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Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

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Cutting fat, sugar and salt, without sacrificing flavor

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If you’re looking for ways to enhance the flavor of your meals, while also making them healthier, consider the humble herb.

Well, think about herbs and spices.

Lots of people want to cut back salt, sugar and fat, but they don’t want to be stuck with bland food.

Luckily, herbs and spices are great flavorful substitutes to salt, sugar and fat.  

Whether fresh or dried, these can add zest to dishes without adding excess calories.  

We likely associate certain herbs with a particular food or cuisine, such as dill commonly in potato salad, basil frequently paired with tomato dishes, cilantro regularly in Mexican dishes, and oregano as a staple in Italian dishes. (Courtesy of CNN Interactive Food)

Besides adding flavor, they can add nutrition, too.

Fresh herbs, like leafy vegetables, have vitamins A, C and K, and are anti-inflammatory.

But first, what is the difference between an herb and a spice?  

You could say it’s essentially a matter of location.

Herbs are from the leafy part of the plant, while spices are from the root, flower, fruit, seed, or bark.  

Spices have a stronger flavor, so they are needed in smaller amounts than herbs.

When you use herbs and spices together, that’s called seasoning.

But first, let’s focus on herbs.

If a recipe calls for fresh herbs and you only have dried, or vice versa, just remember you’ll need to make adjustments.

A tablespoon of fresh herbs is equal to 1 teaspoon of dried herbs, or ¼ to ½ teaspoon of ground, dried herbs. As this example indicates, grounded herbs are the most potent.  

Also, remember, if you’re doubling a recipe, don’t double the herbs. Instead, increase it by 1.5.  

And, if you’re not sure how much of an herb to use, start out with ¼ teaspoon.  

You don’t want the herb to overpower the dish. So, begin small and add more, as desired.

If using fresh delicate herbs, such as basil and cilantro, add them at the end of the cooking process to retain their flavor and aroma.  

Less delicate herbs, such as rosemary and thyme, can be added within the last 20 minutes of cooking.

Fresh herbs should be stored in the refrigerator and will last two weeks to three weeks, though they start losing flavor after the first week.  

Dried herbs may not actually expire, but their flavor and aroma decline over time.  

Dried herbs stay fresh for one year to three years.

If you bought too much or your garden has excess, you can preserve your herbs by drying or freezing them.  

You can dry them with a dehydrator, an oven, a microwave or by air drying.  

Dehydrator: Wash the herbs first in cool running water and then shake the water off.
The dehydrator manual should have the specific temperature to set it to.
Place the leaves on the dehydrator trays in a single layer.
Depending on the humidity and size of the herbs, drying time can take nine hours or longer, or three hours to six hours with smaller herbs.
Once the leaves crumble and the stem easily breaks when it’s bent, they are done.

Oven: Dry them in the oven on parchment paper at less than 180 degrees for three hours to four hours, with the oven door open. Again, dry them until they can crumble easily.
Drying them in an oven that’s too hot can bake them. Also, oven drying affects the flavor and not a typically recommended preservation method.

Microwave: Microwave them in 30-second increments until they are crisp but not burned.
Layer the herbs between two sheets of paper towels, no more than two cups at a time.

Air drying is one method of drying fresh herbs. Other methods include using a dehydrator, microwave or oven. Herbs can be a flavorful substitute for salt, sugar and fat (Courtesy of Caitlyn Porter)

Air dry: You can also air-dry fresh herbs, which will take several days.
Hardy herbs such as rosemary and parsley can be tied into small bundles and air dried, preferably indoors.
Tender-leaf herbs such as mint and basil should be tied together and hung inside a paper bag and closed off with a rubber band to catch any fallen leaves.
Cut small vent holes on the top and side of the bag to prevent molding.

Storing herbs
Once you have dried them, store them in an airtight container in a cool, dry place and use within six months to 12 months.

You can also freeze herbs in one of two ways.

Wash and pat dry with paper towels, place them on a cookie sheet and transfer to the freezer.  

Once frozen, place them in airtight containers and store in the freezer. 

You can also chop them and put them in ice cube trays, cover with water, and freeze.  

Thaw the cubes as needed for your next dish or simply place in the dish as it is cooking. 

Because they become wilted and lose their color when frozen, it’s best to use them in a cooked dish instead of a garnish or in a non-cooked dish, such as pasta salad.

Shari Bresin is the Family & Consumer Science Agent for the University of Florida/Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Cooperative Extension Pasco County. Pasco County Extension.

RECIPES
Here are some dried herb blends you can make at home, from the UF Extension article Cooking with Fresh Herbs, https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/FY1209.

Salt-Free Blend—makes about ⅓ cup
1 Tablespoon mustard powder
2 teaspoons parsley
2 teaspoons onion powder
2 teaspoons thyme
1 Tablespoon garlic powder
2 teaspoons dill weed
2 teaspoons summer savory herb
2 teaspoons paprika
2 teaspoons lemon peel

Italian Seasoning—makes about 1 ½ cups
½ cup dried oregano
½ cup dried basil
¼ cup dried parsley
1 Tablespoon fennel seeds, crushed
2 Tablespoons dried sage
1 Tablespoon hot red pepper flakes

Poultry Herbs—makes about ⅓ cup
2 Tablespoons dried tarragon
1 Tablespoon dried marjoram
1 Tablespoon dried basil
1 Tablespoon dried rosemary
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon dried lovage 

Fish Herbs—makes about ½ cup
3 Tablespoons dried dill weed
2 Tablespoons dried basil
1 Tablespoon dried tarragon
1 Tablespoon dried lemon thyme
1 Tablespoon dried parsley
1 Tablespoon dried chervil
1 Tablespoon dried chives

Published February 07, 2024

Hillsborough seeking ‘environmental champion’

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Stokes’ Aster is native to Florida’s wet pinewood. It has very splashy flowers in the summer. Its bright flowers attract bees and butterflies. It prefers wet, but well-drained soil. (File)

Hillsborough County is seeking nominations for its Theodore Roosevelt Hillsborough Forever Conservation Award.

The honor goes annually to an individual or group exemplifying dedication to preserving the county’s natural resources, according to a Hillsborough County news release.

The award is named after Theodore Roosevelt Jr., 26th president of the United States, who was a noted conservationist who placed more than 200 million acres under public protection.

Nominees must live or work in Hillsborough County or have lived/worked in Hillsborough during the time of their achievements. They should be “someone who shows persistence and dedication to long-term conservation of the county’s natural resources, demonstrates integrity in performance toward conservation goals, and displays attributes of true conservation stewardship,’’ according to the award criteria.

Nominations will be reviewed by the Jan K. Platt Environmental Lands Acquisition and Protection Program General Committee, which will send a recommendation to the Hillsborough County Commission for approval. The Hillsborough county board will hold an award ceremony in the spring to coincide with National Arbor Day.

The deadline for nominations is Feb. 29. For more information, call 813-672-7876.

Published February 07, 2024

Paving work on Mentmore Boulevard expected to take 30 days

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Construction work was slated to begin on Feb. 5 on Mentmore Boulevard, in Land O’ Lakes, from State Road 54 to Sunlake Boulevard, in both directions, according to a Pasco County news release.

Crews will be resurfacing the existing roadway and adding new pavement markings. Drivers should be prepared for minor delays, the release adds.

The work hours on the project are Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Motorists should expect to encounter single-lane closures, with message boards directing traffic.

The project is expected to take 30 days to complete, depending on weather conditions, the news release says.

Asphalt Paving Systems is the contractor for this county public works project.

Published February 07, 2024

This prom offers people with special needs a ‘Night to Shine’

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Trinity New Life Church will host the 2024 Night to Shine, an event designed to give people with special needs a chance to enjoy a prom night experience.

The joy was obvious, as prom-goers who have special needs, and their buddies, danced the night way at the 2023 Night to Shine, in the gym at Cypress Creek Middle School, in Wesley Chapel. (File)

The event, sponsored by the Tim Tebow Foundation, is “centered on God’s love” and hosted by churches around the world simultaneously on Feb. 9.

“Trinity New Life Church is excited to be part of this worldwide movement for the 10th year in a row,” according to a news release from the church, at 11134 Challenger Ave., in Odessa.

“God is using this event as a catalyst to change how cultures embrace people with disabilities and to rally the church worldwide to honor their local community of people with special needs, ensuring they know they are valued and loved,” the release says.

According to additional details in the release, the 100 guests will walk a red carpet to enter the church and will be welcomed by a cheering crowd and paparazzi. There will be a crowning by Ms. Pasco and a pinning of corsages and boutonnieres.

Once inside, they will receive the royal treatment, including a buddy for the night, a catered dinner with dessert, a DJ, dancing, professional and photo booth pictures, a party bus ride and personalized gifts, the release adds.

For more information on the Night to Shine prom or the weekly Shine ministry hosted by Trinity New Life Church in Odessa, visit TrinityNewLife.com/shine.

Published February 07, 2024

How to recycle without curbside pickup

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Pasco County wants to remind residents that it does not pick up trash and recycling, but it does have eight licensed trash haulers that do pick up trash and recycling and take it to the county facilities.

(Stock Photo)

For those who do not have curbside recycling pickup, the county recommends using one of these drop-off locations:

  • East Pasco Recycling Center, 9626 Handcart Road, in Dade City. Hours are Monday through Saturday from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Additional materials are accepted. Call 352-521-0500 for more information.
  • Anclote Gulf Park, 2305 Baillies Bluff Road, in Holiday. Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Wednesday through Saturday.
  • Senior Services Center, 6801 Wisteria Loop, in Land O’ Lakes. Hours: 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.
  • West Pasco Recycling Center, 14606 Hays Road, in Spring Hill. Hours: 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Saturday. Additional materials are accepted. For a complete list of accepted items, visit PascoCountyFl.net/183/Household-Hazardous-Waste. Call 727-857-2780 for more information.

There are items that Pasco County Solid Waste and Recycling will not accept and these include: Styrofoam, glass, plastic bags/wraps, milk/juice cartons, and bottle caps, coffee pods, straws and other items that are smaller than a fist.

Fun fact: Aluminum can be recycled infinitely without degrading. It is possible for a recycled aluminum can to go through the entire recycling process and be back onto a store shelf in as little as 90 days.

Call Pasco County Solid Waste and Recycling 727-856-4539, email , or visit its Facebook page, for additional questions or concerns.

Published February 07, 2024

Academy at the Lakes builds toward its long-term vision

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Academy at the Lakes is fulfilling a master plan it envisioned more than a decade ago.

Shovels in hand, school officials, students and their family members recently broke ground on an 18,000-square-foot building that signals the start of the academy’s long-planned expansion.

The two-story building will house classrooms with leading-edge technology. It will have innovation hubs for science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) and will have an emphasis on the arts.

The Academy at the Lakes Wildcats’ mascot puts a paw to the shovel and digs in for the groundbreaking of a new education building at the private, independent school, which flanks both sides of Collier Parkway, in Land O’ Lakes. (Kathy Steele)

Community spaces, including a black box theater, will showcase performances and encourage collaborative projects to engage students, teachers and staff.

The campus redesign also includes a plaza for community gatherings. Other features include decorative fencing and new parking areas.

The project is expected to be completed by the end of this year, at an estimated cost of more than $7 million.

Significant progress has been made on raising the money needed to cover the project’s costs and additional community events are planned to continue those fundraising efforts.

“We’re breaking ground on a project that will transform the educational experience of thousands of students over the lifetime of the brick-and-mortars we will soon see rising on this very spot,” Mark Heller, head of school, said during the recent celebration.

Academy at the Lakes, at 2331 Collier Parkway, is a private, independent school with campuses on both sides of the road.

The recent groundbreaking marks the beginning of a significant expansion that is planned during the next five to seven years.

The ceremony to celebrate the beginning of the new education building also was the opening act for an afternoon of upbeat, school spirit. 

Students, faculty and staff enjoyed Friday Night Fanfare, the academy’s annual winter homecoming.

This rendering depicts Academy at the Lake’s planned 18,000-square-foot education building, which includes a black box theater, a maker space, an audio/video study, a computer lab, an office and conference spaces. The expansion also includes a plaza for community gatherings, and attractive fencing. (Courtesy of Academy at the Lakes)

Middle school and high school students played a series of basketball games inside the school’s gymnasium. Meanwhile, lines formed outside for food trucks, games, and face-painting at the academy’s McCormick Campus.

Blue and white frosted cupcakes, popcorn and school T-shirts were available.

Kinjal Patel enrolled her students in Academy at the Lakes, and later became one of the school’s first-grade teachers.

“We are one huge family,” Patel said. “Everyone looks after each other.”

She believes the school’s expansion will “solidify” that community strength.

Next phase includes athletic fields
The new education building on the McCormick Campus marks the first phase of construction.

In the next phase, new athletic fields will be added as part of the long-awaited goal of creating an East Campus on 47 acres acquired from the MacManus family in 2013.

Development beyond the athletic fields at the East Campus will be determined by the academy’s future needs.

The fields will support a range of sports including soccer, football, baseball, softball, tennis, and track and field.

Cupcakes with blue and white frosting, and popcorn, were refreshments at a groundbreaking ceremony for a new education building at Academy at the Lakes. The school band entertained the crowd. (Kathy Steele)

The school’s FORWARD! expansion vision will evolve over the next few years as the McCormick campus expands and the East Campus is developed.

“Academy at the Lakes is one of the strongest independent schools in the state of Florida,” said John Faith, chair of the Board of Trustees, and one of the speakers at the ceremony.

“We are ready to take the next step into our bright future,” the board chair said.

Growing enrollment is a major reason for the expansion, Heller said.

“We are bursting at the seams,” he said.

The school attracts students from all over, including Land O’ Lakes, Wesley Chapel, Lutz, Zephyrhills, Trinity, and other Tampa Bay communities.

As Pasco County has grown, so has Academy at the Lakes, Heller said. He also noted the county’s new residents include employees of the hospitals and health care centers that are popping up across Pasco.

“We have so many medical people who are in our community,” Heller said. “We want Pasco to be a great place not just to live and work but to go to school. We have a really strong independent school that is competitive with anything in Hillsborough (County), and a great school culture. We’re working to make our facilities match that great program.”

Lines formed outside food trucks for Friday Family Fanfare, a winter ‘homecoming’ event that coincided with a groundbreaking ceremony for a long-awaited building expansion at Academy at the Lakes. (Kathy Steele)

A history spanning more than three decades
Academy at the Lakes opened in Land O’ Lakes 31 years ago with 32 students. Enrollment for prekindergarten at age 3 through high school has increased year by year, with current enrollment topping 500. The school anticipates that more than 600 students will be learning at academy within the next two years, Heller said.

The school’s early childhood and high school classes are at capacity, said Sue Gunther, director of admissions.

The new building will have four large classrooms, she said. Their uses will be determined based on student needs when the new facility opens.

She enthusiastically described the technology “shed” for STEM projects, and the black box theater. A balcony in the new building will overlook the lobby, and provide a gallery for student art. The school also will gain meeting spaces and workspaces for teachers, which now are in short supply, Gunther added.

Heller said the plaza will be central to giving the school a “signature visual Image.”

Lou MacManus, daughter of Lutz pioneers Cameron and Elizabeth Riegler MacManus, was among the audience members who attended the festivities.

The MacManus property will be central to the school’s future, and a legacy for MacManus’ parents.

“They’ve consistently done things that are very forward-thinking and visionary,” MacManus said, of the school. “We’re thrilled. We grew up here, so it’s wonderful to see this develop.”

Published January 31, 2024

Pasco County ‘all in’ in battle against state’s Live Local Act

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Pasco County is pulling out the stops in its fight against the state’s Live Local Act, which elected leaders say could have dire fiscal consequences for the county.

Board members and the executive director of the Pasco Economic Development Council Inc., rang alarm bells about the economic impacts the new law could have, during the county board’s Jan. 23 meeting.

The Live Local Act aims to increase workforce housing across the state by allowing the conversion of land zoned for commercial, industrial or mixed uses into multifamily developments — provided the project serves people who meet income criteria.

The law also preempts local government from blocking the developments and it allows a tax exemption for newly constructed or substantially rehabilitated developments that meet criteria for setting aside units for households earning 120% of Area Median Income (AMI).

Pasco County invested roughly $65 million to pay for an interchange at Overpass Road and Interstate 75. The project is intended to ease traffic and to stimulate economic development. The Pasco County Commission contends the state’s Live Local Act could thwart local efforts to generate jobs. (File)

The idea of the law is to make local housing available for a community’s workers.

In Pasco County’s case, however, elected leaders say the law undermines the county’s persistent attempts to bring more jobs to a county that has long played a bedroom community role for nearby jobs-rich counties. Seven out of 10 members of Pasco’s workforce commute elsewhere for their jobs.

The county board has been focused on efforts to bring jobs closer to home for its residents through its policy decisions that protect industrial and commercial lands from being converted to residential uses.

It also has worked closely with the Pasco Economic Development Council (Pasco EDC) on a program that seeks to identify sites and get them ready for future industrial development.

The county and Pasco EDC also work together to offer economic incentives to attract companies in targeted industries to locate in Pasco.

Consequences of law could be far-reaching
Pasco officials said they’re glad that Senate President Kathleen Passidomo, sponsor of the bill, has agreed to an amendment that would remove industrial land from being eligible for conversion.

But that doesn’t go far enough, they said.

Bill Cronin, president and CEO of Pasco EDC, said he’s not sure the Live Local Act will provide housing that’s affordable to workers.

“Honestly, I don’t think the way it is structured right now actually helps anybody, if they’re eligible at 120% of AMI,” Cronin said. “That is not affordable housing.”

“It is 100% (apartment rental) market rate and not only is it market rate, it’s high market rate. It’s not helping people it was intended to help,” he said.

Commission Chairman Ron Oakley agreed: “You know, you’d think Live Local is for affordable housing and it’s not at all affordable.”

Commissioner Kathryn Starkey also noted that Live Local doesn’t benefit local developers, but instead benefits institutional investors.

Cronin agreed: “There is not really local developers that are doing multifamily development, they’re all out-of-state. So, their allegiance to this area and their understanding, I would question, because they don’t have the same skin in the game as we do.”

Commissioner Seth Weightman highlighted another aspect of the new law that he finds troubling.

“There’s another clause in there where existing Class A (apartments) can apply and be reclassified as Live Local.”

There are two existing apartment developments that are seeking the Live Local designation.

Starkey said she and Commissioner Jack Mariano met with Senate President Passidomo.

Pasco officials are deeply concerned about the potential conversion of existing apartments to tax-exempt status, she said.

“We didn’t find one other county or city who knew that it was a possibility that existing apartments and future apartments can come off their tax rolls,” Starkey said.

Starkey added that she asked if a cap could be imposed on the number of developments that could come off the tax rolls and was told that a cap would be illegal.

The fiscal impact could be enormous, county leaders said.

David Goldstein, Pasco’s chief assistant county attorney, said “in theory, if these apartment complexes continue to qualify, they could be off our tax rolls for the next 35 years.”

The county did a calculation just for the two apartment complexes that have applied to convert to Live Local, and that turned out to be about $38 million in lost tax revenues, Goldstein said, adding that could just be the tip of the iceberg, if other apartment complexes seek the exemption.

Oakley said the county’s other taxpayers would bear the brunt of those lost revenues.

“Somebody has to make up for all of those services, and that’s the rest of our citizens who are going to be charged extra to pay for services in those areas where they’re not collecting ad valorem (property taxes),” Oakley said.

Goldstein said other taxing bodies, such as the school board, would also feel the impacts.

If law doesn’t change, county prepared to sue
Commissioner Mariano said he hopes lawmakers are paying attention to the potential ramifications.

If the law isn’t changed, the county board already has authorized its legal team to file a lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of the Live Local Act.

But Mariano said that may not go far enough. The county may need to impose a moratorium to ensure adequate protection for its citizens, he said.

Goldstein told Mariano that he’d prefer not to use a moratorium, but to use legal action and other county development tools, first.

“I can’t promise you a (legal) victory, but I do feel pretty good about some of our arguments,” Goldstein said.

“One of them is that we don’t think these rents are a charitable purpose.

“The whole way this law was orchestrated, the whole reason that the Legislature found it to be tax-exempt was under the theory that this was a charitable (cause).

“This is the first time we can find that the Legislature has given a tax break to a for-profit corporation under the theory that it’s charity, but in reality, in Pasco County, it’s not charity in my opinion.

“These are just market-rate rents. In fact, the two apartment complexes that came in first didn’t even reduce their rents, at all. These are the same rents they were charging prior to Live Local. The same rents they are charging now.

“So, they’re basically getting a tax exemption for doing virtually nothing,” Goldstein said. 

He also noted there’s the possibility that Property Appraiser Mike Wells would read the county’s complaint and that could influence how he handles requested exemptions.

“So, that’s the first step, if we don’t get the law changed, go ahead and file against those two companies. We hope they go away, or if they don’t go away, we hope that Mike Wells reads our complaint and says, ‘I’m not issuing these exemptions. These may be unconstitutional, these exemptions, so maybe I should not be issuing them.

“I don’t know what Mike Wells will do when he gets them,” Goldstein said.

Published January 31, 2024

Memorial service planned for Sgt. David Dixon, Zephyrhills officer for 15 years

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Sgt. David Dixon, who served on the Zephyrhills Police Department for 15 years, has succumbed to his battle with cancer. (Courtesy of City of Zephyrhills)

Memorial services have been set for Sgt. David Dixon, who served the residents of Zephyrhills for 15 years.

The visitation will be from 10 a.m. to noon on Feb. 1, followed by the funeral at noon, at the Plant City Church of God, 2103 Mud Lake Road, in Plant City.

The public is welcome to attend.

The City of Zephyrhills and the Zephyrhills Police Department expressed “great sadness” at Dixon’s passing, when announcing the news last week.

“Sgt. Dixon succumbed to his fight with cancer. He will be missed!,” a city news release said.

Dixon began his law enforcement career with the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, where he served for four years before joining the Zephyrhills Police Department. He served as a patrol officer, school resources officer, field training officer and patrol sergeant.

Published January 31, 2024

Paving project on Bruce B. Downs expected to cause minor delays

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Work began last week on a pavement rehabilitation project on Bruce B. Downs Boulevard, from State Road 56 to County Line Road, in Wesley Chapel.

The work is being done in both directions and is expected to be finished within 30 days of the project’s state date, which was Jan. 21, depending on weather conditions. 

The project entails resurfacing the entire roadway and adding new pavement markings, according to a Pasco County news release.

Drivers should be prepared for minor delays, according to the county.

The work hours are from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m., Sunday through Thursday.

Drivers should expect single-lane closures, with message boards directing traffic.

Asphalt Paving Systems is the contractor for this Pasco County Public Works project.

Published January 31, 2024

New office aims to improve Pasco’s ability to ‘bounce back from anything’

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Pasco County now has an office focused on identifying vulnerabilities and creating collaborative efforts to address them.

The office intends to aggressively pursue state, regional and federal funding opportunities to address needed improvements.

That’s the gist of the mission of the county’s new Office of Strategy and Sustainability. The Pasco County Commission approved the creation of the office during its Jan. 23 meeting.

Marc Bellas has been named Pasco County’s chief resilience and sustainability officer. Bellas will lead the county’s new effort to prepare to avoid disruptions and to bounce back from them when they occur. (Courtesy of Pasco County)

It will be led by Marc Bellas, the county’s former director of performance management, whose new title is chief resilience and sustainability officer.

He told commissioners: “Based on what our neighbors to the south are doing and have been doing, we’re a little bit behind the curve on this.

“There’s already millions of dollars — lots of projects going on — to create resilience and sustainability in our neighbors to the south.

“It’s time for us to get on board.”

Bellas detailed the types of acute shocks the county has faced, or could be facing:

*Severe weather: “It’s not getting better. It’s getting worse. The storms are getting stronger. We all know that. We see the science behind it. We’re not immune to wildfires here in Pasco County. We’ve had them in the past, not recently, but you know how bad that gets.”

*Pandemics: “Was anybody ready for that one? That caught us all flat-footed.”

*Geological subsidence: “Do you know what that is? That’s the politically correct word for sinkholes.”

*Active threats: “You see it all of the time in the news. It isn’t something that’s necessarily going to get better. It could get worse.”

There are other issues that have long-term impacts, Bellas said.

Those include:

*Rapid growth: “We’ve seen that the growth scenario that we’re having right now has created a lot of issues for us, not the least of which is funding and trying to keep up with the needs of infrastructure.

*Economic downturn: “That’s just a reality. It’s going to happen.”

*Increased costs: “So many times we’ve had to increase the cost of our projects because of increasing costs and supply chain issues.”

*Global warming, sea level rise: “All of the science points to it. We’ve actually seen models of what Pasco County is going to look like in 2050, based on sea level rise.”

*Unfunded mandates: “We see that more and more. Live Local, didn’t see that one coming.”

Bellas said the county needs to ask itself: “Are we ready for these things, as an organization?”

The Tampa Bay area has been spared from much of the devastation caused by hurricanes hitting Florida. But flooding, such as this from Hurricane Irma, can often happen in places far away from the coast because of the state’s many low-lying areas. (File)

Pasco must be ready to address these types of challenges not only during the next year, but over the course of five years, 10 years and 15 years, Bellas said.

The Office of Strategy and Sustainability “will, in fact, focus on those things that we need to do as a county to prepare for and be able to respond to, and bounce back from, anything that happens to us over time,” Bellas said.

“As Pasco County, it’s our time to do this,” he said. “If we don’t do this now, we’ll get caught flat-footed again.”

The effort must be focused and will require resources, which include people, time, energy, effort and money, Bellas said.

He will lead a team of experts that have been pulled from various county departments.

The team includes an expert on resilience and sustainability; an expert on the federal side of grants and funding; a long-range planner who is managing the county’s vulnerability assessment; and, a strategic planner.

Bellas’ position and that of his assistant make up the other two members of the team.

Funding granted by the county board will go to fill vacancies created in other departments caused by shifting staff, Bellas said. Two of those positions are being funded now and the third will be part of next year’s budget.

Identifying vulnerabilities
“Part of what we want to do immediately is identify any gaps there are in Pasco County, around resilience and sustainability. The big piece that gets us there is the vulnerability assessment that will be done late spring,” Bellas said. “Very quickly we’re going to understand the shape the county is in.

High hurricane winds caused obvious damage to this pier. It doesn’t take hurricane-strength winds, however, to create significant damage and power outages. (File)

“These are the things that we’re going to target as a group to get fixed up as soon as we can and draw as much money as we can down, to begin to address projects around that,” he said.

The team will be educating others about the issues. It also will reach out to the county’s constitutional officers and to the cities. And, it will be involved in regional and statewide efforts.

“There’s a lot of moving parts to this that are going to bring a lot of attention and focus to what we need to do to get us into good shape,” Bellas said.

There are already activities and actions going on around the county that address resilience and sustainability, he said.

“We have a lot of smart people here who know what they need to do, to set their business on the right path. We have a 24-page report of all of the things that are happening, those actions and activities that are happening already across the county,” he said.

Collaborating to strengthen responses
His team will verify the actions that have been taken and see if there are ways to help, Bellas said.

“We’ve already seen a few projects where two different departments are really trying to achieve the same thing, but they’re doing it independently. We can help with the collaboration on that,” Bellas added.

“We will also identify new projects.

“The vulnerability assessment will give us a good idea of what we have to focus on,” he said.

He’s confident the county will be able to qualify for grant money to help attack the work that’s necessary.

“We are aggressively going to pursue regional, state and federal funding. The money is out there.

“You have to have a plan. You have to have a purpose. You have to be able to show the funders, we know what we’re doing, we’re going to do this project. Here is what the outcome is going to be,” Bellas said.

Published January 31, 2024