The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Local News

Local company is expanding with 100,000-square-foot building

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A new 100,000-square-foot building, representing an $8 million investment in Pasco County, is being built in Compark 75 — just off Wesley Chapel Boulevard.

The expansion was celebrated in an April 9 groundbreaking ceremony, with Jerry Flatt, CEO of The Soule Co., offering remarks about the company’s expansion. He also expressed appreciation for the role that the Pasco Economic Development Council Inc., the Pasco County Commission and Pasco County government have played in helping the company to thrive and grow.

Pasco County Commissioners Mike Moore and Kathryn Starkey joined representatives from the Pasco County Economic Development Council Inc., Pasco County government and The Soule Co., to celebrate the groundbreaking ceremony last month. A new 100,000-square-foot building is being constructed by The Soule Co. (Courtesy of Pasco Economic Development Council Inc.)

The company — which manufactures packaging materials and also medical foam cushioning — is located at 4322 Pet Lane, in Lutz. That facility will continue operations and will be joined by the new 100,000-square-foot building that is being constructed nearby.

The Soule Co., has two divisions: One fabricates packaging products made to customer specifications; the other fabricates disposable foam positioning products for the medical community.

The professional packaging division distributes a full line of packaging and shipping supplies, including corrugated boxes, poly bags, strapping, stretch films, and tapes, among others.

The medical division works closely with medical entities to design, develop, manufacture and distribute products that assist in patient care, recovery and healing.

The Pasco County Commission approved an economic incentive package worth $177,172 in August 2020, to support the company’s plans.

The incentive package includes $50,000 for creating 25 new jobs; a five-year reimbursement of tangible taxes, which totals $107,171; and, an employee training grant of $20,000 for Pasco-based employees.

The project is expected to generate $4.69 million annually in gross county product, county officials have estimated.

Flatt gave the crowd a brief overview of the company’s history, during the groundbreaking celebration that was recorded and can be viewed on the Pasco EDC’s Facebook Page.

This is what the new 100,000-square-foot building, now under construction by The Soule Co., will look like at completion. The company expects to add at least 25 new jobs.

When the company was established in 1957, it originally produced insulation and decorative foam, such as the type used by florists, the company executive said.

Shortly before 1980, Soule shifted to the packaging industry, he said.

“Then, in about 1986, we began our medical division, and right now, the packaging division and the medical division are working under the same roof, at the facility that’s right around the corner here on Pet Lane,” Flatt said.

He told those gathered at the ceremony: “It’s an exciting time for Soule company, with the expansion of our operation.”

The foam products produced by the company’s medical division is used to position patients and keep them safe during surgeries, he said.

“That part of our business is growing very rapidly,” he said, adding that’s because “we’re able to sell that product all over the country.”

He continued: “We typically have agreements with group purchasing organizations and under those organizations, they have a great number of hospitals. They do the purchasing and get the best deals for those hospitals.

“So that’s where the expansion is needed right now,” Flatt said.

The company has many agreements in place, but needs to hold back on them a little while, until it is able to take on the additional business.

Pasco County Commissioner Mike Moore said he’s pleased to see additional jobs being created in Pasco.

County leaders want to create employment opportunities locally, so workers won’t have to leave their communities to drive for work in Hillsborough or Pinellas counties, Moore said.

Mike Bishop, director of stakeholder engagement for Pasco EDC, said “the expansion work with the Soule company is one of the most important things that we do at the EDC.”

The economic development agency seeks to help companies get started, become established and expand, Bishop said.

Published May 05, 2021

Pasco hires a federal lobbyist to act on its behalf

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The Pasco County Commission has selected Van Scoyoc Associates, of Washington D.C., to be the county’s federal lobbyist.

Commissioners considered proposals submitted by Van Scoyoc Associates and Gray Robinson — with each commissioner scoring the proposals individually. When the scores were tallied,  Van Scoyoc received the higher mark.

In approving the selection of Van Scoyoc Associates Inc., commissioners also authorized County Administrator Dan Biles to execute a contract with the firm in an amount not to exceed $90,000 for fiscal year 2021.

Commissioner Mike Moore wasn’t sold on the idea of hiring either firm — not because of their capabilities, but because he’s not convinced that having a federal lobbyist is the best expenditure of the taxpayer’s money.

“I still have concerns seeing what our lack of return on investment was last time,” Moore said.

“I know there are earmarks — that the current president has added earmarks again, so there’s possibility of getting things. I just want to make sure that we’re going to get the best return on our investment for our citizens.”

He asked his commission colleagues: “Do you guys honestly feel that it’s worth us making this hire?”

When she advocated for the county to hire both a state and a federal lobbyist last fall, Commissioner Kathryn Starkey argued the investment would bring dividends back to the county.

She hasn’t changed her mind.

“I chair the federal committee at Florida Association of Counties, and I’ve interacted with other counties’ federal lobbyists and heard all of the things they’ve done for other counties,” she said.

“There are counties in the state that have multiple federal lobbyists,” Starkey added.

Such lobbyists can be valuable on federal issues, such as dredging, the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s flood maps and transportation, Starkey said.

“There’s all kinds of ways — if we learned how to engage better, we could be effective in advocacy for things that are good for our county,” Starkey said.

But Moore said that wasn’t the case with the county’s last federal lobbyist.

“I don’t think we saw one dollar. We didn’t get anything. Let’s be honest. We got nothing,” Moore said.

Starkey responded: “I don’t think we utilized the resource as much as we could have, and I think that part is our fault. I think we need to learn how to use the resource better.”

Commissioner Jack Mariano agreed with Starkey.

“I think it’s very worthwhile,” Mariano said, noting he believes having a federal lobbyist is more important than having a state lobbyist.

He also noted that in this case, patience is a virtue.

“To invest in this, it can’t be a one-year deal. It takes time,” Mariano said. “It’s going to take a commitment for a few years, to get something back.”

Published May 05, 2021

Animal Services achieves ‘top’ status

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Pasco County Animal Services (PCAS) has been recognized for inspiring positive change, and helping pets and people in the community.

Human Animal Support Services (HASS) has named PCAS a Tier 1 shelter, according to a news release.

Spencer Conover, PCAS assistant director (Courtesy of Pasco County)

Subsequently, PCAS now officially will serve as a mentor and example for animal shelters throughout the country.

The HASS Tier 1 requirements include:

  • Reuniting lost pets with their owners
  • Resources for owners to keep pets
  • Resources for owners rehoming pets
  • Reducing length of shelter stays

PCAS already implements aspects of the HASS model through multiple events, including free microchip clinics and a pet food bank for residents in need.

“Supporting the human-animal bond is at the core of our mission,” said Spencer Conover, PCAS assistant director, in the release.

“We have presented our ideas to shelter directors and program investors nationwide, and we look forward to continuing as an ambassador for community-based animal sheltering,” said Conover.

HASS is a national coalition led by American Pets Alive! that focuses on reducing shelter intakes, and ensuring community support for people and their pets.

The group formed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, which threatened pet owners’ abilities to keep their pets, and led to more fostering and adoption.

Published May 05, 2021

Land O’ Lakes fire station construction approved

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The Pasco County Commission has approved spending nearly $4.8 million to construct Fire Station No. 42, that will be built at 11425 Silver Palm Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes.

Board members approved the expenditure during their April 20 meeting.

The lowest responsive bidder on the project is Trias, which is a company located in Lutz.

The funding for the project is available from the GO Bond Capital Project Fund.

The specifications were prepared by Fleischman and Garcia Architects and Planners, AIA, PA.

On another issue, County Attorney Jeffrey Steinsnyder informed commissioners that a federal judge issued a favorable order in the case involving Sierra Club vs. Pasco County and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, relating to the Ridge Road extension project.

In essence, Steinsnyder said, “the Sierra Club had tried to amend their existing pleading to bring in the federal fish and wildlife agency and allege endangered species violations.

“The court, in a well-written order, said ‘No, you had an opportunity to bring these in your initial cases.

In part, Steinsnyder said, the judge’s order said “it would cause undue harm to Pasco County to continue to delay this project.

“Basically, she shut it down and said, ‘No, you’ve got to file your motion for summary judgment by a date in June, which pushes the briefing schedule out. But that’s probably the best we could have hoped for because she had to give them some time to file their motion,” Steinsnyder said.

Both sides are asking for summary judgment, he added.

In another item, commissioners approved a request by Salem Radio Properties to rezone 77.21 acres of agricultural land to allow 325 residential units in a master-planned development on the south side of Bud Bexley Parkway, about 600 feet west of Ballantrae Boulevard.

Published May 05, 2021

Checking out books just got quicker

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Pasco County Libraries is now offering a faster and easier way to check out books and digital materials.

Patrons can download the free cloudLibrary.app available for Android and iOS to get a virtual library card, according to a Pasco County news release.

Besides being an easier way to check out, patrons also will have access to thousands of additional e-books and e-audiobooks.

Once you have your digital library card, select your books or DVDs, then scan the items with your phone. Then complete your checkout in the app.

Once you check out, the app will generate an interactive receipt so you can easily review due dates and get renewal reminders.

For more information about Pasco County Libraries, including the library catalog, e-content, programs, events and links to all Pasco County Library branches, visit PascoLibraries.org.

Published May 05, 2021

Planning Commission appointments approved

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The Pasco County Commission has approved the reappointments of Jaime P. Girardi and Peter D. Hanzel to the Pasco County Planning Commission. Their term will end on Aug. 9, 2022.

They also have approved the appointment of Don Anderson to fill the vacancy created by the departure of former Planning Commissioner Michael Cox. The term for the seat ends on Aug. 9, 2021.

Girardi, of New Port Richey, is a civil engineer with more than 20 years of experience in that field. Since 2005, he has focused on private development, planning and design.

He has served on the Pasco County Planning Commission since 2015.

Hanzel, of Wesley Chapel, is retired from the U.S. Department of Justice.

He is a past member of the Pasco County Citizens Mobility Board, chairman of the Lexington Oaks Community Development District and a past member of the Lexington Oaks Homeowners Association board.

Anderson, the CEO of the Coalition for the Homeless of Pasco County, was among 19 applicants for the post.

Pasco County Commissioner Kathryn Starkey made a motion to appoint Anderson, which was seconded by Commissioner Christina Fitzpatrick.

In calling for Anderson’s appointment, Starkey said she thinks he “brings a really fresh perspective that’s needed to the commission.”

Zoning Administrator Denise Hernandez said the call for applicants for the volunteer post attracted considerable interest.

The pool of applicants was filled with people of varied backgrounds, including a retired employee of the Florida Department of Transportation, civil engineers, community association managers, retired Department of Justice employee, real estate investors, real estate appraisers, real estate brokers, mortgage brokers, folks that formerly served on planning and zoning commissions in other states, architects, folks that served in the public works commission in other states; one certified planner and a few contractors, Hernandez said.

That drew a reaction from Starkey, who asked if there is a way for the county can “find a way to let them have their voices heard.”

Commission Chairman Ron Oakley agreed with Starkey’s suggestion of finding other ways to encourage the applicants to be of service.

“We’re always looking for people to be involved,” Oakley said.

Hernandez said the application did inquire whether applicants would be willing to help in another capacity and many of the applicants said they would.

Published May 05, 2021

Stepping back in time, to World War II

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Reenactors created quite a spectacle, as they created battle scenes at the Pioneer Florida Museum & Village during a living history event, in Dade City.

U.S. Army Infantry make an advance on the ground as they prepare to battle German forces during the Raid on Renault II. (Fred Bellet)

Donning military uniforms and carrying World War II-era weapons, soldiers simulated scenes from the Raid on Renault II.

Others offered living history lessons on such things as the French Resistance during the war, a German POW camp that was in Dade City, or vignettes from radio programs.

Besides watching the battle reenactment, those visiting also could get a close look at the weapons, ammunition and other artifacts from that era, and could grab a bite to eat.

Hundreds came to the two-day event, including some traveling great distances to either play an active role in the reenactments, or to watch them.

Published May 05, 2021

Looking like a politician of the day, Kirk Slater sports his straw hat, wearing early 40’s garb, the Tampa resident speaks with German soldier reenactor, Charles Smith of Ft. Myers, after the Allied forces stormed the Germans at Renault.
A variety of World War II artifacts are showcased in Keith and Frances Faulkner’s display at the living history event. The Naylor, Georgia couple had cameras, radios, machine gun rounds and a sextant. While holding one, Keith Faulkner said with a smile that ‘the sextant is the predecessor of the GPS.’
Portraying an Army Technical Sgt., Tom Oliver, of Otway, Ohio, sits with a display he and his brother, Greg Oliver, of Jacksonville, North Carolina, brought to the living history event.
Charles Smith is taken prisoner, as the Raid on Renault II ends, during a living history event at the Florida Pioneer Museum & Village, in Dade City.
Gregory Cardinal drove over to Dade City from Hudson to attend the World War II Living History Event. Cardinal served as an MP during the early days of the Vietnam War.
German soldiers make their way across the battlefield, as nearby spectators watch.
French Resistance reenactor Richard Reaume, of Brooksville, reports to the American encampment prior to the start of the Raid on Renault II.

 

Masks still required in Pasco public schools

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Pasco County Schools will require masks on its school campuses through the end of the school year, Superintendent Kurt Browning said, recently in a video.

The superintendent said he previously misspoke when he said the district’s requirement was based on the governor’s executive order. Rather, he said, as superintendent he has the authority to require masks in a time of emergency, and the continuing COVID-19 pandemic constitutes an emergency.

Browning said a decision regarding masks for next school year will be made closer to that time.

Meanwhile, Browning also addressed the issue during a recent webinar hosted by the Greater Pasco Chamber of Commerce.

He said the decision to require masks through the end of the school year made some people happy and others, not.

“It’s not about making people happy, with me, it’s about making sure we have a safe environment for our students and our staff, and the visitors that come into our schools,” Browning said.

“You know, COVID has become very political, unfortunately. People are kind of polarized on two different sides. It’s either they will support vaccines, or they don’t. They support masks, or they don’t.

“We are having to make decisions of what we believe are in the best interest of our kids and our employees, based on CDC recommendations, and depending on where you are coming from — you just don’t subscribe to that, or you do subscribe to that,” Browning said.

Published May 05, 2021

Rotary Club wants to help the underdogs

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The Rotary Club of Wesley Chapel is accepting nominations for its Community Underdog Awards.

The club wants to hear about deserving Wesley Chapel residents that go above and beyond. The nominees can include a coworker that loves his or job and routinely puts in 100% effort. Or, it could be a school custodian or mailman, a cashier at the grocery store that always greets you with a smile. Other nominees might include an outstanding parent or caregiver, or anyone else who deserves special recognition.

Awards will include gift certificates, baskets and services.

High school seniors also can be nominated for a scholarship. Feel free to submit a nomination for a hardworking, scrappy student with good character that plans on attending a vocational or traditional college.

The club also is on the lookout for residents who need help, with a yard cleanup or house painting — even if the need is a temporary circumstance.

To submit a nomination, visit WCRotary.com, and click on the Nominate Your Underdog link.

Published May 05, 2021

Celebrate Cinco de Mayo at Plaza Mexico

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Unbelievable Margarita Specials!

There’s no better place to celebrate Cinco de Mayo than Plaza Mexico Restaurant Bar & Grill in Zephyrhills. Patrons enjoy this spacious family restaurant with authentic Mexican food, and on May 5, are looking forward to Mexican music, dancing and drink specials under a large tent set up in its parking lot.

“Last year we were closed on Cinco de Mayo because of COVID, so this year we’re especially excited to be bringing our Mexican traditions to our friends and neighbors,” said Hector Gallardo, one of the restaurant’s owners.

Cinco de Mayo is a celebration of Mexican heritage, commemorating the May 5,1862 date of the Mexican army’s victory over France at the Battle of Puebla. In the U.S., it is the biggest celebration honoring Mexico and its people.

You can’t have a Cinco de Mayo party without guacamole, and Plaza Mexico is known for its freshly made guacamole made tableside.

“Our cart goes around to every table to offer fresh guacamole,” Gallardo said. “It’s a really popular appetizer because it’s made fresh right in front of you.”

And when it comes to drinks, Plaza Mexico has a large selection of margaritas, including a monster margarita that is called the fishbowl. On Cinco de Mayo, margaritas specials will be available inside and under the big tent.

Families visit Plaza Mexico all year long for its great food and festive ambience.  Its unique décor has a “Day of the Dead” theme.

“We have a lot of regulars who keep coming back because our food is very good, our portions generous and prices very affordable,” said Gallardo. “We love seeing so many familiar faces as new customers come back again and again.”

Located on County Road 54, just east of U.S. 301, Plaza Mexico is in a beautifully renovated free-standing building in the heart of town, just blocks from AdventHealth Zephyrhills. The restaurant follows COVID safety guidelines.

Gallardo and his uncle, Hector Alvarez, believe in leading from the front, and work alongside their employees to ensure professionalism and quality control.

“At most places, the owner just opens the restaurant. They let the people work for them, but here the owners work in the restaurant. We have two or three owners working at a time, to make sure that everything is done very professionally,” said Alvarez.

The menu at Plaza Mexico is extensive with many different choices, including lots of vegetarian dishes. The menu has authentic versions of the usual Mexican favorites: tacos, fajitas, burritos, quesadillas and enchiladas. And, for seafood lovers, there are crab quesadillas, white shrimp enchiladas and ceviche.

Food is made fresh daily, and some of the recipes have existed for generations within the family. One dish — a popular house special that can be ordered for one or two persons — that Gallardo is particularly proud of is served in a molcajete.

“Let me extend a personal invitation to readers of The Laker to visit our Cinco de Mayo celebration. We would love to introduce you and your family to the best Mexican food in the area, in an environment that is safe and fun,” said Gallardo.

Margarita Specials
(Old family recipe from Jalisco, Mexico)
16 oz small – $7.75
27 oz jumbo – $9.95
40 oz monster – $14.95