The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Local News

Learn to share the road, for everyone’s safety

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According to the American Automobile Association (AAA), about 2 percent of deaths in motor vehicle crashes each year are bicyclists.

The American Automobile Association urges bicyclists and motorists to properly share the roadways, including bicyclists riding in the same direction as traffic and wearing properly fitted helmets. (Christine Holtzman)

Although child bicyclist deaths have declined over the years, deaths among bicyclists age 20 and older have tripled since 1975.

Florida leads the nation in bicycle fatalities. Of the 783 pedalcyclists killed in 2017 in the United States, 125 (16 percent) were in Florida, as shown by the latest figures from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

A recent AAA survey of Florida cyclists reveals that 36 percent do not wear a helmet; 56 percent ride with traffic, 21 percent ride against traffic; and 74 percent of those who ride against traffic do so because they prefer to see approaching vehicles.

As Ride to Work Day nears on June 17, the NHTSA and AAA offer these safety tips to those on the road:

Bicyclist safety tips

  • Ride on the roadway or shared pathways, instead of on sidewalks.
  • Follow the same road rules as other roadway users do, including riding in the same direction as traffic, and obeying all the same traffic signs and signals.
  • Signal all turns.
  • Wear a properly fitted helmet every time, on every ride.
  • Be visible by wearing bright colors during the day, reflective gear in low-light conditions, and use head and tail lights at night.
  • Show motorists the same courtesy you expect from them. Respect is a two-way street.

Safety tips for motorists

  • Stay alert and avoid distractions while driving.
  • Yield to bicyclists while turning.
  • Check mirrors and blind spots for bicyclists.
  • Slow down and give at least 3 feet of clearance when passing a bicyclist.
  • Give bicyclists extra passing room in bad weather.
  • Do not honk the horn at a bicyclist, as it could cause them to swerve into traffic or off the roadway.
  • Check for bicyclists before opening your car door.
  • Expect the unexpected from children on bicycles.

Published June 12, 2019

Father’s Day is a big day for grilling

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Father’s Day is often associated with grilling.

Grilling accessories are a popular Father’s Day gift idea, and some dads use this time of year to purchase a new grill — with businesses often offering special sales.

Father’s Day also is a time when families often go fishing — with fishing gear also being a popular gift category for dads.

If your little ones don’t like the idea of grilled fish and veggies, try fish tacos instead. (https://unsplash.com/photos/IlAPq27FxZ0)

So, why not tie those two themes together for a Father’s Day meal?

Instead of serving up the standard hamburgers and hot dogs, why not try grilling some seafood?

It’s a good way to offer variety, and a healthier option.

There’s a reason why fish is part of the Mediterranean diet and the DASH diet (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension). Studies consistently have  shown these diets to have positive outcomes when it comes to heart health.

After all, fish has the healthy Omega 3 fatty acids, while the hot dogs and hamburgers have too much of the unhealthy saturated fat.

Some people don’t like grilling fish. They think it sticks to the grill too easily, it’s too delicate to barbecue, or they aren’t sure about the flavor.

An easy solution: Grill it wrapped in tin foil.

This packs the flavor, makes it tender, and leaves for much easier clean up.

The grilled fish also goes great with grilling vegetables in the tin foil packet as well.

One thing to note though: Some studies have shown that putting aluminum foil on high temperatures can cause it to seep into the food, particularly with acidic and salty foods.

Our bodies know how to rid of aluminum in small amounts, but research is still being done on what overexposure can do. So when using aluminum foil on the grill, it is best to do so in moderation.

This recipe is for cod fish, but it works with all kinds of seafood.

Grilled cod fish with vegetables:

Ingredients:
4 pieces of cod fish (serves 4)

Olive oil

Salt and pepper

Breadcrumbs

1 medium onion, sliced into rings

3 to 4 garlic cloves, chopped

4 to 6 bell peppers, sliced

2 carrots, thinly sliced

Any other vegetables preferred, such as asparagus, mushrooms and so on.

Directions:
Put one cod fish fillet on one large piece of tin foil.

Brush both sides of the fillet with olive oil and pepper.

Add breadcrumbs to the top, and herbs and spices to taste.

Place sliced onion and chopped garlic on top side.

Place sliced vegetables on the sides of the fish on the tin foil.

Wrap the tin foil tightly to make an enclosed cooking environment.

Grill at medium heat for 6 minutes to 7 minutes on each side. Close the lid. Make sure fish is cooked to 145 degrees.

Add salt, if desired.

You can eat it right out of the foil packet.

Now, there may be kids in the home who would prefer something else.

To make this more kid-friendly, try fish tacos.

You can still make the fish (or any white fish) as described above, but then easily break apart into bite-sized pieces to place in the heated corn or flour tortilla shells.

If you recall from last month’s column, the kids may be able to help with taco fillings, depending on their age.

Fish taco filling ideas: Diced onion, diced tomato, shredded cabbage and/or lettuce, avocado, cilantro, Pico de gallo, lime juice

For a taco sauce, mix the following (from NatahsasKitchen.com):

½ cup sour cream (can also swap for plain nonfat yogurt)
⅓ cup mayonnaise
2 Tablespoons lime juice from lime
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon Sriracha hot sauce

Happy Father’s Day to all the dads! Whether you’re grilling, fishing, hiking, biking, or relaxing indoors with the kids, enjoy your special day.

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 June 12, 2019

New Wesley Chapel fire station comes with more offerings

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Wesley Chapel now has Pasco County’s second largest fire station, and the opening of Station 13 was celebrated at a ribbon cutting on May 30.

The 9,400-square-foot station, off Old Pasco Road and Dayflower Boulevard, became operational several weeks before the celebration because the original station — which had been next to it — was torn down.

With scissors in hand, from left: Chief Mark Spudie, Fire Marshal Karl Thompson, Chief Scott Cassin, Pasco County Commissioner Mike Moore, Pasco County Attorney Jeff Steinsnyder and Deputy Fire Chief of Operations Mike Cassano, get ready to officiate the opening of Station 13 with the traditional ribbon cutting. The ceremony took place on May 30 outside the new station in Wesley Chapel. (Brian Fernandes)

Despite the blistering heat, a crowd of firefighters, county officials and local residents gathered for the event.

The new station improves the county’s ability to respond to emergencies in the growing Wesley Chapel community.

“The new station is much larger [and] able to accommodate more firefighters,” explained Chief Scott Cassin, who oversees all county stations. “We were just maxed out over at the old station. It was too small for the growing community around here.”

The $3.5 million project was funded by the Penny for Pasco program.

Station 13 has three drive-thru bays, which can accommodate five vehicles, including a fire engine, an ambulance, a tanker and a brush truck.

Each rotating shift will be staffed by six firefighters, which includes one paramedic. A battalion chief also will be on duty.

The station is designed to house 10 firefighters, each with their own bunkrooms. The station also has a physical fitness area and a kitchen. There’s also a storage space for equipment.

And, there’s a sheriff’s substation.

“The station is also environmentally friendly, energy-efficient and storm-hardened, which are all critical elements in today’s infrastructure,” the chief added.

Members of the Pasco County Fire Department are all smiles as they celebrate the official opening of Fire Station 13 in Wesley Chapel. Department members, as well as county officials and residents, were present for the ribbon cutting ceremony on May 30.

In addition to safety precautions, all vehicles will be hooked up to a diesel exhaust extraction system. With this, exhaust fumes will be vented out from the trucks to the outdoors.

“That way none of that diesel exhaust is in the air that we’re breathing,” Cassin said.

Many in the community came out to celebrate the opening, including Cypress Creek Middle-High School Principal Carin Hetzler-Nettles and student Sam Mazzeo.

“We have an incredible partnership with Station 13,” Hetzler-Nettles said. “They are our responding station.”

The importance of the station’s proximity to the school was evident last year when Mazzeo suffered a cardiac arrest on the school field.

An AED machine and CPR had to be used at the school to keep Mazzeo’s heart going before the firefighters arrived and rushed him to the hospital.

“I appreciate all the work you did,” the 18-year-old said, before the staff.

As a token of gratitude, the principal and senior student presented the station with a framed No. 13 Cypress Creek sports jersey.

Pasco County Commissioner Mike Moore, who oversees the district where the station is located, offered a few words.

“This station means an improved level of service for both our citizens and our fire rescue team to serve one of the fastest-growing areas in the state, and actually the country,” Moore said.

He also added: “When I first came on as a county commissioner, one of the things we promised was we were going to make public safety one of our top priorities. I’m confident that we’ve done that, and we’ll continue to do that.”

The newly erected Fire Station 13 stands off Old Pasco Road in Wesley Chapel. The facility is the second largest station in Pasco County with new amenities for a safer environment and shorter waiting times in emergencies.

Jackie Parker was one of many who endured the sweltering heat to join the occasion.

She has been living in Wesley Chapel for more than 40 years and hasn’t had concerns about safety – knowing Station 13 is not far away.

“The department here has been quick to respond to needs in the community, and they’re very efficient,” she mentioned.

In fact, Parker witnessed the building of the original station in 1979, recalling when the antique fire trucks used to be parked on residents’ yards.

More Pasco residents will be put at ease when Wesley Chapel’s Station 38 will be opened late summer this year.

The opening of the sister station will reduce Station 13’s coverage zone, enabling quicker response times, Cassin said.

The occasion was marked with a traditional ribbon cutting ceremony.

With scissors handy, Commissioner Moore and County Attorney Jeff N. Steinsnyder, joined Chief Cassin, as well as Chief Mark Spudie, Fire Marshal Karl Thompson and Deputy Fire Chief of Operations Mike Cassano in cutting a big red ribbon.

In a closing remark, Cassin said, “It’s time now to make new memories and turn the page to the next chapter in our history.”

After that, those attending were welcomed inside for a tour and refreshments.

Published June 05, 2019

Idea of temporary ban on mini-warehouses sparks criticism

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The Pasco County Planning Commission has voiced objections to a proposal for an 180-day moratorium on new applications for mini-warehouses and self-storage facilities.

Alexandra LaPorte, senior planner with the county’s planning and development department, told planning commissioners that the six-month moratorium would provide time for county staff to craft proposed regulations relating to that type of land use in the future.

The idea would be to guide the future placement of mini-warehouse and self-storage facilities.

Such regulations are not a novel concept, LaPorte said. Other communities in Florida, including Tamarac, Miami-Dade and Collier County, have regulations on the books, as do other communities across the nation, she said.

But, planning commissioners, at their May 23 meeting, wasted little time letting county planners know that they don’t like the idea of a ban, even if only temporary in nature.

The planning commission rejected the idea, saying it is inconsistent with the county’s comprehensive plan.

Planning Commission Chairman Charles Grey did not mince words.

“I think it’s overkill,” Grey said.

Planning Commissioner Michael Cox said: “These facilities pay good property taxes, and they’re not a drain on services.”

He added: “At the end of the day, the market is going to determine what needs to be where.”

But, Nectarios Pittos, planning and development director, said that mini-warehouse facilities generally consume about 5 acres of land, and produce, on average, about five jobs.

He added that they also contribute to sprawl.

Planning Commissioner Peter Hanzel wanted to know how the proposed moratorium would affect apartment builders, and he also wondered how much capacity the existing self-storage facilities have.

Planning Commissioner Jaime Girardi put it like this: “There’s a need for it, or the developers wouldn’t be doing it.”

Planning commissioners also voiced concerns that the temporary ban could be extended for longer periods.

Grey told planners, “I think you ought to take it back and limit it to what roads you want to protect.”

No one from the public commented on the item.

The issue is on the Pasco County Commission’s June 4 agenda, but is expected to be continued until its June 19 meeting.

County Commissioner Mike Moore has repeatedly voiced his concerns about mini-warehouses occupying land that he thinks would be better used for businesses that generate jobs.

He has specifically criticized the use of land for storage facilities along the State Road 54/State Road 56 corridor, which he has said is prime real estate that is suited for large employers.

If ultimately adopted, the 180-day moratorium would not affect anyone who has already had a pre-application meeting on this type of development.

Commissioner Kathryn Starkey also has said that storage facilities should not take up space that could be used to attract businesses offering quality jobs in Pasco County.

Published June 05, 2019

Sunlake High turns in soaring performances

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Sunlake High School knows how to keep the energy level up — both on and off campus, with the help of its color guard, marching band and choir groups.

Whether twirling flags, playing instruments or singing — students from Sunlake have performed well regionally and even nationally.

Draped in school colors, the Land O’ Lakes Sunlake High marching band has taken its musical performances throughout Florida, and nationwide. (Courtesy of Sunlake High School Band’s Twitter page)

“We’re a very comprehensive program,” explained Brandon Slaughter, Sunlake’s band director. “Most of the time we perform at local high schools, in either their gyms [or] concert halls.”

The school has a marching band, a concert band, a choir, instrumental groups and a color guard.

And, while each group has independent rehearsals, they often come together to perform in shows, such as the Winter Showcase Concert.

The showcase typically is at the end of each year and lasts for about two hours – offering anywhere from 35 to 40 different acts.

The ensemble’s recognition has allowed them to entertain at the Ocean Center in Daytona Beach and out of state at the University of Dayton, in Ohio, just to mention two.

In uniforms bearing the school’s colors — black, white, teal and gold — the marching band has made its mark, especially in the Southeastern United States.

The program recruits students with an interest in music and dance through word of mouth, and through directors speaking with local middle school students who are preparing to enter high school.

Parents help with recruitment, too, said Paul Champion, Sunlake’s choir director, noting they pass on the word to other parents.

When talking to parents about the program, Champion said he tells them that students who take part develop strong time management skills.

The emphasis on recruitment has resulted in an increase in participation, Champion said.

“The chorus here has grown greatly in numbers since two years ago,” Champion said, more than doubling in size.

The young women of Sunlake High School’s color guard recently won the silver medal at the 2019 Winter Guard International competition in Ohio.

Jonathan Bearint didn’t need to be persuaded to join the marching band.

His interest was first sparked back in fifth grade, as he watched his older sister perform shows at her school.

“As soon as I saw their first marching show on the football field, I decided I [wanted] to be a part of that,” the 11th-grader recalled.

As a French horn player, Bearint has helped set a precedent for his school’s band. His percussion class is a four-time champion for the Florida Federation of Colorguards Circuit competition.

“It set the record for winning the most consecutive championships for the state of Florida, which is absolutely incredible,” band director Slaughter noted. “Those kids work so hard competing.”

While Bearint is happy with the accolades of the percussion class, he said he is equally impressed by the cohesive nature of all the groups performing as one.

“I like how everyone comes together,” he said. “Everyone in their individual part just comes together and makes a bigger picture that everyone can enjoy.”

Sunlake junior, Nicole Boisson, also has seen the rewards of hard work and persistence.

As color guard captain, she has taken her team to the 2019 Winter Guard International competition in Ohio to become the silver medalist winners.

The 16-year-old was initially a part of the school band, but soon traded her marching uniform for another physical activity.

“I decided to try something new – spinning flags, spinning rifle(s) – and I just fell in love with it,” Boisson explained.

Although she often competes with other school teams, she said that it feels like they all belong in one family unit.

As this school semester comes to a close, the Sunlake ensemble already is preparing for the next.

They’ve started summer training, which includes a mini camp, and have their eyes set on the Bands of America Regional Championship in October.

Even in the midst of rehearsing, the ensemble remains open to new recruits.

“We welcome everybody,” Slaughter said. “Every time we start a new season, the most advanced student to the beginner all start with the same training. If we’re all starting in the same place, we’ll progress a little bit better going forward.”

The directors enjoy seeing their students succeed, but they also emphasize to them the importance of appreciating the art of what they do.

“I always say that I get to teach the best kids in the world,” Champion said. “It’s about developing and fostering a lifelong love for music.”

Published June 05, 2019

Pasco County hosts Disaster Expo to help residents

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Pasco County marked the beginning of this year’s hurricane season with an expo aimed at helping residents better prepare for potential disasters.

The county’s 2019 Disaster Expo, held at the Veterans Memorial Park in Hudson, gave those attending a chance to learn about myriad ways to better protect themselves, if a disaster should strike.

Tim Exline of the Pasco County Health Department explains necessary storm precautions to New Port Richey resident Natalie Griffin. The health department was among a host of booths at the June 1 Disaster Expo, preparing residents for potential storms. (Brian Fernandes)

Participants at the June 1 event included the Pasco County Health Department, Pasco County Fire Rescue, the county’s Emergency Management team and other groups, such Home Depot and the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP).

Judith Tear, a wildlife mitigation specialist for the Florida Forest Service, focused on educating residents about steps they can take to protect their homes from the danger of wildfires.

She encourages residents to trim trees near their homes, especially trees that have branches that hang over roofs.

When a fire is spreading, tree limbs hanging over a home can allow the fire to endanger the residence, she said.

Her organization also works in conjunction with Pasco County’s Emergency Management team and Pasco County Fire Rescue to predict the effects of harsh weather conditions, especially with summer humidity.

“Florida Forest Service is a state agency, and we work closely with our community partners,” the specialist said. “If we find that we’re getting too dry, we look at our drought index and how many days since rain.”

Depending on how dire the circumstances look, the county can place a burn ban, which it did in 2017.

The Florida Forest Service also collaborates with the Emergency Management team to issue reverse 911 calls to those living in target areas of a fire.

Along with the Florida Highway Patrol, they help post consistent alerts on digital message boards on the highway.

And, with special occasions, such as July 4, on the way, Tear strongly advises residents to avoid fueling fires with gasoline because it makes them harder to put out.

To keep documents safe, in the event of a fire, Tear said you either need to place them in a fire safe, or keep them off site.

She also suggests scanning documents and saving them on a flash drive, as a backup.

Andy Fossa, director of Pasco County’s Emergency Management, encourages residents to have generators handy in case the power goes out.

Attendees crowded inside the Veterans Memorial Park to learn about safety tips in preparing for the hurricane season. The 2019 Disaster Expo on June 1 featured various Pasco County and independent organizations.

Fossa also emphasized the importance of using generators safely.

To avoid posing a risk to utility workers, it is important to have a generator with an automatic transfer switch, which will turn off the generator once the home’s power goes back on.

If a generator is still running when the power goes back on, a utility worker could get electrocuted, or explosions can occur within the home, he said.

Fossa said a common mistake people make is operating their generator within the home, which can lead to deadly carbon monoxide poisoning.

He recommends keeping generators outdoors and well anchored to the ground.

Residents also should be careful when they are using candles. They should not be left unattended, and they should be placed somewhere stable, so they won’t tip over.

Candles should not be left burning overnight, when everyone is asleep, he said.

Fossa also urged taking precautions to avoid become overheated.

He said unless you are not able to leave, staying home during a power outage should be a last resort.

He recommends staying with family or friends, or at a hotel, if possible.

There are also local shelters available, he said.

“Dependent on where the storm is coming from, we have the ability to open certain shelters,” the director noted. “As we see population growing, we’re very proactive. We’ll go ahead and get another shelter ready to go.”

Fossa said it’s also important to heed evacuation warnings.

In some cases, residents become stranded by flooding.

When that happens, Fossa said, it is best to stay put and wait for assistance.

In the aftermath of a storm, Pasco County Human Services and the Red Cross will go out into neighborhoods to assess the needs of residents.

For those displaced from their homes, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) can provide temporary housing – even hotels rooms for up to 90 days.

In sustaining a home for harsh weather, Fossa suggests protecting windows with shutters or plywood, or installing missile-proof windows.

“Some insurance companies actually give a break when you storm-harden your house,” he added.

Residents should have a go-kit they can take with them, if they leave their homes, Fossa said.

“If they decide they’re going to leave, they need to have a bag to pick up and walk out the door,” Fossa said.

This kit should include medications, hygiene products, flashlights, batteries, nonperishable food, water, plastic utensils, paper towels and other items.

Fossa suggests that residents should start stockpiling weeks in advance of hurricane season – buying nonperishable food in small increments.

Tim Exline of the Pasco County Health Department said residents should have a food supply stocked up to last 10 days to 14 days.

Getting a surplus of prescription medication is a good idea, too.

“Once an (emergency) declaration is made from the governor, you can go to your pharmacy and get up to a 30-day supply,” Exline mentioned.

Some pharmacies will send out prescriptions through the mail for those who cannot make the commute, he added.

Exline stressed that for those coming to a shelter, medication should be kept in its original prescription bottle, so that it can be properly identified by health officials on the premises.

Transportation services are available for all, but especially the disabled with limited mobility.

“If you have no way to get to that shelter, then you can call Pasco County [Emergency Management’s] office and they’ll make arrangements to have someone come pick you up,” Exline pointed out.

For constant alerts and notifications, residents can download the MyPasco app on their phones.

For additional information to prepare for emergencies, visit PascoCountyFL.net/2813/Prepare-For-An-Emergency.

Published June 05, 2019

Zephyrhills wants public input on industrial plan

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The City of Zephyrhills is inviting public comment on a plan aimed at increasing high-wage industrial jobs and benefits.

The proposed plan focuses on a large grouping of industrial properties and adjacent areas within the Chancey Road corridor, near the Zephyrhills Municipal Airport, according to a news release from the city.

The preliminary plan includes an assessment of conditions and trends, including a high-level real estate assessment.

The city offered an opportunity for the public to weigh in at an open house-style meeting on June 4 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., at City Hall, 5335 Eighth St., in Zephyrhills, an event planned to occur after The Laker/Lutz News’ press deadline. City planning staff members were expected to be on hand to provide information and answer questions.

Later the same day, the Planning Commission also was scheduled to take up the issue at its meeting, also at City Hall, which begins at 6 p.m.

City staff also will present the preliminary plan at the Zephyrhills City Council meeting, also at City Hall, on June 10, beginning at 6 p.m.

The 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.

It encompasses approximately 9.76 square miles, including 33 percent within the City of Zephyrhills and the remainder in unincorporated Pasco County.

It is the largest aggregation of industrial lands in Pasco County, according to the release.

Two CSX mainline railroads traverse the area.

It is accessible to Port Tampa Bay, the CSX Central Florida Intermodal Logistics Center, rapidly expanding consumer markets and Central Florida, the release notes.

The Zephyrhills Municipal Airport, a general aviation airport, also is located in the heart of the plan area, which can accommodate needs of business travelers.

Published June 05, 2019

Dade City turns 130: It’s time to celebrate

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Dade City is celebrating its 130th birthday with a series of events this week that include everything from a walking tour, to enjoying a free cupcake, to a scavenger hunt — and more.

The week kicked off with events on Monday and Tuesday — which was after The Laker/Lutz News went to press.

But, there are other events set for the rest of the week, beginning with a Walking Wednesday tour, set for June 5 at 9 a.m.

This historic courthouse has a commanding presence in downtown Dade City. It also is where the Pasco County Commission has some of its meetings. (File)

The tour begins at Agnes Lamb Park, 14200 Ninth St., and goes through downtown Dade City, wrapping up at the Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce, 14112 Eighth St., where refreshments await.

Those taking the tour have a chance to see a city that prides itself on its charm, its history, shops and restaurants, and its picturesque courthouse.

The stop at the chamber of commerce gives tour-takers a chance to visit the place which rallies a couple of hundred volunteers annually to put on the city’s signature event: the Kumquat Festival.

The festival, which pays homage to a tiny fruit, attracts thousands of visitors to Dade City.

Last year, the festival feature more than 400 vendors and sponsors who sold their products and promoted their services. In addition to generous sponsors, more than 200 volunteers stepped up to make it happen.

The chamber also hosts popular monthly business breakfasts and promotes merchant events to encourage a lively downtown.

Another celebration set for this week is called Throwback Thursday, which pits downtown merchants in a competition to see whose storefront window best reflects a theme from the past.

Voters can choose their favorite on June 6 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The winning business will receive a prize.

On Friday, June 7 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., drop by the Dade City Heritage Museum, at 14206 U.S. 98 Bypass, to enjoy a free cupcake and learn about Dade City’s 130-year history.

The museum itself has an interesting past.

It is housed within the Dade City Atlantic Coast Line Depot, which was built in 1912 and was the first site to be placed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Originally, the depot accommodated freight and passenger traffic.

“Designed in a traditional style for southern railroad depots constructed in the late 19th and early 20th century, this building is utilitarian in layout, yet possesses finely crafted structural and ornamental Folk Victorian style details,” according to documents related to its historic designation. The building’s architectural elements include gable dormers, bay window, wraparound loading platform, and interior finishes, the document says.

Beyond being an architectural gem, the depot played an important role in Dade City’s history.

“Railroad stations served as major community commercial and social centers, linking each of the small towns with the rest of the world. At the turn of the century, therefore, railroads and associated depots play a significant role in the development of Central Florida communities, such as Dade City,” the historic document said.

The week of celebrations concludes with a Scavenger Hunt, set for Saturday, June 8 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The hunt will involve representatives from the City of Dade City, the city’s merchants, the Dade City Heritage Museum and others for a city-wide scavenger hunt. Take photos of the activities, people and places on the scavenger hunt list to earn points toward a grand prize.

Events set for earlier in the week — after The Laker/Lutz News went to press — included

Monarch Monday, which was a ceremony to officially dedicate Dade City as a Monarch Butterfly City USA.

The city has joined four other Florida municipalities to address the plight of the endangered insects.

Another event, called Touring Tuesday, was held on June 4. It featured a guided tour of City Hall, with a meet-and-greet with Mayor Camille Hernandez and members of the Dade City Commission.

Dade City celebrations
Walking Wednesday: June 5, 9 a.m.: Tour begins at Agnes Lamb Park, 14200 Ninth St., in Dade City. The walk travels through downtown Dade City, ending at the Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce, 14112 Eighth St., where refreshments will be available.

Throwback Thursday: June 6, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.: The Downtown Dade City merchants will be decorating their storefront windows to reflect the years past and you get to vote on which you like best. The winning business will receive a prize.

First Friday: June 7, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.: The Dade City Heritage Museum, 14206 U.S. 98 Bypass. Celebrate Dade City’s birthday with a free cupcake and learn about 130 years of Dade City history.

Scavenger Hunt Saturday, June 8, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.: Join the City of Dade City, the city’s merchants and the Dade City Heritage Museum for a city-wide scavenger hunt. Take photos of the activities, people and places on the scavenger hunt list to earn points toward a grand prize. Visit the Dade City Heritage Museum’s website or Facebook page for more details.

Published June 05, 2019

This place offers a whole lot more than bowling

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For those passing by, Pin Chasers in Zephyrhills may look like a typical bowling alley.

But, for those within the center, at  6816 Gall Blvd., it’s a social hotspot.

Dylan Teets, of Wesley Chapel, hurls a ball down the lane. He came to the alley with his dad, William. (Christine Holtzman)

Throughout its 60-year history, Pin Chasers — owned by the Perrone family — has been a gathering place for generations of people.

The 32-lane bowling center provides ample opportunities for bowlers to test their mettle and show off their skills.

But, it’s also a place where people meet to throw back a beer or two. Or, host birthday or holiday parties.

Some have even been married there.

Aubrey Ogilbee, Pin Chasers’ sales and marketing director, grew up in Zephyrhills and spent a lot of time hanging out at the alley.

Inside the bar, Ken Kenyon, of Dade City, left, strikes up a conversation with William Teets, of Wesley Chapel. General Manager Amy Higgins is behind the bar.

She went to see her grandmother, Fran Rebenski, who was the bowling league secretary for years.

By 2002, Ogilbee was competing on her grandmother’s team.

One thing led to another and she went to work for Pin Chasers, where she has remained for more than a decade.

And now, her 12-year-old son, Hayden Lopez, is continuing the family tradition. He’s been growing up inside the bowling center’s walls, just like his mom did.

Olivia Blackman, of Zephyrhills, left, and her older brother, Donell Blackman II, of Wesley Chapel, celebrate after Donell bowled a strike. The duo was at the alley to compete in a friendly match of sibling rivalry.

Longtime employee Amy Higgins, who is now the general manager, often brings her 4-year-old son, Orion, along to work.

He adapts well to the environment: Even the hustle and bustle of the busy alley can’t keep him from napping on the lobby couch.

Pin Chasers is one of those places where everyone seems to have a story to tell.

On a recent Friday afternoon, three women were finishing their lunch, getting ready to roll another game.

Martha Colon, of Tampa, was there with her sister Liz Douglas, of Wesley Chapel, and their friend, Regina Trader, also of Wesley Chapel.

Martha Colon, of Tampa, left; her sister Liz Douglas, of Wesley Chapel, center; and, their friend Regina Trader, also of Wesley Chapel, call themselves, ‘The Golden Girls.’ They were finishing lunch before setting out to play another game.

The ladies call themselves ‘The Golden Girls.’

They recount that their adult children say they don’t know how to have fun — but their laughter, teasing, hooting and hollering echo throughout the place, defying their children’s claims.

Meanwhile, at one of the pool tables near the lobby, Angie Blair, of Zephyrhills, and Carl, her husband of 35 years, are working on their game.

They’ve caught the fever again, after a 20-year hiatus.

Angie says she rusty, but claims that Carl “still has it.”

Over at the bar, a regular has dropped in.

Ken Kenyon, of Dade City, has been bowling at Pin Chasers since 1986.

Four-year-old Orion Higgins, of Zephyrhills, doesn’t let the noises around him keep him from napping on the lobby couch. His mom is the alley’s general manager.

As he sips a beer, he strikes up a conversation with William Teets, of Wesley Chapel, who was there drinking a Coca-Cola.

Kenyon has half of his beer left, as he begins to make his exit — running into Ogilbee on his way out.

The two give each other a hug.

Kenyon has known the sales and marketing director since she was just a year old.

He’s been close to her grandparents for decades.

They met when they were bowling on the same league.

That’s just one of the many lifelong friendship Kenyon says he’s formed because of Pin Chasers and bowling.

Published June 05, 2019

Twelve-year-old Hayden Lopez, of Zephyrhills, plays one of the newest arcade games at Pin Chasers. His mother is the sales and marketing director for the alley.

Broadening the battle against human trafficking

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Pasco County Public Transportation employees are learning how to identify human trafficking victims in an effort to expand the battle on human trafficking.

Pasco County Public Transportation is partnering with the Pasco County Commission on Human Trafficking and the U.S. Institute Against Human Trafficking to train all bus drivers on how to properly identify and report potential cases of human trafficking, which is essentially modern slavery, according to a Pasco County news release.

The PCPT bus drivers, like Stormy Byrd, will receive training on how to identify possible cases of human trafficking. (Courtesy of Pasco County)

“It’s important for all transit employees to be aware of their frontline support role in combating human trafficking,” PCPT Director Kurt Scheible said, in the release.  “Our partnership with the Pasco County Commission on Human Trafficking and USIAHT will provide PCPT employees with critical training to identify vulnerable victims and help prevent this in our community.”

Bus operators and customer service agents will be trained on how to identify and report suspicious behavior.

Pasco County bus drivers will receive cards outlining trafficking indicators, protocols to follow if they suspect human trafficking, and the National Human Trafficking Hotline number: (888) 373-7888.

Each bus will display an informational placard and have victim resource cards available for riders to take if they need help. This campaign is expected to reach over 60,000 people every month.

“Eradicating human trafficking is not something any one organization can do alone,” said Pasco County Commission on Human Trafficking Chair Liana Dean.  “This is a problem that’s going to take all of us to solve, which is why it’s so important that collaborations like this exist.”

Human trafficking is a growing problem worldwide, with an estimated 40 million men, women and children trapped in modern slavery, according to the International Labor Organization.  Florida consistently ranks third nationally in the number of calls to the National Human Trafficking Hotline.

To learn more about Pasco County Public Transportation, including bus routes, transportation news and schedules, visit the PCPT website at RidePCPT.com. To learn more about the Pasco County Commission on Human Trafficking, visit bit.ly/PascoHTCommission.

Published June 05, 2019