The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Local News

Rezoning request calls for convenience store in Lutz

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A hearing on a proposed rezoning that would allow a gas station and carwash on the east side of U.S. 41, about 900 feet north of Sunset Lane, has been postponed until next month.

The hearing had been set for Dec. 14, but has been rescheduled to Jan. 19 at 6 p.m. It will be held at Robert W. Saunders Sr. Public Library, 1505 N. Nebraska Ave., in Tampa.

Applicant RKM Development Corp., is seeking to rezone the 2.6-acre parcel at 18601 U.S. 41, to allow a 4,650-square-foot convenience store and 16 gas pumps, as well as a car wash.

This property could become the home of a convenience store and car wash, under a proposed rezoning in Lutz. (B.C. Manion)

The land, owned by Lutz Realty and Investment LLC, currently is zoned for agricultural and single-family conventional use. The request calls for rezoning the site to become a planned development zoning.

The request has attracted opposition.

“A number of Lutz residents do not like this proposal,” Jay Muffly, a longtime Lutz resident, wrote in an email to The Laker/Lutz News.

Thomas Pinta, of 405 W. Lutz Lake Fern Road, has voiced his opposition in a document included in Hillsborough County’s file on the request.

“As a longtime, 30-plus years’ resident of Lutz, I have seen unnecessary development over and over,” Pinta wrote.

He recommended that the hearing be held in a more convenient location, to give Lutz residents an opportunity to voice their thoughts on the request. He suggested the Lutz Branch Library, at 101 W. Lutz Lake Fern Road, in the heart of Lutz, as a better place to hold the meeting than a library located near Ybor City in Tampa.

Planners for the Planning Commission have reviewed the request.

In the rezoning file, Jiwuan Haley, senior planner, notes: “The site is not a qualifying intersection and does not meet commercial locational criteria.”

The zoning file indicates that the site of the proposed rezoning is outside of the Hillsborough County urban services area, but is next to a 12-inch county water line. There is no Hillsborough County wastewater line of adequate capacity currently available.

The property is subject to the Lutz Rural Development Standards, according to information included in the file.

Another detail reported in the file is that the applicant is proposing a reduction of the eastern perimeter buffer from the required 20 feet, down to 5 feet.

The reduction is needed, according to the file, to allow the maneuverability necessary for trucks to reach the proposed solid waste dumpster.

The transportation report, prepared by Palm Traffic of Tampa, shows the estimated daily trip ends at 3,697, including a substantial number of stops by motorists that already would be passing by the area.

The report estimates there would be 225 trip ends during the a.m. peak hours, including 83 new inbound trips and 84 new outbound trips.

During the p.m. peak hours, there would be 64 new inbound and 62 new outbound trips.

The report also notes that Hillsborough County’s capital improvement program calls for adding westbound and southbound dual left-turn lanes on Sunset Lane, and for a signal rebuild at the intersection. Construction of that project is expected to start in early 2021, the traffic analysis says.

The public hearing on the request will be conducted in a hybrid format, meaning those wishing to participate can do so virtually, through the use of technology, or in person.

Published December 09, 2020

Public asked to do more to help in COVID-19 battle

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Increasing COVID-19 cases in Tampa Bay has prompted the Florida Department of Health in Hillsborough, Pasco and Pinellas counties to urge members to help fight the spread.

Those officials are asking the public to follow guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to prevent the spread of COVID-19 during quarantine or isolation.

Quarantine is used to keep someone who might have been exposed to COVID-19 away from others, says a news release issued by the health department.

Quarantine can help prevent the spread of disease that can occur before a person knows they are sick or if they are infected with the virus without feeling symptoms.
People who have been in close contact with someone who has COVID-19 need to quarantine. In addition, if someone has been tested but unaware of exposure, they should remain in quarantine until they receive a negative result, the news release says.

People in quarantine, including those who feel sick and/or are waiting for test results, should stay home, separate themselves from others, monitor their health, and follow directions from their state or local health department.
The Tampa Bay health departments shared the CDC’s guidance.

Close contact means:

  • You were within 6 feet of someone who has COVID-19 for a total of 15 minutes or more
    • You provided care at home to someone who is sick with COVID-19
    • You had direct physical contact with the person (hugged or kissed them)
    • You shared eating or drinking utensils
    • They sneezed, coughed or somehow got respiratory droplets on you
    During quarantine:
  • Stay home for at least 14 days (check current guidance) after your last contact with a person who has COVID-19.
    • Watch for fever (100.4F), cough, shortness of breath, or other symptoms of COVID-19.
    • If possible, stay away from others, especially people who are at higher risk for getting very sick from COVID-19.
    Isolation is used to separate people who are infected with COVID-19 from those who are not.

People who are in isolation should stay home until it’s safe for them to be around others. 
In the home, if you are sick or infected:

• Monitor symptoms.
• Stay in a separate room from other household members, if possible.
• Use a separate bathroom, if possible.
• Avoid contact with other members of the household and pets.
• Don’t share personal household items, such as cups, towels and utensils.
• Wear a mask when around other people, if possible.

If you live with someone with COVID-19:

• Try to stay at least 6 feet away from the sick person.
• If you have to share space, make sure the room has good air flow.
• Open the window to increase air circulation.
• Improve ventilation to help remove respiratory droplets from the air.
• Avoid having unnecessary visitors.
If you are caring for someone with COVID-19 at home or in a non-health care setting:
• The person who is sick should eat (or be fed) in their room, if possible.
• Wash dishes and utensils using gloves and hot water: handle any dishes, cups/glasses or silverware used by the person who is sick with gloves. Wash them with soap and hot water or in a dishwasher.
• Clean hands after taking off gloves or handling used items.
• Do not share dishes, cups/glasses, silverware, towels, bedding, or electronics (like a cellphone) with the person who is sick.
• The person who is sick should wear a mask when they are around other people (Masks should not be placed on young children under age 2, anyone who has trouble breathing, or is not able to remove the covering without help.)
• The caregiver should put on a mask and ask the sick person to put on a mask before entering the room.
• Wear gloves when you touch or have contact with the sick person’s blood, stool or body fluids, such as saliva, mucus, vomit and urine. Throw out gloves into a lined trash can and wash your hands right away.
• Practice everyday preventive actions to keep from getting sick: wash your hands often; avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth; and, frequently clean and disinfect surfaces.
• Clean and disinfect “high-touch” surfaces and items every day: This includes tables, doorknobs, light switches, handles, desks, toilets, faucets, sinks and electronics.

The Florida Department of Health encourages individuals to discuss any questions or concerns with their primary care provider.

For more information to help prevent household spread of COVID-19, go to CDC.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/index.html.

For more information on how to protect yourself and others from COVID-19, visit CDC.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/.

For general information on COVID-19 in Florida, visit FloridaHealth.gov/covid-19, email , or call 866-779-6121.

Published December 09, 2020

Agricultural zoning allowed, with conditions

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Charles Gilbert Tucker received the approval he wanted for a small tree farm on a 5.46-acre tract, 1,750 feet south of Cypress Lane and Dupree Lane, in Land O’ Lakes.

Tucker said he needed the rezoning, in order for the property to qualify for an agricultural exemption, for taxing purposes.

The Pasco County Commission approved the request on Nov. 17, contingent on Tucker obtaining a deed restriction to limit operations on the site to a pine tree farm, and other non-commercial farm uses.

The deed restriction is intended to prevent uses that could have negative impacts on neighbors.

Pasco County Commission Mike Moore recommended a deed restriction be added to Tucker’s property, noting that it was a solution discussed during the Pasco County Planning Commission’s consideration of the request.

Tucker had agreed to the restriction, but planning commissioners did not require it when recommending approval.

Moore asked Tucker if he remained willing to obtain a deed restriction, and the property owner said he has no objections to doing so.

Tucker said he plans to use the property for a pine tree farm and for citrus trees for personal use.

The rezoning won’t take effect until Tucker obtains the deed restriction.

Published December 09, 2020

Volunteers needed for Penny for Pasco committee

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Pasco County is recruiting volunteers for the Jobs and Economic Opportunities Committee.

The nine-member board oversees the Penny for Pasco sales tax program, including the Jobs and Economic Opportunities Trust Fund.

Duties include reviewing proposed Penny for Pasco projects to ensure they will create new jobs and boost economic growth.

The deadline to apply is Dec. 13. Applicants should submit a letter of interest and a resume to Economic Growth Manager David Engel at .

Members are appointed by the Pasco County Board of Commission for one- or two-year terms.

The committee meets, at minimum, on a quarterly basis. Also, an annual report is presented to county commissioners.

Members represent county industries, such as finance/banking, agriculture, real estate, and manufacturing, and other private industries.

Voters approved the penny sales tax in 2004 for city, county and school board improvements. It was renewed in 2012 for another 10 years. The county created the trust fund in 2015 specifically for targeted industry jobs and economic development that boosts the local economy. It generates about $60 million annually.

Projects paid with the penny tax include sheriff’s vehicles and equipment; conservation land purchases; transportation improvements, such as road construction and intersection upgrades; and various district school construction.

In the first round of Penny for Pasco revenues totaled more than $320 million, according to the county’s website. From January 2015 to Dec. 31, 2024, revenues are expected to reach about $700 million.

Published December 09, 2020

Giving a gift from the heart — and from your kitchen, too

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Whether you are giving a gift, or receiving one, chances are food could be involved.

Gifts of food have been on the rise in recent years — for all occasions, from birthday to holidays.

New companies have been popping up in the food niche, offering specialty gourmet food and gift baskets.

Don’t know what to give someone for the holidays? You don’t have to find just the right thing in the store, you can make just the right thing at home. Food gifts have become increasingly popular. These bread-and-butter pickles were a present from a friend. (Courtesy of Shari Bresin)

Gifts from these companies may be convenient, but there are many reasons to consider making your own homemade food gifts instead.

You may be wondering, what makes homemade food such a good gift?

The answer is simple: It’s because we love to eat.

It’s also one of those feel-good gifts that makes both the giver and receiver happy.

Just about everyone eats and nibbles on treats, so this type of gift typically can be enjoyed by all.

Homemade food also can be comforting — a practical, and a thoughtful expression of appreciation and love.

Christmas cookies and fruitcakes often come to mind, in terms of holiday food gifts. But, there’s a range of other flavorful and unique foods that can be made, with the recipient in mind.

Here are some other reasons to consider giving the gift of homemade food:

  • It’s affordable: You can make recipes that will provide a number of gifts at one time. For instance, you can make a few batches of flavored popcorn and create individual bags of popcorn, with a card and a bow.
  • It’s less wasteful: By giving recipients foods you know they enjoy, you don’t have to worry about giving them something they do not want.
  • It can be unique: If the recipient has special dietary needs, for instance, you can personalize your gift by making a healthier version of a recipe. So, in addition to giving the gift, you’re conveying that you care, which may leave the recipient feeling appreciated.
  • It can be fun for the giver and recipient: By sharing his or her passion, the giver can create a uniquely crafted food gift; the recipient, meanwhile can enjoy something other than a standard store-bought gift.

Some homemade food gift ideas
Mason jars and tins are two popular ways to present gifts.

If you’re crafty, you can dress up these packages, to add a special touch and give them a unique look.

Here are some ideas for gifts to present, in jars and tins:

  • Mason jars holding the dry ingredients for a cake. Just add a card with baking directions.

This gift is ideal for friends and family who love your cakes or want to bake their own with a homemade recipe but don’t know how.

  • Tins of cookies. A tin of soft chocolate chip or sugar cookies is a simple, but pleasing gift, for the afternoon snacker.
  • Jars or tins of seasoned nuts. The type of nut and type of seasoning can vary. Nuts offer a healthier gift option.
  • Jars of dry rub seasoning or herbed salts using homegrown garden herbs. This is a great gift for cooks who enjoy cooking with different flavors.
  • Jars of flavored simple syrups. These are great for those who like to top off their favorite desserts, coffee or just fruit, with a dab of sweetness.
  • Jars of handcrafted tea blends with common culinary herbs, spices and dried fruit. This is a big hit with tea drinkers.
  • Jars of pickled treats that have been canned, such as okra or cauliflower. This can make a surprising treat, and a break from the norm.

Don’t forget about food safety
Food gifts can be enjoyable to make and receive, but care must be taken to be sure that they also are safe. Care must be taken when preparing food gifts and in storing perishable items.

Before sending a food gift by mail or delivery, be sure to check the USDA mail order food safety list for its limits on refrigerated foods.

The USDA’s Complete Guide to Home Canning has dozens of recipes for those that like canning.

You also can read the online version of the canning guide free here, broken up by chapter, at https://nchfp.uga.edu/publications/publications_usda.html.

By Shari Bresin

Shari Bresin is the Family & Consumer Science agent for the University of Florida/Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Cooperative Extension Pasco County.

Recipe: Bread-and-Butter pickles

Source: The USDA’s Complete Guide to Home Canning

https://nchfp.uga.edu/publications/publications_usda.html

Bread-and-Butter Pickles

Ingredients:
6 pounds of 4-inch to 5-inch pickling cucumbers
8 cups thinly sliced onions (about 3 pounds)
½ cup canning or pickling salt
4 cups vinegar (5%)
4-1/2 cups sugar
2 Tbsp mustard seed
1-1/2 Tbsp celery seed
1 Tbsp ground turmeric

Yields: About 8 pints

Directions:
Wash cucumbers
Cut 1/16-inch off blossom end and discard.
Cut into 3/16-inch slices.
Combine cucumbers and onions in a large bowl.
Add salt, cover with 2 inches crushed or cubed ice.
Refrigerate 3 hours to 4 hours, adding more ice as needed.
Combine remaining ingredients in a large pot.
Boil 10 minutes.
Drain and add cucumbers and onion, and slowly reheat to boiling.
Fill hot pint jars with slices and cooking syrup, leaving ½-inch headspace.
Remove air bubbles and adjust headspace, if needed.
Wipe rims of jars with a dampened clean paper towel.
Adjust lids and process for 10 minutes at 0-1,000 foot altitude.

Published December 09, 2020

Elected leaders take oath of office

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Swearing-in ceremonies were held earlier this month, for elected leaders.

Pasco County Commission members Jack Mariano, Ron Oakley and Kathryn Starkey, who were reelected to new terms, and Christina Fitzpatrick, newly elected to the board, each took the oath of office.

Mariano’s swearing-in ceremony was in the board’s New Port Richey chamber, while the other commissioners were sworn-in at the board’s Dade City chambers.

The Pasco County Commission is expected to have its organizational meeting, where the chairman is selected on Dec. 9, after The Laker/Lutz News press deadline.

At Pasco County Schools’ district headquarters in Land O’ Lakes, reelected Pasco County Superintendent of Schools Kurt Browning took the oath of office, as did reelected board members Colleen Beaudoin and Alison Crumley.

Meanwhile, in Hillsborough County, newly elected Hillsborough County Commissioners Harry Cohen and Gwen Myers, and reelected Commissioner Pat Kemp, each took the oath of office.

And, on the Hillsborough County School Board newly elected members Nadia Combs, Jessica Vaughn and Henry “Shake” Washington were sworn-in, as was Lynn Gray, who was reelected.

Published December 09, 2020

Homeless Coalition seeking rental properties

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The Coalition for the Homeless of Pasco County is seeking available rental properties to provide residences for its Housing Surge, which will house 225 currently homeless households — singles and families — over the next 180 days.

Those knowing about a house, mobile home or apartment posted for rent should take a photo of the sign with the contact information, and send it along with the street name and address to the coalition’s housing locator, Kelly Miller-Funk, at .

Landlords should send their contact information and the number of units owned. A weekly list of available units will be provided to case managers.

For more information, call the Coalition for the Homeless of Pasco County at 727-842-8605.

Published December 09, 2020

Super Bowl project seeking donations

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Community partners are teaming up with the National Football League, the Tampa Bay Super Bowl LV Host Committee and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for a Super Bowl project that will put books, sports equipment, school supplies and games into the hands of local children.

The Super Kids-Super Sharing campaign is looking to put sports equipment, books, school supplies and games into local children’s hands.

The project, called Super Kids-Super Sharing, has been implemented in every Super Bowl host community for the past 22 years, according to an NFL Green news release, and area residents are being invited to help.

Super Kids partners will host collections through Dec. 18 at their facilities, and donated items will be shared with the children the organizations serve, and with Repay Tampa Bay, and Boys and Girls Clubs of Tampa Bay.

Participating partners include the YMCAs of Tampa Bay, the Hillsborough Education Foundation, Hillsborough County Parks and Recreation, City of Tampa Parks and Recreation, the City of Tampa, Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful, and numerous schools in the Diocese of St. Petersburg.

New and very gently used books appropriate for schoolchildren, sports equipment of all types, school supplies, and board and video games can be dropped off at these locations:

  • Hillsborough Education Foundation, 2306 N. Howard Ave., Tampa: Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
  • Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful Environmental Education Center, 4398 N. Riverside Drive, Tampa: Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • New Tampa Recreation Center, 17302 Commerce Park Blvd.: Monday through Thursday from noon to 7 p.m., and Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon
  • East Pasco Family YMCA, 37301 Chapel Hill Loop, Zephyrhills: Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • New Tampa Family YMCA, 16221 Compton Drive, Tampa: Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Gently used donated items should be in excellent condition; new items also will be accepted.

For more details and complete list of participating partners and locations, visit tinyurl.com/y5pgafe3.

Published December 09, 2020

Pasco land development code changes are coming

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Changes are coming to Pasco County’s land development code — but most of them are minor fixes to the regulations that govern the way land can be used in the county.

One of the biggest changes in the proposed amendments involves the way requests for package sales and on-premises consumption of alcohol are approved.

Previously, the changes went to the Pasco County Planning Commission for a recommendation, and then to the Pasco County Commission for approval.

Under the amended land development code, the changes would go to the county’s administrative staff for approval, and to the planning commission for variance requests.

The county has rules about the minimum distance for alcohol sales from schools, parks and churches. If someone wants a variance from those rules, that request will be considered by the planning commission.

That process change is being made by staff, at the county commission’s request.

These are among the other changes being recommended:

  • The side setback can be reduced to no less than 5 feet for R-4 subdivisions developed after Dec. 8, 2020, as long as they meet drainage requirements and do not allow side entry
  • In neighborhood commercial districts: Adds fitness centers as a permitted principal use; adds sale of alcoholic beverages as permitted principal use, subject to administrative approval
  • In general commercial district: Adds sale of alcoholic beverages as permitted principal use, subject to administrative approval
  • In section regulating fraternal lodges and social and recreational clubs: Clarifies that lot area and setbacks for fraternal lodges and social and recreational clubs do not apply in such clubs proposed in certain locations and zoning categories. Also clarifies buffering and landscaping requirements
  • Amends a section regarding the County Commission’s jurisdiction to indicate that the board reserves the jurisdiction and authority to review and revoke Special Exception, and

Conditional Use, and Administrative Use Permit for the Sale of Alcoholic Beverages approvals.

  • In the section relating to mobile food operations, the requirement for a county permit is deleted, since that is now handled by the state.

No one spoke during the county board’s first public hearing, held on Nov. 17, on the proposed changes. Final action is expected during the 1:30 p.m. public hearing on Dec. 8, in New Port Richey, after The Laker/Lutz News press deadline.

Published December 09, 2020