Local News

Zephyrhills fire department remains status quo

June 1, 2016 By Kevin Weiss

The Zephyrhills City Council has decided to continue operating the city’s fire department on its own and not to merge with Pasco County Fire Rescue.

Council members agreed unanimously to keep the status quo, ensuring the department will remain intact and continue to utilize its two fire stations.

Zephyrhills city manager Steven Spina presented three options to the Zephyrhills City Council regarding how to proceed with the structure of the city’s fire department. (File Photo) — Zephyrhills city manager Steven Spina presented three options to the Zephyrhills City Council regarding how to proceed with the structure of the city’s fire department.
(File Photo)

The council’s unanimous support for the department drew a standing ovation for its action, from several fire department employees and their families at the council’s May 23 meeting.

The decision came after Zephyrhills City Manager Steven Spina presented three potential scenarios for the fire department going forward:

Option 1: Maintain the status quo and continue to operate as a city fire department with two stations and current personnel. Also, immediately advertise for a fire chief to fill the vacancy.
Option 2: Begin discussions with Pasco County on the concept of consolidating the department with Pasco County Fire Rescue.
Options 3: Consider the option of closing one fire station — likely station 2 — and consolidate fire services into one station to reduce operating and equipment costs.

Spina outlined the pros and cons for each option, figuring it was a prudent time to have a discussion on the topic, especially with the department’s amplified $2.4 million budget and its frequent management turnover. The department has had three fire chiefs in four years, including last month’s resignation of Fire Chief Daniel Spillman.

While the city manager wasn’t looking for an immediate answer from the council, he was given one: they agreed that Option 1 was the top choice.

“I think the citizens that we serve deserve the top quality that they get by having their own fire department and their own police department,” Councilman Charles E. Proctor said. “I can’t see myself voting to eliminate the Zephyrhills Fire Department.”

Kenneth Burgess, the council’s president, concurred: “I feel like it’s insurance—you hope you never have to use it, but you’re glad it’s there.

“I’m a big proponent of the city fire department,” he said.

City council members unanimously agreed to keep operating both of the city’s fire stations, including Fire Rescue Station 2, at 38410 Sixth Ave. (Courtesy of City of Zephyrhills) — City council members unanimously agreed to keep operating both of the city’s fire stations, including Fire Rescue Station 2, at 38410 Sixth Ave.
(Courtesy of City of Zephyrhills)

A 2015 report compiled by the former fire chief shows that 1 percent to 2 percent of Zephyrhills Fire and Rescue calls are fire related, while 76 percent of all calls are medical in nature. Nearly 23 percent of all calls are cancelled within route.

Spina noted there’s duplication in services with the city and Pasco County Fire Rescue, since the county also responds to all medical and fire calls. The county is then responsible for transporting all medical patients to hospital care, which they’re required to do by state law.

As a result, 80 percent or more of all emergency calls are covered by both agencies, the report shows.

Despite the duplication, Zephyrhills Fire Lt. Mike Richards feels it’s crucial for the city to still have its own fully staffed fire department.

Richards addressed the council, acknowledging calls could be handled more efficiently and effectively with the county. But, Richards was quick to comment that his fire rescue team often arrives to the scene at least three minutes faster than the county, which he said is a significant timeframe, especially in emergencies such as a heart attack or stroke.

“A three- to four-minute window on a medical call can make a major difference,” said Richards, noting the city’s sizable middle-to upper-aged population. “Minutes count — and I mean even one (minute) to two minutes.”

Richards said the department’s personnel supports keeping the status quo, and rebuked the idea of merging fire services with the county.

“There is a community connection to having your own services,” he said. “The second you allow an outside agency to (handle services), you’re under contract, and if it doesn’t fit the contract, you pay extra or you start negotiating. You have no control, and it’s a detriment to your community.”

That was the feeling of many people present during the meeting, including Zephyrhills resident Sharon Reisman.

“I’d like to keep things in a small city local,” Reisman said. “I think it gives you more control. I know it would probably save a lot of money when you consolidate with the county, but I think when you have local firefighters and local people protecting their own city, they’re more interested in it; it makes the people feel better.”

While the report also shows that about 80 percent of calls are made in the northern tier of the city, the Zephyrhills fire lieutenant was also against consolidating operations into one fire station, which essentially would eliminate staffing for Zephyrhills Fire Rescue Station 2, located on Sixth Avenue.

“This city’s physical size is long, not super wide. I cannot get to a citizen in the south near as fast,” Richards said.

The meeting concluded with the council directing Dr. Spina to begin the search for a new fire chief.

“Well, Dr. Spina, I think it’s time to hire a fire chief,” Burgess said at meeting’s end.

Published June 1, 2016

From ‘Wallflower,’ the perks of repetitive learning

June 1, 2016 By Tom Jackson

On the topic of what is suitable reading for students of impressionable ages, the recent action attempted by a handful of parents at Pasco Middle School is instructive mostly because it is terribly familiar.

Every couple of years, it seems, certain grownups will flex their preferences in an attempt to assert preemptory authority over what youngsters are either assigned or even allowed to read.

Tom Jackson rgb In 2014, it was a John Long Middle School parent who created a stir when John Green’s popular and well-reviewed “Paper Towns” landed on the mandatory summer reading list.

Now, the book in contention is Stephen Chbosky’s 1999 novel, “The Perks of Being a Wallflower,” which falls into the same genre: a coming-of-age tale. This one is told from the perspective of a bright, sensitive 15-year-old who, despite his willingness to simply observe from the sidelines, is summoned to experience virtually every cynical, malevolent or simply awkward social situation known to modern America.

Somehow, “Wallflower” became assigned reading for Pasco Middle School seventh-graders taking advanced language arts. That’s “somehow,” because the book got into students’ hands almost totally unvetted.

Pasco Middle’s copies came courtesy of a spend-it-or-lose-it philosophy rampant in taxpayer-supported enterprises. The school had dollars lingering in its materials fund at the end of the last fiscal year and, rather than return them to the cash-strapped district, they were hastily spent on the recommendation of an assistant principal and teacher who’d seen the 2012 movie and had read the publisher’s tout sheet, but not the book itself.

With a box of books that benefited from Hollywood branding just lying around, it was inevitable “Wallflower” would become part of somebody’s curriculum, which it did a few weeks ago.

Luckily, the teacher assigning the book is a long-term member of the faculty who has a reputation for thoroughly reviewing materials assigned students. Oh, wait. The complete opposite of that. The deed was perpetrated by a long-term substitute who also had not read “Wallflower.”

I am confident Pasco’s public school staffers are fans of handing out homework. Is it possible they do none of their own? How do you buy for a middle school population, let alone assign to a passel of 13-year-olds, a book no one has read?

No, forget reading. That could devour an entire weekend. How do you buy or assign a book no one has so much as subjected to an internet search? Within an otherwise glowing description, Wikipedia notes “Wallflower” was banned by some school districts. Some? Further investigation reveals “Wallflower” is a perennial target of angry parents and appalled school board members across the nation.

This does not mean the critics of “Wallflower” are correct, necessarily, or even that Chbosky’s work doesn’t have an appropriate age-group audience. Still, when a cursory search triggers caution flags, it’s a sure sign other education professionals should proceed warily.

Alas, wariness did not prevail at Pasco Middle, which had money to burn and at least one class with late-year time to kill. Small wonder parents staggered by the book’s frank descriptions of suicide, masturbation, drug use and homosexuality were not salved by the methods employed by an administration and faculty they want and need to trust.

Listen, it’s easy enough to rebuke red-faced parents and committees that issue tut-tutting opinions over questionable material as collections of rubes and yahoos. Try to make an argument on behalf of pulling books out of the hands of students or off library shelves without conjuring images of ignorant villagers mobbed up with pitchforks and torches, ready to deliver swift and permanent retribution to some poor, misunderstood innocent. It’s almost impossible.

But what I wrote in June 2014, the last time something like this came up, applies now: Generally speaking, banning books is a bad idea. On the other hand, virtually every rule has an exception, and so it is with this.

When it comes to what goes into a youngster’s mind, parents are the ultimate source authority. You might not approve of what mom and dad choose to withhold or endorse, but you know what? Tough.

If parents oppose exposing the teens under their care to the rough-and-tumble of life you know is out there and, in your wisdom, you think those shielded kids are being ill-served, well, good for you. Also, it’s none of your business.

Meanwhile, it’s on each school at every level, from the classroom teacher to the principal to the superintendent, to be mindful about the individual pace of exposure to the world their parents are willing to endure.

Pasco Middle School failed that fundamental assignment at every turn. Its sadder-but-wiser lesson applies across the region.

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

Published June 1, 2016

Hillsborough libraries offer summer fun

June 1, 2016 By B.C. Manion

Families looking for ways to help occupy their children during the summer may want to check out the events offered through Hillsborough County’s public libraries in north Hillsborough County.

Some events scheduled in coming weeks include puppet shows, art programs and robotics.

Spectators of ‘Wild Florida, Alive!’ can explore the wild side of Florida and learn about animals that make the state so unique. This is just one program being offered for free through the Lutz Branch Library and the Jimmie B. Keel Regional Library this month. (Courtesy of Creative Arts Theatre, of the City of Tampa) — Spectators of ‘Wild Florida, Alive!’ can explore the wild side of Florida and learn about animals that make the state so unique. This is just one program being offered for free through the Lutz Branch Library and the Jimmie B. Keel Regional Library this month.
(Courtesy of Creative Arts Theatre, of the City of Tampa)

One coming attraction, offered through the Lutz Branch Library, is “Wild Florida, Alive,” a show that will be presented by the Creative Arts Theatre of the City of Tampa Parks and Recreation Department.

The presentation explores the wild side of Florida and helps spectators discover the animals that make the state unique.

It’s an environmental adventure, highlighting Florida’s endangered species through live theater, shadow puppetry, and music.

The program is geared toward those around age 5 and older. It will be offered at the Lutz Community Center, which is next to the library, on June 14 at 11 a.m., and again at 2 p.m. It lasts 30 to 45 minutes.

Meg Heimstead, supervisor for the Creative Arts Theatre and ArtReach, said she enjoys watching children’s reactions to the shows.

“It’s such a joyous experience, when a child sees a puppet come to life and that puppet interacts with them,” Heimstead said.

The performers aim to encourage children to read, she said, noting the presentations are based on, or inspired by, literary sources.

Another show being presented through the Lutz Branch Library features dogs and comedy.

“The Tricky Dogs Show” will be presented June 28 from 2 p.m. to 3.p.m.

Like the puppet show, this show, which features a circus-style dog comedy act, will be at the Lutz Community Center, 98 First Ave. N.W.

The Lutz Branch Library, which hosts a number of other special events every month, is at 101 W. Lutz Lake Fern Road in Lutz.

Upcoming events at other area libraries are:

At the Jimmie B. Keel Regional Library, 2902 W. Bearss Ave., Tampa:

“Robotix Blox,” June 14 from 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Kids will use Lego Mindstorms, and those taking part will work together on robot building and coding. Recommended for those ages 8 and older. The program is limited to 20 participants. Those wanting to join in must register no earlier than one hour before the program begins.

“Art Over Summer,” June 21 from 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

This program encourages children between kindergarten and fifth grade to express themselves through art. They’ll be making items to take home.

“Three Wishes on a Magic Fish,” June 22 from 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

The Bits ‘N Pieces Puppet Theatre will tell a story about a fisherman, a magic fish and three wishes. It is geared for kindergarten through fifth-graders.

“Wild Florida, Alive,” June 25 from 11 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., and 3:30 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Learn about Florida’s unique wild life through live theater, shadow puppetry and masks. For those age 5 and older.

At the New Tampa Regional Library, 10001 Cross Creek Blvd., in Tampa:

“Lost World Reptiles,” June 16, 11 a.m. to noon

In this program, for kindergarten through fifth-graders, Gino Sassani presents live snakes and reptiles in an educational program about the slithery creatures.

“Books We Love to Sing,” June 30 from 11 a.m. to noon; and 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Christine VanHorn will lead an interactive musical experience, bringing classic children’s books and songs to life. For kindergarten through fifth-graders.

For more information, visit HCPLC.org, and click on the Events & Classes tab, and then the By Branch tab.

Published June 1, 2016

Reclaimed water gets go-ahead

June 1, 2016 By Kathy Steele

Pasco County commissioners have approved a $13 million reclaimed water project, with a 25-year lease agreement.

Construction costs for the project will be shared with the Southwest Florida Water Management District, which is providing about $7 million, including an estimated $5 million for construction.

The goals for the project are to provide the county with up to 5 million gallons of reclaimed water a day, restore natural habitats harmed by well field pumping, and to recharge the Floridan aquifer.

Pasco’s residences and golf courses are among targeted beneficiaries of the reclaimed water project.

The new facility will be built on about 237 acres of the 4G Ranch, a working cattle farm of about 2,905 acres, off State Road 52 in Land O’ Lakes.

The total lease costs are estimated at about $2.3 million for 25 years, but the lease can be extended for three 10-year periods.

Lease payments of about $40,000 will be paid in 2016, according to the agreement between Pasco and landowner, William Ted Phillips Sr.

Phillips is also chairman of Phillips & Jordan, the company hired for the project’s construction phase.

Four commissioners voted to support the project and lease agreement, but Pasco County Commissioner Jack Mariano dissented. He argued that more should be done to review alternate sites for the project, including at least one property in the Hudson area.

Mariano also said leasing land, as opposed to owning it, might not be the best financial choice long-term.

“We need to look at all the options,” he said.

Construction on a series of manmade wetlands is expected to begin in 2016, with initial testing and start date for the system in 2018.

Reclaimed water for the wetlands will be delivered and treated via a network of pipes, a pumping station and an existing reclaimed water main near the 4G Ranch.

The location of the property, between the Cross Bar well fields and the Cypress Creek well fields, is critical, said Michael Carballa, the county’s utilities engineer director.

“For decades, pumping (of water) has caused degradation to surface waters of natural habitat in these lands and areas,” Carballa said.

In some areas, such as Big Fish Lake near Masaryktown, Tampa Bay Water is paying to drill wells to draw water out of the aquifer to augment surface waters, he said. “Projects like this take a product that we essentially don’t use as much as we should and put it to a better use.”

Some concerns were voiced, however.

Owners of the Barthle Brothers Ranch, adjacent to the reclaimed water project, are worried about how reclaimed water operations could affect their land.

Larry Barthle, a third-generation rancher, said the family supports the project and favors reclaimed water, but has some concerns.

The language in the agreement is too vague in describing protections against negative impacts to surrounding lands, including flooding, Barthle said.

“What does adverse water mean?” Barthle said.

Mike Hancock, from Swiftmud’s Water Resources division, told commissioners that additional monitoring wells could be installed on Barthle’s property or “wherever it’s needed.”

With the county’s increasing growth, Pasco County Commissioner Ted Schrader said, “This is a model project. I think it’s a win-win for everybody.”

As the county grows, the project might be expanded.

“If the project were successful, we’d like nothing better than to replicate it,” said Carballa.

Published June 1, 2016

Plantation Palms golf course to reopen

May 25, 2016 By Kathy Steele

After a hiatus of more than two years, activities are expected to begin again at the Plantation Palms Golf Course.

A new owner took possession on May 16 and plans to get the golf course’s fairways and greens ready for use within a few months.

Bill Place, owner of Ace Golf Inc., bought the golf course and clubhouse for about $700,000 in a short sale approved by the U.S. Department of Justice. His general manager picked up the keys to the clubhouse at the closing, said Rob Rochlin of Dennis Realty.

Place is on vacation in Africa.

In an email sent to The Laker/Lutz News in late April, Place said he hoped to have the golf course open within four months.

Plantation Palms golf course and clubhouse, which have been closed for about two years, are expected to be reopened by Ace Golf, the new owner, in about four months. (File Photo) — Plantation Palms golf course and clubhouse, which have been closed for about two years, are expected to be reopened by Ace Golf, the new owner, in about four months.
(File Photo)

After years of neglect, the golf course needs extensive work, including restoration of the fairways and greens, Place said, in a later email on May 18.

“Grass and weeds grew up to 6 feet high!” Place said. “The greens are all dead, and most of the fairways will have to be re-grassed.”

Almost everything from the parking lot to the clubhouse has to be renewed.

“It’s been an eyesore,” said Tim Hodes, president of the Plantation Palms Homeowners Association. But, he added, “We’re embracing it and looking forward to it reopening.”

A low estimate on the cost to get the golf course ready would be about $800,000, Rochlin said.

With the rainy season around the corner, he added, “You have the window of opportunity. Now is the time to get it right.”

Place said social and golf memberships will be available, with public play during most hours.

In addition, the more than 800 Plantation Palms’ residents will support the renovations by purchasing social memberships for each of the next five years. Plans also are to add a 3,000-square-foot banquet room overlooking the golf course. It will be available for weddings, meetings and other events.

Place said he expects to open a version of Mulligan’s Irish Pub at Plantation Palms, similar to restaurants at other golf courses owned by Ace Golf.

Plantation Palms’ golf course is regarded as one of the top courses in Tampa Bay, with a 4-star rating from Golf Digest, Place said in his email.

Rochlin has been marketing the 156-acre golf course for two years. It also has a driving range, clubhouse, restaurant and bar.

MJS Golf Group bought the property in 2011 for about $2.1 million, financed by the Native American Bank of Denver. But, owners Mitchell Osceola, Jayson Ray and Steven McDonald were plagued with recurring financial losses and debts.

The course shut down briefly in 2013, then reopened briefly, only to close for good in May 2014.

Rocky Morgan of GSP Business Alliance stepped forward in 2015 to say he would buy the course. But, Rochlin said Morgan never came through with money to finance the sale.

Because the mortgage holder – Native American Bank of Denver – serves Native Americans, the short sale had to be approved by the U.S. Department of Justice.

Place has extensive experience in golf course and driving range management in the Tampa Bay area.

His company, Ace Golf, owns and operates Crescent Oaks and Wentworth golf clubs in Tarpon Springs, and Pebble Creek in New Tampa. Place also has driving ranges in Brandon and Riverview.

Plantation Palms was an attractive acquisition, Place said, because of its proximity to his other golf courses and the huge growth on State Road 54.

“I think the right guy got it,” Rochlin said.

Published May 25, 2016

Sandy Graves: All aboard the — shudder — ‘Trump train’

May 25, 2016 By Tom Jackson

The picture leapt off my Facebook feed as though it were spring-loaded. Right there among the cat videos, awkward jokes and advertisements for Jaguars, among the goofy quizzes and the “mind-blowing facts you weren’t taught in school,” there she was: Sandy Graves, Land O’ Lakes historian and voice of reason, in a trademark Donald Trump ball cap. Garish red, with TRUMP emblazoned in navy across the crown and below it in white the celebrity billionaire’s trademark slogan, “Make America Great Again.”

See for yourself. It’s right over there, next to all these words.

Debbie Hannifan, of Polk County, left, and Sandy Graves, of Land O’ Lakes, sport ‘Trump Make America Great Again’ ball caps at the quarterly session of the Republican Party of Florida meeting in Tampa on May 14. (Courtesy of Sandy Graves) — Debbie Hannifan, of Polk County, left, and Sandy Graves, of Land O’ Lakes, sport ‘Trump Make America Great Again’ ball caps at the quarterly session of the Republican Party of Florida meeting in Tampa on May 14.
(Courtesy of Sandy Graves)

But, it wasn’t the hat so much as what was below it that held my trained eye: Graves was not grimacing. Not in the least. Instead, peering over the shoulder of her pal Debbie Hannifan, Polk County’s Republican state committeewoman, Graves was immortalized in the process of — there is no other word for this — beaming.

In that cap. That garish red, shouting cap.

This was — is — not the look of one of those establishment Republicans resigned to fate. It’s not even the look of a party regular who has examined the most likely choices for November and, as a GOP regular might who’d been force-fed John McCain or Bob Dole, shrug that, her nominee is the better of two disappointing choices, the lesser of two evils.

Nope. There’s genuineness in those eyes beneath that curved brim, and a sincere turn to the corners of her mouth. Our Sandy might have boarded the — ugh — Trump train late and even reluctantly — it surely was both, as we shall see — but now that she’s found her seat, she’s ready to make the argument on behalf of the reality TV king.

She concedes there’s obligation at work here. “As a state committeewoman,” she says, “I always was going to be for the last one standing.” And, she’s not reluctant to play the any-of-our-guys-are-better-than-their-guys (or Hillary) card.

However, in a year with an electorate fairly bellowing out a theme of disgust and discord from the left and right, November’s winner will need more than “the other one is worse” working for him/her. At last, Graves says she’s ready to make the “more” argument.

It bears noting she started the campaign a fan of Carly Fiorina. “I thought it was time for a woman,” Graves says, echoing a sentiment with which certain Democrats will readily agree, “but it had to be the right woman.”

The former head of Hewlett-Packard was the briefest of shooting stars across the crowded Republican firmament. There was the glittering performance at the first kids’ table debate that boosted her to that memorable a face-to-look-at-that-face Trump beatdown when she made the main stage. But, like the brightest meteorites, she quickly flamed out.

And Trump? Says Graves, eyes rolling, “He was in my top 18.”

On the other hand, Graves didn’t start out a Ronald Reagan fan, either. She volunteered early in 1980 for former Texas Gov. John Connolly, famous for having been wounded in the front seat of the limousine when President Kennedy was assassinated.

“Lots of Republicans didn’t want Reagan,” she says. “He did some things in California [as governor] that weren’t conservative at all.” That’s true. Google “Republican liberal California governor.”

“But, look how that worked out,” she resumes. “Ronald Reagan surprised a lot of people. It could happen again.” For the sake of argument, let’s play along.

What’s Graves’ anatomy of Trump’s appeal? For openers, he stuck up for then-candidate Ben Carson at a debate when the good doctor noted it had been long time between questions for him. “That showed me he’ll have our backs.”

She admires his children, none of whom show the slightest symptoms of “affluenza” — dopiness that comes from being an indulged child of privilege.

She thinks he’s right to demand toughness on border security and immigration, issues she considers pivotal, no matter how far down the list they’ve ranked in primary election exit polls.

Graves also gives him credit for calling out international trade deals, and for pushing allies to pony up for the cost of their national defense.

This being so very much not the place to argue the important nuances of either issue — Trump doesn’t do nuance anyway — let’s turn, instead, to what, in the final analysis, might have illuminated the smile under that cap.

After eight years of a president who has treated the country he leads like the title of a turn-of-the-Millennium Broadway musical — “I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change” — arrayed against the prospect of at least four more entrenching years of his policies, Sandy Graves is finally aligned with Donald Trump because “I believe [he] loves America.” Without hesitation or qualification.

And so she wears the hat. Happily.

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

Residents share ideas for improving Zephyr Park

May 25, 2016 By Kevin Weiss

Refurbished tennis courts, state-of-the art playground equipment and an increased presence of law enforcement officers are just a few examples of the many requests local residents have for the redevelopment of Zephyr Park.

Dozens of people gathered to offer their ideas for improvements at Zephyr Park, during a May 12 open house at the Alice Hall Community Center.

The Zephyrhills Community Redevelopment Agency organized the public session to solicit public participation in developing the park’s master plan, which will be presented to the Zephyrhills Parks & Recreation Board and the City Council in August.

Zephyrhills CRA director Gail Hamilton, left, speaks with residents during an open house at the Alice Hall Community Center on May 12. (Kevin Weiss/Staff Photos) — Zephyrhills CRA director Gail Hamilton, left, speaks with residents during an open house at the Alice Hall Community Center on May 12.
(Kevin Weiss/Staff Photos)

Representatives from Kimley-Horn and Associates Inc. — the park’s design team — also were present to answer residents’ question on the planning process.

Residents were able to see several graphics featuring possible park amenities, such as various types of pavilions, public art displays, water splash pads and playgrounds.

Attendees also could fill out comment cards and provide priority rankings on park changes they’d like to see.

“What I really want to do is get an idea of what the residents want — to get a concept of it,” said Gail Hamilton, CRA director for Zephyrhills. “The citizens of Zephyrhills deserve an urban park as good as anything you would find in Tampa or in St. Pete.”

Shown is an aerial map of Zephyr Park and surrounding streets.

Hamilton said it’s critical for the city to have a “great park system” to help increase the value within the CRA district, which is a 520-acre area that essentially encompasses the center spine of the city, generally between Hercules Park to C Avenue, and from Zephyr Park to 17th Street.

“We are competing with Wesley Chapel, we are competing with every city in central Florida, so…by improving the park, people who live in this neighborhood, their homes become more valuable,” she explained.

“We could entice someone to build homes nearby that’s market rate, not low-income. So, we’re really looking to not only build a park, but also improve the surroundings around it,” Hamilton said.

She also said she’d like to see a few water features added to the park’s master plan to accentuate Zephyrhills’ branding as the “City of Pure Water.”

“We want to create this natural environment of what a creek in ‘real Florida’ or ‘natural Florida’ would look like…and return a portion of the park to its natural state,” Hamilton said, adding a children’s water park would be a nice addition, too.

The most popular topic, however, was the resurfacing of the park’s five tennis courts.

Open house attendees filled out comment cards listing what additions they’d like to see improved at Zephyr Park ‘today’ and in the ‘future.’

“The single most used thing in this park is the tennis courts,” said Fred Hall, who lives in East Pasco. “There’s not a thing on any of (the image) boards relating to the tennis courts. That’s the only thing I would use at this point. That’s what’s keeping this park alive is those tennis courts, and nobody even addresses that in this survey that they’re doing, which is sad.”

Hall added the courts are currently almost unplayable due to the number of “lumps and cracks” that have popped up over time.

“We spend our money in this town,” he said. “If they get much worse, all the people that are playing here, they’ll go spend all their money going someplace else.”

That’s what one Zephyrhills family already does.

Brad Bricker said he regularly takes his four children to Common Ground Park in Lakeland, referring to that park as a “destination to go to.”

“Common Ground is such a fun park because the adults are playing, the kids are playing, there’s stuff where everybody wants to get on the equipment and play,” Bricker said. “Their tennis courts actually have a pro shop and a place where they can actually have tennis events. I see something like that happening, where there’s actually tennis competitions happening and more new-age, modernized-type equipment.”

He continued, “(Zephyr Park) has tennis courts, but there’s not really anything happening with them in that sense. If there was a stadium-style tennis court here, you could bring in events…and have a park where people want to drive from other areas to come to.”

Bricker added the park “definitely needs” some new features, whatever they may be.

“It is pretty much outdated,” he said. “Even the newer equipment they’ve put in over the years is kind of…fading and dilapidated.”

Another Zephyrhills resident, Lani Prilliman, is glad the city is finally getting around to improving the park. She said she’d like to see to more law enforcement and lighting at night to curb suspicious activity she’s witnessed.

“There’s been some issues in the evenings,” Prilliman said.

However, Prilliman sees the park’s long-term potential.

“It is a diamond in the rough,” she said. “The park just needs some updating and some sprucing up. I’ve been here a long time, and the park seems to not get much attention.”

While the CRA and park’s design team will consider the residents’ suggestions, Hamilton emphasized that a park with significant amenities could attract hundreds of people into Zephyrhills every day.

“I’m trying to do a great urban park and not just a park for 20 people,” Hamilton said.

Hamilton said she plans to seek state grants, corporate sponsorships and find out what kind of funding the city can provide, to determine a budget for the master plan.

Published May 25, 2016

Brick roads preserve a sense of history

May 25, 2016 By Doug Sanders

When four people tripped and fell during Dade City’s Church Street Christmas celebration in 2000, the incident triggered an unexpected outcome.

The strollers were enjoying a holiday outing when they stumbled across holes in the street where asphalt paving had worn through to the brick street beneath.

This company logo is frequently found on the brick streets in Dade City. In 1933, the Southern Clay Manufacturing Company had contracts with Miami, Jacksonville, St. Augustine and St. Petersburg. At least 80,000 bricks were made daily for streets. The company also made fire and chemical bricks, clay sewer pipe, various construction bricks and telephone line conduit.
(Photos courtesy of Doug Sanders)

The city’s director of public works, Ron Ferguson, reported at a January 2001 City Commission meeting that no one was injured.

But, what to do about the holes in the street?

According to records obtained from Angie Guy, Dade City’s city clerk, a consensus was reached.
The city’s historic preservation advisory board recommended that city crews “strip asphalt from Church Avenue” and make repairs with salvaged brick and new brick, if necessary, “to significantly enhance historic preservation in Dade City.”

The City Commission agreed to the brick restoration “after considerable discussion and on recommendation of staff.”

Removing the asphalt without damaging the bricks would prove to be no easy task, according to a St. Petersburg Times report from some 16 years ago.

“With all the work that has to be done just on a daily basis, we did not think we could do it,” Ferguson told the newspaper.

On April 5, 2001, the city started a “pilot program” with five city employees, a Bobcat Skill loader, a Caterpillar backhoe, a 10-yard dump truck, and some improvised hand tools.

In his progress report to the City Commission, Ferguson indicated that a 2-inch layer of asphalt had been cleared on Church Avenue from Eighth Street to 17th Street.

Work was done “after 9:30 a.m., to allow school traffic time to leave the area,” Ferguson’s report said.

Stanley Burnside, born in 1920, and his father Archie Burnside, served a combined total of 17 terms as the Pasco County Clerk of the Circuit Court. The younger Burnside graduated from Pasco High School in 1937.

Additional equipment was needed to clean “fine pieces of crushed asphalt and dirt” by using a tractor equipped with a water tank and the city’s street sweeper.

It cost a total of $4,133.78 to expose the layer of red bricks that had been laid more than 70 years ago.

Each one of the bricks was from the Southern Clay Manufacturing Company, in Robbins, Tennessee.

Ninety-six-year-old Stanley Burnside lives near Church Avenue, which is the only street in Pasco County designated a national historic site.

To him, the brick streets bring back memories of a different era when people were riding in Model-T Fords and Warren G. Harding was the 29th President of the United States.

On a recent Sunday afternoon, Burnside agreed to walk the two blocks from his townhome in downtown Dade City to the corner of 12th Street and Meridian Avenue.

Standing at the same spot as he did in 1927, he is photographed with Rodney B. Cox Elementary School over his right shoulder.

“I was 7 years old, but I still remember them laying down the brick by hand,” Burnside recalled.

From Meridian Avenue heading north, the brickwork was laid without any mortar and was headed straight to what was then the Dade City Grammar School, at the far end of 12th Street.

Burnside often walks past this same corner on his daily walks, which sometimes gives him time to think about the brick streets in Dade City.

“You might say they last forever,” says Burnside, who celebrated his 96th birthday on May 23.

Over the years, maintaining the brick streets has posed its share of challenges.

City Manager Ben Bolan described some of them in a 1988 interview with The Tampa Tribune.

Because of the difficulty in finding skilled labor to do the maintenance work, Bolan recommended that Fifth Street and 10th Street be repaved, due to sections of those brick streets being uneven, creating a potential hazard, if drivers didn’t slow down.

But, the consensus of the City Commission was the same then as it was for Church Avenue.

“(The Commission’s) general philosophy is that there will never be another brick street paved over in Dade City,” Bolan was quoted by the newspaper 28 years ago.

And, to this day, there hasn’t been.

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

Lutz Learning Center seeks expansion

May 25, 2016 By Kevin Weiss

The Lutz Learning Center is looking to expand operations into Pasco County.

The school, located on a 1-acre campus at 621 Sunset Lane in Lutz, is seeking an additional site to accommodate more families, said Kimberly Wilson, the school’s director of innovation.

“We’re bursting at the seams,” she said referring to the current campus.

The independent private school currently has an enrollment of 120 students, ranging from pre-kindergarten to sixth grade.

Wilson noted grades seven and eight will be added next year, with an eventual goal of serving high school students once the expansion is in place.

The school uses a “Limitless Potential” philosophy and a “Differentiated Instruction Curriculum” model, in which students are advanced based on where they belong socially, emotionally and academically.

For example, a student may be in their first grade year, but understands concepts equivalent to a third-grader.

“We look at education like the rungs on a ladder,” Wilson said. “Our model is very different, so we don’t use grades, meaning just because a child is in their second grade year doesn’t mean that they’re only around second grade kids. Basically, every child is two years academically advanced.

“We plug a child in where they belong…and encourage them to just climb as high as they can.”

Annual tuition at the school ranges from $7,700 to $8,500.

The original campus — built in 1980 — will still remain, Wilson said.

Published May 25, 2016

Lutz Learning Center starts All Pro Dad chapter

May 25, 2016 By Kevin Weiss

Kimberly Wilson found out about the All Pro Dad program after sifting through a few children’s books a parent had recently donated to the Lutz Learning Center.

That parent was legendary NFL coach and Hall of Famer Tony Dungy.

Tony Dungy, left, has a chat with John Viscardo, one of the dads in attendance. (Photos courtesy of Lutz Learning Center) — Tony Dungy, left, has a chat with John Viscardo, one of the dads in attendance.
(Photos courtesy of Lutz Learning Center)

After speaking with Dungy and finding out more about the Family First-based fatherhood program, Wilson, the learning center’s director of innovation, was “ecstatic” about creating a chapter at the independent private school, which currently serves 120 students.

“This is really all about connecting dads with their kids, and giving them that time to connect together,” Wilson said. “Have breakfast and sit and hang out, and get to know your kids and have meaningful discussions.”

That’s what happened at the first chapter meeting on May 18, when 15 dads bonded and shared a meal with their young ones at the Lutz Learning Center campus.

The new chapter will meet quarterly during the school year, with each session focusing on a particular topic. May’s topic was “Finishing Well.”

Fifteen fathers attended the Lutz Learning Center’s first All-Pro Dad Chapter meeting on May 18. The program uses football themes to tout the importance of being a good father.

The overall goal of the discussion was to empower children to “complete what they start” and “do their best” in all aspects of life.

The topic of “Finishing Well” also provided an opportunity for Dungy to reflect on one of his coaching experiences from nearly a decade ago, when he was the head coach of the Indianapolis Colts.

It was the 2007 AFC Championship game, where Dungy’s team faced the New England Patriots, and quickly fell behind 21-3. They eventually mounted a historic comeback to capture the Super Bowl XLI title, with a score of 38-34.

“Everything went wrong early in the game…and it would have been easy to give up and say, ‘Oh well.’ But we didn’t,” Dungy said. “Our guys continued to play hard and work hard…and encourage each other.

“If you continue to encourage even when things aren’t going well and do your best, things usually work out,” Dungy said.

Throughout the early morning session, the private school’s dads underwent positive affirmation activities hoping to ensure their young children know that their fathers support them.

This sign tells dads what they need to do at the All Pro Dad meeting.

Part of the morning involved a human knot disentanglement puzzle exercise, that required teamwork, patience and perseverance, from both the dads and the learning center’s students.

It turned out to be an “awesome” experience for one dad in attendance.

“It makes you appreciate being a dad more,” school parent John Viscardo said. “It really gets you talking to your kids in a nontraditional fashion.”

All-Pro Dad was launched in 1997 by Mark Merrill, with Dungy’s help.

The goal of the program is to use football themes to speak out on the importance of being a good father, the program’s website says.

“I think really the idea behind it was getting men to understand how important just a few minutes of connecting with your kids can be,” Dungy said. “Coming to school, getting them involved in knowing where the school is, knowing the teachers, letting the kids know it’s important — it sends a great message.”

The program has spread to 1,293 schools across 46 states.

Published May 25, 2016