The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Local News

A new fire station is coming to New Tampa

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Residents of New Tampa will get a new fire station in 2017, amid a boom in development and population growth.

Other proposed capital improvement projects include upgrading playground equipment at New Tampa Recreation Center and installing CCTV cameras along Cross Creek Boulevard to help regulate traffic signals and ease congestion.

“The growth here has been tremendous,” said Tampa City Councilwoman Lisa Montelione. “Having the fire station will bring comfort to a lot of people that they will have a rescue unit nearby.”

The city paid about $1.3 million in 2008 for 2.2 acres of land at County Line Road and Trout Creek Drive anticipating construction on Fire Station No. 23.

But, budget cutbacks during the recession delayed several construction projects citywide.

The station, at 20777 Trout Creek Drive, will cost about $4.7 million. A construction schedule is not yet available.

Another proposed fire station for New Tampa isn’t included in the 2017 budget, but does have design funds for 2019.

Fire Station No. 24 in the K-Bar Ranch area, off Morris Bridge Road, will be built “as growth continues to occur,” according to Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn, who presented a nearly $906 million budget to the Tampa City Council in July.

Council members approved the budget on Sept. 21. The fiscal year begins Oct. 1.

About 2 acres within a proposed 54-acre park in the K-Bar Ranch development are planned for Fire Station No. 24.

Montelione worked with M/I Homes, and Hillsborough County’s parks and recreation department, to secure the land.

A mix-up between Pasco and Hillsborough County dispatchers about a 911 call in 2015 drew attention to the need for a station serving New Tampa’s K-Bar Ranch area.

Hillsborough will develop the park, while the City of Tampa will build the fire station, Montelione said.

Upgrades to playground equipment at New Tampa’s recreation complex also won approval in the final budget. However, area residents still are waiting for an expansion of the existing gymnasium, which has earned a reputation for its high quality, competitive gymnastics program.

At least twice in the past five years, funds were withheld, including last year. “I was very upset,” said Montelione.

Instead, the budget re-routed capital improvement dollars to other projects, such as the recently completed restoration of the historical Cuscaden swimming pool in V.M. Ybor.

Another disappointment this year was lack of funding for New Tampa Nature Park, off Donna Michelle Parkway. More than five years ago, the park’s design included water fountains, restrooms and shaded hospitality areas.

“There’s no funds to service this park,” said Montelione during a public hearing on the budget. “It’s not even on anybody’s radar.”

Montelione lobbied for the park, as well as additional funds overall for Tampa Fire Rescue for equipment and training.

Published September 28, 2016

From waterfront views to whimsy, Dunedin has it all

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If you’re looking to get away for a little shopping, eating, sightseeing or exercising, you may find everything you’re seeking in the quaint town of Dunedin.

Dunedin is such a friendly place for dogs, some people call it ‘Dogedin.’ (B.C. Manion/Staff Photos)
Dunedin is such a friendly place for dogs, some people call it ‘Dogedin.’
(B.C. Manion/Staff Photos)

Dunedin — which is pronounced Done-ee-din — is home to Honeymoon Island, Florida’s No. 1 state park, with its white powder beaches on the Gulf of Mexico.

The town is also conveniently situated for cycling enthusiasts, as The Pinellas Trail, a 37-mile recreational path runs straight through Dunedin’s downtown district.

Other visitors may enjoy a leisurely stroll along Main Street. They can check out quaint shops, linger over a cup of coffee or a glass of wine, or indulge in sweets from the candy store or ice cream shop.

Perhaps they would prefer to visit a museum, enjoy fine dining or watch live entertainment — all are options within easy reach in Dunedin.

There’s also plenty to see.

With its quaint shops and varied restaurants, there’s plenty to explore and enjoy in Dunedin’s downtown district.
With its quaint shops and varied restaurants, there’s plenty to explore and enjoy in Dunedin’s downtown district.

There’s a waterfront marina, a war memorial and public art, among other things.

Be sure to look up, too. If you don’t, you may miss the whimsical characters climbing up the side of a candy shop wall. Or, the giant metal rooster perched on an awning. Or, the decorative star-spangled banner arched over a street that delivers the message: “Defending Freedom,” and then adds in two smaller, attached signs: “Honoring U.S. Military.”

There’s also a mural titled “Dogedin,” that pays homage to man’s best friend, and a kitschy sign offering a warm welcome to Dunedin.

If you’re a fan of those who serve, or have served, in the military, law enforcement or as first responders, you’ll want to plan a visit to the National Armed Services & Law Enforcement Memorial Museum, at 500 Douglas Ave.

If you like looking at boats and the water, you’ll likely enjoy stopping by the Dunedin Marina.
If you like looking at boats and the water, you’ll likely enjoy stopping by the Dunedin Marina.

Patrons have a chance to see thousands of items on display.

There’s everything from military sabers dating back to the American Civil War, to a sword once owned by the author of “Taps,” to a Japanese war flag and a replica of the death mask of John Dillinger.

There’s a tribute to those who lost their lives in the Sept. 11 attacks; a replica of “Ol’ Sparky” (Florida’s electric chair); and, a jail cell used in the television show, “Miami Vice.”

There’s free parking available at numerous lots around the downtown district.

There are several special events planned throughout the year, too. For more information about Dunedin and upcoming activities, visit Dunedin-Fl.com.

Published September 28, 2016

Gearing up for National Seafood Month

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October is National Seafood Month, so it’s a great time to get ready to celebrate the nutritional benefits of seafood and smart seafood choices.

ShrimpFor one thing, seafood is lower in calories than other protein sources, that is, if you don’t bread/fry and smother it in garlic butter.

The fattier fish species have a stronger flavor and more of the healthy Omega 3 oils. My advice: Just enjoy a variety of seafood at least twice a week to stay healthy.

Almost anything goes on a Florida restaurant menu, especially when it comes to seafood.  You will find a wide variety of choices from A to Z (amberjack to vermilion snapper). Here are some of my personal favorites.

Four common Florida finfish
As a “Florida native,” I learned to fish at an early age and appreciate my fresh “catch of the day.” I would consider catfish truly the ultimate Southern favorite fish, but mullet is another, which is often served smoked. Red snapper is considered mild-flavored and has a pinkish tint.  It can be fried, blackened or broiled. Although I must admit, grouper is my all-time favorite. It has such a mild flavor and is so versatile. It is great served blackened, broiled or chargrilled as an entrée. A fried grouper sandwich for lunch was my mother’s favorite, and now mine; but, broiled/blackened – it is hard to beat that.

Fresh Florida shellfish
Living on or near the Gulf Coast offers many opportunities to go out and harvest fresh shellfish yourself – it will never taste better. Blue crabs are easily caught in traps bated with chicken parts, and are cooked and served in both hard-shell and more common soft-shell state. There are hatcheries for littleneck clams in Cedar Key and Boca Grande, and if you haven’t been to Cedar Key, be sure to put that on your To Do list. It is definitely worth the trip for a hot bowl of their famous clam chowder.

The summer months are prime time for scallops – I count on my brother to keep me supplied. It is actually the muscle between the two shells that we eat, and enjoy the sweet and succulent meat. Scallops often are served fried, grilled, broiled, and in soups or on salads.

Shrimp is definitely a Florida favorite and they come in many sizes and colors; even Rock Shrimp that resemble tiny, spiny lobsters in looks and taste are uniquely delicious.

Spiny Lobster (our Florida lobster) is smaller than one from Maine, but still delectably divine, and can be cooked and served the same way – a great excuse to visit the Keys!

Get ready for Stone crab claws that are available from October to May.  They can be served hot or cold with lemon butter, mustard or cocktail sauce – all delicious!

Betsy Crisp is an Extension Family & Consumer Sciences agent and a licensed dietitian for the University of Florida/IFAS. She is based in Pasco County and can be reached at .

Here is a sensational seafood recipe from my days as a seafood nutritionist working for the Florida Department of Natural Resources, when I did recipe testing and marketing/promoting Florida seafood in the state of Florida, as well as out in the Midwest:

Creamy Seafood Medley
Ingredients:

1 pound each: fresh bay scallops and shrimp (you could also add crab, but keep to 2 pounds total seafood)

½ cup onion, chopped

¼ cup (½ stick) butter or margarine

2 cans (10 ¾ ounce) condensed cream of shrimp soup

1 cup light cream or milk

Topping:
1/3 cup whole wheat bread crumbs

2 Tablespoons butter or margarine, melted

Instructions:
In a skillet, cook onion until tender, and lightly brown scallops in butter, set aside.

In a saucepan, steam shrimp until opaque, drain.

Add to scallops and onions to saucepan.

Add soup and cream to saucepan, stir well.

Cook just a few minutes to blend flavors and heat to serving temperature (190°F to 200°F – do not allow to boil).

Spoon mixture into six, lightly buttered ramekins.

In another small bowl add melted butter and breadcrumbs, mix well and divide mixture evenly on top of each ramekin.

Broil until topping is lightly browned.

Serve and enjoy.

Makes 6 servings.

Published September 28, 2016

Spooky Tails: All treats, no tricks for K-9s

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Gail Cooper loves dogs.

She is quick to share photos of her favorite four-legged members of the family.

More than 10 years ago, her doggie love and a photo swap session with a friend produced a spur-of-the-moment idea for a Halloween party for dogs.

Spooky Tails is an annual Halloween party and pet costume contest to benefit Pasco County Sheriff’s K-9 unit, especially its retired dogs. (Courtesy of Parwick Kennels)
Spooky Tails is an annual Halloween party and pet costume contest to benefit Pasco County Sheriff’s K-9 unit, especially its retired dogs.
(Courtesy of Parwick Kennels)

Cooper quickly gave the party – dubbed Spooky Tails – a community purpose. She made the event a fundraiser for the Pasco County Sheriff’s K-9 unit.

The 10th annual Spooky Tails will take place Oct. 8 at Cooper’s Parwick Kennels at 22129 Carson Drive in Land O’ Lakes. Co-sponsor of the Halloween party and pet costume contest is Benedetto’s Ristorante Italiano.

From noon to 4 p.m., the public is invited to enjoy an afternoon of food, music, games and prizes.

“It’s a good family event,” Cooper said.

Parking is available across the street from Parwick Kennels. Golf carts will ferry individuals, families and their dogs to the party site.

Texas Roadhouse and Uptown Pizza are the food vendors. Other vendors will have displays and booths, with dog and pet items for sale.

Participating businesses and community agencies include Busy Bee Crafts, Lutz Animal Hospital, The Spring of Tampa Bay, Ierna’s Heating and Cooling, and Pet City.

Past events have collected money to buy a Bite Suit to help train K-9 dogs or other training equipment. This year, donations will go toward the retirement fund which helps to pay for medical care for the dogs. The event also will honor the memories of K-9 Sam, K-9 Pete and K-9 Bud.

Texas Roadhouse and Benedetto’s also are hosting special events where people can meet a retired K-9.

On Sept. 28, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., the K-9 will be at Texas Roadhouse at 26409 Silver Maple Parkway in Wesley Chapel. On Sept. 29, at the same hours, a K-9 will be at Benedetto’s, at 21529 Village Lakes Shopping Center, off State Road 54.

The number of dog retirees is increasing each year, and so is the need to provide financial support for these dogs, said Cooper.

Many of the vendors are dedicated, repeat supporters of Spooky Tails. There have been instances where a vendor changed a vacation day to be sure and make the party, Cooper said.

“It’s a community event where everybody steps forward and helps.”

Entry fees for the costume contest are $10 per animal or $20 for three animals. All pets in the contest or attending the event must be on a leash.

Display booths for Spooky Tails are still available, and more sponsors are needed.

For information, call Cooper at (813) 480-0811.

Published September 28, 2016

 

Zephyrhills’ police have a hairy, happy situation

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People of Zephyrhills: Do not adjust your eyewear. You can believe your eyes. The facial hair you’ve noticed on your policemen is not an illusion or a sign it’s time to change your prescription.

In a scheme to raise a treasury for an awards banquet in January, the department has altered its position against hirsute cops, meaning, at least through the end of the year, you’re going to be seeing more than a few beards on the boys in blue.

And Officer Caleb Rice, for one, couldn’t be happier.

These members of the Zephyrhills Police Force are growing whiskers for a good cause. They are, from left, Capt. Derek Brewer, Sgt. Nathan Gardner and Officer Caleb Rice. They are standing outside of the Zephyrhills Police Department Headquarters. (Tom Jackson/Photo)
These members of the Zephyrhills Police Force are growing whiskers for a good cause. They are, from left, Capt. Derek Brewer, Sgt. Nathan Gardner and Officer Caleb Rice. They are standing outside of the Zephyrhills Police Department Headquarters.
(Tom Jackson/Photo)

Mere weeks ago you wouldn’t have guessed, but thickly thatched faces have been part of Rice’s family tradition for, literally, as long as he can remember.

“I have never seen my father’s face,” Rice says, flipping through smartphone photos until he arrives at the image of a proud man sporting a beard the color of a bronze statue, cooing into a baby’s smiling mug.

“That’s my dad,” he points, “and that’s me.” The picture is nearly 35 years old.

Then, another photo, a recent family portrait. All the men, save one, boast beards worthy of Vikings. Which is appropriate. His mom descends from Norwegians, and there’s a rumor about a family connection to Erik the Red.

“We can’t nail it down,” Rice says, a little forlornly, “so I don’t claim it.”

Now, about the bare-cheeked one: That’s Caleb looking alarmingly like Steven Furst’s sweet-faced “Flounder” from “Animal House.” Small wonder Rice readily concedes, “When I don’t have a beard, personally, I feel like I’m less” — he pauses, getting his mind around the confession — “manly.”

Let’s get this much straight. Aside from soft, beguiling features that promise to age well, there is nothing anyone would consider unmanly about Caleb Rice. Pushing 6 feet 3, he’s built like an offensive tackle: square-shouldered and sturdy, with a low center of gravity. He’s no pushover.

For the first 10 years of his working life, Rice was a truck driver, a profession famously lax regarding codes of appearance. When he became a Zephyrhills policeman about four years ago, however, the beard had to go.

“Maybe I’m old school; maybe it’s the way I came up,” says the town’s Dickensian-named — for the purposes of this story, anyway — police chief, David Shears. “I just never thought it was a good idea for policemen to have beards. It was part of the image. We were a clean-cut profession, and we ought to look that way.”

In his day, he says, if a patrolman showed up with so much as an overnight stubble, his sergeant would shove a Bic disposable in his hand and point him toward the locker room.

But, with an end-of-the-year banquet to fund, Shears was persuaded by a couple of entrepreneurial subordinates to give bristles a chance.

Here’s how the plan, cobbled together by Capt. Derek Brewer and Sgt. Nathan Gardner at the urging of patrol officers, works:

In exchange for $10 a month, Zephyrhills police are allowed to grow and keep modest, well-tended beards, no longer than 3/8ths of an inch in length. Civilian staff, who are not facial-hair restricted, can buy a full week of wearing jeans each month for that same $10.

Because in his family the beard makes the man, the day the fundraiser policy became official, Rice dropped $40 on his sergeant’s desk, announcing himself good to go through New Year’s Day.

In all, about two-thirds of the sworn staff is participating, including all the overnight shift — which somehow seems appropriate — as well as Brewer, a first-time beard grower.

“There have been times on vacation when I didn’t shave for a couple of weeks,” he explains, “but, that’s just ‘not shaving.’ It’s not the same as actually growing a beard.” Every man knows the truth of that.

At home, the reviews are mixed. While his wife loves it, he says his 9-year-old daughter “looks at me sideways.” Explaining the situation, and also that Mommy has blessed his dashing new look, the following exchange occurred:

Daughter: “Do you always do what Mommy likes?”

Dad: “I always try to.”

Daughter: “You’re going to regret that someday.”

Gardner, who, as a sergeant directly responsible for his troops, played the linchpin role of guaranteeing order despite this break from tradition, personifies irony. His cheeks sprout only fuzz.
“The only beard I can grow is a neck beard,” he says, “and nobody wants that.” So Gardner, 32, shaves and donates, donates and shaves, because, “It’s been great for morale.”

Heaven knows cops patrolling beats, even in little, relatively peaceful towns like Zephyrhills, can use some spiritual pick-me-up. Truth be told, Gardner says, interactions with Pasco County Sheriff’s deputies during the early weeks of beard-growing season have produced clucks of envy.

“I expect,” says mustachioed Sgt. Billy Adams, a Dennis Quaid double who plans to keep applying the blade until hunting season, “our recruitment pool numbers will skyrocket.”

Rice, for one, couldn’t be more pleased.

While readily declaring, “I’ve never loved doing anything more than I love this job,” Rice concedes giving up the beard he’d had since he was 15 was “a sacrifice.”

With his face once more ear-to-ear whiskers, he says, “When my three-day weekend is over, I say, ‘I’m ready. Let’s go.’ ”

This sort of happy talk is a rhapsody to those who endured and survived the department’s dark days in 2014 — well before the nation’s current unrest over policing began — and ended only after Shears and City Manager Steve Spina tackled the department’s shortcomings exposed by an external review.

And Shears, who’s still getting accustomed to the idea of patrolmen looking a little like Serpico-meets-Hans Gruber, concedes that cops wearing beards helps achieve one key law enforcement goal. “It makes us look more like the people we interact with,” Shears says. “It makes us look more like individuals, like people.”

See that? Everybody wins.

Tom Jackson, a resident of New Tampa, is interested in your ideas. To reach him, email .

Published September 28, 2016

Volunteer firefighter up for national award

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Stephanie Sorenson always had a desire to become a firefighter.

But, she was initially hesitant to join the force.

Being a female, the Wesley Chapel resident was unsure how she would be accepted within the Pasco County Fire Rescue fraternity. She, too, was unaware of how to become a volunteer firefighter— until she attended a fire safety event at The Shops at Wiregrass more than four years ago.

“Ever since then,” Sorenson said, “I’ve always enjoyed doing it, and haven’t stopped.”

The 40-year-old woman is assigned to Volunteer Fire Station 28, at 21709 Hale Road in Land O’ Lakes.

Typically, she undergoes Wednesday night fire training sessions, and often picks up weekend shifts, as her schedule permits.

Volunteering, she said, gives her the sense of what its like to be a career firefighter.

“My favorite thing to do is do a 24-hour shift at the career (fire) stations,” she explained. “I like going into the career stations because I feel like I can be of more help, especially the busy stations that get medical calls all the time. I like to be able to go to a busy station, and ride on the ambulance and help out in that way.”

Also a full-time ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) teacher at Clark Elementary in New Tampa, Sorenson balances her volunteer firefighter schedule with her primary responsibilities as a teacher and a mother.

Stephanie Sorenson is one of five finalists for volunteers ‘who represent the best of the fire service,’ in nationwide campaign. (Courtesy of Pasco County Fire)
Stephanie Sorenson is one of five finalists for volunteers ‘who represent the best of the fire service,’ in nationwide campaign.
(Courtesy of Pasco County Fire)

Sorenson recently competed in “Step Up and Stand Out,” a national campaign sponsored by Kidde —  a leading manufacturer of residential fire safety product— to increase awareness of the ongoing need for volunteer firefighters.  The national contest was launched on Feb. 11 to recognize volunteers who have “gone above and beyond in their community.”

She is one of five finalists selected from video nominations for volunteers “who represent the best of the fire service.”

The winner of the contest — which continues through Sept. 23 — will receive a $1,000 training grant for their fire department, plus additional prizes – including a free trip for two to Nashville, Tennessee.

Pasco County Volunteer Services Chief Walter Lewellen nominated Sorenson for the nationwide campaign after observing her dedication as a volunteer.

“She has strong interest in the fire service,” Lewellen said about Sorenson. “She has a positive attitude, and she’s very creative in coming up with things that we can do to provide a valuable service to the community.

“When something’s going on, she’s always one of the first persons to try to be involved.”

Lewellen, too, was moved by two life-altering events in Sorenson’s life.

The first was a major house fire caused by an electrical shortage when Sorenson was a middle-schooler in Pinellas County.

“The toaster was plugged in, and it just shorted out and it caught on fire,” Sorenson said about her family’s Seminole home.

Luckily, she said, her family was at church at the time: “No one was hurt.”

But, smoke damage destroyed all of her family’s belongings.

“With the house fire, it just made me very concerned about leaving things plugged in,” she explained.

“We always made sure before we left the house that everything was unplugged, and sometimes my family — because of the anxiety of losing all your belongings and not having a home to live in — we double check things and sometimes triple check.”

The other tragic event occurred later in life —on Sorenson’s high school prom night — when her stepfather was in a horrific car accident.

While driving to the dance, she witnessed firefighters pull him from the wreckage, saving his life through the use of hydraulic rescue tools.

“They had to use the ‘Jaws of Life’ to remove the (car) roof,” said Sorenson.

The two tragic events caused Sorenson to have “an anxiety to the siren,” until she began her volunteer training — overcoming her fear.

“Training gave me confidence,” she said. “It didn’t matter if I was a female or not, I could do it, too, just like the guys.”

She added: “I love being a firefighter — not only the 24-hour shifts— but I love the continual training that we do, learning and working as a team to help other people.”

Chief Lewellen, who spent 29 years working with Tampa Fire Rescue, said volunteer firefighters provide an invaluable service.

“The volunteer stations tend to be in areas that don’t have as much coverage as other areas so, when they’re in service, it provides a first response unit and a couple of extra hands,” Lewellen said.

That includes cases like last month’s electrical fire at Bayonet Point Medical Center in Hudson, where 209 patients needed to be evacuated.

“I had approximately 30 volunteers over there, and that made a tremendous difference,” said Lewellen. “They helped people get loaded up and transported out of there, and they also set up a rehab area.”

Out of Pasco’s 590 fire rescue personnel, about 120 are volunteers.

The volunteers come from all different backgrounds and walks of life, Lewellen said.

“I have 18-year-old kids with nothing really going on yet, 70-year-old retirees and everything in between, so the volunteers that we have is a broad spectrum and very diverse,” he explained. “We do have an increasing number of female volunteers.”

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), about 87 percent of America’s 30,000 fire departments are either fully or partially staffed by volunteers.

But, the number of volunteer firefighters has steadily deceased over the past 30 years.

An NFPA report published earlier this year shows the number of volunteer firefighters per 1,000 people has been decreasing since 1986. The report — which collects its data through surveys of fire departments — analyzed the number of career or full-time paid firefighters and the number of volunteers from 1986 through 2014.

There were 788,250 volunteers in 2014 compared to 808,200 in 1986, the report shows.

If you would like to vote for Sorenson, visit Firehouse.com/VF. Votes will be accepted through Sept. 23.

Published September 21, 2016

School boundary committee meetings underway

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Pasco County Schools will be opening a new high school and middle school on the same campus next year, and will open a new elementary school, too.

As a result, existing school boundaries will need to be redrawn to assign students to the new schools.

It’s a process that tends to be controversial.

The boundary committee for High School GGG had its first meeting on Sept. 16.

Although initially planned as a high school only, High School GGG being built at 8701 Old Pasco Road will operate for sixth- through 11th-graders the first year. After that, it will serve sixth- through 12th-graders until the school district has the funds to build a middle school. (Photos courtesy of Pasco County Schools)
Although initially planned as a high school only, High School GGG being built at 8701 Old Pasco Road will operate for sixth- through 11th-graders the first year. After that, it will serve sixth- through 12th-graders until the school district has the funds to build a middle school.
(Photos courtesy of Pasco County Schools)

Its first goal was to develop a draft boundary for the combination high school and middle school campus, said Chris Williams, director of planning for Pasco County Schools.

During the committee meeting, two additional meetings were added to its schedule.

One gives the committee more time to work on its recommendations before they are presented at a community meeting for parents. The other meeting gives the committee an opportunity to recommend any potential changes after the parents’ meeting, but before the Pasco County School Board considers the boundary recommendations.

The role of a school boundary committee is to develop and recommend school attendance boundaries that best meet established guidelines, to provide advice and direction to the technical assistance subcommittee, to review and critique the work of the technical assistance subcommittee, and to represent students, parents, communities, schools and the district.

Boundary committee meetings are open to the public, but members of the public may attend only as observers.

High School GGG, being built at 8701 Old Pasco Road in Wesley Chapel, will open as a sixth- through 12th-grade school next August, but will only have grades six through 11 its initial year.

The district needs to relieve crowding at Wiregrass Ranch High and John Long Middle School, and cannot afford to build a middle school at this time.

Elementary School B, at 4380 Ballantrae Blvd., is under construction in Bexley Ranch. It will help reduce crowding at Oakstead and Odessa elementary schools when it opens in the 2017-2018 school year.
Elementary School B, at 4380 Ballantrae Blvd., is under construction in Bexley Ranch. It will help reduce crowding at Oakstead and Odessa elementary schools when it opens in the 2017-2018 school year.

Another school boundary committee, for Elementary School B, being built at 4380 Ballantrae Blvd., will begin meeting on Sept. 26. The new elementary school, set to open next fall, will reduce crowding at Oakstead and Odessa elementary school.

Both school boundary committees are expected to complete their work by Feb. 1, and the Pasco County School Board will make the final decisions relating to boundaries for the new school.

In addition to drawing new boundaries, the Pasco County School Board will be naming the new schools. They are soliciting suggestions from the public. Anyone who wishes to submit a name can send a suggestion and a brief explanation for each school name by Oct. 1. Type Elementary B or High School GGG in the subject line, and email to .

Also, to keep abreast of information being considered by school boundary committees, visit PascoSchools.org and click on the Rezoning link on the right-hand side.

Boundary meeting schedule, High School GGG

  • Committee meeting, Sept. 29, 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
  • Committee meeting, Oct. 20, 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
  • Parent meeting, Nov. 29, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
  • Committee meeting, Dec. 2, 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

All meetings will be at Wesley Chapel High School, 30651 Wells Road, Wesley Chapel

Boundary meeting schedule, Elementary B

  • Committee meeting, Sept. 26, 10:30 a.m.
  • Committee meeting, Oct. 13, 10:30 a.m.
  • Parent meeting, Nov. 1, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

All meetings are at Oakstead Elementary, 19925 Lake Patience Road in Land O’ Lakes. The committee meetings will be in the media center, and the parent meeting will be in the cafeteria.

Published September 21, 2016

Zephyrhills considers two City Hall options

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The Zephyrhills City Council is continuing to consider its options regarding a new City Hall.

Under one option, a new building would be erected at the existing City Hall site, 5335 Eighth St. Under the other, the SunTrust Bank building at at 5435 Gall Blvd., would be purchased and renovated.

Todd Vande Berg, city planning director, detailed the pros and cons of each option in a PowerPoint presentation during a special City Council meeting on Sept. 14.

This is the current City Hall building, at 5335 Eighth St.(File Photo)
This is the current City Hall building, at 5335 Eighth St.(File Photo)

The new City Hall building, at about 16,500 square feet, would cost about $7.7 million, while the purchase and renovation of the 44-year-old SunTrust Bank, which is about 21,500 square feet, would cost about $6.2 million, according to Vande Berg’s presentation.

Some challenged the accuracy of those projections.

City Manager Steve Spina reasoned that total costs between the two options would wind up being closer than the report shows.

“The new construction (estimates) for the new building is too high, and the renovation of the SunTrust building is too low,” Spina said. “We need to balance those out a little bit, because we’re not going to build at almost $400 per square foot, and I don’t think you can do the (SunTrust) at $180 per square foot.”

Further, he said, contractor quotes on the SunTrust building can’t be taken at face value, due to the distinctions in municipal building codes.

“We operate under different rules. We can’t accept those (contractor) quotes to fix the roof, or fix the air, or fix the elevator,” Spina explained. “We have to go out to bid and follow certain financial requirements. That always changes things.”

He continued: “There are procedures that we follow required by our own ordinances and state law that will make things cost more.”

City council members, too, voiced their concerns about the aesthetics and exterior of the SunTrust building, and the practicality of purchasing a 44-year-old building.

“It’s not really the most attractive building,” councilman Ken Burgess said.

Councilman Lance Smith concurred: “I’m not sure we want a City Hall that looks like a 40-year old building.”

Smith added that purchasing the SunTrust building, too, might be a “lost opportunity” for private businesses in Zephyrhills.

“I think about the Kmart building that is up the street (on Market Square) and then lo and behold, Florida Medical comes into that building. I don’t know if the government had bought that building that we’d have Florida Medical,” Smith explained. “That being said, I’m concerned about this (City Hall) site as well.”

Council vice president Alan Knight said, for him, “it’s all about the money” in making a decision on whether to proceed with erecting a new city hall, or purchasing the bank building.

Knight agreed with the city manager, saying he believes the cost estimates for both options are actually closer than what was presented, and said he is leaning toward designing a new city hall.

“I said from the beginning that if we couldn’t save at least $2 million, I don’t see it,” Knight said about the option to purchase the SunTrust building. “I would venture to say…that we’re looking at $300,000 to $500,000 in unknown.”

Another point brought up during the nearly 90-minute meeting concentrated on the amount of additional investigation that should be made into the SunTrust option. It’s estimated that an initial structural assessment of the building may cost $15,000 to $30,000.

“How far do we want to take this? How much money do we want to invest in looking into it?” said councilman Charles Proctor.

Proctor added the choice will be “really, really tough,” but, said he “doesn’t see a major savings” with the SunTrust option.

“To me, I would rather have a brand-new building, but on the same hand, I would never approve a new building at that ($375 per square-foot) rate.”

During a regularly scheduled council meeting on Aug. 22, Spina said he was “adamantly against” the city purchasing the SunTrust building. During that meeting, Spina noted the city — if they purchased the building — would also lose its tax rolls, which total about $15,000 per year.

A final decision on the City Hall is expected at the council’s next meeting, slated for Sept. 26.

Dialogue aside, the wheels have been in motion to construct a new city hall on the existing site.

On July 11, the council approved a $590,900 contract with the architecture firm Harvard Jolly, to help design a new city hall.

In 2013, Harvard Jolly was hired to help design the Zephyrhills Public Library. The firm later faced scrutiny over the project’s escalating costs.

The City Hall design agreement includes a clause that requires the firm to provide a maximum price for the project.

Spina addressing the council, said they will be involved in the building process “every step of the way.”

“The things that are going to be proposed…are not going to be exorbitant,” Spina said. “They’re going to be tasteful, and they’re going to be reasonable. They’re going to suit the community and suit our needs, and we’re not going to build a Taj Mahal.”

In other business, the council approved first reading ordinances setting the millage rate and budget for fiscal year 2016-2016. The nearly $68.7 million budget is based on a 6.35 millage rate.

Build on existing City Hall site
Land Size

  • 52,000 square feet, 1.19 acres

Building Size

  • 16,500 square feet (proposed)
  • Projected cost: $7.7 million, according to the workshop presentation

Purchase and renovate SunTrust building site
Land Size

  • 71, 800 square feet, 1.65 acres, plus additional outparcels owned by SunTrust

Building Size

  • 21,500 square feet (existing)
  • Projected cost: $6.2 million, according to the workshop presentation

Published September 21, 2016

Zephyrhills’ finances solid, audit shows

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An independent audit shows that Zephyrhills is in healthy financial shape.

The Zephyrhills City Council on Sept. 12 received and approved the audit of the city’s 2014-2015 financial statements, performed by Baggett, Reuitmann & Associates, and John E. Henson CPA.

The city’s assets exceeded its total liabilities by about $79.3 million, and the city’s total net position increased by 3.44 percent to about $2.6 million from 2014 to 2015, according to the financial report.

The 74-page audit also shows Zephyrhills’ ad valorem revenue increased for the first time in six years.

The city’s ad valorem revenue was about $3.6 million in 2015, an increase of more than $110,000 from 2014. But, the report notes that ad valorem taxes remain about 2.8 percent less than collected in fiscal year 2010 (about $3.7 million), the second year of the Great Recession.

The audit summarizes that “city administration took a conservative approach to balancing the 2016 fiscal year budget.”

During the council meeting, John Henson, a Zephyrhills-based accountant, said the city is in a “very good financial position.”

“I really thought there were going to be a lot of municipalities with a minus balance, but the City of Zephyrhills has taken very good care of itself,” Henson said.

Jeff Baggett, of Baggett, Reuitmann & Associates, added the city remained very financially stable from 2008 through 2015.

“It’s weathered the recession,” Baggett said about the city’s finances. “During the recession, a lot of governments had financial troubles. …(Zephyrhills) never even came close to that.”

Council president Kenneth Compton said the city’s encouraging financial footing “was a function of good leadership from the council, the mayor and the city manager.”

“We all stuck together,” he said.

City Manager Steve Spina concurred, saying the city’s financial situation was a “real team effort” among the city’s various department heads.

“They’ve been great partners in recognizing the differences between needs and wants,” Spina said.

“We met with them individually, and they all agreed to cut back where needed,” Spina added.

The audit does include a critique involving the city’s record-keeping of federal grants it has received.

The audit says “personnel overseeing the grants were unable to provide an accurate schedule of grants that…reconciled to the city’s underlying financial records.”

In the report, both accounting firms recommend the city to appoint a specific individual to oversee grants, and have the designated individual undergo specific training for Federal and State Single Audit Acts requirement.

As for other bookkeeping concerns, Henson said there was “nothing major.”

In other business, the council unanimously approved the Zephyrhills Community Redevelopment Agency’s $315,000 budget for fiscal year 2016-2017.

The redevelopment agency, known as the CRA, adopted budget for the 2015-2016 fiscal was about $465,000, but Gail Hamilton, CRA director, said about $100,000 will roll over to the 2016-2017 fiscal year.

Hamilton told the council she’s continually working on creating incentives to bring in new businesses to Zephyrhills through renovations of vacant building spaces, and by offering façade and signage grants programs.

The objective, she said, is to increase property values within the CRA district, a 520-acre defined area that essentially encompasses the center spine of the city, generally between Hercules Park to C Avenue, and from Zephyr Park to 17th Street.

“It looks like we’ve had a couple of pockets where property values rose this year,” she said, addressing the council.

“Hopefully, what the CRA is doing in cleaning up the neighborhoods and working with the businesses, and some of the things that are happening in the marketplace, the…valuations will rise,” Hamilton said.

Published September 21, 2016

Local civil air patrol soars to success

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Motorists zip down Interstate 75, at the edge of Tampa North Aero Park — oblivious to what goes on at the airport on a typical Wednesday evening.

That’s when members of the Wesley Chapel Civil Air Patrol Squadron gather to expand their aerospace knowledge; receive search and rescue training; and take part in cadet programs that emphasize drills, discipline and character building.

The Florida State flag catches a breeze and waves over the Wesley Chapel Cadet Squadron of the Civil Air Patrol’s color guard. (File Photo)
The Florida State flag catches a breeze and waves over the Wesley Chapel Cadet Squadron of the Civil Air Patrol’s color guard.
(File Photo)

The Wesley Chapel Civil Air Patrol Squadron, known as Wesley Chapel CAP for short, includes 43 cadets ranging from ages 12 to 21, and the 15 senior members who are 18 and older.

Most squadron members live in Wesley Chapel, but some live in other communities, including Land O’ Lakes, Spring Hill and Brooksville.

The squadron has earned some bragging rights.

Squadron Commander Daia Jung received the Squadron Commander of the Year Award for 2015. And, the squadron itself was named Squadron of the Year for the Florida Wing for 2015, and went on to be named Squadron of the Year for the Southeast Region. Those awards are in addition to scores of others the chapter has earned over the past several years.

Jung is the squadron’s third commander. She follows Steve Lampasona, who established the squadron, and his wife, Joyce, who became the chapter’s second commander.

“We’re a cadet program. Pretty much everything here is run and taught by cadets, with senior members being their guides,” Daia said.

Cadet Capt. Austen King is the squadron’s cadet commander.

There are essentially three components in the CAP, said Daia, who was introduced to the program by her husband, who oversees the emergency services program. He is a veteran of the first Gulf War and is 21-year veteran of the Tampa Fire Department.

The CAP’s focus is on leadership development, aerospace education and emergency services, including search and rescue missions, she said.

Many squadron members have an interest in aviation and aerospace, and some get their first taste of flying, too.

“We have two types of orientation flights. One is in powered aircraft and one is in glider,” Daia said.

Some members want to do more than ride in a plane. They want to take the controls.

Seventeen-year-old Cadet Commander King is one of those. He made his first solo flight on Aug. 28.

“It was exciting,” King said, and, it was always part of the plan. “That was a goal of mine, to learn how to fly. That was one of the reasons I joined,” he said.

King thinks there are some common misconceptions about CAP.

For one thing, he said, “Not everyone who goes in CAP has to go into the military.”

Some members are interested in cybersecurity or careers related to mathematics, science, robotics and other fields, he said.

For example, Daia’s child Nick, another squadron member, wants to become a herpetologist and to study reptiles.

At the same time, the 15-year-old is in the midst of pursuing a pilot’s license.

The Wesley Chapel Civil Air Patrol Squadron has garnered numerous awards during the past few years. Squadron Commander Daia Jung received the Squadron Commander of the Year Award for 2015. The squadron was named Squadron of the Year for the Florida Wing for 2015 and Squadron of the Year for the Southeast Region. (Courtesy of Wesley Chapel Civil Air Patrol Squadron)
The Wesley Chapel Civil Air Patrol Squadron has garnered numerous awards during the past few years. Squadron Commander Daia Jung received the Squadron Commander of the Year Award for 2015. The squadron was named Squadron of the Year for the Florida Wing for 2015 and Squadron of the Year for the Southeast Region.
(Courtesy of Wesley Chapel Civil Air Patrol Squadron)

“For the past two summers, I’ve attended national glider academy. I’m just about to get my pilot’s license. I have my learner’s license now. I’m really close to receiving my glider pilot’s license. I wouldn’t have ever been able to do that, if I had not joined this program,” the Wiregrass Ranch High School student said.

Belonging to CAP has provided a chance to meet people from all over the world and to develop leadership skills that have come in handy in Wiregrass Ranch’s marching band, Nick said.

Fourteen-year-old Christopher Cuozzo, a student at Land O’ Lakes High School, said he enjoys running through drills and developing the ability to move from one place to another, in an orderly fashion. The orientation flights are cool, too, he said.

Cadet Master Sgt. Cassie Ramer and her brother, Matthew, a tech sergeant, both enjoy being part of the squadron.

Cassie said she is shy by nature, but belonging to the group has helped her to break out of her shell.

“I like the way our squadron functions. The military bearing, the military standards, thing like that. I admire that,” she said. “I like being a part of color guard.”

She said she also enjoys serving in the color guard not so much for the personal attention it brings to her, but because it gives her a chance to bring honor to the squadron.

Her brother said he hopes to become an aerospace engineer and to design new aircraft.

The squadron commander said she welcomes new members.

“My door is open to anybody that wants to come in,” Daia said.

But, anyone who wants to join should take the commitment seriously, she said.

A potential member must attend three meetings and appear before a membership review board before being accepted as a squadron member. There’s also a meeting with their parents.

“We’re all volunteers here, so we want to make sure that it’s worth everybody’s time,” the squadron commander said.

Once in the program, members can pursue all sorts of opportunities.

Squadron members are involved in community events and take part in training programs available through CAP. Cadets also can compete for a slot in special CAP training activities that include powered flight academies, glider academies, hawk mountain ranger school and the National Blue Beret, an air show in Wisconsin.

The programming is geared for a wide range of ages.

“The 18-year-olds are not learning what the 12-year-olds are learning,” Daia said, and, in many cases, the older members are teaching the younger cadets.

“We try to make it fresh and interesting every week,” she said.

Membership is $45 for cadets and $67 for senior members, but it also has other costs, including those associated with uniforms and various activities.

No one is turned away because of financial need, Daia said. To help cover some expenses, the squadron holds an annual gift-wrapping fundraiser every year on Christmas Eve at The Shops at Wiregrass.

For more information
Want to learn more about the Wesley Chapel Civil Air Patrol Squadron? Email Squadron Commander Daia Jung at .
To learn more about CAP’s aerospace education programs, products, and other resources available to our members, go to CapMembers.com/ae. For information about joining as an aerospace education member (AEM) and to join online, go to CapMembers.com/joinaem.

Published September 21, 2016