The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Local News

Deal approved to merge fire departments

By

The Pasco County Commission has approved a merger between Pasco Fire Rescue and the Zephyrhills Fire Department.

The approval came on May 4, which followed the Zephyrhills City Council’s approval of the merger on April 27.

Pasco Fire Rescue Chief Scott Cassin outlined benefits of merging the departments.

The merger represents the end of an era for the Zephyrhills Fire Department, which has been in existence for more than 100 years. Negotiations to hammer out the terms of the deal took about 10 months.

The merger provides benefits for both the city and the county, Cassin said.

It will enable the county to respond more quickly to emergencies, since it will have two additional fire stations.

Those fire stations each will be equipped with ambulances, too, which the county will move from stations that have two, Cassin added.

The county will be acquiring all of the equipment currently at those stations, which includes a ladder truck, Cassin said.

That will give Pasco Fire Rescue greater capability in responding to high-rise firefighting on the east side of the county, Cassin said.

The merger also will create a unified dispatch for 911 calls. Currently the city has its own 911 center and handles its own calls.

Under the agreement, the two dozen full-time employees that are currently employed by the City of Zephyrhills will become county employees.

The cadet program established in Zephyrhills will continue, but will operate under the same umbrella as the county’s cadet program, which is in West Pasco, Cassin said.

Having both programs will minimize the drive time for some of the students that participate, he said.

The City of Zephyrhills also has a robust volunteer program. That program also will merge into the county and join the other four volunteer programs that already were in Pasco Fire Rescue, Cassin said.

The fire stations will be renamed from Station 1 and Station 2 to Station 25 and Station 29, he said.

Implementation of the agreement will be Sept. 27, according to documents approved on May 4.

At the same meeting, county commissioners approved an amendment to the county’s Municipal Service Taxing Unit boundaries for fire rescue services to include the City of Zephyrhills.

Commissioner Ron Oakley praised the county and the City of Zephyrhills for reaching an agreement.

“It’s a great thing. This is just an awesome move, I think, for the betterment of our community,” Oakley said.

Commissioner Jack Mariano agreed: “I really want to applaud the City of Zephyrhills for taking a look at what’s best for their taxpayers. It’s better for them, it’s better for the county — to work seamlessly together.

“It’s going to save everybody a lot of money, and give them better service,” Mariano said.

Published May 13, 2020

Tampa YMCA receives grant for child care

By

United Way Suncoast has granted the Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA a $50,000 gift, to help ensure working families in Tampa Bay have access to child care.

The emergency funds are part of a more than $1.2 million in COVID-19 emergency assistance from the United Way Suncoast’s COVID-19 Response and Recovery Fund being distributed to human services agencies across the Suncoast to support housing/shelter, food, child care, financial stability and mental health services, according to a news release.

“Schools play such a vital role in keeping kids safe, engaged and nourished. While school’s out, there is a huge gap in the community to provide those services,” Matt Mitchell, Tampa YMCA president and CEO, said in the release.

“Thanks to the generous support of United Way Suncoast, the Y can provide a safe and nurturing environment for the children of first responders, health care professionals and other essential workers who play important roles keeping us safe and healthy. This generous gift helps the Y serve these critical needs at a very nominal fee for these individuals who are risking a lot. We want to make sure, at least in this part of their life, they can have some normalcy and not have any worry. At this crucial moment, when our communities need us more than ever, we appreciate the continued support of community partners, like United Way Suncoast,” Mitchell said.

The Tampa YMCA will use the funds to offer all-day youth relief care at 11 centers, for families who must continue to work during the COVID-19 crisis while their kids are out of school. The Y’s youth relief care program provides academic support and structure to help children maintain their learning while also enjoying enriching activities.

Published May 13, 2020

Class of 2020: Graduations delayed

By

The public school districts in Pasco and Hillsborough counties have announced delayed graduation ceremonies to help seniors mark their rite of passage during the time of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Hillsborough County public school graduations will be held in July, according to a district announcement.

Pasco County graduations will be held in August, Pasco County Superintendent Kurt Browning said, during the Pasco County School Board’s April 21 virtual meeting.

“We know that students and parents are anxious to know what these plans are,” Browning said.

“As soon as the dates are set in August, we will push those dates out to moms and dads, and the students and the school administrators,” he said.

The superintendent also said that a virtual celebration is being planned, in the interim.

“We believe it’s important to mark the final week of school with a celebration, so staff is working on a virtual celebration leading up to the last week,” Browning said.

School Board Chairwoman Colleen Beaudoin said, “I really want to thank the superintendent and staff for sharing their plans for graduation, because I have gotten quite a few phone calls and comments from people in our community, and everyone is very concerned about recognizing our seniors. And, I know all of us and all of you share that angst.”

Board member Megan Harding said she wanted to let seniors know that she understands “how heartbreaking” the news was, that students would not return to campus and that graduations would be delayed.

“I want to remind them to finish strong and know that we’re cheering you on, and we are going to be creative and find ways to honor the Class of 2020,” Harding said.

The revised Hillsborough public school graduation dates are listed on that district’s website. As of this time, here are the dates and times set for high schools that are in, or near, The Laker/Lutz News coverage area are:

  • Freedom: July 18, 9 a.m.
  • Gaither: July 15, 9 a.m.
  • Steinbrenner, July 16, 8 p.m.
  • Wharton, July 17, 12:30 p.m.
  • Sickles, July 20, 4 p.m.

All of the Hillsborough County ceremonies are scheduled to take place at the Florida State Fairgrounds Expo Hall.

Published May 06, 2020

Florida takes first step to reopen

By

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis began the first phase of reopening the state this week — after ordering all but essential businesses and activities to close down on  April 3.

The new “Safe. Smart. Step-by-Step” order institutes a phase one reopening throughout the state, except in  Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties.

Gov. Ron DeSantis

Under phase one, schools will remain in distance learning through the end of the school year, and no visitors will be allowed to long-term facilities — as has been the case.

But, the first phase does allow:

  • Elective surgeries
  • Outdoor dining at restaurants, with 6 feet between tables; and indoor dining, at 25% capacity
  • Retail shopping at 25% capacity, and businesses must follow the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention distancing guidelines

The first phase of the governor’s order does not allow reopening of movie theaters, gyms, bars or hair salons.

The state is taking deliberate steps in reopening, DeSantis said, in a televised news conference.

“It will not be like turning off a switch,” he said.

He expects the state to move from one phase to the next, in a matter of weeks not months, unless the data indicates otherwise.

“If we’re making progress, we need to continue to put people back to work in a safe, smart and step-by-step way,” DeSantis said.

“The government needs to protect health, but we should not go beyond what is necessary to do that,” he said.

“This current crisis has impacted — one way or another — all 21 ½ million Floridians in life-changing ways,” the governor said.

He said some small businesses have seen their life’s work “practically devastated overnight.

“Working parents have had to juggle the new reality of distance learning, all the while trying to put food on the table.

“Our kids have not seen their friends from school for at least six weeks. School sports and plays and activities have gone up in smoke — depriving kids of some of the best times in their lives.

“Traditional graduations have been cancelled, and so have senior proms. These moments, will be forever lost.

“And, of course, our kids haven’t been able to see their grandparents,” he said.

DeSantis urged those most vulnerable to protect themselves.

“If you’re 65 and up, if you have a significant underlying condition, you need to avoid crowds, avoid close contact with people outside your household. Stay home as much as you can,” he said.

He asked others to help protect them, too.

“The most important social distancing we can do is to distance the most vulnerable from those who are not. Because if you’re not vulnerable, you may be a carrier of this and not have symptoms or not know it, and you have a risk to pass it along,” he said.

In general, social groups should remain 10 or fewer, he said.

The governor also recommends that individuals wear face masks, when they are in face-to-face interactions and when they cannot maintain a safe social distance.

Pasco County reopenings
The Pasco County Commission is following the governor’s guidelines, in slowly reopening county locations, with limited services.

Pasco County Administrator Dan Biles

“The county, as a whole, is in a good place to get ready to start cracking back open,” County Administrator Dan Biles said during an April 24 virtual town hall meeting, hosted by Pasco County Commissioner Kathryn Starkey.

The county has already opened some areas for recreation and plans to use a phased approach for reopening libraries, Biles said.

“Our customer service counters are probably going to stay the way they are for a while.

“Whether you come in and drop something off, and we come and then we come pick it up. Or, drive-thru only, like our utility service areas.

“Operationally, we have probably a quarter of the county, to a third of the county, working from home, right now, and they stay working from home, until we get to a phase two or phase three,” Biles said.

The arrangement is working so well for some staffers that they may be able to continue working at home, even after the restrictions are lifted, Biles said.

The county already has reopened the West Pasco Resource Recovery Facility, the East Paco Transfer Station and the standalone recyclables drop-off locations for residential waste and recycling disposal. The change restores services that previously limited residential drop-offs, between April 4 and April 25.

Pasco County Tax Collector Mike Fasano’s offices re-opened on May 4 for in-person lobby services.

Hours of operation will be Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The Gulf Harbors and Wesley Chapel offices will be open on Saturdays beginning May 9 from 8:30 a.m. to noon, for Pasco County residents only.

Each office will maintain social distancing standards, such as limiting the number of individuals allowed in the office at one time.

Dealers may drop off and pick up work through the VIN check/drive-thru Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to noon. No over-the -counter dealer work will be permitted.

To protect themselves and those around them customers are requested to wear face masks if at all possible. For more information, visit PascoTaxes.com.

Emergency leaders in Hillsborough County also have announced they will align the community’s COVID-19 recovery with the governor’s plan, and will not take more restrictive actions.

Keep yourself safe
Pasco County continues to encourage individuals to follow the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Prevention and Florida Department of Health (DOH) guidelines and best practices. Those include:

  • Avoid social gatherings in groups of more than 10 people
  • Practice social distancing of at least 6 feet
  • Use online service options, when available
  • Stay home if you feel sick, and contact your medical provider
  • Practice good hygiene. Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds, using soap and water. When that’s not available, use hand sanitizer.
  • Wear cloth face coverings in public, when social distancing is difficult

Published May 06, 2020

Helping businesses succeed in difficult times

By

The economic meltdown accompanying the emergence of coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) has left many businesses scrambling.

Although it has changed its mode of operations, the North Tampa Chamber of Commerce continues to serve its members through networking sessions and webinars.

Last month, it co-hosted a webinar with Entravision Communications, called “How Your Business Can Succeed in Difficult Times.”

The webinar focused on:

  • Understanding the current business landscape
  • How a short-term crisis can yield long-term opportunity
  • Focusing on the positive to overcome negativity
  • The importance of empathy and giving back to the community
  • Strategies for driving sales and reaching consumers
  • Understanding new consumer behaviors and media consumption
  • Simple marketing strategies to help your business during uncertain times

Camilo Calderon, Jeanne McGuinness and Adriana Rosada, of Entravision, shared their expertise, taking the pulse of the virtual crowd, and focusing on the importance of maintaining brand awareness and reaching consumers.

McGuinness reminded those tuning in that “short-term crisis can yield long-term opportunity.

“As leaders of our companies and businesses, it’s important that we remain productive and we overcome negativity with positivity,” she said. “Negativity can just take on a life of its own.”

So, in the midst of this disaster, she said, “what can we do?”

“We can only focus on the things that we can control.

“Right now, it is time to invest in your business.”

Business owners need to ask themselves: “What are things that I can fix, that over the past couple of years I’ve said, ‘Oh, we need to make time to do that.’”

Maybe that means freshening up your social media, updating your contact lists, developing a new inventory system or spending time on training, she said.

“What are the top three things you need to take care of to be more successful?

“Those are the things you need to focus on now,” she said.

“If you’re a sales organization, does the playbook need updating?” she asked.

“A lot of our products go through a lot of changes and we don’t necessarily take the time to train on the best ways to express those benefits to our consumer,” said McGuinness, who is senior vice president of integrated marketing.

Businesses also need to ask how they can continue operating in this changed environment.

They may need to consider implementing online appointments, for example.

Often, she said, a company’s first response in a crisis is to cut marketing and advertising.

But, she said: “This might be the perfect time for you to take steps to do marketing and advertising.

“Because building and maintaining a brand that consumers recognize and trust is one of the best ways to reduce risks.

“We are in risk management right now,” she reminded the audience.

“What’s happening right now is that there is a lot of marketing opportunity available for you, probably extremely discounted. Marketers can help you with a reassuring tone in your message. Inform the community if there’s something that you’re doing out in the community.

“Talk about steps you are taking, in this new normal,” she said.

It’s also important to be sure to take care of existing relationships, the experts said.

Calderon, who also works in integrated marketing for the company, said “It is vital for business owners to stay active and to maintain their advertising and marketing efforts as close to normal, if not even more than they were doing before.”

“Now is not the time to cutback or change your marketing strategy in a negative way,” he said.

“Only six months of absence can nearly make you lose 40% of your whole brand awareness that you’ve created in the past few years,” he said.

“Thinking about cutting your marketing might sound good for your current business plan. It’s important to think of how this is going to affect you in the long-run.

“If you feel that you need to cut your expenses, advertising should not be your first option. At least that’s what we recommend,” he said. “You still need to bring customers, whether that’s through your website or by other measures.”

It’s better to reduce your ad spending, rather than cutting it all together.

It’s also important to reach consumers where they are spending the majority of their time, and during this pandemic there has been a substantial increase in television viewing and online media consumption — as people are stuck home all day, he said.

Rosado, who is Entravision’s digital manager, said: The question should not be should I advertise, but how do I continue to engage with my audience, my customers in these changing times?”

For instance, restaurants need to let consumers know they have home delivery or takeout options, she said. And, attorneys need to let clients know they can do virtual consultations.

As McGuinness put it: “Consumers are still purchasing. The purchasing process has changed.”

“Consumers are still there. How do you get yourself in front of them to keep your business going — is the question.”

Rosado added: “Knowing the behavior of your audience is truly key in unlocking the best way to cater to them and their needs in this time.”

It’s also important to be sure to take care of existing relationships, the experts said.

Succeeding in difficult times: Key takeaways:

  • Remember, all crisis is temporary. There’s zero room for negativity, among leaders.
  • Focus on creating a stronger relationship with your existing customers
  • Understand your target audience, and new consumer behaviors
  • Analyze and track all campaigns to yield best return on investment
  • Don’t cancel or drastically cut your marketing budget because it could potentially affect you in the long-run
  • It’s OK to test, tweak or change your message to yield stronger results

Source: Presentation by Entravision Communications

Published May 06, 2020

Looking for something fun to do?

By

Pasco County has been phasing in the reopening of some of its recreational facilities.

Ballfields and playgrounds remain closed in Pasco County, but some places are open in Pasco and Hillsborough counties that give people a chance to get out for some fresh air and exercise. (B.C. Manion)

Activities such as walking, biking, hiking, fishing or running can be done in specific locations, according to a Pasco County news release.

Groups of more than 10 will not be permitted and people must maintain social distancing from others of at least 6 feet, to help prevent the spread of coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19).

There are limited access openings at Pasco County parks, listed below. Restrooms remain closed unless noted, so please plan accordingly:

  • Withlacoochee River Park, Dade City
  • Aripeka Sandhills Preserve, Hudson
  • Boy Scout Preserve, New Port Richey
  • Crews Lake Wilderness Park, Spring Hill
  • Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park, New Port Richey
  • Key Vista Nature Park, Holiday
  • Lake Lisa Park, Port Richey
  • Pasco Palms Preserve, New Port Richey
  • Upper Pithclachascotee Preserve, Spring Hill
  • Robert J. Strickland Memorial Park, Hudson

These public boat ramps remain open:

  • Anclote River Park, Holiday (restroom access)
  • Robert J. Strickland Memorial Park, Hudson
  • Moon Lake Park, New Port Richey
  • Middle Lake, Dade City
  • Eagle Point Park, kayak and canoe, New Port Richey

These trails remain open

  • The Suncoast Trail
  • Starkey Boulevard Trail
  • Starkey Gap Trail

The county also recently reopened these additional locations, effective May 2:

  • Anclote River Park
  • Anclote Gulf Park
  • Eagle Point Park
  • Moon Lake Park
  • Robert K. Rees Memorial Park

SunWest Park will be open to 100 cars at a time, in addition to annual passholders.

All Pasco County recreation complexes, community centers and playgrounds remain closed.

All events, activities, youth and adult sports leagues, special event reservations, pavilions, camp/RV grounds, cabin rentals, field reservations and any other reservations also remain closed until further notice.

The status of summer camp programs is not yet known. The county is awaiting updates from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to determine how it can safely offer its summer camp program.

Gov. Ron DeSantis also announced that the state’s parks would reopen, effective May 4.

In Hillsborough County, officials reopened most of its nature preserves and the boat ramp at E.G. Simmons Conservation Park on May 2. It also reopened several conservation parks, along with walking trails at six neighborhood parks on May 4.

Residents will be required to follow social distancing guidelines, and portions of the parks will remain closed, including playgrounds, picnic areas, and kayak/canoe facilities.

The following conservation parks reopened at 8 a.m., on May 4:

  • Flatwoods Conservation Park, 14302 Morris Bridge Road, Thonotosassa, and 18205 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., in Tampa
  • Morris Bridge Off-Road Biking Area, 12651 Morris Bridge Road in Thonotosassa
  • Alderman’s Ford Conservation Park, 100 Alderman’s Ford Park Drive, Plant City, for hiking and biking only
  • Upper Tampa Bay Trail and all parking areas

Walking trails are open at these neighborhood parks:

  • Jackson Springs Community Center, 8620 Jackson Springs Road in Tampa
  • Northdale Community Center, 15550 Spring Pine Drive, Tampa
  • Carrollwood Village Community Park, 4680 W. Village Drive, Tampa
  • Ruskin Community Center, 901 6th St. S.E., Ruskin
  • Apollo Beach Community Center, 664 Golf and See Blvd., Apollo Beach
  • All People’s Life Center, 6105 E. Sligh Ave., Tampa

All other parks remain closed.

Published May 06, 2020

Pasco assessing COVID-19’s fiscal impacts

By

Pasco County Administrator Dan Biles said the county is working through how it will respond to negative economic effects caused by coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19).

“We’ve had a pretty tremendous revenue impact to us — across several different funds. We are working through now, how we are going to make sure that we still stay solvent through the rest of the fiscal year, in light of the revenue impact,” Biles said, during an April 24 virtual town hall meeting hosted by Pasco County Commissioner Kathryn Starkey.

Those decreased revenues “will impact things across the general fund — which are libraries, parks, the transport piece of our rescue, and some of the other general services we provide.

“We’ve not yet seen a downtick in building permits, but we also haven’t seen the April data yet. March was a strong month for building permits, but we haven’t seen April, and I’m not sure how much March was just on cruise control,” Biles said.

“We don’t have data yet on impact to sales tax, although we have some very obvious indications where those are going, but we obviously haven’t seen the revenue impacts yet,” he said.

Biles’ comments came after previous remarks he made during the Pasco County Commission’s first virtual board meeting on April 21. At that meeting, he indicated the county was being smart about not hiring for every vacancy and evaluating how to proceed with spending.

Biles said “furloughing or laying off people” would be last on his list.

The administrator also noted that even when things start opening up again, the county will continue to feel the effects of the pandemic for some time.

“We aren’t going to be past the impacts of COVID-19 any time soon, because there still is work to be done in treatment, and work to be done in vaccines, so it probably won’t be resolved for quite a while,” he said.

The county will need to continue to observe guidance from the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, he added.

“Even if we do open up, that doesn’t mean that the risk is not there,” Biles said.

Published May 06, 2020

Zephyrhills approves fire department consolidation

By

After more than 100 years of tradition and service, the Zephyrhills Fire Department soon will be no more.

Its operations are expected to be consolidated in September, into Pasco County Fire Rescue.

Under the merger, Pasco Fire Rescue would operate the city’s two fire stations and hire all 25 of the city’s fire rescue personnel at their proper pay step, pending background checks. The county agency would ensure and maintain additional staffing needs at both stations, and place an ambulance within the city limits. (Courtesy of Pasco County Fire Rescue)

The Zephyrhills City Council unanimously approved an interlocal agreement with Pasco County to provide fire suppression/first responder services to the municipality. The action came during an April 27 virtual council meeting.

Per the agreement, Pasco Fire Rescue would operate the city’s two fire stations and hire all 25 of the city’s fire rescue personnel at their proper pay step. The county agency would ensure and maintain additional staffing needs at both stations, and place an ambulance within the city limits.

The agreement calls for a 20-year term, with automatic 20-year renewals, unless the city or county provides written notice at least a year prior to the end of a term.

For a merger to take effect, the Pasco County Commission must approve a corresponding agreement. Also, consenting ordinances allowing the county to charge city residents an MSTU (Municipal Service Taxing Unit) for firefighter services will need to be passed at a later date.

Under the agreement:

  • Zephyrhills will continue to handle plans review, fire and building code administration, and annual inspections
  • Zephyrhills will provide Pasco with final approved as-built plans for any new commercial construction
  • Pasco will provide a water usage report to Zephyrhills for any water used through city hydrants
  • Should Pasco not utilize a city station as an operational fire station, Zephyrhills will have the first right of refusal to purchase the property back at its then assessed value
  • Zephyrhills will allow Pasco Fire Rescue housed at Station 25 to use the City Hall parking lot

The agreement also gives transferred city fire rescue employees the option to remain in the Zephyrhills fire stations for six months. After that, each employee will be required to bid to stay in the local stations.

Under the terms, Zephyrhills also agrees to conduct soil remediation at the downtown fire station, if required by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.

Separately, the city has agreed to waive any employee tuition reimbursement requirements.

It also has agreed to pay each current Zephyrhills fire rescue union member 50% of remaining sick time above 120 hours that is being transferred to Pasco, and to award all vacation time up to 500 hours and all accrued comp time.

The agreement (as well as extended employee benefits) will cost the city roughly $5.5 million total and will generally be spread out over a period of seven years, Zephyrhills City Manager Billy Poe said.

The Zephyrhills City Council unanimously approved an interlocal agreement that will allow the city’s fire department to be consolidated by Pasco County Fire Rescue. The merger is expected to occur in September. (File)

After fiscal year 2027, the city won’t have to pay the county for fire rescue services — as it’d be solely propped up by an MSTU assessed to city residents and commercial entities, similar to how Dade City receives such services.

For comparison’s sake, the city’s fire department budget the last two years was $3.3 million in fiscal year 2019 and $2.8 million in fiscal year 2020 — nearly totaling the amount the city is prepared to pay the county to take fire rescue operations off its hands in perpetuity.

The fate of the local fire department had been coming for some time.

Besides a ballooning annual budget, Zephyrhills Fire Rescue battled personnel turnover, staffing shortages and outdated equipment over the years.

Also, the city hasn’t had a fire chief for over 18 months, instead splitting those duties among  three battalion chiefs.

Following formal negotiations with the county that been ongoing since last July, Zephyrhills leaders now feel they have an agreement that takes care of the city’s firefighters, enhances fire rescue services for the community and minimizes the city’s costs.

Council president Ken Burgess described the merger as “a difficult, momentous, emotional day for the city.”

He added: “I think we can look at it as a positive moving forward for the city’s firefighters and everyone involved.”

Fellow council members echoed similar sentiments.

Councilwoman Jodi Wilkeson said, “We really feel like we negotiated the very best possible deal for the firefighters. I don’t think any of us are happy about the fact that we’re losing what’s a 100-year tradition for our community, but the bottom-line line is that our long-term fiscal health for the city was dependent upon this merger.”

Councilman Charlie Proctor pointed out, under the merger, the city’s two firehouses finally will be at full staff and will have transport units. That’s something, he said, the city has not had for decades.

“I believe the end result was fair for everybody, and I also believe in the long run the citizens will be served more safely,” Proctor said.

Zephyrhills firefighter union president Travis Geiger, who was heavily involved In negotiations, said union membership supported the merger by a supermajority vote and is “on the same page” with the city’s consolidation plan.

“It’s been quite the journey,” Geiger said.

The entire process required “much discussion, and back and forth, and headaches and everything else,” he said.

The history of the city’s fire department dates back to 1915, when it started as a volunteer organization. Since the 1970s, it has had a paid professional staff.

To preserve a sliver of that history through the consolidation, city officials said fire engines and vehicles will have signage along the lines of “Proudly Serving Zephyrhills,” even though equipment will now be owned and operated by Pasco Fire Rescue.

Published May 06, 2020

A closer look at coronavirus statistics in Pasco County

By

Pasco County’s percentage of positive coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) cases compares favorably to the state’s percentage of positive cases, according to Mike Napier, health officer for the Florida Department of Health in Pasco County.

Napier’s comments came on April 24, during a town hall virtual meeting hosted by Pasco County Commissioner Kathryn Starkey.

Napier said the health department’s epidemiologists work with hospitals, long-term health facilities, urgent care centers, and other medical and testing facilities to identify, monitor and track all positive COVID-19 cases.

Once a positive case is identified, the health department’s epidemiology team contacts the individual and asks about their activities and the people they’ve come in contact with.

“Based on that information, follow-up calls are made to those possible contacts. Information is gathered and recommendations are provided to those individuals, as well.

“A tracking system is used to compile this information and determine trends in our community.

“Normally, this is a 24/7 operation, manned by four staff in the health department.

“However, in the last few weeks, we’ve ramped up and have a total of 25 people working on contact tracing.

“As we know, contact tracing is a huge component in resolving our COVID-19 cases,” Napier said.

“Before we had the self-isolation, you  may have been to a neighborhood barbecue. You may have been to your children’s school event. I may have 40 to 50 people.

“Contact tracing is important.

“We contact our positives within the first 24 to 48 hours of the lab getting back to us. Many times, we’re contacting them before the doctors call them.”

“The amount of work is reduced because of the isolation, and the spread is reduced because of the isolation.”

Napier put Pasco County’s percentage of positive cases at 5% of those tested, compared to the state average of 10%.

“Today (April 24), we’ve had nine positive cases; in the past, we’ve been doing pretty well, with four or five cases,” he said.

Of 229 cases, 174 people have been removed from isolation, he said.

As of April 24, Pasco had its highest daily positive count on the first three days of April. The counts on those days were 15, 12 and 16, respectively.

“For this past week, we’ve averaged five cases, so we’re making progress,” he said.

Early on, most of the county’s cases were related to travel from known hot spots.

Then, the positive cases were from exposure to known cases, with a large percentage being from household contact, such as spouses, children and siblings, he said.

He said the health department provides priority testing, based on first responders and health care workers.

He said BayCare also has stepped up with drive-thru testing at its Gulf Harbor location and now at Gulf High School in New Port Richey.

“BayCare has tested more than 2,000 residents that met the screening criteria. I can’t emphasize the importance of the screening criteria — fever, cough, shortness of breath,” Napier said.

The focus has been on testing people who are symptomatic, he said.

The testing will be provided through the first week of May at Gulf High School, said Napier, who also gave a shout-out to the principal, for accommodating the testing.

“These efforts have allowed us to identify and slow the spread of COVID-19 in our community,” Napier said, adding that social distancing is working to reduce the spread of the potentially deadly virus.

When employers can find ways for employees to work at home, that helps to limit the spread, he said.

“Pasco County, in general terms, has done very well with the COVID response and has seen less cases and less deaths, compared to similar counties,” Napier said.

He attributes some of that to the health department’s efforts to fight back the Hepatitis A problem that has plagued the county for the past year.

He explained: “COVID-19 messaging is similar to Hep A, in that good hygiene is the No. 1 best way to avoid infection.

“Our hospitals, long-term care facilities, community partners and you, our residents of Pasco County, are making a difference and the data shows. Continue to follow CDC guidance, watch for updates for the governor and when Pasco County begins to get back to business, following their guidance,” he said.

“The Department of Health is working with Pasco County to provide data on case counts and other related information, so that they can make informed decisions on opening the county for business,” Napier added.

He also offered these simple reminders: “The basics of infection control continue to be good hand hygiene.

“Remember,” he added, “the best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to the virus.”

Published May 06, 2020

Officials express guarded optimism through COVID-19

By

As Florida slowly lifts stay-at-home orders — caused by concerns about potential spread of  coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19)  —  local leaders and officials are taking a positive, yet guarded, outlook.

They are hopeful that the regional and state economy can rebound sooner than later.

Pasco County Commissioner Ron Oakley (File)

Many retailers and restaurants have announced plans to reopen to modified dine-in and foot traffic, while more parks and beaches are reopening with restrictions.

Signs of optimism are beginning to show, state Rep. Randy Maggard, R-Dade City said, during an April 28 virtual town hall meeting presented by The Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce.

“A lot of people feel we’ve crossed the high point of (COVID-19) and we’re on the downward slide. We hope so,” Maggard said.

In the same breath, he urged people to continue to take necessary safety precautions and “use common sense” in public gatherings.

“It will be good to get our economy going. It’s been tough for a lot of businesses here, it’s been tough for a lot of individuals,” he said.

Maggard also addressed “the 800-pound gorilla in the room” during the speaking engagement. And, that’s the fact that the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) is having trouble managing the massive volume of people filing for unemployment benefit claims.

The state representative pointed out roughly 40% of the 1.8 million claims filed have been either bogus or scams. That has led to further delays in legitimate applicants getting their unemployment benefits, he said.

“The process just takes long when you have to deal with things like that,” Maggard said, adding the DEO is expected to have those issues resolved soon.

Pasco County Commissioner Ron Oakley, like Maggard, has an optimistic view of the future of the local economy and markets, overall.

“Things will get better. There is a light at the end of that long tunnel we didn’t think we’d have,” Oakley said.”

He said Pasco government activities have not slowed, in the midst of COVID-19.

Oakley noted that neighboring counties haven’t been so lucky as to keep operations moving along when it comes to handling regular tasks, such as reviewing building permits.

“We’ve continued to work, as we do normally,” Oakley said, “except most of our people are working from home instead of our offices.”

Oakley, 74, is still taking the virus quite seriously, however.

He reported the county had 241 positive coronavirus cases and six deaths, as of April 28. One place particularly “hit hard” is the Royal Oak Nursing Center in Dade City, with 20 positive COVID-19 cases, he said.

The commissioner acknowledged most of the people who’ve died from the disease have had pre-existing conditions. But, he added: “This is not the flu. It’s a little more infectious than the flu is.”

So, while businesses start opening with some semblance of normalcy, Oakley said he’s not yet  comfortable to enter a restaurant or other public spaces.

“You probably won’t see me out in a restaurant, that’s just my feeling,” said Oakley. “Of course, I’m of the age that the virus will treat me a lot worse than it would for younger people, but I think there’s probably a pretty large percentage of young people, middle-aged people that will do that, they’ll go right back out, they’re not fearful of any of that, and hopefully they’re taking precautions.”

Like Oakley, Zephyrhills Police Chief Derek Brewer remains concerned about the serious nature of COVID-19 and feels it isn’t going away anytime soon — witnessing the virus’s impact on the frontlines.

Brewer said there’s an expectation the county’s coronavirus cases could peak sometime around mid-May, based on joint conversations with the Pasco Sheriff’s Office and Pasco County Emergency Management.

“We may be getting close to opening the state,” Brewer said, “but, I don’t think we’re going to be ready yet to open it up completely yet.”

The police chief reported Zephyrhills has 25 positive COVID-19 cases as of April 28, representing more than 10% of all cases in the county. Additionally, the department is tracking a total of 48 addresses under investigation as possible COVID-19 cases as of that date.

Meanwhile, Brewer said the local law enforcement agency has observed spikes in domestic violence and disturbance cases, as well as increased juvenile problems, during the course of the pandemic.

On the other hand, the department has seen fewer accidents and total calls for service overall.

With fewer service calls, Brewer said officers have placed more focus on performing spot checks on local businesses that may not be in compliance with state executive orders.

He also noted the department has enacted an “extensive screening process” to determine whether someone absolutely needs to be sent to jail after an arrest. That approach is being taken to try and limit the spread of COVID-19 within the local criminal justice system.

He said the pandemic “has been a been a unique challenge for law enforcement.”

City of Zephyrhills pushing through COVID-19
Zephyrhills City Manager Billy Poe also offered an update on some of happenings within the East Pasco municipality throughout the town hall discussion.

Despite the COVID-19 outbreak, Poe said the city is “open for business, so there are still a lot of projects that are going on.”

The Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce organized an April 28 virtual town hall meeting featuring a panel of area leaders and representatives, discussing the various impacts of the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. (Courtesy of The Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce)

For instance, work is progressing on multiple subdivisions and communities that will bring hundreds of new homes to the area. Those projects include the Oaks at Pasco and Links at Calusa Springs located on both sides of Simons Road; District at Abbott’s Square near the forthcoming Sarah Vande Berg Tennis & Wellbeing Center; and Abbott Park, situated on the former Gore’s Dairy property that wraps behind the Publix Super Market at Zephyr Commons on Gall Boulevard.

Several commercial developments are moving along, too.

A couple notable projects under final site plan review include a new Veterans Administration clinic along Eiland Boulevard, as well as the Crystal Bar rebuild on Gall Boulevard, a longtime community staple destroyed in a fire last May.

Poe said a Chipotle Mexican Grill franchise at Zephyr Commons “is projected to come here in the next few months.” Also, the Chancey Partners industrial park project continues its build out with “a lot of businesses going in at that location.”

Poe touched on various city-related projects, as well:

  • Relocation of the U.S. 301/Pretty Pond Road traffic signal should get underway in August, spurring development in that area, which he said will eventually include a Chick-fil-A franchise
  • Sarah Vande Berg Tennis & Wellbeing Center construction “continues to be strong” and should be complete around July or August
  • Road paving and resurfacing has been ongoing at various city streets the past several weeks

Elsewhere, the city manager encouraged residents to continue to support local businesses “either by takeout or gift cards or anything that you can do.”

He also noted he’s in conversation with Zephyrhills High School Principal Dr. Christina Stanley to “plan something special” for graduating seniors, such as a parade or other community-wide gathering at some point.

Other speakers during the town hall included Zephyrhills Mayor Gene Whitfield and Zephyrhills City Council president Ken Burgess.

Published May 06, 2020