The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Local News

Pasco seeking temporary ban on new mini-warehouses

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The Pasco County Commission is expected to soon consider an 180-day moratorium on new applications for mini-warehouses and self-storage facilities.

Alexandra LaPorte, senior planner with the county’s planning and development department, said the intention of the 180-day moratorium would be for county staff to work on proposed regulations relating to that type of land use in the future.

Pasco County soon could enact a 180-day ban for new applications for mini-warehouse and self-storage units. The county’s planning staff wants the time to develop new regulations regarding this type of land use. (Christine Holtzman)

“This temporary moratorium would allow the planning and development department to research best practices for the development of mini-warehouse and self-storage facilities within the county,” LaPorte told commissioners, at their May 7 meeting.

“It would also allow us to analyze whether additional standards relating to these uses should be incorporated in the land development code, and it would allow us to make sure those standards would support design standards to preserve and enhance visual and functional characteristics, as outlined in the comprehensive plan,” she said.

LaPorte also noted that similar ordinances have been adopted in Tamarac, Miami-Dade and Collier County, in Florida, as well as in other places across the country.

The board approved LaPorte’s request for public hearings on the matter before the Pasco County Planning Commission, on May 23 at 1:30 p.m.; and before the county commission on June 4 and June 19.

Commissioner Mike Moore applauded the county’s action on the issue.

“Thanks to the team for bringing this. I know you worked hard on this. I think it’s important that we move forward with this,” said Moore, who has made no secret of his concerns about mini-warehouses popping up on land he thinks would be better utilized for uses that generate jobs.

“What we’re doing is losing the possibility of major employment centers on that land,” Moore said. “I’m glad you brought it forward. I think it’s the right thing to do. I would assume we will have board support on this.”

The moratorium would not affect anyone who has already had a pre-application meeting on this type of development, Moore noted.

Commissioner Kathryn Starkey agreed with Moore’s position, saying she doesn’t want to see storage facilities taking up space that could be used to attract businesses offering quality jobs in Pasco County.

Published May 29, 2019

Hazel Wells’ mission: To help the less fortunate

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Hazel Wells views herself as a “second mother” to disadvantaged residents living in East Pasco County.

And, her years of community outreach throughout Dade City, Trilby and Lacoochee are evidence of her commitment.

Hazel Wells stands alongside her brother, Robert S. Perkins, in the church sanctuary, which he pastors: Faith Fellowship in Jesus Christ. Through the Trilby church, Wells has been able to form meaningful relationships with the less fortunate and provide them access to their basic needs. (Brian Fernandes)

She attributes her charitable drive, partially, to a wish that she’d been more engaged with her own children, as they were growing up.

“I realized that I wasn’t the greatest mother in the world,” Wells said. “I wanted to make up for all that I didn’t do.”

The Trilby resident said she witnesses the poverty that many in her region live with on a daily basis.

And, she has formed a bond with many of the young people in the community — particularly those attending her brother’s church, in Trilby.

There, she came across a young man who is paraplegic and has trouble getting to church.

Seeing that situation spurred Wells to make an appearance before the Pasco County Commission to request additional sidewalks around the building.

She has also noticed that some children attending her brother’s church lack proper clothing.

She doesn’t have the financial ability to expand their wardrobe, but she does pass along clothing donated by friends.

Both parents and children have been grateful for the help, Wells said.

Kids also drop by her home to visit, and for advice.

She said they know they are welcome there.

Wells offers a simple formula for developing a strong relationship with youths.

All it requires, she said, is “just loving them and listening to them.”

It’s typical to find Hazel Wells preparing a hearty meal for attendees of the Faith Fellowship in Jesus Christ church, in Trilby. Wells has been a longtime advocate for helping the disadvantaged people of East Pasco County.

As she passes along precepts she’s learned in life, she’s also had a chance to learn from the youths.

She’s had a chance to observe many youth during her time as a Pasco County school cafeteria worker and on her job at a juvenile detention center.

Seeing troubled youths in the system made her realize that they lack much-needed love, Wells said.

To provide more opportunities for kids, Wells is on a quest to gain support for improvements to the Trilby Community Center.

Wells would like to use space in the center, which is currently closed, to engage youths in arts and crafts, sewing, crocheting, cooking and other activities.

She’s already made one appearance before the Pasco County Commission, and is encouraged by the support she’s received from other local women.

Another one of her initiatives was to persuade a barber to provide free haircuts for some of the area’s disadvantaged kids.

She said she’d also like to collaborate with Pasco County Sheriff’s Deputy Jessica Ziegler, who is known in the county as “Officer Friendly.”

Wells said Ziegler has been a strong advocate for youths in community outreach efforts.

Wells doesn’t limit her help to area youths.

She’s also involved in helping disadvantaged adults.

Wells and friends have helped distribute food, blankets and hygiene items to homeless people living within Dade City, Trilby and Lacoochee.

Her church has provided boxes of food, and a local Dade City restaurant has provided soup she can give to people on the streets.

Wells also has brought attention to people in the community who dedicate themselves for others.

For instance, she held a ceremony to honor the African-American instructors who taught her at the Moore-Mickens Education Center in Dade City.

She also presented certificates to Pasco County Firefighters, to honor them for their sacrifices.

One of her longtime friends was Capt. Charles “Bo” Harrison, of the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office, who was slain in 2003.

Wells was involved in the renaming of 11th Street in Dade City, to honor Harrison.

Besides providing recognition for her friend, the renaming reduced confusion for first responders.

The city previously had two 11th Streets and the renaming created clarity, she explained.

“I think Bo is still saving people’s lives,” she added, with a chuckle.

More recently in 2018, Wells worked with city officials to have June 1 proclaimed as Capt. Charles “Bo” Harrison Day.

Her future plans include rebuilding her nonprofit organization, Dade City Widow’s Mite.

Established in 2004, the organization relies upon community funding to provide financial help in times of emergency, help with home maintenance and educational resources.

And, as Wells continues her quest to improve community life, she wants to make the best use of her time.

“I want to do what I can before I leave this world,” the Trilby woman said. “I want to leave a legacy of honoring people and giving children a voice in this community.”

Published May 22, 2019

Florida agency offers safety tips for holiday travelers

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As Memorial Day weekend approaches, there is expected to be an influx of events, as well as travelers heading out on the road.

To better prepare drivers for a safe and fun weekend, the Florida Highway Patrol is offering several tips for the road.

With the upcoming Memorial Day weekend, Florida is expected to have an influx of motorists on the road. The Florida Highway Patrol has several safety tips to help keep travelers out of harm’s way. (File)

With a 20-cent decline in Florida’s average gas price compared to last year, this is seen as an incentive for more motorists on the road, according to the American Automobile Association (AAA).

The agency anticipates an uptick in the holiday’s traffic from last year – an estimated two million drivers statewide.

“Pasco [County] is a rapidly growing community,” said Sgt. Steve Gaskins, public affairs officer for the Florida Highway Patrol Tampa branch.

He noted that with the current traffic that already consumes Interstate 75 and U.S. 301, there will most likely be additional motorists coming into the county for the holiday.

Whether for an occasion or not, the No. 1 priority should always be wearing seatbelts before taking off, the sergeant mentioned.

“They’re the device that’s going to keep you safe, keep you inside the vehicle,” he added. “You have a lot of injuries that could be avoided if you put the seatbelts on.”

Multitasking while behind the wheel can be habitual for some drivers.

However, putting aside any distractions, especially those requiring the use of hands – such as a phone or food – is the best course of action, Gaskins recommended.

He also stated that while others in the vehicle may be preoccupied, the driver’s task should be solely focused on the road.

And, provided that there are other occupants with valid driver’s licenses in the vehicle, it is wise to assign rotating drivers when taking lengthy road trips.

This helps to lessen the risk of falling asleep behind the wheel, Gaskin reasoned.

In addition, those who are the single designated driver on a long trip should consider taking frequent pit-stops to rest and replenish themselves.

The sergeant also noted that designated drivers should also be assigned to those who maybe intoxicated. If that individual cannot be accompanied by someone sober to drive, taking a driving service such as Uber or Lyft should be planned ahead of time.

Gaskin also emphasized that “a designated driver is the one who drinks nothing – not the least.”

With road rage as a reoccurring issue, the sergeant encourages motorists to exercise patience and prepare for a busier than usual wait time.

“If you see someone driving aggressively, back off – give them space,” he advised, also discouraging shouting or using obscene hand gestures.

One prevention method is for motorists to pre-plan their schedule, giving themselves extra leeway to reach their destination on time.

This lessens the need to race on the road and lowers anxiety, Gaskin said.

The sergeant assures that State Troopers will be working around the clock for the holiday as a DUI squad, but hopes that citations and arrests will not be an issue.

To report accidents or erratic behavior on the road, motorists are encouraged to dial *347 (FHP).

For additional tips or updates, those on Twitter can follow the Florida Highway Patrol at: @FLHSMV, or visit its website at FLHSMV.gov.

Published May 22, 2019

Dade City considering retail consultant

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The City of Dade City is considering the feasibility of hiring a retail consulting firm — as part of an effort to lure more commercial business and economic development within city limits.

City commissioners discussed the issue at length during a May 7 workshop, where they heard proposals from three professional firms for the creation of a retail market analysis and development plan.

The City of Dade City is considering hiring a retail consulting firm to drive more business to the municipality. City commissioners discussed the issue at length during a May 14 meeting. (Kevin Weiss)

Based on a request for proposal, the purpose of the project, in essence, is to better understand the retail landscape in the Dade City market, then have a firm develop a retail recruiting plan and broker potential prospects for the market.

The three firms interviewed were: Place Dynamics LLC, The Retail Coach, and Retail Management Associates.

The project, if followed through, would specifically address ways to improve and spur development along the U.S. 301 corridor, State Road 52, and the downtown area.

Cost estimates from the firms ranged from roughly about $60,000 to $90,000 for full implementation of the required scope of work; the city has not yet selected a firm.

The topic was broached again during a May 14 regular meeting, with some disagreement on how the city should proceed.

Commissioner Jim Shive suggested scheduling another workshop to have a more in-depth discussion on the matter, before deciding whether or not to select a retail consultant.

The commissioner said he heard from several constituents expressing concern on the amount of money that would be spent on a firm.

“I’m not opposed to moving forward,” he said, “but I think we need to have more discussion, that we just don’t need to jump in it headfirst, but that we’re looking at all angles.”

“It’s a lot of money, and I kind of want to know where it’s coming from,” he said.

Shive also pointed out another economic study has already been completed on the city by Melanie Romagnoli, of the Pasco County Office of Economic Growth, thereby perhaps reducing “a lot of the legwork” proposed by interviewed firms.

Shive, moreover, said the municipality might not have the necessary resident population to attract commercial businesses that a retail consulting firm would be tasked to target and recruit.

Proposing an alternate option to a retail consultant, Shive suggested the city look into bringing on staff, an economic development director or a CRA (Community Redevelopment Area) director, as well as generally investing more into the city’s downtown area.

Commissioner Scott Black, however, countered the city does indeed have the geographical portfolio to justify bringing aboard a retail consultant, which he said is imperative to better market the area and recruit businesses of all types.

Black acknowledged the city may not have the demographics that would attract big-box stores and major food chains, but certain other types of retail businesses instead.

“There’s a lot of retail that we have the numbers (of residents) for, we just don’t have anyone out there recruiting and bringing it,” Black said. “This retail recruitment element is what we need, and that’s what the beauty of what these types of firms do is — they welcome and determine what would succeed here and they bring it in.”

Black then stressed the need for such a firm, as a means to help the municipality grow, expand its tax base and bring better jobs to the area.

“It’s going to more than pay for itself after a few years,” Black said. “There are many opportunities that we have here for Dade City, but we don’t have this type of organization where (city staff) can go out and target businesses.”

“Now is the time to do it, not to put this off any longer,” he added.

Meanwhile, during the meeting’s public comment period, Dade City-based realtor and investor Larry Guilford said retail consultants oftentimes don’t provide much value to a city its size, or even up to cities with as many as 40,000 residents.

“It all comes to rooftops; we don’t have the rooftops,” Guilford said. “I’d love to put a Chick-Fil-A here, but if I don’t have certain rooftops out here, it’s a no-go; you have that in many cases.”

Guilford said a retail consultant may be worthwhile for Dade City to consider a few years from now, but not at this time.

“I don’t think you’ll get the bang for the buck,” Guilford noted.

Mayor Camille Hernandez said the city plans to continue the conversation at either another workshop or city commission meeting, to follow up with the retail firms and review reports from the Pasco County Office of Economic Growth.

“I think we’re doing our due diligence to make sure that we have all of the pieces together,” Hernandez said.

Published May 22, 2019

Making a difference through book donations

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Book by book, a local teen is trying to do his part to make a difference in the community.

As an avid reader himself, 13-year-old Vance Tomasi understands the value of having a broad range of books to choose from.

After seeing his younger brother improve his reading during Hillsborough County Public School’s annual Summer Reading Camp, Tomasi saw the value of that even more so.

Vance Tomasi, left, and his friend, Chase Hartman, started read.repeat., a nonprofit that donates gently used books it receives from companies and individuals, and distributes them to those in need. Tomasi, a seventh grader at Keystone’s Farnell Middle School, was named one of the nation’s top 10 youth volunteers by Prudential Spirit of Community Awards. (Courtesy of Amanda Tomasi)

At the same time, Tomasi worried about underprivileged kids who didn’t own books, when he was told the county’s reading program had a shortage of books a couple summers ago.

So, he got to thinking he could do something about it.

It all started more about two years ago with a book drive for homeless families.

The possibilities blossomed from there for Tomasi, now a seventh grader at Keystone’s Farnell Middle School.

Tomasi and his friend, Chase Hartman, set up a website and social media accounts, and partnered with the Hillsborough County school district to donate books. Then they began organizing book drives with Boy Scout troops, sports teams, school clubs and other groups. They placed donation boxes around town, and recruited volunteers to sort and box the books they received.

In addition to book drives, Tomasi purchased 25,000 books with a grant he obtained from the Tampa Bay Lightning, and found a book company willing to donate thousands of additional books.

He did it all through a nonprofit organization he founded, called “read.repeat.” Its mission is to donate gently used books it receives from companies and individuals, and distribute them to those in need.

“I really got the idea from another book fundraiser I did in elementary school and decided to basically grow it from there,” Tomasi said. “I love to volunteer.”

The project has expanded more than ever imagined.

Since its inception, read.repeat. has donated more than 90,000 books to families, schools, group homes, hospitals and libraries in all 50 states, and as far away as Africa.

That includes about 60,000 books donated to children in Florida elementary schools, many of which have gone to Title I schools, or those with large concentrations of low-income students.

Centennial Elementary in Dade City and the Joshua House Children’s Home in Lutz are also a couple of the local beneficiaries, among many other Tampa-area schools and groups.

Being able to help underprivileged kids in some way brings joy to the teen.

“It makes me feel amazing, Tomasi said. “Just to see the looks on their faces, like they get their first book, it’s an incredible feeling.”

“I was never really expecting it to grow this big,” he said.

The teen’s humanitarian efforts have gone on to draw national recognition. He was recently named one of America’s top 10 youth volunteers for 2019 by The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards, a national program sponsored by Prudential Financial in partnership with the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP).

Tomasi and other national honorees were selected first from a field of more than 29,000 middle level and high school youth volunteers nationwide, and then from 102 state honorees, based on their initiative, effort, impact, and the personal growth demonstrated in the course of their volunteer service.

Tomasi and the honorees each received a $5,000 personal award, an engraved gold medallion, a crystal trophy for their school, and a $5,000 grant from The Prudential Foundation for charities of their choice.

They each also received an all-expense paid trip to Washington D.C., where they were recognized at Union Station East Hall and the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History.

During the trip, Tomasi got a tour of various landmarks in the nation’s capital. He also met Florida Senator Rick Scott.

And, his group visited a D.C. area elementary school, donating books and reading to children.

In starting read.repeat., Tomasi was simply hoping to help others, not necessarily receive national recognition. He’s humbled by it all.

“I was really, really surprised. I was not expecting that at all,” Tomasi said of being named one the country’s top youth volunteers. “I was never really expecting me to become a national honoree out of all the people that were there.”

The nonprofit isn’t slowing in momentum by any means.

Tomasi said one of his goals this summer is to share more books that celebrate diversity with other children.

Their next big delivery is to Cleveland Elementary School in Tampa, which is set to receive about  3,000 donated books.

For information or interest in donating books, visit readrepeat.org.

Published May 22, 2019

Work by local artists leaves a lasting impression

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It was morning, but the heat was beating down on Caren Stevens, as she stood on a scaffold creating a mural.

It’s the kind of work she’s been doing for years.

Caren Stevens is seen illuminating the side wall of E & W Carpets Inc., in Land O’ Lakes on May 7. She and her sister, Dannie Jean, make up the art company, Art Inherited, which does work locally and abroad. (Brian Fernandes)

As Caren painted, her sister and fellow artist Dannie Jean looked up, to examine their latest art project: A mural at E & W Carpets Inc. –  a Land O’ Lakes landmark.

The colorful scene depicts a dock leading to a deep, blue ocean.

The work, which began just a week before, was approaching completion.

“The real creativity is taking our hands and putting what’s in the client’s mind on their wall,” Caren explained.

For nearly 30 years, the sisters have been part of a family owned business called Art Inherited.

Dannie Jean, left, and Caren Stevens are the sisters who own Art Inherited. For decades, they’ve been creating interior and exterior mural paintings, nationally and internationally. (Courtesy of Dannie Jean Stevens)

The company was initially made up of Caren and Dannie Jean; their two other sisters, Carol and Melody; and their mother, Billie.

The concept for the name came from the ladies adopting their mother’s gift as an artist, as they grew up watching her create oil paintings and pottery.

Before they teamed up, Dannie Jean said, “all of us sisters were doing something in art, but we were all doing different things.”

Collaborating together, the family designed murals, as well as tile and graphic art, among other works.

The business gained recognition, but began to dwindle in size when Melody moved out of state, and both their sister, Carol, and mother, passed away.

Art Inherited’s unique style provides this bathroom with an elegant yet relaxing scenery. (Courtesy of Dannie Jean Stevens)

But, Dannie Jean and Caren continue to put their gifts to use, remembering what their mother used to tell them: “In order to grow, art must be shared.”

The sisters began to shift their focus more on mural paintings and were hired to design artwork in model homes — which gave potential clients a chance to get a glimpse of what the artists had to offer.

Dannie Jean sketches what clients envision for their space and Caren brings the image to life through her colorful, crafted paintings.

So, what began with artwork in Sarasota model homes soon branched out to different areas of Tampa Bay.

Some of their clients have included the Northwest Community Church in Tampa; Larry’s Deli in Land O’ Lakes; and, the children’s emergency wing at the Medical Center of Trinity.

Who says art always has to be serious? In this painting, Caren Stevens uses humor to bring a smile to sick kids at the children’s emergency wing of the Medical Center of Trinity. (Courtesy of Dannie Jean Stevens)

Former baseball player Mariano Rivera was a client, too.

Client requests range from nature scenes, to religious imagery, to paintings of  animals.

The women have also developed an international reputation from work they’ve completed in the Bahamas and France.

Their artistry, Dannie Jean said, begins “with a God-given talent.”

“But, then it has to be nurtured,” she said.

“It’s fun,” she added, explaining “you get into the zone. It’s like reading a book – you’re just into it.”

Of the countless projects that Caren has worked on, her favorite was the interior of the Northwest Community Church.

She worked on the four-year project with her twin sister Carol, which made it special.

“It was so invigorating, so much fun,” Caren recalled. “That was one of my best memories that I had with my sister.”

Dannie Jean and Caren are at the helm of the company now, but occasionally they hire assistants for big assignments.

For this latest project, Caren has been working to give E & W’s bare wall a three-dimensional feel.

As seen here in Tampa’s Northwest Community Church, religious imagery is also in demand by clients of Art Inherited. (Courtesy of Dannie Jean Stevens)

Aside from the company name and contact information, the painting includes  two dogs at the front of a boardwalk, which is surrounded by palms trees and leads to a bay where a boat is docked.

It’s precisely what Chad Walter, the company owner, had envisioned.

“I saw something online that I liked,” Walter said. “It was the water scene.”

Walter said he wanted the mural to draw the attention of motorists as they traveled by — to attract business.

The building’s side wall faces drivers who are heading north on Land O’ Lakes Boulevard.

The new amenity also comes as E & W celebrates its 50th anniversary in business this year.

Kevin Barnes, who handles the company’s sales, said the painting has an advantage that social media ads don’t.

“What I like about it is, it’s concrete,” he said. “It’s going to be there forever.”

The sisters are no strangers to E & W. They’ve done work there before and plan to work there in the future.

While the sisters note that they’re imparting a lasting legacy through their art, they also realize they’re responding to the client’s vision and having an impact on those who view their work.

“I think it’s neat that we leave a little part of ourselves in so many places,” Dannie Jean said. “You don’t know who’s being touched by that.”

To find out more about the company, visit ArtInherited.com.

Published May 22, 2019

Seniors need be wary of scams

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Donna Moses could share stories for hours about the many financial scams that have ensnared local senior citizens.

Moses has seen just about everything in her work as Suncoast Credit Union’s lead member victim advocate in risk management.

Such scams probably aren’t going away anytime soon, Moses said during her talk as the featured guest speaker at the May breakfast meeting of the Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce.

Donna Moses, Suncoast Credit Union’ lead member victim advocate in risk management, was the featured speaker at the Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce May breakfast meeting. Moses discussed various financial scams that have affected local seniors. (Kevin Weiss)

In fact, financial scams that prey on the elderly is the “No. 1 consumer fraud issue growing today,” Moses said.

Nationwide, seniors lose about $36.5 billion every year related to financial scams and fraud, Moses said.

She believes that the problem is even bigger than that.

For every case reported, there’s about 14 others that aren’t, the banking professional said.

She advised seniors to be aware that it could happen to them.

“I’ve had cases right here in Zephyrhills, so don’t think it’s not happening in your community,” Moses said. “It is happening in every county that we serve, and the community. It’s just awful the money that people are losing.”

Romance scams are one of the most common scams her office encounters, she said.

In such scams, a con artist typically pretends to have romantic intentions to gain affection and trust. The con artist often claims to be from another state or country, or deployed in the military and so on. Then, the scammer begins asking for money, claiming it’s for airplane tickets, medical bills or other expenses.

Moses said she’s had clients from 50 years old to over 90 years old who have been victimized by romance scams. They have been exploited for hundreds and thousands of dollars at a time, she said, and in most cases, the scammer is 10 years to 30 years younger than their victim.

“They haven’t even met the person. They’re always behind the scenes, but they’re just reeling (seniors) in,” Moses said.

The speaker made clear that she’s not disparaging online dating with seniors, but she warned them to watch for this red flag: “When they start asking for money, it’s a problem.”

Aside from the romance scam, Moses said other common scams include sweepstakes scams, the IRS scam and grandparent scam.

As a general rule, the speaker advised seniors to not engage with strangers online or on the phone. “Hang up, don’t talk to people,” said Moses.

As with most scams, Moses said any stolen money is very rarely ever recovered.

“You’re sending it to people you don’t really know. The money usually winds up out of the country,” Moses said, adding scammers will also ask victims to send them gift cards and expensive electronics, such as cellphones and laptops.

“Family members are like, ‘You’ve got to get the money back’ but you can’t. It’s very hard. Law enforcement is overwhelmed with these types of cases, even the ones that are not being reported,” Moses said.

To help prevent such crimes, seniors need to become educated about the various types of scams, Moses said. It’s also important for people who have been scammed to share their stories, to help prevent others from being victimized.

And, it’s important to report incidents to the Florida Department of Children and Families, and local law enforcement, she said.

Published May 22, 2019

Boaters can safely enjoy time on the water

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National Safe Boating Week is May 18 to May 24, and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is encouraging boaters to focus on simple, effective steps that make boating safer.

Though Florida’s boating season never really ends, Memorial Day weekend marks the traditional start nationwide.

With nearly 1 million registered boaters in the state, people safely enjoy boating every day. However, each year, FWC officers respond to tragic and preventable accidents.

Maj. Rob Rowe, leader of the FWC’s Boating and Waterways Section, said in a release, “It (National Safe Boating Week) presents an opportunity to emphasize the importance of remaining safe while boating.”

These safety precautions are recommended by the FWC:

  • Wear a life jacket
  • Use an engine cutoff switch lanyard
  • Designate a sober boat operator
  • Pay attention and keep a proper lookout
  • Have an emergency locator beacon
  • File a boat plan
  • Take a boating safety class

“Inattention of the boat operator continues to be the leading cause of boating accidents,” Rowe said. “It is critical for operators to be aware of what is going on around them.”

The 2018 Boating Accident Statistical Report indicates there were 628 boating accidents last year, down from 766 in 2017.

To report people who are boating dangerously, call (888) 404-3922.

More information can be found online at MyFWC.com/Boating.

Published May 22, 2019

Opponents cite access concerns in Wesley Chapel rezoning

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Questions are being raised about the safety of entering Wesley Chapel Boulevard from Hay Road, in a rezoning case seeking to allow 35 single-family attached townhomes on Hay Road.

The applicant, Lawrence P. Martinez, represented by Attorney Barbara Wilhite, is seeking to change the zoning on about 6 acres from agricultural use to medium density, multiple family.

The Pasco County Planning Commission heard the request at its May 9 public hearing.

The request involves a parcel on the west side of Hay Road, about 1,800 feet south of Wesley Chapel Boulevard.

The applicant has voluntarily agreed to deed restrictions that would limit the use of the property to single-family attached townhomes, said Denise Hernandez, Pasco County’s zoning administrator.

“This will not be an apartment complex,” Hernandez told planning commissioners, who serves as an advisory body to the Pasco County Commission on zoning and land use plan cases.

The zoning administrator also noted that the Pasco County Commission has approved similar zoning requests, and that county planners have recommended approval.

“The access at this point of time is proposed through Hay Road,” Hernandez said, but she added there’s a possibility that the parcel maybe developed along with the property to the north. If that happens, the primary access would be Wesley Chapel Boulevard, also known as County Road 54.

Neighbors, however, voiced concerns about the safety of using Hay Road as the primary access. Reginal Mesimer, a traffic engineer from St. Petersburg, appeared on behalf of Perry and Synthia Horner, who own property near the proposed rezoning.

The Horners own Hay Road, with some others who have easements to use it, Mesimer said.

“Right now, there are seven homes on Hay Road. One day, the Horners would like to develop their property with 200 units.

“About a year ago, a traffic signal went up at the entrance of Grand Oaks Boulevard, which didn’t line up with Hay Road. Now, there’s no way to provide a left-turn lane to enter Hay Road from County Road 54, and northbound queuing traffic coming out of Hay Road often is blocked by traffic queuing at the traffic signal at (County Road) 54.

“Mr. Horner tells me in the past year there have been two accidents associated with people who actually live on Hay Road, at that intersection, simply because Hay Road is so close to the traffic signal.

“Now, the county has plans to widen County Road 54 (also called Wesley Chapel Boulevard) to six lanes,” Mesimer added.

Mesimer noted that the parcel up for rezoning might be joined with another to the north, which has access to Wesley Chapel Boulevard.

That would be more suitable than trying to flow the traffic from the 35 new units onto Hay Road, Mesimer said.

The Horners have offered to provide land for an access road to allow motorists to drive to the signalized intersection at Grand Oaks Boulevard, which would improve access for everyone using Hay Road, Perry Horner said.

Paul Steele, of 4100 Hay Road in Lutz, urged planning commissioners to reject the rezoning request.

“We see our lives being turned upside down by this whole development, and a devaluation of our property. I’m here in complete protest to the idea,” he said.

Steele said he has lived on his property for 22 years and is raising several children there.

“We moved into that neighborhood for the specific express purpose of having our solitude, our privacy, being able to lead our lives in a certain way — free of heavy traffic, free of potential crime, free of people coming onto property constantly, being able to have our dogs run free, etc., etc., etc.

“This proposed development is going to have a serious negative impact on our lifestyle.

“If the road situation is not changed, it will have even an additional impact on the safety of my family and people coming to visit us on Hay Road.

“There’s been two very serious accidents. It led to one resident actually selling the property, leaving the property.

“It’s already a bad situation with a blind turn. When you turn right off of Hay Road today, traffic is coming 55, 60, 65 miles an hour. Very frequently people are almost rear-ended, just making a right-hand turn because you can’t see the traffic coming,” Steele said.

Wilhite said she’s not sure if her client will use Hay Road to get to Wesley Chapel Boulevard, or will be able to access the road through a property to the north.

David Goldstein, chief assistant county attorney, asked the applicants if there is sufficient right of way to improve Hay Road, if that becomes necessary for access.

Steve Henry, a traffic engineer from Lincks & Associates, representing the applicant, said there is enough right of way for a 20-foot road on Hay Road.

The planning board unanimously recommended approval of the rezoning. The Pasco County Commission has the final say.

Published May 15, 2019

Expert: Vaccination prevents measles

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Measles is back in the news again — in a big way.

From Jan. 1 to May 3, there were 764 individual cases reported in 23 states, according to the Centers for Disease Control.

And, as of May 9, Florida had two reported cases, according to the Florida Department of Health.

It’s important to stay aware, said Suzanne Chandler, system director of Infection Prevention and Control for Baycare Health System.

Suzanne Chandler is system director of Infection Prevention and Control for Baycare Health System.

Media coverage of new outbreaks has ramped up concerns, she said.

“With the hype of the media, we’re getting a lot of calls, even from providers. So, it’s not only just the public. It’s even the health care worker,” she said.

And, because Florida is such a big tourist state — attracting people from so many places, an outbreak could occur potentially anytime, she said.

“So, we do need to be on the alert. But, there’s no need to panic,” she said.

The best protection against the measles is vaccination, she added.

Health care providers and county health departments offer the MMR vaccine, which prevents measles, mumps and rubella.

“If you had the (vaccination) series as a child, typically, you should be protected,” Chandler said. For those who are unsure of that protection, there is a blood test that can be done to determine the level of protection. In some cases, a new vaccination may be needed.

It’s a highly contagious disease and it spreads via the air. People who have not been vaccinated are highly likely to get it.

The important thing to remember is that someone with measles is highly contagious for four days before the rash develops and four days after it, she said.

Symptoms of measles typically begin as an upper respiratory type of infection, including a runny nose.

Often, there will be conjunctivitis-type symptoms, where the eyes are running.

A cough and fever are common, and occasionally there will be little white spots inside of the mouth — but not everyone gets those.

“The rash will come later. The rash usually starts at the top and works its way down, the head and face and neck,” Chandler said. “It covers the body.”

People sometimes mistake another respiratory virus for the measles, she said.

“Honestly, there’s a lot of respiratory viruses out there and a lot of them do cause rashes,” she said.

As a result, “a lot of these people have flocked into their pediatricians or their doctor’s offices. It turns out not to be measles, but people are still concerned because they’ve had similar symptoms,” she said.

If a parent with more than one child discovers that one of the children has a case of the measles, the other children should be vaccinated and kept away from where the ill child is staying, she said.

Keep the healthy children out of the house, she advised.

Measles is so contagious that it can travel through air vents, she explained.

If a patient suspected of having measles arrives at the hospital, the patient is placed in a negative pressure room —an isolation technique used in hospitals to avoid cross-contamination.

Those caring for the patient would wear special masks, she added.

If a parent suspects their child has measles, they should get in touch with medical staff before taking them into a doctor’s office or emergency room — and to be sure the child has a mask on before entering the facility.

Without the mask, “everybody gets exposed because it’s so highly contagious. Everybody that’s in that emergency room waiting could potentially be exposed,” Chandler said.

Complications from measles can include ear infections, and in rare instances, deafness, she said.

“Younger children can get pneumonia and croup, which also are viral in nature,” she said.

Extreme complications would be encephalitis or blindness, she added.

“The fact that we have a fair number of unvaccinated people in the U.S. right now is why we are seeing the measles outbreak,” Chandler said. “We went for 25 years; it was gone. We just didn’t see it at all. Now, it’s back again. In that time period, a lot of folks chose not to vaccinate their children for various reasons.”

Symptoms of measles
These symptoms appear typically 7 days to 14 days after infection:

  • High fever
  • Cough
  • Red, watery eyes
  • Within three days to five days a rash often develops on the face and neck, and can spread to the rest of the body.

What to do if you think you or a loved one has measles?
First, call your health care provider or facility, or county health department and report your concerns. Do not go directly to a health care provider’s office or facility, or the county health department.

A health care provider or a county health department official will give you instructions on getting seen in a timely manner, and how you can avoid exposing other people to measles.

Source: Florida Department of Health

Published May 15, 2019