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Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

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Design work to start on $15.5 million PHSC performing arts center

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Design work is expected to get underway soon on a Pasco-Hernando State College performing arts center that is planned for the Cypress Creek Middle High School campus, off Old Pasco Road.

The $15.5 million project will be built by the state college, but both the college and Pasco County Schools plan to use the facility for educational programming.

Ray Gadd, deputy superintendent for Pasco County Schools, sees enormous potential for a planned $15.5 million performing arts center that will be built on the Cypress Creek Middle High School campus by Pasco-Hernando State College.
(B.C. Manion)

Additionally, Pasco County Schools is planning to begin construction on Pasco County Middle School, which is scheduled to open in August of 2020.

“We’re designing the middle school, with the performing arts in mind,” said Ray Gadd, deputy superintendent of Pasco County Schools.

“We’re going to have some dance rooms at the middle school. We’ll have a black box theater at the middle school. We’ll have a chorus room. We’ll have an orchestra room,” he said.

“Sometimes the college might be in our middle school at night, using the black box theater, and we might be in the new performing arts center, using the stage,” Gadd said.

Harvard Jolly — the architect for the middle school project — also has been selected to do the performing arts center, said Tony Rivas, PHSC’s associate vice president for facilities management and administrative services.

Creative Contractors has been selected as the construction management firm, Gadd said.

Both Creative Contractors and Harvard Jolly have experience with performing arts center projects, Rivas said.

The architect will be holding design charrettes with the users in January and February, to discuss design considerations.

The design must take into account the users’ needs, budget and state regulations for educational facilities, Gadd and Rivas said.

It also must consider how spaces interact with each other, Rivas said.

“You want to get certain things close to certain things, and you want to not necessarily be in proximity for other things because of noise levels or distractions. Those things come into play,” Rivas explained.

The arts center will be a teaching facility, but there’s also a desire to have a facility that can be used as a public venue, too, Gadd said.

Initially, the goal was to secure about $60 million in funding for a performing arts facility that would have accommodated about 3,500 seats, Gadd said. Actual funding came in at $15.5 million, which means the center will be much smaller.

Gadd said he hopes the new center will have a stage large enough to accommodate an orchestra. “If you have a stage that can hold an orchestra, then it can hold anything,” he said.

Construction is not likely to begin for about a year.

The college is in charge of construction, but the school district is providing about 5.5 acres for the site.

Lots of details regarding cost-sharing for operations and shared use of facilities still need to be worked out, Gadd added.

Betsy Kuhn, assistant superintendent for support services, said the school district plans to offer curriculum such as digital design courses, lighting, production, cinematography and traditional arts programs for students who are interested in the performing arts.

Rivas noted that that it’s very early in the process, but as things progress, information about the project will be shared in a number of venues to keep lines of communication open. For instance, the construction manager will have a website that will have progress photos and different milestone events.

“We have to be attuned to the fact that we are in the community. We’re going to keep that awareness and sensitivity, and always try to be a good neighbor,” Rivas said.

Creative Contractors has extensive experience in building performing arts centers — both professional and educational, said Joshua Bomstein, president of the Clearwater-based company.

“We’re finishing the Tampa Theatre renovation right now. We did the complete renovation of the Capitol Theatre in downtown Clearwater. We’ve done all of the work at Ruth Eckerd Hall in Clearwater,” he said.

His company also did the Clearwater High School performing arts building, the performing arts building at Manatee High School, and the performing arts auditorium at Generations Christian Church in Trinity.

Bomstein is excited about the new project.

“This is going to be phenomenal facility. I predict and promise that,” he said.

Published December 27, 2017

Holiday Pops concert creates a warm glow on a cool day

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Bill Mickelsen, left, on the tuba, Dwight Decker, middle, on the trombone, and Ken Brown, on the trumpet perform as part of The Florida Orchestra Brass Quintet on the Heritage Park Stage at Heritage Park in Land O’ Lakes. Classical Preparatory School hosted the brass quintet for the concert. It was the first time that the quintet appeared in Land O’ Lakes. (Randy Underhill)

Holiday music filled the air at the Heritage Park complex in Land O’ Lakes on a cool, sunny afternoon on Dec. 10.

The Classical Preparatory School hosted The Florida Orchestra Brass Quint for its first-ever appearance in Land O’ Lakes.

The Brass Quintet has been performing in the Tampa Bay area for more than 35 years.

The audience dressed in warm clothing for the concert, held at Heritage Stage, in the park formerly known as Land O’ Lakes Community Park.

In addition to the brass quintet, entertainment also was provided by Phase III trio, the Stallion Singers and the iPad Band.

Children also were able to enjoy the Big Kahuna slide, a corn hole toss, food trucks, and a visit from Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus.

By Randy Underhill

Published December 20, 2017

The Phase III band performs at the opening of the Holiday Pops concert on Dec. 10 at the Heritage Stage in Land O’ Lakes Heritage Park, formerly known as Land O’ Lakes Community Park.
Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus give a casual wave, as they sit back and enjoy the music performed by The Florida Orchestra Brass Quintet. Of course, the holidays would not be complete without a visit from Santa.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A good-sized crowd turns out to enjoy the first appearance of The Florida Orchestra Brass Quintet at Holiday Pops on the afternoon of Dec. 10 at the Heritage Park Stage in the Land O’ Lakes Heritage Park.
Two-year-old Kellan Weyna, of Lutz, enjoys The Florida Orchestra Brass Quintet along with his parents, David his father, and mother Emily, middle.

Development for Gower’s Corner is one step closer

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After more than a year of back and forth negotiations, an application to rezone property at the historical crossroads known as Gower’s Corner got the approval of Pasco County’s local planning agency.

The rezoning application has been continued repeatedly since late 2016.

But, on Dec. 14 in Dade City, members of the Development Review Committee voted in favor of a project to build up to 215,000 square feet of retail/office and a maximum of 40 apartments. The committee also approved a variance related to U.S. 41 right-of-way that will be used to widen the two-lane highway to four lanes, with the potential for six lanes.

A commercial and residential development slated for the intersection of Gower’s Corner, at State Road 52 and U.S. 41, is expected to transform what has been a generally rural area of Land O’ Lakes. (File)

As part of its five-year work plan, the Florida Department of Transportation is slated to begin construction in 2020 on a segment of U.S. 41, from north of Connerton Boulevard to south of State Road 52. There also are plans to realign the intersection.

The approximately 44 acres of vacant land, identified in the rezoning as Tibbett’s Land at Gower’s Corner, is located at the southwest corner of State Road 52 and U.S. 41.

Clearwater attorney Jerry Figurski represented the property’s owners.

Construction on the proposed project likely is a few years off, and might not begin until the road widening, he said.

“It’s not clear if the Tibbetts will develop it or sell the land.”

Pasco County commissioners approved a land use amendment on the property in 2016, which was then followed by the rezoning application and the series of continuances.

Although the Development Review Committee has recommended approval, the rezoning application still needs to go before the Pasco County Commission for final approval.

The name of Gower’s Corner dates back to lumberman William Arthur Gower, who at one time owned land at all four corners of the intersection. In the late 1930s, he operated the first gasoline station and convenience store in the area.

County records show the St. Petersburg-based Tibbetts Land LLC, controlled by the Tibbetts, is owner of the southwest corner of the intersection.

Tibbetts Lumber was founded in 1949 by Linton Tibbetts. The company has five locations in Florida including its Land O’ Lakes location at State Road 54 and U.S. 41.

Published December 20, 2017

Zephyrhills Police undergoes restructuring

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The Zephyrhills Police Department is shaking up its command staff — a measure it hopes will improve efficiency and communications throughout the law enforcement agency.

The department is adding an operations lieutenant and an administrative lieutenant, while eliminating a captain’s position and a detective sergeant’s position — roles that have been vacant for months.

The lieutenants’ positions already have been advertised internally and will be filled from the current group of sergeants. The starting salary for both is $53,584.  The starting salary for the eliminated captain and detective sergeant positions were $57,975 and $47, 696, respectively.

The new positions are expected to be filled by the end of the year or in early 2018, Zephyrhills Police Chief Derek Brewer said.

The Zephyrhills City Council approved the staffing proposal last month.

In a memo to the council and City Manager Steve Spina, Brewer said it offers a number of benefits, including, “better span of control, improved unity of command, opportunities for employee advancement and potential cost savings.”

The department’s command staff in the past has been budgeted for a chief, two captains and five sergeants, as well as 25 sworn officers.

One of those captain’s position has been vacant since June, however. The detective sergeant’s position also has remained vacant since the promotion of Capt. Reggie Roberts, at around the same time.

Because of that, Roberts has been the liaison for the agency’s operations and administrative divisions, without the benefit of another captain or detective sergeant to reduce the burden.

Adding two lieutenants — to report to Roberts — will “level out” supervision for both divisions and improve agency directives, the police chief explained.

“By placing some lieutenants in between the sergeant and the captain, it allows for information to flow a little better, and also for the captain not to be stretched so thin,” Brewer said.

Once in place, the operations lieutenant will directly oversee three departments: uniform patrol, criminal divisions and special operations — which encompass reserve, honor guard, bike patrol.

The administrative lieutenant, meanwhile, will oversee communications and administrative support and services, ranging from property and evidence management, record keeping, accreditation and training, fleet maintenance and so on.

Brewer, a 15-year veteran of the department and a former lieutenant, said the idea to reshuffle the command staff arose while he was serving as interim chief from June to September.

He was officially sworn-in as the city’s police chief in October, replacing former chief David Shears, who retired in May.

Brewer pointed out many similar-sized agencies, such as the New Port Richey Police Department, “adopt that model of more layers in-between.”

It gives the command structure “a more linear approach,” he said.

“One thing I’ve kind of noticed with the chief and the two captains over the years is that span of control is still pretty wide, so I kind of felt like this was the best way to approach the span of control, as well as just making sure things move more fluid,” the chief added.

The shuffling may also reduce agency overtime costs.

Besides assisting with administrative duties, the lieutenants would also support patrol functions by filling gaps in supervision should unforeseen needs arise from shift supervisors, such as sick time. Instead of calling in another supervisor for coverage, a lieutenant could cover the open shift to eliminate the need to call in a sergeant or officer in charge on the opposite side of the schedule.

Brewer explained, “A lot of times when sergeants accumulate overtime, we don’t have that ability to adjust their schedule, but having lieutenants may allow us to fill those gaps, so as they accumulate the overtime, we can kind of adjust their schedule and save in overtime.”

In 2014, independent consultant William Liquori, from the Florida Police Chiefs Association (FPCA), recommended reinstituting lieutenants within Zephyrhills Police.

In his report, Liquori, a 44-year law enforcement veteran from Altamonte Springs and past president of the statewide association, said communication was a major concern among all employees, and that command staff needed to address the issue.

Brewer said that report further “reinforced the need to bring (lieutenants) back.”

By hiring lieutenants from within, Brewer said it allows for additional opportunities for promotion and internal movement for the department’s employees.

“We thought that it would create better morale; that was another thing we had looked at,” Brewer said.

Published December 20, 2017

Financial expert presents mixed U.S. economic outlook

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One Tampa-based financial expert sees a positive economic outlook for 2018, yet also remains cautious about decades ahead.

John Largent, chief investment strategist at Members Trust Company, was the featured speaker at a Dec. 13 business-networking event hosted by the San Antonio Federal Credit Union.

He offered an encouraging assessment of the current U.S. economy.

John Largent was the featured guest speaker at a Dec. 13 networking event presented by the San Antonio Federal Credit Union. Largent is the chief investment strategist at Members Trust Company in Tampa. (Courtesy of Members Trust Company)

“We’re at a stock market all-time high,” Largent told an audience of small business owners at the Scotland Yards Golf Club.

“Yields are low. Housing prices are back. All those great things like that are going on,” Largent said.

But, he cautioned that how the foreign-owned U.S. debt market is managed is something “to worry about a little bit.”

Last week, the Federal Reserve (Fed) raised interest rates by 0.25 percent, the third increase in 2017.

The decision to raise interest rates, raising the cost of borrowing, takes the Fed farther away from the ultra-low rates it put in place during the financial crisis to boost economic activity.

Even so, Largent explained the Fed’s policy to keep “artificially low” interest rates for too long — combined with negative interest rates in several European countries — could wreak havoc sometime over the next several decades.

“There will be consequences,” said Largent, who’s been an active panelist for Morningstar Advisor, Index Universe, and S&P Dow Jones Indices.

“Hopefully they won’t be as bad as ‘07 and ‘08 with the housing deal, because (investment banks) are not leveraged in this…but, our governments are really, really leveraged.”

Largent began his career on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange. He has more than 30 years of experience in the financial services industry and is past president of Chartered Financial Analyst Tampa Bay.

Since joining Members Trust Company in 2004, his team has grown managed assets from $60 million to over $2 billion.

Besides the global economy, Largent also discussed the recently finalized “Tax Cut and Jobs Act.”

The Republican plan is the largest one-time reduction in the corporate tax rate in American history — from 36 percent down to 21 percent. The bill also lowers taxes for the vast majority of Americans and small business owners — at least until the cuts expire after eight years.

Largent said the deal generally “could be a positive thing for corporations, to make it a little more competitive.”

He added the movement to 21 percent “is not a big deal,” as the Effective Tax Rate of all companies in the United States “is about 22 percent.”

“If you’re at a 36 percent tax bracket, you’ve got a windfall. However, if you’re at 15 (percent), you may be at (21) percent, and that’s not so good,” Largent explained.

He does, however, anticipate the tax plan yielding “unintended consequences” in due time.

“The law of unintended consequences is something that is absolutely very real when you move from 36 (percent) to 21 (percent),” Largent said, “and you did it so fast that you didn’t think of the consequences of this thing…”

The speaker also briefly touched on the bitcoin phenomenon that’s created a global stir.

Bitcoin is the first decentralized digital currency, created and held electronically.

He suggested it’s not really something U.S. consumers should be concerned with, even though it debuted on the world’s largest futures exchange.

“It’s a massive marketing success story,” Largent. “It’s one of the best marketing success stories ever.”

While fascinated by the cryptocurrency, Largent noted bitcoin doesn’t have a value; rather it’s just a medium of exchange.

“It’s kind of fun; that’s about it,” Largent said.

Published December 20, 2017

Adventist Health System to buy Bayfront Health in Dade City

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Adventist Health System, which is the parent company of Florida Hospital, signed an agreement to buy the 120-bed Bayfront Health Dade City Hospital, according to a news release from Adventist Health System.

The deal is expected to close in early 2018.

Details on the sales price weren’t disclosed.

The sale will include the hospital, at 13100 Fort King Road, as well as physician clinic operations and outpatient services.

“Finding a partner to allow a seamless medical care experience for our patients is important,” said Linda Stockton, in the news release. “Florida Hospital can bring their experience to build on our history of service and success.”

Bayfront is owned by Community Health Systems.

The sale is the “best plan for the future of Bayfront Health Dade City, according to the news release.

“Bayfront Health is a valuable asset to Dade City and its residents, and we want to continue the long history of providing essential care in that facility,” Mike Schultz, chief executive officer of the Adventist Health System West Florida Division, said in the release.

In recent years, Community Health Systems has struggled financially, and has been selling its hospitals.

A new release from Community Health System issued in November previewed “additional planned divestures,” based on $110 million loss in the third quarter of 2017. That was an increase over losses last year.

According to a news release, Bayfront Health in Dade City was one of those divestures.

About $40 million in losses for 2017 resulted from complete or partial shutdowns of some hospitals in Texas and Florida during Hurricanes Harvey and Irma, according to the company press release.

Published December 20, 2017

It’s the holidays again, time for some homemade gifts

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It’s that wonderful time of the year that usually brings cooler weather to our Sunshine State, and gives us a chance to throw another log on the fire — or flip the switch on the electric models.

It’s also a time to spend more time with family and friends.

And, our thoughts also turn to thinking about what we can do to make this holiday season a little brighter for those we care about, which often involves a gift from the heart, or hearth.

Fortunately, there are many do-it-yourself gifts you can easily make in your kitchen. They won’t break your budget and are guaranteed to spread good cheer.

Some of you have been planning ahead and canning your bounty —turning your garden produce into family favorite jams and jellies, so that all you have left to do is to decorate those lids.

Others will use those same canning jars to make tasty treat jars for recipients.

Soup and chili are great one-dish meals that are inexpensive and nutritious.

Dried beans and peas have a lot going for them. They are one of the least expensive forms of protein, provide vitamins/minerals and fiber, and don’t require refrigeration.

Of course, everyone deserves to splurge a little during the holidays.  So, gift jars can be made holding ingredients for brownies or cookies.

The ingredients that are needed can be easily assembled with an interesting layered-look, and bright colors to appeal to any youngster.

And, we just can’t forget our four-legged friends during the holidays. Just remember, that even for pets, these treats are considered “sometime foods,” so don’t let them pig out and pack on the pounds during the holidays.

So, here are a few recipes for last-minute gifts for teachers, neighbors, mail carriers, party hostesses and so on. The jars also make a nice addition to a gift basket, with other food or other items.

Last but not least, be sure to give yourself time to savors the joys of the season.

Happy Holidays!

Betsy Crisp, MS, LD/N, is a professor emeritus for UF/IFAS Extension – Family & Consumer Sciences

Barley-Pea Soup (makes 4 gifts)
Ingredients4 pint canning jars

1 package (16-ounce) each: Pearled barley; green split peas; lentils

Seasoning packet (make four/repeat measuring amounts below, four times)
4 small zip-top snack bags

1 bay leaf

1 Tablespoon each: dehydrated onion and parsley flakes

2 teaspoons low-sodium chicken bouillon granules (or powder packets)

½ teaspoon each: oregano; thyme; teaspoon garlic powder (or one clove minced fresh); lemon-pepper seasoning; and, ground black pepper

Cayenne pepper, to taste (optional)

Preparing the jars:
Wash jars and let dry completely

In a large bowl, mix together barley, peas and lentils. Distribute evenly into four, one-pint canning jars.

Into each of the zip-top snack bags, add the listed seasonings. Seal bag and add to jar. Cover with lid and band.

Decorate jar with fabric and ribbon.

Include a card with these instructions for making Barley-Pea Soup.

Barley-Pea Soup
Ingredients
1 jar soup mix (stores for up to six months)

1 quart chicken broth

2 cups water

2 cups cooked chicken (or ham, or sausage, or beef cubes (but substitute beef broth for chicken broth and beef bouillon granules.) The same can be done to create a vegetarian soup, using 2 cups or more of vegetables.

Note: Fresh vegetables such as sliced celery, carrots, diced onion, green peppers, potatoes and so on may be added, too, but are optional.

Instructions:
Remove seasoning packets from jar and set aside.

Empty barley, peas and lentils into a colander to rinse and sort, remove any debris.

In a slow cooker, or a large pot on top of a stove, add soup mix and seasoning packet, chicken broth, water and meat.

Slow cook, high for 4 hours to 5 hours or low for 8 hours to 10 hours, or simmer on stove top for 50 minutes to 60 minutes, until peas are tender. Remove bay leaf. Serve with croutons (optional). Makes six, bowl-sized servings, or 12 cups.

Fudgy M & M Brownies (makes one gift jar)
Ingredients
1 canning jar (1 quart)

1 cup + 2 Tablespoons unbleached all-purpose flour

½ teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon baking powder

1/3 cup baking cocoa

2/3 cup granulated white sugar

2/3 cup packed light brown sugar

½ cup milk chocolate M & Ms (great for kids, but adults may prefer ½ cup chopped pecans/walnuts)

½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Instructions
Wash jars and let dry completely

In a large bowl, mix together the first three (white) ingredients (which will become the first layer to be added to the jar.)

Each of the other ingredients on the list becomes another layer. (Use the back of a wooden spoon to carefully pack each layer before adding the next one)

When finished, apply lid and seal with band. Decorate jar with fabric/ribbon and include the following card: Fudgy M&M Brownies

Fudgy M&M Brownies
Ingredients:
1 jar brownie mix

3 large eggs

2/3 cup canola oil

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

In a large bowl, beat eggs, oil and vanilla.

Add brownie mix and carefully stir until all ingredients are moistened/blended.

Pour into a greased 8-inch square pan.

Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 25 minutes to 30 minutes. (Be careful not to overbake)

Cool on wire rack before cutting into 2-inch squares. (Makes 16 brownies)

Homemade Dog Biscuits (makes 2-3 gifts)
Ingredients
2 or 3 airtight storage containers

2 cups whole wheat flour

1 cup wheat germ

½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

¾ cup water

¼ cup creamy peanut butter

1 large egg

2 Tablespoons canola oil

Instructions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

In a large bowl, whisk together first three (dry) ingredients.

In a smaller bowl, combine next four (wet) ingredients and mix well. Add to dry mixture and mix well.

Turn out onto a floured surface. Roll to ¼-inch thickness and cut out dough with dog bone cookie cutters (They come in various sizes).

Place on an ungreased baking sheet and bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 minutes to 20 minutes, depending on the size of the cookies (1 ½” to 3 ½”) They are done when the bottom is slightly browned.

Let cool on a wire rack and then package in airtight containers.

Published December 20, 2017

Iconic scenes offer good cheer across the region

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The Historic Pasco Courthouse in downtown Dade City is dressed up for the holidays. (Richard Riley)

Whether it’s a traditional Nativity scene in San Antonio, a dressed up historic courthouse in downtown Dade City, synchronized music and lights at a shopping mall in Wesley Chapel or an old-fashioned Christmas at the Old Lutz School — the spirit of the season abounds across The Laker/Lutz News coverage area.

Whether you’re gathering with family and friends here, or traveling elsewhere to enjoy the holidays, we at The Laker/Lutz News want to wish you the very best that life has to offer during the holiday season, and throughout 2018.

Published December 20, 2017

Choirs and bands provided holiday music at many venues this season. (RIchard Riley)
A look at one of the many realistic scenes from a Walk Through Bethlehem at Richland Baptist Church. (Richard Riley)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Dade City Garden Club helped to decorate the Pioneer Florida Village & Museum. (Richard Riley)
Giant old-fashioned holiday cards convey an expression of seasonal cheer to those passing by, or dropping into, the Old Lutz School on U.S. 41. (B.C. Manion)

Peeking behind the scenes at Busch Gardens

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Pasco County Master Gardeners recently took a behind-the-scenes tour at Busch Gardens in Tampa, to get a closer look at the theme park’s horticulture, topiaries, turf management and more.

Jenny Gerard, Wayne Porter and Robin Manino, who work for Busch Gardens, gave the Pasco County Master Gardens a tour of the theme park’s horticultural displays, including a look at seasonal and permanent topiaries at the park. (Courtesy of Madonna Wise)

Wayne Porter, supervisor of landscaping, greeted the group of gardeners at the entrance near Busch Gardens’ colossal topiary lion.

Porter, who lives in Pasco County and is a graduate of the University of Florida, gave an overview of the 360-acre theme park.

Jenny Gerard, who graduated from State University of New York, told the group about the theme park’s topiaries.

Although she studied plant pathology and related coursework, she was introduced to topiaries during an internship at Longwood Gardens in Pennsylvania.

This topiary depicts Mary, Jesus and Joseph, in a seasonal display showcasing the Nativity scene.

She described the process used to create topiaries, comparing a topiary to a human body — complete with a skeleton, muscle structure and skin.

The process of creating a topiary involves using rebar to create the metal structure, using bent metal for the bones and using flexible plastic fiber to create the frame. The figure is then fleshed out sphagnum moss which holds the plants, and plants that simulate images.

Gerard told the group that maintaining topiaries is a painstaking process, involving frequent watering and inspection.

This topiary depicts Mary, Jesus and Joseph, in a seasonal display showcasing the Nativity scene.

During the tour, master gardeners also were given a close look at the Nativity topiaries, which took four people about a month to create. Materials used to create the Nativity scene includes an abundance of alternanthera, dusty miller, ficus and other materials, as well as coco fiber used to create authentic-looking camel hair.

Gerard also took master gardeners on a tour of Christmas Town, which features 2 million lights and includes a model train and village. That exhibit will be on display until Jan. 7.

Robin Manino, another Busch Gardens employee, led the master gardeners on a tour to show them some of the theme park’s flower beds and baskets. She said the park purchases tiny plant plugs from nurseries and then cultivates the plants.

By Madonna Wise

Published December 20, 2017

They hit the water to solve crimes, make rescues

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A Pasco Sheriff’s Office team has been trained to respond to emergency calls involving water rescues, and to search for evidence in lakes, rivers and other water bodies.

The tactical units, called the Underwater Recovery/Swift Water Response Team, includes divers, rescue swimmers and deputies who pilot boats.

“We really can do anything that needs to be done on the water,” said Lt. Jay Galassi, who oversees the Marine Unit.

The Underwater Recovery/Swift Water Response Team held a training exercise on Dec. 4 at SunWest Park on Old Dixie Highway in Hudson, to practice its new waterborne skills. The unit was deployed over the summer during Hurricane Irma to assist residents living in flood-prone areas, such as the Elfers community in Pasco County. They also recovered items and debris in the November plane crash of former Major League Baseball pitcher Roy Halladay. (Kevin Weiss)

The 18-member team became nationally certified in November, after completing advanced swift water training through Dive Rescue International.

The certification means the team is ready to serve a wide range of scenarios, from safety and security, to special waterborne operations — even in strong water currents.

Officials say no mission is too large, whether its retrieving cars crashed in bodies of water, rescuing drowning victims, or looking for evidence or weapons underwater.

The certification also allows it to assist in Federal Emergency Management Agency-related response efforts, on a local, regional and national level.

“We could deploy to Texas, we could deploy to South Florida, North Florida, wherever…and then still have a team here that could effectively deal with issues in Pasco County,” Galassi said.

The Pasco Sheriff’s Office began the task of creating and implementing a Swift Water Recovery Team in late 2016 for rescue and recovery operations in areas that frequently flood in the county.

The team initially planned to include just four members who would respond to any swift water event in Pasco County. But, as the process of creating the team evolved, the Sheriff’s Office obtained funding from private citizens allowing the agency to dedicate more than a dozen fully trained and equipped personnel to the team.

The unit has been deployed for several high-profile occasions this year.

For instance, they assisted during Hurricane Irma to provide aid to residents living in flood-prone areas, such as the Elfers community.

They also recovered items and debris from the November plane crash of former Major League Baseball pitcher Roy Halladay.

They also conducted underwater searches in Wesley Chapel in a recent missing persons case.

The team held a training exercise on Dec. 4 at SunWest Park on Old Dixie Highway in Hudson, to practice and maintain its new waterborne skills.

Mitch Bollenbacher is a member of the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office’s Swift Water Response Team. The team’s 18 members retrieve cars crashed in water, rescue drowning victims, conducting evidence and weapons searches underwater and handle other water-related duties.

Team members tested three new 12-foot long INMAR inflatable/recovery boats purchased from private community donations.

As part of the drill, they assembled the boats — which involved inflating them and connecting motors — and then they operated them on the water.

They also practiced setting up what’s called a highline, a rope that connects to the boat and is controlled by someone on land. The rope line helps stabilize the boat for rescue and recovery operations in high waters or strong currents.

“We just kind of keep current on getting the speed down of getting the boats out and getting them in the water. The water here is nice and clean, so we just run the boats out here and get the motors all cleaned up,” Galassi said of training at SunWest Park.

The boats, equipped with 25-horsepower Suzuki motors, are designed to hold steady control in all bodies of water, fighting against heavy winds and currents.

They are being used instead of the larger, bulkier boats the team previously used, said Mitch Bollenbacher, a member of the team.

“These are easier to maneuver. They sit very still,” Bollenbacher said. “You can anchor the boat, and then a diver can dive off the back of it. The boats aren’t really affected by the wind or the current. They kind of maintain control in the water.”

Bollenbacher also said the boats can traverse tight-access areas, including lakes, canals and retention ponds — where someone might discard a body, weapons or another type of criminal evidence.

“It’s definitely something that we needed at the Sheriff’s Office,” said Bollenbacher, who’s been with the agency more than four years.

“We can now definitely search an area and say, ‘No, it’s not here.’ You can 100 percent say, ‘There’s no one here, there’s no object here, and we searched it,’”

said Bollenbacher, who is a swimmer and a diver, and has been around the water since he was a teenager.

To be considered for the special unit, deputies must pass a standard test for their water skills.

Even with his skills, Bollenbacher said there’s still trepidation in and around water, with the presence of alligators and other unknowns.

“It’s Florida. There’s always a fear,” he said.

The team takes precautions to stay safe.

“The biggest thing is safety, double-check and use the right equipment for the right job,” Bollenbacher said.

By year’s end, the agency looks to also have its Underwater Recovery Team, or tactical dive team, certified as a specialized unit of the Division of Homeland Security. It would allow the Sheriff’s Office to assist federal task forces in waterborne operations, including: antiterrorism and maritime dignitary protection, drug interdiction, underwater crime scene, special response team support, and maritime surveillance.

Published December 13, 2017