The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

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A rocket blast on the bay

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Be prepared to get blasted — with speed and sprays of water.

That’s what you can expect on board Bay Rocket — one of the newest attractions at the Riverwalk in downtown Tampa.

Bay Rocket, based out of the Riverwalk in downtown Tampa outside the Tampa Convention Center, offers a nearly hour-long adrenaline-filled jet boat ride in a 2,800-horsepower speedboat that takes passengers in thrilling 180-degree spins, turns and bow dips on Hillsborough Bay. Setting sail on the weekends, Bay Rocket’s crew also cranks up music while cruising, and provides whimsical narration, fun interactive games and a dance party on the slow ride back into dock. (Mike Camunas)

The 2,800-horsepower speedboat, outfitted with dozens of passenger seats, docks outside the Tampa Convention Center. It takes passengers who dare to board it on an adrenaline-filled ride out onto Hillsborough Bay.

But like many of the boat rides through Channelside around Davis and Harbor islands, a ride on Bay Rocket is more than meets the eye.

Yeah, the boat looks super cool, but it’s also a fun, easy-to-do experience right in the heart of Tampa. It’s for thrill junkies, for families and couples, and even those who are just killing some time before dinner or waiting for the sunset.

It’s a rocket-blasted experience, and ride, that’s totally worth the trip. 

Water warning
Captain Shane Lance has plenty of experience driving speed boats and other passenger water taxis. So, he gets to do a job that many would love — driving a vessel with the kind of power many have never experienced.

“It’s not everyday you can hop on a boat this size and go that fast, unless you find the right ride,” Lance said. “People come here looking for a good time, and, probably, don’t mind getting wet, as well.

“Almost everyone is definitely looking for something they’ve never done before.”

Bay Rocket passengers board outside the Tampa Convention Center on the Riverwalk for a nearly hour-long adrenaline-filled jet boat thrill ride in Hillsborough Bay in the 2,800-horsepower speedboat.

Those lining up on the Riverwalk along The Sail Plaza to board the (Tampa Bay) pirate-themed boat will experience an nearly hour-long ride filled with 180-degree spins, turns and bow dips in Hillsborough Bay.

Lance says the boat does about 30 knots (35 mph), adding, “which doesn’t sound very fast, but on a boat it is or can be.”

“We’re going to do zig-zags,” he added. “Then we’re going to do about five spins and two dips. I think everyone loves the dips.”

The dips entail taking the bow of the boat and “just slam it into the water.”

“And those in certain, and most rows, depending on the wind, will get wet,” Lance added with a sly smile.

Indeed, the spray of water goes high and wide, lightly or thoroughly drenching passengers that are desperately hanging onto their seats — and their phones recording the action.

Passengers do wear seatbelts and will be treated to views — as well as some historical notes of the Seddon Channel between Harbor and Davis islands — with a slow taxi out to and back from Hillsborough Bay.  

Amira Ali, left, and Carlos Puchades, right, take a thrill-filled ride on Bay Rocket speedboat on Hillsborough Bay.

“(People) definitely come to ride for the thrills, the views and, even as it’s hot,” Lance said. “They’re like, ‘Let’s get on there and get a little wet, cool off a little with some breeze and have some fun.’

“It’s something new and different and there will be entertainment.” 

Rocket-ing the boat
Now, it’s time for a dance off.

That entertainment Captain Lance mentioned goes beyond just a history lesson.

Bay Rocket will crank up the tunes, for a dance party, that every passenger can enjoy from the comfort of their seats.

The boat’s first mate will, enthusiastically, lead the dancing, as pop music blasting from the speakers will make every passenger groove, even just a little bit.

“People really do seem to love that part,” Lance added. “This is going to be a fun ride, no matter what.”

In the span of an hour, passengers will be tossed and turned, to their delight, on Hillsborough Bay.

Passengers aboard Bay Rocket, a 2,800-horsepower speedboat, might get wet from 180-degree spins, turns and bow dips during a nearly hour-long thrill ride.

They will then be brought back to the many other attractions at Riverwalk, such as Cycleboats, The Sail Plaza or Cotanchobee Fort Brooke Park.

Rocket Bay — one of the newest many attractions at the widely popular Riverwalk — is meant for anyone age 5 or older — who wants to enjoy a thrilling experience on the water.

Just be prepared for that water to be blasted on you.

Bay Rocket
Where: 333 S. Franklin St., Tampa (in front of the Tampa Bay Convention Center)
When: Fridays through Sundays, six daily rides starting at noon
Cost: Adults – $34.95, Children (ages 5 to 12) – $29.95. Groups of 15-plus passengers must call in advance.
Details: Blast off on a nearly hour-long adrenaline-filled jet boat ride in Bay Rocket’s 2,800-horsepower speedboat that takes passengers in thrilling 180-degree spins, turns and bow dips. The crew will crank up music while cruising, and provide whimsical narration, fun interactive games and a dance party on the slow ride back into dock.
For more information or to book online, visit BayRocketTampa.com, or call 813-223-7999.

Published September 20, 2023

Carlos Puchades holds on tight during an evening run of Bay Rocket, a 2,800-horsepower speedboat that takes passengers out on Hillsborough Bay.
First Mate Rebeca Ibarra leads the lively dance party aboard Bay Rocket, the 2,800-horsepower speedboat that takes passengers for rides with 180-degree spins, turns and bow dips in Hillsborough Bay.
Bay Rocket docks itself at the Tampa Riverwalk and can load up dozens of passengers to take on a nearly hour-long adrenaline-filled jet boat thrill ride in Hillsborough Bay, full of 180-degree spins, turns and bow dips.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Passengers on Bay Rocket, a 2,800-horsepower speedboat docked outside the Tampa Convention Center, await a nearly hour-long adrenaline-filled jet boat ride in Hillsborough Bay.
Bay Rocket passengers board outside the Tampa Convention Center on the Riverwalk for a nearly hour-long adrenaline-filled jet boat thrill ride in Hillsborough Bay in the 2,800-horsepower speedboat.
The Bay Rocket thrill boat takes off from the docks at the Riverwalk outside the Tampa Convention Center and offers riders an adrenaline-filled jet boat ride for about an hour. (Courtesy of Bay Rocket)

 

 

Pasco County School Board adopts nearly $2 billion budget

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Pasco County Schools’ budget for the 2023-2024 fiscal year is just slightly under $2 billion.

The Pasco County School Board adopted the budget during its second public hearing, held Sept. 11.

Pasco County Schools Superintendent Kurt Browning provided an overview of the budget for the board and public.

The actual 2023-2024 budget amount is $1,996,021,940, which is an increase of $189,409,710 — representing a 10.5% increase, Browning said.

That budget includes all funding types, not just locally generated revenue, the superintendent noted.

“The total tax millage for the 23-24 fiscal year is 6.449 mills. That’s an increase of .933 mills,” Browning said.

Without the 1 mill voter-approved tax to improve salaries for teachers and non-administrative personnel, the district’s tax rate would have been lower by .67 mills, the superintendent added.

One mill equals $1 for every $1,000 of taxable value.

Browning said a homeowner of a $350,000 home, taking into account a $25,000 homestead exemption, would pay $2,096 in taxes. That represents an increase of $303 over last year.

The superintendent offered this rundown on the budget. It includes:

  • A general operating budget of nearly $997.1 million, of which $53 million is from the voter-approved 1 mill increase.
  • A capital budget of $520 million
Operating costs for Angeline Academy of Innovation, plus construction costs for that school’s athletic complex, are part of Pasco County Schools’ 2023-2024 budget. (File)

The operating budget is increasing from $850 million to $997 million, and the capital budget is decreasing by $14 million, Browning said.

He noted the district received $59 million more in state funding, to accommodate a projected growth of 3,479 students and recurring expenses.

He then detailed how some of that $59 million will be spent.

Approximately $11 million will be set aside for charter schools, which are public schools, he said.

About $8 million is set aside for Family Empowerment Scholarships, which the state uses to provide scholarships to private schools.

Other expenses being paid with the additional state funding include $7 million for Florida Retirement System increases, $3 million for health insurance increases, and $3 million for software licenses, utilities and School Resource Officer contract increases.

The 2023-24 budget also includes an increase of 158 school allocations, for an increase of $12 million, Browning said.

He also noted: “There were no increased allocations at the district office, at the district level.”

Additionally, there’s an increase of $1.4 million for allocations and operating costs for the opening of Angeline Academy of Innovation, which opened in August, and for Kirkland Ranch K-8 school, which will open in August 2024.

Browning attributed the decrease in the district’s capital budget to a spending down of bond proceeds on construction projects.

He listed these major capital projects:

  • Completion of the construction of Gulf High School
  • Completion of construction of Kirkland Ranch K-8 school
  • Completion of the Starkey Ranch K-8 wing
  • Completion of the Angeline Academy athletic complex
  • Major renovations of West Zephyrhills Elementary School and Pasco High School

Other capital projects include: Marchman Technical College structural and roofing construction, infrastructure upgrades at various schools and HVAC system replacements.

Speakers at the public hearing urged the board to cut back on spending. They said they and other property owners simply can’t afford the increases.

School board member Cynthia Armstrong noted that the voter-approved tax increase is intended to help the district deal with a persistent problem.

“The whole reason for the salary referendum — the reason it was voted (approved) by over 60% of the voting population was because they saw the need for us to improve the salaries of our non-administrative people, because we were not competitive with the surrounding counties.”

Browning noted: “I’ll be the first to admit and maybe I shouldn’t be saying this, but I’ll be the first to admit, I don’t like the (tax) increase I saw on my house. I did not like it.

“But I will tell you that I know that the increase for the teacher salaries was certainly needed. I voted for it. It was certainly needed in order for us to stay competitive and to continue to have great teachers in our classroom. And, we are getting teachers from Hillsborough, Pinellas and Hernando counties,” he said.

Published September 20, 2023

Pasco Schools helps in response to Hurricane Idalia

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Pasco County Schools has provided a helping hand in response to Hurricane Idalia.

Locally, the district set up and operated five hurricane shelters, to enable Pasco residents who were potentially in harm’s way to leave their homes and to safely wait out the storm.

“I cannot begin to thank our team, our staff, enough for staffing those shelters,” Pasco County Schools Superintendent Kurt Browning said, noting personnel from every district department pitched in to respond.

Pasco County Schools has provided a helping hand in response to Hurricane Idalia, with district employees heading down to Suwannee County to help the school district get ready to reopen. (Mike Camunas)

District crews also responded to give a helping hand to the Suwannee County Schools.

“I got a call on Labor Day wanting to know if we could send a crew to Suwannee District Schools. They have eight schools, total. They were having a hard time getting those schools ready for students, without help.

District employees Mike Witfoth, Richard Witfoth, Harold Wolf and Fred Smith headed to Suwannee County to help the school district get ready to reopen.

They arrived there on Sept. 5 and worked there through Sept. 7, Browning said.

On the first day they arrived, they removed eight dump trucks of materials. The next day, they removed over 30, Browning said.

“These guys slept on hard floors in dark schools, with no electricity. They literally sacrificed … and worked like dogs, ensuring that Suwannee County Schools opened.

“They removed all what they call ‘widow-maker trees’ that were stuck overhead and other trees. They cleaned up all of the downed trees and hauled off tons of debris off their eight school sites.

“So, they were able to open when the rest of the districts opened up,” Browning said.

Assistant Superintendent Betsy Kuhn also thanked district staff for all that they did to open shelters, to feed people in shelters, to transport them there and take care of other duties.

“I saw people acting as waiters and waitresses to some of our elderly residents, to make sure they were taken care of. It really is an experience that makes you feel good to be part of this system, not that we don’t every day, but to see that in action is a really powerful thing,” Kuhn said.

In addition to the shelter staff and management, she thanked the district’s security team, the food and nutrition team, the transportation team and the maintenance team for their work relating to the storm.

In another action, the school board approved Browning’s recommendation to donate 14 buses the district had intended to sell as surplus, but instead are being donated to districts affected by Hurricane Idalia who need them.

In other action, during its Sept. 11 meeting, the board:

  • Approved seeking proposals from firms to conduct an impact fee study that includes “an appropriate and legally defensible impact fee methodology and fee schedules for growth-related capital facilities.” Impact fees for schools are charged against new residential construction and are intended to address the costs associated with additional student enrollment resulting from that new development.
  • Approved a proclamation relating to the importance of school attendance and how that relates to student achievement. Pasco County Schools is placing particular emphasis on student attendance this year, noting that when students  are absent, they lose valuable instructional time, which can cause significant consequences.
  • Approved a proclamation recognizing the month of September as suicide prevention awareness month and supporting education and efforts aimed at helping students, teachers and staff to identify and act upon warning signs and risk facts to prevent the loss of life from suicide.
  • Approved engaging Wagstaff & Cartmell, LLP and its co-counsel Alfonso Hersch, P.A.; Hand Arendall Harrison Sale, LLC; Beasley Allen Cros, Methvin Portis & Miles, P.C.; and Goza & Honnold, LLC, to provide legal services in connection with the pursuit of claims for damages associated with social media in litigation.

Published September 20, 2023

More actions needed for traffic safety, Watergrass residents say

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Watergrass residents are continuing to push Pasco County to make more road improvements to reduce safety concerns in their area.

Some residents appeared before the Pasco County Commission, during the public comment section of the Sept. 5 board meeting, urging the board to take action.

The Watergrass area has been dealing with increased traffic since a new interchange opened at Overpass Road and Interstate 75.

Residents have called for road improvements to provide more options for motorists entering into their community.

Watergrass community residents in Wesley Chapel appeared before the Pasco County Commission on Sept. 5 to voice their concerns about road improvements and increased traffic in their area ever since a new interchange opened at Overpass Road and Interstate 75 earlier this year. (Mike Camunas)

One Watergrass resident, who lives on Summerglade Drive, told the county board she expects additional issues to result from the construction of a new development called Vida’s Way.

Pulte Homes has announced plans that it will be building a development on more than 332 acres of land in Wesley Chapel, which is less than five miles away from State Road 54 and State Road 56, and is close to Interstate 75.

It plans to build 700 homes in the first phase of its development, according to information previously provided to The Laker/Lutz News.

The Watergrass resident addressing the board said she’s concerned about impacts from construction trucks traveling into the area while the project is being built.

She said conditions already are hazardous.

“On a daily basis, it’s taking your life into your hands, coming out of this neighborhood,” she said.

“How do we slow down the traffic on Overpass (Road) so people start thinking about the people that live in this community?” she asked.

She added that accidents occur, as motorists try to get ahead of each other, and that fire trucks aren’t able to get through when traffic is backed up.

“There’s nowhere for people to pull off,” she said.

She said the county needs to do more to address infrastructure needs, as growth continues.

“We need to get serious at looking at all of this development.

“How can we do this so it’s thoughtful and it’s not just to generate new tax revenue from new houses being built?”

Another resident expressed similar concerns.

She predicted that thousands of construction trucks will be headed to Vida Way, as that project is being built.

“Right now, the only way in, is going down Overpass (Road) and down Watergrass Parkway,” she said.

The community is “begging and pleading” that the county fast-track projects that are already planned in the area.

Pasco County Commissioner Ron Oakley, whose district includes this area, asked county staff to bring back “some answers that are more concrete (regarding traffic problems in Watergrass) than have been given, so we all know how the traffic is going to flow.”

He added: “We need to do everything we can to get a resolution in there that will satisfy those citizens along that way.”

County Administrator Mike Carballa told the board: “We are probably looking for a developer-in-kind project going on out there. We’ll talk with the team, figure out what the challenges are and we’ll see how we tackle them.”

Commissioner Seth Weightman told Carballa: “Whatever relief we can get there would be fantastic.”

Published September 20, 2023

National bicycle route will be running through Pasco County

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The Pasco County Metropolitan Planning Organization has approved a proposed bicycle route through Pasco County to be part of the U.S Bicycle Route System.

The countywide transportation planning agency has agreed to a route proposed by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, which is working to expand the national bike route system.

The draft enters Pasco on the Withlacoochee State Trail, then goes to U.S. 301, Christian Road, Powerline Road, Frazee Hill Road, 14th Street, U.S. 301 and State Road 39.

The route going through Pasco is U.S. Bicycle Route 15, which will be a designated route for cyclists traveling through the Florida Gulf Coast.

Currently, the route is only in southern Georgia, 92 miles from Fitzgerald, Georgia, and in northern Florida, from the Georgia line to Madison.

The proposal is to extend it from Madison to Miami, which is 496 additional miles,  according to materials in the Pasco MPO’s agenda packet.

The Pasco MPO’s Bicycle Pedestrian Advisory Committee recommended approval of the proposed route, with the caveat that Pasco has safe alternative routes in addition to the route chosen by the national group.

Pasco officials favor the extension of the national bicycle route through the county because it fits in with the county’s tourism development goals.

Published September 20, 2023

Billy Brown’s positive impacts in Pasco lauded by county board

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During a career that spanned 67 years, Billy E. Brown left his mark on the Withlacoochee River Electric Cooperative where he worked, and on countless lives in Pasco County.

His achievements were honored on Sept. 5 by the Pasco County Commission, which passed a resolution detailing his many accomplishments.

Brown is a lifelong resident of Pasco County and attended Pasco High School before he served in the U.S. Coast Guard and in the Korean War, the resolution says.

The resolution also provides additional details of Brown’s life.

Pasco County Commission passes resolution recognizing Billy Brown (center).

He went to work for the Withlacoochee River Electric Cooperative (WREC) on Oct. 16, 1956.

At that time, WREC served 2,996 members and employed 40 people, the resolution says.

Today, the electric cooperative is the third-largest in the nation and has more than 250,000 members.

In 1985, Brown “formed a for-profit entity named ‘URADCO’ that brought thousands of jobs to the Cooperative’s service area and built two industrial parks: One Pasco Center and One Hernando Center,” the resolution adds.

“The Cooperative also formed the WRECares/Operation Round-Up program that provides financial assistance to families who have suffered a catastrophic event,” it adds.

Brown “founded the WREC Educational Foundation, which awards 110 college scholarships valued at $12,000 each to high school seniors on an annual basis,” the resolution adds.

“To date, the Foundation has awarded 2,414 scholarships valued over $18.5 million.”

Brown “is not only a well-respected leader at the local, state, and federal levels, but also a vocal advocate for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA).”

Brown has received recognition for his work through the years, including the NRECA Regional Award for Outstanding Service, NRECA Paul Revere Award, NRECA President’s Award, NRECA Cooperative Purpose Award, NRECA William F. Matson Democracy Award, NRECA National Community Investment Service Award, Dade City Chamber of Commerce Richard Tombrink Lifetime Achievement Award, and the 2022 Pasco County Economic Development Council Leadership Award, the resolution adds.

He also served on the Seminole Electric Cooperative’s Board of Trustees for more than 48 years and on the Florida Rural Electric Cooperative Association, and served with various nonprofit organizations, such as the Rotary and United Way.

He retired from WREC in April.

In accepting the board’s honor, Brown said: “It has been a joyous and rewarding experience to work for the co-op, the board of trustees, its members – a highly loyal and dedicated group of employees of unusual talents for 67 years.

“Early on, as manager of the cooperative, there was an extreme downturn in the economy in Florida. Construction was our only industry then and when it came to a halt, we saw many people losing their jobs, their incomes and ability to provide for their families.

“We decided then that we wanted to be more than just another utility supplying quality electric service.

“We wanted to do some things to improve the quality of life for the people in our service area. I thought that we probably were one of the few that had the wherewithal to do those kinds of things.

“We presented the proposal to our board of trustees. They unanimously approved it. The net result is all of the great things the cooperative has done.

“It’s also been my pleasure to work with this board of commissioners and those before you, to be helpful in projects presented by the county that were in the benefit of the people of Pasco County, my home county, and I thank you very much.”

Pasco County Commissioner Ron Oakley told Brown: “Mr. Brown you have been an icon in our community, and I can say for a fact that you’ve been a true friend to me and my family for many, many years.”

He said Brown “has worked so tirelessly to make this community better, and I appreciate everything you have done toward making it a better community for all of us to live in.”

Oakley added: “When I graduated from high school, same as when you graduated from high school, if you weren’t involved in citrus here in this community, you didn’t have a job here to come back to. You had to go find a job somewhere else.

“Well, that’s changing, and part of that is due to what you have done with WREC.”

Commissioner Seth Weightman told Brown: “Mr. Brown, I sit here as a proud co-op kid. My dad just retired after 45 years and three months of service with the co-op.

“Because of you and this co-op, it provided life and provided a way for my dad and other families to have a family and live a life here in Pasco County that otherwise might not have been. So, I owe a great deal of my success because of what the co-op provided my family through the years and the jobs it created.

“I honestly don’t believe that my brother, my sister or I would be where we are today if it weren’t for the foundation of the co-op and what it brought to our county, what it brought to Dade City and to so many folks here.”

Published September 20, 2023

NHTSA cautions on teen drivers’ immaturity

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While summer is a popular time for teens to get driver’s licenses, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) warns that teen drivers have a higher rate of fatal crashes — mainly because of their immaturity, lack of skills and lack of experience.

On average, eight teens die each day from motor vehicle injuries, according to WalletHub’s recently released report, 2023’s Best & Worst States for Teen Drivers (for the complete report, see WalletHub.com/edu/best-worst-states-for-teen-drivers/4598). 

The NHTSA encourages parents to learn about the state’s Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) laws and to not rely solely on a driver’s education class to teach a teen to drive.

A driver’s education class can teach road rules and safe driving practices, but those are only part of a GDL approach, which is designed to ease teens onto the roadway by controlling their exposure to progressively more difficult driving experiences.

The GDL has provisions and restrictions for three stages: Stage 1-Learner’s Permit; Stage 2-Intermediate (Provisional) License; and Stage 3-Full Licensure. 

Parents also are advised to talk to their teen drivers about the dangers of drug and alcohol use; distracted driving (texting, talking, eating, applying makeup, etc.); and other potentially dangerous behaviors, such as not wearing a seatbelt, speeding and having too many passengers in a vehicle.

The NHTSA also recommends parents set driving ground rules and consequences for distracted driving.

For more information and tips, visit NHTSA.gov/road-safety/teen-driving. 

Published September 20, 2023

Pasco Utilities rates to increase

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Pasco County Utilities customers will be paying higher water, wastewater and reclaimed water bills, effective Oct. 1, according to a county news release.

The average residential customer, using 6,000 gallons of water and sewer each month, will see a billing increase of $2.47 — going from the current charge of  $83.68 to a new charge of $86.15.

Residential reclaimed water customers also will see small increases in the reclaimed water base charge and the Back-Flow Prevention Device fee as follows:

Reclaimed Water Base Charge: increasing 40 cents, from the current charge of $11.39 to a new charge of $11.79, for the first 10,000 gallons.

After that, the charge will increase 4 cents — from the current rate of $1.14 for every additional 10,000 gallons to a new rate of $1.18.

The back-flow prevent device fee also is increasing. It is going up 22 cents, from the current fee of $6.20 to a new fee of $6.42.

A full list of rates and fees is available online at bit.ly/pcurates – scroll to the middle of the page. 

A four-year rate schedule went into effect Oct. 1, 2021, with changes adopted from a Cost-of-Service Rate Study approved by the Pasco Board of County Commissioners. The study includes projected annual adjustments to service rates, fees and charges through Sept. 30, 2025.

Visit PascoCountyUtilities.com for more information about Pasco County Utilities services.

Published September 20, 2023

Pasco’s Senior Services expands programs

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Pasco County Senior Services will be the new lead agency for Community Care for the Elderly as of Sept. 1. The county will provide in-home programs and on-site services, as it does at the Land O’ Lakes Senior Services Center at 6801 Wisteria Loop.
(Mike Camunas)

Pasco County Senior Services (PCSS) has been named the new lead agency for Community Care for the Elderly in Pasco County, effective Sept. 1, according to a news release.

The transition comes on the heels of a vote by the Area Agency on Aging board of directors.

Currently, PCSS administers the Home Delivered Meals program and four Congregate Dining Sites.

Pasco County will additionally oversee these three programs for seniors:

  • Community Care for the Elderly
  • Alzheimer Disease Initiative
  • Home Care for the Elderly

The county’s Senior Services department focuses on supporting the health, vitality, independence and well-being of seniors.

The department aims to ensure seniors in the community will not experience any disruption of service, the release said..

“This is a great opportunity for Pasco County, and we look forward to expanding our services to our seniors,” said Brian Hoben, director of community services, in the release.

“There’s no need to worry. Our clients can expect the same continuity in services that they have already experienced,” said Hoben.

For more information about all services and programs offered, call 727-847-8011.

Published September 20, 2023

Meal planning for power outages when a big storm comes through

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The Tampa Bay region emerged relatively unscathed by Hurricane Idalia, as its path veered off to the north of us.

Of course, some areas suffered damage — but it wasn’t the catastrophic disaster here that it could have been.

Avoid panic shopping when a disaster threatens by stocking up your pantry well in advance, with foods you can prepare when a hurricane or tropical storm knocks out your power. (Unsplash.com)

Still, hundreds of thousands of people across Florida lost power.

In fact, any time the electricity goes out, it begs the question: What’s for dinner tonight? What’s for dinner tomorrow night? And, what about breakfasts and lunches?

Shoppers cleared shelves of some items at many stores, or had already stocked up their pantries with canned vegetables, jars of peanut butter, cans of tuna and other things — yes, I am talking about you, potato chips.

But do you have a plan for how to use these items?

Meal planning shouldn’t go out the window when prepping for a natural disaster.  

Your hurricane food should be well thought out, just as your family’s weekly menu during normal circumstances should.  

Of course, when the electricity is out, it’s unlikely you’ll be able to satisfy everyone’s taste, especially among picky eaters.

But the main goal is to stay full and to keep nutrition in mind, so you don’t just fill up on cookies.

Here are some suggestions to help you weather a storm.

Be sure to have enough food and water on to last between three and seven days.

When preparing meals, begin with using perishable food items first since they will spoil if not used quickly.

So, once the storm clears, you can grill your meats — outdoors.

If you have cold milk, use it early, too, so it will not go to waste.

When the power goes out, a fully stocked freezer keeps food frozen for up to 48 hours, and a half-stocked freezer for 24 hours. Food in the fridge is safe for four hours.  

An insulated cooler with ice can keep food cold for a few days, but test its reliability before a storm hits, as some brands are more heavy-duty than others.  

A thermometer for the cooler is necessary to ensure it stays below 40 degrees F.

Be sure you have a separate cooler for meat and foods eaten raw if possible, or place the meat in a leak-proof container or bag and place at the very bottom.  

The cooler should be packed with several inches of ice or with frozen-gel packs.  

Block ice lasts longer than ice cubes.

Before the storm arrives, you can create your own blocks of ice by cleansing used milk or water jugs, filling them with water and freezing them.

Be careful when using dry ice to keep your foods cold.

Heed any boil water notices, and make sure to have hand sanitizer for washing hands in case there’s no water supply.  

Also, don’t forget to stock up on disposable eating utensils, can opener, trash bags, aluminum foil, paper plates and bowls, storage bags and so on.

For post-storm meals that don’t involve cooking, keep in mind the different food groups and how you can incorporate them into snacks or meals.

For instance, here’s some information about those food groups, from a colleague from Broward County Extension, that you might find useful:

Grain group: cereal, crackers, breakfast bars, rice cakes, bread, dried pasta, taco shells/tortilla shells, bread sticks, graham crackers, pretzels

Vegetable group: canned vegetables and soups, canned three-bean salad, fresh vegetables: tomatoes, avocado, onions, peppers, cucumbers

Fruit group: canned fruit in their own juices, dried fruit, trail mix with fruit, unsweetened applesauce, packaged raisins, fresh fruit: apples, bananas, pears, oranges

Dairy group: powdered, canned, or shelf-stable milk, shelf-stable pudding, nutritional drinks

Protein group: peanut butter, bean spreads, packaged nuts, beef or turkey jerky, canned: tuna, ham, salmon, sardines, chili, ravioli, and beans (kidney, black, lentils, etc.), pumpkin/sunflower seeds

Cooking a few things in advance adds more options too, such as pasta, quinoa, hard boiled eggs, or rice and just storing them in the cooler to eat cold.  

You can also wash and chop fruits and vegetables in advance while you still have water and power.

While we know the “hurricane classic” meals like tuna with crackers or peanut butter sandwiches, there are more creative options too.  

You might have seen disaster prep cookbooks, either as a hard copy or viewing articles and PDFs online (though hard copy is more power-outage friendly).  

Check out the cookbook from Florida International University Student Health and Wellness: https://dasa.fiu.edu/all-departments/healthy-living-program/_assets/docs/resources/huricanecookbook.pdf

Shari Bresin is the Family & Consumer Science Agent for the University of Florida/Institute ofFood and Agricultural Sciences Cooperative Extension Pasco County.

Recipes for days when the power is out
Breakfast ideas:
Basic Oatmeal (serves 1)
½ cup instant oatmeal
1 cup shelf-stable milk
1 teaspoon of honey, maple syrup or brown sugar
Combine ingredients in a bowl and let sit for 5-10 minutes

Banana Crunch Wrap (serves 1)
1 whole wheat tortilla shell
2 Tbsp crunchy peanut butter
2 Tbsp chopped banana chips
1-2 Tbsp coconut flakes (optional)
Can also add granola for more crunch.
Spread peanut butter on shell, add other ingredients, and roll

Simple Chia Pudding (serves 1)
¼ cup chia seeds
1 cup shelf-stable milk of choice
2 Tbsp syrup, honey or brown sugar
½ tsp vanilla
Combine ingredients in a bowl and let sit for 30-60 minutes until it forms a pudding consistency.
Can also add fruit and nuts. 

Lunch or dinner ideas:
Sweet Three Bean Salad (serves 6)
28 oz. can of vegetarian baked beans
16 oz. can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
16 oz. can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
15 oz. can corn kernels
½ cup canned pineapple juice
2 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
Pinch of cinnamon
Mix everything into a bowl and enjoy

Bean Burrito (serves 1)
1 whole wheat tortilla
½ cup refried beans or black/pinto beans
¼ cup salsa
½ cup canned spinach, drained and patted dry
1 Laughing Cow wedge
Guacamole (optional)
Spread cheese in middle of tortilla, then add beans and remaining ingredients and roll

Mashed Sweet Potatoes with Vegetarian Baked Beans (serves 4)
1 can candied yams or 15 oz sweet potato puree
½ cup shelf-stable milk of choice
Butter spray 1 Tbsp canola oil
28 oz. can vegetarian baked beans
Combine sweet potatoes/yams, milk, and butter/oil.  Serve with ½ cup baked beans.

Lentil Tacos (serves 1)
2 soft or crunchy corn tortillas
½ cup cooked canned lentils
2 Tbsp salsa
¼ tsp each of garlic and onion powder
¼ tsp dried chili powder
Pinch of salt
Chopped onion, lettuce, or avocado, if desired
Combine lentils with salt, salsa and spices. Put lentil mixture in shells and serve with toppings.

Published September 20, 2023