupted from the crowd.

“He’s here with his wife Erika, daughter Kenzie and son DD, and I just wanted to mention, both of them are alumni of Land O’ Lakes High School.

“And, as you can tell from the applause, many of his other supporters are also here with us tonight.

“My letter included in the board’s agenda states the reasons why we believe this honor is warranted.

“For just over 30 years, Coach Puhalski served as the head coach of the boys’ basketball team, winning nearly 500 games, earning six conference and six district championships, and taking 15 teams to the playoffs. Very few, if any, coaches ever reached that level of success.

“But more important than the accomplishments on the court were the strong relationships built along the way, as a well-respected mentor and educator at the school during that same time.

“Coach Puhalski taught thousands of students and had a remarkable influence on everyone. In a Tampa Bay Times article about Coach Puhalski, published in February 2020, it stated his hope was for the program to continue standing solidly on the foundation that he built.

“A foundation full of heart and soul.

“In recognition of Coach Puhalski’s successes and devout allegiance to the school’s athletes and programs and the community in which he served for over three decades, we are requesting that the school’s gym be named the Dave Puhalski Gymnasium at Land O’ Lakes High School.

“It certainly has the solid foundation because of his body of work. His name displayed will serve as a stronger reminder of the person that relentlessly gave his heart and soul.”

Assistant Principal Wall also expressed her support:  “As a member of the Land O’ Lakes community for more than 20 years, and now in my role as assistant principal at Land O’ Lakes High School, I’ve had the privilege of knowing or working with Coach Puhalski for quite a few years.

This rendering shows the Land O’ Lakes High School gymnasium, which has been newly christened the Dave Pulhaski Gymnasium at Land O’ Lakes High.

“My husband, and many of his friends all played high school basketball for Coach Puhalski, when they attended Land O’ Lakes High School.

“I have heard endless recounts of big games, as well as stories and pranks that are only fit for locker room conversations,” Wall said, with the audience responding in laughter.

“What they remember the most are the life lessons that were gained from being a part of his program.

“I have seen pictures of Coach Puhalski speaking at former players’ weddings, and know that several years ago, he had the honor to speak at the funeral of one of his former players, Dave Starkey.

“Clearly, he has been asked to carry this role because of the difference he has made in the lives of all of his players.

“When I joined the staff at Land O’ Lakes High School in 2018, I was able to get to know Coach P on my own. I quickly saw the positive impact he made on so many of the students on our campus — both those who played for him and for some who were just in his P.E. classes. He became a mentor and a role model for my son, as well,” she said, noting he still asks about her son.

This coach left an impression
“When you talk to people who live in our community and they find out that you work at the high school, they’re always quick to ask about several of our past coaches,” she said.

People frequently mention that they played soccer, football, baseball or basketball for one of the school’s revered coaches, she added. She noted the school already has named its soccer, baseball and football fields after the outstanding former coaches.

“We would be remiss if we did not honor Coach Puhalski with naming the gym after his 32-year commitment to Land O’ Lakes High School,” Wall added.

“I know I speak for many community members and former players when I say he is so deserving of this honor,” Wall said.

On a motion by Colleen Beaudoin and a second by Megan Harding, the school board unanimously approved the request.

Its action was greeted by another round of cheers and applause.

Coach Puhalski addressed the board: “If I said what I really want to say, we’d be here a long time tonight. I would just like to thank the board for this opportunity and all of my friends, former players, assistant coaches — especially my wife (Erika), who was there for 32 years, and my children (DD and Kenzie).

“I’ll keep it that brief, because, like I said, we’d be here until the lights are off,” he said.

Published June 29, 2022

Lutz parade back with a bang

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The excitement is palpable — like waiting for a firework to illuminate the night sky.

The annual Lutz Fourth of July Celebration and Parade is back on. Following a two-year COVID pandemic hiatus, the little town in northern Hillsborough County is ready to celebrate independence, and its citizens, once again.

“We sure hope everyone is excited for it to be back,” said Jennifer Rankin, this year’s parade organizer. “Because everyone (behind the scenes), who are helping and putting it together — that’s all I see, and they’re super excited for it. I also see everyone posting on Facebook or online about their excitement, so we just hope — for all the people involved and who have spent so much time and work to put it together — that everyone is just as excited as we are for it to be back.”
Back in 2020, with the pandemic raging, businesses closed, and severe mask and six-foot rules in effect, organizers deemed it too risky to host the event that’s been going on for more than 75 years. Last year, too many of these hurdles still remained.

The annual Lutz Fourth of July Parade, seen here in 2018, has been on a two-year hiatus due to COVID-related concerns. However, this year’s edition is back on and ready to feature more than 40 floats from local businesses and organizations, the 5K race, the cake contest and the return of the Guv’na announcement. (File)

Now, the parade, the 5K and mile fun run, the cake contest and, of course, the Guv’na Race all are back in full force.

This year’s parade, Rankin said, should feature more than 40 floats. She even expects several new floats, as a popular Fourth of July parade in Brandon was canceled and many from that might join the Lutz parade.

“I know that we’ll get at least seven more floats because I’m one of them that still needs to sign up,” Rankin said with a laugh and referring to her business, Al’s Lawn Care Products and Services.

Rankin herself is most excited for the cake contest to return, as she says the GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Women’s Club takes all the cakes and auctions them off to help fund the parade and the nonprofits.

“A lot of people meander off and don’t see the cakes because of the parade,” she added, “but that’s my favorite part of the whole day!”

The parade also will include widely known local organizations, such as the Little Women of Lutz, the Lutz Civic Association, Boy Scout Troop 12 and the North Tampa Lutz Cadet Squadron. Local businesses, churches, law enforcement agencies, schools, military organizations, politicians and more also will be in attendance, several of them with floats coming down Lutz Lake Fern Road and ending at the Lutz Junction Train Depot, in front of Lutz Branch Library.

The annual Lutz Fourth of July Parade ends here at the Lutz Junction Train Depot, at the corner of Lutz Lake Fern Road and U.S. 41. It’s here that the newest Lutz Guv’na will be announced from candidates Atlas Cortecero, David Penzer and Stacee Campbell. (Mike Camunas)

Also back are the candidates for the honorary Lutz Guv’na, one of whom will be replacing current Guv’na Amy Lancaster, who has held “office” for two years now.

Candidates Atlas Cortecero, David Penzer and Stacee Campbell have been hitting the campaign trail hard, looking to raise the most money and earn that coveted Guv’na sash.

“All the candidates have done more events so far than I have ever seen done in past years,” said Rankin, who was the 2015 Guv’na. “I think they are so excited to be around people, to do stuff, and each one of them is having a crazy amount of events and a crazy amount of people turning up for them.

“As a former Guv, I would get down in the dumps if not many people came to one of my fundraisers, but the turnouts (to theirs) have been incredible.”

Rankin said adding the parade back into the mix not only has helped the Guv’na race, but goes back to benefiting those who really matter: local nonprofits and charities.

Which is why she also feels the parade could be one of the best ever.

“You don’t realize how much it hurts (the nonprofits and charities) by not having (the parade and the Guv’na Race) the past two years,” she said. “Because some really need it, like the Old Schoolhouse, which needs new windows and gates, and termite treatment. Or the Civil Air Patrol or the Girl and Boy Scouts. This year all of them could receive more (contributions) than ever, and it’s all because everything that makes Lutz Lutz, is finally back.”

Annual Lutz Fourth of July Parade
Where: Corner of Lutz Lake Fern Road and U.S. 41
When: July 4, with festivities starting at 7:15 a.m., the 5K starting at 8 a.m., and the parade at 10 a.m.
Details: A parade featuring floats, antique cars, fire trucks, sheriff’s patrol cars, local organizations, a cake contest and announcement of the 2022 Lutz Guv’na.
Info: Visit tinyurl.com/ywjx2da4.

Other events

Starkey Market’s Annual Fourth of July Extravaganza
Where: 3460 Starkey Blvd., New Port Richey
When: 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Details: A family friendly evening of fun, food, fireworks, music. Bring your own chairs and blankets to enjoy a space in the huge open field. Children ages 6 and younger get free admission, and limited tickets are available.
Cost: $10-$25
Info/tickets: Visit tinyurl.com/bdh9vjs7.

Seventh Annual Zephyrhills Summerfest: An Independence Day Celebration
Where: Zephyr Park, 38116 Fifth Ave.
When: July 2, noon to 9:30 p.m.
Details: A daylong festival featuring food and drink vendors, local merchants, and fireworks at dark.
Info: Call 727-674-1464.

Fourth of July Celebration at Avalon Park
Where: 33613 State Road 54, Wesley Chapel
When: July 4, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Details: Patriotic bake-off, bike parade, bounce houses, food trucks, community performances, vendors and more, before fireworks at 9 p.m.
Info: Visit AvalonParkWesleyChapel.com, or call 813-783-1515.

Fourth of July Bash!
Where: Plantation Palms, 23253 Plantation Palms Blvd., Land O’ Lakes
When: July 2, 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Details: Live music, and food and drink specials, at the neighborhood clubhouse and restaurant, Mulligan’s. Prizes for most patriotic dressed.
Info: Visit Facebook.com/PPgolfclub.

Published June 29, 2022