Local News

State to spend $14.5B on transportation needs in new budget

July 9, 2024 By Andrew Powell

(The Center Square) — Gov. Ron DeSantis touted billions in funding for transportation relief and easing growing congestion on the roads in this year’s budget in a news conference on June 27.

For this current year’s budget which went into effect on July 1, $14.5 billion was appropriated for 946 different transportation projects across the state. This includes more than $5 billion to maintain and construct new highways, resulting in 140 new lane miles.

(Florida Department of Transportation/Facebook)

“We also have $1.8 billion to resurface roadways and to fill potholes, we’ve done almost $25 billion and resurfaced over 12,000 miles of roadway since I’ve been governor,” DeSantis said.

Bridge repairs and replacements were allocated $382 million, which will repair 72 bridges and replace another 15. The state will also spend $1.4 billion to support intermodal improvements, divided among transit and freight rail ($960.6 million), airports ($334.2 million) and seaports ($109.6 million).

“Our economy has grown 22%, the nation as a whole since 2019, has grown half that much — it’s 11%,” DeSantis said. “So, we’ve doubled the national average in economic growth over the last five and a half years.”

DeSantis said that managing Florida’s budget responsibly has been a priority. Despite major tax relief and increased spending for infrastructure and education, the state’s budget has been maintained at a reasonable level and even reduced since last year.

“You look at Florida, we’re number one for new business formations and have been for quite some time,” DeSantis said. “We’re the third largest state, so obviously we should have more business formations than a state like Rhode Island…but we have more business formations than California, which is twice the population of Florida.”

DeSantis said that private sector growth in Florida has grown by 2.2% over the past 12 months, while the national rate was 1.6%. The Sunshine State’s labor force also grew twice as fast as the nation, and the crime rate is at a 50-year low, according to DeSantis.

“That provides opportunities but also provides challenges,” DeSantis said. “The reality is, when you lead the nation in net-in migration year after year…that requires there to be the supporting infrastructure to be able to handle that.”

DeSantis said one of his administration’s main focuses has been accelerating infrastructure projects by using increased funding to complete them, sometimes 10 years ahead of schedule.

“Since I became governor in 2019, we’ve invested nearly $70 billion to improve transportation infrastructure in the state of Florida, and our main focus has been on reducing congestion,” DeSantis said. “We wanna have good roads…but we’re in a situation where there’s a lot of growth, so we have to accommodate for that.”

Published July 10, 2024

Tampa Electric provides meals through Feeding Tampa Bay

July 9, 2024 By Mary Rathman

Tampa Electric has answered the auctioneer’s call 35 times this year to purchase hogs for hungry families. The financial investment goes to 4-H students who raised the hogs, according to a news release.

Purchasing hogs from a 4-H auction supports local businesses and local youth. (Courtesy of Jessie Werner/Red Hills Strategies)

The impact of the investment reaches beyond the auction block though.

Every time Tampa Electric purchases a hog from a 4-H auction, it supports local businesses to process the hog and donate the meat to Feeding Tampa Bay, a nonprofit that provides food assistance to 10 counties across West Central Florida.

“We’re grateful for their generous contribution and ongoing support. It’s donors like Tampa Electric that make it possible for us to put meals on the tables of those we serve,” said Rhonda Gindlesberger, chief operating officer at Feeding Tampa Bay, in the release.

Traditionally, food pantries offer shelf staples, but with Feeding Tampa Bay’s operation, it is able to offer fresh, locally raised foods that are high in protein and nutrients.

In 2024, Tampa Electric selected and purchased 35 hogs at 4-H auctions, given the added benefit of supporting youth in the region.

When 4-H youths sell their livestock at auction, they can use the dollars earned to support their families, expand their agricultural operations or save for college expenses.

Published July 10, 2024

DeSantis vetoes bills, including one that would’ve regulated vacation rentals

July 9, 2024 By Andrew Powell

(The Center Square) — Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has vetoed a number of bills from the 2024 legislative session, including one that would have mandated changes to vacation rentals.

Senate Bill 280 would have required vacation rental advertising platforms to collect and remit specific taxes while adding regulations for lodging and food establishments. DeSantis said in his veto message this would create more red tape for locals and prevent local governments from enacting existing ordinances or passing any new local measures.

SB 62 would’ve provided that individuals classified as residents for tuition purposes may not lose their resident status solely because they have been incarcerated in a correctional facility in Florida. DeSantis said the state should “not reward criminal activity by providing inmates with the same benefits as law-abiding citizens.”

SB 494 would’ve waived both the graduate record examination and the grade management admission test for service members applying for admission into graduate programs at state institutions that require the examinations. DeSantis said standardized tests are a necessary component of the admissions process, adding he does not see how dropping the examinations would benefit the institutions or the students.

House Bill 821 would’ve revised the maximum stormwater management user fees for residential, agricultural and commercial parcels of land in the Melbourne-Tillman Water Control District in Brevard County. DeSantis vetoed the bill due to the likelihood that taxpayers would pay higher fees.

HB 473 would’ve provided broad liability protections for state and local governments and private companies that only comply with minimum cybersecurity standards in the event of a cyberattack or data breach. DeSantis said the bill would result in less data security because it incentivizes entities to do the minimum to protect consumer data.

SB 1078 would’ve exempted insurance agents, agencies and service representatives from submitting cellular telephone numbers to the Department of Financial Services as part of the licensure process. DeSantis said Florida’s insurance market is becoming increasingly competitive and he does not see how the bill would serve the public interest.

HB 165 would’ve granted the Florida Department of Health (DOH) authority to close beaches, waterways and swimming pools. DeSantis said the DOH should not have the power to supersede local jurisdictions.

HB 133 would’ve provided a period of time when convictions for crimes may not be grounds for denial of licensure as a barber or cosmetologist. DeSantis said it prohibits the licensing board from accessing an applicant’s criminal history and added there may be a good reason for the board to have such information before approval.

Published July 10, 2024

Water quality reports available to the public

July 9, 2024 By Mary Rathman

In 1996, Congress amended the Safe Drinking Water Act, which requires community water systems to each year publish information about their water, including its sources, how it is treated, and compliance with regulations.

Hillsborough County has released its 2023 annual water quality reports, which are available to the public, according to a news release.

The reports explain Hillsborough County’s drinking water quality testing results, offer information on local water resources, and outline the county’s continued investment in the local water infrastructure.

Hillsborough County Public Utilities operates 10 community public drinking water systems and each system has its own report.

The county’s Water Resources provides more than 78 million gallons of drinking water per day on an annual average basis to 715,883 people.

In 2023, a county team collected approximately 7,739 water samples and performed 33,200 tests on the drinking water.

The website, HCFL.gov/WaterQualityReports, includes an interactive map that allows viewers to type their address and locate the report that pertains to their residence or business.

Printed copies of the reports can be obtained by calling 813-246-3146.

All customers will receive notice of the available water quality reports through either their mailed bill or e-bill.

For more about Hillsborough County’s water and wastewater services, visit HCFL.gov/Water.

Published July 10, 2024

IRS data shows Florida had the country’s biggest population gains

July 9, 2024 By Steve Wilson

(The Center Square) – New migration data from the Internal Revenue Service shows Florida added 245,334 residents in 2022, the most among states.

The total inflow, not adjusted against those leaving the state, was 466,210 in 2022 as 277,527 tax filers with a combined adjusted gross income of $26.6 billion decamped to Florida.

That’s a 3.23% percentage improvement compared to 2021, when the state gained 451,633 new residents with a combined adjusted gross income of $18.97 billion and 1.3 million residents moving to the state in the last three years.

There were 466,040 new residents in 2020, bringing with them more than $17.7 billion in adjusted gross revenue.

Florida gained the most residents from New York (88,344), Georgia (43,402), California (42,412), New Jersey (41,412) and Texas (37,777).

The data shows that the state that was the biggest destination for Floridians leaving the state was Georgia at 48,301, followed by Texas (38,873), North Carolina (33,289), New York (28,134) and Tennessee (21,485).

California was the biggest loser according to the data, losing more than 307,000 residents worth more than $23 billion in adjusted gross income to other states. New York (lost more than 222,700 residents) was next, followed by Illinois (87,286), Massachusetts (45,259) and New Jersey (37,408).

Other states with big gains included Texas, which gained 180,870 new residents with a combined adjusted gross income of $10.1 billion, followed by North Carolina (82,620), South Carolina (70,429) and Tennessee (60,593).

Regionally, Florida’s neighbors also grew, with Georgia adding 50,969 new residents with a combined adjusted gross income of $705 million and Alabama with 22,432 additions worth $793 million.

Other data shows the same trend of Florida growing its population at the expense of other states.

From April 1, 2020, to July 1, 2023, Florida had a net migration gain of 818,762, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Two migration reports from moving companies released in January also showed Florida was a prime destination.

Published July 10, 2024

Moody, Florida officers shut down another fentanyl trafficking ring

July 9, 2024 By Bethany Blankley

(The Center Square) – A multi-agency operation led by Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd’s office has crippled another fentanyl trafficking ring, this time in Lakeland.

It comes on the heels of another successful drug bust Judd announced in April after investigators disrupted a Mexican drug trafficking organization operating in several states. Through that organization, they seized the largest amount of fentanyl in county history — enough to kill one-third of the state’s population, The Center Square reported.

The latest operation, Operation Rooske, took three years and culminated with the arrests of 64 people. The drug trafficking organization, investigators found, was being run out of two small businesses, a bait-and-tackle shop and a motorcycle shop. The drugs were then sold and distributed in Polk and Osceola counties.

Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd holds a bag of flour, illustrating 2/10 of a gram of fentanyl. (Polk County Sheriff’s Office/Facebook)

Operation Rooske began in January 2021 when detectives initially believed they were investigating a low-level street dealer. They soon realized the alleged drug dealers were “cranking out 500 to 1,000 bags” of 2/10 of a gram of fentanyl, Judd said at a news conference on June 28.

He held up a small dime-sized bag of flour to illustrate how much fentanyl was being sold. As a result of their investigation, they seized enough fentanyl to kill 371,000 Floridians.

“In essence, this fentanyl trafficking organization was the family business,” Judd said. “The motorcycle shop and the bait shop were corrupt businesses that were used as a means for money laundering. Their customers weren’t involved; they had no idea what was going on. In fact, the owners tried to project a wholesome facade while conducting their criminal enterprise behind the scenes until it all came crashing down on them, thanks to the fantastic work by our detectives.”

The sheriff’s office, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) and Attorney General Ashley Moody’s Office of Statewide Prosecution were involved in the investigation.

Organized Crime Unit detectives from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office and special agents from FDLE conducted multiple undercover purchases of fentanyl from the bait-and-tackle and motorcycle parts shops. They were able to build a case and eventually arrest who they characterized as the leader of the organization, a 43-year-old Lakeland resident whose key co-conspirators were his wife and daughter.

On June 20, six search warrants were served in Polk and Osceola counties resulting in investigators seizing more than 742 grams of fentanyl, more than 13 grams of methamphetamine and more than 228 grams of marijuana with a combined street value of more than $475,000. They also seized assets worth more than $600,000.

“While most of the arrests were buyers of illegal drugs from the Rooske organization, detectives used those arrests to lead back to and build a case against the organization,” the sheriff’s office said.

Investigators found that the group generally sold small quantities of drugs attempting to avoid being detected. They also used “countersurveillance techniques,” including having cameras outside of their residences and businesses, using multiple cellphones and changing the location of their drug deals, investigators found.

Moody’s office charged nine defendants with felony counts of Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO), conspiracy to commit RICO, and fentanyl trafficking, among other charges.

“Florida leads the nation in fentanyl seizures, and this case is yet another example of how Sheriff Grady Judd and his deputies are leaders in helping us remove deadly drugs from our streets,” Moody said. “Working with Polk County deputies and FDLE, we were able to seize 742 grams of fentanyl in two counties. That is enough poison to kill 371,000 Floridians, and I have no doubt that this drug-interdiction operation saved lives.”

Her office is prosecuting nine cases, the remaining single-judicial circuit cases will be handled by the local state attorney, her office said.

Judd announced the results of their investigation one week after Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood announced the result of a major drug bust in Volusia and Putnam counties, The Center Square reported.

That was after another multi-agency effort busted a human trafficking ring tied to the border operating in Manatee and Hillsborough counties, The Center Square reported.

Published July 10, 2024

New law in effect to protect against moving scams

July 9, 2024 By Bethany Blankley

(The Center Square) – As more people continue to relocate to Florida, the legislature took action to protect them and Floridians from moving scams.

Florida’s new law requires moving companies to register with the state, provide clear contracts, and avoid misleading advertising. It also increases penalties for moving companies that refuse a lawful order to return private possessions to a client.

“In an effort to protect those moving to or within Florida,” the Florida attorney general’s Consumer Protection Team is taking action against more than 18 movers and moving brokers that reportedly scammed consumers, Florida Attorney General (AG) Ashley Moody said. Since she took office in January 2019, her office’s consumer protection investigations have led to approximately $27 million in fines and restitution from moving firms, her office says.

The new law amended Chapter 507 of the Florida Statutes by creating a series of consumer protections for household moving services. All moving companies and brokers are required to register with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, “ensuring proper vetting and authorization to operate.” All movers and brokers that conduct interstate moves are also required to be licensed with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.

They are also required to provide “detailed and clear estimates and contracts to customers, outlining all potential costs, dates and terms,” and moving brokers are prohibited from issuing contracts for services that include estimated moving costs, according to the law.

New guidelines were created related to advertising for moving services, including requiring that a company’s registration status be disclosed.

Violators face a third-degree felony charge and fine of up to $50,000 “if a mover or mover’s employee, agent or contractor refuses to comply with an order from a law enforcement officer to relinquish a shipper’s household goods in certain situations,” Moody’s office said.

The new law went into effect Monday as the Internal Revenue released its latest migration data revealing that Florida gained more new residents than any other state in 2022, The Center Square reported.

Moody also announced a new resource is available to educate the public about mover scams.

“Moving is stressful, and deceitful movers can compound the stress involved with relocating,” Moody said. “Starting today in Florida, there is a new law in place to better protect consumers trying to relocate. To highlight these changes and equip Floridians with the tools they need to spot and avoid moving scams, we are updating our Scams at a Glance: On the Move resource.”

The AG’s “Scams at a Glance: On the Move” resource provides tips and guidelines to help consumers understand the law and avoid being taken advantage of. It’s available online for free in English and Spanish.

Consumers are encouraged to check a moving company’s licensing at FMCSA.DOT.gov/Protect-Your-Move, and find out if intrastate movers and brokers are licensed with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services here: FDACS.gov/Consumer-Resources.

Consumers are also encouraged to report a moving scam to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services by filing a complaint online or calling 1-800-HELP-FLA (435-7352).

The resources are part of a large public awareness campaign launched by Moody’s office called “Scams at a Glance.” The consumer outreach program often publishes information about common and emerging scams to help protect consumers from falling victim to fraud and scams.

They can also learn of all recent consumer protection alerts here: MyFloridaLegal.com/Consumer Alert.

Published July 10, 2024

Three ways to look and feel your best in summer

July 9, 2024 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

The hottest days of the year can create a number of seasonal beauty challenges. Here’s a head-to-toe guide to looking and feeling your best in summer:

Hair
Both dry heat and humidity can cause hair problems, like drying and frizzing. Whether you’re hitting the beach or pool or just enjoying the warm weather, it’s essential to give your hair the care it deserves to stay both hydrated and frizz-free.

When enjoying the sun, try protective hairstyles such as buns, braids and ponytails. This will reduce frizz while preventing damage from wind and humidity. One bonus benefit to these ‘dos is that getting your tresses off your neck will also help keep you nice and cool.

Remember that just like drinking water hydrates your body, using the right shampoo and conditioner can both replenish and protect dehydrated strands. Your shampoo and conditioner should clean well, replenish, and smooth and condition to fight frizz and lock in the right balance of moisture.

Skin
Unfortunately, summer activities and fashion choices can be associated with a number of skin care woes.

After swim sessions, take a quick shower to rinse off chlorine and prevent sensitivity and dryness. Whether you go for a run or play pickleball, don’t sit around in your workout clothes afterward. Showering after sweat sessions of all kinds can help keep your skin clear of blemishes.

You may also be shaving more frequently in summer. Prevent razor burn with exfoliation and by using aftercare products that soothe skin.

Finally, when it comes to your long-term beauty and wellness, it’s essential to protect your skin with a broad-spectrum SPF. Doing so is not only good for you, it can help prevent the appearance of aging.

Nails
If you’ll be wearing sandals regularly this summer, you’ll want to treat your feet to regular pedicures so they look their best. Start an at-home pedicure session by soaking your feet in a bath prepared with Epsom salt or essential oils. Dry your feet, then use a pumice stone to gently remove dried skin and calluses. After clipping and shaping your nails, consider painting them with clear nail polish for a finished look, or go bold with a bright summer color.

With a few tweaks to your beauty regimen, you can wholly embrace the season while looking and feeling your best.

-StatePoint

Published July 10, 2024

Affordable apartments proposed in West Pasco

July 2, 2024 By Joe Potter

The Pasco County Planning Commission recommended approval for the rezoning of nearly 20 acres of property in the Bayonet Point area for the construction of a 114-unit affordable apartment complex.

Tenants who rent the apartments will need to make 60% or less of Pasco County’s Annual Median Income (AMI), which is approximately $78,000 a year according to information contained in the rezoning application.

Households that make 80% or less of Pasco County’s AMI are considered eligible for affordable housing according to Chief Assistant County Attorney David Goldstein. The county can’t require a developer to have a lower AMI than that, but the applicant for the affordable apartments project has voluntarily agreed to the lower figure, according to Goldstein.

The Pasco County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) will consider the request by Bayonet Land LLC/Bayonet Gardens (Bayonet) at its Aug. 21 meeting in New Port Richey and will have the final say on whether the rezoning will be approved because the Planning Commission only acts in an advisory capacity regarding such requests.

Bayonet is seeking to have the zoning changed from an MF-1 Multiple-Family Medium Density District to an MF-3 Multiple-Family High Density District for the property located on the southeast corner of the Intersection of Lakeshore Boulevard, Dallas Drive and Community Court, approximately 650 feet west of Fivay Road.

If this request is approved, McDowell Housing Partners plans to build a mid-level apartment building with a minimum height of four stories that will contain the 114 units. A detached, roughly 5,000-square-foot clubhouse and a swimming pool and pickleball court also will be developed on the property, according to a representative for McDowell who attended the Planning Commission meeting. This will be Phase One of three proposed phases of the apartment complex.

Between 100 apartments and 180 apartments could be built in Phase Two of the project. The total amount of affordable apartments contemplated for the project is 294, according to the rezoning application.

One of the Findings of Fact for the rezoning request was that “Pasco County has seen an approximate 67% increase in housing costs over the past three years compared to an 18.6% average wage increase. This proposal will serve the labor force, which is currently being locked out of an otherwise tight market in housing inventory.”

“The build out year for the project is anticipated to be 2030,” according to an analysis done for McDowell by Lincks & Associates LLC.

In other business, the Planning Commission:

Recommended approval of a zoning amendment with conditions requested by Sandhill Ridge MPUD Master Planned Unit Development – Habitat for Humanity of Pinellas County. The applicant wants to be able to build 23 affordable detached single-family homes on approximately 4.39 acres located on the west side of Little Road approximately 825 feet north of the West Pasco Government Center/Citizens Drive. The property is currently zoned R-1MH Single-Family/Mobile Home Zoning District.

The applicant is asking to be allowed to have lots that are a minimum of 40-feet-wide and to be excused from the requirement that lots of that size need to be rear-loaded. It said in the application for rezoning that county staff was amenable to a smaller MPUD because it will provide homes for working families, which is needed for the local economy and community, and will “be a transition from the commercial and heavy traffic along Little Road on the east, to the larger mobile home and residential lots to the west.”

Recommended approval of a change in zoning requested by Shah Sachin K and Sarmila Shrestha for approximately 0.41 acres located on the south side of State Road 54 approximately 400 feet west of Meadowbrook. The property is currently zoned AR-1 Agricultural-Residential District. The applicant wants it to be rezoned to PO-1 Professional Office District so a medical office containing between 2,800 square feet and 4,000 square feet may be constructed on the site.

Recommended approval of a small-scale comprehensive plan amendment requested by Tyler Suddeth for 2.06 acres of property located on the southwest corner of the intersection of State Road 54 and Ernest Drive in Wesley Chapel. The request is to have the property’s zoning changed from ROR (Residential/Office/Retail) and RES-3 (Residential-3 Du/Ga) to COM (Commercial) to allow for commercial uses that will serve the surrounding residential communities.

The BOCC also will consider these requests for zoning amendments and the comp plan amendment during its Aug. 21 meeting.

Approved a request for a Special Exception made by R.&J. Properties of PascoInc/Disbrow Duplex. The applicant wants to be able to convert an existing 3,416-square-foot dwelling that was previously used as an assisted living facility into a duplex. The approximately 0.26-acre property is located on the north side of

Baumann Lane approximately 210 feet west of Grand Boulevard.

Approved a request for a Special Exception requested by St Verena Coptic Orthodox Church Inc/St Verena Private K-5 School. The applicant wants to be able to have a K-5 private Christian religious day school for a maximum of 75 students with approximately 10 staff members, including teachers, from August to May for 180 school days. Of the 10 staff members, two would be full-time administration staff employees at the private school, according to the applicant’s agent, Angela B. Rauber, Esq., of the Tampa-based law firm of Hill, Ward, Henderson, P.A. The school will be located on 3.9 acres at 4125 U.S. 19 in New Port Richey.

The Planning Commission is empowered under an applicable portion of the Pasco County Land Development Code (LDC) to hear and decide requests for special exceptions.

Published July 03, 2024

Public Works partnership looking for lake monitoring help

July 2, 2024 By Mary Rathman

Pasco County’s Department of Public Works is partnering with Florida LAKEWATCH, a citizen volunteer lake-monitoring program to help in the management of Florida lakes, estuaries, rivers and springs through monthly monitoring activities, according to a news release.

LAKEWATCH is coordinated through the University of Florida’s (UF) School of Forest, Fisheries, and Geomatics Sciences, and UF/IFAS (Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences).

Pasco County residents who live on natural lakes may be eligible for free water quality and lake management support through water quality testing.

The program will train eligible residents to collect water samples and analyze them at no cost. Participants will have access to the latest lake management data and technical assistance from experts, and more.

“By working with Florida LAKEWATCH, residents can learn the best way to keep their lakes healthy,” said Jonah Mick, Public Works environmental division manager, in the release.

“Healthy lakes are an important part of keeping water clean for everyone,” said Mick.

Space is limited and participants must have access to a boat.

To determine eligibility, residents should email their name and address to .

For more information, call 727-834-3611.

Published July 03, 2024