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Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

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Pasco County hires architect for library in Seven Oaks

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The Pasco County Commission has selected FleischmanGarcia, of Tampa, to handle the design and construction administration for a library planned in the Seven Oaks area of Wesley Chapel.

The new library, currently referred to as the Seven Oaks Library, is planned for a site in Seven Oaks, at 27531 Mystic Oak Blvd.

The design work is being done over the next 12 months, according to Bob Harrison, program manager at Pasco County Libraries.

A new library is planned in the Seven Oaks area of Wesley Chapel, and is expected to open in 2025. (File)

The tentative opening date for the new location is in 2025, and when it opens, the Seven Oaks Library will become the county’s ninth library branch, Harrison said, via email.

The facility will feature an array of technology, including public computers, and will have  meeting spaces, rooms for adults, kids and teens. It also will have books and other materials for patrons to borrow or to browse through. A makerspace is planned, too.

The details of the design have not been worked out yet, but the library team will work closely with the architect, FleischmanGarcia, on the interior footprint of the building, soliciting input from the community along the way, Harrison said.

Also, the nature of the makerspace will be determined with input from the public, as has been the case when decisions were being made about makerspaces at other library locations, Harrison added.

“We’re excited that our patrons in Wesley Chapel will be getting their very own library. This community has been growing tremendously, so this is the logical place for our next location,” Harrison said.

During its March 22 meeting, the Pasco County Commission approved a professional service agreement with FleischmanGarcia in a not-to-exceed amount of $980,428.

The funding is within the county’s fiscal year 2022 budget, under the county’s capital improvements plan project fund designated for libraries.

The library project in Seven Oaks follows discussions that occurred during the 2021 budget deliberations, when Pasco County Commissioner Mike Moore said it was important to begin laying the groundwork to build a library on the Seven Oaks site, which the county has owned since 2004.

The library project got a push when the county board decided to set aside funding from the American Rescue Plan to build it.

In other library-related news, at its March 22 meeting, the county board also:

  • Approved 1st Class Roofing Inc., as the lowest, responsive, and responsible bidder for the replacement of the roof at New River Library, in an amount not to exceed $89,238, as well as damaged decking provision of $3 per square foot, in the not-to-exceed amount of $25,000

This project is not part of the G.O. (General Obligation) Bond approved by voters in November of 2018, but rather is a maintenance project identified by the county’s facilities department, unrelated to the library’s interior remodeling.

  • Approved a task order with Patel, Greene and Associates LLC for the completion of the Library Services Department’s Master Plan, in a not-to-exceed amount of $218,000 for a one-year term, beginning with the date of the county board’s approval.

Published March 30, 2022

A forgotten hero, with a locally known name

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A huge explosion occurred on Feb. 21, 1922, killing 34 soldiers.

The disaster garnered bold headlines, across the globe, for weeks.

But on the centennial anniversary of that tragedy, not a peep was heard.

The heavily traveled Dale Mabry Highway, which cuts through Hillsborough County and crosses into Pasco County is named after Capt. Dale Mabry, who was considered a hero when he died in during the Feb. 21, 1922 explosion of the Roma. (Courtesy of floridamemory.com)

So, here’s a look back in history of the fateful day the dirigible Roma, an army airship carrying 45 souls, crashed in Virginia.

It was the largest airship disaster at the time. Its 11 cells of hydrogen — holding a million cubic feet of highly inflammable gas — erupted after the ship hit high voltage lines.

Eleven airmen survived. Some jumped, when it was clear that the ship was crashing.

Those killed in the crash were burned beyond recognition.

Only the captain was identifiable because he was still gripping the controls steering the ship.

He never left his post in his desperate attempt to save lives.

The historical marker near the site in Norfolk, Virginia,  of this barely remembered disaster, took 98 years to erect. Even the inscription on it says prophetically, “In later years, the story of Roma was largely forgotten.”

This happened 15 years before the more famous Hindenburg disaster, which was caught on film and killed the same number of people.

Books and movies were made about the Hindenburg.

The Roma is forgotten.

But for folks in the Tampa Bay area, the ship’s heroic captain is remembered, and everyone knows his name.

There’s a legacy left behind by him that cuts through the heart of Tampa — in the form of a heavily traveled highway.

The captain’s name?  Dale Mabry.

The day after the disaster, the Tampa Morning Tribune headline screamed, “34 PERISH WITH DIRIGIBLE ROMA.”

This smaller headline was accompanied by a photograph of the captain: “Capt. Dale Mabry of Tampa, a victim.”

Mabry had lived in Tampa before enlisting in the U.S. Army during World War I, and he had family here.

His father, a prominent attorney, had served as Florida’s Lt. Governor, and then later on the Florida Supreme Court, at the turn of the century.

The first mate of the Roma also was a son of a man of prominence — Walter Reed. Dale Mabry had served as best man at the younger Walter Reed’s wedding.

Reed’s father conquered yellow fever and Washington D.C.’s most famous hospital was named after him.

The junior Reed survived the Roma disaster and went on to serve as a general in World War II.

In the years after the Roma tragedy, a road was built to connect MacDill Air Force Base with Drew Field, since both airfields were being used by the military (Drew Field later became Tampa International Airport). The road between the airfields was named after Capt. Dale Mabry.

Here is the headline from the Feb. 22, 1922 issue of the Tampa Morning Tribune, recounting the explosion of the Roma, which claimed the lives of 34 and captured headlines across the globe, at the time. (Courtesy of Tampapix.com)

In decades to come, the road was lengthened through rural cow pastures and orange groves extending from one end of Hillsborough County into neighboring Pasco County.

Aerial photos from the 1950s show Dale Mabry’s northern route bisecting uninhabited pastures.

Today, the pastures and groves have disappeared.

Over the years, millions have used this road that connects the world’s most strategic military operations — Central Command — to thousands of businesses along its route. Dale Mabry Highway is a busy commercial corridor, flanked on both sides by businesses, restaurants, car dealerships and other types of development.

Raymond James Stadium is on one side of the road and George M. Steinbrenner Field is on the other.

It is one of the region’s busiest arteries, named in honor of a man who heroically perished a century ago, hands firmly at the wheel.

Travelers on the road today may not realize it, but as they grip the wheels of their vehicles, they replicate the final posture of Capt. Mabry who perished, while trying to limit casualties from the exploding aircraft.

The story of the ill-fated Roma and her crew has been largely forgotten over time.

But one name remains widely known locally, and now, a century later, his courage on that terrible day, is worth remembering.

By Charlie Reese

Published March 30, 2022

County speeding up design work on Old Pasco Road

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The county’s project management division is fast-tracking the completion of design work for a road widening along Old Pasco Road, from Deedra Drive to north of Coyote Way Road.

The division’s anticipated letting day for the project is in February 2023, according to background material in the Pasco County Commission’s March 22 agenda packet.

In keeping with that goal, the county board approved a task order with Florida Design Consultants Inc. (FDC), to provide engineering services for the design, permitting and bidding support for the relocation of existing utility infrastructure in the county’s right of way that would be affected by the road-widening work.

The engineering inspections services during construction will be negotiated with FDC upon completion of the design, according to the agenda packet.

The county’s utilities engineering and contract management will join the contract management department to have the roadway contractor perform the utility relocation work as part of the project.

The estimated construction cost for the utility relocation work is slightly over $2 million.

The county has not determined a projected end date for the project’s completion, according to the agenda materials.

This item was approved as part of the county board’s consent agenda, meaning there was no public comment and it was included in a bundle of items that were approved in a single motion.

In other action, the county board:

  • Approved a task order with Stroud Engineering Consultants Inc., in the amount of $191,193, relating to work involving utility relocations and adjustments on State Road 52, from east of U.S. 41 to west of Bellamy Brothers Road.
  • Approved the award of a bid to Kloote Contracting Inc., the lowest, responsive and responsible bidder, for parking lot improvements at the Pasco County Animal Services Shelter. The amount is not to exceed $110,077, for fiscal year 2022. The amount includes $11,900 for a concrete dumpster pad.

Published March 30, 2022

A day for dogs, and their owners, in Dade City

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Friendly pups were out in full force, from big breeds to little leapers and every furry, four-legged dog in between, at the 12th annual Dogs’ Day in Dade City.

Dade City Mayor Camille Hernandez poses with this year’s Dog Mayor, Abby, during the 12th annual Dogs’ Days in Dade City on March 19 at Agnes Lamb Park. (Mike Camunas)

It really was a dogs’ day afternoon on March 19, at Agnes Lamb Park, just off Meridian Avenue, the city’s downtown.

“Today really is about the dogs,” Dade City Mayor Camille Hernandez told the crowd of dozens of dogs accompanied by their humans. The mayor added: “But today is really about the people, too, and this great community.”

Dogs’ Day has been going on ever since Lucy Avila, along with the Dade City Youth Council, organized it with local animal-based businesses from Dade City.

With downtown businesses such as Dog-Mania & Cats, Dade City Animal Clinic and Nutrena Farmers Feed Depot, Dogs’ Day hosts a variety of activities. They include costume contests, dog parade, talent portions and even an ice-cream eating contest that pairs the dogs with the humans (who eat yogurt).

“It’s a great day for the dog and the human to come together and expose them to a fun environment,” Avila said. “This lets the dogs interact, while their owners can do some local vendor shopping that’s dog-related.”

Avila was especially proud of her own dog, Abby, a Schnauzer Terrier that became the inaugural Dog Mayor of Dade City.

Selecting a Dog Mayor is a new contest introduced this year. The person who raises the most money for the fundraiser has the honor of having his or her dog named the Dog Mayor for a year.

A dog parade was among the many fun activities during the 12th annual Dogs’ Days in Dade City, held on March 19 at Agnes Lamb Park.

“I’m glad she’s the first Dog Mayor of Dade City,” Avila said, with a laugh.

Also on hand were several dog adoption groups with available good boys and good girls to take home.

A K-9 Challenge was held, with the sheriff’s unit showing off its canine officers and their talents.

Proceeds from this year’s event benefit the city’s K-9 program, the veteran’s K-9 program and several other adoption programs, as well as the Pasco County Animal Shelter in Land O’ Lakes.

Over the years, proceeds from Dogs’ Day also has helped to support and maintain the Dade City Dog Park, which is just down the street from where the event was held.

Avila said she thinks the event represents Dade City and what the town is all about.

“We’re a very dog/pet-friendly town and we have dog stations all around town, which some of our proceeds go to (maintaining) those.”

Avila continued: “I thought today was a great turnout because every year it’s just great to see this community come together by one thing: their love of dogs and their pets.”

Sponsors for this year’s event were The New Barker, an online dog magazine; the Green Door on 8th; and Granny’s Animal Camp.

Published March 30, 2022

This ‘Starbucks’ couple, Ocean Wolf, left, and Maddie Sparks, plus Daisy, attended the 12th annual Dogs’ Days in Dade City on March 19 at Agnes Lamb Park. They won for Most Creative Costume.
Dallas enjoys a shady spot with owner Nikita Hickey during the 12th annual Dogs’ Days in Dade City on March 19 at Agnes Lamb Park.
Winter gladly takes a drink served by owner, Rick Chyzzewzki, during the 12th annual Dogs’ Days in Dade City.
Darla Belevich and Honey Bee take a little break during the 12th annual Dogs’ Days in Dade City on March 19 at Agnes Lamb Park.
Ebony and Diane Krug won Cutest Costume at the 12th annual Dogs’ Days in Dade City.
Kevin Taggerty sits on stage with Hamlet, left, and CJ, right, at the 12th annual Dogs’ Days in Dade City.
Marley looks up at its owners while sporting a comfy red hoodie during the 12th annual Dogs’ Days in Dade City.
Rebecca Workman holds Khloe, a three-month old Frenchie, at the 12th annual Dogs’ Days in Dade City on March 19 at Agnes Lamb Park. Frenchie tired early.
Robie Ward, along with Yoda and Daly, enjoys the 12th annual Dogs’ Days in Dade City on March 19 at Agnes Lamb Park.

 

 

 

Chasco Fiesta celebrates 100 years

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When the Chasco Fiesta began in 1922, it was headed by Postmaster Gerben DeVries as a way to raise money for the local library, according to a resolution of congratulations adopted on March 22 by the Pasco County Commission.

Kurt Conover appeared on behalf of the Chasco Fiesta celebration, at the March 22 Pasco County Commission meeting, to receive a resolution of congratulations honoring the event’s 100th anniversary. From left: Pasco County Clerk & Comptroller Nikki Alvarez-Sowles, County Commissioner Ron Oakley, County Commissioner Mike Moore, Commission Chairwoman Kathryn Starkey, Kurt Conover, Commissioner Christina Fitzpatrick and Commissioner Jack Mariano. This year’s festivities began on March 25 and runs through April 3. (Courtesy of Pasco County)

DeVries was inspired by the Native Americans in the area and the nearby Pithlachascotee River, the source of the names for King Pithla and Queen Chasco, two central characters of the festival, the resolution says.

The resolution credits the sponsors and more than 700 volunteers as the driving forces behind Chasco Fiesta.

They “work tirelessly to create a fun and memorable experience for every attendee, including a steering committee that oversees the year-round planning and organization of the Chasco Fiesta,” the resolution says.

Kurt Conover, accepted the resolution, on behalf of Chasco Fiesta.

“We are very excited. We anticipate record crowds,” Conover said. “We’re expecting over 200,000 people to be participating,” he said.

This year’s festival began on March 25 and runs through April 3.

After the resolution was read, Commission Chairwoman Kathryn Starkey said: “I cannot believe the 100-year date, that it’s the oldest fiesta celebration in the state. That’s amazing. Very cool.”

Commissioner Christina Fitzpatrick, who sponsored the resolution, said, “I want to say thank you to all of the volunteers who help make this possible. I’ve been attending this for 33 years, since I’ve been here.

“From watching the parade and watching the boat parade every year. It’s been a very exciting event. I want to encourage everyone to come out,” Fitzpatrick said.

Chasco Fiesta is a 501(C)4 organization, and in 2019 benefited 20 not-for-profit organizations in the local community and surrounding areas.

This year’s festival began on March 25 and runs through April 3. For a look at the festival’s remaining schedule, visit the events calendar at ChascoFiesta.com.

Published March 30, 2022

Charity of the Month supports special athletes

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Pasco County Tax Collector Mike Fasano’s offices will be collecting donations throughout April for its charity of the month: Special Olympics of Pasco County.

Special Olympics is a sports and training program for people with intellectual disabilities, and provides year-round training and competition in 17 different sports. There is no cost for athletes to participate.

“We are very excited to once again be selected as the Charity of the Month for April,” said Joeyn Dearsman, senior manager Pasco, in a news release.

“Mike Fasano and his team have been big supporters of Special Olympics of Pasco for many years and we are grateful for everything they do for our athletes. With the help from our community during this campaign, we will be able to provide athletic training, equipment and uniforms for our athletes,” Dearsman said.

“The Pasco County branch of this excellent program has a long history of success in not only the state of Florida but at the national level as well. The opportunities provided to people with intellectual challenges have proven to help enrich the lives of the athletes in a great way,” said Mike Fasano in the release.

All five locations of the tax collector’s office will participate – they can be found online at PascoTaxes.com.

For information about the charitable giving program at the tax collector’s office, contact Assistant Tax Collector Greg Giordano at 727-847-8179.

For more about the services provided by Special Olympics of Pasco, call Joeyn Dearsman at 727-992-8850, or visit SpecialOlympicsFlorida.org.

Published March 30, 2022

Tampa announces ‘Spring it Forward’ initiative

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The City of Tampa’s Solid Waste Department is launching the “Spring It Forward” Initiative, designed to help reduce extra waste and its environmental impact during the spring-cleaning season, according to a city news release.

The City of Tampa’s McKay Bay Waste Facility experiences an increase in tonnage each March.

Specifically, there was a 22% increase in waste generated in March 2021, the release says.

To help reduce waste, at the beginning of spring, residents are encouraged to repurpose and donate their unwanted items rather than disposing of them when spring cleaning their homes.

By using the Tampa Trash and Recycling App or on the recycling website, it is possible to search the Waste Sort to find out whether a material can be reused or donated to consignment or local thrift shops.

Taking your items to a local thrift or consignment shop can extend the life span of resources used to create items, the release notes.

“Springing your unwanted, good and working-condition items forward can help those in need,” said Larry Washington, the city’s solid waste director.

“Springing It Forward also helps local charities and nonprofit agencies collect gently used items. We’re excited to help connect families with these resources,” Washington added, in the release.

Residents can download the mobile app, Tampa Trash and Recycling, for Apple or Android devices. The app also can be found on the city website Tampa.gov/Recycle for convenient calendar and waste items search.

Published March 30, 2022

Pasco elections supervisor issues warning about mailer

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Pasco County Supervisor of Elections Brian Corley is putting the county’s voters on alert about a mail campaign being launched in the county.

“The Voter Participation Center (VPC) & the Center for Voter Information (CVI) has again launched a voter registration mail campaign targeting Pasco County voters which have previously contained inaccurate information that voters have reported as alarming and confusing,” according to a news release from Corley’s office.

“In the past, these mailing have been sent to family members who are deceased, their pets, underage children, and adult children who no longer reside or never resided in the household or the state of Florida. The mailings which aim to reach eligible voters often arouse suspicion because they are already registered and feel that their registration has somehow been compromised,” the release continues.

“Our experience has been that VPC and CVI mailings further erode voter confidence at a time when the security of our elections is in the forefront. Please know that these organizations are in no way affiliated with my office and that there are reliable tools already in place for Pasco citizens to register to vote, update their voter registration, and to check their voter registration status,” the release adds.

For the most accurate information regarding your voter registration:

For grievances regarding the mailing, Corley’s office asks voters to contact the VPC using the information provided on the mailing.

Published March 23, 2022

Zephyrhills librarian captures award-winning image

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The timing could not have been better.

“On that particular night, the moon was perfect,” Lori Brightwell, Zephyrhills librarian, said about her prize-winning photograph.

The former professional photographer also noted: “With the right lighting and cropping, basically anyone can have equally good pictures.”
She used her iPhone to capture the moon shining through clouds, above Zephyrhills City Hall, with a fountain lit up in the foreground.

Lori Brightwell, a Zephyrhills librarian, captured this image she calls ‘City Hall at Night.’ Brightwell placed third in the Florida Cities and County Management Association’s Membership Directory Photo Contest. The image will be featured on the association’s homepage for three months. Brightwell was a professional photographer for 22 years. (Courtesy of Lori Brightwell)

She knew it was a great photo, but was totally unaware of the photo contest.

It turns out that Kevin Weiss, the city’s public information officer, submitted the image as an entry in the Florida Cities and County Management (FCCMA) 2022-23 Membership Directory Photo Contest.

It was one of 47 submissions from jurisdictions across Florida that generated more than 25,000 views.

Brightwell’s photo garnered 360 votes, which yielded her third place in the competition.

Her photo now will be featured on the FCCMA home page from Jan. 1, 2023 to March 1, 2023.

“I’m very happy people voted for it,” Brightwell said.

She said it didn’t matter that her photo didn’t capture first place.

“I’m glad it’ll be on the cover, so everyone can see a part of this town that I just think is beautiful,” Brightwell said.

Before “accidentally becoming a librarian,” Brightwell worked as a professional photographer in the Temple Terrace area for more than two decades.

She graduated from the University of South Florida with a major in photography; she specialized in shooting weddings and national horse shows. In those days, Brightwell shot film and developed it in a darkroom at her house.

“I was told I would never get a job in photography,” she said, noting at that time, “there weren’t many women in photography either.”

But she worked as a photographer for 22 years.

When photography turned digital, it was harder to find work, Brightwell said.

That’s when she bought a horse from a principal, who helped her get a job as a school’s media specialist for a year while she also taught photography as an online class.

Shortly after, she became a librarian in downtown Zephyrhills and never looked back at photography — except when she has some free time.

“Honestly, this city is really a gem of a city,” she said.” There are so many little places that I wish I could do nothing but take pictures, if I weren’t always in the library. The snapshots that tell the story of Zephyrhills — the little details. That’s how you see the whole story of this town, which, in my opinion, is really beautiful.”

Especially late at night.

“I sent it to the city, just joking about how late us librarians leave, and I thought they might not think it was funny,” she said. “They loved the picture.”

“So, sometimes,” Brightwell said, “it’s worth it to leave that late.”

Published March 23, 2022

285 dwellings proposed at Old Pasco Road, State Road 52

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The Pasco County Planning Commission has recommended changes to the county’s land use plan to allow consideration of 285 dwelling units at the southeast corner of State Road 52 and Old Pasco Road.

The current land use designation, RES-3, allows up to three dwellings per acre. The new one, RES-12, would allow up to 12 dwellings per acre on slightly less than 28 acres. About 1.85 acres of the 29.25-acre site would retain its current designation of ROR (office, retail, residential) — but the intention is to use the entire site for a residential project, according to materials in the planning board’s March 17 meeting agenda packet.

In addition to the land use change, the applicant, represented by attorney Barbara Wilhite, intends to seek a rezoning for a master-planned unit development including detached or attached units, with buildings on the site being no more than two stories tall, according to the agenda backup.

Initially, the applicant was seeking to change the entire site to a land use designation allowing 12 units per acre. The applicant, however, amended the request, after David Goldstein, chief assistant county attorney, raised issues about amending the ROR portion of the site.

Goldstein told Nectarios Pittos, the county’s planning and development director, that he was concerned about changing the ROR designation to R-12 because of the potential for a future request to change the ROR use on the property to the north, to allow additional residential.

He asked Pittos if the planning director could document “that we’re not giving additional residential to that property owner to the north, because there’s already adequate residential in this ROR district, including the area we’re about to change right now.”

Another option, Goldstein said, would be for the county to change the designation on the land to commercial, to retain office and retail uses on the land.

“The problem with the ROR district is that it allows all three (commercial, office and retail),” Goldstein said.

“I just think it would be a mistake to take that key corner of (State Road) 52 and Old Pasco Road and make it residential … I’m worried that 10 years from now some staff person says, ‘ROR, residential’s allowed.’”

Pittos said he understood Goldstein’s concern and that he could make a notation in the county’s files.

That’s when Clarke Hobby, an attorney who frequently appears on behalf of clients at land use and zoning hearings, stepped up to the microphone.

Hobby told the planning board that he wasn’t there to represent the property owner to the north, but that he is working with that landowner.

Hobby then said: “I think it’s really inappropriate for the county to be effectively trying to impose conditions on their (the adjacent) property, when their property wasn’t the subject of today’s application.

“Effectively what you are saying is that their comp (land use) plan is being changed or conditioned somehow today, and they had no knowledge of it, so I think it’s unfair,” Hobby said.

Goldstein then asked Wilhite why it was necessary to change the ROR designation on the pending application.

Both the attorney and the county planning staff told Wilhite the density that is being sought in the forthcoming request for master-planned unit development could be achieved, without changing the ROR designation.

Wilhite said she was willing to drop that request, as long as it did not require re-advertising the request or delaying the process.

Goldstein said re-advertising would not be required because Wilhite is not seeking to change the ROR. That being said, Wilhite agreed.

In the backup materials, planners recommended approval of the proposed land use change, noting that it complies with the county’s policy regarding the provision of transitional uses to serve as a buffer between varying densities of residential and commercial land uses.

Planners also found that the “proposed amendment to RES-12 supports the vision and

mission of the South Market Area by encouraging higher-density residential development adjacent to major corridors.”

And, they noted because of the proximity of the Interstate 75 corridor and State Road 52, the proposed use “provides the opportunity for residents to live/work within major corridors.”

The planning board voted unanimously to recommend approval of the proposed land use change. The request now goes to the Pasco County Commission, which has final jurisdiction on land use and zoning changes.

The proposed development cannot proceed until the pending master-planned unit development zoning also gains approval from the county board.

Published March 23, 2022