The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Local News

Central Pasco changes being considered

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A number of land-use and zoning changes are being considered on properties within Central Pasco County.

The proposals were considered by the Pasco County Commission and its advisory body, the Pasco County Planning Commission last week.

The County Commission:

  • Transmitted to the state Department of Economic Opportunity and reviewing agencies a request to amend the county’s land-use plan from a designation allowing one dwelling per acre to one that allows six dwelling units per acre on 39.93 acres at the southwest corner of Ehren Cutoff at Caliente Boulevard. The site is about one-quarter mile to the northwest of Land O’ Lakes Boulevard. The applicant is proposing 120 single-family dwelling units, which would be regulated by an associate Master Plan Unit Development zoning.

The proposed 120-unit subdivision would result in 22 students for Pine View Elementary, 12 students for Pine View Middle and 15 students for Land O’ Lakes High School

Commissioners are expected to consider the final adoption for the land-use change on May 21.

  • Adopted a change to the county’s land-use map to allow a commercial development on 2.51 acres that previously was designated for residential use. The site is east of Land O’ Lakes Boulevard, and 778 feet south of Wilderness Lakes Boulevard. The applicant is proposing 8,600 square feet of office uses and 9,800 square feet of office/retail, for a total of 18,400 nonresidential uses.

The county’s planning staff and its planning commission recommended approval of the request. The project is consistent with surrounding Wilderness Commons, Shamrock Plaza and Caliente Resort, according to planners.

The Planning Commission:

  • Approved a request by the Susan A. MacManus Living Trust to rezone a 5-acre site on the west side of Collier Parkway, about 300 feet south of Weeks Boulevard, extending west to Old Collier Road. The current zoning is agricultural. The proposed zoning would allow a professional office district. The current site is unimproved; the applicant proposes a 43,000-square-foot professional office park. The surrounding area is characterized by educational and religious institutions, mixed commercial and residential. County planners recommend approval. The Pasco County Commission, which has final jurisdiction, is scheduled to hear the request on April 23, at 1:30 p.m. at the Government Center in New Port Richey.
  • Approved a request by Starkey Ranch Investment Company LLC to rezone 2.86 acres at the northwest corner of Starkey and Rangeland boulevards. The current zoning is agricultural; the proposed zoning is neighborhood commercial. Planners recommended approval of the request. The Pasco County Commission, which has final jurisdiction, is scheduled to hear the request on April 23 at 1:30 p.m., at the Government Center in New Port Richey.

Published April 17, 2019

‘Out & About 2019’ offers fun for the whole family

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The Out & About 2019 Expo invites families to find out more about what’s happening locally, and give kids a chance to have some Easter fun.

The event, presented by The Laker/Lutz News, is set for April 20 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Plantation Palms Golf Club, 23253 Plantation Palms Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes.

“The No. 1 reason why people read The Laker/Lutz News is because they’re looking for things to do locally,” said Diane Kortus, the newspaper’s publisher.

Four-year-old Brooklyn Holtzman is all smiles as she awaits Easter festivities. Children who find eggs at the Out and About 2019 Expo on April 20 will likely be all smiles, too. Besides an Easter egg hunt, the expo — being presented by The Laker/Lutz News — will give guests a chance to find out about fun stuff for kids and adults. (Christine Holtzman)

The expo will bring that concept to life — with people representing dozens of companies and organizations coming together to give visitors a chance to learn about local options for children and adults, alike.

Indoor booths will have representatives providing information about summer camp programs, museums, day trips, restaurants, specialty shops and area businesses.

Those visiting also will have a chance to take part in activities, and take home some swag.

Outdoors, kids will have a chance to hunt for Easter eggs at 10 a.m.

Once they find some eggs, kids will be able to exchange their eggs for “goodie bags” loaded with prizes.

But, kids won’t be the only ones having fun searching for eggs. There will be an egg hunt for adults, too, who will also have a chance to win prizes.

Other activities will include bowling and hockey games, as well.

The Easter Bunny is also expected to hop in, to pose for photos with guests throughout the event.

All of those activities will probably make people hungry, so guests will be able to partake of appetizers and other refreshments, and adult beverages will be available from Tropical Wine Shop.

The event is free and so is parking – yet limited.

Guests are encouraged to park at the Harvester United Methodist Church at 2432 Collier Parkway in Land O’ Lakes. From there, shuttles will run throughout the event, escorting guests to and from the golf club premises.

For additional information, please contact Diane Kortus at (813) 909-2800 or  .

Jodie Sullivan, event coordinator, can also be contacted at (813) 927-2730 or .

Out and About 2019 Expo
Where: Plantation Palms Golf Club, 23253 Plantation Palms Blvd., Land O’ Lakes
When: April 20 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Cost: Free
Details: An Easter-themed expo will grant guests the opportunity to learn about local attractions and summer camps. Games and egg hunts will be offered, as well as snapshots with the Easter Bunny.
Info: Contact Diane Kortus at (813) 909-2800 or at ; Jodie Sullivan at (813) 927-2730 or at .

Published April 10, 2019

Cybercrimes on the rise, expert says

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Cyber-related crimes don’t appear to be going away anytime soon.

Pasco Sheriff Sgt. Sam Pepenella knows that better than most — as the unit supervisor of the agency’s cyber and computer forensic investigations.

He shared some of his insights as the featured guest speaker at an East Pasco Networking Group meeting in Dade City last month.

The Sheriff’s Office processes about 9,000 digital devices — phones, tablets, computers — every year, a significant rise from when Pepenella helped form the special unit nearly a decade ago.

Pasco Sheriff’s Office Sgt. Sam Pepenella was the featured speaker during a recent East Pasco Networking Group meeting. Pepenella supervises the agency’s cyber and computer forensic investigations unit. (Kevin Weiss)

“It’s getting busier,” the law enforcement officer said.

In traditional crime, perpetrators use a pry bar and pop open a door, Pepenella said. Cybercriminals, he said, run their fingers over a keyboard and find a way to break in.

Much of Pepenella’s talk focused on common online scams his unit has been seeing lately.

One, known as phishing, is the fraudulent attempt to obtain sensitive information such as usernames, passwords and credit card details by disguising as a trustworthy entity in an electronic communication.

Phishing scammers often send emails or texts posing as a bank or financial institution, to try and bait users into providing their bank account information or click links or attachments that then download malicious software. He pointed out financial institutions never ask for any personal or account information, via email, unsolicited phone calls or text messages.

To protect against phishing, the speaker advised users to do their due diligence before opening and responding to any solicited emails or text messages. Securing and frequently changing passwords is another way to reduce risks.

Said Pepenella: “Make sure you know what you’re opening. Make sure you know what you’re clicking on. If you’re not 100 percent sure on who you’re receiving this information from, don’t click on it.”

The same goes for accepting friend and follower requests, and messages from strangers on social media sites like Facebook and Twitter, he said.

“If you don’t know them, don’t accept them as a friend,” he advised.

The speaker mentioned that even the Nigerian scam is still prevalent and has victimized people locally. “It is happening,” he said.

These type of scams involve someone overseas offering a share in a large sum of money or a payment on the condition you help them to transfer money out of their country. While these scams originated in Nigeria, they now come from all over the world.

Stolen money is rarely recovered in these cases, Pepenella said.

He explained: “It’s not uncommon for us today to get complaints from citizens, ‘Hey, my life savings is gone.’ We find out they became a victim of a Nigerian scam. All a sudden they got an email, the scammer gains the trust of the person…and they just tug on the heartstrings.

“Unfortunately, once that money leaves this country and leaves our borders, we have no jurisdiction over it,” he explained.

The speaker also touched on some alarming figures related to online child sexual solicitation and exploitation.

Reported complaints of suspected child sexual exploitation to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) has increased by more than 10 million nationwide in the past two years alone, he said.

He surmised the rise in tips to NCMEC is partially explained by the recent proliferation of family plans from cellphone carriers.

As a result, the number of digital devices have skyrocketed— and, that, combined with a lack of oversight from parents when it comes to technology, gives youth unfettered access to smartphones, tablets and computers.

The law enforcement official went on to explain that online predators will communicate with adolescents through the chat feature in Xbox and PlayStation video games.

The predators try to develop a relationship with youths, and attempt to gain their trust and confidence with the promise of gifts and money.

From there, Pepenella said, offenders begin a “grooming” process over a period of time, coaxing children to take and send sexually explicit photos and videos of themselves via cellphone.

The Pasco Sheriff’s cyber investigations unit has found children as young as age 9 who were sexually solicited by online predators, Pepenella said. Many of the offenders are in another state, he said.

Said Pepenella, “Unfortunately, in a lot of those cases, they happen out of the area. They might happen in Missouri or New York or California. What we do is put as much of the case together as possible and ship it off to that jurisdiction.”

Meanwhile, Pepenella urged parents to limit their children’s screen time, use parental controls on digital devices and have access to all passwords.

“Be nosy about what your kids are doing, and do not allow that device out of your sight,” Pepenella said.

Published April 10, 2019

Survey asks for input on Wesley Chapel road connections

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The Pasco County Metropolitan Planning Organization is asking for the public’s input as it evaluates three potential roadway connections between Wesley Chapel and Hillsborough County.

Residents are encouraged to review the proposed options, and to provide feedback through an online survey, according to a news release from Pasco County.

The three potential connections are:

  • Between Mansfield Boulevard and Kinnan Street
  • Between Meadow Pointe Boulevard and Meadow Pointe Boulevard Extension
  • Between Wyndfields Boulevard and Wyndfields Boulevard Extension

Pasco County has not made any decisions regarding these connections, the release said.

The survey is being conducted through the end of April.

To take the survey, go to PascoResidentSurvey.com.

The survey results will be presented to the MPO at its meeting on June 13, which begins at 10 a.m. The meeting will be held at the Historic Pasco County Courthouse in Dade City.

The MPO board is expected to make a recommendation to the Board of County Commissioners regarding these connections.

Published April 10, 2019

Museum aims to tell Dade City’s story

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When people visit The Dade City Heritage and Cultural Museum they’ll not only have a chance to learn about Dade City’s history but also to get to feel — literally — objects that are part of the city’s past.

Joy Lynn, director of the museum, said the idea is to give visitors a true hands-on experience.

Items on loan to the museum will be kept behind glass, but many of the objects in the collection will be available for guests to pick up and hold.

The Dade City Heritage and Cultural Museum is housed within the Dade City Atlantic Coast Line Depot. The depot building was built in 1912, to replace an earlier frame structure that had been about a quarter-mile north of the building. It was the first site in Pasco County to be placed on the National Register of Historic Places, according to a plaque on the building. (B.C. Manion)

Also, instead of reading all about the items on display, museum staff will share stories about the items with visitors, Lynn said.

It’s important that items kept in the collection help reveal Dade City’s history, Lynn said.

Objects on display at the museum must be from Dade City proper, not some nearby place, the museum director said. They also need to help provide a glimpse into the city’s history.

“Most everything in the building has a story, or some significance that will develop a memory when you leave here,” the museum director said.

“If it doesn’t have a significant story — you can buy it at a yard sale, it’s just a piece,” she said.

The official ribbon cutting for the train depot museum was on Feb. 14, a date deliberately chosen to signify that history and heritage are at the heart of Dade City, Lynn said.

The train depot, where the museum is housed, also has a rich history.

It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1994.

It was built in 1912 by the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad, now known as CSX. Originally, it accommodated freight and passenger traffic.

Ask museum staff to get details regarding the history of this trunk and quilt.

“Designed in a traditional style for southern railroad depots constructed in the late 19th and early 20th century, this building is utilitarian in layout, yet possesses finely crafted structural and ornamental Folk Victorian style details,” according to documents related to its historic designation.

The building’s architectural elements include gable dormers, bay window, wraparound loading platform, and interior finishes, the document says.

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

A display of some old photographs and old cameras.

“Of the four historic railroad depots that have served Dade City, the Dade City Atlantic Coast Line Railroad Depot is the only one that remains,” the document continues.

In addition to the collection at the museum, staff will help tell Dade City’s story through downtown walking tours.

The walking tours are offered on Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.

The museum also plans to present a Haunted History walking tour on the first Friday evening of the month, which it held for the first time on April 5.

To find out more about the museum and its events, visit DadeCityHeritageMuseum.org.

The Dade City Heritage and Cultural Museum
Where: 14206 U.S. 98 Bypass, Dade City
When: Museum hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., closed Wednesdays
Cost: Suggested $5 donation
Details: The museum offers visitors a chance to see artifacts from Dade City and to hear the stories behind them. In addition to visiting the museum, it also is possible to learn about Dade City’s history by taking a walking tour downtown. Those are offered on Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Info: Call (352) 424-5778, or visit DadeCityHeritageMuseum.org.

Published April 10, 2019

Dade City selects new city manager

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Dade City has selected someone with a familiar face to be its next city manager.

City Commissioners on April 3 voted to extend an offer and enter contract negotiations with Leslie Porter to become Dade City’s next city manager.

Porter, the city’s finance director, has been acting as the interim city manager since February. She’s also been handling her responsibilities as finance director.

Dade City has decided to enter negotiations with Leslie Porter to become the city’s next city manager. She’s been acting as interim city manager, while continuing to handle her responsibilities as the city’s finance director. (File)

If negotiations are fruitful, Porter will assume the vacancy created by Billy Poe, who left the post after nearly 12 years. Poe is now the deputy city manager in the City of Zephyrhills and is expected to move up to city manager when that post is vacated.

The decision to offer Porter the city manager job came during a special meeting, when commissioners had been expected to review and rank top candidates for the city manager position. Porter was one of the nine applicants who applied by the March 15 deadline.

It marked the second call for applications after the city was unable to come to a contract agreement with Christopher Edwards, its top candidate for the position back in February.

Edwards is a real estate associate in Tallahassee and former deputy director of the Tallahassee-Leon County Office of Economy Vitality.

Instead of selecting a list of new candidates to interview, the commission opted to proceed with Porter for the position, citing her performance as acting city manager over the last two months while also juggling her duties as finance director.

Porter has served as the city’s finance director since 2014. Before that, she spent nearly a decade working as town treasurer for the Town of Chesapeake Beach in Maryland.

She holds a bachelor’s degree from George Mason University and a master’s degree from George Washington University.

Commissioner Nicole Deese Newlon said she’s been impressed with Porter during her stint as acting city manager role.

Like others, she previously expressed concern about Porter’s lack of city management experience to take on the post full time.

Said Newlon, “I think that Ms. Porter has done an excellent job and continues to do a great job, quite frankly doing two very large jobs, and I continue to be impressed by the work she’s doing.”

Others on the commission offered similar assessments.

Commissioner Jim Shive offered a strong endorsement for Porter, saying she’s exhibited “true leadership” and “a great propensity for achieving and personal growth.

“She continues to step up a notch,” said Shive. “I think we have a great opportunity to promote an individual from within, who’s shown a commitment and dedication to Dade City, and is up to the challenge.”

Mayor Camille Hernandez described Porter as “a no-nonsense gal” who “knows the job and the task at hand.”

“We have someone that knows our system, knows our city, is definitely committed and dedicated to the job,” Hernandez said.

She added, “It’s been interesting to watch her evolve over the last two months or so. She understands that she doesn’t know everything and there’s a lot to learn, but I love that about her, that she’s up for the challenge.”

Mayor Pro Tem Eunice Penix added of Porter: “I think she has done a great job, too. To me, we need her. She is well capable.”

Even City Attorney Nancy Stuparich weighed in on Porter: “I’ve enjoyed working with Leslie the last few months. She’s a very quick learner, and she’s had a lot of issues put on her very quickly and has been very responsive.”

Commissioner Scott Black was the lone voice to suggest the commission conduct interviews with some other applicants for the position, in addition to Porter.

Said Black, “I would feel more comfortable having a little more time to observe (Porter) for a longer period of time as different things come up that could be challenges to her, but I do think she’s done a good job.

“I do have a lot of confidence in Ms. Porter, especially given her finance background, but I’d like to talk to some of these others (that applied).”

The mayor and city attorney will now undergo contract negotiations with Porter, with an update expected at an April 23 city commission meeting.

As finance director, Porter makes nearly $86,000. However, her earnings have bumped to nearly $99,000 since taking on the additional role of acting city manager.

Provided an agreement with Porter is reached, commissioners mentioned City Hall will likely undergo some restructuring, as they look to hire a new finance director, and possibly add an assistant city manager and economic development specialist to the city’s organizational leadership chart.

Published April 10, 2019

Local club celebrates Italian heritage

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Members of the Italian-American Social Club of Tampa Bay meet monthly in Lutz with the goal of preserving their heritage for future generations.

The nonprofit club also provides a social atmosphere that’s conducive to meeting new friends.

And, it supports local charities.

“We’ll talk about events we’ll want to do – our future plans, but mostly it’s the camaraderie of the folks,” said Frank Giordano, the club’s marketing officer. “The folks really enjoy the togetherness.”

Although the Italian-American Social Club of Tampa Bay focuses on community outreach, they also know how to have a good time. Last year’s Columbus Day event, allowed members to sway with their partners on the dance floor. (Courtesy of the Italian-American Social Club of Tampa Bay)

The organization initially branched off from the Italian-American Club based in Ybor City in 2014.

Italian descendants who attended the St. Timothy Catholic Church in Lutz noticed the ethnic group’s large number in the Tampa Bay Area – especially in North Tampa.

So, about five years ago, the church members decided to open a new branch to accommodate residents living in this region. It was a matter of geographical convenience — because it eliminated the commute time between North Tampa and Ybor City.

“I’ve been looking for a local club, so I joined,” said Giordano, who’d been invited to a meeting by a member.

Currently, the second generation Italian-American is among the club’s estimated 150 members.

Part of the reason the club has so many members is that it welcomes non-Italians to join.

All are welcome to join, Giordano said, whether the person is married to someone of Italian descent, or has no ethnic connection whatsoever.

With a grin, Giordano said newcomers can be expected though to hear members brag about their heritage.

Indeed, he might be the one who is bragging: “I’m very proud to be Italian,” he said.

Of course, club meetings aren’t complete without delicious food. Members bring dishes to share in a potluck meal before the business part of the meeting begins.

Some of the foods they share include pizza, spaghetti, pasta, salads, sausage and chicken, to name just a few.

With Italian music playing in the background, it is customary to stay active with several rounds of bocce – an Italian ball game.

Some of the club’s members hail from the homeland, and are known to tell stories about life in Italy. They also provide advice to other members who are planning to travel to the “beautiful country,” Giordano said.

While meetings are based at the Lutz Cheval Golf and Athletic Club, members occasionally go out for social gatherings.

This includes dining at Italian restaurants.

They also host holiday functions, such as the Columbus Day event and a Christmas cookie exchange.

But, the club goes beyond building friendships and socializing. It also finds ways to give back to the community.

Members raise funds by volunteering their time doing customer service for the New York Yankees’ spring training at George Steinbrenner stadium in Tampa.

With about 20 club members on staff each game, they help to distribute memorabilia and souvenirs.

“We like doing the team store – selling the goods,” Giordano explained. “Last year, we made $20,000.”

With those funds, they contributed to the charities ALS Association of Florida, Guiding Light and Make a Wish.

The club also places emphasis on higher education for high school students.

A portion of collected funds goes toward as many as five scholarships – $1,000 each.

The club sets criteria for what makes students eligible – foremost, being a family member of someone within the organization.

Mostly made up of older generations, the club is trying to attract younger members.

One of the club’s future plans involves inviting students from Steinbrenner High School’s Italian club, in Lutz, to their meetings.

Building membership will help the club sustain itself and will help it do more charitable work, as well, Giordano said.

The club welcomes new members, he said.

“Come to a meeting; [we would] love to have you,” Giordano said.

For meeting dates or additional information, visit ItalianAmericanSocialClubTampa.com.

Published April 10, 2019

Saint Leo adding four new degree programs

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Saint Leo University will offer four new degree programs, beginning in the fall.

It also will expand its existing Bachelor of Arts in English to include additional courses and a new specialization in creative writing.

The new bachelor’s degrees will include the following majors:

  • Software Engineering
  • Data Science
  • Medical Humanities
  • Theater

“They’re wonderful opportunities for students,” said Dr. Mary Spoto, vice president for academic affairs at the university. “They’re cutting-edge programs, meet employer demands, workforce demands, and they really do prepare students.”

The software engineering program is much needed, based on information from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Spoto said.

Inside the Tapia College of Business building, this classroom has been reconfigured for the new software engineering program, which will begin in the fall. (Courtesy of Saint Leo)

Software developer jobs are projected to grow by 24 percent, in the 10-year period between 2016 to 2026, according to bureau statistics.

The Bachelor of Science program will be available both online and on campus, with courses in software architecture, design and development.

It is also the only new program that will offer a master’s degree.

“The graduate program is a 30-credit program and you can complete it in one year, if you’re going full-time,” the vice president added.

Data science also will be a Bachelor of Science program, but will only be offered on campus.

It will delve into mathematics, statistics, computer science and even psychology, among other fields.

The Bachelor of Arts in medical humanities will branch into two divisions: the pre-medical track, and the health and humanities track.

The pre-medical option will offer courses such as biology and chemistry, and will be geared to students who may aspire to go on to medical school.

Health and humanities, however, will help prepare students looking toward social work, psychology or occupational therapy.

The medical humanities programs will be on campus, only.

The Black Box Theatre, on campus, played a role in inspiring the new Bachelor of Arts in Theater.

“Once we had that, we knew we had a good, bona fide performance space for students and would be able to launch a theater major,” Spoto said.

Besides working on campus theater projects, students will take coursework in acting, directing, production and writing.

While not all the new programs will be available online, campus-bound courses will be flexible, as they’re scheduled at various times on weekdays.

Saint Leo also has education centers in Tampa, Spring Hill and other areas for those unable to make a long commute.

The decision to implement these programs was years in the making.

The university went through a program review process, examining whether existing majors were reaching standards to achieve student success.

It also analyzed research data to see what careers were flourishing in industry, and surveyed students to determine what jobs appealed to them.

Employers from various lines of work were also asked for their feedback.

Based on the collected data, these majors were chosen as a good addition to the university.

It was also determined that courses for these majors should be incorporated with ‘power skills’ learning.

Those skills aim to teach students how to better present themselves for the workforce. That includes enhancing their verbal and writing skills, and helping them to become thoughtful problem solvers.

“Those are the skills that employers are telling universities across the country, ‘We really want these and we’re not sure we’re getting them from graduates,’” Spoto said.

She also noted that “students should pursue what is a genuine interest, because they will perform academically the strongest and have confidence in knowing that all of our programs are preparing [them] for what is to come.”

Published April 10, 2019

Workshop focuses on East Pasco

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Pasco County Commissioners met in a workshop session with local municipal leaders on the afternoon of April 2 to discuss a number of projects that are planned or under discussion in East Pasco County.

Projects that were discussed included:

  • A roundabout at the intersection of State Road 52, College Avenue and Pompanic Street
  • An extension of Morningside Drive in Dade City
  • A drainage fix in downtown Dade City
  • The extension of State Road 56 to Chancey Road
  • The widening of County Road 54, from U.S. 301 to 23rd Street

Discussion regarding the City of San Antonio focused on an intersection, where State Road 52 meets College Avenue to the west and Pompanic Road to the north.

Pasco Board of Commissioners and municipal officials met on April 2 in a workshop setting to discuss a number of current and proposed projects in East Pasco County. (Brian Fernandes)

Efforts have been taken to address the San Antonio intersection, which has been a place of confusion for motorists and an area that has been prone to accidents.

Those problems persist despite the installation of stop and yield signs, and caution lights.

To address the continuing problem, the Metropolitan Planning Organization has suggested installing a roundabout at the intersection.

“Essentially, we’re at a stage where some design has been undertaken,” said John Villeneuve, MPO director. “This is something that will assist in facilitating safety and more maneuverability.”

While the project has been well-received by the board, no start date has been given.

Meanwhile a number of proposed or active Dade City projects were discussed.

One of those projects involves extending Morningside Drive, from U.S. 301 to Fort King Road.

Dade City Mayor Camille Hernandez has advocated for the MPO to put the project on a list for funding.

An alignment study has been conducted on the development, but funding needs to be in place to proceed to the next phase.

The potential benefits of the connection are already recognized locally.

It would boost economic development and would provide direct access off U.S. 301 to AdventHealth Dade City, said Mike Sherman, city planner for Dade City.

Joseph DeBono, Dade City’s director of public works, discussed Dade City’s downtown drainage issues.

Dade City, he said,  “has been plagued for years with a major drainage issue.”

He told those gathered that a stormwater retrofit project is the solution.

The project involves installing a new sewer system of more than 2,400 linear feet with various street drains. The collected water would run underground heading east to the U.S. 98 bypass, eventually being dumped into Irvin Pond.

That project, which may be completed during the summer of 2020, is receiving funding from the city, the state and the Florida Department of Transportation.

In Zephyrhills, there’s a proposal to extend State Road 56 to Chancey Road.

Construction already is underway to connect State Road 56, from Meadow Pointe Boulevard in Wesley Chapel to U.S. 301 in Zephyrhills.

But, Zephyrhills officials are looking into the possibility of later extending the state road further east to Chancey Road.

Todd Vande Berg, director of planning for Zephyrhills, brought schematics to the workshop and talked about the link’s potential to encourage increased industrial manufacturing, add jobs and boost the local economy.

The planning director also provided an update on plans to County Road 54 from U.S. 301 to 23rd Street.

The city had planned to widen that stretch of the road to four lanes, but those plans were halted because of conflicts with the local school district and efforts to obtain right of way, Vande Berg said.

The present plan keeps the road at two lanes, but adds turn lanes and pedestrian improvements, the director added.

The joint workshop between county commissioners and municipal officials was held at Pasco-Hernando State College’s East Campus.

Published April 10, 2019

Easter and breakfast: Where are the eggs?

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It’s April, which means eggs will begin to make their appearance for Easter egg hunts and Passover Seders.

For many cultures and religions, the egg symbolizes the season of spring. Of course, from a food perspective, it’s also associated with breakfast.

How did eggs become such a popular breakfast food in the United States?

A look at a different take to the phrase ‘Easter eggs in a basket.’ (Courtesy of IncredibleEgg.org)

Numerous sources say that advertising and marketing played a role, and that it was originally more about bacon than eggs.

According to “The Eater,” before the 1920s, Americans had light breakfasts of usually just a fruit, coffee, and a grain, such as a roll, oatmeal or boxed cereal, which was still relatively new.

In the 1920s, a company that produced pork wanted to increase sales, and so they hired public relations expert Edward Bernays, who is considered the pioneer of public relations and marketing. He also happened to be related to Sigmund Freud.

Knowing that the mornings weren’t a common time to eat meat, and with the rise of physically demanding jobs, such as factory and farm workers, he knew it was a good marketing opportunity to get people to eat bacon and eggs for a filling breakfast.

His strategy? To persuade the company’s physician that a heavier breakfast is better, and to make bacon and eggs the best example of what a heavy breakfast should look like to provide needed energy for the day.

The doctor agreed, and Bernays influenced him to spread this message to thousands of other physicians to have them confirm that a heavier breakfast is better.

Newspapers starting running headlines about it, and Americans began having heavier breakfasts — with bacon and eggs becoming the biggest breakfast staple.

The pork company achieved its goal of increasing sales, thanks to this PR move.

Of course today, we may not want or need such a heavy breakfast. But, eggs have stuck around as a symbol of breakfast.

Here’s a little nutritional information about eggs.

In one large egg, you can find 70 calories, 6 grams of protein, antioxidants, amino acids, and 13 vitamins and minerals, and other nutrients, including vitamin D (important for bone health and immune function), choline (for DNA synthesis) and selenium (good for thyroid health).

And, the protein helps us feel full, warding off hunger for longer periods of time. So, if you still feel hungry after having breakfast, consider adding more protein, such as eggs.

So, what about cholesterol from eggs?

You might have heard of that new study that was released in March that said eggs raise cholesterol.

But, there were a few things in that study that should be noted: It looked at six different studies that didn’t look at all aspects of participants’ lifestyles, it was based on people going back several weeks and remembering what food they ate, and it doesn’t directly prove eggs cause high cholesterol, just that there’s an association.

Yet other studies show that despite eggs being high in dietary cholesterol (about 186 mg in a large egg), they do not necessarily raise blood cholesterol; more research shows that saturated fat raises blood cholesterol more than dietary cholesterol.

And, while there is a little saturated fat in eggs (about 1.5 grams), there are other foods that are much higher in saturated fat, which can negatively impact your LDL (bad) cholesterol levels, such as the bacon you had with your eggs.

So what should we do?

Enjoy eggs in moderation. Also, consider cutting out the calories from butter or oil by making them hard boiled or poached.

If the cholesterol concerns you, you can still enjoy egg whites, since the cholesterol is contained in the yolk.

One egg a day for healthy adults is within the current guidelines, but if you want to go by that latest study, limit to three or four eggs per week.

More research is needed on egg consumption in diabetics and for those with heart disease. Anyone with those health concerns should talk with their doctor or dietitian.

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 

Easter Bunny Eggs in a Basket
Ingredients:

  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 Tablespoons parsley, minced
  • Pinch of salt and pepper
  • 2 Tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 sourdough baguette, about 24” long
  • 6 large eggs

Directions:

  • Preheat oven to 400° F
  • Mix the garlic, parsley, salt and pepper with olive oil
  • Sauté in a small saucepan until garlic is slightly browned
  • Place baguette on a sheet of foil and roll up the sides to keep bread in place
  • Cut 6 holes on top of baguette with a small serrated knife, spaced out evenly (make sure hole is wide and deep enough to hold one egg, and don’t cut through the bottom of the bread)
  • Press down on the bread in the hole to make room for the egg and olive oil mixture
  • Spoon olive oil mixture into each hole
  • Crack one egg into each hole
  • Cover baguette with one large piece of foil to create a “tent” for the first 5 minutes in oven
  • Open the tent and cook until egg white is set and yolk is firm, between 15 and 20 minutes

Source: IncredibleEgg.org (check the website for other egg recipe ideas)

Note from Shari Bresin: In the image, the yolk is runny. From a food safety standpoint, it’s safer to have the yolk firm.

Published April 10, 2019