The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Local News

Spotlight on Talent seeks competitors for 41st annual performance contest

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Young performers who want a chance to show off their musical, singing or other entertainment skills can take to the stage at the 41st annual “Spotlight on Talent.”

Showstoppers took first place among older competitors in the group competition with its musical theater number during a previous Spotlight on Talent. (File)

Winners of this talent show don’t walk away with giant cash prizes, but the regional competition does award $4,000 in cash prizes and trophies in several age categories, according to a news release from the Heritage Arts Center Association, which puts on the competition.

Those wishing to compete in this year’s event have until Jan. 25 to apply.

Auditions for the acts will be on Feb. 10 at the Center for the Arts at Wesley Chapel High School.

Hundreds of area students are involved each year, in the competition open to young people through high school seniors. The talent show gives young people a chance to show off their abilities, while also providing entertaining shows for the audience.

Contestants come from nearby Pasco communities and from as far away as Tampa, Brooksville and St. Petersburg. The contest attracts vocalists, dancers, instrumental musicians, piano players, baton twirlers, bands, gymnasts and all sorts of other entertainers.

Applications are available online at HeritageArts.org.

The two final shows will be on March 16, one beginning at noon and the other at 7 p.m..

The grand prize is a $1,000 scholarship, which will be awarded to a graduating senior who lives in Pasco and attains the highest score from the judges.

All styles of performing talents are accepted, both as solo acts and in groups. Paid professional judges select the finalists and winners.

If you would like to be a community sponsor, or if you have questions, contact Barbara Friedman, at 352-424-0135 or

Published January 17, 2024

Native plant group names president

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The Nature Coast Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society has named Laurie Campbell as its new president for 2024, according to information provided by Molly Hays.

Campbell has lived in Florida since graduating from college, spending most of her time in Miami, where she taught high school art classes.

As a teacher, she also sponsored her school’s environmental club and also was the lead teacher in the Fairchild Challenge, a program orchestrated by Fairchild Gardens.

She became involved in the local Native Plant Chapter after moving to Lutz.

In the release, Campbell said: “I am continually impressed by the active group we have with so many dedicated members. I am truly honored to be president.”

Hays, the club’s outgoing president, added: “It has been a privilege to serve as your president for the past three years. My sincere thanks to the Nature Coast Chapter membership for your support.”

Published January 17, 2024

Pasco Schools adding capacity to address increasing enrollment

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As Pasco County continues to grow, questions are popping up regarding the school district’s ability to handle increased enrollment spurred by new development.

Jon Moody, who sits on the Pasco County Planning Commission, raised the issue during the planning board’s Dec. 7 discussion of a proposed change to the county’s comprehensive plan.

The request is being made to set the stage for a 200-unit townhome development and commercial uses, at U.S. 301 and Roanoke River Way, in Zephyrhills.

Moody asked Chris Williams, who sits on the planning board as the school district’s representative, about the planning report accompanying the request.

“It says right now that Chester Taylor is operating at 133%, it will be 136% with the next K through 8 opening in 2029, so is there anything on the horizon quicker to give relief to the elementary school?” Moody asked Williams.

Williams, who is the school district’s director of planning, told Moody that the district currently is in negotiations with the developer of Two Rivers, a massive project between Morris Bridge Road and U.S. 301, off State Road 56, in Wesley Chapel.

“I’m not sure how that is going to wind up,” Williams said. The district would like to build an entire campus on the Two Rivers’ property, but is aiming for at least a K-8 school there.

“We’re also getting ready to rebuild West Zephyrhills Elementary and completely build a brand-new school behind the current school, and add capacity to that. And that is projected to be done, probably 2025 or 2026,” Williams said.

“And potentially, when that reopens, my intention might be to rezone those schools: Woodland (Elementary), West Zephyrhills Elementary, Chester Taylor (Elementary) — and try to redistribute some of those populations,” Williams added.

The district also plans to add a wing to Chester Taylor Elementary to increase its capacity.

“Adding a wing (at Chester Taylor) won’t solve the problem in and of itself, but adding a wing and doing some rezoning will help us,” Williams said.

The school district planning director also noted that in the coming school year the district will open the new Kirkland Ranch K-8 magnet school on the campus of Kirkland Ranch Academy of Innovation, off Curley Road in the north part of Wesley Chapel, across from Epperson Ranch.

“That could have a little bit of impact on the Zephyrhills area,” Williams said. However, he added, it likely will have a far greater impact on the Wesley Chapel and San Antonio areas.

Two Rivers is already under development and those students will begin coming to Chester Taylor immediately, the school district planning director said.

Moody noted that given the current situation, the proposed land use change would exacerbate an existing problem.

Williams agreed, but said the district is working on solutions.

“Long term, I’m fine with this (proposed land use change), but, in the short term, we’re working on those plans (to increase capacity),” Williams said.

Published January 10, 2024

Florida activates new ‘Move Over for Me’ law

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With the start of the new year, new laws go into effect, including Florida’s enhanced Move Over law. Floridians have long been required to move over for first responders, tow trucks and municipal vehicles. Now, drivers are required to move over for a disabled vehicle displaying either its hazard lights, emergency flares or emergency signage, according to an AAA news release.

(Courtesy of AAA-The Auto Club Group)

Violators could be cited with a noncriminal moving violation and a fine of up to $158.

“AAA has advocated for a stronger move over law through our ‘Move Over for Me’ campaign, and are glad to see it come to fruition,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman, AAA – The Auto Club Group, in the release.

“The roadside is a dangerous place for anyone, whether it’s a first responder or a daily commuter. We hope this enhancement to the current law will save lives by reminding drivers to give extra space when passing anyone on the roadside,” said Jenkins.

AAA shares these safety tips for drivers and stranded motorists:

Drivers:

  • Remain alert, avoid distractions and focus on driving.
  • Keep an eye out for emergency vehicles, including tow trucks, that have their lights on as well as cars that have their flashers on. Move over one lane, and if you can’t move over, slow down to safely pass them.
  • Be a good passenger by helping to identify roadway issues.
  • Watch for people on the roadside that may be bent down by their vehicle, in front of the vehicle, or about to get in or out of the vehicle.

Stranded motorists:

  • Pull over as far on the shoulder as possible.
  • Turn hazard lights on.
  • If possible, safely make it to the next exit or stopping point.
  • Call for assistance by phone, website or AAA app.
  • Remain with your vehicle as long as it’s safe to do so.
  • If getting out of your vehicle, watch the oncoming traffic for a good time to exit and remain close to your vehicle. Avoid turning your back to traffic whenever possible.

For more information, visit AAA.com, or get the AAA mobile app.

Published January 10, 2024

Improving public notice a front-burner issue, Pasco planning staff says

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It’s no secret that Pasco County residents want a better system to inform them of requested land use and zoning changes.

The issue comes up repeatedly, and did so again at the Dec. 7 meeting of the Pasco County Planning Commission.

Mary McKnight, who lives on Saint Joe Road, told the planning board that she deliberately went looking for public notice signs involving the Nov. 2 Cherry Hill West rezoning request, on a site off the VFW dirt road and couldn’t find any.

The attorney for the rezoning request said the site was posted, but said she will make an extra effort to ensure the notice is visible before the county board decides the case.

Planning board member Jon Moody voiced frustration over the county’s seeming inability to resolve the problem.

“I don’t understand what the holdup is, in getting the signs,” Moody said.

The planning board member, like county board members, said the signs should be larger.

“If I’m driving 50 miles an hour, there’s no way I can see a 1-inch letter written on a 24-by-36 sign. It’s unfair to the population,” Moody said.

He continued: “There was some direction to get larger signs, and I don’t understand what’s the holdup to get the larger signs. I know if I need a sign, I can call the sign shop and I’ll have it in a week. So, I don’t understand what the problem is.”

Moody said the public is constantly complaining about not seeing the signs, which are intended to provide public notice to allow interested parties to be involved in the process.

“I follow the Facebook group (regarding Pasco’s growth). There’s constant banter on the Facebook group about signs. That’s something that we really need to work faster to correct.”

“It just seems that it’s an easy problem to fix. We shouldn’t have to have constant complaints that ‘I didn’t see the sign, I couldn’t see the sign,’” Moody said.

Planning board member Derek Pontlitz agreed.

“We definitely need to improve our noticing abilities because this is not the first time that we’ve had someone come up and say, they didn’t hear about it, they didn’t see it, see the sign or whatever,” Pontlitz said.

Brad Tippin, the county’s development review manager, assured the planning board that addressing the issue is a priority.

“This is on our front burner. We are in the process of revamping the entire notification process, everything from the website, to the signs, all of it. There are some complicated aspects to it because we are transitioning a few of the pieces and how they are done.

“For example, the county currently buys the signs in bulk and everybody has to come and pick up signs and do different things. We are kind of changing that whole thing as well.

“So, there’s a lot to the process, but it is front-burner,” Tippin said.

Moody asked: “Any idea of time frame?”

Nectarios Pittos, the county’s director of planning and development, told Moody: “The time frame that we are shooting for right now is February/March, for both revamping the notification process and the signage.”

Moody wanted to know if the county will continue buying the signs in bulk, or whether applicants will buy their own signs.

Pittos responded: “That’s going to be worked out in the next couple of weeks.

“We are targeting February or March, making that public, but that’s how front-burner it is for us. Hopefully we can hit that target. There’s a lot of priorities on the desk, at the moment,” Pittos said.

Tippin told the planning board that the county is planning for a change in the size and design of the signs.

“So, we’re not going to have that small, illegible print any longer,” Tippin said.

Moody responded: “I think that’s probably the biggest problem. You know, you get a plastic sign and you get rain, and, of course, the ink runs off and the sign is blank after a few weeks, especially in the summertime.”

Tippin noted that another issue involves the placement of the sign.

“Where do you put them if you’re in the middle of a stretch of roadway where traffic is going 50 mph and there’s not a stop sign? Where do you put it, how do you put it to catch people from both sides?” Tippin said.

Pasco county board members have asked for a quick resolution of these issues.

Pittos told them during a recent meeting that county staff has been working on the issue at the same time they are planning to make a shift on publishing notifications of requested changes.

In the past, the notifications have been required in a newspaper of general circulation. But a change in state law, adopted more than a year ago, allows the county to publish those notices on its own website, which it is preparing to do.

Published January 10, 2024

Girl Scouts recognize women of distinction

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Six women have been named honorees of Girl Scouts of West Central Florida’s (GSWCF) Annual Women of Distinction and will be celebrated at a luncheon on International Women’s Day on March 8, at Armature Works.

The event is in its 32nd year and is the longest running Women’s History month celebration, attracting more than 600 business and community leaders from across Tampa Bay, according to a news release.

The 2024 Women of Distinction are:

  • Marilyn Alvarez, master deputy of the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office
  • Alison Barlow, executive director, St. Petersburg Innovation District
  • Ann E. Dunwoody, Gen. (Retired) and first female Four-Star General in the United States Army
  • Bemetra Simmons, president and CEO of Tampa Bay Partnership, and co-founder of Corporate Homie

In addition, GSWCF named Diana Walker as the 2024 Woman of Promise, an award given to exceptional women under age 40. Walker is the special projects coordinator at Hillsborough County Economic Development Minority & Small Business.

The organization also will induct Renee Vaughn into the Women of Distinction Hall of Fame. Vaughn is the president of the Williams Consulting Group, a public relations and marketing firm in Tampa. She was first honored as a Woman of Distinction in 2015.

“For 30-plus years, Women of Distinction has been one of Tampa Bay’s premier luncheons to celebrate Women’s History Month,” said Cami Gibertini, president of the board of directors of GSWCF, in the release.

“As the only fundraising event hosted annually by our local Girl Scouts, this is also the best opportunity for our community and business leaders to invest in future women leaders by showing they support Girl Scouts,” said Gibertini.

To learn more about Women of Distinction, visit GSWCF.org/WOD.

For information about sponsorship opportunities, email Clara Moll, chief development officer, at .

Alison Barlow
Ann Dunwoody
Bemetra Simmons
Diana Walker
Marilyn Alvarez
Renee Vaughn

 

Old Pasco Road widening expected to cause delays

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Construction work that has begun on Old Pasco Road is expected to cause delays for those who travel on the road in Wesley Chapel. The project calls for widening Old Pasco Road, from just south of Sonny Drive to north of Overpass Road.

The work involves adding two travel lanes, a median, a sidewalk, a multi-use path and lighting. The project also includes adding two new traffic signals — one at Lindenhurst Drive and another at the Tampa Bay North Business Park driveway.

Work hours on the project are Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Motorists should expect single-lane closures between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., with message boards directing traffic.

The project is expected to take 20 months, with an expected completion date of August 2025.

B.R.W. Contracting Inc., is the contractor for this county project.

Published January 10, 2024

Here’s a New Year’s resolution for you: Go out and have some fun!

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Of course, life does have its share of work – so shouldn’t it also have its share of fun?

We think so, so we compiled a few ideas to help you get 2024 off to a good start.

We hope you’ll find something here that will add a new bounce to your step, a little laughter with others, and just generally add joy to your life.

Note: This listing only covers the first few months of 2024. Check back again for ways to have fun later in the year.

Steam rises from the huge vat containing sugar cane juice, as volunteers Marcus Copeland, of Dade City, left, and Jasper Starnes, of Zephyrhills, work on skimming any impurities that bubble to the top during the sugar cane syrup-making process. The demonstration occurred in the Cane Mill at a previous Raising Cane and Moonshine Festival. (File)

January
Raising Cane & Moonshine Festival
When: Jan. 13, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Pioneer Florida Museum & Village, 15602 Pioneer Museum Road, in Dade City
Cost: $10 for adults, $5 for students and free for children under age 5. Parking is free.
Details: The event will feature live sugar cane syrup making, a syrup tasting contest, live music, vendors, blacksmith demonstrations, model trains, ax throwing, and more. All museum buildings will be open to tour. No pets or coolers will be permitted.
Info: PioneerFloridaMuseum.org

The Kumquat Festival celebrates the kumquat — a fruit grown in nearby St. Joe, which is known as the Kumquat Capital of the World. The annual event also allows Dade City to show off its southern charm, the Historic Pasco County Courthouse and the downtown shops and restaurants, along with the festival’s vendors and activities. This year’s festival is on Jan. 27.

26th annual Kumquat Festival
When: Jan 27, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Downtown Dade City
Cost: Free admission; parking available in public and private lots in downtown
Details: Visitors can enjoy a slice of kumquat pie, drink a glass of kumquat beer and take home some kumquats or a variety of goodies celebrating the tiny orange-colored fruit.
Info: DadeCityChamber.org, or contact The Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce at 352-567-3769 or 

February
35th annual Farm Fest & Quilt Show
When: Feb. 3, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Pioneer Florida Museum & Village, 15602 Pioneer Museum Road, Dade City
Cost: Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for students and free for children under 5. 
Details: The event features a demonstration of strength during the Southern Draft Horse Association’s Draft Horse Pull, which begins at the stroke of noon. It also showcases the intricate work completed by quilters. In addition to the quilt exhibition, there will be a quilt appraiser, live entertainment and vendors.
Info: PioneerFloridaMuseum.org

Pigz in Z’Hills Barbecue & Blues Festival
When: Feb. 10, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Downtown Fifth Avenue, in Zephyrhills
Cost: Many free and paid parking options will be available
Details: Live blues music, barbecue vendors, a cornhole tournament, grilling competition, wing eating contest, hog calling contest, business expo and more.
Info: ZephyrhillsChamber.org

The Orbiter is seen in motion at a previous Pasco County Fair. This thrill ride lifts and spins riders, as they sit in cars, attached to the Orbiter’s arms. This year, the fair is set for Feb. 19 through Feb. 25.

Pasco County Fair
When: Feb. 19 through Feb. 25
Where: Pasco County Fairground, 36722 State Road 52, Dade City
Cost: $10 for adults; $5 for children ages 6 to 12; free for those age 5 and under (Feb. 20 is carload night. The charge is $70 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., for a carload of up to six belted passengers, which includes admission and a ride wristband.)
Details: The fair will feature rides, food, entertainment and all sorts of competitions.
Info: PascoCountyFair.com

Steve Melton, a Dade City rancher and cowboy poet, recites a poem he calls, ‘The Rain at Billy Goat Sink.’ Melton shared about a dozen poems and stories with the audience inside the Pioneer Florida Museum & Village’s Mabel Jordan Barn, during the inaugural Cracker Cowboy Day event. This year’s event is set for March 2.

March
Cracker Cowboy Day
When: March 2, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Florida Pioneer Museum & Village, 15602 Pioneer Museum Road, Dade City
Cost: $10 for adults, $5 for children, free for children under age 5
Details: Get ready to be transported back to the time when Florida’s cracker cowboys rounded up cattle through the sound of their trusty whips. There also will be demonstrations galore, as well as chances for children to practice their roping skills and visit a petting zoo. Other features include Cowboy Poetry, samples from a local distillery, vendors and more.
Info: PioneerFloridaMuseum.org

Pasco Blues Fest
When: March 9, noon to 6 p.m.
Where: Land O’ Lakes Heritage Park, 5401 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., Land O’ Lakes
Cost: $15 for early birds; $25 general admission
Details: Patrons are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets as they listen to three bands at the event. There will be food and drink available for purchase. This is a kid and pet-friendly event.
Info: FloridaPenguinProductions.com

Cody, an 8-year-old Yorkie, was dressed as a tarantula for the dog costume contest by Orkin Man Scott Smith, of Clermont. This year’s event is set for March 16.

Dogs’ Day in Dade City
When: March 16, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: Agnes Lamb Park, 37603 Meridian Ave., in Dade City (on Meridian across from the Edwinola)
Cost: Free
Details: Patrons and their furry friends can team up for activities including a dog wagon parade, dog costume contest, K-9 challenge, a Canine Got Talent contest, and an ice cream/yogurt eating competition. Vendors will be on hand (and are still being accepted for the event).
Info: Contact Lucy Avila at 352-424-4972 or

Jelly Bean Fling
When: March 16, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. 
Where: Pioneer Florida Museum & Village, 15602 Pioneer Museum Road, Dade City
Details: There will be live entertainment and craft demonstrations, and of course, kids will be able to have their picture taken with the Easter bunny, go on an egg hunt and take advantage of other activities.
Info: PioneerFloridaMuseum.org

Check back around April to find another slate of activities for future months.

Published January 10, 2024

Planning board advocates giving public a chance to weigh in on Lacoochee plan

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The Pasco County Planning Commission is asking the Pasco County Commission to direct county staff to provide a second presentation on the Greater Lacoochee Plan, but this time to allow public comment to provide feedback on the plan.

The planning board received a Lacoochee Plan presentation before, but at that session, the public’s only opportunity to comment was at the beginning of the meeting — before the planning board was briefed on the plan.

During the planning board’s Dec. 7 meeting, Nancy Hazelwood, a resident who has been active for years in the efforts to preserve Pasco’s rural areas, asked the planning board to request another presentation on the Lacoochee plan.

She told the planning board: “The plan is over 30 pages long and it was only given 10 or 15 minutes to cover the material.

“Because of the lateness of the evening, the planning board had no time to ask questions or give relevant information on it.

“I don’t know how many others came to hear it or watch the meeting, but I stayed a very long time. I got there at the beginning and I stayed until 8 o’clock or 8:30, when it was over.

“The project could be a game-changer. It will be a game-changer for the Northeast Rural protected area. Presenting this plan without enough time for discussion is disenfranchising the Pasco citizens by not letting us hear the plan and make written comments to the BCC (Pasco County Commission) before it goes to that board.

“So, what’s the hurry? It’s part of the 2050 Plan (update). Let’s bring it back,” she said.

Hazelwood also noted that she was representing several members involved in developing the original Northeast Pasco Rural Pasco Overlay District. They were not able to attend because of illness or medical appointments, she said.

Nectarios Pittos, director of planning and development, told the planning board: “The plan is a non-binding concept plan. It was scheduled for presentation, I believe in October, here at the Planning Commission. It was not as a public hearing, however, just as a presentation to the planning commission that this was the plan.

“It was originally scheduled for the Nov. 14 board of county commissioners meeting, again for presentation, as it is a non-binding concept plan,” Pittos said.

That presentation was rescheduled into January because the board didn’t have time to take it up at the November meeting, Pittos said.

“The ball, right now, is with the board of county commissioners. To have it reheard at the planning commission, that would have to be a request made to the board,” Pittos said.

Planning board member Derek Pontlitz noted: “It’s a concept plan, then after that, there are workshops that are going to be held.”

Pittos added: “The non-binding concept plan definitely has ideas that can then be downloaded into the Pasco 2050 Comprehensive Plan Update. That’s going to be a work in progress over the next year or so, for the Pasco 2050 Comprehensive Plan Update.

But Hazelwood’s request resonated with planning board member Jon Moody, who made a motion to ask planning staff to request another presentation for the planning board and to accept public comment.

Moody noted that would “at least allow us to hear some public comment on it, so that it can get incorporated into any message or recommendation that needs to get delivered to the board.”

Moody said it would be helpful for the public to “be able to hear the entirety of the plan — all of the high points, the low points and the in-betweens, and to make their comments after they’ve got all of the information.”

The planning board approved Moody’s motion unanimously, with Chairman Charles Grey absent.

Two other residents attending the Dec. 7 meeting thanked the planning board for its action.

Lisa Moretti, who has been active in efforts to protect Pasco’s rural areas, told the planning board: “I know that we get called squawking chickens. I’m tired of being a squawking chicken. But I would also say, if you haven’t watched the movie ‘Chicken Run’ lately, I suggest you do, because we’re just going to keep squawking.

“I’m really grateful that you chose to bring the Lacoochee plan back. It’s very important. Some of the things that are in that plan literally gut the rural area, the Northeast Rural Area, and dramatically change some of the things.

“I know there are maps that some of you have not seen before that have been presented by the developer that move the transition area boundaries inside the rural area, rather than having them be transitions outside. I think that is a travesty. So, I’m really grateful that you are willing to hear that again and allow us to come back and bring comment.”

Moretti said it’s important to determine whether the plan is truly a non-binding concept plan, or something more.

“We have a commissioner walking around saying, ‘This is an implementation plan. It’s a done deal. You might as well just sit down and be quiet.’

“That’s not in my DNA because what’s happening is so important.

“And, if it is an implementation plan, we need to be clear on that. If it’s an implementation plan, we need to have even more public comment.

“If it’s just, ‘Here’s our plan, we’re presenting it to you,‘ we need to have comment there, too, but we still have some leeway and negotiation time.

“If it’s an implementation plan, as we’ve been told by our commissioner, I’ve got serious issues with that.

“I encourage you to really take a hard look at that plan, and clearly define exactly what it is,” Moretti said.

Published January 10, 2024

Making positive change needs not be tied to a certain time of year

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This is the time of year where we tend to welcome change.  

We usually let others know what we want to change, for the sake of accountability, and then we begin the endeavor.

Typically, we begin with great enthusiasm and intentions. Unfortunately, all too often, we give it up after a few weeks.

Why do so many of us — an estimated 80% — throw in the towel so early?  

Well, there’s at least one theory out there that explains this. It’s called the Transtheoretical Model, or the Stages of Change Model.  

Many habit changes can be achieved through environmental changes. Simply having more healthy food items around the house instead of high-calorie ones, or using smaller plates and bowls, can set you up for success in replacing bad habits. (Pixabay.com)

The true problem may be that despite the new year representing a fresh start, you just weren’t in the right stage to make the long-term change at the time.  

In other words, it doesn’t mean you’ll never get to where you want to be, it just means you weren’t ready to launch into it on Jan. 1.

Some people are only ready to make a change after they’ve hit rock bottom, or a major life event occurs. Those situational changes can include a divorce, a diagnosis or finding out that you’re having a baby.

For others, being ready to change can come on their own terms or by being inspired by someone else.

In any event, there are five stages of change:  

Precontemplation: Having no intention to make a change in the next six months.
Most people in this stage don’t realize they need to change or will defend their bad habit and focus on the cons of the change, instead of the pros.
There is no motivation to change until there is a change in life circumstances or they become more conscious of their actions.

Contemplation: Having the intention to make a change within six months.
Here, people see that their habits are problematic, and they weigh the pros and cons of change equally, though are still hesitant about making a change.
They’re more receptive to hearing others’ stories and seeking help.

Preparation: Ready to make a change in the next 30 days.
People here believe the change will improve their livelihood, and start taking small steps toward the change, such as touring a gym, looking up support groups, or reading self-help books.
This is the “research” or “information gathering” stage, and they believe the pros outweigh the cons.

Action: The change has been implemented within the past six months with intentions to continue.

Maintenance: The change has been sustained for six months or more.
Here, you maintain the habit to prevent relapsing to a previous stage.
This stage will last as long as necessary, up to several years.
In one study on smoking, 43% returned to smoking after 12 months of quitting, but five years later, the relapse rate was 7%.
People in the maintenance stage still need support, even if they feel confident in sustaining the change. 

One of the main issues when it comes to setting goals, whether for the new year or any time of year, is that people often skip the preparation stage.  

Going from contemplation to action can set one up for failure because the individual failed to thoroughly research what it will take to change his or her lifestyle, such as what’s required to implement it, what sacrifices will be necessary and what resources are available.

It’s important to consider challenges and ways to overcome them before taking action to avoid a long-term relapse.  

For instance, if you’re trying to cook more at home, what’s the plan if you get stuck at work?

Will you meal prep each evening prior to prevent the temptation of stopping for fast food?  

Will you delegate meal tasks to your partner or older children, if you need help?  

Be sure you have strategies in place to minimize setbacks.  

Also, if you do stop for fast food, it doesn’t mean you have to drop your attempt to change. It just means you had an off day and you will get back to your healthier routine the next day.

It’s important to realize that relapse is a normal part of the process.  

It’s not the relapse that determines your success, it’s your response to it.

Accept in advance that there will be bad days, and go easy on yourself when something takes you off course every now and then.

Also, keep in mind there are some limitations to the stages of change theory, as there’s plenty of gray area related to any habit change.

For example, there are people who may want to make a change, but they are thwarted by their environment. Living in a food desert, for instance, makes it difficult to access fresh food.

The change theory also fails to address the challenges of trying to tackle more than one behavior change at the same time.

Regardless, we probably see ourselves in our own health journeys within these stages, and the same goes for our loved ones, too.

If you’ve felt frustrated having the same conversation about habit changes with a loved one, this theory could explain why there hasn’t been much progress.  

So how do you make a habit stick?  

Even if you finally feel ready and you did all the research, how do you take that leap into action, make it to maintenance, and then stick to it?

Here are some suggestions from the American Heart Association:

First, identify the cue that causes the bad habit.  

It could be as simple as walking past a vending machine that you automatically stop at throughout the workday, or eating chips whenever you watch TV in the living room.

Once you realize the cue, you must disrupt it, such as taking a different path in your office building or watching TV in a different room that you don’t associate the chips with.

Replace the bad behavior with a good one instead of just ending the bad behavior by itself.  

The new path around your office can now be a cue for having a healthy snack when you return to your desk, whether it’s a handful of nuts or some grapes.  

It’s important to keep things simple because you want your brain to eventually take on the new habit where it goes into “autopilot” mode. This takes some time (sometimes as much as two months), so make the transition easy by avoiding complex replacement habits.

Also, keep in mind that even your bad habits were not second nature in the beginning.  

To give yourself a chance for success, replace habit cues so your brain associates the new signal with an improved habit.

Make sure you have laid the groundwork for success by having strategies to address relapses. And, be faithful to building new habits.

If you do that, the successful days will turn into months, and then into years.

Here’s wishing you a 2024 that provides ample opportunities for you to embark on bringing the changes you want to see in your life. 

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.

Published January 10, 2024