Local News

Show your local library some love

February 2, 2021 By Mary Rathman

Libraries provide so much more than a place to borrow a book, music and movies — they also provide a place to do research, a quiet space to study, exhibit art displays for local artists, provide hands-on activities and offer preservation services. These institutions are celebrated in February, designated as National Library Lover’s Month.

Libraries offer a variety of services. Check out a book, music or a movie, or take part in arts and crafts or virtual story times. Staff members of The Laker/Lutz News delve into some books and newspapers — just a small sampling of the types of materials that can be found at the local library. From left: Kelli Carmack, Diane Kortus, Mary Rathman and Katie Fernandez. (Kelli Carmack)

There are 9,225 public libraries across the United States, though may states have seen library closings, according to the American Library Association.

A struggling economy has cost libraries some funding, as some municipalities cannot afford to keep libraries open, while other establishments are taking steps to make libraries more popular in the digital age.

Many libraries have increased their offerings beyond traditional books to include free music and e-Book downloads, and free wireless internet connectivity. Services also can include hosting club meetings, increasing children’s programs, and offering DIY curbside-pickup crafts and virtual story times.

Here are several ways patrons can contribute to their local libraries:

Nominate your library as your community, school or corporate organization’s project for the year.
Buy your library a subscription to a popular magazine.
Honor a friend or relative’s birthday with a book for the library.
Donate a book (or a whole shelf of books) to the Friends of the Library book sale.
Remember your library in your estate planning.
Donate to your library’s foundation/friends group.
Give to the library through a company matching program for charitable giving.
Give the gift of a library card to a friend or loved one.
Volunteer to read stories to children or help with library visits, or to work at the library bookstore or book sale.
Attend local government meetings to urge city and county legislators to invest in libraries as a vital community resource and a necessary public service.

Pasco County libraries in The Laker coverage area include:

Hugh Embry Library, 14215 Fourth St., Dade City. Call 352-567-3576.
Land O’ Lakes Branch Library, 2818 Collier Parkway. Call 813-929-1214
New River Branch Library, 34043 State Road 54, Wesley Chapel (currently closed for renovations). Call 813-788-6375.
Zephyrhills Public Library, 5347 Eight St. Call 813-780-0064.

In Hillsborough County, libraries in the newspaper’s coverage area are:

Austin Davis Public Library, 17808 Wayne Road, Odessa.
Jimmie B. Keel Regional Library, 2902 W. Bearss Ave.
Lutz Branch Library, 101 Lutz-Lake Fern Road (temporarily closed)
New Tampa Regional Library, 10001 Cross Creek Blvd.

Contact Hillsborough libraries by calling 813-273-3652.

Moffitt in Pasco: ‘Transformational’

February 2, 2021 By B.C. Manion

A deal approved last week by the Pasco County Commission is expected to have consequences far beyond the county’s borders, government and economic development leaders said.

County commissioners approved more than $25 million in incentives in an agreement with H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Hospital Inc.

The Pasco County Commission, county staff and representatives of the Pasco Economic Development Council Inc., and H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Hospital Inc. celebrate a deal that is expected to have long-term consequences for Pasco County, and the region. (Courtesy of Pasco Economic Development Council Inc.)

The county has agreed to make infrastructure improvements necessary to access the site, at an estimated cost of $24,913,012.

It also has agreed to waive, or pay, certain county permitting and impact fees related to supporting the initial phase of building construction, at an estimated cost of $786,988.

The cancer center owns a 775-acre site, near the southeast corner of the future intersection of Suncoast Parkway and the Ridge Road extension, which is currently under construction.

In the 24-page agreement, approved unanimously by the county board, Pasco County details and justifies the partnership with Moffitt.

In part, the agreement states: “The county has concluded that providing economic incentives to Moffitt will serve as one of the most significant catalysts in the county’s history for future economic growth, by creating the potential for new employment opportunities in Pasco County, reducing reliance on regional commuting to work by citizens, significantly diversifying the tax base, and introducing smart growth and service technologies to the area.”

County staff has determined that construction of the public and non-public infrastructure outlined in the approved agreement is essential to support the overall corporate business park development of the property.

In presenting the incentive package to the county board, Bill Cronin, president and CEO of the Pasco Economic Development Council Inc., emphasized the significance of Moffitt’s decision to locate in Pasco.

“Words cannot fully express the magnitude of this project, or the potential of this project,” Cronin said.

In the first phase, Moffitt has agreed to construct a minimum of 128,000 square feet for corporate business park uses.

That phase is expected to generate 432 full-time jobs, according to the Pasco County Office of Economic Growth.

The multi-year, multi-phase Moffit project, however, is expected to include over 1.4 million square feet of research lab/office, light industrial/manufacturing, general office, and clinical building space.

“The overall, large project, is estimated to create at least 14,000 jobs — indirect and direct jobs for our community,” Cronin said.

Moffitt operates an internationally recognized immunotherapy program in Tampa, and is seeking to branch out because of space constraints on that campus.

David de la Parte, executive vice president and general in-house counsel for Moffitt, told commissioners: “This is a big deal. It’s a complicated transaction. It’s been a number of years in the making.

“It’s certainly important from an economic impact standpoint, but it’s even more important to the citizens of the state and to the citizens of this community,” de la Parte said.

“Cancer is a terrible thing,” he added, noting that Moffitt’s role is to be a research engine, an innovator, a place of discovery.

This is the site where H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Hospital Inc., plans to expand its work on a campus in Pasco County.

“We have been constrained, frankly, in that role, given the campus constraints that we have and have had. This will give us an opportunity to further accelerate the discovery,” he said.

The attorney anticipates the Pasco campus will become “a life sciences destination for the world.”

Besides approving the economic incentive agreement, the board took a separate action to direct staff to secure funding to pay for the extension of Sunlake Boulevard to the Moffitt site.

Curing cancer, creating opportunities
Pasco commissioners are delighted by Moffitt’s decision to open a Pasco campus.

“Yes, there’s the economic benefits that our citizens of Pasco County will have because of this facility being here,” County Commissioner Mike Moore said. But Moffitt’s work, he said, has impacts throughout the world.

“Each and every one of us has been touched by either somebody that’s gone through cancer or is going through cancer now,” Moore said.

Commissioner Kathryn Starkey said: “This is so great for your organization. It’s great for our county, but this is magnificent for the Tampa Bay region and Florida, as well.”

Commissioner Christina Fitzpatrick weighed in, too: “This will not only be an economic asset for our community, but it’s going to create jobs and it will save lives.

“You guys are going to be bringing the best of the best right here to Pasco County, and I’m very excited,” she said.

Commissioner Jack Mariano and Commission Chairman Ron Oakley were enthused, too.

Oakley told de la Parte: “We support you all of the way, and we’re here to help you.”

Along those lines, the agreement with Moffitt calls for a designated county liaison to help streamline governmental processes, and an assigned rapid response team to handle any issues that arise.

Moffitt has agreed to handle the design, permitting, installation and construction of the public and non-public infrastructure outlined in the agreement.

But before that occurs, these conditions must be met:

Completion of the Suncoast Parkway Interchange at Ridge Road
Completion of the Ridge Road extension in an easterly direction from the Suncoast Parkway Interchange to Sunlake Boulevard
Completion of two lanes of Sunlake Boulevard in a southerly direction from State Road 52, south of the Ridge Road and Sunlake Boulevard intersection, to Moffitt’s spine road intersection at Sunlake Boulevard

Also, before Moffitt begins construction of the corporate business park building, the county and Moffitt will agree to a construction disbursement agreement that identifies specific sources of funds to satisfy the county’s obligations under the incentive agreement.

The conditions are expected to be met by the end of 2022.

Once they have been met, Moffitt has five years to complete the construction of the corporate business park building.

The agreement also gives the county administrator the authority to approve up to three years of extensions, if Moffitt has made good faith efforts to meet its deadline.

Published February 03, 2021

Pasco County honors outstanding employees

February 2, 2021 By B.C. Manion

Pasco County employees that went the extra, extra mile to help residents and county government adapt to the challenges posed by COVID-19 were honored in a resolution adopted by the Pasco County Commission last week.

Commissioners approved the selection of the county’s 2020 Star Performers of the Year — chosen as the “best of the best” by county administration.

Pasco County Administrator Dan Biles, left, stands with Todd Curci, who was named Pasco County’s Star Performer of the Year for helping the county make the switch to a remote working environment, through technology, during the COVID-19 pandemic. (Courtesy of Pasco County)

County Administrator Dan Biles said the award winners are among a multitude of county employees who went beyond the call of duty to provide needed services during 2020.

Those singled out for special recognition were:

Todd Curci, Star Performer of the Year
Tambrey Laine, Star Leader of the Year
Pasco Community Cares Team, Star Team of the Year

Their contributions were outlined in a video presented during the Jan. 26 board meeting.

Curci was credited with helping the county to use technology, to adjust to restricted working conditions imposed by COVID-19. He helped employees not only to work remotely, but also to collaborate and to have staff meetings. He also helped elected officials to conduct their business via remote, then hybrid sessions.

“Todd tirelessly provided the necessary support and training across the organization, as we successfully transitioned to a remote work model,” the video said. “Additionally, Todd assisted teams across the organization, in hosting their WebEx meetings, including board meetings, team leadership meetings and Citizens Academy meetings.

The Pasco Community Cares Team is shown here, with Pasco County Administrator Dan Biles on the right. The team was named the county’s Star Team of the Year, for handling the massive job of distributing millions of dollars in federal assistance to people needing help with food and housing, during the pandemic.

“This volume of work included more than 75 meetings and over 200 hours of individual support time,” the video said.

Laine, who leads the county’s Media Relations & Communications team has created what is essentially Pasco County’s own newsroom, according to the video.

Laine’s department also helps get the word out through a variety of channels, including news releases, videos and news alerts. Her department completed more than 1,000 media contacts last year, and produced more than 100 videos.

Since 2017, it has helped increase the county’s social media following by nearly 50%.

The department also has established the county administrator’s podcast, has created a video about human resource benefits, has provided support messaging for census efforts and has shared news about everything from major projects to updates on COVID-19 vaccine efforts.

The Pasco Community CARES Team has been the conduit for distributing millions of dollars in federal funds provided through the federal Coronavirus Aid Relief and Economic Security Act, to Pasco County residents in need of assistance.

As the video put it: “Faced with the nation’s biggest health challenge in more than 100 years, many in our community lost jobs, and quickly ran out of money to pay bills and buy basic necessities.

Pasco County Administrator Dan Biles, left, stands with Tambrey Laine, who was named leader of the year. Laine leads the county’s Media Relations & Communications team — which provides news releases, produces videos, conducts virtual ribbon-cuttings and uses other methods to tell the county’s story.

It took a small army of county staffers, from nine different departments, to handle the massive workload.

“The Pasco Community CARES team served several thousand people, paying out more than $4 million in much-needed aid, with compassion, respect and integrity,” the video says.

During the board meeting, the nine departments involved were represented by their team leaders: Brian Hoben, Manny Long, Lisa Stinnett, Danielle Bierman, Jessica Bleser, Marcy Esbjerg, Kristina McGonigal, and Samantha Grahn and Laine.

Administrator Biles also said he would be remiss if he failed to mention the instrumental role that the Pasco County Clerk & Comptroller’s Office played in the CARES Act efforts, and he wanted to be sure they received proper credit.

County commissioners also heaped on some praise.

“I think the county has just been remarkable in these trying times,” Commissioner Kathryn Starkey said. “Gosh, sitting here last year, who would have thought we’d have a year like this?”

Commissioner Jack Mariano said Curci’s persistence and expertise helped the county adapt, but also has set it up for the future.

“I think the county is going to benefit for many, many years to come, with the efficiencies of using technology,” Mariano said.

He also singled out Cathy Pearson, assistant county administrator for public services, for her leadership of the CARES’ team efforts.

“What you did for this community was phenomenal,” Mariano said.

Published February 03 ,2021

Boy Scouts conduct food drive

February 2, 2021 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Members of the Greater Tampa Bay Area Council of Boy Scouts of America are participating in a national Scouting for Food program to benefit local food banks, according to a news release.

The drive began Jan. 23, when Scouts left empty bags in neighborhoods in the nine counties of the council. They will return to collect the filled bags by Feb. 7.

An instruction sheet inside the bag includes the pickup dates, Christopher Perry, the council’s Scouting for Food chairman, said in the release.

The Scouts will deliver the food to designed food banks, as well as a few unit-sponsoring organizations.

In Hillsborough County, food will go to Abe Brown Ministries, Community Food Bank, Santa Maria Mission and other locations.

The COVID-19 virus crisis has resulted in job losses and increased needs for food distribution, Perry said.

“Families are struggling and the food banks are struggling; they are receiving less in donations,” Perry said, adding the organizers have chosen mainly smaller local pantries to support.

In 2020, the council donated almost 35,000 pounds of canned foods and nonperishable items, collected by more than 110 units in the council, according to Perry, who hopes to exceed that number this year.

“It’s a little different this year as Scouts can pick up on any day that is convenient for their unit instead of one specific collection day, as in the past,” Perry said.

Masks are to be worn and social distancing practiced for both the bag distribution and the food collection.

Published February 03, 2021

74th annual Pasco County Fair is a go

January 26, 2021 By Kevin Weiss

The 74th annual Pasco County Fair is happening this year, with some modifications from previous years, due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The fair’s theme is “The Adventure Continues,” and the show will run Feb. 15 through Feb. 21 at the Pasco County Fairgrounds, 36722 State Road 52 in Dade City.

Even amid the pandemic, fair organizers are assuring a fun, enjoyable and safe time for all.

The Pasco County Fair will again feature a full lineup of entertainment, attractions and activities, but with enhanced COVID-19 protocols in place throughout the fairgrounds in Dade City. (File)

Details about the festival were shared at a Jan. 19 Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce breakfast meeting, hosted at the fairgrounds. Speakers included Pasco County Fair Association president R.J. Huss and annual fair chairman Tracy Thompson.

Several measures are being taken in the way of COVID-19 health and safety protocols, including quadrupling the number of hand sanitizer stations and investing in a fogger machine. There also will be indoor mask requirements, social distancing recommendations, spaced seating, and one-way aisles in designated areas.

“We’re going full steam ahead at having a fair,” Huss said at the meeting. “We’ve talked to multiple different people in our local government, state government, and we feel confident that we can do it.”

There will be one key departure from prior county fairs: This year’s event won’t feature the typical kick-off parade in downtown Dade City, which usually features marching bands, colorful floats, mounted horse units and more.

The showy serenade was a no-go after fair organizers consulted with the Dade City Mayor Camille Hernandez, Dade City Police Chief James Walters and other officials.

Said Thompson, “It was just not physically possible to get a permit to ensure everyone’s safety this year for the parade, so it had to be nixed, but we’re hoping to come back on our 75th anniversary (in 2022) to have a bigger and better parade.”

However, the fair expects to make up for the parade absence in other ways — including its full entertainment lineup and slew of other activities.

One of the headliners is “The Wagsters,” a Myrtle Beach, South Carolina-based magic show that encompasses illusions and sleight-of-hand tricks, mixed in with some comedy and audience interaction.

The husband and wife team of Brandon and Hannah Wagster will perform on the Back Porch Theatre all weeklong, at designated times in the afternoon and evening.

This will mark the magic duo’s first-ever show in Florida after an accomplished eight-year run at The Carolina Opry Theatre and over 850 performances.

They come well-accredited, having earned the International Magician Society Merlin Award for “Best Theatrical Magic Production,” among other honors.

One event back after a long hiatus is “ClogJam,” an exhibition-style competition featuring folk dance cloggers from across the state. That is scheduled for Feb. 20 at 11 a.m., at the Dan Cannon Auditorium.

Pasco County Fair Association president R.J. Huss was a guest speaker at a Jan. 19 Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce business breakfast meeting. (Kevin Weiss)

For those unfamiliar, clogging involves dancers using their footwear percussively, by striking the heel, toe or both against a floor or each other to create audible rhythms.

“Many years ago we had a clogging show in here and people loved it, and there’s been a lot of chatter on Facebook and around town,” Thompson said.

In the way of kid-friendly attractions, “Walking With Giants,” popular with the younger crowd, is returning. The interactive strolling show features moving, animatronic prehistoric dinosaurs and dragons that children can crawl on, play on and pose with for pictures.

The lifelike creatures measure 8 feet tall and 16 feet long, with realistic eye-blinking, tail-swooshing and mighty roars.

That show can be found in the Schrader Building Entertainment Area all week.

“The dinosaur thing was a big hit last year, the kids loved it, so we brought that back,” Thompson said of the attraction.

Other noteworthy happenings throughout the week include a stunt thrill circus, a comedy hypnotist, racing pigs, community talent show, pageants, sanctioned rodeo show and bluegrass and gospel concerts, plus other frills.

All in all, Thompson is “extremely happy” with the lineup the association was able to book through the pandemic. “We’ve got top-notch entertainment coming from across the nation,” Thompson said. “We’re always in the cutting edge of finding new entertainment.”

Meantime, the independent midway again will offer a little taste of everything for fairgoers working up a thirst and appetite.

Besides traditional fair grub — such as pizza, corn dogs and cotton candy — new offerings this year include fried vegetables, corn fritters and donut burgers. (Some of those calories can seemingly be burned off while venturing throughout the 30-acre hillside fairgrounds.)

Fair exhibits will take on a new twist this year, too.

While youth ag and plant auctions still will be handled in person, they’ll also be simulcast online, where bidders virtually can partake in the action in real-time.

The youth steer sale is Feb. 18 at 7 p.m., at the Albert A. Barthle Livestock Pavilion; the hog sale is Feb. 20 at 5 p.m., at the Barthle Livestock Pavilion; and, the plant sale is Feb. 21 at noon at the Joe Herrmann Greenhouse.

Huss noted the online auction feature is “something I think the fair should’ve been doing for a long time,” adding its youth exhibitors could see their projects go for a higher price because of it.

Details are still being worked out with an auctioneering company on software, cameras, broadcast links and so on.

Fair officials seek big turnout
The annual shindig typically draws between 45,000 to 50,000 visitors over the course of the entire week.

Huss and other organizers don’t have a particular attendance figure in mind for this year, but expect a solid showing even with challenges posed by the virus.

Huss noted the Manatee County Fair — the first Florida-based fair to open in 2021 on Jan. 14 —has reported strong attendance and positive reviews for its COVID-19 health and safety protocols.

“I think we’ll have a great turnout, but it’s hard to project,” said Huss. “We’ve heard of record attendance at some of the other fairs across the state, (but) I just don’t know if we can commit to expecting that, just because of the unknown. How many people in this area do want to get out, versus how many are concerned about the COVID?”

The fair is run by the Pasco County Fair Association Inc., an independent, nonprofit organization which relies mostly on local community sponsorships, fair memberships, guest revenue, and rental income from the buildings housed on the fairgrounds.

Officials say the fairgrounds underwent an eight-month event rental freeze between March and November due to COVID-19; the first major event to return was the Florida Bug Jam back on Nov. 7 and Nov. 8

Huss said the shutdown represented “a pretty substantial income loss” for the association, but “we are still putting on a very good fair, with those budgets cut.”

“We’re doing everything that we can do, and I think we’re going to have a great fair,” he said.

For more information, visit PascoCountyFair.com, or visit the Pasco County Fair Association on Facebook.

Pasco County Fair
When: Feb. 15 through Feb. 21 (Hours vary)
What: Rides, food, games, entertainment, livestock and exhibits
Where: Pasco County Fairgrounds, 36722 State Road 52, Dade City
Cost: Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for children ages 6 through 12, free for ages 5 and under; parking is free. Discounted gate and ride tickets are available online at PascoCountyFair.com.
Info: Visit PascoCountyFair.com, call 352-567-6678, or email .

If you go

Check the weather report — Be prepared with sunscreen and visors on warm,
sunny days. Have a jacket or sweatshirt for cool evenings. A poncho or umbrella
is a good idea if skies turn gray.
Wear comfortable shoes —With over 30 acres of activities and the fairgrounds
being located on a hillside, there is plenty of walking in store.
• Leave coolers at home — No bottles, cans, coolers or picnic baskets are
permitted on the fairgrounds.
Bring a camera — There figures to be plenty of memorable moments, so bring a
camera or video camera to capture the special day. (Note: Use of cameras and video cameras may be prohibited during certain entertainment events.)
Leave your pets at home — With the exception of service animals, pets are
not permitted on the fairgrounds.
Parking — Parking is free at the fairgrounds. Be sure to lock your vehicle,
and take note of where you have parked. Take a minute to familiarize yourself
with your surroundings when you arrive to avoid confusion when you depart. When
driving in the parking lot, please drive with caution and keep an eye out for people walking in the lot.
Once inside the fairgrounds — Be sure to pick up a daily schedule at the Information booth. This is the best way to plan your day and to be aware of all there is to see and do at the Pasco County Fair.
Health & safety — Pasco County Fair officials ask everyone to wash his or her hands before leaving the restrooms, animal areas, and barns — especially before eating. Hand-sanitizing stations are located throughout the fairgrounds and food court area.
Volunteers needed
The Pasco County Fair Association is in search of volunteers for the fair, for gates and buildings, to fill these slots:
- Feb. 15 – three shifts
- Feb. 16 to Feb. 19 – two shifts
- Feb. 20 – various shifts
- Feb. 21 – two shifts
A volunteer breakfast is scheduled for Jan. 30 at 9 a.m. For information or to sign up as a volunteer, call 352-567-6678.

Published January 27, 2021

Keeping community life alive, despite COVID-19

January 26, 2021 By B.C. Manion

When COVID-19 caused everything to shut down, Tish Dobson went to work to figure out how to safely reopen the amenities that she believes the people at The Preserve at Wilderness Lake have come to rely on — as a source of joy, in their daily lives.

“We were shut down March the 16th for COVID,” she said, and the governor’s order affected the community’s amenities that include The Wilderness Lodge, Activities Center, Bath House & Spa, Nature Center, movie theater, pools and tennis courts.

Tish Dobson, lodge manager at The Preserve at Wilderness Lakes, has been honored for her leadership in the innovative use of technology. The award was bestowed by Government Technology Magazine, in conjunction with AT&T. (Courtesy of Tish Dobson)

“While we were shut down, I went to work immediately within a couple of days — because I knew we would have to have a plan,” said Dobson, the community’s lodge manager.

The challenge was this: “How were we going to open the doors to the facility, but yet keep everyone safe, and keep the building clean and sanitized?

“During COVID, when everything was shut down, we wanted to make sure that they (residents) knew that we were still here working,” she said.

The efforts made by Dobson, and approved by the board and the management company, garnered an award from Government Technology Magazine, presented by AT&T.

Award winners were announced from throughout the nation, in a Dec. 15 virtual ceremony. While focusing on the use of technology, the contest named winners in the categories of citizens, operations and leaders.

Dobson, who lives in Lutz, was recognized in the category of technology innovation leadership among special districts, in the southeastern region of the United States.

Although her name is on the award, she doesn’t consider it her personal award.

“I represent the community, I represent the board and I represent the management company (Rizzetta & Company).”

The Preserve at Wilderness Lake Community Development District, was established 20 years ago, in Land O’ Lakes. It has 958 homes, and between 3,200 to 3,300 residents, said Dobson, who has been the lodge manager there for 15 years.

In announcing Dobson’s award, the magazine reported the lodge manager responded proactively to the sudden onset of the pandemic with a comprehensive plan that CDDs across Florida used as a blueprint.

That plan, according to the magazine, included:

Shutting down communal spaces, which was executed through email, automated messages and custom signage
Informing residents and transitioning to a virtual community space through e-blasts, a website and newsletters, and initially holding public board meetings over Zoom
Reopening with new social distancing policies and equitable access to scarce time slots and spaces in public venues, which was achieved through automated online and phone reservations

Dobson said the plan includes specific sanitation protocols and a specific schedule to ensure spaces were kept safe. It also includes health precautions, such as masks, social distancing and staggering events, to avoid crowding. Plus, she said, there’s hand sanitizer everywhere.

Capacity has been reduced for amenity buildings to ensure good air circulation, UV lights have been installed in the HVAC system for disinfection, and doors are kept open to keep air flowing, she said.

At the movie theater, for instance, there are empty rows between guests, to achieve social distancing. In the meeting room, board members are spread out at separate tables, and audience seating has been arranged to leave space between people.

The Preserve at Wilderness Lake has lengthened events, staggered entry into them and hosted some outdoors, during this time of COVID-19. The idea is to offer the opportunity for fun, while keeping everyone safe.

Getting people together again, safely
Gradually, the community has been adding events.

It began around June with a story time for tots, typically an activity held indoors.

“We decided to take it outdoors, at our playground, and incorporate outside activities, with a story, with a snack and a little craft, geared toward the story,” Dobson said.

“A typical event would last two hours. We increased the time to four hours, so that we could stagger the time frames when the families were coming in. That way, they could visit each station, without feeling that they were being crowded, and not feeling safe.”

In October, it offered its annual Haunted House event, in its Nature Center.

“Each family had the opportunity to go in, just as a family, and enjoy all the scares.

“Of course, we had several doors that were open. Then, we would spray the room down with Lysol, and then the next family would come in.

“We always put the Haunted House on for two nights. Between the two days, we had about 200 people come to that event,” she said.

Throughout the pandemic, a primary question has been: “How can you keep the community engaged?” Dobson said.

“We keep the red carpet rolled out for our residents,” she said, and we didn’t want COVID-19 to prevent that.

“When you’re locked at home, and then your lodge — your fun place — is closed, too, that’s awful,” Dobson said.

“It was tough when it closed because we, as staff, missed the residents,” she said.

The lodge is all about, “What extra service can we do to help somebody have a great day?” Dobson said, it’s as simple as offering a cup of coffee, or helping someone who’s having trouble logging onto the internet.

“You need to get out and just be able to sit on a chair on a dock, or go to a movie theater and watch a movie, and just decompress.

“When we opened the doors, it was like a sigh of relief. Everyone was happy, from the residents to the staff — it was just like, ‘Yes, some normalcy again.’

“They’re used to coming to the lodge because the lodge is the fun place.

“They can just kick back, enjoy the facility.

“You don’t have to worry about politics here.

“It’s just fun. You come here to take a breather and just to enjoy life,” Dobson said.

Published January 27, 2021

Extra help to be provided for struggling students

January 26, 2021 By B.C. Manion

Pasco County Schools is planning to extend its school day to provide extra help for students who are struggling.

The Pasco County School Board on Jan. 19 approved a plan to invite elementary and secondary school students who are lagging behind to take part in the longer day.

Vanessa Hilton, the school district’s chief academic officer, said schools “have done a great deal of work, communicating with families about their options for semester two. In particular, lots of outreach to families of students who are struggling, or not making progress, in particular in MySchool Online.

“They spent a lot of time trying to welcome them back into in-school learning,” Hilton said.

The state required districts to develop and implement expanded spring academic intervention plans, including supplemental services and expanded learning opportunities, for those students who are not making gains or making progress.

To address that issue, the district will provide intervention needed in reading and/or mathematics, from Feb. 1 through May 22.

The program will run for 90 minutes at the end of the school day on Monday through Thursday afternoons, with an option for three-hour Saturday school for secondary students.

Transportation and snacks will be provided.

“Additionally, as part of the plan, we’ll also be building a monthly progress report to be shared with families, not just with students in extended learning, but any students who are not meeting expectation,” Hilton said. “That way, everyone is well-informed about how our students are progressing. This data is also required by the state.”

The extended learning will be offered in all schools. Students who meet the district’s criteria will be invited, but not required, to attend.

“This is not compulsory,” Superintendent Kurt Browning emphasized.

The district has reached out to parents of struggling students to help the students catch up.

“It is still up to the parent, as to whether or not they want their student to stay the extra hour and a half, Monday through Thursday, or take advantage of the Saturday session.

“It is there for them. We are spending great sums of money to make sure their students are successful and where they need to be, but the parent still calls the shots,” the superintendent said.

School board member Allen Altman said he wishes the district could require students who are struggling to receive the extra help. He said he’s personally aware of situations, and teachers have told him of others, in which students and their parents are both entirely disengaged.

While the district can’t require students to attend, Altman said it should strongly encourage them to do so. He doesn’t want the district to be held responsible for the lack of progress — when the district is extending opportunities for students to improve their academic performance.

Hilton also noted that if there are students who continue to be learning virtually, but are struggling, “it is entirely possible” for them to attend the extra instructional sessions.

However, they would need to do so at school because the grant funding for the program requires face-to-face instruction.

“School leaders and teachers really do want to serve students who are struggling,” Hilton said.

She also addressed Altman’s concern.

“I do know that their invitations will be more like recommendations. That’s also what they did to try to encourage families to come back from MySchool Online, if students were not successful there,” Hilton said.

Published January 27, 2021

Shedding light on human trafficking

January 26, 2021 By Mary Rathman

The Human Trafficking Foundation raises awareness to educate communities about the perils of men, women and children enslaved through human trafficking. This form of modern-day slavery involves the exploitation of vulnerable persons through commercial sex, forced labor or involuntary servitude.

(Courtesy of The Human Trafficking Foundation)

On a local scale, according to national human trafficking hotline tips and complaints, Florida ranks as third in the proliferation of human trafficking, with the Tampa Bay area being second in the state.

The David Maus Foundation will sponsor the annual Light Up the Night Human Trafficking Awareness Event scheduled for Jan. 30, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at The Shops at Wiregrass, 28211 Paseo Drive in Wesley Chapel.

The free, family friendly event will take place at the shopping center’s parking garage, upper level.

There will be live music by Brooke Robertson; intermission music hosted by Northwest Community Church; a performance by Vine Church’s Dunamis Dance Ministry; a Kids’ Zone; a teen area with games; educational speakers; and, a candlelight ceremony to conclude the event.

To learn more about the Human Trafficking Foundation, visit HTFoundation.us.

If you think you have come into contact with a victim of human trafficking in Pasco, Hillsborough or Pinellas County, call the National Trafficking Information and Referral Hotline at 888-373-7888.

Published January 27, 2021

Parent questions school quarantine policy

January 26, 2021 By B.C. Manion

When Mike Kidd’s daughter was exposed to someone at Sunlake High who tested positive for COVID-19, the school called to inform the family that she would need to quarantine.

Kidd took it in stride.

After all, the district has been asking families to do their part to help stop the spread of the virus.

In fact, he told the school that there were two other girls in the family that attend the same school, so his family would keep them home, too.

Initially, the school official agreed.

But then, the family was notified that the two girls who had not been directly exposed were deemed as being absent from school.

When the family tried to explain they were keeping the girls at home because their sister had been exposed to COVID-19, they were told that wasn’t the district’s policy, Kidd said.

The district’s practice follows the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s guidance, Steve Hegarty, a spokesman for Pasco County Schools, said via email.

The Department of Health — Pasco County also follows the CDC’s guidance, according to an email from Melissa Watts, spokeswoman for the health department.

But that doesn’t make sense to Kidd, who said if his daughter was exposed at school and came down with the virus, it was very likely that the virus would be spread to his other two daughters, since they are frequently in close contact with each other.

“Obviously if students wearing masks and “socially distanced” at school would need to quarantine, my other daughters who sleep in the same room, lay in the same bed/couch and watch movies, hug, etc., should also quarantine,” Kidd told The Laker/Lutz News, in a letter to the editor, he sent via email.

It just seems practical to quarantine the student’s siblings, when another student in the family is required to quarantine, he said.

Hegarty explained the school district’s practice works like this: “The family would have received a call from the school, as well as an official letter from the Pasco Health Department informing them of the need to quarantine their daughter. That letter would not have instructed anyone else in the home to quarantine because there was no evidence that any other family members had been in close contact with a person who tested positive.”

Hegarty said the district requires quarantine only “for those students and staff members who were in close contact.”

He also noted: “What definitely would not be practical is requiring quarantine for anyone who came in close contact with a person who came in close contact with a person who tested positive.

The district has had thousands of students quarantining and the number would be much higher, if it followed the practice of quarantining all siblings, Hegarty wrote. In fact, that practice could result in entire school populations being sent home, in some cases.

A parent can decide to keep a student at home, Hegarty said.

“It will be marked as an absence. It could be an excused absence, but still an absence. It would be up to the school and the family to ensure that the students don’t fall behind academically – regardless of whether they are quarantined or simply absent,” the school district spokesman said.

Pasco County Schools, COVID numbers*
1,319 positive student cases; 16,999 students impacted
594 positive employee cases; 1,492 employees impacted
Impacted cases are those who were required to stay away from school due to a positive case that resulted in quarantine.

* As of Jan. 25

Source: Pasco County Schools

Published January 27, 2021

The legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., lives on

January 26, 2021 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Saint Leo University students, faculty and staff took part in a variety of volunteer activities, both on campus and off, to honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., in the university’s annual MLK Day of Service, according to a university news release.

Geossica Madden, a freshman from Jamaica, volunteered to clean the Greek Life benches at Saint Leo University. This is her first semester on campus and she was eager to get involved. (Courtesy of Christine Lear/Saint Leo University)

With masks firmly in place and social distancing enforced, Saint Leo University volunteers went to work off campus on Jan. 18, volunteering for Habitat for Humanity of East and Central Pasco in Dade City, and Gulfside Hospice Thrift Shoppe in Zephyrhills. On Jan. 19, volunteers participated in a virtual “read-in” for students at St. Anthony Catholic School in San Antonio.

On campus, students, faculty and staff had multiple opportunities to engage in charitable and beautification efforts.

Those efforts included making peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, putting together meals, and distributing them in Clearwater for Someone Cares Tampa Bay. Volunteers worked at Gulfside Hospice Thrift Shoppe and Habitat for Humanity of East and Central Pasco, and performed cleaning and beautification tasks on campus.

King’s birthday is honored each year with a national holiday. The slain civil rights leader was known for inspiring others to be of service. He once described the importance of service this way: “Everybody can be great … because anybody can serve. You don’t have to have a college degree to serve. You don’t have to make your subject and verb agree to serve. You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love.”

Published January 27, 2021