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Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Local News

Report sheds light on Dade City economy

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An economic development report shows how the City of Dade City is faring through the first quarter of the 2019-2020 fiscal year — in other words, from Oct. 1 through Dec. 31.

Dade City’s new community and economic development director, Melanie Romagnoli, presented the quarterly report to city commissioners at a regular meeting on Jan. 16.

Romagnoli, who assumed the position late last year, first unveiled a portion of the city’s current demographics — some of which may come as a surprise to the small town community.

Dade City community and economic development director Melanie Romagnoli recently briefed city commissioners on the first quarter of fiscal year 2019-2020. (Courtesy of Melanie Romagnoli)

The city has actually positioned itself as a younger market, she said, with a median age of 35.5 years old, according U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey findings.

The findings show more beginning householders and newer marriages are settling in the city limits.

“The young ones are taking over,” Romagnoli quipped to commissioners.

Of the city’s roughly 2,600 residential households, traditional living makes up the dominant tapestry segment, encompassing a mix of married couple families and singles. The next largest segment is the senior or elderly population.

The city’s median household income is $40,000, with primary employment in the manufacturing, retail trade and health care sectors.

The report also states that generally two generations have lived and worked in the community, and their children are likely to follow suit.

Romagnoli shared other various development figures in the new fiscal year.

The city staffer said there were 475 total permits and 477 building inspections in the first three months, equating to roughly $156 million in improvements, upgrades and so on.

She explained a majority of those permits were related to new single-family homes, apartments and commercial buildings, followed by various renovations to properties in the form of new roofs, new air conditioning units, garage doors and other improvements.

Romagnoli also noted that the city experienced 102 new code enforcement cases in the first quarter. Of those, 59 have already achieved compliance. Eight required liens from the city for the mowing of overgrowth. The remaining 35 cases are still open, undergoing due process and re-inspections.

Meantime, she said the city’s planning and zoning department has been “fully loaded” with work orders — anything that requires comprehensive plan amendments, zoning amendments and annexations.

The department underwent 116 site plan approvals/reviews and two land use variances. It also  sent out 238 zoning determination calls/letters during the last three months.

The department also completed 31 pre-application redevelopment meetings with various developers.

Online permitting is expected to become available sometime this quarter, Romagnoli said.

There also will be an online GIS map system available for public viewing of parcels and properties in the city limits.

And, the economic development director mentioned two new city planners were recently added to the department. Sarah Rader, a Planner I, is updating the city’s future land use maps and filing system. Sam Mirza, a Planner II, has assumed planning commission duties, as well as anything related to site plan, long-range and current planning.

Romagnoli also outlined some of her initiatives for the rest of the year.

She told commissioners that she plans to have more focused and proactive code enforcement efforts, particularly getting a handle on illegal dumping areas and abandoned/junk vehicles.

She said those are “two particular issues we have throughout the city.”

She continued: “We’re trying to get some of the concerns addressed by the neighborhoods.”

She has ideas for sprucing up downtown, too.

She hopes to upgrade downtown lighting and kiosks, establish a downtown landscaping plan in collaboration with the Dade City Garden Club, and develop a public art mural standards and application process.

She’s also interested in creating a prospectus for the city’s CRA (Community Redevelopment Area) district that would include property valuations, areas of focus and marketing material, in partnership with local realtors and building owners.

Other large-scale projects Romagnoli plans to focus on include:

  • Contracting a visitor’s information center at the Hardy Trail
  • Updating the city’s comprehensive plan
  • Finalizing and completing enclave annexations
  • Developing a city destination marketing plan with involvement from local merchants and stakeholders

Published January 22, 2020

Pasco County adding two street hockey rinks

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Pasco County and the Lightning Foundation have partnered on a project that will result in two street hockey rinks in the county, including one in Wesley Chapel.

The Pasco County Commission approved the agreement at its Jan. 7 meeting.

As part of the deal, the county will spend an estimated $240,000 to build concrete pads and associated infrastructure, which will be turned into street hockey rinks, complete with flashboards, scoreboards, scorers’ tables, and penalty boxes.

The Lightning Foundation will establish street hockey programming, including league play and tournaments. And, it will donate two complete sets of street hockey gear, including 80 sticks, two cases of balls, four goal nets, four youth sets of protective goalie gear, four adult size sets of protected goal gear and 80 reversible scrimmage vests, to be kept at the rinks.

One rink will be built at the Wesley Chapel District Park, at 7727 Boyette Road, and the other at the J. Ben Harrill Recreation Complex, at 2830 Gulf Trace Blvd., in Holiday.

Both locations are large enough to accommodate the outdoor street hockey rinks.

Jay Feaster, vice president of Community Hockey Development, told commissioners the street hockey rinks fit into an overall “Build the Thunder” effort.

Feaster said that the National Hockey League, the National Hockey League Players Association and Lightning owner Jeff Vinik are involved in the program.

Over a five-year period, “we committed to donate 100,000 Lightning logo street hockey sticks and balls to children within the five contiguous county area of Amalie Arena,” Feaster said.

That commitment also included visiting 500 schools during that period and donating “500 complete sets of street hockey gear, so the schools could continue to have children playing long after we were gone.

“This is the start of that fifth year. We have thus far donated 106,000-plus Lightning logo sticks and balls to 503 schools within the five-county area.

“About three years ago, we realized that after we distributed all of those sticks and balls that we had a place that those youngsters to play,” Feaster said.

Ten outdoor street hockey rinks are planned.

“We want to proceed to actually build two of those street hockey rinks here in Pasco,” Feaster told commissioners. The rinks will be 60 feet by 120 feet, and are expected to be completed by Aug. 30.

The Lightning Foundation also will provide a public awareness campaign and promote the scheduled clinics and league play opportunities.

It also will present street hockey clinics at the rinks once per quarter using Tampa Bay Lightning alumni and street team members.

And, it will invite the rinks’ street hockey champions to participate in a Tournament of Champions sponsored by the Lightning Foundation.

The Lightning Foundation also will have the sole right to sell sponsorship rights in connection with the dashboard, scoreboard, signs, etc.

“We’re excited about it,” Feaster said.

Commissioner Kathryn Starkey is enthusiastic, too.

“I just can’t tell you how excited our citizens are, and our kids, and I’m really looking forward to this,” Starkey said.

Commissioner Jack Mariano praised the Lightning’s community contributions.

“What you’ve done has really elevated the whole Tampa Bay region,” Mariano said.

Commissioner Ron Oakley marveled at the transformation regarding hockey in the region.

“I grew up in this area. We didn’t have hockey. That was a northern sport,” Oakley said.

Developing future hockey players requires early exposure to the game, Oakley said.

“That’s the way you get ‘em started, you’ve got to start young,” Oakley said.

Published January 22, 2020

Local YMCA: A hotspot for seniors

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Zephyrhills is known for being a place where lots of people like to come during the winter — to avoid the bitter cold winters Up North.

Some of the snowbirds who flock there enjoy the community so much, they become permanent residents.

But there’s always a perceptible increase in traffic on the roads and diners when the snowbirds are in town.

Group exercise classes give seniors a chance to stay fit, and socialize, at the East Pasco Family YMCA in Zephyrhills. (Brian Fernandes)

That uptick in activity is evident in other places, too, including the East Pasco Family YMCA.

The Zephyrhills branch offers seniors a place where they can stay active and can socialize.

Ryan Pratt, membership and wellness experience director at the branch, said he often chats with seniors to learn about their interests, with the aim of providing more programming for them.

There tends to be an influx of older members during this time of year, he said.

But the community also is heavily populated with seniors year-round.

And, because of that, the East Pasco YMCA has “specialized senior programming,” he said.

“That’s really taken off, I would say, over the last six months,” he added.

The Active Older Adults program offers group exercise classes.

In those classes, seniors perform stretches and work out in unison, under the direction of an instructor.

There are provisions made in the courses to accommodate those who have physical limitations, to allow them to exercise along with those who do not have those limitations, he said.

For instance, some class members may be in a wheelchair, while others are still quite active and fit, he said.

Healthy Living Initiative Programs offer therapeutic sessions for those with chronic issues such as arthritis.

Clare Christmas, of St. Leo, enjoys using the gym at East Pasco Family YMCA, in Zephyrhills.

And for those who prefer individual work outs, there’s a gym room.

At the beginning of the year, the facility added new exercise equipment and weights.

Those heading to the East Pasco YMCA also can enjoy such sports as basketball, volleyball and pickleball.

Pickelball, which is similar to tennis, is quite popular, Pratt said.

A senior committee meets once a month with center staff, to offer suggestions and feedback from members.

It allows their voices to be heard — and, it’s a way to promote potluck meals at the facility, Pratt said.

Last year, the YMCA branch started to implement a calendar to give members a heads up about non-exercise related activities.

Aside from fitness programs, it’s a place where seniors can hang out and socialize over a cup of coffee.

It’s a therapeutic environment for those who can empathize with someone else’s struggles, Pratt said.

“I’ve seen laughing, crying, hugging every day,” Pratt said.

Another Healthy Living Initiative Program is Live Strong.

This group consists of cancer survivors who can share their thoughts and learn about choosing healthier foods.

Sometimes older member venture out and about.

“Our senior group will go one visit to a Zephyrhills restaurant and one visit to a Dade City restaurant,” Pratt said. “We’ll get 15, 25, 30 people this time of year, with our snowbirds down here.”

The twice-a-month field trips allow the group to get a good meal and to support local businesses, Pratt added.

When a member has been absent for several weeks, the YMCA staff will check up on them, Pratt said.

Pratt said the facility is like the television show “Cheers.”

It’s a place, “where everybody knows your name,” he said.

“We do like to say we’re more than just a gym,” he added. “We are here to serve this community. That is our mission, that’s are goal.”

To learn more about the East Pasco Family YMCA, please call (813) 780-9622 or visit www.TampaYMCA.org.

Published January 22, 2020

Charter school coming to Connected City’s Epperson

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A K-8 charter school could open as early as this fall in Epperson, if all goes according to plan.

The Pasco County School Board has approved an agreement with Metro Apple LLC and Red Apple Development LLC — known collectively as the developer — for a charter school that is planned on the east side of Curley Road.

Details regarding the school are spelled out in the agreement.

Plans call for a two-story school of approximately 55,000 square feet, that will be built on a site of about 8 acres to 10 acres.

The charter school will have a capacity of 765 students.

The proposed concept for the school is based on the acronym of W.I.S.H., which stands for Wellness, Innovation, Science and Health.

The aim is to open the school for the 2020 school year.

The charter school will be built to the state standards, certified by a third-party architect. It will not include any hurricane shelter requirements.

Once construction is completed and students are enrolled, the entity that paid for the design, permitting and construction of the school shall be entitled to school impact fee credits, for the land and facility portion of the impact fee only.

The maximum amount of any fee credits and the cash reimbursement for all design, construction and land costs shall be $18.2 million. Land value for fee credits or cash reimbursements shall be based on a fair market value appraisal obtained by the developer.

Published January 22, 2020

This run combats cancer, with love

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When Peggy Sherry established Faces of Courage Inc., the idea was to help cancer patients.

Faces of Courage, an organization that has been helping cancer patients for 15 years, is hosting Run for Love on Feb. 1. The Land O’ Lakes event will help the organization raise money to support its services. (Courtesy of Tiffany Dodge, secretary at Faces of Courage Inc.)

As a cancer survivor herself, she could empathize.

So, she formed a non-profit organization.

That was in 2004.

The organization, based in Tampa, is geared toward helping cancer patients, and those suffering from blood disorders, as well.

The upcoming Run For Love event, set for Feb. 1, gives the public an opportunity to provide support, too. The 5K run and a 1-mile walk will be held in the Connerton community of  Land O’ Lakes.

Faces of Courage provides patients with overnight campouts within the Tampa Bay region.

But patients come from far beyond the Tampa Bay region to experience the camps. They come from across the nation, and across the globe.

Siblings of cancer patients are also welcome to join in.

The camps are intended to give those who are going through an illness an opportunity to focus their attention elsewhere, and enjoy a stress-free environment.

Besides providing an array of activities, the camps also allow campers to share their stories.

There are camps for kids,  and for kids on the autism spectrum, too.

The organization is currently serving 10,500 families affected by cancer — and that’s possible to accomplish because of its army of more than 1,600 volunteers.

Providing the campouts is possible through the help of sponsors, individual donors, grants, fundraisers and other contributions.

Run for Love, with its Valentine’s Day theme, is one such fundraiser. It is scheduled for held Feb. 1 at the Connerton Community Center, at 21100 Fountain Garden Road in Land O’ Lakes.

The 5K run will cost $30 a person and the 1-mile walk will cost $25 a person, when registering online.

When registering the day of, the 5K run will be $35 a person and the 1-mile will be $30 a person.

Check-in begins at 7 a.m., with the run and walk both starting at 8 a.m.

In addition to the run and walk, there will be live entertainment, bounce houses, rock painting and other fun activities. Admission is free.

Event-goers also will have a chance to pose for a photo with the Tampa Bay Rays’ mascot.

For more information or to register, call (813) 948-7478 or visit www.FacesOfCourage.org/RunForLove.

Published January 22, 2020

New subdivision approved off Bell Lake Road

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Update: Because of an error in the notice for this rezoning, a new zoning hearing has been scheduled for Feb. 4 at 1:30 p.m., at the Historic Pasco County Courthouse, 37918 Meridian Ave., in Dade City.

A new subdivision for 27 detached residences has been approved on a site of about 9.5 acres, at the northwest corner of the intersection of Bell Lake Road and Alpine Road.

The site is about 1 mile east of U.S. 41, in Land O’ Lakes.

The main access to the development will be off of Alpine Road. As part of the approval, the developer must put a turn lane on Bell Lake Road.

The Pasco County Commission approved a rezoning for the development at its Jan. 7 meeting. The approval came despite a recommendation for denial by the Planning Commission, which cited incompatibility with lot sizes in the surrounding area.

Two neighbors also spoke in opposition to the proposed rezoning during the Planning Commission hearing. Their primary complaint was the proposed lot sizes of the project.

But, no one appeared in opposition at the County Commission hearing, and county planners maintained their recommendation of approval for the request.

Todd Pressman represented applicant Michael David Vincent.

Pressman noted his applicant’s initial request for 32 lots had been reduced to 27, and that the minimum lot width also had been increased.

County commissioners approved the request on a 4-0 vote, with Commissioner Jack Mariano absent.

Published January 22, 2020

Resolution: Making changes that stick, through 2020

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Most of us don’t think twice about looking at our phone right when we wake up or buckling our seatbelt when we get in a car — we’ve done it so much, it’s become habitual.

So, just exactly what is a habit?

The Merriam-Webster dictionary says it is “an acquired mode of behavior that has become nearly or completely involuntary.”

In general, it’s healthier to eat fruit more frequently than chocolate. (Courtesy of Pixabay.com)

In other words, it’s a behavior that’s become automatic.

Studies say it typically takes an average of 66 days to form a habit and for it to feel automatic.

So, as the New Year gets underway, what health habits are you going to change this year?

Whether trying to form a new habit, or drop an old one — be sure to phrase your resolution in a way that will line you up for success.

At the beginning of the New Year, people tend to be energized about forming or dropping habits, but by mid-February, up to 80% of people have lost motivation and quit their efforts.

There are strategies that can help, however.

To avoid being part of that 80%, be sure to make specific, manageable goals.

Break down your overarching goals into smaller, realistic goals — and then keep track of your progress on a weekly or monthly basis.

By breaking it down, you can create a plan — and that applies to any area of change in your life, whether it be healthy eating, improved fitness, better budgeting and so on.

The American Psychology Association says that planning in small steps is key to making changes and building self-control.

For example, if you want to cut back on added sugar, start small.

Begin with removing or replacing one or two foods or drinks at a time.

Maybe in January, you cut out soda and replace it with water, and then in February, you stop eating sweet desserts and swap it for fruit, and so on.

(Tip: The food label has officially changed for large food companies as of Jan. 1, so you can easily see how much added sugar is in a product).

Or, if you want to cook healthy meals at home more but you’re used to eating out four times a week, go down to three times a week at first, then twice a week, and so on, as you get more comfortable with cooking at home and learning how to meal plan.

If you’ve never stepped foot in a gym and you buy a gym membership, start by going just a couple of times per week instead of saying you will go five days right off the bat.

Five days a week may be your ultimate goal, but work toward achieving that over a period of weeks, rather than making it your starting point.

Changing any habit is challenging, so make gradual changes and celebrate the small wins along the way.

Speaking of small: A healthy weight loss should be small each week, from 1/2-pound to 2 pounds per week.

Losing a large amount of weight rapidly poses health risks, including slowing your metabolic weight, losing muscle mass, forming gallstones, and quickly regaining all the weight you just lost.

Another thing to remember is not to be too hard on yourself, if you lose focus.

Change is not an all-or-nothing proposition.

You will have off-days and slips.

That’s normal and to be expected.

So, don’t abandon your goals just because of one bad day. Know from the start that you will make mistakes along the way.

Instead of becoming discouraged, use the slip-up as a learning experience to determine what went wrong and how to keep it from happening again.

Oh, and one last thing, if your goal is to eat healthier, eliminate the word “diet.”

Dieting is typically associated with something temporary — a fad diet, a crash diet — but you want your new healthy choices to become a  lifestyle — in other words, habits that will serve you, year after year.

So, here’s to a successful 2020 — adding good habits, and dropping bad ones, through manageable changes, one week at a time.

By Shari Bresin

Shari Bresin is the Family & Consumer Science Agent for the University of Florida/Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Cooperative Extension Pasco County.

Published January 22, 2020

A sizzlin’, smokin’ and searin’ good time

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Thousands of people headed out to the 10th annual Pigz in Z’Hills BBQ & Blues Festival for a common reason – to listen to live Blues music, while enjoying barbeque chicken, pork and brisket.

With a loaded baked potato from Sadie’s Roasted Corn LTD in hand, Michael Harper, of Hudson, feeds a bite to Leslie, his wife of eight years. The duo also tried out the corn on the cob, which they both said was delicious. (Christine Holtzman)

The event, presented by The Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce, took place on Jan. 17 and Jan. 18 at the Zephyrhills Community Venue, 5200 Airport Road.

The People’s Choice dessert competition was held on Jan. 17. A steak competition and kid’s grilling competition, both sanctioned by the Steak Cookoff Association, also were held that evening. A cornhole tournament with a $500 purse and the music of live, local bands rounded out the evening.

The Smoke Shack’s John Caldwell uses a large knife to chop up some brisket that has been slow cooking for 18 hours. Caldwell, who travels all over the country competing in barbeque events, spends his time between his homes in Lakeland, Florida; Mobile, Alabama; and, Columbus, Ohio.

The main event on Jan. 18, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., featured the delicious food offerings of 60 professional and backyard barbeque teams. They were competing for a share of the $10,000 in cash prizes and bragging rights. The competition is approved by the Florida BBQ Association.

While tucking into their delicious plates of barbeque, attendees were entertained by some top Blues musical acts, including The Sauce Boss, Chris Walker Band, Sean Chambers, and Chuck Riley’s All Stars.

Besides sampling the barbeque, event-goers could visit the Kids Zone, complete with games, bounce houses and a rock-climbing tower. Those attending also could check out a Business Expo, which featured numerous local businesses and vendors with products available for sale. Other options included a Swine & Shine Car Show, access to the Zephyrhills Military History Museum, and another cornhole tournament with a $1,000 purse.

Published January 22, 2020

Twelve-year-old Erin Potter, left, presses lemons, while 7-year-old Aspen Bahr takes orders for cups of freshly squeezed lemonade. The girls are both from Zephyrhills and are helping out at Aspen’s Uncle Kevin’s business, Bahr’s Smokin Butts. Potter estimates that she has squeezed over 100 lemons in a three-hour span.
Deb Cadieux, of Zephyrhills, left, and her husband, Doug, clap at the end of Sean Chambers’ performance of his original song, ‘Red Hot Mama.’ The duo, both dressed in tie-dye T-shirts, were dancing in the special area in front of the stage that was reserved for dancing.
Billboard charting artist and Florida native Sean Chambers, left, jams out on stage with his band.
Five-year-old Xander Tombillo, of Wesley Chapel, zooms down a giant, inflatable slide inside the Kids Zone area of the festival. The youngster was at the event with his parents Kate and Matt, who estimated Xander had gone down the slide at least 20 times already.
Proudly wearing the iconic Pigz in Z’Hills hat, James Messer, of Dade City, enjoys a cold brew while smiling at his wife, Erica, who was shopping at the vendor booths inside of the Business Expo area.

Pasco teachers expected to vote on contract soon

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A ratification vote on a negotiated contract between Pasco County Schools and the United School Employees of Pasco County has been scheduled for Jan. 29.

The school board and union settled contract negotiations just before Winter Break and now, the union is aiming to  complete the ratification process in time to have salary increases to employees before Spring Break.

Jeff Larsen, of the United School Employees of Pasco County, conveyed that schedule to school board members at their Jan. 14 meeting.

The proposed contract calls for a 3.25% raise for teachers, as well as a number of contract language provisions.

A major sticking point in this year’s negotiations was a proposal by Superintendent Kurt Browning that called for secondary school teachers to take on an additional period of work, so the district could save money to fund salary increases for all employees.

The union fought that idea and ultimately the district dropped it.

As the new year begins, Larsen told board members, “we look forward to continuing to work together to try to do what’s best for the kids, as well as for the employees.”

Published January 22, 2020

Cypress Creek schools get new names

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Pasco County School Board members have changed the name of the school on the campus at 8701 Old Pasco Road in Wesley Chapel to reflect the fact that two schools will be operating on the campus beginning this fall.

The school was named Cypress Creek Middle High when it opened in 2017, because it served both middle and high school students.

But, two separate schools will be operating on the campus this fall.

Cypress Creek Middle School will serve students in grades six through eight.

Cypress Creek High School will serve students in grades nine through 12.

The district had intended to have a separate middle school and high school on the campus, but when it couldn’t afford to do so, it used the buildings that were intended for the high school to house middle and high school students. The programs were separated, but operated out of the high school buildings.

The district used that approach so it could relieve crowding at both the middle and high school levels.

Now, new boundaries have been adopted to fill in the extra seats that will result when the middle school students shift out of the high school facilities into the new middle school.

Both the high school and middle school boundaries were changed because there will be added capacity at both levels.

Besides the new middle school, the campus also will house a new performing arts center, called the Instructional and Performing Arts Center, or IPAC for short. That is being built on land donated by Pasco County Schools to Pasco-Hernando State College.

The new center, also intended to open in the fall, will serve college and students from Pasco County schools, and will provide entertainment for the community.

Published January 22, 2020