Local News

Cox Elementary is turning 90

April 20, 2016 By B.C. Manion

R.B. Cox Elementary School is turning 90 and the school wants the community’s help to help detail its history.

The school is preparing a 90th Year Celebration for alumni, current students, current and former staff, families with connections to the school and members of the Dade City community.

R.B. Cox Elementary School, formerly known as Dade City Grammar School, is turning 90 this year. To celebrate, the school is asking alumni, current students, current and former staff, families and members of the Dade City community to help collect photos, anecdotes and memorabilia to help detail the school’s past. (Courtesy of Fivay.org) — R.B. Cox Elementary School, formerly known as Dade City Grammar School, is turning 90 this year. To celebrate, the school is asking alumni, current students, current and former staff, families and members of the Dade City community to help collect photos, anecdotes and memorabilia to help detail the school’s past.
(Courtesy of Fivay.org)

To help get ready for a series of celebrations that will begin in September, efforts are underway to collect photographs and other mementoes that will be used to help provide a glimpse of the past.

The school also is seeking alumni that are interested in being interviewed to be part of the school’s montage video, according to a news release.

Founded in 1926 as Dade City Grammar School, the school was renamed to honor Superintendent and former Principal Rodney B. Cox after he lost his battle with cancer in 1973.

The first event is set for Sept. 30 at the elementary school, 37615 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd., in Dade City.

Anyone who would like to share photos or memories, or who would like to be interviewed, is asked to email .

For additional information, visit their Facebook page, or call Margaret “Megan” Fortunato at (352) 524-5100.

Published April 20, 2016

Local author’s ‘life beneath the shield’

April 13, 2016 By Kevin Weiss

Land O’ Lakes resident Lawrence Hoffman wants people to understand that cops are “just like everybody else.”

Hoffman, a retired New York Police Department detective, recently released the book “Turning Blue: A Life Beneath the Shield.”

The title reflects the progression that happens in the life of a police officer, Hoffman said.

Lawrence Hoffman worked for the NYPD from 1984 to 2004. It took him approximately 12 years to write ‘Turning Blue.’
(Photos courtesy of Lawrence Hoffman)

“It’s just like if you become a doctor, and you get a stethoscope and a jacket, does that make you a doctor? Not really,” he said. “It’s a process, and I call it ‘turning blue,’ where you learn through your experiences.”

After 20 years on the force, Hoffman retired in 2004, and started writing about his vast experiences.

“It took me a good 12 years to write,” he said. “It didn’t start out as a book; it just kind of morphed into it.”

“I wanted to let people know that there’s a life beneath the shield. The book is not really about me, although it is.

“I didn’t think that my life was so great that people needed to know about me. I used what I knew—what God gave me—which was my life,” he said.

Hoffman grew up as a fun-loving, middle-class kid from Long Island. His infatuation with being in a uniform and being a part of an organization gravitated him toward work for the NYPD.

Hoffman, left, worked on several major drug cases. He patrolled the New York streets during the crack epidemic of the 1980s.

“I just thought how amazing that job must be; that’s really what I was fascinated with,” he said.

Patrolling the New York streets as a young officer was a culture shock, especially with the crack epidemic of the 1980s, Hoffman said.

“When I became a cop, I was thrown into this totally different world,” he said. ”I was working in Brooklyn back in the ‘80s when crack was so prevalent, and I felt a lot of resentment toward me for no reason, other than that I wore a uniform; that kind of bothered me.”

The resentment he felt was one reason Hoffman decided to write the book. He wanted to help readers understand the person behind the uniform.

“People form either their own opinion or they form opinions from friends who’ve had experiences with the police,” Hoffman said. “I wanted to show that there’s a different side. Underneath the uniform, we’re all pretty much the same. We all go through loss, we cry, we bleed. …I wanted to put a face to the uniform.”

In the book, Hoffman details several of his experiences, including his very first day on the job as a 24-year-old rookie officer.

‘Turning Blue: A Life Beneath the Shield’ was released in December. It can be picked up at Barnes & Noble, checked out at Hillsborough County libraries, or ordered online through Amazon.com, Google Books and iTunes.

“I wanted you to know what it’s like the first day you actually go on a foot post,” the retired detective said. “What is it like being a cop to get a four-block post and …you’re responsible for anything that happens in those four blocks. Anybody that lives there, walks there, drives through there, I’m responsible for, for eight hours. I have to protect and care for those people, and it’s a lot of responsibility,” he said.

“I found myself just standing there, like, ‘What do I do?’ Then the training starts to kick in,” Hoffman said.

In “Turning Blue,” he recollects his first citation, his first arrest, a deadly shootout and what’s it like to cope with death— of both civilians and fellow officers.

“It’s not all running and gunning. I wanted people to know a realistic view of what being a cop is like,” Hoffman said, noting that 90 percent of police work is calm and reactive, while the other 10 percent is chaotic.

“This book is not, ‘Look at me, look at how great of a cop I am.’ It’s actually not that at all,” Hoffman explained. “I put a little history in the book, so you learn. But, I wrote it as if you were there standing next to me. I want you to see what I saw, feel what I felt and smell what I smelt.”

That includes bringing readers into the events of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks in 2001.

“That was a horrific day, and I try to describe it as best as I could,” he said. “The smell was…I couldn’t compare it to anything. I just imagine that’s what the devil’s breath must smell like, which is what I named that chapter.”

After two decades of police work, Hoffman knew when it was time to retire while he was working a major drug case in the Dominican Republic.

“I remember sitting in an interview… and my mind was wandering,” he said. “I went home and looked at myself in the mirror, and got a good look at my face, and I could see the lines, my hair was getting gray… and thought, ‘It’s time; I’m ready to go.’ I had enough.”

If he could do it all over again, Hoffman said he’d still pursue law enforcement, but probably would have tried to work for the federal government, such as the Drug Enforcement Agency, the Federal Bureau of Investigation or the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

“I loved the job, but I think maybe working with the feds would be very interesting,” he said, noting they get to travel abroad and work on enthralling cases.

“I miss the clowns, but not the circus. I was very fortunate to work with some of the greatest detectives and cops,” Hoffman said.

He noted the dynamics of being a cop in 2016 is vastly different than when he was working in the ’80s and ’90s.

“Nowadays, with everybody having a phone and a camera…I find it’s very difficult for officers,” he said. “They have to be very careful what they do, because people will take a clip and cut it down, and you’ve got 30 seconds of a clip — they get judged by that.”

For those considering a career in law enforcement, Hoffman has a piece of advice.

“If you find one gun, look for two. If you find two guns, you look for three,” he said.

Hoffman bio
Lawrence Hoffman worked for the New York Police Department from 1984 to 2004. After retiring, he moved to Land O’ Lakes with his wife, Jeanette. He now works in the public safety field, and is also pursuing his dreams of being an actor. He’s already been featured in several feature films and television shows such as Law and Order, Life on Mars, A Beautiful Mind and The Bounty Hunter.

Published April 13, 2016

Band trailer gets a whole new look

April 13, 2016 By Kevin Weiss

The Land O’Lakes High School band trailer was in desperate need of repair.

Not only was it wearing down after 25 years of continual use, but there was also a gaping hole in the trailer’s side panel — the result of a parking lot accident last October.

In simple terms, the beaten-up trailer was an eyesore and in dire need of a paint job.

While a new trailer would have been great, there wasn’t $6,000 in the school’s budget to buy one.

Riley Batts, in his first year instructing the band, found the situation a bit perplexing.

The trailer was involved in a parking lot accident last October, creating a gash in the side panel. The exterior’s paint was wearing off, too. (Courtesy of Jeanine Womack) — The trailer was involved in a parking lot accident last October, creating a gash in the side panel. The exterior’s paint was wearing off, too.
(Courtesy of Jeanine Womack)

“I never expected my trailer to get into an accident the first year I’ve been teaching here,” Batts said with a chuckle. “I had no idea what to do. I wasn’t sure how or when it was going to get fixed.”

Then, a band member’s parent stepped in to help solve the problem.

John Womack — whose daughter, Morgan is a freshman alto saxophone player — offered to try to repair the decrepit trailer.

Initially, Womack and his father-in-law, John Jones, were planning to repair the side panel and add a fresh coat of paint.

But then, they went a step further.

“I just kind of started off with the idea of redoing it,” said Womack, a sergeant with the Tampa Police Department. “The idea was just to fix what it was, and try to repaint it. I wasn’t going to go and do nearly the stuff that we did.”

But, with several connections in the community, Womack was able to secure material and service donations from local businesses including Eddie’s Auto Paint and Body, Meredith Tire and Auto, and Sign Parrot.

Besides the priority repairs, other improvements were made, too. New lights were installed, both inside and outside the trailer. Carpet, shelving and netting for instruments also were installed in the trailer’s interior. A spare tire mount was built, too.

Though Womack helped coordinate the trailer’s massive overhaul, he is quick to deflect the credit to the three businesses.

The refurbished trailer has new, bold decals and sparkling blue paint. (Courtesy of Riley Batts) — The refurbished trailer has new, bold decals and sparkling blue paint.
(Photos courtesy of Riley Batts)

“Most of it was done by the outside,” he said. “The only thing I did that was super intensive was we couldn’t find anything to take those old decals off, so we had to pressure-wash all of those decals off; I got like 17 hours of pressure-washing under me.”

The Land O’ Lakes band instructor was awestruck by all the improvements, calling them “mind-blowing.”

“I didn’t expect that. They said they were just going to take it in to get the side fixed from the crash,” said Batts, who oversees about 85 band members.

They also improved the trailer’s security, Batts said.

“They put new locks on everything, which is awesome, because anyone probably could’ve broken into the old one, and we have thousands of dollars’ worth of instruments on that (trailer).”

Batts is especially impressed by the trailer’s exterior, which features fresh, extravagant school decals to complement the surrounding sparkling blue coloring.

“The whole outside looks amazing. People seeing that on the road are going to be like, ‘Wow, Land O’ Lakes Band is awesome,’” she said.

Perhaps the most critical new feature is the interior lighting that was installed so band members, especially percussion students, can safely load heavy equipment after a nighttime event.

The inside of the trailer features new lighting, shelving, carpeting and netting.

“After football games at midnight, these kids were putting away instruments and trying to play Tetris,” she said, comparing it to the video game about creating order. They were moving large instruments, without the benefit of lights, she said, forcing students to rely on the lights on their cellphones to maneuver the equipment.

When band students were first introduced to the revamped trailer, many thought the school had purchased a new one — considering its pristine appearance.

“It came out as a surprise, and my jaw literally dropped,” said sophomore Jacob Barber, who’s in the drum line. “It was just so nice.”

Phoebe Dunne, a sophomore snare player, said the refurbishments have made fellow members more eager to start the next marching season.

“I think it just shows off more of what the band is,” Dunne said. “We’re more cheerful.”

Sophomore marimba player Sydney Crino said band members appreciate the overhaul.

“It really means a lot to my section, because we have really big instruments, and we have to use the trailer; it’s so hard to load it when you can’t see what you’re doing or the walls are falling off and everything,” she said. “I really think it’s going to help with our school spirit, because we’re not going to be embarrassed about it anymore.”

Published April 13, 2016

Sparks flying over 911 center

April 13, 2016 By Kathy Steele

Controversy is swirling over the leadership of Pasco County’s 911 center, after a dispatcher mishandled an emergency call regarding a wrong-way driver on Interstate 75.

Pasco County commissioners also say that residents have reported instances of dropped calls or unanswered calls to the center.

“I think it’s gotten to the point we need to think outside the box,” Pasco County Commissioner Mike Moore said during the commissioners’ March 29 meeting.

Despite additional staff members working at the center, Moore said, “There have been too many missteps.”

A solution could come at the commissioners’ April 12 meeting in Dade City, when the issue is expected to be reviewed again.

The center has been without a permanent director for about 18 months.

On two occasions, candidates backed away. One cited family related reasons. The other gave no reason.

The issue of who will lead the county’s emergency center has evolved into a tussle between Pasco County Sheriff Chris Nocco and Pasco County Administrator Michele Baker.

Baker and Nocco disagree over who should appoint the center’s leader, and how the county and sheriff’s office will divide responsibility for the center.

The county and the sheriff’s office began consolidating their emergency response operations into one center in 2013.

Nocco and Baker each fired off letters to the Pasco County commissioners after a sometimes heated discussion at the commissioners’ March 29 meeting.

At that meeting, Moore invited Nocco to present recommendations to be put to an immediate vote.

“We all want to find a solution,” Nocco said.

He proposed promoting Lt. Dan Olds to the position of director of the emergency center, and letting Pasco Fire & Rescue name one of its supervisors as assistant director.

Olds currently serves as the center’s assistant director for public safety communications, which includes the consolidated 911 center.

Jody Kenyon has served as acting director, pending the hiring of a permanent director. He began serving in October 2014, soon after Dona Fernandes resigned from the job.

Baker objected to Nocco’s proposal. She said the matter “needs a more detailed conversation.”

Pasco County Commissioner Ted Schrader backed Baker.

“This is an important issue,” he said. “There’s a lot of us that haven’t had the benefit of all the facts.”

Pasco County Commissioner Kathryn Starkey agreed that a vote should not be taken on something commissioners have not seen.

Schrader urged Nocco to meet with Baker to discuss the matter.

Nocco said his staff members would meet with Baker, but he would not.

“When trust is an issue, that’s a problem,” Nocco said.

Nocco sent a letter two days later to Starkey and the board, again laying out his solution.

Nocco’s letter states that he has met with Baker multiple times on the issue and “she has failed to provide any solutions for the Center.”

Pasco County Administrator Michele Baker

On March 31, Baker sent a lengthy letter to the commissioners, responding to Nocco and outlining three options for hiring a director for the emergency center.

In her letter, Baker objected to what she characterized as the sheriff’s “inaccuracies and half-truths.”

Baker states there haven’t been multiple meetings, and Nocco’s refusal to meet with her are what have prompted issues about trust.

“I am concerned that his delegates are either misunderstanding or misrepresenting our conversations,” Baker wrote.

Baker contends that Olds doesn’t meet minimum requirements established by the center’s consolidation board.

Baker also notified commissioners that she was removing Kenyon as acting director. He remains as technical services manager. She appointed newly-hired Emergency Management Director Kevin Guthrie to take on additional duties as acting public safety communications director.

In her letter, Baker noted that Guthrie supervised both emergency management and emergency communications in Flagler County before being hired by Pasco.

In a second letter to commissioners, dated April 1, Nocco gave “conditional acceptance” to Guthrie, if he is appointed permanently and serves solely as the center’s director.

Baker is expected to recommend three options on April 12.

The county has full responsibility for the center, with the county administrator hiring the director, with commission approval.
The sheriff hires a director and takes responsibility of the center. The county would appoint the assistant director, and set up an enterprise budget to track expenditures.
The center would be under control of the Consolidated Communications Board, which would select an executive director and other management positions. Employees and support services would be under contract with the county.

Baker also noted: “I remain willing to transfer responsibility and authority of the entire (Consolidated Communications Center) to the Sheriff, if that is the Board’s desire.”

Published April 13, 2016

Trail skips East Pasco

April 13, 2016 By Kathy Steele

Pasco County will be left out of one of the longest segments of the state’s Coast to Coast Connector Trail, but efforts are expected to continue to include the county in future projects.

The Florida Department of Transportation is opting for a northern trail route that winds through Hernando and Sumter counties and the city of Webster for the Coast to Coast Connector Trail, known as the C2C trail.

The department of transportation rejected alternate southern routes that would have passed through Pasco County, citing safety and relocation issues, and environmental concerns.

Dade City Mayor Camille Hernandez, left, studies a map as David Williams, a planning manager for the Florida Department of Transportation, talks about the state’s recommendation for a segment of the Coast to Coast Connector that skips Pasco County, but does go through the town of Webster. In the background, Webster Mayor Kelly Williams looks on. (Richard K. Riley/Photo) — Dade City Mayor Camille Hernandez, left, studies a map as David Williams, a planning manager for the Florida Department of Transportation, talks about the state’s recommendation for a segment of the Coast to Coast Connector that skips Pasco County, but does go through the town of Webster. In the background, Webster Mayor Kelly Williams looks on.
(Richard K. Riley/Photo)

State officials also said a southern route would add about nine additional miles to the C2C trail, which would boost construction costs.

About 80 people attended the last of three public meetings, hosted by the the state transportation department on April 7. Other meetings were in Sumter and Hernando counties.

Many came away from the April 7 meeting disappointed that the Sumter trail segment wouldn’t pass through a single Pasco town or city.

“It’s so important to us, not only as a destination, but for economic impact to the community and tourism,” said Dade City Mayor Camille Hernandez.

Transportation officials and their consultant, Orlando-based VHB, conducted a feasibility study for what is known as the South Sumter Connector Trail, the largest remaining segment of the C2C trail. The study looked at three northern routes through Hernando and Sumter counties, and two southern routes through Pasco and Sumter.

The purpose of the project is to build a trail segment connecting the Good Neighbor Trail to the South Lake Trail. That link also will interconnect with the James A. Van Fleet trail, which winds to the Withlacoochee Trail. When finished, the C2C will be about 270 miles of new and existing trails in nine counties, including the Starkey Wilderness Trail in west Pasco and the trailhead for the Withlacoochee.

The planned trail segment would fill the gap in the C2C trail, which when finished will link Pinellas County in the west with Brevard County in the east.

Pasco County Chairwoman Kathryn Starkey also suggested another alternative, which would tie in the cities of Webster, Lacoochee, Trilby and Dade City. That proposal was not part of the study, which will conclude in June.

The transportation department’s preferred route would cost about $21.4 million. The southern routes would cost about $25 million to $27 million.

The next phase is an approximately two-year study of environmental and engineering issues that would begin in late 2016 or early 2017. The trail then would be designed, right of way secured and, finally, construction would begin.

The entire process is likely to take multiple years.

Hernandez and others plan to keep lobbying for the entire Pasco community, in this and future projects.

Constructions of several trails or links with existing trails are in the works in Pasco, and also between Pasco and Pinellas County. They eventually will link with the Suncoast Trail and Hernando. A multi-use trail beside U.S. 301 is planned as a future link for the Hardy Trail, in Dade City.

Dade City council members were scheduled, on April 12, to consider a letter supporting Starkey’s proposed route, as well as a connector loop suggested by Pasco County Commissioner Ted Schrader. That action was slated for consideration after The Laker/Lutz News’ press time.

The letter, which would be sent to state transportation officials, also will request that directional signage be installed at the Good Neighbor Trail to let bicyclists know of trails available in Pasco.

Dade City resident Mark Pinson is heading up a petition drive to gather signatures favoring a trail that would include Dade City and other Pasco destinations.

“Bikers want destinations,” Pinson said. “Dade City is a great destination. You want a place to eat and have a cup of coffee.”

Several trails come close to Dade City, but they don’t connect, he said.

Hundreds of bicyclists flock to Dade City and San Antonio to enjoy scenic rides, he added.

Brooksville resident Art Frassrand checked out proposed routes on a display map prior to the transportation department’s slide show, and listened to David Williams, a planning manager for the department, as he explained the agency’s decision process.

“This is easily the most feasible route,” Williams said. “It’s a lot easier right-of-way wise. We won’t take as much frontage.”

Frassrand wasn’t persuaded.

“I think the southern route is the best,” Frassrand said.

It would trail through the Withlacoochee State Forest, and offer “the prettiest views,” he said.

Williams said forestry officials weren’t in favor of the C2C going through the state forest. He also noted hunters who said a bicycle trail would disrupt their hunting season.

However, Frassrand said bicyclists share the forest with hunters now for off-road or dirt bike riding.

Pinson said the northern route followed along busy highways.

“It’s probably a more unsafe route for bikers,” he said.

The extra nine miles that bothered transportation officials wouldn’t be an issue for bike riders, especially those planning an across-the-state jaunt, Pinson said.

“This is the prettiest nine miles of the whole trip,” he said.

Published April 13, 2016, Revised on April 15, 2016

Panel offers insights for job seekers

April 13, 2016 By B.C. Manion

If you’re looking for work, advice provided by participants at a recent panel discussion at Porter Campus at Wiregrass Ranch may come in handy.

The group was assembled as a part of a series of activities leading up to the inauguration of Dr. Timothy Beard as the fourth president of Pasco-Hernando State College.

The panelists were Greg Lenners, general manager at The Shops at Wiregrass; Tracy Clouser, director of marketing at Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel; Hope Allen, president and CEO of The Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce; Dr. Dennis Feltwell, an assistant professor of humanities at Porter Campus; Carin Hetzler-Nettles, principal at Wesley Chapel High School; and Denise Savolidis, a student at the college.

Dr. Bonnie Clark, provost at the Porter Campus moderated the panel, and Beard occasionally weighed in on the discussion.

Clark asked the panelists what qualities they seek in potential employees.

“Commitment and initiative are probably two of the most important attributes that I look at,” Lenners said.

Experience is important at Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel, but so is culture fit, Clouser said.

The hospital is seeking employees who will be highly engaged, Clouser added.

“There are a lot of studies that show highly engaged employees deliver better results, and that’s across industries. Gallup has researched this in all kinds of industries across the world. So, in health care, that means better outcomes for our patients. We couldn’t ask for anything more than that, right?” Clouser said.

Intangible qualities are important, too, Clouser said.

“I can teach processes. I can’t teach innate things like integrity,” she said.

Being able to deal with multiple people is important, too.

Allen said she doesn’t hire employees, but routinely works with scores of businesses at the chamber.

Successful companies share common traits, Allen said.

“The passion has to be there. You have to know your business.

“You can make the best cookies in the world, but if you can’t market those cookies, and you can’t do your books and you can’t find the right people … your business is not going to be successful,” Allen said.

Students graduating from college need “resilience and adaptability,” Feltwell said.

Having the capacity to relate to others is essential, too, he said. “That involves interpersonal communications, cultural competence, all sorts of things that will help you deal with different people in different situations,” he said.

“You’ll pick up a lot of different accents from different people, you’ll pick up different situations, different manners of talking and thinking, and speaking,” he said.

Being able to relate to people from diverse backgrounds “doesn’t mean that you know everything the cultures of other people, but you’re open,” Feltwell said.

Having relevant skills is important, Clouser said.

“Typically, businesses are moving at the speed of light. They’re running a hundred miles an hour,” she said.

The more skilled new hires are, she said, “the faster they’re going to hit the ground running and be able to make an impact on your business.”

As a high school principal, Hetzler-Nettles said she hires employees, while at the same time preparing students for graduation.

The key is connecting with students, and also with staff, to help them identify their passions and develop leadership skills, she said.

“What I most look for in employees and what we constantly try to teach children are grit and perseverance, which, in my mind, can get you through anything,” Hetzler-Nettles said.

Savolidis said internships are important because they help students to develop skills, and also help people to figure out if they’re on the right career path.

Students need hands-on experiences, in addition to book work, she said.

Feltwell agreed: “Part of the educational process is learning what each person can become excellent at doing.”

Being willing to seek help is important, too, Allen said.

“If you need something, just ask somebody. You have no idea what they’re going to say. The worst possible thing they can say is no,” Allen said.

It’s also important to be careful with social media, Lenners and Clouser said.

Employers look at prospective employees’ social media postings, Lenners said.

“Think of social media as an extension of your brand,” Clouser said. “Be careful what you post on your social media pages. It is out there. It does reflect on you.”

While it’s great if you know your career path when you’re young, it’s OK if you don’t, Lenners said. “I didn’t start doing what I’m doing until I was 33.”

Be willing to take risks, Lenners added.

Savolidis agreed: “My middle name is risk. I took a huge risk going back to school.

“You have to believe in yourself,” Savolidis added, noting she’s not a typical 21-year-old college student. “Put yourself around people who also believe in you, and they will encourage you when you think you can’t go on any farther. You’ve just got to do it. You just have to do it,” she said.

And, she’s doing just that.

“December, I will graduate,” Savolidis said.

Published April 13, 2016

Land sale pending near Hercules Park

April 13, 2016 By Kathy Steele

A commercial corner by the entrance into Hercules Park is on its way to being sold.

What happens with the remainder of the park’s land will depend on negotiations between officials from Pasco County Schools and the City of Zephyrhills.

Zephyrhills officials remain eager to see the park reopened and refurbished, said Steve Spina, city manager.

He anticipates meeting with school district officials in coming weeks.

“We’re not sure of the acreage yet,” Spina said.

Pasco County school officials plan to discuss the future of Hercules Park with the city of Zephyrhills, possibly looking at shared parking for the district’s ball field and the park. (Kathy Steele/Staff Photo) — Pasco County school officials plan to discuss the future of Hercules Park with the city of Zephyrhills, possibly looking at shared parking for the district’s ball field and the park.
(Kathy Steele/Staff Photo)

That won’t be known until the land deal is completed, city and school officials said.

Because of various stipulations in the agreement, a closing date is not expected until Dec. 9.

The Pasco County School Board, on April 5, approved the sale of approximately 2.5 acres to GH &G Florida LLC for about $1.7 million. The property is at the southeast corner of Gall Boulevard and County Road 54, near the entrance into Hercules Park.

However, the buyer could opt to purchase two smaller, adjacent parcels for an additional $600,000, according to the contract agreement.

Pasco County closed the park about five years ago to save money. Based on a prior agreement, the approximately 15-acre site had to be used as a park or be returned to the school district, which owns the property.

The property went on the market in 2015, but a $1.7 million bid by the city of Zephyrhills fell short of the initial $2.3 million offer from GH & G Florida. The company pledged to donate 10 acres to 11 acres to Zephyrhills for its park.

GH & G had six months to complete the deal, but later asked for an extension. That led to more negotiations and an agreement to sell less acreage.

The parkland is a historical site for Zephyrhills, and part of about 80 acres originally owned by Hercules Powder Co. The company, which converted pine stumps into resin and turpentine, once was the city’s largest employer.

The property later became sites for the park, Zephyrhills High School and Woodland Elementary School.

Hercules Park has a fitness trail, children’s playground and an aquatic center in a woodland setting.

School officials plan to pursue an agreement with the city.

The district has ball fields next to the park, and there would be opportunities to share parking space and other amenities.

“It would be a matter of us and the city sitting down to talk through those details,” said Chris Williams, the school district’s planning director. “I think it would be beneficial for both of us.”

Published April 13, 2016

Miss Florida Sunshine leads food drive

April 13, 2016 By B.C. Manion

Katy Sartain, recently crowned Miss Florida Sunshine, is leading a food drive in Dade City aimed at helping the Florida Baptist Children’s Homes.

She’s seeking to collect single-serving macaroni and cheese meals, and cans of chicken and tuna, in a quest to help fill 500 backpacks.

Anyone wishing to donate items should bring them on or before April 15 to The Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce office at 14112 Eighth St., in Dade City.

“One of the things that you do within the Miss America organization is volunteer for a day of service, called Miss America Serves,” Sartain explained.

The Miss America organization is supporting The Florida Baptist Children’s Homes in Lakeland, she said.

“I work a lot with older youth in foster care, so it’s amazing that my own personal platform kind of correlates and is congruent with this day of service.

“I’m very passionate about this in my own personal life, and I love that other people are getting involved as well,” Sartain said.

The Dade City native, who attends Florida State University, will be competing in June for the title of Miss Florida. The winner of that contest will seek the title of Miss America in September.

The Pasco High School graduate said she was initially unsure if she wanted to get involved in the pageant world.

“I was a little hesitant about getting involved because of the outward appearance of ‘Toddlers and Tiaras’ and things like that, but the amazing thing about the Miss America organization is that it’s a scholarship pageant, and I have been able to pay for a large majority of my tuition through the scholarship money that I’ve earned,” said Sartain, who is a college sophomore and is pursuing a degree in digital media production.

She said she decided to ask The Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce to serve as a collection point for the food drive, because she thought it would be a good way for the community to get involved.

“I thought more people would be apt to help out if we had a collection point, and kind of get the community involved in helping to feed our children,” Sartain said. “I wanted to make it something that everyone could help with, and get that sense of satisfaction.

“Everyone can do that — and be able to help a child who may be going home hungry. It doesn’t take that much effort or funds to help,” she added.

She thinks the community will step forward to help.

“The great thing about living in a small town is that you do have all of this support around you,” Sartain said. “The phrase, ‘It takes a village to raise a child,’ — I really have been raised by Dade City.”

The food drive is helping an organization established in 1904 as an orphanage. Through a history stretching more than a century, it has expanded services to provide safe, stable Christian homes and services to children and families in need.

Last year, the organization served more than 74,000 children through their campuses, foster care services, adoption service, emergency care, compassion ministries and other services, according to the organization’s website.

Other women involved in the Miss Florida system also are conducting local food drives to provide other items for the backpacks, Sartain said.

She will be at the children’s home in Lakeland on April 16 to help load the backpacks.

Food Drive
Katy Sartain, recently crowned Miss Florida Sunshine, is leading a food drive in Dade City to provide food items to The Florida Baptist Children’s Homes in Lakeland. She’s specifically seeking donations of single-serve macaroni, and cans of tuna and chicken.
Anyone wishing to donate items should bring them on or before April 15 to The Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce office at 14112 Eighth St., in Dade City.

Published April 13, 2016

North Pointe Church to have a home of its own

April 13, 2016 By B.C. Manion

There was a time when North Pointe Church prayed over an 11-acre site, hoping that a door would open for the land to become the location for the church’s first permanent home.

That was in 2008.

That prayer wasn’t answered.

Pastor Steve Wells said North Pointe Church’s new site demonstrates God’s word in action. “God’s word says he’ll give you exceedingly more than you ever asked, dreamed or imagined — He’s given us exceedingly more than we could have ever asked, dreamed or imagined.” (B.C. Manion/Staff Photo) — Pastor Steve Wells said North Pointe Church’s new site demonstrates God’s word in action. “God’s word says he’ll give you exceedingly more than you ever asked, dreamed or imagined — He’s given us exceedingly more than we could have ever asked, dreamed or imagined.”
(B.C. Manion/Staff Photo)

Instead, another property — three times the size of the parcel the church prayed over — became available in 2015.

And, it’s in essentially the same spot, just facing the other direction, said North Pointe’s Pastor Steve Wells.

The incredible thing was that the church had been hoping for at least 10 acres to plant its permanent home, but then decided that a 3-acre site was probably more feasible, given its finances.

When it learned about the 33-acre property where it’s planning to build, it simply was seeking to buy a few acres, Wells said.

The owner told the church it could buy a few acres, or all 33, for the same price.

Wells saw the hand of God in that transaction.

“God’s word says he’ll give you exceedingly more than you ever asked, dreamed or imagined — He’s given us exceedingly more than we could have ever asked, dreamed or imagined,” Wells said.

On April 10, the church celebrated a groundbreaking ceremony to mark the beginning of construction on a 12,000-square-foot structure that will serve as the church’s first permanent worship center.

The site is off County Line Road and Amanda Park Drive, in Lutz.

Plans for the first phase include a 12,000-plus-square-foot worship center, with gathering areas, administrative offices and spacious natural places on the property. The goal is to open the new sanctuary by late December or early January.

Wells is excited about the church finally having a home of its own.

Members of North Pointe Church enthusiastically toss dirt during a groundbreaking ceremony for the church’s first permanent home. (Photos courtesy of Northpointe Church) — Members of North Pointe Church enthusiastically toss dirt during a groundbreaking ceremony for the church’s first permanent home.
(Photos courtesy of North Pointe Church)

North Pointe had its first meeting in 2004 in the auditorium of Wharton High School, as a church planted by Belmont Church of Temple Terrace. The following year, North Pointe became its own church, Wells said.

In 2008, it moved from Wharton to a warehouse space in Land O’ Lakes, and then it moved again, in 2015, to Sunlake High School in Land O’ Lakes.

The church has grown from 40 members to more than 300, Wells said. It draws members from as far west as Odessa, as far east as Zephyrhills, as far north as San Antonio and as far south as Thonotosassa.

Because its members come from numerous communities, the church was delighted when it found a location that’s so centrally located, Wells said.

North Pointe aims to be a church that helps people deal with life’s practical challenges, and encourages them to grow spiritually.

North Pointe Church’s new building is deliberately designed to allow a variety of uses within the building, says Pastor Steve Wells.

“A church is a place for you to find hope and freedom in Christ,” Wells said. “But, what we realize is that people aren’t looking for hope and freedom in Christ — people are looking for help and healing. And so, what we want to be able to do is offer programs in our community that offer help and healing, in hopes of being able to introduce them to hope and freedom.

“People face impossible situations all of the time. Our Bible teaches us, ‘I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me,’ which means, the impossible is possible through Christ.

The church aims to help people with everything from marriage counseling, to weight loss, to addiction recovery, to budgeting.

“People want to learn to quit smoking, or stop drinking. Countless families in our church are going through foster and adoption processes,” he said. “We want to be an advocate of foster care and adoptive care.”

Hard hats, shovels and an earth mover signify a big day for North Pointe Church in Lutz.

Eventually, the church wants to build a second structure that will house its various programs aimed at helping people address practical challenges in life.

“We all struggle with stuff. We believe that when you add God to the equation, the practical problems that you’re facing really become something that you can navigate,” Wells said.

Besides providing worship and other church services, Wells envisions the church as being a place that will attract a variety of other uses, such as live theatre productions, awards ceremonies and corporate events.

“It’s going to be a picture-perfect place to get married,” Wells added.

The pastor is excited by the possibilities that having a permanent church home presents.

“Buildings don’t change lives. It’s what goes on inside,” Wells said.

“Although this (groundbreaking) is a great celebration, it’s not a finish line.”

“Really, it’s a starting line moment,” Wells said.

North Pointe Church meets on Sundays, at 9:15 a.m. and 11 a.m., at Sunlake High School, 3023 Sunlake Blvd., in Land O Lakes. For more information, visit NorthPointeFl.org.

Published April 13, 2016

Patience dwindling on Ridge Road

April 13, 2016 By Kathy Steele

When it comes to the extension of Ridge Road, one Pasco County commissioner said it’s time to fish or cut bait.

Pasco County Commissioner Mike Moore wants an answer from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers on the project by mid-May, or he’s ready to drop it.

The county has been waiting for 16 years for a permit on the project.

Moore reluctantly joined other commissioners on March 29 to approve a new consultants’ contract to pursue the permit, but said his tolerance is waning.

“I can’t continue this year after year,” Moore said. “I can’t continue even six months to give more and more funds (to a project) that I don’t know is going to happen.”

Moore signaled earlier that he had concerns about a six-month extension to a contract with consultants at Dawson & Associates.

The firm, based in Washington D.C., is helping steer the county’s permit application through the rules and regulations of multiple federal agencies, including the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

At the time, commissioners agreed to the contract extension, but lowered the monthly payments of $38,500 down to $28,500.

The new contract is for one year, retroactive to February 2016, with the potential for month-to-month extensions for an additional three months. The fee remained unchanged.

The contract can be terminated with 30 days’ notice.

Dawson & Associates have submitted a new road design, with more bridges, that is part of a packet under review by the federal agency.

The agency is expected to respond within a month or so, said Dwight Beranek, senior advisor with Dawson & Associates.

“We’re seeing continuous progress, and even accelerated progress, in these last months,” he said.

The federal agency rejected the county’s permit application in April 2015, citing insufficient data and analysis of 17 construction alternatives.

Additional information and the modification of one alternative have been provided, but the application remains in the bureaucratic pipeline.

The 8-mile extension is viewed as high priority as a hurricane evacuation route, and as an additional east/west connector. But, there are objections about environmental damage to the area, and additional harm if more development is encouraged.

The road would run through about 58 acres of the 6,000-acre Serenova Preserve, set aside years ago to mitigate wetlands lost during construction of the Suncoast Parkway.

The road currently dead-ends at Moon Lake Road in New Port Richey.

The extension would link to U.S. 41, with a route to the parkway in Land O’ Lakes. There would be no access to the preserve from the road extension.

The county’s budget, for several years, has included $42 million for the first phase of the project.

Pasco County Chairwoman Kathryn Starkey also expressed frustration with the lengthy process.

Pasco’s application is believed to be the longest pending permit request in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineer’s history, but Starkey said delays aren’t unusual.
“This is a major problem with the Army Corps. It’s not just the county,” she said. “We’re not the only ones going through this.”

In agreeing to the new contract, Moore issued an ultimatum:

“I’m giving you (Dawson & Associates) until mid-May, or I’m done.”

Published April 13, 2016