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The Bay Area Renaissance Fest sets up in Pasco

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The 43rd annual Bay Area Renaissance Festival has moved to a new location this year, operating at Withlacoochee River Park in Dade City.

Festival-goers can travel back to a 16th century European Village, where they can join the Villages of Fittleworth, and Queen Katherine Parr and her court.

A knight and rook battle it out on a large chessboard during one of the human chess match events at the Bay Area Renaissance Festival, when the event was held at MOSI. The event has changed locations this year. It will now take place at Withlacoochee River Park in Dade City. (File)

There will be more than 100 artisans selling their goods in the market, people will be able to interact with memorable characters, and spectators will be able to watch full-contact, live armored jousting, according to the festival’s website.

All stage shows and other entertainment are included with admission, while games, rides, food, and beverages are available at additional charges.

The festival operates on Saturdays and Sundays, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., rain or shine, according to its website. Tickets are non-refundable.

At the gate, tickets are $22.95 for adults, and $14.95 for children ages 5 through 12. Children age 4 and under can attend for free. There’s no charge for parking.

This year, the festival is partnering with Pasco County Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources — an arrangement applauded by Pasco County Commissioner Mike Moore, during an April 7 board meeting.

“The Bay Area Renaissance Festival has been a mainstay at MOSI for a number of years, and the parks team did an excellent job of bringing that here to Pasco County,” said Moore, who is chairman of the Tourism Development Council, an advisory board to the Pasco County Commission.

The annual festival is big for tourism, Moore said.

“People actually travel from outside of the state of Florida to come to this,” Moore said.

Plus, he added: “It’s a pretty neat experience. It’s a lot of fun.

“They’re going to have four stages,” Moore said, with magicians, musicians, mimes and jugglers. There also will be food, drink available, and vendors, too.

“We’re happy to have it here in Pasco County,” the commissioner added.

The event has a theme each weekend. This year’s remaining theme weekends are: Pirates & Pups, Barbarian Brew, Shamrocks & Shenanigans, High Seas Adventure, and Wonders of the World.

As a precaution against the potential spread of COVID-19, masks are recommended for all guests and will be worn by all participants — employees or volunteers — who over age 5, when social distancing cannot be maintained, the website says.

Physical distancing is encouraged and temporary adjustments are in place to promote physical distancing, the website adds.

For additional information, call 800-601-4848, or visit BayAreaRenFest.com/faq.

Bay Area Renaissance Festival
Where: Withlacoochee River Park, 12449 Withlacoochee Blvd., in Dade City
When: Saturdays and Sundays, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., through May 23
Cost: At the gate, tickets are $22.95 for adults, and $14.95 for children ages 5 through 12. Children 4 and under can attend for free. There’s no charge for parking.
Details: Event-goers can step back in time to a 16th century European Village, joining the villagers of Fittleworth, and Queen Katherine Parr and her court. There will be more than 100 artisans selling their goods, people will be able to interact with memorable characters, and watch various acts and entertainers.
Info: Call 800-601-4848, or visit BayAreaRenFest.com.

Published April 21, 2021

Servin’ up barbecue and blues at Zephyrhills festival

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Patrons at the 11th annual Pigz in Z’Hills BBQ and Blues Festival had a smokin’ time — while enjoying barbecue meals, listening to live blues and doing some shopping, too.

Tampa singer/songwriter Damon Fowler was one of the headlining acts at the 11th annual Pigz in Z’Hills BBQ & Blues Festival in Zephyrhills. Other performers included Hector Anchondo, RJ Howson, Justin Headley, Rob Stoney, Ed Wright and Chuck Riley. (Kelli Carmack)

Some event-goers tried out their skills at cornhole tournaments, while others checked out items offered by vendors.

The event, presented by The Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce, was held at the Zephyrhills Community Venue, 5200 Airport Road.

Originally, the festival was planned for Feb. 27 — but a scaled-back version of the event took place on April 10, to reduce potential impacts from COVID-19.

A drive-thru barbecue meal pickup was in place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., followed by a live blues concert at 4 p.m. Guests could listen to performances by Damon Fowler, Hector Anchondo, RJ Howson, Justin Headley, Rob Stoney, Ed Wright and Chuck Riley.

Published April 21, 2021

Marnie Bennett, a Pasco Sheriff’s Mounted Posse volunteer — atop her horse, General — helps direct traffic at the 11th annual Pigz in Z’Hills BBQ & Blues Festival in Zephyrhills.
Jimmy Burdete from Polk County sits back and relaxes, while listening to some live blues at the annual barbecue and blues festival.
Amy Harvey, left, poses with Steve and Tallie Tadlock, at Tallie’s kettle corn booth. This is Tallie’s sixth year as a vendor at the Pigz in Z’Hills BBQ & Blues Festival.

 

Charlie Kerwin, a snowbird from Wisconsin, munches on kettle corn and listens to music, during his first visit to the barbecue and blues fest in Zephyrhills.
Renee Bryan, co-owner of Southern Girls Gourmet Sauces, puts the finishing touches on her vendor booth at the 11th annual Pigz in Z’Hills BBQ & Blues Festival in Zephyrhills.
Rick Davis, a snowbird from Michigan, competes in a cornhole tournament — one of the various activities offered at the festival.
Sisters-in-law and co-owners of Southern Girls Gourmet Sauces Jenny Bryan, left, and Renee Bryan from Lake County have been offering their products at the festival for six years.

Blue Heron Senior Living is hosting a public open house

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Blue Heron Senior Living, located at 5085 Eagleston Blvd., in Wesley Chapel, will have a grand opening celebration and ribbon-cutting on the afternoon of April 28.

This is an exterior view of Blue Heron Senior Living, 5085 Eagleston Blvd., in Wesley Chapel. The facility offers assisted living, memory care and rehabilitation services. (Courtesy of Sarah Dymond/Blue Heron Senior Living)

The senior living community, recently completed by TLC Management of Marion, Indiana, features assisted living, memory care, skilled nursing and rehabilitation, according to a news release.

Blue Heron focuses on the entire spectrum of each resident’s well-being; from their physical and emotional health to their needs for friendship and intellectual stimulation, the release says.

There will be 106 private suites for residents requiring 24-hour skilled nursing and rehabilitation services.

Those interested in taking a look at the new Blue Heron Senior Living facility are invited to an open house celebration on the afternoon of April 28. Besides providing an array of services for its residents, the facility will have more than 225 employees.

Those seeking short-term rehabilitation will be able to take advantage of a state-of-the-art therapy center, which includes a gym that’s equipped with the latest technology and equipment designed for physical, speech and occupational therapy. It also features virtual reality workout programs, the release says.

The facility also has 95 resort-style private suites for individuals needing assisted living services. Those services include assistance as needed with daily activities, along with access to a health spa, a theater, wellness gym, activity center, resident art gallery, library, bistro shop and town square.

There also is a separate wing of 22 apartments that are specifically dedicated to residents with Alzheimer’s or other forms of age-associated memory impairment.

Services there include everything from engaging activities, bathing, dressing and grooming assistance, to medication reminders and management, according to the news release.

Additionally, Blue Heron is creating more than 225 new jobs in Pasco County.

To find out more, visit SeniorLivingAtBlueHeron.com.

Blue Heron Senior Living open house
When: April 28, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. (Ribbon-cutting ceremony at 1:15 p.m.)
Where: 5085 Eagleston Blvd., Wesley Chapel
Details: The public is welcome to visit this new senior living facility and learn about its features and service. Visitors also are invited to enjoy complimentary drinks, hors d’oeuvres and live music.

Published April 21, 2021

Celebrate ‘Earth Day’ with a plant-based meal

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How will you celebrate this year’s Earth Day?

Maybe you’ll plant a tree. Or perhaps start a garden.

Maybe you’ll compost your food waste.

Speaking of food and plants, let’s talk about plant-based diets.

Spaghetti and ‘cheat balls’ (also known as bean balls) are an easy plant-based alternative to regular meatballs. (Courtesy of Shari Bresin)

The term — which means that you consume plant-based protein, instead of protein from animal sources — has been popping up everywhere.

Did you know there’s plant-based dairy, too?

Some examples of plant-based protein sources include beans, lentils, tofu, nuts, seeds, chia seeds, and other legumes.

The center of a plant-based meal usually is a vegetable, a grain — such as quinoa, rice, or spaghetti — or a plant-based protein, for instance, beans or lentils. By comparison, in the average American diet, meat is the center of the meal.

Even Burger King now offers plant-based hamburgers, and you can find meatless options throughout the Disney parks with vegan cheese and sauces.

Dozens of other restaurant chains also offer plant-based menu options as a way to attract this customer base as this food movement grows in popularity.

Some people choose plant-based proteins, only. Others, however, incorporate animal-based protein, and dairy, too.

So, if you have been thinking of eating more plant-based foods but don’t want to go entirely vegan, you have options.

Here are the differences between the varying degrees of plant-based diets:

  • Vegetarian (the most recognized one): A vegetarian won’t eat animal meat for protein (meat, poultry, seafood), but will consume eggs and animal-based dairy from an animal’s milk (cow, goat, sheep, etc.). This also is known as lacto-ovo vegetarian.
  • Pescatarian: Will eat fish and seafood (but no meat or poultry). They also will eat eggs and animal-based dairy products.
  • Ovovegetarian: Won’t eat meat, poultry, seafood or dairy, but will eat eggs.
  • Lacto-vegetarian: Won’t eat meat, poultry, seafood or eggs, but will consume animal-based dairy.
  • Vegan: This is the strictest eating plan. Vegans don’t eat anything from an animal, including dairy and eggs. Plant-based milks, such as almond milk, soy milk, cashew milk, etc., are fine, and dairy foods, such as yogurt made with one of these plant-based milks (soy yogurt) also are acceptable. Plant-based cheeses and butters also exist at grocery stores and some restaurants offer it.

Whether you want to go plant-based a few days a week or permanently, it may be best to start slowly to let your body adjust to the extra fiber while building the new diet into your lifestyle.

By easing into it, part-time, you can discover new recipes that you and your family enjoy.

Remember, it’s a big commitment if you plan to make the switch permanently. So, just as is true for most lifestyle changes, consider starting off a few days a week to help you get used to the idea.

Note: Vitamin B12 is found in animal sources, and so a supplement is recommended for those eliminating animal proteins, dairy and eggs from your diet.

One plant-based recipe I like to make it is spaghetti and “cheat balls.”

Both carnivores and herbivores alike can enjoy this meal.

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.

RECIPE

Spaghetti and “Cheatballs”

Cheatball ingredients

  • 1 onion, chopped small
  • 1 (14-oz) can black beans, well-drained (Note: If you’re using fresh beans, you want about 1 2/3 cup and make sure they are very well-cooked because you will be mashing them.)
  • 1 (14-oz) can great northern beans, well-drained (Note: If you’re using fresh beans, you want about 1 2/3 cup and make sure they are very well cooked because you will be mashing them)
  • 3 slices bread (crumbled)
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 2 teaspoons onion powder
  • 2 teaspoons red pepper flakes (optional-adds spicy flavor)
  • 2 teaspoons oregano (or Italian if preferred)
  • 1 cup flour (but you may need more to ensure the mashed beans will stay intact while cooking)
  • Olive oil

Cooking Instructions:

  • Sautee onions until soft
  • Place beans in a mixing bowl
  • Mash the canned beans together using a potato masher and/or fork. (You may add a little water to help mash.)
  • Add onions to mashed beans, along with spices, bread crumbs and flour
  • Mix well
  • Roll balls about 1.5” in diameter
  • Cook in olive oil, turning cheatballs with tongs every few minutes until all sides are brown

Note: Sauce and spaghetti are cooked separately to your preference.

Published April 21, 2021

Zephyrhills councilwoman bullish on town’s outlook

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Zephyrhills City councilwoman Jodi Wilkeson has closely observed the evolution of the small-town East Pasco community over the past three decades.

The elected official and longtime resident is pleased, overall, with the current situation in the municipality — amid a period of rampant growth, development, infrastructure enhancements and other changes.

Some of the city’s major tackling points of late include:

  • The addition of thousands of new homes throughout city limits
  • Multimillion dollar expansions to the city’s wastewater treatment plant, municipal airport and municipal tennis center
  • Myriad roadwork projects, such as U.S. 301/Pretty Pond Road signalized intersection and paving of Simons Road
  • Work to revitalize the historic downtown district

This imminent progress can be traced to comprehensive plans solidified some 20 years ago, Wilkeson said during an East Pasco Networking Group meeting last month at IHOP in Dade City.

Zephyrhills City councilwoman Jodi Wilkeson (File)

Wilkeson, who is the founder and president of an architecture and interior design firm in Tampa, credits the city’s “history of success” to “a series of elected leaders who’ve helped move Zephyrhills forward.”

“All of this is possible,” she added, “because we had a plan.”

Unopposed in this year’s municipal election, Wilkeson is set to embark on her fourth term — in total — of serving on the City Council. She was elected to a three-year term in April 2018 and previously served from 2008 to 2014. She also serves as board president of the Zephyrhills Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA).

Wilkeson’s gateway into local volunteerism public service began as a concerned Zephyrhills citizen about 20 years ago when she responded to a mail-in survey regarding city utilities and services, then writing a detailed note to city administration and leadership.

Wilkeson joked that the conscientious letter was “a fatal error,” as she was asked to meet with then longtime city manager Steve Spina and planning director Todd Vande Berg to gain the resident’s perspective on municipal operations and other happenings in the city. “The moment I wrote that note, they said, ‘Oh, she’s smart and she knows what we’re doing, we need to get her in here,” Wilkeson recalled during the March 9 breakfast meeting.

She subsequently was urged to serve on the citizen-led Zephyrhills Planning Commission beginning in 2002, given her expertise as an interior architect, and ability to decipher building plans and drawings.

Later, she served on the Zephyrhills Historic Preservation Board, from 2004 to 2008. She also was a volunteer board member for Main Street Zephyrhills Inc. — organizing parades, events promoting local CRA district businesses and otherwise helping preserve the city’s unique charm.

She was acknowledged for her contributions by the Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce who named her “Volunteer of the Year” in 2007.

While serving on the city’s planning commission, Wilkeson discovered Zephyrhills and surrounding Pasco County previously had been — as described — “giving away the farm.” In other words, the area had been receiving less than favorable or beneficial returns on utilities, properties, land deals and so on.

Since then, however, the town has undergone a more proactive shift.

She credits the city’s planners and public works team.

“We really raised the bar in terms of fees and accessibility, and that’s why these developers continue to want to come to our city, because they can get in front of somebody that knows what they’re talking about, and now we don’t give away the farm anymore, and it’s transforming the way our community looks. There are no more metal buildings on (U.S.) 301, (and) we have invested millions of dollars in our downtown district, and the Main Street and CRA,” she said.

As CRA board president, Wilkeson told the breakfast crowd about some of the enhancements to the city’s historic CRA district —  which is a  special taxing district that spans roughly 500 acres through the center spine of Zephyrhills.

In that district, future revenues from increased property values are set aside in a trust fund to support economic development and redevelopment projects within the designated CRA area.

Wilkeson detailed how these funds have been allocated toward business and residential façade grants, landscaping beautification, and maintaining the historical architecture of the area via special light fixtures, wayfinding signage and so on.

One program involves providing $5,000 grants to encourage the purchase of a single-family home within the CRA District. The idea is to spur purchases within distressed neighborhoods and to improve the owner-occupancy rate within the district. It also is meant to encourage a neighborhood friendly walkable community.

This initiative and other changes, Wilkeson said, have spurred Tampa Bay area families “who want to be able to roll their kids down in a stroller and watch a parade through downtown Main Street,” to purchase homes within the city’s CRA district. “These are people who are coming in from Tampa and St. Pete and saying, ‘We love the charm of your little community’ and they buy houses in the historic district,” she said.

Previously, Wilkeson said, “we were not reinvesting in this community and we had these older homes that were rentals, and they were a crime problem and a code enforcement problem.”

Wilkeson also expressed confidence in the city’s direction under the leadership of Zephyrhills City Manager Billy Poe.

Poe was named Zephyrhills assistant city manager in November 2018, then stepped up to replace the retiring Spina come July 2019.

Poe, born and raised in Zephyrhills, began his career as an intern with city administration, then spent several years working as an assistant city planner. Poe went on to land a city manager role with Dade City in 2008, a position he held for over a decade.

Wilkeson was part of the committee that ultimately selected Poe as Spina’s successor a couple years ago.

“Billy was a natural choice,” Wilkeson said. “He knew the city. He had 11 years (of) experience in Dade City as a city manager. It was a great launching pad for him to come to the city. He had a transition period with Steve Spina that helped him get everything up to speed and take over, and it’s been a nearly seamless transition.”

Published April 14, 2021

Vaccination efforts continue to expand

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Vaccine supplies, vaccine eligibility and vaccination sites have increased in recent weeks — as efforts continue to defeat the COVID-19 pandemic and restore a sense of normalcy.

The availability of vaccine supplies and vaccination sites continues to change, so it’s a good idea to check with local health departments and congressional offices to secure updated information.

Adamaris Cruz-Seijo and Dana Van Deusen were among those taking part in a student vaccine clinic at Saint Leo University. (Courtesy of Chad Gonzalez/Saint Leo University)

In Pasco County, for instance, the health department previously had vaccine appointments available on Friday afternoons for the following week. As of April 9, however, it began allowing  appointments for a two-week period.

“Working with local physicians’ offices and pharmacies, Pasco County now has over 130 locations that are offering COVID-19 vaccines” Health Officer Mike Napier, said in a news release.

Hillsborough County health officials are concerned about an increasing number of COVID-19 cases during recent weeks, despite the expansion of vaccination options, according to a Hillsborough County news release.

The release noted that Dr. Douglas Holt, who oversees the state’s health department in Hillsborough County, told the Hillsborough County Commission that Hillsborough’s newly confirmed cases currently average 400 a day, with the positivity rate at about 8.6%.

At this time, Holt told commissioners, there’s no indication that variants of the virus are causing the increase. But, he noted this could change rapidly as the variants are generally more contagious.

Holt’s report prompted Hillsborough commissioners to remind residents not to relax their guard and to be sure to continue following COVID-19 preventive measures.

Hillsborough commissioners are scheduled to discuss the county’s state of local emergency and other COVID-19 issues at their next regular meeting on April 21.

Mask mandates are evolving.

Pasco County dropped its mask mandate, effective April 6, although officials are continuing to encourage the use of masks at indoor public spaces, where social distancing isn’t possible.

Hillsborough County’s mask ordinance remains in effect, at least through April 15.

Hillsborough County Schools’ mask mandate remains in effect, according to the district website.

Pasco County Schools is retaining its mask mandate, at least through April 26. That’s when Gov. Ron DeSantis’ Executive Order is scheduled to expire. If that order isn’t extended, the school district will shift to optional masks for the rest of the school year.

Hannah Burrows, a sophomore at Saint Leo University, was happy to get her COVID-19 vaccine.

While there has been discussion in some circles regarding if COVID-19 vaccination passports should be required by air carriers, at sporting venues and in other places, Gov. DeSantis has banned the use of COVID-19 vaccination passports in Florida.

In authorizing the ban, DeSantis reasoned that such passports “restrict individual freedoms and will harm patient privacy.”

He also noted, “requiring so-called COVID-19 vaccine passports for taking part in everyday life — such as attending a sporting event, patronizing a restaurant, or going to a movie theater would create two classes of citizen based on vaccination.”

In other news, the governor has proposed a $1,000 bonus for Florida’s public school pre-kindergarten through 12th grade teachers and public school principals.

In making the proposal, DeSantis said “we know how important it was for our students to return to school, and our teachers and principals answered the call.”

In other COVID-19 school-related news, Pasco County Schools has announced its plan to drop its mySchool Online option, when the new school year begins in the fall.

MySchool Online always was intended as a temporary measure to provide parents a remote learning option during the pandemic, Superintendent Kurt Browning said. The district will continue to operate its nationally recognized Pasco eSchool, which has operated since 2009.

Status of mask mandates

  • Pasco County has rescinded its countywide mask mandate as of April 5, however it recommends the continued use of face coverings in indoor public places where social distancing cannot be maintained.
  • The mask mandate remains in effect in Pasco County Schools until at least April 26, which is when Gov. Ron DeSantis’ Executive Order is scheduled to expire. If the governor doesn’t extend the Executive Order, Pasco County Schools will switch to an optional mask policy when the Executive Order expires.
  • Hillsborough County’s mask mandate remains in effect at least through April 15.
  • The mask mandate remains in effect in Hillsborough County Schools.

COVID vaccinations

  • Hillsborough County: Appointments are mandatory in Hillsborough County. Persons without appointments will not receive a vaccine and will be turned away. Florida residency is required. To make an appointment, go to the CDR Health Pro portal at PatientPortalFl.com. Hillsborough County sites dispense only the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine, which can be given to individuals 16 years of age and older.
  • Pasco County: DOH-Pasco uses the Moderna vaccine, so Florida residents age 18 and older are eligible to sign up with CDR Maguire for appointments at the DOH-Pasco drive-thru vaccination sites at the Gulf View Square Mall and Saint Leo University. Eligible residents can go to PatientPortalFl.com, or call 844-770-8548 to create an account with CDR Maguire.
  • FEMA vaccination site, Tampa Greyhound Track, 755 E. Waters Ave., in Tampa, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., daily. Walk-ups accepted. As of April 6, the site is dispensing the Johnson & Johnson vaccine only for new vaccinations. The second dose Pfizer appointments, for those who got their first dose at the FEMA site, still will be provided at their appointment time. The Johnson & Johnson vaccine is not approved for 16- and 17-year-olds.
  • Private providers: A number of private pharmacies also are administering vaccines. Check with individual websites to find out specifics.

COVID statistics
United States: 30,965,577 cases; 558,843 deaths
Florida: 2,084,173 positive residents; 34,021 resident deaths
Pasco: 37,594 positive residents; 703 deaths
Hillsborough: 125,515 positive residents; 1,637 deaths
Pasco County Schools: Total county for 2020-2021 school year: 2,152 cases student cases, 838 staff cases
Hillsborough County Schools: 4,766 students; 2,171 employees

Sources: Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, Florida Department of Health, Pasco County Schools and Hillsborough County Schools. Latest available information as of the morning of April 12.

Published April 14, 2021

June opening anticipated for Dade City bike hub

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Bicyclists and fellow exercisers alike will soon have an idyllic spot in Dade City to relax and take a breather — thanks to a new visitor’s information welcome center and bike hub that’ll help anchor a forthcoming downtown park site.

The visitor’s information welcome center/bike hub concept — aptly referred to as “Spoke” or “Hub” — will be situated in the heart of downtown Dade City, across from the Roy T. Hardy trailhead, at the corner of Church Avenue and Eighth Street.

The visitor’s center/bike hub is just one aspect of a grander 2-acre-plus downtown park site in Dade City, to eventually include an inclusive/ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act)-accessible playground, amphitheater for outdoor venues and children’s splash pad, among other amenities. (Courtesy of City of Dade City)

Project construction officially kicked off following a March 10 groundbreaking ceremony. Since then, footers have since been set and concrete poured.

Dade City officials anticipate a June grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony, according to a presentation from the city’s community and economic development director Melanie Romagnoli, during a March 24 Pasco County Tourist Development Council meeting.

The tourist-friendly project is multi-faceted.

The roughly 1,500 square-foot welcome center takes on an open space interior concept that will house brochure kiosks for other countywide tourism partners to promote upcoming activities and attractions, museums, art exhibits and places of interest.

The city also is seeking sponsorships to incorporate digital displays, additional outlets and internet connectivity capabilities at the center.

Romagnoli explained of the concept: “We want to be able to have a mobile area for our partners in the tourism industry to be able to display what’s going on in their areas, so it can be anything from, let’s say, like the Dade City Heritage (and Cultural) Museum, or even the West Pasco (Historical Society) Museum, if they want to bring something over and put it in.”

The facility also will include two outdoor covered porch areas with seating options, as well as an exterior bike shelter, with parking stations and repair stands for traveling bicyclists. Two public restrooms also will be included.

The welcome center/bike hub is being funded with the help of a $250,000 grant from the Pasco County Tourist Development Council (TDC) and its official destination marketing organization, Experience Florida’s Sports Coast, which promotes Pasco’s varied outdoor and recreational offerings.

Pasco County TDC chairman Mike Moore during the meeting said the welcome center/bike hub will be “a great addition to the community and county, as a whole.”

The facility is a corner part of the quaint East Pasco town’s multi-use downtown park concept —  to eventually feature an inclusive/ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act)-accessible playground, amphitheater for outdoor venues, and children’s splash pad and other amenities.

The city originally purchased a 2.23-acre property for the park site in December 2019 for $800,000 from the family of local businessman Otto Weitzenkorn.

From there, the bidding process, construction contracts and permitting on the visitor’s center/bike hub alone wrapped up in February.

Other elements of the planned park may not come to fruition for some time, as the city collects public input, and establishes specific design and engineered plans.

Total investment of the entire downtown park could exceed $3 million, officials previously have estimated.

The city is seeking grant opportunities and other funding sources to help pay for the multi-use park.

Dade City leaders have said the park project is designed to help revitalize the downtown business district, while also offering another recreational outlet for local youth, residents and visitors.

Officials also say that the park fits with the city’s vision of fostering a healthy and age-friendly community.

Published April 14, 2021

Union Park Charter Academy has one year to get finances in order

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The Pasco County School Board has refused a 5-year extension of Union Park Charter Academy’s contract, instead granting it a one-year term.

The decision came during the board’s April 6 meeting, at the recommendation of Pasco Schools Superintendent Kurt Browning.

Board members backed the superintendent, despite the urgings of numerous parents and of representatives of Charter Schools USA and the school’s governing board.

Superintendent Kurt Browning

Browning said the school district has no desire to shut down the charter school, but said this action is necessary to ensure the charter gets its financial house in order.

Parent after parent told school board members that Union Park has gone to extraordinary lengths to meet the needs of their children, to maintain open lines of communication with parents and to engage families.

They said their children are thriving and they believe the school needs the five-year contract extension to provide stability.

In addition to the obvious support of parents — representatives for the school said they were surprised by the district’s decision to offer just a one-year term.

“Union Park Charter has met all criteria to be renewed for five years,” said Valora Cole, board chair of the Florida Charter Educational Inc., which is the governing board for Union Park Academy.

Eddie Ruiz, Florida State Director for Charter Schools USA, told school board members that there was no basis for just a one-year term.

He told the school board that Charter Schools USA has been operating for 20 years and this has never been an issue.

Independent auditors have done audits and there have been no negative findings, he said.

“We’re happy to work with staff, but a one-year renewal really will not help our school. It really will hurt our school. And so, we really are asking for what we deserve, which is a five-year renewal,” Ruiz said.

But Mary Tillman, director of internal audit for Pasco County Schools, said there were issues of overspending during the school’s first two years of operation. She also noted that the budgets are based on enrollment projections that were not achieved.

The school did not produce evidence of any budget amendments to address that issue, Tillman said.

The district’s auditor added: “I have no doubt that Charter Schools USA has the resources to support this school but we haven’t seen that in writing.”

Another problem, according to Tillman, is that the budget was missing information.

“I don’t know how to analyze budgets when not all of the numbers are there,” Tillman said.

Browning said his email box was flooded with messages, which conveyed the sense that the school district was preparing to close Union Park.

“It is not the intent of this superintendent or district to close a charter school,” Browning said.

Published April 14, 2021

Pasco County Schools preparing for two new STEAM schools

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The Pasco County school district plans to close Centennial Elementary School in Dade City and Marlowe Elementary School in New Port Richey, and reopen them as STEAM magnet schools.

The acronym STEAM stands for science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics.

The conversion of the schools will begin at the conclusion of the 2020-2021 school year, based on an action approved by the Pasco School Board on April 6.

The staff allocations at both schools will be updated for the 2021-2022 school year to reflect these conversions and the newly approved STEAM teacher job description will be used at both schools, as well as at Sanders Memorial Elementary School.

Identified instructional staff members will begin professional development this summer and that will continue into the 2021-2022 school year, with implementation of STEAM curriculum and specialized instructional strategies occurring throughout the 2021-2022 school year.

The student populations and boundaries for both schools will remain status quo for the 2021-2022 school year, with proposed boundary changes to remove the school boundaries for both schools planned for the school board’s consideration and approval this fall.

The boundaries for Centennial and Marlowe will be absorbed into other nearby schools.

Beginning with the 2022-2023 school year, the student populations at Centennial and Marlowe  will be determined through the district’s Pasco Pathways process — with priority preference for attendance given to existing students at both schools.

The district is converting the schools to provide more choices to parents, Superintendent Kurt Browning said, during a previous discussion of the issue.

Board member Colleen Beaudoin said parents have been seeking the additional option.

Published April 14, 2021