The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Local News

Jon’s Gourmet Nutrition dishes healthy meals

By

Life and retirement don’t always work out as expected.

John Richardson packed his belongings and left behind more than 20 years as a firefighter in New Rochelle, New York, and headed for the warm paradise of Florida

“I thought I was going to come down here and go to the beach every day,” he said.

Richardson pictured himself in a convertible, top down, tooling off to the sandy shores of the Gulf of Mexico.

John Richardson makes healthy, fresh menu items daily, including this wrap whipped up at Jon’s Gourmet Nutrition in Land O’ Lakes. (Kathy Steele)

His beach dreams are gone now, but his cooking career is taking off.

In November, Richardson opened Jon’s Gourmet Nutrition in a small plaza, at 6745 Land O’ Lakes Blvd.

The restaurant’s name is no misspelling. It draws attention in a way no traditional name spelling would do.

“Jon is more gourmet,” Richardson elaborated. “It’s worked out good.”

His menu features healthy, fresh recipes, including Buffalo chicken spread, jerk smoked salmon spread, honey jerk smoked turkey spread, guacamole, and pasta. He recently added wraps.

Almost all items are “jerk smoked,” a combination that Richardson said makes his recipes unique. Other restaurants offer jerk or smoked meals, but not both together, he said.

“It’s a little longer process to do it, but it’s worth it,” Richardson said.

Customers can dine in or order meals, with free delivery. Richardson also does catering.

Cooking wasn’t totally off Richardson’s radar as a firefighter. But, he hadn’t considered owning a restaurant.

He picked up culinary skills at the New Rochelle fire station.

Mealtime was a group activity.

Richardson did much of the prep work. He chopped carrots, celery, onions and other vegetables. Along the way, he also picked up a few recipes.

“I watched the (other) guys and that’s how I learned to cook,” he said.

For years, his kitchen activity stayed strictly inside his home, or at the fire station. He would try recipes on his daughter and ask for her opinions.

When Richardson left New Rochelle, he relocated to New Tampa, and eventually took a job as medical lab technician at James A. Haley Veterans Hospital. It was a similar job to one he had in New York.

Richardson said it was typical for firefighters to have a second job on their days off.

He worked at the veteran’s hospital for two years.

All the while, he was developing his signature recipes for jerk smoked spreads.

For his going away party, Richardson brought a salad, with jerk turkey breast, that was a big crowd pleaser.

Friends encouraged him to go into business.

Next, he signed up with the Entrepreneurs Collaborative Center in Hillsborough County. The nonprofit helps start-up businesses with resources, training and mentoring.

Richardson’s initially sold his products at area salons and gymnasiums.

He also began selling HerbaLife products, which are available for purchase at his restaurant.

By focusing on nutritious foods, he dropped about 30 pounds.

Richardson also caters and delivers daily meals.

Last year he decided it was time for the next step of opening a brick-and-mortar, Jon’s Gourmet Nutrition.

He found a former computer store, did some renovations, and opened in November.

He makes meals daily at a professional kitchen, and brings them to his restaurant.

His days are split between the restaurant and catering.

He continues to offer free meal deliveries.

In the future, he aims to have a large enough location to accommodate both a kitchen and restaurant seating.

He wants to sell his spreads, and other menu items, at area grocery stores, such as Whole Foods and Publix.

He marvels at how his life took a turn, setting him off in a new direction.

“It’s God, but it’s also a whole bunch of things that fell into place,” Richardson said. “It’s overwhelming. It’s a humbling experience.”

For more information, call (813) 495-2130,  or visit Facebook.com/jonsgourmetproducts.com.

Published February 21, 2018

If you enjoy eating and reading, this club is for you

By

They came in carrying plates, casserole dishes and plastic containers holding an assortment of food — inspired by books they had read.

One brought in a chocolate cake, inspired by “The Help.”

Another brought a platter of corn dogs and a bottle of lemonade — an homage to “State Fair.”

John Flack and Debbie Lopez serve themselves some of the goodies that members of the Zephyrhills Library’s Cookbook Club brought to the January meeting. (B.C. Manion)

A third had a plate of chocolate chip cookies, a tip of the hat to “Murder She Baked: A Chocolate Chip Cookie Mystery.”

There were other items, too, including a casserole of bread pudding, a butterscotch cake, and a container of spring rolls.

As they arrived, members of the Cookbook Club at Zephyrhills Public Library began chatting, as if they’d just seen each other the day before — even though the club only meets once a month.

And, they wasted little time in getting themselves down to the business — and pleasure — of tasting each other’s offerings.

The club, formed slightly over a year ago, was the idea of Andi Figart, the library’s former director.

Club meetings are on the fourth Wednesday of the month, from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m., in the community meeting room at the library, 5347 Eighth St., in Zephyrhills. (Please note, the time sometimes changes, so it’s a good idea to call ahead).

Essentially, it’s a club made up of people who enjoy reading and cooking, or at the very least enjoy sampling different foods.

Each month, the club convenes and club members share food they have made, or have purchased, to reflect a particular theme they selected during the previous gathering.

January’s theme for the Zephyrhills Public Library’s Cookbook Club was recipes inspired by books you have read.

In January, for instance, the theme was foods based on books that members have read.

For February, club members chose a “Red, White and Blue” theme, so they’ll bring foods reflecting those three colors.

Generally, around a half-dozen or so club members come to the meeting.

There are no culinary or literary credentials needed to belong to this club.

Club members said they welcome anyone who would like to join them.

Dave Domino, who acknowledges he’s not a cook, comes regularly, with a container of freshly cooked spring rolls.

He shared his recipe for the spring rolls once: “Go over to Best Thai. You put out your credit card and you bring them (spring rolls) back here.”

Domino said the sessions are a great way for the community to use the library. It also gives library patrons a chance to mingle with library staff, he said.

“Everybody’s nice,” added Diana Flack, a club regular, who was there with her husband, John.

This bread pudding casserole was inspired by The Outlander books by Diana Galbadon.

Club members said they enjoy socializing and sharing their food.

“It’s fun,” Flack said. Plus, she picks up some good recipes.

“Somebody made a really awesome enchilada casserole, and I got that recipe and I made it last night, actually. I make it a couple of times a month,” she said.

Over the months, the club has had Italian, chocolate, Greek and vegan themes, to name a few.

“We’ll have to do Portuguese sometime,” Flack said. “I make a wicked Portuguese kale soup.

“A lot of my friends I went to school with were Portuguese.”

Allyson Schmitt, who has been a member for about six months, came up with the idea for January’s theme. She made a butterscotch cake, inspired by the Butterbeer in the Harry Potter series of books.

People share recipes they have from a variety of sources, said Debbie Lopez, senior circulation clerk at the library. Some bring in recipes from their personal cookbooks, or that they have found online. Some find recipes in cookbooks at the library, too, she said.

For more information about the club or other library activities, call (813) 780-0064.

Zephyrhills Public Library Cookbook Club
Where: The Zephyrhills Public Library, 5347 Eighth St., in Zephyrhills
When: Fourth Wednesday of the month, 12:30 p.m. (but, call ahead to make sure there hasn’t been a change in schedule)
Details: This group meets once a month to share their love of reading and eating. They bring dishes to share, based on a specific theme.
Cost: Attendance is free; participants are asked to bring a dish to share
Info: Call the Zephyrhills Public Library for more information, at (813) 780-0064

Published February 21, 2018

Pasco crafting conservative 2019 budget

By

It’s still early in 2018, but Pasco County is taking the first steps toward planning its fiscal year budget for 2019.

Pasco County officials are looking to hold the line on expenses, even as property values are expected to increase between 7 percent and 8 percent.

Essentially, they want a flat balanced budget that has no increase in the millage rate.

Pasco County Administrator Dan Biles

The Pasco County Commission received an update on anticipated revenues and expenses at a Feb. 13 workshop in New Port Richey.

The county is taking a conservative approach to the 2019 budget because of the potential for a referendum on the November ballot that could cost the county between $10 million and $12 million.

The fire rescue fund also could lose as much as $3 million.

The outcome on the referendum will be crucial.

Voters will have the chance to approve a $25,000 increase in the homestead exemption. County officials expect the referendum to pass. Revenue loss will be felt beginning in 2020.

Other revenue sources will grow, including tourism taxes and stormwater fees. Both of those were boosted by the Pasco County Commission in 2017.

County officials say increasing population means more services are needed for residents, including parks and libraries, roads and stormwater.

Those costs cut into the revenue increases.

Pasco County Administrator Dan Biles believes that Pasco will be able to offset the revenue shrinkage better than most Florida counties.

“I don’t expect a hiring freeze or layoffs, just yet,” Biles said.

But, the county will proceed with caution.

“We don’t want to take on any new expenditures that we can’t sustain the next year,” said Bob Goehrig, the county’s budget director. “That’s sort of our marching order.”

Initial county projections for property taxes estimate about $13 million in new revenues. But, about $4.1 million will be paid out to community development areas that receive set-aside tax dollars to support various projects.

The remaining $9.2 million will be split evenly between the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office and the county’s other departments and offices, with each receiving about $4.6 million.

Other factors impacting the 2019 budget include a slower rate of increase in the half-cent sales tax revenues and increased costs for pension contributions, health care, worker’s compensation, and property/casualty insurance.

The county also anticipates paying $3 million to $6 million annually for temporary housing for jail inmates on site at the detention center in Land O’ Lakes, or at jails in other counties.

Plans are underway to build a 1,000-bed expansion at the overcrowded facility.

Potential funding for that project would come from a bond issue, not general revenues. The bond issue requires voter approval.

The county’s tourism tax revenues are increasing, as a result of an increased tourism tax, from 2 percent up to 4 percent last year, and a general increase in tourism.

Six new hotels are either open or under construction.

The increased tourism tax is expected to boost revenues from slightly more than $1 million last year to about $3.3 million by 2019.

Another sign of Pasco’s growing population and improving economy is the increase in building permits.

In 2016, the county received a little more than $6 million in fees. That increased to about $8.5 million in 2017, and is expected to be more than $9 million in 2019.

But, Goehrig said, “The fees are designed to recover expenses. This isn’t money we’re putting into the bank.”

Published February 21, 2018

‘An Evening in Paris’ offers tender moments

By

Hundreds turned out to ‘An Evening in Paris,’ a Father/Daughter dance, where fathers and their daughters danced the night away. (Randy Underhill)

Whether they were rocking it out, slow dancing, or shuffling to “The Cupid Shuffle,” the daughters and dads at “An Evening in Paris” Father/Daughter Dance were sharing some special moments.

Six-year-old Daniella Rodrigues, of Land O’ Lakes, received her first corsage.

Scott Hancock and his 4-year-old daughter, Amelie, shared a slow dance.

Zoli Summerville and her dad, Cory, of Wesley Chapel, played a game of bat the balloon.

Brooke-Lyn Warren, age 8, of Lutz, gazes up and smiles at her father, Benjamin Warren, as they partake in their first dance of the night.

Whatever they were up to, these girls and their fathers appeared to be enjoying each other, and having a good time.

More than 500 attended the event, on Feb. 16, at the Land O’ Lakes Recreation Complex, off Collier Parkway. It was the largest attendance since the tradition began nine years ago.

Besides dancing, the event included movies, formal father-daughter portraits, gift raffles, food and drink.

Numerous local sponsors were instrumental in helping to create the special night for daughters and their dads.

By Randy Underhill

Published February 21, 2018

Six-year-old Daniella Rodrigues, of Land O’ Lakes, receives her first corsage from her dad, Mark Rodrigues, at ‘An Evening in Paris.’
Eight-year-old Piper Osmanson, of Land O Lakes, and her dad, Ben Osmanson, rock out to one of many songs played during ‘An Evening in Paris.’

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Scott Hancock, of Lutz, holds his 4-year-old daughter, Amelie, for a slow dance during ‘An Evening in Paris’ on Feb. 16.
The Land O’ Lakes Recreation Complex was full of music and laughter during ‘An Evening in Paris,’ the ninth annual Father/Daughter Dance held there.

Jewish temple forms in Land O’ Lakes

By

A new Jewish place of worship has formed in Land O’ Lakes, to welcome people of all ages.

Alan Stern and his wife, Nayda, saw the need to start their own conservative congregation that accepted families with young children.

So, in December, they formed the Family Friendly Temple of Pasco County at their Land O’ Lakes home.

“We wanted something middle-of-the-road for Jewish people in Pasco County to be able to go and meet people who are Jewish, to celebrate our heritage and just enjoy being with one another,” Stern said.

“The object is to have fun, to meet Jews, build relationships, and to educate children and grandchildren,” he added.

Stern himself grew up in a Reform Jewish household, while his wife was raised more Conservative/Orthodox.

They lived in Buffalo, New York, for more than 30 years, until moving to Florida in 2004.

When they weren’t able to find a synagogue in the Tampa area that offered what they were seeking, the Sterns decided to offer services of their own.

It also became a matter of convenience to be able to stay in the area, compared to trekking to conservative shuls in south Tampa.

Conservative Judaism, which is particularly prevalent in North America, seeks to preserve Jewish tradition and ritual, but has a more flexible approach to the interpretation of the law than Orthodox Judaism.

Family Friendly Temple has since been incorporated and will be renamed Congregation Beth Chavraim (“House of Friends”) once it becomes a 501c3 nonprofit.

Monthly Sabbath services have drawn about 20 people, said Stern, who stresses the group welcomes people of all ages, especially children.

“It’s always been about kids, as far as I’m concerned. Kids are the future of our religion,” Stern said.

The services typically run 30 minutes. A Kosher meal is served after, and usually includes homemade Challah and Kosher wine.

In addition to Sabbaths, Stern said services are planned this year for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, as well as Hanukkah. Meanwhile, a prayer book is being created to include Hebrew, its transliteration, and English.

Stern noted the group might track down an additional location for the Jewish High Holiday services, “because I think we’re going to have quite a few people.”

The next service will be Feb. 23. All community members are invited.

For more information, e-mail

Published February 21, 2018

Health initiative encourages more movement

By

The Florida Department of Health in Pasco County and the “Get Healthy Pasco!” coalition, are encouraging residents to “Move More!” at Pasco County parks through April 30.

A Community Needs Assessment was completed by Pasco’s health department in 2017, determining four areas of priority in the county, one of which was overall health and well-being. This prompted the launch of the coalition, “Get Healthy Pasco!”

(Courtesy of Pasco.FloridaHealth.gov)

Many organizations that got involved focused on the health and well-being of Pasco County residents through physical activity and healthy nutrition choices, as well as systems and environmental changes.

Health experts say that being active can assist with reducing the risk of heart disease, stroke and Type 2 diabetes. It also can strengthen bones, muscles and joints, and improve mental health, relieve stress and improve sleep, over time.

An initiative was rolled out this month called “Move More!”

Pasco County has more than 50 outdoor parks available to the public, and the program aims to increase awareness of these resources, so residents can take advantage of them and become more active.

Residents can join “Move More!” online. The goal is to visit at least five parks in the county before April 30, and become eligible for a prize.

To register and print out a list of park locations, visit tinyurl.com/y94gzz7f.

For additional information on healthy events in Pasco County, contact Amina Ahmed at (727) 619-0143 or .

Residents also can complete a DOH-Pasco satisfaction survey at SurveyMonkey.com/r/FMXPW3M.

Published February 21, 2018

Partial closure of Suncoast Trail for repairs

By

Part of the Suncoast Trail will be closed from Feb. 27 through March 9 for repairs and resurfacing, according to a news release from Pasco County.

The 42-mile trail winds through Hillsborough, Pasco and Hernando counties. The largest segment of nearly 22 miles is in Pasco.

A line of bike riders pedaled along the Suncoast Trail in Pasco County for a special biking event in 2011. (File)

The closure includes trail access south of State Road 52, and north of State Road 54.

The project is one of Pasco County’s Parks, Recreation, and Natural Resources scheduled maintenance plans to improve the multi-use Suncoast Trail.

The resurfacing will smooth out uneven areas and address areas needing repair. The aim is to make it safer for walkers and bikers to pass each other.

Walking, biking and inline skating are allowed. The trail is wheelchair accessible.

The trail is being closed because Pasco County officials said it would unsafe to use while repairs are being made.

The trail is part of Florida’s Greenways & Trails system, and opened in 2001. It parallels the Suncoast Parkway, and goes past the Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Preserve.

The end points are the Upper Tampa Bay Trail at West Lutz-Lake Fern Road in Keystone, in Hillsborough County, and U.S. 98 at West Ponce de Leon Boulevard in Brooksville, in Hernando.

For more information, visit PascoCountyFl.net.

Published February 21, 2018

Pasco wants you, to fight illegal dumping

By

Pasco County is turning to a state law against littering — coupled with the help of its citizens — to get tougher on illegal dumping.

The targets of the get tough campaign are illegal dumping by individuals and blighted commercial properties.

Pasco County citizens will be enlisted in a social media blitz, dubbed #PascoProud, aimed at catching illegal dumpers in the act, and prosecuting them.

No changes to current county ordinances are planned.

A donation bin, off State Road 56, became a magnet for illegal dumping. County officials plan to use a state law, and #PascoProud campaign to get tougher on citizens and commercial haulers who illegally dump. (File)

Instead, county officials have created an email address —  — where citizens can report locations of illegal dumping, vehicle license plate numbers and, when possible, attach videos and photos of offenders.

People also can post locations and photos to social media with the hashtags – #PascoProud and #RIDPasco. On MyPasco mobile application, they can click the link, “Report Illegal Dumping.” And, they can visit a Report Illegal Dumping website at http://bit.ly/2Bj6CUz, or call (727) 847-2411.

This new program aims to make it possible to report illegal dumping in as many ways as possible.

Citizens are ready to join in the fight, said Pasco County Commissioner Mike Moore, who worked with county staff members to craft the proposal.

“They’re mad. They’re already out there taking pictures,” Moore said.

Pasco County relies on cameras placed in about a dozen locations. And, citizens routinely call in complaints to county staff and county commissioners.

But, greater citizen engagement in catching illegal dumpers, and boosting arrests and penalties, would be a “proactive, preventive measure,” said Marc Bellas, the county’s performance management director.

Bellas said county employees will conduct “triage” to prioritize the emails and other citizen-reported information. Part of their efforts will be to determine whether debris and trash are on public or private property.

There are limits to what county government can do when dumping is done on private property, Bellas said.

Emails and photos will be forwarded to the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office to investigate.

Violators under the county’s ordinance can be fined up to $500 a day, per violation.

However, state law also can be applied. Pasco officials have their sights on blighted commercial properties.

Penalties under state law could mean fines, points against a driver’s license, community service, and jail time.

Haulers who work for profit could face forfeiture of trucks and other vehicles, if they are caught illegally dumping.

Penalties under state law are partly based on the amount of litter that is dumped, and partly based on who does the dumping.

Litter that is 15 pounds or less, or less than 27 cubic feet in volume, for instance, would carry a civil penalty of $100, under state law. However, violators could be charged with a first-degree misdemeanor for dumping more than 15 pounds, but less than 500 pounds, or an amount greater than 100 cubic feet in volume. This applies to illegal dumping not done for “commercial purposes.”

According to state law, convictions for first-degree misdemeanors carry stiff fines, and potentially could result in points on the violator’s driving record.

Violators who illegally dispose of more than 500 pounds or more than 100 cubic feet, or “any quantity for commercial purpose,” can be charged with a felony of the third degree. Penalties include jail time and forfeiture of vehicles used in the illegal dumping.

“We’re going to go stricter,” Moore said. “We’re not going to put up with this anymore.”

For more information, visit PascoCountyFl.net.

Published February 14, 2018

Learning how to ‘crisscross’ cookies with Grandma

By

I am delighted that this column about love is being published on Valentine’s Day.

Let me begin by wishing you and all of your loved ones a lovely day.

When I was a young woman, I thought Valentine’s Day was just for couples. And, when there wasn’t someone special in my life, I pretty much ignored Feb. 14. I hadn’t yet figured out that romantic love is often the most tentative of all loves, and that other kinds of loves are equally worthy of recognition.

Zach, Grandma Diane and Connor take a little break from making some ‘crisscross’ cookies. (Diane Kortus)

Today, I celebrate Valentine’s Day to honor love of all kinds—my love for Vic, my family, friends, co-workers and even pets.

It’s the one day of the year that love is top of mind, and we take time to recognize those we love most with a phone call, a card and sometimes a gift.

I have loved many people in my life, but no love has been as endearing and long-lasting as the love I have for my children.

This past weekend, in fact, I celebrated my birthday by visiting my daughter, Rachel, in Tallahassee, where she is a graduate student at Florida State University.

When Andy and Rachel were born, I was surprised at the intensity of a mother’s unconditional love, and how much this love consumed most of my energy for the next 25 years.

When Andy became a father, he called me when Connor was just a few months old, marveling at how much he loved his boy, and how intense this love felt. He asked me if this was how I felt when he was born — and even seemed to doubt that I could have possibly loved him as much as he loved Connor.

That conversation made me smile, because I remember having the same talk with my dad after Andy was born. I, too, never understood the depth of a parent’s love, until I had children of my own.

My father died two years ago, and I greatly miss his love. But, I believe his unconditional love continues to flow through me to my children, and now my grandchildren.

One of my happiest memories of my father was at Connor’s baptism. Dad was so proud to witness his great grandson’s baptism, and I was even prouder to have him there to celebrate four generations of love.

When Connor’s brother Zachary was born this past June, it saddened me that I could not call my father with the good news. Zachary would have been Dad’s 10th great grandchild —a significant number, especially in our family, because my father also had 10 children.

I recently spent a week at Andy’s home outside of Louisville with his wife, Erin, and Connor and Zachary. I had forgotten how time consuming and exhausting it is to take care of a toddler and baby, and was astounded by my daughter-in-law’s energy, patience and ability to persevere with such a positive attitude.

I had it easy — mostly just playing cars and trucks with Connor, and then cuddling when it was time to settle down to read a book or play a matching game. It was wonderful to snuggle with 7-month-old Zachary, an exceptionally happy, inquisitive baby who already has a sense of humor.

I try to get to Kentucky every three or four months to visit Andy and Erin, and to enjoy my grandchildren’s amazing developmental changes. My last visit was in October, and a highlight was making chocolate chip cookies with Connor.

So, on this recent visit I wanted to continue our cookie-making tradition, and Connor and I spent an afternoon making peanut butter cookies.

Connor was so proud to learn how to crisscross the cookies before putting them in the oven. He couldn’t wait to plunk his fork into the bowl of flour before mashing a crisscross into the next cookie. Zach watched from his high chair as Connor spewed cookie dough and flour everywhere, and Patch, the family dog, happily cleaned up below.

I returned home from Kentucky on the second anniversary of my father’s death — a very sad day for me. But somehow the love for my grandchildren that was so fresh, helped me overcome my sadness.

My father would say that the world is designed so that new life and new love replace the pain of losing someone you love.

So, on this Valentine’s Day, I recognize the wisdom of my father’s words and feel truly grateful for having many people in my life to love, and for having many people who love me.

Published February 14, 2018

Land O’ Lakes students strive for ‘green’ community

By

For several years the Land O’ Lakes Branch Library has been plagued with massive energy consumption and a sizable electric bill.

A group of high schoolers is looking to change that.

The Land O’ Lakes High School Green Club, which addresses environmental issues in the community, wants to help the library achieve LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) status — the most widely used ‘green’ building rating system in the world.

The Land O’ Lakes High School Green Club has started a fundraiser to help the Land O’ Lakes Branch Library to reach LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) status and significantly reduce its utility bill. Among the desired upgrades are UV window shading, LED lighting, motion sensing light switches, and programmable timers, to help decrease the library’s carbon footprint. From left: Green Club co-founder Sparsha Muralidhara, Green Club founder Camellia Moors and faculty club sponsor Michelle Starr. (Kevin Weiss)

To do so, the Green Club has partnered with Friends of the Pasco Library System on a fundraiser to purchase and install several energy-saving capital improvements to reduce the library’s carbon footprint.

The library’s annual electric bill is $48,500, according to a Duke Energy audit performed last year.

The goal is to eventually cut that figure in half.

Initial desired upgrades include UV window shading, LED lighting, motion sensing light switches, and programmable timers.

The Green Club has set a fundraising goal of $25,000 by May 1. As of Feb. 9, $220 has been raised. In addition to organizing a GoFundMe page, the club also plans to apply for local, state and federal grants.

If enough cash is raised, the group will then look to tackle more expensive tasks such as air-conditioning upgrades, solar panels and added insulation at the library.

Duke Energy recommended many of those upgrades in its audit as a measure to improve the overall efficiency of the facility and decrease overall energy consumption.

County funds cover the library’s maintenance each year. However, there’s been little in the way of large-scale improvements to save on electricity since it opened on Collier Parkway in 1999.

Green Club founder and senior IB (International Baccalaureate) student Camellia Moors is the driving force behind the library energy-savings initiative.

She created the student organization during her junior year believing there wasn’t strong enough awareness on pressing environmental issues — including climate change and conservation — at the school or community level.

Moors decided a high-trafficked, public space — such as the Land O’ Lakes Branch Library — was the best place to start.

The LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) status is the most widely used green building rating system in the world. According to the United States Green Building Council, LEED ‘provides a framework to create healthy, highly efficient and cost-saving green buildings.’ (Courtesy of the United States Green Building Council)

“I figured that if you were going to do some sort of environmental change where you wanted people to see the change, you need to do it where they’re going to see it,” Moors said.

A longtime patron of the library, Moors correctly guessed it had a sizable electricity bill after noticing its fluorescent lights, untinted windows and outdated air conditioning system. “If you walk in the library, it’s pretty evident…they’re constantly running and having a huge energy consumption rate,” Moors said.

The Green Club, which has a handful of active members, has facilitated other activities, including recycling drives and environment-based educational classes. They’ve also planted a garden in front of the high school’s Academy of Culinary Arts building.

Green Club co-founder and member Sparsha Muralidhara said every little bit helps when it comes to preserving the environment.

“Change doesn’t have to be a national sweeping movement in one go. You can start in your own backyard and then work it up to your neighbors, and then your communities and from there,” she said.

Muralidhara’s passion for environmentalism harkens back to her family’s Indian roots and learning about rapid urbanization of the South Asian country. “Seeing a lot of our own natural parks and everything torn down to make way for urban blight and development was always disheartening,” she said.

Meanwhile, the Land O’ Lakes Branch Library ‘greening’ project was embraced by library officials from the start, said Bob Harrison, public communications specialist for the Pasco County libraries, adding he’s been impressed by Moors’ activism and involvement.

“Anything that we can come up with obviously to reduce not only our carbon footprint but also to get that electric bill down is a win-win for everybody. We try to be good stewards of the taxpayers’ money, and if we can cut expenses on something like a giant utility bill then we’re definitely all for that,” Harrison said.

If the fundraiser’s successful, Land O’ Lakes would become the first Pasco branch library to earn LEED status. The county may also explore energy-saving upgrades to its six other branches, Harrison said.

Moors hopes the project will inspire other environmentalists at the grassroots level.

“It’s up to everybody who does have some basic awareness of the environment — and knows the importance of the environment — to continue that and stretch it out further and actually apply that knowledge more,” Moors said.

Want to help?
To donate, visit GoFundMe.com/land-o-lakes-library-greening. For information on the club, email .

Published February 14, 2018