The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Local News

Lifting spirits is his specialty

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Whether it’s cracking jokes or serving up a friendly greeting, volunteer Brian Mason is known for his ability to lift people’s spirits at the East Pasco Family YMCA in Zephyrhills.

His jovial demeanor and friendly approach draws attention — so much so that Mason was named the local branch’s “Volunteer of the Year” for the second straight year.

East Pasco Family YMCA’s ‘Volunteer of the Year’ Brian Mason (Courtesy of Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA)

The 50-year-old Land O’ Lakes resident has been volunteering with the nonprofit organization for about five years.

He began volunteering at the New Tampa YMCA before moving to the East Pasco facility.

Mason can be seen Tuesday and Thursday mornings at the branch — helping out at the front desk, scanning membership cards and greeting all those entering.

When it comes to the role, Mason goes above and beyond, said Ryan Pratt, East Pasco YMCA’s membership and wellness experience director.

The first thing members and staff notice about Mason is his beaming smile and upbeat nature, the supervisor said.

Pratt said Mason is “always happy. Super excited to be here.”

He added that he “never has a bad day.”

“A member may come in or even a staff member might not be having the best day, and you can’t help but laugh when Brian’s around, and smiling because of his presence, so we’re lucky to have him,” he said.

YMCA regulars can’t help but get to know Mason well, Pratt said.

He almost always has a prepared joke or some sort of innocent hijinks at the ready, he said.

For instance, he’ll pretend someone isn’t a member anymore, in a good-natured way.

“He’s got a great sense of humor and he has a lot of fun and just brightens up everyone’s day,” he said.

Mason’s volunteer contribution officially was recognized at the Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA’s annual Community Impact Award dinner ceremony held recently at Pepin’s Hospitality Centre in Tampa.

He was one of 13 volunteers honored at the event — which attracted more than 500 guests.

Pratt, who chauffeured Mason to the ceremony, noted the award winner was quite popular throughout the night’s festivities.

“He was a hit at the table we were at,” Pratt said. “The gentleman who I introduced him, too, was just over the top impressed with him and super excited to see him win this award, so he was a hit for the night, I would say for sure.”

Mason said he “felt good” to again earn volunteer of the year honors.

His passion for volunteerism comes from his joy of being around people — particularly the members, staff and entire YMCA community.

“They’re nice people,” he said.

For information on the East Pasco Family YMCA, call (813) 780-9622, or visit tampaymca.org/locations/east-pasco-family-ymca.

Published April 08, 2020

Working around the threat of COVID-19

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The spread of coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) — and efforts to stay out of harm’s way  — have sparked creativity and ingenuity across The Laker/Lutz News region.

Kynlee Kuberski, center, who lives in Connerton, reacts, after Pasco County Fire Rescue truck, drives by her Land O’ Lakes home to wish her a happy 11th birthday on March 26. Kynlee’s mother, Jessi, is on the left, and older sister Kalyn is on the right. (Christine Holtzman)

When plans to celebrate Kynlee Kuberski’s 11th birthday at Universal Studios were canceled because of COVID-19, dozens of people came by her Connerton home, to wish her a happy birthday.

They came on foot, on bikes, in cars and even in a Pasco County Fire Rescue truck — to help her celebrate at a safe distance — in response to a request by her Kynlee’s mom, Jessi, on her neighborhood Facebook page.

Kynlee’s teacher, Macy Kendrick, from Connerton Elementary, was among the well-wishers, some of whom honked their horns as a birthday greeting.

Meanwhile, Pasco County Tax Collector Mike Fasano found a way to serve customers — despite closing his offices to in-person lobby services. All five tax collector offices are handling limited transactions through drive-thru. They’re processing automobile, boat and mobile home registration renewals, property tax payments, and handicapped permit applications.

Eleven-year-old Kynlee Kuberski, of Land O’ Lakes, smiles, as family, friends and neighbors sing ‘Happy Birthday’ to her. No one could get closer because of social distancing, due to the threat of the spread of coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19). (Christine Holtzman)

The Hillsborough County Pet Resource Center also has come up with a way to help adopters who are interested in having a self-isolation sidekick but can’t physically come into the shelter. They’re calling that program Curbside Cuddles.

There’s another program for adopters who can’t come to the center that they’re calling Cuddles Shuttles. Find out more about these programs by calling (813) 744-5660.

On another front, Michele Northrup — former Lutz Guv’na — is using her entrepreneurial skills to help vendors — including her own business — that have watched their scheduled events evaporate.

“I’ve been doing markets for years, and helping run markets and shows. I have a group of maybe 200 to 250 vendors that I pull from to do these different shows and markets.

“Well, now these vendors have nothing. They have no income,” she said.

Michele Northrup and Cynthia Cicala packing bags to be delivered to customers. (B.C. Manion)

“What do you do when your markets close?” she asked. “Find new markets,” she responded.

Northrup put out the word that she’d like to create vendor boxes and, in essence, bring the Farmer’s Market to people’s doors.

The boxes sell for $60 and $100 each, and include such items as fresh produce, honey, artisan soaps, homemade disinfectant spray, sauces, spices and fresh Cuban bread.

Each week, the boxes will vary.

The first deliveries were made over the weekend.

Northrup hoped for at least 22 orders on the first shipment and wound up with 39.

Orders are being taken for the next shipment on SaucyQueen.com.

Many other businesses and shops also are changing the way they serve customers, including Hungry Harry’s Bar-B-Que, on U.S. 41 in Land O’ Lakes. It is also still smokin’ — offering pit carryout, of its full menu.

A sign on both sides of the restaurant encourages people to call ahead for faster service.

Hungry Harry’s Bar-B-Que, a community staple, is still serving up its barbecued meals through carryout, on the pit side. Patrons are encouraged to call ahead. (B.C. Manion)

Land O’ Lakes resident Sandy Graves offered two examples of organizations adapting to limitations imposed by COVID-19.

For one, the Land O’ Lakes Rotary Club held its first virtual meeting using Zoom.

She also noted: “Keystone Community Church did a drive-in worship service on Sunday. It was really good. We were honking horns, instead of clapping.”

Many churches are adjusting to COVID-19 by live-streaming their services.

The Rev. Adrienne Hymes said Wesley Chapel Episcopal Church is using technology to keep the congregation connected, but also is using old-fashioned one-on-one telephone calls to keep in touch.

Atonement Lutheran Church, in Wesley Chapel, plans a drive-thru service, to hand out palms and a blessing on Palm Sunday.

 Christine Holtzman contributed to this story.

Published April 1, 2020

Coping with uncertainties

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As concerns ratchet up regarding the health and economic threats posed by coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19), a licensed mental health counselor from Wesley Chapel offers some suggestions to help cope with the additional pressures.

“People’s lives go through various ups and downs, and the same is true of our human existence.

“The world also goes through up and downs,” said Shabana Churruca, a licensed mental health counselor and certified addictions professional at Wiregrass Counseling.

The COVID-19 pandemic will result in difficulties and loss of lives, but Churruca said, “the thing that we have to remember is that we are going to get to the other side of this.”

She also offered strategies that may prove useful during this uncertain time. Here are some of her suggestions:

• Focus on the things we can do.
“What’s happening is that we are sort of in this global place of feeling this angst, and this feeling of being completely out of control. That is often time what brings on anxiety.”

To counter that, find things you can control.

“Sort through the drawers. Clean out the pantry. Do some things that you’ve been putting off doing.”

• Stay connected with others.
Even during a time of “social distancing,” we can still reach out to the others.

“We’re kind of going to have to reinvent the way we do things.

“We have to figure out, ‘How can I still stay connected to people that are important to me?’

Social gatherings may be out, but virtual gatherings aren’t.

“We have to maybe think outside the box for ourselves,” she said.

• Focus on the present moment.
“Anxiety and depression will kind of put us in this state where we’re living in the past or living in the future. What we want to do is stay in the right now,” she said.

“The best way to do that is just by really paying attention to your senses.

“If you open up your senses — what am I seeing? What am I feeling, touching, tasting? When you open up your senses, it allows you to stay in the present moment.”

• If you have extra time, take advantage of it.
Maybe now is the time to start a meditation or prayer practice. Or, perhaps to learn a new language, pick up a new hobby, do some crafts, play games with your family, take online courses, and so on.

• Raise your vibration.
Negative thinking lowers our vibrations. Positive actions raise them. So, if you’re a negative space, put on some music you enjoy — and don’t just listen, sing.

“You’re engaging more of your brain by actually singing,” the mental health expert said.

“It really does have the quality of changing how you feel,” she adding, noting that music also can transport us to a different time and place.

In a nutshell, do things that make you feel good — whether that’s listening to music, exercising, cooking, painting, gardening or some other pursuit.

• Take one thing at a time.
“What’s the most important thing you have to deal with right now?”

Do that. Then do the next thing. Just keep working through your list of priorities.

• Take care of yourself.
You may not be able to control whether your job will end or not, but you can eat nutritious foods, go for walks, drink lots of water and do what you can to maintain your health.

• Ask for help.
If you need help, ask for it. It’s not a sign of weakness. It’s a sign of strength.

Published April 1, 2020

Stepping up to help

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Whether it’s sewing protective masks, printing free coloring books, holding prayer services, giving away pizzas or providing pallets of food — people across The Laker/Lutz News are stepping up to help others, in response to the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

Barbara Booth is one of seven seamstresses who is contributing her sewing skills to help make protective masks to help meet needs during the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. (Courtesy of GFWC Lutz Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club)

Linda Mitchell, of the GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club, has organized a group of seamstresses who are using their skills to make protective masks.

Mitchell delivers the 100% cotton fabric and ¼-inch elastic needed to make the masks to the volunteer seamstresses, then beeps her horn when she drops off the materials in the volunteer’s driveways.

The staff at RP&G Printing, in Wesley Chapel, created youth activity and coloring books and adult coloring pages, as a way of giving back to the community — during these stressful times. They leave them outside for people to pick them up, and post pages to social media so people can print them, to avoid personal contact.

At AdventHealth Wesley Chapel, a group of “prayer warriors” arrived by caravan, to pray for the hospital’s care team and community. There were two mobile digital boards with scriptures, and the group honked their horns and flashed their lights before parking to pray, according to a news release from the West Florida Division of AdventHealth.

Cassie Coleman, director of the Lewis Abraham Lacoochee Boys & Girls Club, and Kathy Hunt, director of Restored Hope. (Courtesy of Melonie Monson)

The group’s next planned stop was on March 28, at Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point.

Meanwhile, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, donated 20,000 pounds of food on March 27, splitting the delivery between Lewis Abraham Lacoochee Boys & Girls Club and Metropolitan Ministries.

Pitching in at the Boys and Girls Club were State Rep. Randy Maggard, who represents District 38 in the Florida House of Representatives; Patrick Thornton, stake president for the church; Cassie Coleman, director of Boys & Girls Club; and Kathy Hunt, director of Restored Hope, which received 2,300 pounds of food to help people in East Pasco, according to Melonie Monson, who is involved with the church.

Life Church, in Wesley Chapel, has been providing ongoing help and remains committed to doing what it can, said Robin Granger, director of Life Community Center, which is operated by the church.

Thomas Promise Foundation board member Amanda Burns, of Dade City, left, and foundation driver Peyton Yowell, of Land O’ Lakes, watch as cars begin to pour into the parking lot of Pasco County High School, 36850 State Road 52 in Dade City. The Thomas Promise Foundation and Pasco County Schools were both distributing food, to help children who do not have access to food while schools are closed. Thomas Promise normally provides food to help feed children over the weekend, as part of its Operation Backpack program. (Christine Holtzman)

“Our pastors unequivocally said, ‘This is the time that we move forward and we press in and we don’t step back,’” said Granger, whose church is providing to-go meals instead of community lunches once a week and operating a drive-thru food pantry on another day.

It is willing to do more, she said.

“If there are folks who are sick and shut-in, I have a team of volunteers and we also have a team of folks from the church who would be willing to deliver boxes of food to them.

“If you know people who need someone to help organize donations, we have the team of people and the willing congregation to step in and be the hands and feet of who we say we are, and what we’re supposed to do,” she said. (Those needing help should call (813) 994-0685).

The church wants to help, but could use some help, too, Granger said.

It needs more food donations because grocery stores have less to give these days, Granger said.

Bubba’s 33, a restaurant in Wesley Chapel, also is stepping up. On March 27, it gave away 33 pizzas to the first 33 patrons waiting in line at 3:33 p.m.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints delivered a shipment of 20,000 pounds of food to help those in need last week. Shown here are Cassie Coleman director of Lewis Abraham Lacoochee Boys & Girls Club; State Rep. Randy Maggard, from House District 38; and Stake President Patrick Thornton, who oversees several churches. (Courtesy of Melonie Monson)

The goal was to help feed hungry families, according to a news release.

The Pasco County Sheriff’s Office is pitching in, too.

Deputies and other agency employees are making takeout purchases at businesses across Pasco County, to offer support during these trying times.

Donations also are coming from major companies, as well as individuals.

Florida Blue, for instance, is providing $100,000 to help the Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA, YMCA of the Suncoast and YMCA of Greater St. Petersburg.

The money is being combined with donations by YMCA members to offer all-day youth relief care for essential workers at 21 Y locations across Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco, Citrus and Hernando counties.

The gift is part of $2 million that Florida Blue is using to address urgent health and safety needs in communities across the state.

There’s also a group called Together in Peace that wants to reach out to seniors who normally go to community senior centers during the week, but are unable to do so because the centers are closed.

“We will be calling them to say hello, have a friendly chat, and offer some social connection during this time of social distancing,” Sharon Hall, a member of the group, said via email.

“At this time we are just waiting for response back from Pasco County Senior Services, who we understand will connect us with seniors that have signed up/indicated they would like to be contacted,” Hall said.

Also, NAMI Pasco, a mental health care organization that provides programs and support groups, has temporarily ceased its programs. But, it is offering text peer support services to those with mental health conditions, from noon to 6 p.m., each day it is closed, with the promise of responding within one hour. To use the service, text (863) 223-6799, and provide your first name. Anyone with a mental health emergency should call 911.

Published April 1, 2020

Blessings and forever homes

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From its tranquil, wooded location — and before the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, one Lutz church hosted an event that was for the dogs — and, the cats.

The Unity North Tampa church, 19520 Holly Lane, had its first annual Pet Adoption Fair.

The Rev. Virginia Walsh, of Unity North Tampa, blesses Scrappy, a partially blind Corgi and French bulldog that was rescued 17-months ago by Ann Ottaviano, of Carrollwood. Ottaviano, who attended the fair with her adult daughter, Laura, said that the dog was recovering from severe burns to his back when she adopted him. At the pet fair, she adopted a black mouth cur named Maggie May, to be a companion for the dog. (Christine Holtzman)

The Rev. Virginia Walsh scampered around the church hall, as the event began, talking about why the church wanted to host an adoption fair dedicated to the animals.

The church moved to its current location, from Tampa, in June 2018.

Despite being set back slightly from the hustle and bustle of North Dale Mabry Highway, the property is quiet, and serene — featuring tall pines and grand oaks.

In the past, the church’s pet blessings have tended to be popular because people love their pets like family members, the church leader said.

This year, her congregation thought that it would be a wonderful idea to host an event on the church’s spacious property, and to invite the community to attend.

And, the idea for the Pet Adoption Fair was born.

Sitting at their vendor table, Janalea Hoffman, owner/founder of Rhythmic Medicine, left, plays a native flute, as her business partner, Marilyn Miller looks on. The women are snowbirds from Kansas, who live part-time in Sun City Center. They were at the Pet Adoption Fair selling native flutes and colorful pet T-shirts.

Before the reverend rushed outdoors to bless a pooch, she declared passionately: “We are excited to support finding good homes for these animals.”

Seven adoption agencies took part in the inaugural event. They were Pasco County Animal Services, SPCA Suncoast, Dachshunds Seeking Forever Home Rescue, Tampa Bay Cat Alliance, Tampa Bay Humane Society, Barking Out Loud Rescue, and A Promised Land Animal Rescue.

Many brought animals that were ready to be adopted that day.

A half-dozen vendors set up shop around the property, offering various food items, crafts, and pet gear and supplies.

Ann Ottaviano, of Carrollwood, and her adult daughter, Laura, came to the Pet Adoption Fair to find a companion for Ann’s 8-year-old partially blind Corgi and French bulldog mix, Scrappy.

Maggie May, a 3-year-old black mouth cur, hangs out of the Barking Out Loud Rescue van window, while she waits for the organization’s founder, Claudia Beaver, to set up the kennels. Maggie May, along with nine other dogs, traveled with the group from Highlands County, to be part of the Unity North Tampa’s Pet Adoption Fair. Maggie May found her forever home when Ann Ottaviano, of Carrollwood, adopted her during the event.

She adopted Scrappy 17 months ago from a shelter. He was severely abused, and had a bad case of heartworm. He was found in a cage; his front teeth are missing from trying to bite his way out.

Scrappy also endured the unthinkable.

Someone poured scalding hot water over his back, resulting in severe, visible burns.

When Ann saw him for the first time, in this poor condition, she really didn’t think of his issues. “I was sitting next to him at the kennel, and he looked up to me, and that was it. It was my intuition that I needed this dog.” She also said, “Dogs don’t need to be perfect.”

Her vet suggested that she get Scrappy a companion dog now, before he was completely without sight, to help him and comfort him in blindness.

She ended up adopting Maggie May, a 3-year-old black mouth cur, that was one of the 10 dogs arriving to the event with Claudia Beaver, the founder/director of the Barking Out Loud Rescue. Beaver’s agency is located in Lorida, in Highlands County.

As they work the bake sale during the pet adoption fair, Bobbie LeRoy, of San Antonio, left, converses with Donna Stevens, of Land O’ Lakes, inside the Unity North Tampa church. Several items were available for purchase, including brownies, red velvet cupcakes, snickerdoodle cookies, muffins, and bottled water. Proceeds from the sale benefited the church.

Maggie May was rescued from a Lake Placid ranch. Black mouth curs are dogs specifically bred for hunting and herding cattle. So, when she proved not to be a good farmworker, she was placed in a kennel, where she lived her whole life, before being rescued.

Before their blessing, Scrappy and Maggie May got acquainted with each other for the first time. As she watched them sniff each other’s face, Ann was confident that this pup will make a wonderful addition to her family.

Besides adoptions and blessings, the fair featured a bake sale and vendors.

The bake sale, held inside the church, offered patrons a selection of goodies, including  brownies, red velvet cupcakes, snickerdoodle cookies, muffins, and bottled water.

There was a free chance drawing, too, for a gift certificate from Pet Supermarket.

Proceeds from the pet blessing donations and from the bake sale will support the church’s ministry.

Published April 1, 2020

SPCA Suncoast board member Bessie Tomlin gives a hug to ‘Wafer,’ the chow mix that she brought to the Unity North Tampa’s Pet Adoption Fair last month. Wafer was one of the animals available for adoption at the event.

Residents urged to be counted in 2020 Census

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Residents of Hillsborough and Pasco counties are being urged by government officials to respond to the 2020 Census.

Pasco County Commission Chairman Mike Moore is urging citizens to take part in the nation’s official count.

April 1 is officially Census Day, meaning the number of people staying in your household must be counted to assure that communities receive their fair share of federal funding, and that congressional representation is properly apportioned.

“This is the first time the Census has had an online option for self-response. If you prefer, you can still submit your census by mail, telephone or in person to a Census Bureau representative,” Moore said, in a letter sent to news media outlets.

“Beginning in May, Census Bureau representatives will be following up to addresses that did not respond.

“It is important to know you will never be asked for sensitive personal information, such as Social Security or bank account numbers, by a Census Bureau employee. Your responses are secure, confidential and protected by federal law,” he added.

Moore also noted that Pasco County is one of the fastest-growing counties in Florida, and participation in the Census helps provide federal funding for roads, schools, public programs and reapportionment for the U.S. House of Representatives.

Pasco County Commissioner Kathryn Starkey also is encouraging participation in the 2020 Census, in a newsletter sent out by her office.

She notes that responding takes about 10 minutes.

“It is your civic duty to respond, but it is also a way to make for a better future for your community,” the newsletter says.

Hillsborough County officials also are urging participation.

On its website, Hillsborough notes that it’s Florida’s fourth-largest county, and is already bigger than 10 U.S. states.

During the 2020 Census, the county notes that it “is poised to potentially be counted as home to 1.5 million.”

It also explains why the count matters.

Besides affecting congressional representation, “It also helps with distribution of federal and state funding.

“Education, health care, law enforcement and highways are just some of the things that receive funding based on population,” the website says.

Published April 1, 2020

Slices of life, in the shadow of COVID-19

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Impacts from the threat of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) is touching life on virtually every level. The closing of school campuses disrupted family schedules and student learning.

The shuttering of businesses has left people out of work.

The number of people testing positive for COVID-19 and people dying from the virus continues to rise.

Nobody knows yet, when we will emerge to the other side, and when we do, what the lasting impacts will be.

For now, here’s a small sampling of how people are coping with the impacts of COVID-19.

Holding on, in a tough time
Normally, TJ’s Deli & Ice Cream does steady lunch business between 11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m.

(B.C. Manion)

“Now, we’ll be happy if we get a customer every two hours,” said Rosa Benitez, who owns the restaurant, along with her husband.

“We have lost a lot of business,” Benitez said. “It’s definitely overwhelming. It’s something you didn’t expect,” said the woman, who also works two part-time jobs.

“It’s been really life-changing. If you don’t have a second job or a second income, this could definitely put you out of business. It’s very sad,” she said.

Normally, the restaurant has four employees. Now, it’s just Benitez and her husband, Michael Holman.

They’re worried about how long the pandemic will last and wonder when business will return.

Meanwhile, Holman asks: “When are the (government stimulus) checks going to be handed out? When is the relief coming?”

Despite uncertainties, she trusts the universe
Sixty-nine-year-old Sheila Prater, of Land O’ Lakes, is dealing with uncertainties on all sides.

(Christine Holtzman)

She’s a caregiver for an 88-year-old woman who has Alzheimer’s disease.

She said the COVID-19 pandemic is adding to stress she’s already been feeling.

The house she’s been renting for years is up for sale and, when it sells, she’ll have to move.

Her daughter just lost her job as a server because of the impacts of COVID-19, and Prater isn’t sure where they’re going to live because it’s hard to find a place that will allow her three cats and one dog.

Prater also is unsure if she’ll be able to buy a house, given her daughter’s unemployment and today’s trying times.

Still, she is doing her best to remain positive.

“There are no accidents. Everything happens for a reason and everything happens on time. Not always our time, but the right time. Whatever the universe’s will, if it’s meant to be, it will be,” Prater said.

Being careful — and enjoying ice cream
Ken Graham and Kathy Patrick recently dropped by TJ’s Deli & Ice Cream, at 37752 Meridian Ave., in Dade City to get themselves a treat.

Patrick said she’s glad some businesses are closing.

(B.C. Manion)

But, she added: “A part of me also thinks it’s too hyped up. People are too afraid to go out. You can’t stop living your life. You can’t just let it defeat you.

“There’s some people that are just scared to death to go anywhere.”

Graham said concerns about COVID-19 have created a “very weird feeling — unexpected.”

The couple is still going out, but is being careful.

“We’re staying away from people,” Graham said. “We just had to have a meeting with a lawyer friend. We did it outside, in a patio setting, with distance between us,” he said.

“I think our medical community is doing a fantastic job. I think people, in general, are accepting their part. Everywhere we go, we see everyone practicing measures of safety,” Graham added.

So, when the couple had a chance to get some ice cream, they went for it.

They got their ice cream in waffle cones.

“Always, a waffle cone,” said Graham, who’s been going to TJ’s for years.

Patrick got a Happy Tracks cone.

Graham got a Black Cherry. That’s his new favorite.

Compiled by B.C. Manion and Christine Holtzman

Published April 1, 2020

Numbers of confirmed COVID-19 cases, deaths climb

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The numbers keep climbing.

There were a total of 140,904 cases and a total of 2,405 deaths as of the evening of March 30, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. All 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Northern Marianas and the U.S. Virgin Islands have reported cases.

“The United States nationally is in the acceleration phase of the pandemic,” the CDC reports.

The CDC said the cases include imported cases in travelers, cases among close contacts of a known cases and community-acquired cases where the source of the infection is unknown.

Most U.S. states are reporting some community spread of COVID-19, the CDC adds.

Florida had a total of 5,704 cases, including 215 non-Florida residents, as of the most recent data available on the morning of March 31 from the Florida Department of Health, the lead agency addressing the health crisis.

The department also reported that 715 had been hospitalized, and 71 had died.

Locally there were 272 cases, including 265 residents and seven non-residents in Hillsborough County. Forty-five have been hospitalized and two have died.

In Pasco County, there were 38 cases, including one non-resident. Seven have been hospitalized and two have died.

Published April 1, 2020

Pasco Sheriff’s Office warns of coronavirus scams

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As coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) dominates attention globally, the Pasco Sheriff’s Office warns that cybercriminals are seeking to capitalize on the public’s desire to know more about the outbreak.

The Pasco Sheriff’s Office is warning of potential coronavirus-related cybercrimes. (Courtesy of Pasco County Sheriff’s Office)

There are nationwide reports of phishing scams that attempt to steal personal information or to infect devices with malware, and ads that peddle false information or scam products, the sheriff’s office says.

In one example, a phishing email used the logo of the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) Health Alert Network and claimed to provide a list of local active infections. Recipients were instructed to click on a link in the email to access the list. Then, recipients were asked to enter their email login credentials, which then were stolen.

The sheriff’s office says it isn’t aware of any cases in its jurisdiction, but is encouraging people to report phishing and other cybercrime.

The law enforcement agency also is advising the following:

  • When seeking information on COVID-19, visit known reputable websites like the (CDC) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, World Health Organization (WHO) or the Florida Department of Health.
  • Be on the lookout for phishing emails, which may appear to come from a trusted source. Remember, you can look at the sender’s details — specifically the part of the email address after the “@” symbol — in the “From” line to see if it looks legitimate.
  • Be wary of emails or phone calls offering unexpected or unprompted information. Also, do not click on links in emails from unfamiliar sources: they could be embedded with malware.
  • Although social media companies, such as Facebook, are cracking down on ads spreading coronavirus conspiracies and fake cures, some ads may make it past their review process.

Published April 1, 2020

Tax collector suspends lobby service

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As of March 24, lobby service at all five locations of the Pasco County Tax Collector’s Office has been suspended, temporarily, according to a news release.

Due to the severity and uncertainty of the coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) outbreak, no in-person transactions will be conducted.

In lieu of lobby service, the five offices has begin to provide certain transactions through drive-thru services. These transactions are limited to automobile, boat and mobile home registration renewals, property tax payments and disabled parking permit applications.

Dealers may drop off work and expect it to be ready within 48 hours.

Customers should look for signs indicating the drive-thru area at each office.

Drive-thru services will be available Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to noon.

The countywide tax collector’s call center will continue to operate during the time of the lobby closures, with the same hours as the drive-thru services.

For call center assistance, dial (727) 847-8032, (813) 235-6076 or (352) 521-4338.

Since most driver’s licenses and state-issued identification cards require an in-person transaction, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has issued an executive order that grants a 30-day extension of the due date for renewing those documents, which may currently be set to expire on or before April 15.

Any stops or holds that are currently on a driver’s license will not be removed by this executive order.

Customers are encouraged to utilize mail and online services, whenever possible.

To renew automobile registrations, visit PascoTaxes.com or GoRenew.com.

Published April 1, 2020