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Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

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Political Agenda 04/10/2019

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Democratic Environmental Caucus
The Democratic Environmental Caucus of Florida, Pasco Chapter, will meet on April 10 at the Land O’ Lakes Heritage Park Community Center, 5401 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes. Networking begins at 6 p.m., followed by the meeting at 6:30 p.m. The meeting is free and all are welcome. For more information, email , or visit its Facebook page at Facebook.com/DECFPasco/.

East Pasco Democrats
The East Pasco Democratic Club will meet on April 15  at 6:30 p.m., at Omari’s Grill at Scotland Yard Golf Club, 9424 U.S. 301, Dade City. This month’s featured speaker is Sam Jenkins, from the University of Florida, who will address the crises caused by fossil fuel on climate change and earth sustainability. Dining a-la-carte is available from 5 p.m.  More information is available at EastPascoDems.com, or by calling (813) 383-8315.

Paula O’ Neil (File)

Paula O’ Neil to be honored
The Republican Club of Central Pasco will honor the service of Pasco Clerk & Comptroller Paula O’ Neil at its April 29 meeting, which begins with a social at 6:30 p.m., followed by the meeting at 7 p.m.

O’ Neil is retiring in June, after serving Pasco County since 1987. She was elected to the clerk & comptroller position in 2008 to succeed the retiring Jed Pittman and became the first woman to serve in that role. She has been re-elected to the office twice.

The club will honor O’ Neil and welcomes the public to join in the celebration. The club meets at Copperstone Executive Suites, 3632 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes. For more information, call (813) 996-3011.

Survey aims to gauge unmet needs of seniors, caregivers

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The Pinellas Community Foundation and the Area Agency on Aging of Pasco-Pinellas are working together to assess the unmet needs of seniors and their caregivers.

A survey—the Community Assessment Survey of Older Adults — will be sent to 10,000 randomly selected households across every Pinellas and Pasco zip code in which at least one resident is known to be aged 60 and over.

Anne Marie Winter

The survey will be sent the week of April 8. Residents will receive a postcard in advance, as well as instructions (in both English and Spanish) with the survey.

Data collection will continue through May 21. In addition to the mailed survey, two focus groups will be conducted in Pasco County – one in Dade City and one in New Port Richey.

“We’re really excited to be able to do this because it’s the first time ever that seniors will have a voice across both counties on what their needs are,” said Anne Marie Winter, executive director of Area Agency on Aging of Pasco-Pinellas.

“As far as we know, it’s (the survey) never been done at all in Central West Florida,” she said.

“We want to hear from the seniors. We don’t want to be the ones that decide what seniors need, based on what we think,” she said.

The postcard and letter are being sent to make sure that survey recipients “know that this is official, that it is going to be used for their best interest.

“We’re not going to try and sell them anything. We’re not going to try and use this information in anyway other than to identify what their needs are,” Winter said.

The questions being asked on the survey were selected by a steering committee made up of representatives from the Area Agency on Aging of Pasco-Pinellas; the cities of Clearwater, Dade City, New Port Richey and St. Petersburg; Pasco County Government; Pasco County Health Department; Pinellas Community Foundation; Pinellas County Health Department; and, Pinellas County Human Services.

The survey tool was developed by the National Research Center (NRC) and has been administered in other places around the country. Data returned from the survey of local residents will be benchmarked against other communities nationwide.

The survey covers numerous issues, including questions regarding access to food, transportation and affordable housing.

“Every zip code in both counties is going to be covered,” Winter said.

“We’re seeing changes in the demographic, in the population. What we need to see is ‘Do we need to do things differently?’ Do we need to invest our resources in different areas, based on those needs?

“Caregivers are getting younger and younger,” Winter added. “Our parents are aging, and we’re taking care of them more and more. The spouse used to be, and still is, the primary caregiver for their loved one. But, more and more, seniors are living longer and their children are taking care of them.

“How do we address the needs of those caregivers? Do we need more adult daycare programs, for respite, so you can drop off mom or dad when you go to work and they have a safe place where they will continue to be intellectually stimulated and provided with a good hot meal?” Winter said.

The survey is intended to yield information that will guide future efforts, Winter said.

“We want our future planning to be data driven, and we feel that this survey will be an important component in that,” she said.

Published April 10, 2019

Winners announced for “Spotlight on Talent”

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The “Spotlight on Talent,” a regional performing arts competition for people, has wrapped up its 36th annual competition.

Zach D’ Onofrio won the $1,000 Pasco Heritage Scholarship during this year’s Spotlight on Talent competition held at the Center for the Arts at Wesley Chapel High. (Courtesy of Spotlight on Talent)

The final two shows were held on March 19 at the Center for the Arts at Wesley Chapel High School.

Hundreds of people attended each show to watch the contestants compete, according to a news release from Barbara Friedman, who oversees the competition.

More than 230 students auditioned on Feb. 9, with 170 finalists competing in the two shows.

More than $4,000 in trophies, ribbons and cash prizes were awarded.

The winner of the $1,000 Pasco Heritage Scholarship went to Zach D’ Onofrio, who also gained notoriety when he competed in 2018 on American Idol.

The performers showed off their talents in various ways, including piano, vocal, dance, electric guitar and steel drum band.

Panels of paid professional judges selected the winners of the cash prizes.

If you would like any more information about the competition, reach out to Friedman at (352) 567-1720, or visit HeritageArts.org.

Here is a full list of the winners:

Matinee performances (Younger students)
Category 1

  • First: Rio Ricardo, musical theater
  • Second: Evangeline Dolan, musical theater
  • Third: Eden Kirkland, ballet dance
  • Fourth: Salvador Hernandez, piano

Category 2

  • First: Vincent Pham, piano
  • Second: Samuel Wu, piano
  • Third: Dino Antoniou, electric guitar
  • Fourth: Kasey Lang, piano

Category 3

  • First: Lauren Scotch, contemporary dance
  • Second: Isabel Ramos, musical theater
  • Third: Jasmine Kurz, musical theater
  • Fourth: Jasmine Crew, contemporary dance

Groups

  • First: Showtime, musical theater
  • Second: Songbirds, musical theater – Bianca Horodecki & Gabrielle Smedley
  • Third: Gotta Dance Diamondz, lyrical dance

Evening performances (Older students)
Category 1

  • First: Faith Phaller, contemporary dance
  • Second: Hannah Goserud, voice and guitar
  • Third: Sailor Wade, pointe dance
  • Fourth: Jayden Parsons, contemporary dance

Category 2

  • First: Flavio Eduardo Carreno-Olivo, piano
  • Second: Katie Knight, lyrical dance
  • Third: Agnes Hernandez, piano

Category 3

  • First: Zach D’ Onofrio, vocal
  • Second: Roman Ricardo, musical theater
  • Third: Julianna Mazza, contemporary dance
  • Fourth: Gracie Scaglione, contemporary dance
  • Fifth: Amanda Cloversettle, vocal

Groups

  • First: Showstoppers, musical theater
  • Second: Showbiz, musical theater

Pasco Heritage $1,000 Scholarship
Zach D’ Onofrio, vocal

Published April 10, 2019

This community servant knew how to find life’s silver lining

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Rosie Heim — a former Honorary Mayor of Land O’ Lakes, and a former president of the board of the Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club — has succumbed to her battle with cancer.

She will be remembered in a celebration of life service on April 13 at 10:30 a.m., at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 20735 Leonard Road in Lutz. A reception will follow.

Rosie Heim was widely known in Central Pasco. She belonged to several organizations and generously shared her smiles and goodwill. (File)

Rosie was widely known around Central Pasco for her willingness to serve local organizations, and as an Avon representative — who always dispensed her brand of good cheer, while delivering her customer’s orders.

Mary Rathman, editorial assistant at The Laker/Lutz News, a regular customer, developed a deep affection for Rosie.

“I’ll miss her smiles and hugs,” said Rathman, who admired Rosie’s ability to remain upbeat, despite her grim prognosis.

“She just had such an amazing attitude throughout her ordeal and she was always happy,” Rathman said.

When Rosie decided to toss her hat into the ring for a run at honorary mayor of Land O’ Lakes, she did so with the intention of raising the profile of the GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club. The club is already widely known in Lutz, but she wanted more people in Land O’ Lakes to become familiar with the club and its good works.

In a 2017 interview, she told The Laker/Lutz News she wanted the GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s club to become “a household name in Land O’ Lakes.”

Pat Serio, a member of the woman’s club, considered Rosie to be a dear friend.

“We’ve worked together on more projects and issues than I could possibly count,” Serio said.

She had a “unique insight and fun personality,” Serio added, and “she loved glitz and glamour.”

“All our (club members) hearts are very heavy with our loss of this wonderful woman after her very valiant battle with cancer,” she added.

In Rosie’s quest to win the Land O’ Lakes title, she hosted eight events.

For Rosie, it was never about being a member of a particular clique — she believed in reaching out to everyone.

Gloria Dale and Rosie Heim worked a booth at Land O’ Lakes Music Festival in 2017, as Heim made an effort to drum up support for her bid to become the new Honorary Mayor of Land O’ Lakes. Dale is the deputy honorary mayor, a title she’s been given for life.

She was involved with Women-N-Charge, a women’s networking group. She was also involved with AARP and with other groups.

She was always looking to recruit more members to the woman’s club because she saw a need to help with community services.

She also saw the need to develop reinforcements, as members of the woman’s club grow older and are unable to do as much volunteering as they did in the past.

In a previous interview, she explained: “Not all of the ladies are physically able to move tables and set up crafts. We would love younger people with better backs.”

She also was a cheerleader for the Central Pasco Chamber, too.

She looked forward to presiding at ribbon cuttings and representing the chamber in the Lutz Fourth of July Parade.

Before she retired, she was a special needs school assistant at Denham Oaks Elementary.

Elayne Bassinger, who was Rosie’s friend for 15 years, but particularly close to her during the last five years, said Rosie’s passing has left a hole in her heart.

“She had a remarkable, caring, giving, dynamic spirit — with a bit of spitfire thrown in,” Bassinger said.

“She was an inspiration to those who were fortunate enough to know her, and I was blessed to call her my friend,” Bassinger added.

Rosie possessed a can-do spirit and a great sense of humor, Bassinger said.

“Her heart was true community service,” Bassinger said.

Rosie enjoyed being involved, and was thrilled when some of that goodwill was returned during a pasta dinner fundraiser she held when she was campaigning to become honorary mayor.

She described the pasta dinner, in a 2017 interview.

Ninety-six people turned out.

“I was just so honored and overwhelmed by the love shown in that room,” she said. “They were chanting my name, ‘Rosie. Rosie.’”

It was incredible, she recalled.

“When you give, it’s always returned to you 10-fold,” she said

Rosie is survived by her husband, Charlie; her son, Daniel; her daughters, Sharon and Dawn, and her grandchildren.

Published April 03, 2019

Dade City extends ban on cannabis dispensaries

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Dade City is again pressing pause on allowing any medical marijuana treatment centers within city limits.

The Dade City Commission on March 28 voted to extend its moratorium relating to the operation of cannabis dispensing organizations and the issuance of business tax licenses for such facilities.

The Dade City Commission extended its moratorium, or temporary ban, on medical marijuana treatment centers, during a March 28 meeting. The city has had a moratorium in effect since 2016. (File)

The moratorium, temporary in nature, is in effect for the next six months, with a retroactive date of March 23.

The action marks the fourth time commissioners have passed a six-month extension of the moratorium, which was initially enacted in 2016, to study the potential impacts of such facilities on the municipality.

The original moratorium followed the November 2016 amendment of Florida’s Constitution to allow “the dispensing and use of marijuana for medical purposes by persons with debilitating diseases.”

City leaders, meanwhile, are still considering ways to regulate cannabis dispensaries, as opposed to instituting a permanent or outright ban.

Commissioners in January directed city staff to draft an ordinance that would have allowed for medical marijuana in all zoning districts where the city allows pharmacies, except in the city’s Community Redevelopment Area, generally encompassing the downtown corridor, and within 500 feet from any public or private elementary, middle and high school.

However, the Dade City Planning Board recommended denial of the drafted ordinance, due in part to concerns about its limiting pharmacies or drugstores in the downtown area, in making them legal nonconforming use.

The planning board then made a recommendation to the local planning agency and commission to extend the moratorium on the sale of medical marijuana, with a time frame to be determined by the commission; a public hearing and first reading of the extension was passed unanimously by the commission back on March 12.

Dade City Mayor Camille Hernandez said the commission will look to again address the medical marijuana dispensary issue and try to come up with a long-term solution sometime following Florida’s 2019 legislative session, which wraps up May 3.

Despite the moratorium, the mayor said she remains in favor of some type of ordinance that would permit medical marijuana dispensaries within city limits.

“I still feel very strongly,” Hernandez said. “I still think it serves a purpose and helps a lot of people.”

Former Dade City Manager Billy Poe received a plaque of appreciation for his nearly 11 years of public service to the municipality. Poe left the city manager post in February, accepting a similar position with the City of Zephyrhills. (Kevin Weiss)

The mayor also pointed to Florida voters’ clear support of Amendment 2 in 2016, in which 71 percent of the electorate voted in favor of medical marijuana treatment centers.

Said Hernandez, “I do think that the voters did express their opinion, and if we can put it together so it doesn’t adversely affect Dade City, then we need to do that, absolutely.”

In other action, commissioners presented a plaque of appreciation to Billy Poe, who served as city manager in Dade City for nearly 11 years.

Poe officially left the post in February to accept a similar position with the City of Zephyrhills as its deputy city manager. He is expected to transition to the city’s top leadership position once longtime Zephyrhills City Manager Steve Spina retires sometime this summer.

During the award presentation, Poe thanked the commission “for the opportunity to work with wonderful citizens and staff,” and specifically mentioned commissioners Scott Black and Eunice Penix “for taking a chance on me a way long time ago.”

Poe also expressed gratitude to city staffers he worked alongside during his tenure as city manager.

“Obviously, I could not have done and been able to be in Dade City for as long as I was without a great staff, and I truly appreciate it,” he said.

Meantime, the city is still searching for Poe’s replacement after it was unable to come to a contract agreement with its top candidate for the city manager position earlier this year.

Commissioners will have a special meeting April 3 at 4 p.m., to review and rank its second pool of candidates for the position.

The deadline to apply for the city manager vacancy ended March 15. The city received nine applications.

Published April 03, 2019

Sharing a meal, supporting each other

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The Power Gals of Land O’ Lakes began with a simple premise: Why not start a group where women could meet to have lunch and support one another?

And, that’s exactly what happened.

The club has no membership fees or mandatory attendance.

Karla Arita, who came up with the idea for the group along with her friend Kim Smith, said the group’s goal is for members to promote themselves and support each other. (B.C. Manion)

Women come, have lunch and talk for a minute about their business, upcoming events or anything else they want to share.

The club has its monthly meeting on the third Thursday of the month, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., at  Pizza Villa, 21501 Village Lakes Shopping Center Drive in Land O’ Lakes.

Power Gals was the brainchild of Karla Arita, a real estate agent with People’s Choice Realty Services, and Kim Smith, a loan officer with Fairway Independent Loan Corporation.

It launched more than a year ago.

Ten women showed up to the first meeting.

Now, the club has 300 members, with chapters in Land O’ Lakes, Wesley Chapel, Spring Hill, Boca Raton, Miami and in Forney, Texas, Arita said.

“We’re here, not just to promote ourselves; we’re here to support each other,” Arita said, during the club’s March 21 meeting in Land O’ Lakes. “That’s what sisterhood is all about. We are more than just a regular networking group. We are an extended family. We support each other.”

Maxine Rosen, a financial advisor, said belonging to Power Gals is like being a member of a sorority, without the hazing.

Then, women began introducing themselves.

On this particular day, there were two hair stylists, two travel agents, a financial advisor, a handmade soap maker, a banker, an etiquette expert, an insurance agent, a relocation specialist, a coffee saleswoman, a pet sitter, a life coach, an inspirational speaker, a jewelry saleswoman and a credit card processing expert — among those gathered.

As they made their way around the room, it didn’t take long for one woman to ask for the group’s support. Her husband has just been diagnosed with cancer, and she asked for the group’s prayers.

Without missing a beat, the group immediately responded by joining together to pray for him.

As the women spoke, they talked of upcoming events, job openings and other free networking opportunities.

When the luncheon wrapped up, several women lingered in the restaurant, chatting with each other about business ventures, or just catching up.

Erica Torres-Grubbs said Power Gals share information and build personal relationships.

Erica Torres-Grubbs, who owns Brightway, The Torres-Grubbs Agency, with her husband, said she enjoys belonging to Power Gals.

“The whole group has been great for me,” Torres-Grubb said, noting she’s been a member for eight months.

“We exchange information, but we also build personal relationships,” she said, also noting she’s made business connections and has grown personally.

Lori Judd, a travel agent, was attending her first Power Gals meeting. She was impressed.

“What a blessing. This is the only group that I’ve been in that didn’t say, ‘Hey, we need you to pay for this. Or, ‘Here’s a membership.’

“It’s just: We want to support each other,” Judd said.

Lyzbeth Piper said Power Gals share such a tight bond, they feel like family members.

Lyzbeth Piper, who has a cleaning company, runs the Power Gals with a Latin Twist that meets on the first Friday of each month at Bahama Breeze, at Cypress Creek Town Center. The meetings are from noon to 2 p.m.

Piper was at the inaugural meeting of Power Gals, and Arita is her real estate agent.

“Everybody is really professional and everybody helps everybody here. It feels like family here,” Piper said.

Ashley Jennings, a travel agent, said she enjoys chatting with club members who come from diverse occupations, have a wealth of experience and are helpful.

“It’s nice to have somebody to talk to, and just bounce things off of,” Jennings said.

“It’s women empowering women,” Jennings said. “Whether it’s business or personal, these ladies have your back.”

Ashley Jennings said the women in Power Gals have each other’s backs, professionally and personally.

Maxine Rosen, a financial advisor, has been with the club since Day 1, and is completely sold on its value.

“It’s truly a sisterhood. It’s like a sorority, without the hazing,” Rosen said.

She has tremendous regard for Arita.

“I’ve met a lot of wonderful people in my life — I have never met anybody like Karla, the most giving, kind, generous, empathetic, warm, loving individual.”

Rosen offers this advice to women who want to know more about Power Gals: “Please come and join us, and make new friends.”

Power Gals of Land O’ Lakes
When: Meets on the third Thursday of the month, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Where: Pizza Villa, 21501 Village Lakes Shopping Center Drive, Land O’ Lakes
Cost: Buy your own lunch.
Details: This networking group is about women from diverse occupational backgrounds supporting and promoting each other.
Info: Call Karla Arita at (813) 408-2038; or, visit PowerGals.net.

Published April 3, 2019

Grieving parents want to offer comfort to others

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Months after losing their infant son, Alissa Rodriguez and Ryan Mellor have donated to AdventHealth Zephyrhills the same kind of device that helped provide them comfort in the hours immediately following Collin’s death.

During a March 26 ceremony at the hospital, the Wesley Chapel couple provided a CuddleCot to be used by other families that are going through the same tragic circumstances that they experienced.

Amanda Maggard, president and CEO of AdventHealth Zephyrhills, left, accompanied family members of Collin Sebastian Mellor as the hospital received a CuddleCot donation on March 26. Next to the hospital executive is Alessandra Mellor, her parents Ryan and Alissa, sister Carolina, as well as grandparents Migdoel Rodriguez and Sonia Garcia. (Courtesy of Ashley Jeffery/AdventHealth West Florida Division)

Chaplains, medical staff and family gathered in a hospital room at AdventHealth Zephyrhills, as the couple presented their gift.

The CuddleCot is a device which uses flowing water to cool a pad, which can be placed in a basket, or in the arms of a parent, to provide extra time with the baby.

“We’re so grateful to be able to have this donation of the CuddleCot, because it gives those moms (and dads) the opportunity (to hold the baby) before they say goodbye,” said Sonia Yaksich, nurse manager of the Women’s Health Center at AdventHealth Zephyrhills. “This is a beautiful and perfect way for families to provide a memory for their child.”

As the couple made their donation, they were bestowed with a plaque honoring the memory of Collin Sebastian Mellor.

Although little Collin was delivered stillborn, he was safely cushioned by the pad as family members said their farewell in September of last year.

Sharing the story of their loss was difficult, as Alissa and Ryan read a letter they had prepared for the gathering.

For support, Christina Stamper was at the couple’s side, and when they were overcome by emotion, she finished reading the letter on their behalf.

“Due to the CuddleCot, we were able to stay with our son in our room,” Stamper read. “During the first few hours of absolute shock, there was no time, clarity to say, do, or express all that you would like to.”

Stamper could resonate with the parents’ struggle as she, too, lost her daughter, who was delivered stillborn.

Through the pain, she and her husband founded Madison’s Miracles – an organization named after their late daughter.

This CuddleCot device was donated to AdventHealth Zephyrhills in memory of Collin Sebastian Mellor on March 26.

Its purpose is to offer support groups to parents who have lost an infant, as well as raise funds to help pay for funerals and private counseling.

After discovering the CuddleCots – based in the United Kingdom – Stamper decided to have one brought to Florida.

“I needed to bring it here because nobody in the state had them,” she recalled.

In October 2016, she donated the first one to the Martin Health System, the hospital in Stuart, Florida, where Madison was delivered.

She has since teamed up with Ryan and Alissa with the goal of donating six CuddleCots to various hospitals in the U.S., and Puerto Rico.

AdventHealth Zephyrhills was their first stop, with Stanford University and Tampa General Hospital as next destinations.

Ryan is a cardiac surgeon at AdventHealth Tampa where he is acutely aware of the concept of mortality.

However, after he and his wife experienced the loss personally, they felt compelled to help others in need.

“We want to raise awareness that they’re (CuddleCots) there,” the doctor explained. “They should be available to people who are going through this.”

Even with his busy schedule, he said he wants to be present when each hospital receives their gift.

As for the staff at AdventHealth Zephyrhills, they will be reminded of the priceless value of their gift, as it has been imprinted with Collin’s full name.

Stamper stated that, “every family that walks through this door and has a loss, whether stillbirth or shortly after infant loss, will be guided by the arms open wide of Collin Sebastian.”

Published April 03, 2019

Pasco youth to perform in ‘Aladdin’ musical

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Get ready to experience the theatrical version of an iconic film, as the New Tampa Players host the performance of “Aladdin Jr.”

In addition to being an adaptation of the motion picture “Aladdin,” the play also draws from the Broadway musical.

The performances are set for April 5 at 8 p.m.; April 6 at 7 p.m.; and April 7 at 3 p.m.

Accompanied by his peer mentor Olivia Carr, left, Connor Olsen practices for his upcoming role as the Genie in ‘Aladdin Jr.’ The performance will take place at the University Area Cultural Development Center from April 5 to April 7. (Courtesy of New Tampa Players)

New Tampa Players has worked with the Penguin Project organization in casting youth with special needs for all the roles.

These stars will also be accompanied on stage with peer mentors for support.

Many of the actors, ranging from ages 7 to 24, will be representing the communities of Lutz, Land O’ Lakes and Wesley Chapel.

Some performers from these areas will also play principal characters, including Jaden Figueroa as Aladdin and Zoe DeJoseph as Jasmine.

The play will also be a musical, performing popular “Aladdin” songs, such as “Friend Like Me,” “Prince Ali” and “A Whole New World.”

Each ticket can be purchased at a $15 flat fee online or at the door on performance day.

Proceeds benefit the New Tampa Players to help support future productions.

The play will be held at the University Area Cultural Development Center on 14013 N. 22nd St., in Tampa.

To purchase tickets online, visit NewTampaPlayers.org.

For additional information, contact Nora Paine at (443) 850-8997 or at .

Aladdin Jr.
Where: University Area Cultural Development Center, 14013 N. 22nd St., Tampa
When: April 5 at 8 p.m.; April 6 at 7 p.m.; and April 7 at 3 p.m.
Cost: Tickets are $15 each
Details: An all-cast of youth with special needs will present a theatrical version of the film “Aladdin” with a musical performance.
Info: For tickets, visit NewTampaPlayers.org. For inquiries, contact Nora Paine at (443) 850-8997 or at .

Published April 03, 2019

 

Primary election coming soon for District 38

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Randy Maggard and David ‘Mac” Macallister will face off in a primary on April 9 to determine who will represent the Republicans in a special election to fill the vacancy in District 38 House seat in the Florida Legislature.

The seat was vacated by Danny Burgess, who accepted an offer from Gov. Ron DeSantis to become the executive director of the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs.

Early voting for the special election began on March 30 and ends on April 6.

Only registered Republicans can vote in the special primary election, said Pasco County Supervisor of Elections Brian Corley. The district’s boundaries stretch roughly from East Pasco over to U.S. 41 in Central Pasco.

Voters casting a ballot in that election have the option of voting early at the Central Pasco Government Center, 4111 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes, or at the East Pasco Government Center, 14236 Sixth St., in Dade City.

The early voting sites will be open during the week from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and on weekends from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The winner of the special primary election will face Democrat Kelly Smith in a general election for District 38 on June 18.

Besides the special election on April 9, there’s also an election the same day for City Council Seat 1 in the City of Zephyrhills.

Manny Funes is facing Lance Smith for that seat. That election is open to all of Zephyrhills’ electorate, regardless of party.

There are no early voting days in Zephyrhills.

Published April 03, 2019

Old State Road 54 widening will ease East Pasco congestion

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Work is underway to widen Old State Road 54, from Wesley Chapel to Zephyrhills, from a two-lane road to four lanes.

The 4.5-mile widening, which started in November 2017, will ease congestion between Curley and Morris Bridge roads.

The project will create a more consistent flow of traffic, as Old State Road 54 is a six-lane road, west of Curley Road.

Efforts to expand a portion of Old State Road 54 from Wesley Chapel into Zephyrhills, can be seen from this aerial view. What is now a two-lane road, will become four lanes – east of Curley Road to east of Morris Bridge Road. (Courtesy of Florida Department of Transportation)

“You have multiple lanes, multiple directions to the west,” said Zach Stringer, project administrator for the Florida Department of Transportation. “Where it’s previously reduced down to two lanes, that’s where we’re continuing multi-lanes with divided medians.”

Stringer added that the expansion will also accommodate increased traffic on Morris Bridge Road with the extension of State Road 56, which is another project that is also underway now.

The construction on Old State Road 54 will first prioritize the completion of two south-end lanes heading eastbound, two north-end lanes heading westbound and then incorporating a median in between.

The median will offer several openings to allow motorists to make necessary turns.

In addition, a north-end sidewalk and a 10-foot-wide multipurpose trail on the south end, will be built along the project’s entire stretch on Old State Road 54.

The project administrator said currently “we’re doing Phase 1A, which is constructing temporary asphalt to the south and short portions of temporary asphalt to the north for drainage crossovers.”

Short-term asphalt placement allows space for traffic diversion.

With additional space, workers can install and connect drainage pipelines from the north end to the south end of Old State Road 54.

The second phase is also in the works, as well, Stringer said.

On the evening of March 19, eastbound and westbound traffic was shifted further south to construct the two-lane expansion of the north end.

Future lane closures will be scheduled at nights and early mornings to avoid conflicting with heavy traffic hours.

The closures on open stretches of road will be from 8 p.m. to 6:30 a.m., while those at signalized intersections will be between 10:30 p.m. to 5:30 a.m.

The $42.5-million development is slated for completion during the summer of 2021.

Published April 03, 2019