The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Local News

Commercial kitchen incubator to open in East Pasco

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An incubator commercial kitchen is expected to begin operating in September at 15029 14th St., in Dade City.

The initiative is the result of a partnership between the Pasco Extension Office, which is part of the University of Florida Institute for Food and Agricultural Sciences, Pasco County and the Pasco County Economic Development Council Inc., with assistance from Welbilt.

Welbilt, a global manufacturer of commercial restaurant equipment, has provided equipment for the kitchen. It contributed a six-burner range, a single-door refrigerator, a single-door freezer, an under-the-counter ice machine, shelving, and stainless steel work tables.

Welbilt Inc., has delivered the kitchen equipment for a commercial kitchen incubator at the One Stop Shop, in the UF/IFAS Cooperative Extension One Stop Shop Stallings Building at 15029 14th St., in Dade City. From left: Mick Hughes, Welbilt; Elizabeth Urquiola, UF/IFAS; Steve Flook, Welbilt; Dan Mitchell, Pasco EDC; and, Michael Anderson, Welbilt. (Courtesy of Pasco Economic Development Council Inc.)

“They have been working with us, very closely, as an excellent partner, and we do appreciate that donation of equipment from them,” Dr. Whitney C. Elmore, director of the Pasco County Extension Office, told members of the Pasco County Commission at a meeting last month.

“They’ve worked closely with us, with facilities from Pasco County, to retrofit an older commercial kitchen space in that building, which has been actually fantastic,” Elmore added.

The new kitchen “is going to open up a lot of opportunities for us and the community,” Elmore added. It will be operating out of the One Stop Shop, located within the Stallings Building in East Pasco.

Dan Mitchell, program manager for Pasco EDC’s SMARTstart Incubator Program, said the updated commercial kitchen will be used for community classes and by SMARTstart.

“It will be used for our members who might need to use it to launch their food businesses,” Mitchell said. “They’ll be able to do a little bit of production out of there, if they’re one of our incubator members, as well as collaborate with local growers, local chefs, other food entrepreneurs.

“So, it will really be a space that will hopefully foster some food innovation, some excitement around food business in Pasco County. There’s a lot of that bubbling under the surface,” he said.

For instance, the kitchen makes it possible for a family living in the area to lease a garden plot for free, grow some vegetables and make a product they could sell at a farmer’s market.

“Once a business needs to grow beyond a farmer’s market, we have all of our SMARTstart programs, like co-starters, our microloan program, and everything else to support entrepreneurs,” Mitchell said.

The Pasco EDC offers a host of programs aimed at helping businesses grow, at whatever stage they happen to be in, Mitchell noted. And, Pasco County has incentives aimed to attract high-wage jobs to the county.

The idea of creating the incubator kitchen resulted from talks involving a variety of stakeholders, including the Pasco EDC, the Extension Office and others, Mitchell said.

“What we noticed is there’s a lot interest in food businesses. There’s a lot of agriculture in Pasco County. There’s citrus, beef, kumquats, blueberries out East. Then out West we have some breweries and some seafood production. And, one of the things that we don’t have, however, is a good local distribution model, where food can get from these different producers to our local restaurants,” Mitchell said.

But, he added, “there’s not a good easy way for these people to connect.”

“It became apparent that it would be nice if we had some kind of food hub. So, the Pasco EDC decided to go ahead and host what’s called its Food Hub Task Force.”

The group meets monthly, with the aim of creating a model that will encourage food-related partnerships and generate jobs, he said.

The commercial kitchen opens the door to new possibilities, Mitchell said.

“If you produce the food in your own home, you’re not allowed to sell other than direct to consumer. If you produce in a commercial kitchen, you’re suddenly allowed to do a lot more,” he explained.

A ribbon cutting to celebrate the incubator kitchen is planned for Sept. 23 at 2:30 p.m.

Another event has been planned, as well, to help explore the possibilities the new kitchen is creating. That event is set for Nov. 20 and has been dubbed, “Food is the Biggest Business.”

“We’re going to have four or five food entrepreneurs that are already successful. Maybe a successful restaurateur, maybe a food truck guy, maybe a celebrity chef. Those types of people,” Mitchell said.

“It will be open to anyone interested in those types of businesses, from any direction,” he said, and, it will give people a chance to know others who share an interest in the food industry — from a variety of perspectives.

From there, who knows?

“It really comes down to each individual entrepreneur and what their dreams are,” Mitchell said.

But, whatever path they choose to pursue, chances are Pasco EDC will be able to help them along the way, Mitchell said.

Published July 10, 2019

Scout seeks to help others understand their tech tools

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Holly Roberts is one tech-savvy kid, and she wants to help others who may struggle in using their everyday devices.

In fact, the young woman is so adept at using technology, she has initiated an effort to earn her Girl Scout Silver Award by sharing her skills.

Her mother, Carrie, sparked the idea earlier this year, as she witnessed Holly’s expertise in using phones and computers.

Fourteen-year-old Holly Roberts is side by side with her Girl Scout troop leader Tammy Whitworth, left, and her mother, Carrie. As part of her scout task, Holly wants to help those in the community to better understand their smartphones and other devices. (Courtesy of Gina Granger)

“She knew that I was good with technology, so she recommended, ‘Hey, why don’t you do workshops?’” the 14-year-old said.

So, the member of Zephyrhills Troop 148 decided to do just that.

She and other members of her troop had to come up with their own ideas for pursuing the coveted Silver Award.

Holly had her first tech workshop on June 27 at the GFWC Zephyrhills Woman’s Club building.

She came prepared: She had surveys ready in order to get community feedback, and there were light refreshments available.

She was joined by several others, including her mother and Tammy Whitworth, her troop leader.

For additional support, she also recruited Desmond Gadson, the director of a network operation center.

Gadson has committed himself to Holly’s project, helping to assist in breaking down technical jargon and giving those attending, guidance on using their phones.

Holly said she wants to tailor her teaching skills to what people want to know, or have not yet discovered.

That can include everything from downloading apps, taking photos, texting, using emojis or understanding the meaning of technical terms.

She’s thinking about using feedback she gets on her surveys to help her create a presentation on struggles that people have with technology and how they can address them, said the young woman who will be entering high school this year.

Her mom said that Holly also is “looking at doing a Facebook page once it’s approved through our council, so people can use that as a reference.”

That council represents the Girl Scouts of West Central Florida (GSWCF), and requires that the surveys and project be completed by this October before having a social media presence.

The council also will analyze whether the project is “sustainable” in helping the community and can continue to be of service long after the project is completed, Whitworth noted.

Holly said she’s confident that her task will meet those requirements because people will always need help in better understanding technology.

Holly is open to assisting people of all ages.

She first received her Bronze Award working with her fellow scouts to build and paint a bench that was donated to the Humane Society in Brooksville.

While the Silver Award doesn’t require a team effort, Holly said she’s ready to become a teacher and exercise the patience that comes along with the job.

In fact, she’d already taken on that role before the project began.

The teen has been helping her grandmother discover new features on her smartphone.

For instance, she taught her how to enhance text messages through the use of emojis.

Carrie has learned a few lessons, too.

“I took a picture, and I put words on it,” Holly said. “She didn’t know how to do it.”

So, the teen gave her mother a step-by-step tutorial.

“I was blown away,” Carrie said, adding that Holly is still teaching her new things because technology is constantly evolving.

That’s the kind of feedback Holly is hoping to get with her project — that it’s helpful and it’s needed.

Holly also has her eyes set on achieving a Gold Award in the future, but for now her No. 1 priority is to help people use technology to make their lives easier.

She will have her next workshop on July 11 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. It will be at the GFWC Zephyrhills Woman’s Club building at 38535 Fifth Ave., in Zephyrhills.

For more information, call Holly at (813) 312-5345.

Tech workshop
Where: GFWC Zephyrhills Woman’s Club, 38535 Fifth Ave., in Zephyrhills
When: July 11 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Cost: Free
Details: Girl Scout Holly Roberts, will be handing out surveys to gauge what respondents would like to learn about their phones or other tech devices.
Info: Call Holly Roberts at (813) 312-5345.

Published July 10, 2019

Panel sheds light on youth drug use in Pasco

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Speaking before a roomful of adults, a panel of teens offered their insights and observations about drug use among youths in Pasco County.

Marijuana use appears to be the biggest drug-related issue among youth across Pasco County, said the panelists, who are members of Safe Teens Against Drugs (STAND).

They said kids are increasingly turning to marijuana as a way to escape their personal problems.

From left: Maddie Horn, 12; Destiny Winter, 17; Jocelyn Meriwether, 14; Christos Loupis, 17; Austin Vaughan, 13; Ashley Dew, 19; Jeromy Vaughan, 14; and, Yahkaira Barbosa, 14. (Kevin Weiss)

“They’re not happy, they feel depressed, they have anxiety, so they smoke,” said panelist Destiny Winter. “They’re constantly trying to solve these problems by self-medicating instead of seeking help,” said the 17-year-old Anclote High student.

The group of youth leaders who make up STAND are determined to end youth substance abuse in Pasco County by educating teachers, police, business owners and other community members about their observations, and offering suggestions for solutions. The youth group is organized by the Pasco County Alliance for Substance Abuse Prevention (ASAP).

This is the fourth year that members of STAND have addressed members of numerous community stakeholder groups — in a forum arranged by ASAP — to talk about various health and safety issues facing Pasco youths.

Marijuana has become prevalent among teens because of peer pressure and relatively easy access to the substance, panelists told the audience.

And, the way it’s sensationalized in pop culture and social media hasn’t helped, either.

”It’s being influenced as cool, so they’re trying it out,” 14-year-old Land O’ Lakes High student Jocelyn Meriwether said.

“I believe it’s happening because of its popularization online by many celebrities, many singers or rappers that kids listen to,” added 14-year-old Gulf High student Jeromy Vaughan.

Moreover, the teens said the legalization of medical marijuana in Florida and throughout the country has contributed to the impression that it’s is OK to use, and a quick fix to cope with anxiety, boredom, sadness, depression and so on.

Winter pointed out that her peers aren’t adequately warned about marijuana’s side effects, such as withdrawals that can result from abusing the substance.

“They’re misled about how good it is for you,” said Winter, an Anclote varsity basketball player. “They’re told constantly about all these benefits from their peers and from social media, but they’re not told enough about what might not be good,” she said. “It’s just misinformation.”

The panelists also told those gathered at the Land O’ Lakes session that e-cigarettes and vaping, as well as vaping marijuana, are growing issues among teens.

They said it’s perceived as both cool to do and safer than smoking because it’s electronic and so prevalent in public spaces, such as parks and beaches.

Vaughan called vaping “the norm among this generation.”

“It’s become a very big problem,” the teen said. “Everyone believes it’s OK. Everyone does it. Everyone knows someone that does it, and still no one says anything about it.”

Added Winter: “I feel like many kids don’t understand the effects, they don’t understand we’re not quite sure yet what vaping is doing to our bodies and that there’s still research being done.”

Aside from drug use, 12-year-old Maddie Horn said youth violence is another issue in her community.

“A lot of kids are generally angry,” said Horn, “and it could come from things that are happening at home, and they don’t know how to cope with that.”

Besides talking about issues, STAND members offered some possible solutions.

They advocated for more mentorship programs, such as Big Brothers Big Sisters, as well as more free afterschool programs, in general.

“I think partially just having safe spaces (would be good), places where kids can go after school that might not be home,” Winter said. “A lot of kids, especially in the area that we live in, don’t live in homes that are very supportive or leading them in the right direction.

“Where I live, the rec center is the only free place I can go to hang out and feel safe, really,” she said.

More robust education programs and awareness campaigns on the negative side effects of drug use might be another step in the right direction, panelists agreed.

“I remember last year we had three school assemblies and not a single one was about health or anything,” Vaughan said. “Just informing people about what happens when you do this kind of stuff and how your brain is affected, and how monumental it is compared to someone that doesn’t do it.”

Other STAND panelists present were: Ashley Dew, 19; Yahkaira Barbosa, 14; Christos Loupis, 17; Moriah Morales, 15; and, Austin Vaughan, 13.

STAND’s mission is to:

  • Change youth perspectives of drugs
  • Reduce accessibility of drugs
  • Reduce marketing of drugs to young people
  • Create an environment where young people in recovery can thrive

To learn more about STAND, contact .

Published July 10, 2019

Lutz shows off its Fourth of July spirit

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It may be three-quarters of a century old, but the Lutz Fourth of July Parade showed no signs of slowing down last week.

Scores of people came out to this community, north of Tampa, to celebrate the nation’s birthday.

Mohamed Said, of Wesley Chapel, left, and his wife, Shannon, dressed their children — 4-month-old Sophia and 2-year-old Mila — in red, white and blue, to celebrate the nation’s birthday at the Fourth of July festivities in Lutz. (Christine Holtzman)

Runners endured the morning’s humidity, as they completed the 5K and 1-mile races while being cheered by onlookers.

By 8 a.m., pop music blared from the speakers as patrons came out in hordes to visit local vendors, who had set up on the expanse of green across from the Lutz Branch Library.

Vendors were offering everything from homemade jams to burgers to antiques and other goods. There was a place where voters could register, too.

Bubba Lee was there promoting his organic drinks called Bubba’s Earth Juice.

Based in Wesley Chapel, the company promotes good health by offering various drinks made from such ingredients as kale, spinach, cinnamon, ginger and fruits.

Amy Lancaster proudly holds the key to Lutz, after winning the Guv’na title.

“I think it’s good for the body, and I want everybody to try it,” Lee said. “I want to make America healthy again,” he added.

It was his first time at the Lutz event and he was impressed by the atmosphere.

“I plan on coming back,” Lee said. “It seems to be pretty nice, and I like the fact that they’ve got runners here.”

A more familiar vendor, Kona Ice, was present with its truck parked at the corner of U.S. 41 and Lutz Lake Fern Road.

Matt Burnett stood in the truck ready to sell snow cones on this hot summer day.

Kona Ice has been at the parade four times, Burnett said. “Each year, we do better and better.”

The snow cones are a big hit with children and adults, he said. The kids tend to favor the blue-raspberry cones, while the adults like the mango-pina colada combo.

AJ’s Snow Balls, across the field, was popular, too. A long line formed, as patrons stood in sweltering heat awaiting their turn to get their hands on the frozen treats.

Runner Lauren Belbel took refuge in the shade, after finishing the 5K run with her sister.

Korean War Veteran Col. Lester O’ Steen, of Lutz, right, sings ‘God Bless America,’ while he walks with Commandant and Marine 4 Life Chairperson Shawn Piccolo. The Marine veteran was in the Korean War in from 1951-1954.

Belbel said she heard about the upcoming race, and was glad that she and her family — on vacation from Illinois — were able to be at the event.

“It was pretty fun, [a] really good atmosphere to run in,” Belbel said. “Everyone seems really friendly and welcoming.”

In fact, that Lutz welcome was so warm it was enough to make her consider coming back again next year, she said.

While some along the parade route were enjoying the festivities for the first time, there were regulars like David Bellingar, a Lutz resident for over 40 years.

He was happy to share this year’s event with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Over the years, he has watched the parade evolve and witnessed all kinds of parade entries — including belly dancers.

“Every year there’s something different,” Bellingar said, adding he enjoys the vendors.

“I like to see what people bring to sell,” he said, including the antiques.

In his very first official race, 8-year-old Nathaniel Acosta, of New Tampa, right, is seen crossing the finish line of the 1-mile run. His father, Nathan, uses his cellphone to film the moment.

And, he doesn’t mind the attention directed his way, either, as people comment on his signature hat.

It’s hard to miss his brim hat decorated with small toy tractors and animals, as well as dollar bills folded in unique shapes.

He won the hat at a fundraiser in a Lutz Guv’na campaign years ago, and he’s worn it to the parade every year since then.

While spectators took notice of the tiny tractors on Bellingar’s hat, both children and adults were attracted to the life-size antique tractors and automobiles lining the open field near the Lutz Train Depot.

Kids couldn’t wait to check out the tractors, which were brought to the event courtesy of Wayde Lovelace, of Just Tractors company.

The Lutz resident sat to the side watching happy children grab a tractor’s steering wheel — and said he comes to the event mainly for the kids.

Boy Scout Troop 12 once again was involved in the event — arriving early to set up tables and to pitch in, where needed.

“It’s a good feeling knowing that the whole troop can give back to the country, give back to the community,” said scout Sean Monahan. “I’ve been doing it as long as I’ve been in Boy Scouts itself, since I was 11. I even did it with the Cub Scouts, since I was in first grade.”

One of the beautifully decorated cakes featured in the cake contest and auction. This cake, which was titled ‘The Ultimate Lutz Candy Celebration Cake,’ was one of the entries for the Youth 11- to 18-year-old category.

Fellow scout Mason Ritchie added: “I have not missed a single parade. I always like to march in the front of the parade with the American flag.”

And, sure enough, Troop 12 led the parade as the procession made its way down Lutz Lake Fern Road.

There were other regulars in the parade, too, including the GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club, the Lutz Chiefs, The North Tampa Lutz Cadette Squadron, band players, an antique fire truck and children riding bikes.

Large crowds lined the parade route, chanting and cheering as the parade passed by.

Those passing by in fire engines, pirate ships, military vehicles, jeeps and other vehicles did more than just wave back — they also tossed out candy, beads and toys into the enthusiastic crowd.

While most of the festivities were outdoors, there was a cake contest and auction inside the Lutz Community Center.

Tables were laden with entries.

The winning youth entry was titled “The Ultimate Lutz Candy Celebration Cake” and described as “An explosion of assorted candy that will gush out when cut.”

Other entries were a red-white-and-blue cake shaped like the United States, an orange creamsicle cake, a fudge coconut cake, a vanilla confetti, and a sour cream cake.

Sharon Oliphant, president of the GFWC Florida Woman’s Club, was one of three judges. “You can tell they did a lot of thinking ahead of time before they started decorating,” she said.

Another highlight was the swearing-in ceremony of the new Lutz Guv’na.

The honorary title goes to the person who raises the most money, which goes to help a variety of community causes.

This year’s candidates, Amy Lancaster and Jane Mason, raised a total of $5,562, with Lancaster raising the most.

In true Lutz tradition, she took the oath of office on the Old Lutz Depot stage — donning a Dr. Seuss hat, and receiving a sash and key to the city of Lutz.

Her family joined her on stage.

Lancaster’s efforts to raise funds to help her community and her family joining her on stage were just a couple of signs that Lutz’s time-honored traditions of celebrating Independence Day are still going strong, after 75 years.

Published July 10, 2019

Enjoying summer food gatherings — safely

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Summer is a popular time for eating outdoors — whether it’s at the beach or a park, or in someone’s backyard for a pool party or barbecue.

A pasta salad with chickpeas makes a nice meatless side dish for barbecues, pool parties and other summer gatherings. (Courtesy of Shari Bresin)

Most of us are thinking more about having fun than thinking about food safety.

But, it’s a good idea to keep food safety in mind, as you prepare your summer get-togethers.

After all, foodborne illness rates typically increase during the summer months, and the Centers for Disease Control says that one in six Americans gets a foodborne illness each year. Some of those easily preventable illnesses can lead to a costly hospitalization.

Here are some basics to keep your food safe, whether you are packing up for a picnic, or having a party in your own backyard.

  • Wash your hands with hot soap and water. If you will be at an outdoor space without sinks, be sure to pack moist towelettes.
  • Use separate utensils. The spatula that you used to place the raw burger on the grill should not be used when serving the cooked burgers. If you are going to an outdoor public space, make sure you pack plenty of utensils, plates, cutting boards and so on.
  • Have a food thermometer, and use it. Color is not an indicator that food is done; be sure to check the temperature with a food thermometer.

As a reminder, the cooking temperature should read as follows:

  • Beef, pork, veal and lamb (roast, steaks, and chops): 145 degrees F
  • Ground meat (hamburger, fish patties): 160 degrees F
  • Poultry – whole, part, or ground (such as a turkey burger): 165 degrees F
  • Egg and egg dishes: 160 degrees F (Be sure the yolk and white are both firm)
  • When using an insulated cooler be sure to keep it in the shade and, if possible, avoid opening it repeatedly. The temperature of a full cooler stays lower than one that is half-full.
  • Perishable food should not sit out for more than 2 hours. (If it is sitting out in 90-degree heat or higher, the window of time is only 1 hour. Bacteria thrive off of this warm temperature and can replicate much faster).

Florida is known to get hot, so let’s not take any chances — when planning an outdoor gathering, be sure to keep food safety in mind.

It may not be the most exciting or enjoyable part of your day, but it will keep spoiled food from spoiling the experience.

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

Pasta Salad
Ingredients
1 1/2 cups tri-color rotini pasta (or any shape), cooked

2-3 medium heads of broccoli, chopped

1 head of cauliflower, chopped

1 cup sliced fresh mushrooms

1 6-ounce can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped

1 medium onion, sliced

3/4 cup sliced black olives

3 Roma tomatoes, chopped

1 avocado, chopped

1 can of beans (chickpea or kidney)

Directions:
Combine the cooked pasta with the broccoli, cauliflower, mushrooms, artichoke and onion.

Toss with the dressing (recipe below), then cover and chill for 4 hours.

Before serving, add the black olives, chopped tomato, avocado and beans.

Serves 8-10

Italian Dressing:
1 ½ cups olive oil

¾ cup red wine vinegar

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

1 teaspoon oregano

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

Salt and pepper to taste

Don’t forget: Transport this in a cooler, if you are serving it outdoors. Also, don’t let it sit out for more than 1 hour to 2 hours.

Published July 10, 2019

Easing the burden for students, families

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The 2019-2020 school year is fast approaching, and various organizations are hosting Back-to-School School Supply Drives to help those families that may not be able to afford the supplies that students need.

Pasco County Tax Collector Mike Fasano is involved in the effort — with all five offices tax collector offices accepting donations throughout the month of July.

(Christine Holtzman)

Soon after that, select schools in each community will receive backpacks filled with supplies.

And, cash donations will be made to the school’s ABC (Assist, Believe & Care) Program to help classroom teachers purchase the supplies necessary to meet the needs of their students.

Monetary donations also can be mailed to: Tax Collector Mike Fasano, P.O. Box 276, Dade City, FL 33526. Please note “Back-to-School Backpack Promotion” on the memo line of the check.

For additional information, call Assistant Tax Collector Greg Giordano at (727) 847-8179, or visit PascoTaxes.com.

Gulfside Hospice Thrift Shoppes and the Kiwanis Club of Greater West Pasco also are helping students get ready for school.

All five Gulfside thrift store locations will partner with the Kiwanis Club to collect items through July 27. The donations will be distributed to students in need at Pasco County elementary schools at the beginning of the school year.

Last year, shoppers and community members donated enough supplies to fill more than 300 backpacks, which were dispersed to 11 schools.

The donors will get something back, too: They will receive a coupon for the thrift shop.

To find out more, visit Gulfside.org.

School supplies aren’t the only things on disadvantaged students’ wish lists.

Pasco County’s government and constitutional offices staff again will compete to be the top collectors of new footwear for students during the “Two Good Soles” Shoe & Sock Drive, which kicks off on July 25.

Last year’s drive resulted in donations of more than 2,200 pairs of shoes and 6,600 pairs of socks.

The donated shoes and socks will be presented to Pasco County Schools at an official ceremony later this year. That drive runs through Oct. 25.

Collection boxes can be found at Pasco County’s government and constitutional offices countywide. Visit PascoCountyFl.net.

Published July 10, 2019

Funding moves Morningside extension forward

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A $5 million allocation from the state is bringing the extension of Morningside Drive — to connect U.S. 301 to Fort King Road in Dade City — a step closer to becoming reality.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’ approval of the allocation in this year’s budget came as reassuring news to Dade City and Pasco County.

Officials believe the extension will yield numerous benefits.

“We’re anticipating it will reduce traffic volume on the roadways that are parallel,” said Leslie Porter, city manager of Dade City. “We’re also anticipating that [it] will drive our economic development by providing that connector.”

The extension also provides direct access to AdventHealth Dade City, on Fort King Road, which was considered as a top priority for the road’s extension.

“In addition to the hospital serving the citizens, we’re seeing that it will greatly improve public safety access for our police and fire rescue services,” Porter said.

DeSantis’ approval also was seen as a victory for Dade City because former Gov. Rick Scott vetoed the proposed funding last year.

Dade City Mayor Camille Hernandez also advocated for the county’s Metropolitan Planning Organization to put the project on its funding list.

The county’s Long Range Transportation Plan has the road designed as two lanes, but it may be widened to four lanes by 2040, according to Porter.

An alignment study has been done, but additional studies to collect current data must be done before a construction time frame can be set.

Published July 10, 2019

Library system wins statewide honor

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The Florida Library Association, which represents academic, public and school libraries across the state, has named the Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Library system as its 2019 Library of the Year.

(Christine Holtzman)

The award recognizes creative and innovative programming, efforts made to expand and enhance services, and the implementation of  programs that can be mirrored by other libraries.

The library association gave a nod to these Tampa-Hillsborough library services:

  • Elimination of overdue fines, which welcomed back about 15,000 customers whose accounts were locked, and increased the use of materials and services
  • Internal improvements that saved money and made better use of staff time, allowing the addition of more classes
  • U.S. passport application acceptance, online high school completion scholarships, recording studios, and a Discovery Pass offering free admission to local attractions
  • A Hillsborough All Access Libraries Pass (HAAL), which allows public, charter, virtual and home-school students in the county to use their student ID number as a public library card
  • Free programming and events, including story times for autistic children; Spanish programs; LibCon and AfroCon; support for local authors and artists; business skill classes; technology workshops; crafting lessons; and more
  • The opening of the Arthenia L. Joyner University Area Community Library, which doubles as the Media Center for the adjacent Muller Elementary Magnet School

The library system’s website also received the Florida Library Association’s 2019 Library Web Presence award.

For more information, and to learn about free resources and programs, call (813) 273-3762, or visit HCPLC.org.

Published July 10, 2019

Increased Pasco property values trigger higher tax bills

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Pasco County property owners, on average, are expected to pay more in property taxes, but not because of a higher tax rate, Robert Goehig, the county’s budget director said last week.

Instead, it will be increasing property values that will create the higher tax bills, Goehig said, during a June 25 Pasco County Commission budget workshop.

Value increases for homesteaded properties will be capped at 2.7 percent because of Florida’s Save Our Homes, which limits the annual increase in value for any property owner’s principal residence to 3 percent or the consumer price index, whichever is less.

Pasco County’s taxable values are expected to increase by 9 percent based on base taxable value, new construction and reevaluations, according to Robert Goehig, the county’s budget director. (Christine Holtzman)

This year’s CPI is 2.7 percent, Goehig said.

Thus, the owner of a homesteaded $150,000 single-family home would see a $2,700 increase in value. ($150,000 minus the $50,000 standard exemption = $100,000. $100,000 x 2.7 = $2,700).

Based on that value increase, the tax bill would go up $20.54.

The taxable value of a non-homesteaded single-family home is expected to increase an average of $13,500, resulting in an additional $102.70 in property taxes — again, due to increased property values.

The proposed tax rate was just one of myriad topics that Goehig, County Administrator Dan Biles and commissioners discussed during the workshop.

Goehig told commissioners that the county is anticipating a 9 percent increase in assessed values, including the base taxable value, new construction and reevaluations.

The county is anticipating a total of  $29.43 billion in taxable values, up from $27.01 billion last year.

The expected 9 percent increase is lower than the county’s original projection of 9.5 percent. The final taxable value was not yet available when the workshop was held.

In putting together the proposed budget, County Administrator Biles has proposed increasing the county’s general fund reserves from 9.6 percent to a proposed 11.1 percent, which represents an additional $4.3 million held in reserve.

The Government Finance Officers Association recommends local governments have a minimum of two months of operating expenses (16.7 percent of budgeted expenditures) set aside in emergency reserve, according to the county’s budget presentation.

The increase in the general fund reserve is in response to direction by board members at a previous session, when commissioners told Biles they’d like to see the county to begin putting aside more money in the reserve fund, to avoid significant cuts in the future when the economy slows.

Goehig also went over the budget requests from the county’s constitutional officers:

  • Sheriff’s Office: Requested amount, $141.64 million; increase of $8.74 million, or 6.6 percent
  • Property Appraiser: Requested amount, $5.72 million; increase of $109,067, or 2 percent
  • Clerk & Comptroller: Requested amount, $4.29 million increase of $183,839, or 4 percent
  • Supervisor of Elections; $4.32 million; increase of $623,645, or 16.9 percent

The tax collector’s budget is not due until Aug. 1.

Goehig noted that the proposed increase in the Supervisor of Elections’ budget “at first blush is a shocking increase.” But, he added that elections are held on a cyclical basis, and the county’s population has increased substantially.

Pasco County’s growth has increased the county’s registered voters by more than 50,000 since the 2016 Presidential Election. The county also needs more precincts to service the additional voters.
Goehig also noted there will be more early voting sites and more early voting days for next year’s election.

Taking the changes into account, Goehig said, “we believe it’s a reasonable request.”

The budget director also noted that the county administration received 115 Business Plan Initiatives, representing a total of $14.5 million from the county’s various divisions.

At Precinct 70, a long line forms during the November 2016 Election. Pasco County Supervisor of Elections Brian Corley has requested a 16.9 percent budget increase to accommodate Pasco County’s increasing voting population, more precincts and more early voting days for the 2020 election. (File)

“We asked our departments to go out and tell us everything they believed that they needed. In the past, what we found is that our departments were kind of censoring themselves,” Goehig said.

“We’ve ranked about 50 of these projects that we believe are the priority proposals,” he said.

The county’s No. 1 priority is a wage increase for its employees, according to the list. The second-highest priority is the restoration of library hours that were cut after the Great Recession.

Rounding out the top five priorities are: Pasco Kids Medical Exams, Emergency Communications Supervisors and a Generator Replacement Plan.

Commissioner Kathryn Starkey said she thinks there’s something missing on the county’s list of priorities.

“There is something that is not in our budget that I would like to see back and that is our outside legislative person. I think we do better when we have some help. I’d like to bring that back,” Starkey said.

Commissioner Mike Moore told his colleagues that the county should say no to some of the requests from outside groups for county funding.

“It is time to start putting that money away. We do not know how long this great economy is going to last,” Moore said. “There is a point where we’re going to have to say ‘No’ to some folks. That’s just the way it is.”

The commissioner said he’s not trying to sound brash, but “when you decide to start a not-for-profit, you need to be ready to able raise the money, get the money and fund those services.”

Moore also said there is duplication of services among charitable groups.

“Some of those folks need to get together. Egos get in the way sometimes; it’s a fact,” he said.

He also thinks that the charitable groups that the county helps need to be able to say no to funding requests they receive.

“They’re asking for more money because they don’t want to say no to people,” Moore said.

Commissioners are expected to set their millage rate at their July 9 meeting.

After that, Truth in Millage statements will be sent out, informing property owners of the maximum tax rate that could be adopted in September.

The final rate adopted in September can be lower or equal to the TRIM rate, but cannot be higher.

Highlights of Pasco County’s proposed budget

  • Estimated taxable value: $29.43 billion, up $2.42 billion from last year
  • No change in operating millage rate of 7.6076 mills
  • No change in fire service millage: 1.8036 mills
  • No change in stormwater assessment: $95 per equivalent residential unit (ERU = single family home)
  • $7 increase in solid waste assessment
  • Utility rate increase: 1.5 percent water; 3.5 percent wastewater

Revised July 2, 2019
Published July 03, 2019

Pasco Sheriff launches unit to help mentally ill

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The Pasco County Sheriff’s Office is launching a new unit aimed to better serve the needs of people facing significant mental health issues.

The new unit — called the Mental Health and Threat Assessment Team (MHTAT) — will feature six deputies, two caseworkers, a clinical social worker, a sergeant and a lieutenant, who will collaborate with local behavioral health providers to provide tailored, long-term programs for citizens in need.

The Pasco Sheriff’s Office is launching a new unit to better serve the needs of local citizens facing significant mental health issues. The Mental Health and Threat Assessment Team (MHTAT) will collaborate with local behavioral health partners to provide long-term care and criminal diversion to the county’s Baker Act repeats. (File)

The team’s primary task is to keep tabs on the county’s Baker Act repeats — through a proactive approach that includes frequent visitations, welfare checks, expedited behavioral health resources and criminal justice diversion programs.

An individual struggling with addiction may be referred to outpatient substance abuse treatment, for instance. Or, someone undergoing financial struggles may be referred to Pasco County Human Services and the county’s homeless coalition.

The unit will have partnerships with BayCare Behavioral Health, Chrysalis Health, Novus Medical Detox Center, HCA Florida Hospitals, AdventHealth and others, “working towards a common goal in our community,” Pasco Sheriff Chris Nocco said.

The program ultimately will put the agency “ahead of the curve” in crime prevention, the sheriff said.

“We see mental health and substance abuse are the two drivers of criminal justice issues in our county. That’s why we’re creating this unit,” Nocco said.

It’s also about crisis mitigation, said Lt. Toni Roach, who will head up the MHTAT unit.

“Everybody has a baseline, and when they start to dip below that baseline we can provide some intervention strategies, connect them with a case manager or whatever other behavioral health resources are in the community that could help them stabilize,” Roach said.

The unit is expected to be up and running by October. It will cost roughly $1.5 million annually.

About 11 percent of the sheriff’s calls for service in 2018 were mental-health related.

That included roughly 3,400 Baker Act reports and more than 2,100 calls involving suicides or suicide attempts.

Of those reports, 503 individuals had multiple interactions with the agency, including some who’ve been Baker Acted as many as four or five times, Nocco said.

The MHTAT will be concentrating on the population who have had multiple interactions with the county, Nocco said. The unit will help divert those people from having to call 911 and thereby free patrol deputies to respond more quickly to urgent or violent calls.

As an example, the sheriff pointed out that, last year alone, one individual with a history of mental illness called county dispatch 124 times.

But, through a personal visit from the sheriff’s office back in May, those calls have stopped, the sheriff said.  “A lot of times they just need to talk to somebody. They just need somebody to help them out.”

“It’s all about connection,” added Roach. “Interacting with anybody is just that communication piece, being able to sit down with somebody and have a conversation with people, to listen to what’s going on, what are their concerns, what are their barriers.”

And, it’s those types of soft skills that will be required for those selected to the 11-person unit.

“It takes a special person to want to be in this unit,” Nocco said. “You want somebody that has that compassion and care. Somebody who says, ‘I’m not just going to be here for an hour, I might be here two to three hours working with somebody.’”

In recent years, the sheriff’s office has placed an emphasis on training law enforcement personnel to respond better to people who are mentally ill.

The office has an eight-hour foundational course in mental health first aid and a 40-hour Crisis Intervention Training (CIT) program held quarterly in Shady Hills. About 50 percent of the agency’s patrol deputies are CIT certified.

Published July 03, 2019