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Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

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Zephyrhills joins water contamination lawsuit

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The City of Zephyrhills — also known as “The City of Pure Water” — is joining a massive federal lawsuit regarding contaminated water.

The municipality is set to become a plaintiff in a multi-district litigation case filed against various companies that manufactured firefighting foams — Aqueous film forming foam (AFFF) — containing a series of man-made chemicals found to contaminate groundwater, wastewater and water wells.

Zephyrhills will join more than 100 other cities and water treatment facilities across the country in a federal lawsuit that is going after various companies that manufactured firefighting foam containing chemicals found to contaminate water wells. (File)

The chemicals in question are perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), compounds historically used in carpets, clothing, food packaging and a number of industrial processes. The chemicals have been linked to human health effects, such as low infant birth weights, immune system suppression, thyroid hormone disruption and cancer, according to health organizations, such as the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The Zephyrhills City Council unanimously voted on May 11 to enter negotiations for representation with Cossich, Summich, Parsiola and Taylor LLC., a New Orleans-based litigation firm. Local co-counsel will include Tampa-based firms Hobby & Hobby P.A. and Young & Partners LLP. The action came during a virtual council meeting.

Zephyrhills will join more than 100 other cities and water treatment facilities across the country in the lawsuit. Other plaintiffs are as far away as California and North Dakota, and within Florida, including Pensacola and Lauderhill.

The New Orleans firm is known for its work in securing a $7.8 billion settlement for plaintiffs in the BP Deepwater Horizon oil spill case back in 2010. The firm told city leaders it will front the cost of litigation and expert work on a contingency, then would accept a settlement fee.

Officials say high levels of PFOA/PFOS have been discovered in Water Well No. 1 utilized by the city’s downtown fire station for training purposes, dating as far back as 2014.

Samples taken from the well in 2014 showed PFOA/PFOS levels of 160 parts per trillion in water, lower than the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) levels of acceptability of 200 parts per trillion at the time, officials say.

However, in 2016 the EPA established new health advisory levels of PFOA/PFOS at just 70 parts per trillion. Because of that, the well was subsequently taken offline and was no longer in service when follow-up tests measured 120 parts per trillion of PFOA/PFOS, officials say.

Zephyrhills City Manager Billy Poe said that staff is working with environmental engineering group Jones Edmunds on monitoring wells and “to try to delineate contamination plume.”

Poe expects the EPA and Florida Department of Environmental Protection to make requirements for PFOA/PFOS remediation and removal, which he said “will have a very large price tag attached to it.”

Clarke Hobby of Hobby & Hobby P.A., will serve as co-counsel for the City of Zephyrhills, who will be a plaintiff in a federal lawsuit against companies and manufacturers that used a series of man-made chemicals in firefighting foam found to contaminate water wells. (File)

City attorney Matt Maggard concurred with the city manager’s assessment. He emphasized the need to partner with the multiple litigation firms to seek damages from companies that used PFOS/PFAS chemicals in AFFF production.

Maggard put it like this: “Cleanup is coming, and it’s going to be very, very expensive, and I think we should protect the city and seek compensation from these companies. It’s really negligent what they did, in my opinion, as far as knowing the dangers of these chemicals and letting them go out into the public the way they did.”

Attorney Clarke Hobby, a partner in Hobby & Hobby P.A., originally brought the matter to the city’s attention.

A Dade City native who normally deals in real estate and land use matters, Hobby said he felt a calling to be involved and assist the municipality with the developing case.

The attorney said he believes the EPA will even further lower the levels of acceptability for PFOS/PFOA in water sources because “they’re finding that this stuff is not water soluble and it just doesn’t go away and it is a serious threat to water quality.”

Said Hobby, “I just don’t want Zephyrhills to get on the hook for what a multi-, multi-billion company knew about 40 years ago and continued to put it on the market, and leave us holding the bag.”

He added: “The liability for creating this chemical contamination should lie with the manufacturers who knew about this for a long time and allowed the contamination to continue over a longer period of time.”

Upon hearing comments from Hobby, as well as representatives from Cossich, Summich, Parsiola and Taylor LLC, and city administration, the council agreed it was important to move forward in the legal process.

“We definitely have to act on this,” said Council president Ken Burgess.

Councilman Charles Proctor added, “It sounds to me like we are going to deal with this, probably sooner rather than later, so if we’re going to hire a group of attorneys, we would want to hire a (law firm) that’s familiar with this sort of litigation.”

Published May 27, 2020

Pasco County Schools hits million-meal mark

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Pasco County Schools has delivered more than a million meals to students since school campuses closed.

The district has been serving bagged meals at numerous sites and bus stops to provide meals to students who, in many cases, rely on schools for their only reliable source of food.

State Rep. Randy Maggard, left, and Pasco County Commission Chairman Mike Moore worked with about 50 other volunteers to distribute 33,000 pounds of food at a Farm Share event on May 20 at The Shops at Wiregrass. (Courtesy of Andy Taylor/Pasco County)

Since March 23, when the district began its remote feeding efforts, the district has served 1,095,537 meals, according to Betsy Kuhn, assistant superintendent for support services.

The district has been serving 10 meals per student age 18 and under, at each of its locations, accounting for five days’ worth of meals, including a breakfast and lunch for each day.

Last week, it served an additional five meals because the operation is closed this week.

Next week, it reopens on June 2. Check the district’s website for locations because some of them have been closed and consolidated with other locations.

The district also had three Farm Fresh Pop-ups last week — at Cypress Creek Middle High, Anclote High and Centennial Middle School.

The district’s maintenance team served 2,300 boxes of vegetables, weighing 10 pounds each, at those three sites.

Those aren’t the only efforts to help provide food for children and families in need, during this coronavirus disease-2019 pandemic.

Sunlake High School and Land O’ Lakes High School collected more than 2,000 pounds of food for the St. Vincent De Paul Food Pantry, in their COVID-19 Quarantine Butterbowl.

An example of the fresh vegetable boxes being distributed through Farm Fresh Pop-ups organized by Pasco County Schools. (Courtesy of Pasco County Schools)

“This week’s Butterbowl has ended, and the winner is the community,” tweeted Ric Mellin, principal at Land O’ Lakes High School. The donations exceeded expectations, he noted.

“Both schools should be proud of what they accomplished,” Mellin wrote.

Pasco County Commission Chairman Mike Moore, State Rep. Randy Maggard and more than 50 volunteers helped distribute 33,000 pounds of food to an estimated 700 cars on May 20 at The Shops at Wiregrass, according to Andy Taylor, Mike Moore’s aide.

A group of Saint Leo University students also were among the volunteers.

Meanwhile, food pantries are helping to put food on the tables of those in need, too.

Make a Difference Inc., will have a Mobile Food Pantry on May 28 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., at the Pasco County Fairgrounds, 37722 State Road 52. No identification is required, and the food is distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.

Atonement Lutheran Church, at 29617 State Road 54, has reopened its Helping Hands Food Pantry, and is providing a drive-thru service on Wednesdays from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The church is observing social distancing restrictions.

Father and Son Love Ministries, at 21418 Carson Drive in Land O’ Lakes, operates a food pantry on Tuesdays, from noon to 2 p.m.; Fridays, from noon to 3 p.m.; and on Sundays, starting at 12:30 p.m.

Pastor C.J. Johns Sr., stands outside the new location for the Father and Sons Love Ministries, at 21418 Carson Drive, in Land O’ Lakes. The church has a food pantry and has noticed a much broader range of people coming in to pick up food items to help their families during this time of pandemic. (B.C. Manion)

On one recent Friday afternoon, the Land O’ Lakes pantry served 174 people.

The ministry has marked its floor to guide people through its pantry, in order to practice social distancing.

Pastor C.J. Johns Sr., said the pantry is serving a broader range of people because of economic impacts caused by the pandemic. Before, about three-quarters using the food pantry were elderly, but now they make up just about half.

Besides offering the pantry, the church also will make deliveries to people who are unable to come there.

Also, the First Presbyterian Church, at 5510 19th St., in Zephyrhills, is serving a free take-out meal every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m., at the church.

Before heading out to any food pantry, it’s a good idea to call ahead or check the website to get the latest information on the days and hours of operation.

Published May 27, 2020

Use tax holiday to stock up on emergency items

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The 2020 Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday was passed by the Florida Legislature and signed into law by Gov. Ron DeSantis, according to the Florida Department of Revenue’s website.

This sales tax holiday begins May 29 and extends through June 4.

During this sales tax holiday period, qualifying items related to disaster preparedness are exempt from sales tax. However, the sales tax holiday does not apply to the rental or repair of any of the qualifying items. Additionally, the sales tax holiday does not apply to sales in a theme park, entertainment complex, public lodging establishment or airport.

Items exempt from the sales tax include:

  • Flashlights, lanterns, self-powered portable light sources costing $20 or less
  • Batteries, including AAA, C-cell, 6-volt, AA, D-cell and 9-volt; coolers and ice chests (food storage, nonelectrical), costing $30 or less
  • Portable radios, two-way radios, or weather-band radios, bungee cords, tarps, tie-down kits, costing $50 or less
  • Gas or diesel fuel tanks costing $25 or less
  • Batteries costing $30 or less
  • Power generators costing $750 or less

Hurricane Season officially begins on June 1 and ends on Nov. 30.

For more information, visit FloridaRevenue.com.

Published May 27, 2020

Check out these reopened libraries

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Pasco County residents once again can walk into a library and check out a book.

Or, spend time on a computer doing online searches.

Or, find a magazine to their liking.

Jessica Meisenbach missed being able to check out books at the Land O’ Lakes Branch Library. Her mask covered a big smile. (Kathy Steele)

As of May 18, Pasco County libraries are open for business — with the exception of the Zephyrhills Branch Library, which is offering curbside service only at this time.

The county’s reopened libraries do have limitations to prevent the potential spread of coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19). For one thing, they’re closed from noon to 1 p.m., each day, for cleaning.

Capacity is limited, too. Plus, face masks are required of both patrons and staff.

There are a limited number of face masks available for those lacking one.

Floor space is marked off for social distancing. And, computer time is by appointment only.

Self-checkout is available for books and magazines.

Pasco branch libraries, including the one in Land O’ Lakes, are marked off for social distancing.

Curbside pickup is still available, and is encouraged.

“Our curbside pickup is the star of the show,” said Catherine Seavey, librarian at the Land O’ Lakes Branch Library.

Curbside service began a week before the libraries reopened.

At the Land O’ Lakes branch, patrons drive to the back of the building, park in one of the curbside slots and wait for a librarian to bring out their pre-ordered book selection.

“That’s been especially popular,” said Bob Harrison, marketing program manager for Pasco County library system.

In fact, it’s so popular, the service likely will continue even after the libraries are fully reopened, Harrison said.

Currently, under Gov. Ron DeSantis’ executive order, libraries can operate at 50% capacity.

Pasco County has opted to be more conservative, with as few as nine patrons at a time in the Hugh Embry Branch Library in Dade City and as many as 36 at once at the Hudson Regional Library, in Hudson.

“We decided to be very slow, very cautious. The safety of our patrons, and our staff, take priority,” Harrison said.

Library officials will monitor health reports on infections before increasing capacity, he added.

Ian Boyne browsed the ‘New Book’ shelf at the Land O’ Lakes Branch Library.

Patrons are slowly starting to return.

“While it certainly is not as busy as it usually is, there are definitely people coming in.”

Lutz resident Jessica Meisenbach said she brought her three children, a 16-year-old and 11-year-old twins, to the Land O’ Lakes branch soon after the doors opened.

They prefer reading books rather than E-books, she said.

She’s with them.

She was at the library on Thursday morning, making her own book selections.

“I can’t do virtual reading. I like my own little book,” Meisenbach said.

Wesley Chapel resident Ian Boyne browsed the library’s “New Book” shelf.

“I’m really tired of re-reading all my Stephen King books. I have nothing to read,” he said.

While libraries have reopened, not all areas or activities are available.

If you need an unemployment form, you can pick one up from a table outside Pasco libraries.

The makerspaces, seating areas and study rooms remain closed, and story times for children remain online and virtual.

The COVID-19 shutdown has had the effect of boosting the library’s already strong online presence with additional virtual activities.

Patrons are accustomed to E-books and audio books, Harrison said.

But, during the shutdown, librarians looked for more ways to use technology, too.

In addition to the curbside service, there could be other and newer online activities that will continue, Harrison said.

“Libraries in general, and Pasco, in particular, pride ourselves on innovation,” Harrison said.

For library hours and other information, visit PascoLibraries.org.

Published May 27, 2020

Pasco seeks to hike fees for market-rate apartments

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The Pasco County Planning Commission is recommending approval of an ordinance that would raise mobility fees charged for market-rate apartments.

The proposed ordinance also would eliminate mobility fees for single-family and multi-family projects that qualify under the county’s definition of affordable housing.

In recommending approval, the planning commission suggested that the higher rates take effect on Jan. 1, 2021. The changes had been proposed to take effect on Aug. 10.

The Pasco County Commission will have the final word on the issue.

Planning commissioners decided to recommend a delay in implementation based on their concerns about the current economy, and after hearing those same worries expressed by the public.

Ed Rogers with Florida Design Consultants, who spoke on behalf of Crown Community Development, urged commissioners to delay implementing higher fees.

“Crown Community Development currently has two projects under active development that are fully entitled and have multi-family components. Chapel Crossings is in the urban service area and Watergrass is in the suburban area.

“In both projects, Crown has contracts pending with market-rate apartment developers who are on the cusp of moving forward,” Rogers said.

He referred to a County Commission workshop, when that board decided to seek higher mobility fees for market-rate apartments and to drop the fees for affordable housing.

“We were living in a different economy back in February,” Rogers said. “In fact, the first item on the workshop agenda that day was the county budget for the next fiscal year, and the OMB (Office of Management and Budget) presented to the board a glowing picture of the economy, which was vibrant at the time.

“The COVID-19 crisis and its significant economic impacts hadn’t yet made its imprint on anybody’s consciousness at that point.

“But, we now live in a different world where more than 30 million Americans have sought unemployment benefits because of the effects of the coronavirus on the economy,” Rogers said.

Raising the fees now could jeopardize Crown’s pending multi-family sales, he said.

He asked that consideration of the proposed fee increases be tabled until the economy is “on a more certain and positive track.”

Attorney Barbara Wilhite, who also spoke on behalf of Crown Community Development, cited similar concerns.

Planning Commission Chairman Charles Grey also questioned the timing of the proposal.

“I think this is probably not a good time to increase fees to anybody that wants to bring a benefit to our county. It’s a fact that would discourage them. We need growth.”

“To me, this is a bad time to do it,” Grey said.

Planning Commissioner Chris Poole agreed, noting that he’s read about the state’s sales tax being decimated in March and that the numbers are expected to be even worse for April.

“Given the uncertainty that we’re facing, I really think that this is an issue that should be tabled and picked back up at a later date,” Poole said.

One representative for the Bay Area Apartments Association spoke in opposition of the higher fees for market-rate apartments, while another representative of that association spoke in favor of eliminating the mobility fees for affordable housing.

Ultimately, planning commissioners voted to recommend that the proposal be found consistent with the county’s comprehensive plan.

The proposed rate changes now go to the Pasco County Commission for consideration.

Published May 27, 2020

Moffitt cancer center coming to Wesley Chapel

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Construction on a $44 million outpatient cancer treatment center in Wesley Chapel is nearing completion.

The three-story, approximately 100,000-square-foot medical building is expected to open on schedule in late fall.

A new Moffit cancer outpatient treatment center is under construction at AdventHealth Wesley Chapel. (Courtesy of AdventHealth)

The new center is part of the AdventHealth Wesley Chapel campus, at 2600 Bruce B. Downs Blvd.

A medical partnership between Moffitt Cancer Center and AdventHealth was announced last year, and construction on the outpatient center began in May 2019.

The new outpatient center will provide area cancer patients with up-to-date, cutting-edge medical and radiation oncology services.

There will be four operating rooms, 20 exam rooms, 22 infusion stations and two linear accelerators.

Cancer patients who are in remission or are post-treatment will have access to screenings and survivorship programs.

“The goal is to stop people from driving so far and bring treatment to where they live,” said Ashley Jeffery, AdventHealth’s manager of corporate communications for the West Florida Division.

Moffit Cancer Center, in Tampa, is recognized as a top-tier cancer hospital. It is one of only 50 with a designation from the National Cancer Institute as a Comprehensive Cancer Center.

AdventHealth, formerly Florida Hospital, is a faith-based, nonprofit hospital with several locations in Pasco County.

In a news release announcing the partnership with Moffitt, Mike Schultz, president and chief operating officer of AdventHealth West Florida Division, said, “Our partnership allows us to strengthen our network of care by expanding the type of health care services we can provide to our communities and gives cancer patients greater access to the country’s leading-edge research, clinical trials and cancer treatments at Moffitt.”

AdventHealth Wesley Chapel, which opened on Oct. 1, 2012, wasn’t even three years old when it announced a $78 million expansion, which included additional emergency rooms, inpatient rooms, surgical suites and related surgical services, Heart Catheterization Lab, recovery/observation rooms and shelled space for future growth.

The hospital also added Inspiration Place in 2018, which is a women’s center in an adjacent building on its campus.

Published May 27, 2020

Rezoning recommended for Thomas townhomes

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The Pasco County Planning Commission has recommended approval of a rezoning that would allow a 218-unit townhome development, off U.S. 41, about one-half mile north of Ehren Cutoff.

When it was originally proposed, there was significant neighborhood opposition, but no one spoke against the project during a May 21 virtual planning commission, and there was a letter of support for the project submitted by Jeremy Couch, president of the Glen Pine Homeowners Association.

“I understand that this developer has voluntarily agreed to several conditions that will be an improvement for how the property could be developed under the current land use and zoning,” Couch’s letter says.

“Having a townhome development at this location will not only benefit the surrounding property owners and the owners on Lake Thomas, it will benefit our community, as well.

“U.S. 41 needs continued investment to be the place that many desire it to be.

“With new homes, quickly come new retail and restaurant opportunities, that the area so dearly needs.

“We look forward to this project and additional development on U.S. 41,” the letter adds.

A land use change was previously approved by the Pasco County Commission, which cleared the way for consideration of a rezoning on the 45-acre site.

Applicants for the rezoning are N & Z Corporation and Two Sisters Land Trust.

During the course of public hearings on the land use change, Barbara Wilhite, an attorney representing the applicants, noted that the applicants have agreed to numerous conditions that address concerns raised by neighbors.

Among those conditions are height restrictions for the townhomes and buffering requirements. Additionally, no boating access — either motorized or not — will be allowed to Lake Thomas.

Also, access into and out of the project will be off U.S. 41, with a gated emergency-access only entrance to Little Lake Road, according to the conditions.

Planning Commissioner Chris Poole expressed concerns about traffic the development will generate, but ultimately voted in favor of the motion recommending approval of the request to the Pasco County Commission.

The land’s existing zoning allowed 100 single-family homes. The rezoning, if approved by the Pasco County Commission, allows 218 townhomes.

Published May 27, 2020

Seminar offers advice on coping amid pandemic

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Jesse Varnadoe mostly has kept an optimistic outlook, despite stay-at-home orders and quarantine protocols.

It hasn’t been easy, though.

Besides claiming lives and flattening the economy, the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has resulted in a range of reactions — including loneliness, isolation, cabin fever and other responses.

Pasco-Hernando State College organized a virtual summit on helping others cope through the coronavirus disease-201 (COVID-19) pandemic, as it relates to loneliness and self-isolation during quarantine.

“Being stuck in the house, not being able to go anywhere — I started to get in a funk almost,” said Varnadoe, a student at Pasco-Hernando State College (PHSC).

To stave off negative moods, the student said he tries to “make every day mean something.”

Even simple routines help, he said, such as folding laundry or hanging clothes. Staying in regular communication with friends and family helps, too.

His advice to others?

“Every day, make sure that you have something that you want to accomplish, even if it’s not much, and it’ll keep you on the right track, it’ll keep you moving, it’ll help you to not become depressed,” Varnadoe said.

He was one of several speakers on a virtual panel discussion organized by PHSC and designed to offer ways to help people cope through the COVID-19 pandemic.

Speakers at the May 11 virtual summit included students, behavioral health experts and representatives from the college.

Panelist Rod Cunningham underscored the vulnerability of people in isolation.

Cunningham, who is the community outreach director with the Drug Enforcement Agency, observed that even vicious criminals are found lying in the fetal position when retrieved from solitary confinement.

“Men are not made to be alone,” Cunningham said.

He advised people to schedule social distancing activities that simply make them “feel better,” whether it’s gardening, reading, playing video games, or even perusing social media.

“It’s important to understand yourself and start to pull your plan together,” Cunningham said.

Panelist Harold Jackson suggested one way to lighten things up is to take a humorous look at certain aspects of the pandemic.

For instance, he joked: “If you need a 144 rolls of toilet paper, you probably needed to see a doctor before COVID-19 hit.”

“There are aspects of this thing that we can laugh about, because we’re not laughing a lot today,” said Jackson, who is a community relations liaison with Tampa Family Health Centers.

This illustration, created at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), reveals ultrastructural morphology exhibited by coronaviruses. (Courtesy of the CDC)

He also suggested that people draw on whatever faith-based experiences or readings they have, “to move forward through (the pandemic).”

Dr. Joe Bohn, a professor at the University of South Florida College of Public Health, recommended using the new-found personal downtime to pick up a new skill or hobby.

He is following his own advice by taking online dance classes.

Amidst the pandemic, it’s been therapeutic, he said.

He’s also passed along what he’s learned about dancing to other professors and students.

“It’s helped them, given them an outlet,” he said. “I think it’s one of these things of having something to do every day.”

Some panelists from the college also offered suggestions on what the college can do to help support PHSC’s large student body during this pandemic.

Dr. Eddie Williams said many students are facing financial issues, technological issues and increased bouts of anxiety.

The assistant professor, who works in human services, called upon faculty and staff to be proactive in “letting students know the resources that are out there.”

He noted it is particularly important to do that because some students are reluctant to ask.
He said he’s personally been reaching out to struggling students who haven’t been quite as active in virtual classes. He think that’s something that more instructors should do.

Even a simple phone call can set them back on the right track, he said.

“They get very surprised and happy, and they feel supported, usually by me just calling,” he said. “I let them know to communicate with me. Let them know what’s out there and let them know you’re supporting them.”

Dr. Micheal Jones, a psychology professor at the college and the men’s basketball coach said faculty must take a leadership role.

During times of crisis, he said, “it’s our due diligence to reach out to the students.”

He advocates for more robust mental health support groups and services on campus, because he believes there will be an influx of students facing issues with anxiety and depression come fall.

“We just have to be prepared to be able to service these students with the issues that they’re dealing with, especially coming back from this pandemic,” Jones said.

“I think this is one of the things that students never really thought could happen, but it happened, so we’ve got to find a way to support them and keep them enrolled, and keep them positive,” he said.

Published May 27, 2020

Virtual orientations offered to ‘Bigs’

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Due to the recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) of Tampa Bay has had to cancel all in-person community orientations and trainings for adult mentors and role models, or “Bigs.” Virtual orientations now are offered, instead.

‘Big’ Howie Taylor, right, stands alongside his ‘Little’ Hunter, last year, after being united through the mentorship program Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay. (File)

Throughout the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, it is crucial for the organization to maintain its mentoring of relationships.

Many of the BBBS children in the program, called “Littles,” would welcome hearing from a friend who can help ease their fears and provide a distraction.

Depending on the program, all it takes is four hours to eight hours a month, with a focus on being consistent and spending “virtual” quality time with a Little.

The first step is to attend a Big Orientation & Training session to learn about the BBBS programs, commitments, expectations, and its kids.

Virtual orientations are offered twice a week. No preregistration or RSVP is required.

Upcoming meetings are:

  • June 2 from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., and June 6 from 10:30 a.m. to noon
  • June 9 from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., and June 11 from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.
  • June 17 from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., and June 18 from noon to 1:30 p.m.
  • June 23 and June 25 from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.

To find out more on how to make a difference, visit BBBSTampaBay.org/virtual-big-orientation-trainings/.

Published May 27, 2020

Hillsborough County neighborhood parks reopening

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Hillsborough County has reopened neighborhood parks, green spaces and dogs, effective May 18, according to a county news release.

Although the parks are open, users must obey social distancing guidelines, and portions of many parks will continue to be off-limits, the release says.

Visitors are encouraged to wear face coverings and to bring water to hydrate and provide for pets. Tennis/pickleball courts and volleyball courts will be open, but no organized sports, activities or groups will be allowed.

Outdoor restrooms will be open at staffed sites.

The following areas remain closed:

  • Recreation centers/buildings
  • Athletic fields
  • Playgrounds
  • Shelters
  • Splash pads
  • Skate parks
  • All courts excluding tennis/pickleball and volleyball courts
  • Programs
  • Events and rentals

Several of the county’s conservation parks remain closed, but nature preserves and the following conservation parks are open, including:

  • Flatwoods Conservation Park, 14302 Morris Bridge Road in Thonotosassa, and 18205 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., in Tampa
  • Morris Bridge Off-Road Biking Area, 12651 Morris Bridge Road, Thonotosassa

Published May 27, 2020