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Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

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Zephyrhills council to weigh in on city manager

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Zephyrhills City Council soon will be sharing their evaluation of how well City Manager Billy Poe has been performing his job during the past year.

Council members will be completing an annual performance evaluation of Poe, with the aim to “provide important feedback to the city manager identifying areas of strengths and accomplishments, as well as areas in which improvement may be needed,” according to a city memo dated June 14.

Zephyrhills City Manager Billy Poe

The evaluation covers a period from June 2020 to June 2021.

Council members are expected to complete the evaluation form and submit to Mayor Gene Whitfield by June 25.

Whitfield will summarize a report during the next regular council meeting scheduled for July 12 at 6 p.m., at Zephyrhills City Hall Council Chambers, 5335 Eighth St., in Zephyrhills.

The 12-page evaluation form consists of 10 key performance measures — personal, professional skills and status, relations with elected members, policy execution, reporting, citizen relations, staffing, supervision, community, and fiscal management.

Performance levels are factored based on a rating scale numbered from 1 (needs improvement) to 5 (exceeds above expectations).

The evaluation also contains a section with an opportunity for council members to enter responses to specific questions and list any comments pertinent to the rating period, such as the city manager’s strengths and performance areas that need improvement, with additional room for constructive suggestions.

The evaluation period coincides with several noteworthy changes for the municipality, including consolidation of the city’s longstanding fire department into Pasco County; opening of the multi-million dollar Sarah Vande Berg Tennis & Wellness Center; progress on the U.S. 301/Pretty Pond Road signalized intersection project to pave way for commercial development such as a soon-to-be Chick-fil-A and Chipotle franchises along Gall Boulevard; the launch of the city’s first social media accounts and the hiring of its first public information officer, among other happenings.

Poe has deep ties to the East Pasco community.

Born and raised in Zephyrhills, he began his career as an intern with Zephyrhills city administration, then spent several years working as an assistant city planner.

Poe landed the role of city manager role in Dade City in 2008, a position he held for over a decade.

He left Dade City to become the assistant city manager in Zephyrhills, in November 2018, then stepped up to replace retiring city manager Steve Spina in July 2019.

Poe became Zephyrhills’ city manager during a period of massive residential growth in the city — with over 2,400 homes under construction, not including the numerous developments currently in the negotiation stage. As a result of the growth, an estimated 6,000 people could move into the city within the next two to five years.

Published June 23, 2021

Pasco MPO board turns up heat on Port Richey

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The Pasco Metropolitan Planning Organization’s board delivered the City of Port Richey a clear message earlier this month: Start showing up consistently or get booted from the board.

Complaints about the city’s absence at MPO meetings have been growing louder, and last month, the board asked the organization’s new executive director, Carl Mikyska, to find out if the board had the latitude to change its composition.

The Pasco MPO — which is the lead transportation planning agency for the Pasco region — is made up of the Pasco County Commission and representatives from the cities of Zephyrhills, Dade City, New Port Richey and Port Richey.

Pasco County Commissioner Mike Moore said he’s been voicing his concerns for years about Port Richey’s lack of attendance at the meetings. If the city isn’t going to be there, Moore has said, the seat should be filled by someone who will.

Port Richey Mayor Scott Tremblay showed up at the MPO board’s June 10 meeting to address the issue.

Pasco MPO board chairman Lance Smith welcomed him, warmly.

“I’m happy that you’re here today. We want the input of Port Richey. I feel like it’s very much needed. I think we’re all in this together,” said Smith, who represents the City of Zephyrhills.

Tremblay said he’s not sure the MPO board’s absenteeism records are accurate regarding Port Richey’s attendance. He said there have been occasions during remote meetings when the city’s vice mayor was virtually present, but wasn’t able to be recognized because his microphone was muted.

Tremblay also said he would appreciate receiving the agenda materials at least 15 days in advance of an MPO meeting, so the entire Port Richey council could have the opportunity to weigh in on issues.

He said he feels uncomfortable voting on substantive issues as just one representative of Port Richey’s five-member council. He also noted that’s not an issue for the Pasco County Commission, because the entire county board sits on the MPO board.

Tremblay also mentioned concerns that voting solo on issues involving the entire city might constitute a violation of the Port Richey city charter.

Pasco County Commissioner Jack Mariano then said: “Let me ask the city of New Port Richey, Zephyrhills and Dade City: How is your charter set up where you can actually sit here and make a decision that you think is best for your city? Do they empower you to do that, is something in your charter different than Port Richey, do you know?”

Chairman Smith responded: “I don’t even know that our charter, our particular charter, considers that. At every reorganization, we delegate responsibilities, as a body, to certain individuals to sit on different boards.”

Pasco County Commissioner Kathryn Starkey told Mariano: “Jack, every board that we sit on, I sit on TBARTA (Tampa Bay Area Regional Transit Authority), Tampa Bay Water — I am the authorized person from my board to make that decision for the board.”

Moore said that’s the way it works all over the county. “It’s nothing new. It’s nothing out of the ordinary.”

David Goldstein, Pasco’s chief assistant county attorney, agreed: “It’s done through delegated authority.”

Moore also told Tremblay that he doesn’t support the mayor’s request to get MPO agenda materials two weeks early.

“For us to make special exceptions because this is the way you want to do it, I’m sorry, that’s not how it’s going to work,” Moore said.

Goldstein also told Tremblay that he wouldn’t be at liberty to pick and choose which items he would vote on. “If you attend this meeting, you do have to vote,” Goldstein said, unless there’s a conflict of interest.

The attorney also noted that any item requiring a financial commitment from Port Richey would have to be taken back to that respective city council to authorize the expenditure.

Board chairman Smith and Dade City Mayor Camille Hernandez voiced support for Port Richey’s participation.

Hernandez put it like this: “I do understand the importance and significance of the small cities being part of this board and understanding all of the transportation needs. It is important to have them on here.”

Smith told Tremblay that decisions have been made in Port Richey’s absence that have affected the city.

“So, you need to be here, to have input on it,” Smith said.

He told Tremblay: “I am looking forward to your continued attendance.”

Port Richey mayor offers assurances
The Port Richey mayor assured the MPO board: “We do want to make it clear that we do have an interest in this board. We have an interest in working not only with the county, but with the cities, especially our sister city, New Port Richey, which is right next to us. We do have some overlapping projects.”

Moore, however, expressed skepticism.

“My only fear, and I’m being honest here … is that we end up having this same discussion six months down the road, or a year down the road. People show up for a while and then they don’t show up for months.”

Pasco County Commissioner Christina Fitzpatrick also weighed in: “I feel it’s important for all of our municipalities to have a voice on this board, but I do also think that attendance is extremely important.

“Attendance needs to be accounted for.”

Goldstein offered this suggestion: “The MPO board has to go through reapportionment next year, after the decennial census, anyway.

“What I recommend you do is direct staff to start keeping track of attendance between now and the time that you reapportion.

“If you find that it’s (Port Richey’s attendance) a continual problem, when you reapportion next year, you can then look at eliminating that seat, or multiple seats, if you want to,” Goldstein said.

The MPO board members reached a consensus to proceed with that approach.

Published June 23, 2021

Keep Pasco Beautiful earns honors

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Pasco County is known statewide, and beyond, for its seagrass and salt marsh coastline, acres of conservation land, and rich natural resources. Keeping the environment in tip-top shape is the goal of Keep Pasco Beautiful, and the group is being honored for those efforts.

Olivia O’Malley, of Land O’ Lakes, holds a trash bag open, as her father, Michael, throws away a decaying trash bag that was found on the side of Parkway Boulevard, during a previous coastal cleanup. (File)

Pasco County announced that the Keep Florida Beautiful network has named Keep Pasco Beautiful as “Affiliate of the Year.” There are more than 40 affiliates in the Florida network.

“We are extremely honored to receive this award,” said Keep Pasco Beautiful coordinator Kristen King. “This recognition shows that even in challenging times, our community bands together to protect our environment and create a positive impact.”

Keep Pasco Beautiful was recognized for its Pasco Earth Day Celebration, its Great American Cleanup, and its ongoing social media engagement.

Keep Florida Beautiful also commended Keep Pasco Beautiful for its ongoing, successful community partnerships that benefit both the local community and the organization.

Keep Pasco Beautiful is supported by Pasco County Department of Public Works and Pasco County Solid Waste.

To volunteer or to learn more about the organization, visit KeepPascoBeautiful.org.

Published June 23, 2021

New private hockey school approved in Wesley Chapel

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The Pasco County Planning Commission has approved a request by Russ and Leanne S. Henderson for a special exception to permit a private hockey school in an agricultural district, about 2 miles north of Overpass Road, on the west side of McKendree Road.

The school, which is planned on a 10.3-acre site, is limited to a maximum of 20 people, including students and employees.

In addition to the ice rink, the school will have a shop where students could get snacks — similar to a school bookstore, according to backup materials in the planning board’s agenda packet.

The ice rink will be located within the business core zone of Connected City, the application says.

It is going in next to a nonprofit equine ranch and rescue at 9249 McKendree Road.

Dr. Judy Horvath, who operates the equine center, said the facility provides therapy for both horses and people.

“Our concern is obviously for the horses, for the safety of the horses and the people that visit them,” Horvath said. “It’s an all-volunteer organization.

“We are worried about the safety of the horses because of the noise factor, of the compressors and the chillers,” Horvath told the planning board during its June 3 meeting.

“We’ve gotten verbal reassurance that those chillers will somehow be insulated, or put on the other side, which would be wonderful,” she said.

The planning board voted to approve the request, but added a requirement that the operation will meet the county’s standard noise conditions.

Horvath also voiced concern about the ice rink’s potential environmental impacts.

“There’s ammonia runoff from an ice rink,” she said. “We’re hoping that will be taken care of appropriately.”

If there is ammonia runoff, she said, “it could affect pastures, it could affect groundwater. I’m just looking for reassurances on that.”

But Henderson said, “there’s no ammonia used, in what we do.

“The ice rink is literally just water that’s put on the ground that gets shaved off,” he said.

I wanted to reassure Judy because the horses are important to me, as well.”

He also doesn’t expect much noise from the ice rink.

“All of the chillers are in the southeast corner of the property, which is the furthest place it can be, in terms of the horses and the equine center,” Henderson said.

“The chillers we’re using are brand new. I don’t think it’s going to be an issue for Judy or the horses,” he added.

Horvath was the only person, aside from the applicant and his representative, to offer public comment on the request.

The planning board, which has jurisdiction over this type of application, voted unanimously to approve the request.

Published June 23, 2021

Retiring ‘Old Glory’ with dignity

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Waves of flames consumed about 400 tattered, torn and faded American flags in a dignified Flag Retirement Ceremony, hosted by Lutz/Land O’ Lakes American Legion Post 108.

The remnants of some 400 retired American flags can be seen going up in flames, as members of the American Legion Post 5 Honor Guard stand at attention. (Fred Bellet)

Post Commander Randy Holeyfield presided over the June 12 event, which was held on the grounds of Harvester United Methodist Church, at 2432 Collier Parkway, in Land O’ Lakes.

Holeyfield explained the history of the traditional method of disposing of American flags.

Retired U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. James S. “Hammer” Hartsell also offered a few words, to mark the occasion. Hartsell is now executive director of the Florida Department of Veteran Affairs.

The flags were arranged on a multi-tier burn pit. They ranged in size from 2-feet-long to 32-feet long. Post members called the giant flag “Big Bertha.”

Once in their place, the flags were doused with charcoal fluid and ceremoniously set ablaze.

The hundreds of flags — some cloth and some nylon — had been collected from community and other service organizations in Pasco, Hernando and Hillsborough counties.

Published June 23, 2021

Retired U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. James S. ‘Hammer’ Hartsell spoke to those attending the Flag Retirement Ceremony. Hartsell now is the executive director of the Florida Department of Veteran Affairs.
Jim Littrell, adjutant of American Legion Post 108, works on a multi-tier burn pit to accommodate some 400 American flags that were being disposed of, in a respectful way, during the post’s Flag Retirement Ceremony. Littrell lives in North Tampa.
North Tampa Behavioral Hospital employee Rodney Williams, of Wesley Chapel, left, attends the Flag Retirement Ceremony, with several veterans from the facility. For Williams and the others, it was a moving moment as fire consumed the worn, faded and tattered American flags.
Kurt Gies, commander of American Legion Post 63, had the honors of fire duty. Here, he sprays down the huge flames that consumed the American flags. Only ashes remained, after the fire was extinguished.
Jack Evans, a member of Tampa’s American Legion Post 5, looks on while Randy Holeyfield, commander of the Lutz/Land O’ Lakes American Legion Post 108, addresses the crowd. Holeyfield’s talk explained the history of the solemn ceremony.

A celebration of ‘top pops’

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With Father’s Day this past Sunday, The Laker/Lutz News wanted to help to celebrate all dads.

Readers were asked to send in a photo of their favorite “dad,” along with a short story on why he deserved to win.

Winning entries were chosen by People’s Choice and Publisher’s Choice.

Congratulations to these two ‘top’ dads in our #TheLakerTopPop photo contest.

Jackson Cannon, left, with one of his children sitting on the lap of Jackson’s father. (Courtesy of Keyllan Cannon)

Keyllan Cannon, of Lutz, nominated her husband, Jackson, who was the People’s Choice with the most votes.

Keyllan had this to say: “My husband, Jackson Cannon, became a father fairly young. He was only 20 when we married and 21 when our first child was born. Yet he has possessed a natural inclination toward fatherhood from the beginning. He is firm yet gentle, encouraging and protective. From the moment he learned we were having a baby, he has worked tirelessly to provide a loving, stable home for his family. We have grown to a family of five now, and I know he has looked to the example of his own father these last years, who is the epitome of hard work and perseverance.”

Jessica Valentin, of Wesley Chapel, nominated her husband, Anthony.

Anthony Valentin enjoying some family time at the beach with his girls. (Courtesy of Jessica Valentin)

Her story warmed the heart of The Laker/Lutz News publisher, Diane Kortus, who chose Jessica’s entry for the Publisher’s Choice award.

Jessica said: “I know a picture says a thousand words, but I will add a few more to this one. Anthony is the BEST dad because he is a GIRL-DAD. He is their provider and protector above all. He gives them most of what they want, but all of what they need. He guides them and supports their ideas and interests to the point of exhaustion. Then wakes up the next day to do it again. They may have their eyes set on their futures and their goals, but he always has his eyes set on them. He is the best father in the world.”

The staff at The Laker/Lutz News thanks everyone who entered the contest, as there were many wonderful photos and story submissions.

Published June 23, 2021

Cool foods to eat on hot days

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With 90-degree days well underway, perhaps your appetite has dipped a bit.

The decreased hunger pangs have nothing to do with your summer lifestyle or busy schedule, though. They can be explained by biology.

The hypothalamus has numerous responsibilities, including temperature regulation and appetite control.

When it is extremely hot, the hypothalamus works overtime to help keep us cool.

Cucumbers are hydrating and versatile. They can play the role of a bun, in a sandwich. Or, serve as a supporting player in a salad, or be the main ingredient in a meal, such as tuna boats.

Digestion, however, generates heat within the body —making it harder for the hypothalamus to keep us cool.

So, if the hypothalamus suppresses our appetite, we create less digestion, which improves the ability of the hypothalamus to keep us cool.

Of course, everyone’s metabolism is different.

Some people may have no problem eating soup when it’s 95 degrees.

And, summer and barbecues seem to go hand-in-hand, making steak and hamburgers a staple for many — regardless how hot it is, or how hungry they are.

With that being said, what’s on your pool party menu?

Foods that are cold and light are a popular option.

Also, don’t forget that being outdoors means we are sweating, so be sure to drink plenty of fluids.

When you’re planning an outdoor gathering, consider serving salads, fruit, and fruit-infused water to your guests.

It’s a good idea to offer cold food options, too — for a main dish or a side — if you’re having a barbecue.

Think anything ending in the word “salad.” Think pasta salad, tuna salad, egg salad, fruit salad, bean salad and so on.

Sandwiches also are a cool alternative for outdoor gatherings.

Cold cut sandwiches with sliced tomatoes and cheese on deli bread are great, but sandwiches don’t always need to include bread.

Think of lettuce wraps, tuna boats with cucumbers, slices of chilled hard-boiled eggs topped with salsa and slices of cucumber, or cucumber sandwiches —folded up pieces of turkey and cheese on cucumbers.

You can hydrate by eating fruits and vegetables containing high water content.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, cucumber, celery, watermelon, iceberg lettuce, spinach, zucchini, strawberries, and cauliflower are all 91% or more water by weight.

Oranges are close, at 86%.

You can make fruit and cheese skewers, or make flavored water, such as strawberry, lemon and mint; cucumber, lemon and celery; kiwi and orange; or cucumber, lime and thyme.

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.

TIPS:
Foodborne illnesses increase during the summer months, likely due to outdoor gatherings.
Don’t let food out of temperature control for more than one hour if it’s over 90 degrees.
If it’s under 90, it can go up to two hours without temperature control.
Be especially mindful of this for buffet-style events.
Have a cooler packed with ice and a thermometer to make sure cold food is not in the temperature danger zone, when bacteria grows the fastest (40⁰-140⁰).
Separate ready to eat food from uncooked food if you’re cooking with raw meat.

Recipe – Tuna Boats

Serving Size
Serves 4: 1/2 cucumber and 6 ounces filling per serving

Ingredients
2 large cucumbers
1 lemon
2 green onions
1 (6-ounce) can low-sodium tuna, packed in water
1 (15 ½-ounce) can white beans
1 Tablespoon canola oil
1 Tablespoon Dijon or country mustard
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

Instructions

  1. Rinse cucumbers. Peel off skin every ¼ inch, all the way around. Cut lengthwise. Scoop out the seeds with a small spoon.
  2. Rinse lemon. Zest using the small holes of a box grater. Cut in half. In a small bowl, squeeze juice. Discard seeds.
  3. Rinse and chop green onions.
  4. Drain tuna. In a colander, drain and rinse beans.
  5. In a medium bowl, mash beans lightly with a fork.
  6. Add green onions, tuna, oil, mustard, salt, pepper, lemon zest, and 2 Tablespoons of the lemon juice to beans. Mix with a fork.
  7. Fill each cucumber half with ¼ tuna mixture. Serve.

Source: This recipe comes from Cooking Matters, one of Extension’s partners

Published June 23, 2021

Conserving water is critical during dry conditions

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Pasco County Utilities has issued an urgent reminder to residents, to conserve water whenever possible and to follow watering guidelines, regardless of your watering source, as many areas in Pasco continue to experience dry conditions with little to no rainfall.

Pasco County residents are asked to conserve water and check sprinkler systems to help in the water conservation effort. (File)

Pasco County’s reclaimed water supply is critically low, the utilities department said in a news release.

How and when you water your lawn can put additional strain on the system, especially if your sprinkler system isn’t working correctly. It is important to check your sprinkler system’s settings, use the correct watering schedule and water only during your scheduled times, the release said.

Here are some effective irrigation tips that also can help you save money:

  • Irrigate only on your assigned watering day.
  • Follow the watering schedule specific to your water source, whether it is potable, reclaimed or well water.
  • Remember: Watering is prohibited between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m., regardless of the water source.
  • If water pressure seems low, run sprinklers between midnight to 6 a.m., on your watering day.
  • To avoid over-watering, use suggested run times specific to your irrigation system.
  • Check your system for broken or misdirected spray heads, which can waste water.

“Water conservation is always important, and during periods of extremely dry conditions, it becomes even more critical that we all do our part to conserve water – especially outdoors,” Pasco County Utilities Customer Service Director Sandra Anderson said, in the release.

“We encourage everyone to consider skipping their watering day or week and consider hand-watering hot spots within the landscape where necessary,” Anderson added.

Pasco County Utilities has a longstanding mission to provide high quality water, wastewater, reclaimed water and solid waste services.

Visit PascoCountyUtilities.com, for service updates and more information on how to conserve water.

Published June 23, 2021

New adaptive playground expands recreational options

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Hillsborough County Parks & Recreation took another step in its commitment to provide playgrounds accessible to all children by opening its largest adaptive playground at the Lesley “Les” Miller All People’s Community Park and Life Center, 6105 E. Sligh Ave., in Tampa, according to a news release.

new adaptive playground has opened at the Lesley ‘Les’ Miller All People’s Community Park and Life Center in Tampa. (Courtesy of Hillsborough County)

The 10,000-square-foot, ADA-compliant playground has an adventure theme, and is designed to encourage children of varying physical abilities to stay active and have fun.

In addition to the traditional elements of swings and slides, the playground also offers rope- and rock-climbing structures, musical elements, and synthetic turf.

It also features play equipment for children with sensory needs, including a sea serpent with textured scales and a matching game, two Quiet Grove sensory coves, spinner bowls, and two different types of rocker units that encourage socialization and teamwork.

The playground is surrounded by a 4-foot high fence, with four gates equipped with pool latches to keep young children from leaving unattended.

The adaptive playground was dedicated in memory of Rebecca “Becki” Forsell, founder of For Eyes Only, a support group for individuals with sight impairments. A car accident in 1996 left Forsell legally blind.

Forsell also founded Yes! Of America United that helps to empower, educate and enrich all people with disabilities.

Published June 23, 2021

Girl Scouts earn highest honor

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Forty Girl Scouts in west central Florida were honored for the dedication they put into earning their Girl Scout Gold Award — the highest and most prestigious achievement in Girl Scouting.

The award recognizes girls in grades nine to 12 who “demonstrate extraordinary leadership through the planning and execution of sustainable, measurable, difference-making projects,” according to a news release.

Each girl chose her own project — the subjects spanned a wide range of interests and needs, including social, environmental, educational, health, emotional and ecological.

Girl Scouts must spend a minimum of 80 hours planning and implementing their Gold Award projects, which often encompasses one year to two years from the project’s start to finish.

Those receiving the Girl Scout Gold Award reside in communities across west central Florida and represent Hernando, Hillsborough, Marion, Pasco, Pinellas and Polk counties.

Within The Laker/Lutz News coverage area, one Girl Scout is from Lutz and one is from Wesley Chapel.

Published June 23, 2021