The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Local News

Bilirakis helps Pasco secure $500,000 safe schools grant

By

U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis has helped Pasco County Schools secure a $500,000 federal grant to help keep students and teachers safe.

The funding is part of the STOP School Violence Act, which Bilirakis supported and which became law last year.

Bilirakis advocated for Pasco to receive this grant after speaking with Pasco County Sheriff Chris Nocco, Pasco Schools Superintendent Kurt Browning, members of the Pasco County School Board, teachers and parents, according to a news release from the congressman’s office.

The funds will be used to enable Pasco Schools, law enforcement partners, and mental health providers to facilitate multidisciplinary threat assessments while developing behavioral threat assessment teams to intervene and mitigate potential risks, the release says.

Funding will build on current community engagement by supporting a dedicated school threat assessment coordinator and certified juvenile criminal intelligence analyst.

Pasco County Schools is the 10th largest, among the state’s 67 school districts.

In the release, Pasco County Sheriff Chris Nocco said “we want to thank Congressman Bilirakis for his leadership in protecting our children in Pasco County.

“Funding for threat assessments is one of the best methods for prevention and to help a child in distress before they become a threat to others or themselves.

“We look forward to further partnering with Pasco County Schools and Superintendent Browning on this important initiative,” Nocco added.

Pasco County Schools is one of just eight school districts in the country to receive this competitive grant.

Bilirakis also is the author of the PROTECT KIDS Act, which would provide additional federal funding for School Resource Officers in the nation’s largest school districts, such as Pasco, Hillsborough and Pinellas counties.

Published October 30, 2019

Halloween traditions have an ancient past

By

It’s that time again this year when many pumpkins are mutilated into grotesque-looking faces.

It’s the season of black cats, bats and skeleton decorations.

And, it’s that time when little kids, and some adults, too, get dressed in costumes to go trick-or-treating in neighborhoods, or go trunk-or-treating at Halloween events.

Eleven-year-old Vanessa Vanhoose, left, and her twin sister, Jasmine, hang out with their 9-year-old friend, Alexa Contreras, all from San Antonio, at the Trunk or Treat event, at San Antonio Elementary School on Oct. 25. The girls dressed up as an angel, a bumblebee and a cat. (Christine Holtzman)

It’s a night of monsters and princesses, athletes and nuns.

It’s a night to pretend, and of course, to collect candy.

Halloween, or All Hallows’ Eve, is observed in many countries each year on Oct. 31.

It is the day before the Christian holiday, All Saints Day (All Hallows’ Day).

Early origins of Halloween are believed to date back to the ancient Celtic people living in present day Ireland, Scotland and England, according to the History Channel’s website, History.com.

Articles on the website detail how the Halloween season have evolved over time.

The Celts celebrated ‘Samhain,’ which signified the end of the harvest and the beginning of winter, the website says. The ancient Samhain festivities included community bonfires with Druid priests, cattle sacrifice and fortune-telling.

Seven-year-old Jillian Massa, of Land O’ Lakes, scoops out the guts of a pumpkin, as her mother, Carly, reacts. The duo was working together on carving and designing a traditional jack o’ lantern at the Land O’ Lakes Branch Library’s Pumpkin Fest on Oct. 26.

It was also believed during Samhain that the barrier between the physical world and the spiritual world was thin, and that the dead would be able to cross over to visit. They would leave food around the home, and in the fields, as an offering for these unworldly guests.

The Celts also believed that evil spirits were able to walk among the living during this time, so they would dress up as animals and monsters, as a way to keep these spirits away, the website reports.

As time went on, another way to scare off malevolent entities became increasingly popular.

Even though the practice of carving vegetables is known throughout time in many cultures around the world, the earliest form of the Halloween jack o’ lantern began popping up outside of homes in Ireland and Scotland in the early 19th century.

While History.com reports that jack o’ lanterns from this era were made from turnips, other websites report that they were also made from potatoes, rutabagas and beets, as well.

Frightening faces would be carved into these vegetables, and small coals or candles were placed inside. They were placed inside windows and around the home in hopes to keep the wicked spirits at bay.

The name jack o’ lantern or ‘jack of the lantern’ originates from the Irish folklore story, ‘The Legend of Stingy Jack.’ The story is about a man named Jack, who after being banished from both Heaven and Hell, began to roam the Earth with just a burning coal that he placed inside of a turnip as he searches for a place to rest, according to History.com.

Joe Massa, of Land O’ Lakes, left, watches as his 8-year-old son, Joey, helps use a power tool to cut open the top of their pumpkin, with Land O’ Lakes Branch Library volunteer, Fred Hoffman. Joey was hoping to make a ghost or a ghoulish-looking jack o’ lantern during the library’s Pumpkin Fest on Oct. 26.

In the mid-1880s, the Irish and Scottish began settling in North America, bringing along their Halloween traditions.

And, it was here in America, that the pumpkin was first used to create their jack o’ lanterns — now the iconic symbol of Halloween.

Halloween became a major holiday in North America during the early part of the 20th century, but it wasn’t until the 1930s that going door-to-door in costumes became known as trick-or-treating.

Trick-or-treating also has an interesting history.

In his book, “Halloween: From Pagan Ritual to Party Night,” Nicholas Rogers explains that it evolved from the ancient practices of “mumming,” “guising” and “souling.”

Early “mumming” and “guising” involved going door-to-door in costume, to recite a poem, perform a song, a joke, a skit, or some kind of ‘trick,’ in exchange for food or drink.

In later years, poor people would visit wealthy homes to pray for the souls of the homeowner’s dead relatives, in exchange for pastries called ‘soul cakes’ and money. That practice was called “souling.”

History.com reports that it wasn’t until after World War II that the candy bar replaced the coins and cakes, becoming a popular reward for trick-or-treaters.

By Christine Holtzman

Dressed as a lady bug, 4-year-old Marianna Hudgins, of Land O’ Lakes, paints on the finishing glittery touches of her scary pumpkin. The youngster attended the Pumpkin Fest at the Land O’ Lakes Branch Library with her ‘Yia Yia’ and ‘Papou’ (Greek for grandmother and grandfather), Katherine and Robert Frank.

Witches and goblins, and candy galore
It’s a season for trips to the pumpkin patch, kids dressing to go trick-or-treating and families passing out candy from their front porch, or from the trunk of their car.

Local churches, libraries and schools got in on the act, and offered a variety of activities for all ages.

In Land O’ Lakes, Harvester Community Church hosted its annual pumpkin patch for kids to play in, and choose their favorite pumpkin to take home.

San Antonio Elementary School in Dade City drew a crowd of people to its Trunk or Treat, where costumed kids got to trick-or-treat among Halloween-themed cars.

And, at the Land O’ Lakes Library, families could carve, decorate and paint pumpkins, to celebrate the holiday.

By Mary Rathman

Published October 30, 2019

Two-year-old Rhyler Mauer, of Dade City, picks out his favorite pumpkin from the pumpkin patch at the Harvester Community Church, 2432 Collier Parkway in Land O’ Lakes. Rhyler was there with his mother Aubrie, his friend Payton Cruz, and her mother, Emily.
After making their selections at the Harvester Community Church pumpkin patch, a group of kids from Land O’ Lakes carry their pumpkins back to their cars. From left: 11-year-old Bailie Yarbrough, 9-year-old Steven Yarbrough, 9-year-old Jacob Casillas, 6-year-old Mason Casillas and his twin brother, Jackson.
Steve Yarbrough, left, and his friend, Javier Casillas, both from Land O’ Lakes, each hold a large pumpkin that they bought for their families. Both families met up at Harvester Community Church on Collier Parkway to purchase pumpkins for upcoming fall festivities.

It’s fall — that perfect time to enjoy squash

By

Pumpkins seems to get all of the attention each Autumn.

Pumpkin spice lattes. Pumpkin bread. Pumpkin pies. Jack-o’-lanterns.

But, remember, pumpkins are just one kind of winter squash.

(Courtesy of Shari Bresin)

You can also find many other varieties of winter squash in your garden or at your grocery store.

There’s butternut squash, acorn squash, delicata, spaghetti squash and others.

So, what are the characteristics of a summer squash versus a winter squash, besides the obvious fact that they are harvested at different times of the year?

As the website Harvest to Table explains, the winter squash has a hard outer shell and firm flesh — prolonging its storage life, so it can last throughout the winter.

Winter squash is best enjoyed roasted, stewed or baked.

Meanwhile, the summer squash, such as the well-known zucchini and yellow squash, has a soft skin and moist flesh and can be eaten raw, steamed or sautéed. They won’t hold up as long and should be eaten within a few days.

While the hard skin of the winter squash allows it to endure the cold, it makes it hard to cut.

So, here’s a tip: Microwave the squash first, to make it easier to slice in half, or peel.

First, wash the squash’s skin and dry it. Then, use a knife to carefully make a few slits down the middle of the squash, where you plan to cut it in half. Then, use a fork to poke some holes throughout to allow steam to escape.

Then microwave for about 5 minutes.

You’ll still need to put a little muscle into it, but it will help.

Winter squash is more than just a comfort food.

It is high in carotenoids, protein, vitamin C, vitamin B6, fiber, and the minerals magnesium and potassium, so enjoy the different types all throughout the season to reap the health benefits.

With the different types of winter squash and the different ways to cook it, you should have plenty of variety to enjoy throughout the season.

As a bonus, enjoy the seeds!

I admit, I didn’t think much of squash seeds.

When carving a pumpkin for Halloween, I always saved the seeds and then roasted them, but for some reason, I always discarded squash seeds up until recently, when I realized I was throwing away a perfectly good protein-filled snack.

They are smaller than pumpkin seeds and don’t need as long to roast (about 15-20 minutes baked at 275°, or until they start to “pop”).

And, get creative with them:

In a bowl, coat the seeds with a tablespoon of olive oil and, instead of salt, try ½ teaspoon of spices, such as red pepper flakes, cinnamon, or garlic powder.

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.

Here is a butternut squash soup recipe I’ve made that came from cooksmarts.com (https://www.cooksmarts.com/articles/butternut-squash-with-white-bean-soup/):

Butternut Squash with White Bean Soup
Serves: 6 (as a side), 3 (as a main)

Ingredients

  • 1 butternut squash, chopped
  • 1 medium to large onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 2 to 3 thyme sprigs, leaves removed
  • 1 Tbsp olive oil
  • 2 to 3 sage leaves
  • 1 (14.5 oz) can white beans, drained
  • 1 quart broth (veggie or chicken) or water
  • 1/4 tsp nutmeg (optional)
  • Maple syrup, to taste (optional)
  • Creme fraiche or sour cream, for serving (optional)

Instructions:

  • Heat a Dutch oven over medium-high heat, then add the oil and then garlic.
  • Add the chopped onion, sage, and thyme leaves.
  • Sauté for about 3 minutes, tossing with a heat-safe spatula or wooden spoon a few times.
  • Add the butternut squash and drained beans, and pour enough stock /water to cover all the ingredients.
  • Cover pot with its lid and bring to a boil.
  • Once the soup boils, keep the lid on and lower heat to a simmer, and cook for another 15 to 20 minutes.
  • Remove the pot from the stove and let the soup cool down, uncovered, for about 10 minutes.
  • Then place the immersion blender in the soup, tilt at about a 10 degree angle, and puree at a medium setting.
  • Season to taste with nutmeg and maple syrup for a bit of sweetness.
  • Ladle into bowls and swirl in a spoonful of creme fraiche.

Note: I also added kale (added last, not pureed) to give it more color.

Published October 30, 2019

Helping children to have a Happy Birthday

By

Birthday parties and children seem to go together naturally — but some children are in situations in which his or her birthday can be overlooked.

That’s where Celebrate Birthdays, a nonprofit organization, comes in.

It collaborates with organizations and agencies to find foster kids, other kids with certain needs or kids in clubs, to throw a birthday party for them.

The Celebrate Birthdays organization provides children throughout the Tampa Bay area with elaborate parties for their own birthdays. (Courtesy of Belinda Leto)

Belinda Leto and Celina Saunders founded Celebrate Birthdays.

They go to various locations and throw a monthly birthday party, for all of the children at that particular place celebrating a birthday that month.

The festivities include cake, ice cream, games, activities and presents for all the children at the party — whether they are celebrating their birthday or not, Leto said.

“We want every kid to feel special,” she said.

“It makes them look forward to when it’s their birthday, knowing we’ll show up consistently,” Saunders said. “We do not disappoint.”

The idea for creating Celebrate Birthdays came up two years ago, when Leto was involved in her church’s gift donation program.

She said she was approached by a grandmother who asked whether there were  local services that provided birthday gifts for children.

Leto didn’t know, so she reached out to a friend who worked for Hillsborough County. She found out that the county wasn’t aware of such programs either.

So, Leto and Saunders set out to fill that gap.

“That was the initial spark and seed that really started the idea,” Leto said.

Celebrate Birthdays began serving children, and in March, it was officially recognized as a nonprofit organization.

News of the program’s existence has spread mostly through word of mouth and social media.

The organization also collaborates with organizations such as the Joshua House and the Boys & Girls Club, who refer children to Celebrate Birthdays.

Even a local Girl Scout troop has assisted the effort by collecting gifts and forming a bond with a “birthday buddy.”

“It’s kids helping kids,” Leto remarked. “It doesn’t get much better than that.”

Children who are not part of an organization are not overlooked, she said.

With “Birthday in a Box,” gifts and birthday supplies are stocked up in individual boxes to be sent to children’s homes.

However, community support is needed to keep spreading the joy.

The organization receives gift donations from individuals and various establishments.

Some local businesses accept toy donations on their premises for the organization.

And, Celebrate Birthdays hosts fundraisers and applies for grants, as well.

Volunteers pitch in, too, including high school students.

Leto and Saunders also have recruited their own children to help.

The organization currently covers Hillsborough, Pasco and Pinellas counties, with intentions to branch out into Hardee and Highlands counties.

Being part of Celebrate Birthdays is rewarding, Saunders said.

“I think there’s a different feel when you are volunteering your time and not expecting anything in return,” she said.

Being in a position to help the children makes her appreciate her blessings all the more, she said.

“It’s such an overwhelming sense of gratitude. There’s not a price tag on that,” Saunders said.

To learn more about the nonprofit or to make an online donation, please visit CelebrateBirthdays.org.

Published October 23, 2019

Mayor delivers ‘State of Dade City’ address

By

A newly passed budget and some corresponding reorganization in city hall was a forefront topic for Dade City Mayor Camille Hernandez in her annual “State of the City” address at The Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce October breakfast meeting, at AdventHealth Dade City.

Dade City Commissioners last month passed a $19.3 million budget by 4-1 vote.

The 2019-2020 budget is based upon a 7.14 millage rate and represents a 17% increase ($2.8 million) from last fiscal year ($16.4 million).

Dade City Mayor Camille Hernandez covered a lot of talking points during her ‘State of the City’ address. (Kevin Weiss)

The budget covers 83 full-time staffers, including several newly funded positions — community and economic development director, associate planner, GIS analyst, another building inspector, and others.

Addressing a roomful of chamber members, Hernandez said this year’s budgetary process “was one of the most difficult for me, as a city commissioner, as a mayor.”

“It was tough, guys,” Hernandez said. “We’re heading in the right direction, but we had to make some tough choices for not only the city and the services, but also position us in a great place to move forward and to all of those people that are coming in, all those transportation (issues), all those businesses, to be able to accomplish that.

“It wasn’t unanimous, but I think the majority of the commission agreed that we had to prepare ourselves for challenges and opportunities moving forward, and how are we going to make Dade City the best it can be.”

With that, the mayor noted the city last year received 658 building permits for private construction and now has over 4,000 residential unit entitlements (either under construction or review).

That underscores the necessity, she said, for the city to create a new community and economic development department that encompasses community redevelopment, current and long-range planning, online permitting and customer service, and building and safety services.

“We have a bunch of homes that are on the books, and they’re going to start to be built sometime next year,” the mayor said. “There’s a lot of work being done by staff, so this is the reason we needed to reorganize, we needed to make those tough decisions to hire some staff to get those folks help, to continue to move us forward.”

In addition to the budget as a whole, Hernandez offered updates on various capital improvements projects.

She noted that paving has begun on the second phase of the Hardy Trail northern extension, from Church Avenue to Lock Street, and is expected to be complete around next spring. The extension is part of a larger trail network planned for the U.S. 301 corridor extending from south of Zephyrhills to north of Dade City. It ultimately will extend to the Withlacoochee State Trail trailhead.

“We’re really excited about that,” Hernandez said. “We’ll be getting into some healthy initiatives, hopefully working with the banks and hospitals, and other organizations.”

Hernandez also mentioned improvements are “finally” underway to the city’s downtown stormwater management system, which is slated to be finished by sometime next summer.

Hernandez quipped: “For those that have businesses in town, for those of you that love your shoes like me, you won’t have to take them off anymore and go into 6 inches of water on any stormy afternoon.”

Other forthcoming projects include Tank Hill water facility renovations (finalizing request for proposal documents) and Dade Oaks stormwater improvements (finalizing funding and bid documents); the city also has allocated $200,000 toward paving or repaving city maintained roads. “There’s a lot of dirt moving around. I always say that’s progress, and I kind of like having the dirt picked out,” Hernandez said.

The city’s demographic profile was another one of the mayor’s talking points.

Hernandez said of the city’s 7,240 residents, the median age is 35.5 years old, with a growing number of first-time householders, newer marriages and families.

The average household size is 2.51, median household income is about $40,000 and median home value is about $145,000.

That in mind, the mayor stressed the need for the municipality to “maintain youthful interests in style and fun, with lots of things to do.”

She noted several community events — namely the Dade City Heritage & Cultural Museum’s Masquerade Ball, Monarch Butterfly Festival, Scarecrow Festival and Dade City Symphony — all happened within a weekend of each other.

“We are a fun place with fun things happening, and we are going to continue to do that as we move forward,” Hernandez said. “We’re not a town that’s going to roll up.”

Elsewhere, the mayor made it a point to commend the Dade City Police Department’s ongoing efforts to boost its community outreach and advocacy programs, especially with local youth.

Some of the agency’s regular initiatives include Shop with a Cop, Cop-sicle Days, Back to School Bash, Explorer Scouts, Special Olympics, and Habitat for Humanity, among others.

Hernandez put it like this: “It’s not only about having these guys show up and protecting them or leading someone off in handcuffs, but it’s showing them that they are an integral part of our community. They are human, they go home to a family, and you couldn’t imagine the change in some of these children when they realize, ‘Hey, these aren’t bad guys, these are actually good guys that are here to help me.’”

She added: “You don’t know how wonderful of a group of guys we have in our community.”

Published October 23, 2019

This year’s Rattlesnake Festival is one for the books

By

This year’s Rattlesnake Festival started off with a bang.

That is because Darby’s own musical siblings, The Bellamy Brothers, kicked off the 53rd annual festival off with a very special, Oct. 18 evening concert, marking the first time the musicians played the festival in decades.

Darby’s own, Howard Bellamy, left, and his brother, David, take the stage on Oct. 18 to kick off the Rattlesnake Festival weekend. They played their first gig at the Rattlesnake Festival in 1968, and this concert marked the first time in decades that the brothers performed at the festival. (Christine Holtzman)

Hundreds packed the Dan Cannon Auditorium at the Pasco County Fairgrounds to hear Howard Bellamy and his brother, David, perform some of their biggest hits including, “Redneck Girl,” “If I Said You Had A Beautiful Body,” and, of course, their signature song, “Let Your Love Flow.”  They also mixed in some tracks off of their newest album, “Over the Moon,” released earlier this year.

The brothers got their first taste in performing in front of an audience at the 1968 festival, then known as the ‘Rattlesnake Roundup,’ when they performed on stage, for free, with their father.

This year, the sold-out concert raised money for the festival’s host, The Thomas Promise Foundation.

After the concert, the regular festival days were Oct. 19 and Oct. 20 at the Pasco County Fairgrounds, 36722 State Road 52 in Dade City.

Over the course of the weekend, thousands flocked to the site to enjoy a wide array of activities, wildlife shows, exhibits, bounce houses and other attractions.

There were carnival rides and games, and the chance to hold a real, live alligator.

After watching a presentation given by the nonprofit organization, The Rattlesnake Conservancy, onlookers rush over for a chance to pet ‘Stripe,’ a female canebrake rattlesnake. Handler Chase Pirtle is holding the snake.

Vendors were there selling handmade crafts, and businesses were there touting their products and services.

Hungry festival-goers also had plenty of choices at the food court area, including corn dogs, soft pretzels, gyros, pizza, funnel cakes and fresh lemonade.

Of course, the weekend wouldn’t be complete without watching the traditional Eddie Herrmann Wooden Gopher Tortoise Races, geared toward kids, 12 and under.

The races, which use mechanical wooden gopher tortoises, were held throughout each day, for age groups 7 and under, and 8 through 12.

First-, second- and third-place winners from each race earned a ribbon, and the first-place winners were eligible to compete for a trophy in the championship games.

The races were named after Eddie Herrmann, one of the festival’s founders, who passed away hours after the close of the first day of the 51st festival in 2017.

Published October 23, 2019

Perry Haley, of Wesley Chapel, dips his wife, Christi, while dancing to a song at the Bellamy Brothers concert. Originally from Texas, the Haleys said that dancing is a way of life in the Lone Star State.
Inside the Croc Encounters attraction, 10-year-old Kinnley Reeves, of Lutz, pets ‘Smiley,’ a 3-foot gator, held by zoo keeper Lou Coticchio, of Largo. The Croc Encounters group had several alligators, turtles and snakes in their exhibit, and for a small fee, people could hand feed several large tortoises or even hold a live alligator.
Four-year-old Harleigh Sexton, of Dade City, takes aim at shooting some tin cans, with a little help from her mother’s boyfriend, Jesse Larkin. The two were playing the Wild West Cork Gun Game. LeBaron Concessions worker Richard Landers is looking on.
Jim Smalley, of Dade City, holds his hat over his heart, during the singing of the Star-Spangled Banner, before the start of the Bellamy Brothers concert. Smalley is a retired staff sergeant from the U.S. Army.

 

A community steps up to lend its support

By

Pasco County firefighter Hunter Garcia, his wife, Kayla, and their 5-month-old daughter, Clara, were traveling down Van Dyke Road on Sept. 13, when they were involved in a multi-car accident.

A total of four cars were affected, with five people transported to the hospital, according to a Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office news release.

All three Garcias were taken to the hospital. Hunter and Kayla sustained severe injuries. Clara did not survive.

Now, a community event is planned to benefit the Pasco County firefighter’s family.

The event is set for Oct. 26 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., at Land O’ Lakes Heritage Park, 5401 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes.

Patrons can purchase a $10 plate, with their choice of barbeque pork, chicken, a hamburger or a hot dog, accompanied with two sides.

There also will be a raffle, T-shirt sale, bake sale and an auction.

Volunteers for the benefit will have a planning meeting on Oct. 20 at 1 p.m., at Heritage Park.

Admission to the event is free, with proceeds raised from the food sales, raffles, bake sale and auction benefiting the Garcia family.

Anyone who would like to donate food or drinks, take part in the auction, or volunteer their time, please contact Kristal Morrow at (813) 860-7991.

Garcia family fundraiser
When: Oct. 26 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Where: Land O’ Lakes Heritage Park, 5401 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., Land O’ Lakes
Cost: Free
Details: A fundraiser to benefit a Pasco County firefighter’s family, after a car accident claimed the life of his infant daughter.
Info: Call Kristal Morrow at (813) 860-7991.

Published October 23, 2019

Lutz festival to offer selections of food and fun

By

The community of Lutz is set to usher in the autumn season with food galore and activities at the St. Timothy Family Fall Festival.

The function will run from Oct. 24 to Oct. 26 at St. Timothy Catholic Church, at 17512 Lakeshore Road in Lutz.

The upcoming Family Fall Festival at St. Timothy Catholic Church will have a multitude of games and activities for families to enjoy. The event will be at the church from Oct. 24 to Oct. 26 (Courtesy of St. Timothy Catholic Church)

The Taste of St. Timothy will be on Oct. 24 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. With a ticket, patrons can indulge in diverse foods from more than 40 different restaurants in the Bay area.

Early morning exercise will be offered on Oct. 25 with the Family Fun Run at 8 a.m. The run will be free to the public and T-shirts will be handed out at 7 a.m.

At 9 a.m., patrons can register for the free fishing derby, which will kick off at 10 a.m.

From noon to 7 p.m., a host of activities will be available, including a quad jumper, a rock wall, pony rides, a petting zoo and a 27-foot double slide, to name a few.

And, at 1 p.m., spectators can watch as the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office lands its own helicopter near the premises, weather permitting.

On Oct. 26, there will be pumpkin decorating, crafts, water coloring and balloon-making from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Tickets for the Oct. 24 food tasting, can be purchased at the church’s parish office for $10 or online for $11. Admission is free for children ages 5 and under.

Tickets will not be sold the night of the event.

To purchase tickets online or for additional information, please visit SaintTims.org/news/taste-of-st-timothy/.

St. Timothy Family Fall Festival
Where: St. Timothy Catholic Church, 17512 Lakeshore Road in Lutz
When: Oct. 24 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.; Oct. 25 from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Oct. 26 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Cost: Food tasting on Oct. 24 will be $10 when purchased at church’s parish office and $11 when purchased online. Admission is free for ages 5 and under. Tickets will not be sold the night of the event. There will be vendors selling food on Oct. 25 and Oct. 26, but the events are free.
Details: St. Timothy Catholic Church will host various restaurants’ food for patrons to partake in. The fest also will feature multiple activities and crafts.
Info: For tickets or information, visit SaintTims.org/news/taste-of-st-timothy/.

 

Published October 23, 2019

Zephyrhills economic summit highlights industrial hub

By

It may now be famous for its crystal clear water and skydiving but, someday, the City of Zephyrhills also wants to be known for its industrial offerings and high-wage jobs.

The third annual Zephyrhills Economic Summit, held earlier this month, focused on the need to maximize both the use of the Zephyrhills Municipal Airport and the development potential of adjacent industrial property.

The event, at Zephyrhills City Hall, was presented by the Zephyrhills Economic Development Coalition (ZEDC) in partnership with the City of Zephyrhills and Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce.

The third annual Zephyrhills Economic Summit focused on the importance of developing an industrial corridor and cultivating high-wage jobs. Shown here speaking is Zephyrhills planning director Todd Vande Berg. (Kevin Weiss)

City officials are developing a 20-year master plan known as the Zephyrhills Industrial Corridor Plan.

The proposed industrial development hub encompasses approximately 9.76 square miles (6,248 acres) of land in the southeast portion of the city, around the Chancey Road corridor and municipal airport.

Roughly a third of the property is within city limits and the remainder in unincorporated Pasco County — representing the largest aggregation of industrial lands in the county.

Within that area is 442 divisible acres of what’s known as the Zephyrhills Airport Industrial Park, a build-ready site equipped with water, sewer and electric utilities, and accessible to natural gas.

While the corridor is still in preliminary stages, it ultimately will set the city up for long-term growth and economic sustainability, said Zephyrhills planning director Todd Vande Berg.

Possible targeted industries could include aerospace, aviation and defense; advanced manufacturing; light manufacturing; electronics and technology; logistics and distribution; life sciences and medical technology; telecom/data hosting centers; research and development; showroom; refrigeration/cold storage and other uses.

Vande Berg explained a built-out industrial corridor will yield more revenues for the city and create a better jobs-to-housing balance. He also noted industrial manufacturing uses less services — police, fire, water, sewer— compared to, say, residential or commercial land use.

All that, he said, will ultimately “raise the bar in quality of life” for Zephyrhills residents, allowing funds to be steered toward downtown redevelopment, recreational amenities and other community uses.

“We want to be economically diverse. We don’t just want to have family residential, we want to have a mix of uses,” Vande Berg said.

“If we bring in industrial, we’re going to be more fiscally solvent, and that ties in with being resilient. If we have the industrial there, we feel like we’re in a better position with the city.”

The city planner expressed confidence the corridor’s utility offerings and centralized proximity to Orlando, Lakeland and Tampa makes it an attractive spot for companies looking to relocate or set up shop.

“We’ve got a great location we feel like,” he said. “We have such an asset out there in the southeast quadrant of the city.”

The entire planning area is generally bound by Melrose Avenue to the north, the CSX Transportation railroad and U.S. 301 to the west, Pattie Road to the south, and Barry Road and the Upper Hillsborough Wildlife Management Area to the east.

Two CSX mainline railroads traverse the area and it is accessible to Port Tampa Bay and the CSX Central Florida Intermodal Logistics Center.

The local airport also is undergoing a $5.9 million runway extension and roadway improvements to accommodate larger commercial aircraft, and encourage aviation and industrial development.

Moving forward, Vande Berg said ongoing collaboration is vital between the city, county and state officials to have a coordinated plan on zoning and land use, and “to continue to improve transportation accessibility to this industrial corridor.”

He mentioned a more near-term priority is working with the Florida Department of Transportation to extend State Road 56 east of U.S. 301 to connect to Chancey Road. “Transportation’s huge, like anywhere,” he said.

Aside from transportation and infrastructure boosts to draw companies in, other speakers said the city needs more workforce development programs to develop skilled labor employees and then keep them in the area.

It’s already something holding back existing industrial businesses in the city, said Dr. Randy Stovall, president of the Zephyrhills chamber.

“They can’t find those people they want to hire,” Stovall said. “They want to hire them, but there’s not enough of them, so that is a challenge. We’ve had that (issue) for some time.”

Tom Ryan, economic development manager for Pasco Economic Development Council Inc.,  said having training programs and a baseline of skilled labor in place is “a huge component” for luring large companies to a particular area.

“We’ve got to have (workforce) inventory,” Ryan said. “We’ve got to have a plan to tell those companies, ‘Look, we want your jobs here, and we have a plan to help you bring those jobs here.’”

Pasco County Commission Chairman Ron Oakley pointed out that Zephyrhills and the East Pasco area are working to position the area to do just that.

Pasco County Schools plans to build a technical high school by 2022 near the intersection of Curley Road and Kiefer Road in Wesley Chapel that will hold nearly 900 students.

Meanwhile, Withlacoochee River Electric Cooperative (WREC) plans to construct a 4,000-square-foot facility for AmSkills to teach manufacturing jobs.

Also, local business owner Kevin Bahr of Bahr’s Propane Gas & A/C is starting a teaching school to train propane service and HVAC technicians.

“The county is working very hard for jobs,” Oakley said. “Our county’s growing. We need jobs, and we need to teach them (the necessary skills).”

Elsewhere during the summit, State Rep. Randy Maggard commended Zephyrhills “for thinking ahead of schedule” in regards to its future and planned industrial hub.

Maggard, a Republican representing District 38, specifically applauded city leaders for this year putting a $2 million septic to sewer project at the top of their state appropriations request list.

The project includes decommissioning existing septic tanks to a residential subdivision and homes along Sixth Avenue and Armstrong Street, with potential for sewer expansion to additional properties in the future.

The project aims to prevent springs from dying because of nitrates from septic tanks.

“At the end of the day, if we don’t have water, none of this matters,” Maggard said. “We can talk about infrastructure, we can talk about a lot of things, but if we can’t provide water, it doesn’t matter at all.”

The elected official also gave this piece of advice for the city going forward: “You need to tell us where you want to go, and we need to help you get there in the long-term planning, funding, whatever it takes for us to be able to do that.”

Other summit speakers included Mohsen Mohammadi, chief operations officer for American Infrastructure Development; David Gwynn, District 7 secretary for the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT); and Danielle Ruiz, economic development manager for Duke Energy.

Published October 23, 2019

When rural tranquility and Olympic dreams clash

By

Dania Vizzi wants to use a private skeet shooting range, off Bellamy Brothers Boulevard, to perfect her skeet shooting skills so she can make the U.S. team for the 2020 Olympics.

But, her neighbors say her Olympic quest is causing harm to their agricultural and horse-breeding pursuits, as well as disrupting their rural tranquility and peace of mind.

Those were among the issues aired out at an Oct. 10 Pasco County Commission public hearing on a request filed by Arthur and Doree Vizzi, Dania’s parents.

The 53-acre property is on the west side of Bellamy Brothers Boulevard, about one-half mile east of Johnston Road, said Debbie Hernandez, Pasco County’s zoning administrator.

The skeet shooting range consists of a skeet field made up of shooting stations and two trap houses, Hernandez said.

The county has cited the Vizzi’s for developing the property without obtaining a permit for a conditional use, and the request is an attempt to address that violation.

County planners recommend approval of the request, contingent on several conditions.

During the public hearing, Dania Vizzi, of Odessa,  told planning commissioners: “I’m a four-time world championship medalist; two-time national champion; just medaled at the Pan American Games and, as of last week, I am halfway onto the Olympic team for 2020.

“I just really need it (the skeet shooting facility) to train. This is my passion. This is what I love to do. I want to compete for my country as long as I can. I would just love your help with it,” she said.

Matt Newton, an attorney representing the applicants, said before purchasing the property, his clients reached out to the county and understood that as long as the property wasn’t being used for commercial uses, they could practice on the property.

“She practices several hours a day and an interruption of practice can be devastating to her preparation for competitiveness,” Newton said.

Newton said his client would agree to provide more privacy screening to buffer the properties on the north and south, but said the condition for a 20-foot berm is too expensive.

He said based on his research, meeting that condition would cost between $65,000 and $112,000.

Arthur Vizzi told planning commissioners: “We can’t agree to conditions that are beyond our capabilities. They are cost-prohibitive for us.”

Newton said: “The best method of mitigation in our opinion would be to limit the hours.”

His client agrees to no shooting before 9 a.m. and after 4 p.m., and no shooting at all on Sundays, or on Good Friday, Easter, Thanksgiving or Christmas Day, the attorney said.

But, neighbors urged planning commissioners to consider the negative impacts they said have resulted from the skeet shooting facility.

“I’m not here to kill somebody’s dreams to be an Olympian. That’s not why I’m here,” said Glenn Stevenson, of 16653 Bellamy Brothers Blvd.

“I find it interesting that they can quote all of these awards, but they haven’t just happened. They happened before they purchased the property, as well. So this property isn’t key for her success as an Olympian,” Stevenson said.

“My business is being impacted negatively. I have lost people who boarded horses with me, that are very expensive brood mares. I run a breeding program. I have a reproduction lab on my farm,” he said.

“Originally, they told me it was going to be two hours a day. It was more like four to five hours, seven days a week.

“I can actually hear it in my house. I am the closest property to their property. I get all of the noise in my house,” he said.

He told planning commissioners he would like the use to be limited to five days a week, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., with no shooting on holidays.

Judy Geiger, of 16225 Bellamy Brothers Blvd., lives on the property due south of the Vizzis’ parcel.

“I don’t want this next door to me,” Geiger said.

Beyond noise, she’s worried about contamination.

“The lead stays in the ground,” Geiger said.

She’s worried, too, about a negative impact on property values.

“Who wants to live next to gunfire noise?” she said.

Philip and Robin Rhinesmith, both of 16833 Bellamy Brothers Blvd., were among others voicing  objections.

“There have certainly been quality of life impacts,” Philip Rhinesmith said. “It’s not the fact of the shooting. It’s the duration..”

They are also concerned about long-term impacts, he said.

“Typically, firing 250 rounds a day equates to about 15 pounds of lead on the ground. The accumulation over a year’s time could be 5,000 pounds a year,” he said.

Robin Rhinesmith added: “We have three generations of family living on our farm, which we’ve called home for about 50 years.”

The family lives among “beautiful live oak trees and pasture,” but they spend less time outside because of the constant gunfire.

“Using earbuds on the tractor doesn’t even drown it out,” she said.

She also noted that her daughter, a competitive equestrian for years, has stopped “because she doesn’t enjoy training on her own property.”

But, Doree Vizzi told planning commissioners that they bought the property to enable her daughter to train there.

“I do not want to cause problems with my neighbors.

“That’s not our goal.

“I go with my daughter 90% of the time to the range. I pull for her. She only shoots three or four hours by herself.

“There’s an over-reach and an over-exaggeration going on here right now,” she said.

David Goldstein, chief assistant county attorney, told planning commissioners: “The mere discharge of weapons is not something we can regulate because the Legislature told us we can’t. However, we can regulate gun ranges.”

Planning Commissioner Michael Cox said, “by going through this process and having at least some conditions, that would appear to me that it would be an improvement for the surrounding neighbors — specifically the hours of operation that they’re allowed to do it versus all of the time.”

Cox called for approval of the request, contingent on the planning staff’s conditions.

The motion passed and now the issue goes before the Pasco County Commission, which is slated to consider the request at a Nov. 5 public hearing.

Published October 23, 2019