The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Local News

Pasco approves digital billboards

By

A 17-year ban on digital billboards in Pasco County has ended.

The Pasco County Commission has approved an ordinance to allow an illuminated, multi-image style of billboard advertising.

The ordinance allows digital billboards in exchange for fewer static billboards along the county’s highways.

Digital billboards will be restricted to the county’s major corridors, including segments of Interstate 75, U.S. 19, State Road 54, State Road 52 and U.S. 41.

The unanimous vote, at the Jan. 24 meeting in Dade City, concluded nearly two years of negotiation between the county’s legal staff and the outdoor advertising industry.

Pasco County Commission Chairman Mike Moore said residents can expect to see less blight on the roadway.

“Not that we don’t like billboards and people advertising on them,” he said. “Less is better for the county and the community. Some of these structures that are dilapidated will end up coming down. It will be good to see them go down.”

While voting in favor of the ordinance, Pasco County Commissioner Kathryn Starkey had reservations.

“I worry they’ll take down all the little ones and leave these big monsters all around,” Starkey said.

The swap-out agreement is based on square footage of a static billboard’s face, or the surface area displaying the advertisement. A billboard can have more than one face.

The county’s ordinance would require removal of 4,032 square feet of static billboard advertising for each digital billboard permitted. That is the equivalent of six static billboards to every one digital billboard.

A cap sets a maximum of 37 digital billboards in the county, with more digital allowed in some areas than others.

More than 500 billboard structures are scattered across the county. Under the new regulations, county staff anticipates a maximum of about 190 static billboards could be removed.

“I’m not talking faces, but structures,” said Elizabeth Blair, deputy district attorney for Pasco. “So, that’s a huge difference.”

The swap out, however, is expected to take some time.

Other regulations also are in place.

Each digital advertisement, for instance, must be displayed at least 15 seconds before rotating to a new image.

In addition to limiting the digital billboards to major corridors, the county also has declared some sites off limits for the electronic signs. Those include: The Heart of Land O’ Lakes Vision Plan, Connerton New Town, the Villages of Pasadena Hills Stewardship District and the State Road 52 gateway into Dade City.

On U.S. 19, if a digital billboard is permitted, all of the static billboards within the highway’s targeted area must be removed. On other roads, as digital pops up, half of the removed billboards must be on that same road.

Outdoor advertisers were in general agreement with the negotiated ordinance.

“I know we’re going to hit some snags as we go through, but I think it’s a strong ordinance,” said Tampa attorney Marilyn Healy, whose law firm represents outdoor advertising clients.  “We’re very committed to helping the county realize its goals and still have a few digital billboards,” Healy said.

Published February 1, 2017

Connected City vote on Pasco’s agenda

By

A final decision on an ambitious technology-driven community in eastern Pasco County – known as Connected City – is at hand.

The Pasco County Commission will have a final public hearing on the project on Feb. 7 at 1:30 p.m., in Dade City.

The Meridian Autonomous vehicle, known as the World Bus by Mobi-Cubed, will be the first self-driving vehicle tested in the Connected City. The ‘city of the future’ is being developed by Metro Development Group in partnership with Pasco County.(Courtesy of B2 Communications)

The first public hearing on Jan. 24 offered a review of the project and an opportunity for public comment.

Pasco County and Metro Development Group are partnering on a 10-year pilot project, authorized by state law. About 7,800 acres were set aside for development projects that encourage advanced technology and high-wage jobs.

The area is bordered by Interstate 75, State Road 52 and Curley and Overpass roads.

Metro is the first to offer a development project for the area. More developers are expected to take part in Connected City in the future.

“This project arguably is one of the leading technology designs in the country right now,” said Kris Hughes, the county’s planning and development administrator. “It sets new standards for physical development. It makes Pasco highly competitive and attractive as a place to live and work.”

Several people spoke during public comment on Jan. 24. Most supported Connected City.

“I feel the benefits outweigh the concerns brought up,” said resident Dawn Newsome. “I’m excited to see the opportunities that Connected City offers us.”

Too many younger Pasco residents leave home to find good-paying jobs, but that could change with Connected City, she said.

Hope Allen, president of The Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce, offered a letter of support from the chamber’s board. She said the project would bring jobs, new housing, economic development and entrepreneurship to Pasco.

Resident Jennifer McCarthy had concerns about property rights of people who have lived in the area for generations. She also worried about increasing traffic congestion.

At build-out in 50 years, Connected City is expected to have a population of about 96,000 residents, living in about 37,000 homes and apartments. About 7.2 million square feet of space will be available for job creation.

“At best, Connected City is going to generate jobs that aren’t just retail and construction,” McCarthy said. “At worst, it adds to the urban sprawl that already plagues the area.”

During a video presentation, Metro developers provided new details on their plans.

A groundbreaking for the manmade Crystal Lagoon at Epperson Ranch will be on Feb. 2. The mixed-use, master-planned community is within Connected City boundaries.

The 7-acre lagoon, with crystal blue waters, is creating a buzz with companies that want to locate within the Epperson community, said Kartik Goyani, vice president of operations with Metro.

To meet demand, Metro now is planning a second and larger lagoon on the northern portion of the site, Goyani said.

Metro previously announced partnerships with Saint Leo University for an education center within Connected City. In addition, Florida Hospital and Tampa General Hospital plan to set up a new medical partnership in Connected City.

Meridian Autonomous Systems will provide support for self-driving and electrical vehicles.

“We are going to be at the forefront of this technology,” Goyani said.

Metro also is developing technology to operate street lights on solar and wind power.

The Museum of Science & Industry (MOSI) will partner with Metro to integrate learning activities into Connected City. Goyani also said the nonprofit is planning a $1 million exhibit on Connected City in 2017.

And, job creation already is coming into focus.

On Jan. 30, Metro Places had a job fair at Pasco-Hernando State College where more than 400 jobs were available.

“We hope to make this an annual event,” Goyani said.

Published February 1, 2017

Local residents attend Donald J. Trump’s inauguration

By

When kindergarten teacher Kimberly Eberhard began her winter break, she never expected she’d have a front seat to history.

Kimberly Eberhard and her friend, Harley Kesselman, attend the inauguration ceremony for Donald J. Trump, the nation’s 45th president.
(Courtesy of Kimberly Eberhard)

But, there she was on Jan. 20, watching the nation’s 45th president, Donald J. Trump, taking the oath of office.

“It was silent,” the Wesley Chapel woman said, as everyone watched Trump recite the oath.

Then, a rousing round of applause and cheering broke out, said Eberhard, who teaches in Tampa. “You got chills throughout your body.”

She added: “Throughout his speech, everybody nearby was going, ‘Amen. Amen. Amen.’

“It was an incredible experience,” Eberhard said, noting she met people from all over — including such places as Tennessee, Pennsylvania and Montana.

Sandy Graves and her husband, Steve, took a road trip to get to the inauguration. (Courtesy of Sandy Graves)

Sandy Graves and her husband, Steve, both active in Pasco County Republican Party politics, also made the trek to Washington D.C. They drove so they could see some sights along the way.

Sandy Graves, who has attended previous inaugurations, said this one was not like the others.

“The mixture of people was different. It wasn’t our normal base of Republicans. It was very eclectic,” she said.

There was an excitement in the air, she added.

“I think it’s this sort of feeling that government can be tamed, not so over-burdensome. Just like Trump said in his speech, it (government) was going back to the people.”

She believes that Trump “really does believe that government should be for the people.

“I think he believes that government needs to be out of the way of creation of business,” she said. More than that, she said, she thinks Trump believes government should not impede innovation.

Ben Pumo and his daughter, Alyssa, and his wife, Elizabeth, pose for a photo on their way to Florida’s inaugural ball.
(Courtesy of Ben Pumo)

Ben Pumo, owner of Benedetto’s Ristorante Italiano, in Land O’ Lakes, also was at the inauguration, with his wife, Elizabeth, and his daughter, Alyssa.

“When Donald Trump won, that same night, I made my hotel reservations and my flight reservations,” Pumo said, knowing he would work on securing tickets later.

He has been actively involved in lobbying for small business interests and being involved in politics, and soon learned he would need to secure an invitation from U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio, which he did.

“It felt good to be around people that supported your same views, behind small business and having my daughter and my wife be able to experience that with me,” Pumo said.

Published February 1, 2017

Local women join Women’s March on Washington

By

When they set out for the 13-hour trek from Lutz to the nation’s capital, the women weren’t sure what to expect.

These women drove from Lutz to take part in the Women’s March in Washington D.C. They are, from left, Kathy Abrams, Betsy Murdock, Ivana Sheppard, Ana Torres and Katherine Pogorzelski.
(Courtesy of Betsy Murdock)

Betsy Murdock, Ivana Sheppard, Ana Torres, Kathy Abrams and Katherine Pogorzelski shared a van to make the trip.

Along the way, they wondered how big the crowd would be and how diverse.

When they arrived to join the Women’s March on Washington, on Jan. 21, the experience vastly exceeded their expectations.

The crowd was huge, and diverse.

They saw women pushing strollers. Women walking with walkers. Women in wheelchairs. They saw young men holding signs, dads with kids on their shoulders, old men taking the Metro to be part of the march.

One woman climbed a post to get a better view. Betsy Murdock could relate: She said she had to hold her cellphone high over her head to get photos of the crowd.

“It was an awe-inspiring experience for us all,” Sheppard said.

“The march breathed life into our belief in the common good that binds people of different races, genders, nationalities, sexualities, and all walks of life,” she said.

It was important to join the march, Torres said. “There were so many different issues that were affected by the election of Donald Trump that I was concerned about the vision that he represented … I didn’t want history to be written that said that we didn’t try to resist the vision that basically won the election.”

Abrams agrees it’s important to be involved: “I have never been active politically before. Now, I am.’”

Participating in the Women’s March was just the beginning, they said.

The March, Murdock said, was Day 1.

“It’s not ending at Day 1,” Murdock said.

Published February 1, 2017

Kumquat Festival traditions continue

By

Many came wearing sweaters, or jackets, or long-sleeved shirts — but they came just the same to enjoy the Kumquat Festival in Dade City.

Bruce Gode, of Kumquat Growers Inc., arranges a display of kumquats for sale at the festival. 
(Richard Riley)

“Tens of thousands of people came from all over the Tampa Bay region — residents, winter visitors and tourists joined in the fun,” according to an email from John Moors, executive director of The Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce, which organizes the annual event.

Generous sponsors and more than 200 volunteers helped pull off the event, which generated an estimated $800,000 in economic activity, Moors added.

There were the usual things that people find at festivals — funnel cakes and festival queens, live entertainment and plenty of stuff to buy.

There were pony rides, plants for sale, quilts on display and a car show, too.

Plus, there were all sorts of kumquat goodies to taste and to purchase.

With newly purchased plants over her back and in her arms, Stephanie Simpson, right, poses with Shirley Perez, both of Tampa. Simpson, a retired veteran with five tours in Afghanistan, was visiting her first Kumquat Festival.

The festival once again showcased the quaint nature of downtown Dade City’s historic core.

The 21st annual Kumquat Festival is planned for Jan. 27, 2018. Planning begins this month.

Anyone who would like to be involved as a volunteer, sponsor or vendor should email or . For more information about the festival, visit KumquatFestival.org.

Published February 1, 2017

Festival showcases quilts, horses

By

The Pioneer Florida Museum is hosting a festival that showcases the strength of draft horses, and the beauty and diversity of quilts.

Quilters can make intricate designs with their threads and fabrics, as shown here.
(Richard K. Riley)

The event is slated for Feb. 4 and Feb. 5.

The Southern Draft Horse Pulling Competition will be 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., Feb. 4.

Other highlights include:

  • The Hoffman Challenge Quilt Collection on display
  • A show of dolls, quilts and clothing
  • A display of works by local quilters
  • A sale of quilts and supplies
  • A quilt appraisal and trunk show
  • Cane grinding and syrup making, Feb. 4
  • An arts and crafts show; traditional crafts
  • Festival vendors and a concession stand
  • Children’s activities

The museum is one mile north of downtown Dade City, off U.S. 301, at 15602 Pioneer Museum Road.

Farm Festival & Quilt Show
Where: 15602 Pioneer Museum Road, Dade City
When: Feb. 4, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Feb. 5, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Draft Horse Pull competition on Feb. 4, 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.)
Cost: $10 for adults on Saturday and $5 on Sunday; $5 admission for children (6-12), both days. Children age 5 and younger are admitted free.

Published February 1, 2017

Exhibit features North Tampa Arts League

By

Works done by nearly two dozen members of the North Tampa Arts League will be on display in February at Bug’s Splatter Gallery in Zephyrhills.

This acrylic on canvas, ‘Cruising the Channel,’ is by artist Joan Garcia.
(Image courtesy of Fran Byers)

The exhibit will showcase 57 works. It opens with a free reception Feb. 4, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., and the display will remain up through Feb. 24.

Fran Byers, owners of Bug’s Splatter Gallery, is pleased to be presenting the exhibit.

Besides running the gallery, she’s also a member of the arts league and is impressed by the caliber of the work its members do.

“I love these artists. There are some fabulous artists in that organization. I’m so pleased that they want to be here,” said Byers, who joined the arts league last fall.

The exhibit will cover the gallery’s walls, but Byers said her gallery also has other items, such as pottery, stained glass and jewelry.

Bug’s Splatter Gallery is at 5716 Sixth St., in Zephyrhills. It is open Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Byers, who is relatively new to the area, said she was impressed by the North Tampa Arts League from the very beginning.

She joined the group after attending one meeting. The annual dues are $35, which she described as “crazy cheap.”

The North Tampa Arts League dates back to June of 2005.

This watercolor and colored pencil, ‘Morning Vigil,’ is by artist Fran Byers.

It began when a call went out, inviting artists to gather at the New Tampa Regional Library. More than 30 people responded, leading to the league’s creation. The organization now has more than 50 members.

Byers, who opened her gallery last summer, said its mission is “to show local artists and make art available to everyone, at a reasonable price.”

Items at her gallery range from as low as $5 to around $1,500, she said.

An artist herself, Byers works in watercolor and pencil.

“It’s wonderful to create something and then have somebody appreciate it,” said Byers, who especially enjoys painting food, and items which depict texture and age.

For instance, she’d rather paint a portrait of an old woman, whose skin has a story to tell, than to create an image of an infant, whose story is not yet known, she said.

Featured pieces in the February exhibit will include works by Hernie Vann, Joan Garcia and Dorothy Bankers.

For information about the exhibit, contact Byers at (813) 355-4806 or .

For more information about the arts league, visit NorthTampa-arts.com.

North Tampa Arts League show
Where: Bug’s Splatter Gallery, 5716 Sixth St., Zephyrhills
When: Feb. 4 through Feb. 24. Opening reception is Feb. 4 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Normal gallery hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Cost: Free admission
Details: Twenty-two artists will be exhibiting a total of 57 pieces of art. All works will be for sale through the gallery. The reception will include wine and finger foods.
Info: Call Fran Byers, (813) 355-4806, or email .

Published February 1, 2017

Love — in its many forms — is concert’s theme

By

Veterans and active service members will be honored at an upcoming concert, that centers on the theme of love, at the University of South Florida.

The Love Concert, which is scheduled for Feb. 3 at 7:30 p.m., will feature the Touch iPad Band, which uses iPads to make music. The band dates back to 2011.

This band, which calls itself Touch, uses iPads to make music. They’ll be featured in a concert at the University of South Florida on Feb. 3. From left are: George Pennington, Jonathan Kladder, David Williams, Jeff Temple and Clint Randles.
(Courtesy of David Williams)

Music at this concert will feature collaborations between Touch and the university’s dance, theater and visual arts to portray stories told by local military veterans, according to David Williams, who is a USF school of music faculty member, as well as a member of Touch.

Other members of Touch are Clint Randles, another USF school of music faculty member, and USF music education students Jonathan Kladder, Jeff Temple and George Pennington.

They will be joined by New York-based singer/songwriter Kat Reinhart; USF alum and Hillsborough County music teacher Nathaniel Strawbridge, students and faculty of USF’s schools of theater and dance; art and art history; and, the singers from the school of music’s A cappella singers, Tones of Gold.

The event will benefit a local organization that helps disadvantaged veterans.

The event will take place at the USF School of Music Concert Hall, 3755 USF Holly Drive.

General admission is $15; students and seniors are $10; and veterans and active members of the military are $5. Tickets are available at the Arts Box Office, (813) 974-2323 and at the door 90 minutes before show time.

Published February 1, 2017

Kumquat Festival likely to attract thousands

By

In the beginning, there was the kumquat.

It’s a tiny fruit, with a slightly sweet and tangy, tangy taste.

And, it’s the centerpiece of an annual tradition that often introduces visitors to Dade City’s Old-Florida charm.

The Kumquat Festival in Dade City is an event that pays homage to what promoters call ‘the little gold gem’ of the citrus industry.
(File)

The festival that pays homage to the diminutive orange fruit began two decades ago, when Phyllis Smith, Roxanne Barthle and Carlene Ellberg were looking for a way to help inject new life into downtown Dade City. They put their heads together and decided to have a festival to honor the kumquat.

The inaugural festival was on the lawn of the historic Pasco County Courthouse. It included a few vendors, some food and some kumquat growers, from nearby St. Joseph, the Kumquat Capital of the World.

Described as the “little gold gem of the citrus industry” by kumquat promoters, the fruit can be found in virtually every form at the annual festival.

While the exact offerings change from year to year, there’s typically kumquat cookies and kumquat smoothies. Kumquat marmalade and kumquat salsa. Kumquat pie and kumquat all kinds of other stuff.

This year, more than 425 vendors and 40 sponsors are taking part in the festival organized by The Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce, said John Moors, the chamber’s executive director.

The festival is slated for Jan. 28, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Whether it’s kumquat marmalade, kumquat salsa or kumquat wine, chances are you’ll be able to find it in downtown Dade City, during the community’s annual Kumquat Festival.

If you’ve been there before, you’ll know the basics. Admission is free. Parking is free. Entertainment is free. And, there are two satellite parking lots, with free shuttles, Moors said.

But, even if you’ve been there before, the experience won’t be the same, Moors said. There are always new vendors joining the lineup, and every year organizers aim to make the experience better than it was was before, he said.

Besides food trucks and other food vendors, local restaurants are open, too.

There is live entertainment, an antique car and truck show, a quilt challenge, arts and crafts, a health and wellness area, a farmer’s market, and activities for the kids.

There’s also plenty of shopping, with offerings from festival vendors and at local stores.

Those who would enjoy learning more about kumquats are welcome to attend grove and packing house tours offered by the Kumquat Growers on Jan. 26 and Jan. 27.

For times and more information, visit KumquatGrowers.com.

For more information about the festival, call the chamber office at (352) 567-3769.

Kumquat Festival
Where: Dade City’s historic downtown core
When: Jan. 28, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
How much: Admission and parking are free
Details: Live entertainment, food vendors, arts and crafts, car and truck show, children’s activities, fine arts, health and wellness area, quilt challenge, kumquat pie and products.
For more information, visit KumquatFestival.org or DadeCityChamber.org, or call The Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce at (352) 567-3769.

Published January 25, 2017

Education a key theme for upcoming session

By

Education was a recurring theme among speakers at a recent meeting held by the Pasco County Legislative Delegation before this year’s annual session.

Local citizens and civic leaders voiced their concerns on this hot-button issue during a Jan. 18 gathering at Sunlake High School, with six local representatives to the state Legislature.

Dozens of interest groups and local government leaders also talked to legislators about their priorities for the legislative delegation.

The Pasco County Legislative Delegation had a pre-legislative session on Jan. 18 at Sunlake High School. From left, on the dais, are Richard Corcoran, incoming Speaker of the House for the Florida House of Representatives, and State Reps. Tom Ley, Danny Burgess, State Sen. Wilton Simpson, State Rep. Amber Mariano, and State Sen. Jack Latvala.
(Kevin Weiss)

Rising school enrollment and additional education funding were just two topics raised during the four-hour meeting with State Sens. Wilton Simpson and Jack Latvala, incoming Speaker of the House Richard Corcoran, and State Reps. Tom Ley, Danny Burgess and Amber Mariano.

Spencer Pylant, speaking on behalf of Superintendent Kurt Browning for the Pasco County School District, talked to the delegates about concerns increasing school enrollments and the lack of funding to provide adequate school capacity.

“It’s fitting the delegation is meeting at this school, because it rests in one of the highest-growing segments of Pasco County,” Pylant said.

“After opening 10 years ago, it is at 114 percent capacity; this additional growth demands additional capacity,” he said.

Pylant said 1,707 new students chose Pasco schools in the 2016-2017 school year.

That’s only a preview of things to come, he added.

“We expect approximately 20,000 new students in 10 years, based on our projections,” he said.

School board members and district officials are concerned that current funding sources cannot match the growing demand.

He presented two suggestions:

  • Restore the authority of the school boards to levy—by simple majority vote — up to 2.0 mills for capital purposes.
  • Provide Public Education Capital Outlay (PECO) funding for school construction.

“A balanced capital funding stream is necessary to provide a proper learning environment for our students and families,” Pylant said.

He also suggested some other changes:

  • More flexibility regarding assessments
  • Elimination of End-of-Course exams not required for graduation
  • Authorization of the use of a nationally recognized assessment (ACT or SAT)
  • Letting school districts decide when to administer personnel evaluations

“These recommendations reduce quantity and increase the quality of student assessments, while ensuring simple, meaningful accountability,” he said.

Later on, Kenny Blankenship, president of the United School Employees of Pasco, pleaded with delegates to improve public schools by providing “additional funding” and “more support for teachers” in the county.

Education was a recurring topic during the four-hour delegation, which featured several hundred attendees. ‘I think this is one of the best turnouts we’ve ever had at a delegation meeting,’ said State Rep. Danny Burgess.

Blankenship, a 20-year teaching veteran, endorsed “much-needed” school health centers, small class sizes and “adequate compensation” for teachers.

“We need your help to work with us to improve our public schools, because public education benefits everyone,” Blankenship said.

Jessica Hooper, representing Project Lead The Way, advocated for mandatory computer science education in schools, suggesting, “kids will be more prepared for the 21st century workplace.”

Improvement is needed in this arena, Hooper said. “Unfortunately, there are not enough offerings. You would think that Florida — being the hub of computer science technology employers — would need more (offerings) in this area in the education space.”

Pasco-Hernando State College President Timothy Beard also asked state legislators to increase funding for facilities.

Specifically, he requested $2.5 million in PECO funding for the West campus in New Port Richey.

He also asked for $10 million for an education performance arts center, which would be built on the campus of Cypress Creek Middle/High School.

Saint Leo University representatives lobbied for continued funding of Bright Futures scholarships, along with the Florida Resident Access Grant (FRAG), which provides tuition assistance to Florida undergraduate students attending an eligible private, nonprofit Florida college or university.

The Florida Legislature kicks off the 2017 session on March 7.

Published January 25, 2017