The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Local News

Having a grand time, at the ‘prom’

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The dancers came in all ages, sporting various styles.

Some did solo numbers, while others danced in pairs. Some formed a conga line and danced around the floor at the recreation center at Wesley Chapel District Park.

Participants at the Dance your Dream party seemed to be having a great time, as they snaked around the Wesley Chapel District Park gymnasium. (Fred Bellet)

All in all, about 100 people were there to move to the music, have some refreshments and simply enjoy themselves at  “Dance your Dream,” a free event on June 11. The gathering was sponsored by HOPE Services, a vocational service organization.

The two-hour event brought people living with disabilities together for a chance to look great and groove to the music. They came from as close as Wesley Chapel, Land O’ Lakes, Lutz and Tampa to as far away as Seffner and Brandon.

Those attending were encouraged to wear their “prom attire” and to get on the dance floor to show off their moves.

Besides dancing, there were refreshments provided by Chick-fil-A and a chance to meet the Chick-fil-A mascot.

In addition to providing the opportunity for a good time, the event doubled as a fundraiser for HOPE Services’ new Life Skills Center, which is expected to open this year.

Event-goers could bid on silent auction items and try their luck in some raffles.

The new Life Skills Center will assist people living with disabilities with everyday life skills and employable skills in food services, construction, hospitality, retail, and computer skills.

Published June 22, 2022

Cerebral palsy did not stop 36-year-old Jason Wenner, of Wesley Chapel, from rocking out in his wheelchair, as he delights to the music at the Dance your Dream party. Jason’s mother, Linda Wenner, left, said Jason was born premature and weighed just 12 ounces at birth. She described him as the family’s ‘miracle baby.’
If anyone was having a great time at the Dance your Dream party, it was clearly 39-year-old Josh Goldsmith, as he gets in on a group photo with 32-year-old Kim Gordon and 44-year-old Steven Moran, all of Tampa. About 100 people who live with disabilities attended a free prom attire dance party at the Wesley Chapel District Park gymnasium and activity rooms.
Early-arriver Brandon Wheeler, a 21-year-old from Seffner, got everything started at the party — showing off his dance moves on the floor, and concluding with a spectacular finish.
Thirty-six-year-old Keishawn Tolberg, left, is led on to the dance floor by her mother, Felicia McCardy, right, of Seffner. Keishawn’s smile lit up the dance floor at the Dance your Dream prom attire dance party.
Thirty-two-year-old Kim Gordon and 44-year-old Steven Moran dance the night away.
Twenty-two-year-old Joshua Tapia, of Wesley Chapel, shows off some fancy footwork, as he dances with his friend, Race Herron, of Lutz.
Dancing solo, Kimberly Watkins, 45, of Brandon, shows her dance technique, as she and others dance to the sounds of music from the DJs of Sandwich F.M.

Pasco County still aiming for October takeover of jail

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Pasco County is continuing the process necessary to pave the way to transfer operations of the jail from the Sheriff’s Office to under the county’s control.

The Pasco County Commission approved a resolution on June 7, enabling it to stay on track for a potential Oct. 1 takeover.

“We have a draft interlocal (agreement) that we are reviewing internally,” County Administrator Dan Biles told the board.

A representative for the clerk’s office also informed the board that a firm has been hired to complete transition accounting that was authorized by the board and the work is expected to be completed on schedule.

Biles also informed board members that he’s “trying to make sure that the county has enough in the current budget to capture the costs that will be out there, when the county takes over the jail, on or about the first of October.”

The county administrator added: “The first of October is kind of an important date because that’s when all of the benefits are set in place for the year. That’s the easiest date to do the transition from an employee/employer relationship. We’re still targeting that date.”

On another matter, Biles reported that the county’s bond rating improved on its half-cent sales tax.

“Our new bonds are going out soon. We actually got an increase from Double A to Double A-plus, which probably will save us over $400,000, over the term of those bonds.”

In other action, the board:

  • Approved additional purchasing authority for as-needed cremations and/or burial services with Dignity Funeral Services Inc., d/b/a Michels and Lundquist Funeral Home (Dignity Funeral Services), in the amount of $80,000, resulting in the new Not to Exceed (NTE) amount of $263,225 for fiscal year 2022, and a new cumulative total not-to-exceed amount of $629,675 for the three-year contract ending Sept. 30. The county’s Human Services department requests additional funding to prepare for the increase in cremations and burials that are anticipated.
  • Approved the appropriation of $50,000 to begin the planning phase of the Villages of Pasadena Hills Super Park. The county’s Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Department I is nearing the final phase of the land acquisition for the park. To prepare for the planning of the park site, the department will be conducting a study with Pasco County Schools to identify if the site is adequate to co-locate the school, with the park.
  • Approved an agreement related to the county’s housing program to spend $100,000 to renovate a single-family residence. The residence will be used to provide safe and affordable rental housing for a family at, or below, 80% of the area median income.
  • Approved the appointment of Lee Middleton to the CareerSource Pasco Hernando board.
  • Approved a budget amendment to a Cares Act contract with the Area Agency on Aging of Pasco-Pinellas to increase funding by $30,608 and to extend the term through Sept. 30.

Published June 22, 2022

These artists create to their own beat

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Admittedly, Jasmine Williams didn’t have a name for the painting.

A portrait of the artists and the works they created during an evening of music and art during Beats ‘N’ Brushes, an event held at the James Irvin Civic Center, during Dade City’s Juneteenth Week. (Mike Camunas)

But at the same time, she holds no illusions that she’s an artist.

“I teach dance for (Pasco County) Parks and Rec,” said Williams, who works out of the James Irvin Civic Center in Dade City. “So it doesn’t have a name — maybe ‘Paint The City.’ But really it’s all about shapes when you add the buildings. It can be New York City or downtown Tampa — even this one here has a little Taj Mahal look to it,” she said, with a laugh.

Williams was referring to paintings completed by about a dozen adults and children who came to the first Beats ‘N’ Brushes.

They gathered for an hour-and-a-half on June 15, listening to music and painting their version of a sunset scene.

“I’m very happy with the turnout,” Williams said. “It’s nice to be able to do something a little different and for the community.”

The event was developed by Sandra Wright, who started The Wright Movement, which raises awareness about pancreatic cancer, and Kimberly Miller, a coordinator for parks and recreation.

Nine-year-old Olivia King, of Zephyrhills, is focused on her piece of art, during the Beat ‘N’ Brushes event.

Miller came up with the idea for the event.

Each of the women also painted a skyline.

“There are already a lot of paints with adults, so this was something that was fun that also kids could do,” Wright said. “They can stay inside from the heat, instead of (playing) something like kickball or basketball, and do something a little different — and paint like adults.

“Plus, something like this helps bring a little more awareness to taking care of your health, pancreatic cancer and also the community. … It was a great turnout, and I can’t wait until next year and see if it gets even better,” Wright added.

Beat ‘N’ Brushes was among several events scheduled in Dade City during Juneteenth Week, to commemorate the historic end of slavery in the United States on June 19, 1865.

Other events slated during the week included a Family Bowling Night, A Night To Remember Exhibit at Pioneer Florida Museum & Village and a Juneteenth Community Celebration at the Civic Center on June 18.

Published June 22, 2022

Bermice Thomas, of Dade City, adds a palm tree to her painting, giving it a local feel, during Beats ‘N’ Brushes.
A closer look at one of the skylines created during the event.

Local coffee shop also brews up trivia, live music

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The only thing Jason Mitchell used to know about coffee was how to drink it.

“That’s pretty much it,” said Mitchell, who now owns Mitchell’s Coffee Time, a small coffee shop and restaurant in Lutz. “Always wanted to own one, but never could because of my deployments (in the military). But we’ve been here since April 2020 now.”

Mitchell is a 20-year veteran. He retired in 2017, after numerous deployments and dozens of countries visited.

Jason Mitchell stands behind the counter at Mitchell’s Coffee Time with his daughter, Alexxus, who works there part-time as a barista. Jason’s three daughters all work for the family business in Lutz that features coffee, light food and weekly events, including trivia and live music. (Mike Camunas)

He was running his car detail business, but wanted to operate the coffee shop he now owns.

“I met the previous owner because we had been detailing his car for three years,” he said. “He wanted to sell, and we basically jumped right into the 45-day transition.

“He taught us everything we needed to know about having a coffee shop business. I did my own research and looked at YouTube videos, but we do our own thing here.

“We do things a little differently,” he said.

Indeed, the Mitchells do.

More than half his family works at the shop.

His 22-year-old twin daughters, Alexxus and Destiny, are baristas, while his 15-year-old daughter works occasionally, when she needs to earn money.

Mitchell’s Coffee Time serves up more than coffee. It hosts events, from trivia every Thursday, to Bible study group meetups, to Zumba classes and live music.

Kyra Kalodimos, of Land O’ Lakes, enjoys an iced coffee while listening to music and doing a little midday work at Mitchell’s Coffee Time in Lutz.

Jason likes to consider it more of a hangout than just a coffee shop.

Indeed, for many, it’s a place they go to for more than just a cup of joe.

“I can tell when (customers) are meeting a client, whether it be Realtors or an insurance salesperson,” he added. “Which I think is great. We don’t want to be like some chain coffee place where you get your coffee and get out.”
Mitchell is a hands off-type owner because he has a full-time job working down at MacDill Air Force Base.

He pops into the shop a couple times a week, mostly for a coffee, but the baristas run the place.

They have the freedom to experiment with new drinks and just have fun, as well.

“We’re very different from a chain coffee shop,” Destiny said. “From the coffee to just the stuff we have and events. But I’m glad. It’s better to be different.

“It’s so much fun, even though we didn’t know that much about coffee. Once you work at a coffee shop, you’ll learn so much more about coffee than you ever thought you could know about coffee. We learned on the go. It was a process, but, honestly, it was a fun one.”

And Jason plans to include more fun.

Curbside service is on the horizon, but more events will be coming, such as painting with a twist for both adults and kids, and bingo for older customers.

“Word of mouth definitely helps us, especially when they find out that we host a lot of things like trivia and music,” Jason said.

“Sometimes it’s a little hard to see us because of the way (State Road 54) is built, but once they come in or find it, they’re like, ‘didn’t know this was here, but I love it,’” he said.

Mitchell’s Coffee Time
Where: 22299 State Road 54, Suite 102, Lutz
When: Mondays, 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Tuesdays, 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Wednesday to Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Details: This coffee shop, which is family owned and operated, offers drinks, light food and weekly events, including trivia and live music.
Info: Call 813-428-6550, or visit MitchellsCoffeeTime.com.

Published June 22, 2022

An American Dream — with a (karate) kick

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Janise Man-Son-Hing recalls the days when her husband, Christopher, would drive by a martial arts academy and point it out to her.

It was his version of the American Dream, she said.

He didn’t just leave it at that.

“Here is someone who did it. It wasn’t easy, but he didn’t give up,” said his wife, of 22 years.

Lutz resident and martial arts instructor Christopher Man-Son-Hing works with some punching pads with a student. Man-son-Hing arrived in this country as a teenager, with $20 in his pocket. He worked his way up from his days in the U.S. Navy and as a Tampa Police Officer, eventually opening his own martial arts academy which he has operated for more than 20 years. (Mike Camunas)

Christopher Man-Son-Hing was just 14, with $20 in his pocket, when his parents sent him and his brother from their South American home country, Guyana, off to live with other families.

Guyana had become a socialist state. His parents wanted more for their children, so they sent them to live, first in Trinidad and then in New York.

“It is a tribute to my mom and dad,” Christopher said. “They wanted a better life for me, and America is the land of opportunity. In the socialist country Guyana became, only certain people were to be successful. They wanted more for us.”

Once in the states, Christopher went to school, but about a year later he returned to Guyana — for his family.

He left again, but this time with his entire family, each with $20 in their pockets.

They settled in Miami.

The kids went to school there and the entire family started over.

“It’s not like they were destitute over there — it was about freedom,” Janise said.

Indeed they weren’t poor. Christopher’s father was an accountant, but in the states he became a janitor. His mother was an accomplished, award-winning photographer; she went to work at K-Mart.

Lutz resident and martial arts instructor Christopher Man-Son-Hing directs his students during a training session at his academy. Man-Son-Hing has run his academy for more than 20 years.

“They gave up a lot for us to come here,” Christopher said.

He added: “There was nothing wrong working those jobs, but we were happy to be here, so it didn’t matter that we had to start over.”

Christopher and his brother had high school diplomas from Guyana, but they were worthless here. So they had to earn new ones.

After that, Christopher joined the U.S. Navy, serving for eight years. Then, in 1988, he joined the Tampa Police Department. The police department found out he was skilled in Taekwondo, so he became a training officer, especially in unarmed, hand-to-hand training.

“I was (the kid that) never backed down and if a challenge was there, I took it,” Christopher said. “I really enjoyed being an instructor. I’ve been one for quite some time.”

Janise added: “His mom put him in martial arts when he was just 5 because, as she put it, he was just a ‘devil.’ On the first day, he challenges his instructor and gets knocked out. His mom brought him right back the next day and once he channeled his energy into martial arts, then he became an excellent student.”

Christopher holds a seventh degree Black Belt in Taekwondo and Hapkido giving him a ranking 159th in the World Taekwondo Federation.

The academy operated by Christopher Man-Son-Hing, a Lutz resident and martial arts instructor, has produced champions for more than 20 years. 

He finally opened his academy in 2000 — achieving his American Dream.

He met Janise when he was her training instructor at the Tampa Police Department.

“I came in as a cadet and we’re not to fraternize with trainers or date until we’re out of the academy,” she recalled. “I didn’t really like him because he represented pain to me — a trainer, who is hard on you, but I admired his skill.”

Janise also admired the story of his journey to America.

“I didn’t know the story until we had a chance to talk more,” she said. “To hear that story and know it now as his wife, I can see his grit, his substance and that it made him who he is.”

She feels the same sense of admiration every time she hears or reflects on his story because it is truly amazing, she said.

The Man-Son-Hings ran their martial arts academy on Waters Avenue until 2018 when they sold the building and Janise retired as senior corporal detective. Christopher retired in 2007 as a Master Patrol Officer and High Liability Trainer.

During those days, they’d put in long days doing their police work, and then run classes five days a week until 9 p.m.

They tried to retire the business, too, but “clients kept calling and calling,” Janise said. Between students and their love for martial arts, they weren’t ready to call it quits quite yet.

Janise and Christopher Man-Son-Hing met when they were both officers for the Tampa Police Department. They have been married for 22 years and have two children.

So their neighbors, owners of Happy Talk Farm (a horse riding facility), offered to rent out an upstairs studio in their home.

Man-So-Hing Academy still offers plenty of classes, but with fewer students so Christopher can devote more individual time to each.

“I truly feel I’ve accomplished what I set out to do, and this country provided all the avenues for me to do it,” Christopher said. “Tomorrow’s never promised, as they say, and the man upstairs will let me know when enough is enough.”

At 62, Christopher wants to enjoy retirement, but still “absolutely loves” teaching martial arts and “reaching students.”

“He’s a good master and he’s taught me about respect and learning manners,” 10-year-old student Nathan McDaniel said. “I really like coming to his classes.”

Nathan’s father, Sean, agrees.

“(When I started taking classes), I was not aware (of Chris’ journey),” he said. “I think very highly of Master Chris and Miss Janise. They are very representative of what I call American Patriots — to serve, Christians, doing things the right way.

“He’s living proof of the American Dream.”

Man-Son-Hing Martial Arts Academy
Where: 16749 Whirley Road, Lutz
Details: Academy and classes offering various martial arts techniques for adults and children, beginning at age 3.
Info: Visit mshmartialarts.com or call (813) 310-2390 or email .

Published June 15, 2022

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Source: 2022 veto list of Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis

Published June 15, 2022

Take precautions now, to prevent mosquito-borne illnesses

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

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

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

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

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

Drain standing water to stop mosquitoes from multiplying

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

Cover skin with clothing or repellent

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

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

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

Published June 15, 2022

A memorial gathering is planned for Pasco female trailblazer

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Published June 15, 2022

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Other speakers raised similar concerns.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Published June 15, 2022

Pasco Schools superintendent won’t seek another term

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“We have done an amazing job managing growth.

“We weathered the pandemic better than most.

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

“But this is not a time to look backwards.

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

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

“I definitely feel that sense of urgency.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Published June 15, 2022