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Iconic Zephyrhills business lost to fire

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A sadness looms over 5707 Gall Blvd., in Zephyrhills.

Caution tape, and charred debris litter the empty, dirt parking lot.

A pungent smell of burnt wood lingers in the air.

The burned-out shell of the Crystal Bar and Package Store, as seen two days after a fire destroyed the popular Zephyrhills bar. (Christine Holtzman)

Such is the aftermath of a May 2 two-alarm fire that destroyed the Crystal Bar and Package store, a Zephyrhills landmark, which has operated at the location since 1954.

Zephyrhills Fire Rescue received a call about a commercial building on fire at the Crystal Bar and Package store on Gall Boulevard at 11:30 a.m., on May 2, according to a report from Pasco County Fire Rescue.

Upon arrival, Zephyrhills fire reported heavy fire through the roof, according to Pasco Fire Rescue’s report.

Pasco County Fire Rescue assisted Zephyrhills Fire Rescue in battling the fire, which was upgraded to a two-alarm fire, and caused the closure of Gall Boulevard at 12th Street, requiring local detours. No injuries were reported. The State Fire Marshal’s Office was requested to respond to the scene.

Two days after the fire, Bob Geddes, one of the establishment’s owners, was in disbelief, as he, family and friends, returned to the site to search for items that may have survived the enormous blaze that raged through the wood-frame building.

Geddes said the fire was electrical in nature. He said it started in the attic and moved swiftly, fueled by old, dry wood. The roof collapsed. He said the building is considered a total loss.

Armed with a cordless drill, bar manager/owner Bob Geddes Jr., walks toward the entrance, to enter the fire-ravaged building.

The establishment, known to be the longest-operating bar in the city, has a rich history within the community.

Geddes’ father, Bob, and his mother, Geraldine — who went by Jerry — bought the bar in 1954. The younger Bob was just 18 months old at the time.

In the early years, the owners, originally from Chicago operated the bar from an old wood structure that sat behind the current building.

The couple went on to have six kids, some of whom worked in the business in some capacity, over the years.

Around 27 years ago, the Geddes siblings formed a corporation and became the current owners. Their mom passed away in 2000, and their dad passed on in 2004.

The loss of the bar has touched a chord with people who have patronized it through the years. Its Facebook page is filled with comments, offering condolences, sharing memories and expressing a sense of loss.

It was a place where lifelong friendships began. Relationships that formed within its walls sometimes led to marriage. Going to the bar for a drink became a rite of passage for generations of families.

Although people have been asking whether the Crystal Bar will be rebuilt, two days after the blaze — as Geddes and loved ones searched through the rubble — the answer remained unclear.

“Who knows what the future holds,” Geddes said.

B.C. Manion contributed to this story.

Published May 08, 2019

Pasco Sheriff’s Office hone crisis intervention skills

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Pasco County Sheriff’s Office deputies recently spent a week learning how to use the power of words to de-escalate situations that have the potential to turn dangerous.

In one role-play scenario, Pasco Sheriff’s Office deputies Breanna Chandler and Lindsay Steward intermediated between a mother and her teenage daughter with oppositional defiant disorder.

In another scene, deputies Ricardo Ortiz and Jose Vazquez-Trujillo sought to calm a schizophrenic man who had paranoia and homicidal ideations about a next-door neighbor.

In one mock scenario, Pasco Sheriff’s Office deputies Ricardo Ortiz, left, and Jose Vazquez-Trujillo are tasked with calming a schizophrenic man who had paranoia and homicidal ideations about a next-door neighbor. The practice exercise was part of the agency’s crisis intervention training to better equip law enforcement officers with verbal de-escalation techniques in dealing with citizens in various mental states. Crisis intervention instructor Tom Kelley plays the role of the man with schizophrenia disorder. (Kevin Weiss)

Other mock scenarios had deputies and corrections officers encounter inmates or juveniles with suicidal thoughts, or, deal with someone with severe substance abuse. There was even a situation that exposed deputies to someone with low-functioning autism.

There weren’t any takedowns, hands-on combat nor use of nonlethal force.

Rather, this type of police training simply required conversations to resolve problems.

For each participating law enforcement officer, the objective was to have a better understanding of mental health in crisis and to learn how to better respond to de-escalate a situation during a call for service.

It was all part of the agency’s recent Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) training program at Pasco Safety Town in Shady Hills.

The weeklong, 40-hour CIT program is a collaborative effort between the sheriff’s office and many local behavioral and mental health community partners. It is held four times per year within the agency.

Throughout the week, deputies received instruction on various subjects, such as signs and symptoms of mental illness, co-occurring disorders, addiction, dementia, trauma informed care, and juvenile and veteran response.

De-escalation techniques centered on maintaining positive body language and tone of voice, along with active listening skills to appropriately reflect upon a subject’s feelings.

Deputies then put those techniques to the test with role-play scenes, which were written out by a licensed mental health counselor in collaboration with a law enforcement officer. Volunteer actors played the various roles of persons in crisis.

The mock exercises required deputies to determine whether or not to detain a subject for an involuntary mental health evaluation, otherwise known as the Baker Act; provide a referral to various behavioral health services and resources; or, simply offer someone a shoulder to lean on and to listen to a subject’s personal problems.

One of the instructors and role play actors was Tom Kelley, a former law enforcement and military officer, who operates a consulting firm specializing in crisis intervention and crime prevention.

In traditional law enforcement academies, trainees are taught to enter situations with authority in voice and action.

In the crisis intervention program, however, Kelley instructed deputies to find a softer, more inviting tone when dealing with people undergoing a mental crisis.

Kelley put it this way to a classroom full of deputies: “Let them know that you’re there and you care. At that moment, they need to feel like you’re the most caring person in the world, because they are at their worst.”

In this role-play exercise, Pasco Sheriff’s Office deputies Breanna Chandler, left, and Lindsay Steward try to calm a with teenage daughter with oppositional defiant disorder. It was part of the law enforcement agency’s recent weeklong Crisis Intervention Team training program. Volunteer Brittany Graniero, a licensed mental health counselor, plays the role of the defiant teen.

Pasco Sheriff’s Lt. Toni Roach has been the agency’s CIT coordinator since 2016.

She said the objective of crisis intervention is twofold.

First, it’s to reduce potential injury to citizens and responding deputies.

Second, it’s utilized to help divert people with “potentially criminal behavior or disruptive behavior” away from the jail system and into a mental health system where they can get proper diagnosis and treatment.

Roach explained: “The idea is to use your words and de-escalate rather than quickly resorting to force when the people you’re interacting with become nervous or scared, and are apprehensive to do what the deputy asks them to do.”

The training is vital for law enforcement personnel, the lieutenant said.

Roach put it this way: “We want to make sure that we can serve our public and provide them with good resources, and then hopefully we interact with them in a positive manner, so that, especially people with mental illness who have a fear of law enforcement, we can reduce that level of fear and have a good relationship with our community.”

Twenty-nine sheriff’s office personnel graduated from the recent spring class.

Upon graduation, each deputy received a pin for their uniform indicating they’ve had advanced training in crisis intervention.

Roach said about 50 percent of patrol deputies are CIT certified, also noting the public is able to request a CIT trained officer in a call for service. The agency is striving to have all of its deputies CIT certified in the future, she said.

In addition to the sheriff’s office, organizations that assisted in facilitating the CIT program were the National Alliance on Mental Illness, HCA Florida Hospitals, Rogers Behavioral Health, North Tampa Behavioral Health, BayCare Health System, Gulf Coast Jewish Family and Community Services, and Veteran’s Affairs clinics.

Published May 08, 2019

Wesley Chapel library to be remodeled this fall

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Community locals gathered at the New River Branch Library to learn of Pasco County’s plans to renovate the building’s interior and exterior.

The April 25 meeting was also an opportunity for the public to voice any questions, concerns or ideas regarding the project.

The library is one of seven branches that will undergo makeovers with funding provided by a general obligation bond overwhelmingly supported by Pasco County voters in November 2018.

Angelo Liranzo explained to a crowd on April 25 the future plans to remodel the New River Branch Library. The library, located near the border of Wesley Chapel and Zephyrhills, is one of seven branches in Pasco County that will undergo renovations. (Brian Fernandes)

The New River library is situated at 34043 State Road 54, which is near the border of Wesley Chapel and Zephyrhills.

Much of the planning for the improvements was based on feedback received from library patrons, said Angelo Liranzo, regional branch manager for New River and the Hugh Embry Library in Dade City.

Those attending the community meeting saw aerial-view drawings of the library — which will be reconfigured but not expanded.

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) is working along with the county to fulfill the project.

A second entry will be added with a right-turn lane for motorists who are heading west on Old State Road 54.

The entrance will lead to the existing parking lot and will have signage to direct drivers.

Guests inquired about a possible way to turn left onto Old State Road 54 when exiting the library. At present, only right turns can be made when leaving the premises.

“We were hoping for a left-hand turn median, [but] we don’t see that in FDOT’s plans right now,” the branch manager responded.

However, he encouraged the group to take the issue up with county officials.

Linda Harris was relieved when plans were mentioned to incorporate more seating between the parking lot and the entrance.

“My friend is physically challenged and she has a hard time getting from her car all the way into the building,” the Zephyrhills resident said.

She explained that with additional seating, her friend can stop to rest, if needed.

There also are plans to add a book drop-off site in the parking lot, making it more convenient to return books.

A sidewalk also will be added, leading from the parking lot to the library’s community garden on the building’s east side.

This will provide easy access to the garden for those with limited mobility, Liranzo said.

Within the garden, an outdoor classroom will be built and shaded by an aluminum roof.

Alexandra Kotzeva is receptive to the plan. The Wesley Chapel resident volunteers at the library after school hours.

“I’m really glad to hear that the outdoor class(room) is going to be a thing now,” the 17-year-old said.

Attendees also expressed interest when they learned that the outdoor classroom would also serve as a stage for live performances and seminars, and also be equipped with proper lighting.

When a question was raised about security, Liranzo noted that lighting and surveillance cameras around the library’s outer perimeter is a possibility.

Cameras may be placed inside as well, especially at the entrance, he added.

Plans also call for seating in the front lobby, to encourage a social atmosphere, and there will be an art gallery.

The existing meeting room, to the immediate left, also will be enlarged by moving the rear wall back several feet. That room will also have new lighting, that can be dimmed or brightened, depending on the nature of the activity.

In response to a question about the children’s room, Liranzo said that the area will be larger and will be designed as an activities area.

It will feature a variety of amenities for the children, and will be walled off by a glass window so kids can still be supervised from the adult room.

As the largest area in the library, the adult room will be open to all, with computer stations, as well as a reading and seating area.

There will be three new study rooms by patron request and a room for young adults.

Also, there will be new restrooms.

“There will be self-checkout,” Liranzo added. “We’re trying to create more self-service opportunities for people who just want to do something quick, and go.”

These book stations will be located at the front desk and in various areas of the library.

However, he noted, library staff will still be available to help patrons requiring assistance.

New River will be closed during construction, which is set to begin in October, and is expected to take six months to complete.

Staff will be working with community partners to provide library services at other locations.

Published May 08, 2019

MOSI offers a hands-on approach to science

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The Museum of Science and Industry — known as MOSI, for short — has been a staple within the Tampa Bay Area for 30 years.

And, the tourist attraction is showing no signs of slowing down.

Last month, it unveiled its Dinovations Lab exhibit.

This large reptilian is a landmark to help tourists spot where to have a day of fun. (Brian Fernandes)

“The star of our Dinovations Lab is our full-sized Diplodocus dinosaur,” said  Anthony Pelaez, senior director of exhibits and innovation at MOSI.

The exhibit is a new addition, but Diplodocus — the centerpiece of the exhibit — is no stranger to frequent MOSI guests.

In 1998, a replica of the dinosaur’s skeletal frame was built and housed in the museum’s original building. Earlier this year, it was moved to the adjacent building to take its place among other exhibits.

But, the museum also has built an environment with a theme related to Diplodocus.

“The dinosaurs were always something that people kept asking for,” the exhibits director said. “When we made the transition, we decided to use this as an opportunity to create a dinosaur exhibition.”

The 90-foot-long Diplodocus clearly makes a statement — as it towers over everything.

And, inside the Dinovations Lab, fun awaits.

At the Cargo Loader station, guests can sit outside of a large rectangular dome with clear windows.

Ever wonder what it would be like to operate a driverless automobile? MOSI has an instructional video on how this one works.

Using a console, guests guide a hook to lift up the top of crates, which contain roaring dinosaurs.

There’s also a Paleo Lab, where visitors can analyze fossils using a microscope that zooms in and displays its findings on TV monitors.

The same concept is found at the Geo Lab station, where the focus of exploration is prehistoric rocks.

Dinosaur toys are set up for kids who want a little playtime and, behind a clear case, there’s a replica of the size and shape of a Diplodocus egg.

As guests roam from station to station, they can learn from facts that are posted regarding the gigantic reptile.

On any given day, for instance, Diplodocus ate 80 pounds of leaves and plants.

That may help to explain the reptile’s staggering weight of 29,000 pounds.

Pelaez said that the new exhibit has been well-received by the public.

He describes it this way: “It’s a fantastic way for them to get excited about the sciences.”

While an added amenity can be exciting, other existing exhibits continue to offer intrigue and instill awe among spectators.

The Bionic Man, on display at MOSI, shows how modern day technology helps to aid and advance the human body with artificial hearts, prosthetics and silicone.

Beside the Dinovations Labs is the Art Factory.

That’s where paintings galore can be found.

One might spot artist Michael Knapp at his usual spot painting the wonders of astronomy or technological innovations.

When kids feel like being proactive, they can sit at the Idea Zone exhibit.

Here, the youth can work on their own projects, whether they choose arts, crafts or building a customized robot.

The Connectus room gives visitors an opportunity to learn about technology, and provides a chance to imagine what the future may offer.

With touchscreen panels, guests can learn about the history of aviation and new developments that are expected in coming years.

Other touchscreen panels allow people to build their own ‘smart city,’ factoring in environmental needs, education, transportation and recreation.

State-of-the-art drones are on display, as is MOSI’s own driverless automobile — where guests can walk inside and tour.

Mission: Moonbase appeals to those who are fascinated by what lies beyond the Earth.

As one steps into this dim-lit space, a narrator explains the wonders of flying through the galaxy.

Various consoles offer a chance for guests to put their video game skills to work, maneuvering on the moon or other various planets.

With sound effects, the exhibit creates a sense of what it feels like at a launch pad and taking off into space.

As the newest addition to MOSI, the Dinovations Lab gives insight into dinosaurs, especially its comeback attraction – the 90-foot-long Diplodocus.

Slippery Science provides insight regarding how hockey arenas are set up, while the Saunders Planetarium gives guests a simulated tour though the solar system.

While roaming from one exhibit to the next, there are displays and activities that may stir one’s curiosity. Tug-O-War is one example of this.

By using a mechanical device, participants can tug a rope from both ends, trying to draw wooden objects in their direction.

Displayed in a clear, cylinder case, the Bionic Man stands tall showing spectators how modern science has advanced the human body.

His body is made of silicone, an artificial heart, dentures, prosthetics limbs and replaced joints.

The Hurricane Tube incapsulates guests in a chamber, where cranking up a speed dial allows them to experience the intense force of hurricane winds.

The Tesla Coil may seem intimidating at first as it requires the tips of a gloved hand to come in contact with an electrical discharge.

However, once a hand is placed inside, the metal-meshed glove and the start button is pushed, the only shock felt is the awe in what is being witnessed.

And, for those who want to venture outdoors, there is a playground, as well as an obstacle course made of ropes.

MOSI’s location across from the University of South Florida and along a busy main road, make it an easy attraction to spot.

While there have been past discussions about relocating MOSI to downtown Tampa that idea has been dropped, Pelaez said.

And, the museum is busy gearing up for new activities.

This month, it kicks off the ‘One Small Step’ summer exhibit, with a celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 launch into space. The exhibit will offer an extensive history on the mission.

With new amenities on the rise, the museum takes pride in using fun and creativity to educate tomorrow’s leaders, Pelaez said.

“There’s a lot to be said for the power of imagination in science,” he said.

Museum of Science and Industry
Where: 4801 E. Fowler Ave., Tampa
When: Open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Cost: $12.95 for ages 13 to 59; $10.95 for age 60 and up; $7.95 for ages 3 to 12; free admission for age 2 and under
Details: This historic landmark in the Tampa Bay Area merges science and technology with hands-on fun, whether for a class field trip or an entire family.
Info: Call the museum at (813) 987-6000, or visit MOSI.org.

Published May 08, 2019

Florida aims to stop motorists from texting while driving

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Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis is expected to sign into law a measure that would allow tickets to be issued to motorists for texting while driving — as a primary offense.

The current law considers texting while driving a secondary offense — meaning motorists can only be cited for the offense, if they are initially pulled over for another violation.

A new Florida statute would constitute texting while driving as a primary offense. Gov. Ron DeSantis is expected to sign the measure into law, and if he does, it will take effect on July 1. (Christine Holtzman)

The Florida House passed a bill on April 29 to limit distracted drivers, several days after the Senate version of the bill was passed.

“We’ve been very happy with the Legislature passing the bill,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman for the American Automobile Association (AAA). “This shows that lawmakers are dedicated to making the road safer and taking distracted driving very seriously.”

Jenkins said a driver is eight times more likely to be involved in an accident when texting.

If DeSantis signs the measure, motorists will be able to text while stationary, such as at a stoplight, and will be able use their phones for navigation purposes.

Talking on the phone will not be generally prohibited for drivers, but there will be hands-free areas, such as school or work zones. In these areas, devices such as Bluetooth would be acceptable.

In Pasco County, eight citations and 13 warnings regarding texting on the road were issued last year.

Pasco County Sheriff Chris Nocco expressed his approval for the bill, mentioning several key lawmakers who sponsored it.

“We thank Sen. (Wilton) Simpson and Rep. (Chris) Sprowls for their leadership in addressing the important issue of distracted driving. We believe this bill will help keep our citizens safe and look forward to it becoming law in the near future,” Nocco said, in a statement.

Florida is set to  join 43 states that have made texting while driving a primary offense.

Once signed by the governor, the law would go into effect on July 1.

The hands-free requirement while talking in zones would take effect on Jan. 1, 2020, following a three-month warning period.

Published May 08, 2019

Pasco animal control officer earns statewide award

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For John Douglass, working in animal control offers all kinds of adventure.

Some days he’s safely impounding homeless cats and dogs.

Other days, he’s investigating animal cruelty complaints or conducting animal welfare checks.

The nonstop variety helps explain why he relishes his duties as a Pasco County Animal Services field training officer.

Pasco County Animal Services field training officer John Douglas was recently recognized as the Florida Animal Control Association’s Officer of Year. He is shown here being congratulated for the award by the Pasco County Commission and county staff. Douglas is a 14-year veteran of the local animal services agency. (Courtesy of Pasco County)

“I definitely enjoy it. You see something new every day,” said Douglass, a 14-year veteran of local animal services agency.

The job takes Douglass to every corner of the county as he responds to thousands of citizen calls every year.

He likes the fact his work doesn’t tether him to an office indoors.

“My day is sunshine or rain or whatever it is — there’s a different view every day,” Douglass said. “It’s never the same cubicle or the same desk or anything like that, so I would say what keeps me coming back every day is it’s always different. I’m not stuck someplace.”

Douglass’s passion for animal control hasn’t gone unnoticed.

He recently was awarded Florida Animal Control Association’s (FACA) Officer of the Year. He was recognized “for his outstanding achievement and strong commitment to providing excellent customer service to the citizens and pets of Pasco County.”

Douglass was recommended as a finalist for the statewide award by Pasco Animal Services supervisors. He received the honor at FACA’s annual training conference and awards banquet in Orlando in March, beating out other several animal control officers from other counties.

It’s not the first time Douglass has won the award. He also earned the statewide designation in 2010.

“You know, I just come in every day and do the best I can, so I don’t look for recognition and stuff. I just do whatever I can do every day,” Douglass said, following his latest honor.

“We’re all out there, we all do it because we enjoy it, or we wouldn’t be here,” he said.

Interestingly enough, Douglass’s entrance into the animal control profession was merely by happenstance. He came across a posting while searching for jobs online many years ago.

John Douglass, field training officer for Pasco Animal Services, is seen here with Tim Tam, an FIV positive cat at the shelter. (Courtesy of Mike Shumate/Pasco County Animal Services)

“It was just something that I saw and applied for. It looked interesting; we’ve all seen it on TV before,” Douglass said.

In earning the state’s animal control officer of the year award, the 44-year-old Douglass was noted for taking the lead on many special field services projects this past year.

One of those projects involved the outfitting and use of a new Specialized Mobile Animal Response Team (SMART) trailer to respond and assist in multiple hoarding cases and animal seizures.

The trailer is fully equipped with air-conditioning, electricity, lights and a generator. And, it has reduced the need for on-scene resources while increasing safety for the housing of animals during transport.

The trailer has been used to transport pets to nearby veterinarians for emergency surgeries. It’s even been used to deliver hurricane supplies to the community.

“I spent a long time working on that, getting people to agree to it until they finally realized the need for it,” Douglass said, noting it has been used several times.

And, it’s versatile, he added.

Douglass was also acknowledged for aggressively pursuing and permitting pet dealers, breeders and large kennels throughout Pasco. His efforts increased permit revenue and compliance in the county by more than 20 percent in 2018.

Additionally, Douglass trained two new animal control officers and impounded more than 400 homeless pets last year.

Simply put, the field training officer wears many hats in the department, whether it’s filling in where needed, ensuring the veracity of fellow officers’ service reports, or maintaining equipment.

“I guess you’d call me the handyman guy. There’s nothing I don’t do,” Douglass said.

Despite his recent recognition, Douglass isn’t resting on his laurels. He’s got other initiatives in the pipeline at the local animal services agency.

For instance, he’s working to develop a team of animal control officers willing to travel statewide to assist other communities in the case of a disaster, such as a hurricane — providing similar assistance response as the Pasco Sheriff’s Office.

And, yes, in case you were wondering, Douglass is a pet owner.

He owns cats, and dogs.

Published May 08, 2019

Workshop sheds light on cottage food industry

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A workshop focused on the ins and outs of operating a cottage food industry drew a crowd — and offered practical information to those attending the session.

The daylong event was presented by the Pasco County Extension Office, which is part of the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences branch in Dade City.

The workshop consisted of sessions regarding the requirements of operating a cottage food business.

Dr. Soo Ahn, of the University of Florida, talked about the requirements needed to start a cottage business during an April 5 daylong workshop on the cottage food industry presented by the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences in Dade City. (Brian Fernandes)

It was a popular draw — attracting people who currently own businesses, or are interested in starting them.

Dr. Soo Ahn, an assistant professor at University of Florida, shared her expertise on the topic during the seminar.

“Cottage food is [a] home-based food business,” Ahn explained. “From preparation of raw ingredients to the finer product, each step should be done in your kitchen.”

These products can be organic or processed, but must be prepared only in the seller’s residential kitchen.

While raw foods, such as dried fruit are permissible, those with seed sprouts, open melons, open tomatoes or poultry, are excluded.

Meats and vegetables that are cooked do not classify as cottage foods because they must be preserved at a certain temperature and time frame.

They are seen as potentially hazardous foods because they’re more prone to pathogenic microorganisms and toxins.

Simple items, such as beverages, are also prohibited from selling. Pumpkin pie can’t be sold either, because of the vegetable it contains.

Foods that don’t need refrigeration or freezing, are suitable to sell as cottage foods, Ahn said.

Such items may include loaf breads, pastries, jams, trail mix or popcorn.

She encouraged attendees to do background research because the guidelines can be confusing for sellers.

Ahn also noted that home kitchens may lack items, such as instruments to test acidity levels.

Home kitchens may be unable to accommodate certain equipment used in commercial settings like a restaurant kitchen.

She added that “even though you have [a] machine, you might not know how to use it correctly.”

As an alternate safety measure, cottage foods are required to be packaged with labels consisting of the business or seller’s name, contact information, ingredients, the net weight and potential allergens.

“It is a way so consumers know that this is cottage food, but also it’s a way to protect yourself,” Ahn said.

The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is the state agency that creates the guidelines.

Other than a business license, no other certification or permit is needed to sell cottage foods under department statutes.

What’s more, food safety training is not required for sellers, nor is kitchen inspections – unless there are consumer complaints.

An amendment was passed in 2017 allowing cottage food transactions in Florida to occur online.

However, products must still be directly handed from seller to consumer, with no third party involvement.

Even with offline transactions, selling cottage foods to commercial distributors, such as a grocery store for consumer purchase, is prohibited.

This also applies at farmer’s markets, but cottage food bakers can directly sell their products if they are market vendors.

The 2017 amendment also increased the allowable annual sales up from $15,000 to $50,000.

The reason for the sales cap, Ahn explained, is to limit the amount of cottage food an individual can sell and thus decrease any chance of consumer sickness.

Regulations vary from state to state, and some states have fewer regulations than others.

Wyoming, North Dakota and Utah operate under the Food Freedom Law.

This allows both sellers to distribute and consumers to purchase whatever they like at their own discretion, the doctor noted.

New Jersey is currently the only state that does not have any cottage food laws set in place.

Ahn encouraged workshop participants to abide by the standards set in the Sunshine State.

She reminded participants: “It’s your responsibility to make your food products safe and of high quality by learning what is the best practices,” she stated.

To learn more on Florida’s cottage food requirements, visit FreshFromFlorida.com.

For information on local cottage food education, contact Shari Bresin at (352) 518-0156 or .

Published  May 08, 2019

How about making mom breakfast for Mother’s Day?

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Mother’s Day is almost here, so it’s a good time to start thinking about making a meal for mom’s special day.

One idea is turn your kitchen into a restaurant.

Dads, grandparents and the kids can come up with possible meal options, side dishes and beverages based on ingredients they have at home, or want to purchase.

This healthy breakfast cookie can be part of a Mother’s Day breakfast celebration. (Shari Bresin)

Then, the kids can draw up a menu. Be sure to make it extra cute.

While mom enjoys her mimosas, the kids can play the wait staff, handing her the menu and writing down her order when she is ready.

They also play the role of sous chef, helping dad and the grandparents make the pancakes, eggs, or whatever mom ordered.

Keep in mind that involving kids in the kitchen doesn’t have to be limited to Mother’s Day.

Getting kids involved in cooking, especially when very young, not only sets them up to enjoy this basic life skill, but also teaches math, science and reading. They also learn how to follow instructions and find out about food safety, proper handwashing, and motor skills.

Kids that help cook are also more likely to eat what was made, and are less intimidated to try new foods.

So, if you have a picky or unhealthy eater at home, consider giving them a role to help out in the kitchen, or at least to get involved in the grocery shopping.

It’s important to know which kitchen tasks are appropriate for which age group to prevent accidents and to keep messes manageable.

According to BBC Good Food, kids under age 3 begin to show interest in mimicking what their parents do, including kitchen tasks.

Under the age of 3, they can:

  • Wash produce (this is a great way to introduce them to different fruits and vegetables)
  • Stir room-temperature ingredients
  • Mash food using a fork or potato masher (make sure food isn’t burning hot)
  • Sprinkle ingredients (put a tray underneath to minimize messes)

From ages of 3 to 5, children can help:

  • Place ingredients on scales
  • Spoon ingredients with measuring spoons
  • Use a strong plastic knife to cut soft ingredients, such as butter
  • Mix ingredients with either a spoon or hands (this is where proper handwashing particularly comes in handy!)
  • Tear herbs or rip apart lettuce
  • Spread (butter, icing, etc.)

From ages 5 to 7, they can do more complex tasks. They can:

  • Cut, using a small knife (be sure they know how to properly hold the knife to keep their fingers out of the way)
  • Cut herbs with scissors (small or child-size scissors are better)
  • Measure ingredients
  • Grease a baking dish or line it with foil
  • Crack an egg
  • Peel oranges and hard-boiled eggs (make sure eggs aren’t too hot to hold)
  • Set the table

From ages 8 to 11, kids still need supervision, but can be more independent. They can:

  • Help plan a family meal
  • Follow the steps to a basic no-cook recipe, like a fruit salad
  • Gather ingredients from the pantry and fridge
  • Use a peeler, whisk or mixer
  • Chop vegetables to make a salad
  • Use a can opener

Those age 12 and up can perform all of the tasks previously mentioned, as well as following a more complex recipe or tweaking a recipe.

Kids confident in the kitchen will probably want to bake with their friends or start cooking on the stove.

Start slowly with the stove, such as scrambled eggs.

Of course, every child is different, and if you are not comfortable having your child do any particular task, then wait until you think they are ready.

Always show them the proper way to handle kitchen equipment, and explain what can happen if they use something incorrectly.

Who knows? By the time they are teenagers, you might want them to take over some — or all — of the cooking.

What a gift that would be!

And, for all of you moms out there, Happy Mother’s 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 

Oatmeal Breakfast “Cookies” 

Ingredients:
4 cups instant oats

3 ripe bananas

3 teaspoons baking powder

1 teaspoon salt

2 tablespoons to 3 tablespoons peanut butter

1 cup milk or almond milk

Additional water as needed to produce a batter with a thicker cookie-dough-like consistency (as opposed to a thinner pancake batter)

3 tablespoons to 5 tablespoons protein powder (optional)

Instructions:
Use blender to combine all ingredients until mostly smooth

Preheat oven to 400 degrees

Grease two cookie sheets

Spoon out batter on each sheet with 2 inches to 3 inches diameter

Add blueberries or chocolate chips (optional)

Bake for 25 minutes or until cookies are golden brown on underside

Serve with fresh fruit, syrup or powdered sugar.

Published May 08, 2019

Local YMCA hosts Healthy Kids Day

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Justin Draft, of Dade City, guides his 19-month old son, Bennett, down the slide at the Y’s playground. The youngster was there with his dad and his mom, Lindsey. (Christine Holtzman)

There were loads of activities offered at the East Pasco Family YMCA Healthy Kids Day on April 27.

The YMCA facility, at 37301 Chapel Hill Loop in Zephyrhills, was among YMCAs across the country participating in the national initiative.

The event focused on improving the health and well-being of kids and their families.

Activities geared toward keeping young minds and bodies active included poolside fun, summer camp games, live music, basketball games, and demonstrations from the Zephyrhills Police Department and the Zephyrhills Fire Department.

There was a booth, too, where the Y staff registered anyone who was interested in their summer camp programs or swim lessons.

Published May 08, 2019

During free play in the YMCA gymnasium, 13-year-old Jordan Vallee, of Wesley Chapel, shows off his basketball spinning skills.
Six-year-old Valentina Vallee, of Wesley Chapel, winds up to toss her bean bag while competing in a game of ‘corn hole’ against her 8-year-old cousin, Lucas Smith. Her teammate, Zephyrhills Fire Department Cpt. Ed Alfonso, left, awaits his turn.

You, too, can help reduce plastic pollution

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Hillsborough County and Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful (KTBB) are inviting residents and business owners to join in the worldwide movement to reduce waste from single-use plastics.

It’s much better to do this with your plastic beverage bottles than to allow them to end up in streams, rivers, bays and other bodies of water. (File)

According to the Ocean Conservancy, six of the top 10 contributors to marine debris are single-use, or disposable, plastic products, which include common food service ware, such as food and beverage container caps and lids; beverage bottles; plastic bags; food wrappers; cups, plates and cutler; and drinking straws.

When these items are littered, or caught by the wind, they can be washed into stormwater drains that empty into streams, rivers, bays and other water bodies.

The partnership between Hillsborough County and KTBB has launched a community education initiative to inform residents, visitors and businesses about the environmental impacts of single-use plastic products and ways to combat the problem.

Individuals can show their support for ending plastic pollution by taking an online pledge to do one or more simple actions, including:

  • Taking reusable shopping bags to stores
  • Skipping plastic straws
  • Carrying a reusable cup, mug or water bottle
  • Using reusable takeout containers
  • Raising awareness by sharing tips on social media

Businesses can be recognized as a Businesses for the Bay partner by sharing what they are doing, or pledge to do, to reduce the use of single-use plastics; and, as partners also have access to educational materials for their customers. There is no cost to participate.

New online resources can be found at ReduceYourUseTampaBay.org.

To learn more about the Ocean Conservancy and its mission, visit OceanConservancy.org.

Published May 08, 2019