The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Local News

Pasco County purchasing land in Land O’ Lakes

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The Pasco County Commission has approved the purchase of 24.87 acres from Lennar Homes LLC, for $1.25 million, plus closing costs and $50,000 to be paid to Connerton Commercial Property Association, the closing agent.

The property is part of the Connerton Employment Center master-planned unit development.

The county’s Fleet Management department plans to use the vacant property, which is centrally located within the county, for the department’s future growth.

The property is strategically located adjacent to the 300-acre central campus of the Utilities Department and the Land O’ Lakes Detention Center, according to the board’s Oct. 6 agenda materials.

Commissioners also passed a resolution declaring Oct. 4 through Oct. 10 as Fire Prevention Week in Pasco and acknowledging this year’s theme of “Serve up fire safety in the kitchen.”

The resolution notes that 2,630 people were killed nationally in home fires in 2019, including five in Pasco County. The resolution also points out that cooking is the leading cause of home fires in the United States, with two of every five home fires starting in the kitchen and 31% of these fires resulting from unattended cooking.

The resolution offers these suggestions to prevent fires related to cooking:

  • Stay in the kitchen when cooking food on the stovetop
  • Keep a 3-foot kid-free zone around cooking areas
  • Keep anything that can catch fire away from stove tops

To reduce potential deaths, the resolution advises that residents have smoke alarms that are in working order, and practice fire escape plans.

On another matter, County Administrator Dan Biles told commissioners that the county’s Animal Services department is going to affected areas of Hurricane Sally and bringing back animals for adoption.

In other actions, commissioners:

  • Approved a rezoning to allow up to 150,000 square feet of retail and commercial uses on approximately 38.62 acres at the southeast quadrant of Gunn Highway and State Road 54.

Plans call for construction of a maximum of 7,000 square feet for two fast food restaurants with drive thrus; a 10,000-square-foot day care (with a maximum of 180 students); 100,000 square feet of mini-storage; and, 33,000 square feet of general commercial.

  • Approved a large-scale comprehensive plan amendment to the future land use map, which will allow light industrial and commercial on slightly more than 90 acres at the northeast corner of the Interstate 75 and Blanton Road interchange, extending northerly along I-75 to the Hernando County line. The previous designation was for an employment center and agricultural uses.
  • Approved an increase of $304,000 in the fund used to pay for medical autopsies because of an increase in autopsies performed by the medical examiner this fiscal year.
  • Approved up to $800,000 in purchases of library books, resource subscriptions, and related items within fiscal year 2021. The items will be purchased from various vendors.

Published October 14, 2020

New specialty plate to support Florida 4-H

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Vouchers for a new specialty license plate bearing the iconic 4-H clover will be available for purchase at all county tax collector offices and license plate agencies in Florida, starting Oct. 16.

The license plate will go into production once 3,000 pre-sale vouchers have been sold. Florida 4-H has two years to reach the pre-sale goal. The voucher, which includes the $25 specialty plate fee plus processing fees, is a total of $33.

A new 4-H specialty tag will help to support the youth development program designed for ages 5 to 18. (Courtesy of University of Florida, UF/IFAS Communications)

One-hundred percent of the $25 specialty license plate fee will go directly toward statewide leadership programs such as 4-H University and 4-H Legislature, the Florida 4-H camping program and 4-H youth competitive teams, Michael Gutter, associate dean of the UF/IFAS Extension and 4-H state program leader, said in a UF/IFAS news release.

“Here is a chance to show off your 4-H pride while also supporting today’s and tomorrow’s youth,” Gutter said.

“We are calling on all 4-H members, supporters and alumni to help us reach our goal of 3,000 vouchers sold so we can see the 4-H plate on vehicles across Florida,” he added.

The youth development program is part of the land-grant university system and Cooperative Extension System.

The program provides hands-on educational activities and experiences for youth ages 5 to 18, with the objective of developing youth as individuals, and as responsible and productive citizens.

In Florida, 4-H is administered by University of Florida/IFAS Extension and Florida A&M University, and serves approximately 200,000 youth annually.

Published October 14, 2020

Pasco County launches citizen survey

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Pasco County is conducting its annual Citizen Survey through Nov. 6, according to a county news release.

The Citizen Survey, initially launched in 2009, is conducted annually to collect feedback on a variety of topics that affect the county’s future.

Here are topics included in the survey: Transportation; parks and libraries; emergency services; safety; growth; importance and quality of services.

The survey typically receives thousands of responses, intended to help the Pasco County Commission with planning discussions and decision-making.

“We’ve adapted in the face of unprecedented challenges to serve you in innovative new ways during 2020,” Organizational Performance Management Director Dr. Marc Bellas said, in the release. “Your feedback is a critical component to learn what matters most as we work to develop future programs and places that ensure a bright future for Pasco County.”

You can take the short survey in one of the following ways:

  • On the Pasco County’s homepage: MyPasco.net
  • On the MyPasco App, by clicking on the Citizen Survey button
  • On the Pasco County Facebook or Twitter pages
  • Click directly on the survey link: bit.ly/2020CitizenSurvey.

Published October 14, 2020

For Pasco’s Spotlight on Talent, the show must go on

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For those of you who may have been wondering — yes, Spotlight on Talent plans to continue its tradition of giving young singers, musicians, dancers and artists a chance to compete and show off their skills.

After all, Spotlight on Talent, has been providing a showcase for performers from throughout Central Florida since 1982.

Guitarist Salvador Hernandez performs during the 2020 Spotlight on Talent. (Gary Hatrick/Courtesy of Spotlight on Talent)

The Pasco County tradition will continue in 2021 — but the event might look different this time, due to COVID-19 protocols.

Barbara Friedman, the event producer, said the preliminary auditions are scheduled for Feb. 13, with two final shows set for March 6 at the Center for the Arts at Wesley Chapel.

“That’s what we hope happens because it’s a really big deal for about 200 kids and their families,’’ said Friedman, who also is publicity chairman for the Heritage Arts Center Association (HACA) nonprofit organization.

Performers in the talent showcase compete, with participants ranging from kindergartners through high school seniors.

Ticket sales for the live shows are typically robust.

“People from all over are already calling to ask, ‘Are you going to have Spotlight?’ The answer is yes we are, but given what’s going on in the world, we need a Plan B,” Friedman said.

Under Plan B, the auditions will be canceled and everything will wrap into the March 6 performance date. Tickets won’t be sold. Performers will be presented in small groups with a socially distanced staggered format and all Center for Disease Control (CDC) protocols will be followed, she said.

Either way, Friedman said the event will offer $4,000 worth of cash and prizes, including a $1,000 scholarship to the graduating senior who has the highest score.

“If it all doesn’t go exactly as we’d like it, we won’t be completely heartbroken,’’ Friedman said.

She added: “We’re not sure what the world will be like in February and March, but we’re going to make it (the competition) happen.’’

Dancer Julianna Mazza, who won the top prize of a $1,000 scholarship, performs during the 2020 Spotlight on Talent.

As they say, the show must go on.

That’s what the HACA, which is charged with promoting the arts, has made happen for nearly four decades. Between the Spotlight on Talent and the annual Moonlight and Ivory concert at the Dade City Women’s Club (used to raise scholarship money for performing arts students), the organization has provided numerous opportunities for local performers.

Spotlight on Talent was founded by Sally Blackwood, whose family still runs a dance studio in Dade City.

The annual showcase has grown into a long-anticipated event for performers and audience members throughout Central Florida.

“There just isn’t anything like this in our area, so we draw from well beyond Pasco County,’’ Friedman said.

Spotlight on Talent prides itself on its organization and professionalism. At the auditions and final performances, each participant is analyzed by a panel of five professional judges. Some might be college professors. Others could be dance studio owners, or artists. But, they bring a level of expertise that is valued by everyone.

“We want to develop and reward all these kids with God-given talents who are working really hard,’’ Friedman said. “One great way to do that is through our judges. It’s one thing to prepare a piece, come on a big stage and perform in front of people. But, the judges really make a difference.”

She went on: “We pay these judges to evaluate the performance with a written evaluation, so they get feedback on what they should do to further develop their talent. They get experience at auditioning and performing, plus they get tips from professionals. If kids are serious about their talent, those are exactly the things you need to get to college and get scholarships. Our event is very valuable for the performers — the serious piano students and the serious dance students — in the area. It represents an opportunity for them.’’

The all-volunteer, 15-member HACA board of directors oversees everything from event administration to ticket sales.

“We are very hopeful that everything will work out,’’ Friedman said. “It would be great to have it come off like it always does. I think we’d all like COVID to just go away. But, regardless of what happens, we’re going to be able to offer everything we normally do — with the possible exception of a large crowd.

“We’re moving forward and we’ll make it work,” Friedman said.’

For more information about Spotlight on Talent, including a look at last year’s show, log onto HeritageArts.org.

By Joey Johnston

Published October 14, 2020

Pasco construction board has openings

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The Pasco County Construction Board (PCCB) is seeking volunteers to serve on its advisory board.

There are several vacancies on the board, for both contractors and consumer representatives.

The board hears and decides complaints about contractors, unpermitted work and appeals regarding construction and home improvement, contractor licensing, and Florida Building Code interpretations and amendments.

Contractors interested in applying must:

  • Hold a state or county contractor license
  • Be actively engaged in the construction business
  • Have five consecutive years of contracting experience

Consumers who are interested in applying cannot be either presently or previously a member or practitioner of a profession regulated by the construction board, or a member of any closely related profession.

Openings on the board include: Consumer representatives and licensed contractors, representing the areas of general or residential contractor, aluminum contractor, roofing contractor, and A/C or mechanical contractor.

Board members serve staggered, three-year terms and typically meet on the third Wednesday or Thursday every other month at 9:30 a.m.

Applicants must be at least 18 years old, and live in Pasco County, or regularly conduct business in the county.

Applications are being accepted through Oct. 30.

Apply online at bit.ly/PCCBapplication.

To learn more about the Pasco County Construction Board, visit bit.ly/34pcKHK, or email .

Published October 14, 2020

Be an ‘elf’ to someone often forgotten

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With the holidays quickly approaching, Aging Solutions Inc., once again is hosting its Elves for Elders Gift Drive, to benefit the individuals it serves.

Aging Solutions Inc., the Office of the Public Guardian, was established to provide guardianship and advocacy for individuals who legally have been found to be incapacitated, according to information on Aging-Solutions.org’s website.

The nonprofit organization, appointed by the court, “provides services throughout Central Florida to individuals with developmental disabilities, frail elderly, veterans, those who suffer from chronic mental illness, and those who suffer from progressive cognitive loss due to dementia or other neurological disorders, and traumatic brain injuries,” the website says.

Some of these individuals rely on family for their care. Others become wards of the Court, and must depend on a guardian to watch over their personal, medical and financial needs.

The wards live in skilled nursing facilities, assisted living facilities or group home settings. Florida Medicaid laws only allow the wards to keep a small monthly allowance of any Social Security, pension or other income they receive, and this money is used to purchase toiletries, undergarments, clothing or anything else they may want or need.

That’s why presents provided through the Elves for Elders are especially appreciated, and

Aging Solutions hopes that people will open their hearts to these often-forgotten individuals.

Participation is simple: Visit Aging-Solutions.org and click on the Elves for Elders link. Then, choose a county wish list to see the names of the wards along with their individual requests. Items that have been requested include T-shirts, pants, slippers, toiletries, candy, games and more.

Select an item or items from the list to buy, purchase a gift card, make a cash donation, or do all three. Call (866) 922-4464 for instructions as to where to drop off your gift. All donations are tax deductible.

Published October 14, 2020

Summit focuses on efforts to end hunger

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The 2020 Sunshine Summit to End Hunger, presented by the Tampa Bay Network to End Hunger in partnership with Bread for the World and Florida Impact, will be hosted virtually for the first time ever, according to a news release.

The 10th annual event is slated to take place Oct. 29 and Oct. 30 from 9 a.m. to 1:15 p.m., Eastern Standard Time (EST), each day, and will act as a forum for participants to learn, share and network while exploring the best practices in solving hunger.

This year’s theme is “Global Effects of COVID-19 on Food Systems and Local Effects on Emergency Feeding Efforts.”

Sessions will be locally, nationally and internationally focused on the experiences of families struggling with food insecurity, and different response programs and techniques.

The keynote speakers will be Feeding India’s founder Ankit Kawatra and co-founder Srishti Jain, who will provide an international perspective on how Feeding India responded to feed their communities during COVID-19.

“We’re excited to be working with local leaders and those from across the globe to promote not only an end to hunger, but to food insecurity and food insufficiency, for a healthy lifestyle,” Caitlyn Peacock, executive director of Tampa Bay Network to End Hunger, said in the release.

“The network works to build a hunger-free community with access to nutritious food for all,” Peacock commented.

Registration for the summit is free.

For a complete agenda and list of speakers, and to register, visit NetworkToEndHunger.org/sseh.

Published October 14, 2020

Pasco Extension gets a new home

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Pasco County Extension is operating out of a new building at the Pasco County Fairgrounds.

The organization, which operates under a partnership between the University of Florida/Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences and Pasco County, also has adapted its programming to provide services during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Whitney Elmore enjoys her new office at UF/IFAS Extension Pasco County. She said most programming is being done online now, but things will change once the threat from COVID-19 subsides. (B.C. Manion)

Dr. Whitney Elmore, director of UF/IFAS Pasco County Extension, recently provided a tour of the new office to a reporter from The Laker/Lutz News.

The 6,400-square-foot facility is a massive upgrade from the Extension’s old office. It features a large, open classroom area — with the potential of adding a sliding wall, to convert the space into two rooms. It also has a small kitchenette and several offices.

“It’s a fantastic new opportunity, not only for the team, but for the citizens — to be able to come here and enjoy it —  a very functional space,” Elmore said.

The new office, which opened in June, was about five years in the making.

It was constructed through a $1.1-million state grant combined with $244,000 in funding from Pasco County and $197,000 from the Pasco County Fair Association. The fair association applied for the state grant, which required local matching funds.

“Now, we have this nice, new facility that really meets our needs, and again, is an excellent educational facility,” Elmore said.

Though the doors are open, people aren’t streaming in yet — as Extension takes precautions to prevent the spread of COVID-19, following UF/IFAS and Pasco County protocols.

Like other operations throughout Florida, the Extension office closed when Florida went on lockdown.

Then, Extension pivoted.

“We went virtual, quickly. It’s not a surprise, because that’s what Extension is, anywhere — we adjust, we’re flexible, we’re adaptable.

“Honestly, I can’t be prouder of this team. I’m not surprised, but I can’t be prouder of the team.

Receptionist Michelle Jedych loves Pasco County Extension’s new office, at the Pasco County Fairgrounds. She said it provides an inviting venue for people who are coming there to receive services.

“They just, literally, overnight, said, ‘OK, we’re not in person — which has been the standard for 100 years for Extension —  we’re going to make the best of this, we’re going to adjust and we put everything on line.

“So, they just picked up and ran with it,” she said.

Even those who were not particularly comfortable with technology made the switch.

“They knew this is what had to be done. There was not one complaint. There was not one grumble from this team,” Elmore said.

The staff stays focused.

“We are very mission-oriented. We have servant’s hearts. The public needed us in so many ways, and that shifted some, especially with what we call ‘pandemic’ gardening.

“The horticulture questions went through the roof, with people working in our community gardens. Our community gardens employees were considered essential because that’s food systems related and those continued on, not missing a beat.

“We set up dozens of online learning opportunities. We partnered with the Pasco EDC, the Sheriff’s Office, you name it, to offer a wide variety of learning opportunities,” Elmore said.

The efforts received a tremendous response.

“Just our social media engagement went up about 4,000%, in a month,” the Extension services director said.

“We had people from other countries that were tuning in. Definitely, other parts of the state. They learned about us and they also learned about Pasco County,” she said.

Extension and the Pasco Economic Development Council Inc., also work together at a facility, called the One Stop Shop, on Lock Street in Dade City. The facility has a commercial kitchen and Pasco EDC offers programs aimed at helping entrepreneurs to establish businesses, and to help existing businesses thrive.

“We had people wanting to come from Miami to use our commercial space, at our One Stop Shop, because of some of the learning opportunities. It put a spotlight on Pasco County, and not just on Extension,” Elmore said.

Concerns about COVID-19 have caused a significant reduction of in-person classes and events.

“We do have some very small, in-person, teaching events. Those typically revolve around people needing to get a license, a certification, to continue or get new employment,” she said.

The University of Florida UF/IFAS Extension Pasco County now has a new facility at the Pasco County Fairgrounds.

Some changes made to remain safe during COVID-19 will become permanent.

“At the end of the day, it’s been in a lot of ways, very beneficial,” she said.

Online programs are not only safer, they’re more convenient, Elmore said.

Extension has introduced new programming, which Elmore expects to continue on — even after in-person activities pick up.

“It opened up lines of creativity and collaboration, across program areas that we never really explored before, that just make sense now,” Elmore said.

Despite valuable changes that have resulted from COVID-19, there have terrible consequences, too, Elmore said.

“There are tremendous negatives to what has transpired. Economics. Jobs. People getting sick and dying.

“We have experienced that loss in our Extension family. Dorothy Moore, she was one of our master gardeners. She passed away in July, in Dade City.

“That was a hard hit for us. Emotionally, that took a toll,” she said, plus it required Extension staffers who had been in contact with Moore to quarantine for 14 days.

Published October 07, 2020

Pasco experiencing recent spike of overdoses

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Since the COVID-19 pandemic began, the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO) has reported a record-setting spike in drug overdoses.

A lethal dose of the painkilling opioid Fentanyl is 2 milligrams, almost imperceptible, but the PCSO Narcotics Unit removed 435,000 lethal doses of the drug from the county’s streets during a six-week period.

The story doesn’t stop there.

Even a 2-milligram dose of the painkilling opioid Fentanyl, although almost imperceptible, can be fatal. After a recent uptick in overdoses, the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office has emphasized rehabilitation solutions. (Courtesy of Pasco County Sheriff’s Office)

Aided by a federal grant, the PCSO has established a Behavioral Health Intervention Team, which helps citizens with mental-health issues or substance-abuse problems. Members of the 16-person team contact overdose survivors within 48 hours of the incident, then connect them with community rehabilitation partners such as BayCare.

According to Sheriff’s Office records, Pasco County overdoses reached an all-time monthly high of 167 (37 fatal) in May, then maintained a steady pace in June (146, 18 fatal); July (140, nine fatal); and August (147, 24 fatal).

From 2017-2019, the largest overdose total in any month was 89.

In 2020, there were startling overdose upticks in May (297% increase), June (239% increase), July (204% increase) and August (234% increase), compared to the average of those month’s totals in the previous three years.

But, to Pasco County Sheriff’s Capt. Toni Roach, the key number is 49. Those are the people who have been placed under the care of a substance-abuse program because of the intervention team’s work.

“I know that doesn’t seem like a large number, but we’re running at about a 25% commitment into a program (after intervention),’’ Roach said. “That’s (49) people I know who aren’t going to potentially overdose and die in our community. That’s because the detective has been able to engage them and help them get appointments with behavioral health providers.

“We’ve created a path, giving these overdose subjects a golden ticket, getting them to the head of the line for services. These overdose subjects, they overdose, they almost die and they want help. “The overall effects of withdrawal and addiction manifest themselves within the first 24 hours. That’s why it’s crucial to get to them before they use again. If we get them into services quickly and reduce the withdrawal effects, they’re going to be more successful in staying,” she said.

Sometimes, it’s difficult to follow through, though.

Roach said the intervention team has worked with approximately 1,000 overdose follow-up assignments in the last year. About one-third of the subjects couldn’t be located, potentially because they were homeless, transient or intentionally avoiding authorities.

For subjects who are located, about half of them are interested in services. Most of the time, Roach said, they don’t know where to start.

“We have that hard conversation and tell them, ‘This is your rock bottom, and we’re here to help you,’” Roach said. “We help take away all the excuses. We do all the legwork and take people to their first appointment. If the process is intimidating or they don’t have transportation, we get them that help.’’

Since the COVID-19 pandemic began, that help has been needed more than ever.

“We definitely saw an increase in the overdose numbers and there were multiple potential reasons,’’ Roach said. “Some of it was stimulus related. When the stimulus checks came out, some people partied like it was 1999. The substance abuse community relies heavily on peer support and interaction. So when we stopped meeting in person, churches closed and things went online, it wasn’t the same as having that human interaction.

“The whole aspect of social isolation has been a huge part of the pandemic and overall mental health. No doubt, isolation has played into it in a very big way,” she said.

Fentanyl also plays into it in a very big way. It’s the drug of concern for local officials.

“It’s extremely cheap and it’s extremely addictive because of its potency level,’’ Roach said. “It creates a bigger problem for us. The things that seemed more benign by comparison, such as marijuana, can now overdose and kill you because it’s now laced with something that is very fatal and highly toxic. It throws our entire community into a new playing field.’’

But, the intervention team continues to make headway.

“We’ve had a lot of great wins during this process,’’ Roach said. “As time goes on and we learn more and more, I think it will be even more effective.’’

By Joey Johnston

Published October 07, 2020

Mom and Pops may get help with landscaping costs

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Pasco County commissioners recently directed the county’s staff to find a way to ease the burden of landscaping costs for small businesses, when they redevelop.

Commissioner Ron Oakley raised the issue, noting that a small Dade City restaurant wants to add a porch, but found itself facing expensive county landscaping requirements.

“They have no place for people to wait. It’s a small restaurant. If the restaurant is at full capacity, there’s no place for people to wait, so that’s part of why they were going to do like a porch, or something, out in front of it, so people would have a place to sit and wait to have breakfast or lunch,” Oakley said.

The commissioner added:  “It seems like the cost of upgrading their landscape is just very, very expensive, and makes it prohibitive.”

Oakley said he’s not advocating that the restaurant do nothing, but that the requirements be less extensive and thus less expensive.

“When you take into consideration — a Mom and Pop restaurant — if that landscaping is going to cost them $40,000 or $50,000, they’re forever trying to earn that money, just to stay open.

“So many of them are having a hard time, now, so we need to look at that,” Oakley said.  “Some of these businesses, right now, are closing down. They just can’t make it. It’s a shame.”

Commissioners Jack Mariano and Mike Wells said they’ve also noticed the problem.

“I agree with Commissioner Oakley,” Mariano said. “That (landscaping requirement) is causing a problem. I think it has really hurt redevelopment along (U.S.) 19.”

Mariano suggested using funds from the county’s tree mitigation fund to provide an incentive for landscape improvements.

Commissioner Kathryn Starkey concurred: “I like Commissioner Mariano’s idea of maybe helping them more. We don’t know the facts, here. I want to make sure that they know that right off the bat, there’s $10,000 that we can help them with their landscaping, Commissioner Oakley.

“But, let’s look to see if there’s some way we can help them more. We don’t want it to be a disincentive and not let these businesses expand,” Starkey said.

On the other hand, Starkey said she doesn’t want things to go back to the way they were when an entire site was covered with a building and parking, without landscaping.

County Administrator Dan Biles said “landscaping reimbursement out of the tree fund is capped at $10,000. We could look at increasing the cap. I think that cap has been there for a while. Inflation happens to landscaping, like everything else.”

Biles said he believes the fund now has more than $1 million.

“We could look at maybe bumping that cap up, to cover some more of these costs. Let’s take a look at that,” Biles said.

Commission Chairman Mike Moore said he’d like a more detailed discussion of what triggers the landscaping improvements and more information about landscaping reimbursements from the tree mitigation fund, when Biles bring the issue back to the board.

Wells said he can think of two projects in his district where exceptions were made and they received reimbursements exceeding the cap, with the board’s approval.

“I think if you’re not adding to the square footage, it shouldn’t necessarily trigger it. That’s why we matched these folks with the funding,” Wells said.

“It’s tough for these businesses, not only now, but for the last several years. We need to help them to expand, move, hire more people and so forth.”

Mariano also would like to see if the process could be set up for the landscaping companies to be paid directly by the county, instead of having the business owner pay the landscaper and then be reimbursed for their payment.

“A lot of them can’t float that,” he said.

“I think most of your landscaping companies would probably be comfortable to work that way,” Mariano added. “We’ve just got to be flexible.”

Biles said he will take a look at increasing the cap for reimbursements, and at streamlining the process to get approvals more quickly — and then will bring it back to the board.

Published October 07, 2020