Local News

Rezoning approved for 320 new homes

August 17, 2016 By Kathy Steele

Homes by WestBay plans to build up to 320 single-family homes on a large swath of wooded land off Henley Road in Lutz.

The Pasco County Commission approved a rezoning for the project on Aug. 9

The 175-acre site is east of Long Lake Ranch, a master-planned community off State Road 54.

The newly approved residential project includes extending a one-lane, dead-end stretch of Leonard Road, at its intersection with Henley, as a two-lane road into the proposed development.

Homes by WestBay wants to build 320 homes on land off Henley Road. A dead-end section of Leonard Road would be extended into the proposed housing development. (Kathy Steele/Staff Photo) — Homes by WestBay wants to build 320 homes on land off Henley Road. A dead-end section of Leonard Road would be extended into the proposed housing development.
(Kathy Steele/Staff Photo)

During construction, truck traffic is scheduled to cut through Long Lake via Sunlake Boulevard, Long Lake Boulevard and Breynia Drive. Initially, about 120 homes will be built.

Some Long Lake residents expressed concerns about the construction route.

Long Lake resident Bill Cullen said he doesn’t oppose the rezoning, but he provided documents with more 70 signatures calling for an alternate construction route.

“There are a lot of children in this community,” Cullen said.

Residents are frequently out walking to the swimming pool, along trails or to other amenities within Long Lake, he said.

Trucks also would have to maneuver through two roundabouts, another resident said.

By the end of the public hearing on the rezoning, a developer’s representative said Henley and Leonard roads could be added as future truck routes.

Leonard Road residents also voiced objections, based on concerns about traffic from the new subdivision and potential flooding.

Seeking to improve safety, residents have lobbied for years to get sidewalks built along the two-lane winding road, between U.S. 41 and State Road 54.

John Foster presented county commissioners with letters and emails from about 20 Leonard Road residents against the rezoning.

The proposed homes will be built at a higher level than existing homes, Foster said. “We will be the low-lying area in comparison to everywhere else. We don’t want to be flooded out.”

Leonard Road resident Charlie McBride said WestBay representatives had done “as best as they could” on the project. But he added, “I realize there ain’t no way I’m going to stop the traffic coming from Long Lake. There are going to be a lot of traffic problems.”

Developers anticipate providing five entrances for the new subdivision.

The extension of Leonard, a re-alignment of Henley and Leonard, and paving Henley from State Road 54 to Leonard will improve traffic flow, said land use attorney Andrea Zelman.

“Leonard Road, as an east/west road, was always part of (the county’s) highway vision plan,” Zelman said. “It provides some of the connectivity that Pasco is looking for, as well as an alternative route.”

Revised August 22, 2016

Medical marijuana is a need, some residents say

August 17, 2016 By Kathy Steele

Denise Houston is a cancer survivor who used cannabis to get through her debilitating radiation treatments.

She shared her story during an Aug. 9 Pasco County Commission meeting because she wanted commissioners to consider it, as they decide the future of medical marijuana within the county.

She was one of several speakers at the public hearing on a proposal to extend a ban on the growth, processing and dispensing of cannabis through the end of the year.

An existing ban is set to expire Sept. 2.

Cannabis is the basis for medical marijuana, which is legal in Florida in a low-level, non-euphoric form known as Charlotte’s web.

“It’s a life saver for some people,” Houston told commissioners. “I am one of those folks. I am a caregiver for one of those folks.”

Houston urged the board to not extend the ban and to instead open the door to medical marijuana in Pasco.

County commissioners won’t vote on the matter until a second public hearing scheduled Aug. 23 at 1:30 p.m., in New Port Richey.

County officials say the extended ban will allow more time to craft land use and zoning regulations.

One option would be to ban dispensaries. However, as a backup, commissioners also requested staff to write regulations restricting activities to industrial districts.

Complicating the matter is a Nov. 8 referendum when voters statewide will decide whether to allow stronger strains of medical marijuana and to expand the list of illnesses that can be treated with medical marijuana. Current law allows its use for cancer and seizure disorders.

Florida’s health department recently approved the first of six dispensaries qualified for permits. The first delivery of medical marijuana went to a man living in Hudson.

However, law enforcement and substance abuse counselors are wary of the expansion of medical marijuana.

Pasco County sheriff’s office has provided county commissioners with data on crime spikes in states, such as Colorado and California, which have approved either medical marijuana or its recreational use.

At the recent public hearing, representatives in the substance abuse prevention and treatment field spoke in favor of the moratorium.

Kent Runyon told commissioners of a visit to Seattle where he saw a billboard advertising a local marijuana farm. “It sounded like you’re going to a pumpkin farm picking pumpkins,” said Runyon, who is chief strategist and compliance officer at Novus Medical Detox Center in New Port Richey. “Is this the message we want for our youth and our children (that) it is something good, something embracing, something harmless?”

Still, the majority of speakers at the hearing urged commissioners to support medical marijuana as a health benefit and a potential source of tax revenue for the county.

Some farms in Pasco that are struggling could make money from growing cannabis, said Travis Moorehead. He also told commissioners he knew of people with prescription pill addictions, but marijuana “probably is one of the least dangerous things you could allow.”

Garyn Angel, chief executive officer of Angel Enterprises, described himself as a “world leader in the cannabis industry.” He invented a machine to extract nutrients from botanicals as a way to help a friend with Crohn’s disease, and now owns Magical Butter, a company that sells his invention.

Angel said he has partnered with university researchers to learn about cannabis and its health benefits. “It is one of the greatest anti-inflammatories we have,” he said. “Inflammation is at the root of most diseases, especially in the gut.”

He suggested to commissioners that Pasco could become a hub for the medical marijuana industry, benefiting patients and boosting the county’s economy.

“The dollars are coming,” he said. “It’s going to happen. Let’s embrace it …let’s be a flagship.”

But, money wasn’t the issue foremost for Pasco County Commissioner Mike Wells.

“This is personal to me. I have a friend now with stage three cancer,” he said. “The only thing that can help him is to smoke marijuana. The law says he can’t do that.”

Wells and Pasco County Chairwoman Kathryn Starkey requested a workshop so that they could learn more information from all sides of the issue.

“It’s just a subject I don’t know a lot about,” she said. “I’ve heard a lot of different compelling stories from both ends. It’s incumbent upon us to get more educated.”

A workshop likely will be scheduled in September.

Published August 17, 2016

Gluten-free café opens in Lutz

August 17, 2016 By Kevin Weiss

A unique, gluten-free café has sprung up in Lutz.

Café Liberty & Bistro, 17695 N. Dale Mabry Highway, opened its doors in April, replacing Hattie’s Café and Beanery.

Café Liberty & Bistro, 17695 N. Dale Mabry Highway, opened in April. The breakfast and lunch dine-in restaurant features an all-natural menu, where more than 75 percent of offerings can be prepared gluten-free. (Kevin Weiss/Staff Photo) — Café Liberty & Bistro, 17695 N. Dale Mabry Highway, opened in April. The breakfast and lunch dine-in restaurant features an all-natural menu, where more than 75 percent of offerings can be prepared gluten-free.
(Kevin Weiss/Staff Photo)

Owned by James and Marni Frank, the breakfast and lunch dine-in restaurant features an all-natural menu, where more than 75 percent of offerings can be prepared gluten-free.

The menu, and ingredients used, are a far cry from that of a typical breakfast and lunch spot.

Breads and produce are sourced locally, and coffee is roasted daily, in-house. Moreover, the café uses cage-free eggs and non-GMO, organic sunflower oil.

“We saw the need (for gluten-free) in the market that we were in,” Marni Frank said. “I travel in a circle with people that have a lot of allergies and autoimmune diseases, and I think it’s a healthier way of living.

“Even our kid’s menu is the same way — we use the same all-natural chicken, the same gluten-free flour, the same oil,” she said.

Café Liberty — who’s moniker and logo comes from the Statue of Liberty in New York City — is open Monday through Sunday from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Beginning Aug. 25, it will also be open for dinner on Wednesdays through Saturdays from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.

In addition to the restaurant’s full breakfast and lunch offerings, additional items like Crab Cake Benedict, will be available for the evening crowd.

“Instead of changing up the whole menu, we’ll add in like two or three specials,” Frank said, noting salmon, steak and pasta dishes will likely be offered throughout the week.

Though the restaurant has only been open for about four months, the menu has already been altered three times: “You learn what works and what doesn’t work,” Frank said.

Owner Marni Frank preps a salad made from all-natural, gluten-free ingredients. (Courtesy of Cafe Liberty & Bistro) — Owner Marni Frank preps a salad made from all-natural, gluten-free ingredients.
(Courtesy of Cafe Liberty & Bistro)

In addition to standard breakfast and lunch fare, Café Liberty’s menu features several distinct waffle options, including a so-called “Baffle,” where bacon is added into the waffle batter; various waffle sandwiches, including ham and swiss, and turkey and cheddar.

There’s also a “Fry Bar,” where restaurant-goers can choose from a variety of waffle fry options: truffle parmesan garlic, Triple B (bacon, blue cheese and balsamic glaze), sweet potato and Cajun.

“We’re trying to be a little different, with a flair,” Frank said.

From 1992 to 2001, the Franks operated a New York City-based office coffee service, called “Café Liberty Coffee.” After 9/11, they sold the business and relocated to Tampa, starting a similar office coffee service, which they sold in October 2015.

“The city had changed,” Frank said about leaving New York City. “You had armed guards at every bridge; we lived 35 miles away from the city, and it took two hours each way to get to work, minimum.”

From New York to Florida, Café Liberty’s owners have always placed an emphasis on philanthropy, Frank said.

Prior to selling their Florida-based office coffee service business, which spanned 10 counties, they were finalists for the Tampa Bay Business Journal’s Corporate Philanthropy Award.

They currently participate in several fundraisers and charities, such as The Arthritis Foundation, the American Breast Cancer Strides Against Cancer walk, and Metropolitan Ministries’ food and toy drives.

“I feel like being part of the community…is what it’s really about,” Frank said. “Why be in a community and not part of a community?”

“We enjoy talking to people, meeting people and being a part of people’s lives,” she added.

As another gesture of “giving back,” military veterans and first responders receive 10 percent discounts at the café.

“Really, our (focus) is family and community,” she said. “And because of that, it also dictates the products we’re providing.”

Café Liberty is approximately 3,000 square feet. It has 18 employees, including the Franks’ two daughters, Sabrina, 15, and Jessica, 19.

Breakfast and lunch menu items:
Breakfast sandwiches; twisted Benedicts and biscuits; various waffles; skillets, eggs and omelets; burgers and sandwiches; waffle fry bar; and, soups and salads.
Barista bar: in-house coffee blends roasted daily; espresso, cappuccinos, frappuccinos and lattes; blended smoothies, sorbets and milkshakes; bakery items including danishes, muffins and cookies

Published August 17, 2016

Pasco adopts fines for false alarms

August 17, 2016 By Kathy Steele

The Pasco County Commission has approved an ordinance aimed at reducing the number of false alarms in the county.

The measure requires residents and business owners to register their alarm systems with the Pasco County Sheriff’s office and, in some instances, to pay fines for false alarms.

Failure to register alarm systems and false alarms could result in fines ranging from $50 to $500, under the ordinance adopted by commissioners on Aug. 9.

The effort aims at significantly reducing the number of false alarms that waste deputies’ time.

Data from the sheriff’s office shows that about 80 percent of the 17,000 alarms that came in over a 12-month period turned out to be false alarms.

Commissioners unanimously approved the new regulations, but voiced concerns about how people will find out about the registration requirement.

Commissioners also amended the proposed ordinance to be sure that a warning is issued on the first false alarm involving an unregistered alarm system.

Initially, the ordinance had called for $100 fine, with no warning.

Those with registered systems would be given warnings for the first two false alarms and then would pay a $50 fine for the third false alarm.

Fines would escalate with each additional false alarm to a maximum of $500.

“We’re being as active as we can be to make sure everybody hears about this,” said Chase Daniels, sheriff’s office spokesman.

Online registration will shortly be available, he said.

In-person registration also can be done at the sheriff’s three district offices.

Annual registration will be required. New alarm systems must be registered within 30 days.

The registry will include information on the owner of the alarm system, the type of system in use, who monitors the system and individuals to contact when deputies respond to alarm calls.

Daniels said efforts will be made to alert alarm system companies who can then send letters to their customers. The companies would be able to function as agents for residents or businesses that need to complete the registration.

“I want to make sure we don’t penalize owners if their alarm company isn’t notifying them,” said Pasco County Commissioner Mike Moore.

Daniels said the sheriff’s office wouldn’t be looking for unregistered systems. Deputies would only become aware of that issue when answering an alarm call, and could issue warnings.

“We do have a lot of discretion built in there,” he said. “(The sheriff’s) goal is that we would never fine anyone.”

Published August 17, 2016

Fifth-graders learning how to lead at Oakstead Elementary

August 17, 2016 By Kevin Weiss

Just before the school year began, fifth-graders at Oakstead Elementary School took some training on how to be school leaders.

Teachers, administrators and support staff organized an “Oakstead Elementary Leadership Retreat” which was held on Aug. 4. This is the second year in a row that the school has had the half-day retreat.

Throughout the morning, fifth-graders took part in several team-building activities, which included analyzing leadership personality traits along the way.

Oakstead Elementary fifth-graders had to use teamwork and communication for several activities, including the ‘Balloon Train.’ Groups had to line up single-file, and reach a finish line with balloons linked to one another — without using their hands. (Kevin Weiss/Staff Photos) — Oakstead Elementary fifth-graders had to use teamwork and communication for several activities, including the ‘Balloon Train.’ Groups had to line up single-file, and reach a finish line with balloons linked to one another — without using their hands.
(Kevin Weiss/Staff Photos)

They also learned about many qualities that it takes to become a leader — open-mindedness, integrity, authenticity, generosity and responsibility.

“Our big focus is to make them think more like, ‘Hey, I’m the leader, I’m setting the example,’ instead of ‘I’m done with this place,’” explained Sandra Stine, an assistant principal at Oakstead. By the time they reach fifth grade, she explained, some students are anxious to begin middle school.

After last year’s retreat, Stine noted, many fifth-graders were “more excited” heading into the school year. The school dished out less discipline, too, she added.

Based on feedback from last year’s retreat, Oakstead administrators shortened this year’s retreat to five hours and incorporated more collaborative activities.

The goal was to cut down on tedious paperwork for the students and to add more cooperative games.

One game, called the “Balloon Train,” required small groups of fifth-graders to imagine themselves as a locomotive connected by balloons. Each group had to line up single file and reach a finish line with balloons linked to one another — without the use of their hands.

The activity aimed to underscore the importance of teamwork and communication in accomplishing a goal.

“We brought in even more interaction — get them up and get them moving with a lot more activities,” Stine said.

Fifth-graders discuss the qualities it takes to become a leader.

Bullying prevention was added to this year’s retreat agenda — emphasizing the importance for fifth-graders to stand up for other students, especially younger children, in kindergarten through fourth grade.

“(Fifth-graders) can be the ones where they see bullying happen, they can intervene and stop,” said Oakstead principal Tammy Kimpland. “As leaders, when you see something going on that’s not supposed to be going on, you have the power to say, ‘Hey, quit picking on that kid.’”

Kristen Hirsbrunner, a fifth-grade teacher at Oakstead, said having leadership retreats reinforces positive attitudes in the school’s eldest students.

“It’s so important,” Hirsbrunner said, “because our fifth-graders come in, at times, thinking they’re the big man on campus. They still are, but they’re taking a different role with that…to truly be that role model for the younger kids and each other.”

Throughout the leadership retreat, Oakstead Elementary fifth-graders participated in several interactive activities. One activity required fifth-graders to reach out to other students they don’t normally interact with, and get to know one another.

She added: “I think these kids, too, having seen what the kids last year were able to do, came in a little bit more excited about being a leader and what it means to be a leader.”

Fifth-grader Charlie Newport said the retreat gave him a greater understanding of the importance of teamwork and collaboration.

“It was really great,” he said. “I was able to work more with people I normally wouldn’t be able to…because they’re not in my class.”

Throughout the school year, every fifth-grade student will be assigned to an adult in the building for leadership support throughout the year.

On Fridays, students will wear a “Pay It Forward” T-shirt to remind them to be responsible leader.

The school is also working to get a grant approved to purchase copies of the book, “Pay It Forward,” by Catherine Ryan Hyde to give to each fifth-grade student.

There are about 180 fifth-graders among the school’s total enrollment which surpasses 1,100, the principal said.

Published August 17, 2016

Towers aim to aid public safety

August 17, 2016 By Kathy Steele

A two-year project to modernize Pasco County’s radio communications system is under way, with a series of neighborhood meetings about the installation of seven new communications towers.

The first meeting was in Hudson about two weeks ago. Five more have been held, including one on Aug. 8 at the Pasco County Historic County Courthouse in Dade City.

A half-dozen residents met with county officials to discuss the proposed 300-foot communications tower at Powerline and Christian roads.

They requested that the tower be moved closer to U.S. 301.

Trilby resident Richard Riley, who attended the meeting, said county officials were receptive to the idea.

A public hearing on the Dade City tower likely will be scheduled in November, said Todd Bayley, the county’s chief information officer.

The tower in Dade City, and six others, will serve public safety agencies, including the county’s sheriff’s office, fire/rescue department and emergency management.

The towers also will aid overall in communications between all county agencies.

With the additional towers, the radio communications network will have a total of 10 sites serving the entire county.

The current network of three towers is an outdated analog-based system that is about 26 years old.

During the past year, area residents have complained about the frequency of dropped 911 calls.

“We have coverage issues,” Bayley said.

The new digital communications system, when completed, will provide coverage to 100 percent of the county, he said.

Pasco County commissioners approved a contract with Williams Communications for the approximately $14.2 million project. Funding is from the Penny for Pasco program.

Completion is scheduled for July 2018.

Published August 17, 2016

Rural protections in place for Northeast Pasco

August 17, 2016 By Kathy Steele

After more than a decade, a set of regulations laying out a plan to preserve the rural character of northeast Pasco County finally is in place.

The Pasco County Commission unanimously approved an ordinance to adopt development standards for the Northeast Pasco Rural Protection Overlay District on Aug. 9.

Nearly 50 area residents attended the public hearing on the ordinance. A handful spoke approvingly during public comment.

Pasco County Commissioner Ted Schrader voiced his approval of regulations to preserve the rural nature of northeast Pasco, and to guide future development there. (Photos courtesy of Richard K. Riley) — Pasco County Commissioner Ted Schrader voiced his approval of regulations to preserve the rural nature of northeast Pasco, and to guide future development there.
(Photos courtesy of Richard K. Riley)

“This is going to add something to Pasco County that I don’t think any other county in Florida has,” said Nancy Hazelwood. “This is going to be your jewel.”

County officials crafted the ordinance after holding numerous public meetings and getting input from area residents.

Not everyone embraced the ordinance.

Area resident and property owner George Dombrowski objected to the new rules as government overreach.

“I don’t think there is a need for the county to tell me what I can do with property I’ve owned for 10 years,” he said.

The ordinance puts into practice a rural preservation goal embedded into the county’s land use plan about 10 years ago.

It establishes a “northeast rural area” bordered by Bellamy Brothers Boulevard, the Green Swamp, State Road 52 and the Hernando County line.

Nancy Hazelwood encouraged Pasco County commissioners to approve an overlay district to preserve the rural character of northeast Pasco.

The regulations govern residential development of three houses or more. They restrict mining operations or other developments that could lop off hillsides or impair vistas.

Portions of some roadways, including State Road 52, Bellamy Brothers Boulevard and Trilby Road, are designated as scenic. Development along those roadways must meet landscaping and buffering requirements.

Rural lighting standards also are established.

A second ordinance will deal with commercially zoned properties and designated employment centers, largely along U.S. 301. The highway isn’t on the list of scenic roadways and won’t be subjected to the scenic landscaping rules.

County commissioners urged county staff members to move quickly on crafting the commercial standards.

That could aid in economic recovery for the area, which was devastated by freezes that decades ago wiped out citrus crops, and cost upwards of 3,000 jobs, said Pasco County Commissioner Ted Schrader.

“This is clearly an area we need to work hard on to bring more job opportunities,” he said.

Published August 17, 2016

Keeping children safe in the water

August 17, 2016 By Kevin Weiss

Just a few months ago, Christopher Santana, 11, didn’t know how to swim.

Neither did 10-year-old Ruby Rodriguez.

A patient and buoyant, Seoyeong Lee, 11, of Tampa, floats on her back without the assistance of swim instructor, Nilofer Bharwani, at the New Tampa YMCA pool. (Fred Bellet/Photos) — A patient and buoyant, Seoyeong Lee, 11, of Tampa, floats on her back without the assistance of swim instructor, Nilofer Bharwani, at the New Tampa YMCA pool.
(Fred Bellet/Photos)

But, thanks to free summer water safety lessons offered at the New Tampa Family YMCA, both youth, along with several others, are now confident about hopping into a pool and swimming unassisted.

For the past three years, the New Tampa YMCA has partnered with the nonprofit University Area Community Development Corporation to offer free swim lessons to children from low-income families living near the areas surrounding the University of South Florida.

For an hour each Tuesday and Thursday from June 13 to Aug. 5, dozens of youth from the Development Corporation’s Dream Catchers summer camp program were transported to the New Tampa Y, where they learned lifesaving swim techniques during the warmest days of the year.

Throughout the summer program, children ages 6 to 12 were taught how to float in the water and to swim to the edge of the New Tampa YMCA’s Olympic-sized pool. The pool is one of the largest in Hillsborough County at 50 meters by 25 yards.

“A lot of it is just being comfortable in the water, so they aren’t scared,” said Lacey Carter, the YMCA’s aquatics director. “With this particular group, water safety is the main focus — learning how to be safe in the water, if they do fall in. Teaching them how to swim is definitely something we want to aim for, but the water safety piece is what the program is most about.”

Young swimmer Ashley Charlotte, bottom, of Tampa, got a kick out of learning to swim, as she and others practice kicking their feet alongside the pool at the New Tampa YMCA. The free water safety program offered kids a safe and cool way to spend the last days of summer before heading back to school.

With a ratio of one certified swim instructor to eight children, the young swimmers often received individual attention, learning how to properly use their hands and feet to easily buoy through the water.

While the majority of lessons take place in the shallow end of the pool, the oldest children were permitted to jump into the deepest end of pool, which is 7 ½ feet deep.

Fun swim activities, too, were mixed in with the water safety training.

“They’ll play games as part of the curriculum,” the aquatics director said. “They’ll do like ‘red light, green light’ or (instructors) will have them dive for things. Water safety is important, but we want them to have fun, otherwise they’re not going to want to come here.”

According to the Florida Department of Health, the state has the nation’s second highest drowning rate (2.54 deaths per 100,000 population) for children under 15, trailing only Oklahoma (2.69 per 100,000).

Additionally, a 2010 study by USA Swimming found that in ethnically diverse communities, the youth drowning rate is “two to three times higher than the national average.”

Martine Dorvil, program director for the University Area Community Development Corporation, said a majority of the youth in the camp come from working-poor families, and ordinarily wouldn’t have access to swim lessons, which can be expensive.

Ruby Rodriguez, 10, of Tampa, uses a kick board under the watchful eye of ‘Y’ swim instructor, Harper Cassady, a USF student from Alabama. Two groups from the Dream Catchers summer program spent the afternoon learning the fundamentals of swimming.

“This is huge,” she said, “because most of our kids live in apartment complexes which have pools. We have a lot of parents with a lot of children, and what ends up happening is the oldest child — sometimes just 10 years old — is watching the 6-year-old. So, this provides them a safe place.”

She continued: “This partnership with the YMCA has been phenomenal. Most kids don’t get the attention that they’re given here to actually have a personal swimming instructor, so that’s really something extra.”

Dorvil has witnessed, firsthand, how much the youth involved in the program enjoy the biweekly lessons over the summer months.

“On one of the days when it rained, I actually had to buy pizza because they were that upset when they didn’t get to go swimming,” she said, chuckling.

Tony Kimbrough, executive director for the New Tampa YMCA, said he will look to renew the partnership with the University Area Community Development Corporation on an annual basis.

The summer is not the only time that free water safety lessons are offered at the New Tampa YMCA. They also offer a four-day course each March, called “Safety Around Water,” for children ages 3 to 12. Each class lasts 40 minutes.

Published August 17, 2016

Pasco homeowners to see slight dip in school taxes

August 17, 2016 By B.C. Manion

The Pasco County School Board has given first-round approval to a proposed $1.2 billion budget that includes a slightly lower tax bill for homeowners.

Under the proposed rate, the owner of a $125,000 home, after deducting the homestead exemption, would pay $677.30 in taxes. That’s $33.60 lower than the homeowner paid last year.

Construction activity is well under way on a new high school on Old Pasco Road, which will open initially as a high school and a middle school in the 2017-2018 school year. It is one of the district’s biggest capital improvement projects this year. (Image courtesy of Pasco County Schools) — Construction activity is well under way on a new high school on Old Pasco Road, which will open initially as a high school and a middle school in the 2017-2018 school year. It is one of the district’s biggest capital improvement projects this year.
(Image courtesy of Pasco County Schools)

School board members voted unanimously for the proposed budget, but won’t take final action on the proposed rate until a second and final hearing, set for 6 p.m., on Sept. 13. That hearing will be in the School Board Meeting Room, at 7227 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes.

While the budget has received first-round approval, school board members Steve Luikart and Alison Crumbley said there need to be some changes.

“It is a work in progress,” Luikart said.

“We’re identifying some of the areas that we have needs in,” he said, noting he was in a meeting with district staff to discuss how to move some funding to provide additional support for some of the district’s lower-functioning schools.

The district also needs to take action to address its graduation rate, which slipped, Luikart said.

“Those are two priorities,” he said. “We’ve got to do whatever it is that we have to change.”

It could mean adding more staff or providing some new curriculum to address the needs, he said.

“That’s something they’re looking into,” he said.

The board also has an executive session set for Aug. 16 to discuss collective bargaining.

“We’re still trying to get the highest percentage we can, for our employees,” he said. “We’re one of the only counties left in the state that has a total health package that the district picks up.”

Sometimes there’s a push for a bigger salary increase, but Luikart said he’d rather go with a lesser percent increase, in order to preserve the health benefits.

School Board member Alison Crumbley said it’s imperative that the district’s budget reflect the needs of the students within the classrooms of the district’s 21 D schools.

The school grades came out after much of the budget had already been put into place, so the district is now looking at things that need to be redirected, Crumbley said.

The budget’s proposed general fund is around $596 million. That’s $21.6 million more than it was last year, representing a 3.77 percent increase.

This school year, it opened Wiregrass Elementary in Wesley Chapel, and added two magnet programs at Centennial Middle and Bayonet Point Middle schools.

It also is opening two new special education centers, Achieve Center of Pasco and Achieve Center at Richey.

Other items included in the budget are a $1.6 million digital classroom allocation for computers, iPads and digital supports.

The district’s 2016-2017 budget for capital projects totals about $284 million, which is a decrease of $48.3 million, representing a drop of about 17.6 percent.

The capital project appropriations are for High School GGG, being built on Old Pasco Road, which is set to open next school year. It will open initially as a middle school and a high school on the same campus.

Elementary School B, in Bexley Ranch, is also under construction to help relieve overcrowding in Central Pasco schools.

Major remodeling also is planned at Land O’ Lakes High School, Woodland Elementary and Marchman Technical College.

The budget also includes scores of other improvement projects at schools around the district.

Published August 17, 2016

Healthy lunch options, for children and adults

August 17, 2016 By Betsy Crisp

It’s that time of year when parents are asking: How can I pack a healthier lunch for my children?

Well, here are some ideas that will help parents pack healthy lunches for their children, and for themselves, too.

Sandwiches are a popular option, but can be made healthier when following these pointers:

Use 100 percent whole wheat or multi-grain bread; 100 percent whole wheat pita pockets; or, 100 percent whole wheat tortilla wraps. Be sure to read the labels to find the ones that are lowest in saturated fat/trans fats.
Skip the chips. Instead, pack popcorn, pretzels or whole grain cereal trail mix (see recipe).
Add an apple, orange, tangerine, natural applesauce, fruit cup or dried fruits.
Include veggies: Lettuce, shredded carrots, avocado slices (avocado is great with turkey or lean roast beef).
Cheese: Buy store brand blocks of low-fat, low-sodium cheeses. Slice it yourself to save money, or use a cookie cutter to make fun shapes.
Instead of lunchmeat, enjoy some leftover grilled chicken, lean pork or an egg white salad sandwich.

Be sure to keep your sandwiches fresh and safe by packing them with an icepack or frozen water/100% juice pack that can thaw by lunchtime.

lunchboxgraphic rgb — (Courtesy of Betsy Crisp)

Also, remember that size matters. Children need smaller portions depending on their size, age and activity level. so you measure in tablespoons, quarter-cups, half a sandwich, etc. For example, toddlers need tablespoons, not cups. Cutting sandwiches into quarters makes lunch more interesting, and kid-size.

Instead of sandwiches, leftovers are another quick, easy and inexpensive lunch option.

You can use a thermos to keep your foods safe, as well as hot or cold. Some good options include low-sodium soups such as tomato, vegetable or bean; chili made with lean ground beef or turkey; whole wheat spaghetti with low-sodium tomato sauce; or low-sodium baked beans, bean casserole, or beans and rice mix.

Of course, most people enjoy a snack. Here are some ideas for for healthy afterschool snacks:

Apple or pear slices to dip into low-fat or nonfat plain yogurt or peanut butter
Carrots, celery, or colorful sweet bell peppers cut into fun shapes or strips to dip into hummus or salsa
Whole grain crackers (Be sure to read the labels to find those lower in sodium, saturated and trans fats)
Slices of grilled low sodium tofu (a soybean product) to dunk into low sodium vegetable or tomato soup
Unsalted sunflower seeds

Here’s another thought. Get your kids involved in making their own lunches.

When children help pack their own lunch, they are much more likely to eat that lunch and not to trade it or throw it away.

You can help your children plan their lunches for the week, and then you can build a new list for the next week, and them combine lists for future weeks, and so on.

You can teach your children about good nutrition and give them healthy choices, as well. Take them to the store as you shop and let them pick items to add to their lunch.

Have them help you make lunches the night before school, to save time in the morning.

You can store lunches in the fridge, so it is just grab-n-go during the morning rush to get out the door.

You can help your children develop good habits that will last them a lifetime.

For more guidance, visit MyPlate.Gov.

This column was adapted from the following two sources: The American Heart Association – How to Pack a Healthy School Lunch and FDA – 4 Tips for a Healthy and Stress-Free Lunchbox.

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 .

Healthy Homemade Trail Mix
Ingredients
¼ cup raisins
¼ cup dried cranberries
¼ cup sunflower seeds
1 cup mini-pretzels (1 cup)
1 cup whole grain toasted oat cereal Os
1 cup (or more) toasted corn, rice, wheat, multi-bran or combination cereal
1 cup low-fat granola

Directions
Measure ingredients into large bowl. Stir to mix.
Portion into snack bags to add to lunchbox or grab a bag after school for a pre-portioned snack.

Published August 17, 2016