The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Local News

Dade City water and sewer bills going up

By

Dade City residents can expect an increase in their water and sewer rates, effective on Nov. 1.

Dade City’s city commissioners approved a 2 percent water rate increase and a 6.5 percent sewer rate increase at their Oct. 10 meeting.

The vote was 4-1, with Nicole Deese Newlon voting against the increases.

Water customers on average use about 6,000 gallons a month, which means the increase will add about 35 cents to the monthly bill, said Leslie Porter, the city’s finance director.

The sewer fee increase will add about $2.25 a month to the bill, she said.

The total increase for water and sewer customers would be about $2.60 a month.

Porter said Dade City also supplies water to some residents outside the city limits. They can expect similar increases in their bills, she said.

The new rates will be applied over the next five years.

But, Porter said, “That will be re-evaluated each year.”

This is the city’s first increase in fees in about eight years.

A consultant hired by the city completed an “Annual Water Resources Rate Study,” and presented the results to city commissioners in September.

In recent years, the city has paid for major upgrades to its wastewater system, and the additional revenues will help to pay down the debt service.

The increased funds also will help with operating expenses for renewal and replacements, Porter said.

The study also recommended that the city add two water system employees.

For information on the study, visit Dadecityfl.com.

Published Oct. 18, 2017

Pasco’s early law enforcement days were notorious

By

Pasco County’s early law enforcement days inspired quite a few dramatic stories.

An illegal killing captured headlines during Henry C. Griffin’s tenure as sheriff.

Built in 1892, the Old Pasco County Jail is the oldest brick structure in Dade City. It had two inmate cells, an isolation cell and an east wing used for the Sheriff’s living quarters. A later addition to the west end was the county’s gallows where the last legal hanging included “An array of picnickers positioned on the grounds surrounding the gallows area,” according to research conducted by local historian Madonna Jervis Wise in 2014. (Courtesy of Norman Carey)

During his second term, a mob killed two black men who were being held inside the county’s first jail located near downtown Dade City.

Will Wright and Sam Williams had been charged in the murders of Dan Childers and J.B. McNeil at Rice & Phelps’ turpentine camp near Dade City, according to newspaper stories published by The Tampa Morning Tribune.

The Tribune reported on Feb. 14, 1901, that Griffin refused to give up the keys and the mob —estimated as being between 30 to 50 men — broke down the outer door.

When they were unable to break down the steel doors of the cells, they opened fire, shooting both Wright and Williams to death, the report said.

The Coroner’s jury determined the prisoners came to their deaths at the hands of “parties unknown.”

Griffin lost his bid for re-election in 1904 to Bart Sturkie, who went on to serve four terms.

Another account of Pasco’s early law days involves the death of a Dade City farmer named Noah Green, who also is the Cherokee great-grandfather of Debbie DeLuca of Land O’ Lakes.

“As it stands right now, the only word I have on his death was the fire in the jailhouse,” DeLuca said.

“I have had cousins try to find his grave over in Linden Cemetery (off State Road 50 in Sumter County),” she added. “We were told it was in the center of the graveyard in an unmarked grave.”

Based on research for this column by Pasco County historian Jeff Miller, four newspapers including The Atlanta Constitution reported on the fire started by Green, who was “arrested on a charge of drunkenness and duly locked up.”

The 1892 cornerstone from the Old Pasco County Jail is currently on display at the West Pasco Historical Society in New Port Richey. (Courtesy of Fivay.org)

With a headline, “Cremates himself in lockup in Dade City,” The Tampa Morning Tribune printed this account on Nov. 23, 1911: “About 3 o’clock this morning, beginning to get sober, Green began to feel cold and scraping what rubbish he could gather on the floor, set fire to it.

“Locked up alone in the place, Green found it impossible to escape and began to cry loudly for help. No one was on the streets at that hour but a citizen who lives near the jail hurried to the place. He arrived too late, for Green was then beyond human aid. The jail was burned to the ground and Green’s charred and shrunken body was found in the ashes.”

Newspaper accounts are clear that Green left behind “a wife and five children,” but not much is known not about the wooden jail facility itself.

That incident offers just a glimpse into the county’s early law enforcement history, according to documents archived by fivay.org, a website that specializes in tracking Pasco County history.

Another vigilante mob stormed the jail in Dade City on the night of Aug. 5, 1915 and took a black inmate named Will Leak, according to the Dade City Banner. Leak had been charged with the attempted rape of a young white girl in Trilby and was hung on an oak tree in front of Hillard’s barber shop in the center of town. Details of the event were published on The Banner’s front page on Aug. 6, 1915.

Sturkie, who was serving his fourth term at the time of the break-in, was defeated in his re-election bid for sheriff in 1916 by Isaac Hudson, Jr., who served two terms as sheriff.

During his first six months in office, Hudson raided 164 moonshine stills, according to his son, Leon, who served as Dade City’s Police Chief in 1951.

Hudson’s family is prominent as the founders of Hudson, Florida.

Sheriff Hudson had a historic role on Dec. 28, 1917, when he released the trap door and executed Edgar London for the murder of his wife in the summer of 1917 at Ehren, near present-day Land O’ Lakes.

This is how the newspaper reported the last legal hanging in Pasco County, on Jan. 4, 1918: “The execution took place at ten minutes past one in the presence of a large crowd of whites and blacks who had come in for miles around to witness the affair.

“The negro was led to the platform by Sheriff Hudson and Deputy Osburn. He was accompanied by Rev. Father Francis (future Abbot at Saint Leo Abby), who had been with him all during the day, preparing him for his death. While the noose was being adjusted about his neck by Deputy Osburn, the negro displayed the utmost composure, never flinching once during the nerve-racking ordeal. He had the side of his face to the crowd and his lips could be seen moving in prayer.”

The account continued: “He never offered to say anything to the crowd, but kept his head well up and an erect position to the last, exhibiting a wonderful nerve. The black cap was placed over his head and the trap was sprung by Sheriff Hudson at 1:10. His neck was broken by the fall, and in six minutes he was pronounced dead by Dr. E. L. Reigle, the attending physician.”

Doug Sanders has a penchant for unearthing interesting stories about local history. His sleuthing skills have been developed through his experiences in newspaper and government work. If you have an idea for a future history column, contact Doug at .

Published Oct. 11, 2017

Florida Hospital CEO settling into new role

By

It’s been a busy time for Amanda Maggard, since being appointed Florida Hospital Zephyrhills CEO more than a month ago.

Her first week on the job presented a unique and challenging experience, navigating the 149-bed regional medical center in the wake of Hurricane Irma, to ensure patients could be cared for at any time.

Amanda Maggard was appointed Florida Hospital Zephyrhills CEO on Sept. 4, replacing Randy Surber, who was promoted to CEO for Florida Hospital Heartland Medical Center in Sebring. Maggard previously oversaw the strategic development and operations for Florida Hospital Winter Garden, an outpatient facility. (Courtesy of Florida Hospital Zephyrhills)

But Maggard came prepared, considering she’s dealt with four other hurricanes throughout her career in hospital administration.

“Our team here did a great job. Overall it went very, very well,” said Maggard, when she sat down for an interview with The Laker/Lutz News. “The main thing is we were ready to care for all the patients and we got the team members here to do it.

“Fortunately or unfortunately, it’s my fifth hurricane that I’ve been through,” she said.

Since that whirlwind of a week, Maggard has turned her attention to hospital operations.

She’s focused on “listening and learning,” building relationships with hospital staff, patients and members of the east Pasco community.

“I’m kind of in that road show of just meeting a lot of people, both inside and outside the hospital,” Maggard said.

Aside from attending various events and functions citywide, Maggard has been shadowing key departments within the hospital, working shifts in the operating and emergency rooms, and observing surgeries and other medical procedures.

“I just enjoy being on the frontline and learning as much as I can,” the new hospital CEO said. “If you don’t have that connection point, you’re not always able to see and hear what our patients are experiencing or what our team is working through.”

Maggard was appointed Florida Hospital Zephyrhills’ new CEO on Sept. 4, replacing Randy Surber, who, after nearly four years, was promoted to CEO for Florida Hospital Heartland Medical Center in Sebring.

An award-winning hospital, Florida Hospital Zephyrhills offers the only comprehensive cardiovascular program in east and central Pasco County, including open-heart surgery and valve repair. Equipped with eight technologically advanced surgical suites, the hospital provides a full range of inpatient and outpatient surgical services, including, orthopedic, endoscopic, gynecology, urology, cardiovascular and robotic procedures. Also, the hospital’s newly-renovated emergency room that delivers emergency medical care 24/7 with a fast track suite for minor emergencies.

Florida Hospital Zephyrhills is an award-winning 149-bed regional medical center located in east Pasco County. It is a member of the Adventist Health System, which operates 45 hospital campuses across nine states.
(File)

Florida Hospital Zephyrhills presently offers services for the following: breast health, cardiovascular, diagnostic imaging, gastroenterology, general surgery, obstectrics, orthopedics, outpatient rehabilitation, urology, wellness center and spa, and wound care

During her first three months on the job, Maggard said one of her goals is to take a deep look at the hospital’s key service lines and facilities to determine possible improvements, based on the needs of the Zephyrhills community.

“What are the service lines that the community needs? What are those services that we could provide here that there’s enough of a need and a demand and that we can perform with great clinical quality?”

Finding ways to enhance the patient experience is another objective of Maggard’s, whether it’s through more personalized care or finding ways to reduce medical costs.

Said Maggard, “I feel very strongly that we’re here to serve the community and serve the patients. Our (Adventist Health System) mission is to extend the healing ministry of Christ, and I think if we’re not creating a great experience for our patients, we’re really not holding true to that mission. And if we’re not constantly looking for how we can do that better, we’re not living out our mission.”

Maggard, who comes from a family of nurses and healthcare professionals, also hopes to develop a culture at the hospital centering on responsibility, accountability and positive relationships, among others.

“I think some of the important elements of creating that ‘right’ culture are ownership,” Maggard said. “You’ve got to have a team that understands that they own their results, and they own their experience. It’s not someone else’s responsibility; it’s all of our responsibility. Part of that’s accountability, too. And it’s got to be accountability, from the bottom up and the top down.”

She continued: “I’m also a firm believer in, ‘life’s too short not to love your job’, so you’ve got to have a little fun in there, too. Patients feel that. I’m a big fan of Southwest Airlines and the culture they’ve built over the years, and they have a way to inject just a little bit of fun and personality into what they do.”

Steady community involvement also will be critical for Maggard, as the hospital is the city’s largest employer with more than 900 employees and 360 active physicians.

“I think its really important to be connected with the community because the community has a sense for what the needs. Typically, the hospital is one of the largest employers in the community, so it’s important that we’re looking for ways to give back and that we’re aware of the issues and how we can be involved with the community to improve it,” Maggard said.

Though just 34 years old, Maggard’s experience in healthcare administration is vast.

She’s worked for Adventist Health System—which operates Florida Hospital Zephyrhills and 44 other medical facilities — since 2004.

Prior to being named CEO of Florida Hospital Zephyrhills, Maggard oversaw the strategic development and operations for Florida Hospital Winter Garden, an outpatient facility. In advance of its opening in 2016, she led the facility’s design and construction, operational planning, community and physician engagement and team onboarding. Maggard’s responsibilities later expanded to include senior leadership for Florida Hospital Apopka’s ancillary and support services.

Her other stops include Winter Park Memorial Hospital, as assistant administrator and chief operating officer, and Florida Hospital Altamonte, as director or operations.

She also served as manager for training and consulting for the health system, as well as a marketing and foundation coordinator Florida Hospital Apopka.

In a release, Adventist Health System president/CEO Terry Shaw called Maggard “an effective and mission-focused leader who has excelled in engaging physicians, team members and the community in providing exceptional, whole-person care.”

Amanda Maggard, Florida Hospital Zephyrhills CEO

  • Master’s degree in business administration from Webster University
  • Bachelor’s degrees in business administration and communication from Union College in Lincoln, Nebraska
  • 2015 graduate of the Florida Hospital Physician Leadership Development Program
  • American Society of Training and Development certifications in training, instructional design and organizational change
  • American College of Healthcare executives member
  • In 2015, was named Orlando Business Journal’s “40 under 40”

Some additional thoughts from Amanda Maggard, new CEO for Florida Hospital Zephyrhills

Q: Long-term, for you, what are some of some of the most important aspects of the hospital CEO position?

A: “I think, for me, it’s a few things. Absolutely you’ve got to have great relationships with your physicians, because they’re also closest to the patient and they understand what the patients’ needs are for care and experience. You’ve got to create the right culture for your team. I am a firm believer in life is too short not to love your job and if you’re team doesn’t enjoy what you’re doing then the patients aren’t going to feel that and have a great experience, so we’ve got to set the right culture here for the team, and that has a trickle-down impact for everyone.
… I think getting out there rounding with the team, spending time with them, and really, we are a faith-based organization, and one piece of advice that I received before is to look at the role, not just as a CEO, but you’re really the Chief Spiritual Officer for your hospital, so I think that’s another aspect as well, looking at the spiritual health of the team.”

Q: Which aspects healthcare administration/operations do you most enjoy?

A: “I do really enjoy building that culture with the team. It’s very rewarding to me when we have a culture where employees enjoy what they do, including our physicians and where patients feel that difference when we’re involved with the community. We have a great reputation in the community and I enjoy improving results, so I do really love that you that you get to create that right culture, that culture has to then translate into better outcomes for our patients and a better experience. I really love being able to see that — what are the metrics that we’re using to monitor that performance and then how are we improving them.”

Q: What is the most challenging aspect of healthcare administration?
A: “I do think one thing that is challenging for us is how do we reduce costs. The healthcare environment’s payment models don’t fully reflect that you always get rewarded for that, but we still have to do the right thing for the patient, no matter what. But, figuring out how to reduce costs is a challenge.”

Q: Have you been monitoring potential healthcare legislation and how it might affect the hospital?

A: “The bottom-line is what happens in Washington D.C. is very important and will have a significant impact on us as much as what happens in Tallahassee. We have to figure out how to create great clinical quality for our patients, a great experience at a reduced cost to them, and I think those elements aren’t going to change, no matter what happens with some of the legislation. It’s kind of that triple gain that you hear about: better quality, better experience and lower costs; so I try to stay connected with that and try to learn, but I also try to buffer my team a little bit, because it can be easy to be distracted. I think those three things have to be our key focus, no matter what happens with the healthcare bill.”

 

The Ice Dreammm Shop scoops ice cream and nostalgia

By

Ice cream dreams bring back sweet memories to Joe Schembri.

There were family trips to what he remembers as “Roger’s Place” on State Road 52. Later on, ice creamy treats came from a shop near a Home Depot, known affectionately as the “Home Depot” ice cream.

“All we did was ice cream every week,” said Schembri, who lives in Land O’ Lakes. “That was family time and we loved it.”

Nearly three months ago, Schembri opened his own shop, and his first business – the Ice Dreammm Shop – in a small plaza at 23912, Suite 2, State Road 54, in Lutz.

The shop will host a “customer appreciation day” and grand opening on Oct. 22 from 1 p.m. to 3

Ice Dreammm owner Joe Schembri spreads the message “sharing is caring” at his new shop off State Road 54. (Kathy Steele)

p.m.

The triple “m” in the name is part of the shop’s signature logo, and a reminder of yummy ice cream cones from childhood.

The menu of specialty flavors for children and adults add a non-traditional punctuation to the shop.

Just plain vanilla won’t do.

Instead, flavors include creamy vanilla bean, rice pudding, sweet corn, cotton candy, and an overload of Oreo cookies in cookies n’ dream.

The newest recipe, available for adults only, is pecan bourbon neat. Other adult flavors are the tried and true favorites of Rum Haven and whiskey-laced Fire N Ice.

Still, Schembri hasn’t forgotten what he loved about the ice cream experience. The Ice Dreammm Shop is a very traditional family place, a throwback to the old days.

Chess and checkers games are laid out on tables.

Children can pick from more than 20 games like pick up sticks and dominoes.

A flat screen television tunes into children’s programs.

A sofa and chairs in the entry way are a comfy, living area. The restroom has a baby-changing area.

If students or professionals want to settle in with computers, and hang out for a while that’s the idea, said Schembri.

Families are welcome to linger, too.

“Parents can sit and eat while the kids play,” he said. “Everyone can relax. I see parents showing kids how to play chess, and kids showing parents how to play chess.”

Schembri began laying the foundations for his shop nearly two years ago. He researched on the Internet. He watched videos all about ice cream machines. He talked with ice cream shop owners to find out about the challenges.

Schembri quickly learned about the community of small business owners, especially ice cream shop owners.

Everyone seemed willing to share advice and experiences including David Alima, co-owner of the Charmery in Baltimore.

Schembri got excited when he found a dealer in Brooksville who sells ice cream machines.

“This is in my back yard. It must mean something,” he said.

Schembri also went to an ice cream “boot camp” at The Villages, a retirement community near Orlando.

“We got to play with the machines, making recipes,” Schembri said. “I loved it.”

He worked for months making up recipes in his garage and testing them with friends at parties.

“All good things start in a garage,” he quipped.

His girlfriend, Brooke Purvenas, helped him scout locations and found the storefront at the plaza off State Road 54, near Highland Oaks Preserve subdivision.

Purvenas works days at Ice Dreammm.

Schembri takes over in the afternoon after he leaves his job at Bisk, a company that partners with nonprofit universities to promote online learning programs.

Schembri also partners with local companies, such as In the Loop and Craft Life Brewing. “We put their beer in our ice cream,” he said.

Coffee is from the Hemp & Coffee Exchange in Tampa.

He is constantly dreaming up new flavors and he’s also open to suggestions from his customers. They jot down potential flavor combinations and he considers them.

Cherry pineapple, apple tart, flan and blue cheese and walnuts have their fans. And, one day they could be on the menu.

A recent addition is chocolate bacon toffee.

It may not seem like a combination that would work, but it’s the perfect blend of sweet and tart, Schembri said.

“Why not have something unique?” he asked.

That sentiment — of being one of a kind — seems to fit right in with Ice Dreammm Shop’s general theme.

Revised Oct. 12, 2017

 

 

 

 

 

The Shops at Wiregrass sold to QIC

By

The Shops at Wiregrass in Wesley Chapel is among 10 regional malls that will be sold by Forest City Realty Trust, Inc., for a total of about $3.2 billion, according to an announcement by Forest City.

The buyer is Australia-based QIC, an investment partner of Forest City. QIC currently owns about 49 percent of the Wiregrass mall, with Forest City holding 51 percent ownership, according to Greg Lenners, the mall’s general manager.

The Shops at Wiregrass is being sold, along with nine other regional malls, but it will be business as usual for shoppers and merchants. (File)

QIC has been a partner with Forest Realty for about two years, Lenners said.

“As far as merchants at Wiregrass and customers, nobody will notice anything different,” Lenners said. “You’re not going to see any changes other than ongoing improvements at center court.”

In other words, it’s business as usual.

The sale of six of the malls, including Wiregrass, is expected to close by the end of the year for about $1.24 billion. No information was provided on the value of the individual malls.

The remaining four malls will be sold for about $1.93 billion as Forest City “secures replacement assets,” according to a news release about the sale.

Many of the malls are in California, with others in Pennsylvania, New York, Virginia, Nevada and West Virginia.

Per the agreement, Forest City will transfer its retail operations, including most of its personnel, to QIC.

So far, leasing, marketing, tenant coordination, legal and human resources have been transitioned to QIC. Accounting, property management and other functions will transfer as closings are completed.

“We view the U.S. real estate market and the retail sector in particular as a strong investment opportunity,” said Steve Leigh, in a written statement. He is QIC’s managing director of global real estate.

QIC began its partnership with Forest City in 2013.

Once the sale of the 10 malls to QIC, and the company’s New York specialty retail centers to Madison International is complete, Forest City will no longer have shopping centers in its portfolio.

“We are very pleased to achieve this key milestone with our partner,” said David J. LaRue in a written statement. LaRue is Forest City president and chief executive officer. “This transaction is a win-win for all parties, as we continue to focus our business on urban residential, office and mixed-use assets, and QIC acquires full ownership of a U.S. retail presence with high quality regional malls in strong markets.”

For more information, visit Forestcity.net.

Published Oct. 11, 2017

 

Big Brothers Big Sisters looking for more than a few good men

By

Big Brother Big Sisters of Tampa Bay Is seeking more male mentors.

Its goal is to enroll 100 men in 100 days.

In announcing its campaign, organization officials said the need has never been greater, as there are hundreds of children on its waiting list. And, the vast majority of those waiting for a positive role model are boys.

These are boys who, with the approval of their parent or legal guardian, have raised their hand and asked for help from Big Brothers Big Sisters.

The campaign kicked off on Aug. 18 and is scheduled to conclude on Nov. 25.

Last year, the organization attracted 150 men — who enrolled and completed training — during its 100 Men in 100 Days campaign.

This year, it hopes to attract even more men volunteers, according to a news release.

Big Brothers Big Sisters is the oldest and largest youth mentoring organization in the nation and has been operating in the Tampa Bay area for more than 50 years.

The agency matches caring adult mentors, called Bigs to match with boys and girls, called Littles.

The Littles are facing any number of challenges, which can include living in poverty, coming from a single-parent home, living with a relative or having a parent who is incarcerated.

Ninety-eight percent of the children matched for more than a year in 2016 advanced to the next school grade, and 98 percent had no involvement with the juvenile justice system.

“Of course, we need-and appreciate-all our volunteers,” said Stephen Koch, President and CEO, in the release. “But we’ve found with so many great young, local boys waiting, we need to put an emphasis on getting the message out to potential male volunteers,” said Koh, who is a long-term Big Brother, himself.

“Many of these young boys need a positive male role model in their lives and having a mentor can make the difference between those kids getting in with the wrong crowd or staying on the right track,” he said.

“It’s easy to get discouraged for a lot of our kids, who are growing up in some difficult circumstances. Our Bigs help motivate our Littles to keep working hard in school and life, because it is so worth it! It’s time for us all to step it up and make it happen for these boys who have asked for our help. It’s time for the men of Tampa Bay to go Big,” Koch said.

Volunteers are screened and trained before being matched with a child.

Bigs must be at least 18 years of age. They are asked to make a minimum 12-month commitment in the School-Based mentoring program, where they see their Little one hour each week during the school year.

They are asked for a minimum 15-month commitment in the Community-Based mentoring program, where they pick up their Little from home (typically on the weekend or in the evenings) twice a month and engage in activities of mutual interest — going to ball games, hiking/biking, spending time at the beach and so on.

Many of the relationships last well beyond the minimum commitment, with the match officially staying together until the child graduates high school, then remaining friends into adulthood.

Koch said that their Bigs come in all sizes, shapes, backgrounds, and age. Those men who have a particular love of sports might consider signing up for the Sports Buddies program which is supported by the Tampa Bay Rays, where the Bigs and Littles spend their time together either watching or participating in sports. “The options are limitless,” Koch said, “and the difference you’ll make can be life-changing for this young person and for the volunteer, as well. In fact, most of our volunteers tell us that they think they get more out of the relationship than our Littles.”

Anyone interested in becoming a Big can get started by attending a Big Orientation & Training session. For a complete schedule of sessions near you, go to our website at www.bbbstampabay.org and follow the “Volunteer” links.

Published Oct. 11, 2017

 

 

It’s time for the Autumn Market at the Old Lutz School

By

Organizers of Autumn Market Day at the Old Lutz School hope that motorists passing by on busy U.S. 41 will decide to stop and shop for awhile.

This year’s Autumn Market Day is set for Oct. 14, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the school grounds at 18819 N. U.S. 41.

The event seeks to raise money for upkeep and improvements at a school that is on the National Register of Historic Places and where generations of Lutz children were educated before it was closed a few decades ago.

The building is considered a community icon and there’s such a strong attachment to it that a group called Citizens for the Old Lutz School

Here’s what the Old Lutz School looked like decades ago — not much different from what it looks like today. (File)

holds occasional fundraisers to preserve the building for future generations.

“We really, really need people from the community to come out and walk the event. You can’t have these things and nobody show up because then you don’t have these special events anymore,” said Suzin Carr, a two-time Lutz Guv’na who has been the lead organizer of the event in recent years, but is transitioning out of that role because she has moved to Citrus Park.

Stefanie Ensor, another former Lutz Guv’na, is the new market coordinator, Carr said, adding that Ensor has done an excellent job of organizing the event.

Ensor said she expects 35 to 40 vendors to be there, offering jewelry, candles, tote bags, vintage gifts, plants, custom handmade wood signs, among other things. Some nonprofit organizations and a politician have also rented out spaces, she said.

“It’s a perfect holiday time to buy gifts and to support local vendors as well as nonprofits,” Carr said. Plus, there will be a bake sale.

Proceeds from the Autumn Market will be used to pay for electricity and building upkeep.

“We’re always up there replanting and weeding and painting and mulching,” said Ensor, a member of the Old Lutz School Board.

The event also includes a micro-irrigation and water conservation class by the Hillsborough County Extension Service, which begins at 10 a.m.

The Old Lutz School Museum also will be open, with some long-time Lutz residents there to talk about Lutz’s early days, and the role the school has played over time.

The old brick building was designed by Frank A. Winn Jr., who also designed the Seminole Heights Methodist Church in Tampa, the Municipal Fishing Pier and Pavilion in Ballast Point Park and Tampa Heights Methodist Church, according to the Citizens for the Old Lutz School’s website.

Originally, the building had four rooms downstairs and a large auditorium upstairs. But within a few years, the auditorium was divided into four rooms, plus a teacher’s room, the website reports.

The site where the old brick school building stands is the same place where Lutz had its first schoolhouse.

That was a one-room frame schoolhouse, built by the North Tampa Land Company in 1910, says an account on the group’s website. Records show that 37 students, first through eighth grade, attended Lutz School in 1912. They were taught by 18-year-old Callie Berry, who was the school’s principal and teacher — earning $39 a day.

Published Oct. 11, 2017

 

 

Light rail is top Tampa Bay choice for transit

By

A light rail system running beside Interstate 275 is the top choice for transit in a study that identifies potential projects in the Tampa Bay region, according to rankings from the Regional Transit Feasibility Plan.

The route would link Wesley Chapel to Tampa and St. Petersburg, with a stop at the University of South Florida.

The second choice would follow the same route but rely on “rubber tires” in a dedicated lane, most likely buses or self-driving vehicles.

The results are part of an ongoing study, which has included workshops, meetings and social media responses.

The study focused on the urban areas of Hillsborough, Pasco and Pinellas counties.

Light rail, alongside Interstate 275 or the CSX rail line, is a popular option for a transit project, according to a regional study. (File)

The approximately $1.5 million cost is being funded by the Florida Department of Transportation, with support from local governments and agencies, including the three county governments and their transit agencies.

The study considered rail and rubber tire modes of transportation including express bus, bus rapid transit, light rail/modern streetcar, and commuter rail. A total of 15 projects were ranked based on technical merit, and public opinion.

The study’s findings were presented by HART on Sept. 29 at a meeting attended by the Tampa Bay Transportation Management Area (TMA) Leadership Group. The group includes members from Hillsborough, Pinellas and Pasco counties.

Previously, the study identified five potential transit corridors. They are Wesley Chapel to USF, Tampa, and St. Petersburg; downtown Tampa to USF; Westshore to Brandon; south Tampa to downtown Tampa; and Clearwater and Gateway to St. Petersburg.

No funding sources have been identified. The study is scheduled to conclude in September 2018 with a recommendation for a specific project that can attract funding and is “forward thinking.”

Other projects with top rankings in order are:

  • Light rail along the CSX rail line between downtown Tampa and USF
  • Rubber tire in a dedicated lane along the rail line, also between downtown Tampa and USF
  • Commuter rail along I-275 linking Wesley Chapel, USF, Tampa and St. Petersburg – tied for fifth
  • Commuter rail along CSX linking downtown Tampa and USF – tied for fifth

Commuter trains generally operate with heavier train cars at higher speeds, more passengers and fewer stops than light rail.

Light rail is closer to a modernized street car with quicker starts and stops, and fewer passengers than commuter trains.

The study also provided a county by county breakdown on preferred choices for transit based on public opinion.

Light rail along I-275 for Wesley Chapel, USF, Tampa, Gateway and St. Petersburg ranked first in Hillsborough and Pinellas.

In Pasco, the same route with some type of bus or self-driving vehicle placed first. Light rail ranked in third place.

For information, visit Tbregionaltransit.com.

Published Oct. 11, 2017

Pasco County Health Department issues rabies alert

By

A rabies alert has been issued for a portion of Pasco County by Mike Napier, county health officer for the Florida Department of Health in Pasco County.

The rabies alert has been issued for an area that’s generally west of Morris Bridge Road, south of State Road 54, east of Ashton Oaks Boulevard and north of Chancey Road.

Mike Napier, county health officer for the Florida Department of Health in Pasco County. (File)

The alert came in response to a raccoon that tested positive for rabies on Oct. 3, according to a health department news release.

Residents should be aware that rabies is present in the wild animal population and domestic animals are at risk, if they’re not vaccinated, the release says.

The public is being asked to maintain a heightened awareness that rabies is active in Pasco County.

While the alert designates a specific area of Pasco for heightened awareness, officials want to be sure that residents don’t have a false sense of security in areas that are not named in the alert.

The rabies alert is effective for 60 days.

All domestic animals should be vaccinated against rabies and all wildlife contact should be avoided, particularly raccoons, bats, foxes, skunks, otters, bobcats and coyotes.

Rabies is a disease of the nervous system and is fatal to warm blooded animals and humans. The only treatment for human exposure to rabies is rabies specific immune globulin and rabies immunization. Appropriate treatment started soon after the exposure, will protect an exposed person from the disease.

To reduce potential exposure to rabies:

  • Keep rabies vaccinations up to date for all pets.
  • If your pet is bitten by a wild animal, seek veterinary assistance for the animal immediately.
  • Do not handle, feed, or unintentionally attract wild animals by leaving pet food outside, or garbage cans open.
  • Do not adopt wild animals or bring them into your home.
  • Teach children not to handle unfamiliar animals, wild or domestic, even if they appear friendly.
  • Prevent bats from entering living quarters or occupied spaces in homes, churches, schools, and other similar areas, where they might come in contact with people and pets.
  • If you are bitten by any animal seek care promptly. Wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water. Go to your family doctor or hospital for medical attention immediately.
  • Contact Pasco County Animal Services at (727) 834-3216, (813) 929-1212, or (352) 521-5194 to report animal bites or scratches and for information on stray dogs and cats.
  • Contact the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission at (863) 648-3203 for concerns about wild animals.

For further information on rabies, go to the Florida Department of Health website http://www.doh.state.fl.us/environment/medicine/rabies/rabies-index.html or contact Florida Department of Health Pasco County, (352) 521-1450, Ext. 344.

Published Oct. 11, 2017

Central Pasco chamber is on the move

By

The Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce is looking to expand and relocate after nearly 15 years at its current location, 2810 Land O’ Lakes Blvd.

The chamber’s building is on the market.

As soon as a sale goes through, plans tentatively are to move to a small medical and business center, off State Road 54, adjacent to Highland Oaks Preserve, west of Livingston Road.

Shalyah Fearing, a local singer and contestant on ‘The Voice,’ performed at the Land O’ Lakes Music Festival. (File)

“The (current) building is outdated,” said David Gainer, chairman of the chamber’s board of directors.

Renovations were considered but Gainer said there was too little land to accommodate a larger building and parking. “We’re land-locked. There is no more room to add parking.”

With a membership currently totaling about 420 businesses more space is essential, Gainer added.

In 2015, the chamber celebrated its 40th anniversary. The nonprofit also merged with the Pasco Hernando Hispanic Chamber of Commerce to form one organization.

Central Pasco chamber began in 1975 with a more localized moniker – the Land O’ Lakes Chamber of Commerce. But, the local chamber evolved into a broader mission that covers residents and businesses in central Pasco and northern Hillsborough County.

Member businesses come from Land O’Lakes, Lutz, Odessa, Trinity, Shady Hills, Spring Hill and Wesley Chapel.

During the year, the chamber sponsors numerous events and awards in support of the business community including a golf tournament, music festival and the “Heart of Pasco Award.”

“Our membership is growing,” he said. “We’re going to be adding staff and we don’t have room. Our board of directors can’t meet there so we meet at Copperstone Executive Suites.”

Gainer said the chamber is growing in response to all the new residential and commercial development in and around Land O’ Lakes.

“A lot of small businesses are doing well in this area and the region,” Gainer said.

He also attributed membership growth to the chamber’s decision to hire its first marketing and membership director, Suzanne Beauchaine.

“She’s doing a great job,” Gainer said.

Published Oct. 11, 2017