The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Local News

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.

Use precautions to prevent crimes

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If you want to avoid becoming a victim of crime — you can never be too careful.

At least that’s how Bryan Roquemore, a retired criminal justice professor, sees it.

Roquemore now leads the Crime Prevention Task Force of Florida, a community service organization developed by former law enforcement officers.

The group seeks to expand public awareness on criminal threats in today’s society and to show effective measures to counter them.

Bryan Roquemore was the featured guest speaker at the Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce monthly luncheon in Plantation Palms in Land O’ Lakes. The retired criminal justice professor is a member of the Crime Prevention Task Force of Florida, a community service organization developed by former law enforcement officers that seeks to expand public awareness on criminal threats in today’s society and to show effective measures to counter that threat. (Kevin Weiss)

The criminal justice expert was the featured guest speaker at the Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce monthly luncheon at Plantation Palms in Land O’ Lakes.

He started off by saying the No. 1 crime in the Tampa Bay area is identity theft — which involves someone using your personal or financial information to make purchases, get benefits, file taxes or commit fraud.

Anyone is susceptible to becoming a victim, Roquemore warned. Even him.

In fact, it happened to him eight years ago when fraudsters racked up charges of over $120,000 and compromised his 401K.

There were also six warrants for his arrest, as his identity was being used in illicit activities.

All that occurred within a single month.

“When somebody steals your identity, they’re being you in another part of the country. That changes everything,” Roquemore said.

Turns out, Roquemore’s personal information was stolen from old mail in his garbage can — otherwise known as dumpster diving.

Dumpster divers often rummage through trash searching for pre-approved credit card offers and used prescription pill bottles, from which they can steal large amounts of personal information.

“Your garbage is one of the most important things that (people) never keep safe,” he said.

Roquemore noted many people tend to rip up forms with their personal information and toss them in the garbage.

But, that’s not enough.

Instead, anything with your personal information should to be shredded first, he advised.

“You need to destroy that return to sender envelope with everything pre-approved. It has all your credit card information on it,” Roquemore warned.

To keep tabs on any possible instances of identity theft, Roquemore urged people, especially seniors, to sign up for credit monitoring and annual crime reports.

Identity theft is just the tip of the crime iceberg, however.

Roquemore also informed the crowd that there are more than 47 active scams occurring locally.

The biggest scam is what’s known as the “grandkid scam.”

This scheme involves an imposter calling — pretending to be your grandchild and claiming to need money for something urgent, such as money for bail or medical bills.

To make the scam seem legitimate, callers often gather information about people off the Internet and social media sites so they can know nicknames and other details about their potential victims, Roquemore said.

His key piece of advice? Ignore any incoming phone calls, emails or texts that appear strange or out of the ordinary.

“If it comes into you, just hang it up,” he advised.

The IRS isn’t calling
Another prominent scam is known as the “IRS imposter scam,” he said.

That’s when someone calls saying they’re from the IRS and claims you owe “back taxes” or payments to the government. The caller then threatens to sue, arrest, deport, or revoke your license, in lieu of immediate payment.

It’s important to know that when the IRS initially contacts you, they do it by mail, not telephone. The actual IRS also will not ask for a credit card over the telephone.

Roquemore noted that young adults are most at risk for being victimized by the IRS scam.

“Eighteen-to-25-year-olds have not had a history of dealing with the IRS, so that’s who gets attacked most,” he said.

Besides identity theft and various scams, the speaker mentioned auto theft is one of the region’s top crimes.

He also said that it’s more common during this time of year because of the influx of snowbirds and out-of-state visitors.

He talked about a group called “sliders,” who pull up alongside a car getting fuel at a convenience store gas station and steal whatever they can.

Sometimes it’s a purse or an electronic device.

Sometimes it’s the entire car.

“They do it in 3 (seconds) to 4 seconds,” the speaker said.

To avoid sliders, Roquemore said when you exit your car, you should lock the doors and then be sure to have key fob panic alarm handy.

“Your key fob is a weapon. Instead of somebody rolling up on you, you scare them (with the alarm),” he said.

Roquemore also offered up other personal safety and self-defense tips during the presentation.

Women, he said, should have all their belongings ready by the time they step out of the car. They also should carry their purse or bag in their hand — and not around their neck (to avoid being dragged) — to reduce the risk of a purse snatching.

Men, he said, should carry two wallets. They should keep one in their front pocket and the other in their back pocket, in case a robber approaches demanding money.

It’s also a good idea for everyone to carry police-strength pepper spray at all times, he said.

In a situation where pepper spray must be used, Roquemore said it’s best to aim for the stomach area, as its strong enough to pass through three layers of clothing.

Said Roquemore: “If you want to use weaponry that’s not lethal, pepper spray is most effective. “Every single police officer has what? Pepper spray. It works. One shot incapacitates a person.…

“Once it hits a person’s skin, they’re going to want to scream.”

He also offered this piece of advice: “If you carry a gun, keep carrying a gun.”

Published January 16, 2019

Zephyrhills gets ready for Pigz in Z’Hills

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The ninth annual Pigz in Z’Hills BBQ & Blues Festival is set for Jan. 19 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., at the Zephyrhills Community Venue, 5200 Airport Road, in Zephyrhills.

About 60 teams are expected to vie for bragging rights and prizes during the barbecue competition at the event.

Ed Wright, left, and Chuck Riley, of the Ed Wright Duo, were the opening act at last year’s Pigz in Z’Hills BBQ & Blues Festival. Riley is set to liven the stage this year with his All-Stars band. (File)

The cooking showdown will determine who advances to the World Food Championship, with competitors testing their skills in preparing smoked chicken, pork, brisket and ribs.

In addition to enjoying barbecue foods, those attending can check out the offerings of various goods and craft vendors, and listen to blues performances throughout the day.

The musical lineup includes the Bird Tribe, the Ellie Lee Band, Chuck Riley’s All-Stars and the Dave Shepard Band.

A business expo also will be featured, and there’s a cornhole tournament with a chance to win a cash prize and a trophy.

Car enthusiasts are welcome to participate in the car show, or to simply check out the motorcycles and vehicles on display.

Visitors also can take a look at refurbished planes, and there’s a free tour of the Military History Museum.

Youths can have some fun, too, in the Kidz Zone, which will offer bounce houses and a climbing wall, and the chance to build birdhouses, or have their faces painted.

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

Admission is free and parking is $10.

No coolers or pets are allowed, but guests are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs.

For more information or to register for the barbecue competition, call (813) 782-1913, or visit ZephyrhillsChamber.org.

Pigz in Z’Hills BBQ & Blues Festival
Where: Zephyrhills Community Venue, 5200 Airport Road, Zephyrhills
When: Jan. 19 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Cost: Free admission; $10 for parking
Details: Guests can enjoy smoked barbecued foods right off the grill, listen to blues bands, and check out a car show and aviation show.
Info: Call (813) 782-1913, or visit ZephyrhillsChamber.org.

Published January 16, 2019

Deadline approaching for Spotlight on Talent entries

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Young performers who are looking for an audience can audition for a chance to show off their singing and dancing skills in this year’s 36th annual “Spotlight on Talent.”

Winners of this talent show don’t walk away with giant cash prizes, but the regional competition does award $4,000 in cash prizes and trophies in several age categories, according to a news release from the Heritage Arts Center Association, which puts on the competition.

Showstoppers took first place among older competitors in the group competition with their musical theater number during a previous Spotlight on Talent. (Courtesy of Heritage Arts Center Association)

There’s also a $1,000 scholarship, awarded to a Pasco County resident who is a graduating senior. The scholarship was added as a result of the community support of “Moonlight and Ivory” concerts and the “Spotlight” contest, the release said.

The scholarship goes to the Pasco senior who has the highest total scores from judges in the preliminary and final contests.

Contestants for Spotlight on Talent must make their way through auditions to have the opportunity to be selected as finalists to compete at two shows.

Several hundred contestants typically vie for a place on the program. They come from Pasco County, as well as Tampa, Brooksville, St. Petersburg and other communities.

Competitors include vocalists, dancers, instrumental musicians, piano players, baton twirlers, bands, gymnasts and other entertainers hoping to take home a prize.

There are several age categories. There also are categories for groups and for solos. A student may enter as a soloist and as a member of a group, the release says.

The deadline for entries is Jan. 24. This year’s auditions will be on Feb. 9.

The final competitions will be March 9 at Center for the Arts at Wesley Chapel, 30651 Wells Road in Wesley Chapel. The first act, which begins at noon, will feature the younger finalists. The second act, which begins at 7 p.m., will features the older competitors.

Admission is $12 for adults for one show, or $20 for both.

For students through high school, admission is $6 for one show, or $10 for both. Children under age 5 are admitted free.

The scholarship winner will be announced at the end of the final show, and will be separate, and in addition to the individual category winners.

Competitors are judged primarily on talent, but also on stage presence and appropriate appearance. Professional judges determine the winners.

Applications and additional information are available online at HeritageArts.org.

The competition is also seeking additional community sponsors.

If you’d like more information about the competition or about how to become a sponsor, call Barbara Friedman at (352) 567-1720, or email .

36th annual Spotlight on Talent
This youth talent competition gives young performers a chance to show off their talents and possibly win a trophy or cash award.

Important dates:
Registration deadline: Jan. 24
Auditions: Feb. 9
Competition: March 9
For more information, contact Barbara Friedman at (352) 567-1720, or email .

Published January 16, 2019

‘Powerglides’ launch site gets OK

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The Pasco County Commission has given the green-light to a conditional use permit to allow takeoffs and landings of motorized parachute devices — known as powerglides — on a 19-acre parcel, at the southeast corner of McKendree Road and Tyndall Road in Wesley Chapel.

While commissioners approved the request, Commissioner Mike Moore questioned why they were even considering the issue.

”Why does this have to come in front of the board? I see these things flying all over, where I live. Literally, I see these all over Pasco County all of the time,” Moore said.

“I just think it’s a waste of these people’s time to have to come do this. That’s my opinion,” Moore said.

Denise Hernandez, the county’s zoning administrator, said the use is not considered to be a customary and incidental use of agricultural property.

County attorney Jeffrey Steinsnyder noted: “If the board wishes to make this a permitted use in an agricultural district, it can. It isn’t currently. That’s why it’s before you today.”

Moore reiterated that he sees this type of device flying all over Pasco County.

Steinsnyder responded: “The flying isn’t illegal. It’s the landing and taking off on a piece of property. I don’t know where those you are seeing are landing and taking off from.

“This is the use of a piece of property.”

Commission Chairman Ron Oakley told Moore, “One of the reasons we’re here is because they take off and land and cross a person’s property next door, that affects the person’s way of life.”

Oakley added that the neighbor boards horses, and “these motors going across her property is causing her an issue.”

Attorney Barbara Wilhite, represented applicant Carol A. Roth.

She said a neighbor complained and a citation was issued by code enforcement.

The applicant had the choice of litigating the issue, or seeking a conditional use permit and opted to pursue the conditional use, the attorney said.

Wilhite noted there is a radio-controlled model airplane club that operates nearby, as well as a motocross track.

A paraglider spoke during the public hearing. He showed commissioners a video that demonstrates how the motorized crafts work, and also showed them a couple of horses in a field that did not appear to be disturbed by the motorized paragliders.

But, Gena Hester, who lives on Tyndall Road next to Roth’s property, voiced opposition

“The RC (radio-controlled) flyers across the street, they don’t fly over my property. The guys down the street that have the four-wheelers, they’re not flying over my property. I’m talking about my property,” she said.

“I have held a county boarding license since 2002. I have been boarding (horses) since 2003. The men, when they’re landing, they’re landing up to 10 feet over my property.”

She said she had shown a video during the Planning Commission meeting on the request, which showed that “they did land over their (her horses) heads, and they did scare my horses.”

Hester added: “They were flying in the front pasture, the side pasture, everywhere. That takes away my quiet use and enjoyment of my property.

“It’s my property that I want to ride my horses on, and those things are loud. Consider the size of a large lawnmower, and they’re flying over my house. I can’t ride my horse. Nobody else can ride their horse. Because it scares them. That’s the point I’m trying to get at,” Hester said.

Wilhite said the applicant has tried to work with staff and tried to achieve a balance.

“Can I say that my client is comfortable with these conditions? No. Do they want to be able to move forward, does she want to be able to use her property? Yes. That’s where we’re at,” Wilhite said.

Moore said the proposed area for takeoffs and landings seems to be a better option than other, more congested areas of the county.

“You see them going over (State Road) 56 and (Interstate) 75 on a pretty consistent basis,” and he said, adding he worries about their safety there.

The board approved the request, subject to numerous conditions, including:

  • A maximum of four takeoffs and four landings per day
  • No landings of anyone who did not launch from the site
  • Operating hours allowed from 7 a.m. to dusk
  • Operations limited to six days per week, including only one weekend day
  • A requirement for operators to maintain a minimum height of 400 feet over adjacent properties, except during launch, landing and necessary circling.

The permit for this use will expire in 10 years, unless applicants submit a request in writing for the county to consider an extension.

Published January 16, 2019

Pioneer Florida Museum hosts a sweet and spicy event

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Eleven-year-old Jonah Uilk, of Minnesota, enjoys a cotton candy treat. He was vacationing in Bushnell with his family. He and his mother, Heidi, and grandmother, Diana, were browsing the vendor booths. Ulik, who said he loves cotton candy, thought it was funny that the treat turned his mouth blue. (Christine Holtzman)

Whether they were tasting chili samples, watching syrup being made, or cuddling up with an animal at the petting zoo — there were lots of ways for people to enjoy themselves at Raising Cane, a Sweet and Spicy Event, held on Jan. 12 at the Pioneer Florida Museum & Village in Dade City.

There was a Chili, Chili Verde and Salsa Competition, sanctioned by the International Chili Society, which offered cash and trophies for the first, second and third place winners.

And, there were two local chili challenges, with the City Chili Challenge featuring police chiefs, chamber executives and other local dignitaries. Also, there was a local chili challenge, which was open to anyone who wanted to put their chili or salsa to the test.

Event-goers could pay $5 for a tasting cup to sample and vote on their favorites from the two local chili challenges.

Museum volunteer Marcus Copeland, of Dade City, skims out the impurities in the sugar cane juice that is boiling in a large kettle during the process to make sugar cane syrup. Around 80 gallons will boil for approximately 4 hours. When the process is finished — about 9 gallons of the sweet and sticky concoction will remain as viable syrup.

In addition, there was a Southern Syrup Makers Association Sugar Cane Competition, and there was a petting zoo, featuring baby chicks, rabbits, goats and a horse.

Those who enjoy music could listen to various bands, and could do a little dancing, too.

And, vendors offered a variety of goods.

In addition to the chili and syrup tasting, attendees could take a stroll through the Pioneer Museum to catch a glimpse of Florida life from a bygone era.

Chris LaBorde, director of research with the U.S. Sugar Corporation in Clewiston, and Wayne Davidson, an agronomist with the Florida Sugar Cane League, helped educate the crowd about sugar cane and passed out samples so people in the audience could compare texture and flavor.

Karen Brown-Blonigen, of Tampa, dressed in period clothing, plays a mountain tune on her Dulcimer inside the Pioneer Florida Museum.

Steve Melton, president of the Southern Syrup Makers Association, was there, sharing his knowledge about cane syrup.

Melton said that sugar cane syrup was the staple sweetener more than 100 years ago.

It was frequently used for cooking, and families usually kept a bottle on the table, he said. Its popularity waned over time because of the labor-intensive process needed to produce the finished product.

Perhaps the highlight of the day was a visit to the sugar cane mill to watch the labor-intensive process involved in making a batch of sugar cane syrup.

By Christine Holtzman

Published January 16, 2019

Nine-year-old Mariah Robinson, of Zephyrhills, gazes at a baby chick at the petting zoo. She was at the event with her grandmother, Anne Benedini, of Dade City.
Steve Melton, president of the Southern Syrup Makers Association, puts another log on the fire that is used to heat the large kettle, to boil the sugar cane juice into syrup.

 

Debbie Richter, of San Antonio, left, and Pamela Garrison, of Dade City, sample a taste of chili made by Veni Miller, of Bubba and Cha Cha’s Chili in Georgia. There was a professional chili cookoff and a local chili competition. Event-goers could purchase a sample cup and try up to 10 different types of chili.

Become a mentor, make life better for a child

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The oldest and largest youth-mentoring organization in the nation, Big Brothers Big Sisters Tampa Bay, has launched a recruiting campaign in Pasco County to find caring adult volunteer mentors who want to change the life of a child for the better.

Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) boasts great success with the youth in its programs.

According to a press release, the organization in 2018 served 3,014 children, in Pasco, Hillsborough, Pinellas, Polk, Citrus, Hernando and Sumter counties.

Of those children, known as “Littles,” who were matched with their mentors, called “Bigs,” for at least a year, 98 percent were promoted to the next grade level, and 98 percent had no involvement in the juvenile justice system.

The BBBS organization offers several programs to choose from in Pasco County, all which require only four hours to eight hours of volunteer work each month.

The community-based program enables the Big and Little to spend time together in the evening or on weekends to take part in an activity of their choosing.

The school-based program is for matches that would prefer to meet one hour each week at the child’s school during the academic year.

“This is a great opportunity to have a positive impact on our community,” said Deb Kristol-Irwin, director of partnerships for Pasco County.

She added, “For just a few hours each month, you can change the life of a child, build a lifelong relationship, and have a great time while you’re doing it.”

Anyone interested in learning more about becoming a Big Brother or Big Sister can attend one of the orientation and training sessions, offered three times a month throughout Pasco County.

For a complete schedule, visit BBBSTampaBay.org and follow the Volunteer links.

No reservations are required to attend.

Published January 16, 2019

Building a foundation for economic growth

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Bill Cronin, the president/CEO of Pasco Economic Development Council Inc., has no shortage of ideas when it comes to pursuing ways to strengthen Pasco County’s economy.

He shared a few of those thoughts during a recent interview with The Laker/Lutz News.

Cronin is entering his third year at the helm of the Pasco EDC, and recently was named the Florida Director of the Southern Economic Development Council.

Bill Cronin, the president/CEO of Pasco Economic Development Council Inc., is in charge of the agency that seeks to expand Pasco County’s economic growth. He recently was named the Florida Director of the Southern Economic Development Council. (B.C. Manion)

The SEDC is the largest and oldest regional economic council in North America, with members in 17 southern states. Each state selects a member to serve with the elected officers on the board of directors, and Cronin was selected from Florida.

For decades, Pasco County has lived with the image of being a bedroom community for Hillsborough and Pinellas counties. That picture is changing, though, as more businesses and industries set up shop, or expand — generating more jobs in Pasco.

The Pasco EDC, in cooperation with Pasco County, continues to lay the groundwork for future economic growth, Cronin said. Funds provided through Penny for Pasco help with those efforts.

If a company is looking to grow, Pasco is an excellent option, Cronin said, spelling out some of the area’s strengths.

“We are right smack in the middle of the fastest-growing market in the United States — and that’s the southeast United States,” he said. “We have such a huge consumer market.”

Besides having one of the largest economies in the world in its own right, Florida also is positioned geographically so that it can penetrate the Latin American market, Cronin said.

But, to be competitive, Pasco must be aggressive in its recruitment efforts, and must work to secure sites and buildings that are ready for development, he said.

“When somebody is looking to locate a business here – there’s 16,000 agencies that do what I do,” Cronin said. “So, when they’re looking at a site, they’re probably looking at about 200 sites, initially. And, they’re trying to narrow it down, narrow it down, narrow it down. They’re not trying to add you.

“We can’t wait for the business to come to us. They’re not going to,” Cronin said.

It’s also important for Pasco to tell its story.

When someone looks at the county’s statistics, for instance, it’s easy to get the wrong impression, Cronin said. “If they’re not careful, they’ll look only at the industry that’s in Hillsborough or Pinellas and assume that we don’t have the work force,” he said.

“I have to remind them (companies) that those are our workforce — and they’re so good that other people want to hire them,” Cronin said, referring to the thousands of Pasco residents who commute to jobs in nearby counties.

The county has room to grow, but it needs more sites ready for companies and industries interested in moving here, he said.

Providing that requires an investment by the landowners, which is a shift in mindset from the days of the past, he said.

“Those landowners are used to people coming up to them saying, ‘I’m going to pay you top dollar, to be able to build my houses there,” Cronin said.

Industrial and commercial sites, however, must be prepared, he said.

“A site is not just a field with cows on it,” Cronin said. “A site has to have some known information, like ‘Where’s your utilities and how long will it take to get them there? Where are your highways? Where is the railroad? How far are you from your workforce? What type of wetlands mitigation is required? Do you have a wetlands delineation certificate?’

“Those types of things cost money.

“In this business, because we’re so competitive, they (landowners) have to go get the business, instead of waiting for it to come to them.

“So, when we have these conversations with the landowner, they say, ‘Well, nobody has ever come to me saying they want to put a factory in, but I’ve got residential knocking on my door every day.’

“So, we have to convince them that ‘Yes, there is a market out there, but you have to go get it,’ ” Cronin said.

Economic development helps everyone, Cronin said.

“For every dollar we get in property taxes, it costs us about $1.25 to serve residential. For every dollar we get from commercial, it costs us about 80 cents to service them. If it’s manufacturing, it’s about 20 cents,” Cronin said.

“So, it behooves us to get some more industrial-type activity, not just from a job creation standpoint, but also from a tax revenue standpoint,” he said.

Brian Fernandes contributed to this report.

Published January 9, 2019