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Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

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Marilyn Wannamaker leaves a legacy of service

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She was a fixture for years at Independence Day celebrations in Lutz, overseeing the annual Cake Bake Contest.

She was a regular, too,  at the Christmas House at the Old Lutz School, serving up hot chocolate and doling out cookies.

But, those are just a couple of the many, many ways that Marilyn Wannamaker served the community of Lutz.

Marilyn Wannamaker was known for her steadfast service to the community of Lutz, and her kind, caring ways. (Courtesy of Pat Serio)

She was deeply involved in the GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club, occupying nearly every office, including president for two terms.

She was devoted to helping young girls develop a heart for community work, as well as leadership skills, through her role as adviser to the Little Women of Lutz.

Marilyn Wannamaker’s life was remembered on Feb. 23, during a Memorial Eucharist at St. Clement’s Episcopal Church in Tampa.

During the religious ceremony, she was eulogized by her sons, Mark and Scott Peterson; and by Annette Bellinger, a first vice president of the Woman’s Club, and Jane Mason, current adviser for the Little Women of Lutz. Her son, Mark, also shared some thoughts provided by his wife, Val Peterson.

Bellinger recalls feeling a little bit intimidated when she met Wannamaker, who was president of the woman’s club at the time — and had total command of club protocol.

But, Bellinger said her initial concerns were quickly erased, as she witnessed Wannamaker’s incredible warmth.

Wannamaker paid attention to people, and became aware of not only details in their lives, but in their loved ones’ lives, as well, Bellinger said.

Wannamaker led by example.

“She was always willing to work,” Bellinger said. “Even when she didn’t feel that great, she still turned up.”

Mason, who now works with The Little Women of Lutz, recalled Wannamaker’s passion for that group.

During Wannamaker’s tenure as its advisor, The Little Women of Lutz cooked dinner at the Ronald McDonald House, helped at the Lutz Branch Library, kept a stretch of road clear of trash; and helped a family at Christmas, and performed other acts of community service.

Working with the girls was a source of joy to Wannamaker.

“To me it’s wonderful to watch them grow and develop into wonderful young women,” she told The Laker/Lutz News, in a feature story about the group.

Wannamaker’s sons — Mark and Scott — were unabashed in expressing their affection at her memorial.

“Mom never missed an event,” Mark said. “She graded our homework.

“She was our life coach.

We have so many fond memories of our mom,” he said.

“Our mom volunteered for everything,” Mark added.

Over the years, she was active on the board of the Lutz Volunteer Fire Department, held the honorary title of Lutz Guv’na, was head of the St. Clement’s Altar Guild, and was a Salvation Army bell ringer, among other things.

Mark said her calendar was so crowded that he would have to call her weeks in advance to get a date to take her out to dinner.

He wasn’t complaining: He was proud.

Her son, Scott, said his mom was a good sport.

When he was playing Little League baseball, she’d put on a glove to go outside to play catch with him. And, she stepped up to become the official scorekeeper.

“She had immaculate penmanship,” he marveled.

She encouraged his love of music, even to the point of allowing his bands to practice at their house.

“I don’t know how many times that poor woman had to hear ‘Gloria,’” he said, drawing laughter from the crowd.

Wannamaker enjoyed traveling and had the chance to visit such places as Scotland, Australia and the Far East.

She enjoyed those trips, but she was always happy to return to Lutz, where she spent much of her time and energy working to improve community life.

After the service, her friend Pat Serio, another member of the Woman’s Club, described Wannamaker as “a very, very involved friend, and a dear, caring person.

“Marilyn will definitely leave a large void in my life, as well as in our club and the Lutz community,” Serio said.

Wannamaker was always thinking of others, even to the end, her sons said.

One of her final requests was that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Little Women of Lutz, c/o Lutz Land O’ Lakes Women’s Club, P.O. Box 656, Lutz, Florida 33548-0656.

Published February 27, 2019

Summit addresses mental health challenges

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Overcoming mental health and substance abuse issues in local communities seems a daunting undertaking — but offering a helping hand and a shoulder to lean on may be a good place to start.

At least that’s what a group of educators and faith-based leaders asserted at a recent mental health summit at Pasco-Hernando State College’s (PHSC) Porter Campus at Wiregrass Ranch, in Wesley Chapel.

Pasco-Hernando State College hosted a mental health summit on Feb. 18 at its Porter Campus in Wesley Chapel. It featured a panel discussion between educators and faith leaders in the community. (Kevin Weiss)

The state college’s Bridging Faith and Mental Health Communities Summit brought together dozens of faith-based leaders, public and private clinical agencies, students, educators and community members. They discussed ongoing problems and solutions on topics such as depression, suicide and substance abuse, wellness and recovery.

A plenary panel discussion addressed those topics head-on.

University of South Florida philosophy and religious studies professor Garrett Potts tried to pinpoint the root of mental health issues.

He suggested that depression and addiction have been exacerbated because there’s “a crisis of meaning” and “a loss of hope” in society and culture today.

And, as a result, he said, people have turned to drugs and alcohol, as a coping mechanism.

The panelist advised that if you think someone may be suffering from substance abuse or a mental health crisis, empathy and guidance without judgement can go a long way.

“We have to be able to sort of lay our cards on the table and say, ‘Hey, I’m with you,’” Potts said.

“Try at all costs to avoid the shame cycle that our fellow addicts and sufferers are already stuck in. They don’t need any more shame than they’re already placing on themselves.”

He added, “A lot of times, what you hear with individuals who are struggling with suicide, is they’ve found themselves in a place where they’re isolated. Either something they’re struggling with is stigmatized to the point that they don’t feel loved, or they feel like no one around them cares about them or can help them.”

Another panelist, Dr. Eddie Williams, director of PHSC’s behavioral health department, pointed out those dealing with depression and suicide “often disengage from everybody” in their personal and social life, and in the workplace.

Williams underscored the importance of reaching out before a particular mental illness worsens.

A decreased functioning in everyday life and a general feeling of sadness are some warning signs to watch out for, he said.

“We need to make sure that person gets reconnected,” Williams said, “to let them know that they’re loved and understood.”

He added: “Don’t take no for an answer, if you start to see someone disengaging from life. Sometimes, it just takes that one act of courage and that could save someone’s life.”

Williams also observed those who’ve successfully recovered from substance abuse or mental illness must “give it back and try to help someone else reach that level of recovery.”

Williams added: “You’ve got to have that support from people who’ve been in similar situations.”

Pastor Doug Zipperer, of Shady Hills’ United Methodist Church, called for more fellowship and outreach groups.

He mentioned organizations like Alcoholics Anonymous do a good job of bringing people together and helping each other, so they’re not fighting mental health and addiction battles alone.

Zipperer put it like this: “The words and encouragement and counsel of a real close friend is probably more lasting than hours of clinical counseling or the professional help of somebody they don’t trust.”

Another panelist, Taiwan Simmons, the co-founder of Inside Reach Ministries in Wesley Chapel, suggested there’s not a one-size-fits-all answer to people struggling with mental health issues and substance abuse.

Offering care and affection to loved ones may not be enough, Simmons said.

Still, the panelist said there’s a responsibility to reach out to those dealing with those troubles — even in the face of getting rejected by that person.

“We have people who are hurting,” he said. “They need our prayer, they need our support, they need our attention, they need our encouragement.

“You have to be engaged and you have to empower not just yourself, but the people around you,” he said.

The panel also included Imam Hassan Sultan, CEO of the Muslim Connection; Ryan Morris, PHSC student government president; and, John Mitten, Hernando County commissioner and PHSC board trustee.

Along with the panel discussion, the event also included breakout sessions focused on suicide, and substance abuse awareness and prevention.

In addition to the state college, community partners involved in the summit included the National Alliance on Mental Illness, Pasco Alliance for Substance Abuse Prevention, BayCare Behavioral Health – Community Health Activation Team (CHAT), American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, Take Stock in Children, James A. Haley Veterans Hospital, Moffitt Cancer Center and Pasco Aware.

Published February 27, 2019

Heart defect doesn’t stop local teen

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Samuel Mazzeo’s life changed forever, during a P.E. class at Cypress Creek Middle High.

He was playing football with classmates on the school’s field when, suddenly, he collapsed.

The teenager had gone into cardiac arrest.

School officials, luckily, were on hand to quickly come to his aid.

He was revived with CPR and a defibrillator. He received medical care at John Hopkins All Children’s Hospital and AdventHealth Wesley Chapel.

After months of recovery and an internal pacemaker, Mazzeo has been cleared to participate in shot put and discus events on Cypress Creek Middle High’s varsity track and field team. He previously participated on the school’s football, basketball and weightlifting teams. (Courtesy of Lona Mazzeo)

Mazzeo had been suffering from a rare, genetic heart disease called arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia, or ARVD for short.

It occurs when the heart muscle of the right ventricle is replaced by fat or fibrous tissue, so the right ventricle is dilated and contracts poorly; the condition was never diagnosed during physicals or regular check-ups.

The condition weakens the heart’s ability to pump blood.

The scary episode happened on Feb. 23, 2018.

“I don’t remember anything at all,” said the 17-year-old Mazzeo. “I tell my stories from what my friends and my family and the doctors told me what happened.”

Family and friends recently celebrated the day’s one-year anniversary, which is now described as Mazzeo’s “first birthday.”

“It’s crazy to think that actually happened a year ago, but I’m still happy and lucky I’m still here,” Mazzeo said. “I’m starting to realize, ‘Wow, it’s already been a whole year since basically my life completely changed.’”

Mazzeo now has a pacemaker implanted into his chest.

He doesn’t look like someone with a heart condition.

The teen measures at 6-foot-5 and 240-plus pounds — packed into a sturdy, imposing frame.

Doctors told him he’s no longer able to play competitive sports, however.

Other strenuous forms of exercise are also off-limits — aside from brisk walks, light weight-training and the occasional swim.

The realization was humbling for a multi-sport athlete who participated on Cypress Creek’s football, basketball and weightlifting teams — and who had dreams of playing college football.

“It was a little tough at first,” Mazzeo said of the diagnosis and its limitations. “The first few months were rough, and I realized that football was no more. I honestly didn’t think that would ever happen to me. I’ve always been a healthy, active kid. I almost felt invincible, playing football…and then that happens and you’re just like, ‘Wow.’”

As months passed, Mazzeo learned to accept his new, altered lifestyle.

“I wouldn’t say I’m fine with it, but I’m not mad about it,” Mazzeo said. “I’m better now. It’s a lot easier to move on with.”

A few things eased the transition.

Though unable to don a helmet and pads ever again, Mazzeo was able to be involved with the Cypress Creek varsity football team in another capacity — as a student assistant coach.

It’s a role he grew to embrace.

“As the season went on and progressed, I found out that I loved to coach,” Mazzeo said. “It’s something that’s really rewarding to see the progress from the start of the season to the end of the season, just watching the guys improve and watching them get wins.”

Mazzeo has even been asked to return next season as a paid assistant, once he graduates high school.

He sees it as a possible future career path.

“I do miss playing football a lot, especially during the last past season, but getting the opportunity to coach was something that I never would’ve expected to happen,” Mazzeo said. “It was a good opportunity to do and, obviously it still kept me close with the team and close with everybody.”

Mazzeo found a niche in another sport, also.

He recently was cleared by his cardiologist to participate on the school’s varsity track and field team as a shot put and discus thrower; the movements were deemed low-impact enough for someone with a pacemaker.

Given his size and strength, Mazzeo has shown to be a natural at both.

At a recent quad meet, he placed sixth overall in shot put (10.55 meters) and ninth overall in discus (25.77 meters), respectively.

“I’m happy I was cleared to do shot and discus,” said Mazzeo.

Besides his continued involvement in sports, Mazzeo also is working to raise awareness about heart health throughout school.

He encourages his classmates to get heart screenings and to understand the importance of learning CPR.

“I think it’s good to get screened, to get tested for just anything in general,” Mazzeo said. “Even if you’re an athlete, you never know.”

Meantime, Mazzeo remains thankful the incident took place at school.

He sometimes reflects he could’ve been any place alone when his heart stopped.

“I’m very fortunate that it happened in the right place, with the right people around to help me,” Mazzeo said. “Because I work out at home, I work out at the gym, usually there’s no one with me or there’s no medical devices around, so I’m very lucky and fortunate it happened here at school.”

Published February 27, 2019

Taking a blast into the past at Zephyrhills Founder’s Day

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Get ready to travel back in time, exploring Zephyrhills history during the Founder’s Day Parade and Heritage Festival on March 9.

Celebrating the community’s 109th year, the event will run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., with the theme “Planes, Trains and Automobiles” – the evolution of transportation in Zephyrhills.

The parade is set to begin at 10 a.m., showcasing vintage automobiles, decorations and a marching band along Fifth Avenue.

These Model T Fords rolled down the road during a previous Founder’s Day celebration in Zephyrhills. (File)

From noon to 4 p.m., guests can sit by the Hopkins’ family porch and take a trip down memory lane — through accounts shared by various storytellers, including Zephyrhills Mayor Gene Whitfield.

At 2 p.m., a beard and mustache contest is scheduled at 4/One: The Gentlemen’s Quarters barbershop.

Contenders have the opportunity to win prizes, including cash, for their unique facial hair.

There also will be rows of vendors offering items, such as arts and crafts, as well as information about businesses. A plant expo also is planned.

Hungry patrons can get their fill from various food trucks, including a new offering this year: Gyros for Heroes.

The slate of entertainers includes The Time Travelers, the Chipco Creek Band and the Country Jam Band.

Kids can show off their skills through chalk drawing, and there will be hayrides for them to enjoy, too.

The function will be at Main Street Zephyrhills, 38537 Fifth Ave., and will proceed further into Downtown Zephyrhills.

Proceeds will go toward local businesses and nonprofit organizations.

Admission and parking are free, and pets are welcome.

To register for the beard contest, the parade, or as a vendor, visit MainStreetZephyrhills.org.

109th Founder’s Day Parade and Heritage Festival
Where: Main Street Zephyrhills, 38537 Fifth Ave., Zephyrhills
When: March 9 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Cost: Free
Details: This year, the festival aims to inform and entertain guests with Zephyrhills history, featuring planes, trains, and automobiles. The event will have its annual parade, ‘Tales of the Hills’ story time, a beard and mustache contest, as well as food and music.
Info: To register for the beard contest, the parade, or as a vendor, visit MainStreetZephyrhills.org.

Published February 27, 2019

Civil War history comes to life at Pioneer Florida Museum & Village

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Civil War buffs had a chance to see history come to life at the Pioneer Florida Museum & Village over the weekend.

Confederate Soldiers fire during a Civil War battle re-enactment at the Pioneer Florida Museum & Village in Dade City. (Fred Bellet)

Re-enactors also had a chance to take part in battles and skirmishes on the museum grounds.

The sounds of soldiers shouting commands and the smoke from firing guns filled the air.

Little ones shielded their ears to avoid the loud sounds of the guns.

Besides seeing the soldiers in action, visitors could tour confederate and union camps, see re-enactors in character and get a glimpse of Civil War life.

They also could see traditional period demonstrations and a ladies fashion show feature clothing from that period. There was live music, too.

Six-year-old Gregory Jacobsen holds his ears during the booming sounds coming from the 12-pound Mountain Howitzers. This was the young boy’s first experience of seeing a Civil War re-enactment. He was there with his dad, Benjamin Jacobsen, of Tampa.
Portraying a Confederate courier, Chuck Sheridan, of Sanford, delivers a message to Gen. Harding.
The trio, 7 lbs of Bacon, entertained the crowd by playing music of the 1800s.
The Union soldiers defeated the Confederate soldiers on one day of the two-day event, and the Confederate soldier defeated the Union soldiers on the other day.
From the audience area, Samantha Johnston, of Seffner, portrays a Southern Belle. She was applauding the efforts of the 5th Florida Company B, at the end of the Civil War re-enactment event.

Locals invited to get involved with Lutz Fourth of July

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A planning committee preparing for the Lutz 4th of July Parade will have its first meeting on March 12 at 7 p.m.

The community is encouraged to attend and to offer fresh ideas for the annual holiday event, which has been a Lutz tradition for years.

The meeting will take place at the Old Lutz School at 18819 U.S. 41.

Future meeting dates will be announced during that initial assembly.

The Independence Day celebration will be hosted by the GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club. It will include a parade, which begins on Lutz Lake Fern Road.

For additional information, contact Jennifer Rankin at (813) 240-5492 or at .

Local performers win big at Access Broadway in Orlando

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Graham Music Studios, from Dade City, recently competed at Access Broadway in Orlando, and came home the big winners.

“I am absolutely thrilled. It’s sort of a David and Goliath kind of thing because the other studios are just mega-studios,” said Alison Graham, who is the director of Graham Music Studios. “They come from cities where they have multiple performing arts magnet schools, and we come from a city where the big high school doesn’t even have a chorus.”

Front and center: Shelby Surratt; second row from left: Channing Romesser, Megan Phillips, Catherine Beard and Macy Pickerall; third row from left: Analiese Gallagher, Victoria Campos, Jasmine Kurz, Mikayla Mauradian, Kalli Keith and Emma Shireman; and, back row from left: Amanda Cloversettle, Genevieve D’Water, Lyndsey Furtado and Bernadette Richter. (Courtesy of Graham Music Studios)

“There were six top vocal awards for the whole weekend. We were entered in four of them, and won three of them,” Graham said.

“We were incredulous,” she said, referring to herself, the girls and their parents. “The first time, we were just jumping and screaming. The second Broadway Star, I just started bawling. And then the third one, I was like: “I cannot believe this.

“It was really, really exciting,” she said.

To understand how well they did, Graham said, “you have to see the mega-studios, with all of their props and money.”

Graham credits the singers’ success to their commitment, and the support of their parents and the community of Dade City.

“These girls, they work so hard,” Graham said.

One team, called Showbiz, won Platinum and took first place overall.

The team competed against 536 other acts from performing arts studios, and came out on top.

Another team known as Showstoppers — also received a Platinum rating and placed fourth overall in the competition, with their performance of “Up The Ladder To The Roof” from Everyday Rapture.

The Dade City studio also won the award for the best Broadway Vocal, for its performance of “Five Forever,” from Little Women. In that competition, Graham enlisted the aid of a boy singer to round out the group. She knew she had the right group of voices to compete well with that song, she said.

Showbiz is made up Sarah Atkins, Carly Bowling, Gianna Como, Isabella Como, Ellie DeLloyd, Lyra Lacson, Larkin Mainwaring, Kassie Miller, Mackenzie Robinson, Payton Rodgers, Analee Tomkow, Marlee Tomkow and Karis Williams.

Another team from the Dade City music studio — its oldest group of performers, known as Showstoppers, is made up of Catherine Beard, Victoria Campos, Amanda Cloversettle, Genevieve D’ Water, Lyndsey Furtado, Analiese Gallagher, Jasmine Kurz, Kallie Keith, Mikayla Mauradian, Megan Phillips, Macy Pickerall, Georgia Piersall, Bernadette Richter, Channing Romesser, Emma Shireman and Shelby Surratt.

Kassie Miller, Sarah Atkins and Bella Como celebrate.

The singers winning the best Broadway Vocal were Roman Ricardo, Macy Pickerall, Isabella Como, Megan Phillips and Shelby Surratt. They received a Platinum rating,  as well as first place.

Shelby Surratt and Megan Phillips also took home the award for the best duet/trio of the weekend with their performance of “You Love Who You Love,” from Bonnie and Clyde.  They received a Platinum rating, first place overall and are the title holders for best duet /trio vocal.

The youngest group from Graham Music Studios, Showtime, received a High Gold Rating for its performance of “You’re Never Fully Dressed Without a Smile.” They placed third place overall in their age group.

That group is made up of Katarina Carroll, Kennedy Eldridge, Kassidy Graham, Anabelle Harris, Sally Harper, Sarah Hoerbelt, Kaylab Kelly, Emeley Poblick, Sophie Poblick, Asha Queen-Badal, Rio Riccardo, Mackenzie Trenkle and Keaton Ward.

Winning in Orlando qualified the group to compete in New York, but it typically doesn’t compete at nationals because of the expense, Graham said.

However, this year, a group of about 30 will be traveling to New York, to take part in an invitation-only master class with the cast of “Anastasia.”

The students will get to take part in the master class, get to meet the cast members at a party and have their photos taken with them. Then, they’ll get to watch the play, too.

It’s an experience that Graham expects will leave quite an impression on the girls: “To get to go backstage in the warmup rehearsal hall of “Anastasia,” and have a master class, with the actual people in the show —it’s just incredible.”

The trip is planned over spring break.

And, it’s happening partially because of fundraising efforts and generous gifts to help defray expenses.

One of Graham’s former students has sponsored one of the girls, making it possible for her to make the trip.

Others have chipped in during fundraisers.

When they were seeking donations at a Publix store, a fire truck pulled up, Graham said.

“Five firemen jumped off and gave us like 20 bucks each,” she said.

That’s just one example of the community’s generosity, she said.

Published February 27, 2019

Theater receives state landmark designation

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The historic Tampa Theatre has been designated a Florida Treasured Landmark through a proclamation by State Rep. Jackie Toledo (R-Tampa).

(File)

Toledo has also contacted the Florida Department of State to have the theater officially recognized with a Florida Historical Marker.

“Since its opening nearly a century ago, the Tampa Theatre has brought people together of all ages and all walks of life to celebrate the arts,” Toledo said, in a release.

“The Tampa Theatre is also an architectural jewel that leaves patrons in awe of its splendor and ornate detail. Truly unique, this Tampa treasure is one of the most beautiful and iconic movie theaters in the world,” she added.

Designed by architect John Eberson, the theater opened on Oct. 15, 1926 to a sold-out audience.

Today, it draws more than 140,000 people annually and is managed by the nonprofit Tampa Theatre Foundation.

The venue hosts more than 600 events every year, and is one of the most heavily used locale of its kind in the United States.

Tampa Theatre is at 711 N. Franklin St., in downtown Tampa.

For more information, visit TampaTheatre.org.

Pasco may lift exclusion on dock roofs on freshwater lakes

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When Joe Steffens gazes from his backyard out onto Bell Lake, he can easily view the private  lake’s water — and his neighbor’s boat docks, complete with roofs — that he built himself.

But, his dock doesn’t have a roof.

And, even if he wanted to put one on, he wouldn’t be allowed to under current Pasco County regulations.

Joe Steffens, of Land O’ Lakes, stands in his backyard, overlooking Bell Lake. He’s been working to persuade the Pasco County Commission to change an ordinance to lift an exclusion over dock roofs on freshwater lakes. He said they’re a way of life in Central Pasco. (B.C. Manion)

Steffens, who is a marine contractor, has been pushing for a change — and has been discussing the issue with individual commissioners for the better part of a year to try to make that happen.

He appeared at the Pasco County Commission’s Feb. 5, to reiterate the request.

He told commissioners: “Everybody has a boathouse on all the freshwater lakes to protect their investments.”

When people buy lakefront property, he said, they see the other docks with roofs on the lake and expect to be able to get one.

Sandy Graves, of Land O’ Lakes, agrees with Steffens.

She told commissioners: “I’m a native Laker and this has never been an issue in Land O’ Lakes. I’m a member of a lake association of the second-largest private lake in Pasco County, and it’s never been an issue for us. These roofs are part of our scene, and they’re a beauty of it.

“These are freshwater lakes. They’re private lakes,” she said.

Denise Brand, of Ukulele Brand’s restaurant in Land O’ Lakes, said she and her husband also support the request to amend the county’s ordinance.

“Currently we have seating on a dock that goes out on a lake,” she said. “We would like to make changes to the dock, but we are afraid that we would not be able to put a roof over a new dock. “Currently our dock has three steps down, so it’s difficult for elderly people and people with disabilities to access the dock seating area.

“We did not realize until recently that if the existing dock was to be renovated that we might not be able to put a roof over the new one, and we would like for you to consider roofs being allowed on docks,” she said.

Commissioners now appear ready to make the change happen.

They instructed County Attorney Jeffrey Steinsnyder to proceed with changes to the ordinance that would allow the dock roofs over man-made and freshwater private lakes.

This is a look at Bell Lake, which has some docks that have roofs.

Commissioner Mike Moore spoke in favor of the change.

“They’re right. It’s a quality of life issue,” he said, adding that he also would love to see the restaurant be able to renovate its dock.

Commissioner Kathryn Starkey weighed in, as well.

“I’m totally in support for the people on the lakes have their (dock) roofs,” she said.

However, she continues to oppose roofs over docks on canals.

“I travel through a lot jurisdictions in the intracoastal and the vast majority do not allow any kind of coverage,” she said.

Steinsnyder said the prohibition of roof docks would remain in the ordinance, except for the lake issue that was raised in the Central part of the county.

The attorney also addressed two other changes that would be made to the ordinance.

One change would require property owners to maintain their seawalls.

That change “takes the operative language of the Hernando County ordinance” and adds it to the county’s ordinance.

The other change would allow more of a canal to be used for the dock, in the situation of a dead end canal, where there is not a different property owner at the end of the waterway.

The proposed amended ordinance will go through a public hearing before the Planning Commission and two public hearings before the County Commission.

Moore said he’s confident the amended ordinance will be adopted.

Steffens is optimistic.

If the ordinance is adopted, he’ll be able to work closer to home.

“I work in Hillsborough mostly now. I have to, because that’s where the work is,” he said.

But, that’s not the only reason he wants the change.

He wants to restore a way of life in Central Pasco, he said.

“This is just a small sample,” he said, indicating the dock roofs on Bell Lake.

“I mean Lake Padgett and East Lake and Lake Saxton and King Lake and Lake Thomas — all of these lakes — that’s the way it’s been.

“It’s been for generations. For years and years, people have been doing that. It’s just what they expect out here, on these freshwater private lakes,” Steffens said.

Published February 20, 2019

Congestion relief on way for 54/41

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A project is set to begin in mid-March that’s aimed to improve traffic flow at the intersection of State Road 54 and U.S. 41.

Lanes are being modified to provide more room for motorists who are turning left off State Road 54 to head north on U.S. 41, and those turning right off State Road 54 to go south on U.S. 41.

Efforts are underway to lengthen eastbound turning lanes on State Road 54. The project, set for mid-March, will provide more lane room for motorists turning onto U.S. 41. (File)

“There is no widening involved with this project, just lane modification to help alleviate congestion turning north and south onto U.S. 41,” explained David Botello, public information specialist for the Florida Department of Transportation.

Motorists heading east on State Road 54, who intend to turn right or left onto U.S. 41, are sometimes blocked from entering their turning lanes.

That’s because the traffic builds up at the intersection’s traffic signal.

During the first phase of construction, pavement will be removed and new pavement will be installed.

“No lanes will be closed during the day, so traffic should not be significantly impacted,” Botello assured.

No lane closures are expected, but if any do occur, they would be done at night to avoid impacts during peak traffic hours, he said.

Sidewalks and crosswalks are to remain open, and the CSX railway company will provide a railroad crossing flagger at the intersection.

The project also includes reconfiguring the median at State Road 54 and Hunt Road.

The new median will have a separator — which will allow eastbound motorists to turn left onto Hunt Road, and left turns off of Hunt Road onto State Road 54.

U-turns will no longer be permitted for westbound traffic at this median.

The project is expected to cost an estimated $1.1 million, with completion set for this coming summer.

Pasco County Commissioner Kathryn Starkey has been an adamant supporter of the project, which has been in planning for several years.

“This is a temporary solution, but it’s something that won’t take long to implement,” she remarked. “I do believe people will see some relief.”

The commissioner also credits Pasco County Attorney David Goldstein with helping her make the proposal come to fruition – stating it was a team effort.

In addition to being a part of the Metro Planning Organization’s Long Range Transportation Plan, the project is one of the first implementations of Vision 54/56.

The Vision program considers long-term improvements on the State Road 54 and State Road 56 corridor – spanning from U.S. 19 to Bruce B. Downs Boulevard.

For current updates and visual schematics, visit tinyurl.com/yyzangk9.

Published February 20, 2019