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Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Local News

Florida regulators reject request for oral arguments in rate increase cases

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(The Center Square) — Florida regulators denied on Tuesday a request for oral arguments in two petitions by utilities seeking electricity rate hikes.

On April 2, Tampa Electric Company and Duke Energy Florida filed petitions to the Public Service Commission (PSC) requesting rate increases beginning in January 2025 if the commission approves.

(Fré Sonneveld/Unsplash)

The Office of the Public Counsel (OPC) disagreed with the rate increases. It argued that a hearing about the rate hikes scheduled for August 2024 did not allow enough time for intervenors to prepare testimony and further unfairly prejudiced the OPC’s ability to properly represent Tampa Electric and Duke Energy ratepayers.

The OPC further believed that the utilities are “not entitled” to a rate hike beginning January 2025, again citing the lack of time needed to prepare their case properly and said that the statutory timeline may need to be delayed.

In response, Tampa Electric said in late April that the OPC’s motion and request for oral argument should be denied because the OPC has not identified any new information and cannot justify a reconsideration.

Similarly, Duke Energy filed its own response in opposition to the OPC’s motion and request for oral argument, stating that the OPC does not have any new information to add to the case and asked for the request to be denied.

According to the PSC staff analysis, staff recommended that the OPC’s requests for reconsiderations should be denied, as there is no statutory requirement to allow them. They further added that the evidence that has already been presented to the Commission in previous hearings is sufficient for the PSC to make a decision.

The PSC staff said that the OPC should not be granted a continuance of this proceeding because it failed to provide adequate evidence, points of fact, or law that were missed during the case’s prehearing.

Commissioner Art Graham said during the PSC meeting on Tuesday that the pre-hearing officer did a phenomenal job and did not see the need to hear any oral arguments from OPC. The OPC was denied its request for oral argument and its reconsideration request.

Tampa Electric covers a 2,000-square-mile service area, providing electricity to over 800,000 customers in Hillsborough, Polk, Pasco and Pinellas counties. Meanwhile, Duke Energy Florida serves approximately 2 million customers across the state of Florida.

Published May 29, 2024

Let me spell it out for you

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You think that I don’t even mean
A single word I say
It’s only words, and words are all I have
To take your heart away 

-Bee Gees, “Words”

As a child growing up in Lutz in the ‘60s, I was no stranger to corporal punishment. Children are children and there must be certain disciplinary actions taken by their parents to correct some behaviors and set the child on the correct course for life.  

I’m not talking beatings or cruel physical abuse, but rather a smack on the bum when needed and maybe to reinforce the behavior modification, have the child choose the switch from the tree to make a mental bookmark that will last longer than the actual spanking. 

(Nothing Ahead/Pexels)

At my house we had plenty of Australian pine trees that produced the perfect (in my parents’ minds) size switch for the job. We also had a store-bought “fanny whacker” that hung from a hook in the kitchen as a silent reminder to us kids of the cost/benefit analysis involved in not listening to our parents and behaving. 

Of course, as a child grows up into puberty and beyond, spankings seem to have a smaller return on investment and other punishments must be used to accomplish the overall goal — which is not the infliction of pain, but rather education, behavior modification and raising a child who can thrive and succeed in the world they will be released into. 

My parents used all of the standard tried and true methods, such as grounding, loss of privileges and having me write “I will not play with matches” 100 times. There was no internet or cellphones for them to take away in those days, so they had to make do and improvise when necessary. And they were good at that.  

One particular punishment they devised was very effective and continues to benefit me to this day. 

It was when I was in seventh grade at Buchanan Jr. High School. My ninth-grade neighbor and his class were sharing the classroom with my class for an educational A/V presentation and, of course, I thought he was Joe Cool. He whispered a crass comment about a girl in my class and I, being the impressionable little fool that I was, wrote it out in a note and passed it to the girl. 

Bad idea! She, of course, gave it to the teacher who gave it to the principal, which resulted in a trip to the dean’s office for me. My parents were called to come pick me up and it was their job to craft the appropriate punishment. 

I was grounded for awhile, but the long-term actions to correct my behavioral issue were yet to be decided. Finally my parents sat me down and told me that apparently my vocabulary needed some refinement and they were going to make that happen. 

Every week my father would go through the dictionary and select 20 words from each letter, starting at “A,” then “B,” then “C” and so on. My job was to write out each of the words, learn the correct spelling and pronunciation and be able to recite the definition to them at the end of each week. 

It was a lot of work but, looking back on it, I think I may have enjoyed it. I learned words that many people don’t know as adults, and became acquainted with the roots of words and how languages developed and intertwined with one another. 

I developed a love of language and in college, after I finished my business core classes, I took some “fun” classes, like Vocabulary and English Literature. 

My punishment was never completed though. It was a lot of work for me, but apparently it was a lot of work for my dad, too. Either he felt I had learned my lesson, or he just got tired of it, because he stopped the routine at “M.”

So I am really good with words starting with the letters A through M. Not so good with the second half of the alphabet. 

Of course the advice I got from the Dean of Boys was also instrumental in my rehabilitation. He told me “Never put anything in writing that you would not want to see on a billboard.” Words to live by! 

Randall C. Grantham is a lifelong resident of Lutz who practices law from his offices on Dale Mabry Highway. . Copyright 2024 RCG

Published May 29, 2024

Florida’s Sports Coast offers marketing matching program

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Florida’s Sports Coast, the destination management organization for Pasco County, has introduced the 2024-2025 Marketing Matching Sponsorship Program (MMSP) aimed at promoting an artistic, cultural or unique experience that is not sports related. These types of events have the potential to attract visitors to the region.

The program provides up to $5,000 to expand the marketing reach of an event to audiences outside the Tampa Bay area.

Two additional funding incentives in the 2024-2025 cycle include:

  • Long-distance Promotions Incentive: providing up to $2,000
  • Room Night Generation Incentive: offering up to $3,000

To learn more about the incentives, visit MyPas.co/FloridasSportsCoastMMSP.

Applicants are required to attend a one-on-one session before funding is approved. To register for a session, call 727-847-8129, or email or .

Applicants must also give an oral presentation to the Tourist Development Council on Aug. 20.

Requirements are:

  • Event must take place between Oct. 1, 2024 and Sept. 30, 2025
  • Dollar-for-dollar match and/or in-kind goods or services on the first $5,000
  • Exhaust the first $5,000 in out-of-Pasco promotions to qualify for the Long-distance Promotions incentive
  • Track event room night generation in Pasco hotels to qualify for the Room Night Generation Incentive
  • MMSP funds are for event-related marketing expenditures only
  • Marketing dollars must be used to promote to tourists outside of Pasco County

Published May 29, 2024

State unemployment rate up slightly in April compared to same time last year

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(The Center Square) —The Florida Department of Commerce released a new report on the state’s unemployment rate, showing that while it has risen slightly from a year ago, it continues to outpace the national average.

According to the report, Florida’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 3.3% as of April 2024, an increase of 0.1 percentage point from March 2024 and 0.6% higher than a year ago. The U.S. seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 3.9% in April.

(Ernie Journeys/Unsplash)

Also, during the month of April, Florida added 45,300 jobs, bringing the state’s total adjusted nonagricultural employment to nearly 9.95 million. Over the course of a year, 240,500 jobs were gained — an increase of 2.5%. In comparison, the number of jobs available nationally rose by 1.8%.

The report further states that nine out of 10 major industries in Florida had had positive job growth, including education and health services, which added approximately 60,100 jobs, an increase of 4.1%. Trade, transportation and utilities had 3% growth, adding around 57,000 jobs.

The hospitality and leisure industries added approximately 45,600 jobs, a growth of 3.5%, while total government jobs increased by 2.6% or 29,600 jobs. Construction jobs also grew by 3.5%, adding 22,100 jobs.

Manufacturing increased employment by 8,700 positions, a 2.1% increase. Professional and business services added 5,700 jobs, while the information industry grew by 0.9% or 1,500 jobs. Financial services was the only industry to see a net loss of employees, shrinking by 2,500 jobs, an overall loss of 0.4%.

However, not all of Florida has the same unemployment rates and some counties are much higher than the national unemployment rate. In April 2024, Citrus County had the highest unemployment rate of 4.9%. Sumter County followed closely with a rate of 4.7%, while Highlands County had an unemployment rate of 4.6%.

According to the report, Monroe County had the state’s lowest unemployment rate of 2% in April 2024. Miami-Dade County had a rate of 2.1%, while Gulf, Okaloosa and Wakulla counties all had unemployment rates of 2.8%.

Florida had a seasonally adjusted labor force of more than 11 million and 360,000 unemployed Floridians in April 2024.

Published May 29, 2024

Pioneer Florida Museum joins Blue Star initiative

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The Pioneer Florida Museum & Village, 15602 Pioneer Museum Road in Dade City, has joined museums nationwide in the Blue Star Museums initiative, a program that provides free admission to currently serving U.S. military personnel and their families during the summer.

The program began on Armed Forces Day (May 18) and will end on Labor Day, Sept. 2.

Blue Star Museums is a partnership between the National Endowment for the Arts and Blue Star Families, in collaboration with the Department of Defense and participating museums across the United States. Blue Star Families is in its 14th year of offering the program.

“We are honored to have the privilege of supporting our military families and taking part in this year’s Blue Star Museums program,” said Stephanie Bracknell Black, executive director of Pioneer Florida Museum, in a news release.

The initiative allows military members and their families, whether they are traveling or getting to know a new duty location by exploring what the community has to offer, added Maria Rosario Jackson, chair of the National Endowment for the Arts, in the release.

In addition to the Pioneer Florida Museum & Village, the Blue Star Museums program includes children’s museums, arts, science and history museums, zoos, gardens, lighthouses and more, from all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

The current list of participating museums will continue to grow over the summer and organizations are welcome to register online to be a Blue Star Museum, at https://www.arts.gov/initiatives/blue-star-museums/2024-registration.

The free admission program is available for those currently serving in the U.S. Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, Navy and Space Force, members of the Reserves, National Guard, U.S. Public Health Commissioned Corps, NOAA Commissioned Corps, and up to five family members.

Qualified members must show a Geneva Convention common access card (CAC), DD Form 1173 ID card (dependent ID), DD Form 1173-1 ID card or the Next Generational Uniformed Services (Real) ID card for entrance to a participating Blue Star Museum.

Published May 29, 2024

Report indicates Florida tort reform reduced ‘nuclear verdicts’

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(The Center Square) — A new report shows that the number of “nuclear” verdicts in the Sunshine State has steadily declined since tort reforms were signed into law in 2023.

Marathon Strategies released its 2024 report on corporate verdicts throughout the U.S., and data shows a 30% rise in juries awarding enormous sums of money in legal cases brought against big corporations. However, Florida is bucking this trend.

(Sora Shimazaki/Pexels)

According to the report, a “nuclear” verdict awards more than $10 million. A “thermonuclear” verdict awards a plaintiff over $100 million and up to $1 billion. In 2023, these verdicts rose by 27%, and the median settlement was around $40 million.

The report says that Florida was historically second for “nuclear” payouts, but it has since dropped to seventh place after Gov. Ron DeSantis signed new tort reforms into law.

In March 2023, DeSantis signed House Bill 837 and said in a news release at the time that the legislation was designed to safeguard the economy and attract investment into Florida.

“Florida has been considered a judicial hellhole for far too long and we are desperately in need of legal reform that brings us more in line with the rest of the country,” DeSantis said in the statement. “I am proud to sign this legislation to protect Floridians, safeguard our economy and attract more investment in our state.”

Marathon researchers found that once the legislation was in place, Florida went from being the second-most state for “nuclear” verdicts to seventh place, suggesting that the reform had affected the size of awards.

In 2023, post-reform, Florida awarded a total of $491 million, $316 million of which was awarded in state court verdicts, and $175 million by federal courts.

Between 2009 and 2023, Florida juries awarded a whopping $33.19 billion — the top industries included the tobacco, trucking, real estate and automobile industries — with awards spread out over 175 verdicts.

During that same time period, Florida came in second to Texas, which awarded $45 billion across 207 verdicts, with most awards coming from banks, telecommunications, hardware, and tech industries.

Missouri was number one in 2023 overall for “thermonuclear” verdicts after one was reached against the National Association of Realtors worth $1.8 billion and the $1.5 billion award Roundup case against Bayer AG/Monsanto.

Published May 29, 2024

Report spotlights Florida discretionary projects known as ‘budget turkeys’

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(The Center Square) — A Florida nonprofit organization released a report on Wednesday identifying individual budget appropriations that did not undergo thorough scrutiny by lawmakers.

Florida TaxWatch released its 2024 Budget Turkey Watch Report on Wednesday, which is an independent review of the state’s fiscal year 2024-2025 budget.

Former Florida lieutenant governor and Florida TaxWatch executive vice president and general counsel Jeff Kottkamp said during a news conference that the annual budget report holds state lawmakers accountable.

(Karolina Grabowska/Pexels)

“This annual report promotes additional oversight and integrity of Florida’s budgeting process and is based on the principle that because money appropriated by the Legislature belongs to the taxpayers of Florida, the budget process must be transparent and accountable,” Kottkamp said, adding that every project should receive proper deliberation and public debate.

Projects not following these processes are identified as “Budget Turkeys.” According to the report, 450 of these budget turkeys total $854.6 million. A further $912.2 million worth of projects was identified as needing closer scrutiny from Gov. Ron DeSantis but did not qualify as budget turkeys.

The report notes that there is a proliferation of member projects, and for the third consecutive year, there have been over 1,600 local member projects with a price tag of $2.8 billion.

During the news conference, Kurt Wenner, senior vice president of research at Florida TaxWatch, said 2024 is the fourth year in a row that the Legislature has enjoyed huge budget surpluses generated by record-setting revenue growth.

“The benefit of all this spending has been significant,” Wenner said. “We’ve done historical investments in critical needs like infrastructure, the environment, health care… They’ve been able to do that while still continuing to cut taxes, reduce debt, and maintain sufficient reserves.”

However, Wenner said that budget turkeys and local member projects have gotten somewhat out of hand and noted that most of these are member projects.

“The state is spending a lot of money on local governments, even without member projects, so that raises the question: Should the state be funding these additional member projects that are truly local, especially when they might be more of a luxury than a necessity?” Wenner said.

Wenner said that Florida TaxWatch recommends that if the Legislature continues funding such projects moving forward, they must create more statutorily defined review processes.

Published May 29, 2024

Know your risk for blood clots before taking birth control

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In today’s evolving reproductive health landscape, informed decision-making about contraception is crucial, particularly for women affected by inherited blood clotting conditions or thrombophilia. Selecting the right birth control method is pivotal, say experts, who point to research that shows the risk for potentially life-threatening blood clots is 35 times greater among women with genetic clotting disorders who use estrogen-based contraceptives.

((c) monkeybusinessimages/iStock via Getty Images Plus)

Dynamic debate
Recent advances in technology and health care policies have fueled debate around screening for thrombophilia, a condition characterized by an increased tendency to develop blood clots, before starting estrogen-based contraceptives.

Current guidelines discourage universal thrombophilia testing, citing concerns such as costs and potential adverse psychological effects. Instead, selective screening, focused on individuals with personal or family histories of blood clots, is more likely to be embraced by the medical community. Also, concerns about unfair treatment by insurers or employers due to genetic disclosures underscore the complexities of this approach.

However, people in support of a more patient-centered approach to health care and this type of birth control decision-making stress the importance of identifying individuals at higher risk for blood clots.

Patient-centered approach
Each year, many hundreds of women in the United States alone lose their life due to blood clots linked to estrogen-based contraception, as studies demonstrate. Advocates for genetic testing emphasize its role in facilitating personalized health care decisions, potentially reducing the incidence of clot-related fatalities, and empowering women with information and a more patient-centric approach to reproductive health care.

Cost considerations remain a significant factor, but for many, the value of preserving health and saving lives far outweighs financial concerns. While insurance coverage for genetic testing varies, studies show a willingness among women to bear screening costs, underscoring the importance of informed decision-making.

Despite the perceived low absolute risk for blood clots among individuals with genetic clotting disorders, personal factors must be considered. Tailored approaches to contraceptive decisions, guided by individual risk profiles, may be warranted, especially in certain populations with higher rates of genetic clotting disorders.

For individuals with genetic thrombophilia, contraceptive options such as copper IUDs or progestin-only pills offer effective alternatives without increasing clotting risks. Prioritizing safety and effectiveness is paramount in contraceptive decision-making.

While genetic testing may cause some level of anxiety or concern, studies indicate that most individuals do not regret pursuing testing. Knowledge empowers individuals to make proactive decisions about their health, outweighing potential psychological burdens.

Genetic disclosures
Understanding the implications of genetic disclosures on insurance and employment can inform decision-making processes, though these concerns may rightfully deter some individuals from pursuing testing.

Women interested in pursuing genetic testing should talk with their health care provider about their testing options. Genetic counselors can also provide valuable help. Women considering their contraception options and interested in learning more about genetic testing can get more information from the Rowan Foundation at AlexRowanFoundation.org.

Empowering women
Genetic testing holds the promise of empowering women to engage in informed discussions with health care providers, fostering shared decision making in reproductive health care. Informed choices, guided by genetic information, may pave the way for more personalized and patient-centered care.

-StatePoint

Published May 29, 2024

County Road 52 to be closed beginning June 5

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Pompanic Street is closed for roundabout construction from south of Pennsylvania Avenue to CR 52. (Courtesy of Florida Department of Transportation)

The intersection of County Road 52, Pompanic Street and College Avenue in San Antonio is scheduled to close beginning the afternoon of June 5 (NOTE: original date of May 28 had been postponed) around-the-clock, to all CR 52 thru-traffic, according to a Florida Department of Transportation news release. The closure is needed for continued construction of a new roundabout at the intersection.

It is expected to reopen in approximately mid to late August, weather permitting, the release says.

Motorists will detour around the closed area of CR 52 using State Road 52 between Curley Road and Prospect Road.

There also are local detours in place for Pompanic Street and College Avenue, as these road currently do not have access to CR 52.

To access downtown San Antonio from CR 52, drivers can use Curley Street or Joe Hermann Drive.

More project information and map are available online at https://tinyurl.com/32r7pjn7.

Published May 24, 2024

Lutz Guv’na Race for 2024 is underway

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Three candidates are vying for the coveted title of Lutz Guv’na in the annual fun-filled event that raises funds for community and nonprofit organizations.

The campaign, which kicked off on April 27 and has been held annually since the mid-‘50s, has been sponsored and overseen by the Lutz Civic Association since the early ’90s, according to Stephanie Ensor who was crowned Lutz Guv’na in 2010.

The event usually starts in early May but began sooner this year to accommodate the candidates’ schedules, according to Jennifer Rankin, the 2015 Lutz Guv’na.

Two of the candidates — Linda Mitchell and Joanne LaChance — are retired educators. The third hopeful is Rob Brooklyn, a local business owner. 

Each of this year’s three candidates is seeking to raise as much money as possible between April 27 and July 4.
“It’s all for the same goal,” Ensor said regarding the highly competitive event.

During each campaign season, candidates rally to raise funds totaling thousands of dollars for approximately 20 nonprofit beneficiaries in Lutz, which will be collected and disbursed by the civic association. Each candidate gets to direct 10% of the funds they raise to a charitable organization in Lutz of their choosing. 

Charities and nonprofit organizations that desire to receive grants can apply by sending a request to ; none of the funds will be disbursed until September, according to Ensor.

MEET THE CANDIDATES

Rob Brooklyn (Courtesy of Lutz Guv’na Chronicles/Facebook)

Rob Brooklyn
“The Guv’na We Love” is Rob Brooklyn’s slogan as he campaigns for the title of Lutz Guv’na 2024.

Brooklyn is the owner of Hardrock Landscape Services in Lutz. The business was founded in 1998 and has received many favorable reviews over the past 26 years.

Learning Gate Community School, 16215 Hanna Road in Lutz, is Brooklyn’s charity of choice.

He’s been married for 13 years and he and his wife have four children.

Although he was nervous during the candidates’ debate, Brooklyn said the event was still “a lot of fun.”

Online contributions to Brooklyn’s campaign may be made on PayPal: @ROBBROOKLYN.

Joanne LaChance (Courtesy of Lutz Guv’na Chronicles/Facebook

Joanne LaChance
“Everything is better with friends and family! And lots of $$$,” is Joanne LaChance’s slogan during her Lutz Guv’na crusade.

LaChance, who is a retired schoolteacher, has chosen the Lutz PK-8 School, at 202 Fifth Ave., S.E.,, as her charity of choice to receive 10% of the funds she raises.

She now owns and operates Lutz Pinch A Penny Pool Store at the intersection of Sunset Lane and U.S. 41. 

“I am running for the Guv’na of Lutz to help raise lots of money for our awesome community,” LaChance said in a post on the Lutz Guv’na Chronicles page on Facebook.

“Owning the local pool store has given me the opportunity to meet so many Lutz families! Seeing everyone and their children on a weekly basis has really made me fall in love with our wonderful little town!

“I am excited to run for Guv’na of Lutz to give back to my community and to show my support to the great people of Lutz. So please come stop by the store to donate and take part in all the exciting events we will be having to support our local Lutz charities,” LaChance said.

She and her husband Eric, who is a retired chief financial officer, are the parents of three children — Zachary, Erica and Emily. All of their children worked at the store at one time or another. 

“They are all now making their own way through life and visit us often,” LaChance said.

Online contributions to her campaign may be made through Venmo: @Joanne-Lachance.

Linda Mitchell (Courtesy of Lutz Guv’na Chronicles/Facebook)

Linda Mitchell
“In It To Win It” is Linda Mitchell’s slogan for this year’s Lutz Guv’na race. 

The 1st vice president of the GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club is a former educator who retired after working as an eighth grade Language Arts teacher at Adams Middle School for 25 years.

The club “is all behind its gal and will support her to the hilt,” said a post on the club’s web page.

The Woman’s Club is the nonprofit organization of Mitchell’s choice to receive 10% of the money she raises.

She’s a native of the Lutz area who moved to the community after she and her husband of 49 years, John, got married. They have two children — Billy (wife Tracy) and Kelly (husband Cameron) — and four grandchildren, Alexis, Alyssa, Ava and Jack.

In addition to coaching Lutz Chiefs cheerleading and the Lutz Leagurettes, she was also a member of the Ladies Auxiliary for Lutz Little League and a den leader and committee chairman for Cub Scout Pack 12. Also, she is an advisor for the Little Women of Lutz Juniorettes program and recently was honored as the GFWC Florida State Juniorette Advisor of the Year.

She received $100 to kick-off her campaign by having the most attendees in her favor during the annual “debate” held on April 27 at the Old Lutz School.

The Lutz Civic Association will announce the total amount of money raised in the race at the annual July 4th parade, as well as the amount raised by the winning Lutz Guv’na candidate. The winner will receive a colorful sash, a “key to the town” and will be “inaugurated” at the Old Train Depot on Lutz Lake Fern Road during the parade, Ensor said.

All of this year’s candidates are running for the first time for the one-year term as Lutz Guv’na. Only one person — Suzin Carr — has become Guv’na on two different occasions (2009, 2013).

Previous winners of the Lutz Guv’na Race are:
2023 – Jerome Smalls
2022 – Atlas Cortecero
2019 – Amy Lancaster
2018 – Domenic Difante
2017 – Kori Rankin
2016 – Greg Gilbert
2015 – Jennifer Rankin
2014 – Dr. Cindy Perkins
2013 – Suzin Carr
2012 – Karen D’Amico
2011 – Kevin White
2010 – Stephanie Ensor
2009 – Suzin Carr
2008 – Teri Burgess
2007 – Michele Northrup
2006 – Edwina Kraemer
2005 – Liz Iaconetti
2004 – Dean Rivett
2003 – Joni Cagle
2002 – Brett Montegny
2001 – Helen Kinyon
2000 – Vince Arcuri
1999 – Danny Neeley
1998 – Sandy Ruberg
1997 – Earl Smith
1996 – Ben Nevel
1995 – Kay Dahman
1994 – Lorraine Dabney
1993 – Leslie Dennison
1992 – Betty Neeley
1991 – Jo Van Bebber

Published May 22, 2024