The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Local News

COVID-19 pandemic revives drive-in movie theaters

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While 2020 is becoming known as the year of COVID-19, it also is being associated with a revival in the popularity of drive-ins.

Once a mainstay of entertainment for families, couples and friends, drive-in theaters have mostly fallen by the wayside over the years.

The Allen family, of Lutz, including, from left, Joshua, Hayley, Cannan and Taylor, enjoyed watching a movie together at pop-up drive-in at Land O’ Lakes Heritage Park. (Kelli Carmack)

But, Joy-Lan Drive-in and Swap Shop, in Dade City, has held on.

For nearly 70 years, it has given locals a chance to watch outdoor movies on a giant screen.

“Drive-ins are so fun because each one you go to is very different… It’s a unique experience for everyone who goes,” said Chip Sawyer, president of Sun South Theaters, which owns Joy-Lan, and Silver Moon Drive-In, in Lakeland.

Sawyer, a drive-in enthusiast, took over the business in 2017, after his grandfather Harold Spears — the original owner — passed away.

From left: Paige Atkinson, Nicholas Hazivasilis, Delaney Young, Matthew Hazivasilis and Makayla Legrand like getting together at the Joy-Lan Drive-In, in Dade City.

He’s thrilled to see so many people coming out to drive-ins.

Joy-Lan Drive-In, which is Pasco County’s last remaining drive-in theater, presents a slice of nostalgia. Music from the ’50s plays, as movie-goers pull into the lot and get ready to view the film.

Paige Atkinson, one of those patrons, has been watching movies at Joy-Lan for years.

“It’s a nice get together for my big group of family and friends,” Atkinson said. “Plus, you get to stay in the comfort of your own car and bring whatever you want.”

Families can bring snacks, spread out on blankets or settle into their lawn chairs — to escape to the world of the movies, under a starry sky.

While Joy-Lan is maintaining a long-held tradition, other drive-in movie options have popped up during the pandemic.

The drive-in movie screenings at the Walmart Supercenter in Wesley Chapel were ‘sold-out’ for two nights in a row. Registration was free, but the store capped the number of vehicles allowed to attend the event. The screenings on Aug. 18 and Aug. 19 were part of Walmart’s traveling tour to bring drive-ins to over 160 Walmart Supercenters nationwide.

Walmart is conducting a nationwide traveling drive-in theater tour to 160 Walmart Supercenters.

The tour included a stop at the Walmart Supercenter in Wesley Chapel on the nights of Aug. 18 and Aug. 19 to screen the movies “Spy Kids” and “Selena.”

The movies were free, but required guests to register, and the store capped attendance.

To keep people safe, Walmart strictly enforced social-distance guidelines, social-distanced parking spaces, and required those attending to remain inside their vehicles.

At another local venue, Floodgates Church hosted a drive-in theater night on Aug. 15 at Land O’ Lakes Heritage Park.

Tom and Lisa McConnell, teachers at River Ridge High School, had a fun date night at Joy-Lan. Besides celebrating Lisa’s birthday, they scratched an item off their bucket list: They’d been wanting to come to Joy-Lan for several summers.

“We wanted to give some love and outreach to our community, and give people who have been cooped up in their homes a chance to get out,” said Pastor Kenton Brake, who leads the Lutz church.

Families of all ages came out to watch the Disney film “Up.”

Whether sitting in their cars, on the roof of their vehicles, or spread out on the grass with their dogs — the event had a communal feel, as movie-goers shared laughter and experienced a sense of normalcy — during the midst of a global pandemic.

The pastor said the church team wasn’t sure what to expect, so it was greatly encouraging, when they saw the parade of cars that arrived.

“All the positive comments we got that night was very rewarding,” Brake said.

Will the movies ever be the same?
When the pandemic forced movie theaters to go dark in March, it was unclear when — or if — they would reopen. AMC Theatres reported a $2.17 billion loss in the first quarter, according to The Hollywood Reporter. The national movie chain began reopening on Aug. 20, charging patrons 15 cents, for that one day only. It remains to be seen whether movie-goers will return in vast numbers, or if concerns about potential spread of COVID-19 keep them away.

Joy-Lan Drive-in and Swap Shop, offers outdoor movies that attract families, couples and groups of friends.
Where: 16414 U.S. 301, Dade City
When: Screenings are Wednesday through Sunday, with the first movie starting at 8:30 p.m.
Cost: Tickets are $6 for adults, and $2 for kids ages 4 through 9, and are good for two screenings.
Info: JoyLanDriveIn.com

Published September 02, 2020

Pasco Sheriff’s Office appreciates community’s support

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Amid nationwide protests and movements for widespread police reform, Pasco County is fortunate to receive considerable community support, said Pasco Sheriff District 2 Cpt. Joseph Irizarry during a breakfast meeting with the East Pasco Networking Group.

Protesters have been persistent, and sometimes violent, in calls for reform in the wake of multiple officer-involved shootings across U.S. cities, but Pasco deputies have felt appreciated by the “support that’s been pouring out of the community,” said Irizarry said, whose patrol division runs east of U. S. Highway 41 north to the Hernando County line, south to the Hillsborough County line, and east to Polk and Sumter counties.

Pasco Sheriff’s Office District 2 Cpt. Joseph Irizarry, right, pictured with East Pasco Networking Group chairman Nils Lenz. Irizarry was the featured guest speaker at the group’s Aug. 25 breakfast meeting at IHOP in Dade City. (Kevin Weiss)

“You know, you can’t go anywhere in Pasco County pretty much without getting ‘thank yous’ and someone offering to pay for my meal or to buy me a cup of coffee — so it’s greatly appreciated,” he told the group, gathered for the Aug. 25 breakfast meeting at the IHOP in Dade City. “Unfortunately, many other law enforcement agencies aren’t experiencing the same support that we experience here in Pasco County.”

The district 2 captain said the reelection of Sheriff Chris Nocco has helped the department stay focused on county issues. No one stepped forward to challenge the sheriff, in his bid for reelection.

Touching on the county’s more pressing issues, Irizarry said the agency has placed a significant emphasis on the issues of homelessness and mental health.

He applauded Nocco’s progressive approach in addressing community issues. For instance, the sheriff used grant money to form the Behavioral Health Intervention Team (BHIT) last year.

The unit, made up of 12 detectives, partners with local hospitals and mental health facilities to conduct frequent visitations and welfare checks. It also helps expedite referrals for behavioral health resources and criminal justice diversion programs for the county’s Baker Act repeats.

For example, an individual struggling with addiction may be referred to outpatient substance abuse treatment. Or, someone struggling financially might be referred to Pasco County’s Human Services department and the county’s homeless coalition.

Before the proactive program began, Irizarry said, the sheriff’s office would be called to a scene and make initial contact with someone who was in the midst of a mental health crisis — and that individual might be arrested or submitted for an involuntary mental health evaluation (Baker Act).

From there, it was left to others to address the problems.

But, the law enforcement agency discovered that many struggling people end up going back to square one — spiraling into their various issues, without knowing how or where to turn for help, he said.

“The sheriff kind of took the reins, ‘Hey, we’re going to create a unit, we’re going to be that ‘somebody else,’ and we’re going to follow up,” said Irizarry, who’s held various roles in his 20 years with the law enforcement agency, including patrol deputy, K-9 deputy, and vice and narcotics detective.

Meanwhile, the high-level officer noted that less than 20% of service calls are related to criminal complaints, so the majority of calls are related to non-criminal matters such as mental health and substance abuse problems, among others.

“A lot of our time is spent doing things other than arresting people and taking people to jail,” Irizarry said. “It’s trying to get people help, and use resources in the community or in the area.”

That seems more important than ever, as many individuals and families have been struggling through layoffs and furloughs due to COVID-19.

Recently, the sheriff’s office has been partnering with Feeding Tampa Bay to deliver hundreds of meals to families at the Pasco County Fairgrounds.

It’s about making the county “a better place for everybody to live,” the captain said.

“In this day and age with the pandemic, a lot of people are laid off, so they don’t have the money to pay the bills or pay the rent or pay for food…so there’s a lot of things that the sheriff’s office does to help the community.”

Published September 02, 2020

Creating peace of mind, through estate planning

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As the effects of the COVID-19 global pandemic continue to create uncertainty, an attorney from Tampa Palms spoke recently about the value of using estate planning to help reduce anxiety.

Myrna Serrano Setty, of the law firm Myrna Serrano Setty PA, shared her expertise during a WOW-TOO Zoom meeting, arranged by the North Tampa Bay Chamber, on Aug. 19.

“I know that you’ve probably seen some of these infographics in recent months, tips that are out there from therapists and counselors, about reducing our COVID anxiety. I feel like our nation is still coming to grips with a new normal,” said Setty, who also plans to open an office in Lutz, in September.

Attorney Myrna Serrano Setty specializes in helping families with estate planning, probate, elder law and guardianship cases. She shared her expertise recently with members of WOW-TOO, which is part of the North Tampa Bay Chamber. (Courtesy of Myrna Serrano Setty)

“My perspective for you today is not coming from a place of fear and doom and gloom. It’s more of a way of reassuring you, with some ideas for things that you can control, through some of the tools that we have in estate planning.

“Focus on the things you can control. Lean on the right people to get that help and get that guidance,” said Setty, whose practice helps families with estate planning, probate, elder law and guardianship cases.

There are tangible ways to make sure that if you’re in a health crisis, the right people are informed and the right people are in charge, she said.

It’s possible to designate someone to be authorized to make legal and financial decisions on your behalf, if that becomes necessary, to be sure the bills are paid, legal issues are addressed and so on, she added.

By planning now, she said, “we can make the best of a hard situation.”

She offered those taking part in the Zoom meeting some food for thought.

For instance, she asked those listening: “Who are your health care decision-makers?

“In Florida, we’re able to legally document who our health care decision-makers are — and what those decisions should be in those end-of-life situations — by using tools like a designation of health care surrogate and a living will,” she said.

A designated health care decision-maker can act on your behalf when there’s an emergency and doctors don’t think you’re going to get any better, and there’s a choice to keep you on life support or withdraw your care, Setty said.

It is important to keep those documents up-to-date and to make sure the person you have designated is still the person you prefer, and that he or she remains capable and willing to act on your behalf.

Another document that’s helpful is a durable power of attorney, Setty said.

That document allows someone you know and trust to make financial and legal decisions on your behalf.

“One of the ideas that’s out there that’s a myth is that if you sign a power of attorney that you are losing your power. That’s not true,” Setty said.

Choose that person wisely, she said, but added that you always have the power to change or revoke it.

The durable power of attorney can be especially helpful if someone has elderly parents, who need help in managing their finances, she said.

Setty said that parents should consider legally naming guardians for their children.

As a parent of two young girls, herself, she said:  “I want to have that peace of knowing that if something happened to me and my husband, that I’ve already legally named the people that I want to be able to raise my girls and take care of them.

“It’s a big gift for your family to have those things settled,” she added.

“You’re able to legally nominate guardians for your kids in a will, or a stand-alone document that is filed with the court,” she said.

Be sure documents are up-to-date
Setty also encouraged the audience to be sure to organize their documents, so that they’re easy to find, and up-to-date, in case someone needs to intervene.

Be sure the beneficiaries you have on any policies or accounts match up with your current desires, she said. They also should be compatible with the intentions outlined in your will, she added.

“Getting a handle now, on who is on your life insurance, or who’s on a bank account, that’s going to make a big difference during an emergency,” she said. “If you get really sick, or something worse happens, you don’t want your family to have to sift through all of that.”

Reviewing these documents also can help you to catch things, and make corrections or take necessary actions, she said.

“I can’t tell you how many cases I’ve had when someone comes in and they thought they were on the house with their husband and they weren’t. That can have huge consequences, financially and otherwise,” she said.

Setty also explained the differences between a will and a trust.

“A will I think of as kind of like a roadmap, as to who gets what, if you pass away.

“A trust is a way for you to manage money, or a property for someone else’s benefit.

“I think of it like a bucket. Whoever is holding the handle of that bucket — they’re the trustee, and the stuff you put inside is things like accounts, or other properties for someone else’s benefit.

“The reason they should be updated is because, over time, your life changes, your relationship changes, your planning goals might change and also the people that you want to put in charge, change.

“We want to make sure that these types of things change, as we change. So, that when they have to be used, they’re really helping. They’re helping our family. They’re really fitting our situation,” she said.

She also touched on the topic of probate.

“Through your lifetime, you’ve made sacrifices and you’ve acquired things. Some of those things can automatically pass to your family, if you were to pass away.

“And, some things don’t. They have to pass through the court system.

“I think of probate as kind of like a highway that can have mandatory stops, and sometimes twists and turns that we don’t expect.

“If we have a will, it directs who is supposed to inherit at the end. Some things go through probate, some things don’t.

“For example, life insurance or a retirement account, those things can pass to our family members or other people we have chosen as beneficiaries through beneficiary designations. But, other things like real estate or certain bank accounts, they do have to go through the court system,” she said.

“My role is to guide you as to what to expect,” she said. “When we do a good job planning, things are just more smooth for everyone.”

If you would like to reach out to Setty, her email is . Her office number is (813) 902-3189.

Published September 02, 2020

Produce stand must stop events or face fines

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A produce stand in Lutz that has been a gathering place for events and food truck rallies has been ordered by the Hillsborough County Code Enforcement Board to come into compliance with county codes, or face stiff fines.

Ron Anderson, the official agent for the owner of the property, CA Properties Inc., and Michelle Gilbert, an attorney for the tenant, County Line Produce, both came before the Hillsborough County Code Enforcement Board on Aug. 28 to respond to allegations of code violations.

Hillsborough County Code Enforcement Officer Rick Garcia explained the nature of the alleged violations to the code enforcement board.

“The property (at 206 Newberger Road) is zoned ASC-1, and they’re operating as essentially a retail business/grocery store, as opposed to what’s allowed for a produce stand. They’re also holding food truck rallies, special events on different weekends of the month,” Garcia said.

“They continue to operate in this capacity and continue to hold events. They originally purchased the property and were in the belief that these activities were permitted because the building had been there previously and used for a similar purpose,” Garcia said.

“I’ve been in constant contact with the proprietor, with the property owner/agent and with the attorney representing the produce stand,” Garcia said.

Gilbert, appearing on behalf of County Line Produce, told board members: “the tenant leased this with the representation that the property could be used for the use they’re doing right now.

“They are requesting additional time to work with the owner, who is represented today, to bring the property into compliance,” she said. “Again, the tenant is at the mercy of the owner, to bring the property into compliance.”

But, Anderson said he “was under the impression that the tenant was hiring the attorney to see about getting a zoning variance so they can operate — evidently outside of the lease, that I have with them.

“They leased the property to grow produce. I have a copy of the current lease, and it says, ‘Use of the premise is to grow produce — vegetables and fruit, and sell them. It doesn’t say anything about all of the other things they’re trying to sell, in relation to a grocery store.

“If they want to do that, they need to get a variance on the zoning. I told them that I would be very cooperative, to help them, with any type of — whatever they had to do to satisfy the zoning regulations, so that they could operate and even operate outside the guidelines of the lease.

“I’m trying to work with them, and help them,” Anderson said.

But, he continued: “The lease clearly states that they can’t cause me to have zoning violations and not be responsible. They’re responsible. I just want them to fix the problem. Do whatever we got to do to solve the problem.”

Gilbert said she plans to submit an application for a conditional use within a couple of weeks.

“Our position is that now, being aware of this problem, where it was misrepresented at the time of leasing, we certainly want to comply and apply appropriately for conditional use and you know, do what we need to do to work with that owner,” she said.

“But again, being very clear, that at the beginning of the lease, it was leased understanding how my client wanted to use the premises, and the reassurances were made that that would be fine,” Gilbert added.

The board found that the property is in violation of Hillsborough County codes, citing both the owner and tenant, and ordered them to come into compliance within 60 days, or face a $250 a day fine.

The board also heard a second case involving a citation against CA Properties Inc., for a property it owns at 19323 N. U.S. 41 in Lutz.

Garcia said the property is south of the produce stand and has been used, in violation of county code, for overflow parking from events at the produce stand. He said as many as 100 cars have been seen on the lot.

Garcia said the property is zoned  ASC-1, and is supposed to be used for pastureland.

He explained that only CA Properties was cited in this case because the produce stand doesn’t have any legal attachment to the lot.

Anderson told the code enforcement board: “The tenant is the responsible party that has caused the violation, and in the lease they’re ultimately responsible.

“I wrote them a letter and told them you have to get permits. I sent Mr. Garcia a copy of the letter. I’m trying to be completely in compliance,” Anderson said.

The board found that CA Properties violated the county’s codes — because of the parking on the lot — and gave the company seven days to come into compliance, or face a fine of $350 per day.

Published September 02, 2020

Carriage House set to get $155,000 facelift

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A notable piece of Zephyrhills history is set to be restored — in hopes of boosting Zephyrhills’  main street corridor, while preserving a landmark of the city’s storied past.

The Zephyrhills City Council has approved a $155,000 project to renovate the Carriage House — a two-story wooden structure connected to the Historic Jeffries House, at 38537 Fifth Ave.

The Jeffries House was built in 1910 for Capt. Harold Jeffries, the founder of Zephyrhills. Jeffries was responsible for bringing many Union Civil War veterans into the area. The house where he lived is a part of the U.S. National Register of Historic Places.

The Carriage House is a two-story wooden structure connected to the Historic Jeffries House, at 38537 Fifth Ave. Renovation of the dilapidated building is part of an effort to beautify the downtown area and contribute to the preservation of other buildings within the Community Redevelopment Area district. (Courtesy of Gail Hamilton)

The council awarded the $155,000 construction contract to Zephyrhills-based Kerns Family Construction Company Inc.

The motion passed 4-1 during an Aug. 24 regular meeting, with Councilman Alan Knight dissenting.

The scope of the project includes myriad interior and exterior improvements to the dilapidated structure. The renovation includes new roof trusses, windows, lap siding, doors and second floor balcony. It also calls for replacing electrical wiring, plumbing, kitchen and bathroom fixtures, among several other enhancements. The project is expected to be completed in four months.

In voting against the project, Knight reasoned the Carriage House attachment should be bulldozed, with the money spent on other projects, such as sidewalk repairs, new playground equipment and sprucing up the Hercules Park property.

“I just can’t see putting $155,000 into that building,” Knight said.

Once the project is finished, the city plans to lease it out to a business tenant for around $1,500 to $2,000 per month.

But, Knight also noted, there’s plenty of other empty storefronts along “the main drag” of Fifth Avenue.

He said the city has failed to rent out the Jeffries House, which the city purchased for $110,000  in 2014 and renovated for $50,000 in 2016.

The building is currently utilized by the Zephyrhills CRA (Community Redevelopment Agency) and nonprofit Main Street Zephyrhills Inc.

“We did the same thing with the Jeffries House, ‘Oh we’re going to lease it out,’ and we never leased anything out,” Knight said.

“I think we made a mistake,” he said.

While Council President Charles Proctor ultimately voted for the renovation contract with Kerns Construction, he sided with Knight’s sentiments about the project, in general.

“Personally, I would’ve liked to have just leveled it over, took the money and spend it on something else, but here nor there, we’re going to redo it and I do hope that it stays in budget, that’s my biggest thing,” said Proctor.

Other supporting council members reasoned that the undertaking is a long-term investment in the city’s historic downtown that will pay dividends in time.

“I totally understand where Councilman Knight is coming from, but I look at it more as like an investment in the downtown area, an investment and maintaining a historical building,”  Councilman Lance Smith said.

“I look at it as this was the property that the founder of Zephyrhills owned, and it should be worth saving, I would think,” he added.

Council Vice President Jodi Wilkeson, expressed support for saving the Carriage House, noting it’s worth the investment.

“This is a learning opportunity,” Wilkeson said. “It’s an opportunity to promote our downtown. It’s an opportunity to promote the Jeffries House, because right now it’s an eyesore (with the Carriage House). When it’s finished it’s going to be beautiful…”

As a bonus, Kerns Construction will organize a series of public workshops at the Carriage House during ongoing construction — inviting residents to see how to complete restoration tasks, such as stripping floors and repairing windows. These “How To” activities also will be  live-streamed on various social media platforms.

“People are interested in that, and it’s attracting young people to our city, and it’s changing the demographic to our community,” Wilkeson said.

Zephyrhills City Manager Billy Poe also provided updates on several development projects:

  • City staff has submitted required documents to the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) for the U.S. 301/Pretty Pond Road signalized intersection project.

Issues recently arose over the city’s selection of BRW Contracting Inc., a Land O’ Lakes company that isn’t on FDOT’s pre-qualified vendor list. Poe said “fingers are crossed, prayers are being said,” FDOT will approve the proposal and a forthcoming agreement will be on the city’s Sept. 14 meeting agenda. The intersection project is being funded via a $2.3 million appropriation included in this year’s state budget; the project has a seven-month construction timeline.

  • The bid letting process for the multimillion Country Road 54 enhancement project remains “on hold” until the city and Pasco County can reach an agreement on splitting costs for it. The scope of the project calls for various turn lanes, a signalized intersection and a multi-use path along a 1.31 mile stretch, generally from east of U.S. 301 to 23rd Street.
  • The city’s planning department is working on designs for the Kossick Road extension to Otis Allen Road, to help make way for the Zephyr Lakes single-family residential development. The city manager explained the idea is to tie in a four-lane road, but a large transmission pole may prevent that, “so we’re working on getting meetings scheduled with Pasco County and Duke Energy to see what can be done.”
  • The $4.9 million Sarah Vande Berg Tennis & Wellness Center final completion date is targeted for Sept. 29; the scheduling of a grand opening date is still to be determined.

Published September 02, 2020

New Dunkin’ coming to Land O’ Lakes

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The Pasco County Commission has approved a rezoning that will allow for a new convenience store, with gas pumps and a Dunkin’, near Ehren Cutoff, in Land O’ Lakes.

The 2.38-acre site is on the southeast corner of the intersection of Land O’ Lakes Boulevard and Ehren cutoff.

The rezoning involved joining two parcels together, one zoned for commercial and the other for rural residential.

Denise Hernandez, county zoning administrator, said the request would not introduce a new gas station onto the property — but replace one that’s already there.

The site plan also calls for a Dunkin’, she said.

County Commission Chairman Mike Moore noted that the new plan is essentially an upgrade from current conditions.

“So, it could use a little makeover and it’s getting a makeover, thankfully,” Moore said, noting that the Dunkin’ (previously known as Dunkin’ Donuts) will be an amenity in the area.

Commissioner Ron Oakley agreed with Moore’s assessment: “That’s what it says on the site plan — they’re redoing that to enhance it. It needs that in that area.”

Moore added: “It kind of goes in line with what we’re trying to do, to try to clean up (U.S.) 41.”

One resident, Rob Park, who lives on Ehren Cutoff, objected to the rezoning.

He questioned a discrepancy between two transportation studies done in the area.

A county staffer said it’s not unusual for two different transportation studies to have different data.

In other action, commissioners:

  • Approved a request for a conditional use to allow the sale of alcoholic beverages: beer, wine, liquor; package sales and on-premises consumption, anywhere within the common areas of The Shops at Wiregrass, in conjunction with the operation of a shopping center.
  • Heard an update from Moore regarding tourism prospects. Moore told board members that the county will be getting a volleyball tournament, a golf tournament, a fishing tournament and a basketball tournament. Some tournaments are coming from out-of-state, but others are shifting from other parts of Florida.

Published September 02, 2020

Wildfire smoke can be a health risk

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Wildfire smoke can irritate lungs, cause inflammation, affect the immune system, and make a person prone to lung infections, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

These are flames from a wildfire in Starkey Park that happened on May 6, 2017. Experts say extra preparation is needed to protect yourself and loved ones from wildfire smoke, during this time of the COVID-19 pandemic. (File)

Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, preparing for possible wildfires might be a little different this year.

The CDC is encouraging people to learn how wildfire smoke can affect you and your loved ones during the pandemic, and to learn what to do for protection.

Masks that are used to slow the spread of COVID-19 will offer little protection against wildfire smoke because the masks do not catch small, harmful particles in the smoke that can damage a person’s health.

The N95 respirators can provide protection from wildfire smoke, but might be in short supply as front line health care workers use them during the pandemic.

Here are some tips offered by the CDC to prepare for wildfires and smoke.

  • Limit outdoor exercise or choose lower-intensity activities to reduce smoke exposure.
  • Create a cleaner air space at home by using a portable air cleaner. Never leave a do-it-yourself box fan filtration unit unattended. Use air conditioners, heat pumps, fans and window shades to keep the cleaner air space cool on hot days. Avoid activities that create more indoor air pollution, such as frying foods, sweeping, vacuuming and using gas-powered appliances.
  • Talk with a health care provider about how to protect yourself against smoke. Stock up on medications taken routinely.
  • Have disaster supplies delivered. If delivery is not possible, take recommended precautions to protect yourself and others while running errands.
  • Have a family disaster plan in place for potential evacuation. If necessary, check for pet-friendly shelters. Seek out cleaner air shelters and cleaner air spaces to move to.

The CDC also recommends that people know the difference between symptoms from smoke exposure and symptoms from COVID-19. If you have difficulty breathing or chest pain, immediately call 911 or the nearest emergency facility.

Those most at risk from the harmful health effects of wildfire smoke are: Children age 18 and younger; adults age 65 and older; pregnant women; people with chronic health conditions, such as heart or lung disease, asthma and diabetes; outdoor workers; people who have lower socioeconomic status, including homelessness or limited access to medical care; and, people who are immunocompromised or take drugs that suppress the immune system.

For more details on wildfire smoke and health, visit CDC.gov/air/wildfire-smoke/default.htm or tinyurl.com/y2j7kbky.

Published September 02, 2020

Rockin’ a good time at music festival

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Families attending the recent Country Music Festival at The Grove at Wesley Chapel, had plenty of options for fun.

The two-day festival, held Aug. 22 and Aug. 23, offered a chance to do line dancing, go for a ride in a hot air balloon, do some rock climbing, jump around in bounce houses, pet some animals, do some shopping, play some games and grab a bite to eat.

And, of course, there was the music.

Country singers Angie Rey, Kelsey Lamb and Samantha Leigh entertained the crowd with their renditions of some classic country hits.

Kelly Gorgon-Snyder, owner of Mama G’s Pierogi, poses for a photo with Celine McPherson and her dog, Kaia.
Ali Trull rocks a custom vest from her family’s upcycling fashion company, Treasure Trulls. The company was among the vendors at the music festival. (Kelli Carmack)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Live music, of course, was the main attraction at the Country Music Festival, held at The Grove at Wesley Chapel. Performer Samantha Leigh, shown here, was among those sharing her talents.
You could step right up — and try to win yourself a prize, at the Country Music Festival, Aug. 22 and Aug. 23, at The Grove at Wesley Chapel.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Festival-goers could purchase live crabs, or at least get a good look at one.
Families had plenty of choices for fun activities at the Country Music Festival, including bouncy houses, game booths, ax throwing, rock climbing and shopping.

Labor Day closings in Pasco

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Pasco County government offices, including the constitutional offices and the courts will be closed on Labor Day, which is Sept. 7.  Those offices that are offering limited services due to COVID-19 will reopen on Sept. 8, according to a Pasco County news release.
Also, the courts that are maintaining limited services as a result of the coronavirus pandemic will reopen Sept. 8.

The county’s Parks, Recreation, and Natural Resources’ offices, recreation complexes and community centers also will be closed on Sept. 7. However, parks and beaches will be open, dawn to dusk.

The county’s public transportation, libraries, and animal services shelter and field services will be closed on Sept. 7, too. An animal control officer will be available for emergencies.

The Pasco County Tax Collector’s Office and the Florida Department of Health in Pasco County also will be closed on Labor Day.

Published September 02, 2020

School begins in Pasco and Hillsborough counties

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Students headed back to classrooms in Pasco County this week and began learning online for the first week of classes in Hillsborough County — while the impact of a temporary injunction and from a pending legal action are not yet clear.

In response to lawsuits filed by the Florida Education Association and individual plaintiffs, the Leon County Circuit Judge Charles Dodson granted a motion for a temporary injunction against Education Commissioner Richard Corcoran’s executive order.

“The order is unconstitutional to the extent it arbitrarily disregards safety, denies local school boards decision making with respect to opening brick and mortar schools, and conditions funding on an approved reopening plan with a start date in August,” the judge’s order says.

It remains to be seen how the decision will play out in Pasco County, where brick-and-mortar schools have reopened, and in Hillsborough, where they are scheduled to do so on Aug. 31.

In their closing arguments on Aug. 21, lawyers for the Florida Education Association, as well as for individual plaintiffs, argued that the  state’s Education Commissioner Richard Corcoran’s  Emergency Order 6 was “arbitrary and capricious” and, therefore, unconstitutional.

The order required school districts to submit reopening plans, which included opening every brick-and-mortar school for five days a week, with the school year starting by the end of August.

Kendall B. Coffey, an attorney representing the teachers union, said the state’s order “completely ignored safety. We all agree that a safe education is a paramount duty under the Florida Constitution.”

The state used “financial bullying” to coerce districts to comply with the order, Coffey said.

He noted what happened in Hillsborough County.

The board approved a reopening plan, which the state subsequently approved. Then, the board heard from a panel of medical experts, who advised against reopening classrooms, until COVID-19 positivity cases declined.

The board then voted to open online only for the first four weeks, before activating the previously approved plan.

The state rejected Hillsborough’s decision.

A letter from Corcoran told the district it would need to submit another plan, which justified any proposed closure, on a school-by-school, grade-by-grade and classroom-by-classroom basis.

The district ultimately agreed with state officials to open the school year online only for one week and then reopen brick-and-mortar schools.

But, that decision came after financial pressure from the state, Coffey said. “We know that Hillsborough was threatened with losing $200 million.”

The attorney said it would serve the public interest to allow local school districts to determine when it safe to return to school, without risk of financial penalty.

Attorney David Wells and Nathan Hill, representing the defendants, including Gov. Ron DeSantis and Education Commissioner Corcoran, said the state was acting under its authority to supervise the state’s 67 school districts.

They said the emergency order considers a range of student needs.

“What are the dangers of not going back to school?” Wells asked. “What happens when children have to learn from home?”

Besides offering the educational benefits of face-to-face instruction, schools provide a wide range of other services for students, Wells said. Schools ensure students have access to meals,  provide services for special needs students and offer an opportunity for intervention when students need protection in abusive homes, or require mental health services.

Remote learning, by contrast, raises issues over whether families have enough digital devices to meet individual student needs, and whether households have internet access, he said.

Both Wells and Hill objected to any attempt to have the court rewrite Corcoran’s order.

“If the governor and the department of education are neutered and left helpless to carry out their constitutional obligations, then the unions will have their way. The schools will not open,” Wells said.

Attorney says key issue is safety for students, staff
Attorney Billy Wieland represented some individual teachers challenging the state’s action.

He told the judge that the issue boils down to this: ‘If we send children and teachers back into the classroom for live, face-to-face instruction — are they going to be safe and secure? We believe you are in the best position to prevent avoidable death.”

But Hill, representing the state, countered: “It is not for this court to second-guess the policy decisions of the executive branch. What they (opposing attorneys) want the court to do, really, is to write a new emergency order. And, that is simply not something the court has the power to do in this situation.”

During closing argument, the judge asked Wells: “Under the emergency order, what choice did the districts have, but to submit a plan in accordance with the emergency order?”

Wells replied: “It’s very clear on Page 6 (of the emergency order), you don’t have to submit a plan.”

The judge responded: “Right, but you lose a lot of funding if you don’t do that.”

Wells acknowledged: “There’s no question about that. I’m not going to dance around it. That’s absolutely right.”

The judge also wanted to know: “To what extent does medical or scientific information play a part in Executive (Emergency) Order 6? It says you’ve got to open.”

Wells said the state had to consider: “The risks I have if I move forward are X. The risks that I have if I don’t open school are Y. How do I make the balance?”

The judge also wanted to know what happens to teachers who will be forced to return because the number of students who want face-to-face instruction.

Hill told the judge: “There is a grievance procedure. They have an adequate remedy of law, under their contracts.”

Meanwhile, another court case is pending. The United School Employees of Pasco has requested an expedited case. No additional information was available on that case, as the afternoon of Aug. 24.

Published August 26, 2020