The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Local News

Cleanup collects 37,000 pounds of trash

By

Volunteers fanned across Pasco County collecting trash during the 2021 Great American Cleanup in early March.

All in all, the 659 volunteers collected 36,920 pounds of trash — from public spaces, roadsides and waterways, according to a county news release.

Zephyrhills High School students volunteer to demonstrate their community pride, during the 2021 Great American Cleanup. (Courtesy of Pasco County)

The cleaning crews hit 37 locations — stretching from Anclote Gulf Park in Holiday over to Dade City — and got to work in all sorts of places including Port Richey, New Port Richey, Wesley Chapel and Hudson.

“Between the rainy weather and the ongoing pandemic, we weren’t sure how many volunteers would show up this year,” Keep Pasco Beautiful Coordinator Kristen King, said in the release.  “Once again, they came out in full support, proving what a tremendous impact concerned community members can have when given the opportunity.”

The workers logged 1,531 volunteer hours, which translates into a value of $41,643.30, according to the release.

Keep Pasco Beautiful hosts the Great American Cleanup with corporate funding assistance and a grant through the Florida Department of Transportation.

The event is a collaboration among the Pasco County Department of Public Works; Pasco County Solid Waste; Pasco County Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources; and Pasco County Environmental Compliance, the release says.

The Great American Cleanup is one of two annual cleanup events in Pasco.

The mission of Keep Pasco Beautiful is to improve Pasco County by engaging the community in sustainable efforts to reduce litter, promote waste reduction and encourage beautification.

You can find out more and learn how you can be a volunteer by calling 727-834-3611, ext. 1072. Or, you can email .

Published April 14, 2021

Divided county board approves apartment request

By

The Pasco County Commission voted 3-2 to approve a request for a conditional use to allow a maximum of 248 apartments on the west side of Bruce B. Downs Boulevard, south of Eagleston Boulevard.

Commission Chairman Ron Oakley, and commissioners Kathryn Starkey and Christina Fitzpatrick supported the request; commissioners Mike Moore and Jack Mariano opposed it.

That vote followed an initial motion for denial by Moore, seconded by Mariano. But that motion failed on a 2-3 vote, with Starkey, Oakley and Fitzpatrick voting no.

Adventist Health Systems Sunbelt Healthcare Corporation is listed as the applicant, but the hospital chain intends to sell the 16.24-acre site to an apartment developer.

The land currently is zoned for commercial uses.

County regulations allow multifamily development, as a conditional use, in a commercial zoning district — but the county board must approve the conditional use permit.

Pete Pensa, a professional planner from AVID Group representing the applicant, described the proposed development during previous public hearings on the request.

The property is located at 5101 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., about one-fourth mile south of Wesley Chapel Boulevard.

The new development will feature three four-story buildings, active and passive recreation areas, preservation of open space, and a connection to an existing multi-use trail on Bruce B. Downs Boulevard, Pensa said.

Planned amenities include walking trails around a pond, a park, a dog park, picnic areas, a clubhouse and a pool.

The site is south of BayCare Hospital Wesley Chapel, which is under construction and expected to open in 2023. The hospital is expected to have over 220 jobs.

County planners and the Pasco County Commission both recommended approval of the conditional use request.

But Moore pushed for denial, during the April 7 public hearing and during a previous public hearing that had been continued.

Moore frequently has criticized what he perceives as an oversaturation of apartment development in District 2, which he represents.

He also has called attention to substantial numbers of residents in Wesley Chapel and Land O’ Lakes — who are opposed to the ever-increasing amount of multifamily development in the area.

Moore has repeatedly implored his colleagues to deny applications that would add to that inventory — citing concerns about potential for long-term negative consequences.

If too much of this type of development is allowed, he said, there’s a prospect of older apartment developments to fall into disrepair and become a community liability — as renters are attracted to newer developments.

He said that has happened in the Brandon area of Hillsborough County, and in the Westshore area of Tampa.

Moore also argues the county should avoid rezoning land now zoned for job-generating uses, such as commercial or industrial properties.

Mariano agrees with that position. The county should retain land designated for uses that create jobs, he said.

But, Starkey said she wants to see evidence that the area is oversaturated with apartments.

County planners are expected to collect data to determine if that’s the case during a proposed 180-day moratorium.

The county board has directed its staff to prepare materials to enact that temporary moratorium, and is expected to vote on the measure on May 4.

If approved, the moratorium would be retroactive to April 1 and would apply to an area roughly defined as between State Road 52, on the north end; U.S. 41, on the west; State Road 54, on the south and Bruce B. Downs Boulevard, on the east, with the boundary zig-zagging between District 1, represented by Oakley and District 2, represented by Moore.

The data collection is expected to include the amount of current multifamily development and the extent of multifamily entitlements.

The Pasco County Planning Commission, which has recommended approval of the temporary moratorium, also has called for the collection of vacancy rates, which they said is relevant on this issue.

Published April 14, 2021

Groundbreaking held for veteran’s free home

By

Retired U.S. Army Sgt. Javier Torres and his family have been selected to receive a new mortgage-free home from PulteGroup, through the company’s Built to Honor program, in partnership with the nonprofit Operation Finally Home.

Ground recently was broken for the family’s new home being built in Land O’ Lakes.

Torres was severely injured while deployed in Afghanistan in 2004, according to a news release.

This group flings some dirt at the groundbreaking of a new free home for a U.S. Army veteran in Land O’ Lakes. From left: PulteGroup West Florida Division President Sean Strickler; Retired U.S. Army Sgt. Javier Torres, and daughters 11-year-old Kaylie Torres and 3-year-old Aria Torres; wife Stephanie Torres, 1-year-old Avery Torres; and, Molly Halliday, senior vice president of Marketing and Project Management for Operation Finally Home. (Courtesy of BoardroomPR)

His platoon was ambushed, and his HUMVEE was hit by a rocket-propelled grenade. He was shot three times during the firefight and his fellow soldiers protected him before he was eventually medevacked. He was awarded several honors for his service, including the Purple Heart.

The Torres family currently lives in an apartment in Land O’Lakes.

“We just want to have a place to call our own, where our family can grow without having to move constantly,” Torres said, in the release.

The family’s new single-story home is being built in the Arden Preserve community. The residence, which will exceed 2,100 square feet, will have four bedrooms and three bathrooms.

PulteGroup team members, along with the Torres family, officially broke ground on the home on March 24, and the team expects to welcome the Torres family home this summer.

“It is a privilege for Pulte employees, along with our trade partners and suppliers, to be able to give back to our nation’s veterans in a meaningful way,” Sean Strickler, president of PulteGroup’s West Florida division, said in a news release.

The Torres family worked closely with Operation Finally Home, which partners with builders like PulteGroup to provide homes and home modifications to America’s military heroes and first responders.

“We are extremely grateful to PulteGroup and their Built to Honor program for supporting our veterans, first responders and their families with mortgage-free homes,” said Rusty Carroll, executive director of Operation Finally Home, in the release.

PulteGroup’s Built to Honor program was launched in 2013 to recognize and thank returning military personnel who have been injured during their term of service by providing mortgage-free homes to veterans and their families.

Built to Honor works in partnership with nonprofit organizations to identify veteran candidates. This will be the West Florida division’s fourth home dedicated in the Tampa Bay area.

Published April 14, 2021

Garden club plans Arbor Day celebration

By

The annual Arbor Day and Memorial Celebration is set for April 30 at 10 a.m., at the Dade City Garden Club, 13630 Fifth St., in Dade City.

The event marks the 26th year that the City of Dade City and the Dade City Garden Club have jointly sponsored the Arbor Day/Memorial Day program.

(File)

The event usually is held the third Friday in January, which is the day the State of Florida celebrates Arbor Day, but this year’s event has been rescheduled to coincide with National Arbor Day on April 30, according to a news release.

This year, the Dade City Garden Club sponsored an art contest for the students at Centennial Elementary School in Dade City.

Students learned about the history of Arbor Day and were asked to design a cover fitting for the Arbor Day Program to be printed for the event. The winners will be announced, and the grand prize winner will be recognized at the event.

Memorial trees that have been given throughout the year will be recognized. Trees are dedicated in memory of or in honor of a person or special occasion, and are living and lasting tributes that add beauty to the city and quality to the environment.

Speakers for the event will be Dade City’s own Cowboy Poet Steve Melton, and Foresters Mona Neville and Arthur Clothier from the Florida Forest Service.

The Garden Club is extending a special invitation to the public to join them for this event to celebrate Arbor Day and to honor the tree recipients.

For more information, email Ruth Anderson at .

Published April 14, 2021

Flea market lures shoppers with its bargains

By

The GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club offered a variety of good deals at its annual Spring Flea Market fundraiser, attracting a steady crowd of bargain-hunters to the sale, held at the Boy Scout Pack 12 property, at 205 Second Ave., S.E., in Lutz. The event raises money for scholarships, said Annette Bellinger, club president.

Marcey Rotz made the trip from New Port Richey to do a bit of shopping. (Fred Bellet)
An early crowd snatched up bargains, but there was still time to buy the large-faced clock at noon. Volunteer Dee Knerr, of North Tampa, was one of many Woman’s Club members on hand to help out.
Jim Whalen, of Lutz, found himself walking the ‘Walking Iris’ back to the car for his wife, Nadja Whalen, right, who found several plants at the flea market.
Karen Tyler, of Lutz, chats on her phone while browsing the shoe table.
(left) The Plant Lady, also known as Elaine Pittman, speaks with Debbie Cold of Lutz under the plant sale tent. Pittman was assisted by Sandi Giddens of Lutz. Various native plants were available.
Club volunteer Peggy Anders, of Land O’ Lakes, take a brief break from setting out items out for the GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club’s spring flea market.

 

Nail salon gets OK, despite neighbors’ objections

By

The Pasco County Planning Commission has granted a special exception request by Amber Thomas to allow a nail salon, as a home-based business, on the north side of Carr Road, about 280 feet east of Arms Drive, in Zephyrhills.

Thomas told the county planning board that she’s a nail artist and had been doing nails as a hobby — after she had to let her salon go in August.

But, she said she was seeking permission for a home-based business because she’d been cited by the county and was informed if she wanted to keep doing nails, she’d need to create a business.

Thomas told the planning board that she does nail artistry, which involves creating designs using various materials. It typically takes about 2 hours for an appointment, she said.

County planners recommended approval of her request.

Neighbors, however, objected.

They said a commercial operation would change the dynamics of their neighborhood.

They complained that people coming to Thomas’ home have parked on the street, and that has created hazards for people pulling out of their driveways.

They said neighborhood kids play in the area and ride their bikes there, so any additional traffic could pose safety concerns.

They also raised a concern about the potential for the business to set a precedent for others to set up shop in the neighborhood.

Thomas said there have been cars near her home, but not because of her nail salon clientele.

“I’ve hosted Pampered Chef Parties for friends. I do barbecues. I have Christmas parties. I had people over — my son just got married. I feel like whenever there is anybody at my home, they’re taking it as customers. Like I don’t have a right to have anybody at my house, period,” Thomas said.

She told planning commissioners that she’s willing to limit her nail clients to one at a time, and a maximum of three per day.

She also said she will keep her driveway free, so no one will have to park on the street.

She said she is not trying to disrupt the neighborhood, and she wishes her neighbors had come to talk with her.

“This probably could have been handled differently,” Thomas said.

Planning Commissioner Jaime Girardi noted: “The approval does restrict one customer at a time. People have parties,” he said, and they visitors, too.

“There are times when you do exceed what you can fit just in your driveway,” Girardi said.

“I tend to agree with the applicant that she sometimes is targeted as having customers there when in fact, they’re not customers at all,” he said.

Girardi called for approving the request, with a restriction on hours of operation, a maximum of three customers per day and no on-street parking.

The motion passed, with Planning Commission Chairman Charles Grey and Planning Commissioner Peter Hanzel voting no.

Published April 14, 2021

Pause on multifamily moves step closer in Pasco

By

The Pasco County Planning Commission is recommending approval of a six-month moratorium on new applications for multifamily development in a portion of the county.

Planning commissioners also think the land development code should be changed to limit the ability to receive a conditional use approval for multifamily uses on commercial land.

The planning board made both recommendations during its April 1 meeting. The Pasco County Commission is the final authority on both issues.

The area shaded in pink represents the area where a 180-day moratorium is being proposed on applications relating to new entitlements for multifamily developments. (Courtesy of Pasco County)

Planning commissioners said a pause on new applications for multifamily uses is needed to give staff time to collect data to determine whether there’s an oversaturation of multifamily within the temporary moratorium area.

Commissioner Mike Moore has repeatedly warned that too much multifamily is being allowed within District 2, which he represents.

A majority of board members voted in February to direct staff to prepare an ordinance to enact a six-month moratorium on new rezoning, conditional use or land use applications that would increase the potential for multifamily, in a specified area.

That specified area, which is contained in Moore’s District 2, is generally defined as between State Road 52, on the end; U.S. 41, on the west; State Road 54 on the south; and, Bruce B. Downs Boulevard, on the east, with the boundary zig-zagging between District 1, represented by Commission Chairman Ron Oakley, and District 2.

Not everybody is sold on the idea of enacting a temporary moratorium.

Eric Garduno, representing the Bay Area Apartment Association, said that while the proposed moratorium is temporary, its objective is “to discourage the growth of apartment communities in our county.”

That’s contrary to the county’s comprehensive land use plan, and would be a mistake, Garduno said.

“Apartment communities are a key ingredient to the future success of the county.

“Their development should be encouraged, not discouraged,” he said.

“The latest information I have regarding vacancy rates for apartment communities in Pasco County, is 6.1%, which is really, really low.

“There are just under 15,000 apartment units across the whole county. By comparison, Hillsborough County has 133,000. That is 11 people for every apartment in Hillsborough, and 36 people for every apartment in Pasco County.

“Nationally, 45% of rental households are in apartment communities, of five or more units.

“Only 25% of renters in Pasco County are in apartment communities.”

Garduno pointed to a market study provided to the county board in February.

That analysis, completed by Lesley Deutch, managing principal with John Burns Real Estate Consulting, projects a need for an additional 5,380 Class A apartments in Pasco County over the next five years.

Garduno told planning commissioners: “This demand is fueled by young professionals and empty-nesters, both of whom want amenities and services in and around their communities. He also noted: “Apartments are a key economic driver for the county. They, themselves are employers. This includes onsite teams, as well as a whole host of contractors who maintain and fix appliances and amenities throughout apartment communities,” Garduno added.

“More importantly, I think, for your consideration: They provide the rooftops for commercial investment. You need rooftops, to support retail. You need rooftops to attract major employers.

“Apartment communities get you those rooftops in a small footprint that furthers the comp plan — the comp plan objectives around reducing sprawl, reducing environmental impacts and maximizing the efficient use of infrastructure,” the apartment industry expert said.

Joel Tew, a private zoning and land use attorney, told planning commissioners instead of imposing a moratorium, the county should be encouraging more multifamily development.

“Here, at the peak of unprecedented housing demand, market demand, in this country — unprecedented housing inventory shortage in this country, unprecedented number of young professionals, and empty-nesters and retirees who are wanting apartments and the high-end lifestyle that the current product provides, it is simply a bad message to send to business,” Tew said.

“We should be providing incentives to get product there, to get affordable housing, to get apartment options for those that want to live in Pasco County,” Tew added.

“This whole concept is simply ill-designed to apply to one commission district, for purely political reasons that have nothing to with the comprehensive plan, that have nothing to do with market data, that have nothing to do with market demand,” Tew said.

Planning commissioners said they see the value of the pause, to collect more data.

Planning Commission Chairman Charles Grey put it this way: “They’re saying that this multifamily development is happening so rapidly, in order to make sure we have our arms around it and that we have the right regulations and support, we’re going to need for that, they need some time to review it and make sure they have the proper protocols in place.”

However, Grey and other planning commissioners said the data collection also should include information about vacancy rates — something the county board had not requested.

“I know from my perspective of being in that business, no developer goes in to develop an apartment project without knowing what the vacancy rates are. If the vacancy rates are 15(%) or 20%, he’s not going to build a new complex,” Grey said.

Planning Commissioner Chris Poole thinks the 180-day moratorium is needed, to ensure the county has the facts.

“We need to get it right. The data has got to be right. It’s incumbent on us to make sure we get it right for future generations,” Poole said.

Limiting multifamily on commercial land
While the moratorium is temporary and applies to only a portion of the county, a proposed change regarding conditional uses on commercial land would be a permanent change to the land development code and would apply countywide.

Planning commissioners resisted that proposal at a previous meeting, citing concerns about potential unintended consequences.

Planners brought a revised proposal to the planning board’s April 1 meeting.

That proposal would allow conditional uses to be considered for multifamily uses on general commercial land, if: the proposed multifamily meets the criteria for affordable housing; the multifamily would be part of a mixed-used development, including nonresidential uses; or the proposed multifamily development is located in the county’s West Market area.

Published April 07, 2021

Growth is coming to Zephyrhills

By

Activity is on the rise in the City of Zephyrhills — from multiple new housing developments, to myriad airport and roadway improvements, to the prospect of wholesale changes to its local 911 communication operations.

Zephyrhills City Manager Billy Poe offered a look at what’s happening in the city, during a speaking engagement at last month’s East Pasco Networking Group breakfast meeting at IHOP in Dade City.

Zephyrhills City Manager Billy Poe was the guest speaker at the East Pasco Networking Group’s March 9 breakfast meeting, at IHOP in Dade City. (Kevin Weiss)

The city’s residential development is booming, Poe said.

“You see it when you’re driving down the road, driving down (State Road) 56, everywhere you go, anywhere you go, you see the development happening,” he said, during the March 9 breakfast meeting.

There are nine housing developments totaling about 3,000 units on the books, Poe said. The housing styles include townhomes, single-family homes and apartments.

The additional housing is expected to bring an estimated 7,000 new residents to the municipality, when all is said and done, Poe said.

These developments are predominately situated beyond the Zephyr Commons Shopping Center and Walmart off Gall Boulevard, as well as around the Sarah Vande Berg Tennis & Wellness Center along Simons Road. The projects are in varying stages, from preliminary plans to homes under construction, Poe said.

“Zephyrhills will definitely be changing as we move through this, God willing the economy stays the way it’s going for us,” Poe said.

Airport gets a lift
Several enhancements are coming to the Zephyrhills Municipal Airport, which spans some 900 acres of land donated to the city after World War II.

Most notable is moving forward with the extension of Runway 1-19. It’s increasing to 6,200 feet, up from 4,700 feet.

The longer runway will accommodate larger corporate jets and will bolster industry in the surrounding airport vicinity. It also will provide support, in the long-term, for an industrial corridor, in the area of Chancey Road.

The Runway 1-19 project also calls for a Taxiway B extension, paved runway shoulders and construction of an access road.

The $6.5 million runway extension project, funded via state appropriations and Penny for Pasco, is expected to be completed in November. The city recently awarded a construction bid to Plant City-based C.W. Roberts Contracting for the work.

Poe detailed how instrumental State Sen. Wilton Simpson, R-Trilby was in securing funding, given that improved transportation via air travel is one of Florida’s long-range goals for its communities.

Poe put it this way: “Sen. Simpson helped push this project forward, because he saw the importance of having a longer runway and being able to bring in those corporate jets to Zephyrhills.”

Poe also emphasized that the move isn’t a preamble for the airport to eventually expand into  a cargo hub — something recently implemented at Lakeland’s Linder International Airport in partnership with Amazon.

“There’s been some rumblings that, ‘Hey we’re going to go try to look like Lakeland and try to get cargo jets and all that.’ That is not true. Our goal is to be the best general aviation airport around,” Poe said.

For that scenario to even be considered, Poe said, the airport would need to install a tower and an Airport Rescue and Firefighting Station (ARFF) to clear zones and angles, among other considerations. “A lot of things that would have to be done,” he said. “Now, if somebody wants to come in and pay for that, we can have a conversation, (but) the city is not doing that.”

Other boosts are planned for the airport, too.

This includes upgrading its fuel farm, which features a pair of 20,000-gallon tanks some 25 years old. Poe said the state is funding 80% of the fuel farm upgrade, while the city is on the hook for 20%. The bid for this project is expected to be awarded in May.

There’s also plans to rehabilitate Taxiway A — which runs along Runway 5-23 — due to asphalt pavement reaching the end of its useful life. The project is currently in the design phase with projected construction coming in November. Poe said the FAA will fund 90% of the $3.3 million project, with the FDOT (8%) and the city (2%) contributing the remaining sum. “We would not be able to do it without partnerships with DOT, FAA, the state, all of those different grant dollars,” he said.

Installing some more corporate hangars at the airport is another objective, among others Poe said.

Roadwork improvements en route
Aside from the airport, several roadwork projects also are in the pipeline for the burgeoning East Pasco municipality.

Among other roadway improvements, the city has entered the design phase for paving the remaining northern portion of Simons Road, from the Links of Silver Oaks subdivision to Fort King Road. It will create a continuous north-south connector linking Eiland Boulevard to Fort King Road. (Courtesy of City of Zephyrhills)

The city manager said activity is well underway on the U.S. 301/Pretty Pond Road intersection project, which calls for the relocation of an existing signalized intersection from the shopping plaza entrance to Pretty Pond Road, a signalized intersection at Medical Arts Court, and all other required roadway improvements. The addition of signalized intersections at these locations serves to improve the mobility of the northeast section of the city, and become an economic driver for the northeast and northwest corners of Pretty Pond to be developed into a national grocery store, national chain hotel, pet supply store and chain restaurants.

The $2.3 million project is fully funded through a state appropriation.

Meantime, the city has entered the design phase to pave the remaining northern portion of Simons Road, from the Links of Silver Oaks subdivision to Fort King Road, making a continuous north-south connector linking Eiland Boulevard to Fort King Road. Upon completion, residents living on the north end of town will have another option onto Eiland Boulevard, and otherwise helping eliminate congested traffic.

The city manager expects the Simons Road construction project to bid out around October, adding “hopefully by this time next year that road will be open.”

He explained the reason the city didn’t pave the entire road all at once was due to obstructing Duke Energy transmission poles. Now, the utilities company is in the process of relocating those poles at no cost to the city, Poe said, noting it would’ve cost the city around $2 million to move them at the time a couple years ago. “The city works very hard to get those grant dollars and tries to stretch the taxpayer dollars as far as we possibly can,” he said.

He added the city also is seeking grant funding, plus partnerships with the county and Lennar development to add a traffic signal at the Simons Road/Eiland Boulevard intersection, to alleviate traffic coming to and from the Sarah Vande Berg Tennis & Wellness Center, at 6585 Simons Road.

Elsewhere, the city plans to extend Dean Dairy Road from Pretty Pond Road north to Kossick Road. This action, Poe said would “help alleviate some of the traffic going up onto U.S. 301 and being able to access (Zephyr Commons) Publix and things from that back road.”

Poe otherwise detailed how the city spends roughly $400,000 per year repaving and rehabbing its local roadway network, using techniques like full-depth reclamation and micro seal to extend their useful life. The city’s streets department otherwise maintains roughly 66 miles of roadways throughout Zephyrhills, the city manager said.

Published April 07, 2021

Pasco schools to drop mySchool Online option this fall

By

Pasco County Schools Superintendent Kurt Browning has announced that the school district is dropping its mySchool Online option in the fall.

Browning explained the district’s decision in a video and the district issued a news release, as well, to explain the coming change.

“Based on recent positive trends, we expect that there will no longer be the need for (the) mySchool Online option next school year,” Browning said, in the video. “We expect the vast majority of students to be back in the classroom for in-person learning and for our employees to return to the classroom or office.”

The superintendent also shared the district’s rationale for its decision.

“First of all, the Florida Department of Education only authorized Florida school systems to offer mySchool Online-type options for the 2020-2021 school year,” he said.

“Current indications are that such programs will not be authorized by the state for the 2021-2022 school year. In addition, the number of positive COVID-19 cases, involving our students or staff, have decreased dramatically, since the high mark of January,” Browning said.

He added: “We continue to monitor the numbers closely, both in our schools and in the community, at large.

“Finally, we have been very aggressive in making the vaccine readily available to our staff,” he said.

Because of the district’s partnership with the county health department, it has been able to vaccinate thousands of its employees, the superintendent said.

Browning also noted that the number of students choosing the mySchool Online option has been steadily declining.

Initially, 60% of the district’s students chose the in-person, bricks-and-mortar option this school year. That figure has increased to 76%. Twenty-one percent of the district’s students are enrolled in the mySchool Online option; the other 3% attend Pasco eSchool, according to district statistics.

Browning also noted: “Despite our best efforts, our data show that many students who opted for mySchool Online are not succeeding academically and would benefit from a return to in-person learning.

“There’s also a growing body of evidence regarding the mental health benefits of attending school in person, with classmates.”

Browning also addressed the issue of masks.

“We’ve all been looking forward to the time when we can all get back to something close to normal. That raises a question about masks.

“I know we are all looking forward to doing away with the masks. Right now, I can’t say for sure whether masks will be required or optional, or some other status.

“We will provide clear guidance on masks, when we have a better idea of what is possible.

“At this time, we expect we’ll be able to get back to normal in the fall,” Browning said.

Published April 07, 2021

City manager recaps possible 911 dispatch merger

By

During a recent breakfast meeting with the East Pasco Networking Group, Zephyrhills City Manager Billy Poe briefed those gathered on the city’s current consideration of combining its  911 police communications system with the Pasco County Department of Emergency Services in New Port Richey.

The looming decision “has nothing to do with finances,” Poe said.

Instead, he said, it is “all about officer safety, citizen safety.”

The City of Zephyrhills is in talks to combine its 911 police communications system with Pasco County operations. (File)

The move would essentially create a centrally located communications center for all emergency personnel and shared CAD/RMS (computer-aided dispatch systems and records management systems), to eliminate 911 calls being answered by dispatches from the Zephyrhills Police Department (ZPD) and Pasco Sheriff’s Office — and the need to transfer wireless callers between agencies.

A full dispatch consolidation model would mirror what’s now in place at the Dade City Police Department, which joined Pasco’s 911 system in 2015.

Under this setup, the county handles all 911 calls, prioritizing calls by importance and dispatching the closest city or county units accordingly, on the same radio frequency. At the same time, Dade City police employees answer all non-emergency calls.

Poe was city manager of Dade City when the systems were combined.

He underscored the benefits of the shift. It has improved communication channels between agencies and has provided access to important records to individuals or suspects crossing jurisdictional boundaries between the city and the county.

For instance, it allows the agencies to have background on someone’s previous encounters with law enforcement entities, such as knowing if there’s a documented history of fighting or resisting arrest with personnel from the Zephyrhills and Dade City police departments, or the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office.

It also has proven to be beneficial in terms of law enforcement response, he said.

He cited an incident involving the report of a gun at a Dade City area McDonald’s. Seven nearby  sheriff’s deputies and four on-duty Dade City police officers responded immediately to the scene without incident.

“I like to think it works well,” Poe surmised, regarding the merged communications system.

Meanwhile, the city manager dispelled any conjecture that a 911 system consolidation is a means to eventually disband Zephyrhills Police into sheriff’s office operations, similar to the merger that happened with the city’s fire department.

“There’s zero percent chance that the police department will merge with Pasco County,” said Poe.

The city manager said he has a great relationship with the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office, but noted they cannot offer the same level of service to residents of Zephyrhills as the local police department provides.

That’s because of the number and types of calls that the Sheriff’s Office must respond to, Poe explained.

“Consolidated dispatch, has nothing to do with the rest of the department. We are not looking to get rid of our police department. That is not the case at all. It is solely communications, and it is all about officer safety and citizen safety,” Poe said.

The Zephyrhills City Council, however, voted last September to consolidate its local fire department into Pasco County Fire Rescue — whereby the county assumed control of two stations on Sixth Avenue and Dean Dairy Road.

“That was not a fun thing to go through,” Poe said.

“I know council didn’t like it,” Poe said, referring to the decision to end the city’s independent fire department that had served the city for more than 100 years.

However, Poe said, in contracting out fire service responsibilities to Pasco County, both area stations now have an ambulance and increased staffing.

Response times were another consideration.

“It just made sense to have one responding agency, because they space it out, they know what they’re doing, they space them so they have minimal response times for each station, and so to be able to add two stations to the mix was huge for Pasco County…and I think the residents won,” Poe said.

The two former fire stations have been renamed, but the fire trucks retain some local flavor, with signage that indicates they are serving the City of Zephyrhills.

Poe said there also are plans to add another Pasco County Fire Rescue Station in Zephyrhills within the next few years, at the corner of Chancey Road and Yonkers Boulevard. When that comes online, Pasco County Fire Rescue Station 18 in Crystal Springs will be abandoned, he said.

That’s important because the city has never had three fire stations in the area, Poe said.

Published April 07, 2021