The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

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More details sought in State Road 54/56 design debate

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Task force members want more information before reaching conclusions on future road designs aimed at easing traffic congestion along the State Road 54 and State Road 56 corridor.

The task force met Aug. 24 in a public meeting to review 11 road alternatives, and a no build option.

Task force members are expected to whittle their road list to three or four plus the no build option.

A task force is studying solutions to traffic congestion on State Road 54 and State Road 56, including the busy intersection at U.S. 41.
(File)

Just one more meeting, in October, had been planned, but task force members asked for a workshop in addition to the final meeting to get more details on the road selections. That workshop will be an open session, but no public comment will be taken.

That workshop likely will be scheduled in October.

The entire study is being done in phases, with additional meetings planned for 2018.

The task force is studying the corridor from Bruce B. Downs Boulevard on the east to U.S. 19 on the west.

The current focus is on two intersections: Little Road and State Road 54 in New Port Richey, and U.S. 41 and State Road 54 in Land O’ Lakes.

The Aug. 24 meeting laid out the complexity of the issue.

Task force members are studying five elevated toll lanes, five at-grade level road designs, and a no build option.

Opinions are divided.

“I have been an absolute no build,” said Christie Zimmer, who is a member of the citizens’ advisory board for the county’s Metropolitan Planning Organization. But, looking at the possibilities, she added, “Something needs to happen. We have to come up with an alternative.”

Chris Saenz said the task force lacked the diversity to reflect the larger Pasco County community. He suggested a referendum could help settle the matter.

Maintenance and operating costs also will drive up already burgeoning costs of construction and right-of-way purchases, Saenz said.

One at-grade level option, with express bus lanes, could potentially cost nearly $1 billion to build.

“The cost of ownership is going to take ya’ll to the poor house,” he said. “Let’s not lose sight of that,” Saenz said.

Saenz represents Pasco Fiasco, a grassroots group that fought against a 2014 proposal to build a privately funded 33-mile express toll road over the top of State Road 56 and State Road 54. That project was scrapped.

Residents also have strongly opposed a more recent proposal from Florida Department of Transportation to build a fly-over, with toll lanes —  to ease traffic at the intersection of State Road 54 and U.S. 41.

That proposal is among the alternatives on task force members’ list, but state transportation officials put the project on hold.

That decision is part of the reason why two task forces were formed in 2015 to come up with a future transportation vision for the corridor.

The current task force, with some members from the previous two groups, began meeting in early 2016.

Bill Ball, a principal at Tindale Oliver, acknowledged that there is some suspicion in the community that an elevated toll road is being pushed.

But, he noted that every type of design, including elevated toll lanes, at ground level and no build, is represented in the list of options.

The task force’s purpose is to gather public input, and consider the range of choices, said David Goldstein, Pasco’s chief assistant county attorney.

“If it’s not going to be elevated toll road, what do ya’ll want?” he said.

As an aid in the decision-making, task force members received individual estimates on construction costs, right–of-way purchases and maintenance costs. They also received guidance on other issues, including environmental impacts, wait times at traffic signals, and numbers of businesses that could be relocated.

Still, members wanted more.

For instance, questions were raised about who would collect tolls, and for how long, if an elevated option was selected.

“That can be part of the recommendations,” Zimmer said.

Concerns also were raised about whether any alternatives would improve the level of service along the corridor.

The answer appeared to be that not much would change, based on the growth anticipated in Pasco. Roads and intersections that are ranked now at F, for failed, could still have failing grades.

“F does not solve the problem,” said Rich Dutter, who is one of three at-large citizens on the task force.

For information on the task force and its work, visit Vision54-56.com.

Published September 6, 2017

Girl Scouts rejuvenate Karina’s Garden

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Step into the garden behind the administrative offices of Sunrise of Pasco, in Dade City, and you’ll find a place where flowers, plants, butterflies and statuary offer a place of repose and refreshment.

You’ve arrived at Karina’s Garden.

Those visiting Sunrise of Pasco’s office in Dade City have a chance to spend a little time behind the building in Karina’s Garden, which has been rejuvenated by Girl Scout Troop 1263. (B.C. Manion)

The garden initially was established in 2008 to honor Karina Abdul, a former shelter director for Sunrise of Pasco who died unexpectedly at the age of 29.

Over the years, plants became sparse and weeds took over.

So, when Troop No. 1263, of Wesley Chapel, was looking for a way to complete the requirements for a Girl Scout Silver Award, giving new life to the garden seemed to be an ideal project.

The trio of Girl Scouts — Paige and Kaitlin Traboulay, and Alyssa Duran — heard about Karina’s Garden from Kelly Mothershead, of the Rotary Club of Wesley Chapel, who has worked with the girls on other projects.

“They decided they wanted to come in and transform this space. That’s what they did,” said Vicki Wiggins, director of development for Sunrise.

Follow the mulched path to find a relaxing seat on a newly installed bench, in Karina’s Garden. (B.C. Manion)

The Girl Scouts, their parents and other volunteers rolled up their sleeves and got busy. They ripped out weeds, built mulch paths, added pavers, painted fences, installed benches and added plants.

They celebrated the garden’s completion at a gathering in August. Besides the volunteers, friends and Sunrise staff members, local members of Karina’s family were there, too.

“The family was thrilled,” Wiggins said.

Wiggins is impressed by the volunteers’ commitment.

“They’ve been raising money for about a year. They came out. They took pictures and designed it all,” she said.

“Apparently, Karina loved butterflies, so they made sure they incorporated a lot of plants (that attract butterflies),” Wiggins said.

“They did a really great job picking out things. I think the parents worked as hard as the kids.

Paige Traboulay paints some of the detail work on a door, which creates an inviting focal point in the garden. (Courtesy of Roger Traboulay)

“They started the weekend after July Fourth,” Wiggins said. “Everything that you can see that’s not a weed, they’ve added.

“They put the pavers in. They put this structure here that has the birdhouse on it. They added the fencing here. They repainted the wall. They added the butterflies (decorations).”

Local artist Lisa Tesla volunteered her talents to give a new look to a dilapidated wooden door in the garden that had been covered in weeds and vines. Her artistry transformed the door into an inviting focal point.

Chris Wirt, of A All Animal Control of Tampa Bay, cleared the garden of two black racer snakes before the trio of scouts got to work.

Sunil Mohammed, of Totally Blu H2O, stepped up to provide garden tools.

A colorful birdhouse invites feathered friends to drop by and stay awhile in Karina’s Garden. (B.C. Manion)

Another volunteer, Karen Weiss, made the sign that credits the people who helped on the project.

Paige Traboulay said the girls began planning the project at the end of last year.

“We walked in the garden, and we saw how big it was and how much needed to be done,” said the 12-year-old, who attends John Long Middle School.

“We asked them what Karina liked. They said she liked butterflies, so we tried to focus on that. So, there’s a butterfly on the door, and there are butterflies on the fences.”

There are butterfly plants in the garden, as well.

Kaitlin Traboulay, who attends Land O’ Lakes High School, said the work was mostly done by her family and Alyssa’s family over the course of two weekends.

Thirteen-year-old Alyssa, who attends John Long Middle School, said it was hard work, and it was hot.

When they finished, she said, “I was especially happy because that meant no more bug bites.”

Alyssa Duran works on a planter in a garden at Sunrise of Pasco in Dade City. (Courtesy of Roger Traboulay)

Paige added: “After the project was done, there was these butterflies flying around to each station. We thought it was her (Karina).”

The garden now provides a place to take a break and enjoy nature, Wiggins said.

“Sometimes the office can generate anxiety and a lot of stress for folks. This is a place where they can de-stress. They can just sit and watch the butterflies, and relax.

“It’s beautiful. I’m so happy they did this. They brought it back to life,” Wiggins said.

 

Garden Restoration and beautification
Girl Scout Troop 1263 Silver Award Project July 2017
Troop members: Kaitlin and Paige Traboulay, and Alyssa Duran

Made possible with the help of:

  • Andrew Abdul, donor
  • Suni Mohammed of Totally Blue H20
  • Chris Wirt of A All Animal Control of Tampa Bay
  • Lisa Tesla, artist
  • Families and close friends
  • T’Weiss as Nice

Published September 6, 2017

Bank loan approved to build Wiregrass sports complex

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A loan of slightly more than $20 million from Bank United will finance the construction of the proposed Wesley Chapel Sports Park, at Wiregrass Ranch.

RADD Sports will operate and manage the complex. Pasco County will own the indoor sports facility, collect rent, and also share in the anticipated profits.

Kathryn Starkey, vice chairwoman of the Pasco County Commission, supported the bank loan for Wesley Chapel Sports Park, at Wiregrass Ranch. She thinks the project will be a great addition for Pasco County.

In addition to the 98,000- square-foot indoor facility, seven outdoor sports fields, an amphitheater with an event lawn, trails, pavilions and a playground are planned.

The county also has approved a ground lease for a 128-room Marriott Residence Inn to be built with private funds at the complex.

A 2 percent increase in Pasco County’s tourism tax will serve as collateral for the loan. The Pasco County Commission previously approved the increase, bringing the tourism tax to a total of 4 percent.

The tax is collected as an add-on to rent from hotel rooms. Revenues from the “heads on beds” tax supports tourism promotion in Pasco. How much, if any, of the additional tourism tax dollars would be spent to repay the loan depend on revenues generated by tournaments and other events at the complex.

County commissioners agreed to the loan terms at their Aug. 29 meeting in Dade City. A fixed interest rate of about 3.8 percent will be charged for the first 10 years of the 18-year loan.

No penalties would apply if the county was able to prepay the loan at any time.

Three bids to finance the loan were reviewed, but an evaluation committee recommended Bank United. The other bidders were City National Bank and BBVA Compass.

Pasco County Commissioner Jack Mariano voted against the bank loan approved by the Pasco County Commission to finance construction of the Wesley Chapel Sports Park, at Wiregrass Ranch.

Pasco County Commissioner Jack Mariano voted against approving the loan. He has concerns about what would happen once the loan hits 10 years.

“This is not a good deal for us,” Mariano said. “If the rates go up, we’re going to get crushed in the end.”

He also objected to the county’s Tourist Development Council being bypassed in the decision-making. The council serves as an advisory board and makes recommendations to the County Commission.

Even Pasco County Commissioner Kathryn Starkey, who supported the loan and serves as the council’s chairwoman, had problems with the lack of the council’s role.

In recent months, she said the council hasn’t been able to operate at full strength due to vacancies.

“It’s unfortunate that this never went to the (Tourist Development Council), but when this all went down, we were down to one person on the council,” she said. “We really need to take them into consideration when scheduling next time.”

But, she said, “I think it’s time to move forward. I have faith that this is going to be a great addition to Pasco.”

Published September 6, 2017

Roads, beautification among legislative priorities

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Funds for the Interstate 75/Overpass Road project and the Land O’ Lakes Boulevard Beautification Plan are among priority requests for the 2018 legislative session.

Pasco County commissioners agreed to a wish list for the upcoming session at their Aug. 29 meeting in Dade City.

The $15 million sought for I-75 and a new interchange at Overpass Road made it into the state’s 2017 budget. But, Gov. Rick Scott vetoed the money.

County commissioners are hoping for a better outcome the second time around.

The approximately 9-mile project would widen, extend and re-align Overpass Road, and build a new I-75 interchange. It is a high-priority transportation project for the county in an area of northeast Pasco County that is rapidly developing, residentially and commercially.

“Obviously, we want to keep moving forward with that,” said Pasco County Commission Chairman Mike Moore.

The $1.5 million that will be sought to beautify Land O’ Lakes Boulevard would pay for “targeted landscaping and place-making projects,” according to the draft version of the county’s state legislative agenda.

The boulevard is the main corridor running through the Land O’ Lakes community. The beautification plan would begin at the county line on North Dale Mabry Highway, cross State Road 54, and then head north to State Road 52 toward Brooksville and Hernando County.

It will be similar to a project along U.S. 19 in west Pasco, with a focus on medians and intersections.

“It’s a great opportunity to work to help revitalize this area and give a real, positive change to residents and businesses there,” Moore said. “It’s needed, and it’s well-deserved for the area.”

Another $2 million will be sought to complete the Gateway Beautification Plan for landscaping and monument signs at the north and south county lines on U.S. 19. Additional beautification also is planned for secondary gateways at major road intersections, including State Road 54, Moog Road, Gunn Highway and Little Road.

Pasco County Commissioner Kathryn Starkey is pushing to add a funding request to aid the county in buying land for the proposed Orange Belt trail, that would run through Land O’ Lakes.

She is asking that the county seek matching funds for this project, with the county pledging an amount to be determined before the legislative session begins.

Starkey said it could be easier to win approval if the county also puts up its money. “We need to get started (on this) before the land is bought up and compromised,” she added.

Pasco County’s legislative delegation will have a public meeting on Sept. 18 from 9 a.m. to noon, at Sunlake High School, 3023 Sunlake Blvd. The annual meeting gives the public a chance to discuss projects and bills that they would like to see approved.

Other funding requests from the county in 2018 will include:

  • $1 million for a planning and development study for the U.S. 301/U.S. 98/Clinton Avenue intersection realignment
  • $5 million for an Advanced Traffic Management System for State Road 54 and State Road 56 to adjust traffic signal times and improve traffic flow
  • $500,000 for a navigation center that will aid the homeless population

New townhomes popping up in Lutz

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Construction is underway on Sylvan Crossing Townhomes, a CalAtlantic Homes project that is expected to open in December.

The gated community will feature three different floor plans, according to CalAtlantic’s website.

Each plan has three bedrooms, and all come with either a one-car or two-car garage.

Work has begun on a townhome community, off North Dale Mabry Highway in Lutz. CalAtlantic Homes at Sylvan Crossing is expected to open in December. (B.C. Manion)

Sylvan Crossing also will have an amenity center, with a community pool for its residents.

The development’s marketing materials tout the future community’s proximity to shopping, restaurants, St. Joseph’s Hospital-North, and Lake Park, a 589-acre nature park, which offers visitors activities that include, hiking, BMX biking, canoeing, kayaking and birdwatching.

Other selling points include the accessibility to the Veterans Expressway and North Dale Mabry, making it easy to get to Tampa International Airport, the Westshore business district or Raymond James Stadium.

CalAtlantic Homes also has another project nearby called The Promenade at Lake Park.

Those are single-family homes, beginning at $348,990, in a master-planned gated community.

The community offers one- and two-story homes, according to CalAtlantic’s website.

Like Sylvan Crossing, this development at 18209 Pine Hammock Blvd., also is in Lutz, offering convenient access to shopping, schools, restaurants, recreation, health care and the Veterans Expressway.

Published September 6, 2017

Helping Hurricane Harvey victims

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Area churches, and others, are getting involved to help raise money, or collect goods, to help the victims of Hurricane Harvey.

Bishop Gregory Parkes has asked all 81 parishes and missions in the Diocese of St. Petersburg to hold a special collection the weekend of Sept. 2 and Sept. 3, or Sept. 9 and Sept. 10, for the needs of people affected by natural disasters, including Hurricane Harvey that is causing devastating damage to Texas and is expected to impact Louisiana.

Thousands of Texans are being rescued from the floodwaters of Hurricane Harvey.
(Courtesy of Army National Guard Lt. Zachary West)

“Our hearts and prayers go out to the families that have lost loved ones and to all who have lost homes and businesses along with their sense of peace and normalcy,” Bishop Parkes said in a statement published on the Diocese’s website. “The prayerful and financial support of people from all around the country is urgently needed.”

First Baptist Dade City, at 37511 Church Ave., is collecting items to provide relief to Hurricane Harvey victims. The church is accepting bottled water, blankets, soap, shampoo, deodorant and toilet paper.

Donations are being accepted until Sept. 10, from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Thursday, and 8:30 a.m. to noon on Friday and on Sunday morning.

Harvester United Methodist Church, at 2432 Collier Parkway, in Land O’ Lakes, is also helping.

It planned to hold a second collection on Sept. 3 to help Hurricane Harvey victims.

And, it also planned to put together some hygiene kits and some 5-gallon flood buckets filled with cleaning and drying supplies, to help victims in the aftermath.

Harvester will have a special box located in the back of the sanctuary for the next couple of weeks for donations.

The church will be providing its help through the United Methodist Commission on Relief, or UMCOR, for short, said Gary Evans, of Harvester United.

“UMCOR is usually one of the first, second or third agencies to respond to emergencies around the world,” Evans said.

Goodwill Industries-Suncoast invited shoppers to round up their purchases, from Aug. 30 through Sept. 12, to support Hurricane Harvey relief efforts.

Normally, the Round Up program supports the agency’s employment services, but this special Round Up collection will be donated to the American Red Cross to assist people affected by the devastating storm.

Cashiers at all 18 retail stores and three outlet stores operated by Goodwill-Suncoast will also accept hurricane relief donations from people who don’t make purchases, with all of these funds being forwarded to the Red Cross.

Goodwill-Suncoast stores are in Pinellas, Hillsborough, Pasco, Polk, Hernando, Citrus, Sumter, Highlands and Marion counties.

Published September 6, 2017

Funding and flexibility needed in substance abuse fight

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While President Donald Trump has declared opioid abuse to be a national emergency, local experts have urged U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis to remember that other substance abuse problems also remain to be a real concern in Pasco County.

Bilirakis paid a visit to the Land O’ Lakes Community Center on Aug. 22 seeking to hear from people on the front lines of tackling substance abuse problems.

His visit came immediately following the Pasco County Alliance for Substance Abuse Prevention’s meeting.

Those gathered for Bilirakis’ session included health care and social service providers, people recovering from drug addictions, family members of addicts and others interested in the topic of substance abuse.

“I wanted to hear directly from you,” Bilirakis said. “The best ideas about how we can help will come from you. I’m here to listen and to take your feedback back to Washington with me.

The congressman said he expects Trump’s emergency declaration to result in more funding to address the opioid crisis. And, Bilirakis said, there’s no question action is needed.

“More people are dying each year from opioid overdose than from car accidents. The statistics are staggering and truly tragic,” said Bilirakis, who represents Florida’s 12th Congressional district.

“This is something that needs to be attacked. It transcends political lines,”
Bilirakis added.

Then, he asked the crowd: “Where is the need in the community?”

Those attending had plenty to say.

They told Bilirakis about the waiting lists for public beds and services, and the empty beds at private providers.

They told him there were too many strings attached to state and federal funding.

They said people who need mental health care can’t get it, and that impedes the ability to help them in their recovery efforts.

They said doctors still prescribe too many pills, and that pill mills are still going strong — noting there can be lines of a hundred people or more waiting for their prescriptions.

Bilirakis also asked for opinions regarding whether parents should have access to their adult children’s medical records.

Views varied.

The mother of a 27-year-old who has been addicted to drugs for 10 years said she wants to help in her son’s recovery and to be his health care advocate.

But, others said that the patient should be the one to determine who is permitted access to his or her medical records.

Others in the audience said there needs to be more communication about support groups and low-cost services available to people struggling with addiction or recovering from substance abuse.

There are places where addicts can turn for help, but sometimes they don’t know about them, speakers said.

Bilirakis asked the audience to weigh in on the topic of medication-assisted treatment.

Using medication in addition to behavioral health counseling can be helpful, but there seems to be a trend toward more money for medication and less money for mental health care, one speaker said.

People in the crowd also reminded Bilirakis that while the opioid crisis is getting significant attention, Pasco County also has a problem with people abusing meth, alcohol and Xanax, among other things.

Speakers told Bilirakis there needs to be more trust placed in health care professionals who can determine the best course of treatment for a patient.

That isn’t happening, though, in an environment when issues tend to be “silo-d,” and there are too many restrictions on funding, they said.

Published September 6, 2017

Pasco County considers permits for roofs on boat docks

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Pasco County commissioners are looking to relax the county’s ban on roofs over boat docks and boat lifts.

At an Aug. 22 workshop, they directed county staff members to draft an ordinance that would allow the roofs to be permitted, with restrictions.

Pasco County is considering regulations relating to relaxing a ban on roofs over boat docks and boat lifts. The issue is likely to draw interest in a county that has a significant number of lakes. (B.C. Manion)

For instance, the roofs must not block scenic views of the water. Roofs would not be allowed along canals due to their narrow widths.

“If you put one up (there), you’re definitely impeding the view of your neighbors,” said Pasco County Commission Chairman Mike Moore.

An engineer also must certify that the structures could withstand hurricane-force winds.

“You need an engineer’s certification to make sure you’re not making a flying missile during hurricanes,” said Pasco County Commissioner Kathryn Starkey.

County officials said some residents are eager to have the roofs, while others are strongly opposed.

Residents of the deed-restricted community of Gulf Harbors are very concerned their views may go away, if roofs are permitted, county officials said.

The county can’t draft an ordinance that specifically excludes Gulf Harbors, said Jeffrey Steinsnyder, the county’s attorney.

If a Gulf Harbors’ resident applied for a permit, it would be up to the community to enforce deed restrictions banning roofs, but Steinsynder said, “I’m not sure they have the prohibitions you think they have.”

County officials said several docks on county lakes were grandfathered in years ago.

Pasco’s regulation efforts date back at least a decade with the issuance of dock permits for marine waters, rivers and man-made canals. The focus largely was on ensuring that docks weren’t built too far into the waterways to obstruct passage or views.

In 2010, Pasco commissioners amended the dock ordinance to make it clear that roofs were prohibited, and to require that structures be located at least 15 feet from the “mean-high water line.”

The county later grandfathered in roofs and wall structures built before June, 2010, and also applied the dock ordinance to “all privately and publicly owned bodies of water-lakes.”

In the past, residents were referred to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection or the Southwest Florida Water Management District, known as Swiftmud, for dock permits.

Regulations on covered docks and boat lifts vary by county and city. For example, New Port Richey bans both.

The city of Temple Terrace regulates the matter based on height and square-footage. Pinellas County permits roofs over boat lifts only.

Pasco allows canvas covers for boats.

Published September 6, 2017

Take steps now to reduce Hurricane Irma’s threats

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This is an updated version of a previous story that offers tips to help our readers prepare for possible impacts from Hurricane Irma.

The path of Hurricane Irma remained uncertain on the afternoon of Sept. 8, but residents were being urged by Gov. Rick Scott and local authorities to be vigilant and do what they could to protect themselves from the monster storm.

Here are some practical tips intended to help keep you and your family safe from Irma’s potentially deadly dangers, and to help protect your property.

Prepare ahead of the storm
• Remove loose and damaged limbs from trees. Secure and brace external doors. Board up external windows.
• Remove items around your home that could act as projectiles in high winds, such as potted plants, barbecue grills, garden gnomes, chairs and garbage cans.
• Place sand bags around low-lying areas near your house.
• Stock up on hurricane supplies, including flashlights, batteries, self-powered portable lights, waterproof sheeting, a nonelectric food storage cooler, a portable generator and reusable ice.
• Have personal items available, such as blankets and pillows; hygiene supplies, moisture wipes and toilet paper; waterproof and seasonal clothing; reliable shoes; a first-aid kit and special medications; tools; and, cameras.
• If you sheltering in place, be sure you have adequate supplies, in case you lose power and water for several days, and you are not able to leave due to flooding or blocked roads. Be sure to have plenty of food. Suggested items include juices, crackers, breakfast and protein bars, canned and dried fruit, peanut butter, bread, canned protein (tuna, chicken, Spam), powdered milk and condiments. Also have on hand disposable utensils, plates and napkins.
• Secure your important documents in a watertight plastic bag or waterproof container.
• Have cash on hand, in case the storm knocks out power from gas pumps and ATMs.
• Park your car as far inland as possible and on higher ground, to protect it from possible flooding. Do not park it next to a tree.
• Take photos of the interior and exterior of your home, in case you need to file an insurance claim.
• If you have a pet, have a plan for it.
• Have a family emergency communication plan. Your loved ones need to know how to contact you before the storm, and especially afterwards, when communication infrastructure may be damaged or overwhelmed.
• Check on your neighbors to see if they need help.

Before losing power
The U.S. Department of Agriculture offers these tips for steps to take before losing power:
• Keep appliance thermometers in both the refrigerator and freezer to ensure the temperatures remain food safe during a power outage. Safe temperatures are 40 degrees Fahrenheit or lower in the refrigerator and Zero degrees Farenheit in the freezer.
• Freeze water in one-quart plastic storage bags or small containers prior to the storm. These containers are small enough to fit around the food in the refrigerator and freezer to help keep food cold. Remember, water expands when it freezes, so don’t overfill containers.
• Know where you can get dry ice or block ice.
• Have coolers on hand to keep refrigerator food cold if the power will be out for more than four hours.
• Keep a few days’ worth of ready-to-eat foods that do not require cooking or cooling.
If you evacuate
• If you choose or ordered to evacuate, know the local evacuation route and have a plan where you can stay. (Pasco County officials have advised residents that manufactured homes can only withstand winds of 90 mph. Those living in a manufactured home, follow the storm’s path closely and consider evacuating, if necessary. Officials also say that those living in a low-lying area that is prone to flooding should monitor the storm’s path closely and consider evacuating).
• Have a disaster supply kit you can take along with you. It should include a flashlight, batteries, cash, required medicine, first aid supplies, 2 gallons to 3 gallons of water per person, documents such as a driver’s license, Social Security card, passport, insurance information and tax documents, a hand-crank or battery-operated radio and a cellphone with a charged battery.
• If you have a pet, know where you can take your pet with you. Be sure to prepare a hurricane kit for your pet, including food, any medicines, toys, a bed and so on.

During the storm
• Stay inside and away from windows and doors
• Close all interior doors
• Keep curtains and blinds closed
• Get into a small interior room, closet or hallway on the lowest level
• Lie under a table or other sturdy objects

A potentially deadly waste of time:
The nonprofit Federal Alliance for Safe Homes warns that using masking tape, duct tape or window film on windows or door is not only ineffective, but also dangerous. These products can create larger, deadlier shards of glass, according to the nonprofit organization. Preparation time and money is better spent on proven products and techniques, it says.

Protect your business
Businesses are reminded to sign up for Florida Virtual Business Operations Center to receive up to date storm-related information. Businesses also will be able to fill out damage reports and post hours of operation during the storm. To sign up, visit http://flveoc.org/index.php?action.

A chance to talk with Pasco’s state legislators

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Get ready to quiz members of the Pasco County legislative delegation, or make a plea for a favorite cause or program.

Pasco legislators will have their annual pre-session public meeting on Sept. 18 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Sunlake High School Gymnasium, 3023 Sunlake Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes.

The annual get-together is an opportunity for residents, elected officials, representatives of city and county governments, and civic organizations to speak directly to their legislators prior to the start of the 2018 legislative session.

Pasco’s delegation includes Representatives Danny Burgess, Amber Mariano and Richard Corcoran (past Speaker of the House); and, Senators Wilton Simpson, Jack Latvala and Tom Lee.

Public testimony is welcome. Anyone wishing to address the delegation needs to complete a speaker request form. The form is available at bit.ly/2gVEmxW.

Completed requests received by 5 p.m., Sept. 11 will be considered for the agenda. Additional speaker request forms will be available at the meeting.

However, speaker request forms received after the deadline may be considered, if time is available on the agenda.

All speakers, if possible, should email materials and handouts to Jonathan Till at .

For information, also contact Till at (813) 780-0667.

Published August 30, 2017