The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Local News

Spreading a gospel of love through brown-bag lunches

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Sharing food with those in need has been part of the Father and Son Love Ministries since its inception, but now the Lutz church has branched out to create a free summer lunch program — with no strings attached.

The church is tucked away in a commercial office plaza, just off State Road 54, at 24156 Foggy Ridge Parkway.

All families and children are welcome to come by the church on Mondays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., and Wednesdays from noon to 3 p.m., to pick up the free bagged lunches.

Assistant Pastor Ken Waters wears plastic gloves and a hairnet, as he prepares sandwiches for the Father and Son Love Ministries’ free summer lunch program.
(B.C. Manion)

The free Father and Son Love Ministries Summertime Lunch Program runs through Aug. 29, but will be closed on July 4.

Although the program operates just two days a week, the church provides multiple bagged lunches to help families to get from one distribution to the next.

For instance, a family with four or more children will be offered up to two lunches per child, per visit. A family with one to three children will be offered up to three lunches per child per visit.

Each lunch consists of a turkey or peanut butter and jelly sandwich; salad or fruit; cookies, doughnuts or pastry; and, a small bottle of water.

The program aims to send a message of hope to those in need, said Pastor C.J. Johns Sr., who said he felt spiritually compelled to launch the program this year.

“It’s hard for people to be knocked down and still feel dignity,” Johns said. “If you don’t have kids and you’re struggling, what do you do? You’re not lesser than because you don’t have money.

“We’ve turned into a society where if you don’t have an American Express card, you’re a throwaway. It’s ridiculous,” Johns added.

By reducing grocery bills for families, perhaps they’ll be able to pay for summer camps for the kids, go on some family outings, or do other things they enjoy during their summer break, Johns said.

At the very least, he added, it can take some pressure off families: “You don’t have to open a can of Spam every day.”

Assistant Pastor Ken Waters and his wife, Cheryl, typically arrive about an hour before the doors open, to begin preparing the sack lunches.

“We are making sure that these sandwiches are nice and fresh,” the assistant pastor said. “We try to make sure they get a healthy portion (of turkey),” he added, as he layered several slices of meat on two large pieces of bread.

Helping to feed those in need is more important than focusing on strategies to build church membership, said Pastor C.J. Johns Sr., who leads the Father and Son Love Ministries, a church at 24156 Foggy Ridge Parkway in Lutz.

Being involved in the ministry is rewarding, the couple said, adding that they hope those receiving the lunches will enjoy them.

The church covers most of the cost of the free summer lunch program, but Publix helps by donating bread and pastries every Sunday and Wednesday, the assistant pastor said.

The biggest problem so far is that there hasn’t been much traffic.

It’s been difficult to get the word out, Johns said.

He hopes that will change as the church does more outreach to food pantries, apartment complexes and other places where there may be people in need.

Those dropping by to pick up lunches aren’t required to listen to any type of preaching or to sign any paperwork, Johns said. “We don’t need names. ID. Social (Security numbers). They don’t ever have to see me again.”

And, when it comes to how many lunches are provided to a family, the church is operating on an honor system, the pastor added.

The free lunch program isn’t intended as a promotional tool for the church, Johns said.

The only information included in the bagged lunches is a flier listing the program’s days and hours of operation.

The idea is to be of service, and to perhaps serve as an example for others, Johns said.

“We need some boots on the ground. We need ministers who are going to be doing the servant’s work, of serving people,” he said.

In the pastor’s view, doing this kind of work is far more important than focusing on strategies to boost church membership.

He wants to spread a message that: “Maybe there is goodness in the world, maybe somebody does care.”

Assistant pastor Waters agreed it’s important work: “Walk the walk.”

Johns added: “People may think we’re crazy, but I believe we can change this world, one person at a time. I believe it. It’s not a slogan.”

What: Father and Son Love Ministries Summertime Lunch Program
Where: 24156 Foggy Ridge Parkway, Lutz
When: Mondays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., and Wednesdays from noon to 3 p.m. (through Aug. 29, except for July 4)
Cost: Free
Details: This church ministry provides free sack lunches, as an act of service to others, during the summer months.
Info: Call (813) 383-8410.

Published July 4, 2018

Training underway for Pasco school safety guards

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Bang. Bang. Bang.

The echoing sound of simulated rounds of ammunition permeate throughout Rushe Middle School in Land O’ Lakes on a recent late June afternoon.

One by one, school safety guard trainees, with 9mm pistols drawn, carefully and methodically traverse stairwells and hallways, checking classrooms, searching to take out a fake assailant armed with an AR-15.

Safety guard training began in June, with a goal of having the guards prepared for duties by August. (Kevin Weiss)

As each active scenario unfolds, Pasco County Sheriff’s Office instructors, such as Sgt. Christopher Squitieri, bark out directives: “Get going, gotta get going! …Know your terrain, where you’re trying to search! Where that gun goes, you go!”

Brice Hayes, a fit 26-year-old with a security background, was out of breath and sweating heavily after one such drill.

When the drill was over, Squitieri debriefed him on the effectiveness in clearing the school, and in assessing and responding to the threat.

Hayes said he pursued the school safety guard position to offer “a helping hand to kids that need help, whether it’s active shooters or a permanent threat in the schools.”

To him, the active shooter drills felt like the real thing, his mind racing throughout.

“You’ve gotta lot of things going through your head, ‘Where’s this guy at? Where’s this guy at? I gotta get to him and kill this guy,’” Hayes said. “There’s no ifs ands or buts about it, no questions — you’ve gotta take the threat out.”

The Pasco County School Board in May approved Superintendent Kurt Browning’s proposal to hire a director of safety and security, and 53 school safety guards, for the district’s elementary schools.

The school board’s action came in response to a 2018 bill passed by the state Legislature and signed by Gov. Rick Scott, in the aftermath of the Valentine’s Day shooting that left 17 dead at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland.

The guards must go through at least 132 hours of training that includes mastering various active shooter drills, where guards must search and take out a fake assailant, and render first aid to shooting victims.

The law requires all school districts to provide security at all schools beginning in the 2018-2019 school year. Pasco County Schools has School Resource Officers in its middle and high schools who will continue to be stationed there.

The school safety guards — which are a less expensive option — will be posted at the district’s elementary schools. The guards, who won’t have arrest powers, will make $20 per hour.

Safety guard training began in June, with a goal of having the guards prepared for duties by August.

Before they are stationed at schools, the guards must receive at least 132 hours of training with the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office.

The main objective: respond and neutralize on-campus threats, particularly in the event of an active shooter.

“We pray to God this never happens, but we’re training for worst case,” said Pasco Sheriff’s Capt. Jared Hill, an ex-green beret who leads the agency’s emergency management division and oversees the guard training program.

Besides active shooter scenarios, guards have been instructed on defensive and less lethal tactics, weapon retention, first aid and CPR. They’ve also undergone diversity training, which was handled by the school district.

“Basically, we’re looking for someone’s that cognizant,” said Pasco Sheriff Sgt. Richard Jones, who helps supervise the guard training program. “We’re looking for proficiency on the range, we’re looking for proficiency in defensive tactics, and, the ability to save lives during the medical portion of the training.”

A Pasco County Sheriff’s deputy plays the role of an assailant armed with an AR-15 in an active shooter training scenario at Rushe Middle School. During the drills he fired simulated ammunition rounds, similar to a paintball or BB gun.

Jones said the guards’ biggest strides have come in its 10 days on the firing range.

“We’re shooting nonstop. We’re shooting upwards to 1,600 rounds, and they’ve improved quite a bit,” Jones said.

In addition to guards being stationed at all Pasco elementary schools, private and charter schools in the county have hired their own guards and have taken advantage of the sheriff’s office training.

Jones said 77 guards are undergoing training this summer with the law enforcement agency. Each has passed background checks, physical and psychological exams, and drug screenings.

Many, like Chuck Balderstone, have an extensive background in either military or law enforcement.

A 28-year veteran of the Pasco Sheriff’s Office, Balderstone retired from the agency in 2013, as a lieutenant and commander of the agency’s vice and narcotics unit.

Becoming a school guard was “a no-brainer” for him.

“When you do something like law enforcement for 28 years, you kind of miss it,” Balderstone said. “I certainly didn’t want to be full (time), right back into being a cop again, but this gives me a chance to go back and work with the most important part of our community — our kids.”

Hiring armed guards in all schools, while unfortunate, is necessary in today’s society, Balderstone said.

Pasco Sheriff’s Sgt. Christopher Squitieri, left, debriefs school safety guard Chuck Balderstone following an active shooter drill scenario at Rushe Middle School in Land O’ Lakes.
Balderstone, a 28-year law enforcement veteran, is one of 53 armed guards Pasco County Schools has hired to be stationed at the district’s elementary schools beginning in the 2018-2019 school year.

“I think it’s crazy that its come to that point and we need this, but you know what, times are changing and the bottom line is, we do need it,” he said.

“I think the biggest thing is you never want to see your schools turn into some kind of stockade-type situation,” he said.

There needs to be a balance, he said: “Hey, we’ve got to keep this place safe, but we don’t want to scare these kids.”

The former sheriff’s lieutenant is confident the county’s schools will be in good hands when it comes to campus safety.

Balderstone said he knows many of the people he’s in class with and knows they have many years of experience.

“I know that a lot of us have had as much, if not more training, than a lot of these young deputies working out there now,” Balderstone said.

School safety
The Pasco County School Board in May approved Superintendent Kurt Browning’s proposal to hire a director of safety and security, and 53 school safety guards, for the district’s elementary schools, in addition to the School Resource Officers who work in the district’s middle and high schools. The school board’s action was in response to a 2018 bill that the Legislature passed and Gov. Rick Scott signed into law. That law requires all school districts to provide security at all schools beginning in the 2018-2019 school year.

Published July 4, 2018

Candidates qualify, political groups have meetings

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Candidates have qualified for the upcoming election, giving voters plenty to consider. Here are candidates in key races during the 2018 election cycle.

Primary voters could decide the outcome for three Pasco County School Board seats. School board races are nonpartisan. Although candidates must live within specific districts, voters countywide select the winners. If a candidate does not receive more than 50 percent of the vote in the Aug. 28 primary, the top two vote-getters will face off on the Nov. 6 general election ballot.

Winners in two Pasco County Commission districts will be decided in the general election.

Key Pasco County races 

Pasco County Commission
District 2
Mike Moore (Rep), incumbent
Kelly Smith (Dem)

District 4
Brandi Geoit (Dem)
Mike Wells (Rep)

Pasco County School Board
District 1
Allen Altman (NPA), incumbent
Kenneth J. Mathis (NPA)
Brian Staver (NPA)

District 3
Cynthia Armstrong (NPA), incumbent
Meghan E. Hamer (NPA)
Heide R. Janshon (NPA)

District 5
Mike Aday (NPA)
Megan C. Harding (NPA)
Kathryn “Kassie” Hutchinson (NPA)
Tara M. O’Connor (NPA)

State and federal races
Florida State Senate
District 10
Michael Cottrell (Dem)
Wilton Simpson (Rep), incumbent

District 16
Ed Hooper, (Rep)
Leo Karruli (Rep)
Amanda Murphy (Dem)

District 20
Joy Gibson (Dem)
John Manners Houman (Rep)
Tom Lee (Rep), incumbent
Kathy Lewis (Dem)

Florida State House
District 36
Linda Jack (Dem)
Amber Mariano (Rep), incumbent

District 38
Danny Burgess (Rep), incumbent
David ‘TK’ Hayes, (NPA)

U.S. House of Representatives
District 12
Gus Michael Bilirakis (Rep), incumbent
Chris Hunter (Dem)
Stephen M. Perenich (Dem)
Angelika Purkis (Dem)
Robert Matthew Tager (Dem)

Mosquito Control, Seat 2 candidates
Andy Carney, Matthew Skeeter Abbott, Cory P. Sommers and Chris Tyler have qualified for this nonpartisan race.

Political meetings

Land O’ Lakes Democrats
The Land O Lakes Democratic Club will meet July 11 at 6:30 p.m. The featured guest will be Chris Hunter, former FBI agent, federal prosecutor, and now a candidate for U.S. Congress. The club also will be talking about boosting voter turnout. The club meets at Brick City Eatery, 16540 Pointe Village Drive, Suite 108, in Lutz.

Wesley Chapel Republican Club
The Wesley Chapel Republican Club will meet July 12 at 6:30 p.m., at Lexus of Wesley Chapel, 5350 Eagleston Blvd., in Wesley Chapel. Pasco County Supervisor of Elections Brian Corley will speak about the many layers of security protecting the Pasco County voting system, as well as changes in voting laws since the last election. Admission is free, all are welcome, and coffee and homemade desserts will be served. For more information, contact Peter Cracchiolo at (813) 360-9813 or .

Published July 4, 2018

Pasco tax revenues are up this year

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Rising property values in Pasco County could provide about $11 million in increased revenues.

That’s a bigger windfall than the $10.5 million initially projected.

That extra cash – about $650,000 – would play a key role in helping to close a $3.3 million gap in funding requests for 2019 from the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office.

Pasco County expected to receive final revenue data by July 1 from the Pasco County Property Appraiser’s office.

The Pasco County Commission received a budget update — including two possible scenarios on the sheriff’s budget — at a June 26 public workshop at Saint Leo University.

Both options on the sheriff’s budget relied on the $650,000 of additional revenue.

County commissioners quickly rejected one option to also withdraw $2.6 million from a reserve fund.

Instead, they accepted a staff recommendation to pair the $650,000 with budget cuts. An estimated $2.4 million for temporary on-site pods at the overcrowded Land O’ Lakes Detention Center would be delayed until 2020. And, a proposed $250,000 for Safety Town would be eliminated.

Commissioners agreed with the staff’s recommendation, except for cutting the Safety Town proposal.

Pasco County Commission Chairman Mike Wells Jr., said funds should be found for Safety Town either from the county’s fund balance or new property tax revenues.

Safety Town is a safety education program for children, ages 5 to 8, that the sheriff’s office operates.

“It’s really for youth,” Wells said. “It’s needed. I think we need to absolutely fully support the sheriff on this.”

The sheriff’s budget for 2019 is nearly $133 million, an 11.5 percent increase. However, most of that increase is related to jail overcrowding.

While temporary on-site inmate housing would be delayed, the proposed budget still includes funds for out-of-county inmate housing.

The existing jail was built for a capacity of about 1,400 inmates but currently is about 200 inmates over that cap. While that’s a dip in recent weeks, the jail, at times, has had nearly 1,800 inmates.

“It’s a safety issue for deputies,” said Pasco County Sheriff Chris Nocco. “We’ve seen a spike in fights going on.”

Currently, Seminole County’s jail has about 60 of Pasco’s inmates, at a cost of under $74 a day per inmate.

The sheriff also said 13 new detention officers will be hired and trained during the next nine- to 12-month period.

When money is available for on-site pods, those officers will be ready, he said.

Commissioners also reviewed funding requests for about 40 items from various departments, split into two tiers based on priority.

One package would cost about $4.4 million for expenses such as wage increases for county employees, restoration of library hours, fire rescue stations, and an additional inmate work crew.

The other package of about $1.1 million would pay for new positions in departments, including public services and development services.

There also was a recommendation for $15,000 to the United Way of Pasco County, for an emergency fund to aid low-income residents who aren’t eligible for other programs.

Wells asked that funding for United Way be increased to $50,000. Later on, Pasco County Commissioner Jack Mariano suggested $100,000.

Pasco County Commissioner Kathryn Starkey asked for details on those expenses.

“I support the United Way. I just want to know where the money is coming from,” she said.

Anticipated property tax revenues might be enough to fund the United Way request, said Pasco County Administrator Dan Biles.

He also noted that county officials are taking a realistic approach to crafting the 2019 budget to withstand potential revenue losses for 2020.

A major concern is a November referendum for an additional $25,000 homestead exemption for homes valued more than $100,000. Most county officials expect it to pass, with a projected revenue loss as high as $14 million, effective for the 2020 budget.

Even so, Biles said county officials looked at the potential revenue losses “and what that would do to the budget so we don’t have to go back on any of these decisions for 2019.”

That includes the priority items for wages, library hours and new job positions, he said.

The county also has other referendums in November that could change spending priorities.

County commissioners recently approved four bond referendums for the November ballot that would bring new revenues for public safety, fire rescue, parks and libraries, if approved.

“If the park referendum doesn’t pass, we have a huge amount of backlog for our parks for safety reasons,” Starkey said. “I don’t want to see parks closing down.”

Published July 4, 2018

Local governments share forum

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Pasco County has shared interests with city governments, but it’s a rare occasion for county and city officials to meet in a joint public forum.

But, that’s exactly what happened on June 26 when staff members and elected officials from Pasco County, the town of St. Leo, San Antonio, Zephyrhills and Dade City sat down at Saint Leo University to discuss topics of mutual interest, and such meetings could become an annual or semi-annual event.

“We need to do more things together,” Pasco County Commission Chairman Mike Wells Jr., said.

Officials from Pasco County, the town of St. Leo, San Antonio, Dade City and Zephyrhills held a joint forum at Saint Leo University to discuss topics of mutual interest. (Kathy Steele)

Most of the talk centered on roads, traffic and redevelopment.

Each of the city and town representatives highlighted accomplishments and issues of concern.

Traffic and road projects topped the list, including one traffic crossroad, known as “calamity corner.”

The intersection is where State Road 52, headed toward St. Leo, takes a turn to the right. But, motorists at that juncture also are navigating along Pompanic Street and College Avenue.

They are guided by signs to stop or yield, and a string of three red caution lights that motorists can find confusing.

“There are a lot of accidents, near accidents, and complaints,” said Eric Stallworth, who serves on the San Antonio City Commission.

Former Pasco County Commissioner Ted Schrader spoke a few months ago at a Pasco County Commission meeting about the intersection and urged county commissioners to find a fix for it.

One idea was for a roundabout.

That appealed to Pasco County Commissioner Kathryn Starkey, who said the topic could be brought up at the August Pasco County Metropolitan Planning Organization.

Discussion also focused on current and ongoing road projects, including widening and realigning State Road 52.

An additional extension of State Road 56 is being sought, too.

Currently, State Road 56 is being extended from Meadow Pointe Boulevard in Wiregrass Ranch to U.S. 301 in Zephyrhills.

Zephyrhills’ officials are seeking additional state funding for a study on linking State Road 56 to State Road 39.

City and county benefit from greater roadway connectivity, said Todd Vande Berg, Zephyrhills’ planning director.

With roads and existing rail lines, Vande Berg said, “We think there’s an opportunity to have an inland port at the (Zephyrhills) Municipal Airport.”

Zephyrhills and Dade City representatives also provided brief views on projects paid with revenues from their Community Redevelopment Areas, or CRAs.

Zephyrhills has used funds for items, including Hercules Park, street lighting and three neighborhood cleanups that removed 900 tons of debris.

“It has made a difference,” said Gail Hamilton, the city’s CRA director.

Future plans include Zephyr Park improvements.

Dade City (which has two CRAs) used its CRA funds, along with Florida Department of Transportation money, to extend Hardy Trail. The trail is envisioned as part of a network of area trails.

The CRA also provides matching grants as incentives to redevelop Dade City’s historic downtown.

The projects brought praise but also criticism of CRAs in general from Pasco County Commissioner Mike Moore.

“It’s no secret. I’m not a big huge fan of CRAs,” he said. But, he added, “I do appreciate both cities doing it properly, and not including the entire city in a CRA.”

Moore and other county commissioners have been critical of CRAs in Port Richey and New Port Richey, which are drawn to include all properties within city limits.

State law has since been amended to be more restrictive, with a CRA being no more than 80 percent of a municipality.

CRAs are special taxing districts that generate property taxes for reinvestment in community projects to end blight within those districts. Once a property tax baseline is established, future property tax revenues are available to the CRA. Those revenues, then, aren’t available to the county’s general funds.

Moore said it doesn’t make sense for areas with expensive homes to be in a CRA. “Obviously, we know an entire city isn’t blighted,” he said. “That’s not too kosher.”

He anticipates the Florida legislature eliminating new CRAs after complaints about mismanagement statewide.

Zephyrhills City Manager Steve Spina disagreed.

“I’m not sure they’re going away,” he said.

If they do, Spina said the city would lose the incentives it can now offer to spark redevelopment. “We have a much more vibrant downtown now,” he added, because of the city’s CRA.

It’s the “bad apples” that are misusing CRAs that are the problem, said Starkey.

“I’m OK with it, if we add accountability and transparency,” she said. “I think the language in the (Florida) statute was poorly written.”

Published July 4, 2018

Find your inner artist, and enter contest

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The James Museum of Western & Wildlife Art is accepting proposals to help in the creation of a museum mascot based on the horse found in William R. Leigh’s painting called “Tidbits.”

The art can be a painting or a graphic image, which should include the whole horse, in the likeness of the horse named Tidbits.

‘Tidbits’ by William R. Leigh, 1946
(Courtesy of The James Museum)

Entry size should not exceed 18 inches by 18 inches. Acrylic, oil, pastel and oil pastel on paper or board will be accepted. Vector or raster graphic images also will be accepted.

The submission may be a 3/4 look (as in the painting shown); straight-on, as Tidbits looks at the audience; or, a profile that includes a side view with all four legs.

Tidbits should be realistic, life-like and fun. When visitors see the painting in the gallery, they should recognize Tidbits as the museum mascot.

Tidbits has distinct features: four white socks, a white nose, a painted tail, warm eyes with a tint of blue, and an underbelly that is white with brown spots like an Appaloosa.

Tidbits does not talk, and probably needs a blanket and a halter.

The horse’s image will be used in advertising for educational programs, on a sticker, as a soft plush puppet, a stuffed animal and, eventually, will be put in motion on the museum website.

Artists and students from the Tampa Bay area can submit a proposal by mailing or dropping off entries with a $10 entry fee to Marsha Quinn, The James Museum of Western & Wildlife Museum, 150 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, FL 33701. The entry fee must be in the form of a check made payable to the James Museum.

The deadline for entries is Aug. 30.

The winner will be announced Sept. 15 and will receive $500.

For questions, contact Marsha Quinn at or (727) 892-4200, ext. 1016.

For more information, visit TampaArts.org.

Published July 4, 2018

Land O’ Lakes transforms into ‘Land O’ Liberty’

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Members of the Rotary Club of Land O’ Lakes hit the ground running last week, spreading out in a quest they call “painting Land O’ Lakes Red, White and Blue.”

Justin Levitt adds a special touch to a tree in the median of Land O’ Lakes Boulevard. (Christine Holtzman)

Of course, they weren’t painting — but they were giving the community a patriotic flair, by tying red, white and blue ribbons and bows to trees in the median along Land O’ Lakes Boulevard, also known as U.S. 41.

They also tied ribbons to fences at Land O’ Lakes Heritage Park.

This is the fourth year that the club has taken on the decorating challenge, which aims to create a sense of patriotism while paying tribute to liberty.

Jim Engelmann, president-elect of the Rotary Club of Land O’ Lakes, hands out decorative ribbons and bows that will be used to give Land O’ Lakes a patriotic flair.

It’s done each year just before the Fourth of July, in a salute to the nation’s birthday.

Volunteers offered different reasons for taking part in last week’s decorating blitz.

Ayancy Caicedo, of Wesley Chapel, said she’s been in the United States for two years and that helping out was a nice way to show her respect to the nation.

Rotarian Rick Buzzee said the annual effort serves a dual purpose — it brings the community together and raises awareness about the Rotary Club.

Jim Engelmann, president-elect of the Rotary Club of Land O’ Lakes, put it this way: “There’s not enough patriotism in the world; let’s do what we can.”

By Christine Holtzman

Published July 4, 2018

Cesar Rabi and his 20-year-old daughter, Maddy, put the final touches on a patriotic ribbon wrapped around tree.
Nine-year-old Nan Peake, a student at Classical Prep, flashes a peace sign, as efforts get underway for the Rotary Club of Land O’ Lakes’ salute to liberty.
Rotarian Rick Buzzee adds some bows to a chain-link fence, in another show of patriotism. It’s the fourth year that he’s pitched in on the decorating effort.
Volunteer Ayancy Caicedo studies her bow to make sure it looks just right, while helping to create a patriotic feel in Land O’ Lakes.

 

Enjoy the Fourth of July, but be safe, too

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The Fourth of July is known for its picnics, parades, fireworks and fun — but it’s also a time when festivities can be marred by accidents and injuries.

To make the most of your Independence Day celebrations, while keeping you and your loved ones safe, keep in mind these safety tips compiled from a variety of news releases and websites.

These tips are from the American College of Emergency Physicians:

Fireworks safety

  • Leave fireworks displays to the professionals. If you do plan to shoot off fireworks, avoid using them near residential areas.
  • Do not handle fireworks if you are drinking alcohol, or are supervising others who may be relying on you if an emergency occurs.
  • Avoid purchasing or using illegal fireworks. Do not attempt to make your own.
  • Read warning labels and follow all instructions. Do not use fireworks in any way other than suggested on the label.
  • Have a bucket of water or a fire extinguisher nearby.
  • Light fireworks one at a time.
  • Do not re-ignite a firework that did not function properly.
  • Avoid burns or other accidents by not standing or crouching over a firework you’re attempting to light. After lighting the firework, back up a safe distance away.
  • Do not point or throw fireworks at another person.
  • Dress properly. Loose-fitting clothing can be a fire hazard.
  • Do not set off fireworks in a glass or metal container that can create fragments and can cause severe injuries.
  • Dispose of all fireworks properly. Soak them all in water before throwing them away.

General safety tips

  • If you are outdoors, be sure to drink plenty of water to avoid become dehydrated.
  • Apply and reapply sunscreen to protect your skin.
  • Be aware that young children and senior citizens are especially vulnerable to heat-related illnesses.
  • Monitor your alcohol consumption. Too much alcohol can lead to avoidable accidents. Do not drink and drive. It puts you, your friends, your loved ones and strangers at risk. If you’re going to drink, have a designated driver or have someone drive you home.
  • Keep in mind that alcohol accelerates the effects of heat-related illnesses.
  • Refrigerate food that needs to be kept cold. Food poisoning can occur in as little as one hour when temperatures exceed 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Foods that must be kept cold should be placed in a cooler on ice.

Water safety

  • At the pool, lake or beach: Be sure there’s a lifeguard or chaperone keeping an eye on the children.
  • Boaters: Be sure you have a current license, updated safety equipment and life jackets on board. Also, be aware of current boating laws and safety procedures.

Grill safely

Be mindful of the risk of open fires and gas lines. Keep family football games, other recreational activities, children and pets a safe distance away from flames.

Hiking and camping safety

When hiking or camping, be sure to protect yourself with the appropriate gear and insect repellent. If you are planning to hike in a remote location, be sure your family or other loved ones are aware of your departure time and approximate route.

For more safety and health tips, visit EmergencyCareForYou.org.

These tips are from St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital

Avoiding harmful sun exposure

  • Try to avoid going outdoors between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., because that’s when the sun’s rays are the strongest. Children should avoid direct UV rays as best as possible.
  • No sun at all is best for infants younger than 6 months old. If they are outdoors, be sure to cover them with a hat and cover their neck and extremities. It is best to avoid using sunscreen on babies less than 6 months old.
  • Use sunscreen to prevent sunburns. The sunscreen should be broad spectrum, which is is effective against both UVA and UVB rays, and at least 15 SPF, although there is little evidence that anything above 50 SPF provides additional protective effects.
  • Regularly reapply sunscreen. Water-resistant sunscreen does not mean it should be applied only once. Applications should be made every 2 hours or so, especially if one is sweating, and in and out of the water.

These tips come from AAA

The summer holidays are a popular time for vacations. Stay safe while traveling by following these suggestions:

  • Ensure your vehicle is properly maintained. If maintenance is not up to date, have your car and tires inspected before you take a long drive.
  • Map your route in advance and be prepared for busy roads during the most popular times of the year. If possible, consider leaving earlier or later to avoid heavy traffic.
  • Keep anything of value in the trunk or covered storage area.
  • If you’re traveling with children, remind them not to talk to strangers. Go with them on bathroom breaks and give them whistles to be used only if the family gets separated.
  • Have roadside assistance contact information on hand, in case an incident occurs on the road.
  • Keep a cellphone and charger with you at all times.

Finally, a word from the Florida Highway Patrol and the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles department. Keep yourself and your loved ones safe over the Fourth of July weekend by following these suggestions:

  • Always buckle up. A seatbelt is your vehicle’s most important safety feature.
  • Designate a sober driver and never drive impaired. Remember: even one drink increases the risk of a crash while driving. Do not let anyone who has been drinking get behind the wheel, including you.
  • Check your tires before you take a trip. Properly maintaining and inspecting your tires before a long trip is a key step in keeping your family safe while traveling. It is crucial that motorists educate themselves on the importance of maintaining proper tire pressure, and inspect tire tread and damage on a regular basis in order to avoid potentially fatal tire failure and rollover crashes.
  • Do not drive distracted. Distracted driving is extremely risky behavior that not only puts drivers and passengers in danger, but also pedestrians and bicyclists sharing the road. Focused attention on driving helps to prevent crashes overall.
  • Use caution when traveling through an area where there is smoke, especially at night.
  • Call the FHP at *347 to report drunk drivers, traffic crashes, stranded or disabled motorists, or suspicious incidents on the road.

July 4, 2018

Goat yoga brings happy hour to American House

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Goats turned loose in a yoga class behave pretty much like nature meant them to act – like goats.

They nibble a button on Ron Hinson’s shirt.

A Nigerian dwarf goat strikes a pose – or just balances on three legs while scratching his ear. Meanwhile, humans raise their hands in a stretching exercise during ‘goat yoga.’ (Fred Bellet)

They climb higher plateaus, like Michele Ryan’s inviting back as she drops down onto four hands into the cow pose.

They take snack breaks — and munch the greenery in the enclosed garden at the American House senior living community in Zephyrhills.

Or, they jump into the laps of unsuspecting observers, who thought they could sit in chairs and wonder from inside their goat-free bubble: Why all the fuss about “goat yoga?”

The answer came in a chorus of “ohs” and “whoa” that burst forth from yoga students, charmed by the antics of about a dozen Nigerian dwarf goats.

About 35 people from American House, and local residents, unfurled yoga mats (or sat and watched) for an hour of gentle yoga, with rambunctious goats.

Wesley Chapel resident Kayleen Jenkins, 15, is surprised and delighted when she realizes a goat is balanced on her back. She was one of about 35 people who enjoyed ‘goat yoga’ at American House in Zephyrhills.

The humans gave in to laughter and fellowship.

“See the joy,” said yoga instructor, Leiko “KoKo” Bergers.

“Everyone has a little bit of the love of nature in them. And, the goats bring that out.”

American House resident Jack Hanrahan, 84, laid on his mat while a goat stepped onto his tummy.

He’s an avid yoga student for its health benefits. He thought adding goats was just plain fun and a “good experience.”

Michele Ryan and Judy Chassey saw a flier about the goat yoga experience at their gym.

“We really didn’t know what to expect, but we’re animal lovers,” Ryan said.

Goat yoga was a first for American House, which is home for assisted living and memory care residents.

It won’t be the last.

Yoga instructor Leiko ‘KoKo’ Bergers, center, guided her students through a gentle yoga class with special guests – a dozen Nigerian dwarf goats. Here, one goat shows its appreciation to Bergers.

Animals are a big deal at American House, whether goats or kittens, or birds. Special visits are regular events.

“Animals are always so therapeutic,” said Debbie Kern, American House’s activities director. “We’re always doing something up close with animals and nature.”

Goat yoga started trending about two years ago when a ranch owner in Oregon let her goats roam freely through an outdoor yoga class.

Debbie Canton, founder and executive director of Grady Goat Foundation, rounded up her crew of goats for the inaugural goat yoga class at American House.

Canton and her family operate a working ranch in Thonotosassa, where she has about 90 goats.

On Saturdays and Sundays once a month, people are invited to Hat Trick Ranch for goat yoga. Donations are accepted, and funds given to charities to aid children with physical, mental or economic challenges.

A Nigerian dwarf goat relaxes as Thonotosassa resident Lea Bourlan, in the background, waits for the start of ‘goat yoga’ at American House in Zephyrhills.

The nonprofit foundation is named for Grady, a goat that couldn’t stand or walk at birth. Though he learned to walk, he also was blind and deaf. Canton said his struggles and his perseverance were inspiring.

From the time a goat is born, socializing with humans begins, Canton said.

“They are all handled from Day 1,” she said.

Interaction between goat and humans adds a little spark.

“We consider ourselves to be full-contact goat yoga,” Canton added.

As the class began, she laid down a few rules to follow.

For one, be wary of putting fingers near their mouths.

“They do nibble,” Canton said. “But, they also do like to be scratched anywhere. Under the chin is their favorite spot.”

She enticed a few goats to climb onto students’ backs with small treats of animal crackers. “We take out all the goat ones,” she joked.

A Nigerian dwarf goat relaxes as Thonotosassa resident Lea Bourlan, in the background, waits for the start of ‘goat yoga’ at American House in Zephyrhills.

There can be hazards during class.

Canton has a spray bottle of cleaner fluid at the ready for goat “accidents.”

Everyone adapted.

“Glad to see you today,” said Hinson, as a pair of goats nuzzled him. One heard the call of nature. “Hey, you’re peeing on my blanket.”

Canton quickly eradicated the blotch.

Chassey summed up the experience in one word: “Awesome.”

Dade City resident Connie Gonzalez, 60, found herself surrounded by goats, eyeing her dangly earrings and climbing on her back.

“You can feel the points of their feet,” she said. “It feels good. And, I have trouble with my back.”

Thonotosassa resident Lea Bourlon shared the feeling.

“I loved it,” she said. “They really give you a good massage when they’re on your back.”

Published July 4, 2018

Neighbors object, but family housing OK’d

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The Coalition for the Homeless of Pasco County can move forward with plans to temporarily house homeless families in a building at the former campus of the Boys & Girls Club in Port Richey.

The coalition, with support from other social service agencies, also will open the Housing Services Center, which will administratively help families and individuals seeking permanent housing and other services.

A former Boys & Girls Club on Youth Lane in Port Richey will be renovated and opened as a temporary shelter for homeless families, and administrative offices for the Housing Services Center.
(File)

The Pasco County Commission, with Commissioner Jack Mariano dissenting, approved the coalition’s plan at its June 19 meeting in New Port Richey.

Commissioners also approved a 15-year lease agreement for $1 a year; and, a $190,000 contract to design renovations of two buildings at 8239 Youth Lane.

During the public hearing, many area residents who live near the site gave county commissioners the same unified message they’ve delivered before: They don’t want the coalition in their neighborhood, and they are voters.

Residents say they worry about crime, loss of property values, and safety.

“We deserve to be heard. We deserve to be listened to. We live and sleep here,” said Suzanne Greene Taldone, a resident in nearby Crane’s Roost. “You keep trying to put a square peg into a round hole.”

Supporters, including most county commissioners, say it’s overdue for Pasco to step up efforts to help the homeless population.

Data from the coalition puts the number of homeless people in Pasco County at about 2,500. Homeless families make up about 1,800 of those people and there are about 700 single adults.

Mary Ashcraft is pastor at Joining Hands Mission Church and opens the church to the homeless in cold weather. She supports the coalition’s project.

“There’s so many families out there,” she said. “I get phone calls, and I have nowhere to send them but Metropolitan Ministries. They go a great job, but they are full and packed.”

The county owns the land on Youth Lane and is providing at least $700,000 in grants, and other sources, to pay for building renovations.

“I think we’re going to do the right thing,” said Pasco County Commissioner Kathryn Starkey. “Sometimes, we just have to take a chance.”

The lease agreement has a 90-day written notice of termination clause.

Starkey said, “If it doesn’t go right, we’ll do something about it.”

Crane’s Roost resident Valerie Schaefer said the coalition’s programs would be like a magnet — attracting more homeless people and transients into the neighborhood.

“We taxpayers and voters will hold you commissioners responsible if you vote this through,” she said.

Pasco County Commissioner Jack Mariano
(File)

Mariano shared concerns that the Housing Services Center could have people loitering in the area. He also thought spending available grants on Habitat for Humanity houses would be a better option.

“The issue is something we’re all sensitive to. It’s only primarily about location to the neighbors,” Mariano said. “I still don’t think it’s the right project.”

The programs approved by county commissioners were a change from the initial project to open a one-stop navigation center, with wrap-around services and a shelter for adult men and women.

Most supporters liked the shift in direction to help homeless families; while others still favored the original navigation center concept.

Under the amended proposal, the center will house four to eight families in the former teen center that’s on the site. They can receive services for up to 180 days, though coalition representatives say they expect most will be there about 45 days before transitioning to permanent housing.

No more than 36 people can stay there at any one time.

There also will be background checks, curfews, security cameras, and staff members onsite at the family shelter 24 hours a day.

Plus, the coalition will limit services available at the Housing Services Center, which will operate Monday through Friday office hours.

There will be no showers, emergency food or clothing, or health care services.

Those conditions convinced owners of an adjacent shopping plaza to support the coalition.

“This is not going to bring people out of the camps,” said Robert Lincoln, an attorney representing the plaza owners. “There’s not giveaways. It’s not going to be the anchor for bringing those people into the area.”

Chase Daniels, assistant executive director for the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office, also voiced Pasco County Sheriff Chris Nocco’s continued support for the program.

The coalition will provide desk space for deputies working in the area. They can stop by and fill out their paperwork, Daniels said. “They will have a presence,” he added.

Published June 27, 2018