The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Local News

The Point Distillery to produce The Rolling Stones’ Crossfire Hurricane

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A distillery in Pasco County that recently expanded to add new bottling lines and new jobs has secured a contract to produce The Rolling Stones’ first-ever spirit, Crossfire Hurricane, according to a Pasco Economic Development Council news release.

Pasco County helped The Point Distillery to expand, by providing economic incentives.

Spencer Wolf, CEO of The Point Distillery, expressed his exuberance by his company’s selection by The Rolling Stones to bottle a rum known as Crossfire Hurricane.

The Point Distillery in New Port Richey has been selected by The Rolling Stones to bottle a rum known as Crossfire Hurricane, the band’s first-ever spirit. (Courtesy of Pasco Economic Development Council)

“We are beyond ecstatic and very proud to be producing a product for the most iconic rock band in the world,” Wolf said, in the release.

He credited his team and called it “a classic example of how local government can work hand-in-hand with business, creating employment opportunities, economic growth and provide unique recognition both domestically and internationally for Pasco County.”

He said the announcement of the launch has been featured internationally by the media.

The Point Distillery, at 11807 Little Road in New Port Richey, will carry out the entire rum-bottling process.

That includes setting the bottling line up for production, filling the bottles with the Crossfire Hurricane rum, completing the packaging by attaching the corks and labeling, and, lastly, sealing the bottles with a capsule over the cork. The products will then be packed into display cases ready for shipment to distributors, the news release says.

“As The Rolling Stones say, the consumer can now ‘take your tongue for a ride with Crossfire Hurricane.’ We make the rum, they make the music,” Wolf added.

Bill Cronin, president/CEO of Pasco EDC, also weighed in.

“Securing a contract like this brings more job opportunities to our residents and showcases our business community in such a cool and different light,” Cronin said, in the release. “The county supported The Point and its expansion and now they are working with one of, if not, the biggest name in rock ‘n’ roll.”

Pasco County Commission Chairman Jack Mariano is delighted, too.

“Pasco County is proud to share in the success of such a top-notch company that’s truly premier in the industry,” Mariano said, in the release. “The Point Distillery is now exporting products around the U.S. and the world – with more than 30 full-time employees.”

The board chairman also noted: “Our board has provided the company with approximately $239,000 in repayable equipment purchase loans over the past several years, which is a great example of how Pasco County supports redevelopment and thriving small businesses.”

Published December 06, 2023

City of San Antonio objects to potential Orange Belt Trail Route

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The City of San Antonio is raising objections to one of the paths for the proposed 37-mile Orange Belt Trail, intended for runners, walkers and cyclists to make their way across Pasco County.

As envisioned, the trail will be a multi-use path from Trinity to Trilby.

San Antonio officials have declared their opposition, specifically, to the proposed B1 Route of the trail, citing concerns by residents that the path is too close to private homes and could result in various negative impacts.

The objections are outlined in a Sept. 20 letter to the Pasco County Commission, from Mayor John Vogel II, Mayor pro-tempore Mark B. Anderson and commissioners Alison Cagle, Kevin Damic and Sarah Schrader.

Pasco County Commissioner Ron Oakley, whose district stretches across about half of Pasco County, including San Antonio, asked Pasco County Clerk & Comptroller Nikki Alvarez-Sowles to read a letter into the record, at the county board’s Nov. 14 meeting.

The letter notes that the city appreciates the county’s efforts to expand recreational opportunities and promote connectivity.

However, the city officials said, as representatives of the residents of San Antonio, they felt compelled to do their “due diligence in protecting the interests and well-being of our community.”

The letter adds: “We believe that the proposed B1 Route poses significant drawbacks and concerns for our community.

“Route B1 of the Orange Belt Trail Route intersects with several residential neighborhoods, leading to concerns of privacy, safety, and noise pollution.

“The increased foot and bicycle traffic in these areas may disrupt the tranquility and security that residents have long enjoyed in their homes, qualities many have sought after and appreciated in their decision to call San Antonio home.

“Moreover, the potential for increase in littering, vandalism and other undesirable activities along the trail is a worry for many.”

City commissioners also noted they’ve been approached by residents “with fears of eminent domain, and discomfort with having a public trail in close proximity to their private homes and yards.

“Traffic congestion and safety are additional worries associated with the B1 Route.

“Sections of the trail would intersect with small residential streets — including Railroad Avenue, Michigan Avenue and Joe Hermann Drive, creating potential hazards for residents of the streets, trail users and motorists,” the letter adds.

Safety is a major issue, too.

An increase of pedestrians and cyclists, particularly near Curley Street, city leaders wrote, “would lead to an uptick in accidents endangering lives and property.”

The letter also raises concerns about a lack of community involvement in the process.

“We believe that the proposed Orange Belt Trail Route does not adequately consider the preferences and needs of our community,” the letter says.

“We feel that our concerns have not been adequately addressed,” it adds.

Communication has been lacking, too, city leaders say.

“Paths for the proposed routes have changed between public meetings, with sparse details available, leading to confusion and uncertainty over who will be impacted by the project.

“We urge the Pasco County Board of County Commissioners to undertake a more comprehensive and inclusive community engagement process to ensure that the trail aligns with the wishes and values of our residents,” the letter continues.

The city leaders urge the county board to reject the B1 Route within San Antonio.

“While we are not opposed to the Orange Belt Trail as a project overall, we are strongly opposed to any route that would run adjacent to any of the city of San Antonio residential streets.

“Routes B2 and B3, adjacent to State Road 52 and County Road 52, would have a less significant impact on the City of San Antonio community and residents.

“We believe that a more thoughtful and community-driven approach is necessary to address the concerns of residents, protect our environment and enhance our city’s recreational offerings.

“We look forward to further dialogue and collaboration with the Pasco County Board of County Commissioners to find a solution that benefits our community as a whole,” the letter says.

Concerns about the alignment of the Orange Belt Trail have been voiced throughout community meetings regarding planning for the recreational path.

Property owners have voiced worries that they could lose portions of their land through eminent domain to make way for the trail.

Pasco County Commissioner Kathryn Starkey, a staunch advocate for trails, in general, and for the Orange Belt Trail, in particular, has proclaimed those fears are unfounded. There are no plans for the county to take property against property owner wishes for the Orange Belt Trail, Starkey has said repeatedly at public meetings.

While acknowledging the concerns that have been raised about the Orange Belt Trail’s path, Oakley has said he believes a path will be found to move the project forward.

The Orange Belt Trail will, more or less, follow the path of the old railway and will link communities such as Trinity, Odessa, Land O’ Lakes, Wesley Chapel and Dade City.

It is expected to have recreational and economic opportunities along the way and will make use of the Coast-to-Coast Trail, Starkey Trail, Suncoast Trail and Withlacoochee Trail. The multi-use trail is expected to be 12 feet to 14 feet wide, and will be paved, but portions of the path also could incorporate equestrian uses.

Published December 06, 2023

Audrey Major, co-owner of ‘The Party Line’ passes on

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There was a time when Audrey and Alban Major, co-owners of “The Party Line,” were widely known in the communities of Lutz and Land O’ Lakes.

“The paper – everybody wanted it. It just covered every facet of life here. The photo element really was much more extensive than most small papers had at that time,” said Dr. Susan A. MacManus, who lives in Land O’ Lakes.

MacManus is an expert on Florida politics and co-author of local history books about Lutz and Land O’ Lakes.

“If there was an event, they would cover it. And, if there was a family accomplishment or a highlight of someone’s achievement, they would publish it.

“So, basically, anyone who wanted to share news, they were the venue for doing it,” MacManus said.

Audrey and Alban Major were the co-owners of The Party Line, a community newspaper that covered all facets of daily life in Lutz and Land O’ Lakes. Audrey died at age 100 on Nov. 17. (Courtesy of Dr. Susan A. MacManus)

The couple was tuned in to what mattered to area residents, she added.

“They were neighborly, very insightful about what people enjoyed about local life and they were sort of like the glue that stuck the communities of Land O’ Lakes and Lutz together,” said MacManus, whose family supported the creation of a digital collection of historic photographs and documents, which was recently dedicated at the Lutz Branch Library.

MacManus said one story published by The Party Line was particularly notable.

“They ran a piece that was classic, what I think was exemplary of their service to the community, which really identified all the old pioneer families in the area. It, to my knowledge, was the only such collection that was ever done along those lines,” she said.

Audrey Major, of Lutz, a co-owner of The Party Line, passed away peacefully on Nov. 17 at her home, at the age of 100, according to information provided to The Laker/Lutz News by her daughter, Heidi M. Taylor.

Audrey was born on Oct. 7, 1923 to Capt. Adrian and Amey Bicker-Caarten in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, as a dual citizen of the United States and Great Britain.

In St. Thomas she lived in the family compound, which included Black Beard’s Castle, according to obituary information, provided by her daughter.

While living in St Thomas, she flew with Charles Lindbergh, the obituary says.

When she was 10, Audrey’s family moved to London, where she attended boarding school.

“One day, Audrey defied warnings and climbed a Monkey Tree with huge thorns. She refused to come down because of the thorns, so the school had to rescue her,” the obituary information says. 

The obituary goes on to say that Audrey was a registered nurse at 18, working in a London hospital during World War II.

Her obituary provides these additional details.

“Her family evacuated London, but Audrey stayed behind with her dog, a British Bull Terrier. One day, as bombs were falling, she ran to an air raid shelter where they refused to let her in because dogs were not allowed. She refused to go inside without her dog. They finally let her in.

“Amidst the bombings, she cared for the wounded at a London hospital. She alternated working on the live ambulance and the dead ambulance. In 1945, she cared for Holocaust survivors among the other war veterans after her fiancé’s fighter plane was shot down.”

By 1947, she had moved to the United States and in 1950, she met her husband, Alban, in Miami.

The Party Line’s office operated out of a building that was originally constructed by the MacManus family.

The family relocated to Lutz, where Audrey and Alban owned and operated “The Party Line,” with the help of their three children.

Alban was the reporter and photographer and Audrey was the editor.

Alban died suddenly at age 65, and after that Audrey founded a single-family home property management business, known as “MD Management.”

The company thrived and Audrey continued to run it until she was 90.

In addition to her professional life, she had many other interests.

She loved reading romantic novels, was an avid gardener at one point having 150 rose bushes and 50 orchids, and loved dogs, British Bull Terriers and German Shepherds, in particular.

She also enjoyed traveling the world with her three granddaughters, Amey, Norah and Paulla, the obituary says.

“In 1965, Audrey planted a Monkey Tree as a reminder not to do stupid things in life,” the obituary adds.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 35 years, Alban Roland Major; her son, Patrick Scott Major, and siblings, Capt. Delmar John Bicker-Caarten, Capt. James Bicker-Caarten and Peter Bicker-Caarten.

She is survived by her son, Gil R. Major, and his wife, Pamela, and daughter, Heidi M. Taylor and her husband, Stephen; and her grandchildren, Amey Major and Billy Marckesano, Norah Taylor and Paulla Taylor; and great-grandchild, Jamie Marckesano.

The Party Line went on to become The Lutz News, which went on to become The Laker/Lutz News.

Published December 06, 2023

Pasco planning board recommends against cell tower

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A request for a 155-foot cell tower in an Odessa neighborhood has met with resistance from area residents and has received a recommendation for denial from a divided planning board.

An attorney for the applicants, Joan E. Patterson/Anthemnet and Verizon Wireless, told the planning board that the request meets the requirements spelled out in county regulations and asked the board to agree with the planning staff’s recommendation for approval.

The application called for a 155-foot pole, including a 150-foot monopine, which resembles a pine tree, as well as a 5-foot lightning rod on a property at the terminus of Roland Drive, about 600 feet north of Balough Road, in Odessa.

Neighbors made their objections loud and clear during a Nov. 16 public hearing before the Pasco County Planning Commission.

Residents expressed fears about potential negative impacts on their health and also on their property values.

A request for a 155-foot cell tower, which will be disguised as a tree, in an Odessa neighborhood has met with resistance from area residents and has received a recommendation for denial from a divided Pasco County planning board.

They said the cell tower would become an eyesore in an area that boasts natural beauty.

One speaker told the planning board that if a cell tower must be approved, it would be better to have one of a different design.

He voiced concerns about the monopine’s materials deteriorating and shedding over time, posing environmental risk to people, property, wetlands and a lake.

Others expressed worries about the wear and tear that will be created as trucks come to the site to build and maintain the cell tower.

David Goldstein, Pasco’s chief assistant county attorney, told the audience that the Federal Communications Commission has preempted local governments from regulating cell towers based upon potential harmful effects on people, plants or animals from radiofrequency emissions.

The planning board’s role, he said, is to look at it from a land use and zoning perspective and not to consider any potential health effects.

Planning Commissioner Jon Moody was receptive to the argument that materials shedding from a monopine could have negative impacts. He called for approval of the request, but said the cell tower should be a monopole, made of galvanized steel.

While not being able to produce hard evidence, other speakers told the planning board they fear the presence of a cell tower in their neighborhood would deter buyers, should they ever want to sell their homes.

Planning Commissioner Jaime Girardi raised concerns about placing a cell tower in a residential neighborhood, and, in general, about the increasing proliferation of cell towers.

“Are we heading down the path that we’re going to have a cell tower every mile in the county?” Girardi asked.

Bill Compton, a technical expert for the applicant, said there are areas where the sites are needed that close together based on demand and cell tower capacity.

Girardi said he’s also concerned about this request because “it’s very close to existing residential in the area,” noting the tower would be just 100 feet from the property line.

“That’s bothersome to me,” he said. Girardi added: “I think we’re headed down a dangerous path here, if you need one of these things every mile.”

Planning Commissioner Derek Pontlitz, who voted in favor of the request, said today’s technology demands the installation of cell towers to support it.

Planning Commissioner Richard Tonello asked if the roads leading to the site will allow the equipment needed to carry the necessary materials to build the tower.

Representatives for the applicant said the roads are sufficient to gain access and any damage that occurs to the roads during the construction phase will be repaired.

The attorney for the applicant also noted that if any damage to the monopine’s fronds occurs, the applicant is required to provide repairs within 15 days.

Planning Commission Chairman Charles Grey asked if the applicant would be willing to build a bell tower, rather than a monopole or monopine.

The attorney responded that the clients support a monopole or monopine, not a bell tower structure.

Goldstein asked: “Is it because of a technical reason or cost issue?”

The attorney said cost is a factor, but deferred to her expert regarding the technical question.

Compton said the types of structures used are becoming a bigger issue as different frequency bands come out.

Grey told his colleagues that he would not support the request.

“We do have a responsibility, as a board, to try to protect the people that live in that area.

“The other thing that I don’t like is that I don’t like it when a company comes and says, ‘We don’t want to do that because it’s going to cost more money.’ How it affects the neighbors is more important to me than whether it’s going to cost more money.

“I’m not sure all of the best efforts were made here to find the better location,” Grey said. 

The planning board voted 3-2 to recommend denial of the request. It now goes to the Pasco County Commission, which has final jurisdiction over zoning and land use issues.

In other action, the planning board:

  • Approved a special exception request from Esther’s School Inc., for a private school in a high-density residential area. The school will operate on a roughly 6-acre site on the south side of State Road 52, about 165 feet east of Meadow Drive.
  • Recommended approval of a request by The Crossings at Sunlake to rezone a 3.69-acres site on the north side of State Road 52, at the intersection of Sunlake Boulevard. The property is zoned for general commercial uses and a light industrial park district. The applicant proposes a general commercial district for a portion of The Crossings at Sunlake Commerce Park. A request is pending to change the comprehensive land use designation on the site from light industrial to commercial.

Published December 06, 2023

Postal Service launches Santa Letter Adoption campaign

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The United States Postal Service (USPS) has launched Operation Santa Letter Adoption for those interested in sending children and families some holiday magic this season.

The campaign turns 111 years old this year and relies solely on random acts of kindness and the generosity of strangers, according to a USPS news release.

(Courtesy of United States Postal Service)

The operation allows people to help children and families have a magical holiday when they otherwise might not – safely and securely. Santa Letter is not a guaranteed gift-giving program.

Since Sept. 18, the postal service has received letters from across the country and has been delivering them to Santa’s U.S. workshop, 123 Elf Road, North Pole 88888. Letters sent with First-Class Mail postage and complete, accurate and legible return addresses have been opened, reviewed and posted on USPSOperationSanta.com, the release says.

Those interested in the program can begin reading and adopting letters now.

Potential adopters must visit USPSOperationSanta.com to register and have their identity verified. Once verified, the adopter will receive a welcome email with detailed information on how to participate in the program. Adopters can read letters and choose one or more to fulfill.

Once a letter is chosen, adopters must follow the directions they receive in their welcome email to ship gifts. (Adopters are responsible for postage fees to ship the packages.)

Letter adoptions began Nov. 20; Dec. 11 is the last day to send letters to Santa; and Dec. 18 is the last day to adopt letters and the recommended date to ship packages.

For details about the program and how to get involved, visit USPSOperationSanta.com.

Published December 06, 2023

Tree-mendous start to the holiday season

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Saint Leo University’s annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony took place on campus in St. Leo on Nov. 30. Hundreds turned out to see the university kick off the holiday season with the lighting. There were vendors, crafts for children, photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, refreshments and caroling, as dignitaries such as University President Ed Dadez and town of St. Leo Mayor Vincent ‘Mike’ D’Ambrosio and Father Lucius Amarillis spoke to the crowd.

Saint Leo University students sing Christmas Carols during the private school’s annual Christmas Tree lighting ceremony. (Mike Camunas)
Rebecca Morales is all smiles holding a lighted candle during the annual Christmas Tree lighting ceremony on Saint Leo’s Campus in East Pasco. The event attracted hundreds who enjoyed a festive celebration filled with songs, prayers and more.
Saint Leo staff member Jenna Humphries, aka Mrs. Claus, wowed the audience at the university’s annual tree lighting ceremony on Nov. 30.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Saint Leo University’s cheer squad performed during the college’s annual tree lighting on Nov. 30.
Saint Leo University’s annual Christmas Tree ceremony featured the lighting of a giant tree, as well as a Christmas Village with vendors, crafts for children, photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, refreshments and caroling.
Those attending Saint Leo University’s annual Christmas Tree lighting ceremony held lighted candles.

Pasco County land development code changes are on the way

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The Pasco County Commission cannot block individuals from pursuing projects under the Florida Legislature’s Live Local Act, but the county board can strip local economic incentives from those projects.

And, that is precisely what the board is considering in the form of amendments to the county’s land development code.

Amendments being considered by the county allow some impact fee exemptions and/or reductions for developments being built for low- and moderate-income families, but those economic incentives would not be granted to individuals who have “invoked the land use/zoning preemption or mandatory property tax exemption in the Live Local Act.”

The board wants to make the same change, relating to traditional neighborhood developments (TNDs) or transit-oriented developments (TODs.)

The proposed changes are among recommendations to Pasco County’s land development code.

County planning staff periodically suggests updates to the code to the county board for its consideration.

Often the new language is aimed at undoing the results of unintended consequences or to correct scrivener’s errors.

But sometimes they arise from new situations, or to provide new direction on substantive issues.

Another recommendation in this batch of code changes would establish enforcement powers for the county to cite private property owners who have not complied with deed restrictions they agreed to impose on their own properties.

Specifically, the county will be able to cite individuals who fail to comply with a recorded deed restriction that was used to secure a county development approval or a county mobility fee or impact fee exemption waiver or reduction.

The county has been using private deed restrictions as a tool to prevent property owners from seeking and securing zoning changes, and then turning around and invoking the Live Local Act to develop the site.

It appears highly likely that the county board will strip away any local incentives it has within its control relating to projects developed under the Live Local Act.

The Florida Legislature adopted the Live Local Act last session, as a way of spurring more development of affordable housing. The act makes it impossible for local governments to block the conversion of existing commercial, industrial and mixed-use sites to be developed for multifamily use, if the project meets requirements regarding the provision of affordable housing units for a specified period. The law also provides a tax break for such projects.

Pasco County board members have been highly critical of the law saying that it undermines local efforts to expand job opportunities locally, which would enable the county to shed its longstanding role of being a bedroom community for people who commute to Hillsborough and Pinellas counties for work.

Other changes being recommended include a requirement that neighborhood meetings relating to a proposed development be scheduled after an application has been deemed complete, in terms of content.

fThat amendment is intended to ensure that the public has the pertinent information, which has not always happened in the past, according to Denise Hernandez, the county’s zoning administrator.

The proposed code changes also address an issue regarding repeated requests on the same property for a variance, or for the use of an alternative standard.

An applicant still will be able to make the same request multiple times, but the proposed code change specifies waiting periods between repeated applications.

The Planning Commission recommended approval of the code changes during a Nov. 16 public hearing on the issue. The county board was scheduled to take up the issue on Dec. 5, after The Laker/Lutz News went to press. A final public hearing by the county board is scheduled for Jan. 9.

Published December 06, 2023

Lighting the way to celebrate Christmas

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The annual Celebration of Lights, at the Grand Concourse in Shady Hills, is back.

On weekends through Dec. 23, local Christmas and holiday enthusiasts can visit the annual Celebration of Lights, which is at Safety Town in Shady Hills. The venue features dancing lights and wide-ranging holiday décor. Patrons can ride the Grand Concourse Holiday Train after the mile-long drive-thru of light displays, see the miniature town decorated, and visit with local gift and food vendors. (Mike Camunas)

Visitors can hop in their cars and drive through a mile-long light display on weekends through Dec. 23, and the display also will continue for a few days after Dec. 25.

But there’s more.

Holiday enthusiasts can then park and walk, or take the Polar Express — er, the Grand Concourse Holiday Train to Safety Town, to see the miniature displays of Pasco County landmarks all lit up with dancing light displays.

Beyond the lights and train rides, local gift and food vendors also will be there to give visitors a chance to do some shopping and grab a bite.

The Grinch and Jolly Ol’ Saint Nick — aka Santa Claus — will be there, too, available for pictures.

Strollers and wheelchairs are permitted on the grounds.

The Celebration of Lights opened in late 2014, and this nonprofit fundraising event is produced by The Concourse in partnership with Pasco County Parks, Recreation, and Natural Resources, West Pasco Sertoma, The Grand Concourse Railroad Inc. club and Friends of Dave Parris.

Parris, founder of the celebration, passed away from cancer in 2014.

Celebration of Lights & Grand Concourse Holiday Train
Where: 11919 Alric Pottberg Road, in Shady Hills
When: Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays thru Dec. 23, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Cost: $25 per car; $3 per train rider
Details: See the 2023 Celebration of Lights at The Concourse by boarding the Christmas Train for a festive ride (or walk the trail) to Safety Town to walk through the enchanted miniature town of lights. Gift and food vendors also will be on location, after visitors enjoy a mile-long car ride to see dancing light displays. Bonus nights are Dec. 26 through Dec. 30. Event nights are weather permitting.
Info: Visit CelebrationOfLightsFl.org.

Published December 06, 2023

Safety Town displays Pasco County landmarks, all lit up for the holidays during the Celebration of Lights, on weekends through Dec. 23.
Take a ride on the Grand Concourse Holiday Train to enjoy the Celebration of Lights in Safety Town.
Visitors by the carload can travel through the mile-long trail of dancing lights and other displays at the Celebration of Lights, at 11919 Alric Pottberg Road, in Shady Hills, on weekends through Dec. 23.

 

Daystar thrift store announces new hours

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Daystar Hope Center of Pasco has announced new hours for its thrift store this winter season, as its inventory must be reduced for remodeling.

(Courtesy of Daystar Hope Center of Pasco)

The store will be open the first Saturday of each month, from 9 a.m. to noon. Items for sale include clothing, baby/kid stuff, electronics, home entertainment, exercise equipment, sporting goods, furniture, household items, tools, and more, according to a news release.

Daystar is a local charity dedicated to serving the disadvantaged people of the area. At present, more than 500 families are provided with food, clothing, medicine, rent assistance, utilities assistance, temporary housing, transportation assistance, referral assistance with governmental agencies, and more, according to its mission statement.

Daystar Hope Center is located at 15512 U.S. 301 in Dade City, 1.3 miles north of downtown Dade City, at the northeast corner of U.S. 301 and Pioneer Museum Road. Additional overflow parking is available across the street at the Dade City Business Center.

The thrift store will operate with its normal hours on weekdays — Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 9 a.m. to noon.

For more information, contact Glen Thompson at 352-567-7449 or .

These soups can provide warmth and comfort, especially on chilly days

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After a brutally hot summer, we finally can welcome a chill in the air.

While people in some places dread the approach of winter, Floridians tend to get excited about breaking out their cold-weather clothing and stoking wood in their fire pits again.

Add soups to your menu, to provide warmth and comfort, especially when you are battling with a cold or dealing with cold weather. Soups provide easy meals, whether cooked on the stove, or in a slow cooker. (Pixabay.com)

Winter also is a time of year for certain meals to find their ways back onto menus, and that’s especially true for soups.

A comfort food in the colder months, soups also are a great option for the days you’re sick — and, we all know the flu season coincides with the colder months.  

While all of that coughing and blowing your nose can make you dehydrated, soups provide a great way to rehydrate and replenish electrolytes.

At the same time, you can get some sinus relief from the steam, and benefit from the nutrient-dense vegetables, which provide needed vitamins and minerals.  

While soup won’t cure a cold, it seems to be just what the nose, lungs and throat need on a sick day.  

As with any food, it’s important to pay attention to what you are consuming.

For instance, canned soups are high in sodium, with some having as much as 50% or more of the day’s sodium recommendation.  

Cream-based soups have more calories and saturated fat, so broth-based soups are a healthier alternative.

There are many ways to prepare soup, but the University of New Hampshire Extension offers a basic formula to simplify the process. It recommends choosing an item from each of these categories:  

  • A fat to heat in a large pot (oil — olive, canola, etc., butter or margarine)
  • 3 cups of chopped vegetables in addition to 1 onion (celery, carrots, zucchini, squash, kale, etc.), can be fresh, canned or frozen
  • A protein (canned or fresh beef, chicken, ham, sausage, black beans, kidney beans, chickpeas, etc.)
  • A starch (diced potatoes, noodles, rice, barley)
  • Broth Broth (crushed or diced tomatoes, chicken/beef/vegetable bouillon or broth, etc.)
  • Dried seasoning (basil, rosemary, bay leaves, pepper) during the cooking process, or fresh herbs to add at the end.

What’s the difference between broth and stock?
Stock is made with the bones of chicken or beef, for example, while broth is made from the chicken or beef meat itself.

Broth is typically lighter, and stock is thicker due to the bone marrow and collagen released from boiling the bones.  

Stock has bones, water and aromatic vegetables simmered for 2 hours to 6 hours, with added herbs and spices. Broth contains meat, vegetables and salt — and possibly seasoning — and is simmered for under 2 hours.  

Stock typically has more calories, fat, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, and protein.

Essentially, there’s no such thing as a true vegetable stock because vegetables don’t have bones.

So, if a brand offers vegetable stock and vegetable broth, the label is likely related to marketing.

Soup is a staple in many cultures.

Choices include miso, pasta fagioli, matzo ball, French onion and, of course, a favorite among many Americans — classic chicken noodle soup.

With so many ways to mix and match soups, it’s easy to see why it’s never a boring menu option.

It’s also affordable.

Making a double or triple batch to get a second dinner, several lunches, or both can be accomplished without having to spend a fortune on the extra ingredients.  

I love Iowa State Extension’s website for recipes, they have more than 20 soup recipes, with many that cost less than a dollar per serving. Check out some of those recipes, which accompany this column.

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 

Soup recipes (Courtesy of Iowa State Extension)

Winter Black Bean Soup
Serving size: 1 ¼ cups; serves: 4

Ingredients:
3 cups black beans, cooked
2 teaspoons vegetable oil
1/2 cup onion, chopped (about 1/2 medium onion)
1 Tablespoon chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin (optional)
1 can (14.5 ounces) Mexican-style diced tomatoes
1 cup water
1 Tablespoon lime or lemon juice (optional)
Nonfat yogurt or low-fat sour cream and cilantro for garnish (optional)

Instructions:
Prepare beans as directed.
Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
Add onion and cook.
Stir until onion begins to soften (about 2 to 3 minutes).
Add chili powder.
Add cumin, if desired. Cook and stir for 1 minute.
Add tomatoes, beans and water.
Bring to a boil.
Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes (covered).
Remove from heat and stir in lime or lemon juice, if desired.
Garnish before serving.

Mexican Chicken Soup
Serving size: 1 cup, serves 8

Ingredients:
2 cans (15 ounces) diced tomatoes (Mexican-style)
1 can (15 ounces) black beans (drained and rinsed)
2 cups frozen corn or 1 can (15 ounces) corn (drained and rinsed)
1 can (14.5 ounces) low sodium chicken broth OR 2 cups homemade chicken broth
2 cloves garlic, minced, or 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin (optional)
|1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 pound skinless, boneless chicken breast
Optional ingredients: baked tortilla chips, chopped cilantro, sliced or chopped avocado, light sour cream, shredded cheese

Instructions:
Add tomatoes, beans, corn, broth, garlic, chili powder, cumin (if desired) and pepper to large saucepan.
Remove and discard any visible fat from chicken.
Cut chicken into large chunks and add to the saucepan.
Heat to boiling, reduce heat, and simmer (covered) for 20 minutes, or until chicken is tender.
Remove the chicken and place on a plate.
Use forks to shred the chicken. Return the shredded chicken to soup.
Serve with choice of optional ingredients.

Slow Cooker Black-Eyed Pea Soup
Serving size: 1.5 cups, serves: 5

Ingredients:
1/2 pound dried black-eyed peas
2 cups vegetable broth
1 cup water
6 carrots, chopped
2 ribs celery, chopped
1 medium onion, chopped
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon seasoning (basil, dried oregano, rosemary, or sage

Instructions:
Rinse and sort black-eyed peas to remove any dirt or debris.
Place all ingredients in the slow cooker and mix.
Cook on low for 8 hours.

Published December 06, 2023