Local News

Pasco schools begin looking ahead to new school start times

December 26, 2023 By B.C. Manion

Pasco County Schools know a thing or two about changing up school start times.

After all, they did that in response to a shortage of school bus drivers.

But now they are beginning to talk about how they’re going to adjust starting times to comply with a new state law.

The legislation says that no high school can start earlier than 8:30 a.m., and no middle school before 8 a.m., said Cynthia Armstrong, a Pasco County School Board member.

School start times will be later for secondary public school students under a state law that takes effect July 1, 2026. (File)

“This is based on the perceived notion from research that teenagers do better if they have a chance to sleep later,” Armstrong said.

Meeting the mandate will require putting more buses on the road, said Betsy Kuhn, the school district’s assistant superintendent for support services.

Supplying the buses isn’t a big issue because the district has cut so many routes in the past couple of years it has buses that aren’t currently operating, Kuhn said.

But providing the drivers? That’s another issue.

Armstrong said she recently attended a panel discussion about the issue at the Florida School Boards Association meeting.

Representatives of three school districts that have already shifted their starting times shared their experiences, she said. One was a large district; one of medium size; and, the third was small.

“The small county had actually started this back in the 1990s, when they first redid their bus schedule, to have some tiering,” Armstrong said.

“The middle-size county had been doing it for like 10 years,” she said.

Hillsborough County just began doing so in the last couple of years, Armstrong added, noting she is particularly interested in learning more from them.

“Across the board, they all had middle school starting last. Across the board, they all said communication early, early, early in the process was so important,” Armstrong added.

“They all had workshops with parents. They had surveys that went out to all of the stakeholders, including teachers, including families, including the community. They also really listened to the teachers.

“They got HR (human resources) involved because there were some concessions. Some teachers wanted to move from elementary to middle school, or vice versa depending on their family needs or their second-job needs.

“So, those had to be accommodated.

“But they all said you had to start the process at least a year in advance, as far as getting the communication out and getting the feedback. That was extremely important,” the school board member said.

Armstrong said Hillsborough used a tool — a random generator — that proved particularly helpful.

When someone recommended changing the start time at a particular school, a district staffer could show that person how all of the other schools would be affected by the change.

It helped to build understanding about the interconnectivity of the system, Armstrong said.

Armstrong said she’d like Pasco’s staff to find out more about that tool.

“It really made it easier for the parents to understand they couldn’t just randomly change that one school to suit them,” Armstrong said.

Of all the talking points covered by the speakers, one stood out, the school board member said.

“The big, big message was, ‘Start early. Make sure the message gets out to everybody, so they have plenty of time to adjust whatever they need to adjust to make it work.”

School board member Colleen Beaudoin wants to make sure that families are aware that changing the start times is a legislative mandate, not a local option.

“I don’t want anyone to start panicking that this is happening right away,” Beaudoin said.

The shift must be implemented by July 1, 2026.

School board member Al Hernandez wanted to know if the shift will have a financial impact on the district.

Kuhn responded: “There’s costs, for sure, but for me the biggest cost is adding drivers.

The district estimates it would need to add about 35 bus drivers. That is problematic, she said, because the district has 26 vacancies.

“To add to that would be very concerning,” Kuhn said.

Armstrong also noted that speakers at the conference did not provide evidence that the early start times have resulted in a substantive academic difference.

“I will say that none of those counties said that they’d seen any change in attendance or any change in academics,” she said. “It seemed that if a student was going to be late 10 minutes, they were late 10 minutes … if they were going to be late, they were going to be late.”

She also directed this comment at district parents who many want to weigh in on the issue: “If you are opposed to this, you need to reach out to your legislators because this is not something we’re going to have control of. We will have control in how we address it and how we comply, but we have to comply with it.”

Published December 27, 2023

Pasco expected to adopt changes to land development code

December 26, 2023 By B.C. Manion

The Pasco County Commission is expected to adopt a bundle of changes to the county’s land development code that address a wide range of issues.

The changes are scheduled for final adoption at the board’s Jan. 9 meeting.

Some changes would strip local economic incentives from project development under the Florida Legislatures Live Local Act.

The proposed code changes would prohibit impact fee exemptions and/or reductions for individuals who have “invoked the land use/zoning preemption or mandatory property tax exemption in the Live Local Act.”

The Florida Legislature adopted the Live Local Act last session, as a way of spurring more development of affordable housing. The act makes it impossible for local governments to block the conversion of existing commercial, industrial and mixed-use sites to be developed for multifamily use, if the project meets requirements regarding the provision of affordable housing units for a specified period. The law also provides a tax break for such projects.

Pasco board members object strenuously to Live Local because they say it undermines the county’s efforts to increase the availability of jobs in Pasco and decrease the need for residents to commute to other counties for jobs.

Pasco’s elected board also plans to use the court system to challenge the constitutionality of developments being built under the Live Local Act.

Another recommendation in this batch of code changes would establish enforcement powers for the county to cite private property owners who have not complied with deed restrictions they agreed to impose on their own properties.

Specifically, the county will be able to cite individuals who fail to comply with a recorded deed restriction that was used to secure a county development approval or a county mobility fee or impact fee exemption waiver or reduction.

The county has been using private deed restrictions as a tool to prevent property owners from seeking and securing zoning changes, and then turning around and invoking the Live Local Act to develop the site.

Another change relates to the timing of neighborhood meetings. Those meetings could not be held in the future until an application has been deemed complete, in terms of content.

That amendment is intended to ensure that the public has the pertinent information, which has not always happened in the past.

Another change would require a waiting period before the same request is made for a variance on a particular property, or for an alternative standard.

Published December 27, 2023

Capturing moments in a snap

December 26, 2023 By Mike Camunas

As we set forth into 2024, we at The Laker/Lutz News took some time to reflect on the year that has passed, including the images that graced our pages, website and social media platforms. From community events to local sports and the stories that gripped us, here are some of our favorite images from the past year.

**Painting with Puppies – March 29**
A rescue puppy lovingly enjoys the attention from Wesley Chapel residents Brandy Poblete-Scaglione, left, and Jen Poblete-Scaglione at B Creative Painting Studio at the Grove at Wesley Chapel, during Painting with Puppies.
(Mike Camunas)

**Zephyrhills Shuffleboard Club – Feb. 15**
Chuck Moulton, the Zephyrhills Shuffleboard Club treasurer and webmaster, elegantly slides a disc to the other side of the narrow court. Moulton, like many other members, such as Fred Litzman, behind, who leans to see the shot, can be found almost daily at the club, either practicing slides, enjoying afternoon frolics or participating in the many tournaments at the club. (Mike Camunas)

**45th Bay Area Renaissance Festival – April 12**
Brianna Vorbeck, of Oldsmar, sits upon the Iron Throne — er, Throne of Swords — at the 45th Bay Area Renaissance Festival in Dade City on April 2 as her husband, Travis, snaps a picture. The yearly festival, which runs from mid-February to early April, brought the magical 16th Century European Village of Fittleworth to the wooded fields off Auton Road, just outside Withlacoochee River Park. The festival includes more than 100 artisans selling handcrafted goods and wares, entertainment from jesters, acrobats, bards and more, and even full-contact live armored jousting, themed weekends and some period-accurate food. (Mike Camunas)

**Back to School – Aug. 16**
Lake Myrtle Elementary fifth grader Kendall Cave, 10, walks her bike across Weeks Boulevard on Aug. 10, the official first day of school for Pasco County Schools. (Mike Camunas)

**112th annual Founder’s Day Festival – March 15**
A Zephyrhills couple dances at the Clock Plaza in historic downtown on Fifth Avenue, to the sounds of the Time Travelers during the Annual Founder’s Day Celebration on March 4. The 112th edition of Founder’s Day Festival returned after a two-year hiatus because of COVID and scheduling conflicts. (Mike Camunas)

14th annual Swamp Fest – Nov. 8
It was a wild, and swampy, weekend as Madison Froelich, left, and Amber Allen, both of Land O’ Lakes, are whipped around on a ride at the 14th annual Swamp Fest, the carnival of rides, games, food, entertainment and more at Land O’ Lakes Heritage Park. The four-day event is a community-wide fundraiser benefiting area schools, nonprofits and community groups, as well as area businesses. It is hosted by the Land O’ Lakes High School Athletic Booster Club. (Mike Camunas)

**Stomp Out Suicide Run – Oct. 18**
Iren Taylor, left, and Sarah Gruber share a laugh while running on the trail at Withlacoochee River Park in Dade City during the third annual Stomp Out Suicide Trail Run, hosted by the Pasco County Parks, Recreation, & Natural Resources Department. The run — that included a 10K, 5K, a fun run and a dog run — is part of the department’s ‘RECreate Your Mind’ initiative, which hosts events to bring attention to suicide prevention. (Mike Camunas)

**Saddle Up For Autism – May 17**
Ten-year-old Kam Venkat, of Wesley Chapel, straps on a helmet and gets ready to ride a friendly stallion with the help of Tammy Sliger during Saddle Up for Autism on April 29, at Kiddy Up Ranch in Hudson. Venkat, and a handful of other kiddos with special needs, had a fun afternoon that included feeding farm animals, riding and grooming horses, and playing on the ranch compound. The event is one of the inclusive activities the Pasco County Parks, Recreation, & Natural Resources Department put on in April, which is Autism Awareness Month. (Mike Camunas)

**Juneteenth Community Celebration – June 28**
C’Rayiah Gardner, 7, takes a fun ride down the slide on an inflatable obstacle course during the Juneteenth Community Celebration on June 17, at the Lewis Abraham Boys & Girls Club, 38724 Mudcat Grant Blvd., in Dade City. The celebration included the family fun zone, local vendors and food trucks, free health screenings, prizes, games and raffles. (Mike Camunas)

**Sunlake Senior Showcase – Sept. 27**
Sunlake High mom Kristin Satin performs a dance in a shirt with her son’s face on it during a showcase for Seahawk Seniors’ Homecoming Week. Satin and dozens of other senior moms (and a few dads) boogied down at the football fields at the Land O’ Lakes Recreation Complex on Sept. 20 to entertain hundreds in attendance, including their senior students and friends. (Mike Camunas)

**Pasco Blues Festival – March 1**
Eboni Reed, left, and Donette Howe enjoy a coconut drink and some bluesy music during the Seventh Annual Pasco Blues Festival on Feb. 18, at Heritage Park in Land O’ Lakes. Three popular blues artists performed throughout the afternoon. Proceeds from adult beverage sales benefit the Rotary Club of Wesley Chapel’s support for the Bridging Freedom Foundation. (Mike Camunas)

**Mirada Lagoon Opens – June 14**
From left, Mirada residents Jared Romero and Tori Romero and their guest, Laura Berry, enjoy some sunbathing while lounging at Mirada Lagoon in San Antonio. It is the largest human-made lagoon in the country with 15 acres of water and offers activities such as kayaking, paddleboarding, swimming, an obstacle course, water slides, a swim-up bar, lounging and beach play and playgrounds. (Mike Camunas)

**Annual Lutz Independence Day Parade – July 12**
Ten-year-old Sophia Joiner was one of hundreds of Lutz residents and locals who attended the annual Lutz Independence Day Parade on the morning of the Fourth of July. The event featured nearly 50 floats, with beads and trinkets being tossed to the patriotic faithful lined up and down Lutz Lake Fern Road, in front of the Lutz Branch Library and near the historic Lutz Train Depot. Event-goers battled the heat, but still enjoyed the parade, the cake auction, the naming of a new Lutz Guv’na, the 5K and Mile Fun Run, and other activities. The yearly event brings out a huge crowd, in the community of more than 28,000, in an unincorporated area in North Tampa. (Mike Camunas)

**Cannoli Eating Contest – Sept. 13**
Land O’ Lakes resident Trinity Boyle tries to keep down a cannoli during Moschella’s Italian Eatery & Market’s first-ever Cannoli Eating Contest in Wesley Chapel on Aug. 27. (Mike Camunas)

**Chalk Art Festival – April 26**
Danielle Ostolaza, of Holiday, uses sidewalk chalk to draw one of her four sectionals of murals during the Chalk Art Festival at the KRATE at the Grove on April 16. Ostolaza, along with a handful of other local artists, were given the chance to show off their artistic styles and creations during the festival. The Wesley Chapel shopping and entertainment district also was the venue for The Harvest Market, which featured dozens of vendors. (Mike Camunas)

Development agreement stalled on Land O’ Lakes project

December 26, 2023 By B.C. Manion

The Pasco County Commission is expected to discuss a proposed amendment to a development agreement involving a 108-home subdivision planned in Land O’ Lakes.

The development plans call for the housing development to be built on 50 acres on the south side of Bexley Road, about a mile west of the intersection of U.S. 41 and Wisteria Loop.

Board members continued the request during their Dec. 5 meeting, after Commissioner Kathryn Starkey refused to agree to proposed changes involving a trail near the project.

County planner William Vermillion told the board that a modification is needed because at the time when the development agreement was approved, it wasn’t yet known whether the trail was feasible because the engineering work had not yet been completed.

Since then, Vermillion said, it has been determined that the original plan can’t be pursued because of insufficient right of way.

Starkey balked.

“So, board members, we had quite a few meetings on this and I went out there with our county engineers and their engineers and Ray Gadd (an area resident),” Starkey said.

Chris Nocco, Jeremy Crouch and Gadd had appeared before the board at a public hearing when the rezoning was being discussed, pointing out issues regarding the need for a better road network before the request should be approved.

Starkey noted: “Part of this road is designed as an urban section and part of this road is a rural section. The multi-use trail is supposed to be on the north side of the road.”

She said an adjacent master-planned development had pledged to donate land to the county, which provided plenty of room for a multi-use trail, a trailhead and even a park.

“So, where is that land donation?” Starkey asked.

“If I’m hearing you right, we’re just getting little bits and pieces of the multi-use trail?

“And that was how this neighborhood was going to be able to get out on this trail,” Starkey said.

Vermillion responded: “Unfortunately they just don’t own or control any of the land.”

Starkey: “But we do because that was given to us. Where’s the bottom piece along Wisteria that was given to the county?”

Shelly Johnson, attorney representing the Renner developer, told Starkey that the engineers went and looked at it and discovered that the right of way is insufficient.

She said they have consulted with Gadd and Crouch and they don’t have objections with the current plan and she said she thinks Nocco is aware of it.

“Everybody has met out there and they discussed exactly what we’re proposing in these exhibits … And, everybody is in agreement with the changes,” she said.

The county’s staff also recommended approval.

But Starkey wouldn’t budge.

“Someone has dropped the ball on this because there’s plenty of room for a multi-use trail to go on that piece of land,” Starkey said.

Johnson responded: “As of right now, there’s not.”

Starkey: “No. There’s acres and acres. That piece was given to us, or pledged to us … I am 100% positive that they (nearby master-planned development) said that we could have that piece. So, I’m not buying that we can’t put the trail there. So, this is going to have to be continued. I won’t go for that one, when we have plenty of room for the trail.”

Johnson told Starkey: “We’ll be happy to go back and look at it. But I’m being told there’s insufficient right of way, currently. My understanding is the area you’re looking at now is being used for their stormwater, so what they gave us is what they could give us and there’s not any additional right of way there.”

The attorney also noted that the developer of the other master-planned development agreed to work with her client as a condition of their approval, but it did not result in sufficient land being provided for the trail.

Starkey responded: “Well, there’s a problem if they didn’t give us enough to fit the trail. We’re going to have to dig into this a little bit more. This is really important for that community because there’s no room on that road, and that’s going to be a busy road to ride anywhere. And, this is how they’re going to get over to the Orange Belt Trail.

“It was a whole condition of approval for me.”

“I went out there and met with Jeremy and Ray and our engineering staff and their engineers and we walked it. There was plenty of room for the multi-use path and it didn’t have to be smushed up against the road.

“So, something has happened here,” Starkey said.

”I agree with Commissioner Starkey 100%. It shouldn’t be a problem and if that means we’ve got to bring the other developer in to have that conversation with them, it’s going to have to be our staff that’s going to have to lead that conversation,” said Commissioner Jack Mariano.

Starkey declared: “We can play the tape. We can roll back the tape.”

The request has been continued to the board’s Jan. 23 meeting.

Published December 27, 2023

Celebrating the accomplishments of Pasco women trailblazers

December 26, 2023 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

The Pasco County Commission paused during its Dec. 5 meeting to honor Pasco County women who have distinguished themselves and created new pathways for others.

A group of Pasco County women were honored by the Pasco County Commission recently for helping to open the door to new opportunities. Pasco County Commissioner Jack Mariano, who was the resolution’s sponsor, is seen holding his grandchild. His daughter, Amber Mariano Davis, was one of the honorees. (Courtesy of Pasco County)

“These are pioneers,” said Pasco County Clerk & Comptroller Nikki Alvarez-Sowles, as she prepared to read a resolution honoring a group of Pasco women.

The resolution, sponsored by Pasco County Commissioner Jack Mariano, recognizes the role that the Greater Pasco Chamber of Commerce, established in 1944, has had in supporting female leaders. It also pays homage to the contributions of the Professional Women in Business, a group that was initially established as a book club.

It also recognizes individual women singled out by The Professional Women in Business.

That group, according to the resolution, “would like to recognize the achievements of Pasco County women who have broken through the glass ceiling and risen above invisible barriers that have marginalized women when seeking career advancements.”

Women honored in the resolution are: Amber Mariano Davis, the youngest State Representative elected in Florida history to represent District 36 in the Florida House of Representatives; Republican State Committeewoman Sandy Graves, founder of the Republican Club of Central Pasco; Marilyn DeChant the first female Rotarian of the New Port Richey Rotary Club; Dr. Paula O’Neil, the first female Pasco County Clerk and Comptroller; Debbie Manns, the first female city manager for the city of New Port Richey; Margaret Sutterlin, the first female council member for the city of Port Richey; and, Elaine Todneri, who revitalized the Pasco Chapter of the National Organization of Women (NOW) in 1966 and is the current chapter president.

The resolution also notes that the Professional Women in Business of the Greater Pasco Chamber of Commerce “is immensely proud of the achievements of these women and encourages women in Pasco County to continue the tradition of rising above barriers and empower all women distinguishing themselves in their roles in the community.”

The women’s accomplishments drew applause from the audience.

Published December 27, 2023

Church in Zephyrhills is changing its affiliation

December 26, 2023 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

The First Methodist Church of Zephyrhills has dropped its previous affiliation with the United Methodist Church and has re-established its affiliation with the Global Methodist Church, according to a news release from the church. The transition occurred on Dec. 15.

The church’s new name is a return to its name prior to 1968, when the United Methodist Church merged with the Evangelical United Brethren Church to form the United Methodist Church.

“After a three-year discernment process, our congregation chose to reaffiliate to the Global Methodist Church, a new denomination founded for more traditionally minded Methodists who want to remain faithful to orthodox Christian theology, stand on scriptural authority, and be part of a leaner and simpler denominational structure,” Dr. Steve Ezra, senior pastor of the church, said in the news release. “We are excited to continue building on our 111 years of worshiping God and making disciples of Jesus Christ in Zephyrhills but doing so as part of a new and rapidly growing worldwide Methodist movement.”

Founded in 1912, First Methodist Church of Zephyrhills has ministered to thousands of people locally and around the world through their mission partnerships. The church offers two worship services on Sunday mornings: 9:30 a.m. contemporary worship and 11 a.m. traditional worship, both live-streamed through its Facebook page, at Facebook.com/fumczhills/.

The church offers a variety of discipleship opportunities for children, students and adults throughout the week, as well as multiple opportunities for ministry and service, including a thrift shop and food pantry. Its mission is “to make disciples of Jesus Christ who worship passionately, love extravagantly, and witness boldly.”

Published December 27, 2023

Pasco’s firefighters, corrections officers to get mental health support

December 19, 2023 By B.C. Manion

The Pasco County Commission has approved a contract with Tampa Bay Psychology Associates Inc., to provide mental health care support for the county’s firefighters and correction officers.

The county board approved the $223,484.82 contract for fiscal year 2024 to the mental health care provider, which will perform mental health screenings and ongoing care to support the well-being of those public safety employees.

The item was part of the board’s Dec. 5 consent agenda, meaning that the board approved it as part of a package of agenda items without board discussion.

Jon-Michael Morin, president of the IAFF local 4420, which represents Pasco’s professional firefighters, called attention to the item during the public comment portion of the board’s meeting.

In his remarks, Morin noted: “Firefighters are at an increased for anxiety, depression, post traumatic stress disorder, alcoholism and suicidal ideations.

“Coupled with the stress of normal life, my members endure long work hours, sleepless life, tragedies of death and dismemberment, and an overall high-stress work environment,” Morin said.

To overcome the challenges, the union established programs that “facilitate proactive education about early recognition of mental and behavioral health crises,” he said.

“We provide additional defusing at the crew level, following certain call types, such as the death of a child or those emergency calls that involve great bodily harm.

“We collectively have changed the culture within the Fire Rescue Department that instigates open dialogue about the risk factors we face as first responders and encourage our members to seek professional help, proactively,” he added.

Morin also noted that the union, in collaboration with Fire/Rescue leadership, have continued to build upon the work that’s been done in the past.

That’s where the county board comes in, he said.

“Where we need your help is before you today on consent, as item C54, with a contract award to Tampa Bay Psychology Associates.

“This award will provide a singular, focused and comprehensive third-party plan for first responder-centric professional mental health counseling for our members and is the vitally important next step of the program design.

“By approving this item, you’ll be sending a clear message to your firefighters that your public safety priority is their well-being, both on and off the job,” Morin said.

Pasco County Commissioner Gary Bradford praised the rescue crews that he said he frequently sees zipping around the county in response to calls.

“I just want you to know that you’re appreciated, you’re prayed for and what you said about the mental health issues is very, very true. Get help. It is important.”

Published December 20, 2023

Property tax breaks are on the way for some Pasco seniors

December 19, 2023 By B.C. Manion

It won’t happen immediately and it won’t apply to all seniors, but some tax relief is on the way for Pasco County seniors with incomes below $35,167.

That figure is based on 2023’s eligibility, but it will likely increase before the property tax break becomes effective for Pasco residents over age 65.

The Pasco County Commission approved an additional $50,000 homestead exemption for those meeting age and income eligibility, and it will take effect in 2025.

To help senior citizens on limited incomes combat the high costs of living, the Pasco County Commission has adopted an additional $50,000 homestead exemption for those meeting income eligibility requirements. The tax break takes effect in 2025. (File)

Pasco County Commissioner Seth Weightman championed the tax break, as he and his county board colleagues debated issues during the board’s budget hearings for this fiscal year.

Weightman wanted to take a more measured approach regarding the county’s Fire Municipal Services Taxing Unit (MSTU). Ultimately, the board approved an increase in that rate which, despite a compromise, was higher than Weightman initially said he would support.

During the debate, however, Weightman advocated for doing something to help its seniors who are living on a fixed income and are battling against the high cost of living.

The additional exemption is authorized under the Florida Constitution and the state’s general laws, according to Pasco County Attorney Jeffrey Steinsnyder, who brought back the ordinance to the board at its Dec. 5 meeting for a vote.

The estimated annual fiscal impact from the tax break works out to be around $3 million, according to County Administrator Mike Carballa.

Those eligible for the additional exemption will need to fill out paperwork each year and the Pasco County Property Appraiser’s Office will process it.

During a previous board hearing, Pasco County Property Appraiser Mike Wells said it will require additional staff, but his office will be able to manage that.

He told board members: “We’re willing to do that. I think our seniors deserve it, especially the ones on the fixed incomes.”

At that same meeting, Weightman said: ”With the expense of the world and our senior population getting priced out of here. I am happy to support this.”

Pasco Tax Collector Mike Fasano was also at that meeting and he praised the board’s action.

Fasano told the board: “I think what you’ve done just now is going to help our seniors … We have so many seniors in this community that call us; they can’t pay their bill.

“They hear that their neighbor in another county has been getting that additional $50,000 homestead, (and they ask) ‘Is it available for me?’

“I tell them, it will be one day. We’ve got a commission that’s going to be working diligently for you, making sure you get it,’” Fasano said.

Based on the board’s Dec. 5 action, senior citizens are now a step closer to getting that relief, although it will be another year before they receive it.

Published December 20, 2023

Airports are expecting 7.5 million air travelers – a new record this holiday season

December 19, 2023 By B.C. Manion

If you’re jetting away or driving off for the holidays, join the crowd.

Airports are expected to be the busiest they’ve ever been throughout the Christmas and New Year’s travel period, according to a news release from AAA – The Auto Club Group.

“AAA has seen steady year-over-year growth in travel demand, culminating with what is expected to be the busiest year-end holiday travel season on record in Florida, and the second-busiest nationwide,” Debbie Haas, vice president of Travel for AAA – The Auto Club Group, said in the release.

Air travel is expected to hit a new record this holiday season, between Dec. 23 and Jan. 1. (Courtesy of Tampa International Airport)

An estimated 115.2 million travelers are expected across the nation during the holidays, a figure surpassed only in 2019. The figure also represents an increase of 2.5 million over last year.

Of those making a trip, the vast majority will travel by vehicle, coming in at an estimated 103.6 million, which represents an increase of 1.8 million more than last year.

About 4 million will travel by bus, train, cruise or other modes, which constitutes the largest number of travelers using those means since 2008. It’s also the fifth-highest on record and tops last year’s total by 394,000.

Nationally, AAA projects 7.5 million air travelers, surpassing the record set in 2019.

At Tampa International Airport (TPA), airlines are significantly increasing the number of available seats on routes to and from TPA this year, according to airport officials.

In November, TPA experienced a record-breaking number of travelers, including its second-busiest travel day ever with 89,018 people visiting the airport on the Sunday after Thanksgiving, a TPA news release says.

The two heaviest days are expected to be the Saturday before and the Saturday after the Christmas holiday, when more than 90,000 passengers are expected to travel through TPA, and the weekend after New Year’s Day also will be extremely busy, the release says.

You can save time at Tampa International Airport by using apps to order food and drink online, so it will be ready for you when you arrive.

Following a record Thanksgiving last month, Tampa International Airport is now preparing for similar upcoming traffic as it expects around 80,000 passengers per day during the three-week Christmas and New Year’s holiday period.

Much like the Thanksgiving period, TPA’s parking garages are expected to reach capacity during peak times, so travelers are urged to book parking in advance online. Some garages could briefly close, so travelers without reservations could get bumped to alternative lots, hence the need to arrive early. All drivers with reservations will be guaranteed a parking spot, according to airport officials.

Arriving passengers using ride-share apps such as Uber and Lyft for pick-up on the Blue Side will be directed to use the Blue Express Curbsides to relieve congestion at the Blue Bag Claim level. Passengers using Uber and Lyft on the Red Side can either use the Red Arrivals drive or take the elevator up and over to the Blue Express Curbsides, where there is less traffic and passengers can be picked up more quickly.

Across Florida, AAA is reporting that nearly 357,000 of the state’s residents are expected to take a commercial flight. That’s 15,000 more than last year, and it’s the second-highest air travel volume on record, behind 2003 (399,000).

Overall, AAA expects nearly 218,000 more Floridians will be taking a trip for the holidays, in the period spanning from Dec. 23 to Jan. 1, according to a AAA news release. That doesn’t include those traveling to Florida from other states.

Make holiday travel smoother at Tampa International Airport

Plan ahead for parking. Reserve a spot so you’ll be sure to have one. Book in advance at TampaAirport.com/Park.
If you’re not checking baggage, choose the Blue Express Curbsides to get in and out of the terminal more easily. This is also where ride-share apps pick up arriving passengers on the Blue Side. Passengers on the Red Side can meet their Uber or Lyft outside of the Red baggage claim area.
Arrive at least two hours before departure; at least three hours, if you are traveling internationally.
Check your pockets and your carry-on baggage before leaving your house. Jams and jellies, cranberry sauce, gravy, bottles of wine and other holiday treats are commonly confiscated at TSA checkpoints, along with the usual prohibited items such as knives and firearms.
Skip the lines: You can order a snack before you arrive and have it waiting for you when you get there. Use either TPA To Go or the Starbucks mobile app to order and pay, then swing by the counter and pick up your items without standing in line.

Source: Tampa International Airport

A few more parking tips to keep in mind

Remove valuables from your vehicle.
Lock doors and roll up windows.
Take a photo of your spot to remember where you parked.
Keep your ticket and receipt (if prepaid) to show when exiting.
If you park off-site from the airport, be sure to look for a reputable business and be sure there’s a shuttle to get you to the airport.
Opt for covered parking if you live in an area that is expecting inclement weather.

Source: AAA

Best/Worst Times to Drive
Here’s some information regarding best and worst times to drive during the holiday period from Dec. 23 to Jan. 1, based on transportation insights from INRIX, and courtesy of AAA:
Dec. 23: Best time to travel, before 10 a.m.; worst time to travel, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Dec. 26: Best time to travel, before noon; worst time to travel, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Dec. 27: Best time to travel, before noon; worst time to travel, 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Dec. 28: Best time to travel, before noon; worst time to travel, 2 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Dec. 29: Best time to travel, before noon; worst time to travel, 2 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Dec. 30: Best time to travel, before noon; worst time to travel, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Minimal travel is expected on Dec. 24, Dec. 25, Dec. 31 and Jan. 1.

Published December 20, 2023

No gift like the present

December 19, 2023 By Mike Camunas

From Land O’ Lakes to Lutz, to Wesley Chapel and over to Zephyrhills and Dade City, everyone is gearing up — and pretty much ready — for the holidays — filled with presents, family and festive fun. Here are some of our favorite Holiday Scenes from our coverage area.