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It’s not too late to protect yourself from the flu

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Ideally, the best time to get a flu shot is before flu season begins in October.

But, it’s still not too late to protect yourself before flu season hits its  peak, which is typically closer to February, said Dr. Melissa Wahba, an emergency room physician at St. Joseph’s Hospital-North, in Lutz.

Some people believe that getting a flu shot can cause them to get the flu, but that’s a misconception, said Dr. Melissa Wahba, an emergency department physician at St. Joseph’s Hospital-North, in Lutz. (Courtesy of St. Joseph’s Hospital-North)

The most vulnerable populations are children under age 5, but especially under age 2; people over age 65; and, those with chronic medical conditions, such as asthma, diabetes and pregnant women, Wahba said.

Protection is important, to avoid potentially tragic consequences of being infected by the virus, she said.

“Influenza can certainly be a deadly virus and even if it is not life-threatening to yourself, contracting it likely means you’re going to pass it on to someone else, and it could be someone who falls into one of those high-risk categories,” she said.

She continued: “So, making a choice of whether or not to be vaccinated is not really just reflective of impact on yourself. It will impact those around you.

“That’s especially true if you are taking care of any of the patients in those high-risk populations.”

Plus, she added: “Health care personnel, day care workers, people who are working in dialysis units — anyone who is working with those more vulnerable populations — they have an even greater responsibility to make sure that they’re being vaccinated.”

There’s a common misconception that someone can get the flu by getting a flu shot.

“That is not true,” the emergency department doctor said. “Patients can have side effects from the flu vaccine, but they’re extremely mild. Most commonly, they might have redness, soreness, tenderness or some swelling at the site of the injection. Fewer might actually get a low-grade fever, a headache, or feel a little bit achy.”

Dr. Melissa Wahba, an emergency department physician at St. Joseph’s Hospital-North, in Lutz, said it’s not too late to benefit from getting a flu shot. The peak of the season generally begins around February.

It’s also important to know that it takes two weeks from the time you get the shot for it to take its full effect.

“This year’s vaccine includes protection against Influenza A H1NI, Influenza A H3N2, and Influenza B, and certainly, we are by far seeing the most cases of H1NI,” the doctor said.

“The vaccine is targeted directly against that particular subtype of Influenza  A. The vaccine itself seems to be right on par with what we’re seeing clinically,” Wahba said.

People sometimes say they have the flu, when they actually have a cold or a stomach virus, she said.

“Influenza is generally quite a bit worse than just a cold,” she said.

If you think you have the flu, it’s important to keep away from other people, she said.

In its early stages, a patient can go to urgent care, or use an App, to get medical attention.

When caught early enough, a doctor may be able to prescribe antiviral medication to help reduce the effects.

There are times, though, when patients need to go to the emergency department, the doctor said.

Adults should receive emergency care when:

  • The patient is having difficulty breathing, or experiencing rapid, shallow breathing
  • The patient isn’t able to drink
  • The patient is experiencing chest pain, abdominal pain, or confusion

Babies and small children should receive emergency care when:

  • A child cannot drink fluids; a baby cannot drink his or her bottle
  • There’s a decrease in a child’s wet diapers
  • There’s a decrease in tear production when a child is crying

She advises that patients pay close attention to their symptoms.

“Sometimes in the course of influenza, patients will have an improvement in their symptoms, and then they will actually get worsening of symptoms with fever and increased cough. Those patients should definitely come to the hospital. They could be developing one of the complications that we see with influenza,” Wahba said.

Even when the flu is not life-threatening, it still disrupts daily life, so the doctor recommends getting a flu shot to reduce the risk of becoming ill.

“Truthfully, as long as the virus is circulating, there is benefit to being immunized,” Wahba said.

“People who read this and go out and get vaccinated right away, will be protected before we hit peak season.”

Flu Symptoms
Influenza (also known as flu) is a contagious respiratory illness caused by flu viruses. It can cause mild to severe illness and, at times, can lead to death. Flu is different from a cold. Flu usually comes on suddenly. People who are sick with flu often feel some or all of these symptoms:

  • Fever* or feeling feverish/chills
  • Cough
  • Sore throat
  • Runny or stuffy nose
  • Muscle or body aches
  • Headaches
  • Fatigue (tiredness)

Some people may have vomiting and diarrhea, though this is more common in children than adults.

*It’s important to note that not everyone with flu will have a fever.

Reducing the impact
Antiviral treatment, prescribed by a doctor, works best when started soon after flu illness begins. When treatment is started within two days of becoming sick with flu symptoms, antiviral drugs can lessen fever and symptoms, and shorten the time you are sick. They also may reduce the risk of complications, such as ear infections in children, respiratory complications requiring antibiotics, and hospitalization in adults.

Source: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Help prevent the spread of flu

  • Get vaccinated
  • Wash your hands often, with soap and water (use an alcohol-based sanitizer if soap isn’t available)
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth
  • If you get sick, stay home until you are fever-free for at least 24 hours (that is, your fever is gone for at least 24 hours without the assistance of a fever-reducing medication)

Source: The Florida Department of Health

Published January 23, 2019

Kumquat Festival offers fun, Old Florida charm

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Susan Frimmel enjoys the social gathering — known as the Kumquat Festival — that brings all things kumquat to Downtown Dade City.

Taking part in the festival, known for its Old Florida charm, has been a tradition for her for 15 years, and this year promises to be no exception.

Frimmel, administrative director/marketing for AdventHealth Zephyrhills, said she’s looking forward to the event, set for Jan. 26 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Whether it’s kumquat marmalade, kumquat salsa or kumquat wine, chances are you’ll be able to find it in downtown Dade City, during the community’s annual Kumquat Festival. (File)

She is teaming up with AdventHealth Dade City staff to pitch their tent and give out 10,000 of the items they’re known for – tote bags.

“People will come back year after year to get the next edition,” Frimmel said, referring to the bags.

They come in handy for holding arts and crafts purchases from vendors, and, of course, kumquat treats.

For the 22nd year, vendors will offer pies, salsas, craft beer and wine – all flavored with the diminutive orange fruit described as the “little gem of the citrus industry.”

John Moors is the executive director of The Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce, which leads an army of volunteers, organizes event vendors and solicits the support of scores of sponsors to pull off the annual event.

“It was first started by a group of folks here in town that put a little festival together on the courthouse lawn with a few dozen vendors,” Moore recalled.

Now, both vendors and visitors come from across the country to attend the festival, which showcases Old Florida’s charm in a quaint downtown that boasts a historic courthouse, shops and restaurants.

Frimmel said it took a trip out of state for her to realize that the Kumquat Festival is a nationally recognized event.

“It’s something that’s known in a broader sense than just our local community,” she said.

The crowds have increased through the years, and the festival has added more offerings for patrons, especially for the children, Frimmel said.

This year’s kids’ area will include bounce houses, pony rides, face painting and other activities.

There’s a $20 entry fee, for those wishing to register their car for the all-day car show contest.

Downtown restaurants will be open for business, and there will be food trucks at the event, too.

The musical lineup includes Melissa Lee Zenker, the Strawberry Express Cloggers and the Calvary Assembly of Dade City.

Besides doling out tote bags, AdventHealth will offer health information and pamphlets detailing upcoming hospital events.

“My team has a great time at the event interacting with the guests,” Frimmel said.

Besides greeting and meeting new visitors, Frimmel is ready to direct them to the various attractions the festival has to offer.

And, she’s looking forward to reuniting with friends that she’s come to know through festivals in the past, she said.

Festival admission and parking are free.

Shuttle buses will transport guests from the Pasco County Fairgrounds to Downtown Dade City – at no charge.

Proceeds from the festival benefit The Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce and the nonprofit organizations that help put the event together.

Registration for the car show can be done at 8 a.m., in Downtown Dade City, or online at RonnieSetsers.com.

For additional information, call the chamber at (352) 567-3769, or email .

Kumquat Festival
Where: Downtown Dade City
When: Jan. 26 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Cost: Free
Details: The event features live performances, an all-day car show, arts and crafts, activities for the kids, various vendors — and all things kumquat.
Info: Call (352) 567-3769, or email .

Published January 23, 2019

Duke’s landscaping plan gains approval

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The Pasco County Planning Commission has approved a landscaping plan submitted by Duke Energy Florida LLC., in connection to an electrical substation in Wesley Chapel.

The planning board had previously approved the electric company’s request for an expansion to its electrical substation on a 20-acre parcel on the north side of Satinleaf Lane, about 650 feet west of Smith Road. However, that approval was contingent on Duke’s subsequent submission of a landscaping plan relating to the project for the planning board’s approval.

Residents of Meadow Pointe had sought additional landscaping to reduce the visual impacts from the expanded substation.

Drew Gilmore, a public engagement specialist for Duke Energy, outlined the company’s plan for buffering the substation from its neighbors’ views.

The plan he presented included more trees and a different assortment of plantings than initially proposed. The electric company also has agreed to add more trees in an area within the  Meadow Pointe subdivision.

However, while Meadow Pointe residents wanted more landscaping, those living closest to the substation — in Satinleaf — told commissioners they didn’t want any additional landscaping between their properties and the substation.

Rather, they said, they prefer a view of open pastureland.

Planning commissioners voted to keep the additional landscaping, to buffer the substation from Meadow Pointe, and to eliminate the proposed landscaping between Satinleaf and the substation.

In other action, the board:

  • Approved a request from Tracy L. and Raul Rodriguez Jr./Keiro Academy, for a private school on 20.6 acres of land zoned for agricultural and residential use. The parcel is on the east side of Bellamy Brothers Boulevard, about one-half mile north of Darby Road.

According to the applicant’s information, “Our student population will primarily demonstrate anxiety, sadness, defiance and school refusal issues stemming from technology overuse. Our students simply need to reconnect with nature in a screen-free environment and to develop social and life skills to succeed. We intend to create a program exclusively for boys age (15 to 20) and seek to maintain a daily census of 32 students who will live on the property.

  • Recommended approval of a license for the sale of alcoholic beverages at Chipotle Mexican Grill, at the northwest corner of State Road 56 and Grand Cypress Drive, extending to Sierra Center Boulevard.

The Planning Commission is the county’s land planning agency. It has decision-making authority for special exception requests, which can be appealed to the Pasco County Commission.

All other planning commission decisions are recommendations to the Pasco County Commission, which has final authority on zoning and land use matters.

Published January 23, 2019

Festival offers heaping helpings of barbecue and blues

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People of all ages headed to the ninth annual Pigz in Z’Hills BBQ & Blues Festival to sample some ribs, barbecue chicken or pulled pork — and get their fill of the blues.

Smoke emanates from the grill, as Edwin Alvarez, of Kissimmee, prepares chicken on a stick, which is called Pincho. Alvarez and his boss, Luis Merced, of Largo, were preparing food for patrons at the barbecue festival. (Fred Bellet)

The scent of barbecue filled the air, Benny the Pig made the rounds and people sported pig hats — as they strolled around the Zephyrhills Community Venue, at 5200 Airport Road.

Some barbecue chefs traveled from far-off places to take part in a competition involving about 60 teams who vied for bragging rights and prizes, and a chance to advance to the World Food Championship.

Besides being able to enjoy barbecue, event-goers could check out items being offered by various vendors and could listen to blues musicians.

There was a car show and an aviation show, too.

Proceeds benefit community organizations, such as the YMCA, and for scholarships for Zephyrhills High School students.

First-timers at the Pigz in Z’Hills BBQ & Blues Festival, left, Coral Etshman, of Tampa, gives friend Reggie Bowers, of Tampa, a taste of pulled pork.
The Ellie Lee Band was among the lineup of bands performing at the ninth annual Pigz in Z’Hills BBQ & Blues Festival. Other bands playing were the Dave Shepard Band, Chuck Riley’s All Stars, The Bird Tribe and headliner Damon Fowler.
Jerry Newell, of Zephyrhills, had his own pig hat, which he wore to the festival.

 

Project prompts school board to hire land use attorney

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Project Arthur, a major development that’s been submitted to Pasco County for its review, has prompted Pasco County Schools to approve the use of a land use attorney on an as-needed basis.

In seeking the approval, district documents describe Project Arthur as “a new and unique development, which is proposing to use charter schools as a way to mitigate for future student impacts.”

Having that expert resource available, the document notes “will be beneficial to the Planning Service department” and will “help to protect the interests of the school district.”

The Pasco County School Board voted unanimously to hire Alan Zimmet, a land use attorney with the law firm of Bryant Miller Olive, to assist the district in reviewing the Comprehensive Plan, Development Order, and other documents.

“The law firm’s services will be used on an “as-needed” basis over the course of this fiscal year,” according to the school board’s action.

Project Arthur is a proposed development on nearly 6,951 acres of land known as Bexley South and Bexley North.

The proposal calls for a 24 million-square-foot corporate business park, plus 11,495 residences and other supportive uses in an area east of the Suncoast Parkway, west of the CSX rail line and south of State Road 52.

The attorney will represent the district in negotiations and discussions with the owners of Project Arthur, which at this time include Lennar Homes and Metro Development — regarding the placement, construction, purchase and ownership of school facilities within the development.

In other action, the school board:

  • Approved a two-year extension, for the 2019 and 2020 calendar years, for these members of the Penny for Pasco Oversight Committee who wish to serve an additional term: Gary Evans, Hugh Townsend, Niko Tzoumas, George Iwan, Tom Massey and Paul McClintock
  • Approved a memorandum of understanding with the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office and the National Cyber Partnership regarding the district’s collaboration in the establishment and development of the Florida’s Forensic Institute for Research, Security, and Tactics (F1RST) program, which aims to develop leading edge research. The agreement has no binding impact on the district, but would be helpful in applications seeking grants, according to the board’s agenda materials.

Published January 23, 2019

Pasco Fair marks 72nd year

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The annual Pasco County Fair has delivered a family fun-filled time to fairgoers for more than seven decades, and it promises to do the same this year.

The event’s 72nd year is set for Feb. 18 through Feb. 24, at the Pasco County Fairgrounds, 36722 State Road 52 in Dade City.

The 72nd annual Pasco County Fair runs from Feb. 18 through Feb. 24. It’s expected to draw more than 50,000 attendees. (File)

“The Fair Association has been busy putting together what we feel like is the best fair that’s about to hit these grounds,” Tracy Thompson, the annual fair chairman and director, said, during a recent Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce business breakfast meeting.

The fair is expected to draw as many as 50,000 patrons this year.

Since the very beginning, the fair’s primary purpose has been to promote youth in agriculture, as they show their steers, hogs, plants and more.

Thompson noted the fair is particularly important to the community, as it teaches local kids responsibility, money management and other valuable lessons.

“It’s just a great, all-around experience for life,” Thompson said.

Aside from that, the fair offers plenty in the way of entertainment through one-of-a-kind shows and musical performances.

One highlight figures to be Stevie Starr, “The Professional Regurgitator,” known for appearances on NBC’s “America’s Got Talent.”

In his act, Starr, who’s from England, swallows coins, light bulbs, balloons, nails, billiard balls, dry sugar, lighter fluid and goldfish, and other items — and then, he regurgitates them.

The Pasco Fair will mark Starr’s first appearance at any county or state fair, and he will perform throughout the week, Thompson said.

“We’ve got some top-notch entertainment here…and (Starr’s) one that we’re really tickled over,” Thompson said.

(File)

The fair also features another “America’s Got Talent” participant in the Fearless Flores Family, a stunt motorbike family from South Florida that features five generations of family performers. The daredevil family, also making their first Pasco Fair appearance, will perform what’s known as the “Globe of Death.”

That stunt involves racing their motorcycles up, down and around a specially-built metal globe made of steel.

Meanwhile, the fair’s bluegrass and gospel nights are returning by popular demand.

The bluegrass show is headlined by Little Roy and Lizzie. They are scheduled to perform on Feb. 20 at 6 p.m., in the Dan Cannon Auditorium.

The gospel show is headlined by Jeff and Sheri Easter and The Down East Boys. That show will begin on Feb. 21 at 6 p.m., also in the Dan Cannon Auditorium.

Other staples of the fair are back, too, including the Miss Heart of Pasco County Pageant and baby pageant, rodeo, karaoke, midway rides and games, and more.

A brand-new twist is a kid’s karaoke contest, open to ages 8 to 17.

Cash prizes will be offered to the top three finishers in each group (8 to 12 years old; 13 to 17 years old). The kid’s karaoke will take place on Feb. 24 at 2 p.m., at the Dan Cannon Auditorium.

Elsewhere, the food court will be another draw for patrons throughout the week, with many longtime vendors returning to serve all types of cuisine.

Thompson noted the Pasco Fair prides itself on having one of the best food courts in the fair industry.

“We have the ‘best of the best.’ It’s not your run-of-the-mill food,” Thompson said.

The fair will officially kick off with a parade in downtown Dade City on Feb. 18 at 11:30 a.m. That afternoon will feature a celebrity milk-off at the fairgrounds between Pasco County Commission Chairman Ron Oakley and former Commissioner Sylvia Young.

Simply put, the event offers myriad options for fair-goers.

“There’s something for everybody,” Thompson said.

For more information about the fair, visit PascoCountyFair.com.

Pasco County Fair
When: Feb. 18 through Feb. 24 (Hours vary).
What: Rides, food, games, entertainment, livestock and exhibits.
Where: Pasco County Fairgrounds, 36722 State Road 52
Cost: Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for children 6 through 12; parking is free. Wristbands are available for purchase for unlimited rides. Parking is free. (On Feb. 24, one child is admitted free with each adult)
Info: PascoCountyFair.com

Published January 23, 2019

Cypress Creek Town Center wants more retail, residential

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The Pasco County Planning Commission has recommended approval of a request that would allow an increase in commercial square footage and more multifamily units on 490 acres at the northwest and southwest quadrants of State Road 56 and Interstate 75.

Planning commissioners joined with Pasco County’s planning staff in recommending approval of the request to modify the master-planned unit development. The Pasco County Commission has the final say.

The developers of Cypress Creek Town Center are seeking permission to add more commercial development and to increase the number of multifamily dwellings allowed within the development, at State Road 56 and Interstate 75. (File)

Attorney Clarke Hobby represented the applicant during a Jan. 10 public hearing before the Planning Commission at the county’s historic courthouse in Dade City.

Planning commissioner Peter Hanzel raised questions about the potential impacts the modified plan could have on Pasco County Schools.

But Chris Williams, a school district representative who sits on the board, said the school district can absorb the impacts.

The additional multifamily units would generate 27 elementary students, 12 middle school students and 16 high school students — which the district would be able to serve through Denham Oaks Elementary, which has existing capacity, and Cypress Middle and Cypress High schools, Williams said.

“We feel we have sufficient capacity to house these students in the middle and high school, as well, when the new (middle)  school opens.” The new middle school will open in 2020, Williams said.

The proposed modification would allow for an increase of retail/commercial square footage from 1,998,400 square feet to 2,399,500 square feet — an increase of 401,000 square feet. It also calls for a decrease in hotel rooms from 350 rooms to 135 rooms; and, an increase of multifamily units from 230 units to 600 units.

“The Sierras (who own the property) believe that they need some additional commercial,” Hobby said. “That’s the primary thing we’re doing here, over the long haul.”

The Sierras plan to continue ownership of these parcels in their family entities for many years, Hobby said. “They wanted to extend the buildout date.”

“On the multifamily, the Sierras have one parcel that is located near the northern boundary of the north parcel that already has some approval for multifamily and fits within the 230 number of units they already have.

“There’s only one more parcel up near the north boundary that they are thinking of adding multifamily on, but they have no plans immediately,” the attorney added.

“They’re trying to plan for the next 15, 20, 25 years. And, they do believe because of the mixed-use nature of the project, with all of the office and all of the retail that’s going to build out there, that it’s a good site, ultimately, for multifamily.

“We’re trying to make a true mixed-use parcel,” Hobby said.

Published January 16, 2019

Pasco animal shelter gets creative with names

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Pet owners have various reasons for naming their animals and so does the Pasco County Animal Shelter when it takes in a dog or cat.

Coming up with creative names at the shelter is one way to ease a sad situation when strays come in lost.

“We like to have some fun with the whole naming process,” explained Rachel Stever, education and outreach coordinator for Pasco County Animal Services. “We like to keep it light-hearted.”

One of the perks for Rachel Stever of Pasco County Animal Services is getting to come up with creative names for her furry friends. Here, Stever is holding up 9-month-old Clooney – named after actor George Clooney. (Brian Fernandes)

Some names come to mind spontaneously – as in the case for Rock, Paper and Scissors — a trio of kittens brought into the shelter.

Others are inspired by simple things.

That’s what happened with another litter of kittens that arrived at the shelter in a Tyson’s lemon-pepper chicken box – resulting in the names Tyson, Lemon, Pepper and Chicken.

Celebrities also have had their influence: Kitty Purry — a playful twist on singer Katy Perry’s name.

Making a first impression can also determine what an animal is called.

Stever recalled a stray dog taken in several months ago. Upon their meeting, he flattened out his body and legs across the floor – and from that day forward he was known as Pancake.

Sometimes two cats share the name of a famous person or band: George and Clooney; Fleetwood and Mac.

Sometimes seasonal holiday treats help to inspire that connection.

This past Thanksgiving, staff got creative, naming new strays Turkey, Mashed Potatoes and Biscuits.

“You know it’s really original,” said Stever with a chuckle. “You’re not going to find two of them in the same shelter.”

It is common for Stever and her colleagues to use character names they’re fans of from pop-culture.

At the shelter are cats Lestrange, named after the Harry Potter character; the Sesame Street-inspired Snuffleupagus; plus the pair, Peter and Cottontail from the Easter bunny song.

Many strays end up at the shelter without names or identification, but others do have IDs.

As of January, there are two animals named Diamond, which isn’t too hard to sort out for the shelter.

However, every once in a while, there’s a surge of animals with the same names brought into the shelter.

The most popular name documented by the shelter is Roxie, sometimes spelled  Roxy or Roxi.

“We try not to duplicate [names] here in the shelter,” explained Stever, in order to reduce possible confusion.

Each stray must be given an identification number.

That number can be used to pull up their information, whether the animal is at Pasco’s shelter or winds up in another one.

Naming the animals at the shelter isn’t required, Stever said. But, she added: “It feels a lot more humane and personable to do it.”

Once adopted, the new owners tend to keep the pet’s name, while others have one of their own in mind.

When Stever adopted her American Staffordshire from the shelter, she was content with the dog’s given name – Olivia.

She said that Olivia always had a happy smile, which contributed to her having a sense of humanity. So, she thought it only fitting that the dog have a human name.

Her parents stuck with a less traditional name when they adopted Pebbles from a kitten litter all named after characters from the Flintstones.

Potential adopters also help influence what names the animals are given.

As an advertising strategy, staff usually pick names that don’t sound intimidating to appeal more to adopters.

Stever said that sometimes names don’t match the description, like Tiny Tim, who in reality is a dog that’s a “big mass of muscle.”

“When you hear that name, it does soften your mind to the idea of what you’re about to see,” she reasoned.

Stever has her own experience with names that may seem mismatched.

Prior to Olivia, she adopted another dog named Precious, who she said was not small or dainty – but a big, red pit bull.

After they’re at the shelter for a while, the animals tend to respond to the names they’ve been given, she said.

“It’s a relationship you know you’ve built up with them all that time,” said the coordinator. “It’s one of those things you get to look forward to.”

Whether they have been given a name that is average, or unusual, having a name makes each animal at the shelter unique — and it shows that they are more than just an identification number.

Published January 16, 2019

Dade City to draw up ordinance allowing cannabis dispensaries

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Medical marijuana treatment centers soon could be allowed within some areas of Dade City.

At a Jan. 8 workshop, the Dade City Commission expressed consensus to have city staffers draft an ordinance that would permit cannabis dispensaries — but restrict their location to areas outside the boundaries of the city’s CRA (Community Redevelopment Agency) districts, generally encompassing the downtown corridor.

The ordinance will come before the city’s planning board and will have two public hearings before a formal vote.

Dade City Commissioners expressed consensus to draft an ordinance that would permit medical marijuana dispensaries within city limits, with certain restrictions. The ordinance will come before the city’s planning board and will have two public hearings before the matter is formally voted upon. (Kevin Weiss)

Dade City Mayor Camille Hernandez said an ordinance permitting medical marijuana dispensaries is “what’s in the best interest of the city.”

Hernandez noted Florida voters’ clear support of Amendment 2 in 2016.

“I do believe that the voters on medical marijuana were decisive in their vote. Over 71 percent (of Florida voters) voted in favor of medical marijuana dispensaries — and that is a big deal,” Hernandez said.

She continued: “I do believe it should be allowed within the municipal limits. I do believe it should be available for those that need it and are using it for the right reasons. I am concerned about having them right in our downtown corridor…but I do think we have a charge to make it accessible to those residents that have problems.”

Dade City has had a temporary ban on medical marijuana facilities since 2016, to study the potential impacts such facilities on the municipality.

That temporary 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.”

The moratorium has been extended multiple times and is set to expire in March.

At the workshop, city attorney Nancy Stuparich advised the commission to take action instead of extending the moratorium again, which she said may create legal issues, as it creates a “de facto ban” on medical marijuana treatment centers.

The attorney also noted that letting the moratorium just expire would allow dispensaries throughout city limits, without certain zoning regulations set forth by the commission.

The mayor said it’s unfair to keep extending the moratorium.

“We’ve got to take a stand and say, ‘We’re going to go this way or that way.’ I think we owe it to the people in our community,” Hernandez said.

Other cities in Pasco County, including Zephyrhills and San Antonio, have passed ordinances establishing regulations to allow dispensaries. The county’s first medical marijuana dispensary opened last June in New Port Richey.

Commissioner Scott Black was the lone dissenter.

He favored banning the dispensaries altogether for the time being because of the shifting legal implications of marijuana laws. (Several states, including Florida have already legalized marijuana; federal law still prohibits the cultivation, distribution, possession of the substance.)

“Just because all the other cities are rushing out to do this doesn’t mean we have to join in there, too,” Black said.

“If we say, ‘Not at this time,’ we’re not saying no forever. It just seems like a wise thing, in my opinion, that we wait until all of this gets settled. I think if we can be patient, it will all work itself out.”

Black also pointed out that Dade City residents are able go to other nearby cities to access medical marijuana treatment, or can choose to have it ordered through the mail.

“I think that those that are suffering — and I feel for them — there are opportunities for them to get medication,” he said.

Residents and business owners express mixed feelings
“I’m really concerned if we’re not patient and we’re not careful, we’re going to end up with something that we don’t want,” said Margaret Angell, who chairs the Dade City Merchant’s Association. “I know that we all understand that we don’t want a dispensary in the CRA, but it sounds like it’s going to be pretty complicated as far as trying to navigate that and how to do that.

“I don’t mind if it’s out there somewhere else and has low impact. My concern is about the downtown and conserving the economic space there and the atmosphere that we depend on. I just would urge us to be very, very cautious.”

Lynette DiNova, who owns Tropical Wine Shop in Dade City, also echoed a wait-and-see approach before approving any cannabis dispensaries within city limits.

“I think to rush into it just to do something is not fair to anyone,” DiNova said. “I think (commissioner) Black should be listened to as far as waiting, finding out what the right thing is, to protect the people that (commissioners) are here to take care of.”

“Don’t do something just to do it,” she said.

Vance Scheer, a retired educator and Dade City resident, spoke in favor of allowing medical marijuana dispensaries in Dade City.

“We’re talking pain management for our residents,” Scheer said. “We have a big opioid crisis and many of them are finding relief in (medical marijuana). It’s not going to be downtown, but we have to have something for these people that are in this condition. “We’re servicing a lot of people, whether it’s vets or seniors or people that are suffering from cancer.

“We need to be offering these services for our residents,” Scheer added.

Another speaker, Janet Blackburn, who works at Tampa Bay Salvage in Dade City, said she wouldn’t oppose a cannabis dispensary, as long as it isn’t downtown.

“I have no problem with it on the outskirts of (U.S.) 301 or whatever,” she said, “but not in downtown.”

Published January 16, 2019

Political Agenda 01/16/2019

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Candidates vying to fill District 38 vacancy
Democrat Kathy Lynn Lewis and Republican Randy Maggard have pre-filed to seek the seat expected to be vacated by Danny Burgess, who was selected by Gov. Ron DeSantis to serve as executive director of the state Department of Veterans Affairs. Pasco County Supervisor of Elections Brian Corley said no official word had been received regarding Burgess vacating the seat, as of the print deadline for The Laker/Lutz News. Once Burgess resigns, Gov. Ron DeSantis will issue an order for a special election.

Municipal elections
Lance Smith has filed to run for the District 1 seat on the Zephyrhills City Council, and Kenneth M. Burgess Jr., has filed to run for the District 4 seat of the Zephyrhills City Council, according to Supervisor of Elections Brian Corley’s website. No candidates have filed so far for the City of San Antonio’s two open commission seats or the two open Town of St. Leo commission seats. There is no election scheduled in 2019 in the City of Dade City.

East Pasco Democrats
The East Pasco Democratic Club will meet on Jan. 21 at 6:30 p.m., at Omari’s Grill at Scotland Yard Golf Club, 9424 U.S. 301., in Dade City. Dining and a-la-carte is available from 5 p.m. For more information call (813) 383-8315, or visit EastPascoDems.com.

Trinity Democrats
Pasco County Supervisor of Elections Brian E. Corley will speak at the Trinity Democratic Club’s monthly meeting on Jan. 23, at the Fox Hollow Golf Club, 10050 Robert Trent Jones Parkway in Trinity. Doors open at 5 p.m., for dinner and happy hour (self-pay), with food and beverages available for purchase throughout the meeting, which begins at 6:30 p.m.

Republican Club of Central Pasco

The Republican Club of Central Pasco will meet Jan. 28 at Copperstone Executive Suites, 3632 Land O’ Lakes Blvd. The social begins at 6:30 p.m., followed by a business meeting at 7 p.m. The guest speaker will be state Sen. Tom Lee. For information, call (813) 996-3011.