Local News

PASCO COUNTY – SMARTstart is hosting the GROW Pasco event to help educate business owners throughout Pasco County and provide an environment to network with like-minded entrepreneurs as we explore healthy mindsets to build and thrive. 

The event, sponsored by E-Assessment Inc., will take place March 20 at the Saint Leo University Wellness Center in San Antonio. 

Grow Pasco will feature 15 breakout sessions led by more than 30 business professionals. The speakers will cover a variety of topics, such as digital trends and artificial intelligence, marketing and social media, and local resources for businesses.

The Pasco EDC entrepreneurship program, SMARTstart, is Penny for Pasco-supported and provides the tools for growing businesses. SMARTstart has helped create over 525 jobs and currently has 43 incubator members.

Members’ businesses vary from food start-ups cooking in the East Pasco Incubator Kitchen in Dade City to high-technology companies with offices at SMARTstart at the Grove in Wesley Chapel. Members have access to the three Entrepreneur Centers across Pasco County.

GROW Pasco is supported by a resource partners involved in SMARTstart that provide valuable guidance to entrepreneurs as they navigate the business landscape. The event’s Community Resources for Small Business panel discussion will highlight these available resources.

“GROW Pasco provides engaging opportunities for entrepreneurs that are looking to start or grow a business in Pasco County,” said Bill Cronin, Pasco EDC President/CEO. “The session topics are hand-picked from input previous attendees have shared to cover the wants and needs of local businesses.”

The lunch session will feature keynote speaker Johnny Crowder, founder and CEO of Cope Notes, a text-based mental health platform that provides daily support to users in nearly 100 countries around the world. His presentation will highlight “Wellness and Community.”

Core Solutions Group LLC CEO Billie Welchman recommends attending GROW Pasco to entrepreneurs after attending last year’s event. 

“From practical startup advice to innovative growth strategies, the presentations offered a wealth of insights,” Welchman said. “The networking facilitated meaningful connections and collaborations. Overall, GROW Pasco’s event provided a perfect platform for personal and professional growth.”

Visit https://smartstartpasco.com/events/details/grow-pasco-2025 to learn more about the GROW Pasco sessions and to register.

Registration costs $45 and includes a continental breakfast and seated lunch. Sponsorship opportunities are also available.

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“Each year we hear great feedback from attendees who share how much new information they learned and how many connections they made to benefit their business throughout the event.” – Dan Mitchell, SMARTstart program director

DADE CITY – The Pasco County Planning Commission recently delayed a decision until March 6 on a rezoning request made by Evans Properties Inc., on 80 acres within the Northeast Pasco Rural Protection Area.

The planning commission held a lengthy public hearing Feb. 6 prior to voting in favor of the continuance.

The Pasco County Board of County Commissioners, which has the final authority on rezoning requests, has scheduled a public hearing regarding Evans’ rezoning request on March 11 in Dade City.

The Evans family’s property, located south of County Line Road North and east of Lake Iola Road,  is currently zoned as an agricultural district. 

They want to change the zoning to a master planned unit development to build 300 multi-family units (platted townhomes and condominiums), 100,000 square feet of commercial space and 1.5 million square feet of light industrial uses on the site.

Future land-use plans have designated the Evans’ property as employment center for the past 20 years. 

The Pasco County Department of Planning, Development and Economic Growth had recommended the planning commission to do one of three things regarding the Evans property.

Planning staff’s initial recommendation was to continue the request to the planning commission’s March 6 meeting in Dade City. This was because they had received a lot of new information from the applicant a short time before the Feb. 6 meeting.

Staff’s alternative motion 1 was that the planning commission recommend county commissioners deny the rezoning request. Alternative 2 was to have the applicant’s conditions of approval, which were included in its application, to be attached if the planning commission recommended approval of the rezoning request.

Staff’s desire to have the planning commission recommend denial was based on its opinion that Evans’ request was inconsistent with several parts of Pasco County’s Comprehensive Plan Objectives and Policies regarding the existence of an employment center within the Northeast Pasco Rural Protection Area, which is designed to preserve its agricultural and rural characteristics. 

They included but weren’t limited to provision of potable water services for industrial and employment center land uses; central water in employment center areas; provision of potable water and sanitary sewer; provision of potable water – rural area; and rural residential roads.

It was also staff’s opinion that Evans’ request was inconsistent with four parts of the Land Development Code:

• LDC Section 402.2.F- Master Planned United Development Standards of Review; 
• LDC Section 402.2.G.2- Master Planned Unit Development Staff Review; 
• LDC Section 604-Northeast Pasco Rural Protection Overlay District; and 
• LDC Section 901.6.D.11- Street Design and Dedication Requirements.

Six planning commission members expressed concerns about Evans’ request.

Jon Moody told staff that he thought some of their reasons cited for denial were “an absolute grasping at straws that you’re not going to get anywhere with.” He recommended staff “do its homework” and come up with some conditions for approval for the rezoning request.

Moody added there appeared to be unanswered questions regarding Evans’ rezoning requests on the sides of both staff and the applicant and some resolutions need to be made.

Derek Pontiltz said he had some concerns whether the level of zoning Evans is requesting, “is premature for the area.”

Chris Poole said he thought this was the most difficult case that’s come before the planning commission in the time that he’s been a member. 

Chris Williams, who is the representative for Pasco County Schools, said the planning staff couldn’t tell him what needed to be done to the developer’s plan to make it compatible with the comprehensive plan.

“Since we just got it last night, I don’t think anybody’s had a chance to come up with a solution,” Chairman Charles Grey said. 

Vice Chairman Jamie Girardi said this was “probably one of the most contentious things we’ve had here in probably eight or 10 years.” 

Joel Tew, who is a land-use consultant for the applicant, said his client would be willing to make whatever changes were necessary to its conditions.

David Engle, director of the planning department, said he was willing “to do my best to work with the Evans folks … to see if we can find a collaborative consensus but I can’t guarantee it but we will give it an effort.” 

Engle added he didn’t have any axe to grind with Mr. Tew or the Evans family and that he would treat them with respect like he does with other property owners.

DADE CITY – Pasco High School is celebrating a milestone as its newly established Speech and Debate Team secured victories in regional tournaments and earned national recognition.

Founded in September 2024 under the leadership of head coach Mark Joseph Valdez and Assistant Coach Diana Bacheller, the team has quickly risen to prominence in just a few months. 

The team, affiliated with the Florida Civics and Debate Initiative, has already made a significant impact at regional and national competitions. Results from those competitions are as follows: 

FCDI Gulf Coast Regional Tournament #2 

(Nov. 16 in Sarasota)

• Fatima Abu Khaled – first place, Lincoln-Douglas Debate.
• Paula-Ann Williams – first place, Declamation.
• Aster Ayala Perez – first place, Impromptu Speaking.
• Rachel Marie Williams – first place, Informative Speaking.
• Madison LoBianco – second place, Legislative Debate.
• Hailey Graepel – third place, Legislative Debate.

FCDI Gulf Coast Regional Tournament #3 

(Dec. 14 in Apollo Beach)

• Abby Bromley – first place, Original Oratory.
• Rachel Marie Williams – first place, Informative Speaking.
• Kyndel Edge & Katie Ananko – first place, Public Forum Debate.
• David Le – second place, Lincoln-Douglas Debate.
• Aster Ayala Perez – second place, Extemporaneous Debate.
• Paula-Ann Williams – second place, Impromptu Speaking.
• Hailey Graepel – first place, Legislative Debate.
• Madison LoBianco – second place, Legislative Debate.
• Quinten Colbert – third place, Legislative Debate.

National Speech and Debate Championship 

(Jan. 17 to 20 in Orlando)

Hailey Graepel achieved 12th place in Extemporaneous Debate and was recognized as one of the “undefeated” debaters with a 3-0 record in preliminary rounds.

Women’s club pitches in at charity

LAND O’ LAKES – GFWC  Lutz-Land O’Lakes members enjoyed a “Day of Service” Jan. 29 at Metropolitan Ministries in Tampa.  

Club members gave back by either working in the kitchen, thrift store or intake area handing out food to clients.  

Visit lutzlandolakeswomansclub.org for details about the service organization or membership opportunities.

Zephyrhills ready to open park

ZEPHYRHILLS, FL – The City of Zephyrhills will celebrate the grand opening of Hercules Park, the first new community park built in the city in four decades.

The town invites the public to the grand opening ceremony from noon to 2 p.m. Feb. 13 at 38100 County Road 54.

The 12-acre park is designed to meet the recreational needs of Zephyrhills’ over 22,000 residents, featuring a nature-based playground, splash pad, scenic trails, open pavilions and restrooms.

Designed by Kimley-Horn and built by Wharton-Smith, Hercules Park honors Zephyrhills’ history by incorporating elements inspired by the Hercules Powder Company, which once operated Camp No. 39 on the site more than 70 years ago. 

“This park is a testament to our city’s growth and commitment to providing quality recreational opportunities for all of our residents,” City Manager Billy Poe said. “Hercules Park will be a place where families can

create lasting memories while honoring our community’s rich history.”

Hillsborough reopens Lake Park

LUTZ – Hillsborough County has reopened Lake Park.

The park, located at 17302 N. Dale Mabry Hwy. in Lutz, was temporarily closed in October and later used as a countywide vegetative debris collection site to accommodate an unprecedented number of downed trees and other vegetation resulting from Hurricanes Helene and Milton.  

Lake Park features five lakes, cypress swamps, pine flatwoods, hardwood hammocks and abundant wildlife. 

The marked pathways are popular with hikers, runners, mountain bicyclists and equestrians. 

Lake Park includes a fitness trail with workout stations, an archery range, two horse arenas and a track for Tampa BMX and radio-controlled car racing.

Sterling Senior Strategies to host mobile device workshop

LAND O’ LAKES – Sterling Senior Strategies will offer a free workshop designed to help seniors navigate the world of mobile devices and stay connected with loved ones. 

The event will be held from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Feb. 22 at 2818 Collier Pkwy. Seniors are encouraged to RSVP by emailing or call 813-523-0545. 

Participants will learn functions such as texting, attaching photos to messages, and understanding the basics of popular social media apps used to connect with family and friends. 

“We understand that technology can be daunting for some seniors,” CEO Nikki Walsh said. “This workshop is designed to break down those barriers and provide hands-on guidance in a friendly and supportive environment. We want to empower seniors to use their devices to stay in touch with family and friends, access important information, and enjoy all the benefits that technology has to offer.”

Bilirakis appointed to House Select Committee on China

WASHINGTON – U.S. Congressman Gus Bilirakis (FL-12) has been appointed to the House Select Committee of Strategic Competition Between the United States and Chinese Communist Party.

The committee is responsible for assessing the threats to the economy and national security posed by the government of China and proposing plans to ensure a strong American future.

“The Chinese Communist Party represents the single most significant national and economic security threat of our generation,” Bilirakis said. “I look forward to working alongside Chairman (John) Moolenaar and my colleagues on the Select Committee to build upon efforts to protect American interests, strengthen our national security and combat the CCP’s growing influence around the world.

Bilirakis also chairs the Commerce Manufacturing and Trade Subcommittee.

Lee supports bipartisan legislation to help citrus industry 391

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Laurel Lee (FL-15) supports the bipartisan Defending Domestic Orange Juice Production Act, which aims to update regulations and support Florida citrus growers. 

The measure is cosponsored by the entire Florida Delegation.

“In recent years, Florida citrus growers have faced a multitude of challenges that threaten the sustainability and profitability of the industry, including the relentless scourge of the citrus greening disease and extreme weather events, such as hurricanes and droughts. With the increasing importation of foreign orange juice, which often undercuts our domestic producers, we must take decisive action to uphold the integrity and quality of American-made orange juice,” Lee said. “The Defending Domestic Orange Juice Production Act will change the Brix standard set by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to allow orange growers to continue to produce the loved Florida orange juice without making sacrifices that will affect the quality and taste.”

PASCO COUNTY – Pasco County Government completed debris removal efforts following Hurricanes Helene and Milton, collecting about 1.3 million cubic yards of storm debris across the county.  

That’s enough debris to cover the county’s 20-mile stretch of U.S. 19 with a three-foot-thick layer of debris, extending across the median and turn lanes.

“We’re immensely proud of the work our dedicated teams and partners have accomplished during this unprecedented cleanup effort,” County Administrator Mike Carballa said.  “This was the most storm debris we’ve ever seen in Pasco County, and we thank our residents for their patience and cooperation as we worked to ensure Pasco County is safe and clean once again.”

Key highlights of the debris collection process:

• 115 trucks operated simultaneously during peak cleanup.
• 75,000 individual visits to impacted addresses.
• 9,000-plus hazardous trees and branches have been removed.
• 6 debris management sites have been transitioning back to their original condition

Residents who still have storm debris can bundle yard waste into four-foot long sections and put them in their trash cans or place them at the curb for regular trash pickup.  

For large or bulky items, like furniture or mattresses, residents can contact their trash haulers to schedule pickup.

Residents can also bring any outstanding debris to one of the following locations (see drop-off fees here: mypas.co/TrashFees):

• East Pasco Transfer Station, 9626 Handcart Road, Dade City: Monday to Saturday | 7 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. for Pasco County residents
• West Pasco Resource Recovery, 14606 Hays Road, Spring Hill: Monday to Saturday | 7 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. for Pasco County residents.

Call customer service at 727.847.2411 / MyPasco.net for details.