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Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Local News

Donated computers help new homeowners

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Hillsborough County Tax Collector Nancy C. Millan’s office has donated computer workstations for new homeowners through Habitat for Humanity.

As part of the Hillsborough tax collector’s community outreach initiatives, Millan’s office has established a process to donate surplus obsolete equipment to nonprofit community partners aligning with the tax collector’s office mission and core values, according to a news release.

Last year, the office donated 200 surplus computer hard drives and computers to Computer Mentors of Tampa. This year, the office’s surplus included 25 all-in-one workstations. The tax collector worked with eSmart Recycling to refurbish the workstations to be made available for Habitat for Humanity.

eSmart Recycling has created a network of collection points and logistics partners to recycle their computers following the best industry standards, saving electronics from going to the landfill and using the proceeds to fund technology labs for kids worldwide who don’t have access to computers.

“The timing of this incredible donation was perfect! We were looking for a way to create sustainable homes scheduled to be built by Habitat for Humanity to come with a refurbished computer for the new families,” said Tony Selvaggio, CEO of eSmart Recycling, in the release.

“Thanks to the tax collector’s donation, we can now commit to 10 homes,” said Selvaggio.

To learn more about Habitat for Humanity, visit HabitatHillsborough.org.

For more information about eSmart Recycling, visit eSmartRecycling.com.

Published February 15, 2023

Zephyrhills’ rebranding begins to take shape

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The City of Zephyrhills is getting ready to tell its story.

It’s all part of the rebranding process that Pasco County’s largest municipality is undergoing — one that will carry the town into the future, and will provide a more complete picture.

Zephyrhills, in conjunction with North Star Place Branding + Marketing, a Jacksonville-based consulting firm, has finished its community research, which is aiding in the town’s rebranding efforts.

Data has been collected from 1,486 unique inputs, including nearly 1,000 online surveys, focus groups and interviews. The firm will use the feedback to develop options that include a new town logo, motto, color schemes and other elements to to rebrand Zephyrhills.

The City of Zephyrhills, Pasco County’s largest municipality, is undergoing a complete rebranding of the town, from its slogan, to logo and more, with the help of North Star Place Branding + Marketing. (Mike Camunas)

“We were very happy we got this much feedback,” said Patrick Golden, executive creative director for North Star. “Sometimes communities can be survey fatigued, but we got a lot of responses, and getting input from the community in this type of venture is very important.

“We’ve seen a lot of passion in the people, and that’s very indicative of the city and what the city brings to its people and always has brought to its people. That’s just going to help when it comes to finding the brand of the city.”

That passion was on display when Zephyrhills and North Star hosted a Community Creative Input Open House on Feb. 1, allowing for about a couple dozen citizens and stakeholders to offer their opinions.

Those present brought up views and themes consistent with the data collected, from keeping the same ‘town fee’ to remembering and honoring the town’s history and veterans. They also want the town to be known for more than being where the bottled water comes from, its skydiving, and, of course, being “Snowbird Central.”

“The passion (we’ve seen) is what is going to make the brand the best it can be,” City Manager Billy Poe said. “Trust me, the comments we have gotten, not all of them have been positive — and we’ll address the negative ones.

“People just walk up to me, and say, ‘Why are you spending so much money on this (rebranding)? Why are you spending any money at all on this? What’s wrong with the logo we have? This is where the water comes from, what’s wrong with that?

“And it’s not to get rid of the water logo or get rid of the skydiving component. We feel we’re more than one thing, and we want to tell our story before someone can tell it for us and then not get it right.”

Indeed, rebranding the city, Golden added, is not about doing away with what Zephyrhills already has, but refining the story and finding a cohesive one. The story will encapsulate the town as it moves forward and looks to soon surpass a population of 20,000.

“People are usually excited, not just to see what we come up with, but what everyone said their community is about and how everyone sees their city, from the outside,” Golden added.

The City of Zephyrhills and North Star Place Branding + Marketing had a Community Creative Input Open House on Feb. 1 — welcoming those in attendance to share their thoughts about their town with the rebranding firm’s representatives.

The city and the rebranding firm launched a community-wide online survey on Oct. 17, giving everyone in Zephyrhills a place where they can share their input and have their perspective counted.

The survey asks several questions, including how one would describe Zephyrhills, how others perceive Zephyrhills and even to name some things that people outside the community should know about the city.

In the survey, participants were asked to pick two descriptors of Zephyrhills. The top two chosen were “Snowbird destination, older residents,” which accounted for 43% of the answers, while “Where growth is headed” came in at 27%. Another category, “neighborly, hometown feel” came in at 23%.

The data also showed Zephyrhills greatest assets, with the top responses being the Sarah Vande Berg Tennis & Wellness Center, Main Street, Skydive City, the city’s many parks, the municipal airport and the proximity to Tampa and Orlando.

The $68,000 rebranding project now moves to the creative phase, as North Star’s team will produce options to present to the city, tentatively in about five months.

Zephyrhills, currently known as “The City of Pure Water,” will then choose a new brand aimed at increasing interest and investment in its residents, entrepreneurs, companies and visitors.

“We are a small town, but what we’re trying to do is grow and maintain that small-town feel — that’s important because if you lose your downtown, where’s your center of community?” Poe said. “I think the story of Zephyrhills is that we’re an emerging community that’s always been known as the ‘Snowbird Capital’ and I think we’re so much more than that.

“Yes, we have the water (bottling plant), we have the skydiving, but Zephyrhills is a very open-minded community that is always trying to better the lives of its citizens.”

Published February 08, 2023

 

Pasco’s GDP growth outpaced Florida’s, economics expert says

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Pasco County compares well when it comes to growth in its gross domestic product (GDP) and in the cost of its houses, but not as well when it comes to its household income and the educational level of its workforce.

Those were among highlights shared by Zachary A. Smith, an assistant professor of economics and finance at Saint Leo University, during an economics luncheon hosted by the Pasco Economic Development Council Inc.

Zachary A. Smith, assistant professor of economics and finance at Saint Leo University, provided insights about Pasco County’s economy, in a presentation that included local, regional, statewide and national data. (Courtesy of the Pasco Economic Development Council Inc.)

Smith’s analysis made comparisons between national, regional, statewide and local factors that affect the economy.

He presented some of his key findings at a luncheon gathering on Jan. 19 at Heritage Springs Country Club in Trinity. The event attracted a wide range of business executives, entrepreneurs, government leaders, elected officials and others.

Pasco’s GDP grew by 45% from 2010 to 2021, outpacing other Florida counties that, on average, grew by 33%, Smith said. The pace of GDP growth put Pasco among the top 10 in the state, he added.

Smith did a comparison of Pasco against this sample cluster of counties: Alachua, Leon, Manatee, Okaloosa and Volusia.

“Pasco County is the fastest-growing group in the comparison group,” he said. However, he added, the county could improve in both high school and bachelor’s degree completion rates.

Details in his report showed that slightly more than 90% of Pasco residents have a high school diploma, while slightly  more than 26% have a bachelor’s degree or higher.

Pasco’s per capita income of $50,479 is also less than the state average of $62,270, according to Smith’s report.

The report also notes that Pasco’s population includes about 5% more retirement-aged people than the national average.

Pasco County’s gross domestic product compares favorably with other counties around Florida, and Florida’s GDP compares favorably across the nation. Signs of construction activity remain abundant in Pasco, signaling new roads, new businesses, new schools and so on. (File)

Smith also observed that Pasco County depends less on government expenditures than other Florida counties.

“If we’re relying less on government expenditure and more on private industry, that’s a good thing, to me,” Smith said.

“Pasco County seems to be growing organically, based upon opportunities. It doesn’t look like the typical county,” Smith said.

At the statewide level, Florida has consistently ranked in the top 10 in migration, from 2010 to 2021, he said.

In 2021, it recorded a migration rate of 1.91%, which made it the fastest-growing state, in terms of migration.

“People are moving to Florida because it’s beautiful, has a low unemployment rate and is adding jobs,” Smith said.

It’s also growing at a faster rate as compared to other states, he said.

Florida’s GDP growth from 2010 to 2021 was 33%, ranking it among the nation’s top 10.

Its growth has been consistent, too, he said.

“Employers have added jobs over 30 consecutive months. Private sector yearly growth rate has exceeded the nation’s for 19 consecutive months,” he said, adding, it’s not just a one-off.

It costs about $50,000 less to own a house in Pasco County than it does on average across the United States, according to Zachary A. Smith, an assistant professor of economics and finance at Saint Leo University. (File)

“Consecutively, we’re growing faster than everybody else,” he said.

Most recently, hospitality and leisure have been growing, but there’s also been growth in education, health services, trade and transportation, he said.

Regional analysis
At the regional level, the Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) including Tampa, St. Petersburg and Clearwater, grew at a rate of 3.8% between 2010 and 2021.

That placed the Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater MSA at 194th out of 384.

Compared to other MSAs in Florida, it ranked in the 40th percentile, meaning 60% of the MSAs in Florida are growing faster.

“That’s not that good of news, in terms of growth,” Smith said.

In terms of inflation, the region didn’t compare well, either.

With an inflation rate of 9.6% , the region is getting hit harder than the national rate of 7.1%, he said.

“It’s not good.”

He provided some specifics on items that were more expensive in November 2021 than they were in November 2020.

“Real estate prices skyrocketed, up about 16% from November 2021, from 2020,” he said.

The cost of energy was up by 13%, he said.

The cost of dairy, fruits, vegetables and home furnishings also are up between 9% and 10%.

Pasco County’s burgeoning population has created a demand for coffee shops, restaurants, entertainment and other retail options.

Takeaways about Florida and Pasco’s economies

  • Florida is in the top 10 states, in terms of migration and gross domestic product (GDP) growth.
  • Tampa-St. Pete-Clearwater is growing about as fast as other urban areas across the United States, but is growing a little slower than the average urban area in Florida.
  • Inflation is hitting the Tampa-St. Pete-Clearwater region harder than other urban areas. The categories of food, housing, energy, and services all experienced inflation greater than 10% from November 2020 to November 2021.
  • From a Pasco County-level perspective, the two line items that had a statistically significant influence over growth were the percentage of the population under 18 years of age and the percentage of the population that fell below the poverty line.
  • After comparing Pasco County to Florida and the United States, the cost of homes was lower (about $50,000 less), but household income is lower, too, and the workforce is less-educated.
  • Changes in the Information Industry are pronounced over time, the proportion of gross domestic product (GDP) coming from government expenditures was relatively low.
  • Pasco County seems to be growing organically based on opportunities: It doesn’t really look like the typical county in Florida.

Source: Zachary Smith, an assistant professor of economics and finance at Saint Leo University.

Published February 08, 2023

Pasco gets good news in lawsuit involving Ridge Road extension

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(Mike Camunas)

A federal judge has granted the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Pasco County’s motion for summary judgment in a case involving the legality of the extension of Ridge Road, from Moon Lake Road in New Port Richey to U.S. 41 in Land O’ Lakes.

Pasco County Attorney Jeffrey Steinsnyder announced that finding during the Pasco County Commission’s Jan. 24 meeting.

Judge Charlene Edwards Honeywel issued the positive order on Jan. 20, Steinsnyder said.

The case involves a “permit challenge that was filed by Sierra Club when we issued our notice to proceed to our contractor to construct Ridge Road about two years ago,” Steinsnyder said.

“There is still the potential for an appeal but Judge Honeywel’s order is well-written and it should be difficult for them to challenge,” the county attorney said.

Published February 08, 2023

Regional transit solutions still prove elusive for Tampa Bay

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The board for TBARTA — which stands for the Tampa Bay Regional Transit Authority — has disbanded.

The board voted unanimously at its Jan. 20 meeting to dissolve itself.

The action followed state legislation that has been filed calling for TBARTA to be abolished.

Pasco County Commissioner Kathryn Starkey and then-Commissioner Mike Moore predicted the transit authority was on its way out back in September, when they recommended the county not pay its dues to TBARTA until it found out more about the organization’s future.

TBARTA is expected to cease operations after winding down current federal contracts and addressing issues, such as its vanpool program, according to Starkey, who was serving on the transit authority’s board at the time of its dissolution.

The regional transit authority, created by the Florida Legislature in 2007, was intended to find a regional transit solution for its five-county region, including Hernando, Pasco, Hillsborough, Pinellas and Manatee counties.

The TBARTA board included elected county and city leaders, representatives of local transit authorities and gubernatorial appointees.

The transit authority had been pursuing a Bus Rapid Transit system that would create a 41-mile route, between Wesley Chapel and St. Petersburg.

The idea was to create a system in which riders could travel from Wesley Chapel to St. Petersburg, with stops at State Road 54, State Road 56, the University of South Florida, downtown Tampa, Westshore, Tampa International Airport, the Gateway area of St. Petersburg, downtown St. Petersburg and the Tropicana Field area.

The plan faced opposition in Hillsborough County, where a debate arose over whether the portion of the route between the University of South Florida and downtown Tampa would operate on dedicated lanes, or in mixed traffic.

Commissioner Starkey informed her county board colleagues, during the Jan. 24 meeting, about the decision to dissolve the TBARTA board.

She added: “Just because TBARTA is disbanding doesn’t mean that we don’t have responsibility to come up with a transit solution for one of the largest metropolitan service areas in the country — the largest one without a transit solution.

“So, we plan to continue working as a group to find a way forward.

“I did have a meeting with Tampa Bay Partnership yesterday, who’s going to help move this conversation forward.

“And, a small group of us will be meeting to discuss some first steps, and then it will start to be shared with all of the counties and city officials and municipalities involved.

“We have a good route, I think, from Wesley Chapel — a route that goes from Wesley Chapel to St. Pete, and District 7 (of the Florida Department of Transportation) is doing what they can to build that, within the parameters that they have right now.

“They’re a little hindered by some things in Hillsborough County.

“That environmental permit, which you know the state gave us the money to go act upon, will be good for three years. We don’t want to have to spend that money all over again,” Starkey said.

“We just can’t sit back and find another generation to solve this. We have to take some action.

“So hopefully, we’ll be having more of this dialogue in the near future.

“We’ve just got to see what responsible group is going to take the reins, since it was not TBARTA,” Starkey said.

Published February 08, 2023

Pasco promotes from within for its executive staff

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Pasco County has elevated one of its own staff members to serve as the next assistant county administrator for public infrastructure.

The Pasco County Commission on Jan. 24 confirmed the appointment of Branford N. Adumuah to fill the position, which he has been handling on an interim basis for six months.

County Administrator Mike Carballa recommended Adumuah for the promotion.

Carballa said the county conducted a national search. A series of interviews was conducted with county team members at all levels, before a selection was made.

Branford N. Adumuah has been promoted to Pasco County’s assistant county administrator for public infrastructure. (Courtesy of Pasco County)

“I’m happy to say that the general consensus was Mr. Adumuah was the man for the job,” Carballa told the board.

Adumuah joined the county in 2017, as its public works director.

In that role, Carballa said, Adumuah “has made sweeping, amazing changes to really help that department achieve the outcomes that we all need and that our citizens deserve.”

Adumuah is filling the post that Carballa held before being promoted to become county administrator.

Commission Chairman Jack Mariano said he’s glad to see the county is developing its own employees to enable them to rise through the ranks.

He congratulated Adumuah, saying: “The way you’ve elevated your team, empowered your team to get stuff done, all of the way through. No matter what the situation, you’ve been doing a phenomenal job.”

Commissioner Gary Bradford added: ““I am very, very pleased that we kept it in-house, because it is about our employees. It is about how we move up the chain.”

Commissioner Ron Oakley said he’s pleased how quickly Adumuah takes care of problems.

“When you call in about a pothole, within a day or two, it’s already filled. It seems like a little thing, but it’s huge. I remember going through many, many years of going through potholes that didn’t get fixed,” Oakley said.

When commissioners asked Adumuah if he’d like to say a few words, he stepped up to the podium and noted that his wife had told him he should say something.

He then proceeded to read a short speech on his cellphone that he’d apparently prepared, in case the occasion arose.

“It is indeed a privilege and an honor to stand before you today,” he told board members. “My presence here today would not have been possible without the dedication, hard work and support of our great team — field personnel, office employees, supervisors, managers, directors, assistant county administrators.

“Making a difference in the quality of life of our citizens is what motivates me every day.

“Integrity, respect, empathy, people, teamwork, pragmatism and outcomes are what define my leadership and shape my decisions and actions for the past 30 years.

“Together with the team, we’ll continue to move toward improving the quality of life for our citizens and making Pasco a premiere county.

“I thank you, county administrator and the team, for their confidence and trust they’ve placed in me. I pledge to work hard and do my best. I will not let you down.”

Published February 08, 2023

Pasco officials praise Friends of Animal Services

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The shocking experience that Michael Cox had on his first visit to the Pasco County Animal Services facility is etched in his memory.

“The very first time I toured the shelter, the live release rate was in the 40s,” Cox recalled, during a Pasco County Commission meeting on Jan. 24.

“And, I’ll never forget seeing the sight of the deceased animals that had been euthanized that morning, that were stacked up like cordwood out there. It was a horrible sight.”

That isn’t true anymore.

The Friends of Animal Services support the work that’s done by the Pasco County Animal Services team. Over time, the shelter has gone from a place where the release rate was in the 40s to its current 93% release rate. (Mike Camunas)

“Now that they’re 93% (live release rate), it’s just incredible,” said Cox, who was appearing before the county board along with other members of the Friends of Animal Services.

The ‘Friends’ group was honored for its work to support efforts to keep the facility in good condition, to help animals staying there to thrive, and ultimately to support the work that’s done to help them find loving homes.

The nonprofit organization does this in all sorts of ways, according to a resolution adopted by the county board.

Between 2019 through 2022, Friends donated and provided grant funding of $264,500 to Pasco County Animal Services (PCAS).

“This funding helped create the pet enrichment program at the shelter to enhance the quality of life and ease the stress of shelter pets by providing pet toys, training aides, pet treats, and feeding puzzles. Friends also funded two new, fully outfitted dog play yards and many other shelter enhancements including a new Kubota Utility Vehicle and awnings to shade outdoor areas,” the resolution says.

The nonprofit group also invested in veterinary services, funding more than 113 heartworm treatments for heartworm positive dogs, thereby improving the likelihood the pets would be adopted.

And, it “funded new medical equipment including dental equipment, an ultrasound machine, diagnostic equipment, surgical instruments, and post-surgery digital monitors,” according to the resolution.

Plus, it “administered $125,000 in national animal welfare grants to support PCAS’ new public programs including free vaccination clinics for over 700 pets; a pet food pantry and pet boarding vouchers to help people retain their pets during financial hardships brought on by the pandemic; and programs for pet emergency medical procedures and pet sterilization,” the resolution adds.

Commissioner Gary Bradford, who sponsored the resolution, said he was honored to recognize the work that Friends has done.

“I think it’s just absolutely wonderful that we have citizens that will step up to the plate for our dogs and cats … that sometimes fall through the cracks.

This is the building that houses Pasco County Animal Services. The county’s department has developed a national reputation for excellence, and recently the Friends of Animal Services, which supports that work, received recognition for its contributions.

“You guys are truly doing what you should be doing and truly making a difference in the quality of life and the fabric of life in our community,” Bradford said.

Commission Chairman Jack Mariano lavished Cox with praise.

“As a commissioner, you were a very strong supporter of animal services, right from the get-go. Never wavered.”

Cox credited the animal services team.

“The real heroes here are your staff. The people that work at Animal Services are the folks that, every day, face those challenges, and do an incredible job. They do a great job out there and our group just supports that,” Cox said.

Darlene Greene, treasurer of the Friends group, expressed her appreciation to the county board for its support of animal services, and to the staff for its tremendous work.

“They (animal services’ staff) make it premiere.

“They are well-known throughout the state and the nation, for the terrific job that they are doing, and also for the training.

“They’re involved in training throughout the United States, and involved in all types of committees, so Pasco County should be very proud of the staff that they have out there,” Greene said.

The volunteer also came to the meeting prepared to drum up additional support for her favorite cause.

“As the treasurer of Friends of Animal Services, it’s always my pleasure to see funds donated by the community come across my desk so that I can go and deposit that money to help the people in Pasco County with the shelter.

“So, as the treasurer, I’d like to give you each a brochure, so you can remember us when you leave here today.

“And, (I would be) happy to deposit your check, as well,” she told commissioners, which elicited laughter in the room.

On a more serious note, she added: “I can’t tell you how happy I am with the citizens of Pasco County because they’re truly the ones who step up and make these donations possible that we give to the shelter. And we give 100% back, because everybody on our board are volunteers.”

Published February 08, 2023

Pasco singles out exceptional staff members

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Pasco County recently honored its Star Performer, Star Leader and Star Team of the year for 2022.

During the Pasco County Commission’s Jan. 24 meeting, board members formally acknowledged their contributions by adopting a resolution.

The 2022 winners of Pasco County’s program to recognize outstanding employees pose with members of the Pasco County Commission, Pasco Clerk & Comptroller Nikki Alvarez-Sowles and County Administrator Mike Carballa at the board’s Jan. 24 meeting. (Courtesy of Pasco County)

They also took a few minutes to honor the recipients, to allow them to share their remarks and to pose for photos with them.

Pasco County Administrator Mike Carballa explained how the selection works.

“I just want to give you an appreciation of what it takes to really get here,” Carballa said. “We took from every department. We’ve got star performers and star leaders in these departments. Those departments have to make those decisions within their own sphere.

“It goes to the branch level. Then the branches decide, from that group, how do we narrow this down?

“Then they come up to the executive leadership team who really has to make that tough call, at the end of the day, with so many fantastic applications, as to which group of folks and which individuals are going to rise to that level to what we call Star Performer, Star Leader and Team of the Year.

“My hat’s off to these folks. They’ve done a phenomenal job. It is about people.

“These are the folks, not only do they accomplish our mission of serving our community to create a better future, but they do so in such an exemplary manner. That is the example and they set the gold standard for those to follow.”

Here are the county’s outstanding performers:

Star Performer
Jordan Miltner, digital media coordinator with Pasco County Libraries. In a county news release, she is described as achieving impressive engagement on the Libraries’ social media channels. She also was praised for routinely going above and beyond, making a daily difference with her work.

In accepting the honor, Miltner told the county board: “I was absolutely thrilled and honored when I learned that I’d been selected for the Star Performer of the Year.

“I just have to say that I wouldn’t be able to be up here and I wouldn’t be able to do all of the work that I do without our amazing Libraries team. I am so fortunate to work with a group of unbelievably talented people who freely share their skills and knowledge with me.

“They’ve inspired me. They’ve mentored me and they have pushed me so much to grow during my time here. I’m very honored and humbled by this. I plan to continue to work hard and impress. I feel like the best is still to come. Thank you so much for this honor.”

Star Leader
Veronica Ignat, program coordinator in the county’s Senior Services Division, was described in a county news release as being “the embodiment of Pasco County’s core values. Her leadership style is transformational, having a major impact on the Senior Services Division and Community Services Department. She’s pioneered several, innovative methodologies for motivating and inspiring team members.”

Ignat told the county board: “Thank you so much for this honor. I am very humbled and grateful to be in this country and in this county. This is because of the team that I lead and the team that leads me. And, again, I am so grateful for this wonderful gift.”

Star Team
The Plat Review Team. This group guides the subdivision plat process, working in step with developers to ensure a smooth process, according to a county news release. They average about 60 plats a year, using innovative technology to make sure reviews and comments are processed quickly.

Alex Parnes, county surveyor, spoke on behalf of the plat team. That team is made up of Lisa Kral, Gary Howorka and Cody Vaughn.

Parnes said: “I would just like to say publicly, in this forum, thank you to my Plat Review Team, Gary, Lisa and Cody.

“They’re definitely unsung heroes in the critical role, in the whole development process, and certainly with respect to subdivisions and plats here in Pasco County, in our division.

“I would like to say that I feel surprised, and quite pleased, that this hardworking team won this award at this level. So, now other departments and other teams at all levels are able to recognize this team and all of the work they do, behind the scenes, every day, as we do, in house, in our division, on a daily basis, from our tiny little division.

“Every day this entire surveying and mapping team does the plat process and we’re very thankful that they do it so well.

“They help us get through this plat review process on a daily basis.

“It’s a very long and tedious process.

“Of course, this is not a solo effort. They work with many other departments and divisions, as well as Jeff Steinsnyder, county attorney; Margaret Smith (county engineer), and we thank them for their assistance and direction every day, as well as our field crews.

Published February 08, 2023

County upholds bid award, despite protest by competitor

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The Pasco County Commission has upheld the award of a three-year contract with Sunbelt Sod & Grading Company, for as-needed sod, despite a protest by a competitor.

The three-year award is for the amount of $1,755,000 — which works out to $585,000 for fiscal year 2023; $585,000 for fiscal year 2024; and $585,000 for fiscal year 2025.

The contract is retroactive to Oct. 1, 2022 and runs through Sept. 30, 2025.

The county had its bid opening on Aug. 2 and Sunbelt Sod & Grading Company, based in Hillsborough County, was the sole bidder.

After the bid was opened, the current contract holder, Megascapes Landscape & Maintenance, based in Pasco County, contacted the county’s purchasing department and said its bid would have been much lower.

The county’s purchasing staff subsequently issued a notice to reject all bids and notified Megascapes that it planned to bid out the work again.

But that decision was protested by Sunbelt, which argued it would be at a competitive disadvantage because its price had been revealed.

The county agreed and, as is permitted, negotiated with Sunbelt to achieve a lower price and a fixed price for three years.

Megascapes then protested the county’s decision not to re-bid the contract.

That protest was denied by County Administrator Mike Carballa, who determined Megascapes had no standing.

The county’s position is that it is bound to uphold the integrity of its process.

Next, the issue came to the county board for its consideration at its Jan. 24 meeting.

Charles Graham, representing Megascapes, acknowledged that he failed to submit a bid on the project. He said his company had intended to do so and had even calculated its bid amount, which would have been a reduction of its current contract amount.

“We totally missed it. Didn’t see it. Human error,” Graham said.

“I finally placed a call to the purchasing department and realized to my horror that three days earlier it had closed. We had fully intended to submit a bid.”

Commissioner Kathryn Starkey told Graham: “I think we have to be fair to everyone.

“As much as I would love to pay less money …  if you don’t bid, you don’t bid.”

Commissioner Seth Weightman agreed: “We have to uphold the integrity of this process.”

So did Commissioner Gary Bradford: “A mistake was made. They acknowledged it. A bid came in. The county played by the rules and I think that, because of that, we should support, uphold the decision by the county administrator.”

Published February 08, 2023

Forest Service announces grant programs

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The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service announced it will offer $41 million through the 2023 Wood Innovations Grant and 2023 Community Wood Grant programs, to spark innovation and create new markets for wood products and renewable wood energy, according to a news release.

These grants expand wood products use and strengthen emerging wood energy markets, supporting sustainable forest management, and were made possible in part by President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Inflation Reduction Act, the release said.
“These grant programs provide opportunities for communities and businesses to develop innovative uses and markets for wood, a renewable and economical resource. Previous Wood Innovations Grants are making a difference across the country, and we are pleased to continue supporting wood use ingenuity that helps our communities and forests,” said Forest Service Chief Randy Moore, in the release.

Eligible project examples for the Wood Innovations Grant Program include:

  • Architectural and engineering designs, cost analyses, and permitting to secure financing for commercial wood construction or wood energy projects development
  • Establishing or increasing wood products manufacturing to support forest restoration
  • Showcasing environmental and economic benefits of wood as a sustainable commercial building material to encourage growth in the industry
  • Establishing statewide wood use teams or wood energy teams
  • Developing wood energy projects that use residues from wood products or woody biomass
  • Developing commercial woody biomass and wood product industrial parks
  • Overcoming market barriers to stimulate wood energy expansion
  • Purchasing wood processing equipment to create markets supporting forest management

Eligible submissions for the Community Wood Grant Program’s shovel-ready projects include:

  • Community wood heating, cooling, or electricity systems that replace fossil fuels
  • Purchase and installation of manufacturing equipment at a mass timber production facility
  • Expanding sawmills with innovative technologies, cost-cutting measures and higher value production lines
  • Equipment purchase and installation at new facilities producing forest products biofuels

To apply for either grant, applicants must be registered with the System for Award Management (SAM).

Applications should show a clear benefit to underserved or historically marginalized people, communities, and the forests they value.

For-profit entities, state and local governments, Indian Tribes, school districts, nonprofit organizations, higher education institutions, public utilities, and fire and conservation districts are eligible to apply.

For more information and details on the 2023 Wood Innovations funding opportunity, visit tinyurl.com/y78j8ct6.

For information on the 2023 Community Wood Energy and Wood Innovation Program, visit tinyurl.com/3hynet5j.

Applications for both grants may be submitted via email to the Forest Service Regional Wood Innovations coordinator listed in the instructions. The application deadline is March 23, 2023 at 5 p.m.

Published February 08, 2023