Local News

Editor’s Note: Francesca Stubbs, senior pastor at Oasis Church, gave these remarks during the June 9 Zephyrhills City Council meeting. 

I stand before you as the founder and chief operating officer of Oasis Community Outreach and Cafe to share the critical needs of our community and to seek your invaluable support.

Oasis Community Outreach and Cafe has taken on the humbling task of being a beacon of hope for many in our city since the unfortunate closing of Healing Hearts Cafe in December 2024, providing essential support to those facing hardship. 

Recently, we have witnessed a dramatic rise in families with young children seeking our services, driven by economic challenges and job losses. 

Our mission has expanded from feeding the homeless to supporting entire families who find themselves in desperate need.

While we are deeply grateful for the generous contributions of food and supplies from our donors, some financial seeds from our friends and our community, and the huge support shown from our church, Oasis Church, and its members, these donations do not always cover all of the growing financial overhead necessary to maintain and carry out our operations.

Despite our best efforts, including a commendable grant application applied for through Pasco County for community development funds, we were not selected due to a limited amount of funding available and the number of organizations with similar applications here in the East Pasco region.

As we face the summer months and an increasing number of children out of school, the need for our services grows ever more urgent. I come before you with a heartfelt appeal for financial assistance as our city council and community leaders.

Your support would enable us to continue our outreach, expand our programs, and ensure that every individual and family, especially those with children in our community, has access to basic necessities that they deserve.

I’m asking the city to look into their budget and to assist with funding our community endeavor. 

We are a 501c3 organization operating under the auspices of Niecy’s Hope for Kings and Queens, who seeks to be able to continue our assistance for the residents of our beloved neighborhood. 

But we know collaboration and help from our partners will provide a significant boost. 

Together, we can build a stronger, more resilient community where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

Thank you for your time, your compassion and your commitment to our community. 

I look forward to the possibility of partnering with you to make a lasting difference in the lives of those we serve here in our beautiful city of Zephyrhills.

 

INFOBOX: Council member responds

Zephyrhills City Council Member Steve Spina said the city provides funding to CHIPZ (Community Hope & Intervention Project of Zephyrhills). He also mentioned homeless outreach by the Zephyrhills Police Department.

Spina asked Stubs if her organization worked with these groups. 

“The idea of CHIPZ was to bring different groups together so everything’s under kind of one umbrella,” Spina said. “I think before we were to pledge more money to another organization, I’d like to see what you can do with CHIPZ and work with the police department and see if we can’t resolve these issues. Because CHIPS does all those things as well – working with providing utility reimbursements, trying to keep families in their houses, and then finding emergency care.”

Stubs said her organization collaborates with CHIPZ regularly but she said there’s a gap in service when it comes to helping children of struggling families. 

NEW PORT RICHEY – Pasco County commissioners approved a proclamation June 17 encouraging the community to support and celebrate people recovering from addiction. 

The proclamation not only recognizes Pasco as an Inclusive Recovery County but also mentions the collaboration of groups like the Alliance for Healthy Communities, The Hope Shot and Drug-Free America Foundation.

“We hope that this proclamation and this movement continues to grow so we can become more diverse and show that recovery is possible for anybody from any walk of life in any side of Pasco County, all over,” said Nathan Cantie, peer support director for The Hope Shot. 

Cantie said collaboration among community organizations helps create opportunities for those battling addiction and empowers them to walk on their own through those doors. 

“Inclusive recovery means breaking down stigma,” Cantie told commissioners. “It means building systems that embrace diversity and offer real opportunities for healing. This proclamation is a statement that Pasco County is committed to that vision, and we are so grateful for your leadership in helping make it a reality.”

Commissioners expressed appreciation for the work that The Hope Shot does in the community. Based in New Port Richey, it has three primary programs: 

• All Ways Center – A recovery center, based at 6020 U.S. 19, that offers resources and support. 
• Bridge to Recovery – Peer-led coaching to help people live healthy lifestyles.
• Community Connection – A program that connects people to employment and housing opportunities. 

Commissioner Lisa Yeager said that The Hope Shot meets people where they are. She’s seen them help people not only overcome  alcohol and substance abuse but also receive help during storm recovery. 

Commissioner Seth Weightman described The Hope Shot’s work as mission-driven and oftentimes thankless. He thanked them for their passion, love, tenderness and care.

 

Upcoming event

The Hope Shot is planning a Stronger Together Recovery Walk from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sept. 20 at Sims Park in New Port Richey. Visit thehopeshot.org or facebook.com/thehopeshot for details about the nonprofit.

WESLEY CHAPEL – Kenneth Sawyer has lived for 100 years, with much of that time in service to his country and his community. 

Sawyer served 35 years in the Army, earning the rank of lieutenant colonel before retiring in 1979. 

He also taught calculus for four years at the Florida Institute of Technology, volunteered at a local fire department and a charity thrift shop, served as commander of a VFW Post for more than 10 years and raised a family.

“He continues to always work his mind and his body and stay away from mindless tasks,” granddaughter Holly Mace said. “That was something he taught me as a kid. You can watch TV and enjoy a movie, but avoid those boredoms and those traps. Keep your mind as your strongest muscle and keep exercising it, learning and giving back.”

Mace said her grandfather rode a bicycle until he was 88 years old. After breaking his leg within two weeks of moving to Pasco County, the family gave him an adult tricycle, which he rode until about a year ago. 

Sawyer continues to live an active lifestyle. He visits the Dade City Senior Center twice a week and enjoys playing bridge. He also keeps his mind sharp by playing Sudoku. 

The Pasco Board of County Commissioners recognized Sawyer on June 17 with a resolution in honor of his 100th birthday, which he celebrated on June 6. Everyone at the meeting, including familiar faces from the Dade City Senior Center, sang “Happy Birthday” to him.

Commissioners took turns thanking Sawyer for his military service and congratulating him for making it to 100. 

Commissioner Ron Oakley, who turns 80 years old this month, said he was glad Sawyer was there because he wasn’t the oldest person in the room. Commissioner Jack Mariano encouraged Sawyer to shoot for 105. 

“Just amazing the things that you’ve seen and experienced in your life and watching this country evolve to where we are today,” Commissioner Seth Weightman told him. “I just can only imagine the stories and the memories that you have. So we’re very glad that you’re here with us in the board meeting today.”

ZEPHYRHILLS – The Zephyrhills City Council voted June 9 to purchase two lots at the corner of Fourth Street and Fifth Avenue next to Zephyr Park.

Mayor Melonie Bahr Monson brought the proposal before the council as an emergency item. Because the property was less than $80,000 ($79,999.99 to be exact), the council could move forward with the purchase without an appraisal. 

“As soon as we own the property, I will send it to our designer for the park, our consultant that’s working on the CRA plan,” Monson told colleagues. “The idea is to have control over it, because it is such an important corner, that we can come up with a great idea for it.”

Monson and Council Member Steve Spina didn’t like the idea of using the site just for parking. 

“I don’t think we’d want to just build a parking lot on a corner on Fifth Avenue when we’re trying to develop it,” Spina said. “But I do believe it’s important to be figured into what we’re doing at Zephyr Park. It could be an important asset the way it’s linked to the other vacant property along Fifth Avenue.”

Monson assured colleagues the Community Redevelopment Agency already had $300,000 available to purchase land so there would be no additional funding needed. 

Councilman Lance Smith, whose background is in real estate development, didn’t have any objections with the purchase. He felt the price was fine. 

“I think the value lies in it being adjacent to property that we’re going to do something with,” Smith said.  “I agree with Councilman Spina that the use would certainly be some type of retail use that would be complementary to what we’re doing in the park area.”

Theater highlights Hitchcock

TAMPA – Tampa Theatre will highlight popular films of director Alfred Hitchcock during its “Big Picture” movie series in July.

July’s Big Picture lineup includes:

• “Vertigo” (1958) / PG – 7:30 p.m. July 2           
• “Strangers on a Train” (1951) / PG – 7:30 p.m. July 9                 
• “The Man Who Knew Too Much” (1956) / PG – 7:30 p.m. July 16 
• “North By Northwest” (1959) / PG – 7:30 p.m. July 23         
• “Rear Window” (1954) / PG – 7:30 p.m. July 30               

Big Picture tickets cost $7 for Tampa Theatre members and $10 for others. Get them at the Franklin Street Box Office and at tampatheatre.org.

 

Operation Dry Water kicks off July 4

CLEARWATER – Local, state and federal law enforcement agencies will join forces July 4 to 6 for Operation Dry Water, a campaign to combat boating under the influence. Now in its 17th year, this effort focuses on enforcement and education to prevent alcohol- and drug-related boating incidents.

Operation Dry Water was launched in 2009 by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators in partnership with the U.S. Coast Guard. Each year, officers nationwide conduct saturation patrols, sobriety checkpoints, breathalyzer tests and outreach efforts to remind boaters of the risks and consequences of impaired operation.

On the web: uscgauxclearwater.com

 

Craft festival set for Sponge Docks

TARPON SPRINGS – The Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks Craft Festival features a curated showcase of handmade arts and crafts, gifts and artisan goods from regional and national makers.

The festival returns July 12 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.  and July 13 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Sponge Docks of Tarpon Springs, 735 Dodecanese Blvd., Tarpon Springs. Admission is free. The event is family- and pet-friendly.

The event is presented by The Tarpon Springs Merchant’s Association and produced by SIK Promotions Inc.  

“Events like this not only give artists a chance to connect directly with shoppers but also support the cultural and economic vitality of Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks,” said Suzanne King, owner of SIK Promotions. 

Vendor opportunities are also available. Artists and crafters interested in exhibiting must apply through the official SIK Promotions website at www.sikpromotions.com.

 

Hillsborough seeks applications for DOGE committee

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY – Hillsborough County Commissioners are seeking residents to serve on the newly created Hillsborough DOGE Liaison Committee.

Residents interested in seeking appointment must reside in and be registered voters in Hillsborough County. These are voluntary positions and members serve without compensation. 

Each prospective member shall possess at least one of the following educational credentials: accountant, economist, finance professional, certified auditor, IT professional and human resources professional.  

Citizens must submit an application/questionnaire, standards of conduct form and resume. Applications are due by close of business July 9. 

 

HART updates routes

TAMPA – The Hillsborough Transit Authority implemented service changes to several HART routes on June 22, to improve operational efficiency and the customer experience.

Affected routes are 1, 14, 16, 36 and 39. 

The TECO Line Streetcar will operate every 15 minutes, 7 days a week.

On the web: goHART.org 

I am the parent of a child receiving special education services and an engaged member of the Pasco County community.

I am writing to raise a concern shared by many families in our district: the lack of accessible summer programming for students with disabilities. While many families rely on camps and structured enrichment programs during the summer months, students like mine are often left without any safe or suitable options.

Like many other parents, I made the necessary decision to leave my career in order to care for my child during the summer, because no available programs could safely support them.

But this issue goes beyond summer. My child, and many others, have already been effectively excluded from magnet programs, many charter schools, and even our neighborhood schools. And while “school choice” is often promoted, the reality is that parents like me are left with very few nearby options, and may need to commute up to 45 minutes each way just to reach a school equipped to meet our child’s needs.

We are not asking for special treatment; we are asking for thoughtful planning and consistent support.

I respectfully ask:

• Are there any current plans to create summer programs that support students with disabilities? • Has the district explored community partnerships or available funding to help make these programs possible?
• What steps are in place to ensure students receiving special education services are supported throughout the entire year, not just during the school year?

Thank you for your time and attention to this matter. I would welcome the opportunity to participate in any future discussions or planning efforts around this topic. I am confident that, together, we can work toward solutions that reflect our community’s commitment to all of its children.

Parent and community advocate Carmen Singleton sent this open letter to the Pasco County school board and the community.

 

WESLEY CHAPEL –  AdventHealth Wesley Chapel is the first hospital in Florida to perform a new, minimally invasive robotic hysterectomy.

The procedure provides a new option for women who need to have their uterus removed and want a procedure that will leave them with no visible scars and a shorter hospital stay.  

Dr. Olufunke Abiose and Dr. Gerard Jackson performed the da Vinci vNOTES Hysterectomy at AdventHealth Wesley Chapel. vNOTES stands for vaginal natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery.  

“As a surgeon, I am continually pursuing advanced training and innovative techniques to offer my patients the least invasive and most effective surgical options available,” Dr. Abiose said. “Many of my patients are pleasantly surprised by how quickly they can return to their daily routines after surgery. Incorporating robotic-assisted technology into vaginal procedures adds a new level of precision and control.”

In the U.S., about 500,000 hysterectomies are performed each year for women with chronic pain, fibroids, uterine prolapse, heavy bleeding, endometriosis, and precancerous or cancerous tumors. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists have recommended vaginal hysterectomy, whenever feasible, as the approach of choice.

During the daVinci vNOTES procedure, a device known as the GelPOINT  V-Path transvaginal access platform is placed through the vagina into the pelvic cavity, giving access to the uterus, fallopian tubes and ovaries. The abdomen is inflated with carbon dioxide gas to provide the surgeon with the necessary space to see and operate. A high-definition camera, robotic arm and specialized instruments are inserted through the device, allowing surgeons to operate with precision and visualization.

Along with leaving no visible scars, hospital officials say the procedure offers patients a vaginal gynecological surgery option with less pain after the operation and a faster recovery compared to the traditional laparoscopic approach, where surgeons make small incisions in the abdomen to remove the uterus.  

“Using this leading-edge technology, the vast majority of our patients are able to leave the hospital the same day they were admitted and since this procedure avoids abdominal incisions, it typically results in a lesser need for pain medication,” said Dr. Robert Rosequist, chief medical officer for AdventHealth Wesley Chapel.