The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Local News

Shopping, tradition and Brunswick stew

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There was essentially something for everyone at the 39th annual Juried Arts & Crafts Holiday Show, presented by the GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club on Dec. 1 and Dec. 2.

After handing Santa a notebook that contains his Christmas wish list, 7-year-old James Kern of Odessa, left, listens as Santa, reads the list aloud inside the booth operated by the GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club. (Santa couldn’t be there, so he sent his helper, Tom Bock, of Lutz, to fill in). Donations made at the booth will benefit the YMCA. (Christine Holtzman)

Thousands flocked to Keystone Prep High School, at 18105 Gunn Highway in Odessa, to check out offerings from about 350 vendors, to enjoy a bite to eat and to socialize. Some were there to confer with Santa, too.

Spending time at the arts and crafts show is an annual  tradition for Nicole Reilly and her mother, Mary Lynn, and this year they were thrilled to introduce it to the newest member of the family, Nicole’s 7-month-old son, Lincoln.

Bonnie Duvall and Judy Curry, friends who live in Wesley Chapel, said they enjoy attending the event every year to shop for Christmas gifts and to enjoy the Brunswick stew served at the Boy Scouts booth

Heather Herzog, of Port Richey, and her mother, Debbie Denamen, of Hudson, also made the trek to do a bit of shopping.

They had plenty of choices.

There were booths indoors and out — offering handcrafted jewelry and home décor, soaps and candles, paintings, photographs, gourmet sauces and dips, and handmade clothing and quilts, among other things.

At the Burn Out Candle Company shop, Gail Allison, of Floral City, smells the inviting scent of a sandalwood soy candle. The shop owners are Allan and Vicki Spires, of Lake Placid.

Seven-year-old James Kern, of Odessa, took advantage of the opportunity to hand-deliver his Christmas wish list to Santa. Among the items he would like are a Hess truck, Disney passes and Play-Doh.

Karen Lee Kulas, owner of Exclusive-Lee Designed, a new vendor at this year’s event, had not considered there wouldn’t be electricity in her booth.

So, she improvised. She shined a flashlight on her handcrafted pendants, to show off sparkling opals, agate, jaspers and fossil jewelry.

Kulas, a snowbird from Wisconsin who winters in St. Petersburg, was at the festival, with her husband, Mike.

Event admission was free, but a $5 parking fee was collected to benefit Keystone Prep High School.

The festival is the largest fundraising event for the GFWC Lutz-Land O’Lakes Woman’s Club, which uses the proceeds to support scholarships and numerous local community causes.

By Christine Holtzman

Published December 12, 2018

Seven-month-old Lincoln Reilly, of Tampa, sports cool shades while napping in the comfort of the baby carrier worn by his mother, Nicole. His grandmother, Mary Lynn, said she and her daughter attend the festival every year, and were thrilled this year to introduce the tradition to a new generation of the family.
Bonnie Duvall, left, and her friend Judy Curry, both of Wesley Chapel, admire the handcrafted Christmas wreaths made by shop owner Carol Matthews. Curry said that attend the show every year to shop for holiday presents and enjoy the Brunswick stew served at the Boy Scouts booth.
These 8-year-olds, Willa Jeckel, left, and Sophia Shelhart, were not about to let a little rain put a damper on their day of shopping. The girls, both from Tampa, make good use of a pink butterfly umbrella on the afternoon of Dec. 1 at the 39th annual Juried Arts & Crafts Holiday Show.
Six-year-old Nola Barber, of Lutz, left, and her 9-year-old sister, Crosby, search through a large bin filled with name engraved ceramic pendants used to make necklaces at the booth owned by Lora Thomas. They were hunting for the names of their beloved horses.

Run Hillsborough coming to Lake Park

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Hillsborough County has introduced a new 5K cross-country running series — hoping to get more residents to check out its collection of conservation parks and nature preserves.

It’s called the Run Hillsborough 5K.

The new Run Hillsborough 5K racing series is coming to Lake Park in Lutz on Dec. 15. The 3.1-mile route will feature rough and uneven terrain, with loose sand and large roots, passing by multiple lakes, over cypress swamps and through pine flatwoods. (Courtesy of Hillsborough County Parks & Recreation)

Created by Hillsborough County Parks & Recreation, and Conservation & Environmental Lands Management, the program features races throughout the year at different parks located around the county, taking runners and walkers through an assortment of scenic trails and off-road terrains.

The program launched in October — with the first race at Wortham Park in Riverview.

The second 5K race is scheduled for Dec. 15 at 8 a.m., at Lake Park in Lutz.

Upwards of 250 participants are expected. Prizes will be awarded for the top three male and female finishers. All participants will receive a T-shirt and can claim a medallion at the end of the event.

The race promises to be unlike many local 5Ks, that are run on streets or hard, flat surfaces.

That’s because runners and walkers will have to traverse rough and uneven terrain, with loose sand and large roots, passing by multiple lakes, over cypress swamps and through pine flatwoods.

The 3.1-mile route at Lake Park was mapped out by Chris Kiddy, program coordinator for the county’s Conservation & Environmental Lands Management Department, who also helps oversee the Run Hillsborough initiative.

Portions of the course take place on some new trail extensions that were added to the park within the past year, he said.

“It’s a really nice trail,” Kiddy said. “It takes you through some really nice wooded areas, takes you through a couple of lakes — just a really nice nature experience.”

Run Hillsborough 5Ks will be held quarterly, rotating the location each time. The county someday plans to put together a cumulative series with a grand prize for the top finisher of all the races.

“We really want to promote the running that you can have in our preserves. They’re excellent places to go and jog,” Kiddy said. “It’s just a great way to get people to come out and see all of our great parks, and kind of experience it in a different way.”

Besides offering fresh air and exercise in a nature setting, Kiddy also noted the Run Hillsborough program was developed to also introduce locals to the many features of the county’s parks and preserve properties.

The 589-acre Lake Park, for instance, offers more than just a series of trails and wildlife observation.

It, too, offers archery ranges, kayaking, horseback riding, BMX racing, a radio-controlled (RC) car track and primitive campgrounds, among other amenities.

Kiddy coined it as “one of the most unique parks in Hillsborough County.”

“If you’re not familiar with Lake Park, this is a great chance to get out and see what an amazing park this is. It’s got all kinds of different things,” Kiddy said.

Registration for the Run Hillsborough 5K at Lake Park costs $30 and will be open through the day of the event. Walkers and dogs are also welcome.

For information and to register, visit HCFLGov.net/RunHC.

Run Hillsborough 5K at Lake Park
What: Run Hillsborough 5K features races throughout the year at different parks located around the county. The races allow participants to compete against other racers on a journey through nature preserves, conservation parks, streams, trails, and a variety of terrains.
When: Dec. 15 at 8 a.m. (Packet pickup begins at 7 a.m.)
Where: Lake Park, 17302 Dale Mabry Highway, Lutz, FL 33548
Cost: $30 per participant
Info: Visit HCFLGov.net/RunHC

Published December 12, 2018

Spotlighting Pasco County for a good cause

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Looking for a one-of-a-kind gift for the holidays? Stop by any Gulfside Hospice thrift shop and pick up a 2019 calendar.

The 15-month calendar features photos taken exclusively in Pasco County, a product of the Gulfside’s annual photo contest.

‘Welcome to the World’ by Debbie Olavarria (April) (Courtesy of Gulfside Hospice)

More than 300 photos of Pasco events, places, landmarks and wildlife were submitted for judging, and winning photos were chosen to make up the calendar honoring Gulfside’s 30th anniversary.

“I always look forward to looking through all the wonderful photos submitted for our annual contest,” said Linda Ward, president and CEO of Gulfside, in a release.

Ward added that she loves to see the highlights of the community through the eyes of Pasco’s local photographers.

Each winning photographer received a gift certificate to Gulfside’s thrift shops and a complimentary calendar.

Calendars are available for $5 at all thrift locations, which can be found online at GHPPC.org. All proceeds will help support Gulfside hospice care and bereavement services.

Each store is open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Published December 12, 2018

‘Traditions’ goes on, despite rain

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Traditions on the Green didn’t let the forecast of a rainy day wash out the Dec. 1 event. Instead, it shifted from its planned location at Land O’ Lakes Heritage Park to  Sanders Memorial Elementary School, at 5126 School Road in Land O’ Lakes.

Diana Journy, left, and her daughter, Elizabeth Richardson, browse the dozens of raffle prizes up for grabs during the ‘Traditions on the Green’ program. The Land O’ Lakes residents were at the concert to watch a performance by Elizabeth’s daughter, Journy — whose name honors the family’s name. She is a cheerleader at Pineview Middle School. (Christine Holtzman)

The Rotary Club of Land O’ Lakes, which hosts the free holiday event, made the call to bring the concert indoors — instead of cancelling it.

Sandy Graves, who has been involved with the event for its 11-year history, said this was the first time it has been held at a different venue.

“The school district worked well with us to make sure that we had a place to hold this event,” Graves.

And, she told the audience that it would still be OK to call the event ‘Traditions on the Green,’ because the benches in the auditorium were green.

The change in location didn’t deter the crowd or its enthusiasm.

Hundreds of people were there to enjoy performances from Denham Oaks, Sanders Memorial Elementary and Lake Myrtle Elementary schools, Pine View Middle School and the Land O’ Lakes High School. Santa Claus dropped by, too.

Those attending could buy chances on raffle prizes, such as gift cards and gift baskets. Among the items up for grabs were two cookbooks donated by Pasco County Tax Collector Mike Fasano and an official flag that once flew over the U.S. Capitol, which was donated by U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis.

Proceeds from the chance drawings benefit schools taking part in the event.

By Christine Holtzman

Published December 12, 2018

The Land O’ Lakes High School Jazz Band, under the direction of Jonathan Mulder, performs ‘Deck the Halls’ during the Traditions on the Green concert on Dec. 1.
While her father, Darnell, records the Pine View Middle School dance club performance with his cellphone, 10-month-old Aubrey Meadows, of Land O’ Lakes, explores the crowd from over her dad’s shoulder. The family, including mom Jennifer were in attendance to see Aubrey’s older sister, Danaye, perform with Pine View Middle’s dance club.
The Pine View Middle School afterschool dance club, directed by instructor Nicole James, delighted the audience with several high-energy performances during the evening, including a dynamic routine set to Earth, Wind, & Fire’s hit song, ‘September.’
Ten-year-old Nicholas Hunter of Land O’ Lakes, center left, and his 8-year-old cousin, Keegan Price, right, are focused on the stage as they watch Keegan’s sister, Savannah, perform with the Pine View’s afterschool dance club.

 

It’s never too early to learn code

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Story time happens every week at New River Branch Library, but the program on Dec. 5 was particularly special because the library was one of 250 public libraries across the country to receive a grant from the American Library Association’s  ‘Libraries Ready to Code’ initiative.

After listening to Ms. Judy (Judy Curran) read two tech-inspired books during story time, 18-month-old Ava Edouard, of Wesley Chapel, sets her attention on the New River Branch Library’s newest piece of technology, a Fisher Price Code-A-Pillar. (Christine Holtzman)

The initiative, sponsored by Google, aims to help implement and plan coding activities during Computer Science Education Week.

The grant allowed the library to purchase a toy called a Code-A-Pillar by Fisher Price, which can be used to teach young children the basics of computer coding.

In recognition of Computer Science Week, the library, at 34043 State Road 54 in Wesley Chapel, also set up coding stations, robots, crafts and cool projects throughout the week to teach toddlers to teens about computer science.

By Christine Holtzman

 

Judy Curran, the New River Branch Library’s Youth Services Provider, far right, adds another segment of code to the Code-A-Pillar’s body as children and parents watch to see what command the Code-A-Pillar performs next. Code-A-Pillar’s commands on each body segment are picture-based, providing an intuitive way for children to learn the basics of computer coding. The children, from left: 2-year-old Madison Kidd, of Zephyrhills; 1-year-old Astrid Banks, of Wesley Chapel; 3-year-old Austin Banks, of Wesley Chapel; 2-year-old Emma Maxwell, of Wesley Chapel; and, 2-year-old Penda Pavon, of Zephyrhills. The adults in the back, from left: Kathy Doss (Emma Maxwell’s grandmother) and Elisa Kidd (Madison Kidd’s mother).
Judy Curran, the Youth Services Provider at the New River Branch Library, gets a high-five from 2-year-old Emma Maxwell, of Wesley Chapel, at the beginning of Story Time with Ms. Judy, also known as Judy Curran, on Dec. 5.

 

Flapjack Run offers exercise, flapjacks

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Hot pancakes topped with syrup will be the sweet treat awaiting patrons for the Flapjack 5K and 1 Mile Run.

The event, celebrating its 25th year this year, offers free admission to spectators and patrons.

Connerton Plaza at 21100 Fountain Garden Way in Land O’ Lakes, is the venue for the event, which will be on Dec. 8 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

As in past events, runners of all ages are expected to participate in this year’s 25th Flapjack Run on Dec. 8. (File)

The 5K run is set to begin at 8 a.m. The 1-mile fun run, or walk, will start at 8:45 a.m.

Vendors also will offer various crafts and food, and Santa will pop in, too, according to Suzanne Beauchaine, of the Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce, which is organizing the event.

A rummage sale also will be held, with a variety of items available for purchase.

Runners at the event will receive free flapjacks, while others can purchase a plate for $5, said Beauchaine, executive director of the Chamber.

Those intending to run can register at the event, but they are encouraged to do so in advance, online, to guarantee a T-shirt and a medal.

The cost is $25 for the 5K for adults; and a $17 fee for kindergarteners through 12th-graders.

The 1-mile run will be a flat rate of $15. Children under 5 can take part for free, when accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Trophies for first and second place winners will be awarded to each age group by decade, starting from age 14.

Winners also can be awarded by family members splitting into teams of two.

Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel is presenting the event and proceeds benefit the Pasco County Parks Department.

To register online, visit tinyurl.com/ycnowb8d.

For additional information, contact The Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce at (813) 909-2722 .

Flapjack 5K and 1 Mile Run
Where: Connerton Plaza, 21100 Fountain Garden Way in Land O’ Lakes
When: Dec. 8, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Cost: Free to spectators and patrons; 5K run is $25 for adults and $17 for kindergarten through 12th-grade runners; 1-mile run is a $15 flat rate; free admission for runners age 5, accompanied by an adult.
Details: Attendees can enjoy a run or walk, a pancake breakfast, a rummage sale and purchase crafts from vendors.
Info: Contact the chamber at (813) 909-2722 or .

Published December 5, 2018

Updated mobility fees proposed in Pasco

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The Pasco County Commission is expected to take final action on an update to the county’s mobility fees at its Dec. 11 meeting.

Commissioners are expected to approve several changes, which include adding new categories and reducing some fees.

Mobility fees are based on the transportation impacts caused by new development, which is typically expressed in the number of trips the development generates.

These fees are one-time charges to new construction.

The update calls for reducing fees in these categories: High-rise condominiums; age-restricted communities; congregate care facilities; college/university in suburban/rural areas; churches in suburban areas; hospitals; and hardware/paint stores (but not big box stores, such as Lowe’s or Home Depot).

The update also introduces five new land uses: Non-veterinary kennel; breakfast/lunch only restaurant; fast-casual restaurant; ice-skating arena; and active/passive warehouse.

The update also calls for reducing the fee for residential development in rural areas on lots of 5 acres or more.

Currently, the mobility fee for a new single-family home is $9,800 in the rural district; $8,570 in the suburban district; and, $5,835 in the urban district.

Under the proposed rate schedule, a new single-family home built on 5 acres or more in the rural district would pay the same fee as the same-size home built in the suburban district, which is $8,570. Those built on smaller lots in the rural district would continue to pay $9,800.

Besides changing specific categories, there’s also a proposal to update the mobility fee schedule every five years, instead of approximately every three years, as has been the practice.

Lengthening the time between updates, coupled with an increasing number of permit applications, would allow the county to reduce the permit administration fee from $392 per permit to $136 per permit.

The update also proposed additional incentives to spur development along U.S. 19.

During a previous workshop, commissioners talked about dropping discount rates for market-rate apartments in the urban district and removing discounts for mini-warehouses.

Now, commissioners appear likely to move ahead on the mobility fee package, but to have staff take a deeper look at the issue of market-rate apartments and mini-warehouses.

They want staff to look at those issues, both in term of mobility fees and zoning. That process could take months to complete.

Commissioner Mike Moore was unsuccessful in persuading his colleagues to drop the incentive for high-end apartments.

He makes no secret of his opposition to what he views as an oversaturation of apartment development along State Road 54/State Road 56.

Besides taking up space that would be better left for other types of development that creates jobs, Moore said he’s concerned about potential long-term consequences of too much apartment development.

Moore said he’s not talking about dropping the incentive for apartments that have already been approved.

“There are quite a few entitlements currently out there already. I understand that some people have already budgeted for their project and increasing the fees at this time could have a negative impact. I get it. They’d be grandfathered in,” Moore said.

But, Commissioner Kathryn Starkey offered a different perspective.

“I think multifamily serves an important need in our community,” Starkey said.

“It’s not whether I like them or not. Do I think there’s a use in the community for people who can’t afford a house in a gated community? Yes, I do.

“I think the market will dictate whether these get built or not,” she said.

She also noted that when the extension of State Road 56 is completed between Meadow Pointe Boulevard in Wesley Chapel and U.S. 301 in Zephyrhills, there likely will be demand for apartments there.

“I would think that some of that community might like some nice, new apartments,” she said.

Commissioner Mike Wells said he supported the planning commission’s recommendation on the mobility fee update.

Wells also agreed with Starkey: “The market decides.”

Land use attorney Clarke Hobby, who served on the county’s mobility fees committee, noted the committee did not discuss whether the fees should be changed for apartments or mini-warehouses.

That discussion came up during a board workshop on the issue, after the mobility fee committee completed its work.

“We didn’t know this was an issue,” Hobby said, adding that’s a significant issue to address without getting the mobility fee committee’s input.

Hobby also pointed out that the county has expressed a desire to prevent urban sprawl.

“Now, you’re just saying you want suburban sprawl in the urban service area, if we go down that route,” Hobby said.

Commissioners didn’t take any action during the first public hearing on the updated fee schedule held on Nov. 27, but based on their discussion, it appears likely they will approve the updated mobility fee schedule at the Dec. 11 public hearing.

Published December 5, 2018

Pasco shelter offers haven from abuse

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Abuse can come in many different forms.

It can also be a sensitive issue for victims to divulge, especially if it occurs within their own households.

It’s a nationwide problem, and efforts have been made nationally and locally to provide safer environments for adults and children who have been abused.

Pasco County is among those striving to improve services for people in this situation.

Kelly Sinn has been working at Sunrise of Pasco County Inc., since 2002, helping survivors of domestic abuse rehabilitate. In 2013, Sinn succeeded Penny Morrill as CEO of the organization. (Courtesy of Sunrise of Pasco County Inc.)

Pasco has been engaged in this issue since 1982, when a group of Pasco residents formed a small coalition group which later became known as the Sunrise of Pasco County Inc., Domestic and Sexual Violence Center.

“It started as a grassroots organization,” explained Kelly Sinn, current CEO of Sunrise. “Initially, it was community members that saw that there was an issue.”

Under the helm of a female abuse survivor, the organization recruited volunteers within the community who were willing to open their homes for a night or two.

While it provided a temporary solution, it was understood that there needed to be something in place more long-term.

Sunrise started with one office in Dade City and, over the years, expanded with a shelter, a thrift store and outreach sources for survivors of domestic and sexual abuse.

During its 35-year history, Sunrise has grown, and now has facilities in Dade City and New Port Richey serving all of Pasco County.

The problem is well-documented. In Pasco County alone, during 2017 there were more than 4,000 reported incidents of domestic abuse, which includes sexual assault, according to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.

The number of reported cases has risen steadily since 2013, figures show.

Sunrise works to reduce incidents of abuse through prevention programs, such as its collaboration with the Florida Coalition Against Domestic Violence.

Funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the initiative has trained counselors from Sunrise who travel to Pasco middle schools and high schools to teach students about such things as safe dating, healthy relationships and anti-bullying.

The students also are taught about being aware of their surroundings and learning to recognize — and avoid — areas that are prone to violence, both on and off campus.

All Sunrise employees go through a certified training, said Sinn, and when a counselor is told by a student that there is abuse occurring within their home, the counselor is obligated to make a report to authorities.

On the collegiate level, Sunrise has implemented the Green Dot Program at Saint Leo University, which teaches students how to safely intervene and de-escalate tense situations on campus.

When it comes to the legal aspect, Sunrise constantly works with all Pasco police departments to relay vital information.

This initiative was partially propelled by the Intimate Violence Enhanced Service Team (InVEST) established in 2009.

In addition to communicating with law enforcement, InVEST is a program that allows Sunrise to use both East and West Pasco courthouses as meeting places for survivors and legal advocates, as well as attorneys.

Here, survivors can learn the best options for their situation whether it is getting legal representation, getting a restraining order or an injunction.

Immense resources must be put in place for all these factors to play out.

That’s where the recent Reindeer Run held on Dec. 1, and Peace Breakfast, set for Dec. 6, come in.

While they can be enjoyable events, they also raise money to support Sunrise.

The Peace Breakfast is free; however, generous donations are accepted.

Aside from these benefits, the organization also receives federal, state and local funding, as well as private donations.

This makes it possible to provide three meals a day and counseling to victims, and direct them to resources for employment, housing and financial aid.

The 40-bed shelter, which houses individuals for a minimum of eight weeks, is a launching pad for progression said Sinn.

However, in some cases it may take an extended three to four months.

“Sometimes eight weeks isn’t long enough for a family to be able to find employment, child care [and] save up enough money to rent their own apartment,” she explained.

Sunrise also works with the welfare system to make sure that children are not split from their nonoffending parent, reducing the number taken into foster care.

While people tend to think of women and children as being targets of abuse, Sinn said there are men, too, that can be abused.

Sunrise does take in men, from time to time, and they have their own separate shelter.

While the organization typically deals with difficult and traumatizing issues, it also witnesses survivors who are able to pick up the pieces of their lives.

This is something Sinn credits to “such a supportive and embracing community” in Pasco County.

Sinn remembered a call she received several years ago from an abuse survivor who was in a happy marriage, with a child going off to college.

“That’s really humbling,” she said.

“Thank Yous come in so many different forms,” Sinn said.

Besides phone calls, Christmas cards, hugs and tears, there are also those who come back to work or volunteer at Sunrise, a place that helped them regain a sense of security.

If you have experienced abuse and you need help, Sunrise’s hotline staff is available 24 hours a day at (352) 521-3120.

Sunrise of Pasco’s 15th Annual Peace Breakfast
Where: Greenfelder Board Room at Saint Leo University, 33701 State Road 52 in Saint Leo
When: Dec. 6 from 7 a.m. to 8:30 a.m.
Cost: Free with a voluntary donation
Details: Courtney Weil and her children will speak at the breakfast about being survivors of domestic violence and prevention efforts.
Info: To RSVP, contact Sunrise at (352) 521-3358 or .

Published December 5, 2018

Zephyrhills opens doors to new City Hall

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The brand-new Zephyrhills City Hall has been in operation since October — but local residents and dignitaries got an up-close view of the digs during a Nov. 27 open house and ribbon-cutting ceremony.

At 19,000 square feet, the $6.2 million building represents a major upgrade to the former City Hall facility, which was 11,000 square feet and was built in the 1950s.

The new $6.2 million Zephyrhills City Hall is more than 19,000 square feet. The two-story building is located at 5335 Eighth St. (Kevin Weiss)

The two-story building, at 5335 Eighth St., has a modernized brick and stone exterior, and is accented with a fountain and courtyard plaza.

The interior has a similar majestic feel.

On the whole, the new City Hall features more open workspaces and multifunctional meeting rooms, which can flexibly be used to accommodate public events.

The first floor is spotlighted by its sizable council chambers — outfitted with high ceilings, large windows and modern decor. It seats up to 80 people and is equipped with large flat-screen televisions to help attendees see presentations.

Also on the first floor, is a large main lobby and a sizable reception area, for those waiting to meet with the city’s utility, building and planning departments.

Much of the second floor features administration and IT office spaces, as well as a conference room and break room. Several of the second floor spaces are double-door rooms, which may later be converted to more offices as the city grows.

Technology is another a significant feature in the facility. It has automatic lighting and upgraded thermostats, as well as security cameras and access-control keypads. Meeting rooms are equipped with Smart TVs that are integrated with office computers for greater efficiency and planning purposes.

Multiple restrooms, stairwells and an elevator are some other noted features.

City officials expressed excitement about the City Hall during the open house event.

The new Zephyrhills City Hall was christened with a Nov. 27 open house and ribbon-cutting ceremony.

“This is a beautiful facility,” Zephyrhills Mayor Gene Whitfield said. “The first thing I thought of when I came in after it was finished was, ‘Wow!’”

He added: “We’re very proud of it and very proud we could do this for our citizens. It’s their building. It fits our community, and we’re really proud of that and we’re proud to have the honor of serving the community.”

Zephyrhills City Council president Lance Smith was enthusiastic about the building, too. He noted the former City Hall felt “kind of like a dungeon.”

“It was well past time we needed this new building,” Smith said. “It’s just a beautiful building, and I think that’s what a public structure should be — it should be something that everybody’s proud of and it’s to be used by the community.”

Smith also took time to encourage more residents to utilize the council chambers to host meetings, events and other activities. “I just want everybody to use this. …Instead of being used once every two weeks, I want to see that thing used,” he said.

Fellow City Council member Jodi Wilkeson expressed these sentiments, regarding the new City Hall: “I believe in my heart that the people who hold this city together — the workers— they deserve a structure like this, as do the citizens of our community.”

The City Hall project was designed and built by Harvard Jolly and A.D. Morgan.

It took more than a year to build the facility after the old City Hall was demolished last September. During construction, Zephyrhills staffers worked from the city’s old police station on Ninth Street, while City Council meetings were held at the Zephyrhills Public Library.

Assistant City Clerk Jessica Carter remembers her co-workers being elated to finally move into the new City Hall on Oct. 8.

“That was a day we were all looking forward to. We didn’t mind coming into work that Monday,” Carter said with a chuckle.

Though pleased with the entire facility, Carter noted the break room, of course, is a favorite among city employees, herself included.

Said Carter: “It’s a happening place; lots of counter spaces.

“I don’t know if anybody saw the old City Hall, but our break room was more like a closet with a refrigerator, so this is definitely a huge upgrade,” she added.

The new building is still undergoing a few final finishing touches, according to Public Works Director Shane LeBlanc. Those include correcting minor painting flaws, window treatments and other punch list items. Work is also being done on the courtyard fountain and an additional parking lot, which is expected to be finished by January.

Published December 5, 2018

Tennis center plans are progressing

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The approved renderings for the exterior design of the Sarah Vande Berg Tennis Center include brick elements and flat awnings that blend the features of some of the City of Zephyrhills’ newer buildings, such as the library and City Hall, and the city’s older downtown historic buildings.

Shown here is the front exterior rendering of the Sarah Vande Berg Tennis Center that was approved by the Zephyrhills City Council. A final architectural design for the project will be presented at a later date. (Courtesy of City of Zephyrhills)

The Zephyrhills City Council came to a consensus on the design for the much-awaited facility during the council’s Nov. 26 meeting.

The exterior also is accented with signage, a large-picture window and glass fixtures, based on the rendering.

The rear view includes a memorial statue of Sarah Vande Berg — named after the former Zephyrhills High School district champion who died in an automobile accident at the age of 21 in October 2015.

Before being presented to the City Council, multiple tennis center designs were reviewed by the Zephyrhills Parks and Recreation Board, and a committee made up of City Manager Steve Spina, Planning Director Todd Vande Berg, Public Works director Shane LeBlanc, Councilwoman Jodi Wilkeson and professional tennis instructor Pascal Collard, who will manage the tennis center.

The council has gone back and forth since September on various renderings to best match the municipal architecture of the city.

A final design and floor plan now will be completed by the project’s architectural firm, Fleishman-Garcia Architects.

The process of selecting a design wasn’t easy, Wilkeson said, but she believes the city now has “a very clear direction for the architect.”

The rear exterior rendering.

The tennis center project, expected to cost about $3.5 million, will be located on about 5 acres of donated land at The District at Abbott’s Square, a new real estate development situated north of Dean Dairy Road and west of Simons Road.

The tennis center will be 7,000 square feet to 8,000 square feet. Plans call for it to include a fitness/wellness center and cryotherapy room, a pro shop, a restaurant, conference and multipurpose rooms, a kid’s club and playground, a common area, office spaces and other features.

Next to the indoor center, there will be 11 full-size outdoor courts — a mix of clay and hard surfaces — built to U.S Tennis Association (USTA) professional standards.

At some point, there’s also a possibility of phasing in a covered/indoor tennis court building that would have four full-size courts.

Discussions about the entire project began in 2016.

Planning Director Todd Vande Berg said there’s not yet a set date for breaking ground, but noted the city ideally would like to begin construction sometime in the first quarter of 2019.

He explained the tennis facility could be finished by late 2019 or early 2020 “if we get started when we think.”

In other action:

  • The City Council unanimously approved a contract for incoming assistant city manager Billy Poe. Per its terms, Poe, 42, will earn a $105,000 annual base salary and will be enrolled in the city’s health insurance policy. Poe, who’s served as Dade City manager for the past 11 years, will begin his new role on or before Feb. 7, 2019. He is expected to replace Zephyrhills City Manager Steve Spina once he retires sometime next year. Poe was offered the assistant city manager position during a special city council meeting on Nov. 7.
  • The City Council passed the city’s 2018-2018 fiscal year budget of more than $59.4 million, based on a millage rate at 6.35.

Published December 5, 2018