Local News

Pasco road improvements outlined in tentative five-year plan

November 21, 2023 By B.C. Manion

Road widenings, resurfacing projects and sidewalk construction are all part of the Florida Department of Transportation’s (FDOT) five-year tentative work program in Pasco County.

Brian Hunter, a planning manager for FDOT’s District 7 office gave members of the Pasco County Metropolitan Planning Organization an overview of what’s in the plan, and he also talked about some shifts in priorities.

The Pasco MPO is the lead transportation planning agency for Pasco and its board is made up of elected leaders from Pasco County, Zephyrhills, Dade City, New Port Richey and Port Richey.

Hunter explained that the tentative work program essentially lays out the work that FDOT plans to do in Pasco County — and includes the work it plans to do with partners, such as GoPasco and the Zephyrhills Municipal Airport.

Timing for improvements to the intersection of State Road 54 and U.S. 41 remain uncertain. The Florida Department of Transportation’s tentative five-year work plan calls for delaying right of way acquisition until 2028 to make sure that FDOT has the clearance it needs to acquire the land. (Mike Camunas)

“It includes all of the phases, from planning, to design/right of way/construction and maintenance on some of those facilities,” Hunter said.

The state transportation department is wrapping up the five-year plan that ends in fiscal year 2028 and will be adding fiscal year 2029.

The FDOT also receives comments from the public and the MPO, then makes any adjustments necessary before submitting the tentative work plan to the Legislature, Hunter said. The deadline for comments from the MPO was Nov. 20.

Once the Legislature approves a plan and it gets signed by the governor, the plan takes effect on July 1, 2024, becoming the adopted 2025 through 2029 work program, Hunter said.

He explained how FDOT determines its priorities.

“Our first priority is to always preserve our existing projects. If something has a cost change, our first priority is to add funds to that; or, if there’s a scope change, our first priority is to add funds to it, to make sure that project is whole.”

“The second is, we move on to the next phase of a project.

“If we had design funding and we need to add right of way funding to it, and it’s the appropriate time to do so, we move those projects forward — with the hopeful goal of moving to construction on those.

“The third priority is to add those new projects.”

The priorities are based on the MPO priorities, regional priorities and FDOT priorities.

“If there was a project that was in the previous work program presentation that I don’t mention today, that doesn’t mean that it has been removed or anything like that. It just means that there was no significant change,” Hunter told the Pasco MPO board, noting there are about 500 projects in District 7.

One project that has been of major interest in Pasco County involves the improvement of the State Road 54/U.S. 41 interchange, in Land O’ Lakes.

“We deferred the right of way to fiscal year 2028 on that,” Hunter said.

The department did that because it needs to have the appropriate documents to purchase right of way for the project and, until it does, it made sense to delay the funding into the year it would actually be used, Hunter said.

But a discussion during the board’s meeting may spur FDOT to consider early acquisition of a portion of the necessary right of way, to ensure that it’s not used for a different use before the intersection improvement project can move forward.

That issue is expected to be discussed again at the Pasco MPO board’s meeting in January.

Hunter also noted that Collector/Distributor roads previously in the five-year plan for the I-75/I-275 also have been shifted out of the five-year plan because of changing priorities.

Plans that are being recommended include:

Widening U.S. 301. The tentative work program calls for right of way acquisition for that project in 2029
Widening of Old Pasco Road. Right of way was added in fiscal year 2026 and construction was added in fiscal year 2028. Pasco County will be delivering that project, with some assistance from FDOT.

The plan also includes a number of resurfacing projects, some pedestrian/bicycle improvements and improvements at Zephyrhills Municipal Airport.

Other items of note include $5 million for enhancements at Zephyrhills Municipal Airport and $54 million for GoPasco.

Pasco County Commission Chairman Jack Mariano also raised an issue relating to the design for pedestrian/bicycle overpasses.

Traffic frequently backs up at U.S. 41 and State Road 54. It’s the intersection where much of the traffic heading east and west through Pasco County meets up with much of the taffic moving north and south.

Two overpasses are planned in Pasco — one at the Suncoast Expressway and State Road 52, and another at the Suncoast Expressway at State Road 54.

Mariano asked if the state could look into a simpler design, which might enable the projects to be done more quickly and at a lower cost. If that happens, he said, funding might be available for more projects.

He pointed to a specific overpass in the Kissimmee area as an example.

“We can take a look at this,” Hunter said.

Mariano also noted that U.S. 41 runs from Miami to Detroit and there’s only one section of the road that’s two lanes.

“That section runs from State Road 52 all of the way up to (Hernando) County Line Road,” Mariano said.

Mariano said a study was done years ago, taking a look at that section.

He said he’d like for the FDOT team to take a look at it again.

Hunter replied: “We’ve heard a lot recently about the (U.S.) 41 and the two-lane section.

“We can take a look at it, see if there’s any way we can move that project forward.

“It’s the same problem we have with every project, it’s all funding constraints. But we can see if there’s any way to kind of piece it together and make it work,” Hunter said.

Major Pasco County projects

These are some of the projects in the Florida Department of Transportation’s District 7’s tentative work program, Fiscal Year 2025 through Fiscal Year 2029:

Add lanes and reconstruct State Road 52, from east of U.S. 41 to Ehren Cutoff
Add lanes and reconstruct U.S. 301, from south of State Road 56 to south of State Road 39
Design work to address sidewalk gaps and construction of sidewalks at various locations
Add lanes and reconstruct U.S. 301, from State Road 39 to County Road 54
Add lanes and rehabilitate pavement on Old Pasco Road, from County Road 54/Wesley Chapel Boulevard to north of Sonny Drive
Resurface State Road 56, from Bruce B. Downs to Meadow Pointe Boulevard
Sidewalk at (Pasco Elementary) on Fort King Road, from Hester to north of Coleman
Bike/path trail on Perrine Ranch Road, from east of Grand Boulevard to Mountain Ash Way
Transportation planning for Pasco County, for fiscal year 2029-2030
U.S. 19 pedestrian crossings at various locations
Interstate 75 landscaping, from State Road 54 to south end of Overpass Road, southbound on ramp
Resurfacing of U.S. 41, from Washington Lane to County Line Road
Resurfacing of Interstate 275/Interstate 75, from the Hillsborough County line to County Road 54.
Resurfacing of U.S. 41, from Bell Lake Road to east of Ehren Cutoff
Resurfacing of Alternate U.S. 19, from Pinellas County line to U.S. 19
Resurfacing State Road 54, from Bruce B. Downs Boulevard to east of Curley Road
Resurfacing of U.S. 98/U.S. 301, from north Long Avenue to south of U.S. 98
Signage/pavement markers for wrong way drivers at various interstate ramps
Traffic management system, U.S. 41 from Hillsborough County line to Hernando County line
Aviation capacity project, Zephyrhills Municipal Airport

Source: Florida Department of Transportation, District 7

Published November 22, 2023

Land O’ Lakes Boulevard undergoing repaving

November 21, 2023 By Mike Camunas

The Florida Department of Transportation began the 3 ¼-mile repaving of Land O’ Lakes Boulevard/U.S. 41, beginning at Bell Lake Road in Land O’ Lakes and heading south to County Line Road/Willow Bend Parkway on Nov. 13. FDOT also will repave a quarter mile of State Road 54, heading west from U.S. 41 until Knight Road. (Mike Camunas)

The Florida Department of Transportation recently announced two projects have been combined to be built under one construction contract, with the new project beginning Nov. 13.

FDOT began construction on repaving both directions of 3.25 miles of Land O’ Lakes Boulevard/U.S. 41, beginning at Bell Lake Road in Land O’ Lakes and heading south, ending at County Line Road/Willow Bend Parkway.

Additionally, FDOT also will repave both directions of a quarter-mile stretch of State Road 54, heading west and ending at Knight Road.

The improvements in this project include milling and resurfacing, pavement reconstruction, pavement markings, drainage improvements, pedestrian/bicyclist enhancements, signage and sidewalk repairs.

According to FDOT, over the construction duration, drivers can expect many nights of lane closures between 7:30 p.m. and 7 a.m. There also will be a few areas with around-the-clock lane closures, but the same number of travel lanes are planned to be maintained by constructing temporary pavement and shifting traffic.

No timeline was provided for completion of the $13 million project,

For weekly scheduled closures, drivers are encouraged to visit the project webpage at https://www.fdottampabay.com/project/759/441659-1-52-01-441658-1-52-01 and sign up to receive free project email alerts.

Published November 22, 2023

Neighbor complaints force delay on proposed commercial rezoning

November 21, 2023 By B.C. Manion

A request that initially had received a recommendation for approval by county planners drew considerable controversy at a public hearing and has been continued until Dec. 7.

Neighbors raised objections to a proposed rezoning that would convert a property currently zoned for neighborhood commercial and residential uses to a general commercial site, which allows a more expansive list of potential commercial uses.

Testimony during the Pasco County Commission’s Nov. 2 public hearing on the request also prompted a county code compliance officer to order an investigation to determine whether code violations have occurred on the property.

A proposed rezoning at the southeast corner of State Road 54 and Shaw Drive in Zephyrhills drew controversy at a Nov. 2 public hearing. (Mike Camunas)

The request was filed in the name of Dawood Hany and Neamataud Nermeen. It involves about 0.86 acres at the southeast corner of State Road 54 and Shaw Drive, in Zephyrhills.

The item had been part of the planning board’s consent agenda — meaning it was not considered to be controversial and would have been approved, along with other requests in a single vote, without public testimony.

But as soon as planners became aware there was opposition, the item was pulled from the consent agenda.

The opponents made it clear that they don’t want the applicants to receive permission to move forward with their plans for a 5,000-square-foot maintenance shop for auto repairs.

Jimmy Nelson, who owns the property immediately behind the proposed rezoning, told the planning board: “I think most of the residents who are here do object to them changing this into a commercial district.

“There’s more cars and concrete. The roads are not done. My road floods already as it is when it rains. My yard gets so flooded, it’s unreal. This is something that me and my wife don’t want.”

His wife, Christina, then proceeded to give the planning board an earful about activities that she said already have occurred on the site.

A home on the site already has been demolished and trees were cut down.

She reported the tree removal, and the property owner was fined, she said.

“There’s two homes over here. I’m guessing that’s what he wants to demolish and use it as a mechanic shop,” she said.

Towing activities have occurred there, too, she said.

“We all work. We’re all blue-collar workers, and there’s children.

“I’m opposed to it. This is not OK. We were a nice quiet neighborhood,” she said.

Her husband showed the planning board a photo on his phone that appears to be a building under construction on the site.

Addressing negative impacts

Neighbors claimed that the applicant’s site has been used for car storage and also for a towing business, which are not allowed under current zoning.

Planning board member Jon Moody asked: “Is there a towing business on the property?”

County planner Liam Devine responded: “No, there isn’t.”

Christina responded: “Yes, there is.”

Devine added: “It looks like there are cars there being stored, when I did a drive-by survey of the property. But I didn’t see towing.”

Moody added: “Is his storage operation in compliance?”

Devine responded: “That would not be.”

Richard Kujawa, who lives on Shaw Drive, told the planning board: “He has been using the property for AAA services, though he says he hasn’t. The gates are still open. He’s got the trucks in there.

“There’s been significant damage done to the road, from him coming in and out,” he said.

Another opponent, who has property on Huron Street, told the planning board: “When I bought the property, there were two houses on the lower end of his property. And then he fenced it in, took the houses down, so that made it all commercial. Took down all of the trees.

“He doesn’t pay attention to the rules.

“It says no trucks on either street, he takes down the signs.

“He’ll do what he wants. We’re just bringing it to your attention,” the Huron Street property owner said.

David Goldstein, chief assistant county attorney, asked the neighbors if the applicant agreed to put up a fence on the south side of the property and prohibit access onto Waverly, if that would address their concerns.

Planning board members discussed a number of ways to address potential impacts — by using deed restrictions or requiring the applicant to bring the final site plan back for the board’s review.

Christina said she would still object because of the noise that would be caused by an auto mechanics shop.

Planning Commission Chairman Grey told his colleagues: “I’d be very reluctant to approve this under the circumstances that have been presented here, mainly because this particular applicant evidently has done a lot of things under the radar. I don’t want the residents to have to come back here every time there’s a violation and report it and then to wait for somebody to deal with it. You know, we don’t need those kinds of activities.

“It’s a matter of trust,” Grey said.

Attorney Shelly Johnson, representing the applicant, suggested delaying the issue until Dec. 7.

She said she wasn’t aware of any issues raised by the neighbors before she came to the meeting. The delay would allow time to meet with neighbors and her client, she said.

“We’re a little flat-footed on it right now,” she said.

The planning board granted her request for continuance, which also will provide time for them to get a report from the county’s code compliance office, regarding the alleged code violations.

Published November 22, 2023

Pasco eyeing expansion of Villages of Pasadena Hills

November 21, 2023 By B.C. Manion

The Pasco County Planning Commission has recommended expansion of the Villages of Pasadena Hills.

The proposal also calls for shifting entitlements from one village in VOPH to another.

The proposed changes, which would be made to the county’s comprehensive plan, also call for improvements to enhance the area’s road network.

The planning board held a public hearing on the item, which now goes to the Pasco County Commission for final action.

The inclusion of additional parcels will help facilitate the construction of essential vision roads of the VOPH Master Roadway Plan, according to background materials in the planning board’s agenda packet.

The additional parcels would be along the current alignment of the Zephyrhills Bypass.

A related action, recommended for approval by the planning board and county planners, calls for a future master-planned unit development, called Hamilton Oaks, to construct a portion of the road for mobility fee credits.

Additionally, the proposal calls for shifting the boundaries in VOPH’s Village B and Village F to enable Prospect Road to be extended by a developer and to create a connection to the existing Curley Road.

The proposed Hamilton Oaks MPUD allows for up to 240 single-family residences. That application also requests for the development to be included within the boundaries of VOPH.

In other action at its Nov. 2 meeting, the planning board:

Recommended approval of a change to the county’s comprehensive plan that would increase allowable residential development on 28.23 acres at the southeast intersection of Ashton Oaks Boulevard and State Road 54. The current land use designation calls for three dwellings per acre. The new designation would allow six units per acre. The applicant is proposing 140 platted townhomes at the site.
Recommended approval of a zoning change that would change the zoning on about 19.82 acres of industrial land at the southwest corner of State Road 52 and Ehren Cutoff from general industrial to light industrial. The change would allow light industrial uses on the portion of the site fronting State Road 52, while preserving general industrial uses on another portion of the property. In essence, the intensity of uses would decrease.
Approved a request for the Cherry Hills West master-planned unit development that will rezone land now zoned for agricultural residential to a designation that would allow a maximum of 160 single-family detached residences on 34.07 acres on the east side of VFW Road, south of County Road 52.

Published November 22, 2023

Tax collector’s office offers season of giving opportunities

November 21, 2023 By Mary Rathman

Pasco County Tax Collector Mike Fasano has announced his office will sponsor these events, to help the community give during the 2023 holiday season:

Be a Santa to a Senior — Participants can drop off a personal care item for a local senior citizen (such as toiletries, bath sets, greeting cards, stationery, stamps, etc.) in any of the collection boxes in each of the five tax collector office locations until Dec. 15.
Toys 4 Tots — Each of the tax collector’s five locations are drop-off sites for the U.S. Marine Corps League’s annual toy drive. Toys will be collected until Dec. 15.
Salvation Army’s Red Kettle Drive — The Gulf Harbors and Wesley Chapel offices will be Red Kettle donation sites on Dec. 9 and Dec. 16 from 8:30 a.m. to noon.
29th Annual Holiday Food Giveaway — Fasano and other officials will distribute food to those in need on Dec. 15. Collection jars will be on display in December in each of the tax collector’s five offices. Donations made will help to purchase fresh food and other items for families in need during the holiday season and into 2024. Donations also can be made online at GovHub.com/fl-pasco/tc-gives/donate.

“Please join the staff of the Pasco County Tax Collector’s Office as we celebrate the holidays by reaching out to those most in need,” Fasano said, in a news release.

“Your support of these wonderful local programs will help countless people enjoy the holidays this year. Your gift of any amount will go a long way toward helping our community have a joyous holiday season,” he added.

For the list of office locations, visit PascoTaxes.com.

For more information, call Greg Giordano, assistant tax collector, at 727-847-8179.

Published November 22, 2023

Thanksgiving travel traffic is expected to be up this year

November 21, 2023 By B.C. Manion

Experts are predicting that holiday traffic will be up this year, as travelers seek to spend time with loved ones during the Thanksgiving break.

AAA is forecasting that 87,000 more Floridians — an uptick of 3% — will travel at least 50 miles during the Thanksgiving holiday travel period.

If you plan to park at Tampa International Airport, it’s wise to reserve your parking online before heading out to the airport. Parking spots could be in short supply at some points during the holidays. (Courtesy of Tampa International Airport)

This year’s forecast for Florida is the second-highest since 2001, the AAA news release says.

Obviously, with more people out and about, the roads will be more congested and the lines will be longer at transportation terminals.

Nationwide, more than 53.3 million Americans are forecast to travel for Thanksgiving, the AAA reports. That marks the third-largest travel volume on record, with nearly 1.3 million — or 2.3% more than last year. Those figures are surpassed only by 2019 and 2005, according to AAA.

Of 3 million Floridians making a trip, about 2.77 million will be traveling by automobile, about 210,000 will be taking to the skies and about 50,500 will be by other means, AAA says.

On average, nearly 80,000 passengers a day are expected to pass through Tampa International Airport (TPA) in the 11-day holiday travel period surrounding Thanksgiving, between Nov. 16 and Nov. 26, according to Emily Nipps, the airport’s director of communications.

The Tampa International Airport expects to see an uptick in travelers this Thanksgiving holiday travel season.

Passenger projections suggest the two busiest days will likely be the Wednesday before Thanksgiving and the Sunday following Thanksgiving. An estimated 84,000 to 87,000 passengers are expected to pass through TPA on each of those two days, according to airport figures.

By comparison, last year an average of 75,000 travelers per day passed through the airport during the Thanksgiving holidays, Nipps said.

New this year, guests who are using ride-share apps like Uber and Lyft for pick up after arriving on the Blue Side will be directed to use the Blue Express Curbsides to relieve congestion at the Blue baggage claim level. Passengers using Uber and Lyft on the Red Side can either use the Red Arrivals drive or take the elevator up and over to the Blue Express Curbsides, where there is less traffic and passengers can be picked up more quickly, according to an airport fact sheet.

You can save time at Tampa International Airport by ordering coffee or snacks through mobile apps. Check the airport’s website to find out more.

Nipps said her biggest tips to make life easier for travelers are these: Pre-book parking online and use the Blue Express curbs for easier and faster pick-ups and drop-offs.

Nationwide, about 49.1 million will be traveling by auto and those road trips are expected to be cheaper because of falling prices at the pump, AAA says.

Before setting out, AAA urges motorists to be sure their vehicles are roadworthy — so they won’t be late, or miss their holiday feasts.

The auto club expects to rescue over 360,000 stranded motorists over Thanksgiving weekend. The three most common reasons for service calls are flat tires, dead batteries and lockouts, AAA says.

Are you flying for the holidays?Here are some air travel tips.

The folks at Tampa International Airport offer these pointers:

Arrive early: Passengers are encouraged to arrive at the airport at least two hours before departure. Those traveling internationally are encouraged to arrive at least three hours before take-off.
Plan ahead for parking. It’s likely the parking garages could reach capacity at various points throughout the holiday season, but you can guarantee a space by booking your parking online, in advance of travels.
Take advantage of Blue Express Curbsides, if you can. Those who are traveling with carry-on luggage only and don’t need to go to ticketing can use the Blue Express Curbsides. They offer a less busy alternative than the regular Departures and Arrivals curbsides. Drivers should follow signs for Blue Express. Blue Express Curbsides are also where ride-share apps pick up arriving passengers on the Airport’s Blue Side. Passengers on the Red Side – where the Red Express Curbsides are currently under construction – can meet their Uber or Lyft outside of the Red baggage claim area.
Check your pockets before going through security: Jams and jellies, cranberry sauce, gravy, bottles of wine and other Thanksgiving treats are commonly confiscated at TSA checkpoints, along with the usual prohibited items such as knives and firearms. To keep things flowing smoothly through screening, be sure to check your pockets and carry-on luggage before leaving home.
Skip the lines: You can order ahead and have a latte or burger or other snack waiting for you when you arrive. You can use TPA To Go or the Starbucks mobile app to order and pay, then swing by the counter to pick up your goods without standing in line.

And now, some additional air travel tips from AAA:

Check-in early online.
Monitor your flight status using your air carrier’s mobile app.
Pack medications and an extra set of clothes in your carry-on bag, just in case your flight is delayed or canceled.
If you haven’t booked your flight yet, book a flight that leaves early in the day. Flights in the afternoon and evening are more susceptible to delays and cancellations.
Book a direct flight or build in extra time for connections, in case your first flight is delayed.
Consider traveling on Thanksgiving Day. This could offer the best combination of availability and price.

Best times to travel

Are you doing a Thanksgiving road trip? AAA says these are the best/worst times:

Nov. 22: Best time, before 11 a.m.; worst time, 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Nov. 23: Best times, before 10 a.m. and after 5 p.m.; worst time, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Nov. 24: Best times, before 11 a.m. and after 7 p.m.; worst time, from noon to 4 p.m.
Nov. 25: Best time, before noon; worst time, from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Nov. 26: Best time, before noon; worst time, from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.

AAA suggestions for your Thanksgiving road trip-

Prevent vehicle breakdowns:

Check your tires at least once a month and before taking a long trip. Pay attention to tire inflation pressure and tread depth.
Check your battery: If your engine is slow to start and/or your lights are dim, your battery may be nearing the end of its life. Look also for damage, corrosion or other signs of deterioration.
Listen to and feel the brakes: If you hear a grinding sound or feel a vibration when applying the brakes, take your vehicle to the shop for a brake inspection.
Replace wiper blades and replenish windshield cleaner: Most manufacturers recommend replacing wiper blades every six months to 12 months.
Top off engine oil and other fluids: Check the oil, coolant and brake, transmission and power steering fluids. When adding fluids, add the correct levels and make sure they meet the specifications listed in the owner’s manual.
Replenish emergency kit supplies: Be sure you have a flashlight and extra fresh batteries, first-aid supplies, drinking supplies, nonperishable snacks, battery booster cables, emergency flares or reflectors, a rain poncho, a basic tool kit, duct tape, gloves and shop rags or paper towels.

Leave early, be prepared, stay safe

Leave early and allow extra time to get to your destination, so you are not in a rush.
Identify alternate routes in case you encounter congestion or road closures.
Avoid distractions while driving. Program your GPS before your drive.
Ensure everyone in the vehicle wears their seatbelt.
Never drive impaired.
If you have to pull over, go as far as possible on the shoulder, turn on your hazard lights and call for help.

Published November 22, 2023

Thanksgiving traditions have a long history — we recap some here

November 21, 2023 By Shari Bresin

Of course, most of us have heard the story about a group of Wampanoag people joining the English colonists for a feast in 1621 to celebrate the Pilgrims’ first successful harvest, in Plymouth, Massachusetts.

But it certainly isn’t the only story about Thanksgiving tradition.

While many are familiar with the 1621 celebration, historians recount another Thanksgiving feast that occurred even earlier, and was held in Florida.

You don’t have to wait until dessert to have a taste of pumpkin. You can start your Thanksgiving feast with a bowl of pumpkin soup. (You don’t have to wait until dessert to have a taste of pumpkin. You can start your Thanksgiving feast with a bowl of pumpkin soup. (Courtesy of Pixabay)

That event occurred in St. Augustine on Sept. 8, 1565 — 56 years before the Pilgrims had their feast, historians report.

Spanish explorer Pedro Menendez de Aviles and the 800 Spanish settlers with him celebrated their safe arrival when they came ashore St. Augustine with a Mass of Thanksgiving, followed by a festive meal.

The Timucuans were invited to join in this celebration, according to information from the National Park Services.

Based on what historians know about the food that was on board their ship, this meal likely would have included a stew of salted pork, onions, and chickpeas with garlic seasoning (called cocido); sea biscuits (thick crackers made of flour and salt, baked until hard); and, red wine.

In other words, the menu likely would have been foods that are native to Spain, not North America.

However, Menendez did stop in Puerto Rico to resupply, so there likely was Caribbean food, too, according to information from the Florida Museum.

So, chances are, this ‘Thanksgiving’ meal could have included yucca.

It is not known if the Timucuans brought anything to the meal, but if they did, it likely would have been turkey, venison, gopher tortoise, mullet, drum, catfish, corn, beans and squash.

The meal would not have featured cranberry sauce, as cranberries don’t grow that far south.

And, neither the St. Augustine or Plymouth meals would have featured mashed potatoes, since potatoes were not grown in America at that time.

Another difference in the menus?

The Spanish used the food they had on their ship; the Pilgrims had been raising crops for months and were celebrating their harvest. Or, so that story goes.

And, while turkey plays a central role in tales about the New England feast, it’s likely that seafood and wild fowl would have played a larger role.

Another big difference is that the event in St. Augustine focused more on prayer than on food.

Plus, that event did not turn into an annual tradition, unlike the festivities in Plymouth.

Thus, the Plymouth gathering became the one that influenced the nation — so much so that Abraham Lincoln declared it a national holiday.

So, as far as tradition goes, the Plymouth gathering in New England easily carries the day.

Plus, the British dominated the land more than the Spanish and French, so that, too, could also help explain why the Pilgrim story prevailed.

But Massachusetts and Florida aren’t the only ones that claim to have hosted the first Thanksgiving — Texas, Maine and Virginia also stake similar bragging rights.

No matter its origins, though, the day remains a tradition for gathering with family and friends to share life’s bounty.

Here’s wishing you and your loved ones a healthy and Happy Thanksgiving.

How about a bowl of pumpkin soup to help get things started? (Check out the accompanying recipe).

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

Recipe

Pumpkin Soup

(Courtesy of MyPlate)

Ingredients

1 can white beans

1 onion (small, finely chopped)

1 cup water

1 can pumpkin (15 ounce)

1 1/2 cups 100% apple juice

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

1/8 teaspoon nutmeg, allspice, or ginger

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1/4 teaspoon salt

Directions

Wash hands with soap and water.

Blend white beans, onion and water with a potato masher or blender till smooth.

In a large pot, add the pumpkin, juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, black pepper and salt. Stir.

Add the blended bean mix to the pot.

Cook over low heat for 15-20 minutes, until warmed through.

Published November 22, 2023

Slurping up spaghetti super fast

November 21, 2023 By Mike Camunas

Over two rounds on Nov. 12, about a dozen contestants tried to wolf down as much spaghetti as they could in 3 minutes, during the first annual Spaghetti Eating Contest at Moschella’s Italian Eatery & Market, 5648 Post Oak Blvd., in Wesley Chapel, for prizes and, apparently, bragging rights. The top eater, Anthony Argentino, was awarded four tickets to a Tampa Bay Lightning game and a signed Victor Hedman hockey stick.

Gregory Ruiz, of Ocala, struggles to keep down a mouthful of pasta during the First Annual Spaghetti Eating Contest. (Mike Camunas)

Wesley Chapel resident Daniel McGuirk ditched his fork and just used his hands to shove down as much pasta as he could in 3 minutes at a spaghetti-eating contest at Moschella’s Italian Eatery & Market.

Alfred Miralles, of Tampa, takes a quick breath before shoving more pasta into his mouth during the spaghetti-eating race.

Matthew Fuller, left, of St. Pete, and Emily Fuller, of Wesley Chapel, try to eat as much pasta as they can in 3 minutes during the contest on Nov. 12 at Moschella’s Italian Eatery & Market.

Dozens of friends, family and onlookers, too, came out to the First Annual Spaghetti Eating Contest on Nov. 12 at Moschella’s Italian Eatery & Market, 5648 Post Oak Blvd., in Wesley Chapel.

Enjoying the holidays, without maxing out on calories

November 14, 2023 By B.C. Manion

Shari Bresin knows a thing or two about food.

After all, she’s the Family & Consumer Science agent for the University of Florida/Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Cooperative Extension Pasco County.

She shares her knowledge about food and nutrition on a regular basis in The Laker/Lutz News, through her column, “What’s Cookin.’”

So, when we asked her to offer some pointers on how to navigate through the family gatherings, restaurant meetups and holiday parties — while keeping a rein on calorie-intake — she happily obliged.

Obviously, holidays can be a hard time to avoid overindulging.

Shari Bresin, an expert in nutrition, offers some sage advice to help you navigate through the food-laden holidays, without losing total control of your calorie counts. (File)

“This time of year, we’re bombarded with food that maybe we’re not normally encountering,” Bresin says. “We’re around a lot of extra food.

“Then, on top of that, a lot of us are going out, or, we’re going to be out of town,” she says.

The challenge to maintain a healthy eating regimen can seem daunting.

It’s not just a question of Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s dinners.

There are office parties. Happy hours. Dinner parties. Meetups at restaurants.

The list goes on.

Still, it is possible to indulge in the festivities, without falling into a food trap, Bresin says.

She offers simple strategies, which are helpful during the holidays and can turn into healthy habits that are useful throughout the year.

First things, first: Know what to expect
“What I like to do is, I always check the menu out ahead of time, if I’m going out, or if somebody’s hosting me,” Bresin says.

When she’s invited to someone’s home for dinner, she says: “I will usually ask: ‘What are you making, so I know what to bring.’”

That helps you to plan in advance — making it easier to maintain healthy eating.

She also offers these words of advice to help you avoid sabotaging your best-laid plans for that holiday feast.

“A lot of us like to starve before our Thanksgiving meal, which seems to make sense in our head,” Bresin says.

But that strategy can backfire — making you too hungry, which sets you up to go overboard at the buffet, Bresin says.

Instead, she recommends you begin your day with protein and fiber.

“Something like fruit and nuts, that’s always a really good go-to. Or fruit with a little bit of peanut butter, like apples and peanut butter. You’re getting some fiber. You’re getting some protein.

“The fiber will take some time to pass through your stomach, so we feel like we’re still full.

“The protein also helps with feeling full,” she says.

“Just go slow and steady and keep yourself nourished and hydrated, just prior to the big Thanksgiving feast,” she adds.

Of course, whether it’s at the holidays or any other time, there are additional pointers that can come in handy.

Find ways to give yourself nutritious options
If the host is having a potluck, you can bring something healthy that you will enjoy, she says.

How much chili is in this bowl? Is there 1 cup, 1.5 cups, 2 cups or 3 cups? If you guessed 2 cups, you are correct. Understanding portion size is a key ingredient, when making healthy eating choices. (Courtesy of Shari Bresin)

“My eating patterns are probably a little more strict than the average person. Anyone that invites me to their house or to a restaurant, they know that about me,” she adds.

It’s a source of good-natured ribbing.

She volunteers: “‘Oh, I’ll bring the healthy stuff.’ Or, ‘Let me make the salad.’ Then, at the very least, I know I’m getting that healthy salad that I brought over, that I made.”

Before dining out, Bresin says she checks to see what’s on the menu that she would like, then she looks to see if there is a way she can make the calories more nutrient-dense — in other words — make her meal healthier.

“For example, on Saturday, I wanted something that was high in vegetables. I didn’t really want a salad because I eat that at home twice a week anyway, so, I’m like, ‘Oh, I’m out, let me have something different.’

“They had a spaghetti dish, but it had no vegetables in it. It was weird, I was at an Italian restaurant.

“So, I asked for pasta primavera, even though it wasn’t on the menu.

“They had no issues. They added the vegetables, which was fine,” she says.

It may feel intimidating at first, to make a special request, but Bresin notes it’s really not a big deal.

“I’ve never seen a restaurant have any issues with it. They want to be accommodating. They want you to have a good dining experience.

“I’ve never encountered anybody who said, ‘That can’t be done.’

The key, she says, is to speak up about your needs or preferences.

It’s also important to think about substitutions to make your meal more nutrient-dense.

“Can you add vegetables to this? Can you add cheese?”

Or maybe you can switch out the fresh bread that’s offered with a helping of veggies with hummus, she says.

The key is having reasonable requests and not trying to rewrite the restaurant’s menu.

“I don’t eat dairy, so I’ve asked to hold any cheese-based sauce,” she says. She’ll ask: “Can this alfredo sauce be tomato sauce? Make really simple requests, and places will do it.

“As you get more comfortable, it’s really, really easy,” Bresin says.

Have fun, but choose carefully because every calorie counts
Whether you’re eating at home or dining out, pay attention to what you are eating, and how much, Bresin says.

Portion sizes in restaurants can be two to three times a normal portion size.

“Drinks add up. Appetizers add up,” she says.

“So, it’s very easy, especially on the day of Thanksgiving, to go over.

“I think I read somewhere that we have something like 3,500 calories on average, for a Thanksgiving meal, and if you only need 1,800 or 2,000 calories a day, you can certainly see how that is way in excess of what we need,” she says.

Studies have been done to track the weight gain that occurs from November to January, Bresin says. As it turns out, holiday weight gain is not as bad as some people imagine.

The challenge is shedding those excess pounds after the holidays, she says.

“Whatever weight we do gain from November through January, we don’t seem to be losing after January. That’s where it can turn into a problem,” Bresin says.

Make healthier choices when dining out
Instead of fried seafood … try broiled, grilled or pan sauteed fish.
Instead of red beans and rice with sausage … try red beans and rice without sausage.
Instead of Egg-drop soup … try Wonton or hot-and-sour soup.
Instead of cream soup … try broth-based soup with lots of vegetables.
Instead of French fries or potatoes with gravy … try baked sweet potato, steamed vegetables, potatoes without gravy or a smaller order of French fries.
Instead of a hot fudge sundae or ice cream … try nonfat yogurt, sherbet or fruit juice. Or, share a dessert with all of the family.
Instead of fried chicken … try grilled chicken.
Instead of quesadillas … try chicken fajitas.
Source: American Heart Association

Small changes can make a big difference
These suggestions from the American Heart Association can help be helpful ways to control caloric intake when dining out:

To avoid overeating, place half of your food in a to-go container as soon as it is served. Or, order a smaller portion, such as an appetizer-sized serving.
Choose water or unsweetened tea, to avoid calories in your beverage.
Ask if a smaller dessert size is available.
Skip the buffet and order from the menu.
Eat slowly. Put your utensils down, in between bites, to help prevent overeating.

Source: American Heart Association

A one-tank drive

November 14, 2023 By Mike Camunas

It may have been a handful, but it was, after all, a tank full.

I mean, I was — incredibly and actually, really and truly, no fooling — driving a tank. A fully-fledged, 17-ton — rolling-on-treads — tank.

“There’s not another place in Florida where you can do that,” said John Kinney, co-founder of Tank America, in Orlando — a very non-Disney “theme park” and Florida’s only tank-driving attraction.

“In fact, there are very few in the country, and world, where you can drive a tank,” he said.

Tim Jernigan, tank-driving instructor at Tank America, guides a FV433 Abbot military tank around the course at the Orlando-based adventure park that is Florida’s only tank-driving attraction. The theme park lets visitors take a 17-ton repurposed British tank on the ½-mile course up hills, through mud holes, on hair-pin turns, across straightaways and even to crush cars. The attraction has nine tanks, including four APCs. It has become a popular destination for buddy trips and even bachelor parties. (Mike Camunas)

So, to say it’s an unforgettable experience is no exaggeration — either by myself or Kinney.

Visitors can trek over to Tank America, climb onto and lower themselves into a tank, and traverse it as if they were driving a car.

It’s an adrenaline-infused, wild ride.

One that is definitely worth the (one-tank) trip.

A ride in the park
Tank America may seem like another one of Orlando’s many, many tourist attractions, but it is far from it.

In fact, it’s not even near all the others non-Floridians flock to yearly on International Drive or in Lake Buena Vista under the shadow of mouse ears.

This is more of an experience.

It started out on the Space Coast before a COVID shutdown, which brought Kinney and his tank-driving instructors to Orlando.

Tank America is set on a 14-acre jungle and forest terrain — filled with hills, mud holes, hair-pin turns and straightaways.

MisFit is just one of nine FV433 Abbot military tanks at Tank America in Orlando, which visitors can take along a ½-mile course filled with hills, mud holes, turns and more. It is Florida’s only tank-driving attraction.

It has nine repurposed, British-made FV433 Abbot military tanks from the 1960s. They’re outfitted to allow willing and eager drivers power through the ½-mile course on a recon mission, in search of a “downed plane.”

Like any other visitor, I sat through the training and safety video and went over just how to drive a tank, the proper way.

My tank “commander” and instructor, Tim Jernigan, doesn’t have a military background, but he guided me on a well-laid out course and eventually through a 100-foot, nearly five-foot-deep mud hole. I also drove over some crushed cars.

It was, to put it bluntly, thrilling.

The tanks, which can reach up to 30 mph, don’t have steering wheels, but two levers, each controlling one of the treds.

It takes careful and precise work to stay on course.

The Laker/Lutz News Staff Writer Mike Camunas sits in the cockpit of a FV433 Abbot military tank, or Prometheus, at Tank America, where he was able to guide the 17-ton military vehicle over a ½-mile course and through a 100-foot long and nearly five-foot deep mud hole.

Luckily, Jernigan, who spoke to me through headphones the whole time, is equipped with a kill switch, just in case.

Not that I needed it.

Jernigan and I found the “downed plane and its pilot” (a mannequin hanging from a parachute in a tree) and returned to home base.

“You’re a natural,” Jernigan told me.

“Maybe I can be an embedded journalist,” I replied, thinking to myself: As long as I am in the safety of a metal beast like this tank.

An easy recruit
So, I know what you’re thinking: Who is crazy enough to climb into the tiny driver seat of a tank?

The answer is a lot of people.

Kinney says his attraction is quite popular with tourists and locals. In fact, it turns out a tank-driving experience is also a popular gift-giving experience.

Tank America also has APCs, or armored personnel carriers, in which a large group of visitors can pile in and ride a tank around the attractions’ muddy, jungle terrain that has become a popular destination for bachelor parties.

Kinney said they see a lot of girlfriends, wives and significant others buying it as a birthday or Christmas present, but they also get a lot of group outings, such as bachelor parties or guys’ night out.

For that, four of the nine tanks Tank America has on the property are APCs, or armored personnel carriers, and groups can pile into the back compartment and ride around.

Additionally, there are several add-ons for tank driving, such as adding passengers to the smaller Abbotts, getting an extra lap around the course and, of course, ripping through full cars multiple times.

And, since no one is going to believe you, the whole drive is recorded on multiple video cameras mounted on the tanks. That way you can humblebrag on social media.

I was given Prometheus to drive, which, as it turns out, is a celebrity of sorts. It was featured in the 2011 movie ‘Super 8’. Another, Deuces Wild, was featured in 2010’s ‘Iron Man 2’ and 2012’s ‘The Dark Knight Rises.’

Let’s just say I was starstruck as I lowered myself into the cockpit and couldn’t stop grinning the entire time I was driving around the 240-horsepower, 12-V turbo armored car with a 10-mile-ranged gun sitting next to me.

It’s easy to get swept up in this, like a teenager getting a car on his or her 16th birthday. But that’s part of the appeal, right?

While Kinney and company, rightfully so, boast being the only tank-driving attraction in Florida, it’s really an experience unlike any other — as long as you’re 16 years old and brave enough.

In the end, you’re in a tank, you’re driving it up hills and through mud, and crushing cars.

And, to think, it’s an experience, just a tank full away from this area.

Tank America
Where: 6605 Muskegee St., in Orlando
Details: Attention! It’s time to climb into, or onto, a FV433 Abbot military tank at Florida’s only tank-driving attraction and theme park. Eager drivers can take a 17-ton repurposed British tank on a ½-mile course set on 14 acres of jungle terrain, with rolling trails through the forest. The course features hills, mud holes, hair-pin turns and straightaways. Drivers don a headset, and with the help of an instructor, they also can crush cars and search for a downed plane.
Cost: Starts at $199.
Info: Visit TankAmerica.com

Published November 15, 2023