The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Local News

Be safe, and merry, this holiday season

By

Here is a compilation of safety tips, from various sources, to help you enjoy a safe and festive holiday season:

Christmas Tree Fire Safety Tips
The National Fire Protection Association suggests these steps to reduce the risk of a Christmas tree fire in your home:

  • Choose a fresh, healthy tree with green needles that don’t fall off when you touch them.
  • Before placing the tree in its stand, cut about 2 inches from the base of the trunk. This will help the tree to draw up water.
  • Check the water level in the stand daily and be sure to keep the tree well-watered.
  • Keep the tree at least 3 feet away from any heat source, such as a space heater, candle, fireplace or heat vent.
  • Be sure that your tree does not block an exit.
  • Use only decorative lights that have the label of a recognized testing laboratory.
  • Be sure light bulbs, strings and connections are not broken or damaged in any way.
  • Turn out tree lights before leaving home or going to bed.
  • Dispose of tree after Christmas, or when it is dry.
  • When disposing of tree, keep it away from your home or garage.

Shop safely
Tips from the Tampa Police Department:

  • Lock your car doors to prevent quick access for burglars.
  • When possible, shop with a companion, especially during the evening hours.
  • Stay alert to your surroundings when walking to and from your vehicle.
  • Have your keys in your hand when you are walking to your vehicle.
  • Park in well-lit parking lots.
  • Avoid parking next to large plants or shrubbery, where criminals can hide.
  • Keep valuables out of sight, in your vehicle and your home.
  • Take only the credit card or number of checks you plan to use.
  • Dispose of boxes or containers carefully, to avoid ‘advertising’ purchases.
  • Report any suspicious behavior by calling 9-1-1, remember, it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Choosing toys, shopping online
Tips from the Consumer Product Safety Commission

When choosing toys:

  • Follow age guidance and other safety information on the toy packaging and choose toys that match each child’s interests and abilities.
  • Get safety gear, including helmets, for scooters and other riding toys – and make sure that children use them.
  • Keep small balls and toys with small parts away from children younger than age 3, and keep deflated balloons away from children younger than age 8.

When buying online:

  • Buy from stores and online retailers that you know and trust.
  • Scrutinize the product, the packaging and the label to avoid buying counterfeits. If the price seems to be too good to be true, that is a sign it could be a counterfeit.
  • Look for a certification mark from an independent testing organization and look for the manufacturer’s label on electrical products.

Food safety tips
Whether you are having a holiday gathering, or not, it’s always a good idea to keep in mind the four steps of food safety, courtesy of the U.S. Department of Agriculture:

  • Clean: Clean hands, surfaces and utensils with soap and warm water before cooking. Wash hands for 20 seconds before and after handling raw meat and poultry. After cleaning surfaces raw poultry has touched, apply a sanitizer.
  • Separate: Use separate cutting boards, plates and utensils to avoid cross-contamination between raw meat or poultry and foods that are ready to eat.
  • Cook: Confirm foods are cooked to a safe internal temperature by using a food thermometer. Turkey should be cooked to 165 °F, as measured in three places — the thickest part of the breast, the innermost part of the thigh and the innermost part of the wing.
  • Chill: Chill foods promptly if not consuming immediately after cooking. Don’t leave food at room temperature for longer than two hours.

Published December 15, 2021

Redevelopment projects are making progress

By

Efforts are continuing on several projects being spearheaded by the Zephyrhills Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA).

Gail Hamilton, the director of the CRA, served up several updates on projects during a monthly November meeting at Zephyrhills City Hall.

For instance, CRA staffers are continuing to work with firms Furr, Wegman & Banks P.A., and BGE Inc., on the design of the “Little But Loud” downtown entertainment backyard hub, Hamilton said.

Staffers also are soliciting help from Main Street Zephyrhills Inc.’s design committee to review various proposals and criteria, she said.

The Zephyrhills Community Redevelopment Agency has multiple projects in the pipeline. (File)

The venue — to be developed on a 150-foot by 60-foot city-owned vacant lot at the corner of Sixth Avenue and Eighth Street — is expected to feature food trucks, vendor carts, games, live music, public art installations and various seating areas.

A more specific concept plan, with pictures, is expected to be presented at the Dec. 27 meeting.

That will give the board an opportunity to “see what we’ve been working on,” Hamilton said.

The venue site was once home to a Disabled American Veterans chapter building, and is situated just a block north of Fifth Avenue and adjacent to City Hall.

Hamilton also updated the board on work being done for the Hercules Park redevelopment project.

She said survey crews are expected to wrap up their duties for the park redevelopment project by Dec. 20, paving way for the design process to begin in early 2022.

The 12-acre park property is located at the corner of County Road 54 and Gall Boulevard. It’s expected to feature a multi-purpose trail, playfield, nature playground and picnic area, among other elements.

Also, the CRA director mentioned security cameras will be installed in Clock Plaza along Fifth Avenue, before the end of this year.

Clock Plaza — situated two blocks east of U.S. 301 in the city’s historic downtown district — is patterned after an old-fashioned town square that features a gazebo-style bandstand, a decorative clock, landscaping, and downtown parking.

This half-acre park features picnic tables nestled underneath shady oak trees.

The bandstand is used throughout the year for live entertainment during Main Street events, parades, and other social activities.

That location is expected to be just the first of several where cameras will be installed.

“We’ve been working with the police department to identify locations they’d like to have cameras,” Hamilton said. “The feed will go directly to the police department so they can see it in real-time.”

Hamilton also carved out time to praise Main Street Zephyrhills Director Faith Wilson and a new Main Street Board of Directors for helping facilitate downtown events, including Halloween Howl and the Festival of Lights Christmas Parade.

Wilson — hired in June — replaced Paxton McCullough, who held the role from June 2020 to May 2021. Before that, the Main Street leadership role was held by Anna Stutzriem, who resigned in March 2020 after more than two years on the post.

“They have worked incredibly hard,” Hamilton said of the Main Street staff and volunteers. “Last year, because of COVID, we had no events. We have a board that’s never done any events; they’re all new and have never done anything…but the Main Street board members and their committee members have really worked hard, gotten together, have figured out what needs to be done…”

The Oct. 30 Halloween Howl reported strong attendance. It also had 60 vendors, four sponsors and several new attractions, including sold-out historical ghost tours.

The Dec. 4 Festival of Lights reported eight sponsors, as well as four food vendors and eight concession vendors.

The event featured four co-grand marshals, which were standout teachers from the Zephyrhills area — Dustin Rowe (Zephyrhills High School), Michelle Elie (West Zephyrhills Elementary), Brian McKinnnies (Raymond B. Stewart Middle School) and Jaime Barrentine (Chester Taylor Elementary). A fifth educator also was recognized — Michelle Deloret (Woodland Elementary School) — but couldn’t attend the event.

Entertainment and music was provided by local community organizations, including Helen’s Baton and Dance Studio, the Zephyrhills Community Choir, and the First United Methodist Church Choir.

In other action, the CRA Board unanimously approved a $1,000 matching sign grant for Bulldog Performance Speed Shop, owned by Jeremiah Swindell, at 5047 Gall Blvd.

The business sells an assortment of after-market automotive parts and accessories, and features a full-service machine shop.

Offerings include diesel performance, lift kits, nitrous, rotating assemblies, crate engines and race fuel.

The total cost of Bulldog Performance’s new signage was $2,238.90.

The sign improvements fall under the CRA’s matching façade rehabilitation program, which aims to encourage rehabilitation and preservation of commercial buildings by offering a financial incentive of matching funds and limited technical assistance.

The general idea is to encourage an aesthetically pleasing business district, while eliminating blighting influences.

Published December 15, 2021

Tips to avoid these ‘top 12’ scams of Christmas

By

The Better Business Bureau (BBB) has released its Naughty List, with the top 12 scams of Christmas, along with tips for avoiding them.

These scams are frequently accomplished through email and social media sites, so be particularly careful when clicking into an email or onto a site.

Here’s the BBB’s naughty list:

  • Misleading Social Media Ads: As you scroll through your social media feed, you often see items for sale from a small business. Sometimes the business even claims to support a charity to try to get you to order, or they offer a free trial. BBB Scam Tracker receives reports of people paying for items that they never receive, getting charged monthly for a free trial they never signed up for, or receiving an item that is counterfeit or much different from the one advertised. Do your homework and research the company before ordering.
  • Social Media Gift Exchanges: Each holiday season this scheme pops back up, and this year is no different. A newer version of this scam revolves around exchanging bottles of wine; another suggests purchasing $10 gifts online. Another twist asks you to submit your email into a list where participants get to pick a name and send money to strangers to “pay it forward.” There is even a twist about “Secret Santa Dog” where you buy a $10 gift for your “secret dog.”

In all of these versions, participants unwittingly share their personal information, along with those of their family members and friends, and are further tricked into buying and shipping gifts or money to unknown individuals. And it’s an illegal pyramid scheme.

  • Holiday Apps: Apple’s App Store and Google Play list dozens of holiday-themed apps where children can video chat live with Santa, light the menorah, watch Santa feed live reindeer, track his sleigh on Christmas Eve, or relay their holiday wish lists. This holiday season, like last year when COVID-19 caused children to skip the traditional in-person visit with Santa, apps may play a more important role than ever. Review privacy policies to see what information will be collected. Be wary of free apps, as they can sometimes contain more advertising than apps that require a nominal fee. Free apps can also contain malware.
  • Alerts About Compromised Accounts: BBB has been receiving reports claiming your Amazon, Paypal, Netflix or bank account has been compromised. Victims receive an email, call or text message that explains that there has been suspicious activity on one of their accounts, and it further urges them to take immediate action to prevent the account from being compromised. Be extra cautious about unsolicited calls, emails and texts.
  • Free Gift Cards: Nothing brings good cheer like the word ‘FREE’. Scammers have been known to take advantage of this weakness by sending bulk phishing emails requesting personal information to receive free gift cards. In some of these emails, scammers impersonate legitimate companies like Starbucks and promise gift cards to loyal customers that have been supporting their business throughout the pandemic. They may also use pop-up ads or send text messages with links saying you were randomly selected as the winner for a prize.

If you have received an unsolicited email with gift card offers, do not open it. Instead, mark it as Spam or Junk. However, if you opened the email, do not click on any links.

  • Temporary Holiday Jobs: Retailers typically hire seasonal workers to help meet the demands of holiday shoppers. Shippers and delivery services are top holiday employers this year because of the increase in online orders and the need to get most of these packages delivered before Christmas. These jobs are a great way to make extra money, sometimes with the possibility of turning into a long-term employment opportunity. However, jobseekers need to be wary of employment scams aimed at stealing money and personal information from job applicants. Keep an eye out for opportunities that seem too good to be true.
  • Look-Alike Websites: The holiday season brings endless emails offering deals, sales and bargains. Be wary of emails with links enclosed. Some may lead to look-alike websites created by scammers to trick people into downloading malware, making dead-end purchases and sharing private information. If you are uncertain about the email, do not click any of the links. Instead, hover over them to see where they reroute.
  • Fake Charities: Typically, 40% of all charitable donations are received during the last few weeks of the year. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many organizations had to cancel their usual fundraising events and awareness campaigns, and are now inviting donors to support online. Donors are advised to look out for fraudulent charities and scammers pretending to be individuals in need. Avoid impromptu donation decisions to unfamiliar organizations. Responsible organizations will welcome a gift tomorrow as much as they do today. Where possible, donate to the charity through their website and use a credit card.
  • Fake Shipping Notifications: More consumers are making purchases online, there also is an increase in the number of notifications about shipping details from retailers and carriers. Scammers are using this new surge to send phishing emails with links enclosed that may allow unwanted access to your private information or download malware onto your device. They may also try to trick people into paying new shipping fees.
  • Pop Up Holiday Virtual Events: This year, many local in-person events such as pop-up holiday markets or craft fairs, have moved online. Scammers are creating fake event pages, social media posts, and emails, charging admission for what used to be a free event. The goal is to steal credit card information. Confirm with the organizer of the event if there is an admission fee. In the cases where there is a charge, use a credit card. If the event is free, watch for scammers trying to claim otherwise.
  • Top Holiday Wishlist Items: Low or ridiculously priced luxury goods, jewelry, designer clothing, and electronics are almost always cheap counterfeits and knockoffs. This year, the Galactic Snackin’ Grogu Animatronic (aka Baby Yoda) and game consoles are some of the items in high demand. Be very cautious when considering a purchase of these high-value items from individuals through social sites.
  • Puppy Scams: Many families, especially those with children, may be considering adding a furry friend to their household this year. However, you could fall victim to a pet scam, which are on the rise this year. Request to see the pet in person before making a purchase.

For general information on how to avoid scams, visit BBB.org/AvoidScams. For more advice, read BBB’s tips on online shopping. If you’ve spotted an online scam, report it to BBB ScamTracker.

Published December 15, 2021

Calendar showcases Pasco County

By

‘Sunset’ by Vincent Hopper, New Port Richey (March) (Courtesy Gulfside Healthcare Services)

Gulfside Hospice once again is offering its one-of-a-kind calendar, for 2022, available at all of its thrift shops.

The annual 15-month calendar features photos exclusively in Pasco County taken by community members to highlight the area that Gulfside serves.

This year’s cover promotes “Community-Supporting Service,” one of Gulfside’s three core values.

More than 140 photos of Pasco events, places, landmarks and wildlife were submitted for judging, and 18 winning photos were chosen for the calendar.

Each winning photographer received a gift certificate for Gulfside’s shops, as well as complimentary copies of the calendar.

Calendars are available for a donation of $5 at any Gulfside Hospice thrift shop location.

All five stores are open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. For addresses and phone numbers, visit Gulfside.org.

All proceeds from the sale of the calendars go to support patient care and bereavement services for Pasco County residents, regardless of their ability to pay.

For information about the calendars or photo contest, call 727-845-5707.

Published December 15, 2021

‘Feeling Lazy’ by Doreen Damm, New Port Richey (September)
‘Reflections’ by Donald L. Kuhnle, Hudson Beach (December)

Looking to make your holidays merrier?

By

If you want to amp up your holiday cheer, you have plenty of choices throughout Tampa Bay.

From a floating pirate ship light display in the Hillsborough River, to visits with Santa at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, to ice skating rinks at the St. Pete Pier, Curtis Hixon Park and Tropicana Field — there seems to be something for everyone who wants to get out for some fun.

Here’s a sampling of highlights:

Celebrate Christmastime at Snowcat Ridge theme park in Dade City by chilling out in a snow play dome, ice skating, snow tubing or renting an igloo. (Courtesy of Snowcat Ridge)

PASCO COUNTY

• Through Dec. 31: “Symphony in Lights,”  at The Shops at Wiregrass, 28211 Paseo Drive, Wesley Chapel, features snowfalls, Christmas trees, and lights dancing to music. 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.; free. TheShopsAtWiregrass.com.

• Dec. 15: Holiday Movie Night in the Garden, with “Christmas Vacation” and an ugly Christmas sweater contest, at Florida Avenue Brewery, 2029 Arrowgrass Drive, Wesley Chapel. 7 p.m.; free. FloridaAveBrewing.com; 813-452-6333.

• Dec. 18: Mrs. Claus Craft Fair, at Harley-Davidson of New Port Richey, 5817 State Road 54, New Port Richey; noon to 4 p.m.; NPRharley.com; 888-296-4819.

• Dec. 21 to Dec. 23: Church Street Christmas, along Church Avenue in downtown Dade City. This features carolers, dancers and musicians, decorated homes, luminary-lit sidewalks and more. 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.; ChurchStreetChristmas.org for parking information.

• Daily: Ice skate and snow tube, play in a snow dome, even rent an igloo at Snowcat Ridge theme park, at 27839 Saint Joe Road, Dade City. The alpine snow park also features shopping, food and drinks. 9 a.m. to 10 p.m., or 11 p.m., depending on date. Tickets, $39.95, sold at SnowCatRidge.com. 813-576-1450.

ZooTampa celebrates with ‘Christmas in the Wild,’ showcasing light displays, holiday enter-tainment, music and a holiday marketplace. (Courtesy of ZooTampa)

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY

• Through Dec. 23: 40th Annual Victorian Christmas Stroll, at the Henry B. Plant Museum, 401 W. Kennedy Blvd., Tampa, with Christmas past exhibits, tiny antique Christmas trees, vintage Santas, a 14-foot tree adorned with antique ornaments; holiday music, refreshments and more. 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Advanced tickets required. Adults, $16, seniors, $14, youth, $10. Buy online at PlantMuseum.com; 813-254-1891. Masks required.

• Through Dec. 30: “Christmas in the Wild,” at ZooTampa, 1101 W. Sligh Ave., Tampa, features light displays, entertainment, and Twinkletown Marketplace with holiday treats and ornament displays. A red-and-white lit Candy Cane Carousel and Mrs. Claus’ Sweets Shoppe are other delights, along with Christmas treats and drinks for sale. Times vary per night. Reservations encouraged for timed tickets selling for $29.95, for ages 3 and older. Buy at ZooTampa.org; 813-935-8552.

• Through Jan. 2: Christmas Town at Busch Gardens, 10165 N. McKinley Drive, Tampa, features thousands of twinkling lights, holiday shows, Santa visits, ice skating and fireworks shows, music, food, and train rides under lights. Admission starting at $90 for adults. Nightly; BuschGardens.com; 813-884-4386.

• Through Jan. 2: The Polar Express 4-D Experience, at The Florida Aquarium, 701 Channelside Drive, Tampa. 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. On Dec. 18 and 19, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., kids can make socially distanced Santa visits. From Dec. 26 to Dec. 31, 9:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Jan. 1 to Jan. 2, 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Snow Days features a Winter Wonderland Dance Party, interactive activities and times when visitors can throw snowballs at “pollution monsters plaguing our oceans.” Advance, timed tickets are encouraged and sold at FLaquarium.org. Prices vary by day but are generally about $30 for adults, $27 for ages 3-11, and free for ages 2 and younger. 813-273-4000.

The Victorian Christmas Stroll, at the Henry B. Plant Museum on the University of Tampa cam-pus, in downtown Tampa, features trees adorned with antique ornaments, exhibits of Christ-mases past, as well as holiday music and refreshments. (Courtesy of the Henry B. Plant Museum)

• Through Jan. 2: Downtown Tampa’s Winter Village, at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park, 600 N. Ashley Drive, offers ice skating, a cafe, shopping and holiday activities sponsored by the Tampa Bay Lightning. Hours vary by day. For details and ice skating tickets, see WinterVillageTampa.com.

• Dec. 18: Tampa Holiday Lighted Boat Parade along the Hillsborough River downtown. 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. See from The Tampa Riverwalk, lit up with Christmas lights and twinkling trees now through Jan. 2. Also, see floating light displays – think pirates and a pirate ship – in the river, buy drinks and food in restaurants and bars along the walk. For directions and parking information, see TheTampaRiverWalk.com.

• Dec. 18: Watch the Tampa Holiday Lighted Boat Parade aboard the American Victory Ship & Museum, 705 Channelside Drive, Tampa. Enjoy entertainment, spirits and eats from food trucks. 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. $15 for adults, $10 for kids 4-12, free for 3 and younger. AmericanVictory.org. 813-228-8766.

PINELLAS COUNTY

• Through Jan. 2: “Enchant Christmas,” at Tropicana Field, Tropicana Drive, St. Petersburg, features a Christmas light maze and village, an ice skating trail, thousands of lights, holiday treats and music, Santa, an artisan Christmas market and more. Adults, $25 to $35; ages 3 to 17, $25. Christmas brunches and dinners are an additional fee. Hours vary by date. See EnchantChristmas.com for details. 833-362-6445.

• Through Jan. 17: Winter Beach, at St. Pete Pier’s Spa Beach Park, 600 Second Ave., N.E., St. Petersburg, cools things down with a real-ice ice skating rink, Santa, an arcade, free holiday concerts, and a holiday market with local vendors and artists. Free admission. Skating fee, $17 for 75 minutes, which includes skate rentals.  See WinterBeachStPete.com to purchase timed skating tickets and to view skating hours. The pier district is generally opened from 30 minutes before sunrise to 11 p.m.

• Dec. 16: Christmas Extravaganza Market, 612 Cleveland St., Clearwater, with 50 local artisans and businesses at pop-up shops circling a Christmas tree. 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. TheMarketCulture.com.

• Dec. 16 to Dec. 20: Christmas at the Station, at the Dunedin History Museum, 349 Main St., Dunedin, presents a North Pole Christmas experience with elves, visits with Santa, children’s activities, snow, snowball contests and musical performances. Hours vary by date. Tickets, $20, (free for age 1 and younger) must be purchased in advance online at DunedinMuseum.org. 727-736-1176.

• Dec. 18: Brunch with Santa at Clearwater Marine Aquarium, 249 Windward Passage, Clearwater, includes admission to the aquarium, brunch and a family photo with Santa. 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. $54.95 for adults, $44.95 for children. Reservations encouraged. Buy tickets online at CMaquarium.org. 727-441-1790.

By Karen Haymon Long

Published December 15, 2021

Enchant Christmas transforms Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg into a winter wonderland, with an illuminated ice skating trail, a light maze, artisan market and more. (Courtesy of Enchant Christmas)

 

 

 

Symphony in Lights at The Shops at Wiregrass features decorated trees, snowfalls, and lights dancing to music. The Wesley Chapel event draws big crowds. (Courtesy of The Shops at Wiregrass)
Sonny Masterson, of Tarpon Springs, serves up hot chocolate at the ‘chocolate bar’ at Snowcat Ridge. (Courtesy of Penny Carnathan)
Sonny and Sierra Masterson, of Tarpon Springs, get a thrill on the snow tubing slide at Snowcat Ridge. Sonny wanted to play in snow for his fifth birthday. (Courtesy of Trent Alyse)

 

Landowners can apply to conservation easement program

By

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is accepting applications from agricultural producers and forest landowners from Florida for the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program.

The USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service accepts these applications year-round, but producers and landowners should apply by Dec. 31 to be considered for funding in the current cycle, according to a news release from the USDA.

The easement program provides financial and technical assistance to help conserve agricultural lands and wetlands, and their related benefits.

Under the Agricultural Land Easements component, the NRCS helps Indian tribes, state and local governments, and non-government organizations protect working agricultural lands and limit non-agricultural uses of the land.

Under the Wetlands Reserve Easements components, the NRCS helps restore, protect and enhance enrolled wetlands.

“This is a great opportunity to combat the climate crises and conserve Florida’s lands, biodiversity and natural resources, Juan Hernandez, the Florida State Conservationist for NRCS, said in the release.

The land easements protect the long-term viability of the nation’s food supply by preventing the conversion of productive working lands to other uses, and has other benefits, too.

The wetland reserve easements provide habitat for fish and wildlife, improve water quality by filing sediments and chemicals, reduce flood, recharge groundwater and have other benefits, according to the release.

To apply, contact the NRCS at your local USDA Service Center. To find your local service center, go to Farmers.gov.

Published December 15, 2021

Kathryn Starkey is Pasco County’s board chairwoman

By

Pasco County Commissioner Kathryn Starkey (File)

The Pasco County Commission has selected board member Kathryn Starkey to be the board’s new chairwoman.

Board member Jack Mariano has been named vice chairman.

Starkey represents the commission’s District 3 seat; Mariano represents District 5.

Ron Oakley, the immediate past chairman, represents District 1; Mike Moore, represents District 2; and, Christina Fitzpatrick represents District 4.

In addition to reorganizing the board, the board also approved new district boundaries.

That exercise, known as redistricting, is done every 10 years, following the completion of the U.S. Census.

The idea is to have districts of roughly equal in terms of population size.

The new districts took effect on Dec. 7.

To see the districts and who represents you, visit bit.ly/CommissionDistricts.

Published December 15, 2021

The holidays are here — let’s have a cup of cheer

By

If  you believe everything you hear and read, you might think that gaining weight at the holidays is inevitable.

But that simply isn’t so.

A study reported in The New England Journal of Medicine found that, on average, the weight gain from Thanksgiving to New Year’s ranges from 1 pound to 3 pounds.

Of course, that varies from person to person, but whether it’s 1 pound or more — the downside is that you’re starting off the New Year on the wrong foot.

Plus, according to another study from the New England Journal of Medicine, while half of us seeking to lose holiday weight gain will do so quickly, others won’t return to our pre-holiday weight until May.

It’s also important to remember that the holiday food we consume isn’t the only thing that packs on the pounds.

What we drink matters, too.

As you are considering those calories from appetizers, meals and desserts, don’t forget to add up the calories you’re drinking, too.

For instance, those pumpkin spice lattes you ordered in October (and September and August) typically had 50 grams of sugar, and 390 calories for a 16-ounce cup.

You could have had an entire lunch for 390 calories — without the sugar.

Consider counting your holiday drink as your dessert, to avoid loading up on too much sugar.

Another small compromise? Skimp on the whipped cream, caramel, or chocolate sauces.

By Shari Bresin

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

RECIPES
Adult holiday beverages typically feature a splash of alcohol, but here are some festive drinks the whole family can enjoy.

Peppermint Floats (Get your candy canes ready)
This recipe from Kroger.com creates a drink that tastes like Christmas.

Ingredients:

  • 1 ½ quarts mint chocolate chip ice cream
  • 4 ½ cups 7Up, chilled
  • Whipped cream
  • Crushed candy canes

Directions:

  • Put 2 scoops of ice cream in glass.
  • Fill glass with 7Up.
  • Top with whipped cream and crushed candy canes.
  • Add a candy cane or two in the glass, just for show.

Yield: Six tall glasses

Apple Pie Milkshakes (Great way to use up leftover pie)
This recipe from Betty Crocker makes two servings.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups vanilla ice cream, slightly softened
  • 1 Tablespoon milk
  • ¼ to ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 slice cold apple pie, cut into chunks

Directions:

  • Place ice cream, milk and cinnamon in a blender.
  • Cover and blend on high until smooth and creamy.
  • Add chunks of pie; cover and blend until smooth.
  • Pour into 2 glasses; add whipped cream and cinnamon.

Gingerbread Lattes (Who needs a fancy coffee shop; you can make your own)
This simple recipe comes from AARP.

Ingredients:

  • 2 shots espresso
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 Tablespoon molasses
  • ¾ cup milk (whole or 2% is better for frothing)

Directions:

  • Gently whisk coffee, spices, molasses and sugar in a measuring cup, then pour into a mug.
  • Froth milk or warm it on the stove and slowly pour into mixture.
  • Drizzle salted caramel syrup on top.

Homemade Hot Cocoa Mix (Fewer ingredients, same great taste)
This recipe comes courtesy of University of Illinois Extension.

Ingredients:

  • 2 ¾ cups powdered sugar
  • 2 cups unsweetened cocoa
  • 2 teaspoons salt

Directions for mix:

  • Whisk sugar, cocoa and salt in a large bowl until mixed well.
  • Store prepared mix in an airtight container.

Directions for hot cocoa:

  • Heat milk in the microwave or on stove, to not quite at a boil.
  • Stir in 3 Tablespoons of mix per 8-ounce cup of milk.
  • Add whipped cream, marshmallows, sprinkles or other toppings, as desired.

Yield: Makes 25 8-ounce servings

Published December 15, 2021

Selection of planning board members to change

By

The Pasco County Commission has approved a new process for selecting members of the Pasco County Planning Commission.

Under the new process, each county board member will be able to choose someone to sit on the planning board.

There also will be one at-large member, who will be selected collectively by the county board.

There’s also a representative for the Pasco County School Board on the planning board and that will not change.

County board members approved the process change during their Dec. 7 meeting.

They had discussed their desire to change the selection process during previous meetings and directed county staff to pursue changes to the county’s land development code to effectuate the change.

The amendment required public hearings, and no one stepped forward to speak in favor or in opposition.

The proposed terms of the planning board members would coincide with the term of the county board member who selected him or her.

The new process will take effect on Feb. 22.

Although each county board member will appoint one member of the planning board, there are no restrictions on where the planning board members live.

Three of the current planning board members live in County Commissioner Mike Moore’s district and three live in County Commissioner Christina Fitzpatrick’s district. No planning board members live in the districts represented by Kathryn Starkey, Jack Mariano or Ron Oakley.

In previous discussions, Oakley said he didn’t see a need for the change since the planning board members serve the entire county, but Starkey and Mariano said they wanted a greater say.

Published December 15, 2021

COVID-19 has had wide-ranging impacts on mental health

By

The COVID-19 pandemic — with its associated lockdown, and even without it — has created mental health challenges that have played out in assorted ways, according to a panel of experts who addressed the topic in a Zoom session organized by the League of Women Voters Hillsborough County.

“I heard from parents of children who were maybe 6 years old, bedwetting, acting out aggression, not wanting to leave home,” said Natasha Pierre, executive director of NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) Hillsborough.

She said she was not prepared for the number of college students who reached out, who were dealing with work, parents having COVID, roommates having COVID, or not having insurance.

“I heard from a lot of veterans. Veterans, who because of the stillness, were having memories of combat,” she said.

She heard from women who had experienced military sexual trauma or date rape.

“Because of the stillness, once again, these memories are coming back,” she said, noting many of those women had never reported the assault.

She also heard from retired people, who were financially stable, but felt socially isolated.

The pandemic created a mental health crisis, with people feeling overwhelmed by frustration, fear and stress, she said.

The first step for getting help is to let someone know you need it, said Pierre, who has lived with mental illness for more than 20 years.

“We know that there are people that are being affected by a mental illness, and they’re not talking. They are living in pain. Suffering in silence. They’re existing in a silo,” said Pierre, who has been diagnosed with bipolar disorder ultradian.

She shares her experiences, with the goal of helping others.

“When it comes to public awareness, we know that storytelling saves lives,” Pierre said.

“The only reason I am speaking to you tonight — with certainty — is because I had great insurance at a time when I needed it most.

“The reality is that the vast majority of the people who need the treatment that I got, will not receive it,” Pierre said.

Stigma and self-stigma are the biggest barriers to people seeking help, she said.

But she added, it’s important for people with mental health challenges to know: “‘You’re not alone. You’re not the only one feeling anxious when you leave home. You’re not the only one concerned about going back to work. You’re not the only one that is in active grief.”

An essential part of helping those who are suffering is to simply be present, she said.

“Sometimes support is: ‘I’m so sorry that happened to you. That sounds awful. That’s probably hard on you. What can I do to help. I’m going to check on you later tonight.’

“Hurting in a silo, in my experience, causes people to lose their lives. Suffering in silence leads to decreased and diminished hope, and if there is anything people need right now, people need hope.

“They need hope that tomorrow will be the day that a job calls me back.

“Tomorrow will be the day where I have insurance.

“Tomorrow will be the day where I can fall asleep and remain asleep through the night.

“That tomorrow will be the day where I am less paranoid, or I am able to keep food down.

“As long as we can fuel and empower hope, in our communities, we have a chance to reduce the number of people who take their lives,” Pierre said.

She continued: “I’ve heard it many times, you know, ‘People who die by suicide, they take the easy way out.’ As a person who has had suicidal thoughts, as a person who has been suicidal, that is not true.

“When that’s an option for you — you’ve run out of options. You’ve run out of hope. You are hopeless, (you’re thinking) there’s no way life can change,’” she said.

She said she keeps telling her story and talking about the work that NAMI and mental health community partners do, in an effort to change that trajectory.

“We want to get to someone before they make that decision (to take their own life), before they have that plan,” Pierre said.

Suicide calls spiked
Sunny Hall, vice president of client services for the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay, said the call volume ramped up because of COVID-19.

Suicide calls increased dramatically, she said.

“What was super alarming to us was (that) calls from kids, ages 13 to 18, went up 36% — suicide calls from kids 13 to 18 went up 36%,” Hall said.

A spike in suicide calls is not unprecedented, she said, noting there was jump in the volume after Robin Williams took his own life, and the same with Kate Spade.

During COVID, Hall said, “the suicide calls started going up and they stayed up, and they’re still up.”

She highlighted another startling statistic involving sexual assault calls: “We saw a 70% increase in people who met their assailant online. People were meeting their assailant online, then they were going to physically meet them,”

Hall also addressed COVID-19’s impacts on children.

“One in 500 kids in our country have lost a caregiver, they’ve lost somebody close to them, to COVID. There’s a lot of anxiety,” Hall said.

“Kids in school are seeing teachers or teacher’s spouses, dying, especially in the last three, four months.

“I was talking to someone in the Pasco school system the other day and the social workers have responded every week to a death of an adult in the Pasco County school system. So, that’s what’s happening to kids. Those triggers lead them to some acute needs, related to mental health,” Hall said.

Alan Davidson, chief clinical officer for Central Florida Behavioral Health Network, said the aging population also has felt the extra mental health challenges because of COVID-19.

Some have experienced social isolation; others have chosen or have been forced to retire early; some have had trouble accessing specialized care or day-to-day assistance that they need; and, some have faced a whole new set of adjustments, as changing circumstances have caused them to move.

Hall said the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay has honed its focus and its mission to ensure that no one faces crisis alone.

The panelists encouraged anyone needing help to reach out to let someone know.

Need help?
Here are some numbers you can call:
Suicide prevention lifeline: 800-273-8255
NAMI Helpline, Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.: 800-950-6264
Crisis Center of Tampa Bay: 2-1-1 (to connect with local resources)

Published December 08, 2021