The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Local News

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

Pasco County budget expected to surpass $1.5 billion

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The Pasco County Commission gave first-round approval of a budget exceeding $1.5 billion for the 2020-2021 fiscal year.

The action came during the first public hearing on the budget, held at 5:15 p.m. on Sept. 8. The final public hearing on the budget will be on Sept. 21. The new budget takes effect Oct. 1.

No one spoke during the public comment portion of the public hearing, and the board passed the budget unanimously without comment — following a presentation by County Budget Director Robert Goehig.

Board members and county officials had discussed budget issues at length during previous budget workshops.

This year’s revenues were less than previously expected because of negative economic impacts due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

As a result, the county was unable to pursue most of its proposed business initiatives for the coming year.

The budget includes a 3% raise for county employees.

It also allocates increased spending for the county’s library system — including costs associated with opening a new library at Starkey Ranch.

There’s also more spending in the parks and recreation budget — related to the county gradually assuming management of the Starkey Ranch District Park.

Earlier in the meeting, board members authorized the issuance of $44 million in the second allocation for the general obligation bonds for fire/rescue projects.

Goehig told board members the funds will be used to build three new fire stations, to knock down and renovate three existing fire stations, and to design a centralized fire training center.

On another issue, Commissioner Kathryn Starkey asked county staff to take a closer look at the proposed placement of a community garden planned for the area where a school, library and theater are being built through a collaborative partnership in Starkey Ranch.

“I’m a little concerned that where that community garden is going now, it’s not going to be accessible by anyone who wants to go and participate in a community garden,” Starkey said.

“To me, that is a long way to go with all of your tools and equipment, to garden. I think it will end up just being the school garden and will not be a community garden. I personally, am not so happy with that location,” she said.

Starkey: “I would like to talk to them (project partners) about having it closer to the library, facilities, restrooms.

“I want to be a good partner (with the school district). I think they want to be a good partner. I actually don’t think that’s a good site at all,” Starkey said.

She would like to see what can be done about finding an area that’s more accessible.

“There’s going to be a lot of seniors that would like to be in the garden. Where are the restrooms?” Starkey asked.

Commissioner Mike Wells also briefed commissioners on progress that has been made through a partnership between the county and CareerSource on a Workforce Redevelopment Program.

The goal was about 150 jobs, for $1.5 million, Wells said. CareerSource exceeded that goal, with 163 jobs. The partnership also led to 56 part-time jobs, the commissioner noted.

“What I thought was really exciting, out of those 163 — 87 were homeless in Pasco,” Wells said.

“That gives us a return-on-investment of more than $6.5 million,” he added.

The county is going to contract with CareerSource for the next four years, Wells said. “They have done an unbelievable job with our team, to put people back to work.”

Commission Chairman Mike Moore also updated the board about activities at Wiregrass Ranch Sports Campus, which recently opened.

He reported that “43 out of 52 weekends are already booked with sports at that facility.”

Local programming has begun, too, Moore said.

“They have basketball leagues, they have indoor soccer leagues, they have cheerleading going on, volleyball going on. All of that is already going on, for our local residents. It’s already a huge success — obviously a huge asset for the county,” Moore said.

County Administrator Dan Biles also informed the board that there will be an item on the Sept. 21 agenda to discuss Pasco County’s COVID-19 response and where it needs to go from here.

Published September 16, 2020

Dade City budget is decreasing in 2020-2021

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The Dade City Commission has adopted the city’s tentative budget for next year, and it represents an 8.2% decrease from this year’s budget.

Commissioners had the first reading of the ordinance and first hearing on the proposed $17,710,000 budget in a virtual meeting on Sept. 10. Commissioners gave first-round approval and will have a second reading and final public hearing before the new budget takes effect on Oct. 1.

Dade City Commissioners on Sept. 10 approved a $17,710,000 budget for fiscal year 2020-2021, based on a 7.14 millage rate. It represents a decrease of about $1.58 million, or 8.2% from current budget.

The 2020-2021 budget represents a decrease of $1,576,935 from this year’s budget.

The proposed budget is based on an approved 7.14 millage rate, accessed on the taxable value of property within the city.

Here’s a breakdown:

  • Capital outlay and debt service represents about 44% of the budget, anticipated to total $7,825,733. Major capital projects include construction of the Dade Oaks retention pond; Howard Avenue stormwater improvements; installation of the Tank Hill well, storage tower and booster station; Morningside Drive design, acquisition and construction project; construction of the visitors information center; and other various utility, sidewalk and road improvements projects.
  • Personnel costs represent about a third of the budget, totaling $5,807,341 — and an increase of $144,221 from the current budget. That’s a result of funding four new positions, increased health care and workers compensation premiums, 3% cost of living adjustments, years of service increases, reorganization within the police department, increased wages and benefits through the negotiation of the police union contract, and associated retirement.
  • Operating costs make up about 23% of the budget, at $4,076,925. Changes include funding for a website revision, conversion from a part-time IT consultant to a full-time IT manager (staff position), projected increases in solid waste collections, and additions to a utility renewal and replacement fund.

The city organized six budget workshops throughout July, August and September to hammer out the fine details, with the help of new interim finance director Andrew Laflin.

Newly elected Commissioner Knute Nathe said he was “very proud” the town was able to pass the budget without having to raise taxes on residents — maintaining a millage rate that’s been in place the past several years.

Washington Heights residents raise community concerns
Several Washington Heights residents weighed in during the public comment period of the virtual meeting — expressing their disappointment with city leadership, asserting their local neighborhood and subdivision has been neglected in funding and resources.

The Washington Heights community is generally bordered by Gaddis Avenue and Whitehouse Avenue, and includes 10th, 11th and 12th streets, among other areas.

More than a handful of residents spoke up, complaining of flooded streets and stormwater deficiencies; poor road and sidewalk conditions; and, a general lack of code enforcement presence to address trash, debris and parking issues of a slew of nearby rental properties.

Dade City Mayor Camille Hernandez (Courtesy of City of Dade City)

Harriett Craig, who’s lived on 10th Street since 1979, called out commissioners for appropriating “millions and millions of dollars” toward park improvements and other projects in other parts of the city, but overlooking various infrastructure issues of her local neighborhood.

“The city commissioners are here to serve the entire city, not certain parts of it,” Craig said. “I, as a resident of the City of Dade City, feel like our voices are mute when it comes down to expressing what our needs are in the city,”

She continued her point: “If Howard Avenue can be upgraded so homes won’t be flooded, why can’t 10th Street get the same treatment? I don’t understand it.”

Anita Blake, who lives in Oakview Circle adjacent to Washington Heights, also levied harsh words to commissioners: “We can’t even get the road paved, we can’t get the ditches paved. At some point, it’s like, why are we even paying taxes?”

Eunice Penix, a former longtime commissioner who lives on Wilson Street, also shared her dismay with the community seemingly being brushed aside: “I’m kind of upset. It seems to me we have selective code enforcement. …We shouldn’t have to call the city every time something needs to be done when we have workers all over the city riding and looking; they should look to see what’s wrong with the grounds.”

In response to all that, Dade City Manager Leslie Porter told residents she’ll collaborate with department heads to inspect the area and formulate an action plan in coming weeks.

“We care about all the communities in the city,” said Porter, “and it’s good for us to know when there is a problem, if there’s somewhere where we may be falling short, so I do thank you all for being here and letting us know what your concerns are.”

Dade City Mayor Camille Hernandez assured Washington Heights will be met with a detailed response and action from city staff, saying she is “very, very disturbed” by residents feeling neglected.

“This is embarrassing, and it should not be the case,” Hernandez said. “It’s our town, everyone pays the same taxes and should be treated the same, so we expect a plan.”

In other city business and happenings:

• Dade City Clerk Angelia Guy has been selected to serve on the Florida League of Cities’ legislative policy committee

• A neighborhood community cleanup is scheduled for Sept. 19 at 8 a.m., at Naomi Jones Park, 38122 Martin Luther King Blvd. Volunteers can register at KeepPascoBeautiful.org/coastal-cleanup

• The Mickens Field concession stand/restrooms building is progressing, as the 672-square-foot structure is vertical and bearing a roof. The $89,750 project, at 14318 Canal St., is on track to be complete by the end of October.

Published September 16, 2020

Political Agenda 09/16/2020

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Attempting to vote twice is illegal, Corley says
Pasco County Supervisor of Elections Brian Corley is alerting voters that it is illegal to try to vote twice.

Corley issued a news release on the topic after recent media coverage of President Donald Trump suggesting that voters could test the integrity of the system by sending in a vote-by-mail ballot and then going to vote in person.

“While we all want to ensure the integrity of any election, voters need to be aware that per Florida law, any voter who willfully votes or attempts to vote both in person and by mail is committing a felony, and will be referred to the State Attorney’s Office for prosecution,” Corley said, in the news release.

He also said that going to an early voting site or Election Day polling place to “verify” your vote-by-mail ballot was received is neither appropriate nor necessary and will cause unnecessary delays for those who are in line to vote.

Instead, Corley says, to ensure your ballot has been received, use the ballot tracking system at PascoVotes.gov/TrackYourBallot.

Pasco voters can opt to receive email and/or text alerts when their ballot is received in his office. Voters also can check the status of their ballot at PascoVotes.gov, in person at one of the Supervisor of Elections’ offices, or by calling (800) 851-8754.

Hillsborough County adds two more early voting sites
Hillsborough County has added early voting sites at Raymond James Stadium and Amalie Arena, bringing its total number of early voting sites to 26, according to Supervisor of Elections Craig Latimer’s office.

All early voting locations will be open Oct. 19 through Nov. 1, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., and will have vote-by-mail drop-off tents outside.

For a list of specific locations and other voting information, visit VoteHillsborough.org.

Kathryn Starkey named ‘commissioner of the year’
The Florida Federation of Republican Women named Kathryn Starkey as the statewide “County Commissioner of the Year,” during its conference held in Tampa during the weekend of Sept. 12 and Sept. 13.

She was singled out for her success in working with state and federal entities, as well as the private sector, to bring jobs and skills training to Florida.

Published September 16, 2020

Pasco eyeing Sunday morning alcohol sales

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Pasco County is looking at lifting its ban on the Sunday morning sales of alcoholic beverages.

Currently, packaged alcoholic beverages cannot be sold before 11 a.m., on Sundays in unincorporated areas of the county.

But, Pasco County Commissioner Kathryn Starkey thinks the time has arrived for the county to change that.

Pasco County Commissioner Kathryn Starkey thinks the time has come to allow alcohol sales in unincorporated parts of the county on Sunday mornings. (File)

“A lot of counties in the state and around the country have kind of moved away from this old-fashioned law,” Starkey said.

Starkey said constituents have told her they’d like to get rid of the restriction.

She said she herself has witnessed people milling around in the grocery store, waiting to purchase the alcohol they want to take with them — when they’re heading out to go boating, or scalloping or to another activity.

She also thinks the rule should change, so that people who are doing their grocery shopping on Sunday mornings can pick up the alcohol they wish to purchase.

“In Pasco County, you cannot buy any kind of alcohol on Sunday before 11 (a.m.),” Starkey said.

She raised the issued at the Pasco County Commission’s Sept. 8 meeting, suggesting the board request a change to the county’s ordinance.

No one objected, so Starkey suggested County Attorney Jeffrey Steinsnyder come back to the board, to allow earlier alcohol sales on Sundays.

Steinsnyder responded: “If the idea is that you want to treat Sunday the same way you are treating the rest of the week days, that’s what I would do. So, your alcohol sales for every day of the week, would also apply to Sunday. Sunday wouldn’t have special hours.”

Starkey said: “That would be my recommendation.”

The county attorney said the request would be put on the list of board requests, and the proposed change will come back as an introduction to the ordinance, to be sure the board is happy with it, before a public hearing is advertised.

Currently, packaged alcohol beverages may be sold between 11 a.m. and 2 a.m., on Sunday and from 7 a.m. to 2 a.m., on the other days of the week.

Published September 16, 2020

Discussion continues on Pasco BMX park

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A BMX and bicycle park may not happen anytime soon in Pasco County, but officials appear to be interested in seeing what can be done to bring the idea to life.

The Pasco County Commission heard a briefing on the concept at its Sept. 8 meeting.

Delaney Morrison, president of the nonprofit Ride Local Inc., outlined the vision for a new large-scale BMX (bicycle motocross) park, that she said would complement existing BMX parks in the region, would expand the area’s recreational offerings and would help to attract more tourists to Pasco County.

Shown here are riders at Tampa BMX in Lutz. A nonprofit organization called Ride Local Inc., is trying to bring a covered BMX track and other amenities to Pasco County. (File)

The idea is to partner with the county to construct a BMX track and bike park on a 23-acre tract situated of the intersection of State Road 54 and Gunn Highway in the Odessa/Trinity area. The land is presently owned by Pasco County Utilities.

Under the proposal, about 3 acres would be used for a BMX dirt race course made of various jumps and rollers.

That would mark the first stage of a larger, surrounding bike park that would include a pump track, skate park, mountain bike obstacle course, casual bike path and other features.

The proposal calls for having an open air, covered track.

“We think that this is super important here in Florida, given the heat and the rain that we have,” Delaney said.  “We really think that that roof will set us apart from just having another BMX track.”

She also noted there would be opportunities for recreational leagues and a beginner’s program for newcomers to the off-road racing sport. And, the facility would host large-scale competitive events sanctioned by USA BMX.

The open space also could be used for drone races, truck rallies, and Boy Scouts of America and All-Pro Dad meet-ups, among other activities, Morrison said.

Over the past year or so, Morrison and her team have had ongoing discussions with Pasco County Commissioner Kathryn Starkey and Keith Wiley, the county’s director of parks, recreation and natural resources.

“They came to me because of my background with cycling and biking,” said Starkey, who helped to Delaney’s group find the proposed site.

It’s an excellent location, Delaney noted, because it’s along the booming State Road 54 corridor, sits along the Tower Road extension and near a future high school, whose adjacent lot could be used for overflow parking for large events.

She also noted that it’s in the middle of some huge community developments, such as Asturia and Starkey Ranch, and others being built in the area.

Plus, she said, the location also pairs well with Tampa BMX and Oldsmar BMX, which is under construction — to attract regional and national tournaments.

Commissioners appear open to the idea, but money is the biggest hurdle.

Pasco County Commission Chairman Mike Moore, who also chairs the Tourist Development Council, said during a recent TDC meeting that the county might be able to support some type of land use or lease deal, but is not in the position to fund additional capital projects.

Moore reiterated the funding issue during the board’s Sept. 8 meeting. He said doesn’t want to give the group false hope.

But, Starkey said Delaney’s briefing was for information only, at this point.

She plans to work with Delaney’s group to explore various funding sources, including possible funding from the legislature and support from private sponsors.

Delaney said the Ride Local Inc., is looking into creative ideas, such as leveraging a corporate naming sponsorship or partnering with an electric company to install solar panels on the proposed covered roof to help offset costs.

Keith Wiley, the county’s director of parks, recreation and natural resources, said a bike park/BMX was listed as one of the highest unmet needs during workshops held to develop the county’s most recent master parks plan.

However, Wiley noted, that type of amenity was not included in the master plan and, thus, no money has been planned for that type of project.

Wiley said he likes the concept of a bike park, with a BMX track, a playground and open spaces because that would address diverse user groups.

Delaney noted BMX’s broad appeal.

“The biggest thing about BMX is that this is a family sport,” Delaney added.

“This is one of the few sports that you can do alongside your children, not just sitting on the sidelines watching them, or waiting for practice to be over.”

Adam Thomas, the county’s tourism director, said the proposed facility could help round out the county’s sports offerings.

“The TDC (Tourism Development Council) board is in full support of this. I am in full support of this,” Thomas told county commissioners.

“This is a great opportunity, for not only our citizens, but to really diversify our product as a Sports Coast, and as our destination of sports events. The economic impact is strong. The visitation is strong. You have a great partner here with Delaney. I think this is a great opportunity for us to move forward, but funding — obviously, everything comes down to funding.”

Published September 16, 2020

Survey shows most would not use hurricane shelters

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Pasco County issued a Hurricane Season Survey, and the results are in.

The survey revealed that nearly 60% of respondents indicated it’s very unlikely they will go to a shelter during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a Pasco County news release.

Still, the release notes, it remains critical “to have a plan and resources for sheltering at home or with friends.”

Other highlights from the 2020 Hurricane Season Survey include:

  • Nearly 48% of respondents are unaware of what to bring to a hurricane shelter
  • Nearly 25% of respondents have not packed a go-kit
  • Nearly 44% of respondents do not know their evacuation zone
  • Nearly 67% of respondents have not downloaded the My Pasco App

More than 1,300 residents provided feedback through the survey, which the county says helps Pasco County Emergency Management shape sheltering plans.

It also helps the county know what resources that residents need to be better prepared for potential disasters, the release adds.

“We work year-round to develop innovative tools to help keep our residents safe and informed,” Emergency Management Director Andrew Fossa, said in the release.  “Survey data indicates a need for more preparation in our communities. Now is the time to learn what you need to bring to a shelter, to pack your go-kit, to download the MyPasco App – to make your plan.”

You can learn how to prepare your family and pets, secure your home, pack a go-kit and more by visiting PascoEmergencyManagement.com.

You can also get the latest updates and information from Pasco’s Emergency Operations during a disaster by downloading the MyPasco App and signing up for the Alert Pasco Emergency Notification System.

Published September 16, 2020

Pasco outlaws sale of dogs and cats at pet stores

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Pasco County has amended a county ordinance to halt the sale of dogs, cats, kittens and puppies from retail pet stores.

Commissioners adopted the change unanimously — after a public hearing on Sept. 8, which included opposition to the ban; opposition that the language in the ordinance didn’t go far enough; and, support for the change.

Pasco County Commission Chairman Mike Moore brought his dog, JoJo, to the commission’s Sept. 8 meeting. His family adopted the dog from a rescue organization, and Moore said that despite JoJo’s disabilities, the pet has become a cherished member of the Moore household. (Courtesy of Andrew Taylor/Pasco County)

When Mike Shumate, the county’s director of animal services brought the proposal to the board in August, he urged commissioners to amend the county’s ordinance — to restrict the sale of kittens, puppies, dogs and cats from pet stores — “especially those intentionally selling from large, commercial breeders, out-of-state breeders, puppy mills, primarily.”

During that meeting, Shumate told commissioners that a significant number of puppies and kittens sold at retail pet stores come from out-of-state large-scale breeding facilities.

Shumate said: “There’s documented abuses — endemic of the puppy and kitten mills — including overbreeding, inbreeding, minimal to nonexistent veterinary care, lack of nutritious food, water and shelter, lack of socialization, adequate space and exercise.

“The inhuman conditions of puppy mills and kitten mills often lead to health and behavioral issues,” he added.

This can become a problem for pet owners, who unwittingly purchase an animal that later exhibits health or behavior problems, the animal services director said.

At the Sept. 8 hearing on the amendment, Shumate told commissioners he was aware objections had been made that the proposed amendment had “loopholes.”

But, Shumate said: “Given the definitions that we have for animal rescue operations, we think that will sufficiently to prevent the loopholes.”

When introducing the need for the amendment, in August, Shumate said that the change will result in decreased demand for pets bred in puppy and kitten mills.

It also will result in increased demand for pets from animal shelters and rescue operations, he said.

Shumate also said the new regulation will not prevent consumers from being able to find pets because there are plenty of animals available, both locally and throughout the state.

There is one existing pet store in the county, and it will be grandfathered in because the county is not concerned about being able to respond to any issues, should they arise, Shumate said.

Published September 16, 2020