The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Local News

Pasco County School Board approves $1.5 billion budget

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The Pasco County School Board has adopted a budget of more than $1.5 billion for the 2020-2021 fiscal year.

That’s an increase of more than $122 million over last year’s budget, Superintendent Kurt Browning said, during the board’s Sept. 15 meeting.

Browning outlined some key points about the budget.

It includes:

  • $704.3 million in the general operating budget
  • $401.4 million in the capital budget

The total tax millage is 5.922 mills, a decrease of .179 mills. Under the proposed rate, a homeowner of a $175,000 house, after the deduction of the $25,000 homestead, would pay $26.85 less per year than last year.

The general operating budget increased from $666.6 million to $704.3 million. The district received additional funds totaling $24.1 million in state funding.

Out of the $24.1 million:

  • $10.1 million is set aside for School Choice, that is charter schools and scholarships
  • $4.9 million for retirement increases
  • $1.3 million for insurance increases
  • $3.4 million for 68.91 personnel allocations for schools and 5.17 personnel allocations for the district
  • $1.2 million for the continuation of costs related to Project Rise, general paper and dual enrollment
  • $500,000 for property insurance, utilities and school resource officer contract increases

The operating budget includes costs for allocations and operating costs for Cypress Creek Middle School and the midyear opening of Starkey Ranch K-8.

The budget also includes $4.7 million to implement the teacher salary increase allocation. The district will use that allocation, along with funds from fiscal year 2019-2020, of $7.3 million for the Best and Brightest program, to increase the minimum base salary for full-time classroom teachers to approximately $45,000 per year.

The budget also includes raises of approximately 1.5% for all remaining staff.

The proposed capital budget of $401.4 million includes:

  • Construction of Starkey Ranch K-8 and Kirkland Ranch Academy of Innovation
  • Major renovations to Northwest Elementary and James M. Marlowe Elementary
  • Construction of a new bus loop at San Antonio Elementary School
  • Cafeteria renovations, replacement of heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems and infrastructure upgrades at various schools
  • Lease-purchase computers and school buses
  • Completion of the remodeling of Zephyrhills High School

The budget does not reflect the Coronavirus Aid Relief and Economic Security, CARES funds, totaling more than $14.4 million, which is being used to pay for expenses related to COVID-19.

There was no public comment or board discussion about the budget, which was approved unanimously by the board.

Published September 23, 2020

Hillsborough singled out for recreational efforts

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Hillsborough County Parks & Recreation has been singled out for two state honors from the Florida Recreation and Park Association.

The Hillsborough department won a 2020 Agency Excellence Award in the community building category, according to a Hillsborough County news release.

Hillsborough County Parks & Recreation received state recognition for its efforts to serve and enhance the community through its facilities and programming. Nature Program Specialist Brad Lympany was named the 2020 Rising Star for his work to build relationships with the community, and to develop programs including the county’s Hiking Spree program. (File)

That award recognizes the department’s efforts “to serve and enhance the community through its 166 parks, 118 playgrounds, 53 community centers, and nearly 50 sports complexes,” the release said. It also notes that the department manages 55 youth sports organizations, serving  26,439 youths last year.

Among its accomplishments, the release says, are:

  • The transformation of Lucy Dell Pond park from an overgrown water basin that attracted illegal dumping to an attractive pond featuring an LED-lit boardwalk and native landscaping.
  • The creation of Carrollwood Village Park, which turned a decommissioned wastewater treatment facility into a park with an amphitheater, fitness challenge course, skate park, dog park, splash park, inclusive playground, and 24-hour gym for county deputies.

The department also offers a wide range of licensed after-school and summer camp programs, which includes the Positive Coaching Alliance curriculum.

The programming has a strong component for those with disabilities, and the programs’ fee structure is designed to make the camps accessible to all youth.

The department also has partnerships with community groups, including the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, Boys & Girls Clubs of America, Tampa Bay Lightning, community HOAs and civic groups, including the Carrollwood Conservancy, and the Northdale Older Wiser Lives Seniors (OWLS), the release says.

Plus, the department fosters strong community involvement through more than 30 signature events, including the Northdale Family Fun Fest.

Other achievements include:

  • Efforts to change the way the urban forest is managed, including development of an urban forest master plan that calls for planting 27,000 trees by 2024
  • The All People’s Life Center, which hosts numerous tournaments, including those for wheelchair basketball, wheelchair rugby, and other adaptive programming
  • The Ed Radice Sports Complex, which includes five softball fields, eight baseball fields, nine soccer fields, and 10 horseshoe pits.

Besides winning the department award, Nature Program Specialist Brad Lympany was named the 2020 Rising Star for his work developing and implementing Parks & Recreation programs, and building relationships with the community, the release says.

Lympany was involved with several of the department’s most popular programs, including Hiking Spree, Senior’s Outdoor Active Recreation (SOAR), and Eco Adventure Camp.

Lympany works with a wide variety of community groups, including Outdoor Afro, which is dedicated to getting members of the African American community out on hiking trails, and the Florida Youth Conservation Centers Network, the release says.

Published September 23, 2020

Zephyrhills budget decreasing in 2020-2021

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The City of Zephyrhills has adopted its tentative budget for the upcoming fiscal year  — and it comes in slimmer than the current year, at $60,412,293.

The roughly $60.4 million budget for fiscal year 2020-2021 represents nearly an 8.8% decrease from this current fiscal year’s budget of $66,293,613. However, it’s slightly greater than the city’s budget two years ago of $59,433,368.

The Zephyrhills City Council had its first reading of the ordinance and first hearing on the proposed budget in a Sept. 14 regular meeting.

The council gave first-round approval, and will have a second reading and final reading before the new budget takes effect on Oct. 1.

The Zephyrhills City Council on Sept. 14 approved a $60,412,293 for fiscal year 2020-2021, based on a 6.35 millage rate. It represents a decrease of about $5.88 million, or 8.8% from the current budget. (File)

The proposed budget is based on an approved 6.35 millage rate, assessed on taxable value of property within the city.

At least one area where the city will begin to see marked savings is the merger of its fire department with Pasco County Fire Rescue. Savings in the first year of the interlocal agreement are tallied at $551,890 compared to the 2019-2020 budget of a fully funded municipal fire department.

The agreement (as well as extended employee benefits) will cost the city roughly $5.5 million total, generally spread out over a period of seven years. After fiscal year 2026-2027, the city won’t have to pay the county for fire rescue services — as it’d be solely propped up by an MSTU assessed to city residents and commercial entities, similar to how Dade City receives such services.

Here’s a rundown of some other proposed budget highlights by the city’s various departments:

Administrative/human resources:

  • 3.5% increase to total health care costs
  • 3% pay increase for employees won’t take effect until April 1, to give the city time to review revenues sources that may decrease as a result of COVID-19
  • City council and city attorney added to city’s 80/20 group health benefits plan
  • Administration expenses for personnel services increased by reclassifying the assistant city clerk position to a public information officer position
  • Human resources worker’s compensation decreased by $9,500 (3%), and property and casualty expenses increased by $51,914 (7%)

Airport:

  • $5.7 million state appropriation for the runway 1-19 extension
  • $800,000 fuel farm
  • $265,000 taxiway alpha design
  • $185,000 airfield beacons

Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA):

  • Revenues expected to increase to $426,470
  • $100,000 building façade grants ($50,000 to rentals; $50,000 to non-rentals/commercial properties)
  • $50,000 sidewalk improvements

 Parks:

  • $60,000 tractor/finish mower
  • $150,000 playground equipment
  • $18,000 re-roof park restrooms
  • $13,500 security camera upgrades
  • $2,500 carpet cleaner

Police:

  • $255,000 for five new vehicles
  • $54,969 for administrative solutions and digital surveillance software, solar speed signs, bulletproof vests, and rifles
  • $29,500 for police laptops and server (funded under IT)

Public Works:

  • $500,000 street resurfacings
  • $275,000 Stormwater Master Plan update
  • $80,000 tree chipper
  • $50,000 sign maintenance truck
  • $35,000 retention pond fencing
  • $30,000 pickup truck for building maintenance
  • $21,000 diagnostic scanner software for heavy vehicles, maintenance building awning/rain splash guards and overhead shop fans

Sanitation:

  • $300,000 new front load commercial garbage truck
  • $40,000 curotto-can cart lift
  • $10,000 city yard security cameras
  • $2,500 diagnostic scanner software for heavy vehicles

Water major projects:

  • $1.5 million water line from Phelps Road to Simons Road along Fort King Road
  • $1 million design of utilities building and land clearing
  • $800,000 water line from Alston Avenue to Tucker Road along U.S. 301
  • $150,000 line replacement
  • $80,000 generator for well No. 12
  • $75,000 for two new utility trucks
  • $75,000 GIS mapping
  • $70,000 well rehabilitation
  • $30,000 supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) system

Wastewater major projects:

  • $1.5 million reclaimed water line from Zephyrhills High School to Zephyr Lakes along Dairy Road
  • $1 million surge tank
  • $425,000 new vac truck
  • $350,000 sewer line replacement
  • $350,000 rehabilitation of three lift stations
  • $200,000 rehabilitation of approximately 100 manholes
  • $75,000 lift station generator
  • $70,000 digester cleaning
  • $60,000 new truck
  • $30,000 sludge holding tank coating

Aside from big-ticket departmental expenses, the city budgeted $2.3 million for U.S. 301/Pretty Pond intersection improvements, which is coming from a state appropriation; and $1.1 million towards County Road 54 improvements east of Hercules Park, funded via Penny for Pasco revenues. Elsewhere, the city allocated $40,000 in funding for the East Pasco Family YMCA, and $14,000 for youth sports program grants.

Published September 23, 2020

Hype over Asian hornets threatens innocent insects

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The world was turned on its head when “Jaws” was released in 1975.

The phenomenally successful movie made people wonder: Was it safe to go back in the water?

Concerns over safety, however, led to the millions of shark deaths.

Yellow jackets, another common Florida wasp, also are mistaken for ‘murder hornets.’ Yellow jackets are beneficial. They prey upon insect pests. (Courtesy of Celeste Welty/Ohio State University)

While 1975 could arguably be called “the year of the shark,” this year might be called the year of “the insect.”

Headlines have honed in on giant Asian hornets, also known as “murder hornets,” and that has created confusion — putting innocent insects in harm’s way.

The invasive giant Asian hornet was trapped in the state of Washington in 2019, and it also was captured across the border, in Canada.

This invader is native to Asia and most likely accidentally introduced to the United States, through a shipping container on a cargo ship.

The state of Washington quickly mobilized local beekeepers and state agricultural biologists to track, trap and destroy the hornets effectively leaving Washington state, and the rest of the U.S., murder-hornet free.

Just recently — at the end of August — there were more sightings in the state of Washington, so experimental traps are being set to see if they can find out more about them.

When the insect was first discovered in Washington, a news story was published raising alarms nationwide —leading to hundreds of reported sightings.

Those sightings were not murder hornets.

But, the fear  prevails.

Jun-ichi Takahasi, a specialist on the species from Japan, says that the hornet earned the “murder hornet” moniker from its aggressive behavior, its ability to deliver extremely painful stings and for the possibility that just a few stings can be fatal for humans, according to a report published this May.

Understandably, the public is concerned.

Beekeepers are concerned, too, since the hornet is adept at killing adult honeybees and feeding the larvae to its young.

Florida, popular for its beaches and warm winters and hot summers, has a conducive environment for invasive plants and species.

It has vines that choke the life out of native plant populations and pythons that choke the life out of native wildlife.

The giant Asian hornet has a yellow head, a black thorax, and yellow and black or brown stripes along its abdomen, making its size and color quite distinctive compared to any other insect in Florida. (Courtesy of Allan Smith-Pardo/USDA APHIS PPQ)

Florida also has plenty of wild areas where invasive pests can hide.

However, there have been no verified sightings of murder hornets in Florida, or nearly anywhere else in the U.S.

Still, the fear about murder hornets could endanger Florida’s native and beneficial insects that just so happen to resemble the now-famous hornet species.

These beneficial insects could be in jeopardy, just as sharks fell victim to human overreaction and sensationalism.

Here’s a look at some of the insects that could be at risk.

The most common wasp species mistaken for the giant Asian hornet is the cicada killer, also known as ground hornets.

Large and intimidating, cicada killers are not harmful. In fact, they help control the population of damaging plant-eating cicadas. There are a few species in Florida and throughout the Caribbean. Generally, they are not aggressive, but they are capable of stinging, if provoked.

Although not considered dangerous, any of the wasp species can be harmful to those with allergies, small children and the elderly.

It’s best to not encourage them to live close by using mulch to cover bare soil and, if necessary, using labeled insecticides can rid an area of the wasps.

Cicada killer colors, depending on the species, appear red to black with large, yellow spots. While the cicada killer is large, compared to other wasp species at 1.5-inches long, they pale in comparison to the giant Asian hornet which can grow to more than 2.5-inches long.

The giant Asian hornet has a yellow head, a black thorax, and yellow and black or brown stripes along its abdomen, making its size and color quite distinctive compared to any other insect in Florida.

The common paper wasp, commonly mistaken for a ‘murder hornet,’ is beneficial. It helps to pollinate plants and makes a great biological pest control, controlling damaging caterpillars. (Courtesy of Russ Ottens/University of Georgia)

Another wasp — the common paper wasp — also is commonly mistaken for a ‘murder hornet.” The paper wasp typically keeps to itself, but it can sting, if provoked.

Paper wasps are beneficial. They help to pollinate plants and they make a great biological pest control, controlling damaging caterpillars.

They can sting to protect their nests, but they typically are not a problem.

If they do become a problem, careful application of a labeled aerosol spray in the evening, after the wasps have returned to their nest, can address the issue.

Yellow jackets, another common Florida wasp, also are mistaken for “murder hornets.”

Yellow jackets are more aggressive in defending their homes than other wasp species, but they, too, are beneficial. They prey upon insect pests. Yellow jackets are distinctive in their coloration, which consists of a black body with bright, yellow stripes.

Another ground-dwelling wasp — the bald-faced hornet — also sometimes is mistaken for the giant Asian hornet. But, the bald-faced hornet wasp has very distinctive black and white coloration, and dwells in aerial nests.

The bald-faced hornet also is not a threat.

All of these wasps are hornets. Hornet is just a term for wasps that typically have above-ground nests. Yellow jacket is a term generally reserved for those wasps with underground nests.

People are concerned about the potential spread of the giant Asian hornets.

But, they can rest assured that the United States Department of Agriculture and Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services are vigilant.

They are constantly monitoring for invasive pathogens, insects and viruses that have potential to do harm to the native bees and wildlife, including the vitally important European honey bees, which surprisingly, are not a native species.

As sharks have been killed needlessly over the past four decades, innocent insects are being killed more frequently because of mistaken identity.

Those actions lead to potential ecological damage, as populations of native and non-native beneficial species are affected.

Many of these insects help pollinate crops, home gardens and ornamental plants.

They also can serve as important food sources for other animals.

Florida is rich in plant and animal diversity — so mistaken identities are understandable, but caution and patience should govern our reactions.

To learn more on this topic, visit:
Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services – FDACS.gov
Florida Wildlife Commission – MyFWC.com
University of Florida/IFAS Pasco Cooperative Extension Office – SFYL.ifas.ufl.edu/pasco/.

Controlling wasps
Wasps play a beneficial role and should not be killed unnecessarily, but occasional control may be needed. If so, here are some things to keep in mind:

  • For yellow jackets (wasps nesting below ground), call in a licensed, pest control operator. These wasps are aggressive, and it’s difficult to get to the nests.
  • For hornets, or wasp species with small nests, use aerosol sprays labeled for their use on wasps. These types of spray can be sprayed from several feet away from the nest, to help avoid stings.
  • For large, aerial nests in trees, consult a licensed professional for removal options.

Need help?
If you believe you have spotted something unknown to our state, potentially dangerous, or simply unusual, there are resources to help with identification, and if necessary, offer control strategies.

The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Cooperative Extension Service can help with identification and can help you learn more about the insects.

The Florida Wildlife Commission and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services also are good sources of information.

Source: Whitney C. Elmore, is the UF/IFAS Pasco County Extension director and an Urban Horticulture Agent III.

Dr. Whitney C. Elmore is the UF/IFAS Pasco County Extension director and an Urban Horticulture Agent III.

Published September 23, 2020

Upgrades set for Tank Hill water facility

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Construction is slated to begin on the multimillion-dollar Tank Hill water facility renovation project.

The Dade City Commission on Sept. 10 awarded a contract to Clearwater-based KAT Construction & Materials Inc., in the amount of $3,325,580 for the improvement project.

The figure marked the lowest submitted proposal among six bids, which were gathered back in July. The proposal was also considered acceptable by Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) criteria.

The scope of the large-scale project generally calls for a new elevated storage tank and water supply well upgrades, plus miscellaneous site work, and electrical and instrumentation modifications:

  • Installation of a new 500-foot deep water supply well
  • Installation of a new deep well vertical turbine pump with associated piping, appurtenances and well pad
  • Two new booster pumps and hydropneumatics tank
  • New sodium hypochlorite feed system

The contractor has 540 calendar days, or roughly a year-and-a-half, from the start of construction to complete the upgrades.

Improvements are being funded through a construction loan agreement; debt service will be included in each annual budget.

The project’s timeline was slightly delayed from months ago, as on-site pre-bidding meetings had to be rescheduled as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Published September 23, 2020

Political Agenda 09/23/2020

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Candidate forums set for Pasco candidates
The Pasco County NAACP is hosting two Zoom candidate forums to help voters become more educated before the Nov. 3 general election.

The forums will be conducted via Zoom on Sept. 29 and Sept. 30, and will run from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., each night. Registration is required.

The Sept. 29 forum will feature candidates for U.S. House District 12, Florida Senate District 20 and Florida House Districts 36, 37 and 38. The link to register is tinyurl.com/y6ro5xwa.

The Sept. 30 forum will feature candidates for Pasco County Superintendent of Schools and Pasco County Commission District 3 and District 5. The link to register is tinyurl.com/y5gc3xkg.

Candidates who have agreed to participate include: Kimberly Walker, U.S. House District 12; Kathy Lewis, Florida Senate District 20 Special Election; Dan Endonino, Florida House District 36; Tammy Garcia, Florida House District 37; Brian Staver, Florida House District 38; Kurt Browning and Cynthia Thompson, Superintendent of Schools; Jessica Stempien, County Commission District 3; Brandi Geoit, Jack Mariano and Victor Rodriguez, County Commission District 5.

The Pasco County NAACP and the Pasco Unit of the League of Women Voters of Hillsborough County worked together to send invitations to all candidates in the Pasco County General Elections.

The Pasco NAACP is taking the candidate forums forward. The Pasco Unit of the League of Women Voters is unable to co-host because of a national league policy that requires at least two candidates in each election race participate in the forums.

For more information, email Clyde Carter, president of the Pasco NAACP, at .

Sheriffs endorse Danny Burgess
Danny Burgess, a candidate for Florida Senate District 20, has been endorsed by Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister, Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd and Pasco County Sheriff Chris Nocco, according to a release from Burgess’ campaign.

Simpson endorses Maggard
Wilton Simpson, who is set to become president of the Florida Senate, has endorsed Randy Maggard in the race for State House District 38, according to a release from Maggard’s campaign.

Torres endorses Kathy Lewis
Florida State Sen. Victor “Vic” M. Torres Jr., has endorsed Kathy Lewis in the Florida State Senate District 20 race, according to a release from the Lewis campaign.

Create a Monarch haven and help the ecosystem

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Pat Hendricks, left, of The Highlands at Scotland Yard, accepts her Monarch Haven yard sign from Julie Hale, a member of the garden club and the certification team. (Courtesy of the Dade City Garden Club)

Monarch butterflies are among the most easily recognizable of the butterfly species with their brilliant orange and black coloring.

Monarch migration is one of the greatest natural phenomena in the world.

After noting that Monarchs were not as visible in recent years, the Dade City Garden Club did some research and found that nearly 1 billion Monarchs had vanished since 1990, with the loss of habitat and pesticide use among the reasons for the decline.

In October 2018, the Dade City Garden Club began discussions with the city’s mayor and the Dade City Commission on having Dade City declared a Monarch City USA.

A proclamation was issued in March 2019, which came with a pledge “to work together to restore habitat for the brilliant butterfly species in the community.”

The Dade City Garden Club’s annual ornament fundraiser this year recognizes Dade City as a Monarch City USA. Ornaments cost $22, and the proceeds are used to maintain the club’s historic building and grounds, and to support community projects. The ornaments can be purchased from any garden club member or at The Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce office. (Courtesy of The Dade City Chamber of Commerce)

The Dade City Garden Club now has launched a program to encourage the community to create Monarch Butterfly Havens.

A haven contains milkweed and other larval plants to support the species’ breeding process, nectar plants to feed the adult butterflies, and is maintained without the use of pesticides.

Upon certification (a free community service), the gardener is awarded a customized certificate and can purchase a sign to display in their yard.

The program encourages education and joy, but also helps to sustain the ecosystem and to produce natural resources by helping plants reproduce.

Tips for creating a haven for Monarchs are included in the application for certification, which is limited to gardens within the Dade City zip code areas (33523, 33525, 33526) and to members of the Dade City Garden Club.

Applications can be picked up at City Hall, The Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce, The Hugh Embry Branch Library, and area plant nurseries, including Cindy Seifert Art Garden, Cindy’s Secret Place, and the Gardens Nursery and Rock Yard.

For information or a digital application, email .

The garden club has scheduled a plant sale for Oct. 24 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., which will feature plants propagated by the club members, including pesticide-free butterfly plants.

Published September 23, 2020

Local nonprofit group in danger of closing

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The Alzheimer’s Family Organization (AFO), which has been serving the Tampa Bay area for more than two decades, is in danger of closing, according to a news release from the organization.

The AFO provides free services to caregivers with loved ones suffering from Alzheimer’s disease and other related dementias, but now it’s in need of help itself.

The nonprofit relies almost entirely on fundraising as their source of income, but because of the COVID-19 pandemic, fundraising has come to a halt.

The AFO had five major fundraisers set up for 2020 spread out over the eight-county service area: Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco, Hernando, Citrus, Lake, Marion, and Sumter.

It held one fundraiser just days before the state shut down due to the pandemic, but had to cancel the other four.

To stretch the remaining funds, the brick-and-mortar office building in Spring Hill was closed to allow staff to continue to provide support to caregivers.

Based on current estimates, funding will be exhausted by Thanksgiving, the release says.

The organization hopes to raise the $200,000 it needs to sustain services until early summer of next year, with the hope that fundraising can resume.

Should the AFO close, countless numbers of caregivers will lose vital support and services to help them successfully care for their loved ones, such as support groups, wanderer’s reunification, education, coaching and other needed services as they walk their journey of this disease.

To find out more or to donate, visit AlzheimersFamily.org, or call (352) 616-0170.

Published September 23, 2020

She finds her true joy in equestrian competition

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Around the rim of Reagan Moore’s bedroom there are dozens and dozens of championship ribbons — different sizes, different colors — each telling the story of how her interest in horses went from immediate fascination to dedicated obsession.

Lutz’s Reagan Moore and her American Saddle Bred mare Mountain View’s Last Dance were awarded sixth place at the World’s Championship Horse Show Saddle Seat Country Pleasure division. (Courtesy of Allison Moore)

Moore, a 14-year-old Lutz equestrian, had her finest hour to date in August, at the World’s Championship Horse Show in Louisville, Kentucky, finishing sixth in the 13-and-under Saddle Seat Country Pleasure division.

Aboard her beloved black American Saddle Bred mare Whitney (known as Mountain View’s Last Dance during competition), Moore displayed expert discipline, timing and poise. She guided her horse through an intricate pattern of walking, trotting, extended trotting, then a halt (where the horse must stand on all four feet and not move) before the closing canter.

“Reagan is just comfortable on a horse and it’s really natural for her,’’ said Sarah Russell, Moore’s trainer. “From the first time I ever saw her at age 5, that was true. For a lot of people, it’s not natural and you kind of have to teach them how to feel what the horse needs. Not with Reagan. She knows.

“She has been competitive from Day One, always willing to put in the time. She’s at the barn practically every day. She basically lives there. She does whatever it takes to get the job done, so she deserves the credit.’’

When Moore was 3 years old, her maternal grandmother, a former barrel racer, took her to a horse show. That’s how it began. Moore was smitten. She had been riding ponies at the zoo. But, when Moore learned that she could actually compete, her young life found a new focus.

Very quickly, it went from sport to lifestyle.

Her mother, Allison, eventually returned to college for a degree in diagnostic medical sonography so she could become an ultrasound technician and “help financially support this habit,’’ she said with a laugh.

Moore plans to become an equine vet one day, so her mother figures it’s an equal trade. Truth be told, though, Moore’s mother has become equally obsessed with the sport and its trappings.

‘It’s all about the ride’
“People who haven’t been around horses might not understand,’’ Moore’s mother said. “We love the smell of a horse. There’s nothing like being around one. It really is a wonderful thing. It makes me happy to see Reagan so happy. I had her dancing for a while, but she hated that. She loves the horses, the competitions, and I just don’t see any way that’s going to change.’’

Moore, a ninth-grader who takes virtual-school courses, doesn’t want it to change.

“Horses are such amazing animals,’’ Moore said. “They make my day. They make me happy. I fell in love with them from the start.

Lutz’s Reagan Moore, straddling Mountain View’s Last Dance, competes at the World’s Championship Horse Show in Louisville, Kentucky.

“I think my competitions have made me more confident and more determined. I’m very driven academically and make all As. But, my passion is horses. There’s something perfect about it, being at the barn, riding, competing. I love it all.’’

Russell, who owns the Wesley Chapel stables where Moore trains, said she loves the way her student goes about the craft. Saddle Seat is a form of English riding. It requires plenty of discipline and training. One false move can ruin a ride, and the results of subjective judging can sometimes be frustrating.

For Moore, though, it’s never about the ribbon (although ribbons are nice). It’s more about the self-satisfaction she gets from meeting an internal standard. She also loves the relationship that can be built with a horse. Moore’s family purchased Whitney last year, and she says her horse is “very sweet, kind of feisty and really cool.’’

“I’m always happy during competition,’’ Moore said. “I’m smiling the rest of the day. Honestly, it’s all about the ride. It’s about how I feel. when I first started competing nationally, sometimes I wasn’t happy with the ribbon (I received). But, now I’m happy with the ride. That’s what matters.’’

“I told Reagan in Louisville that there were plenty of kids there like her who wanted it just as bad,’’ Russell said. “You never know. Maybe you don’t have your best ride or maybe another horse was better on that day. All I know is when other people might be fussing (over the placement), Reagan is always thrilled. She’s smiling and petting her horse all the way back to the barn. She has the best attitude and sportsmanship about the whole thing.’’

Moore is training for her next big competition, The Royal in Kansas City, and will advance to the 14-to-17 class next year, where she’ll be among the youngest in her division.

“I’m so grateful for everything I get to do and the chance to go up against all these great riders and horses,’’ Moore said. “Sometimes, I’ll look up at all the ribbons in my room and remember all the places I’ve been, and all the fun I’ve had. I wouldn’t trade it for anything. I’m just as excited now as I was when I started. Every day I get to do it, it just makes me happy.’’

By Joey Johnston

Published September 16, 2020

New residences popping up all over Dade City

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Residential construction is on a roll in the City of Dade City, and officials are predicting that it will yield marked increases to the town’s ad valorem revenue across the next several years.

Information shared during a budget workshop revealed some of the city’s timelines and projections for when new single-family housing and apartment complexes are expected to hit the city’s tax rolls, in the foreseeable future.

Melanie Romagnoli, the city’s community and economic development director provided the latest housing and apartment updates to the Dade City Commission.

The most recent large-scale projects — that are all but complete — include two affordable workforce apartments — Osprey Pointe (110 multi-family units) and Arbours at Hester Lake (80 multi-family units).

Melanie Romagnoli, Dade City’s community and economic development director (File)

Osprey Pointe, at 12870 Courtyard Estates, is already 100% occupied. Arbours at Hester Lake, 13300 Hester Lake Way, has been receiving application requests since it broke ground and is expected to be fully occupied shortly, Romagnoli said.

Both apartment complexes, plus the addition of 13 single-family homes (11 infill development, two Suwanee Lakeside models) are expected to increase the city’s tax rolls by another $205,000 in fiscal year 2021-2022, she said.

That represents about a 10% bump from this upcoming fiscal year’s tax rolls — where ad valorem taxes are tallied at $2,044,490.

Long-term, at least 3,000 new units are expected to come online within the next decade, with a substantial number expected to be built out over the next few years.

With that, the city has a bullish outlook for ensuing years, with further projected increases in ad valorem revenue in fiscal years. In fiscal year 2022-2023, it expects an increase of $91,000. In,  2023-2024, a bump of $199,400; in 2024-2025, an increase of $206,400;, and 2025-2026, an additional $182,000.

In other words, by 2025-2026, ad valorem tax revenues are expected to total more than $2.9 million.

And, that’s a conservative estimate, Romagnoli said. She noted that single-family homes are calculated with an assessed value of $98,000, at a 7.14 millage rate by the Pasco County Property Appraiser.

But, she said, many new properties being built come in with much higher property values.

Romagnoli explained: “A majority of the homes being built start at $220,000 to $240,000 and goes up from there based on customization, so hopefully we’ll see a lot more than that.”

Meantime, the economic development director offered a rundown on several of the more pressing projects.

Suwanee Lakeside is a 302 single-family, three-phased development along Adair Road west of State Road 52.

Earthwork on the 10-year build-out is under way since it experienced various slowdowns due to issues related to seasonal weather and environmental reviews. “They expect to see some homes built this year, we just don’t know how many. We know it’s two (model homes), for sure,” Romagnoli said.

Phase II of the Abbey Glenn development off Prosser Road and State Road 52 likewise has been held up by seasonal weather issues since its design review process was approved by city planners last fall. The 170-single family expansion is expected to have a five-year build-out, with about 35 homes coming online each year.

Earthwork and pad installations have begun at Countryside, a 25-lot subdivision at the intersection of U.S. 301 and State Road 52. “They expect to have one or two homes before the end of the year, and then 25 homes completed at the end of next year,” Romagnoli said.

Underground and roadway work is complete at The Cove, a 10-unit Habitat for Humanity development situated at 15th Street and Main Avenue. The project is still awaiting some funding and other assistance though, Romagnoli said.

Meantime, the 812-unit Summit View project is on hold as its developer is “reassessing their situation right now,” Romagnoli said.  The development is expected to eventually consist of single-family homes and townhomes east of Happy Hill and south of St. Joe Road. “We hope to see something with them coming up the first quarter of next year,” she said

Following the report, Dade City Mayor Camille Hernandez expressed her pleasure that dirt is being moved and housing developments getting under way within city limits.

“It’s very exciting, and it’s very good news that we will have these rooftops and we will be moving forward over these years,” Hernandez said.

Planned residential development in Dade City

  • Vista Walk (450 units): Construction expected 2021; eight-year build-out
    • Summit View (812 units): Project on hold; 10-year build-out
  • Abbey Glenn II (170 units): Construction in progress; five-year build-out
  • Suwanee Lakeside (301 units): Construction under way; six-year build-out
  • Osprey Point (110 units): Completed
  • Arbours at Hester Lake (80 units): Completed
  • Countryside (25 units): Construction under way; two-year build-out
  • Hilltop Point (250 units): Construction expected 2021; six-year build-out
  • Highland Trail (600 units): Construction expected 2021; 10-year build-out
  • Perfection Partners (300 units): Development plans to be determined
  • Crossroads (total units unknown): Pending comprehensive plan amendment; 10-year build-out
  • Various infill development: Roughly 10 to 15 units per year for 11 years

Dade City’s expected increases in ad valorem, year by year
Fiscal year 2021-2022: $205,500
Fiscal year 2022-2023: $91,000
Fiscal year 2023-2024: $199,400
Fiscal year 2024-2025: $206,400
Fiscal year 2025-2026: $182,000
Note: Single-family homes calculated with assessed value $98,000 at 7.14 mills

Published September 16, 2020