Local News

Town hall covers myriad topics

February 24, 2016 By Kathy Steele

A local church was packed with more than 100 residents during a town hall meeting held by Pasco County Commissioner Kathryn Starkey, and county staff.

Those attending had a chance to get a primer on how Pasco County departments function, and to get snapshots of what’s happening across the county and in their neighborhood.

They also got a chance to speak face-to-face with county staff members on issues, including the proposed Ridge Road extension, flood prevention efforts, and the future of the State Road 54 and U.S 41 intersection.

The meeting, which lasted around three hours, was held at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, in Lutz.

County staff members gave presentations about planning and growth, stormwater, code enforcement, parks and recreation, crime prevention, capital projects and transportation.

More than 100 residents came to a town hall meeting at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, in Lutz. The meeting was hosted by Pasco County Commissioner Kathryn Starkey and Pasco County staff members. (Kathy Steele/Staff Photo) — More than 100 residents came to a town hall meeting at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, in Lutz. The meeting was hosted by Pasco County Commissioner Kathryn Starkey and Pasco County staff members.
(Kathy Steele/Staff Photo)

Residents had a chance to ask a few questions at the end of each presentation, and could meet privately with staff members, too.

“We tried to think of things that are of concern to you,” Starkey said, in her opening remarks.

Richard Gehring, the county’s strategic policy administrator, gave residents a picture of the county’s population growth.

The census pegged the county’s population at about 467,000 in 2010. Even during the recession, the county grew by about 20,000 residents a year, Gehring said.

And by 2040, the population could increase to about 905,000 countywide.

“This will be the predominant growth area,” Gehring said of central Pasco especially along the State Road 54 corridor.

Residents from Sierra Pines, in Lutz, raised concerns about flooding. Their neighborhood suffered during the summer rainfalls and they worry that enough isn’t being done to address stormwater problems.

The county has identified about $300 million in stormwater projects, but has no funding source as yet.

“That will be an issue with the county commission this year,” said Starkey. “We’re trying to figure out how to do that.”

One resident asked about completion of the Ridge Road extension.

The 8-mile long project is a high priority for the county as a link connecting east and west Pasco, and as an evacuation route in hurricanes and other emergencies.

It has been delayed for more than 15 years, as the county awaits a permit from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Starkey said the application is the longest standing permit request in the country.

Pasco hired a consultant several months ago to help with the process.

“We’re going to try to get louder and louder, and get this squeaky wheel done,” Starkey said.

Finding a solution to the increasing traffic congestion, especially at State Road 54 and U.S. 41, is another issue that has stirred controversy.

Two volunteer task forces created by Pasco County are currently reviewing a set of road projects to improve traffic flow. The Florida Department of Transportation also is reviewing options that could include a flyover that would elevate State Road 54 over U.S. 41 and potentially set aside toll lanes.

But, a range of transportation options will be needed to deal with traffic, as growth and development proceed, said James Edwards, director of Pasco County’s Metropolitan Planning Organization.

Transit and even passenger rail along the CSX rail line that crosses U.S. 41 at State Road 54 are possibilities, he said. The rail line is a back door to the Tampa International Airport, the University of South Florida, and into Pinellas County and Clearwater, he said.

“It is a line that absolutely connects us,” he said. “It’s an underutilized asset that may come into play in the future.”

Published February 24, 2016

Pasco master plan seeks to improve parks and recreation

February 24, 2016 By Kathy Steele

A proposed master plan for Pasco County’s parks and recreation facilities would cost an estimated $222 million over 10 years, according to a needs assessment from consultants at AECOM.

About $112 million of that amount would be targeted at new amenities for the county’s growing population.

A 2001 master plan projected about 51,000 more people over 10 years.

The actual number was closer to 119,000.

As more people move into Pasco County, the amount of parkland shrinks, in proportion to its population. (File Photos) — As more people move into Pasco County, the amount of parkland shrinks, in proportion to its population.
(File Photos)

New projections peg population growth at about 204,000 more residents, also over 10 years.

How much of the master plan realistically can be implemented and where the funding will come from has yet to be determined. Pasco County commissioners, on Feb. 16, got an overview of the issues confronting the county’s parks and recreation — now and in the future.

Commissioners were asked to consider potential funding options through increased impact fees, user fees, matching grants, assessments, taxes, or through combining multiple sources.

One option could be taking the issue to voters seeking additional funding through a 2018 referendum.

“We really think it’s going to take a combination of a lot of these things,” said Matt Armstrong, the county’s executive planner for long-range planning.

County staff presented the information to commissioners to seek direction before scheduling public meetings to map out various scenarios for the county’s master plan for parks and recreation.

Inadequate parks funding is posing a challenge for Pasco County to keep up its parks.

However, commissioners requested a follow-up presentation, with additional details, as well as illustrations of potential projects.

“We’ll draft a community-engaged road show and bring it back to you,” said Pasco County Administrator Michele Baker. “Then, you can try it on for size.”

After years of sharp budget cuts during the economy’s downturn, the parks and recreation department lacks funds just to maintain and operate existing parks.

The current budget falls short by about $14 million a year to cover existing needs, according to AECOM’s assessment.

The county now has about five acres per 1,000 people for parks and recreation activities. As the population grows over the next decade, the acreage per 1,000 people likely will shrink by half, if the county does nothing to expand parks and recreation, according to AECOM’s assessment.

In a survey, about 80 percent of 621 residents put repairs and upkeep as one of the county’s priorities. They also wanted more trails and sidewalks, more boat ramps, ball fields, community centers and a more equal distribution of facilities countywide.

About $15 million in new construction proposed in the county’s 2001 master plan went unbuilt, largely due to budget cuts.

AECOM consultants looked at five market areas in the county. While all areas need additional ball fields or recreational facilities, the market areas in south, north and central Pasco had the greatest needs.

One possible solution to address the shortage of funding for Pasco County’s parks and recreation could be to ask voters to approve additional funding through a referendum.

Pasco County Commissioner Kathryn Starkey cited 2009 data from the nonprofit Florida Taxwatch, which placed Pasco near the bottom in per capita spending on cultural and recreation facilities.

Residents might want to pay more to see improvements, she said.

“There is no money for parks and recreation in our budget,” Starkey said. “Their budget has been slashed, and the current parks they have are falling apart. We’ll have to close parks if we don’t find a budget source. And, if you think we have it now in our general revenues, where? In the sheriff’s budget?”

On revenues for parks and recreation, commissioners appeared to have a consensus that voters should decide what they want, and have a say in how to pay.

Pasco County Commissioner Mike Moore stressed a “think outside the box” approach that includes public/private partnerships. Past efforts seemed to rely too much on taxes, he said.

It comes down to what residents want and a referendum, said Pasco County Commissioner Mike Wells.

“If the residents want it and want to pay a little more on it, that’s what they need to do.”

Published February 24, 2016

Thrift store seeks to push up sales

February 24, 2016 By B.C. Manion

Christian Social Services of Lutz & Land O’ Lakes Inc., gets a lot of visitors, as people bring donations to the thrift store at 5514 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., which resembles a large red barn.

But, the charity had been trying to figure out a way to capture some of that traffic, before it headed back onto Land O’ Lakes Boulevard, said Jacquie Petet, executive director of the charitable organization.

Jacquie Petet and Patty Byers work at Christian Social Services Thrift Store. The nonprofit organization provides help, in a variety of ways, to people who are struggling. (B.C. Manion/Staff Photos) — Jacquie Petet and Patty Byers work at Christian Social Services Thrift Store. The nonprofit organization provides help, in a variety of ways, to people who are struggling.
(B.C. Manion/Staff Photos)

That’s when they came up with the idea of issuing $3 in Red Barn Bucks to anyone who brings in a donation, Petet said.

The store needs to sell more merchandise to help cover payroll, utilities and other expenses, Petet said.

“We are a very low-budget organization. If you look around, you could probably find three things in this office that we actually paid money for. We just wait until it comes through the back door,” Petet said.

There are four employees and about two dozen regular volunteers. It also gets help, periodically, from youth groups and community organizations.

Despite its small staff, the organization provides great services, said Loretta Parker, who was at the thrift store recently to pick up some food from the pantry.

“If it hadn’t been for this place, I would be so far under,” Parker said. “They are great with every kind of help,” she said.

Volunteers Nancy Taylor, Beverly Maples and Mary Whitaker said they enjoy helping out.

Taylor was busy sorting bakery items on a recent day, while Maples and Whitaker stocked shelves in the food pantry.

“I like doing it,” Maples said. “I love the people here.”

Christian Social Services Thrift Store, 5514 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., is trying to encourage people who drop off donations to come inside and shop away. They’re giving $3 in Red Barn Bucks to spend in the store to anyone who makes a donation.

The food and other services that Christian Social Services provides are much-needed in the community, Taylor said.

Patty Byers said she first became acquainted with the thrift store when she needed help.

“That was 13 years ago,” she said.

When Byers got back on her feet, she became a volunteer, and then she became a part-time employee.

“It’s a lovely place to work,” Byers said.

“We see people coming in that can’t feed their children, and when they leave, their shoulders are little more up, their head is a little higher,” Byers said.

“It’s a wonderful place,” she said.

Byers said they can also provide encouragement and remind those who are struggling that, “even though things seem bad, they can get better.”

People who enjoy thrift shopping will find much to peruse at the thrift shop, including clothing, housewares, interior décor, books, china and other items.

Christian Social Services opened its doors in August 1987. It is supported by churches in Lutz and Land O’ Lakes, and serves families and individuals in north Hillsborough and Central Pasco counties.

Loretta Parker was at Christian Social Services Thrift Store recently to pick up some groceries. She said the charitable organization has been a saving grace for her.

The organization provides backpacks, school supplies and clothing for school-aged children; food, clothing, household necessities for families, support services to people in crisis, and holiday food baskets and Christmas toys to families in need.

The organization also partners with FUMC-Lutz and Mission Tampa to provide free dental care for people in need within the community.

And, it sponsors and coordinates National Day of Prayer activities.

Its member churches are All Saints Lutheran, Candlewood Community Church, Church of the Lakes, First Baptist of Lutz, First United Methodist of Land O’ Lakes, First United Methodist of Lutz, Grace Family Church, Harvester United Methodist Church, Holy Trinity Lutheran, Idlewild Baptist, Land O’ Lakes Church of God and Tims Memorial Church.

Additional churches that provide support are Church of the Suncoast, Cornerstone Presbyterian, Heritage Christian Center, Keystone Community, and Village Presbyterian.

The thrift store is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday. The emergency food pantry is open during those hours, too.

Christian Social Services Thrift Store
Hours: Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
What: Clothing, linens, shoes, dishes, jeans, small appliances, jewelry, books, home décor
Where: 5514 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., Land O’ Lakes
Deals: Every month, items marked with a different color are on sale. Everyone who donates goods receives a $3 coupon to spend in the store.
For more information: (813) 995-0088

Published February 24, 2016

Pasco County moves toward wildlife corridors

February 24, 2016 By Kathy Steele

A proposed ordinance to create wildlife corridors in Pasco County is expected to be considered soon by the Pasco County Commission.

With some tweaking, county planners hope to bring a revised ordinance to commissioners in the next weeks.

Commissioners reviewed the ordinance proposal at a workshop on Feb. 16 in Dade City. Six months earlier, they postponed public hearings on the ordinance to gather additional input.

This fox squirrel is one of the kinds of animals that would have more options for getting around if Pasco County creates proposed wildlife corridors. (File Photo) — This fox squirrel is one of the kinds of animals that would have more options for getting around if Pasco County creates proposed wildlife corridors.
(File Photo)

The central issue is balancing conservation and property rights, and determining compensation for land acquired by the county from private owners.

The county needs to acquire about 2,500 acres of the roughly 7,000 total acreage needed to establish seven wildlife corridors, primarily in central and east Pasco County. Corridors would link proposed and built development projects, including those at Starkey Ranch, Crossbar, Connerton and Cypress Creek.

Portions of the corridor are wetlands that are not suitable for development, and the county previously has acquired some land through the Environmental Land Acquisition Management Program.

The options are to obtain the remaining corridor property through eminent domain or through an ordinance that focuses on buying land from willing sellers.

“This should not be implemented on the backs of landowners,” said Pasco County Commissioner Kathryn Starkey. “Landowners should want to participate in this, because they are more than fairly being compensated.”

As drafted, the ordinance would apply only if a landowner sought to rezone property for land uses of greater density or intensity, and had some portion of the corridor within the property’s boundaries.

There are exemptions including existing development approvals.

The county and landowner would provide property appraisals and reach agreement on a sales price through negotiations. Landowners also could appeal if they disagreed with the price.

Five workshops were held over the past year to gather public input from residents, developers and landowners.

The issue, however, has lingered for more than 20 years since a court settlement mandated that the county create the wildlife corridors.

“This challenge is before my time. We’ve got to get off the dime and get this done,” said Pasco County Commissioner Ted Schrader. “I think there is real value in establishing the corridor. This thing has gone on way too long.”

The corridors are intended to preserve wildlife habitat by allowing movement between preserved lands for such species as the spotted turtle, gopher frog, osprey, American oystercatcher, fox squirrel and river otter. They also aid in preservation of water resources, wetlands and recreational opportunities.

The corridors will be a long-term asset, according to Apopka resident Richard Stauffer, who attended the workshop.

“I think it will mean a whole lot,” Stauffer said. “We might not appreciate it today, but someday in the future our grandchildren will appreciate the wildlife and what we have.”

The ordinance would provide two compensation methods. In one, known as fee simple, the county would buy the property outright. At an average value of $10,000 per acre, taxpayers would spend about $26 million.

In the other method, known as less than fee simple, the county would acquire use of the land, but would not own it.

Under this method, based on an average of about $7,800 per acre, taxpayers would spend between $19 million and $20 million.

However, those property valuations seemed too low to commissioners as fair compensation and likely will be revised upward when the ordinance is brought back to them.

If lieu of an ordinance, the most expensive route would be eminent domain, based on county estimates that the costs could be as much as $78 million.

However, when the ordinance is rewritten, Pasco County Commissioner Mike Moore wants it to be in “plain English” that makes it clear what landowners can expect.

Some families, he said, have passed land down for generations.

“They depend on it as income producing property. It has to be spelled out.”

Published February 24, 2016

Hurricane winds leave path of destruction

February 24, 2016 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

The Hurricane of 1921 — which struck nearly a century ago — was the most destructive storm to hit Florida since 1848. It made landfall with sustained winds of 115 mph as a Category 3 hurricane, near Tarpon Springs, on Oct. 25, 1921.

Maxine Gause was one of only 10 students attending school that day in Elfers. She was safe inside the brick school building built in 1914.

Gause remained in the classroom with her mother, who was a substitute teacher.

Sunnybrook Tobacco barn number 3 in Dade City, destroyed by the Hurricane of 1921. (Photo from the Burgert Brothers Photography Collection, November 2, 1921)

She shares her experience in an account published by Fivay.org, a website that contains a wealth of information about Pasco County history.

She describes the storm blowing open the classroom door.

“So we had to take turns standing against it, a few at a time, until the storm finally eased up. We were frightened!” Gause recounts.

On the same website, Pauline Stevenson Ash recalls her day at school when the storm passed through Elfers: “During that hurricane, most of the windows blew out, and we took turns sweeping out the water, for almost seven hours!”

The Hurricane of 1921 was at its worst in Dade City later that same day, nearly 95 years ago.

The Dade City Banner published headlines that read “Dade City in Path of Tropical Storm,” and “San Antonio Old Times Never Saw the Like.”

Although the Mt. Zion Methodist Church was never rebuilt following the Hurricane of 1921, the Mt. Zion Cemetery still exists today with 16 confederate burial sites. In 1977, the Mt. Zion Cemetery Association was formed for the perpetual care and maintenance of approximately 6 acres, of which many are burial sites of pioneer families from Pasco County. (Doug Sanders/Photos) — Although the Mt. Zion Methodist Church was never rebuilt following the Hurricane of 1921, the Mt. Zion Cemetery still exists today with 16 confederate burial sites. In 1977, the Mt. Zion Cemetery Association was formed for the perpetual care and maintenance of approximately 6 acres, of which many are burial sites of pioneer families from Pasco County.
(Doug Sanders/Photos)

The newspaper was forced to abandon its offices during the storm “…as the building became too tipsy to be comfortable.

“The boys did what they could to protect the stock and cover the linotype,” the newspaper reported.

West of Dade City, the hurricane demolished one of the oldest churches in Pasco County. The Mt. Zion Methodist Church had been built in 1872 with “hand-hewn timbers and sawed rough boards” according to the historical marker erected in 1980.

The Masonic Lodge had used the church’s second floor as a meeting place.

The storm also flattened the church at Prospect, but, according to the Dade City Banner on May 12, 1922: “The people of the neighborhood have just completed the rebuilding of the edifice and on Easter night had their first service.”

With only 18 telephones of the Pasco Telephone Company still in use, damage reports came in from across the county.

In Odessa, The Lyon Pine company mill reported $15,000 in roof damages. The Dowling Company mill estimated damages of $30,000 after six of its smokestacks crashed to the ground.

Dade City’s ice and power plant also reported that smokestacks were toppled by the hurricane winds.

High winds blew down a turpentine business and a large stand of trees in Darby.

And, a hotel in Zephyrhills lost part of its roof.

When the Hurricane of 1921 reached San Antonio, it shattered buildings, uprooted trees and flattened the water tanks at Holy Name Academy.

A few lucky families had food and shelter at the St. Charles Inn. Holding a lantern at night, owners guided guests to their rooms.

Built by Charles Barthle in 1913, the St. Charles Inn is a whitewashed building with 1,500 square feet of porches that are supported by six columns. More than $100,000 in renovations have restored the structure as a bed and breakfast, with 62 windows that open and close by encased ropes and weights.

Yet, Sunnybrook Tobacco Company, in Dade City, reported the biggest storm damage, losing nine large barns and 110 acres of shade-grown tobacco. The damage was estimated at $100,000.

Established in 1897, Sunnybrook was the largest employer in Pasco County with 500 acres. (Ironically, the company would close its doors after suffering additional losses from the black shank tobacco fungus, and a fire in 1924 that burned up 150,000 pounds of fine wrapper tobacco valued at $200,000.)

The Dade City Banner, on Oct. 28, 1921, also reported $1,000 in damages to the south end of the Dade City packing house and offered this gloomy assessment: “The citrus crop is more than half on the ground, and growers have suffered a great loss.”

Area travelers also encountered fallen utility poles and streets littered with storm debris for several weeks, as well as destroyed bridges, cutting off traffic.

“The Atlantic Coast Line by Trilby was practically the one way out,” according to a Dade City Banner report, published nearly a century ago.

By Doug Sanders

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 .

Published February 24, 2016

Watergrass girls on the run

February 17, 2016 By Kevin Weiss

Watergrass Elementary school counselor Meredith Ward joined forces last year with third grade teacher Amanda Hoffman to start a girls running club.

Since Watergrass doesn’t have organized school sports, they felt it was a good way for their students to get active and develop interpersonal skills.

The Watergrass Elementary Owls Run Club is for fourth grade and fifth grade girls. They meet every Thursday afternoon and are preparing for a 5K race in March. (Photos courtesy of Watergrass Elementary) — The Watergrass Elementary Owls Run Club is for fourth grade and fifth grade girls. They meet every Thursday afternoon and are preparing for a 5K race in March.
(Photos courtesy of Watergrass Elementary)

“I had heard about how girls running groups really helped promote empowerment and that kind of girl power mentality, and I just thought, ‘Well, this would be really cool if I could start this here at Watergrass,’” Ward said.

The Watergrass Elementary Owls Run Club — for fourth grade and fifth grade girls — promotes healthy choices, and tries to build positive self-esteem and teamwork. It also focuses on setting goals and developing perseverance, as the girls begin their transition to middle school.

The club has provided an outlet for Watergrass students to socialize, outside of the regular school day.

“I’ve had some girls who’ve said, ‘I’ve made some new friends since being part of the group,’ and that’s important,” Ward said. “We’re focusing on positive relationships with other girls, and how we need to work together and build each other up.

“It’s kind of a byproduct to the health and fitness, and goal setting that we’re doing,” she said.

Ward, an avid runner in her own right, was initially surprised in the amount of interest the afterschool club generated.

She had hoped to attract about 15 students or so. But, the club wound up with double that, at 30 members last year. Currently, it has 33 members.

“We weren’t really sure what we were going go get, but we were thrilled to have so many fourth (grade) and fifth grade girls who wanted to come out and do this,” she said. “The response from the parents has been great, too.”

Through business donations, the club was able to create a pink T-shirt that says, “I Run Like a Girl, Just Try to Keep Up.”

The Owls Run Club meets every Thursday after school, exercising in various open areas, as well as in nearby neighborhood communities.

It welcomes all skillsets—no matter how fast or how slow.

“We have a varied ability level,” Ward explained. “We have some girls that, maybe, without this group wouldn’t be very active, and then we have some that are already running a couple of miles a couple of days a week.”

Watergrass fifth-grader Elizabeth Parsons said the club is “really fun” because “we get to have more exercise.”

“I recommend (other schools) have running clubs, because it’s really good for you,” said Parsons, who’s in her second year with the club. “Some think that girls are not strong enough to run something, so we try to build up our self-esteem, and we encourage people.”

The encouragement aspect of the club is especially important for students going through personal issues, Ward added.

“Sometimes we’ll do mini-sessions before we start running where everyone shares a compliment or shares something positive that has happened during their week,” the school counselor explained. “Some of our kids may be going through family changes or may have experienced some kind of a loss.”

Ward said a few adult volunteers from the school have stepped up to help supervise the group, thereby accommodating the girls’ varied running and walking paces.

“We try to kind of break the groups down…where one of us will push up so the girls who are capable of running more consistently can do so, and this year we’ve had some other adults walk…forming a barrier in the back,” she said.

The presence of other adults has been a positive motivator for club members, Parsons said.

“They really encourage us,” the fifth-grader said. “For people that are behind, they say, ‘You can do it’ and ‘Keep up the good work.’”

The running club is currently training for the Watergrass Elementary Parent Teacher Association 5K on March 7.

Since the group meets just once a week, Ward said the training program is loosely based around the ‘couch to 5K’ program — jogging sessions at a comfortable pace, gradually adding more distance each week.

“Each week, we’ve been building our stamina…and the goal is for the girls to be able to participate in that race, and finish that race,” Ward said. “For some of them, it’ll be their very first 5K.”

After the race, Ward plans to scale down the club until October, bypassing the warm weather conditions at the beginning and end of the school year.

“It’d be nice to do it all year, but once it gets extremely hot, there are some concerns about overheating and hydration,” she said.

Published February 17, 2016

Pasco’s global markets expand

February 17, 2016 By Kathy Steele

When people talk about the global economy, they’re not just talking about deals that take place overseas.

Florida already plays a sizable role in international trade, and Pasco County companies are showing an increasing interest in attracting global customers.

About 100 people turned out to learn more at “Growing Global,” a half-day international exporting conference hosted by the Pasco Economic Development Council on Feb. 10.

More than 100 people attended Growing Global, a half-day international exporting conference, hosted by the Pasco Economic Development Council. (Photos courtesy of Pasco Economic Development Council) — More than 100 people attended Growing Global, a half-day international exporting conference, hosted by the Pasco Economic Development Council.
(Photos courtesy of Pasco Economic Development Council)

The conference, held at the Residence Inn in Land O’ Lakes, featured speakers from international countries and business experts who provided information aimed at helping companies understand the markets, and also to help smooth the way for those interested in exporting goods and services.

Pasco County is increasingly part of the global market, said Bill Cronin, president and CEO of the Pasco EDC. “It (international trade) is not reserved to those big cities, like Orlando and Miami.”

The conference attracted business owners, Pasco County officials and representatives of the Small Business Development Center at the University of South Florida, Enterprise Florida, Tampa Bay Export Assistance Center and Pinellas County Economic Development.

Representatives from Canada, France, Germany and Mexico were there, too. They made sales pitches extolling reasons to do business with their respective countries.

They also shared data on imports and exports that already generate billions of dollars in global trade.

Louise Leger, acting consul general of Canada, reported that total trade between Canada and Florida is about $8 billion annually.

Max Stewart, regional manager of Enterprise Florida, encouraged business owners to take advantage of upcoming trade missions to Costa Rica and Mexico City.

Canada is the No. 1 source of tourism to Florida, Leger said.

About one in nine Canadians visit annually and spend a total of about $4 billion.

Canada employs about 27,000 Floridians in 300 companies located in the state, including Circle K and TD Bank.

With the exchange rate currently favoring the stronger U.S. dollar, Leger said now is a good time to invest in Canada. “We are there to help you be successful, whether it is here or in Canada,” Leger said. The consulate is located in Miami.

Max Stewart, regional manager of Enterprise Florida, touted the state agency’s upcoming trade missions to Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic and Mexico City.

“This is the time to be thinking internationally,” he said. “The U.S. is really, really strong in this market.”

Trade missions can open doors to foreign markets more quickly, Cronin said. “It allows our companies to get a lot more exposure than they would otherwise get,” he said.

While the focus often is on products, Cronin added that services also are a growing segment of global trade.

Not everything sold overseas has to be something that gets “thrown in a box. A lot of people don’t recognize that,” Cronin said.

A brief panel discussion highlighted some challenges of doing business overseas including paperwork, obtaining work permits and cultural sensitivities.

The panel showcased local businesses: Earthworks Environmental, in Safety Harbor; York Bridge Concepts, in Lutz; and TwinStar Optics, in Port Richey.

Bill Cronin, president of the Pasco Economic Development Council, welcomed participants to a conference highlighting opportunities for local companies to enter the global market.

“You need to have a strategy,” said Jonathan Brewer, owner of Earthworks Environmental, which specializes in soil cleanups. “It’s not going to happen overnight.”

Peter Thomas of TwinOptics makes opticals for laser-based weapons that require government approvals. “We worry about it being a weapon against the United States. A lot of time, we wait on (federal) government to get back to us.”

James York, of York Bridge Concepts, said companies that want to trade globally should “bring something unique to the table and, at some point, they (trade partners) are going to say ‘Hey, we need that’.”

York Bridge Concepts specializes in timber-built bridges for golf courses, trails and residential developments. The company began more than 30 years ago in Tampa, but moved to Lutz in 2008.

“We work in a global environment,” said Gil York, the company’s director of international development and public relations. “It’s irrelevant where you are located. It’s how you market your business.”

Published February 17, 2016

New school buses to run on natural gas

February 17, 2016 By Kathy Steele

Pasco County school buses have the green light to run on natural gas.

School officials expect the shift to save money in the long-term, while ushering in a more environmentally friendly fleet of buses.

On Feb.10, the Pasco County Planning Commission approved a recommendation from the county’s planning staff to allow construction of a bus maintenance and storage facility, and a refueling station on Interlaken Road in Odessa.

Future buses transporting children in Pasco County Schools are expected to use natural gas for fuel. (File Photo) — Future buses transporting children in Pasco County Schools are expected to use natural gas for fuel.
(File Photo)

The approximately 24-acre site on the north side of Interlaken Road will have the capacity to accommodate about 120 school buses and 180 personal vehicles.

In the first year of the program, school district officials plan to buy 30 to 35 new buses that run on fuel known as Compressed Natural Gas, or CNG. Those buses could be in service by spring of 2017.

More buses will be added year to year, slowly replacing some of the 470 buses in the fleet. The shift will reduce reliance on gasoline and diesel-burning fuels in favor of natural gas, which burns cleaner and emits fewer toxins.

Upfront costs are anticipated at about $1.5 million per year to buy buses. However, the school district could be reimbursed $25,000 per bus, up to 10 buses, through a state rebate program.

Clearwater Gas System, which is owned and operated by the city of Clearwater will supply the natural gas.

The planning commission’s approval came with conditions to address concerns raised by nearby residents.

An 8-foot masonry wall will be built. Activities within the compound will be set back 40 feet from residences, and efforts made to keep noise levels low.

Roadwork on a newly-extended Interlaken Road is under way. When completed in June, the two-lane road will have 6-foot sidewalks and an 8-foot multi-use trail.

Published February 17, 2016

Efforts on to settle renaming dispute

February 17, 2016 By Kathy Steele

Pasco County officials are trying to search out the historical boundaries between Land O’ Lakes and Wesley Chapel to help determine the name of a new road near Cypress Creek Town Center.

Finding out that information could help determine whether a new stretch of Wesley Chapel Boulevard should:

Be renamed Circle O Ranch Parkway
Be named something else
Keep the name it has

The roadway, south of State Road 56, is planned as a southern continuation of Wesley Chapel Boulevard that will connect with County Line Road.

According to county records, a compromise decision to name the road “Town Center Parkway” was considered, but then abandoned.

“I don’t think Town Center is historical, but at least it’s a new beginning,” said Sandy Graves, a long-time Land O’ Lakes’ resident and a member of the Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce.

The chamber requested the name change to Circle O Ranch Parkway in December. The name would recognize the King family, whose ranch now is a prime development area for Tampa Premier Outlets and the Cypress Creek Town Center.

In the next weeks, meetings with groups who are at odds over the renaming will be held. Interested parties are being asked to provide evidence in the form of documents, oral histories, videos or anything that might shed light on the matter.

“We’ll put this in a staff report,” said Matt Armstrong, the county’s executive planner for the long-range planning department.

He hopes to have that available to Pasco County commissioners in March or April.

The effort is to give everyone a fair shake, he added.

But, county officials also are trying to put the focus on more than drawing a line between Wesley Chapel and Lutz-Land O’ Lakes.

Settling the boundaries also will affect future decisions on vision plans for each community.

“It’s more important to focus on the heart of the communities,” Armstrong said.

Pasco County commissioners unanimously agreed to continue the public hearing on the road’s renaming.

“It would be really nice to have some resolution to this contentious issue,” said Commissioner Kathryn Starkey.

Renaming roads can be a delicate matter, said Commissioner Ted Schrader.

He had some concern, though, about road name confusion with Wesley Chapel Boulevard, State Road 54 and State Road 56 all converging at the same intersection. The entrance into the outlet mall, also at the juncture, is Grand Cypress Drive.

“What really resonated with me was the potential renaming and how four roads are at the intersection, all with different names,” Schrader said. “That really stuck with me.”

To date, county officials have met with area residents and members of the Central Pasco chamber.

A meeting is scheduled Feb. 19 with area residents and members of the Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce.

Developers with Sierra Properties, which is building Cypress Creek Town Center, also are participating in discussions.

“This isn’t a chamber issue to me,” said Graves. “It’s something the county did that was wrong and needs to be corrected.”

Hope Allen, president of the Wesley Chapel chamber, declined to comment on the issue.

The Land O’ Lakes community crafted a vision plan and presented it to the county in 2003. The boundaries were Interstate 75, State Road 52, the Suncoast Parkway and the county line.

But in 2004, and Graves says without notice, the county renamed County Road 54 as Wesley Chapel Boulevard.

But, Lutz and Land O’ Lakes mailing addresses exist along the boulevard, north of State Road 56. The outlet mall and the town center have Lutz addresses, while Stagecoach and Grand Oaks subdivisions have Land O’ Lakes addresses.

“Lutz and Land O’ Lakes have been together forever,” Graves said. The King family had a Lutz address, but were ingrained in the Land O’ Lakes community, she said.

Still, she is hopeful that a resolution will soon be reached.

“The history of our community is very important,” Graves said.

Published February 17, 2016

Zika virus cases keep growing

February 17, 2016 By B.C. Manion

The news on the Zika virus keeps evolving, as the number of travel-associated cases in the United State continues to grow.

As of Feb. 10, there were 52 travel-associated cases of Zika virus in the United States, including 16 in Florida, according to the Centers for Disease Control.

Florida Gov. Rick Scott on Feb. 3 directed state Surgeon General Dr. John Armstrong to declare a public health emergency in Hillsborough, Miami-Dade, Lee and Santa Rosa counties relating to travel-associated cases of Zika virus found in those counties.

At the time, those counties had reported a total of nine travel-associated cases of the Zika virus.

The Zika virus is spread through bites of the Aedes aegypti mosquito, which is the same mosquito that spreads the dengua and chikunguna viruses. (File Photo) — The Zika virus is spread through bites of the Aedes aegypti mosquito, which is the same mosquito that spreads the dengua and chikunguna viruses.
(File Photo)

The Zika virus is spread through the bites of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, the same species that spreads dengue and chikungunya viruses, according to the CDC.

It also can be transmitted from mother to child during pregnancy, the CDC reports. It also notes that cases have been reported of the Zika virus spreading through blood transfusion or sexual contact.

There is no vaccine available for the Zika virus.

The most common symptoms of Zika virus disease are fever, rash, joint pain and red eyes. The illness is usually mild, with symptoms lasting several days to a week. Hospitalization is uncommon.

There have been reports of a serious birth defect of the brain called microcephaly in babies of mothers who had Zika virus while pregnant, according to the CDC. Knowledge of the link between Zika and birth defects is evolving, but until more is known, CDC recommends special precautions for pregnant women.

Microcephaly is a birth defect where a baby’s head is smaller than expected, when compared to babies of the same sex and age, the CDC says. Babies with microcephaly often have smaller brains that might not have developed properly, according to the CDC.

The Zika virus also has been associated with Guillain-Barre syndrome, a rare disorder in which a person’s own immune system damages his or her nerve cells, but the CDC says more information is needed.

The Brazil Ministry of Heath has reported an increased number of people who have been infected with the Zika virus who also have Guillain-Barre syndrome. The CDC is working with Brazil to study a possible link.

The CDC recommends that people protect themselves by avoiding the Aedes aegypti mosquito, which bites primarily during the day.

To help protect yourself, the CDC recommends people:

Wear long-sleeved shirts and pants
Stay in places with air conditioning or that use window and door screens to keep mosquitoes out
Sleep under a mosquito net if you are outdoors or unable to keep mosquitoes out
Use repellents registered with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Follow product label instructions
Reapply as directed

It also offers these additional tips: Do not spray repellent on skin under clothing, apply sunscreen before applying insect repellent and do not apply insect repellent on babies younger than 2 months.

To protect your child, dress him or her in clothing that covers the arms and legs. Also, do not apply insect repellent onto a child’s hands, eyes, mouth or cut or irritated skin, the CDC says.

CDC Advisory
The Centers for Disease Control has issued an advisory for women who are pregnant or who are trying to become pregnant.

Women who are pregnant should consider postponing travel to areas where Zika virus transmission is ongoing. If they do travel to one of those areas, they should talk to their doctor or other health care provider first, and be sure to follow steps to avoid mosquito bites.

Women who are trying to become pregnant or are considering becoming pregnant should consult with their health care provider before traveling and should follow steps to avoid mosquito bites.

Also, the CDC notes that it is safe for pregnant women to use mosquito repellent. It is safe for women who are breastfeeding to use mosquito repellent, too. Anyone using a repellent should choose one that is registered with the Environmental Protection Agency.

Source: Centers for Disease Control

Q&A

Should a woman who has traveled to an area with Zika virus be tested for the virus?
She should see her health care provider if she develops a rash, fever, joint pain or red eyes within two weeks of traveling to a country where Zika virus cases have been reported.
Can a previous Zika virus infection cause someone who later becomes pregnant to have an infant with microcephaly?
We do not know the risk to the baby if a woman is infected with the Zika virus while she is pregnant. However, Zika virus infection doesn’t pose a risk of birth defects for future pregnancies.

Source: Centers for Disease Control

Published February 17, 2016