The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Local News

Pasco County fills leadership jobs

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New hires will step into leadership roles at three Pasco County departments.

Pasco County commissioners approved the hiring choices at their Dec. 1 meeting in New Port Richey.

Brian Head, a former chief deputy with the Pasco County Sheriff’s office, will be assistant county administrator for public safety and administration. He served 12 years with the sheriff’s office before retiring in 2013 with the rank of colonel. Most recently, he has been employed by Pasco-Hernando State College at its law enforcement academy.

Kelley Boree, left, spoke to Paso County commissioners who appointed her the new director of Pasco County’s Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Department. Cathy Pearson, assistant county administrator for public services, stands next to her. (Courtesy of Pasco County)
Kelley Boree, left, spoke to Paso County commissioners who appointed her the new director of Pasco County’s Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Department. Cathy Pearson, assistant county administrator for public services, stands next to her.
(Courtesy of Pasco County)

In 2011, Head was one of three finalists for the top cop job in Pasco County following the retirement of Bob White. Gov. Rick Scott appointed Chris Nocco as the county’s sheriff and, soon after, Head was promoted to second-in-command as deputy sheriff. He held that position at his retirement in 2013.

He is a graduate of Troy University with a degree in public administration, and also has a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice.

Head’s start date is Dec. 14 at an annual salary of $115,000. He will oversee Fire Rescue, emergency management and the county’s new 911 communications center. He replaces Randy TeBeest who left several weeks ago to move out of state.

“I believe he is exactly the right candidate to help us put the cherry on top of the consolidated communications center,” said Pasco County Administrator Michele Baker.

Cloyd “Flip” Mellinger will become assistant county administrator for utility services effective Dec. 9. His start date will overlap by a few weeks the remaining tenure of Bruce Kennedy, who plans to retire at the end of the year.

Mellinger currently is director of utility services in Marion County, a position he has had for about six years. Previously, he also served four years in supervisory positions with the same department.

He served in the U.S. Navy and is a graduate of the University of Maryland with a bachelor’s degree in business administration, and a master’s degree in science and environmental management.

His annual salary will be $128,000.

Kelley Boree will become director of parks, recreation and natural resources effective Jan. 4. She currently is parks and recreation director in Jacksonville.

She is a graduate of William Woods College in Fulton, Missouri with a degree in business administration. She has served in director level positions with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.

Her annual salary will be $105,000.

“I look forward to leading an awesome parks team,” said Boree in comments to commissioners prior to her appointment to the job.

Published December 9, 2015

 

Pasco County to add metal detectors?

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Bag searches and metal detectors are routine outside council or commission chambers in most counties including Pinellas, Polk and Hillsborough.

That is especially true on meeting days.

Pasco County is an exception.

Pasco County Chairwoman Kathryn Starkey thinks it is time to rethink the county’s policy.

She brought up the topic at the conclusion of the county commission’s meeting on Dec.1.

Pasco County Chairwoman Kathryn Starkey (File Photo)
Pasco County Chairwoman Kathryn Starkey
(File Photo)

“I’ve had a couple incidents with people who might be considered fairly unstable,” Starkey said after the meeting. “It just really makes me concerned.”

County staff plans to report back to commissioners with data on costs and feasibility of installing metal detectors at the West Pasco Government Center in New Port Richey and the Historic Dade City Courthouse.

Other government buildings also could be included in plans to beef up security.

Starkey aired her concerns just a day before a mass shooting in San Bernardino, California left 14 people killed and more than 20 people injured.

It was another in a list of what the Federal Bureau of Investigation now labels as “active-shooter” incidents where an individual or individuals kill or attempt to kill people gathered in a confined area.

According to FBI data, there were 160 such incidents from 2000 to 2013, and the number is on the rise.

“I sure don’t want to see something happen here that happened in California,” said Starkey, in a phone interview on Dec. 3.

There was little enthusiasm for pursuing metal detectors during the commission’s Dec. 1 meeting.

Cost, in part, was an issue.

“It’s the taxpayers’ building,” said Pasco County Commissioner Mike Wells.

“I think it’s okay to look at what other counties do,” Wells said. “Safety is No. 1. I agree with you there.”

County Administrator Michele Baker said the design of the government center in New Port Richey included room to allow metal detectors. But constitutional officers and commissioners, at the time, didn’t want to pursue that.

Ted Schrader, another commissioner, said he’s not sure the idea will find support now.

“I suspect you’re going to get some pushback from that,” Schrader said. “How do you pick and choose which buildings?”

He noted that security cameras are in use.

“A camera doesn’t stop someone coming in with a gun,” Starkey said. “I can tell you, there are employees here who are not comfortable.”

With its multiple entry points and limited lobby area, the Historic Dade City Courthouse, could pose some logistical challenges.

Tampa City Hall is a historic building similar to Dade City’s courthouse. Instead of using metal detectors there, Tampa police officers search bags and use security wands to screen people.

Outside Hillsborough County Commission chambers, sheriff’s deputies operate a metal detector.

“In this day and age it’s a sad thing, but we want to know if people are bringing guns,” Starkey said.

Published December 9, 2015

Get your pets, and pet supplies, here

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It’s not something that you would think would happen very often, but surprisingly enough, it happens more than you would think.

People show up at Pasco County Animal Services Department ready to adopt a pet, but forget to bring a leash or carrier to take home their new dog or cat.

And, when they forget the pet supplies, it can be problematic, said Animal Services Manager Mike Shumate.

Getting a pit bull from the shelter into a parked car, for instance, can go awry, if the dog decides to bolt, he said.

“We want convenience for our customers when they walk out the door,” Shumate said.

Pasco County commissioners voted on Dec. 1 to allow the agency to sell pet adoption supplies and promotional items to support the agency’s services, and its animal shelter at 19640 Dogpatch Lane in Land O’ Lakes.

Items for sale will include collars, harnesses, leashes, carriers, crates and training items. The supplies are expected to arrive at the shelter by January.

People adopted 699 cats and 1,499 dogs from the agency in fiscal year 2015.

To help encourage more adoptions, the agency is offering special deals through December. The fee for a dog older than eight months is $20; for a cat of any age, it’s $10.

All adoption fees include spay/neuter, microchip and vaccines.

In addition to adding adoption supplies, the board also gave the agency permission to sells promotional products with embossed logos including T-shirts, cups, mugs, magnets and bumper stickers.

Those products are already available, Shumate said. The T-shirt in particular is popular, he said.

“We’re not looking at making any profit,” Shumate said. “We’re not in competition with local pet stores or veterinarians.”

The sales prices will be scaled to cover purchasing and handling costs to the county.

The pet adoption supplies are focused solely on providing the transition from shelter to new home.

The promotional items will help market the agency and its logo, Shumate said.

“It’s something people are going to recognize and know more about,” he said.

To adopt from Pasco County Animal Services, visit the shelter at 19640 Dogpatch Lane in Land O’ Lakes. Or, for information, email .

Published December 9, 2015

Lake Park closed until further notice

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Lake Park, a popular park in Lutz, has been closed until further notice because of a sinkhole.

At this time, the sinkhole is 6 feet across and approximately 90 feet deep, according to Michelle Van Dyke, a spokeswoman for Hillsborough County.

The county has closed the park, at 17302 N. Dale Mabry Highway, in an abundance of caution to protect public safety, Van Dyke said.

Lake Park, a popular regional park in Lutz, is closed until further notice. Hillsborough County, which operates the park, has confirmed the presence of a sinkhole and has closed the park as a matter of public safety. (Photos courtesy of Hillsborough County
Lake Park, a popular regional park in Lutz, is closed until further notice. Hillsborough County, which operates the park, has confirmed the presence of a sinkhole and has closed the park as a matter of public safety.
(Photos courtesy of Hillsborough County

The county hired a geotechnical firm to conduct soil borings after floodwaters receded about four weeks ago, revealing a depression on one of the main roads in the park, according to Van Dyke.

The county notified the GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club about a possible sinkhole, which forced cancellation of the club’s annual arts and crafts festival at the park.

The two-day festival, held in early December, typically features around 300 vendors and attracts about 30,000 people. It’s the club’s biggest fundraiser of the year, and its cancellation will have a ripple effect on the various local organizations it supports.

Lake Park is a 589-acre sanctuary for birds and wildlife. It features five lakes, cypress swamps, pine flatwoods, and hardwood hammocks.

It also has an archery range, a BMX bicycle track, two equestrian arenas and a radio-controlled car track.

The county closed the park after receiving an engineering report on Dec. 1 confirming the presence of a sinkhole.

The immediate area affected looks like a dip in the road, but tests indicate a sinkhole beneath the surface. The exact footprint is not known, Van Dyke said.

Additional fencing has been installed on the park road leading to the affected area, she added.

County staff will be talking with the engineering firm and the City of St. Petersburg, which owns the land, to determine what the next steps will be. The county leases the property from the City of St. Petersburg.

County staff is contacting event organizers and groups that use the park, to notify them the park is closed until further notice.

Any park usage application fees for cancelled events will be refunded.

Published December 9, 2015

Hanukkah combines history and Jewish holiday spirit

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Most people don’t know a lot about Hanukkah. They know it’s a Jewish holiday. They know that there are candles, and that it goes on for several days. They know it involves presents and usually occurs around Christmas.

But, it’s a lot more than that, said Mitchell Weiss, executive director for Congregation Kol Ami.

“It’s a story of miracle. It’s a story of survival,” he said.

It’s a story that dates back many centuries, when the Maccabees reclaimed a temple that had been defiled by the Syrian Greeks in Jerusalem. There was only one jar of oil, enough to keep the lamps lit for one day. Instead, the oil lasted for eight days, which was enough time to replenish the oil.

This event was hailed as a miracle, and Hanukkah, which can be spelled different ways, is celebrated as the “Festival of Lights.”

Jews acknowledge the holiday by lighting a menorah (a candelabrum, also called a Hanukkiah) for eight nights, adding a candle each day until all eight, plus a head candle, are lit together.

There are other traditions as well.

A spinning top called a dreidel is used to play a game, often with gelt, which are coin-shaped chocolates. Serving latkes, which are potato pancakes, is another tradition.

There are songs and melodies, prayers and a recounting of the miracle, as well.

The sharing of those activities is what makes Hanukkah special, Weiss explained.

“It’s all about the story, it’s all about remembering,” he said.

Hanukkah makes use of a menorah to light candles in observance of the ‘Festival of Lights.’ According to Mitchell Weiss from Congregation Kol Ami, they can be simple, elaborate, decorative or even homemade. (Michael Murillo/Staff Photo)
Hanukkah makes use of a menorah to light candles in observance of the ‘Festival of Lights.’ According to Mitchell Weiss from Congregation Kol Ami, they can be simple, elaborate, decorative or even homemade.
(Michael Murillo/Staff Photo)

Weiss, now 58 and living in Wesley Chapel, has his own memories of Hanukkah. He grew up in Edison, New Jersey, in an area with a large Jewish community. So large, in fact, it was nicknamed “Hanukkah Hill.” Some of his fondest memories include when his grandmother (who was a Holocaust survivor) would make latkes. Hers were a bit different, being made with squash instead of potatoes. He also remembers using a special menorah that he made with his father and brother when he was 10.

Even though those celebrations occurred decades ago, the traditions survive in his family. He still has his grandmother’s recipe, and the Weiss’ enjoy squash latkes each year. And, the menorah he used as a child still resides in his parents’ home. Seeing it brings back special memories, he said.

It’s not unusual for adults to rekindle fond memories of Hanukkah from their own youth, Weiss said.

Kol Ami has a special Hanukkah celebration each year that’s open to the public, on the third night of the holiday. While it’s a time for celebration, it also conjures up a bit of nostalgia.

“We have a lot of seniors here that, in their past when they had their holidays, they remember the good times with their parents,” Weiss explained. “When we have the candle-lighting ceremony, sometimes there are tears, because they remember how good it was when they had Hanukkah.”

Today, children still have it pretty good, with presents usually opened on each of the eight nights. But, like Christmas, the holiday goes beyond material gifts. It’s about fond memories, continuing traditions and spending time with loved ones.

“All Jewish holidays are always about family. No matter what holiday it is, it’s all about family,” Weiss said.

Hanukkah events

Where: Congregation Kol Ami, 3919 Moran Road, Tampa
What: Hanukkah Celebration, including a musical program, a pasta dinner, lighting of the Hanukkiah and games.
When: Dec. 9 at 6 p.m.
How much: The event is free and open to the public.
For more information or to RSVP, call (813) 962-6338, or email .

Where: Congregation Mekor Shalom, 14005A N. Dale Mabry Highway
What: Third Annual 4th Night, 3rd Light Hanukkah. The celebration will include latkes and lighting of menorahs. Visitors are encouraged to bring their own Hanukkiah to join in the celebration.
When: Dec. 9 at 6:30 p.m.
For more information, call (813) 963-1818, or visit MekorShalom.org.

Where: The Shops at Wiregrass, 28211 Paseo Drive, in front of Dillard’s.
What: Chabad at Wiregrass will host its Chanukah Street Fair, which includes hot potato latkes, doughnuts and gelt, as well as live entertainment, face-painting, magic, games and a photo booth. They will also light the menorah.
When: Dec. 13 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Who: It’s free and open to the public. For more information, call (813) 642-3244, or visit ChabadatWiregrass.com.

Where: Chabad at Wiregrass, 2124 Ashley Oaks Circle
What: Chanukah bash and teen heritage night, which includes a limousine ride to Amalie Arena to see the Tampa Bay Lightning and a menorah lighting at Thunder Alley.
When: Dec. 10 at 5:30 p.m.
For more information, call (813) 642-3244, or visit ChabadatWiregrass.com.

Published December 2, 2015

Getting up close and personal with potters

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If you’re curious about the art of pottery, you can satisfy your desire for knowledge during the 2015 Tampa Bay Tour de Clay.

This is the eighth Tour de Clay, which is always held during the second weekend in December. It’s an event that gives visitors a chance to see potters in action at four pottery studios and the opportunity to experience a kiln opening at each.

A couple of finished works by Jack Boyle, of San Antonio Pottery. Those who are curious about the art of pottery can attend the Tour de Clay on Dec. 12 and Dec. 13 to learn more. (Photos courtesy of Tour De Clay)
A couple of finished works by Jack Boyle, of San Antonio Pottery. Those who are curious about the art of pottery can attend the Tour de Clay on Dec. 12 and Dec. 13 to learn more.
(Photos courtesy of Tour de Clay)

“It creates a situation where people can come in and talk to the artist,” said Jack Boyle of San Antonio Pottery, owner of one of the studios on the tour.

All four of the studios are hosting their kiln opening on Dec. 12.

The first kiln opening is at 9 a.m., at Pottery Boys Studio, 30 Bogie Lane in Palm Harbor.

The next opening is at noon at Hidden Lake Pottery, 16705 Hutchison Road in Odessa.

Then, there will be an opening at 2 p.m., at Wellman & Welsch Pottery, 17202 Whirley Road in Lutz.

And, finally, there will be a 4 p.m. opening at San Antonio Pottery in San Antonio, at 11903 Curley Street.

“It is rare that people get a chance to see a kiln opening,” said Glenn Woods of Pottery Boys in Palm Harbor. “Potters work for weeks to create enough pieces to fill their kiln. When it’s finally time to open the kiln, after days of firing, it’s always exciting to see, because the artist never knows exactly how a piece will turn out, or how a glaze will look, until the kiln is opened.”

He likens the experience of opening a kiln to that of opening presents on Christmas morning.

“Sometimes you get a shiny new bike, and other times you get socks and underwear,” he said.

Glenn Woods demonstrates the skill involved in carving work on a piece of pottery.
Glenn Woods demonstrates the skill involved in carving work on a piece of pottery.

After a piece is taken from the kiln, it is passed around to those gathered, so they can see and feel it. Sometimes, the newly fired piece is still warm.

“We talk about the results,” Woods said. Sometimes, the effects are intentional; sometimes, they’re a surprise.

The tour gives people a greater understanding of the art of pottery, Woods said.

“I think it’s really important to see that a piece of handmade pottery isn’t just another pot sitting on a shelf, that’s been made in a factory. These are all individually made, hand-crafted items,” Woods said.

To encourage people to visit all four studios, visitors can pick up a Tour de Clay “Passport to Pottery” tour guide at each studio location, or download it from the event’s website at TampaTourDeClay.com.

As they make their way from studio to studio, they have their passport stamped. Those completing the tour are eligible for prizes.

Every stop on the Tour de Clay allows visitors to:
• Watch artists work in their studios

  • See pottery made by hand or by wheel
  • Learn about the many types of kilns and firing techniques
  • See examples of glazes and finishes for finely crafted decorative pieces, as well as functional vessels and dinnerware.

Participating artists are:

  • Pottery Boys Studios: Jennifer McCurdy, Fong Choo, Zan Barnes, Teresa Testa, and studio owners, Glenn Woods and Keith Herbrand.
  • Hidden Lake Pottery: Jonathan Barnes, Chuck McGee, LC McGee, McKenzie Smith, and studio owners, Kim Kirchman and Mark Fehl.
  • Wellman & Welsch Pottery: Kimberli Cummings, John Kellum, Laurie Landry, Katherine Mathisen, Charlie Parker, Matt Schiemann, and studio owners, Harry Welsch and Kim Wellman-Welsch.
  • San Antonio Pottery: Ira Burhans, Ken Jensen, William Kidd, Michele Ginouves, and studio owner, Jack Boyle.

Proceeds from Tour de Clay go to support local charities and community radio station WMNF.

What: Pottery demonstrations, kiln openings, sales, demos, raffles and refreshments. The event features 25 nationally known clay artists.
When: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Dec. 12, and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Dec. 13. (Note: San Antonio Pottery’s hours will be extended to 8 p.m. on Dec. 12, and there will be live performances there from “The Barking Dogs” and “Those Unscrupulous Sunspots.”
Where: The studios are in Palm Harbor, Odessa, Lutz and San Antonio. For specific locations, tour map, kiln openings and list of ceramic artists, visit TampaTourDeClay.com.
How much: The tour is free. Those taking the entire tour will be eligible to win prizes.

Published December 2, 2015

More development proposed near Tampa Premium Outlets

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Another residential and commercial project is proposed for development on the State Road 54/State Road 56 corridor, near Tampa Premium Outlets and the Cypress Creek Town Center.

Pasco County planners are reviewing a zoning request for about 32 acres owned by Highway 54/56 LLC. The sale of the property is pending approval of the project.

Lutz businessman Carl Anderson is the company’s manager, according to state records.

The site — named Brightwork Crossing — is north of State Road 54 and State Road 56, and west of County Road 54, also known as Wesley Chapel Boulevard. The site is behind the Walgreen’s drugstore and nearby gas station, on both sides of Old State Road 54.

A couple of cows graze on land that is proposed for future residential and commercial development near Tampa Premium Outlets and behind Walgreen’s drugstore, off State Road 54. (Kathy Steele/Staff Photo)
A couple of cows graze on land that is proposed for future residential and commercial development near Tampa Premium Outlets and behind Walgreen’s drugstore, off State Road 54.
(Kathy Steele/Staff Photo)

The proposal from Tampa-based Brightwork Real Estate is to build a 100-room hotel and up to 115,000 square feet of retail on about 14 acres on the east side of the site. Up to 350 apartments are planned on about 13 acres on the west side of the site. The plan also includes open space.

About 1½ acres would be added to the county’s critical linkage pathways to preserve natural resources and wildlife. In return, developers are seeking a land swap and for the county to vacate a section of Old State Road 54, which bisects the site and is a cut-through for motorists navigating State Road 54 and Wesley Chapel Boulevard.

A neighborhood park would be built as an amenity within the apartment complex. There also would be a park-and-ride facility with 100 parking spaces and a bus transit stop.

No dates are scheduled yet for either a recommendation from the county’s Development Review Committee, or for a public hearing before the Pasco County Commission.

Published December 2, 2015

There’s plenty of cheer to spread around this season

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If you’re looking for a way to get into a festive mood, you won’t have to look very far.

There are loads of celebrations planned throughout The Laker/Lutz News’ coverage area.

A familiar community landmark will be decked out again for the holidays for the 19th annual Christmas at the Old Lutz School.

Rooms are dressed up with holiday décor and community groups provide entertainment.

Visitors to the annual Christmas at the Old Lutz School always find plenty to look at, such as decorated trees, miniature train sets and nutcrackers. (File Photos)
Visitors to the annual Christmas at the Old Lutz School always find plenty to look at, such as decorated trees, miniature train sets and nutcrackers.
(File Photos)

Santa will be visiting on Dec. 12, between 8:30 a.m. and 11 a.m., for a breakfast with Santa, at a $4 charge, which includes a variety of activities for children.

During the week, several local churches, schools and other groups are slated to perform at

The Christmas House, also known as The Old Lutz School, is at 18819 N. U.S. 41.

The Christmas House will be open for free tours on the evenings of Dec. 10, Dec. 12, Dec. 13, Dec. 15, Dec. 17, Dec. 19, Dec. 20, Dec. 22, Dec. 26 and Dec. 27, from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Collection barrels will be there to collect nonperishable food items and toys for families needing help.

Heritage Church in Lutz is hosting “Miracle on Main Street,” a Christmas musical billed to be entertaining for people of all ages. The church at 1853 Oak Grove Blvd., will be staging the free event on Dec. 12 at 7 p.m., and Dec. 13 at 11 a.m.

The Carrollwood Cultural Center, at 4537 Lowell Road, in Tampa, is hosting a series of events during December, including a Holiday Choral Tapestry with the Carrollwood Community Chorus, on Dec. 12 at 7:30 p.m., with tickets ranging from $10 to $16. It also is hosting a Holiday Concert with the Carrollwood Winds, on Dec. 13 at 4 p.m., with tickets ranging from $10 to $16.

On Dec. 5, the community of Connerton will be having a holiday bazaar, with a variety of vendors offering holiday crafts, unique gifts and other items for purchase. Admission is free to the event, being held inside Club Connerton, at 21100 Fountain Garden Way in Land O’ Lakes.

train set rgbA family event called Traditions on the Green is planned for Dec. 12 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Land O’ Lakes Community Center, 5401 Land O’ Lakes Blvd. The event features a breakfast with Santa, face painting, a holiday bounce house, puppet shows, local band performances, crafts and other activities. Admission is free.

The Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce is gearing up for its 2015 “Magical Night Christmas Parade,” sponsored by Bayfront Health Dade City.

The parade will begin at 7 p.m., on Dec. 4, in historic downtown Dade City. It will feature dozens of floats, entertainment acts, bands, seasonal displays, and a visit from that jolly old elf, Santa Claus.

The following day, on Dec. 5, the downtown Dade City merchants will celebrate a Christmas Stroll from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Country Aire Village, in Zephyrhills, is scheduled to have its annual Holiday Bazaar on Dec. 5 from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The event, at 39333 Blue Skye Drive, includes coffee and donuts at 7 a.m., and a luncheon from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

nutcrackers rgbOther highlights include items for crafters, a clothing boutique, a Chinese auction, a three-wheel bike raffle, a bake sale and a cookie walk.

A Country Christmas Open House is planned for Dec. 5 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the Pioneer Florida Museum and Village, 15602 Pioneer Museum Road in Dade City. The event will feature crafters, cookies, punch, holiday music and more.

A Christmas in the Park is set for Dec. 6 at 7 p.m., at the San Antonio City Park, at 12202 Main St., San Antonio.

The Florida Orchestra is also planning a series of holiday concerts. On Dec. 4 through Dec. 6, the orchestra will present the “Hallelujah” chorus, and during the weekend of Dec. 11 through Dec. 13 it will perform a Holiday Pops. For more information about ticket prices and venues, visit FloridaOrchestra.org.

Published December 2, 2015

Pasco County adopts new marketing approach

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Saying that Pasco County is a place with “room to grow” is all but passé, now that developers are on a building spree that is gobbling up wide-open spaces.

Retail, rooftops, offices, hotels are plowing up dirt and raising expectations for a more diversified suburban community that accommodates hipper, trendier living.

So, out with the old, in with the new.

Pasco County is highlighting its ‘Open Spaces. Vibrant Places.’ The new slogan and a logo with the sand hill crane in flight are part of the county’s new marketing strategy.
Pasco County is highlighting its ‘Open Spaces. Vibrant Places.’ The new slogan and a logo with the sand hill crane in flight are part of the county’s new marketing strategy.

The county’s marketing slogan “Room to Grow” is gone. And the county seal – a green circle with the Historic Dade City Courthouse in the middle – will be phased out over the next two years, except on public documents.

The new slogan will be “Open Spaces. Vibrant Places.” Underscore the word vibrant.

And for a logo, watch the sand hill crane take flight as it rises before a bright orange sun.

“It’s a symbol of Pasco County, which is also taking flight,” said Jennifer Lachtara, marketing communications coordinator at the Pasco Economic Development Council.

The new marketing strategy acknowledges that Pasco is “neither overly built out nor overly rural,” Lachtara said.

The logo will begin showing up on business cards and county vehicles over time.

Residents got their first look at the new logo in May, when the county rolled out its “My Pasco” app for mobile phones.

On Nov. 17, Pasco County commissioners voted to approve the new logo, and the rollout of a re-branding program.

Commissioners voted 4 to 1, with Pasco County Commissioner Jack Mariano dissenting.

The new logo’s message doesn’t capture all that is happening in Pasco, with zip lines, skydiving and the upcoming ice rink, he said.

“I’d like to see something a little more active, more youth-oriented,” Mariano said.

But, Pasco Chairwoman Kathryn Starkey can’t wait to get new business cards.

“I think it’s very elegant,” Starkey said. “I think it describes us perfectly, open spaces and vibrant places.”

Efforts to create the new branding plan began more than a year ago, and included employees from the county’s Office of Economic Growth, Tourism Development, and the Pasco EDC.

Market testing included area chambers of commerce and homeowners’ associations.

A public perception survey received more than 530 responses, with most people in favor of the new logo. Only 29 negative comments were made, said Melanie Kendrick, the county’s acting program director for the Office of Economic Growth.

In such a large county, it is difficult to find a unifying theme that captures the diversity of west, east and central Pasco, Kendrick said.

The county currently has about 20 logos being used, plus logos adopted by its constitutional officers.

The next step is to create standards to license the logo for use by businesses, parks and other venues that highlight the open spaces, vibrant places image.

No funding is required to make the initial changes to business cards and stationery.

“As the items are being used up, we have to replace them anyway,” Kendrick said.

Published December 2, 2015

Cigar lounge opens in Dade City

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Rolando’s Cigar Lounge is a place where people pause and enjoy leisure time with friends.

A glass of wine or beer, and if desired, a hand-rolled cigar, awaits.

In the evening, a disc jockey plays music for listening and dancing, from salsa to jazz.

There are friendly games of pool or billiards, too. And, on football nights, a flat screen television is on view.

Rolando Reyes Jr., center, holding red scissors, cuts the ribbon for Rolando’s Cigar Lounge at a celebration with family, friends and the Dade City Chamber of Commerce. (Courtesy of Richard K. Riley)
Rolando Reyes Jr., center, holding red scissors, cuts the ribbon for Rolando’s Cigar Lounge at a celebration with family, friends and the Dade City Chamber of Commerce.
(Courtesy of Richard K. Riley)

On some occasions, there might be a sighting of Stogie, the family dog and mascot for owner Rolando Reyes Jr.

The lounge is a transformation from the Quaker Bar that shut down last year in downtown Dade City. Reyes knew he wanted the spot immediately.

“I didn’t ever hesitate. It’s a trendy place,” he said.

The lounge, at 37945 Meridian Ave., is near Kafe Kokopelli, and across from the Historic Dade City Courthouse.

Reyes brings a family legacy to the lounge.

His late father, Rolando Reyes Sr., began learning the cigar business as a young boy in Cuba. He immigrated to the United States in the late 1960s, and opened a small cigar factory in New Jersey. He moved the factory at other times to Miami and Honduras. At his death in 2012, he was a master blender known for two brands, Cuba Alliados and Puros Indios, according to an article in “Cigar Aficionados.”

The junior Reyes learned the skill of cigar rolling also as a young boy. For several years he operated Smoker’s Paradise, a tobacco shop in Wesley Chapel.

He moved his family to Dade City when he opened Rolando’s Cigar Lounge. A ribbon cutting, hosted by the Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce, was held on Nov. 14.

Reyes is looking ahead to having a full liquor license. For now, he serves beer and wine.

He plans to change up the music nightly. Friday will be disco and Saturday will be salsa.

If anyone doesn’t know salsa, Reyes said, “I’ll be teaching people.”

Sundays will be for softer music, much like a piano bar. Reyes also is thinking of adding line dancing and karaoke nights, and Thursday will be ladies night.

Reyes sees familiar faces from Dade City, but he said customers also are coming from Lutz, Land O’ Lakes and even Port Richey.

His lounge primarily caters to people in the mid-range of ages, from 30 to 50.

“They can’t find a place to go,” Reyes said. “It’s either too loud or too fast.”

But, Rolando’s could be just the spot.

“There is nothing like what I’m doing,” Reyes said.

Published December 2, 2015