Local News

County wants zoning applicant to make self-imposed limits

December 27, 2022 By B.C. Manion

The applicant for a general commercial zoning says the intention is to develop a day care and a restaurant on an 8.39-acre site on Catfish Lake Road, north of off State Road 54, in Land O’ Lakes.

But the commercial zoning being sought would allow a broader range of uses, which prompted questions by members of the Pasco County Commission.

Area residents also brought forward their own concerns, based on a site plan submitted by EG3 Development.

Jason Glaser, representing the applicant, told the county board the intention is to develop a 12,000-square-foot day care, that would be a franchise, operated by a local Pasco resident.

A restaurant also is proposed at the front of the site, Glaser added.

The applicant submitted a site plan to show its intention, and revised it based on neighborhood feedback, Glaser said.

The original site plan had three buildings and two exits on Catfish Lake Road. The revised plan shows two buildings and one exit onto Catfish Lake Road.

The drop-off times at the proposed business are spaced out, based on the age of the children — so traffic backups wouldn’t occur, Glaser said.

Plus, he added that parents won’t be lined up in their cars.

“You have to physically park and walk your child into the property,” he explained.

Glaser said the project will be connected to a sewer system and stormwater retention will be provided.

“We do believe it is a use that will provide a benefit to the whole community,” Glaser said.

Some speakers who addressed the county board during the Dec. 6 public hearing said they don’t object to a day care because it would serve the community.

But they raised concerns about potential impacts.

Veronica Sanchez, of 2316 Reserve Court, Land O’ Lakes, put it this way: “Our community is not against rezoning. We’re very open to having a place for children.”

Their big concern is safety, she said.

“The first conceptual (site plan) was very concerning for us, because it was showing two entrances on the back side. We are much more comfortable with the new conceptual.

“We would like to request that that back entrance remain approximately 350 feet away from Camp Indianhead,” she added.

She also requested buffering between the new development and the existing neighborhood, to provide separation.

Plus, she asked that directional lighting be required to prevent “a big spotlight” going into people’s homes.

Other residents raised concerns about a lack of sidewalks and the difficulty of turning into the neighborhood from State Road 54, and getting out onto State Road 54, as well.

County Attorney Jeffrey Steinsnyder said the site plan the applicant submitted is not binding.

The application is for a straight commercial Euclidean zoning, Steinsnyder said. That means, unlike master-plan unit developments or development agreements, the zoning doesn’t come with any additional restrictions.

So, anything allowed in the type of zoning being sought would be allowed on the parcel, provided it complies with provisions within the county’s land development code, Steinsnyder said.

Brad Tippin, the county’s development manager, reiterated that point. He told area residents that there’s no requirement that the applicant follow the site plan the neighborhood saw.

If the board wants to put limits on the types of uses, it can request the applicant to voluntarily comply to that through deed restrictions or a development agreement, Steinsnyder said.

Deed restrictions are used more commonly because the process is quicker and less expensive, said David Goldstein, chief assistant county attorney.

Commission Chairman Jack Mariano told the applicant: “The people are bringing up a lot of good points.”

Commissioner Kathryn Starkey told area residents: “Anytime you have commercial up against residential we have a buffer requirement, so those would kick in.

“We already have a dark sky lighting ordinance. Any lighting has to go down and can’t spill onto your property.

“I think a day care is a great use here,” she added.

But Starkey said: “I worry about fast-food. That’s the only thing I worry about coming in there because it just generates so much traffic.”

Mariano asked Glaser if he would agree to delaying the request to allow him to add deed restrictions.

Glaser asked if the delay was for the zoning, or for the deed restrictions.

Steinsnyder said the delay was to enable Glaser to pursue deed restrictions, which the board indicated would be needed to gain its approval.

Goldstein noted that the board had made it clear it doesn’t want to see a fast-food restaurant on the site.

“Unless there’s a deed restriction, you can put a Chick-fil-A there,” Goldstein said.

Glaser agreed to a delay.

The board delayed the request until its Jan. 24 meeting.

Published December 28, 2022

No expense spared at this dino park

December 27, 2022 By Mike Camunas

Life, uh, found a way — to New Port Richey.

The Museum of Archaeology, Paleontology and Science (MAPS) has brought an interactive, educational — not to mention — fun attraction from the past, right into Pasco County.

A velociraptor greets guests at Dino & Dragons, an interactive and educational attraction at Schwettman Education Center, 5520 Grand Blvd., in New Port Richey. The attraction, which runs through Feb. 26, allows visitors to get an up-close experience with nearly 100 life-size thunder lizards. The traveling exhibit was brought to Pasco County by the Museum of Archeology, Paleontology and Science (MAPS), as a fundraising effort. (Mike Camunas)

Dino & Dragons will be on display at the Schwettman Education Center, until Feb. 26. It features nearly 100 life-size dinosaurs and a few dragons.

The creatures move. They roar. They amaze. And, they educate.

This all happens along a trail designed to entertain the entire family.

So, grab your courage, and your Dr. Alan Grant hat, and get ready to go back in time to the Jurassic period that’s absolutely worth the trip.

They’ll show you
“Dinosaurs are synonymous with ‘Jurassic Park.’”

Those are the words of Director of MAPS Charles Zidar, who organized having the trail through Dinosaur Land and Mystical World on the old athletic fields at Schwettman.

Although they can’t exactly play up the 1993 blockbuster that spawned five sequels — and a massive amount of merchandise that keeps dinosaurs in pop culture even to this day — Zidar admits it’s hard not to think about walking through that park while exploring the attractions at Dino & Dragons.

Director of MAPS (Museum of Archeology, Paleontology and Science) Charles Zidar, left, helps Carlie Jarosz hold a baby dino in preparation for the opening of the Dino & Dragons exhibit in New Port Richey.

“Dinosaurs are nothing without ‘Jurassic Park,’” Zidar added. “But we played out the reality for educational purposes and we also played out the fantasy aspect of it, with dragons and a fairy and unicorn garden — and we’ll still make that as educational as possible, talking about the stories behind those mythical creatures and more.

“We’re educating people while having fun.”

Zidar expects visitors can spend up to two hours at the exhibit, especially if they spare no expense and grab some of the additional add-ons to the original ticket price.

The “extras” include taking the tour in a replica of the Ford Explorers from ‘Jurassic Park,’ which comes with an embryo to keep. There’s also a Triceratops laying an egg (and keeping the egg), a dinosaur-infested maze where visitors need to find a key card necessary for escape, and exploring the dinosaur nursery with giant eggs.

Don’t sleep on this captured T-Rex at Dino & Dragons, an interactive experience in New Port Richey until Feb. 26. Visitors to the ‘dinosaur park’ will get to see nearly 100 life-size dinosaurs, and a few dragons, and learn what life was like on this planet 65 million years ago, when dinosaurs ruled the earth.

Hold onto your butts
While it may not be the jungles of Costa Rica, Dinosaur Land and Mystical World won’t fail to impress.

The trail is well done, lengthy without spoiling the next station, and interactive, as each dinosaur will move, thanks to sensors. Visitors will gawk at the towering Brontosaurus that stands three stories high or jump when a Velociraptor appears out of nowhere.

Or they’ll marvel at a mama T-Rex, with its babies, as it moves and roars and delights, behind an “electrified fence” that looks remarkably like a baseball field backstop.

And all the money is going to the MAPS, a nonprofit museum at Wendell Krinn Technical School in New Port Richey.

“We’re trying to show we’re doing big things,” Zidar said. “Hopefully this will become our event site and maybe move into the building here, with our very extensive collections.”

Additionally, MAPS took over the basketball courts at Schwettman, and their visitors, for a little extra, can ride dinosaurs and even explore a “dig site” for bones and fossils.

“I rode the dinosaurs and had a great time, and I’m an adult,” Zidar said. “Kids, they’re going to love it.”

Before extinction
Indeed, this international traveling exhibit that has never been east of the Mississippi River, and required 12 semi-trucks to bring in, won’t be around forever.

Just like the dinosaurs, its time is limited, and Zidar expects plenty of visitors to come see a one-of-a-kind attraction, especially with its first appearance in the area.

It’s not just the Jurassic era visitors will see, but also creatures better associated with Westeros and King’s Landing, as there are several dragon exhibits to see, as well.

“Daily capacity is limited, but we hope as many visitors we can entertain come out to experience education and have some fun,” he said.

Come to enjoy some prehistoric fun — more than 65 million years in the making.

Dino & Dragons
Where: Schwettman Education Center, 5520 Grand Blvd., in New Port Richey
When: Exhibit runs through Feb. 26. Open Tuesdays through Sundays, 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Cost: Tickets start at $20 each
Details: Get up close and personal with nearly 100 life-size dinosaurs, and a few dragons. This interactive and educational experience gives visitors a chance to walk through a creature-infested maze. Additional experiences can include a dig pit, baby dino nursery experience, even a ride in a Ford Explorer, just like a certain dinosaur movie. The attraction is a fundraising effort by the Museum of Archeology, Paleontology and Science (MAPs), located on the campus of Wendell Krinn Technical School in New Port Richey.
Info: Visit DinoAndDragonsNPR.com. To learn more about MAPs, visit MapsMuseum.org.

Published December 28, 2022

Standing nearly three stories tall, this Brontosaurus towers over the Dino & Dragons exhibit, in New Port Richey. The attraction will be there until Feb. 26.

Expect these creatures and more when exploring the Dino & Dragons exhibit in New Port Richey.

Watch your step: Dinosaur Crossing at Schwettman Education Center in New Port Richey.

A mama T-Rex protects her young as an ‘electrified cage’ protects visitors to Dino & Dragons. The interactive and educational exhibit will be in New Port Richey until Feb. 26.

He was behind the scenes, seemingly everywhere, in Pasco County

December 27, 2022 By B.C. Manion

Rudy Jones was the man who kept the county’s generators, alarm systems and elevators running.

He would come to work early and stay late, as needed — to make sure that the daily business of government was not disrupted.

He often worked behind the scenes, but his work was not unnoticed.

And, when Jones recently wrapped up his 32-year career with Pasco County, he was lavished with praise from the Pasco County Commission and from Pasco County Clerk & Comptroller Nikki Alvarez-Sowles.

Rudy Jones is surrounded by supporters after he receives recognition from the Pasco County Commission for his 32-year career with the county. (Courtesy of Pasco County)

Jones joined the county on May 21, 1990 working for the parks and recreation department. He concluded his career on Oct. 7, 2022, with his final role being a maintenance technician four in the facilities management department.

“During his career with Pasco County, Rudy has earned respect from all county departments, including Fire/Rescue, Court Administration, the Property Appraiser and the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office,” Alvarez-Sowles said, reading from a resolution of appreciation adopted by the county board on Dec. 6.

The resolution lauded Jones’ proficiency in different trades and his diligence to ensure that Pasco County team members worked in a safe and healthy environment.

He dedicated himself to making “sure that any issues within the county facility were resolved safely and efficiently,” the resolution adds.

Jones was hailed for his professionalism and friendly nature.

If there was a maintenance issue in the clerk’s office, Jones was there — ready to tackle it, Alvarez-Sowles said.

“He has just been so amazing to work with, in my office,” she said.

She characterized him as being calm and steady, and able to come up with creative solutions.

Commissioner Ron Oakley said he noticed how Jones took care of problems when they arose in the county board’s chambers.

“They call you the king of the boardroom,” Oakley told Jones.

When the board members concluded their remarks, Jones got a standing ovation from the crowd.

And, when it was his turn to talk, Jones turned the attention to others.

He singled out Erik Breitenbach, assistant county administrator for internal services.

Jones told the crowd that Breitenbach had once shared a conversation with him, regarding some words a wise man had told Breitenbach. That man said there are essentially two types of people in authority; one, you have to salute; the other, you want to salute.

“On behalf of facilities and Pasco County, we all want to salute you and say ‘Thank you for your hard work,’” Jones told Breitenbach. “Mr. Erik has been a blessing to Pasco County, especially facilities.”

Jones also asked for Vito Tambasco, facilities maintenance supervisor, to step forward.

“Vito, I just want to say that I think, over the period of years we’ve worked together, we had, what, 36 people in your position?”

Tambasco responded: “Thirty-four, 35.”

Jones continued: “Of all that, you’ve been the awesome and the best supervisor that a person could ever have, on my behalf and facilities, I think. I just want to say, ‘Thank you and I love you like a brother.’”

In response, Tambasco opened his wallet and pretended to pay Jones for the compliment, eliciting laughter from the room.

When Jones went to pose for a photo with the commissioners, the facilities team stepped forward, in a sign of support.

It was quite a crowd.

Jones was obviously touched.

He thanked his colleagues.

“That means a lot,” Jones said.

Published December 28, 2022

Pasco needs more ways to get places, officials say

December 27, 2022 By B.C. Manion

A request for a rezoning in East Pasco sparked concerns about a lack of road connections between it and an adjoining neighborhood.

The issue came up during consideration of a request to rezone 38.29 acres zoned for agricultural uses to the Deer Springs master-planned unit development (MPUD) allowing up to 115 detached dwellings or 100 detached dwellings and 5 acres of office uses.

The new development is planned next to the Cobblestone MPUD, but there are no planned road connections between the two neighborhoods — because the county approved a waiver for the requirement.

Attorney Shelly Johnson, representing Deer Springs, told the county board: “There’s no place to connect to the north.”

County planner Tammy Snyder said it’s not possible to make road connections between the two developments because of Cobblestone’s development plan.

“It (Cobblestone) has platted residential lots and a great big stormwater pond abutting their southern boundary. So, there’s nowhere for this project (Deer Springs) to connect directly north to Cobblestone,” Snyder said.

Pasco County Commissioner Kathryn Starkey questioned the planning that would allow that to happen.

“Why is there not connectivity to the neighborhoods around it?” Starkey said.

“I think there should be multiple ways to go north and south,” Starkey said. “There should be stub out connections,” she said.

“I just think we should be connecting,” she said. “If we don’t have a grid, you’re going to be bottlenecking.”

She added: “I just don’t like all of these neighborhoods that we’re building that don’t connect to anything, and I think we’re going to get ourselves in trouble.

“I just want to make sure we’re not making mistakes that we’ve made in the last 10, 15 years,” Starkey said.

She told county staff: “We need to be sure that going forward, that everybody is connecting.”

Despite those concerns, the request received recommendations for approval from both the Pasco County Planning Commission and from county planners, and it ultimately passed on a 5-0 county board vote.

Starkey’s not the only one who has raised concerns about the lack of connectivity.

Back in June, Chief Assistant County Attorney David Goldstein raised the same issue during a discussion of the update of the county’s long-range plan.

Goldstein said the county has a tool, in its land development code, requiring connections between neighborhoods but said that it allows the requirement to be waived too frequently.

The interconnections are intended to give motorists additional ways to get around, without routinely being forced onto main roads to reach their destination.

The county has made progress in creating walkable communities, Goldstein said, but it needs to be more consistent in requiring interconnectivity between neighborhoods.

Published December 28, 2022

History center staff provides more information about Purple Heart

December 27, 2022 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Editor’s Note: The Laker/Lutz News published a Knowing Your History column on Dec. 14 seeking information about the owner of a Purple Heart that had been in storage at the Pioneer Florida Museum & Village’s history center. It turns out, we failed to seek information at perhaps the most obvious place. Here is a follow-up to that column.

A column published in The Laker/Lutz News on Dec. 14 sought to track down more information about the owner of a Purple Heart medal in storage in the history center at The Pioneer Florida Museum & Village.

This Purple Heart was bestowed to James W. Vanden and donated to the Florida Pioneer Museum & Village nearly two decades ago. (File)

It turns out that our reporting would have benefited from starting with the museum’s staff.

After our column published, Andy Warrener, associate curator at the museum, reached out to provide additional information about the medal.

The Purple Heart was donated in 1994, according to Warrener.

It belonged to James Wayman Vanden, not James W. Varden, as our original column reported.

Warrener said the back of the metal was clearly stamped James W. Vanden, but allowed that in his experience of doing this type of research, t’s can look like l’s and r’s can look like n’s.

James W. Vanden was interred at the Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery in Lemay, St. Louis County, Missouri. (Courtesy of Andy Warrener, Florida Pioneer Museum & Village/Findagrave)

Here is what Warrener was able to track down, regarding the medal.

James Wayman Vanden was born in Cairo, Illinois, on Aug. 10, 1924. Shortly after that he moved to DeSoto County in Jefferson, Missouri.

Vanden was employed by the International Shoe Company and lived at 822 South Second, when he enlisted in the U.S. Army on March 16, 1943.

His civil occupation listed on his enlistment card was: Skilled mechanic, repairman, motor vehicles.

He was assigned to the Army’s ordinance department, and served there for nine months to 11 months.

“It gets a little murky from there,” Warrener continues.

Vanden was listed as killed in action, but his hospital admission card says that he was treated for a non-battle injury having to do with frostbite on his toes, Warrener reports.

Vanden died on July 27, 1944.

He was interred at the Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery in Missouri on April 16, 1948, making it likely that Vanden was cremated, according to Warrener’s research.

Vanden’s next of kin is listed as Bert Shaffer, husband of M.R. Shaffer, who lived at 33541 Isabelle Drive in Zephyrhills in 1994, when the item was donated.

Since the artifact doesn’t have much to do with Florida history, Warrener said he likely will try to contact a museum in Missouri that might have an interest in the item.

Published December 28, 2022

Hillsborough library patrons break digital borrowing record

December 27, 2022 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Patrons of the Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Library system smashed the record in terms of digital checkouts during 2022, outpacing last year’s numbers by 6%.

The total number of digital items checked out reached 2,168,421, according to a Hillsborough County news release. E-books led the list, in terms of the most popular item checked out.

This is the seventh consecutive year the library has made it into the Million+ Digital Checkout Club, the release says.

The milestone illustrates the continued growth and importance of the library lending e-books, audiobooks, and other digital content.

The Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Library provides readers 24/7 access to e-books, audiobooks, and e-magazines through OverDrive and the Libby app.

The highest-circulating title that readers borrowed in 2022 was “The Last Thing He Told Me” by Laura Dave. Adult e-books were the most popular digital item, averaging more than 25,365 checkouts each week.

Here are the top five adult e-books:

“The Last Thing He Told Me” by Laura Dave
“The Judge’s List” by John Grisham
“Verity” by Colleen Hoover
“Apples Never Fall” by Liane Moriarty
“The Paris Apartment” by Lucy Foley

The top five adult audiobooks:

“The Last Thing He Told Me” (unabridged) by Laura Dave
“Where the Crawdads Sing” by Delia Owens
“The Guest List” by Lucy Foley
“Apples Never Fall” (unabridged) by Liane Moriarty
“The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue” (unabridged) by V.E. Schwab

The top five e-magazines:

The Economist
Us Weekly
Woman’s World
The New Yorker
The Week Magazine

The top five young adult fiction e-books:

“Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix” Harry Potter Series, Book 5 (unabridged) by J.K. Rowling
“Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire” Harry Potter Series, Book 4 (unabridged) by J.K. Rowling
“Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince” Harry Potter Series, Book 6 (unabridged) by J.K. Rowling
“Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows” Harry Potter Series, Book 7 (unabridged) by J.K. Rowling
“A Court of Thorns and Roses” A Court of Thorns and Roses Series, Book 1 (unabridged) by Sarah J. Maas

To checkout digital titles from your local library, readers just need a valid library card.

Library customers are welcome to use their local branches’ Wi-Fi hotspot, computers, and laptop kiosks during library hours.

For more information about library services, visit HCPLC.org.

Published December 28, 2022

Pasco halts new applications in its Paving Assessment program

December 20, 2022 By B.C. Manion

The Pasco County Commission has approved a series of steps to prepare the county to switch from its Paving Assessment (PVAS) program to a new municipal service unit tax (MSTU) for road improvements.

For decades, improvements to local roads have been made through PVAS, a program that required the owners of the majority of the property that would benefit an improvement to agree to proceed with the paving. Once that majority was achieved, the county board would consider the application, and, if approved, all property owners on a street would be assessed for the improvement, whether they agreed with it or not.

Pasco County plans to institute a Municipal Services Taxing Unit tax to pay for local road improvement projects. The system will replace the decades-old Paving Assessment (PVAS) program. Details are being worked out, but the goal is to send tax bills out with the new assessment beginning November 2023. (File)

The program often pitted neighbors against neighbors, sometimes growing contentious. Neighbors sometimes disagreed on the need for the project, or some said they simply could not afford the cost.

Sympathetic to the difficulty of reaching consensus on such projects, the county board directed staff to proceed with projects that have been approved by neighborhoods — to the point that the county has adequate funding in its budget to cover the county’s share of the costs.

Any projects that are already approved by neighborhoods, but are not constructed under PVAS, would get a high priority under the new MSTU system, county staff said.

The county’s goal is to proceed with the new system in time to include the MSTU assessments on November 2023 tax bills.

Making the transition from the PVAS system to a MSTU is a complicated process.

The county must define who’s in and who’s out of the MSTU program; set the rates for the MSTU; and, determine how to ensure the rates are fair for all participants.

In a previous presentation to the county board, Justin Grant, public infrastructure fiscal and business administration director, said the new system is needed.

For one thing, the PVAS program doesn’t collect sufficient revenues to sustain itself, he said. So, it requires continuous support from the board’s road and bridge fund, or other county funds.

Plus, the PVAS assessments do not contemplate incremental maintenance to avoid high-cost repairs, he said.

The PVAS system also lacks an effective option to transition dirt roads into paved roads, Grant added.

Once it takes effect, the Residential Local Road Paving MSTU will provide a consistent, stable source of funds, Grant said. Those living within the MSTU’s boundaries will pay an annual millage rate tax, which will be assessed on their tax bills.

Areas that already are receiving services by a municipality or Community Development District, which owns and maintains its streets, are not being recommended as part of the MSTU, Grant said.

In the Spring of 2023, staff plans to present more detailed findings and options to the county board. That discussion will include a proposed tax rate for the local roads MSTU and how it will be calculated.

Other parts of the discussion will involve how to unwind PVAS, a system that’s been around for 30-plus years.

County Administrator Mike Carballa said the county is still working out how to make the transition from PVAS to MSTU.

One issue involves how the county will retire the PVAS debt and transfer over to the MSTU, Carballa said. “We’re still working those details out,” he said.

Commissioner Seth Weightman said he’ll want a detailed discussion once specific rates are recommended.

Commission Chairman Jack Mariano assured Weightman there will be a full discussion before the board decides how to proceed.

“This board is going to listen to the public before we make that decision. All of the input for all of the various things, dirt road, drainage, timing of a previous assessments. All of that has to be factored in, and we, as a board, make a decision on how to go forward with it,” Mariano said.

Initially, county staff had proposed halting construction on any PVAS that had been approved, except for those that already had received a notice to proceed.

But county board members pushed back.

Commissioner Kathryn Starkey said, “I think of what these neighborhoods went through, to get through this approval process. It was a lot. I know later today, we’re voting on one of my neighborhoods.

“There’s a road, Buena Vista, that’s undrivable. And, to put it on pause — I’m not OK with pausing, really.”

Mariano agreed: “Keep the construction going, as best you can.”

The chairman added: “If the money is there, get the job done.”

Starkey said the change is long overdue.

Just two counties in Florida still use a PVAS system, she said.

“It’s an archaic, inefficient process.

“Our staff spends a lot of time going out and assessing some of these neighborhood roads.

“People, they get pitted against each other in neighborhoods, and then sometimes, many times they fail.

“It’s a horrific waste of your taxpayer dollars. And, at times, it is very, very contentious.”

“To keep filling potholes because people don’t want to pay for their roads to get fixed, it’s money out the window,” Starkey said.

“There’s a reason why everyone does it this way and we’re just very late coming to the table on this,” she added.

Commissioner Ron Oakley said the county adopted a PVAS program because the growth had all been occurring in New Port Richey and property owners in East Pasco didn’t want to pay for road projects that were all being built in West Pasco.

Now, though, growth is happening all over.

“We’ve got growing pains and we need our roads repaired. This will put us in the right place,” Oakley said.

But Ken Dabbs, who lives in Gulf Harbors, opposes the shift.

“I’ve paid for several PVAS (improvements) in the past, at different houses that I own. I didn’t have a problem with it. We looked at our street. We voted on it. It needed fixed. We petitioned and assessed ourselves, basically. It worked out fine.

“Why are we going to an MSTU and complicating this? The only thing that’s happening that I see, with this MSTU, is you’re taking the choice away from the owners on that street and putting it in your hands.

“We’re going to have no control over anything. I don’t see that as a benefit,” Dabbs said.

Published December 21, 2022

Dade City Garden Club kicks off family program

December 20, 2022 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

The Dade City Garden Club is launching a program to encourage the whole family to come out and play in the dirt.

The new program is rolling out in January — just in time to help the club celebrate its 75th anniversary year, according to a news release from the garden club.

The Family Program is designed to help people of all ages to develop a love of gardening. Those joining the program will have a chance to learn about gardening and to work with experienced members of the garden club.

Three individual events are planned during the coming year, with the cost kept to $5 per household per event.

Each session will be held at the Dade City Garden Club, 13630 Fifth St., in Dade City.

Registration is open for the first program in the series, which is called “About Seeds.” That’s scheduled for Jan. 14, from 9 a.m. to noon.

Participants will learn all about seeds, including “What is a seed?” “What are the parts of a seed?” “How to plant seeds,” and “How to gather and save seeds to continue growing your garden.”

Each event will have targeted activities for all age groups, according to the news release.

All ages are encouraged to take part, although each household reservation should have at least one adult, age 18 or older.

For more information and to register, visit DadeCityGardenClub.com.

Family Gardening Programs

About seeds: Jan. 14, 9 a.m. to noon
Plant a garden to help pollinators: March 5, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Art in the garden: June 19, 9 a.m. to noon

All events will be held at the Dade City Garden Club, 13630 Fifth St., in Dade City.
The cost is $5 per household.
For more information, contact Kathy Riley at 352-583-4994 or .

Published December 21, 2022

Zephyrhills mayor to step down after three terms

December 20, 2022 By Mike Camunas

Zephyrhills Mayor Gene Whitfield announced on Dec. 16 he will step down from the position in April.

“I have been blessed and honored to serve Our Little City as Mayor for eight and half years, and will finish my third term in April,” Whitfiled posted via the city’s social media channels in a statement titled, ‘From the Desk of Gene Whitfield, Mayor of the City of Zephyrhills.’

Mayor Gene Whitfield (Courtesy of City of Zephyrhills)

“This has been a truly awesome experience, and I thank you all.”

He added, “Zephyrhills has a great future on the horizon and as we move forward, there will be the need for new ideas and new leaders, all the while keeping our Hearts well centered on preserving Our Great Little City.

“Yes, we are growing rapidly with residential, commercial, and industrial expansion. However, we are not alone, Florida is growing and expanding at record numbers.

“The spread of growth is all around us and upon us.”

Since 2014, when he was elected after running unopposed, Whitfield has overseen Pasco County’s largest municipality, including seeing the population rise over 18,000, the addition of thousands of home units and the completion of some major projects, such as the opening of the Sarah Vande Berg Tennis & Wellness Center.

“It is not an easy task to grow and provide all the things our citizens want, yet keep our City a hometown community,” Whitfield said in the post. “It takes all of us to help provide that Hometown atmosphere we treasure! … Our City Council and staff work every day to manage our growth as best they can with the goal of preserving our hometown heritage.

“Zephyrhills is truly a Great Little City, and we should all feel blessed to call this our home.”

Whitfield, owner of Whitfield Funeral Home and Cremation Services on Gall Boulevard, succeeded Danny Burgess in 2014 to become the city’s 20th mayor.

The mayor position is largely ceremonial, with no voting power. The city council chooses a board president — in this case, Jodi Wilkeson — to run meetings. Lance Smith is the council’s vice president, while members Ken Burgess, Alan Knight and Charles Proctor round out the council.

However, Knight’s council term is up and his seat is available in the upcoming municipal elections, which are April 11, 2023. Zephyrhills voters also will decide on a new mayor in that election.

Additionally, the city recently revised its town charter, with one of the changes moving the mayor’s and city councilors’ terms from a three-year span to four years.

Published December 21, 2022

Lighting up the holidays — through fun and décor

December 20, 2022 By Mike Camunas

Dozens of Land O’ Lakes boaters took to Lake Padgett on Dec. 17 for the neighborhood’s annual boat parade around the body of water.

It’s that time of year again, when local communities are brimming with holiday spirit — evident through the lighted displays and decorations on homes, storefronts and in town squares, throughout The Laker/Lutz News region.

There have been plenty of celebrations, too, with festivals, gatherings and events — some being held for the first time in about two years due to COVID restrictions.

The Old School House in Lutz reopened for its Christmas Celebration. The Golf Cart and Boat Parades resumed in Land O’ Lakes.

Other festivities have included the Christmas parades in Dade City and Zephyrhills and, of course, the Symphony of Lights, a nightly display at The Shops at Wiregrass in Wesley Chapel.

Here’s a collection of images we gathered of holiday displays and celebrations around Pasco and Hillsborough counties.

Consider this our seasonal greeting to you.

Also, as we approach the New Year, we want to extend our very best wishes to you for a happy and healthy 2023.

Published December 21, 2022