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Audit finds issues with Bright Futures Scholarship Program

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(The Center Square) — The Florida auditor general has released a report detailing problems with the administration of the state’s scholarship and grant programs.

The audit was focused on the administration of both scholarship programs between June 30, 2022 and June 30, 2023.

The Bright Futures Scholarship Program disbursed $547,700,035 in fiscal year 2022-23. A slight drop over the previous FY of 2021-22, which disbursed $549,061,819.

(Brett Jordan/Unsplash)

The audit found three issues — this included the return of advances without identifying students who may be eligible, noncompliance with state law and Florida Department of Education (FDOE) policies, as well as the need to improve disbursement of funds in a timely manner.

The Legislature established the Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Program to provide scholarships to Florida high school students who merit recognition of high academic achievement, and enroll in a degree, certificate or applied technology program at an eligible in-state college or university.

The program, funded by the Florida Lottery, consists of four different awards: The Florida Academic Scholarship, the Florida Medallion Scholarship, the Florida Gold Seal CAPE Scholarship, and the Florida Gold Seal Vocational Scholarship.

Also part of the auditor general’s report was the Florida Public Student Assistance Grant Program, established to provide financial assistance to Florida resident students seeking a degree from Florida public universities or colleges.

The report states that Eastern Florida State College returned around $1.2 million worth of FSAG-Public Program advances, contrary to State Board of Education rules. The auditor general recommended that management at the college continue its efforts to ensure that all eligible students are able to receive the advance and records are properly reported to the FDOE.

The audit also found that the University of South Florida had failed to comply with state law regarding the refund of Bright Futures Scholarship Program funds from students who withdrew or dropped a course on time. The report adds that the university made 146 refunds to the FDOE that totaled $141,476, on average 99 days after the required date.

Lastly, the report found that Pensacola State College needed to improve its procedures to ensure that Bright Futures and the grant program funds received were more promptly put on record when funds are disbursed to students.

Published May 01, 2024

Slow down, move over for storm season roadwork

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As the 2024 storm season approaches, Duke Energy is reminding the public to move over and slow down as they approach utility crews working along the roadside.

During the season, Duke Energy crews may be on the roads to repair damaged power lines or infrastructure, and speeding and distracted driving are the leading contributing factors in vehicle accidents, according to a news release.

(Robert So/Pexels)

These tips are offered for driving safely in work zones:

  • Stay alert and minimize distractions. Don’t text, talk or adjust controls.
  • Expect the unexpected. Normal speed limits may be reduced, traffic lanes may be changed and workers may be nearby.
  • Slow down. Speeding is the major cause of work zone crashes.
  • Don’t tailgate. The most common work zone crash is the rear-end collision.
  • Maintain traffic flow by merging as soon as possible.
  • Pay attention to signs. Warning signs help keep you and other drivers safe.
  • Obey road crew flaggers. The trained flagger knows what is best for traffic safety.

“We expect to see an increase in the need for our crews to be out responding to storm repairs and with that comes risk. Every single driver can reduce that risk by paying close attention and reducing distractions while on the road,” said Jessica Bednarcik, senior vice president of Enterprise Safety and Generation Services, in the release.

“At Duke Energy, we have a comprehensive safety program to protect our crews working along the road, but cones and signs won’t stop a distracted driver. We’re reminding motorists to approach roadside workers with caution. It could save a life,” said Bednarcik.

Published May 01, 2024

DeSantis signs two bills to bring chaplains, patriotic organizations to schools

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(The Center Square) — Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed legislation Thursday intended to provide more educational opportunities for public school students.

House Bill 1317 allows patriotic organizations to speak to students and distribute certain materials to encourage participation. Patriotic organizations mentioned in the new law include Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, Boy Scouts of America, Boys & Girls Clubs of America, Civil Air Patrol, Naval Sea Cadets and the Marine League Corps.

(JV/Unsplash)

HB 931 authorizes each school district or charter school board to adopt a policy that would allow volunteer school chaplains to provide support, services and programs to students.

DeSantis said that he and the Legislature have worked very hard to support students, including expanding school choice, scholarship programs and mental health support, adding that the new legislation will help bolster these efforts.

“We have ensured that mental health education involves personal resiliency, talks about perseverance, volunteerism, mentorship, problem-solving, empathy, citizenship and honesty. A really comprehensive approach,” DeSantis said, noting that these school years can be tough for students.

Funding for mental health programs in schools across Florida has ranged from $75 million in 2019-2020 to $140 million during the 2022-2023 fiscal year. For the 2024-2025 budget, $160 million has been secured. A further $5.5 million has been earmarked to go toward evidence-based teacher training, so educators can recognize the signs of mental health and substance abuse.

DeSantis added that it is important for children to stay active, as often many children are glued to their devices and are not spending as much time outside as they used to and that the legislation will help encourage students to spend more time outdoors.

“Now you’re gonna have these key groups come in, talk about what they do and ask the students to participate,” DeSantis said. “I really believe when you are engaged in extracurricular activities, athletics, some of these other things, that’s gonna be a net positive for these students.”

DeSantis added that chaplains in schools also will be a positive thing for students, providing useful resources and would have a role similar to chaplains in the Armed Forces.

“I think that model of just having this available as part of the services that you’re providing, like we do in the military, we should be doing the same for our students here in school,” DeSantis said.

Published May 01, 2024

Leadership program graduates class of 2024

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The Youth Leadership Pasco Class of 2024 celebrated its graduation in March, at Timber Greens Country Club. More than 100 sponsors, school officials, parents and Leadership Pasco board members attended.

The organization is a leadership development program that informs, motivates and increases the awareness of selected high school-aged students (sophomores and juniors) through issue-oriented seminars and interaction with community leaders, according to a news release.

Sessions include Orientation and Team Building, Law Enforcement, Health Care/Community Services, Government/Economic Development, and Education.

Youth Leadership Pasco Class of 2024 (Courtesy of J. David Wright)

The program’s graduating Class of 2024 included: Colt Blancher, Angeline Academy of Innovation; Katarina M. Boglino, Gulf High School; Isabella C. Bowling, River Ridge High; Thomas Celotto Jr., Hudson High; Noah J. Downey, Sunlake High; Vincent J. Farides, River Ridge; Dominic Fusco, Wesley Chapel High; William C. Gantt, J.W. Mitchell High; Jake Giber, Genesis Preparatory High; Nadama N. Gilkerson, Pasco High; Sophie M. Giri, Wiregrass Ranch High; Nathan M. Grimes, J.W. Mitchell; Luiza Guryeva, Wesley Chapel; Allan Guzman, Kirkland Ranch Academy of Innovation; Elissa A. Hill, J.W. Mitchell; Liam C. Hornung, J.W. Mitchell; Melodi Kazazi, Sunlake; Calina M. Levy,Wiregrass Ranch; Alina Manadyel, Dayspring Early College Academy; Ethan A. Mendez, Cypress Creek High; Alyssa B. Mintrone, Land O’ Lakes High; Montana T. Montayre, Wendell Krinn Technical High; Morgan T. Montayre, Wendell Krinn Technical; Alfonso E. Nava, Dayspring Early College Academy; Victoria Ogundeyin, Cypress Creek; Xiomig N. Ozorio Matias, Kirkland Ranch Academy of Innovation; Trinity Perry, Wesley Chapel; Justyce P. Rice, Anclote High; Ethan Rubin, Hudson; Lilliana E. St Aubin, Hudson; Paul L. Steele, Land O’ Lakes; Hailey J. Suggs, Anclote High; and Gianna Walsh, Fivay High.

“The Youth Leadership Pasco program is truly one of a kind. Throughout the program, I have made lifelong friendships, restored old ones, and got a much deeper grasp of what happens in Pasco County. My favorite part of the program was the sheriff’s department. We got to see just how big the department truly is and the amazing technology they are incorporating into their line of work. I used to only want to leave Pasco County, but throughout this program, I have found a new love for it and all of the amazing opportunities it has to offer…,” said Noah J. Downey, of Sunlake High School, in the release.

The student fee is kept at $35 due to the support from its sponsors.

Applications for the Class of 2025 will open for sophomores and juniors at the beginning of the school year.

For more information, visit LeadershipPasco.com/Youth_Leadership_Pasco_Program.

Published May 01, 2024

Confused by nutrition labels? You’re not alone

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Shopping for groceries can be like navigating a maze: so many choices in every aisle, food packages covered in marketing claims and little direction on what is truly healthy and what isn’t. People want to make healthy choices for themselves and their families, but how can they when the information available to them can be so overwhelming?

For years, the Nutrition Facts label on the back of food packages has provided important nutrition information, such as the amount of calories, fat, sodium, sugar, protein and vitamins and minerals. But all the numbers can be confusing, and they’re not readily visible. Given America’s high rates of diet-related disease and illness, advocates say that more must be done to make sure consumers have the information they need to make healthy choices.

(Courtesy of the Food and Drug Administration)

That’s why the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which sets standards for nutrition labeling, is developing a new labeling system that would appear on the front of food and beverage products, offering clear and concise information to help people quickly and easily identify healthier foods. Research from other countries shows that front-of-pack labeling helps consumers make healthier purchases and even gets manufacturers to make healthier products.

What could a front-of-pack label look like? More than 40 countries already require it. Some countries use stoplight colors like red, yellow and green, or a grading system like a report card — A, B, C, D, E — to indicate how healthy a product is. Other countries use a warning system that indicates whether products include high amounts of added sugars, saturated fat or sodium. Approaches like these make it easy for consumers to understand with a quick glance what’s healthy and what’s not.

The success of front-of-pack labeling in other countries suggests it will help people in the United States make healthier choices that can improve well-being and reduce high rates of diet-related diseases, including some forms of heart disease and cancer. In fact, the National Academy of Medicine (formerly the Institute of Medicine) recommended such a system more than 10 years ago, and national polls show most Americans support it.

The FDA plans to release a proposal for a front-of-pack food labeling system in the United States that can get everyone out of the food shopping maze. To stay informed and learn more, visit YoureTheCure.org/FOP.

“Clear, concise front-of-pack nutrition labeling is the answer. After all, grocery shopping shouldn’t require a degree in nutrition,” says Nancy Brown, CEO of the American Heart Association.

-StatePoint

Published May 01, 2024

SR 54 to be closed at US 41 at Night

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(Courtesy of Department of Transportation)

Portions of the intersection of U.S. 41 and S.R. 54 will be closed for milling and paving work from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m., on May 1,  May 2, May 5 and May 6, weather permitting, according to a news release.

The Department of Transportation said the work is planned to keep at least one lane open on US 41 in each direction. No SR 54 traffic will be able to cross US 41 and will be detoured to right turns at the intersection. Lane closures will be in place in all directions leading into the intersection and no left turns will be permitted at the intersection. Drivers who planned to make left turns at the intersection will need to use one of the detour routes listed below. Drivers are advised to plan extra travel time to travel through the area or choose alternate routes, the release says.

Detour routes:
1) Eastbound SR 54: Traffic will be reduced from three lanes to one lane and detoured to southbound US 41, U-Turn at Lake Floyd Drive, then go north and turn right to continue east on SR 54 or stay straight to continue north on US 41.

2) Westbound SR 54: Traffic will be reduced from three lanes to one lane and detoured to northbound US 41, U-Turn at Morgan Road, then go south and turn right to continue west on SR 54 or stay straight to continue south on US 41.

Project information: https://www.fdottampabay.com/project/759/441659-1-52-01-441658-1-52-01

Expo aims to help residents prepare for year-round disasters

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Pasco County Emergency Management will host the 2024 Disaster Expo on April 27 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Pasco Safety Town, 15362 Alric Pottberg Road in Shady Hills. 

Hurricanes can easily topple and down trees, which can cause major damage. (File)

The expo’s goal is to help prepare residents not only for hurricanes, but for other potential disasters, including tornadoes, flooding and wildfires that can happen in Pasco year-round.

“The safety of our community remains our foremost concern,” said Pasco Emergency Management Director Andy Fossa, in a news release.

“Pasco’s free Disaster Expo provides an invaluable opportunity for us to share vital information to help you and your family prepare,” said Fossa.

The upcoming event will offer assistance for residents to:

  • Plan for evacuations
  • Register for special needs assistance
  • Protect their home or business
  • Learn how to get involved
  • Prepare go-kits for people and pets

Kids also can create go-kits and visit a touch-a-truck display while parents can speak with emergency management experts. Food trucks will be on site, as well.

Emergency Management’s 2024 Pasco County Disaster Preparedness Guide will be available for pick up.

For more information about disaster preparation, including how to sign up for emergency notifications through Alert Pasco, visit bit.ly/PascoEM.

Published April 24, 2024

DeSantis signs education reform bill into law

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(The Center Square) — Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed an education reform bill into law that will have long-reaching implications for the state’s education system.

House Bill 1285 does several things, including addressing school districts with “Turn-Around” status, repeals the Florida College System’s employment equity and accountability program, and requires the State Board of Education to establish specialized teaching certificates for classical school educators.

(Kenny Eliason/Unsplash)

DeSantis said during a news conference in Jacksonville that Florida has a reputation for giving parents the leading hand in how they choose to educate their children, as well as keeping the public school curriculum transparent so parents are aware of what is being taught.

DeSantis noted that the Legislature has enacted many other education-related bills — one in particular now has every school district in Florida involved in civics education, as well as the civics and debate initiative, which only had around 12 schools participating five years ago.

“We’ve also increased teacher salaries every year since I’ve been governor. We now have in this budget that I will be signing… the biggest increase in teacher compensation,” DeSantis said.

In-state tuition for higher education in the Sunshine State has also remained affordable, and according to DeSantis, Florida is number one out of all 50 states for lowest tuition and number two in the U.S. for two-year graduation rates, and fourth for four-year college graduation rates.

“Part of the reason why you’re able to get people through in four years is because we’re not charging an arm and a leg,” DeSantis said. “We’re not trying to keep them for six years just to make more money off that, we want you to go get your degree and then move on.”

DeSantis noted that he and the Legislature have ensured that colleges and universities do not become “cauldrons of ideological indoctrination,” instead, lawmakers are focused on core subjects.

“So this (bill) has a huge number of things that are really gonna make a difference,” DeSantis said. “One, we really believe in supporting military families when it comes to our school system, and we believe in creating pathways for students who may want to go into the military as a career.”

The bill further requires school districts and charter schools to provide 11th- and 12th-grade students with the opportunity to take the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery Test.

“With the signing of House Bill 1285, Gov. DeSantis has further solidified Florida’s higher education system as number one in the nation,” said Ray Rodrigues, chancellor of the State University System of Florida. “HB 1285 establishes additional accountability measures and creates opportunities for universities to enhance research and innovation to meet the workforce and economic demands of our state.”

Published April 24, 2024

Rezoning clears way for development of large subdivision

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A zoning amendment approved by Pasco County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) on April 10 makes it possible for a large subdivision to be developed within the Villages of Pasadena Hills (VOPH) after other requirements are met.

Plans call for 796 dwelling units and 75,000 square feet of non-residential use to be developed on 101 acres of property located within Village B of the VOPH.  

The VOPH is a dependent district comprised of approximately 22,000 acres bounded by State Road 52 to the north, Eiland Boulevard to the south, Curley Road to the west, and U.S. Highway 301 to the east.

(Sven Mieke/Unsplash)

A site plan will need to be prepared and presented to the BOCC before development of the proposed subdivision can begin. 

The part of the site that is located by Curley Road “is the most important corner for everything going into VOPH and it had to be done right,” said Clarke Hobby, an attorney with the Tampa-based law firm of Hobby & Hobby P.A., representing the applicant.

“This is a very good project and it looks very nice,” said BOCC chairman Commissioner Ronald Oakley, who represents District 1 where the property is located.

The request by RDPD V LLC, a Zephyrhills-based limited liability company, to have the property’s zoning changed from an Agricultural District (AC) to a Master Planned Unit Development (MPUD) was approved by a 4-0 vote.

Commissioners voting on the measure in addition to Oakley were Jack Mariano, District 5; Kathryn Starkey, District 3; and Seth Weightman, District 2. BOCC Vice Chairman Gary Bradford, District 4, was not present for the meeting.

In other business on April 10, commissioners:

  • Approved a zoning amendment allowing a maximum of 105 townhouses to be developed on approximately 17.6 acres of property in District 1 located on the south side of Clinton Avenue, approximately 330 feet west of Fort King Road. New Clinton LLC, a Land O’ Lakes-based limited liability company, had requested the property’s zoning to be changed from an A-C Agricultural District and an R-2 Low Density Residential District to an MF-1 Multiple Family Medium Density District. 
  • Approved a zoning amendment that will allow 37 single-family detached units to be developed on 26.6 acres of property in District 4 located on the north side of Willow Bend Parkway, approximately 250 feet north of Pasco-Hillsborough County Line Road. EC Willow Bend LLC, a St. Petersburg-based limited liability company, had requested the property’s zoning to be changed from E-R Estate Residential to Master Planned Unit Development (MPUD).
  • Approved transmitting to the Florida Department of Commerce a large-scale comprehensive plan amendment that would allow 18 single-family residences to be built on approximately 92.6 acres of property located in District 1 at 17001-17005 Bellamy Brothers Blvd. Sandbarren LLC, an Odessa-based limited liability company, requested the comprehensive plan amendment. 

The property is near the intersection of Bellamy Brothers Boulevard and Johnson Road. A man living on Johnson Road said he and neighbors didn’t want the property rezoned because the density that was being requested was very much out of character with the surrounding area.

The BOCC will reconsider the request during its June 4 meeting after it has heard back from the Florida DOC and other reviewing agencies.

• Approved an ordinance amending the Pasco County Land Development Code (LDC) so 3.49 acres of property owned by Russell K. and Leann Finlay could be used for commercial purposes. The property in District 1 is located on two lots on the east side of U.S. 301, approximately 200 feet north of Marka Drive.

The Finlays plan to construct a 21,000-square-foot small commercial center on the property, said their representative Anne Pollack. Part of the space will be used for the Finlay’s business and they will be able to add six additional employees. The remaining six to eight spaces may be leased to other businesses resulting in an increase of employment in the area, said Pollack, who is an attorney with the St. Petersburg-based law firm of Fletcher Fischer Pollack P.I.

• Approved a zoning amendment allowing 1.95 acres of property located in District 2 on the northeast corner of Tupper Road and State Road 54 to be used for commercial purposes. Dempsey and Daughters Inc., a Wesley Chapel-based for-profit corporation, requested the zoning amendment.

They are required to submit a deed restriction stating that the property will be specifically reserved for those commercial uses set forth in the Pasco County LDC to ensure that the property provides the benefits of commercial development, including, but not limited to, adequate employment generation. The rezoning will become effective when the deed restriction is recorded in Pasco County’s public records.

All three of the zoning amendments, the large-scale comprehensive plan amendment and the change to the LDC were approved by a vote of 4-0.

In addition, a resolution was approved by a vote of 4-0 to amend part of the BOCC procedural rules to establish the position of second vice chair. Commissioner Starkey was elected to fulfill that role. 

She will be able to perform the duties of the chair in the absence of both Oakley and Bradford, and only will be authorized to perform those duties for one day. This change was made due to the absence of both Commissioners Oakley and Bradford from the BOCC meeting on March 26, due to health reasons. Commissioner Mariano was temporarily designated as acting chair at that meeting as he is the longest serving member of the BOCC.

And a resolution electing to not exempt property under the “Live Local Act Property Tax Exemption” was continued to the May 7 meeting in Dade City because Gov. Ron DeSantis had not yet signed the legislation as of April 10. 

The act would grant tax exemptions to units in multifamily projects that are used to house natural persons or families whose annual household income is between 80% and 120% of the median annual adjusted gross income for households within Pasco County. 

Officials previously said the county could lose out on $38 million in tax revenues over a 35-year period if a pair of properties that were considering using the Live Local Act received tax breaks.

Also, Commissioner Weightman nominated Matthew Munz to fill a seat on the Pasco County Planning Commission that was previously held by Peter Hanzel who recently retired after serving on the PC for many years.

Munz’s appointment was confirmed by the BOCC and he is scheduled to participate in the planning commission’s May 2 meeting at 1:30 p.m., in Dade City.

Published April 24, 2024

Enjoy summer camp at a local YMCA

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As the weather turns warm, and the end of the school year gets that much closer, so does the thought of keeping children busy and off their devices. The Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA is here to help with your family’s summer camp plans. We offer campers the opportunity to try something new while they build character through activities based on the Y Core Values: caring, honesty, respect and responsibility.

(Photos courtesy Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA)

Our East Pasco Family YMCA in Zephyrhills has so much to offer — from traditional camp activities like outdoor games, art and sports, plus a variety of adventures throughout the week.

Geared for ages 6 to 12, camp participants will experience a memorable and fun summer. The East Pasco Y has a camp stage complete with camp seating where campers start and end their day with an energetic opening and closing ceremony. 

“The East Pasco YMCA offers many wonderful amenities for our camp kiddos to enjoy every day at summer camp! Firstly, right next to our camp stage out in our open field is a GaGa Pit, 9 Square, and a retention pond for all kinds of games, and activities,” explains Alex Delgado, associate executive director, East Pasco & Dade City YMCA. 

“We also have a six-lane, 25-yard-long swimming pool that they get to swim in daily at camp. The pool itself, as well as the deck, were renovated in 2021, so it is still very new. Next, our basketball gym is a great space to play all kinds of sports such as basketball, volleyball, pickleball, indoor soccer and indoor hockey. Campers often play team-building games and partake in fitness classes there as well. Lastly, we have two racquetball courts used for arts & crafts, as well as team-building,” adds Delgado.

Dave Boyle, executive director of Tampa Y’s Camp Cristina, oversees our camps, and shares we are expecting 1,700 campers this year.

“This camp season, while we continue to cherish the timeless traditions that have always defined us, we are excited to introduce a modern twist to these classic elements. Central to our refreshed approach is a renewed emphasis on fostering meaningful connections,” said Boyle.

“We believe that the bonds formed at camp — between peers, with nature and within oneself — are more vital than ever in our increasingly digital world. Our activities are deliberately designed to encourage campers to engage deeply with the world around them, particularly the great outdoors.

“Being outside isn’t just a backdrop for our camp; it’s a canvas for adventure, learning, and discovery. Additionally, we’re reinvigorating our range of age-appropriate games, infusing them with innovative ideas and approaches. These games are not only fun but are carefully crafted to promote developmental skills, teamwork, and healthy competition. By blending the best of traditional camp experiences with a contemporary perspective, we’re creating an environment that is both nostalgically familiar and excitingly new, ensuring that our campers enjoy the most enriching and memorable summer possible.

“Each counselor brings a unique blend of diverse backgrounds and skills, allowing us to offer a personalized experience that caters to the individual needs and interests of every camper. They serve as role models, demonstrating values and attitudes that leave a lasting impact on the campers, shaping not just their summer but their character and life outlook. Importantly, they create a safe, welcoming and inclusive environment where campers feel comfortable to be themselves, fostering respect and appreciation for others,” notes Boyle. 

Here’s what the American Camp Association’s stats on the value of summer camp tell us, direct from campers:

  • Camp helped me make new friends: 96% 
  • Camp helped me to get to know kids who are different from me: 93%
  • The people at camp helped me feel good about myself: 92%
  • At camp, I did things I was afraid to do at first: 74% 

Spots are still available but are filling up fast. The East Pasco Family YMCA is at 37301 Chapel Hill Loop in Zephyrhills. Visit https://www.tampaymca.org/locations/east-pasco-family-ymca for more information or to register.

For additional YMCA locations, visit https://www.tampaymca.org/.

Kiran Malik-Khan is the senior communications director of the Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA

Published April 24, 2024