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Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

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Pasco’s library system is honored as Florida’s ‘Library of the Year’

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There was a time when the Pasco County Commission — facing tough financial times — made deep spending cuts to the county’s library system.

But the economy has improved, allowing increased funding for libraries.

Plus, taxpayers chose to invest in Pasco’s libraries by overwhelmingly supporting the passage of a general obligation bond issue to pay for major upgrades.

Readers attending a ‘Novels on Tap’ session enjoy discussing the reading selection at Wicked Pour in Odessa during the monthly meetup. The book club, held at a local brewery and organized by the Starkey Ranch Theatre Library Cultural Center, gives readers age 21 and over a chance to get together and share their thoughts on the book, over a few adult beverages. (Mike Camunas)

Beyond new furniture, redesigned spaces and improved technology, the system also has continued to hone its programming to offer a vast array of activities, space for community meetings and other offerings that go far beyond the old-fashioned notion that a library is just a place to go to check out books.

Of course, patrons continue to check out books, but they also take advantage of wide-ranging opportunities to learn and have fun.

Patrons aren’t the only ones who recognize what the system has to offer.

The Florida Libraries Association (FLA) recently named the Pasco County Libraries system as the state’s Library of the Year, during the 2023 FLA awards ceremony.

On its website, the FLA reported that: “The Pasco County Library System provides innovative services, materials, programs, instructional classes, and informational events relevant to their populations.

“Most notably, the creative development of their library spaces has earned them the Library of the Year award. 

“An ambitious makerspace initiative with heavy citizen input has added a custom makerspace to almost every library branch in the system. From ‘The Foundry’ woodshop at the Land O’ Lakes Library to the ‘Regency Fresh Test Kitchen’ in New Port Richey, citizens now have open access spaces to gather, learn new skills, and share ideas. 

“The system’s newest branch, the Starkey Ranch Theatre Library Cultural Center (in Odessa) has multiple makerspaces and a 250-seat theater shared with the K-8 school next door.

“These unique spaces and their top-quality staff promote access to information, community, education, and culture throughout Pasco County and provide a blueprint of the 21st century Florida library.”

The popularity of Pasco’s libraries is evident.

Patrons couldn’t wait for the completion of renovations at the New River Branch Library, in Wesley Chapel; the Land O’ Lakes Branch Library, in Land O’ Lakes; and, most recently the Hugh Embry Branch Library, in Dade City.

The Starkey Ranch Theatre Library Cultural Center, referenced in the state award, is a very busy place — offering a steady stream of activities and learning opportunities for people of all ages.

Pasco County Administrator Mike Carballa shared the news of the library system’s award during the Pasco County Commission’s May 23 meeting.

Carballa was clearly delighted by the recognition that his staff and the county’s system received.

“We’re very, very proud of the work that our library team does.

“We’re really happy and proud for those folks to win this great honor. Hats off to the team, there,” the county administrator said.

Published June 07, 2023

Dade City swears in new city commissioner

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It didn’t take long for Dade City to fill its city commissioner vacancy.

After interviewing five candidates, the city commission selected Lisa Simon and swore in the fairly new town resident on May 23.

Simon, who moved to Dade City from Jacksonville in 2021, fills the Group 4 position vacated by Knute Nathe.

Lisa Simon is sworn in as Dade City Commissioner Group 4 position at the May 23 City Commission Meeting. (Mike Camunas)

Nathe, a Dade City native, resigned to serve as a Pasco County Judge on April 13, and his term was set to end in April 2024.

Nathe also was mayor pro tem.

Simon, a former preschool teacher and a real estate agent, joins Mayor Jim Shive and commissioners Normita Woodard, Scott Black and Ann Cosentino on the panel.

“I would like to thank her family because this can also be a time-consuming position,” Shive told the packed city commission meeting room. “We are thankful and grateful for her stepping up and helping her community.”

Simon has been attending city commission meetings regularly, since she and her husband of 39 years moved to Dade City.

“I decided to put my money where my mouth is and I couldn’t be more excited to get started,” Simon said. “It’s a little daunting, but I am really ready to get to work.”

Others who were interviewed for the city commission seat were Clyde Carter, Jere Ferguson, Michael Stout and Steve Van Gordon.

In joining the commission, Simon expressed her appreciation for the support of her family, friends and the city, as well as her fellow commissioners.

Before moving to town, she and her husband looked all over for a new home. They decided on Dade City because they fell in love with its small-town feel.

“And then we pull up and come into town seeing all the signs that said, ‘Keep Dade City Rural’ and we’re like, ‘Uh oh. What have we done?’” Simon said. “But I started going to meetings and getting involved and just met some great people. What I learned from them is that they were concerned that the city was moving in the right direction and making sure that growth in Dade City was done the right way.”

In her first meeting after being sworn in, the New Orleans native, mother of five and soon-to-be grandma of five was able to partake in a handful of votes.

Those actions included approving:

  • Renovation plans for Polly Touchton Park
  • A name change from Garvin Place Road to Finnerty Way
  • A unanimous promotion of commissioner Woodard to the position of mayor pro tem

Published June 07, 2023

A pause for reflection and gratitude

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Memorial Day is a federal holiday in the United Sates for honoring and mourning the U.S. military personnel who died while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. It was originally known as Decoration Day.

The nonprofit Flags for the Fallen was established on May 14, 2012 for the sole purpose of ensuring that an American flag is placed upon every veterans’ gravesite at each national cemetery in the country in recognition of Memorial Day.

More than 3,000 volunteers, team leaders and area coordinators volunteered on May 28 to ‘plant’ a flag and offer gratitude to honor those buried at the Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, in preparation for the cemetery’s Memorial Day Ceremony on May 29.

The ceremony included a prelude with patriotic music, an introduction and welcome, the presentation of colors, the national anthem, the Pledge of Allegiance, an Armed Forces medley, invocation, keynote speakers and special guests, a rifle salute, echo taps and a benediction.

For information about Flags for the Fallen, visit FlagsForFallenMilitary.org.

Wreaths Across America
When: Dec. 16
Where: Florida National Cemetery, Bushnell
Details: Volunteers can sign up to lay remembrance wreaths on the graves of the fallen heroes while saying the name of each veteran aloud.
Info: WreathsAcrossAmerica.org

Published June 07, 2023

American flags were placed by volunteers on each military gravesite in recognition of Memorial Day. (Mary Rathman)
Quiet, peaceful areas are offered for reflection at the Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell. The cemetery was ‘decorated’ for Memorial Day.
More than 3,000 volunteers ‘planted’ American flags at the Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell in preparation for a Memorial Day Ceremony. 

Saint Leo names interim athletic director

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Marcal Lazenby has been named interim athletic director at Saint Leo University.

That announcement came from Saint Leo University President Dr. Edward Dadez, in a news release issued on May 30.

Marcal Lazenby (Courtesy of Saint Leo University)

Lazenby, who is associate athletic director, will assume his new position overseeing Saint Leo’s Intercollegiate Athletics, Wellness and Recreation departments on June 30, following the departure of longtime Vice President and Director of Athletics Fran Reidy, who is retiring.

The athletic director oversees Saint Leo’s Intercollegiate Athletics, Wellness, and Recreation departments.

As associate athletic director at Saint Leo, Lazenby has been responsible for oversight of compliance, athletic communications, facilities ticketing and concessions, merchandising and sponsorships. He was promoted from the assistant athletic director for compliance, athletics diversity and inclusion designee in August 2021 and first joined the university in 2017 as director of NCAA compliance.  

“I am honored and look forward to the challenge of building upon the proud athletic and academic traditions at Saint Leo,” Lazenby said in the release. “I made a strategic decision about my career when I left Glenville and came to Saint Leo to learn about the Sunshine State Conference and how to operate a high-level athletic program under Fran Reidy. I look forward to leading the great staff we have in place and aligning athletics, wellness and recreation with the university’s strategic plan as we create a vision of excellence for the future.”

Lazenby came to Saint Leo after serving as the director of athletics at his alma mater, Glenville State University in West Virginia. While Lazenby earned his bachelor’s degree from Glenville, he also was a four-year member of the university’s football team.

Published June 07, 2023

This handy guide aims to help you in Hurricane Season 2023

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It’s a perennial plea by emergency management experts — and yet, a certain percentage of people never seem to believe that a hurricane can strike where they live.

Until, of course, it does.

Pasco County didn’t emerge entirely unscathed from Hurricane Ian, but the damages were relatively minor compared to communities to the south of the Tampa Bay region that were devastated by the Category 4 hurricane.
(File)

This list of tips is intended to help our readers to be prepared for Hurricane Season 2023, which begins June 1 and runs through Nov. 30.

The idea is to be ready, in case something happens — and to hope, at the same time, that nothing does.

With that in mind, here are some practical suggestions aimed at helping those who live or work within The Laker/Lutz News coverage area.

As Pasco and Hillsborough counties continue to grow, more people are streaming into the area and it’s important to remember that for most of them, this will be their first experience with a hurricane season.

It’s a good idea for newcomers — and for local residents who have moved into a new community — to familiarize themselves with the risks associated with where they live.

Do you live in an evacuation zone? If you must leave, do you know the way out?

All Floridians, regardless of their address, face risks of significant disruptions and potential damage from tropical storms and hurricanes.

Stephanie Francis, right, and her daughter, Siena Bracciale, load up a U-Haul with generators, cases of water, food and other supplies on Sept. 30, at the Land O’ Lakes Recreation Complex, for delivery to MidWest Food Pantry in Fort Myers. Many local citizens, neighborhoods, churches, schools, businesses and organizations in Pasco County organized donation drives and supply runs to help the victims of Hurricane Ian.

A wealth of information is available on your county’s website to help you before, during and after severe weather strikes. Government social media apps, county websites and local news stations are other ways to stay informed.

This page is intended to provide a quick reference of useful tips. It has been compiled from disaster guides from Pasco and Hillsborough counties, as well as from The Laker/Lutz News archives.

Be careful. Stay safe out there.

Before severe weather threatens

  • Trim trees and shrubs.
  • Clear clogged rain gutters and downspouts.
  • Repair roof leaks.
  • Make an inventory of your property and valuables. Jot down specifics. Take photos.

It’s also good time to stock up food and other supplies

  • Water: One gallon is recommended for each person for three to seven days.
  • Food: Have enough food on hand for at least three to seven days. The foods should be nonperishable packaged or canned food and beverages, snack foods, juices. The supplies should be easy to store and prepare, including protein bars, dried fruit, canned pastas, soups, canned tuna, peanut butter and jelly, crackers, raisins, beef jerky. Don’t forget the baby formula and baby food.

Plan for your pets
If you need to evacuate with your pet, be sure to bring sturdy leashes, harnesses and/or a carrier; pet food, drinking water, bowls, cat litter, a litter pan; pet health records, current photos of your pets, in case they get lost; pet beds and toys.

Helpful supplies and tools

  • Books and games to help pass the time
  • A non-electric can opener, paper plates, plastic utensils, plastic cups
  • A grill, cooking tools, fuel, charcoal
  • Hand tools, automotive repair tools
  • Duct tape and heavyweight garbage bags or plastic sheeting (for shelter-in-place)
  • A wrench or pliers (to turn off utilities)
  • Blankets, pillows, sleeping bags
  • Sunscreen, aloe, bug spray
  • Personal care items for babies, the elderly, people with disabilities
  • Toiletries, hygiene items and sanitary wipes
  • Moist towelettes for sanitation

Personal safety items

  • A battery-operated or hand-cranked radio, NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) Weather radio
  • Flashlight and batteries
  • Medications, a first-aid kit
  • Filter masks to protect your mouth and nose
  • A whistle to signal for help
  • Seasonal rain gear, sturdy shoes or boots

Prepare a go-kit
Have a kit you can take with you, which includes food, medications and important documents, such as insurance papers, birth certificates, bank account records and so on. How much you take will depend on how far you are going and how long you expect to be gone.

Other practical pointers

  • Avoid gas lines: During hurricane season keep your tank full, or at least 3/4 full.
  • Have cash on hand, in case banks are closed and ATMs lose power.
  • Have a phone charger that doesn’t need electricity.
  • Print a list of  important telephone numbers, including county emergency management office, evacuation sites, doctors, bank, area schools, veterinarian, etc.

When a hurricane threatens
Protect your property

  • Cover windows with pre-cut plywood or hurricane shutters.
  • Store outdoor furniture, wind chimes, garbage cans, potted plants, garden decorations and other items that could become projectiles in high winds.
  • If you own a boat, determine how and where to secure it.

Protect yourself

  • Know if you live in a mandatory evacuation zone and if you do, be sure your evacuation plan includes transportation routes and destinations.
  • If evacuating, think in terms of 10s of miles, not 100s of miles. Reach out to family or friends, now, to see if you can stay with them.
  • Be sure to share your plans, whether sheltering in place or evacuating, with someone outside of the danger zone.

If sheltering in place

  • Close all interior doors. Secure and brace exterior doors. Take refuge in a small interior closet, or hallway on the lowest level. Lie on the floor under a table or another sturdy object.
  • Fill bathtubs or buckets with water to use for cleaning and toilet flushing.
  • Stay away from windows and glass doors.
  • Don’t be fooled by a lull in the storm. It could be the eye of the storm and the winds could resume.

After the storm

  • Drive only if necessary and avoid flooded roads and washed-out bridges. Watch out for objects in the road, downed power lines and weakened walls, bridges, roads and sidewalks that might collapse.
  • Do not drive into water when you can’t see the bottom of the road; your car could be carried away and you could drown.
  • Do not walk through flooded areas, fast-moving water could carry you away. Also, the water could be contaminated with oil, gasoline, raw sewage and other contaminants. It also may be electrically charged from a downed wire.
  • Be careful about the foods you eat. If the power is out for a prolonged period, your food may have spoiled.
  • Do not burn charcoal in your house or garage, the fumes can be deadly.
  • Never use a portable generator inside your house or garage. Carbon monoxide poisoning is one of the leading causes of death after storms.
  • If you’re using a generator, do not plug it into a building’s wiring. This can cause generator back-feed, which is extremely dangerous for utility workers and for anyone in the public who comes into contact with a downed electrical wire.
  • If you have been evacuated, don’t return home until authorities say that it’s safe to do so. Watch the local news and check local government emergency apps to stay informed.

If you have damage

  • Call your insurance agent.
  • Take photos of damage.
  • Make emergency repairs to avoid additional damage and keep receipts for the tarps, lumbers and other materials you purchase.
  • Be wary of scams and price gougers. Use licensed contractors to make repairs.

For substantially more information to help you during Hurricane Season 2023, visit HillsboroughCounty.org and PascoCountyFl.net and check out the disaster guides prepared by each county. 

Visit each county’s emergency operations department to download the guides, sign up for alerts and find out information that can help you prepare for and weather the storm.

Published May 31, 2023

Weightman Middle School gym named for revered coach

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The crowd erupted into cheers and applause, when the Pasco County School Board voted to name the gym at Thomas E. Weightman Middle School (TEMS), in honor of Thomas Mine, a longtime coach at the school.

The request for the honor came from Weightman’s Principal Donna Gricoski and the Weightman school community. The school is located at 30659 Wells Road, in Wesley Chapel.

Gricoski wrote a letter to the school board and Superintendent Kurt Browning seeking the honor for Coach Mine. She read from that letter at the board’s May 16 meeting.

Thomas Mine is surrounded by supporters on May 16, the evening the Pasco County School Board voted to name the Thomas E. Weightman Middle School gymnasium in honor of the longtime coach at the school. (Courtesy of Thomas E. Weightman Middle School)

“Coach Mine has been a teacher at Thomas E. Weightman (Middle School) since its inception 33 years ago,” Gricosi said.

“Besides being a physical education teacher at our school, he has also coached various extracurricular sports, such as football, track, soccer and basketball.

“He has won the most games in the history of Thomas E. Weightman, possibly even in the history of Pasco County.

“Coach Mine has won more than 25 district championships, in various sports. Many of his former players have gone on to play high school sports and beyond.

“In addition, some of his former students have also gone on to become coaches within our district.

“Throughout his years of service, Coach Mine has also taught the adaptive physical education classes to our students with varying special needs, held the title of athletic director for many years and ran multiple summer sports camps so that many children had the opportunity to play and try different sports.

“After 38 years of service to our district, Coach Mine continues to be a great coach and mentor to our students and community.

“He continues to share his knowledge and passion for sports and fitness daily with the students.

“If asked about his years of teaching, he will probably tell you that after all of these years, he continues to love his job.

“In recognition of his dedication and commitment to the students, staff and sports programs at Thomas E. Weightman, we request that the gymnasium at Thomas E. Weightman Middle School be named after Coach Thomas Mine,” she said.

In addition to the letter of support, a large contingent of the coach’s fans turned out at the school board meeting, in a show of affection and respect for him.

Mine was obviously touched by the tribute.

“First thank you for my friends and family for attending this evening and celebrating this very special honor,” Mine said.

He thanked the administration and his colleagues for spearheading the honor, and the school board and superintendent for approving it.

“At the end of this school year, I will have completed my 45th year of teaching — 38 in Pasco County. The last 32 at Thomas E. Weightman Middle,” Mine said.

“During this time, I have witnessed the Weightman family strive for excellence, with genuine care for each student, family and staff member.

“I have worked with awesome administrators, tremendous teachers, super students and families, and a terrific P.E. team, especially Coach (Brian) Dorkowski and Coach (Claudine) Nipps, for over 20 years.

“To put it simply, Weightman is a fantastic school. To have my name associated with TEMS is an honor and privilege for which I am sincerely grateful.

“Throughout my career, I have been supported with love and encouragement by my extraordinary family, my amazing wife Anne, and children, Jonathan, Jessica, (and) Zachary.  Thank you, and I love you dearly.”

He also expressed appreciation for his colleagues at Weightman.

“I have the greatest admiration for all of you. Your dedication, commitment, professionalism and perseverance in everything you do, has inspired me to do my best each and every day.

“My years of teaching have provided me with a lifetime of friendships and happy memories that I will cherish forever.

“Thank you for this incredible honor,” Mine said.

Published May 31, 2023

She wrote her way to an all-expenses paid trip to the Netherlands

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Amy Lewis initially noticed the AAA contest on her Facebook feed.

Then, the Land O’ Lakes woman saw it again, about a month before the contest’s deadline, in  AAA’s magazine.

She encouraged her 14-year-old daughter, Sky, to give it a try.

Sky Lewis and her mom, Amy, share details of their trip to the Netherlands in an interview after returning home to Land O’ Lakes. Sky was one of 60 eighth-graders who won an all-expenses paid trip, accompanied by a chaperone, in a contest sponsored by AAA. (B.C. Manion)

The eighth-grader, who attends Pasco eSchool, got busy doing her research and composing her submission.

She turned it in and they waited.

Amy was sitting in a doctor’s office when she got the word that Sky had been selected.

“It felt like she won the lottery. My heart was racing out of my chest,” Amy said, who couldn’t wait to get home to share the news.

Sky recalled that moment: “ We were jumping around and yelling and screaming.”

“My husband (Richard) just sat there, dumbfounded,” Amy said.

Sky was thrilled.

A group of 60 eighth-graders won an all-expenses paid trip to the Netherlands and Belgium, in a contest sponsored by AAA, along with travel partners AmaWaterways and Allianz Global Assistance. Sky Lewis, of Land O’ Lakes, was one of the winners. She is seen here, seated on the deck, in the center of the photo. She is in the first row, second from the left. (Courtesy of Amy and Sky Lewis)

“They picked 60 eighth-graders for the trip, out of 800 applicants,” Sky said. (There were 13 winners in Florida, including two in Tampa.)

She was excited, but she had a dilemma.

“She had to pick a chaperone. She was so upset,” her mom said. “She couldn’t choose.”

Her dad saved the day.

“He saw that she was upset. He stepped up,” Amy said.

Richard told Sky: “‘There’s no question. You and your mom are going,’” Amy said.

Preparations for travel begin
Once they knew they’d be making the trip, they got busy.

“We needed big puffy coats,” Sky explained, noting the Netherlands gets much colder than Land O’ Lakes.

Amy and Sky Lewis marveled at the architectural styles, and the age, of buildings in the Netherlands. (Courtesy of Amy and Sky Lewis)

“We don’t own those kinds of clothes,” Amy added.

They hit thrift stores to assemble their winter wardrobes.

They also needed passports: AAA took care of that.

In fact, AAA partnered with AmaWaterways and Allianz Global Assistance to cover all of the costs of the nine-day, all-inclusive trip.

Sky and Amy departed from Tampa International Airport on March 11 — which just so happened to be Amy and Richard’s 23rd anniversary.

“So, he drove us to the airport. He was like, ‘Happy Anniversary — bye,’” Amy said, with a laugh.

Sky had traveled to places such as Georgia, North Carolina and Virginia, but she’d never been out of the country before, had never been on an airplane and had never taken a cruise.

They jetted from Tampa to Atlanta to Amsterdam, meeting some members of their travel group in Atlanta, and the rest of them when they arrived in Amsterdam.

Hordes of bicyclists make their way around the Netherlands, many traveling at breakneck speeds. (Courtesy of Amy and Sky Lewis)

Their travel group was dubbed Discovery Crew, and they journeyed on the Amalucia, during an AmaWaterways river cruise. They followed a custom-designed itinerary, with ports of call and excursions focused on local history, science, nature and food, according to a AAA news release.

Each morning, tour guides led the travelers — sharing the sights, sounds and history of Dutch culture.

A jam-packed itinerary
There was so much to see and do, they headed out early in the morning and often didn’t wrap up the day until late evening, Sky said.

They had breaks for meals and a smidgen of personal time, too.

The pace was brisk.

“We were running some of the time. They were going so fast,” Sky said.

They barely had time to take photos and sometimes the itinerary was so tight they couldn’t even finish lunch, before heading off on another excursion.

Sky Lewis had the chance to taste samples at chocolatier shops during her trip to the Netherlands and to Belgium. She enjoyed the sweet confections so much, she brought home a sizable amount of souvenirs. (Courtesy of Amy and Sky Lewis)

At the end of each day, they were exhausted.

“The second we hit the pillow. We were just done. Every night,” Amy said.

Before the trip, Sky had pictured Holland primarily as a place of windmills and tulips. And, in her mind’s eye, Amsterdam was more rural in nature, instead of being the big city that it is.

Sky was surprised by the relative lack of cars and the hordes of bicyclists — racing past at breakneck speeds.

“The bikes have the right of way — over pedestrians and even cars,” Sky said. “They told us: ‘Be careful for the bikes. They’ll run you over.’”

Both Sky and Amy were fascinated by the housing, the architecture and the historic landmarks.

“They don’t have sprawling space like our country does. There aren’t houses with yards and gated neighborhoods. It’s all high and tight,” Amy said.

Some homes date back to the 1400s, and people live on houseboats because there’s nowhere left to build, Amy added.

Plus, there are canals everywhere.

Both Sky and her mom thought they might encounter language barriers, but that didn’t happen.

“We had downloaded a translating app, so we could talk to them. We didn’t use it at all. Most people spoke English,” Sky said.

Sky Lewis bicycles at Kinderijk, a place where windmills date back to the 1500s. This was just one of many famous sites that Sky and her mom, Amy, visited during their all-expenses-paid trip to the Netherlands. (Courtesy of Amy and Sky Lewis)

And, while they dined on foreign food, it wasn’t Dutch. They took advantage of the French cuisine served to them, as part of the all-inclusive package, on the Amalucia.

“We got to try lots of new things,” Amy said, noting they particularly enjoyed the bread and desserts.

Sky added: “One of the nights they had a chocolate buffet. They had chocolate fountains.”

Memorable places, people
The trip included a visit to the Anne Frank House, the place where Anne Frank and her family hid, and where she wrote her famous diary.

The Franks, another family and a single man hid in a secret annex, from 1942 until 1944, during the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands during World War II.

A year after they were discovered, Anne died in the Bergen-Belsen concentration camp.

But Anne’s diary survived and bore witness to life during those times.

Sky said she saw where Anne and the others hid and the bookcase that swung open to their hiding place. Sky and other students in her tour group also saw where Anne slept and the desk she used, when she wrote in her diary.

Other trip highlights included a chance to learn about the craft of lace tatting, chocolatier tours and a chance for the students to meet their Dutch peers.

The group also visited windmill and tulip farms.

They stopped at Pilgrim Fathers Church, the final prayer site for the pilgrims before they set off for the “New World.”

Their travel group included people from big cities and little towns, wealthy people and people of moderate means. There was a good mix of moms and dads on the trip, too.

Beyond expanding their horizons, the memories and the mementos — Amy and Sky said they both returned from their trip with something else of great value, too.

“We both met some nice friends,” Amy said.

Published May 31, 2023

Guv’na candidates launch campaigns

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Campaign season has begun.

And, the three candidates vying to become Lutz’s newest Guv’na are revving up their campaign promises, their playful mudslinging and, of course, their fundraising skills in an effort to raise the most money to help various local causes.

The 2023 Lutz Guv’na candidates met at the Old Lutz School on May 13 for the annual ‘debate’ in a quest for the coveted Guv’na sash. The title of Lutz Guv’na goes to the candidate raising the most cash to help the community and local charities. This year’s slate includes Tim Davis, left, Jerome Smalls (not pictured) and Sharon Monahan, right. (Mike Camunas)

“It’s a community event that means so much to Lutz and is so much commitment and love for Lutz,” said Stephanie Ensor, who won the race in 2010 and is a committee chairperson for this year’s competition. “We can’t do it without it being all about the Lutz community and, each year, I think all the candidates, whoever ends up winning, really embodies what Lutz is all about.”

This year’s candidates are Tim Davis, president of the Lutz Chiefs Football and Cheer Organization; Sharon Monahan, a local exceptional education teacher; and Jerome Smalls, founder and owner of the Lutz-based soccer instructional academy, SoccerGemz.

The Lutz Guv’na Campaign Season kicked off May 13 with the annual “debate” at the Old Lutz School. Suzin Carr, the only two-time Guv’na winner, moderated the debate.

Atlas Cortecero, the reigning Guv’na, led the festivities.

The current crop of candidates answered over-the-top and somewhat topical questions which were passed around to the crowd — friends, family and members of GFWC Lutz-Land O’Lakes Woman’s Club. The questions are designed to elicit humorous responses and spoof actual politics.

The debate featured Davis, Monahan and Smalls’ daughters — Ivoryele, 14, and Anora, 9 — who filled in for their dad because he could not attend.

Impromptu Guv’na debate moderator Suzin Carr, the only Guv’na to hold the office twice, holds up ‘cryptocurrency’ made by the daughters of Jerome Smalls — Anora, 9, left, and Ivoryele, 14, right — during the Guv’na debate on May 13 at the Old Lutz School. On the left, fellow Guv’na candidate Tim Davis approves of the design. The girls were filling in for the dad, who wasn’t able to make it to the event.

The candidates answered questions to earn “points” or monies awarded to each’s cause. Candidates also competed to see who could fling a dried-out cow patty the farthest.

The whole process — the campaigns, the debates, the speeches and promises — is  tongue-in-cheek, mocking real-life politics that often flood the news cycle.

Despite beginning in the 1950s, the annual tradition has only been historically tracked since 1991 when the Lutz Civic Association began managing the annual contest.

Each campaign season, which begins May 1, candidates raise several thousand dollars for about 20 Lutz nonprofit beneficiaries.

Cortecero followed in the steps of his wife, Michele Northrup, the 2007 Guv’na.

He raised $11,919.11 in 2022, while his wife still retains the record of raising the most money in the history of the Guv’na — nearly $17,000.

In 2022, candidates raised a total of $25,079.07 used to help worthy causes.

Whomever is crowned Guv’na earmarks 10% of the proceeds to a Lutz charitable organization of his or her choice.

Davis and Smalls have yet to pick a specific charity for the 10%, but Monahan said hers will go to Lutz K-8, which is close to her heart because both of her children went to school there.

Cortecero gave money to several organizations, but his 10% went to the Old Lutz School, which benefited from several window replacements in 2022.

Now, Davis, Monahan and Smalls are working diligently on the campaigns and promises, such as Davis teaching everyone the “Lutz Song” or Monahan “looking forward to having fun” but also “refuting ridiculous claims by my opponents.”

“I’m very excited to run again,” Ivoryele Smalls said for her absentee dad, who has run previously. “(Speaking for myself), I’ve been here ever since I was a little girl and this area means a lot to my family and I.

“And we hope that second time’s the charm!”

After the debate, the candidates will be busy raising campaign funds by having raffles, car washes, lunches or other events. The candidates can even panhandle during the parade, in the final push to raise cash for the sash.

The campaign season culminates when the candidate with the most successful fundraising effort is announced as the winner. The announcement comes shortly after the community’s annual parade concludes. The swearing-in ceremony is held on the stage of the train depot building, at Lutz Lake Fern Road and U.S. 41.

At the debate, Cortecero, who is wrapping up his reign as this year’s Guv’na, expressed his gratitude for the experience.

“It’s been an amazing year, as Guv’na, with all the support of the Lutz community,” Cortecero told the crowd at the Lutz School. “I just want to say thank you for the beautiful results of the past year that went by so fast.

Sharon Monahan

“I absolutely loved being your Guv’na.”

MEET THE CANDIDATES 

Sharon Monahan
Bio: As a teacher of exceptional education for 26 years, Sharon Monahan has taught at Tim’s preschool, Maniscalco K-8 and Gaither High, and she now serves as a district resource teacher with Hillsborough County Schools. Her husband of 21 years is a local photographer with James Monahan Photography. The couple have a son, who is a U.S. Marine and an Eagle Scout from Troop 12. They also have a daughter, who is a junior at Gaither High School and a member of the school’s cheerleading squad.
Quotable: “Don’t be alone-a; vote for Sharon-a!”

Jerome Smalls
Bio: Jerome Smalls, who moved to Tampa in 2005, opened SoccerGemz in 2012. The program teaches the basic skills and fundamentals of soccer for children 18 months to 8 years old in the Lutz community. Smalls was aided by his two daughters, who filled in for him at the Guv’na debate on May 13. He’s a very active member with Lutz First Baptist.
Quotable: “This is my second time running for Guv’na so hopefully second time’s a charm!”

Tim Davis

Tim Davis
Bio: Tim Davis is the president of the Lutz Chiefs Football and Cheer Organization and a partner at McNary Bergeron and Associates, an engineering firm specializing in construction of complex bridges. The entire Davis family is active at the Lutz Chiefs and have also played Lutz Baseball and Rangers Soccer. The candidate acknowledges that his wife, Anne, does all the work at the Chiefs, while he gets all of the credit. Their kids play football, cheer, hockey, wrestle and occasionally work concessions.
Quotable: “I don’t know — I just live here!”

Past Lutz Guv’nas
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 31, 2023

Planning board recommends OK for Plantation Palms cell tower

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The Pasco County Planning Commission has recommended approval of a 195-foot cell tower to be erected on land at the Plantation Palms Golf Club, 23253 Plantation Palms Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes.

That decision came after the planning board’s second hearing on the request. Planning commissioners delayed action on the request at their April 6 meeting — requesting additional information on a cell tower’s potential impacts on the property values of neighboring properties and investigating another siting option.

At both public hearings, a couple living near the proposed tower urged the planning board to consider the impact the tower would have on their view and also potential negative consequences it could have on their property values.

This cell tower at the Land O’ Lakes Recreation Complex, at 3032 Collier Parkway, cannot accommodate the kind of antenna that T-Mobile wants to install, so a 195-foot tower is being proposed at nearby Plantation Palms Golf Club. (File)

The proposed anchor tenant at the Plantation Palms cell tower site would be  T- Mobile, which currently has antenna equipment on a flagpole-style cell tower at the Land O’ Lakes Recreation Complex, at 3032 Collier Parkway, in Land O’ Lakes.

Mattaniah Jahn, representing the applicant, Vertical Bridge, brought in an expert to address the property values issue.

David Taulbee told the planning board that he has compiled data for years relating to property values. He said “there’s no indication that this tower is going to have any impact, whatsoever, on property values.”

During the April 6 meeting, planning board member Jaime Girardi asked if an alternative site had been considered, on another site at the county’s Land O’ Lakes Recreation Complex.

But according to testimony provided on May 4, the parks department has no interest in adding another cell tower at the recreation complex site.

Another issue that came up at the previous meeting was whether the revenue was needed to support the golf course’s maintenance.

Plantation Palms has more than 800 homes whose values were threatened when the golf course previously closed.

During the April 6 meeting, Charles Grey, the planning board’s chairman, said he thinks the revenues from the cell tower likely would help to maintain the golf course — which is important in maintaining property values throughout Plantation Palms.

Grey reiterated that position on May 4: “I don’t know anyone that’s getting rich off of running a golf course. If I were living there, it would be important to me to keep the golf course. I’ll put up with the tower rather than lose the golf course.”

But one of the neighboring opponents disagreed with Grey’s premise, noting that he’s a golfer and it can be hard to get a tee time at the course.

Bill Place, owner of Plantation Palms, described the golf course’s need for revenues in an April 25 letter that Jahn read for the record.

Place led the efforts to restore the golf course, after it had been closed for two years.

The initial estimate of $2.5 million to restore the golf course was too low, according to Place’s letter.

“Damage from two years’ of closure and neglect resulted in the need to replace all 18 greens, AC systems, irrigation pumps, most drainage pipes, and fixing just about every square foot of the course and clubhouse,” the letter says.

“Over $3 million has been invested so far, and deferred maintenance remains that will take at least five years and hundreds of thousands of dollars,” the letter continues.

Residents invested in helping to repair the golf course, but that golf club subsidy ended in 2020, according to Place. However, Place’s letter says, “repair and renovation continues with more drainage work, turf improvement, roof replacement, irrigation system restoration and bunker repair work.”

“Plantation Palms knows what it’s like to lose their golf course and see the property values plummet. They’re also very aware of the high cost of restoration,” Place wrote

“When the opportunity to gain some recurring revenue by hosting a cell tower presented itself, we enthusiastically supported the proposal, especially since it could be located in a remote area, near our maintenance barn.”

Place attended the meeting virtually and confirmed he’d submitted the letter.

While opposed to the placement of the tower near their home, the couple also asked the planning board to allow Plantation Palms homeowners to weigh in on the tower’s design — if one is to be erected.

Jahn presented four potential designs which can accommodate T-Mobile’s service goals: a monopole, a shrouded monopole, a bell tower and a monopine design.

Planning board member Derek Pontlitz said he understands the couple’s concern.

“No property owner wants to have anything  unsightly in their backyard,” he said, whether that’s electrical lines or something else.

“At the same time, the world is changing, technology is changing every minute and there are ramifications to the other side as well, if we don’t have this technology,” he continued.

The planning board has “to think about the greater good,” Pontlitz added. He called upon his colleagues to recommend approval of the request, with the stipulation that Plantation Palms residents are allowed to weigh in on the cell tower’s design.

Planning board member Chris Poole seconded the motion, saying he could support it, as long residents have a say in the cell tower’s design.

The issue now goes to the Pasco County Commission for final action.

Published May 31, 2023

Starkey Ranch families prevail in cell tower fight

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First, families from Starkey Ranch battled the Pasco County School Board over a proposed easement that would grant access to a proposed cell tower.

After they lost that battle, they set their sights on the Pasco County Commission, which was considering the actual lease for the tower, at the county board’s May 23 meeting.

(Mike Camunas)

Cell tower opponents wore red, cited research and spoke passionately about their concerns about the potential negative health consequences that could result, if the cell tower was allowed so close to Starkey Ranch K-8. The proposed site is on the south side of the Starkey Ranch District Park’s football and soccer field. 

The proposed agreement involved a cell tower ground lease agreement between the county and a company called Vertex, which would have allowed a cell tower on property that’s part of a four-party shared-use agreement between the county, the school board, the county library system and the developer.

Speaker after speaker offered reasons why allowing a cell tower there could be harmful, or, at the very least, risky.

Opponents also submitted a petition signed by hundreds of Starkey Ranch residents.

Some parents threatened to pull their children from the school, if the cell tower went through. Community residents said they’d move away.

Speakers also raised questions about potential negative impacts on property values.

Speaker after speaker after speaker addressed the issue — essentially taking up much of the morning, before the county board broke for lunch.

During the lunch break, Pasco County Commissioner Kathryn Starkey conferred with Keith Wiley, director of the county’s parks, recreation and natural resources department.

She said Wiley said an alternative location could be found at the park to accommodate the cell tower.

The county said it would share the proceeds from the leasing agreement with the school district, since that was part of the original plan.

The county said a delay for 120 days also would allow another solicitation for bids to occur, which needs to happen, if the site is shifted. Vertex is the only company that submitted a bid at the first location.

Board members voted 4-0 to approve the delay.

Given the potential for relocating the cell tower, it now appears the issue has been resolved — provided, of course, that actually happens.

If it doesn’t, it’s fairly safe to assume that another large crowd will be back to address the board, and it’s also likely they will have plenty to say.

Published May 31, 2023