The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

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Hillsborough schools delay start

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The Hillsborough County School Board has delayed the reopening of schools, as recommended by Superintendent Addison Davis.

In adopting Davis’ plan, the board also said it would reconvene in two weeks to look at the COVID-19 data, to see if the plan sticks, or if the board will change its plan.

The board took the action in a special meeting on July 23.

Under the approved plan, teachers and district staff will return to schools as planned, on July 31.

The board also approved a new student calendar and a new bell schedule, to ensure that students make up for lost time and have the required amount of time in their courses.

Under the approved calendar, the first day of school is Aug. 24, the first semester ends on Jan. 15 and the last day of school is May 28.

The board’s actions followed considerable public comment and discussion by board members.

Members of the public urged board members to consider the safety of students and staff, in adopting their back-to-school plan.

Board member Tamara Shamburger said, “this is not about parent choice.

“This is about the greater duty of the superintendent and this board, to ensure safety in this school district.

“Until we can guarantee student safety, there is no viable choice for brick-and-mortar,” Shamburger said.

But, board member Cindy Stuart said the district was obligated to get a plan in front of Tallahassee.

“Let’s talk about a two-week period, where we continue to watch what is happening,” she said.

“We may have to pivot one way or another,” she said.

Hillsborough County isn’t the only school district struggling with the challenges of reopening schools in the midst of a pandemic.

Pasco County Schools also has delayed the start of school until Aug. 24.

The Pasco School Board also approved an Aug. 17 start date for employees, also a two-week delay from the originally planned Aug. 3.

Delaying the start date will require the district to make up for lost time, Superintendent Kurt Browning said.

His staff has developed a plan that adds 18 to 20 instructional minutes to each school day to make up for the lost time, and also calls for foregoing early release days during the fall semester.

Don Peace, president of United School Employees of Pasco, called Florida Education Commissioner Richard Corcoran’s directive “an overreach.

“You, as a board, should be the ones that determine the safest way to return to teaching and learning, but your authority was usurped by one man,” Peace said.

Corcoran’s directive is being challenged, Peace added.

“Yesterday, in a court in Miami, the Florida Education Association filed suit against his (Corcoran’s) order, labeling it ‘arbitrary and capricious.’ They further claimed that returning to brick-and-mortar now, with COVID numbers on the rise, would be unsafe for students and employees,” Peace said.

The union president also noted that a USEP survey of district employees found that “over 75% of those replying felt that the only safe way to return now is distance learning.”

Peace said USEP urging the Pasco County Schools to adopt a distance-learning model, until the rate of positive COVID-19 cases has been on the decline for 14 days.

Published July 29, 2020

New principal embraces chance to lead Steinbrenner

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Tiffany Ewell, the new principal at Steinbrenner High School, said she always  knew she would face a learning curve when taking the leadership role at a school.

However, she said, “my learning curve might be a little steeper than I ever imagined.”

After all, in addition to assuming a  new role, Ewell faces a school year filled with uncertainties because of COVID-19.

“But, we’re all in the same boat,” Ewell said. “The challenges are there for everyone. We’re going to get through this and we’ll do it together.’’

Tiffany Ewell, the new principal at Steinbrenner High School, comes from Strawberry Crest High, where she was assistant principal in charge of the International Baccalaureate program. (Joey Johnston)

The educator, who was promoted in June from her position as assistant principal for the International Baccalaureate program at Strawberry Crest High in Dover, has spent her summer preparing for the new school year.

At a time when the incoming principal would normally be assessing her faculty lineup, meeting and greeting with parents, and getting to know the community, she’s forced to work at a social distance. She’s preparing Steinbrenner’s brick-and-mortar classrooms for the proper health precautions, while also devising strategies for eLearning students.

“Some of the best advice a first-time principal can receive is the need to be patient and flexible … and that’s certainly true right now,’’ Ewell said. “Even though we’re in a historic and stressful time, I know I’m surrounded by so much support. We all want the same thing and that’s to see our students be successful.

“Regardless of COVID-19, there are a lot of changes in the county with a new superintendent (Addison Davis). There’s a great feeling of camaraderie among all the principals. Staff and parents have been super supportive. Steinbrenner has been a great school for a long time. I’m relying on the support systems available to me and know things don’t have to be reinvented. I’m here to help and, at times, put my own direction on it. I’m very excited to be here.’’

Ewell replaces Kelly King, who was assigned to Hillsborough High after seven years as Steinbrenner’s principal.

Ironically, Ewell and King once worked side by side as social studies instructors when their teaching careers began at King High School. They went together from King to Freedom, following principal Richard Bartels, who told them both, “I’m going to make principals of you one day.’’

“Mr. Bartels was right … it actually happened,’’ King said. “Certainly, it defies the odds that two social studies teachers and next-door classroom neighbors just starting out would become principals.

“Even long ago, we talked about it all the time. We went through all the leadership development courses and programs. We had the same kind of goals. We were just two peas in a pod. I’m thrilled that Tiffany has gotten this opportunity, and I couldn’t think of a better person for the Steinbrenner position.’’

As they shifted into administration, King and Ewell worked a parallel path, sometimes applying for the same jobs, even driving together to attend back-to-back interviews.

“I can always pick up the phone and ask Kelly a question, so our friendship and her experience at Steinbrenner are a great asset,’’ said Ewell, who had worked at Strawberry Crest since the East Hillsborough County school opened in 2009.

King said the Steinbrenner community won’t notice much of a difference because “Tiffany and I are really similar in so many ways.’’

Indeed, they are close friends and confidants. They have even taken vacations together.

“Tiffany’s leadership style will be a great fit at Steinbrenner,’’ King said. “She was a very strong teacher and she has the IB experience, so she knows the importance of college readiness. I think she will continue the success of the academic and extracurricular programs.

“This is a unique time with unique challenges, but it’s still the best job in the world. As a principal, there are stressful times, but you remain focused on the big picture. You do what’s right for the students. You hear from all the people who have a stake in it, then make decisions, always keeping the students first and foremost. Through it all, you’ve got to have some fun, too. The job can wear you out, but it’s also so fun and so rewarding. Tiffany will have the perfect priorities for success,” King said.

In assuming the school’s top job, Ewell becomes just the third principal in Steinbrenner’s history, replacing King, who had replaced Brenda Grasso, the school’s first principal.

Ewell is a graduate of King High School. She originally attended the University of Florida (UF) with designs on becoming a broadcast journalist. In high school, she even conducted an interview with Fox-13 news anchor Kelly Ring, while dreaming of one day filling a similar role in her hometown.

Back then, some King teachers insisted that Ewell would ultimately migrate into education.

“I’m not going to be a teacher, I’m a journalist,’’ Ewell protested.

But, at UF, she visualized a gypsy lifestyle in broadcasting, hopping from town to town while climbing the career ladder, and that didn’t seem appealing.

She transferred to the University of South Florida, where she shifted to education.

Ewell hasn’t regretted the move.

She loves to travel. She’s a doting aunt to her nephews, Drew and Zach Ehrhard, both high-level baseball players. She’s passionate about all things Tampa Bay.

But, her biggest passion is education. And now, that passion is centered on Steinbrenner.

“Obviously, there are a lot of unknowns right now.

“But, we’re going to build relationships and make it work. Things have worked well at Steinbrenner for a long time. I’m here to lend support and keep things moving in a good direction,” Ewell said.

By Joey Johnston

Published July 29, 2020

Pasco adopts tighter restrictions on apartments

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The Pasco County Commission has adopted new standards that aim to keep apartment development from consuming frontage along state roads 54/56, between Gunn Highway and U.S. 301.

Commission Chairman Mike Moore has championed tighter restrictions along the State Road 54/56 corridor — citing the need to preserve the frontage for employment-generating development. He also has cautioned his colleagues that allowing too much apartment development now could create problems in the future, when occupancy drops and the buildings fall into disrepair.

Commissioners initially adopted the tighter restrictions on June 30, but revisited the issue on July 14 to clarify the effective date and to address a question raised about which section of State Road 54 falls within the new restrictions.

Under the adopted changes, new multifamily residential zoning and future land use amendments along the SR 54/56 corridor from Gunn Highway to U.S. 301 shall be integrated with a mixture of employment-generating land uses.

Those uses can be existing uses or new ones, according to the county’s new requirements.

Also, on properties along the State Road 54/56 corridor from Gunn Highway to U.S. 301, the first 2,000 feet adjacent to the corridor shall place new multifamily zoning and future land use amendments behind non-residential land uses unless a development vertically integrates a mixture of uses, such as a high-rise with offices, residential and retail uses.

New rezonings or future land use amendments in the affected area that have not yet filed complete applications as of June 30 will comply with the county’s directive.

The new restrictions do not apply to the section of State Road 54 that runs between Wesley Chapel Boulevard and Zephyrhills, Chairman Moore said.

He said the directive has been clarified because questions had been raised about that.

Before voting, commissioners also heard concerns raised by Joel Tew, an attorney who frequently represents applicants in rezoning and land use requests.

Tew questioned the process being used by the board to make the changes, noting it bypassed the normal public hearing process to adopt changes to the county’s comprehensive plan and land development code.

He also said the changes are in conflict with policies within the county’s comprehensive plan.

But, David Goldstein, chief assistant county attorney, said “I am not aware of any direct inconsistencies with the comp plan or land development code, as part of this policy. However, if we identify any, we will address them through the appropriate land development code or comprehensive plan amendment.”

Moore also noted that no Pasco County property owners stepped forward during public comment to raise objections to the new restrictions.

Published July 29, 2020

Is a new library coming to Wesley Chapel?

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Pasco County Commission Chairman Mike Moore recalls pedaling his bicycle to the local library when he was young, so he could get his hands on its books and magazines.

It was an enjoyable part of his youth, the commissioner said, and he wants the county to expand that opportunity to more people by building a new library in Wesley Chapel.

Pasco County Commission Chairman Mike Moore is pushing to have a library built in Wesley Chapel. Libraries are community assets — having something to offer to people of all ages and walks of life, he said. (File)

He mentioned the importance of laying the groundwork to help make that happen, during a recent discussion of the Pasco County budget for fiscal year 2021.

Moore said he’s simply trying to move the idea forward by obtaining some money in the coming year’s budget to begin to identify what the project would cost.

The county already has a site, next to Seven Oaks Elementary School, at 27633 Mystic Oaks Blvd., in Wesley Chapel. It has owned that land since 2004, he said.

He said he understands the county’s current capital plan doesn’t have money for another new library.

The county is part of a partnership that is creating a new library, district park and cultural center on the campus of the new Starkey Ranch K-8 School, which is expected to open in 2021.

While the county doesn’t have the money to pursue a new library in Wesley Chapel now, Moore wants to work toward making something within the next few years.

“We need to really work hard, in my opinion, and find a way to pull some funding together and find a way to get this ball rolling,” Moore said.

Wesley Chapel needs a library, he said. It’s not only the fastest-growing area of the county, it’s also among the fastest-growing areas of the state, he added.

“New River Library does a great job, there’s a lot renovations going on there.” But, he added:  “It’s really not in the heart of Wesley Chapel. It’s really on the edge of Zephyrhills.

“A library is a huge, huge asset for our citizens — across the board. No matter what the demographic is, no matter what the income level is,” he added.

Libraries offer access to technology and Makerspaces, provide programming and entrepreneurial classes, and are a good place for groups to gather, among other things, Moore said.

So, the time has come to begin planning for a future Wesley Chapel library, Moore said, adding, “It doesn’t need to be the Taj Mahal.”

Published July 29, 2020

Connerton to get a downtown?

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The Pasco County Commission has taken the first step in the process needed to clear the way for a proposed Downtown Connerton in Land O’ Lakes.

Commissioners approved changes to the long-range plan that would set the stage for a new mixed-use community within Connerton, that would be on the west side of Ehren Cutoff, about 2 miles south of State Road 52.

There are 16 parcels within Connerton Villages III/IV, according to county planning documents.

No one objected to the proposed change to the county’s long-range plan, which commissioners approved unanimously.

Now that the long-range plan has been amended, the next step will be consideration of a request to create a master-planned unit development (MPUD).

The land currently is zoned for agricultural use, but would be used for a mixed-use development.

The rezoning calls for activating a mixed-use area of at least 40 acres to create a Downtown Connerton.

Specifics in the proposal call for approximately 2,160 dwelling units, 55,000 square feet of retail, and 150,000 square feet of office, and a 765-student charter school, the planning documents say.

The idea is to bring employment, retail, a school and higher-density residential together to make it easy for people to walk, bicycle or use forms of transportation other than vehicles.

The area also will have pedestrian-oriented open spaces, community gathering spaces and will be within walking distance to an 80-acre district park, planning documents say.

Planners also report that the county has been working with the applicant to draft a connectivity plan that “will ultimately provide a system of trails, multi-use paths and associated amenities.”

A request to rezone the land — to enable the development of the proposed Downtown Connerton — will be brought to the board for consideration, at a later date.

Published July 29, 2020

County approves development services leader

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(Courtesy of Pasco County)

Pasco County has named Sally Sherman as its new assistant county administrator of development services.

She was selected through a nationwide search that drew more than 100 applicants.

County Administrator Dan Biles cited Sherman’s extensive work in public service, as well as her leadership experience.

Before joining Paso County, Sherman was deputy county administrator for Flagler County, assistant city manager for the City of Deltona, deputy county manager for Seminole County, and assistant city manager for the City of Leesburg, according to a Pasco County news release.

She holds a dual master’s degree in Public Administration and Management from Webster University, a Master of Science in Human Resource Management from Troy State University and a Bachelor of Business from Barry University, the county reports.

Her appointment is effective on July 27.

Published July 29, 2020

Local governments forge generator agreement

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The Pasco County School Board and Pasco County have approved an agreement that allows the county to use the school district’s fueling facilities during emergency situations.

In exchange, the county will cover the cost of installing new generators or retrofitting existing ones to ensure that the fuel facilities will continue to operate even when the power is out.

The agreement covers these facilities, in priority order:

  • Central Compound, 5346 Parkway Blvd., Land O’ Lakes
  • Southeast Compound, 37820 13th Ave., Zephyrhills
  • Maintenance Compound, 11835 Tree Breeze Drive, New Port Richey
  • Northwest Compound, 14500 Cobra Way, Hudson
  • East Compound, 13135 Fort King Highway, Dade City

Additional district fueling locations may be added to the program without amending the agreement, if both parties agree.

The county has allocated an initial $200,000 for the work, but if the cost exceeds that amount, the parties shall negotiate any needed changes.

Published July 29, 2020

Cosmetic surgery that enhances your original beauty

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When you walk into Tampa Surgical Arts, there is soft music playing, calming aromas and restful furniture — not the typical sterile environment found in a traditional facial and cosmetic surgeon’s office.

Making sure his patients feel relaxed and comfortable is a priority for Dr. Manik Bedi, owner of Tampa Surgical Arts, and facial and cosmetic surgery center in Odessa.

“I always put myself in the client’s shoes. If I were to go into an office to get a procedure, I would want to feel comfortable every step of the way,” says Dr. Bedi.

Dr. Manek Bedi

Dr. Bedi has impressive credentials, and is one of few triple-board-certified surgeons in the greater Tampa area. He has a medical degree, and an oral and maxillofacial surgery certificate, from the University of Florida, earned a doctor of dental surgery from New York University, and was awarded a cosmetic surgery certificate from Tulsa Surgical Arts in Oklahoma.

Dr. Bedi is proud to offer patients a private surgical center, which is one of the area’s only accredited facilities. He offers a wide range of procedures, including smile makeovers with dental implants, wisdom teeth removal, eyelid surgery, ear pinning, facial implants, medical spa treatment, facelift, liposculpture and Brazilian Butt Lift.

Patients begin their visit in a private room with a treatment coordinator to talk about the procedures they are interested in. Then, Dr. Bedi comes in and spends time learning about their goals, and why they are considering facial cosmetic surgery. Together, they discuss the benefits and risks associated with the procedure, and then Dr. Bedi develops a comprehensive treatment plan that explains what happens before, during and after surgery.

A misconception some people have of cosmetic surgery is that it can look overdone or fake. Dr. Bedi assures patients that his surgeries always result in a natural look that enhances their original beauty.

Cosmetic and facial procedures give patients an instant boost of confidence, and this change in self-perception is one of the most rewarding parts of Dr. Bedi’s job.

“I love that I have the ability to change people’s lives and help them regain the confidence they once had, by achieving a desired look they never thought they could achieve,” says Dr. Bedi.

A unique feature you’ll find at Tampa Surgical Arts is that right after surgery, patients wake up to a delicious smoothie made just for them.

To schedule your free consultation with Dr. Bedi, please contact Tampa Surgical Arts today. The practice abides by all COVID-19 safety procedures.

17751 Gunn Highway, Odessa
(813) 694-7242, TampaSurgicalArts.com

By Kelli Carmack

Published July 22, 2020

Socially distanced tribute honors military hero

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Francis Xavier O’Connell — a former prisoner of war and decorated military veteran — had been scheduled for a special moment during the most recent session of the Florida Legislatures.

State Rep. James Grant, from House District 64, sponsored a tribute for O’Connell’s “exemplary military service and his unwavering dedication to the United States of America.”

Francis Xavier O’Connell salutes behind the glass doors at Angels Senior Living at the Lodges of Idlewild, in Lutz. Because of the COVID-19 lockdown, he had to watch the ceremony, as it was performed outside. (Courtesy of Jennifer Pamplona)

The tribute was scheduled to be delivered in the gallery of the House of Representatives in Tallahassee, according to O’Connell’s niece, Carolyn Matthews.

But, that’s just one of the things that hasn’t happened in recent months because of COVID-19.

Instead, a ceremony was arranged at Angels Senior Living at the Lodges of Idlewild, in Lutz, Matthews said, via email.

Because senior care facilities remain in lockdown, members of two veterans groups stepped forward to help create a dignified event to honor O’Connell.

Members of the Assisting Veterans of America Support Team  (AVAST) provided an Honor Guard. Luis Anjurjo, an AVAST member, sang the National Anthem.

Members of the Assisting Veterans of America Support Team (AVAST) provided an Honor Guard.

Retired U.S. Army Col. Reginal Williams, of the Tampa Chapter of the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA), said the invocation. Retired Army Col. Charles Dalcourt, president of the chapter, presented the tribute to O’Connell, who retired as a U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer 4. The group also provided a photographer for the occasion.

Because of social distancing requirements, O’Connell had to stay inside the center.

He was able to see what was happening, though, through the Lodges’ glass front doors. Other residents also were able to attend the ceremony.

State lawmaker Grant’s tribute outlines highlights of O’Connell’s military career.

In part, it says that O’Connell began his service with basic and advanced military training in Fort Bragg, North Carolina, before a deployment to Casablanca, Morocco, where O’Connell joined the 45th Infantry Division of the United States Army and trained for battle alongside the first appointed United States Special Forces.

In 1943 and 1944, he took part in three hard-fought but ultimately victorious amphibious assault landings in Italy.

During his fourth amphibious assault landing in southern France, O’Connell fought with his unit inland, where, in September of 1944, the unit was surrounded by Panzer tanks and German infantry. They were taken prisoner, and sent by trucks and trains to Germany, experiencing frequent strafing by United States aircraft along the way, the tribute says.

Francis Xavier O’ Connell had just graduated from high school when he enlisted in the U.S. Army to fight in World War II. He received this French Legion of Honor medal from the French government, which bestowed it to him as an expression of gratitude for his service.
Other military honors he has received include the Bronze Star and the Combat Infantry Badge. (File)

O’Connell was a prisoner of war for nine months.

“He and his fellow captives were subject to extreme temperatures, near starvations, and brutal forced labor at a work camp in Vilshofen, Germany, until Allied forces took control of the area, and upon being freed, his unit made the journey on foot to Bremerhaven, over 520 miles away,” an excerpt from the tribute says.

O’Connell went on to earn his bachelor’s degree in business administration from Brown University.

After that, he reenlisted in the U.S. Army, in 1949, and served in an Intelligence Division at numerous duty stations in the United States, and in Germany, Saudi Arabia, Ecuador and Brazil.

Francis Xavier O’Connell sits inside the senior center, during a portion of the program. (Courtesy of Jennifer Pamplona)

He retired from the Army in 1984, and continued to serve in the United States  Army Reserves until 1989.

During his  42 years of service, O’Connell received the Bronze Star and the Combat Infantryman Badge. He also was inducted into the French Foreign Legion of Honor by the French government.

In an interview with The Laker/Lutz News, conducted in August, 2017, O’Connell shared some of his war-time memories.

He recalled there were times during World War II when he wasn’t sure he’d live to see another sunrise. He talked about being a prisoner of war and recalled being so thin at one point, he only weighed 80 pounds.

He credited his mother’s prayers for keeping him alive during dangerous times on the battlefield and through his captivity as a prisoner of war.

Despite being captured, O’ Connell said he was one of lucky ones. He survived; two-thirds of a his regimen, made up of 1,800 soldiers, were killed.

He also shared the joy he felt when he was finally reunited with his mother.

“You won’t believe how happy it was,” O’Connell said. “She almost fell over, when I put my arms around her.”

Published July 22, 2020

Autism ID cards aim to help with policing

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The Pasco Sheriff’s Office has another tool, aimed at helping its deputies when responding to situations involving residents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

The law enforcement agency has introduced an autism identification card program, otherwise being called Autism Assistance Cards.

The front of the cards has some general information to help deputies communicate with individuals with autism. For instance, deputies are advised to display calm body language and to allow for additional time for replies.

The back of the cards, meanwhile, offers space for an individual’s identifying information, such as name and address, and information on the person’s conditions, such as whether they are verbal vs. nonverbal.

The front of the Autism Assistance Cards has information to help deputies communicate with individuals on the autism spectrum. Suggestions include having officers display calm body language and provide additional time for replies. (Courtesy of Pasco Sheriff’s Office)

The roughly 4-inch x 6-inch cards were designed with the help of River Ridge High School’s graphic arts class.

The ID cards are being distributed to individuals with autism, so if there’s an encounter, the card can be handed to deputies to help them know how best to work with the individual.

Cards have been provided to caregivers to share them with a loved one who has autism. They’re also being sent to special education teachers in Pasco County Schools, who can pass them along to students’ families.

Pasco Sheriff’s officials suggest the autism ID cards may prove useful in incidents in which a person is lost or separated from their caregiver, and is unable to effectively communicate their disability, or when the individual is nonverbal or low functioning.

The cards would clearly and quickly identify the individual as being on the autism spectrum — eliminating potential miscommunication or misinterpretation regarding behaviors that are common among those on the autism spectrum.

“It’s all about improved communication and interaction,” said Pasco Sheriff’s Cpt. Toni Roach, who helped spearhead the program through the agency’s Behavioral Health Intervention Team.

In addition to standard personal information on the cards, Roach encourages caregivers to use the additional writing space to list as much information possible about the adult or child with autism.

That information could include listing various conversation starters, preferred nicknames, and various likes and dislikes. It also could identify what triggers the individual, what calms him or her, and other useful information.

As an example, Roach explained she knows of one particular child with autism who enjoys talking about the Nintendo Switch video game console, “so the deputies would be able to see that information and go, ‘Oh, OK, I can talk about a Nintendo Switch and I can redirect the child to calm down, and build that rapport and then be able to communicate and figure out how we can best resolve that situation, and why we got called out there to begin with.”

Roach offered another example of how it could be beneficial: “Like, if that person doesn’t like to be called by their first name but likes to be called, ‘Kiddo,’ then I can refer to them by that term and that will be less confrontational with them.”

Besides receiving the autism ID cards, caregivers also have the opportunity to register their loved one’s name into the agency’s computer database, which alerts deputies they’re dealing with someone with autism.

Program attracting attention
People outside Pasco County also have expressed interest in the cards.

Roach said the cards have been sent to residents in Pinellas and Hernando counties. An officer with the Philadelphia Police Department even requested a digital version of the ID cards so his agency could implement a similar program, Roach said.

“We don’t care what county you live in, as far as I’m concerned, if we can help law enforcement interaction, we’re going to send out the card,” she said.

The autism ID cards seemingly have been embraced by members of the autism community.

Port Richey resident Candace Smith recently obtained a card for her 15-year-old son who’s on the autism spectrum. She’s also passing out some to her network of friends and neighbors who have family members with autism.

“I’m in support of anything that’s going to keep an autistic person safe, and allow them to have the same rights as everyone else,” Smith said. “I do like the cards, because it’s just an automatic way to communicate quickly to let somebody know, ‘This person has autism,’ and it explains their behavior, so to me, it’s a step in the right direction.”

The Pasco Sheriff’s Office has introduced Autism Assistance Cards to better guide its deputies whenever they encounter an individual with autism spectrum disorder. The cards are being given to community members with autism. (File)

The parent said she often worries what an encounter with law enforcement would entail with her son, who may not immediately be able to respond to orders from police. Rather, she explained her son’s first instinct or “self-soothing” calming behavior is usually to walk away from a stressful or nerve-inducing situation.

Those fears are further exacerbated because her son is a black teenager, Smith said. “I just worry a little bit more, because of how things are; just being realistic,” she said.

The challenging part going forward, Smith said, is finding a way to have her son understand how to correctly show the autism ID card to a law enforcement officer in a particular situation.

She acknowledged it will likely take “a series of conversations” and maybe even an in-person meeting with a deputy to get her son comfortable with the scenario.

For the time being, the parent is considering laminating the card and putting it on a lanyard for her son if he’s on his own. She plans to keep another card on her person with her son’s information, too.

University of South Florida’s (USF) Center for Autism & Related Disabilities (CARD) is likewise in support of the law enforcement agency’s autism ID card program.

The center’s assistant program director, Christine Rover, said the initiative is “a really important element” to cultivate more positive interactions between law enforcement and individuals with autism, in addition to ongoing training, outreach and collaboration with various public safety agencies.

She commended the sheriff’s office for implementing the tool and taking progressive steps with the autism community.

“Pasco County Sheriff’s Office has really been a leader in their efforts to include residents with ASD for a long time, so it’s kind of no surprise that they’re adding to sort of the elements here, and we really appreciate that,” Rover said.

Rover explained the next step is the need to develop supporting education materials and a video tutorial for caregivers to show to their loved ones with autism on how to properly and effectively present the card to law enforcement. It’s something the state-funded resource center is actively brainstorming, she said.

Meanwhile, Rover stressed autism-related training for law enforcement officers beforehand is also critical, whether it’s a case of wandering, a traffic incident or even a criminal situation.

“The training component for the deputies is really important, because where this card might be helpful on a scene, if it’s a really crisis scene, then the deputies aren’t going to have the time to really read a card and say, ‘Oh, here’s some tips for interacting,’ Rover said.

“Autism is an invisible disability, so they’re not coming onto a scene or arriving at a home and saying, ‘Oh, I can see that individual has autism,’ so they have to be able to recognize that perhaps some of those behaviors could be interpreted as part of the autism spectrum disorder.”

For information on the program and to obtain autism ID cards, email .

Published July 22, 2020

CLARIFICATION 07/23/2020
A Port St. Lucie-based company, Debbaudt Legacy Productions LLC, has licensed autism on-scene response cards since 2005, and has produced and circulated over 250,000 of these cards in the past 15 years.

The Laker/Lutz News ran this story about an autism assistance card program that was recently introduced at the Pasco Sheriff’s Office, through its Behavioral Health Intervention Team. The text on these autism response cards uses language very similar to the text published on the autism on-scene response cards produced by Debbaudt Legacy Productions.

For more information about autism resources available through Debbaudt Legacy Productions, go to debbaudtlegacy.com and autismriskmanagement.com.