The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Local News

AdventHealth cites problems with lab; issues apology

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AdventHealth had been providing free testing for coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) at locations in its West Florida Division but discontinued it because of issues with a third-party lab, according to a news release from AdventHealth.

“To meet the unprecedented demand for COVID-19 testing, we rely on nationally accredited third-party labs to assist us. Unfortunately, one of these labs processing a significant number of our public tests has been unable to fulfill its obligation,” the health care provider said, in the release.

“AdventHealth has terminated its contract with this lab, and we share in the disappointment and frustration this situation has created. We are deeply sorry for the inconvenience and uncertainty it has caused.

“This issue impacts more than 8,000 people throughout AdventHealth West Florida Division. “This situation has created unacceptable delays, and we do not have confidence in the reliability of the tests. We are working diligently to notify and appropriately accommodate those who are impacted. They will be receiving a letter from us and may also receive a phone call.

The individuals fall into two categories:

  • Those whose samples were processed, and whose results provided by the lab are not deemed reliable.
  • Those whose samples are at the lab in question and are part of the backlog will not be tested; therefore, no result will be available.

AdventHealth has directed the lab to destroy those samples, in accordance with the law, the release says.

In the case of unreliable results, there were individuals with unreliable positive results, that will require retesting, AdventHealth says.

Also, Individuals with unreliable negative results who are symptomatic need to seek care and may require retesting.

Also, individuals with unreliable negative results who are asymptomatic but request to be retested will be offered testing pending availability, the health care provider adds.

Mike Schulz, president and CEO of AdventHealth West Florida, addressed the issue in a statement:  “It has been a privilege to serve our community during these unprecedented times, and we remain committed to our promise to keep you safe and provide the best care possible.

“We are taking ownership of these issues and are reaching out to the thousands of those who were impacted to help make it easy for them to understand the next step in their care,” he said.

Published May 20, 2020

More small businesses to get county grants

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The Pasco County Commission on May 4 provided $5 million more in funding for small business grants — bringing the total to $7 million — to help small businesses that have been struggling because of the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19 pandemic.

The money is coming from Penny for Pasco funds, which are generated through a voter-approved additional 1 cent in sales tax revenues to help cover identified Pasco County needs. A portion of that funding was earmarked for economic development.

Commissioners have been working with the Pasco Economic Development Council Inc., a nonprofit agency that focuses on attracting new businesses to Pasco, and helping existing businesses.

The COVID-19 pandemic has created an economic crisis, as businesses were forced to close to reduce the potential spread of the deadly virus.

As a result, business revenues have plummeted and scores of the businesses that have been shuttered might be closed for good.

Commissioners have been working with the Pasco EDC, which has administered the grant program.

Commissioners approved $2 million initially, with grants of up to $5,000 for qualifying businesses.

But, that $2 million fell far short of the need, with more than 1,400 companies applying for  the grants within the first 24 hours.

Out of the first 450 applications received, 405 qualified for a total of $1,965,000 in grants, according to the Pasco EDC.

The additional funding is expected to provide funding for the remaining qualifying companies, among those who have already submitted applications.

Published May 20, 2020

Fewer resources, tighter budget

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Pasco County is estimating a $5.7 million hit to its general fund this fiscal year, due to impacts from the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, according to County Administrator Dan Biles.

Biles shared that projection during the Pasco County Commission’s virtual board meeting on May 5 .

“We think we have a plan in place to be within that revenue within the next six months, from an expense standpoint,” Biles said.

Pasco County saw a dip of 25% in building permits, from March to April, as the area grapples with impacts from coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19). (File)

“We sat down over the last couple of weeks and went through some various options to, I will say, restrict spending in the general fund over the next several months, as we get a better handle on what our revenues will be in the general fund. The specific departments that are being hit outside the general fund, like gas tax, transportation trust fund, tourism — are all working their specific plans to make sure they can manage with the revenue they expect to come in, the reduced revenue.

“From a general fund perspective, we’re putting in place what I will call a ‘soft hiring freeze.’

“If you need a person and you can justify that person up to your assistant county administrator level, then we can still go through the process of hiring that position. It’s not a hard freeze.

“There are some places where it still makes sense to hire that position, depending on what that position is. All fy 20 (fiscal year 2020) business initiatives that have not been implemented have been placed on hold, until we see what our revenue looks like over the next few months.

“Obviously, travel is restricted, so we’ve swept all of those funds out of that department, into a savings account. There’s not a lot of in-person training going on right now, so the costs for those conferences and classes have kind of been swept up. Any training that’s required for certification, we are still allowing that training, but most of that training is virtual today, anyway.

“We are working on carefully watching our large purchases the next few months to make sure, again, if it’s something that has to happen or it is something that we can wait until we see (the revenue,” Biles said.

“The revenue numbers from March didn’t dip as much as we expected. That’s good. They weren’t as high as we had budgeted for that month, either.

“So, there was a small dip.

“As we are working right now, building the fy 21 (fiscal year 2021) budget, I will say that on the general fund and these other funds that will be impacted by this, it will be a very lean budget. As, in, there will not be any business plan initiatives proposed because … we will probably take a pretty significant hit on the sales tax even into (fiscal year) 21, and into (fiscal year) 22, we’ll probably take a hit on the ad valorem side because building will be slowing down over the next several months, which means our new construction number in (fiscal year) 22 will be lower than what we’ve seen in the next few years.

“I will say that building permits were down about 25% from March to April. That’s probably within what we expected the market to do.

“There’s still a lot of building going (on) out there, but that’s still down 25% March to April, and that’s probably going to continue to drop over the next couple of months until people get a feel for what is happening out there in the economy.

“In short, we’ve done our due diligence on our (fiscal year) 20 expenses, we think we’ve got a plan in place that will keep us within the projected revenue in (fiscal year) 20. And, that our (fiscal year) 21 will be very lean, with respect to new business plan initiatives in the general fund — very close to zero right now — unless we see some change in the revenue perspective,” he said.

Commissioner Kathryn Starkey said she’d just read a Wall Street Journal article that said housing prices were up almost 8% in March.

“It looks like the trend is that the demand is still very strong and the supply is not so good.

“I also saw some comments by Taylor Morrison in an article that they are still actively looking for land, that they are kind of focusing on adult retirement, and they still see the demand in Florida as very strong.

“So, hopefully, we’ll bounce very quickly,” Starkey said.

Published May 13, 2020

Malls open slowly, cautiously

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Rose Rich sipped a cool drink as she shared a bench out of the sun at The Shops at Wiregrass.

Her 19-year-old grandson, Chandler Estes, and Estes’ girlfriend, 18-year-old Jayda Warchesik, were on a visit from Texas.

“We’re out for an adventure,” Rich said.

Chandler Estes, 19, his girlfriend, Jayda Warchesik, and Estes’ grandmother, Rose Rich, enjoyed a trip to The Shops at Wiregrass on the first day it reopened. (Kathy Steele)

Estes and Warchesik hoped to find bathing suits for a trip to the beach, but were out of luck. They found few shops open.

The trio was among the first customers to explore Pasco County malls after weeks of homebound isolation and shuttered shops.

Effective May 4, Gov. Ron DeSantis gave the all-clear to at least some commercial activity to get the economy reopened amid the ongoing coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

Mall operators, business owners and customers moved cautiously into uncharted territory. Many stores remained closed during the first days of lifted restrictions. Crowds of shoppers didn’t materialize.

But, as additional stores open, and with a weekend approaching, more shoppers were anticipated.

“We expected to have a slow opening, said Greg Lenners, general manager for The Shops at Wiregrass. “Various stores have their own protocols for ramping up. We’re off to a good start with the number of stores open.”

He estimated about one-quarter of Wiregrass shops had opened, evenly split among restaurants and retail.

Even during the shutdown, restaurants stayed open for takeout orders, with curbside pickup, Lenners said.

Wiregrass is following safety guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)  to protect customers and employees. The guidance includes extra sanitizing stations and closed-off play areas.

Tampa Premium Outlets and Cypress Creek Town Center also slowly opened a few previously closed shops. They also followed CDC guidelines.

Cypress Creek Town Center even has a new tenant, Aussie Grill, a free-standing restaurant on Sierra Center Boulevard.

A press release announced that the restaurant would offer limited indoor seating, drive-through, pickup and delivery.

Meanwhile, just outside AtHome at Tampa Premium Outlets, Jerry Cugno struggled to move a cache of large wall art from a shopping cart into the back seat and trunk of his car.

He wore a face mask and carried sanitizer in his pocket.

He picked up the art trove for his Lakeland-based spas. Cugno owns a chain of spas with more than 30 locations in Florida, and one in Denver, Colorado.

“I’m so happy, I can’t believe it,” Cugno said.

Many, but not all, of the services at his spas still remain off-limits during the first phase of Florida’s reopening.

But, people are ready to go back to work, he said.

He agrees with that sentiment: “Let them do their jobs,” he said.

Jerry Cugno, owner of a chain of spas, is happy with his purchase from AtHome, at Tampa Premium Outlets.

Clusters of cars filled the outlet mall’s parking lots. And, a few families and young couples strolled down pathways looking for open stores.

Shelly Stecklow successfully returned an item she bought before shops closed.

She enjoyed the chance to visit stores other than Walmart and Sam’s Clubs, which had stayed open.

“It’s just being out and about,” she said.

“I think as long as people are aware of their environment and abide by what they are told to do, it’s OK,” she said.

Most stores remained closed, but a few doors were open, including Haagen Dazs, Pop Cult, Finish Line and Elite Home Room Games.

An employee posted a notice on the door at Express Men listing a May 8 opening.

Representatives for the outlet mall and its owner, Simon Property Group, could not be reached for comment.

In a news release, Simon President John Rulli said, “We look forward to serving the needs of our communities, and (to) do so in a safe and responsible manner.”

Owner Jennifer Morales opened her shop, Sparks Jewelers, on the first day allowed.

She hadn’t seen many customers by midday and many who walked in said they were just looking for an open shop.

Morales and an employee wore face masks. A sign taped to the door gave notice that customers also should wear masks.

The shutdown has been hard.

“We’re a small business,” said Morales, who has been at the outlet mall about two years. “If we don’t open, we don’t generate sales. We depend on foot traffic.”

She is hopeful, though, that business will pick up — safely, and soon.

Published May 13, 2020

Serving up food — to sustain, comfort

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Concerns about the potential spread of coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) has flattened the economy, causing many to seek out help for the first time to put food on their tables.

Here is a look at some efforts, to help feed others, across The Laker/Lutz News coverage area.

Collecting food to feed the hungry
The woman pulls up and pops open her trunk, so volunteers could gather the bags of food that she had brought to donate.

Among those volunteering at a weekend food drive were Pasco County Clerk & Comptroller Nikki Alvarez-Sowles, Pasco Schools Superintendent Kurt Browning, Pasco School Board member Allen Altman and State Rep. Ardian Zika. They took their masks off for the photo, and kept socially distanced. (B.C. Manion)

As they unloaded her donations, she became emotional — thanking the volunteers for what they are doing to help people struggling through the pandemic.

She was obviously touched by the effort.

Pasco County leaders have held food drives for the past two weekends to collect donations. The first drive was in the parking lot of the former Super Target store, off State Road 54, west of the Suncoast Expressway, and the second at Sam’s Club of Wesley Chapel, off State Road 56, in Wesley Chapel.

State Rep. Ardian Zika carries a box of donations to tables, where they are sorted

High-ranking officials from Pasco County Schools, the Pasco Tax Collector’s Office, the Pasco County Clerk & Comptroller’s Office, state legislators, and candidates for office, were there to help. Pasco Fire Rescue employees, Pasco Sheriff’s Office employees and others volunteered, too.

The community responded, bringing bags and boxes of food — loaded with pasta, peanut butter, jelly, crackers, soups, rice, canned goods and more.

Monetary donations are still welcome and can be made through the Pasco Education Foundation at PascoEducationFoundation.org. Checks can be made payable to Pasco Education Foundation and mailed to P.O. Box 1248, Land O’ Lakes, Florida, 34639.

Farm-Fresh Pop-ups
When Pasco County Schools receives donated fruits or vegetables, it holds Farm Fresh Pop-ups, and the free fresh produce goes fast.

At its first Pop-Up, the district gave away more than 30,000 ears of corn in about 2 hours.

It took less than 45 minutes to give away a truck filled with 10-pound variety boxes of vegetables, during a Farm Fresh Pop-up at the school district headquarters in Land O’ Lakes. (Courtesy of Stephen P. Hegarty)

At its second one, on May 8, it handed out 10-pound variety boxes of vegetables containing such veggies as cucumbers, potatoes, radishes, collards, broccoli, peppers, squash, and eggplant.

Those were gone in 45 minutes.

At the pop-ups, which are held in different locations, school district officials are practicing safe social distancing and wearing masks.

Those picking up the free foods are asked to stay in their vehicles and to pop their trunks, so the food can be placed in their trunks.

Feeding Florida and L&M donated the variety boxes.

The district also continues to provide five breakfasts and five lunches, once a week, to students 18 and under, at specific locations. As of May, it had served more than 820,000 meals.

To find out more about the district’s meal program, and to keep abreast of future Farm Fresh Pop-Ups, check the district’s website, Pasco.k12.fl.us.

Outdoor dining allowed to expand
Pasco County officials are providing more flexibility to restaurants to expand their outdoor dining space by allowing them to set up tables in parking areas and other outdoor areas — without a county permit.

The move was made to give restaurant operators more options, as they contend with decreased business due to COVID-19.

Leslie Gruber, of Land O’ Lakes, receives her meal from Savannah Walker, manager of The Box Kitchen Restaurant, at 6464 Land O’ Lakes Blvd. in Land O’ Lakes. The restaurant placed several tables in its parking lot to accommodate more diners, taking advantage of relaxed rules in Pasco County. (Randy Underhill)

Under phase one of Gov. Ron DeSantis’ reopening plan, restaurants were allowed to operate indoor dining rooms at 25% capacity and to have dining outdoors, with the proviso that tables be kept 6 feet apart from each other.

To help expand restaurant capacity, Tampa officials have closed streets in some areas, so restaurants could set up tables there.

In Pasco, officials allowed restaurateurs to expand outdoor dining on their own properties.

The expanded seating may be used during the restaurant’s normal business hours, and the allowance will expire when full-capacity indoor dining returns, according to a county news release.

The Box Kitchen Restaurant in Land O’ Lakes appeared to be one of the few restaurants within The Laker/Lutz coverage area taking advantage of the county’s relaxed rules.

Providing hot meals in hard times
Three initiatives in Pasco County are aimed at providing hot meals, while supporting restaurants at the same time.

In the “Dining Out at Home” program, Pasco County has partnered with the Area Agency on Aging to have restaurant meals delivered to eligible senior citizens.

In “Operation Feed Pasco,” local restaurants are helping to supply meals at local food pantries and soup kitchens. The county is partnering with United Way of Pasco County on that effort.

Pasco County Commissioner Kathryn Starkey and State Rep. Ardian Zika were on hand when meals were delivered to workers at the Medical Center of Trinity. (Courtesy of Pasco County Commissioner Kathryn Starkey’s office)

Restaurants that would like to participate in Operation Feed Pasco should call United Way at (727) 359-7999, to see if there are any slots left.

In Pasco FLAG2020, meals are being purchased from local restaurants and then provided to people working on the front lines of the pandemic.

The program is being championed by Pasco County Commissioner Kathryn Starkey, who was inspired after seeing coverage of two women in New Jersey who launched the national program.

So far, 64 meals have been delivered through that program to AdventHealth Dade City, 41 have been delivered to BayCare’s North Bay Hospital in New Port Richey and 106 meals to Medical Center of Trinity.

In addition to Starkey, other local elected leaders who have been involved in raising money, include Pasco County Commissioner Ron Oakley, Pasco County Schools Superintendent Kurt Browning, Pasco County School Board member Allen Altman, former Pasco Clerk & Comptroller Paula O’Neil and State Rep. Ardian Zika.

To help, send donations to:

Venmo: @FLAG2020Pasco; PayPal: PayPal.me/FLAG2020Pasco

Published May 13, 2020

Zephyrhills CRA projects, initiatives on tap

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Amid the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the Zephyrhills Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) has managed to stay plenty busy.

In a virtual CRA board meeting last month, Zephyrhills CRA director Gail Hamilton outlined a number of tasks the agency has on its plate to beautify the 500-plus acre historic district that stretches through the center spine of the city.

Hamilton told the board: “We are in strange times, trying to do remote meetings and getting things done has certainly been a challenge, but everybody has pitched in and worked hard.”

The Zephyrhills CRA (Community Redevelopment Agency) district is roughly 500 acres, from Hercules Park to C Avenue, and from Zephyr Park to 17th Street. Within those boundaries are the following historic neighborhood districts: Hercules, Historic Jeffries, Historic Abbott, Moore’s Estate, Zephyr Lake, Oakside and Plaza. (Courtesy of Zephyrhills Community Redevelopment Agency)

More immediately, the CRA is in the final review of its sidewalk master plan and updating signage design standards in the district. It’s also collaborating with the Zephyrhills Public Library to redesign the agency’s website “to make it more appealing and easier to navigate,” Hamilton said.

Meantime, the CRA is working on a bid proposal for the final restoration of the historic Carriage House, a two-story wooden structure connected to the historic Jeffries House, at 38537 Fifth Ave. The city recently received architectural plans on the project that calls for a new balcony, footings and columns — with the idea the home’s restoration will contribute to the preservation of other buildings within the CRA district.

Another ongoing CRA initiative is reviewing its grant programs and the grant application process, “looking for ways to make it clearer, better, easier to read,” Hamilton said.

The CRA director added she’s working on providing information on a single sheet to better explain residential ownership grants, residential paint grants, and so on.

The idea is to make the process easier.

Hamilton also touched on other general projects the agency has on its to-do list, too.

She said the public works department is set to install flowerpots and other landscaping upgrades along Fifth Avenue, once it returns to its regular, fully staffed operations. (Public Works is presently in partially staffed, split shifts, due to the coronavirus pandemic.)

She also mentioned free, public Wi-Fi has been installed at Zephyrhills City Hall and the adjacent courtyard, but the amenity won’t be activated until large gatherings are deemed safe again.

Additionally, the agency has received three bids for public-use Wi-Fi at Clock Plaza, a half-acre park located on Fifth Avenue, two blocks east of U.S. 301 in the historic downtown district. The Wi-Fi at that location would support up to 100 users at a time, and will be presented at the next CRA board meeting scheduled for June 22.

Hamilton also is evaluating “four or five locations” in the CRA district that could be ripe for residential developments, such as duplexes and condo townhomes.

To do that, the CRA is working with consulting firm GAI Community Solutions Group to handle “proformas on the land and see how the numbers work out,” Hamilton said. “We would like to really promote some of the city sites and other sites that are privately owned within the district, to try to encourage residential development,” she said of the plan.

Meanwhile, the CRA director is finalizing the job description for the Main Street Zephyrhills coordinator position and meeting with Main Street board members on how to best proceed with the organization — following the recent resignation of Anna Stutzriem, who held the role for more than two years.

Main Street Zephyrhills is a 501c3 nonprofit that generally facilitates new business and organizes large events within the historic downtown district.

Hamilton underscored the importance of having a new Main Street coordinator and action plan in place once storefronts and downtown activity is fully operational again, for whenever the COVID-19 pandemic blows over.

The Zephyrhills Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) has many projects and initiatives on tap over the next several months. (File)

She observed, “When we can open back up, when the stores can open back up, Main Street needs to be up and running and working on promoting the city, our merchants, the businesses, and really doing a full press on creating a promotional for events…to get people to come downtown and use our businesses.”

Elsewhere, Hamilton presented the CRA’s 2019 annual report, which showed a notable increase in ad valorem revenues collected by the city and Pasco County. For fiscal year 2019, the county’s share was $107,238 and the city’s share was $89,510. That’s up from 2018, when the county and city generated $36,000 apiece in ad valorem taxes in the district.

To Hamilton that means the agency is “seeing the fruits of our labor in working on redevelopment for the CRA district and taking out the blight.”

In other business, the CRA board approved the following grants/incentives:

  • $5,000 matching façade rehabilitation grant to Faithful Friends Pet Cremation, 5221 Eighth St.
  • $5,500 historic preservation developer’s incentive to Kerns Family Construction for the restoration of a 1928 wood frame structure at 5524 11th St.

The Zephyrhills CRA is a dependent special district in which any future increases in property values are set aside in a Trust Fund to support economic development and redevelopment projects within the designated district. Although it functions within the City of Zephyrhills, the Zephyrhills CRA is a separate and distinct legal entity. The Zephyrhills City Council also serves as the appointed board governing the Zephyrhills CRA.

The CRA district encompasses the center spine of the city, generally between Hercules Park to C Avenue, and from Zephyr Park to 17th Street. Within those boundaries are the following historic neighborhood districts: Hercules, Historic Jeffries, Historic Abbott, Moore’s Estate, Zephyr Lake, Oakside and Plaza.

Published May 13, 2020

Aldi moves toward grand opening

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A new Aldi grocery store is nearing completion at the entrance to Tampa Premium Outlets, off State Road 56.

Another Aldi in Zephyrhills that has been stalled for years over relocation of a traffic signal is nearing final decisions, and a potential allocation of state funds.

An exterior look at the new Aldi expected to have its grand opening soon. It’s in Cypress Creek Town Center, not far from the Tampa Premium Outlets. (B.C. Manion)

But, coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) likely will determine the grand opening for the one off State Road 56, and the construction of the other, in Zephyrhills.

The store near the outlet mall is expected to open soon, an email statement from Matt Thon, Haines City Aldi division vice president, said.

“At Aldi, we know now, more than ever, our service to the communities we serve is critical during these unprecedented times,” Thon said. “We have been focusing all of our efforts on ensuring food and household goods are available in our existing stores.”

But, he added, Aldi is “working to open new stores where we can do so safely.”

The store’s contractors are moving forward with permits and inspections, according to county records.

Due to COVID-19, Pasco County is broadening its use of VUSPEX, a mobile video inspection application, to complete inspections.

The Aldi building is largely completed.

Aldi currently is hiring nationwide and for the Wesley Chapel store, Thon said.

No information on a construction start from Aldi is available currently on the Zephyrhills store.

However, the Florida Department of Transportation did approve the relocation of a traffic signal at Merchant’s Square and Townview shopping centers to U.S. 301 and Pretty Pond Road, clearing the way for the proposed Zephyrhills Aldi.

The relocation also includes a traffic signal to serve the shopping centers, according to Todd Vande Berg, Zephyrhills’ planning director.

Funding for the project is in the Florida budget, said Vande Berg.

But, shortfalls from unplanned expenditures related to the coronavirus pandemic could affect Florida’s budget.

A reallocation of funds could be coming, either from Gov. Ron DeSantis’ veto pen or potentially from a special legislative session.

“These are unusual times,” Vande Berg said. “Because of that, we don’t really know impacts on the budget.”

Earlier this year, Aldi opened a new store in Odessa. The store was part of a major expansion for the discount grocery chain, based in Illinois.

Those interested in working for Aldi, should visit Careers.Aldi.us.

Published May 13, 2020

Small businesses reopen in Pasco

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Only four people at a time can browse through Quilts on Plum Lane.

But, at least that’s a new beginning for a shop that has a long tradition in downtown Dade City.

Donna Lillibridge has been selling fabric, patterns and quilt kits for nearly 17 years.

The coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has thrown small businesses, such as this one, for a loop.

“This is something I’ve never seen in my life,” Lillibridge said. “There are a lot of great uncertainties.”

But, Lillibridge, along with other small business owners across Pasco County, are reopening their doors and waiting to see what comes next.

Since mid-March stores closed under an executive order by Gov. Ron DeSantis aimed at slowing the spread of COVID-19, a deadly virus that has been cited for claiming nearly 79,000 lives across the nation.

DeSantis announced a phased-in restart of Florida’s economy, effective May 4.

Initially, restaurants and retail could open at 25% capacity and with space for social distancing. Restaurants also could have outdoor seating, provided the tables are at least 6 feet apart.

Pasco County officials also recently announced that restaurants could use parking lot space to expand space available for outdoor seating.

And, DeSantis announced that hair salons and barbershops could reopen effective May 11, provided they operate at 25% capacity, and follow safety protocols.

Movie theaters, gyms and bars remain closed.

Lillibridge had to furlough her employees.

During the shutdown, she got phone calls from customers, many wanting to make face masks. She would box up supplies and put them on the sidewalk for pickup.

“I think I gave out 1,500 yards of elastics,” she said.

On the first day back at work, Lillibridge waited for a friend who was going to help out at the store.

In Land O’ Lakes, Hungry Harry’s Family BBQ is fielding calls to reschedule catered parties that were canceled when the coronavirus struck.

Most of those are in August, said Jaime Bradford, Hungry Harry’s catering manager.

Takeout orders kept the restaurant going. But, indoor seating is now available at four tables. Another four tables are in an overflow room and five picnic tables can seat customers outside.

“Obviously we took a huge hit with catering,” Bradford said. But, owner Harry Wright “was able to keep a full staff and keep us paid. We’re excited and can’t wait to get back to normal.”

In Zephyrhills, the coronavirus tested the resilience and ingenuity of the owners of K & M Treasures and Antiques.

The antiques shop is a two-person operation that opened downtown in 2016. Kathy Stepp and Murph Murphy mostly fielded phone calls and made some online sales during the shutdown.

“It (shutdown) definitely hit sales really hard,” said Stepp. And, online sales could become a larger part of their business, she added.

For now, the shop is open and can easily meet social distancing requirements.

“The nature of our business is only a few people at a time are here,” she said. “We have plenty of stuff to keep everyone away from each other.”

Not many people stopped on the first day.

But, Stepp said, “I guess we’ve started. I hope it will pick up. We’re definitely trying to get more stuff online.”

Meanwhile, shop owners like her wait for more traffic in downtown.

Florida’s Phase 1 reopening
This is a summary of Florida  Gov. Ron DeSantis’ phase 1 reopening for Florida, excluding Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties:

  • Schools should distance learn through the end of the year
  • No visits allowed at long-term care facilities
  • Restaurants and shops may open at 25% capacity and must follow Center for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines. Outdoor dining at restaurants is allowed with 6 feet distancing between tables.
  • Elective surgeries are allowed
  • Movie theaters and gyms are closed
  • Effective May 11, barbershops and hair salons could open with “enhanced safety protocols

Published May 13, 2020

There’s no stopping these women

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The GFWC Wesley Chapel Woman’s Club handed out thank-you notes to staff at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Tampa. (Courtesy of GFWC Wesley Chapel Woman’s Club)

The GFWC Wesley Chapel Woman’s Club continues to be busy during the COVID-19 pandemic, giving back to the community and celebrating Club Federation Day.

The women distributed thank-you cards to first responders and essential workers at BayCare’s St. Joseph’s Hospital in Tampa, as well as to the manager of the Glory Days restaurant in Wesley Chapel, where the club’s first meeting was held.

Using their crafting skills, the women also sewed and embellished bears, called “Cuddle Bears.” They added little notes of kindness, and delivered the bears to Atria Assisted Living in Lutz.

And, they painted, distressed and arranged flowers in individual glass jars, again with individual notes, for Angels Senior Living at the Lodges, also in Lutz.

Shantel Meyers, from the woman’s club, said that “We still continue to do our work no matter what gets in our way. It’s our mission and we are all dedicated to it,” in an email to The Laker/Lutz News.

For information about the club, call Meyers at (813) 361-9542.

Published May 13, 2020

Members of the GFWC Wesley Chapel Woman’s Club hand-crafted glass jars with flowers for Angels Senior Living at the Lodges, in Lutz.

 

Tax collector offices reopen lobbies

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The Pasco County Tax Collector’s five offices have again begun to offer in-person lobby services, as of May 4. Hours of operation are Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The Gulf Harbors and Wesley Chapel locations reopened on Saturdays, as of May 9, from 8:30 a.m. to noon, to serve 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.

These services will still not be available at this time: road tests, non-U.S., non-Pasco residents, and interpreter testing.

Customers are requested to wear face masks if at all possible, to protect themselves and those around them.

For information and updates, visit PascoTaxes.com, or call (813) 235-6076, (727) 847-8032 or (352) 521-4338.

Published May 13, 2020