The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Local News

Cost of owning condos in Florida soaring

By

(The Center Square) – With rising insurance costs and homeowner association fees, the cost of owning a condominium in Florida has gone through the roof over the last several years, said Mark Friedlander, corporate communications director of the nonprofit Insurance Information Institute, in an interview.

“Going back to June 2021, when we had the tragic Surfside condominium collapse, that started the downward spiral of the condo insurance market,” Friedlander said. “Condo living in Florida has become extremely expensive over the last three years.”

Mack Reese/Unsplash

Master insurance policies for condo associations jumped in price after the Surfside collapse, he said. Those premiums are typically paid by individual condo owners through homeowner association fees.

Master condo policies in Florida have increased from 100% to 500%, Friedlander said.

“That has obviously weighed very heavily on the owners of the individual units,” he said.

There are new state guidelines on the amount of cash reserves that condo associations must have, Friedlander said.

“Condo owners not only have to pay for the insurance, but they have to pay into the capital reserves of the association,” he said.

The insurance for individual condo units that covers the area within the condo walls has also increased, said Friedlander.

The increases “are pricing a lot of people out of the market,” he said.

According to a report by the real estate company Redfin, the soaring costs are causing condo prices and sales to drop in Florida and sales to drop in major cities, bucking a national trend of higher condo prices.

“In the Jacksonville metro, for instance, the median condo price declined roughly 7% year over year in January, sales declined 27%, and new listings increased 32%,” Redfin says. “The story is similar in Miami, where condo prices fell 3%, sales dropped 9% and new listings rose 27%.”

The story is not the same for single-family homes in Florida, Redfin said. In Miami, for example, the median sale price of single-family homes “increased by double digits from a year earlier in January, sales rose 9% and new listings increased 13%,” Redfin said.

There have been some improvements recently in the Florida condo insurance market, which could help, Friedlander said.

He cited tort reform legislation passed by the Florida Legislature in 2023 placing new limits on lawsuits against insurers.

“It is improving slowly,” Friedlander said. “But Florida is a very litigious environment, even with new laws in place.”

Published March 06, 2024

Fun Easter gifts kids will love

By

While bunny- and egg-shaped candies are always crowd-pleasing favorites during Easter, you can make the holiday extra special for kids with some less-sugary treats that can be enjoyed year-round. For a joy-filled celebration, get inspired with these fun and egg-cellent ideas for Easter baskets:

Gabe Pierce/Unsplash

Great Books
Books unlock new worlds and ideas, making them great gifts on any occasion. Easter is no exception. Use the opportunity to stock children’s shelves with fiction by favorite and new-to-them authors, as well as nonfiction books on subjects of interest to them. With the thoughtful gift of brand-new titles to discover, they’ll be well-prepared to stay engaged and entertained during the downtime of spring and summer vacation ahead. A few thematic ideas include, “The Good Egg: An Easter and Springtime Book for Kids” and “The Velveteen Rabbit.”

Cool Toys
Make children’s days tweet-tastic with VTech Gabbers, fluffy bird buddies that can be brought along on adventures by sliding a fabric-covered magnetic egg under one’s shoulder sleeve and perching the bird on top. Three different colored Gabbers: Jay Blue, Finch Pink and Owl White, all sing, make funny sounds and will repeat and tweet the things kids say in a funny voice! Whether you gift one bird, or all three, this will be a beloved and adorable addition to any Easter basket. Another cool idea that puts a spin on Easter eggs? Switch & Go Hatch & Roaaar Eggs. They open up to include all the pieces needed to build 2-in-1 dinosaur vehicles. The line-up includes a T-rex racer, pterodactyl chopper and more.

Inspiration and Gear
Another fun addition to Easter baskets is gear and tools that support kids’ hobbies, passions and talents. For example, if you’re shopping for a young artist, consider gifting them a watercolor set, crafting kit or kid-friendly knitting needles. For a child interested in the performing arts, you can get them started on their journey with a gift certificate for music, acting or dance lessons. Or, help get a budding athlete prepared for the spring and summer sports seasons ahead with a light-up baseball or softball, which will allow them to extend their game of catch into the evening, giving them a competitive edge.

With a few tweaks to your Easter basket routine, you can make the holiday fun and memorable for children.

-StatePoint

Published March 06, 2024

Be aware of text phishing scam

By

The Pasco Sheriff’s Office (PSO) is encouraging citizens to be aware of the Noortimer text phishing scam, in which potential victims receive fraudulent texts impersonating Equifax attempting to collect personal and financial information.

Jonas Leupe/Unsplash

The scammer sends a text message alerting a person that their credit score is dropping. The message links to a website that says “Page Not Found,” and then redirects to an antivirus site. Victims purchase antivirus products, while the scammers collect their personal data, according to a PSO news release.

It should be noted that Equifax does not contact customers via text message, the release says.

In order to avoid falling victim to the Noortimer scam and other similar threats, the PSO shares these steps citizens can take:

Enable multi-factor authentication.
Do not read messages received from someone you do not know.
Contact Equifax using a verified number from its official website.
Monitor credit reports and financial statements regularly.

For more crime prevention tips to stay safe from scams, follow PSO’s social media channels or visit News.PascoSheriff.com.

Contact law enforcement immediately if you are the victim of a scam or fraud.

Published March 06, 2024

Review: Ordinary Angels

By

“Ordinary Angels” is another polished, crowd-pleasing drama from Kingdom Story Company — the most successful faith-based production unit of the last several decades. Set in Kentucky in the 1990s, it tells the inspiring true story of Sharon (Hilary Swank), a Louisville hairdresser who, for reasons she can’t explain, decides to rally the community around Ed (Alan Ritchson), a widower struggling to make ends meet. One of Ed’s two young daughters is battling congenital liver disease, and as she languishes on the waitlist for a life-saving transplant, the medical bills outpace the income Ed earns as an independent roofer to such a degree that nothing short of a miracle will save him. Enter Sharon, who has problems of her own — estranged son, alcoholism — and who is in equal need of saving.

Hilary Swank as Sharon and Alan Ritchson as Ed in Ordinary Angels. (Courtesy of Allen Fraser)

One of the more refreshing things about “Ordinary Angels” is that a romance isn’t forced to bloom as it might in, say, your average Hallmark movie. Director Jon Gunn focuses acutely on the uncomfortable dynamics that emerge from this unlikely relationship, forged and held together by a shared sense of Christian duty. Sharon’s tenacity, which earned her the nickname “Sharon Brockovitch” among the film crew, becomes a simple yet effective example of the transforming power of loving your neighbor, while Ed’s reluctant acceptance of her help demonstrates the importance of receiving grace when it’s offered. The effective climax, shot largely in Winnipeg, takes place during the 1994 winter storm that froze the Ohio River.

The success of inspirational exercises like this one are largely contingent on the strength of the performances, and on that score, “Ordinary Angels” delivers. The dependable Swank gives a strong performance in the lead, handling a Southern accent with aplomb and showing the same pluck and courage that helped her win two Oscars. Ritchson, slightly slimmed down from his role as the titular character in Prime Video’s “Reacher,” plays Ed with hulking grace. His silent reactions to Swank’s unsolicited advice are priceless, and when she suggests that he divest himself of his real estate holdings, his answer (“I’m not selling”) momentarily transforms him into a Western hero. Nancy Travis and Tamala Jones provide solid support as Ed’s devoted mother and Sharon’s best friend.

The script spent years in development, with Meg Tilly and Kelly Fremon Craig working on individual drafts. The finished product feels worked over, its rough edges sanded smooth and flattened out. Ed’s mother’s kind admonishment (“Don’t lose your faith over this”) represents the extent of the film’s preachiness. Yet it’s this kind of soft sell, coupled with all-around professionalism, that is the Nashville-based Kingdom Story Company’s stock-in-trade. Their landmark distribution deal with Lionsgate yielded a string of consecutive successes with faith-based audiences — including last year’s “Jesus Revolution” — and shows no sign of reversing course. Originally slated for an October release, “Ordinary Angels” leapt out of the path of the Taylor Swift “Eras” juggernaut, and now seems poised for a soft landing amidst a slow season for moviegoing. It will warm your heart like a mug of cocoa on a cold southeastern night.

Published March 06, 2024

Go on an outdoor quest to the best spots for wildlife

By

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) will launch Florida WildQuest 2024 for Florida residents and visitors to join a wild adventure to complete scavenger hunt missions and discover some of the state’s best spots to see wildlife and enjoy the outdoors.

Participants can download the free and easy-to-use GooseChase app to join the “hunt” on Florida’s Wildlife Management Areas (WMA) across the state from April 27 to May 5, according to a news release.

(Courtesy of Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission)

Qualifying players will be entered in a random drawing to win wilderness-inspired prizes.

Those interested should follow these steps:

  • Charge Up: Make sure your phone is charged and the GooseChase app is installed. Not all areas have mobile coverage, but you’ll be able to take pictures for your scavenger hunt missions and submit them later. Visit FloridaWildQuest.com for instructions.
  • Be Safe: Stay on marked roads and trails. Before you enter a trail, be sure it fits your skill level and the distance you are prepared for.
  • Pack Smart: There are no vending machines in the wilderness. Check the weather before you go and pack water, sunscreen and snacks.
  • Snap a Pic: Most WMAs have a kiosk at the main entrance with a welcome sign that includes a map and important reminders for visiting the area. Take a picture of the sign for reference and grab a guide at the kiosk if one is available.

WildQuest is for players of all ages to learn about and explore Florida’s extensive WMA system. Registered players also can qualify for a chance to win wilderness-inspired prizes.

To learn more about the WMA system, visit MyFWC.com/WMAs.

Published March 06, 2024

Park renamed for celebrated city employee

By

In honor of the City of Zephyrhills’ first African American employee hired in 1962, the Lincoln Heights Neighborhood Park recently was renamed the Ellis Harrold Park during a dedication ceremony, at 39508 Lincoln Ave., in Zephyrhills.

Ellis Harrold worked as a driver for the City of Zephyrhills Public Works-Sanitation Division for 34 years, before retiring in 1996. His contributions paved the way for increased diversity within the municipal workforce.

Harrold was known to support the children residing in the Lincoln Heights area, offering guidance, love and support, as well as clothing and food to those in need.

He and his wife, Doris, raised seven children and one grandson, and have 25 grandchildren, 42 great-grandchildren and 14 great-great grandchildren. Harrold celebrated his 90th birthday on Feb. 25.

The park boasts amenities including a basketball court, picnic shelters and a swing set. The new sign installed will be donated to the Harrold family as a keepsake once the city updates all park signage as part of a community-wide rebranding.

Published February 27, 2024

Ellis Harrold, second from right, sits among family and friends during a dedication for the park renamed in his honor. (Courtesy of City of Zephyrhills)
This temporary Ellis Harrold park sign will be donated to the family once the City of Zephyrhills installs new signage as part of its rebranding.

New garden to help families heal

By

Pasco Kids First joined members of the Greater Pasco Chamber of Commerce, local community leaders and members of the Professionals of Landscaping to commemorate the completion of a new Resiliency Garden with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Pasco Kids First is a 501(c) charity devoted to child advocacy and protection, to help keep kids safe, strengthen families through empowerment and enhance the community by preventing child abuse and healing children from trauma.

The garden, at 7344 Little Road in New Port Richey, was created and underwritten by 12 professional landscape companies that donated their time and resources to create the area, according to a news release.

Recognizing a need in the community, the group tapped into the talent of its members to transform an area of dirt and old palm trees into a garden outfitted with a rock path, bench seating and a water feature.

“A once vacant side lot of our office is now a beautiful and therapeutic setting for trauma survivors to begin or continue their healing journey. We cannot thank Professionals of Landscaping enough,” said Mike Trepper, president and CEO of Pasco Kids First, in the release.

To learn more about the charity, visit PascoKidsFirst.org, email , or call 727-845-8080.

Published February 28, 2024

Community leaders, members of Professionals of Landscaping and the Greater Pasco Chamber of Commerce, and Pasco Kids First commemorate the new Resiliency Garden with a ribbon-cutting. (Courtesy of Leslie Farrell/Farrell Communications)
The Resiliency Garden offers a therapeutic place to help trauma survivors through their healing journey.

Traffic detour in Dade City begins March 1

By

The Florida Department of Transportation, District Seven has issued a notice to drivers in and around the Dade City area.

Beginning March 1, Southbound U.S. 98 Bypass/U.S. 301 will be closed from River Road to Meridian Avenue. The closure will continue for approximately 10 months. Northbound U.S. 98 Bypass/U.S. 301 will remain open to traffic.

Drivers will need to access properties in the closure area from northbound U.S. 98 Bypass/U.S. 301 or local streets.

The determined detour route is: Traffic traveling southbound on US 98/US 301 approaching the work zone will be detoured south on US 98/Seventh Street through downtown Dade City. Drivers who want to continue on southbound US 98/US 301 or access Old Lakeland Highway will turn left onto Meridian Avenue and go east, then turn right onto southbound US 98/US 301.

To help avoid delays and bypass downtown Dade City, trucks and other large vehicles that are using southbound US 98 to continue south beyond Dade City are encouraged to take SR 50 west to southbound Interstate 75 and return to US 98 on eastbound State Road 52.

For project information and to sign up to receive email alerts about closures and progress updates, visit FDOTTampaBay.com/project/939/256423-3-52-01.

Published February 28, 2024

Longer Pasco scallop season approved

By

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has approved a change to the bay scallop season for the Pasco Zone management region. This regulation change, which goes into effect this year, sets a 40-day season for the Pasco Zone that starts on July 10 and runs through Aug. 18 annually, according to an FWC news release.

(File)

“Along with moving away from the Independence Day holiday, the longer season will increase both the public’s safety and access to one of our state’s most fun family resources,” said Preston Farrior, FWC commissioner, in the release.

“There will be many positive impacts for the local communities,” said Farrior.

The Pasco Zone bay scallop region includes all state waters between the Hernando-Pasco county line and the Anclote Key Lighthouse in northern Pinellas County, and includes all waters of the Anclote River.

For more information, visit MyFWC.com/commission and click on “Commission Meetings.”

For current recreational bay scallops regulations, visit MyFWC.com/scallops.

Published February 28, 2024