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Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

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Pioneer Florida Museum joins Blue Star initiative

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The Pioneer Florida Museum & Village, 15602 Pioneer Museum Road in Dade City, has joined museums nationwide in the Blue Star Museums initiative, a program that provides free admission to currently serving U.S. military personnel and their families during the summer.

The program began on Armed Forces Day (May 18) and will end on Labor Day, Sept. 2.

Blue Star Museums is a partnership between the National Endowment for the Arts and Blue Star Families, in collaboration with the Department of Defense and participating museums across the United States. Blue Star Families is in its 14th year of offering the program.

“We are honored to have the privilege of supporting our military families and taking part in this year’s Blue Star Museums program,” said Stephanie Bracknell Black, executive director of Pioneer Florida Museum, in a news release.

The initiative allows military members and their families, whether they are traveling or getting to know a new duty location by exploring what the community has to offer, added Maria Rosario Jackson, chair of the National Endowment for the Arts, in the release.

In addition to the Pioneer Florida Museum & Village, the Blue Star Museums program includes children’s museums, arts, science and history museums, zoos, gardens, lighthouses and more, from all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

The current list of participating museums will continue to grow over the summer and organizations are welcome to register online to be a Blue Star Museum, at https://www.arts.gov/initiatives/blue-star-museums/2024-registration.

The free admission program is available for those currently serving in the U.S. Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, Navy and Space Force, members of the Reserves, National Guard, U.S. Public Health Commissioned Corps, NOAA Commissioned Corps, and up to five family members.

Qualified members must show a Geneva Convention common access card (CAC), DD Form 1173 ID card (dependent ID), DD Form 1173-1 ID card or the Next Generational Uniformed Services (Real) ID card for entrance to a participating Blue Star Museum.

Published May 29, 2024

Report indicates Florida tort reform reduced ‘nuclear verdicts’

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(The Center Square) — A new report shows that the number of “nuclear” verdicts in the Sunshine State has steadily declined since tort reforms were signed into law in 2023.

Marathon Strategies released its 2024 report on corporate verdicts throughout the U.S., and data shows a 30% rise in juries awarding enormous sums of money in legal cases brought against big corporations. However, Florida is bucking this trend.

(Sora Shimazaki/Pexels)

According to the report, a “nuclear” verdict awards more than $10 million. A “thermonuclear” verdict awards a plaintiff over $100 million and up to $1 billion. In 2023, these verdicts rose by 27%, and the median settlement was around $40 million.

The report says that Florida was historically second for “nuclear” payouts, but it has since dropped to seventh place after Gov. Ron DeSantis signed new tort reforms into law.

In March 2023, DeSantis signed House Bill 837 and said in a news release at the time that the legislation was designed to safeguard the economy and attract investment into Florida.

“Florida has been considered a judicial hellhole for far too long and we are desperately in need of legal reform that brings us more in line with the rest of the country,” DeSantis said in the statement. “I am proud to sign this legislation to protect Floridians, safeguard our economy and attract more investment in our state.”

Marathon researchers found that once the legislation was in place, Florida went from being the second-most state for “nuclear” verdicts to seventh place, suggesting that the reform had affected the size of awards.

In 2023, post-reform, Florida awarded a total of $491 million, $316 million of which was awarded in state court verdicts, and $175 million by federal courts.

Between 2009 and 2023, Florida juries awarded a whopping $33.19 billion — the top industries included the tobacco, trucking, real estate and automobile industries — with awards spread out over 175 verdicts.

During that same time period, Florida came in second to Texas, which awarded $45 billion across 207 verdicts, with most awards coming from banks, telecommunications, hardware, and tech industries.

Missouri was number one in 2023 overall for “thermonuclear” verdicts after one was reached against the National Association of Realtors worth $1.8 billion and the $1.5 billion award Roundup case against Bayer AG/Monsanto.

Published May 29, 2024

Report spotlights Florida discretionary projects known as ‘budget turkeys’

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(The Center Square) — A Florida nonprofit organization released a report on Wednesday identifying individual budget appropriations that did not undergo thorough scrutiny by lawmakers.

Florida TaxWatch released its 2024 Budget Turkey Watch Report on Wednesday, which is an independent review of the state’s fiscal year 2024-2025 budget.

Former Florida lieutenant governor and Florida TaxWatch executive vice president and general counsel Jeff Kottkamp said during a news conference that the annual budget report holds state lawmakers accountable.

(Karolina Grabowska/Pexels)

“This annual report promotes additional oversight and integrity of Florida’s budgeting process and is based on the principle that because money appropriated by the Legislature belongs to the taxpayers of Florida, the budget process must be transparent and accountable,” Kottkamp said, adding that every project should receive proper deliberation and public debate.

Projects not following these processes are identified as “Budget Turkeys.” According to the report, 450 of these budget turkeys total $854.6 million. A further $912.2 million worth of projects was identified as needing closer scrutiny from Gov. Ron DeSantis but did not qualify as budget turkeys.

The report notes that there is a proliferation of member projects, and for the third consecutive year, there have been over 1,600 local member projects with a price tag of $2.8 billion.

During the news conference, Kurt Wenner, senior vice president of research at Florida TaxWatch, said 2024 is the fourth year in a row that the Legislature has enjoyed huge budget surpluses generated by record-setting revenue growth.

“The benefit of all this spending has been significant,” Wenner said. “We’ve done historical investments in critical needs like infrastructure, the environment, health care… They’ve been able to do that while still continuing to cut taxes, reduce debt, and maintain sufficient reserves.”

However, Wenner said that budget turkeys and local member projects have gotten somewhat out of hand and noted that most of these are member projects.

“The state is spending a lot of money on local governments, even without member projects, so that raises the question: Should the state be funding these additional member projects that are truly local, especially when they might be more of a luxury than a necessity?” Wenner said.

Wenner said that Florida TaxWatch recommends that if the Legislature continues funding such projects moving forward, they must create more statutorily defined review processes.

Published May 29, 2024

Know your risk for blood clots before taking birth control

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In today’s evolving reproductive health landscape, informed decision-making about contraception is crucial, particularly for women affected by inherited blood clotting conditions or thrombophilia. Selecting the right birth control method is pivotal, say experts, who point to research that shows the risk for potentially life-threatening blood clots is 35 times greater among women with genetic clotting disorders who use estrogen-based contraceptives.

((c) monkeybusinessimages/iStock via Getty Images Plus)

Dynamic debate
Recent advances in technology and health care policies have fueled debate around screening for thrombophilia, a condition characterized by an increased tendency to develop blood clots, before starting estrogen-based contraceptives.

Current guidelines discourage universal thrombophilia testing, citing concerns such as costs and potential adverse psychological effects. Instead, selective screening, focused on individuals with personal or family histories of blood clots, is more likely to be embraced by the medical community. Also, concerns about unfair treatment by insurers or employers due to genetic disclosures underscore the complexities of this approach.

However, people in support of a more patient-centered approach to health care and this type of birth control decision-making stress the importance of identifying individuals at higher risk for blood clots.

Patient-centered approach
Each year, many hundreds of women in the United States alone lose their life due to blood clots linked to estrogen-based contraception, as studies demonstrate. Advocates for genetic testing emphasize its role in facilitating personalized health care decisions, potentially reducing the incidence of clot-related fatalities, and empowering women with information and a more patient-centric approach to reproductive health care.

Cost considerations remain a significant factor, but for many, the value of preserving health and saving lives far outweighs financial concerns. While insurance coverage for genetic testing varies, studies show a willingness among women to bear screening costs, underscoring the importance of informed decision-making.

Despite the perceived low absolute risk for blood clots among individuals with genetic clotting disorders, personal factors must be considered. Tailored approaches to contraceptive decisions, guided by individual risk profiles, may be warranted, especially in certain populations with higher rates of genetic clotting disorders.

For individuals with genetic thrombophilia, contraceptive options such as copper IUDs or progestin-only pills offer effective alternatives without increasing clotting risks. Prioritizing safety and effectiveness is paramount in contraceptive decision-making.

While genetic testing may cause some level of anxiety or concern, studies indicate that most individuals do not regret pursuing testing. Knowledge empowers individuals to make proactive decisions about their health, outweighing potential psychological burdens.

Genetic disclosures
Understanding the implications of genetic disclosures on insurance and employment can inform decision-making processes, though these concerns may rightfully deter some individuals from pursuing testing.

Women interested in pursuing genetic testing should talk with their health care provider about their testing options. Genetic counselors can also provide valuable help. Women considering their contraception options and interested in learning more about genetic testing can get more information from the Rowan Foundation at AlexRowanFoundation.org.

Empowering women
Genetic testing holds the promise of empowering women to engage in informed discussions with health care providers, fostering shared decision making in reproductive health care. Informed choices, guided by genetic information, may pave the way for more personalized and patient-centered care.

-StatePoint

Published May 29, 2024

County Road 52 to be closed beginning June 5

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Pompanic Street is closed for roundabout construction from south of Pennsylvania Avenue to CR 52. (Courtesy of Florida Department of Transportation)

The intersection of County Road 52, Pompanic Street and College Avenue in San Antonio is scheduled to close beginning the afternoon of June 5 (NOTE: original date of May 28 had been postponed) around-the-clock, to all CR 52 thru-traffic, according to a Florida Department of Transportation news release. The closure is needed for continued construction of a new roundabout at the intersection.

It is expected to reopen in approximately mid to late August, weather permitting, the release says.

Motorists will detour around the closed area of CR 52 using State Road 52 between Curley Road and Prospect Road.

There also are local detours in place for Pompanic Street and College Avenue, as these road currently do not have access to CR 52.

To access downtown San Antonio from CR 52, drivers can use Curley Street or Joe Hermann Drive.

More project information and map are available online at https://tinyurl.com/32r7pjn7.

Published May 24, 2024

Lutz Guv’na Race for 2024 is underway

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Three candidates are vying for the coveted title of Lutz Guv’na in the annual fun-filled event that raises funds for community and nonprofit organizations.

The campaign, which kicked off on April 27 and has been held annually since the mid-‘50s, has been sponsored and overseen by the Lutz Civic Association since the early ’90s, according to Stephanie Ensor who was crowned Lutz Guv’na in 2010.

The event usually starts in early May but began sooner this year to accommodate the candidates’ schedules, according to Jennifer Rankin, the 2015 Lutz Guv’na.

Two of the candidates — Linda Mitchell and Joanne LaChance — are retired educators. The third hopeful is Rob Brooklyn, a local business owner. 

Each of this year’s three candidates is seeking to raise as much money as possible between April 27 and July 4.
“It’s all for the same goal,” Ensor said regarding the highly competitive event.

During each campaign season, candidates rally to raise funds totaling thousands of dollars for approximately 20 nonprofit beneficiaries in Lutz, which will be collected and disbursed by the civic association. Each candidate gets to direct 10% of the funds they raise to a charitable organization in Lutz of their choosing. 

Charities and nonprofit organizations that desire to receive grants can apply by sending a request to ; none of the funds will be disbursed until September, according to Ensor.

MEET THE CANDIDATES

Rob Brooklyn (Courtesy of Lutz Guv’na Chronicles/Facebook)

Rob Brooklyn
“The Guv’na We Love” is Rob Brooklyn’s slogan as he campaigns for the title of Lutz Guv’na 2024.

Brooklyn is the owner of Hardrock Landscape Services in Lutz. The business was founded in 1998 and has received many favorable reviews over the past 26 years.

Learning Gate Community School, 16215 Hanna Road in Lutz, is Brooklyn’s charity of choice.

He’s been married for 13 years and he and his wife have four children.

Although he was nervous during the candidates’ debate, Brooklyn said the event was still “a lot of fun.”

Online contributions to Brooklyn’s campaign may be made on PayPal: @ROBBROOKLYN.

Joanne LaChance (Courtesy of Lutz Guv’na Chronicles/Facebook

Joanne LaChance
“Everything is better with friends and family! And lots of $$$,” is Joanne LaChance’s slogan during her Lutz Guv’na crusade.

LaChance, who is a retired schoolteacher, has chosen the Lutz PK-8 School, at 202 Fifth Ave., S.E.,, as her charity of choice to receive 10% of the funds she raises.

She now owns and operates Lutz Pinch A Penny Pool Store at the intersection of Sunset Lane and U.S. 41. 

“I am running for the Guv’na of Lutz to help raise lots of money for our awesome community,” LaChance said in a post on the Lutz Guv’na Chronicles page on Facebook.

“Owning the local pool store has given me the opportunity to meet so many Lutz families! Seeing everyone and their children on a weekly basis has really made me fall in love with our wonderful little town!

“I am excited to run for Guv’na of Lutz to give back to my community and to show my support to the great people of Lutz. So please come stop by the store to donate and take part in all the exciting events we will be having to support our local Lutz charities,” LaChance said.

She and her husband Eric, who is a retired chief financial officer, are the parents of three children — Zachary, Erica and Emily. All of their children worked at the store at one time or another. 

“They are all now making their own way through life and visit us often,” LaChance said.

Online contributions to her campaign may be made through Venmo: @Joanne-Lachance.

Linda Mitchell (Courtesy of Lutz Guv’na Chronicles/Facebook)

Linda Mitchell
“In It To Win It” is Linda Mitchell’s slogan for this year’s Lutz Guv’na race. 

The 1st vice president of the GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club is a former educator who retired after working as an eighth grade Language Arts teacher at Adams Middle School for 25 years.

The club “is all behind its gal and will support her to the hilt,” said a post on the club’s web page.

The Woman’s Club is the nonprofit organization of Mitchell’s choice to receive 10% of the money she raises.

She’s a native of the Lutz area who moved to the community after she and her husband of 49 years, John, got married. They have two children — Billy (wife Tracy) and Kelly (husband Cameron) — and four grandchildren, Alexis, Alyssa, Ava and Jack.

In addition to coaching Lutz Chiefs cheerleading and the Lutz Leagurettes, she was also a member of the Ladies Auxiliary for Lutz Little League and a den leader and committee chairman for Cub Scout Pack 12. Also, she is an advisor for the Little Women of Lutz Juniorettes program and recently was honored as the GFWC Florida State Juniorette Advisor of the Year.

She received $100 to kick-off her campaign by having the most attendees in her favor during the annual “debate” held on April 27 at the Old Lutz School.

The Lutz Civic Association will announce the total amount of money raised in the race at the annual July 4th parade, as well as the amount raised by the winning Lutz Guv’na candidate. The winner will receive a colorful sash, a “key to the town” and will be “inaugurated” at the Old Train Depot on Lutz Lake Fern Road during the parade, Ensor said.

All of this year’s candidates are running for the first time for the one-year term as Lutz Guv’na. Only one person — Suzin Carr — has become Guv’na on two different occasions (2009, 2013).

Previous winners of the Lutz Guv’na Race are:
2023 – Jerome Smalls
2022 – Atlas Cortecero
2019 – Amy Lancaster
2018 – Domenic Difante
2017 – Kori Rankin
2016 – Greg Gilbert
2015 – Jennifer Rankin
2014 – Dr. Cindy Perkins
2013 – Suzin Carr
2012 – Karen D’Amico
2011 – Kevin White
2010 – Stephanie Ensor
2009 – Suzin Carr
2008 – Teri Burgess
2007 – Michele Northrup
2006 – Edwina Kraemer
2005 – Liz Iaconetti
2004 – Dean Rivett
2003 – Joni Cagle
2002 – Brett Montegny
2001 – Helen Kinyon
2000 – Vince Arcuri
1999 – Danny Neeley
1998 – Sandy Ruberg
1997 – Earl Smith
1996 – Ben Nevel
1995 – Kay Dahman
1994 – Lorraine Dabney
1993 – Leslie Dennison
1992 – Betty Neeley
1991 – Jo Van Bebber

Published May 22, 2024

Florida to bolster its anti-human trafficking efforts with new law

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(The Center Square) — Florida will beef up its efforts to stem human trafficking after legislation was signed into law on Monday.

Gov. Ron DeSantis signed House Bill 7063, a bill that will make important updates on how Florida combats human trafficking and extends the lifetime of the statewide Council on Human Trafficking within the Department of Legal Affairs.

Under the new law, rest area service plazas, emergency rooms, massage parlors, strip clubs or other known human trafficking hotspots will be required to display human trafficking awareness signs with telephone numbers to both the national hotline and Florida’s hotline. Penalties are also being increased for entities who fail to comply.

Anti-trafficking billboard put up by the National Human Trafficking Resource Center in Mounds View, Minnesota. (Education Images/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)

The bill also requires entities with contracts with the Florida government to provide assurances to the state that they do not use coerced labor and prohibits a minor from being employed by an adult entertainment establishment in any role.

“The Legislature has over the years I’ve been governor, worked with us to combat human trafficking, and this is a really serious scourge in our society, and because we’re a state that’s a destination state…unfortunately that attracts human trafficking,” DeSantis said.

DeSantis said over the past three and a half years the Southern Border has been inundated with illegal migrants crossing into the U.S.. Because of this, the Mexican drug cartels are using this as an opportunity to drive human trafficking.

“So this is a big, big problem for the United States, and it’s a problem that we have worked to tackle in Florida and are continuing today with the announcement,” DeSantis said.

DeSantis stated that since 2019, more than 50,000 calls have been made to the National Human Trafficking Hotline. DeSantis pointed out that according to the Department of Justice, the average age of a trafficked individual is 13 years old.

“80% of those trafficked are girls, and of those girls, 80% are subjected to sexual exploitation,” DeSantis said. “We know that that is unacceptable, and we need to continue to work hard, and today we’re doing even more to uphold the law and to go after those who are trafficking these children.”

DeSantis noted that Florida has zero tolerance when it comes to the sexual exploitation of children, as the death penalty can now be given to those convicted of pedophilia in the state of Florida, even though the U.S. Supreme Court outlawed the practice in a 2007 decision in the Kennedy v. Louisiana case.

Published May 22, 2024

Hillsborough residents have opportunity to offer feedback 

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Hillsborough County has rolled out its 2024 Countywide Survey and wants to hear from its residents.

(Peter Olexa/Pexels)

A telephone survey began on May 14 and offers selected Hillsborough residents — including those in Tampa, Temple Terrace and Plant City — the opportunity to provide feedback on community topics and their level of satisfaction with local government services, according to a news release.

The county will use the results of the survey to inform and update government operations. The responses will help evaluate residents’ current priorities and satisfaction levels. Results also will be compared to the 2021 Countywide Survey, the last time a similar survey was completed.

Questions in the survey are designed to capture a holistic assessment of various aspects of life in Hillsborough County, such as: local economy, public safety, life enrichment, recreational opportunities, self-sufficiency programs for individuals and families, and high-quality community assets.

Residents who do not receive a phone call can still participate in the online survey by visiting HCFL.gov/Survey, which will be available later this month.

For more information, visit the survey website.

Published May 22, 2024

State regulators approve rate cut requests by two utilities

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(The Center Square) — Florida utility regulators approved requests this week to cut customer rates for two of Florida’s biggest electricity providers.

The Public Service Commission (PSC) held its monthly meeting Tuesday and approved Tampa Electric and Duke Energy Florida’s requests to lower electricity rates, citing lower-than-expected fuel costs. Duke Energy customers using 1,000 kilowatt hours per month, can expect a $5.90 reduction in their monthly bills.

Under state law, utilities can charge customers for increased fuel charges, but when prices go down, they’re also required to lower rates. 

(American Public Power Association/Unsplash)

These rates will take effect in June and are in addition to an existing 6% reduction in monthly costs that adds up to $11.29 in monthly savings from January. Duke Energy Florida supplies electricity to over 2 million residential, commercial and industrial customers in Florida, spread over a 13,000-square-mile service area.

On the company’s website, Duke Energy Florida state president Melissa Seixas said in a statement that the approvals are great for Duke Energy Florida customers.

“Today’s approvals are great news for Florida customers, especially as we get closer to our warmest months,” Seixas said. “Duke Energy continues to look for ways to pass on savings to our customers while providing the reliable, increasingly clean power our customers and communities expect.”

Tampa Electric customers using 1,000 kWh per month will have an almost $10 reduction in monthly bills, going from an average of $143.48 to $136.44 per month. The company provides services to over 840,000 customers throughout west-central Florida

Tampa Electric’s commercial customers will also have a reduction of between 4% and 11%. This is the second time rates have been lowered this year after Tampa Electric petitioned the PSC to decrease residential bills by almost $18 monthly. This cut could lead to potential savings of up to $175 for the remainder of 2024.

President and chief executive officer of Tampa Electric Archie Collins, said in a statement on the company’s website that they are pleased to be passing on savings.

“Tampa Electric is pleased to be in a position to reduce electricity bills again this year,” Collins said. “We are happy to provide customers with some welcome relief as the summer’s heat begins.”

Published May 22, 2024

Report details how state policymakers should use artificial intelligence

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(The Center Square) — A report on artificial intelligence provides guidance on how Florida policymakers can best deal with this emerging technology.

The James Madison Institute (JMI) released Bringing Government Into the 21st Century: Artificial Intelligence and State Government Operations this month and the report says that it is often thought that AI is a new technology, when it has been around for some time in many ways.

(Solen Feyissa/Unsplash)

The report outlines several ways lawmakers can use this technology to streamline and modernize state government operations and help deliver better services. It also noted some of the potential challenges that could be faced.

One of the biggest concerns is how this technology will affect jobs. The report points out that the International Monetary Fund has stated that around 60% of jobs in developed countries could be exposed to AI. However, researchers have found that early indicators show that instead of replacing jobs, AI is changing jobs.

Privacy and data security are also serious concerns, potentially putting state agencies at risk of cyberattacks. The report further notes that the time it takes for state agencies to procure AI technologies could present significant roadblocks to implementation, leaving those agencies lagging behind.

On the positive side, AI technology presents the opportunity to better streamline unemployment and reemployment benefits by screening applications and pinpointing instances of fraud. AI could also take up general administrative tasks, allowing government workers to focus on more important responsibilities.

Edward Longe, report author and director of the Center for Technology & Innovation at The James Madison Institute, said in a statement that the report’s purpose was to show lawmakers why they should be embracing AI.

“Artificial Intelligence has the power to streamline state government operations, not just here in Florida, but across the country,” Longe said. “In releasing this policy brief, JMI hopes to illuminate the ways emerging technologies can make government work better for citizens in the coming years. We also hope to show why state lawmakers should be embracing these technologies and not rejecting them.”

According to the report, policy solutions include procurement reform, establishing government task forces to study how AI can be incorporated into government services, implementing cybersecurity reform, retraining and reskilling employees and state government allowing state agencies to experiment with AI and use it in day-to-day operations.

Published May 22, 2024