The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Local News

A good morning, for barbecue

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Anthony and Allison Fonseca are used to being up early.

Not only are the firefighter and former schoolteacher new parents, but rising early comes with the territory of cooking barbecue.

Anthony and Allison Fonseca, owners of Station House BBQ in Lutz, were chosen to compete in the Ultimate Pitmaster Contest on ‘Good Morning, America,’ appearing on the show live on May 13 from Old McMickey’s Farm in Odessa. (Courtesy of Allison Fonseca)

So when the Temple Terrace couple and owners of Station House BBQ, at 16319 N. Florida Ave., in Lutz, were asked to compete in the Ultimate Pitmaster Contest on “Good Morning, America (GMA),” they had no problem being up before sunrise.

“Making barbecue definitely comes with seeing the sun rise, so it’s something we’re used to, even if it meant being on national television,” Allison said. “What a huge blessing from God to be asked to be on ‘Good Morning, America.’”

On May 13, GMA, along with host Sam Champion, came down to Old McMickey’s Farm in Odessa and set up the competition. The Fonsecas were pitted against another husband-and-wife barbecue duo: Johnny Ray and Pamela Smith.

Johnny Ray is a former Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive back, and his wife Pamela, is a former Bucs cheerleader. They own Jazzy’s BBQ, at 5703 W. Waters Ave., in Town N’ Country.

“We had never met them before, but we’d heard good things about their barbecue,” Anthony said. “I think it never really sunk in — being on national television — and still really hasn’t. It was a fun experience that I’m so glad we got to be a part of.”

The competition had each couple prepare a popular dish and side. Jazzy’s prepared its ribs with a spicy barbecue sauce and signature baked beans, while Station House prepared its 14-hour smoked brisket and apple slaw.

It was then down to the judges: former Buccaneers and Hall of Fame linebacker Derrick Brooks; chef Joe Isidori, who owns JoToro restaurant at Sparkman Wharf in Tampa; and WWE star and local philanthropist Titus O’Neil. 

The first vote was from Brooks, who selected Jazzy’s. Then it was Isidori, the chef, who chose Station House. On the final vote from O’Neil, he chose Jazzy’s.

Anthony and Allison said they were disappointed not to win, but were extremely encouraged and grateful that the chef judge chose Station House over Jazzy’s.

“We really liked that!” Allison said. “We were swayed to make the slaw for the side, but, in retrospect, maybe we should have gone with the mac and cheese!”

The show gave backgrounds on both couples, too. The Smiths have been running Jazzy’s for 26 years, while Anthony and Allison started out as a catering and food truck company, using modified fire trucks. They opened the restaurant right at the start of the pandemic, but have thrived, even as Anthony juggles his time with the restaurant and working at Station No. 40 in Lutz.

In the end though, the Fonsecas still felt like winners.

The owners of Station House BBQ in Lutz, Anthony and Allison Fonseca, prepared their 14-hour brisket and apple slaw to be judged live on ‘Good Morning, America’ on May 13. (Courtesy of Allison Fonseca)

“There are no real losers in this competition,” Anthony said. “Yeah, we would’ve been overjoyed to win, but being on (the show) shines a light on both businesses, on the community and on great barbecue. Everyone won, really.”

Published May 25, 2022.

Some county roads are about to get brighter

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The Pasco County Commission has approved two joint partnership agreements with the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), aimed at improving lighting along two county roads.

One agreement calls for installation of street lights along State Road 56, from Willow Oak Drive to The Shops at Wiregrass entrance. The county will be coordinating with Withlacoochee River Electric Company on the project, which is set to start this summer and be completed by winter 2023.

The second agreement calls for installing the lighting along State Road 56, from The Shops at Wiregrass entrance to Meadow Pointe Boulevard.

The county will coordinate with Withlacoochee River Electric Company for the installation of the street lights. The construction, engineering and inspection phase is expected to begin this summer and be completed by the winter of 2023.

Both projects are each estimated at $60,000, according to backup materials in the county board’s May 17 agenda packet.

In other action at the May 17 meeting, the county board:

  • Approved a moratorium for development near airports, with the exception of Zephyrhills Municipal Airport. The moratorium will allow the county to develop regulations aimed at protecting airports.
  • Approved awarding work to the following companies: Megascapes Landscape and Maintenance Inc., (Megascapes) as the primary vendor; Sunbelt Sod & Grading Company (Sunbelt), as the secondary vendor; and Sod Solutions Inc., (Sod Solutions) as the tertiary vendor for ongoing and as-needed sod and sod installation to be used by the Parks, Recreation, and Natural Resources Department. The total work is not to exceed $250,000 for fiscal year 2022 and $250,000 for fiscal year 2023, for a cumulative amount of $500,000, for the two-year contract ending Sept. 30, 2023.
  • Agreed to purchase 18.28 acres of property from Lynn Heasley, for $400,000, plus closing costs, for the land to be included in the county’s Environmental Lands Acquisition and Management Program. The land is in Land O’ Lakes, on the north and south sides of State Road 52. The property is next to the ELAMP-owned Upper Pithlachascotee River Preserve, and within the North Pasco to Crossbar Ecological Corridor. While the property will be managed as part of the Upper Pithlachascotee River Preserve, the seller has requested that the tract be named after her father, Maj. Billy A. Heasley, a retired veteran of the U.S. Air Force.
  • Approved a rezoning from a general commercial district to a Master Planned Unit Development to allow 376 residential units and 85,500 square feet of retail on 40.05 acres, on the south side of State Road 52, about 840 feet east of Mirada Boulevard.
  • Directed County Attorney Jeffrey Steinsnyder to follow the recommendation made by outside counsel to approve the proposed settlement with Walgreens, and authorize the county attorney’s office to execute necessary documents for Pasco County to participate in the proposed settlement with this defendant.
  • Approved spending $425,000 to purchase affordable housing rental units.
  • Approved a 120-day extension for completion of an intersection improvement at Eiland Boulevard/Morris Bridge Road and State Road 54. The new completion date is set for Aug. 9, 2023.
  • Approved a budget amendment recognizing additional revenue for the library service department, through a state aid to libraries grant award of $144,793. The state aid to libraries grant is received annually, and the funds are used to purchase library books and electronic resources.
  • Approved funding for reimbursement grants from the Florida Sports Foundation to the county’s Destination Management Organization (DMO), in the amount of $32,677.82.

The reimbursement resulted from a higher-than-expected public participation at several events hosted by the DMO.

The board also discussed the need for a working arrangement with Pasco County Schools to open school playgrounds, basketball courts and other facilities, to allow families and children to enjoy using them.

Commissioner Christina Fitzpatrick said she has been working on the issue.

Commission Chairwoman Kathryn Starkey said opening up those facilities is long overdue. She, too, has been interested in making the facilities available for public use.

When there are more people congregated in areas, there’s a reduced chance for vandalism, because there are more people watching what’s happening there, the county board chairwoman said.

Published May 25, 2022

There’s more than books to check out at New River Branch Library

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Patrons at the New River Branch Library, 34043 State Road 54, can enjoy a free visual arts display — courtesy of the Zephyrhills Art Club.

The library has partnered with the art club, and the club’s president Joann Weatherbee curates the display, according to Danielle Lee, branch manager of the New River Branch Library.

Alla Prima Donna, by artist Sally Yoder, is an 8-inch by 10-inch oil painting. (Courtesy of New River Branch Library)

This month’s exhibit features artist Sally Yoder.

That exhibition is slated to come down on May 25, but a new one, featuring the works of Joyce Owens, also of the Zephyrhills Art Club, will open on June 1.

A new artist or group of artists will be featured each month.

Even though the Yoder exhibit is expected to come down this week, Lee shared information from Facebook, regarding the artist.

“Sally Yoder is an oil, acrylic and watercolor painter whose portraits, plein air works and boldly colored, large studio pieces offer surprising interpretations of the everyday ordinary.

“Having studied mostly oil painting classical realism, Sally ‘began to wonder why I’m copying great photos. So tight, and no creativity! Through happenstance, I realized old, black and white photos lend themselves to creative interpretation. So, I asked friends to send me fun, old pics I could try to paint. The watercolor of my friend Deb is a happy result of this practice.’”

Lee also shared information about accolades Yoder has received.

Those honors include: second place for a Myakka River watercolor at Zephyrhills Art Club’s 2017 annual show; wins in several categories at the monthly Venice Art Experience; first place in oil and acrylic at the North Tampa Arts League’s 2018 annual show with a Hillsborough River scene, and honorable mention for a Rembrandt inspired self-portrait at North Tampa Arts League’s 2019 show.

Yoder co-owns the Million Souls Mine and recently added lapidary arts to her creative repertoire. For more information, visit MillionSoulsMine.com.

Published May 25, 2022

This painting, called Preening, is a 12-inch by 16-inch oil, by artist Sally Yoder.
This oil painting, called Morris Bridge Plein Air, is an 11-inch by 14-inch oil, by artist Sally Yoder.
This painting, called Elephant’s Bath Time, is a 30-inch by 30-inch oil, by Sally Yoder.

Delays persist on fire department improvements

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Pasco County firefighters repeatedly have rang alarm bells recently regarding delayed response times and lagging construction progress on county fire/rescue facilities.

At the Pasco County Commission’s meeting on May 17, board members voted on two items that reflect those delays.

The board approved a change order on Fire Station No. 17 that extends the work for 90 days, bringing the new completion date to Oct. 2.

(File)

The delay includes an additional fee of $15,124 for Fleischman and Garcia Architects (FGA) and Planners, AIA, PA, bringing the not-to-exceed total to $489,510.

The board took that action without comment, as part of its consent agenda.

In another action, the board approved spending $549,100 for the purchase and installation of a training burn tower for the department’s Amador J. Gonzolo Training Center, 15910 Little Ranch Road in Spring Hill.

The new tower is replacing one that has exceeded its life cycle, according to Andrew Baxter, facilities management director.

The county had been planning to build a new training center, near the jail, using funds from the voter-approved General Obligation bonds.

However, Baxter said, “based on the escalations that we’re seeing for the construction of all of the new and replacement fire stations, we’re reevaluating that entire plan.”

Now, a new Fire/Rescue training center is not expected to be built for at least 10 years, he said.

The new burn tower will give the county time to continue training, while awaiting the new center, he said.

The delays underscore complaints that have been made during the public comment portion of the board’s meetings for the past several meetings.

At the May 17 meeting, Steve Akel, a member of International Association of Firefighters, Local 4420, reiterated those concerns.

He told commissioners: “When smoke fills your hallway; glass litters the road; or you or your child have that unexpected emergency at 2 a.m., myself and my 600 brothers and sisters race to be the ones to save you, in your emergency.”

Akel doesn’t want Pasco residents to have to ask whether an ambulance or fire truck will be available, and if it will arrive on time.

“Ambulances and stations need to be prioritized,” Akel said.

“It is this lack of support that’s been a contributing factor to losing 50 firefighters, averaging 5½ years of service, to other departments.

“Experienced firefighters are leaving from over-utilization, under-compensation and the feeling of no help in sight, from the commission,” Akel said.

“We are losing experienced rescuers, while trying to replace them with new ones and losing those people, also,” he added.

Meanwhile, as the department battles to retain current staff and train new firefighters, neighborhoods continue to fly up across Pasco, the union member said.

Akel also complained about the condition of the current training center, which he characterized as being “in shambles and nearly condemned.”

He summed up his remarks this way: “By not fixing these issues, you are failing our people and not fulfilling your purpose.”

Published May 25, 2022

On the ‘Main(e)’ strip

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Looking to add a little flair to its establishment, Welton Brewing Company and Oyster Bar, at 2624 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes, opted to spruce up the outside of its building — the one that has been several different local water holes in its lifetime.

Owner Sean Welton tapped local artist Lindsi Werner to paint her first mural on the front of the building. Sticking with the oyster bar theme, Werner’s piece is titled “Main(e) Hangout” and features notable landmarks and themes from the northern state. Werner, who spent nearly 30 hours painting the mural, opted for the theme because Welton hails from Maine.

This is now one of three murals on local businesses on Land O’ Lakes Boulevard between State Road 54 and Bell Lake Drive. The other two are on neighboring brewery In The Loop Brewing Company and longtime barbecue restaurant Hungry Harry’s.

Published on May 25, 2022.

Land O’ Lakes artist Lindsi Werner puts the finishing touches on her mural, ‘Maine Hangout’ on the outside of Welton Brewing Company and Oyster Bar, at 2624 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes. (Mike Camunas)

Pasco County hires new utilities director

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The Pasco County Commission has confirmed the selection of David F. Allen, as the county’s new utilities director.

Allen begins in his new role June 6.

He arrives in Pasco County with more than 30 years of experience in technical, management and leadership in local government and utility business operations, according to information in the county board’s agenda packet.

His experience includes serving for the past 15 years as an assistant city and county manager, and utilities director for the city and county of Broomfield, Colorado.

He holds a Bachelor of Science in civil engineering from Colorado State University, and a Master of Science in water resources from the University of Southern California.

He is a licensed professional engineer in Colorado and California, and intends to apply for reciprocity in Florida.

This is a new role in the county. The position was necessitated by the increasing size of the department to address the county’s expanding needs, assistant county administrator Mike Carballa told the board, during Allen’s confirmation by the board on May 17.

Published May 25, 2022

Hillsborough tax collector collects delinquent toll payments

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Hillsborough County Tax Collector Nancy C. Millan has partnered with the Tampa Hillsborough Expressway Authority (THEA) to provide a convenient way for customers resolve vehicle registration holds due to unpaid tolls.

To reduce red tape, the Hillsborough County Tax Collector will collect payment for the unpaid tolls along with the registration renewal transaction — streamlining the process for customers.

The arrangement allows vehicle owners to pay delinquent toll-by-plate invoices while renewing their vehicle registrations at all Hillsborough County Tax Collector locations, according to a news release.

In the past, the Tax Collector’s Office was forced to turn away customers with a hold on their registration due to unpaid tolls. Customer would have to pay the Expressway Authority first, then come back to the Tax Collector’s Office to renew their registrations.

“My top priority is to provide convenience and exceptional customer service to the taxpayers we serve,” Millan said in the release.

Her office processes close to 1.4 million motor vehicle transactions annually.

The Tax Collector’s Office provides this service at no additional cost to taxpayers.

The office also can collect unpaid tolls and clear vehicle registration holds for the Central Florida Expressway Authority (CFX).

Published May 25, 2022

Environmental lands committee reappointments

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Pasco County’s Environmental Lands Acquisition and Management Program purchases environmentally sensitive lands throughout the county, using funds provided through the taxpayer-supported Penny For Pasco program. (File)

Pasco County has an Environmental Lands Acquisition and Management Program, which has a volunteer committee made up of 11 members.

Five of the board members have at a minimum, a bachelor’s degree in the natural and/or environmental sciences. They make up the scientific subcommittee.

Four other members shall have expertise in at least one of the following fields: real estate, business, or finance. One member shall have expertise in governmental affairs (with an emphasis in funding sources). One member shall be a layperson with interest in the program and the committee.

No more than three members of the volunteer committee may live outside of Pasco County’s boundaries.

The Pasco County Commission on May 17 reappointed these five members to that committee:

  • A one-year reappointment of Patricia Fesmire, an environmental scientist from Tampa Bay Water
  • A two-year reappointment of Joanne Hurley, a retired Pasco County School Board member
  • A three-year reappointment of Eva Bailey, a wetlands scientist and retired professional from Cardno Entrix, with a background in ecological assessments and habitat restoration
  • A three-year reappointment of Clark Hull Jr., principal owner of Clark Hull and Associates LLC, a multi-disciplinary professional association of scientists and engineers serving private and public sector clients in various aspects of environmental permitting
  • A three-year reappointment of Dr. Chris Miller, professor of biology and ecology with specializations in tropical forests and mangrove forests with the School of Arts & Sciences at Saint Leo University.

Published May 25, 2022

Ms. Staney retires for a second time, this time at 75

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As staff members arrive at Sand Pine Elementary each day, they know one thing for certain: Corey Staney already will be there.

The 75-year-old second-grade teacher is first to arrive in the morning and the last to leave at the end of the day.

“Her work ethic — it’s legendary,” said Shay Peck, a fellow second-grade teacher.

Ms. Staney is also known for her warmth.

Sand Pine Elementary second-grade teacher Corey Staney, 75, speaks to her classroom about proper grammar and elements of an article during a lesson. Stanley has been an educator for 53 years, has been at Sand Pine since 2007, and plans to retire at the end of the 2021-2022 school year. (Mike Camunas)

“When I first started here (at Sand Pine), I was 25 and she was so welcoming,” Peck said. “She taught me to be kind, always.”

Staney’s presence is comforting, too.

“Every school needs a grandma,” Peck said, jokingly, but also lovingly.

Ms. Staney has been a teacher for 53 years, spending the last 15 at the elementary school tucked inside the Meadow Pointe Community.

Her career as an educator may be coming to an end, but she expects to return again.

Well, in a way.

“Oh, she’s already figured out when she can come back — about a year after retiring — to volunteer,” Sand Pine Principal Christina Twardosz said.

Ms. Staney is invested.

The principal said Ms. Staney is the first to say: “‘They (the kids) need us. I need to be here.

“And she is always here. She’s never sick — basically perfect attendance, but she’s also always there for the kids, academically and emotionally,” Twardosz said.

The principal added: “I mean, she’s been teaching longer than I have been here — not (just) at the school — (but) alive in this world!”

The teacher’s colleague, Nathan Moore, said: “People her age, they’d be out on an island or living it up, but she loves what she does.

“You don’t replace Ms. Staney.

“What’s awesome about her is that she cares about her students like no one I’ve ever seen,” Moore said. “She always has her kids on her mind. That’s her passion to not only help them academically, but as a person — to see them grow to their fullest potential.

“To have her as a mentor, it’s been amazing,” he added.

Ms. Staney began teaching, alongside her husband, Joe — a former teacher and assistant principal — in Worcester, Massachusetts.

They met at Worcester State University, formerly Worcester State College, at a time when Ms. Staney was certain she’d be a teacher for life.

But then she had some second thoughts.

“When I was a sophomore, I said to my dad that I didn’t know if I wanted to be a teacher.

“I even left school.

Longtime elementary school educator Corey Staney, left, speaks with Sand Pine Elementary Principal Christina Twardosz. Staney is 75 years old and has been an educator for 53 years. She plans to retire at the end of this school year.

“I went to work for an insurance company and knew right away that wasn’t for me.

“I knew I wanted to be a teacher for sure, so I went back to school, right away, and have been at school ever since.”

After spending 36 years as a teacher in Massachusetts, Ms. Staney and her husband decided in 2005 that they wanted to retire early and move to Florida. The couple had two children and three grandchildren.

The retirement, however, was short-lived.

After being in Florida for just two weeks down here, her husband required quadruple bypass surgery and then an angioplasty soon after.

Ms. Staney had help from her daughter, Lisa, to care for her husband, but she needed to find work and needed medical coverage for her husband.

She tutored in the neighborhood and did the same thing at the nearby Kids ‘R’ Kids Learning Academy of Meadow Pointe.

That turned into a preschool teaching position and then she joined Sand Pine as a second-grade teacher.

Over the years, she’s touched thousands of lives, and has even kept in touch with some of them.

Students in her class speak highly of Ms. Staney.

“She’s a perfect teacher,” 8-year-old Kaylanis Rodriguez said. “She’s nice and she always makes us learn new things that we always love to learn about.”

“She has a lot of stories,” added 8-year-old Evan Kalojiannis. “I didn’t know she had been a teacher for so long, but she has a lot of funny stories that help us learn.”

Saying goodbye is never easy, Ms. Staney said, adding it will be especially difficult this year.

Teaching children has been such a source of joy for her.

“They’ll just make your whole day,” said Ms. Staney, flashing a broad smile.

“It’s worth it to get up and see the kids first thing in the morning. I loved every minute of it.”

Published May 18, 2022

Tax holidays savings are estimated at $1.2 billion

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Gov. Ron DeSantis has signed into law House Bill 7071, which provides more than $1.2 billion in tax relief for Floridians through 10 tax holidays.

The items that will be free from taxes, for a specific period of time, include fuel, diapers, disaster supplies and tools.

In a news release from the governor’s office, DeSantis said, in part: “In Florida, we are going to support our residents and help them afford the goods that they need. Florida has been fiscally responsible, so we are in a good position to provide meaningful relief for families, right now.

Florida will have a monthlong Fuel Tax Holiday in October, as part of a package of tax holidays signed into law by Gov. Ron DeSantis. (File)

The news release also quotes House Speaker Chris Sprowls: “The Florida House’s tax package — the largest middle-class tax relief package in the history of the state — is now the law of the land. A bill like this has never been more needed than it is right now.

“From tools to diapers to books for summer reading, this billion-dollar tax package includes something for every Floridian, and that’s what I’m most proud of.”

Senate President Wilton Simpson offered some remarks, too.

“Florida cannot independently fix or outrun all of the problems leading to the cost increases that are wreaking havoc on families, especially our most vulnerable,” Simpson said.

“However, we are working to ease the pain with broad-based sales tax relief and a monthlong gas tax holiday. This bill supports growing families, Floridians looking to prepare their homes for severe weather, and the blue collar working men and women of our state who are trying their best to get by amid record-high gas prices and inflation that many of us have not seen in our lifetime. We are increasing the length of sales tax holidays for hurricane season and back-to-school, and also creating new short-term and long-term sales tax relief on key items needed by families,” he said.

The 10 tax holidays are:

  • A three-month sales tax holiday for children’s books from May 14 through Aug. 14, providing $3.3 million in tax relief
  • A 14-day Disaster Preparedness sales tax holiday from May 28 through June 10, for supplies such as flashlights, radios, tarps, batteries and fire extinguishers, providing $25.6 million in tax relief
  • A seven-day Freedom Week from July 1 to July 7, providing a sales tax exemption for specified admissions and items related to recreational activities, providing $70.6 million in tax relief
  • A one-year sales tax holiday from July 1 through June 30, 2023, for baby and toddler clothes and shoes, providing $81.5 million in tax relief
  • A one-year sales tax holiday from July 1 through June 30, 2023, for children’s diapers, providing $38.9 million in tax relief
  • A one-year Energy Star Appliances sales tax holiday from July 1 through June 30, 2023, for washing machines, clothes dryers, water heaters, and refrigerators, providing $78.5 million in tax relief.
  • A two-year sales tax holiday from July 1 through June 30, 2024, for impact resistant windows, doors, and garage doors, providing $442.8 million in tax relief
  • A 14-day Back-to-School sales tax holiday from July 25 through Aug. 7, for clothing, shoes, backpacks and school supplies, providing $100 million in tax relief
  • A seven-day Tool Time sales tax holiday from Sept. 3 through Sept. 9, for tools and other home improvement items, providing $12.4 million in tax relief
  • A one-month Fuel Tax Holiday from Oct. 1 through Oct. 31, saving Floridians $200 million by lowering the price of gas by 25.3 cents per gallon

The permanent tax relief provided in the legislation consists of various sales tax exemptions, corporate income tax credit expansions, and ad valorem tax and exemption provisions that will generate an additional $190 million in tax savings over two years and $140 million annually after that.

For additional information about the tax holidays, visit FloridaRevenue.com/SalesTaxHolidays.

Published May 18, 2022