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Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

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State college seeks to help students in need

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When people think about others in need, they don’t necessarily picture college students.

But, Pasco-Hernando State College sees the need and has opened a food pantry to help students who are lacking basic necessities.

The Bobcat Food Pantry operates at each of the college’s campuses, which are located in Brooksville, New Port Richey, Dade City, Wesley Chapel and Spring Hill.

Karen Swetland, left, a staff member of Pasco-Hernando State College’s Dade City branch, stands next to Penny Morrell, of the Kiwanis Club of Dade City. The club has been providing the local school branch with food and hygiene products for students who may lack these items. (Courtesy of Laurel Weightman)

Sarah Brunet, who works for the state college also is the pantry coordinator.

Brunet said it became apparent to college staff that there was a need to help students at each of the college’s locations.

“It was just really a community awareness that came about to the college and really staff being on the pulse of the students’ needs,” Brunet said.

In addition to observation, the college conducted a survey to gather more information.

“From the results — really it was a little bit even more shocking than one might have thought,” Brunet said.

Besides lacking access to a sufficient supply of food, the college discovered that some of its students are homeless.

So, the college came up with a way to take aim at the problem.

All of its campuses were closed for a day in October for an All College Day event, and employees came together to collect donations for distribution at the five campuses.

Donations came in from the college’s faculty and staff to help address the need.

Collected items included nonperishable foods and hygiene items, including soap, shampoo and deodorant.

Any students who need some help can pick up some of these items, Brunet said, noting students don’t have to meet any specific requirements or fill out forms.

The college also provides mental health counseling and refers students to soup kitchens, other food pantries, employment opportunities and local organizations who may be able to assist them.

The Kiwanis Club of Dade City is one local organization that decided to help out, when it heard about the college students in need.

In general, the club tends to focus its efforts on young kids, but when they heard about the collegiate students’ need, they decided to address it.

“They (students) just don’t have the money to buy food,” said Penny Morrell, a club member. “Obviously they need the food in order to study and do what they need to do. You don’t want that kind of thing to cause them to stop going to college.”

So, every Tuesday in August, the club members would stock up a plastic tub of supplies and send it to the Dade City campus.

Amanda Burns is a member of the Kiwanis Club of Dade City, as well as a student at the city’s PHSC’s Dade City campus.

“I was really surprised at the situation some students faced,” she said.

She was excited when she heard that the college was starting a food pantry.

She mentioned that her fellow students would disclose their challenge of balancing classes, while working to support themselves and their families.

Some students also have multiple roommates, in order to afford rent, she added.

“We all are responsible for leaving our communities better than we found them,” Burns said. “If we all work together to lift up those who are struggling in our community, it leads to a successful community.”

The Kiwanis Club of Dade City plans to go before its board members to implement donation giveaways at the beginning of each school semester.

Brunet stated that the pantry has had a good turnout, allowed faculty to develop good relationships with students and has support to continue going forward.

“It’s been a very successful initiative for our students,” she said. “If students’ needs are being met, they’re more likely to be successful in class, and persevere and finish their degree.”

PHSC students who are interested in the service, can contact their local branch for dates and times of operation, as they may vary at each campus. Contact Sarah Brunet for further information at (727) 816-3348 or at .

Pasco-Hernando State College Bobcat Food Pantry
Where: Pasco-Hernando State College branches:

  • East Campus, 36727 Blanton Road, Dade City
  • Porter Campus, 2727 Mansfield Blvd., Wesley Chapel
  • North Campus, 11415 Ponce de Leon Blvd., Brooksville
  • Spring Hill Campus, 450 Beverly Court, Spring Hill
  • West Campus, 10230 Ridge Road, New Port Richey

When: Times and dates vary by location. Check with contacts for specific information.
Details: Pasco-Hernando State College students can pick up needed food or hygiene products from their respective campuses. Counseling services and referrals for help also will be available on each campus.
Info: Contact Sarah Brunet at (727) 816-3348 or .

Published November 20, 2019

Under Construction 11/20/2019

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(Brian Fernandes)

Little Owl Learning Academy expansion
The Little Owl Learning Academy is expanding its day care with a second building. The 7,500-square-foot structure is being built at 10925 Trinity Blvd., in Trinity. The building will have several classrooms, office space, a nurse’s station, a laundry room and a catering room. Construction began in September and is expected to be completed by March 2020. An opening date has not been announced.

 

Chicken Salad Chick to open in Odessa
The Chicken Salad Chick restaurant chain will be opening a new location at 12096 State Road 54 in Odessa. The 3,200-square-foot building will have a kitchen in the rear, multiple booths, regular table seating and a drive-thru. Construction began in October. Completion and opening are expected by January 2020.

 

 

Mazda car dealership undergoes remodeling
Wesley Chapel’s Mazda car dealership is undergoing an indoor renovation at 26944 Wesley Chapel Blvd. Approximately 10,000 square feet of the building’s interior will be redesigned with a new ceiling, lighting and added walls. The structure also will house vehicles for display. The renovation began in August and is expected to be completed by December, with an opening in January 2020.

 

RE/MAX expanding offices in Pasco
The RE/MAX Champions real estate office is among new development going up near the intersection of State Road 54 and Trinity Boulevard. The 12,781-square-foot facility will be located at 11541 Trinity Blvd. The two-story building will have 25 rooms per floor. The first floor will be designated space for RE/MAX, while the second floor will be available for leasing. Its construction began in July and is expected to be completed by July 2020. An opening date has not been announced.

Curious about something new that’s popping up in your community? Please send us the location — along with the address, if possible — and we’ll see what we can find out. Send your email to news@lakerlutznews.com.

 

Spending approved for bilingual ballots, voting assistance

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The Pasco County Commission has approved a budget amendment for $215,000, relating to  bilingual ballots, election materials and assistance for the 2020 election cycle.

The commission’s action came in response to a request by Pasco County Election Supervisor Brian Corley, who asked for the additional funds to comply with a federal court order and a directive from Gov. Ron DeSantis.

Supervisor of Elections Brian Corley asked for $215,000 in additional funding to meet court and state mandates for bilingual election materials and assistance. (File)

The Pasco County Supervisor of Elections Office and 31 other counties were named as party defendants, along with the Florida Secretary of State, in a federal election lawsuit, Corley told commissioners in a Nov. 5 letter.

The lawsuit was initiated in August 2018 and remains pending, according to Corley’s letter.

“However, on May 10, 2019, the United States District Court Northern District of Florida, Gainesville Division issued a comprehensive order granting a preliminary injunction mandating the Secretary of State and the 32 named counties, including my office, literally provide Spanish language assistance and all election/voting materials to be in both English and Spanish commencing with the 2020 presidential preference primary, which is on March 17, 2020,” Corley’s letter says.

DeSantis also has directed the Secretary of State Laurel M. Lee to amend the state’s rules to “mandate that all counties in Florida provide bilingual election ballots in Spanish and English during the 2020 election cycle,” Corley added.

Corley’s letter also explained that compliance with the District Court ruling and administrative mandates “requires the Supervisor of Elections throughout the state to provide all voter registration information and election materials in both English and Spanish, including language assistance at election offices and polling places, voter materials which must be translated, printed, and purchased, including but not limited to voter registration applications, ballots, voting instructions, Voter’s Guides, polling place directional signs, procedures and information posted at polling places, legal notices, and website information.”

Corley also noted that his office continues to recruit bilingual individuals to work at polling places during the election cycle.

Published November 20, 2019

Benefit to support Lutz cancer patient

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Bill Myers, of Lutz, has been diagnosed with stage four lung cancer — and the community has come together to try to help him.

A benefit has been planned for Nov. 23 from noon to 6 p.m., at Land O’ Lakes Heritage Park, 5401 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes.

There’s no admission charge for the event, which will feature musical performances, a variety of vendors and food vendors.

Several eateries will provide catered dishes that will be sold for voluntary donations.

Patrons, along with Bill, also can enjoy some cake, in recognition of Bill’s birthday – the previous day.

“He is a wonderful father and grandpa, and a good friend – to those lucky few – who get close enough to earn his trust and loyalty,” said Liz Myers, Bill’s wife.

There also will be T-shirts for sale and a silent auction.

Other highlights include a Zumba class and a bounce house, both being offered free of charge.

Paula O’ Neil, Pasco County’s former Circuit Court Clerk and Comptroller — who is a cancer survivor, will be the guest speaker for the fundraiser.

Santa Claus will be there, too, giving people a chance to have their photo taken with the jolly old fellow, for a voluntary donation.

Funds collected will go toward offsetting Bill’s medical expenses.

A GoFundMe page also eventually will be opened for contributions.

Anyone who would like to become a vendor, donate to the silent auction or have any inquiries, please contact Lillian Fontanez at (813) 551-7351 or .

Bill Myers’ cancer benefit
Where: Land O’ Lakes Heritage Park, 5401 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., Land O’ Lakes
When: Nov. 23 from noon to 6 p.m.
Cost: Free
Details: A fundraiser will be held to offset the expenses for cancer patient, Bill Myers of Lutz.
Info: Contact Lillian Fontanez at (813) 551-7351 or .

Published November 20, 2019

Meals on Wheels East Pasco looks to expand reach

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Meals on Wheels East Pasco executive director Beth Aker paid a visit to the East Pasco Networking Group’s Nov. 12 breakfast meeting at IHOP in Dade City, to give some updates on the 501c3 nonprofit organization and its upcoming initiatives.

Each day, Meals on Wheels East Pasco provides hot, balanced and nutritious meals to seniors, people with disabilities and other members of the Dade City and Zephyrhills communities who have limited ability to shop or prepare meals for themselves.

Meals on Wheels East Pasco executive director Beth Aker was a guest speaker at a Nov. 12 East Pasco Networking Group breakfast meeting at IHOP in Dade City. (Kevin Weiss)

“If you’re hungry, we’re gonna feed ya. It’s just that simple,” Aker said of the nonprofit’s mission.

In addition to Aker, Meals on Wheels relies on the help of dozens of volunteers to prepare and deliver meals from its facility on 15th Avenue in Zephyrhills.

Since taking over its operations in 2015, Aker said Meals on Wheels has partnered with 10 other charities to receive food donations and contributions from a host of local grocery stores, businesses and big box stores.

Those partnerships have allowed the agency to cut spending on food alone from $40,000 to $50,000 per year, to about $500 per month now, she said.

“When we were spending all that money, we were just spinning our wheels trying to keep up with everything. Now we have partnered with so many organizations that recognized not to throw things away,” Aker said.

All told, the agency feeds upwards of 1,500 people per week, Aker said.

That figure includes supplying bulk quantities of food to groups, such as Moore-Mickens Education Center and Cornerstone Center for Women, as well as area homeless.

“When I tell you that we give them food, we don’t just give them our leftover bread.

“They get meats, and they get vegetables and fruit and nonperishables, and they go out with 10 or 12 or 15 boxes of food to support their organization, and we do that every single day,” she explained.

As for its meal delivery service, Aker said the organization works to cater to the medical needs of the many seniors it regularly serves, whether they have diabetes, diverticulitis, heart problems and so on. She noted, meals aren’t prepared with salt or sugar, but are far from bland, with diverse menu choices each week.

“It’s not a TV dinner, by any stretch of the imagination,” she quipped.

Aker added the organization also makes it a point to help celebrate each senior’s birthday or anniversary with cards, cakes and more.

Meals on Wheels East Pasco provides hot meals to seniors, people with disabilities and other members of the Dade City and Zephyrhills communities who have limited ability to shop or prepare meals for themselves. (Courtesy of Meals on Wheels East Pasco)

It’s the personal touch that she believes the homebound seniors, who sometimes get lonely, appreciate.

She went as far to say the organization has become “the eyes and ears of family members who live elsewhere” for those seniors.

“We get to be there when things happen to them, when they’re not well, when they’ve fallen,” Aker said.

“We have to take care of each other. We’re all aging. Unless we pass away, we’re not getting out of this without aging,” she said.

With that, Aker revealed the the agency’s next major goal is to build a community resource center that could serve seniors, veterans and single-parent families. Services would help those in need get help for elder law, reverse mortgages, food insecurities and more.

Aker said such a facility is something “missing” in East Pasco. Possible locations she listed include the abandoned SunTrust building on Gall Boulevard in Zephyrhills, or, building upon existing property Meals on Wheels owns.

The project’s first dinner fundraiser was held earlier this month at First Church of the Nazarene in Zephyrhills; Aker said the project’s also begun to receive support from some state representatives. “It was just a drop in the bucket, but we have to start somewhere,” she said of the initial fundraiser.

Ultimately, Aker wants the resource center to be a place “to give our seniors a purpose for today, and give our youth a purpose for tomorrow.”

She put it like this: “At the end of my day, I am a servant, and I want to be able to make that difference, and providing resources for people who don’t know where to go, who are afraid to reach out, they’re terrified, they live alone — whatever their picture looks like, they should have someplace to just pick up a phone say, ‘Can you help me?’”

Elsewhere, Aker said she would someday like to expand Meals on Wheels’ meal delivery service to the Wesley Chapel area, but currently doesn’t have the volunteer capacity to make it a regular route every day.

“I would love to be in that area, to expand over to there, but the logistics portion of that is a little bit larger,” she said.

Published November 20, 2019

Offices planned on State Road 54, near Ballantrae

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Plans are in the works for an office development on 12.8 acres on the north side of State Road 54, about three-tenths of a mile from Ballantrae Boulevard.

The Pasco County Commission has sent a request, from Colwell Avenue Properties IV, of Lutz,  for a proposed land use change to state agencies for review.

The land use change must occur first, before a request for a rezoning on the property can be considered by commissioners. The Pasco County Planning Commission and the county’s planning staff recommended approval of the change.

The current zoning on the property, at 17905 State Road 54, is a residential category that allows up to three dwelling units per acre.

The applicant plans to build two 60,000-square-foot Class A office buildings, which each will be three stories tall. The maximum building height would be 65 feet, according to documents included in the agenda item.

The proposed project also would include 548 parking spaces, including 16 handicapped spaces and 139 compact spaces.

A county agenda memo, prepared by Amy E. Hyler, planner II, said “the proposed office development will be located along State Road 54, an arterial roadway, and will serve as an effective transitional use.”

The agenda memo, recommending approval, also notes that the property “is located within the South Market Area and Urban Service Area and supports the vision and mission of the South Market Area as this area is characterized by dense, vertical nonresidential development, promoting higher-density, compact development that encourages a mixed-use community.

“The proposed development abuts the residents and commercial uses in the Ballantrae master-planned unit development,” the recommendation for approval adds.

The county planning staff also notes that the new offices will generate jobs, which helps to accomplish the intention of Pasco County’s Urban Service Area by creating a live, work, play environment to attract high quality development.

Pasco County is encouraging the development of this office project through economic incentives.

At its Oct. 22 meeting, the Pasco County Commission approved a plan that will provide development incentives totaling $2,935,000, according to a county agenda memo.

The county will provide a low-interest forgivable loan of $1.5 million through its PADS and PORS program, which will be secured by a mortgage on the property. The interest rate of the loan is proposed to be set at 1.6% per year, with a 10-year term. The loan balance reduction is based on achieving certificates of completion for the building shells and/or securing tenants for long-term leases. The release of the loan funding is conditioned on the company obtaining necessary comprehensive plan and zoning amendments, the memo says.

The ad valorem tax rebate is capped at $1,435,000 based on the current property millage rate and assessed valuation data obtained through the county’s tax appraiser’s office. That will be paid out over a 10-year period, which will begin when the first building shell receives a certificate of completion, the memo adds.

The county has estimated that the project will either directly or indirectly create 400 jobs, with an estimated annual payroll of $17.7 million. The project’s total economic benefit to the Gross County Product will average $26.5, according to county estimates.

The agenda memo also notes: “The company’s initial economic incentive request was for $4,965,000, but this amount was significantly reduced after extensive negotiations with county staff.”

Published November 20, 2019

A blast to the Civil War past

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Get ready to travel back in time with the Civil War reenactment, “Raid on the Salt Works.”

The three-day event will be held at the Pioneer Florida Museum & Village, 15602 Pioneer Museum Road in Dade City.

Actors will re-live the events of the Civil War and the 19th century, at the Pioneer Florida Museum & Village on Nov. 22, Nov. 23 and Nov. 24. (File)

A school field trip will take place on Nov. 22 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Students and their chaperones can take a self-guided tour at numerous stations, depicting the Civil War.

These stations include reenactments, time-period music, medical units and narrations.

Those attending the field trip event can either purchase food on the premises, or bring outside lunch, for that day only.

The Nov. 23 and Nov. 24 events will run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Both days will consist of live musical performances and food concession stands, as well as woodworking and syrup-making sessions.

Patrons are welcome to bring lawn chairs and relax while watching actors play out battle scenes.

On Nov. 23 there will be a women’s tea gathering at 10 a.m. Ladies are encouraged to wear 19th century attire.

A fashion show will follow, highlighting the clothing of that era.

On Nov. 24 , there will be a Sunday church service at 10 a.m.

The Nov. 22 field trip admission will be $4 for preregistration and $5 at the entrance, for each student and chaperone.

Admission for Nov. 23 and Nov. 24 events will be accepted the day of, at $10 for adults, $5 for students, and free for those age 5 and under.

Parking is free, but pets, coolers and outside food are prohibited.

The deadline for preregistration is Nov. 21.

For further information or to preregister, visit PioneerFloridaMuseum.org, or call (352) 567-0262.

Raid on the Salt Works Civil War reenactment
Where: Pioneer Florida Museum & Village, 15602 Pioneer Museum Road, Dade City
When: Nov. 22 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.; Nov. 23 and Nov. 24 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Cost: Nov. 22 admission is a $4 preregistration or $5 at the entrance; Nov. 23 and Nov. 24 admission is $10 for adults, $5 for students, and free for those age 5 and under
Details: Patrons will get to experience a glimpse of life during the Civil War through attire of the time, music and battle reenactments.
Info: For further inquiries or preregistration, visit PioneerFloridaMuseum.org, or call (352) 567-0262.

Published November 20, 2019

Higher density approved near Town of St. Leo

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The Pasco County Commission has approved a land use change and rezoning to allow increased development at the edge of the Town of St. Leo, despite the Town’s objections.

The approved rezoning allows up to 600 dwellings, 340,000 square feet of commercial and 60,000 square feet of office on 177 acres at the southwest corner of State Road 52 and Prospect Road. Under the approved land use change, up to 300 additional dwellings would be allowed.

A barn now occupies the site.

The Town of St. Leo abuts the northwest portion of the property, and the site is surrounded by the Villages of Pasadena Hills Special Area Plan area.

County planners and the Pasco County Planning Commission recommended approval on the requests for the land use and zoning changes.

But, the Town of St. Leo, represented by attorney Patricia A. Petruff, objected to the rezoning.

She said the requested density is incompatible with St. Leo’s character. She raised concerns about disrupting the view shed that residents in the town now enjoy.

“We had asked for some of those homes to be single-story. We had asked for enhanced landscaping,” Petruff said. “We don’t think the transitions are appropriate or adequate.”

She also said: “You are required to address visual intrusion.”

Planners and representatives for the applicant, however, said the proposed development is an appropriate transition between the Villages of Pasadena Hills and the Town of St. Leo.

Attorney Barbara Wilhite and planning consultant Matt Armstrong represented the applicant.

The new State Road 52 alignment goes through the property, and increased demand for development in the area is expected.

The plan calls for the main access to the property to be off of Prospect Road, south of the intersection of State Road 52, which is an existing signalized intersection.

Wilhite and Armstrong said the project will provide residential and non-residential options for services for students near campus. They also noted that conditions of approval for the project go well beyond the county’s land development code.

“We have brought forward a project that is the right project for this area, and does respect the area,” Wilhite said.

But, Petruff urged commissioners: “We’re respectfully requesting that you table this and direct staff to take another look at those transitions.”

Commissioner Mike Moore observed that aside from the Town’s attorney, no one else spoke in opposition. He made a motion to approve the request.

Commissioner Kathryn Starkey also noted that Saint Leo University is nearby.

“You’ve got a university that has a lot of density right there,” she said, before commissioners voted to approve the rezoning. The comprehensive plan amendment had been previously approved, in a separate vote.

Published November 20, 2019

Crowd is enthusiastic at Alpaca Open House

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Brisk weather didn’t deter a large crowd from showing up to Sweet Blossom Alpacas’ fifth annual Alpaca Open House, in Dade City.

Visitors could get a close-up look at alpacas and llamas, feed the animals and pose for photographs with the animals near them.

Austin Wash, 11, was in awe during his first encounter with a llama, as well as the many alpacas during the open house. Austin, along with his parents, Randy and Tiffany Wash, made the trip from Lakeland to attend the open house. (Fred Bellet)

The event was held on a 15-acre farm, at 37543 Pappy Road, just minutes off of Interstate 75.

Besides checking out the animals, visitors could buy alpaca products, including hats, socks, scarves, shawls, rugs, raw fiber and yarn.

During the open house, one alpaca photo-bombed a picture, while another gazed in curiosity as a photographer clicked his camera.

According to Sweet Blossom’s website, alpacas are “somewhat timid, but very curious and intelligent.” The website adds: “they are more cat-like than dog-like in their attitude towards us humans.”

Two-year-old  Zooey Ferland, of Dade City, displayed no fear during her first encounter with a llama at the open house.

She was there with her mom and dad, Kristin and Alex. Alex works at the zoo at Busch Gardens. That’s why Zooey’s name is spelled that way.

Published November 20, 2019

Zooey Ferland, 2, of Dade City has no fear of the llama during her first encounter with the animal during the open house. Zooey was there with her dad and mom, Alex and Kristin.
A Suri-type alpaca was all smiles at the sight of human visitors to the open house on Pappy Road in Dade City. Alpaca teeth are trimmed because they have only one set of teeth, on the bottom.
Kelly Stead, of Tampa, center, and other visitors to Sweet Blossom Alpacas Open House check out a pair of alpacas standing back to back.

Advocating to reduce homelessness

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When it comes to community service and advocacy, more can always be done in Pasco County.

That was the general message put forth by Pasco County Commissioner Mike Wells, at a Nov. 12 East Pasco Networking Group breakfast meeting at IHOP in Dade City.

There’s all sorts of resources for seniors, veterans and children and families, Wells said. But, he is advocating greater collaboration between the county, nonprofits and outreach groups — such as Meals on Wheels East Pasco, United Way of Pasco County and The Coalition for the Homeless of Pasco County.

Pasco County Commissioner Mike Wells was a guest speaker at the East Pasco Networking Group’s Nov. 12 breakfast meeting at IHOP in Dade City. (File)

“We’re doing so many great things in the county, but everybody’s got their own dang silos and it’s almost like, ‘This is mine, I don’t want you to know what I’m doing,’” said Wells, a Republican who represents District 4. His district stretches from West Pasco to State Road 52 and State Road 54 toward U.S. 41 in Land O’ Lakes.

He added that deep-rooted community divide remains between the county’s east and west sides, which, he said, creates obstacles in getting tasks done.

He put it like this: “It’s always kind of been east versus west. I always thought it was political, but it’s a lot more political than I thought.”

Much of Wells’ talk focused on the county’s homeless situation and the need for workforce training.

With the county’s homeless population numbered as high as 3,000, Wells said it’s important “to help those that want to be helped.”

He acknowledged that he’s still “catching heat” from residents who opposed his support of building a family homeless shelter and resource center, in partnership with The Coalition for the Homeless of Pasco County, on the site of the former Boys and Girls Club on Youth Lane in Port Richey.

But, Wells went to bat for the homeless: “These homeless people are like you and I. They’re regular people. You just have to take an opportunity to get to know them and get to know these folks.”

He argued such a facility and other outreach programs isn’t just enabling area homeless.

“Supposedly, that’s a Democrat thing, to help the homeless. No, it’s a humanitarian, kind thing. At the end of the day, it’s the right thing to do,” Wells said.

On a related note, Wells believes the forthcoming $128 million expansion of the Land O’ Lakes Detention Center could go a long way toward helping the county’s homeless population get back on its feet.

Within the 1,000-bed addition and upgrades to all of the jail’s central services will be a new wing designed to directly address mental illness and addiction, which Wells said is often tied into homelessness. The expansion project is expected to undergo construction in 2021, with completion in fiscal year 2023.

Said Wells: “We’re going to be able to do more at the jail to stop that revolving door, because that’s what it is now. They come in the jail, (staff) don’t really do much for them for mental illness or addiction, they leave and come back, they leave and come back. …It’s going to be nice a couple years from now to say, ‘Wow, look what we can do here.’”

Also tied into the rehabilitation piece is helping homeless and ex-convicts get back to work, Wells said.

This year the county allocated $700,000 to CareerSource Pasco Hernando’ Workforce Re-entry Program, he said. That program connects unemployed and underemployed people with jobs and training they needed to fill any skill gaps. The county initially allocated $350,000 in Penny for Pasco funds for the project last year.

About 50 people went through the program with last year’s funding, Wells said.

He shared the success story of a masters-educated man who was homeless this time last year and is now making $45 per hour with Pall Aeropower Corporation in New Port Richey.

“He fell on tough times, and we were able to help him,” Wells said.

The commissioner also noted the county now hires ex-felons for certain positions — something it didn’t do before he was first elected in 2014.

Many of those hires now are “kicking butt with the county, getting promoted,” he said.

“Everybody makes mistakes,” Wells said. “We all make mistakes, and everybody deserves a second chance.”

Though he spoke at the networking meeting as a member of the Pasco County Commission, Wells has announced that he is pursuing a different role. He is  running for Pasco County Property Appraiser in 2020.

Published November 20, 2019