The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Local News

Pasco adopts solid waste, stormwater rates

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The Pasco County Commission unanimously approved increased solid waste fees and maintained the status quo for stormwater rates during the board’s Sept. 15 meeting.

Justin Roessler,  the county’s solid waste director, told the board that the proposed increase represents the third of a seven-year rate increase in the county’s solid waste assessment.

The adopted resolution establishes the annual solid waste disposal assessment, tipping fees, and other rates, fees and charges that fund the Solid Waste Disposal and Resource Recovery System.

The assessment generates revenue to cover operations and maintenance costs, meet debt service coverage as required by bond covenants, and supports the capital costs of the county’s solid waste disposal system.

The fiscal year 2022 single-family residential assessment will increase by $7, going from $79 to $86 per Equivalent Residential Unit (ERU). A single-family parcel is equal to an ERU.

Tipping fees will increase from $72.08 to $78.47 per ton.

“The rate increases have been structured to address the growth that we’re seeing and the need to expand the waste energy facility, as well as to replace some of the revenue that’s being lost when the power purchasing agreement expires in 2024,” the solid waste director said.

“When you look at the residential assessment and the residential collection ceiling for Pasco County, we do see it as comparable with other municipalities that do have waste-to-energy facilities.”

The board also passed a stormwater rate resolution that keeps the residential rate per ERU at $95, the same as it is this year.

Published September 29, 2021

Intersection planned on State Road 52, at Sunlake

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Pasco County has approved a local funding agreement with the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) regarding the construction of an intersection improvement at State Road 52 and Sunlake Boulevard/Rhombus Court.

The Pasco County Commission approved the agreement, as part of the consent agenda, during the board’s Sept. 15. When an item is on the consent agenda that means there is no public discussion and it is voted on along with a number of other agenda items, in a single vote.

The intersection improvement is part of the State Road 52 reconstruction project, from east of the Suncoast Parkway to east of U.S. 41, according to the board’s backup materials.

The intersection improvement project cost is $709,460, the agenda packet says.

Under the approved local funding agreement, the state transportation department will construct the intersection improvement, but the work will be paid for by the county.

The FDOT is constructing the widening improvements on State Road 52, from east of the Suncoast Parkway to east of U.S. 41.

The developer for State Road 52 Industrial LLC, will require access from State Road 52 to their future development, on the north side of State Road 52, west of U.S. 41, according to the board’s agenda packet.

This access will be provided through Rhombus Court, which is located on the north side of State Road 52, and aligns with North Sunlake Boulevard on the south side of State Road 52.

The developer has prepared design plans for the improvements that will be needed on State Road 52 at the connections of North Sunlake Boulevard and Rhombus Court.

These plans were reviewed and accepted by the FDOT.

Since the widening project on State Road 52 is already under construction, the FDOT has agreed to include the intersection improvements as part of its construction project, if the county provided funding for the intersection project.

The improvements include a full median opening, eastbound and westbound left and right turn lanes, pedestrian improvements, and additional lighting.

The contractor for the State Road 52 widening project (D.A.B. Constructors Inc.), has been found in default and the FDOT is in the process of rebidding the project, the agenda packet says.

The construction of the intersection improvements was already included and scheduled as part of the State Road 52 widening project prior to the default and will be included in the new bid package.

The estimated cost of the improvements is $709,460.00. The developer for State Road 52 Industrial LLC and the county have entered into a funding agreement, in which the developer paid it a proportionate share of the cost of improvements, in the amount of $199,205.80.

The county has agreed to fund the balance of $510,254.20.

Under the agreement with the FDOT, the county will pay a lump sum to enable construction to proceed.

This payment is due to the FDOT by Oct. 4. If the cost is less than estimated, the funds will be returned to the county.

Published September 29, 2021

School funding issue highlights Pasco legislative delegation

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More than 30 citizens and civic leaders made their voices heard on various hot-button issues during the annual Pasco County Legislative Delegation meeting at Zephyrhills City Hall.

Refining funding for area schools was among the key themes at the Sept. 1 gathering.

The annual event allows residents, elected officials, representatives of city and county governments, and civic organizations to speak directly to their legislators prior to the start of the next legislative session.

The Pasco County Legislative Delegation annual pre-session meeting took place on Sept. 1 inside Zephyrhills City Hall. More than 30 citizens and civic leaders made their voices heard on various hot-button issues, including education, criminal justice, health care, small businesses, nonprofits, environmental and municipal infrastructure. (Kevin Weiss)

Pasco’s delegation includes State Reps. Amber Mariano, Ardian Zika and Randy Maggard; and State Sens. Wilton Simpson (current Senate president), Ed Hooper and Danny Burgess, respectively. Maggard was absent at the delegation meeting.

Pasco County School Board member Colleen Beaudoin opened the conversation on education — addressing the delegation on virtual school financing inequities.

Beaudoin asked state leadership to consider an amendment that would strike language from a Florida statute that puts Pasco’s virtual program at a disadvantage to the Florida Virtual School (FLVS) program.

Current law limits Pasco eSchool to earning full-time equivalency (FTE) funding during the 180-day school calendar, while the state’s virtual school can record FTEs throughout the summer,  Beaudoin explained.

This situation hurts students who wish to take online classes during the summer — whether that’s to meet graduation requirements or accelerate their learning, she said.

She also noted that Pasco eSchool offers more than 50 courses that are not available from FLVS, including high-interest electives, dual-enrollment, Advanced Placement, and career and technical courses.

“We want every opportunity to provide choice for our students and families,” said Beaudoin, a University of Tampa math instructor and department of education chair.

Beaudoin put forth three instances of funding being denied students to take district virtual classes.

“Please allow for the same funding that you provide for FLVS.”

United School Employees of Pasco president Don Peace stepped in to raise concerns about the state’s “formulation and categorical restrictions in the teacher salary increase allocation.”

The union leader said he agrees with Gov. Ron DeSantis’ plan to raise the floor on salaries to recruit new teachers.

But, Peace said there needs to be some accommodations for more experienced teachers, particularly regarding salary compression.

The first 15 years of teacher salaries have been compressed in Pasco — meaning that a 15-year teacher makes the same salary as a teacher fresh out of college, Peace said.

Peace suggested altering the state’s teacher salary allocation guidelines. Currently, it calls for 80% of funds to be used for increasing the base salary, with 20% for those already above the base salary.

He suggested that it should be split 50/50, which would allow school boards the ability to raise the ceiling on salaries to recognize long-term employees.

Peace also urged legislators to improve salaries for bus drivers, custodians, food and nutrition services workers and other support staff.

Tammy Rabon-Noyce is the executive director of CLASS Pasco, a nonprofit organization that represents the interests and advocacy for over 260 school principals, assistant principals and staffers.

She emphasized the need for legislators to involve school administrators and organizations such as CLASS Pasco in the drafting of education policies and funding.

She also asked the state to give local districts more freedom in spending decisions.

“We need autonomy over those (state) funds that you all so generously provide to us, and we ask that you consult with us — let us talk you through the implications of policies that you are considering, and tap our expertise,” Rabon-Noyce said.

Other topics included criminal justice, health care, small businesses, nonprofits, environmental and municipal infrastructure.

There was even talk about how the Sunshine State can better position itself to attract more film and television productions.

Tampa-based actor Ray Watters spoke on behalf of Film Florida, a statewide not-for-profit entertainment association.

The longtime professional actor underscored the potential economic windfall if Florida was able to attract more film and production companies.

“It’s really, really disheartening for me to know that Florida is the only state in the southeast, and one of 16 states throughout the U.S., without a program to compete for film and television projects, which puts us at a major competitive disadvantage,” he said.

Watters claimed that Florida has lost out on close to 100 major film and television projects that would’ve equated to over $1.5 billion spent statewide, 125,000 cast and crew jobs, and 250,000 hotel room nights.

A handful of passionate speakers called upon the legislative delegation to institute a statewide anti-tethering law.

Lutz resident Betsy Coville, a veterinarian for over three decades, said anti-tethering legislation promotes public safety and gives law enforcement additional tools to impede dog fighting.

Dog fighting, Coville added, is linked to illegal drugs and money laundering.

She also described the inhumane treatment endured by dogs who are tethered to a stationary object outdoors for lengthy periods.

“A dog on a chain has a very small, lonely world. They eat, sleep and live in the filth where they urinate and defecate,” Coville said.

“They’re at the mercy of rain, cold, heat, and sitting targets for biting insects and predators, both human and animal. They are not a part of a loving family, and rarely have appropriate food, shelter or veterinary care.

“Dogs are social animals and, over time, a lack of companionship and attention leads to fearful, anxious and often aggressive animals.”

Although four hours had been allotted for the legislative delegation meeting, speakers concluded their remarks within two hours.

Each guest speaker had been given three minutes to make their points and requests.

“Believe it or not folks, Pasco County has showed how you do a delegation meeting,” said Burgess the delegation chair, referring to the meeting’s efficiency.

The Florida Legislature kicks off the 2022 regular session on Jan. 11. The fall interim committee meeting schedule began Sept. 20 and runs through early December.

Published September 29, 2021

Tune in for tree webinar

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If you want to find out about the best trees to plant in your yard, or if you’re a Hillsborough County resident and want to apply for a tree removal permit, this upcoming webinar may be helpful to you.

The session is set for Oct. 7, from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.

The webinar will cover tree removal and tree planting, and will include common questions about removing trees in Hillsborough County.

It also will go over what types of trees you can plant in its place, and how to remove a Grand Oak tree.

You can register by visiting the calendar section on HillsboroughCounty.org, and clicking on the Oct. 7 events.

Once you register, you will receive an email with a link to join the webinar.

Published September 29, 2021

Pasco employee wins statewide award

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Sam Beneck is congratulated by the Pasco County Commission and members of the county staff, for his recent recognition by the Florida Bicycle Association as professional of the year. (Courtesy of Ryan Hughes, Pasco County)

Sam Beneck, a project manager for Pasco County, has been honored as the professional of the year by the Florida Bicycle Association.

Pasco County Commissioner Kathryn Starkey read a resolution congratulating Benick for the accomplishment during the county board’s Sept. 15 meeting.

Beneck was recognized for his involvement as project manager on the Ridge Road extension project, which will include a multi-use path that will connect to the Suncoast Parkway Trail.

He also has been involved in other projects that are now being enjoyed by cyclists, including the Starkey Gap Trail and the Anclote Coastal Trail, according to the resolution.

Starkey, a regular trail user herself and huge proponent of creating safe ways for people to get around, said the fact that Beneck himself is a cyclist has given him insights and helped to inform his professional work.

Published September 29, 2021

Be sure to understand insurance, before storm hits

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The Florida Association of Public Insurance Adjusters provides these pointers to help homeowners to be ready, in case a major storm hits.

If storm damage does occur, you need a firm understanding of your current insurance policy and what steps are necessary to file a claim, the organization says, in a news release.

It recommends that homeowners:

  • Know what their policy covers and doesn’t cover. Not all policies are the same. Be sure you are aware of any restrictions in your policy.
  • Make sure your deductible isn’t too high. That’s the out-of-pocket expense you will have to absorb if you have a loss.
  • Know your home’s vulnerability to storm surge, flooding and wind.
  • Be sure you purchase flood insurance before a major storm threatens. Be aware that flood insurance doesn’t go into effect for 30 days.
  • Review the “duties after loss” section of your policy. Failure to follow these provisions could result in a nonpayment of a legitimate claim.
  • Check the “exclusions” portion of your windstorm policy. Many insurance companies have added new exclusions to coverage, which could affect your protection.
  • Make a visual record of your home and possessions. Use a digital camera, smartphone or video recorder to document the condition of your home and belongings before any damage occurs.
  • Prepare a detailed list of your personal property. This will help you document your claim after a loss. Gather your receipts for large items, such as major appliances, furniture and appliances. Make copies to include with your property inventory.
  • Create a disaster supply kit that includes copies of your insurance policies, family medical information, deeds, wills and so on. Place the originals in a safe place, and keep a digital copy in the cloud for easy reference.

If your property sustains damage, be sure to hire only licensed, trained public insurance adjusters rather than roofers, contractors or restoration consultants to represent you in filing a claim.

To learn more about public adjusters, visit GetReadyFlorida.com.

Published September 29, 2021

HVAC upgrade approved for jail

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The Pasco County Commission has approved spending an amount not-to-exceed $238,936 to design and build a heating, air conditioning and ventilation upgrade at the Land O’ Lakes Detention Center.

The medical isolation rooms at the detention center are not meeting the current standards to be considered negative pressure isolation rooms for medial quarantine. This project would replace an air-conditioning unit that is over 20 years old and will install additional venting to meet the required parameters for these rooms to meet current isolation room standards, according to backup materials for the county board’s Sept. 15 meeting.

Updating the system would allow the Detention Center to isolate inmates for COVID-19 purposes.

Published September 29, 2021

Governor wants to end Florida’s high-stakes testing

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Gov. Ron DeSantis has announced a legislative proposal that will eliminate the Common Core- based, end-of-year Florida Statewide Assessment (FSA), according to a news release from his office.

Instead, the governor is proposing a new accountability measure known as the Florida Assessment of Student Thinking (F.A.S.T), which will monitor student progress and foster individual growth, according to the Sept. 14 news release.

By creating F.A.S.T., Florida would become the first state in the nation to fully implement progress monitoring, instead of end-of-year standardized testing.

“Florida’s education focus should be students’ growth and how we restore the conversation between parents and teachers in support of students’ growth,” DeSantis said, in the release. “In this final step to eradicate Common Core from our assessments, our administration is implementing the lessons learned from progress monitoring both during the state’s recovery and from our districts and schools that were already showing how we can better support students reaching their own unique growth goals.”

DeSantis made this announcement with Florida Education Commissioner Richard Corcoran, and was joined by several teachers and students from High Point Elementary School who have already benefited from utilizing the progress monitoring approach.

“Each year, Governor DeSantis’ administration has been committed to a data-driven approach to constantly improving how Florida provides supports to its teachers and turns the focus of education to how we impact our students, especially those representing achievement gaps,”  Commissioner of Education Richard Corcoran said, in the release.

The new approach calls for:

  • Minimizing the stress of testing to three much shorter tests in the Fall, Winter and Spring that will inform students, teachers and parents about students’ growth.
  • Reducing testing time an average of 75% through progress monitoring, increasing time for teaching and providing more timely, usable feedback to help students reach their unique goals.

At the Pasco County School Board’s Sept. 14 meeting, Don Peace, president of the United School Employees of Pasco, applauded DeSantis’ push regarding state testing.

“Earlier today, we did get some good news delivered by the governor. The Department of Education has decided that this will be the last year for the high-stakes FSA testing.

“This will go a long way of relieving teachers of the stress that has been born for years, related to these tests.

“This is something that educators and unions have advocated for, for many years.

“Other methods of assessment will be in play, so there will still be accountability, but this is a historic event in Florida education,” Peace said.

Published September 22, 2021

Port Tampa Bay’s impact is far-reaching

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If you live in the Tampa Bay region, there’s a high likelihood that your life has been touched by the activities that occur at Port Tampa Bay.

The port —  also known as the Port of Tampa and the Tampa Port Authority — is located near downtown Tampa — but its impacts are far-reaching.

“Port Tampa Bay is the largest port in the state of Florida,” Greg Lovelace, the port’s senior director of business development, told members of the North Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce, through a Zoom meeting last month.

Hope Kennedy, the chamber’s president and CEO, told those listening: “I don’t know if we all realize what a huge asset the Port of Tampa is to our entire region. Not every community has a wonderful port, deepwater port.”

About 33 million tons of cargo moves across the port’s docks each year, and the port is made up of about 5,000 acres — making it Florida’s largest port both in terms of tonnage, and in land mass, Lovelace said.

Port Tampa Bay handles imports and exports, and has an excellent location in a supply chain that delivers goods for both domestic and international markets. (Courtesy of Port Tampa Bay)

Wondering if the port has an impact on your life?

If you drive a car, take an Uber or fly in an airplane, chances are the gasoline, diesel or jet fuel used to run them came through the port of Tampa.

“Over 40% of the energy products in the state of Florida come through the Port of Tampa,” Lovelace said.

If you buy a couch at a furniture store, shop at a Big Box store or order on Amazon — your purchase probably came through the port.

“The port business —which is products moving in or out by ship — is driven by the local market. In our case, that’s the I-4 corridor,” Lovelace said.

Nearly 1,000 people are moving into the state each day, he added.

“That translates into a lot of consumption for housing, appliances, groceries, furniture, etc.

“Whatever you see on the store shelves, that’s ultimately what comes through the port,” Lovelace said.

“There’s over 380 million square feet of distribution space along the I-4 corridor.

“You can see what a significant market this is, with all of the distribution centers and all of the population there, which consume products. That’s really what drives our business from a cargo standpoint, is the consumption,” said Lovelace, who has been with the port for 25 years and lives in Wesley Chapel.

“This area is considered the 10th largest economy in the U.S., with a GDP (gross domestic product) of more than $300 billion.

The port handles containers, refrigerated cargo, and cargo that is rolled onto and rolled off of a ship, referred to in the trade as RORO.

One of the port’s key exports is fertilizer because a chief ingredient, phosphate, is mined in Central Florida. But producing the fertilizer requires other raw materials, which are imported, Lovelace said.

Other imports include steel coils, lumber, and other materials used by the building and construction industry.

Recently, the port expanded its import trade to include fresh fruit from Guatemala and Honduras, through Dole Fresh Fruits, on a weekly service into Tampa.

“We’re excited about the service, which is operated by their sister company Dole Ocean Cargo Express, and what it means for the local community.

“Not only will Dole produce have a more efficient way to reach the market here in Central Florida, but the ships going back and forth are open to third-party cargo interests, meaning that companies in this area that are trading with Guatemala and Honduras have access to a ship to get there,” Lovelace said.

Location, location, location
Tampa’s port has a competitive advantage because it is less than a mile away from the I-4 connector, allowing trucks to quickly jump on and off of I-4.

“Accessing the interstate system is very important for companies to efficiently transport goods inland,” Lovelace said.

It makes sense for shippers to come to Tampa to serve the Central Florida market because of time and trucking-cost efficiencies, he said.

Tampa also is a logical choice for those wanting to move goods to the Atlanta or Charlotte markets, he added.

A summary of some of the key facts regarding the port’s core market.

The federal Department of Transportation limits the number of hours that truck drivers can drive in a day, Lovelace explained.

Trucks leaving Tampa can reach Atlanta or Charlotte within the DOT’s rules, but those departing from South Florida cannot, he said.

“We look for those types of advantages to provide efficiencies in the supply chain,” Lovelace said.

While many industries and businesses have suffered during COVID-19, Port Tampa Bay has been on a roll.

“Our container business is really booming. It’s up by almost 50% compared to the last year.

“We are expanding. A lot of new services coming in,” he said. “We’re pretty excited about that.”

So, with the exception of the cruise industry, Port Tampa Bay has flourished, he said.

Of course, the port is part of the larger supply chain, which, because of COVID, has experienced a huge backlog.

The port executive explained it this way: “If you order something on Amazon, a lot of times you’ll get a message now that says something like, ‘Due to extenuating circumstances, your order might be delayed … .

“That’s happening all over the country,” he said.

In short, when COVID initially hit, workers at plants in Asia were told to stay home and production halted.

With no cargo to move, ocean carriers laid up their vessels.

Then, everything came to a screeching halt.

Meanwhile, demand was building because people in the U.S. were working from home and thinking about things they could do around the house, such updating the kitchen, redoing the bathroom, buying a new chair or desk for their office, and so on, he said.

They began buying stuff online.

“So, now you have all of the plants shut down, all of the shipping lines down, but then all of sudden you started having all of these orders starting to come in,” Lovelace said.

Plants began producing again, but were months behind. Shipping lines began reintroducing vessels, but there wasn’t enough capacity.

The lack of capacity, coupled with the high demand, drove up ocean freight rates.

“And, they’re still struggling to catch up with some of the demand that has happened with all of the online ordering,” he said.

Some are projecting this situation will continue until sometime in 2022, he said.

Published September 22, 2021

Pasco approves apartments off Wesley Chapel Boulevard

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Pasco County’s moratorium on multifamily applications continues, but the county board approved 400 new apartments off Wesley Chapel Boulevard at its Sept. 15 meeting.

The approved development is planned for 43 acres at the intersection of Wesley Chapel Boulevard and Hay Road.

The request had received recommendation of approval with conditions from county planners and the Pasco County Planning Commission.

No one signed up to speak on the issue.

The request was approved 4-1, with Commissioner Mike Moore voting no.

“It’s in the (temporary) moratorium area (for new multifamily applications), but they obviously submitted before the moratorium,” Moore said.

“I will say this, you know previous to the last hearing, a number of residents, people in the community had reached out in concern. But nobody is here to speak today.

“If you don’t come and speak, it is very difficult to convince a board of five why something should be denied,” Moore said, adding that those reaching out to him should show up, sometimes, too.

On another item, the county board approved spending $70,000 to purchase 4.25 acres from J.L. Tucker Inc., to add the property to its Environmental Lands Acquisition and Management Program.

The Environmental Lands Acquisition Selection Committee recommended the purchase, according to the county board’s agenda backup materials.

The property is in Shady Acres along Triple J Ranch Road and is adjacent to the ELAMP-owned Martinez and DeAngelo property.

The property is not within an Ecological Corridor nor an Ecological Planning Unit, but its acquisition would extend the more than 1,700 contiguous acres of conservation land, which extends along the North Pasco to Crossbar Ecological Corridor. Acquisition of the property would also include eliminating an ingress/egress easement, thereby reducing potential future access and land use conflicts, the agenda backup says.

The county board also approved a change order with Blackwater Construction Services LLC, in connection with the Hugh Embry Branch Library renovation. The change order is for the amount of $71,358.11 for fiscal year 2021, bringing the new cumulative not-to-exceed amount to $1,575,939.

The bids for this project were received on Oct. 20, 2020, with seven months elapsing between the receipt of the bid and the award of the contract. The time delay is beyond the required 90-day hold period for prices, and during that time, there were significant increases in the prices for both labor and materials, resulting in the request for the additional funding.

“This has been considered a unique case and does not apply to any other projects being procured by the county,” the agenda backup says.

In other action, board members:

  • Heard a report on a proposal to increase mobility fees in some categories and decrease them in others. The fees are charged to help pay for impacts that growth has on roads and other aspects of the transportation network. A final adoption on the new fee schedule is set for Sept. 28.
  • Found a proposed Property Rights Element to be consistent with the county’s comprehensive plan and authorized transmittal to state agencies for review. Adoption of the element is scheduled for Oct. 26.
  • Continued to a date uncertain a request for master-planned unit development called Dayflower, seeking 1,469 single-family, villas and townhomes on approximately 1,014 acres, north of Wesley Chapel Boulevard and Lexington Oaks and west of Old Pasco Road.
  • Continued until Dec. 7 a request from Acorn LLC, for a rezoning to allow general commercial development on 9.2 acres, on the south side of State Road 54, west of the intersection of River Glen Boulevard and State Road 54.
  • Approved an increase of $515,355 for medical examiner services due to an increased number of autopsies being performed. The increase will cover the final months in this fiscal year’s budget.
  • Appointed Joseph Ward and Rocio Rosie Paulsen to the county’s Jobs and Economic Opportunities Committee.
  • Approved an increase of $13,787.50 in a professional service agreement with Rainey Leadership Learning, to provide leadership coaching and development for the executive team in the public infrastructure branch. The additional funding brings the total not-to-exceed amount to $63,412.50.
  • Accepted a donation of hand sanitizer retailing at $34,524.62 from Joseph Di Sano. Di Sano, of Wesley Chapel, delivered 3,400 bottles of HYGN brand hand sanitizer to the administrative offices of the Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources department in July. Each 12.6-ounce bottle retails at $9.56.

Published September 22, 2021