The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Local News

New fire station coming to Central Pasco

By

The Pasco County Commission has approved spending $1,650,000 to purchase 3.25 acres from SR 54 Land Associates for Fire Station No. 45.

The land is located on State Road 54. The new fire station is intended to service Trinity, Starkey Ranch, Asturia, Bexley and surrounding communities within a 5-mile radius.

The purchase will support the needs of future growth in the area.

The anticipated start date for construction is April 2023, with completion expected in April 2024.

A market value appraisal was completed on Nov. 12, using a sales comparison approach. The appraisal valued the land at $1,840,000. The property is vacant and is zoned for commercial use.

Funding for the land purchase and all closing costs is budgeted and available in the Public Safety General Obligation Bond Series 2020 Fund, Fire Rescue, Station 45.

Published March 31, 2021

Forum explores economic security in Pasco County

By

The Pasco unit of the League of Women Voters of Hillsborough County recently hosted a webinar aimed at raising awareness about the “Economic Security in Pasco County during the COVID Outbreak.”

Panelists provided a look into Pasco County’s and the Pasco Economic Development Council Inc.’s response to those struggling individuals and businesses — due to COVID-19.

The panelists also discussed ongoing programs aimed at helping people keep a roof over their heads, helping the homeless secure housing; and helping people develop skills to lead to higher-paying jobs.

Chris Conn, voter services chair of the league’s Pasco unit moderated the session, which featured Marcy Esbjerg, director of Pasco County’s community development department; Brian Hoben, community services director in Pasco County; Don Anderson, CEO of the Pasco Homeless Coalition; and Mike Bishop, director of stakeholder engagement at the Pasco Economic Development Council Inc.

Besides discussing specific programs, the speakers fielded questions. One related to a perception by some that people receiving help might not truly need it, or are duping the system.

Esbjerg responded: “We need to be the voice for people who don’t have a voice. So many of our vulnerable citizens do not have a forum to have a voice.

“Let’s look at what the public narrative is. The public narrative is very quick to share about the people who have gamed the system. The people that are taking PPP (federal paycheck protection program) money, and buying Lamborghinis and yachts; the people that forged Publix memos so that they could get their rent paid — all of those kind of things.

“So, why are we not sharing the real need? The real true need of people? Why don’t they get as much time, if not more?

“The most important thing that we (program administrators) can do is make sure that we deliver our services effectively, efficiently and equitably — and we make sure they’re getting out to the right people, and the people that really need it,” Esbjerg said.

When it comes to ensuring an adequate supply of workforce housing and housing for the homeless, the government needs to intervene and subsidize, Esbjerg said.

It needs to encourage the development of workforce housing, she said. It also needs to help homeless people transition into stable housing.

A community needs a balance in its housing inventory, she said.

“Right now, Pasco County has a high percentage of single-family owner-occupied housing, it’s like 72% to 28% rental housing. That’s not balanced,” she said.

“Rental housing doesn’t just affect low-income people. It affects seniors downsizing. It affects millennials who saw their parents get burned by the housing market and they’re not willing to become new homeowners, at this point,” she said.

“We want a community that takes care of all members of the community,” she said, and that means having housing for those transitioning out of homelessness to market-rate million dollar homes, and everything in between.

Recognizing real need
Bishop observed that there are real needs in the community and they must be recognized.

“Big buildings and equipment are great in business, but that’s not what makes business happen. It’s the people. We need to take care of our people, and understand that people that have challenges need assistance, and that’s a real thing.

“We went through a very rough time. We’re still going through that right now. We’re all together. Divisiveness needs to stop,” he said.

Anderson said exposure to the struggle helps to build empathy.

“I think putting a face on homelessness, or those that are disenfranchised, is the best thing we can do. I think it leads to compassion and understanding,” he said.

Hoben and Esbjerg said the county is administering programs that provide rental assistance, utility assistance, housing rehab and property tax assistance. Details about those programs are available on the county’s website.

In Pasco, Esbjerg said, housing costs are not the problem. Low wages are the big issue, she said.

“There are so many families that are cost-burdened, that are spending more than 30% of their income on housing,” she said.

Efforts are being made to improve that picture, Bishop said. The Pasco EDC and the county work to recruit companies that offer higher wages, he said. Plus, there are training programs, such as AMSkills, that aim to equip workers for better-paying jobs.

Anderson told listeners about the ALICE Report. The acronym stands for Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed.

These are the people who don’t own property or have other assets, he said. They are working, but have little income.

Their housing requires a large percentage of their income — making them vulnerable to becoming homeless, he said.

“If there’s any silver lining to the COVID pandemic, it’s the monies that are coming down that allow us to address homelessness,” Anderson said.

Right now, Pasco is focused on a Housing Surge.

“The county commissioners, via community development and Marcy and her team, allotted the coalition $3.8 million over two years, to house 225 households in a span of months,” Anderson said.

The downside is the lack of available rental units.

To combat the lack of rental units, Anderson said, “We’ve asked the community, when you see a ‘For Rent’ sign, whether it’s a room, an apartment, a trailer, a house — we want you to take a picture with your cellphone, and we want you to send it to .”

Esbjerg believes the Housing Surge’s success will boost the overall quality of life in Pasco County.

“All too often we connect economic prosperity, or stability, with higher-paying jobs and more money,” she said.

But, she argues that stability of housing is critical to improving the overall quality of life.

When people have a home, she said, “they’re able to engage in the community and shop at the local stores, and things like that.”

Housing 30% of the county’s homeless will have a significant impact, she said.

“I think will be transformative for our community, for the individuals that experience it, and for quality of life as a whole — which will extend to positive economic outcomes for the entire community.

“You’ll be able to see the difference in our community,” Esbjerg predicted.

Need help?
Check these resources:

  • Pasco County: PascoCountyFl.net (Click on specific departments), or call Community Development, 727-834-3450; Community Services, 727-834-3287
  • The Coalition for the Homeless of Pasco County: PascoHomelessCoalition.org, 727-842-8605
  • Pasco Economic Development Council Inc.: PascoEDC.com, 813-926-0827

Published March 24, 2021

Efforts set to begin to address flooding problems at intersection

By

Stormwater drainage improvements are coming to the intersection of 15th Street and Main Avenue in Dade City — an area officials say has been long plagued by flooding problems.

Long-awaited stormwater issues will soon be resolved at the 15th Street and Main Avenue intersection in Dade City. (Courtesy of Dade City Public Works Director Bryan Holmes)

The intersection runs between Cox Elementary School and Watson Park. It also is near the future site of The Cove, a 10-unit Habitat for Humanity residential development.

Dade City Commissioners on March 9 voted unanimously to award the construction project to Tampa-based Kamminga & Roodvoets Inc. The company’s bid of $94,753 was the lowest of four submitted. Others came in at $122,460.25, $125,750 and $147,130.

The project scope calls for installing curb inlets and storm pipe at the intersection; constructing concrete curb; installing pavement and an asphalt wing; installing a ditch bottom inlet and constructing ditch pavement to match the street’s existing ditch grade, among other improvements. The contractor has 100 calendar days to achieve substantial completion.

The project was originally budgeted for $95,000, from the Penny for Pasco local government infrastructure surtax fund.

The city, in 2019, obtained engineering design services of Wood Environmental and Infrastructure Inc., to prepare bid-ready construction drawings for the drainage improvements. The engineer’s cost estimate at the time was $89,120.

Mayor Camille Hernandez described the project as “long-needed” and “overdue.”

“I’m very pleased to see this and happy that we awarded that (bid),” Hernandez said. “The folks (in the neighborhood) we have met at different times and stages are looking forward to that, and there’s a lot of development happening with The Cove and other things.”

Kamminga & Roodvoets also was the contractor on the city’s recent multimillion downtown stormwater piping system spanning Seventh Street, Pasco Avenue, Third Street, Meridian Avenue and other areas.

Published March 24, 2021

It was a great day for dogs, in Dade City

By

As the Pasco High Navy JROTC School Color Guard marches in step presenting the colors, Brooksville resident Robert Westfall’s 5-year-old Boxer-Rottweiler, named Roman, was on his leash at the annual event. (Fred Bellet)

There were Yorkies, a French Bulldog, a Basset Hound and others, and whether they were there to show off or just hang out, these dogs and their owners were having a great time at Dogs’ Day in Dade City.

People came to Agnes Lamb Park from all over to enjoy the festivities, which included a dog wagon parade, a costume contest and other activities. Event-goers also had the chance to see a presentation of the colors by the Pasco High School Navy JROTC color guard and to hear a rendition of “The Star Spangled Banner,” by Stephanie Morrow, a member of the Calvary Assembly Church of Dade City.

Published March 24, 2021

Cody, an 8-year-old Yorkie, was dressed as a tarantula for the dog costume contest by Orkin Man Scott Smith, of Clermont.
Miles, a 7-year-old Bassett hound belonging to Gary Metz, of Zephyrhills, was more enthusiastic than he looked as he checks out the Dogs’ Day scene.
Nine-year-old Bromley, a Yorkie belonging to Ken Alberts, of Pinellas Park, lines up for the dog wagon parade at Agnes Lamb Park in Dade City.
Participants in the Dog Wagon Parade strolled along the sidewalk around Agnes Lamb Park in Dade City.
As spectators only, Ronald Bell, of Dade City, brought his French Bulldog named Rosebud to the Dogs’ Day event at Agnes Lamb Park.
Brooksville resident Mark Spurgeon pushes Lucy, 6, a chihuahua-mix, and Max, 12, a Yorkshire terrier. The two rode calmly like it wasn’t their first parade.
Stephanie Morrow, a member of the Calvary Assembly Church in Dade City, sang the national anthem, as the Pasco High School Navy JROTC color guard presented the American flag during the event.

 

 

Here’s a fish story for the ages

By

Here’s a big fish story that has its origins in the year 1923.

The recounting of it begins with a visit to a house in San Antonio in 1974, to repair a ringer on a wall telephone.

Ken Zifer was assigned by Florida Telephone Company, at that time, to maintain the San Antonio 588 exchange.

Will Plazewski, local historian and water clerk for the City of San Antonio, helped to obtain this photograph, which shows, from left: Matt Klassen, an unidentified man in the center, and Frederick Joseph ‘Fritz’ Friebel holding his record largemouth bass in 1923. (Courtesy of Jack Vogel)

“When I left his house to put my hand tools back in the truck, Mr. Walter Friebel followed me outside,” recalls Zifer, who now lives in Cleveland, Tennessee.

“Being an avid fisherman all my life and associated with Great Bass Fisherman, I asked him if he was doing any fishing in this neck of the woods,” said Zifer, who was 27 at the time that he made the telephone repair.

Friebel lived across the street from the San Antonio City Park and the St. Anthony Catholic School, so Zifer knew the house was not far from Clear Lake, in neighboring St. Leo.

Friebel told Zifer that he had not been fishing for quite a long time.

Then he told Zifer: “I (once) was paddling the boat when my brother caught the World Record Bass.”

Zifer asked: “Would you mind telling me about it?”

And that begins a look at a relatively unknown chapter in Pasco County history.

Born in Germany in 1893, Friebel’s brother, Frederick Joseph “Fritz” Friebel, had used only one fishing rod and reel, and he did not let Walter fish that day.

Fritz Friebel was a traveling salesman.

Francis Finn was 75 when he told the St. Petersburg Times in a 2005 story that his uncle Fritz was a generous man who would bring roller skates, baseball gloves, bats and balls for the kids to play with during the Great Depression.

Fritz Friebel reportedly caught his bass from Moody Lake north of San Antonio. He wanted to keep other fishermen ‘off the track’ from where he really was fishing at Big Fish Lake (pictured here) on the Barthle Brothers Ranch northwest of San Antonio. (Courtesy of Southwest Florida Water Management District)

Fritz Friebel was an avid angler, too, who lugged his tackle along with him, as he made his rounds across Florida, selling hardware.

Sources say he went fishing with a couple of friends at Big Fish Lake in 1923.

Online records with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) indicate his famous fish catch happened on a Saturday, May 19, 1923.

That wasn’t the way the fisherman recalled it, in a story published on Oct. 12, 1952, in The Tampa Tribune.

In that account, he said: “It was a Sunday morning when I should have been in church, and I had to call a grocer to open his store to get the fish weighed.”

Fritz Friebel had landed a 20-pound, 2-ounce largemouth black bass that measured 31 inches long with a 27-inch girth.

According to Ken Duke’s story for ESPN Sports on Aug. 7, 2009, Fritz Friebel used a Creek Chub No. 700 Straight Pike Minnow “to catch the giant fish.”

Five years later he was featured in a rod and reel catalog under the heading: “The Black Bass Record has been Broken, Not Cracked or Bent, but Crushed, Torn Apart and Split Wide Open.”

The catalog added this: “Gentlemen anglers all! Please leap to your feet and throw your hats into the air. Rah, Rah! To Mr. Friebel and his black bass!”

Onlookers in 1923 accused Fritz Friebel of cheating by adding pounds with lead sinkers in his fish.

The family of Fritz Friebel had this new marker built and shipped to Florida, where new generations can read about the fishing legend in the San Antonio City Park. (Courtesy of Doug Sanders)

But, the fisherman debunked that assertion.

“Friebel pulled out his pocketknife,” Duke writes, “slit the fish’s belly open and suggested that they reach inside to find out.”

Fritz Friebel was a no-nonsense angler.

As his daughter explained to ESPN Sports, “Daddy didn’t own a boat. He wore the worst-looking clothes because he often waded into water up to his armpits while fishing.”

After he made the catch, the big bass was put in a block of ice at the Knights hardware store for people to come by to see it.

According to the FWC’s website, Fritz Friebel’s catch in Pasco County “…was weighed on a postal scale and witnessed, but a (state) biologist did not document it at the time to establish an official record.”

In other words, it is the largest unofficial big bass landed in Florida.

ESPN Sports says it registers as the 11th largest largemouth black bass ever caught in the world.

For years, a wooden sign commemorating Fritz Friebel’s accomplishment has stood in San Antonio’s downtown park.

Most conservation-minded anglers release large fish because of their future spawning potential.

Not Fritz Friebel: He treated his family to a big fish dinner.

Whoppers
WORLD RECORD
George W. Perry, 1932, Lake Montgomery, Georgia, 22 pounds, 4 ounces

FLORIDA RECORD: Uncertified
Frederick Joseph “Fritz” Friebel, 1923, Big Fish Lake, Pasco County, 20 pounds, 2 ounces

FLORIDA RECORD: Certified
Billy O’ Berry, 1986, unnamed lake, Polk County, 17 pounds, 2 ounces

Source: Florida Trend Magazine

Doug Sanders has a penchant for unearthing interesting stories about local history. His sleuthing skills have been developed through his experiences in newspaper and government work. If you have an idea for a future history column, contact Doug at .

Published March 24, 2021

Dade City Commissioners seek city manager improvements

By

As the City of Dade City is staged for a wave of unprecedented growth, development and other happenings, elected leaders want to ensure they have the right leadership and administration in charge to navigate the East Pasco town’s future.

Much of that starts with Dade City Manager Leslie Porter, who has officially held the position for nearly two years.

Dade City Manager Leslie Porter’s contract is up for renewal May 14. (File)

Porter’s employment contract will renew on May 14, unless the Dade City Commission acts otherwise.

Keeping this time frame in mind, Dade City Mayor Camille Hernandez has called for significant tweaks to the handling of Porter’s annual performance review — with the aim of helping the city manager carry out the city’s established vision and goals.

The topic came up during the commission’s March 9 meeting.

Hernandez said the municipality is at a “critical juncture.”

She detailed major undertakings, such as the U.S. 301 commercial corridor; the developing of major recreational and park amenities; overseeing several new residential developments and annexations; and, figuring out the way to market, brand and promote the town going forward.

“We’re dealing with growth issues and concerns that we have never dealt with before, so we need to make sure we’ve got our game in order,” Hernandez said.

Because of that, Hernandez urged fellow commissioners to put deep, and serious, thought into their observations of Porter’s job to date.

Said Hernandez: “I want to make sure that when we get through this evaluation, that we can all walk away confident that (Porter) is the person that is going to lead us on, as we move forward and have all of the skillsets that we need.

“I think Ms. Porter is an extremely talented individual, and if she’s the one that we want to keep in this position as we move forward — if that’s the one we choose — then we need to make sure we’re all on the same page in making sure that we help her to have that, by way of marking improvement that peaks her performances.

“I think more than ever, I think we need to be on the same team, ‘Team City Manager,’ so that we move forward to get the city’s best interests,” the mayor said.

Hernandez said her comments are “nothing personal” toward the sitting city manager, but rather about “having Dade City’s best interests at heart.”

Hernandez then described disappointment with the handling and execution of various city operations on the whole, specifically noting a general lack of communication and engagement and not being “in the loop” on certain matters.

Hernandez also mentioned others in the community and throughout City Hall have expressed “angst and frustration” of late, too.

“We’re in the hot seat all the time because of all the people that come to us when things are done and not done,” Hernandez said. “I know this commission wants to know what’s going on, because the last thing we want to do is walk down the shopping aisle and have somebody tell us (about a local issue) and we look like a deer in the headlights…”

Even with this direct and clear warning shot and wakeup call, the mayor did credit Porter for making “considerable changes recently in terms of communicating and engaging.’

The mayor added: “I think if we can continue to move in that direction, then we are on the right path, but if we can’t, then we’ve got some issues that we need to address.”

Dade City Mayor Camille Hernandez

Evaluations should be meaningful
Commissioner Normita Woodard, sworn into her first-term last July, agreed with calls for more proactive oversight and transparency in manager evaluations, as opposed to a mundane check-the-box exercise.

“I definitely don’t think we just do an evaluation and call it a day,” Woodard said. “I do think that we need to make sure that all of what we want to see and all the criteria is being met, and if not, then we need to have a plan set up of how we’re going to meet that objective or what we’re going to do, if it’s not done. But, I don’t think we can just evaluate and move forward.”

Meanwhile, Commissioner Scott Black suggested scheduling a workshop to brainstorm ways to fine-tune the manager evaluation and clarify other goal-setting measures. This exercise, he said, “would go a long way for helping address the concerns” the mayor brought up.

“We haven’t had (this type of workshop) since our new commissioners (Woodard and Knute Nathe) have joined us and that is something we once did on an annual basis, where we just go in and indicate what our priorities individually, and bring all that together to have a collective vision or at least a plan for the city manager to pursue.

“It’s been awhile since we’ve done that, and I think this would be very helpful for the commission, for management, for staff, for everyone else involved, and that keeps us all where we can have something that we can measure performance based on what our collective vision is as a commission,” Black said.

Porter’s last evaluation was presented at a meeting in June 2020.

Commissioners then rated Porter’s overall performance at a 4.1 out of 5.0 scale, graded on management in administration, adhering to governance, relationship-building, leadership, and financial acumen, among other areas.

The main focus for improvements was in the arenas of building relationships and better communication with legislators, residents, merchants, The Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce, and so on.

Other constructive criticism also called for Porter — who commutes from her home in Tampa — to have better familiarization with the municipality as a whole, along with various city departments and employees.

Previous city manager evaluations came in with satisfactory marks from commissioners.

After the commission meeting, The Laker/Lutz News reached out to Porter for her reaction to comments that were made pertaining to her during the meeting.

In an email response, Porter said: “I agree the city needs an evaluation tool that the commission as a body agrees upon. The city manager is in a unique position in that he/she reports equally to five elected officials. Each voice is important, and for the city manager to be most effective, he/she needs to know the expectations to which they are being held accountable and  the priorities of the commission as a whole.”

Porter was originally hired as the city’s finance director in 2014.

She was appointed interim city manager in February 2019, assuming the post long-held by Billy Poe, who took a similar position with the City of Zephyrhills.

Porter was selected, after the city was unable to reach a contract agreement with Christopher Edwards, its initial top candidate for the position, who was then a real estate associate in Tallahassee and previously had served as deputy director of the Tallahassee-Leon County Office of Economy Vitality.

Instead of selecting a list of new candidates to interview, the commission opted to proceed with Porter for the post, starting with a base salary of about $99,000, citing her performance as acting city manager over prior months while also juggling her duties as finance director.

Before coming to Dade City, Porter spent nearly a decade working as town treasurer for the Town of Chesapeake Beach, in Maryland.

She has a bachelor’s degree from George Mason University and a master’s degree from George Washington University.

Published March 24, 2021

Army veteran gets a warm welcome to his new home

By

Veteran Army Specialist Stephen Peterson received a warm welcome to his specially adapted custom home in Land O’ Lakes, on the morning of March 13.

Veteran Army Specialist Stephen Peterson raises the flag in front of his new home, which was provided by Homes for Our Troops. Peterson was wounded in Afghanistan. (Courtesy of Homes for Our Troops)

The national nonprofit organization, Homes For Our Troops, donated the home to Peterson during a special key ceremony.

The custom home, at 24235 Hideout Trail, is adapted to meet Peterson’s needs.

The Army veteran was severely injured while serving in Afghanistan. He was riding in a vehicle on a route clearance mission when an improvised explosive device exploded directly under his seat, a news release said.

From left: Stephen Peterson and his wife Brittany, U.S. Congressman Gus Bilirakis and Homes for our Troops President/CEO Tom Landwermeyer.

He immediately lost his right leg in the blast, and sustained fractured hips, a fractured tailbone, and a traumatic brain injury.

His new home features more than 40 major special adaptations, such as widened doorways for wheelchair access, a roll-in shower, and kitchen amenities that include pull-down shelving and lowered countertops.

The home also is designed with hallways that are accessible for wheelchairs and with cabinets that are within reach.

Homes for Our Troops donated the house to Peterson, using contributions from donors, supports and corporate sponsors.

Those attending the ceremony in Land O’ Lakes were required to wear masks or facial coverings as a precaution to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

To find out more about Homes for Our Troops, visit HFOTusa.org.

Published March 24, 2021

This tiny baby’s brief life inspired others

By

A celebration of life and committal services will be held for Brooklyn Rose Buzek on March 27 at Garden of Memories, in Tampa.

Brooklyn weighed 1 pound, 10 ounces and measured 12.5 inches long, when she arrived into the world on Aug. 20.

Her life was brief, but Brooklyn Rose Buzek was an inspiration for others. (Courtesy of the Buzek family)

She was born at just 24 weeks gestation, and spent 187 days at the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at St. Joseph’s Women’s Hospital, in Tampa, before going home with her parents, Amber and Dennis.

A GoFundMe page was set up by Donna Robinson, of Tampa, to help the family.

The page expresses how Brooklyn’s life affected others.

“At just 7 months old, Brooklyn had already taught us all so much about strength, perseverance and overcoming obstacles,” the page says. “With the odds stacked against her since birth we have watched in awe as the miracle baby continued to fight the good fight.”

It goes on: “During her short life she withstood more than any human should have to, but her fighter spirit, which was earned honestly from the parents who have been by her side each and every step of the way, rose to each challenge she faced.”

After Brooklyn’s release from the hospital, her parents dedicated themselves to her 24-hour care.

On the morning of March 15, they realized something was wrong with the baby, and called 911. Brooklyn was airlifted to St. Joseph’s Women’s Hospital, in Tampa, but did not survive.

The infant’s obituary describes the imprint she left on others.

“Brooklyn’s journey impacted many people from those who knew and cared for her to friends around the world who have followed her miracle story from conception. Brooklyn was loved deeply by so many and her memory will live on through all of the family and friends who have been there along the way,” the obituary reads.

In an interview with The Laker/Lutz News, Amber said she found out she was pregnant on Mother’s Day — which was a surprise because she and Dennis had been together 18 years and she didn’t think she could get pregnant.

They were excited by the news.

They had a baby shower on Aug. 16, at the Land O’ Lakes Heritage Park Community Center, in Land O’ Lakes.

Amber said she recalls feeling crampy and uncomfortable earlier on that day.

“But I had never been pregnant before, so I was just, ‘This is what it’s like to feel pregnant,’” she said.

Later that night, she asked Dennis: “Honey, can you take me to the emergency room around the corner. I just want to make sure everything is OK.”

They went to a 24-hour ER, but were advised to go to a hospital.

The couple went to St. Joseph’s Hospital-North in Lutz, and from there, Amber was transported to St. Joseph’s Women’s Hospital, in Tampa, where Brooklyn was born on Aug. 20.

After Brooklyn’s birth, the couple made daily trips to the NICU, and took photos to record their baby’s journey. They also learned how to use the equipment they would need to use in caring for their baby at home.

Amber’s grief at the loss of her daughter, is palpable.

“It’s hard because everybody is like, ‘Oh, God had better plans.’ But, I don’t understand how the plan for her — not to be here — could have been better than the life we could have gave her,” Amber said.

She said she’s not sure she will ever understand.

She is grateful, though, for the help of others, particularly Donna and Ron Robinson, who stepped in to make the funeral arrangements.

“I don’t know how I could have done it without them,” she said.

As for herself, Amber said she is just trying to pick up the pieces.

“I’m just trying to take it one day at a time,” she said.

In addition to her parents, Brooklyn is survived by siblings Brittany Buzek, Braily Buzek and Brandyn Buzek, grandmother Tena Frost, aunt and uncle Pam and Kevin Oliva and a large extended family, according to the online obituary.

The family welcomes all to attend Brooklyn’s Life Celebration and Committal services on March 27 at 1 p.m., at Blount & Curry Funeral Home at Garden of Memories, 4207 E. Lake Ave., Tampa, Florida, 33610.

To read more about Brooklyn, visit Brooklyn Rose Buzek’s Journey, on Facebook.

If you would like to help, visit the GoFundMe page, at Tinyurl.com/4tchjh77.

Brooklyn’s Life Celebration and Committal Services
When: March 27, 1 p.m.
Where: Blount & Curry Funeral Home at Garden of Memories, 4207 E. Lake Ave., Tampa
All are welcome to attend.

Published March 24, 2021

Pasco Commission approves East Pasco flooding study

By

The Pasco County Commission has authorized a task order for the development of a cost-effective conceptual improvement plan for the Bailey Hill Road and Zephyr Ranch Area, in East Pasco.

Board members approved a staff recommendation to have DeLoach Engineering Service complete the task for an amount not to exceed $74,840, according to agenda background materials for the board’s March 9 meeting.

“The conceptual plan will provide a rigorous assessment of the condition of the existing stormwater drainage system, identify deficiencies within the system, evaluate design alternatives for flood abatement, develop cost estimate for the selected design alternative, and derive benefit to cost ratio. A cost-effective conceptual plan may lead to detailed design and construction of the project,” the agenda backup says.

Bailey Hill Road is an unpaved rural road that extends east to Gall Boulevard and west to Fort King Road.

The project area is within the East Pasco Watershed.

There is a history of structural and property flooding, as well as roadway flooding and scouring.

DeLoach has 180 days from the notice to proceed, to complete the project.

Funding for the conceptual improvement plan is coming from the stormwater management fund.

Published March 24, 2021

Girls-only troops work on camping, leadership skills

By

Girls had a chance to learn outdoor skills, build teamwork and develop leadership at the Back to Brownsea program in Odessa.

The program is for members of the girls-only troops of the Boy Scouts of America (BSA), according to a news release.

Ten-year-old Stella DeStefano, of Cub Scout Pack 37 at Learning Gate School, learns how to use a saw at Back to Brownsea, at Camp Brorein, March 12 through March 14, in Odessa. (Courtesy of the Greater Tampa Bay Area Council of Boy Scouts of America)

Seventeen-year-old Isabella Trevino, a Gaither High student, was at the camp — held March 12 through March 14 — because she wanted to give something back, by helping the younger girls who were there, the release says.

The younger girls had just “crossed over” to the Scouts BSA program, for ages 11 to 17, from family oriented Cub Scouts packs, which include elementary school-aged boys and girls.

Trevino served as the senior patrol leader (the highest level of youth leadership) for the weekend event, which drew more than 50 participants, including girls as instructors and students and adult leaders, to Boy Scout Camp Brorein, 16901 Boy Scout Road, the release adds.

“People involved in this grow into real good adults,” Trevino said, in the release. “And, we learn a lot about leadership and skills.”

The event was sponsored by the Fort Brooke District of the Greater Tampa Bay Council of Boy Scouts of America, which serves nine west-central Florida counties. It was organized by Terri Hunter, a member of the district’s Activities and Civic Services Committee.

The hands-on activities, taught by older Scouts BSA members, included fire-building, wood-splitting, knot-tying and other basic scout skills exercises to prepare them for independent camping, using the patrol method.

Paisley Murphy, 13, a Pasco Middle School student, with Troop 34, of Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Church in Land O’ Lakes, helped the younger girls work on tying knots.

She said she enjoyed teaching the skill, according to the release.

Her father, Ryan Murphy, an adult leader with the troop, said, “This was a good opportunity to get more experience in leadership roles.”

Published March 24, 2021