The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Local News

Case of ‘brain-eating’ amoeba confirmed by officials

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The Florida Department of Health (DOH) has confirmed one case of Naegleria fowleri in Hillsborough County.

“The amoeba can cause a rare infection of the brain called primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM) that destroys brain tissue and is usually fatal. The amoeba is commonly found in warm freshwater, such as lakes, rivers, ponds and canals,” according to a health department news release.

“Naegleria fowleri usually infects people when contaminated water enters the body through the nose,” according to information on the Centers for Disease Prevention and Control’s website.

A confirmed case of Naegleria fowleri has been found in Hillsborough County. The amoeba can cause a rare infection of the brain and is generally fatal. The amoeba is commonly found in warm freshwater, such as lakes, rivers, ponds and canals. (B.C. Manion)

“You cannot get infected from swallowing water contaminated with Naegleria,” according to the CDC.

“Infections usually occur when temperatures increase for prolonged periods of time, which results in higher water temperatures and lower water levels. The peak season for this amoeba is July, August and September,” the health department says.

“Naegleria fowleri is found in many warm freshwater lakes, ponds and rivers in the United States, but is more common in southern states,” the health department adds.

Because there is a low number of cases, it is difficult to know why a few people have been infected compared to the millions of other people who have used the same or similar waters across the country, the health department says.

Though there are only 37 reported cases with exposure in Florida since 1962, the health department cautions those who swim and dive frequently in Florida’s lakes, rivers and ponds during warm temperatures to be aware of the possible presence of Naegleria fowleri.

To help prevent possible exposure, the health department recommends:

  • Avoid water-related activities in bodies of warm freshwater, hot springs and thermally polluted water, such as water around power plants.
  • Avoid water-related activities in warm freshwater during periods of high water temperature and low water levels.
  • Hold the nose shut or use nose clips when taking part in water-related activities in bodies of warm freshwater, such as lakes, rivers, or hot springs.
  • Avoid digging in or stirring up the sediment while taking part in water-related activities in shallow, warm freshwater areas.
  • Please note, exposure to the amoeba may also occur when using neti pots to rinse your sinuses of cold/allergy-related congestion or conducting religious rituals with tap water. Use only boiled and cooled, distilled or sterile water for making sinus rinse solutions for neti pots or performing ritual ablutions.

Symptoms of exposure include headache, fever, nausea, disorientation, vomiting, stiff neck, seizures, loss of balance or hallucinations.

If you experience any of these symptoms after swimming in any warm body of water, contact your health care provider immediately. It is essential to seek medical attention right away, as the disease progresses rapidly after the start of symptoms, the health department says.

For the latest information about the amoeba, please visit the CDC’s website at CDC.gov/parasites/naegleria/general.html.

Published July 15, 2020

State budget takes billion-dollar hit from COVID-19

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Florida’s final $92.2 billion budget reflects a billion dollars in projects and programs vetoed by Gov. Ron DeSantis.

The governor blamed the economic impacts of COVID-19 for forcing the budget cuts — which included numerous initiatives in Pasco County.

“As the budget was coming due, we started to see the economic effects of the coronavirus pandemic, which has changed the trajectory of the nation’s economy and obviously the economy here in Florida. And has, of course, affected the budget balances,” DeSantis explained in a televised news conference when he signed the budget on June 29.

“As we were looking at the budget, my goal was to try to safeguard the historic achievements that we were able to do, while also realizing historic savings, so that we could put Florida on a more solid fiscal foundation,” the governor said.

The budget “provides significant support for education, the environment, infrastructure, child welfare and more,” he said.

He also noted that, in light of Florida’s population growth, per capita spending has declined, as compared to the previous year’s budget.

“Everyone understands that circumstances have changed,” DeSantis said. Still, he added, “I don’t think we necessarily forecast the economy simply stopping for a time.”

The budget puts a high priority on teacher salaries.

“We wanted to take Florida from the bottom half of the country in average minimum salary to the top five. It was not an easy fight, there were a lot of folks who didn’t want to do that.

“We were able to get $500 million to increase the average minimum salary in the state of Florida for K-12 teachers, as well as including money for salary increases for teachers who are more seasoned, and other eligible personnel.

“We are now in the top five for average minimum salary. I think this is really a historic achievement,” DeSantis said.

Also, “we do have the highest funding ever for K-12 (kindergarten through 12th grade) schools, with an increase of $137 per student,” he said.

The state’s college and universities also received increases, and the state continued its commitment to restoring the Everglades and state waterways, and improving water quality, the governor said.

The budget also fully funds the Florida Department of Transportation’s $9.2 billion work program, which DeSantis said is necessary, as the state continues to grow.

There’s also $8.7 million in new funding to support the Office of Public and Professional Guardianship to help ensure the legal rights of older Floridians are protected, and eliminate abuse, neglect and exploitation of the elderly population, he said.

Plus, the budget also includes more than $138 million in state and federal funding to address the opioid epidemic, and $8 million to continue providing community-based behavioral health services.

Still, the governor vetoed pages and pages of projects and programs.

“These were not easy decisions,” DeSantis said.

“These were difficult circumstances. I want people to know, particularly those in the Legislature, that there were obviously things that I vetoed that I think there could be good policy. There are specific projects in there, that under normal circumstances, I would have supported.”

Locally, initiatives such as a stand-alone senior center in Dade City, a landscaping beautification project along U.S. 41 in Land O’ Lakes and an archive center at Florida Pioneer Museum will have to wait or find another funding source.

But, not all was lost.

Pasco County Commission Chairman Mike Moore said he’s gratified that hard work by Pasco’s legislative delegation resulted in getting many projects into the original budget.

He’s also pleased that some county initiatives gained funding.

“I am thankful the Governor did approve two Pasco projects worth just under $8 million dollars for needed infrastructure improvements,” Moore said, via email.

Those projects are the Lacoochee industrial area right-of-way improvements for approximately $5.5 million, and the U.S. 301/Pretty Pond and Medical Arts Court Intersection Improvements estimated at $2.3 million.

Moore also noted that in comparison with some other areas in the state, Pasco County fared well. The commission chairman also said the lack of state funding won’t kill all of the projects that were vetoed.

“At the moment, Pasco County staff is still reviewing options for the vetoed projects; we do expect some will move forward although they may be delayed from original timelines. As an example, the Quail Hollow stormwater improvement project has already pursued alternative grant funding from FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) we are awaiting final word on,” Moore said.

Veto list
Here are some of the projects or programs within and near The Laker/Lutz News coverage area that were included in Gov. Ron DeSantis’ veto list:

  • Saint Leo University, Robotics Bachelor’s Degree and Micro-credential program: $1.25 million
  • Pepin Academies Foundation, $1.5 million
  • Metropolitan Ministries Miracles for Pasco, $250,000
  • Pasco County Handcart Road Water and Wastewater, $5.75 million
  • CARES One Stop Senior Center in Dade City, $750,0000
  • Pasco County Quail Hollow Boulevard, South, $850,000
  • Land O’ Lakes U.S. 41 landscape rehabilitation, $850,000
  • Sarah Vande Berg Tennis & Wellness Center, Zephyrhills: $1 million
  • FIRST Economic Development Incubator, Land O’ Lakes: $750,000
  • Pioneer Florida Museum Association Inc. Archives Center Pasco: $100,000

State budget highlights
Gov. Ron DeSantis gave a news conference when he unveiled the state’s final $92.2 billion budget. Here is a look at some budget highlights he mentioned:

  • $500 million to increase teacher salaries
  • $137 increase in spending, per student in K-12
  • $25 million increase in mental health programs for schools
  • $22.8 million increase for Florida colleges, bringing total to $1.3 billion in state operating funds
  • $44.4 million increase for Florida’s universities, bringing total to $2.7 billion
  • $322 million for Everglades Restoration; $50 million for springs restoration; $160 million for targeted water quality improvements; $40 million for alternative water supply; $25 million to combat harmful algal blooms and red tide
  • $2.3 million to implement the first statewide threat assessment strategy in the country
  • $17.3 million to begin transitioning correctional officers from a 12-hour shift to an 8.5-hour shift
  • $15 million to fund prevention programs for at-risk youth

Published July 15, 2020

Family’s passion for land runs deep

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The Melton family’s history of farming and ranching in Pasco County stretches back to 1950, when Jack Melton went to work growing watermelons for a rancher.

Steve Melton, Jack’s oldest son, shared the story of his family’s abiding love for the land during a spring tour of their holdings with a photographer and writer from The Laker/Lutz News.

The Meltons — including Jack Melton, his children and their families— live on 1,500 acres the families have acquired through decades of hard work. (Christine Holtzman)

Over decades, the Meltons have acquired 1,500 acres of farm and pastureland in northeast Pasco County, where Jack and five families of Meltons now make their homes.

“As we could get a little bit of money, we’d buy a little bit of land. We’d owe that money to the bank. We’d get that paid off,” Melton said.

It has been a family affair, he said. It has required the efforts of his dad, Jack, the four Melton brothers — Steve, Johnny, Mark and Joe — and their sister, Becky Worrell.

“This has not been given to us. It was not left to us,” Melton said. “That’s why our heart is in this land because it was through our toil that we paid for it.”

As he drove his pickup truck along bumpy roads, he stopped, occasionally, to show off beautiful views.

“Right over that hill, straight ahead of us, is Dade City. Blanton is over that next hill.

“What’s so remarkable about this is the steep relief in this valley right here —how quickly this drops off.

“You see those towers right there on the next horizon? That’s Trilby and Lacoochee.

“That second tower to the right is the big grain elevator in Lacoochee. You can see a water tower, sometimes, in Webster, from here,” he said.

Throughout the property, there are scenes that capture a sense of Old Florida. There are ancient oaks, tree-canopied roads, and wildflowers bursting with color along the roadsides.

Steve Melton rests a spell, and shares some of his cowboy poetry with visitors. Melton, now retired, enjoys writing and reciting poetry and also does heritage arts, such as making brooms and grinding sugar cane to make sugar cane syrup.

The family’s agricultural operations are varied.

“On our 1,500 acres, we have several hundred head in our cow/calf operation. We raise the calves, and then we have a few lease ranches around, too. That’s a major part of our operation.

“So, we have horses — quarter-horses for working, and working dogs to help pen the cattle,” he said.

The ranch also has cow pens, seed barns, and a shop to repair and maintain equipment.

They grow crops, too
“We’re in the seed-harvesting business.

“We custom harvest this Bahia grass that you see growing out here, throughout all of Central Florida,” Melton said.

He stopped by a field, where rye was growing — as far as the eye could see.

“It looks like a sea wave, when the wind passes through,” Melton said. “In a month, this will be golden waves of grain.

“Sometimes — a very rare occasion — we’ll see clouds of this white pollen, wafting through the field — pollinating all at once,” he added.

Once harvested, the rye is packed into 50-pound bags and sold to ranchers to graze their cattle with in the winter, said Melton. He saves some of the grain to make rye bread.

“People sometimes have an idyllic interpretation of farming, as being Sunday on the front porch and just watching the crops grow,” Melton said.

This field of rye, on the Meltons’ farmland, looks like a wave on the sea, when the wind catches it just right, Steve Melton says.

But, he continued: “Farming is not for the faint of heart.”

Threats to a farmer’s livelihood come in many forms: “Too much rain. Drought. Freezes. And, hurricanes coming — destroying the crops. Then, you have the stress of getting the harvest in,” he said.

COVID-19, which has been raging through Florida, hasn’t had much of an impact on the Meltons’ operations.

“Really, it’s not slowed us down. We hardly know anybody that knows anybody that’s had it,” he said.

“It’s kind of isolated in the country. We’re working outdoors most of the time and (are) not connected with many people,” he added.

Melton attributes his family’s ability to survive — and thrive — to forward-thinking and the ability to adapt.

“My brothers are always thinking, ‘What’s the next thing we can do, that might fill in a gap?’” he said.

This cow seems quite content in a pasture on the eastern edge of Pasco County.

When an orange grove was lost, for instance, the family increased its hay production.

Despite hard work and uncertainty, Melton loves what he and his extended family have created.

“It keeps me connected to the land,” he said.

“My dad started the farm and ranch. All of the siblings and myself have helped build it up through the years,” he said.

Now, his brothers, Johnny and Mark, and his five nephews run the operation.

The idea of a third generation continuing the work is gratifying, Melton said.

“This gives us so much encouragement. It carries on the family tradition.

“This is very comforting to know, especially for dad, and for us — that it still has a future,” he said.

Published July 15, 2020

New MOSI exhibit goes ‘beyond’

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The Museum of Science and Industry’s (MOSI) summer exhibit, “Space For Art,” through the Space For Art Foundation, is now open, at 4801 E. Fowler Ave., in Tampa.

More than 1,000 children in hospitals and schools from nine countries submitted artwork to the Postcards to Space mission. Their artwork makes up this message of unity for the crew of the ISS (International Space Station). To see a full video for the astronauts, which includes the voices of the children, visit YouTube.com, and search Postcards to Space. (Courtesy of SpaceForArtFoundation.org)

The foundation’s mission is to use community art projects to inspire and unite children in hospitals, refugee centers and schools around the world, along with a team of art, aerospace, astronaut and health professionals. Its projects focus on space exploration, and the connection between personal and planetary health. The foundation’s work also aims to raise awareness of each person’s role as a crew member, not just a passenger, on ‘Spaceship Earth.’

The visual MOSI exhibit aims to engage all ages through the use of paintings, sculpture, drawings and a digital interactive experience. It also includes art from “individuals in STEM-related fields, as well as pieces from the Apollo astronauts, cosmonauts and other space travelers,” as stated in a press release.

Kids from around the world now can join the foundation’s crew for its next mission, “Beyond,” and are encouraged to simply look for inspiration in the night sky, through books about the universe, a window, or videos and pictures from space. Then, make a painting or drawing of how you imagine Earth in the universe (no special materials are required).

Take a picture of the artwork and email it to , or post on Facebook.com/SpaceForArtFoundation. Don’t forget to let the foundation know where you are on the planet, too.

Artwork will be shared online and participants will be updated on global community projects, as well.

The Space for Art Foundation states on its website that it “aims to facilitate and implement space-themed art and healing programs; to award scholarships and grants to art students and artists who want to develop their own space-themed art therapy ideas; and to document its work in support of ongoing research in the field of art and healing.”

For information about the exhibit, call MOSI at (813) 987-6000.

To learn more about the foundation and its projects, visit SpaceForArtFoundation.org/projects.

Published July 15, 2020

Tampa’s Summer Series is back

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The Tampa Downtown Partnership’s Summer Series is back at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park, to help residents escape the heat.

The series offers free activities, including a 10,000-square-foot tent to help protect guests from the Florida sun while they burn off some energy.

“To help encourage kids to practice social distance while playing, we’ve incorporated a no-touch design to the project’s large ground mural,” said Shaun Drinkard, senior director of public programming and operations with the Tampa Downtown Partnership, in a news release.

“The mural and table surfaces are coated with a new anti-microbial technology called Safe Shield, which was provided by one of our sponsors, OAI Visual Branding,” Drinkard added.

This year, the colorful ground mural’s theme celebrates Port Tampa Bay, featuring a folklore summer nautical experience.

The mural includes seven different activities, such as hopscotch, mazes, and mirror games.

A storefront in the park features handcrafted ice pops, drinks, snacks and grilled cheese available for purchase.

The Summer Series will run until the Hillsborough County School District resumes classes on Aug. 10.

For more information, visit TampasDowntown.com.

Published July 15, 2020

Lutz teen gets heartwarming surprise

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When Abbie Grace Flohr returned to her Lutz neighborhood after a life-saving surgery, she was greeted with a life-affirming welcome home celebration.

Cheryl Flohr stands with her daughter, Abbie Grace, in front of a large group of well-wishers. Abbie Grace, who will be a freshman this fall at Steinbrenner High School, just returned home. The teenager had been hospitalized following a six-hour surgery to remove a blood clot from a vein near her heart. (Courtesy of Carter Gaddis)

The young woman, who will be a freshman at Steinbrenner High this fall, was coming home from the hospital, after a surgery to address a massive blood clot in a vein near her heart, according to her mom, Cheryl Flohr.

The operation took six hours and involved putting in five stents.

This is just the latest medical issue for Abbie Grace, who has been hospitalized more than 120 times, her mom said.

When Julie Dumois-Sands, the social worker at Martinez Middle School heard that Abbie Grace would be returning home, she came up with the idea of greeting the girl with a driveway concert and car parade.

Dumois-Sands turned for help to Karen Bishop, a retired Martinez Middle orchestra teacher.

Bishop texted some of her former students to see if they could help, and she got a huge response.

Some of the volunteer musicians were Bishop’s private students, so they didn’t even know Abbie Grace.

Just the same, they turned out to create a pop-up orchestra with 25 players, including Steven Bossert, orchestra director at Plant High, and musicians from Martinez Middle and Steinbrenner, Gaither, Hillsborough and Blake high schools.

Karen Bishop stands with Abbie Grace Flohr in front of a group of musicians who welcomed the young woman home with a driveway concert and car parade.

They played a 10-minute concert, without the benefit of any practice.

It was: “Show up. Set up. Let’s go,” Bishop said.

Besides being the social worker at Martinez, Dumois-Sands also founded the school’s Circle of Friends, Bishop said. That group aims to prevent bullying and to promote inclusion, and both Bishop and Abbie Grace are among its members.

Abbie Grace and her mom were touched by the outpouring of warmth.

“We live in a place where we truly are a community,” Cheryl Flohr said. “Over 20 kids took time out of their day to do this. Thank you to all of our friends that came by to show your support,” she said.

But, Abbie Grace and her mom weren’t the only ones to take joy from the event, Bishop said.

“It certainly brought sunshine to a lot of people, not only the Flohr family, but to the kids, parents and teachers that just wanted to spread the love —  a much needed thing, especially when the world is a tough place right now, the retired orchestra teacher said.

This kind of love makes the world a “kinder place” and offers hope for the future, she said.

Published July 08, 2020

Summer camp offers ‘real-world’ look at forensics

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Some local high schoolers will get a chance to get an up-close look at the many components of forensic investigations — via a weeklong summer camp in Land O’ Lakes hosted by the Pasco Sheriff’s Office and FIRST (Florida’s Forensic Institute for Research, Security & Tactics).

The FIRST Forensic Summer Camp is scheduled for July 20 through July 24. Each camp day runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Lessons and demonstrations will take place outdoors, as well as inside training and read-off rooms at the Pasco Detention Center, 20101 Central Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes.

The camp is open to high schoolers ages 15 to 18. Enrollment is limited to 24 students. Students must ensure transportation to and from the camp each day.

The Pasco Sheriff’s Office/FIRST (Florida’s Forensic Institute for Research, Security & Tactics) will host a weeklong forensic summer camp for high schoolers from July 20 through July 24, in Land O’ Lakes. (File)

The camp ultimately will give students the chance to observe many aspects of the criminal justice system in action.

Students will receive hands-on learning and an opportunity to participate in an outdoor mock crime scene/field recovery.

Additionally, students will participate in forensic laboratory exercises to learn the science and techniques used by forensic investigators. The camp also includes demonstrations of K9s and unmanned aerial systems, or drones.

Some of the topics and activities covered throughout the week include:

  • Overview of the basic human anatomy and how to differentiate human from nonhuman bones
  • Introduction to drones, their ability to assist in mapping outdoor crime scenes, as well as a drone demonstration
  • Specific techniques used to recreate a crime scene and/or a suspected burial
  • Introduction to human remains detector dogs and how they can assist in located a buried body or surface remains
  • Basic crime scene investigation techniques
  • How to conduct a forensic archaeological dig in order to recover skeletonized remains, then presenting field recovery findings to fellow campers

Overseeing the camp is FIRST forensic science administrator Austin Polonitza, who holds a master’s degree from Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) in science and forensics studies, with a focus on human identification and trauma analysis. He joined the sheriff’s office in 2019, after working as a graduate-level lab assistant at FGCU.

Polonitza said the camp will give teens “real-world experience” into forensic investigations, including the meticulous detail and group work needed complete a task, like finding or identifying a missing skeleton.

Unlike what’s often portrayed on television dramas, Polonitza explained forensic work and solving a case goes well beyond technology and 3D renderings, and it doesn’t come together as quickly as some people might think.

FIRST forensic science administrator Austin Polonitza is organizing a weeklong a forensic summer camp in Land O’ Lakes. (Courtesy of Pasco Sheriff’s Office)

“The CSI effect is real and definitely excites a lot of people about the job,” Polonitza said, “but unfortunately these things don’t get solved in 40 minutes.”

Other instructors leading campers throughout the week include Dr. Heather Walsh-Haney, associate professor and program leader for forensic studies at Florida Gulf Coast University; Pasco Sheriff forensic supervisor K9 handler Sue Miller; Pasco Sheriff head K9 forensic trainer Jimmy Hall; and, representatives from Quiet Professionals, a Tampa-based government and commercial defense contractor specializing in cutting-edge drone technology.

Polonitza said the opportunity for high schoolers to learn from various professionals and get hands-on experience in forensics and related disciplines “will undoubtedly give them some discovery and direction of what they would like to pursue in their future careers, or even academic degrees.”

Polonitza himself became interested in crime scene investigations as a youth growing up in the Fort Myers, noting he “always had a drive for puzzles, mystery, kind of uncovering things as you go along and follow the clues.”

He realized forensics was a viable professional path, when the Lee County Sheriff’s Office made a presentation at a high school career day.

“I kind of fell in love with forensic anthropology and the hands-on, practical side of things where I could look at a piece of bone, identify a landmark, and be able to tell which side of the body it came from and which bone it is. …It excites me about the field, and I want to share that to others who have interest in forensics, as well.”

Polonitza said the first-of-its-kind forensic summer camp will be held annually, with future demonstrations planned at the FIRST campus, as more buildings and infrastructure come online over the next couple years. There are also plans to develop outreach programs for kindergarten through 12th grade schools and collaborate with other local universities, he said.

The FIRST campus is part of the sheriff’s office enterprise fund. It is promoted as a forensics and training facility that strives to become a collaborative resource for universities, forensic scientists and law enforcement,  serving as a one-stop shop to improve crime scene operations and investigations in the realm of homicides, missing persons cases and so on.

For cost and enrollment information and for other details, email or visit floridafirsttraining.org/#/camp.

Published July 08, 2020

Dade City reopens lobby for utility customers

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The City of Dade City has announced the reopening of its City Hall municipal building for utility customers to make payments, with some added restrictions and limited capacity due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The city also has announced that anyone entering the City Hall lobby will be required to wear a face covering at all times, unless the visitor is exempt under a recently adopted Pasco County executive order mandating face coverings in all businesses and government buildings.

All visitors must observe social distancing guidelines of at least 6 feet. Visitors to the building will not be allowed to remain in the lobby unless conducting business, according to a news release.

Hand-sanitizing stations are located at the customer service windows. The city asks customers wishing to meet with specific staff in person request an appointment, but walk-in customers are allowed. Residents can request an appointment by calling (352) 523-5050 and ask for the department that is needed.

Also, late fees have been reinstated for missed utility payments, effective July 6. Effective Aug. 1, turn-offs for nonpayment will resume.

As the city resumes normal operations, customers may continue and are encouraged to use no-contact payment options. However, customers will be responsible for convenience fee charges by the credit card processor for paying online or over the phone.

Other payment options are also available.

The drop box is available for non-cash payments. Payments also may be mailed to P.O. Box 1355, Dade City, FL, 33526.

The city says it will make other adjustments as needed, as conditions and further guidance develops from the pandemic.

For more information, visit DadeCityFl.com, or call (352) 523-5050.

Published July 08, 2020

Pasco County faces lean budget year

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Pasco County’s revenues are falling short of projections — in the wake of a flattened economy due to the impacts of COVID-19.

Robert Goehig, budget director for Pasco County, presented an overview of the preliminary budget at the Pasco County Commission’s June 30 meeting.

In essence, the county can afford just 11 of 115 business plan initiatives brought forth by its department heads, Goehig said.

Pasco County Commissioner Mike Wells is pushing for a 3% raise for county employees, instead of the 2% raise recommended by County Administrator Dan Biles. (File)

Among those initiatives is a 2% raise for county employees.

The size of the proposed raise received pushback from County Commissioner Mike Wells.

Wells told County Administrator Dan Biles: “You know the state is giving 3%. I believe almost all of the constitutionals (county constitutional officers) are doing 3%. There is nothing more important on this budget than taking care of our folks. We have to take care of our team. I would like to see that be 3%. I think that’s an extra half-million.”

Biles explained: “The reason we stayed at the 2% is because that basically matches the inflation rate, which was 2.1% last year. We also wanted to be mindful of what is going on in the rest of the community, as well.”

Commission Chairman Mike Moore and Jack Mariano said they’re willing to keep the issue open for further discussion.

Commissioner Kathryn Starkey, however, backed Biles’ approach.

Starkey said she appreciates the staff’s efforts, but she added: “I am OK with the 2% for this year, and if things get better next year, back up to 3%.”

Pasco’s decreasing revenues reflect what’s happening across the national economy, Goehig said. “When things are going well in the economy, nationwide, they are really going well in Pasco and in the state of Florida, as a whole. But, when things tank, they really tank in Florida.

Pasco County Administrator Dan Biles is recommending a 2% raise for county employees, based on the rate of inflation. (File)

“Our economy is so dependent on tourism,” Goehig said.

The county is expecting a decrease of 25% in its Tourism Development Tax Fund and is decreasing the budget in that category to reflect the reduced revenues, Goehig said.

The budget also reflects a 12% decrease in Fire Rescue.

“We had some plan initiatives that we implemented in fiscal year 2020, but because of the reductions in revenues, won’t be able to move forward with those,” Goehig said.

He also outlined changes in the budgets for the county’s constitutional officers.

The Sheriff’s Office will get about a 5% increase. The property appraiser’s budget is going down  because of savings it has achieved — through improved technologies.

The Clerk & Comptroller’s budget is about even, while the Supervisor of Elections’ is expected to increase by 1.2%.

Goehig noted that the Supervisor of Elections’ budget doesn’t reflect an additional $1.2 million from the CARES fund it will receive to provide for safe elections through social distancing, masks and those types of measures.

Commissioners are expected to sets the county’s Truth in Millage rate at the board’s July 14 meeting. This process lets county residents and businesses know the maximum ad valorem rate that could be adopted in September, when the board adopts its budget. The final rate that’s approved can be lower, but cannot be higher than the rate adopted in July.

Initiatives included in Pasco budget

  • Additional Attorney and Paralegal
  • Starkey Library Opening
  • Starkey District Park Contractual Obligations
  • Recreational Program at Dade City Armory
  • Central Facilities Building Design
  • Paramedic School (at PHSC) for Firefighter/EMTs
  • Prepare for the Opening of Fire Station 42 in fiscal year 2022
  • Pasco Economic Development Council
  • Employee Wage Raise (2%) to Keep Pace with Inflation
  • Procurement Management Software
  • Initiate Comprehensive Plan Update

Published July 08, 2020

Officials urge caution, as COVID-19 cases ramp up

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Florida COVID-19 cases continue to rise, with 9,478 cases recorded on July 2, according to Florida Department of Health figures.

The day before, 9,529 positive cases were reported.

The surge in new cases has prompted additional measures to try to limit the spread, and has prompted cancellations of more planned events.

As the Fourth of July weekend approached, Gov. Ron DeSantis and Florida Surgeon General Scott Rivkees asked Floridians to do their part.

“As we head into this holiday weekend, I encourage all Floridians be diligent in avoiding closed spaces, crowded places and close-contact settings, and remember to wear a mask. Together, we must continue to take the appropriate steps to slow the spread of this virus,” DeSantis said, in a news release.

They also reminded those at greatest risk of severe complications to avoid crowds and minimize contact. People over age 65 and those with underlying medical conditions are most vulnerable to serious consequences from the virus.

“Many asymptomatic individuals are unknowingly carrying the COVID-19 virus in public,” Rivkees said, in the release.

As the number of positive cases rises, local officials are taking actions aimed at reducing the spread.

Local events continue to be scrapped.

Both the traditional Fourth of July parade in Lutz, and the Rattlesnake Festival and Rattlesnake Run set for October at the Pasco County Fairgrounds were canceled.

Pasco and Hillsborough public school districts also have dropped plans for traditional indoor commencement ceremonies, the districts initially had delayed. Instead, Pasco will have outdoor ceremonies at high school stadiums, and Hillsborough will have virtual graduation videos, and will have drive-thru diploma events at district high schools.

Mask requirements continue to evolve.

The City of Tampa and Hillsborough require masks indoors at businesses, where social distancing of 6 feet or more can’t be maintained.

Pasco County Administrator Dan Biles issued a similar mask order on June 23, which was discussed at the Pasco County Commission’s June 29 meeting.

Pasco County Commissioner Ron Oakley voiced his support for the mask order.

“Ever since COVID has started, we’ve been following the CDC guidelines, and in there it has been speaking of masks as ‘recommended,’” Oakley said.

“From that time until we issued that order, we never got any full acceptance of wearing masks. You go in businesses and probably less than half of patrons in those businesses — grocery store, wherever — have been without masks,” he said.

That changed, once the order was imposed, Oakley said.

“Every time I go into one of these businesses now, whether it be a drugstore or your Publix, or wherever, everyone has a mask on. So, the fact of it is, the order is to make us do what we should take responsibility, each of us, to do anyway to protect ourselves.

“The reason for this order, we are protecting our employees, all of our first responders and all of our citizens in Pasco County.

“We feel at this time, with COVID cases rising that this is what we need to do. None of us want us to shut down businesses.”

“If I go to a business, I put that mask on,” Oakley said.

Commission Chairman Mike Moore agreed that efforts must be made to stop the spread.

“Besides protecting the health of the community, I think we need to protect the health of our small businesses out there,” Moore said.

“If they go to a Phase 1 or a total shutdown again, it’s going to be bad. Really, really, really bad. We don’t need any of these small businesses having to close again,” Moore said.

The Pasco County School Board also has signaled support for mandatory masks on school buses and at school campuses, when school resumes. The details will be worked out by district staff.

Pasco Schools Deputy Superintendent Ray Gadd told board members, at a June 30 meeting, that planning for the coming school year has been challenging.

“The daunting task of staff is to bring some order to the chaos that I think we’re all experiencing at the moment,” Gadd said.

The infection rate for COVID-19 is spiking, Gadd said, adding “we’re not particularly optimistic about when that is going to change.”

He also noted: “The wearing of masks, for the executive team, is not an ideological issue. If  infection rates are raging, we want to have the option of requiring masks.”

Board members said they support that approach, but said the district should remain flexible, if conditions change.

School Board Chairwoman Colleen Beaudoin put it like this: “I would just rather be safe than sorry.

“The vast majority of teachers and staff members I heard from said they wanted the students to wear masks.

“Parents, right now, all I’m hearing is that they want to know, so they can make a decision. They want to know if we’re going to be requiring masks, or not. They need to know what we’re leaning toward, so they can make decisions,” Beaudoin said, referring to whether parents want their child to return to a school campus or to learn virtually, at home.

For more information about school reopening options, visit Pasco.k12.fl.us for Pasco schools and SDHC.k12.fl.us for Hillsborough schools.

To help prevent the spread of COVID-19, Gov. Ron DeSantis and Florida Surgeon General Dr. Scott Rivkees are appealing to Floridians to avoid the Three Cs:

  • Closed spaces: Closes spaces with poor ventilation could allow contagious droplets to linger in the air.
  • Crowded places: The greater the number of individuals in an area, the greater the chances of COVID-19 spreading from person to person.
  • Close-contact settings: Close-range conversations can contribute to the spread; be sure to stay at least 6 feet away from others.

Published July 08, 2020