The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Local News

State to penalize those who expose law enforcement officers to fentanyl

By

(The Center Square) — Penalties are set to increase in the Sunshine State for those who expose law enforcement officers to fentanyl, after new legislation was signed Monday.

Gov. Ron DeSantis signed Senate bills 718 and 66. The first creates a second-degree felony for any adult individual who recklessly exposes first responders to fentanyl that results in an overdose or serious bodily harm.

SB 718 also expands protections for individuals against prosecution if they seek help for themselves or someone else if they believe an overdose is happening. SB 66 designates June 6 as Revive Awareness Day, while directing the Florida Department of Health to raise awareness of the dangers of exposure to opioids.

(Ron Rogers/U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement)

DeSantis said during a news conference in Sanford there is a huge amount of fentanyl pouring over the southern border from Mexico. He also added that this has had a huge impact on communities throughout the U.S.

“It’s not just a southern border problem; this fentanyl ends up in communities from coast to coast,” DeSantis said. “We have been setting records as a country for the amount of opioid overdose deaths, driven by fentanyl coming across the southern border.”

DeSantis noted that the state of Florida has done what it could to help with the southern border, including sending state troopers, other law enforcement and the State Guard to Texas to help stem the flow of undocumented migrants.

“We’re happy to do that because I think it’s an American problem, not just a Texas problem, and the Federal government is really just not doing the job that it needs to do and has really helped facilitate the mess that we’re in,” DeSantis said.

DeSantis stated that fentanyl is often laced into other recreational drugs, which is causing more people to overdose, essentially poisoning them.

“Maybe someone buys the pill thinking it is something else, it’s laced with fentanyl, then all of a sudden that one pill could be enough to kill somebody,” DeSantis said.

DeSantis also noted that the Biden administration is responsible for this crisis and that the new legislation will help curb some of that by keeping first responders safer in their jobs.

“Because of the Biden administration’s unwillingness to secure the southern border, law enforcement officers are encountering fentanyl at alarming rates. I’m signing legislation today to keep officers safe on the job, and to further combat the opioid epidemic.” DeSantis said.

DeSantis also expanded the state’s Coordinated Opioid Response (CORE) network from 12 counties to 29.

“Opioid addiction has been a scourge in the lives of too many Floridians and too many Americans around the country,” said State Surgeon General Dr. Joseph Ladapo. “Thanks to Gov. DeSantis and the support of our legislators, we are continuing to take steps to address this human tragedy. CORE’s expansion will support and treat more Floridians and serve as a model for states around the country.”

Published April 17, 2024

Practice Earth Day, every day

By

Since the first observance of Earth Day in 1970, the designation has grown into the largest civic observance in the world, according to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s (DEP) website. The day is an opportunity to think about how lives are impacting the environment.

This Earth Day, April 22, join the DEP to recognize Florida’s efforts in sustaining our air, water, land and ecosystems. The department’s theme for 2024 is “Clean is Green: Preserving Florida’s Future,” its website says.

(Lara Jameson/Pexels)

The DEP offers these ways to practice Earth Day, every day:

  • Volunteer. Find Florida State Park volunteer opportunities and other volunteer opportunities near you.
  • Practice Florida-Friendly Landscaping.
  • Sign the pledge and Rethink. Reset. Recycle.
  • Use Green Lodging when you travel.
  • Help your favorite school achieve a Green School designation.
  • Practice clean boating habits and use a Clean Marine Program for boating needs.
  • Increase awareness of Florida’s natural resources by exploring its state parks, aquatic preserves and national estuarine research reserves. 
  • Help protect Florida’s coral reef.

The DEP works year-round to protect and restore Florida’s natural resources by:

  • Providing recreational opportunities for the public to enjoy Florida’s natural resources through the Florida State Parks
  • Conserving the state’s natural and cultural history by acquiring environmentally sensitive lands
  • Using science to identify impaired water bodies and work with local communities to implement restoration and pollution prevention projects
  • Investing in water quality protection and restoration projects
  • Regulating air emissions sources to protect air quality
  • Working with communities to identify and implement projects to improve resilience
  • Communicating real-time water quality status to Florida residents and other interested parties
  • Enforcing the state’s environmental laws

For more information and links to programs, visit https://floridadep.gov/comm/comm/campaign/earth-day-2024.

See The Laker’s What’s Happening section this week for Earth Day events and activities.

Published April 17, 2024

Large employment project gains initial approval

By

A rezoning request for property within Pasco County’s I-75 Interstate Employment Area gained initial approval from the Pasco County Planning Commission during its April 4 meeting.

The approximately 745-acre site is located north of State Road 52 and west of Interstate 75. It is currently zoned for agricultural, single family/mobile homes and general commercial purposes.

The request by Mulandco Liquidating Company LLC to have the zoning changed to Master Planned Unit Development (MPUD) will be considered by the Pasco County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) during its May 7 meeting in Dade City. The Planning Commission (PC) acts in an advisory capacity to the BOCC.

(Etienne Girardet/Unsplash)

If approved, the applicant plans to develop 190,000 square feet of retail/commercial space, 3,000,000 square feet of light industrial space, 500,000 square feet of office space, a 250-room hotel, 1,550 multi-family apartments, 150 townhomes, 600 single family homes and 27 single family estate homes. 

“So far, it is the third largest employment project behind Speros (16.5 million square feet) and Double Branch (4.7 million square feet),” said Ryan Hughes, a Pasco County public information officer.

Plans call for between 375 acres and 400 acres of the property to be used to help increase the number of people working in Pasco County, said Clarke Hobby, an attorney with the law firm of Hobby & Hobby who was representing the applicant. 

However, the PC didn’t give Mulandco Liquidating Company LLC everything it had asked for in its request for rezoning the property — they had to withdraw three variances they had requested from Pasco County’s Land Development Code.

Those variances would have provided for the amount of land that had to be set aside for neighborhood parks to be calculated differently, the amount of buffering and screening required within the development to be reduced, and for being allowed to have a minimum width of 1.7 parking spaces per apartment unit rather than 1.9.

Those requests may be made to the county’s planning staff in the future and then presented to the PC or BOCC depending on which has final authority in the matter.

In other business before the PC last week:

• Agreed to send a request by Timber Ridge MPUD – Timber Ridge Dade City LLC for a zoning amendment to the BOCC. Approximately 48.2 acres of property on the west side of U.S. 301, west of 14th Street, is currently zoned R-3 Medium Density Residential District. The applicant is seeking for it to be rezoned to a Master Planned Unit Development (MPUD) so a maximum of 190 single family detached units may be constructed on the site. 

Some area residents told PC members they were opposed to the request because of concerns the traffic flow on 14th Street would be adversely impacted. 

Traffic on 14th Street south of the proposed project is currently using 20% of the street’s capacity in the afternoon, said Michael “Mike” Raysor of Tampa-based Raysor Transportation Consulting. After the project is completed, traffic would use 35% of the street’s capacity, Raysor said.

Traffic on 14th Street north of the proposed project is currently using 15% of the street’s capacity. Traffic there would be 35% after the project is completed, Raysor said.

Nancy Hazelwood, a resident of Trilby, asked the PC to restrict where traffic could come from out of the development, and to reduce the subdivision’s density.

The applicant withdrew its request to be able to have a stub-out for future connection to a vacant parcel on the northwest portion of the site.  The plans still call for Catalina Drive to be used for emergency access purposes. Also, there never was any intention by the planners to connect to Powerline Road, said attorney Clarke Hobby, who was representing the applicant.

And 291 single-family homes could currently be built on the property so the developer is proposing to reduce that amount by 101 homes, Hobby said. 

The BOCC will consider Timber Ridge’s request during its May 7 meeting in Dade City.

• The PC also agreed to send a request by Russell K. and Leann Finlay for a change in zoning from an A-C Agricultural District to a C-2 General Commercial District to the BOCC. The request is for approximately 3.49 acres located on two lots on the east side of US 301, approximately 200 feet north of Marka Drive. If the request is approved, the Finlays plan to construct a small commercial center containing approximately 21,000 square feet.

The Finlays plan to use part of that space for a business of their own, said Anne Pollack, an attorney with the St. Petersburg-based law firm of Fletcher Fischer Pollack P.I, representing the Finlays. This would make it possible for them to employ an additional six people, so they would then have 10 people working for them, said Pollack. 

The number of people employed in the area could also be increased by other businesses leasing the six or eight other spaces that could be available in the commercial center, Pollack said. 

The PC made some changes to the Finlays request prior to agreeing to send it on to the BOCC. The Finlays had agreed to some voluntary deed restrictions that PC members didn’t think were appropriate since the proposed commercial center would be in a rural setting.

The BOCC will consider the request at a future meeting.

Published April 17, 2024

Juvenile Choice Program opens to ages 11 to 17

By

The Pasco Sheriff’s Office (PSO) has announced its Juvenile Choice Program is now open to anyone ages 11 to 17, according to a news release.

(Olia Danilevich/Pexels)

The program is geared toward mentoring youth by highlighting the real consequences of bad decisions and encouraging kids to make strides toward a positive future, the release says.

Youth in the program learn through classroom instruction and participation in exercises. PSO members also give a virtual tour of Pasco County’s Corrections Center, a walk through the booking process, and review scenarios to teach the importance of making informed choices.

In addition, participants will discuss the challenges they see today such as peer pressure, substance abuse and involvement in criminal activities, and how those challenges influence their paths.

The interactions between PSO members and those in the program focus on empowerment and education. Both law enforcement and the kids can build trust during the program, which opens the lines of communication and, in turn, keeps our community safe.

Students also can reflect on their goals for the future and how they can achieve them.

The Juvenile Choice Program meets in person at various locations across Pasco County and lasts three hours.

The first meeting is open to all ages 11 to 17 on April 24 from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., at 7601 Little Road in  New Port Richey.

For more information about times and locations, or to sign up a youth for this program, email the participant’s name, age and parent contact information to .

Published April 17, 2024

Closing the STEM skills gap to create new possibilities for kids

By

Over the next decade, it’s projected that nearly 3.5 million manufacturing and STEM-related jobs will be available, yet 2 million are expected to go unfilled due to a skills gap, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics. Advocates are addressing systemic educational barriers that impact student success in order to fill this skills gap and expand opportunities for young people.

(Kevin Jarrett/Unsplash)

That’s the idea behind Driving Possibilities, a $110 million STEM career readiness and community engagement initiative of the Toyota USA Foundation. Its unique approach brings industry and academia together, while coordinating nonprofit services that address barriers and societal disparities—all to prepare youth for successful futures.

“From machine learning and connected technologies to autonomous vehicles and electrification, the career opportunities of tomorrow will be boundless for those with STEM skills. During this time of rapid industry advancement, it’s more important than ever to give all young people an equal opportunity to access rewarding careers in high-growth industries tomorrow,” says Colleen Casey, executive director, Driving Possibilities.

With the goal of increasing student awareness, excitement and interest in STEM learning, the multi-pronged approach of Driving Possibilities includes innovative, hands-on STEM programming from pre-K to 12th grade levels, professional and leadership development for teachers, and industry exposure and mentorship opportunities for students. The program also addresses students’ essential needs to ensure they have the food, transportation, mental health services, after-school programming and early intervention literacy support they need to succeed.

This long-term initiative is already making a huge impact for thousands of families in such high-need locations near Toyota’s operations in Michigan, Kentucky, Indiana and Alabama. And while the program looks a little different in each location because it is based on the unique needs of each community, the mission remains the same: to level the playing field for students facing educational barriers.

“Young people are tomorrow’s problem-solvers, makers and innovators. But they can face many roadblocks on their journey. Listening to what students need and then working within their communities to come up with solutions, will contribute to thriving communities, stronger local economies and limitless possibilities for all,” says Casey.

Published April 17, 2024

New Florida law increases penalties for organized retail theft, porch piracy

By

(The Center Square) — Gov. Ron DeSantis signed into law on Tuesday a measure designed to combat organized retail theft and porch piracy.

DeSantis signed House Bill 549, which lowers the threshold value for third-degree felony theft. The governor added that retail theft results in skyrocketing customer prices because businesses need to recoup their losses.

“That has an impact on you as a consumer because the prices will go up to reflect those stolen goods,” DeSantis said. “That’s just basic business. If they’re not able to sell those goods, if those are losses, then they gotta find a way to compensate.”

(Meanwell Packaging, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons)

DeSantis said that the recent phenomenon of stores locking away certain goods to prevent them from being stolen is demoralizing for customers. They said it is not good for quality of life. He further noted that the behavior of thieves shows contempt for the law.

“Then of course, if you have people come in and just steal retail and walk out, that creates a contempt for the rule of law that has a spillover effect in areas far beyond retail theft,” DeSantis said.

“Florida is a law-and-order state, and our policies combating organized retail theft are another shining example of how we are leading the nation,” said Attorney General Ashley Moody. “Grateful for Gov. DeSantis signing this important piece of legislation into law, as well as for the work of Representative Rommel and Senator Trumbull this session to keep building a stronger, safer Florida.”

According to DeSantis, Florida has seen a decline in retail theft over the last four years and added that he thinks it’s because people know that Florida is not a state a thief would want to “try that” in.

“We are seeing issues with retail theft across the country, nationwide 88% of retailers have reported that shoplifters are more aggressive and violent now, compared to just a few years ago, 49% said they have observed much more violent and aggressive behavior,” DeSantis said.

He noted that those committing these crimes do not think they will be held accountable, and in some parts of the country, stores are closing down all together.

“You see stores closing down in other parts of the United States, whether that’s Target closing nine stores in Portland and Seattle, Walmart closing stores in Chicago, Nordstrom closing stores in San Francisco, that is a direct result of the lack of commitment to the rule of law and holding criminals accountable,” DeSantis said.

DeSantis stated that is not what will happen in Florida and that the new legislation will ensure that retailers can continue operating their businesses and criminals are held accountable.

Published April 17, 2024

What every mom and soon-to-be-mom needs to know about their heart

By

Over the last three decades, the United States has seen pregnancy-related deaths rise nearly 140%, and heart disease continues to be the leading cause. Furthermore, women who have prenatal complications, such as high blood pressure or gestational diabetes, have a significantly higher risk of heart disease and stroke later in life, yet many are not getting the care they need.

According to the National Collaborative for Infants & Toddlers (NCIT), an advocacy collaborative working to pass policies that make it possible for all expectant parents, infants and toddlers to thrive, the United States is in the midst of a maternal health crisis.

(Giulia Bertelli/Unsplash)

This sentiment is echoed by “Opportunities in the Postpartum Period to Reduce Cardiovascular Disease Risk Following Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes,” a new scientific statement from the American Heart Association (AHA), which was recently published in “Circulation,” the Association’s flagship peer-reviewed journal.

“Healthcare professionals and the public alike often think of heart disease as a man’s disease. While heart disease is also the leading cause of death for women, fewer than 50% of women identify it as such. This is creating a dangerous situation for women, especially during higher-risk periods of their life, as their symptoms often go undiagnosed and untreated,” says Dr. Sadiya S. Khan, one of the statement’s authors. “As adverse pregnancy outcomes become increasingly common, it’s important for women to be aware of their risk for heart disease, the actions they can take to lower their risk if they experience pregnancy complications, and for birth justice policy interventions to take place that will improve their care during their pregnancy, and throughout their lifetimes.”

Many women face significant barriers in accessing primary care after delivery. Up to 40% of women do not access postpartum care, and only an estimated 18% to 25% of postpartum patients with pregnancy complications or chronic health conditions are seen by a primary care clinician within 6 months of delivery. Women of color, and women in rural areas are disproportionately impacted by barriers to care that could leave them vulnerable to further health complications.

According to NCIT, policy interventions such as expanded Medicaid coverage for 12 months postpartum in all states, expanded income eligibility for health insurance programs, paid family and medical leave, community-based doulas, and evidence-based home visiting programs can help promote ethnic, racial and socioeconomic birth equity, and help ensure all expectant and new parents have access to insurance, care and the supports needed to thrive.

Also supporting women in all stages of life, and all stages of pregnancy is Go Red for Women, an AHA initiative empowering women to take charge of their heart health. One way they can do that, according to the initiative, is by understanding their heart disease risks, and coming to their doctors’ appointments prepared to discuss their personal and family health history and other factors that could impact their chance of a healthy pregnancy. Women can also proactively manage their heart disease risk factors during pregnancy and after delivery using the AHA’s Life Essential 8 cardiovascular health metrics as a framework. These include: eating better, being more active, quitting tobacco, getting healthy sleep, managing weight, controlling cholesterol, managing blood sugar and managing blood pressure.

“Stemming the tide of this maternal health crisis is vital for families, and it starts with bringing light to the tremendous need for better delivery of care to moms and soon-to-be moms with a focus on heart health,” says Dr. Khan.

-StatePoint

Published April 17, 2024

State board approves premium reimbursement formula to help insurers

By

(The Center Square) — The Florida Hurricane Catastrophe Fund (FHCF) Advisory Council has approved a new premium reimbursement formula that will help alleviate the burden on insurance companies operating in Florida.

The FHCF operates under the State Board of Administration and is a tax-exempt state trust fund that reimburses a portion of hurricane losses to residential property insurance companies in the Sunshine State.

(Andrea Booher, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons)

According to FHCF’s website, it operates to protect and advance Florida’s interest in maintaining sufficient insurance capacity. All residential property insurance companies are mandated to participate in the FHCF and enter into a reimbursement contract.

Under Florida statutes, contracts must stipulate that coverage for each contract year does not exceed the funds-paying capacity of the FHCF, which is limited to $17 billion.

In late March, the FHCF approved a new reimbursement formula that would be reduced by 6.86% for insurance companies that do not change their coverage selections for contract year 2024-25. The FHCF overall rate change is projected to decrease by 7.38%, after adjusting for individual company coverage selection changes from the previous year.

According to the FHCF 2024 Ratemaking Formula Report, based on 2023 market shares and 2024 coverage selections, the average coverage is projected to be 86.874% in 2024, a 0.56% decrease from 2023 which was 87.36%.

The report states that the decrease in average coverage selection for FHCF, generates the 2024 FHCF layer of $19.5 billion, a slight increase over 2023’s $19.4 billion layer. It further states that rate changes vary by deductible, construction type and territory.

In the report’s summary of changes to the 2024 rate-making formula, it states that several notable factors impact the rate and premium changes including projected growth in the fund’s exposure; modeled loss cost decreases; law and ordinance assumption changes; pre-event note expenses and mobile home manufacture dates.

Projected loss retention for 2024 is $9.9 billion, increasing from $9.4 billion in 2023, while the FHCF premium will increase from $1.513 billion to $1.532 billion. This is due to exposure growth, coverage selection changes, and rate decreases.

In January, Bloomberg reported that the Florida State Board of Administration made a securities filing that indicated it intended to generate at least $1.5 billion from the sale of municipal bonds to replenish the FHCF and provide a further safety net for insurers.

Published April 17, 2024

State plans to accelerate critical road projects

By

(The Center Square) — Florida will be accelerating its road projects, which are poised to finish 10 to 20 years ahead of schedule.

Gov. Ron DeSantis approved House Bill 1301, which will include a 14.7-mile road widening project on Interstate 4, that will run from Polk County to Osceola Parkway in Osceola County and will come at a cost of $2.5 billion.

DeSantis stated that a year ago, his administration launched the “Moving Florida Forward” initiative designed to speed up infrastructure projects, including roads.

(Jamie Street/Unsplash)

“We recognize that Florida continues to lead the nation for net in-migration…we’ve got a lot of people coming in, there’s benefits but there’s also challenges to that.” DeSantis said.

DeSantis stated that they have to acknowledge that reality, get ahead of the growth, and make adjustments to accommodate newcomers and Floridians better.

“We already have traffic congestion that is really really bad in many parts of the state. Are we going to say oh well, we’ll get to that 15 years from now or 20 years from now, or do we want to do something to make an impact now.” DeSantis said.

DeSantis noted that the state will invest billions of dollars that are already available due to big surpluses to get the job done ahead of time.

“So we proposed the ‘Moving Florida Forward,’ multi-billion dollar infusion of money into our transportation program to identify some of the key areas that need to see these projects accelerated,” DeSantis said.

According to DeSantis, last month, the Census Bureau said Florida has four of the five fastest-growing metro areas in the country. The Villages in Central Florida being the fastest, Lakeland and Winter Haven are second, Ocala and Port St. Lucie came in fourth and fifth place.

DeSantis pointed out that the projects are spread across the state, with one project already breaking ground in South Florida, while projects in West Florida and the Panhandle are also poised to begin work.

“This is in addition to what was already in the hopper, so there are things that are being done anyways that were always scheduled to be done. These are all projects that are being accelerated to times much faster than what they would otherwise do.” DeSantis said, adding that some of the projects will be completed up to 20 years early.

Published April 10, 2024

State to provide more toll relief for commuters

By

(The Center Square) — Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis announced Monday that Floridians will receive additional funding for toll relief.

Toll relief began April 1 and will save some commuters who frequently drive through toll plazas hundreds of dollars over the course of a year after the state has promised to reimburse 50% of those toll costs back to drivers.

“We were able in 2023 to do the most significant toll relief program in the history of the state, we were able to rebate 50% of all the tolls from our commuters on a monthly basis,” DeSantis said.

(Chase Baker/Unsplash)

DeSantis noted that relief was only meant for Florida residents, and if that commuter met the required threshold, they would receive a refund. DeSantis noted that rebates were done this way to ensure Floridians were getting the relief and not visitors to the state.

“The visitors, we want them to pay, right? We’d rather have them pay than us…but if you’re here just working, and you’re getting to and from work, and you’re getting hit with these tolls, we wanted to be able to provide relief,” DeSantis said.

DeSantis noted that toll relief in 2023 was very successful, and it was one way that he and the Legislature could also provide Floridians with relief from inflation. DeSantis stated that commuters do not need to do anything, and they will begin to see savings.

The toll relief program is operated by the Florida Department of Transportation and is spread across the state from the Panhandle to South Florida. These toll roads include parts of Interstate 95, the Florida Turnpike, Interstate 4 in Central Florida, and some roads and bridges that are not state-managed, according to DeSantis.

“If you’ve had 35 clicks going through any of these toll facilities, which you figure if you’re working full-time, you’re gonna do that on a monthly basis no problem, and it also includes if you’re just doing leisure [travel],” DeSantis said.

DeSantis mentioned how Floridians are also receiving permanent sales-tax relief on items such as baby clothing, baby clothing, and baby equipment.

“This toll relief I think is really really significant, so we’re excited to be able to re-up this for a second year,” DeSantis said.

DeSantis further announced that the Golden Glades Interchange Improvement Program also started Monday, a decade ahead of schedule.

Published April 10, 2024