Zephyrhills/East Pasco News

More spores springing up at Zephyrhills farm

November 28, 2023 By Mike Camunas

Eric Roman is a fun guy who likes fungi.

The Zephyrhills resident likes mushrooms so much, he started a farm, specifically just to grow them.

Zephyrgills Mushroom Farm has several rooms where owner Eric Roman grows a variety of fungi, shrooms at his property in Zephyrhills. Roman, is a one-man farming operation. He sells his mushrooms to local stores, restaurants and markets in the East Pasco area. (Mike Camunas)

“I enjoy growing things, lots of things,” Roman said. “I just want to grow things, for now it’s mushrooms. Eventually, I want to do more but I’m focusing on the mushrooms now.

“Mushrooms, when I say that to you, what do people think?” Roman continued. “Probably the ones that grow in their yard or flower beds — unwanted ones. There’s so much more to mushrooms though. There’s a whole industry to them, and even health benefits, and more and more different ways to cook them.

“Anyways, I think (growing mushrooms) is cool.”

That’s probably a good thing since Roman is the man behind Zephyrgills Mushroom Farm, which he has been operating, and growing, for more than four years now.

He’s doing well, producing at a great pace — about 800 blocks that grow mushrooms a month. He sells his crops to local markets and stores and also attends some out-of-town markets, including The Villages, where he sells mushrooms, too.

Roman said he learned how to start and grow mushrooms from attending lectures delivered by experts and by watching YouTube videos.

Zephyrgills Mushroom Farm cultivator and owner Eric Roman works on selling some of his home-grown mushrooms during a market at Agnes Lamb Park in Dade City on Nov. 4.

And he runs his farm all by himself.

“It’s all organic — I don’t use any chemicals (on the property),” Roman said. “I have a steady source (of materials to grow mushrooms), and the mushroom farm is key. It’s integral to getting the rest going because I want the farm, eventually, to do so much more.”

Growing mushrooms starts with mycelium, or a network of fungal threads, and it connects to everything. Roman creates organic blocks with mycelium, and then places them in one of his three grow houses, which are damp, dark and cool.

Growth time varies, depending on the type of mushroom, such as shiitake or Lion’s mane. It could take days, or weeks, but Roman keeps a diligent eye on his fungi, knowing they are a valuable commodity.

Mushrooms are now being considered a superfood, thanks to its health benefits depending on which mushrooms are consumed. They need to be fully cooked, Roman said, as eating raw mushrooms is not recommended.

Zephyrgills Mushroom Farm, located in Zephyrhills, uses cooled and dark grow rooms to get its shrooms to sprout.

Certain mushrooms are said to boost health properties such as being anti-inflammatory, helping with growing good gut bacteria and helping cognitive functions.

“Mushrooms are even being drunk now in tea and even coffee,” Roman added. “It’s just a massive industry, and I’m happy to be a part of it with my little farm here in Zephyrhills.

“With mycelium,” he added, “it was just learning about how it works and what it does. All the really cool stuff about mycelium got me intrigued into growing mushrooms and just learning more about it. It was all very fascinating.”

Roman also has learned many different ways mushrooms can be cooked, prepared and served. He also knows that mushrooms aren’t a universally desired food, with many flat out refusing to eat them.

But he also knows that he can change minds — because, after all, he’s a fungi guy.

“I feel challenged when people say they don’t like them, but I didn’t either,” Roman said. “I can find a way to cook them or prepare them that you’ll like them — I mean, just look at what everyone does with meat. They find a way people like that, so you can do it with mushrooms.

“People even make mushroom tacos now, so it’s like a super food. You don’t get addicted to it, but the effect it has on you — a great effect — is great for you, and it’s mushrooms, believe it or not.”

Zephyrgills Mushroom Farm
Details: A small, but thriving mushroom farm run by Eric Roman in Zephyrhills. All the mushrooms grown on Roman’s property are organic and locally sold at stores, restaurants and markets.
Info: Visit Zephyrgills.com.

Published November 29, 2023

Eric Roman, Zephyrgills Mushroom Farm owner, looks over some fungi and shrooms in a plant bed on his property.

Zephyrgills Mushroom Farm owner Eric Roman prepares another bag of mycelium, which eventually will produce sprout fungi and mushrooms.

Life finds a way, as a tiny shroom sprout breaks through in a grow room at Zephyrgills Mushroom Farm.

Federal funds will help address sewage treatment upgrade in Dade City

November 21, 2023 By Mike Camunas

The city of Dade City has received $1.75 million in federal funds to help relocate and upgrade its current wastewater treatment plant.

The funds are coming through the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and were secured by U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis, as part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2022, according to a news release from Bilirakis’ office.

The project is one of 483 water infrastructure projects funded in communities across the country, according to the release.

Bilirakis favors reining in federal spending, but at the same time supports giving local communities their fair share, the release notes.

“I am proud to have secured this funding for a project Dade City and the residents of Mickens-Harper have hoped for since 2011, and I’ll keep working to address water quality issues throughout Florida’s 12th Congressional District,” Bilirakis said, in the release.

This relocation project will provide significant environmental benefits to the area, given that the current site is adjacent to the Green Swamp, where the Withlacoochee River meets the Hillsborough River watersheds, the release says.

The relocation will better protect adjacent waterways due to the use of a three-stage biological nutrient removal process, the release adds.

At the same time, it will improve conditions for the Mickens-Harper neighborhood, the release adds, noting such benefits as reduced noise, traffic and odors, while creating more open space and improving aesthetics, the release continues.

The city also has asserted the project will provide economic benefits and create 150 new jobs during the construction process.

“The City of Dade City is grateful for our partnership with Congressman Bilirakis and his advocacy in securing funding to upgrade and relocate the City’s Wastewater Treatment Plant,” City Manager Leslie Porter said, in the release.

“The funding makes it possible to fast-track this important project. The current plant, constructed in the 1950s, was built in the Historic Mickens-Harper neighborhood. As Dade City continues moving in a forward direction, relocating the plant will address that environmental injustice.

“The city is committed to providing our residents in this community a better quality of life. As our existing plant nears capacity, the new facility will accommodate growth while protecting our watershed and water bodies. This benefits us all,” Porter said.

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

Dade City plans for a new James Irvin Civic Center

November 14, 2023 By Mike Camunas

One of Dade City’s most recognizable and heavily used buildings is headed toward a rebirth.

The City of Dade City and the Pasco County Recreation and Natural Resources Department are working on a project to tear down the existing structure and rebuild the James Irvin Civic Center.

An artist rendering shows how a new James Civic Center and the renovation of Naomi Price Park in Dade City would reshape the long-standing park that sits across the street from the historic Dade City Cemetery. (Courtesy of CPH Corp)

The current building at 38122 Martin Luther King Blvd., in the heart of Naomi Price Park, originally was erected in 1963.

City officials reached out to residents on Nov. 6 and Nov. 9 asking them what exactly they wanted out of the facility.

At the same meetings, residents had a chance to see artist renderings of the planned reconstruction project.

No timeline for project start was unveiled, but those attending were encouraged to list the amenities they are seeking in a new civic center.

This is one of eight projects the city intends to complete. So far, it has earmarked $32 million of its budget for those projects.

The project will entail tearing down the existing building and erecting a new, larger, state-of-the-art facility, of which the city has already earmarked $1.2 million.

In public forums held Nov. 6 and Nov. 9, Dade City residents and locals were asked for their input on various amenities they would like at the completely new James Irvin Civic Center, and to weigh in on designs. The design seen here won overwhelming approval from the dozens that attended, mainly because it included a much-desired gymnasium. (Courtesy of CPH Corp)

The project also involves renovation of Naomi Price Park. The park already has basketball courts, a playground, pavilions and restrooms. New park amenities include tennis and pickleball courts, a community garden, gazebo and learning trail.

“I grew up here and what was needed then and what is needed now is much different,” Dade City Mayor Jim Shive said. “We’re excited to see the designs and can’t wait to see final ones, but we know we will need to put more money aside (for rebuilding James Irvin Civic Center). But the input, especially (on Nov. 6 and Nov. 9) has been invaluable.”

CPH Solutions LLC, an architecture and engineering firm, presented a tentative artist rendering of the new facility on site, while also presenting two alternative floor plans that residents and locals were asked to vote for their favorite.

Overwhelmingly, those who came to Moore-Mickens Education Center on Nov. 6 and the current James Irvin Civic Center on Nov. 9 voted for the floor plan that included a large gymnasium, as well as multipurpose rooms and a kitchen.

“People definitely want a gym — a multipurpose indoor space,” Shive said, also noting that feedback on that came from residents wanting a place to hold and/or attend events away from the outdoor elements.

Erected in 1963, the James Irvin Civic Center gets its namesake from one of the most active members of the Dade City community. Irvin attended Moore-Mickens as a young teen and was known for his honesty and conscientiousness. He mentored young men, served as a deacon at his church and coached/officiated Little League games, including the one between Taiwan and Canada during a 1977 international competition.

James Irvin Civic Center, 38122 Martin Luther King Blvd., sits inside of Naomi Price Park in Dade City and is set to be completely rebuilt as a modern, state-of-the-art facility featuring a gym. The current building was erected in 1963. (Mike Camunas)

In addition to owning Main Street Cleaners, one of the oldest businesses in Dade City, Irvin was an active volunteer with the Pasco Public Schools Foundation, the Community Alliance of the Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce, Boy Scouts, and the city’s Historical Preservation Advisory Board.

Knowing the love for Irvin, and the history of Price Park, in which it was Branch Camp No. 7, a World War II Prisoner Camp, was another reason the city reached out to its residents. City officials wanted to be respectful of the historic site.

“Instead of renovating the current building, we found it more financially feasible and logical to tear down and build from scratch,” City Manager Leslie Porter said. “But it was important to us to remember that these are still historical sites and they’re important to the city. When it comes to Dade City, we’re always considering the historical aspects, especially with all our projects.”

The new civic center is one of eight current projects either in the planning stages or soon-to-be in progress. Other projects include a new park at Church Avenue and Eighth Street, which will include a splash pad and amphitheater, Touchton Park renovation and the streetscape renovation to Seventh Street.

“We are all excited about all the projects and improvements because we know the impact it will have on Dade City,” Porter said. “We’ve been listening to the community and working with them, hand in hand, to bring what they want to Dade City, which is growing exponentially.”

“This is all very exciting,” Shive added. “We can’t wait to bring them all to our city.”

James Irvin Civic Center
Where: 38122 Martin Luther King Blvd., in Dade City
Details: A multipurpose, city-run building located at Naomi Price Park in Dade City. Plans call for tearing down the current building, which dates back to 1963, and replacing it with a state-of-the-art facility that includes multipurpose rooms, a gym, kitchen and more. The City of Dade City has already earmarked more than $1.2 million to fund the project.

Published November 15, 2023

Swinging into Dade City

November 14, 2023 By Mike Camunas

The Market Place, held monthly every first Saturday at Agnes Lamb Park in Dade City. Local vendors set up shop to sell their wares from fresh produce to soaps to jewelry to artwork and more. Attendance to the monthly event is free, and it’s held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

David Post, left, and Regina Post swing their granddaughter, Eleanor, as they stroll through The Market Place. (Mike Camunas)

Dade City resident Edward Perez, left, and Zephyrhills resident Adam Perez check out a 1929 Model A classic car on Nov. 4, just outside the Pasco County Historic Courthouse on Sixth Street, in Dade City.

Out of Our Hands gallery on Seventh Street in historic downtown Dade City features artwork from mostly local artists and from across Florida. The gallery celebrated its fifth anniversary on Nov. 4.

Dade City residents, from left, Timothy Williams, Mandy Tetrea-Williams, Sera Williams and Lily Williams pose for a selfie with Dade City Mayor Jim Shive at Agnes Lamb Park on Nov. 4. They are new residents in the community.

The Market Place, held monthly every first Saturday at Agnes Lamb Park in Dade City, features local vendors who sell items including fresh produce, soaps, jewelry, artwork and more. Event hours are 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and attendance is free.

Classic and refurbished cars were lined up on Nov. 4, surrounding the Pasco County Historic Courthouse in Dade City.

Bakery company bringing 600 jobs to Pasco

November 7, 2023 By B.C. Manion

Bauducco Foods has purchased 72.5 acres of the Zephyrhills Municipal Airport’s Ready Site and expects to hire more than 600 employees within the coming decade.

The news was announced during the Oct. 24 meeting of the Pasco County Commission, which approved an incentives package to help lure the company to the county.

The effort to attract the Brazilian-based company to North Tampa Bay was one that was about 10 months in the making, and involved Pasco County’s economic growth department, the Pasco Economic Development Council, the City of Zephyrhills and the state of Florida, among others.

The company expects to invest more than $200 million in the new facility, which will produce and distribute its baked items across the United States, according to a Pasco County Economic Development Council news release.

This group shot was taken after the Pasco County Commission approved an incentive deal to help bring Bauducco Foods to the county. The company plans to create a production facility in Zephyrhills. The deal to bring the Brazilian-based company here involved a collaboration between Pasco County, the Pasco Economic Development Council, the City of Zephyrhills and the state of Florida. (Courtesy of the Pasco Economic Development Council)

“The company manufactures baked goods including biscuits, wafers and breads, and is the largest producer of panettones in the world, and the market leader in the U.S.,” the Pasco EDC release says.

“The Bauducco brand is sold in all 50 states in regional supermarket chains, national grocery stores, pharmacies and more,” the release adds.

Zephyrhills will become the company’s main production hub for the U.S. market, according to the release.

Stefano Mozzi, CEO of Bauducco USA, appeared at the county board’s meeting to celebrate the company’s decision to locate in Pasco.

To express its pleasure, the company passed out baked goods to all those attending the county board’s meeting.

A baking company for generations
Mozzi shared the company’s story with the county board and others gathered for the big announcement.

“We are a family owned business. We are in the third generation. It’s an Italian family that moved to Brazil in the ’50s and they started with a small bakery. Today, we are one of the largest bakery companies in Latin America.

“The company has five manufacturing plants in Brazil, with a capacity to produce more than 400,000 tons of baked goods annually with over 8,000 employees worldwide,” according to Pasco EDC’s release

Mozzi told the Pasco County board: “The family always had a dream that was to develop the business in the U.S. They started with a small office in Miami, in 2005. A couple of years back, we built our first facility in Miami.

“It was only a warehouse. It also became a factory. Today, we have over 130 employees there. “But we need to expand,” he said.

The company chose Pasco after a detailed analysis involving more than seven states and 10 counties, according to the Pasco EDC release.

Collaboration yields big jobs win for area
The company’s decision to come to Pasco County is the result of a coordinated effort between Pasco County, the Pasco Economic Development Council, the City of Zephyrhills and Florida Commerce.

Mozzi said Duke Energy, Tampa Electric Co. and the gas company also were involved in the effort.

The collaboration between the different entities, the company executive said, “made our life easy, in terms of selecting where to go.”

Bauducco is ready to get going as soon as it can obtain permits, Mozzi said. It has already hired architects and hopes contractors can start building as quickly as possible.

“We are very excited,” Mozzi told the board.

David Engel, Pasco’s economic growth manager, spelled out some of the specifics of the county’s deal.

The 72.5-acre site where the plant will be located is at the corner of Sixth Avenue and Chancey Road, which was recently annexed by the City of Zephyrhills. The project will be using city water and sewer.

The 72.5-acre site, which is colored in red, is where Bauducco Foods plans to have a production facility in Zephyrhills. The location is part of a Ready Sites program, initially launched by Duke Energy. The Pasco Economic Development Council has built on that concept, working with private landowners to make a number of sites around the county ready for light industrial and manufacturing uses.

When complete, the project will be about 403,000 square feet and will create 600 new Pasco jobs, Engel said.

The project will be done in two phases, he said.

The first phase will be 96,494 square feet and is expected to be completed in 2025-2026, Engel said.

Phase two will be 306,500 square feet and is expected to be completed around 2028-2029.

The county’s incentive in the agreement involves a 25% ad valorem equivalency grant — which is a rebate on their ad valorem tax payment to the general fund.

The property currently is vacant, so the project’s development represents “a tremendous gain into the general fund for tax revenue,” Engel said.

He also noted that the incentives are entirely performance-based, meaning no incentives will be paid until the company has completed phase one and has received a certificate of occupancy.

“No incentives will be paid on the second phase until there’s a CO (certificate of occupancy) on that property and taxes are commencing,” Engel added.

Training dollars are part of deal
Additionally, the county is providing a $100,000 discretionary training grant to the business out of tax revenues generated by Penny for Pasco, Engel said.

The company will be able to receive that money once it has received its shell certificate of completion for phase one. That will enable them to train and hire before receiving a certificate of occupancy for the buildings, Engel said.

Bill Cronin, president and CEO of the Pasco EDC, characterized the project as “probably one of the more exciting projects that we’ve had in quite a while.”

He said the Pasco EDC “worked together with the state of Florida and Enterprise Florida’s international offices. We worked together with the municipality of Zephyrhills, and of course, with our county and our county staff.

Cronin described the project as competitive, noting that Pasco competed with San Antonio, Texas, for the company.

“Usually we don’t mention our competitors, but in this case, I want you to know, this was truly a project where people came together, collaborated, worked together, not just on the incentive deals, but some of the nuances we have here in Florida.”

Laura DiBella, immediate past Florida Secretary of Commerce and president and CEO at Enterprise Florida, told the county board there was “heated competition from Texas.”

She said Bauducco’s footprint in Miami could no longer support what it needed to do.

“The state obviously is participating on the incentive side, as well,” she said.

She said the “wrap-around approach” involves working together with partners “to make sure that this project not only lands, but continues to succeed here.

“This is really, really a happy day for all of us,” she said.

Zephyrhills is delighted by Bauducco’s choice
Billy Poe, city manager for the City of Zephyrhills, said the city is appreciative of the partnership with the county board, the Pasco EDC and the state.

“We’re thrilled that Bauducco selected Zephyrhills and our growing landscape of business potential. The positive impact of these job openings goes beyond providing steady, high-wage employment. It strengthens the fabric of our community by fostering opportunities and prosperity.

He said the city already is known for its water, skydiving and tennis, and now, with Bauducco, will be known for its baked goods, too.

The City of Zephyrhills has approved incentives totaling $8.27 million, according to the Pasco EDC news release. That incentive is based on the company creating 120 new positions, with each having an average wage of 80% of the median one-person income in the Tampa Bay Metropolitan Area.

The city’s incentive package also includes waiving transportation impact fees up to $331,000 and permit fees up to $660,750. Plus, the city will provide a job creation incentive cash grant equal to 50% of the ad valorem city property taxes paid for the first 10 years, according to the Pasco EDC release.

Mozzi said he hopes his company’s investment in Zephyrhills will be the first of many to come.

“I think it will happen. Normally, when one company goes to a place, a lot of others follow later on,” he said.

Published November 08, 2023

All new lanes on State Road 52 now open

October 17, 2023 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

New lanes heading west toward Interstate 75 are now open, as part of the widening and realigning State Road 52 from Uradco Place to Fort King Road. (Courtesy of Florida Department of Transportation)

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) announced on Oct. 6 that all State Road 52 lanes are open in the construction project corridor beginning east past Interstate 75 and ending at U.S. 301, after State Road 52 becomes Clinton Avenue once past Prospect Road at the edge of St. Leo.

New State Road 52 runs through San Antonio and through the new Mirada Community, which features the largest human-made lagoon in the country.

According to FDOT, the contractor will need to do periodic day and night lane closures along the corridor to finish the work from east of I-75 to Fort King Road. Motorists are advised to stay within the posted 45 mph speed limit and use caution because construction work may be active throughout the project corridor.

This project was the widening and realigning State Road 52 from Uradco Place to Fort King Road.

Between Uradco Place and Bayou Branch Canal the existing road will be widened to a four-lane divided roadway.
East of Bayou Branch Canal, the new alignment of four-lane divided State Road 52 has been built south of the former State 52 (now County Road 52) tying into Clinton Avenue.
Clinton Avenue between County Road 579 and Fort King Road has been widened to a four-lane divided road.
Clinton Avenue between Pasadena Avenue and U.S. 301 is now part of the new State Road 52. The section of the former State Road 52 between Bayou Branch Canal (west of Mirada Blvd.) and U.S. 301 is now designated County Road 52.

State Road 52 traffic was directed to the new alignment in February.

Published October 18, 2023

Zephyrhills Police receives law enforcement accreditation

October 17, 2023 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

The Zephyrhills Police Department achieved accreditation from the Commission of Florida Law Enforcement Accreditation (CFA) on Oct. 5, according to a city news release.

The police department underwent a voluntary three-day assessment in August by a team of assessors from the CFA.

They examined all aspects of the agency’s policies and procedures, management, operations and support services.

The Zephyrhills Police Department received accreditation from the Commission of Florida Law Enforcement Accreditation (CFA) on Oct. 5, after the department underwent a voluntary three-day assessment examining all aspects of the agency’s policies and procedures, management, operations and support services. (Mike Camunas)

The police department must comply with numerous standards — many of which are critical to life, health, safety and best practices to receive accredited status, the release stated.

The milestone reflects the department’s commitment to upholding the highest standards of professionalism, transparency and excellence in law enforcement. It has demonstrated its dedication to maintaining the highest standards of law enforcement professionalism and adherence to best practices, the news release says..

Chief Derek Brewer expressed his gratitude for the teamwork and dedication displayed by the department’s officers and staff throughout the accreditation process.

“Achieving accreditation from the Commission of Florida Law Enforcement Accreditation is a significant milestone for our department,” Chief Brewer said in the release. “It demonstrates our unwavering commitment to excellence in law enforcement and our dedication to providing the highest level of service to the Zephyrhills community.”

Homelessness ordinance passes
The City of Zephyrhills has passed a new ordinance aimed at addressing the issue of homelessness throughout the town.

The new ordinance makes it unlawful to sleep or camp in public and certain private places.

Ordinance No. 1471-2, which passed 4-0, was written by Chief Brewer, in the hopes of “giving officers another tool in the toolbox” to “make contact” with individuals who may be trying to sleep and camp on “any roadway, street, alley, access road, median or embankment” and “public parks, grounds or facilities.”

The City Council welcomed this ordinance, as it tries to firmly, but compassionately, address the homelessness issue in Zephyrhills. Brewer reiterated to the council that the ordinance wasn’t about “writing violations to those without addresses” but instead as a way to speak with the individuals and “provide them with (homelessness) resources they might not even be aware of.”

Published October 18, 2023

Dade City approves 2023-2024 budget

October 17, 2023 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

The City of Dade City approved a budget of more than $40 million for the 2023-2024 fiscal year.

The budget was approved at the Sept. 26 City Commission meeting.

The City of Dade City finalized its budget for the fiscal year 2023-2024 at $40,008,600, a decrease of $985,750 or 2.4% from the previous budget. (Mike Camunas)

The new spending plan represents a decrease of $985,750 or 2.4% from the previous budget.

This deviates from the 2022-2023 budget, which had a 64% increase (nearly $25 million), and included many of the ongoing projects throughout the city.

At the Sept. 12, 2023 City Commission meeting, the Commission voted to set the tentative millage rate at $7. The certified taxable value is $549,535,014 and at the millage rate, ad valorem tax revenues in the General Fund are anticipated to increase by $842,060.

Personnel costs are expected to be $9,038,125 or 22.59% of the total budget, an increase of $1,302,801 (16.84%) from the previous budget. This will create funding for nine new positions, the negotiation of a 3-year contract with the PBA (Police Benevolent Association), increased health care premiums, salary increases and associated retirement costs.

Operating costs are expected to be $5,878,185 or 14.69% of the total budget, an increase of $735,825 (14.31%) from the previous budget. The insurance crisis, inflation, and supply chain delays continue to impact operating costs.

Capital outlay and debt service, representing 62.72% of the budget, is anticipated to total $25,092,290, which is a decrease of $3,024,377.

Major capital projects include the Morningside Drive Extension, design of the wastewater treatment plant, wastewater force main and lift station projects, splash pad, amphitheater, playground equipment and sidewalk/road improvements. This amount includes $3,371,785 collected from impact fees and system development charges that are held in reserve for qualifying capital projects.

City amends rental fees
The City Commission passed Resolution 2023-27, which amended rental fees for the exclusive use of parks and recreational facilities that was established in January 2008.

Commissioners held a series of workshops to discuss amendments, however, rental fees for parks and facilities usage are not increasing. Fees for the use of electricity will increase from $5 to $15 per hour for use of pavilions and from $16 to $25 per two-hour block for the use of ballfield lights.

Monies collected under this resolution will provide a revenue source to the General Fund.

Published October 18, 2023

Hay, now — Dade City’s painted bales are back

October 17, 2023 By Mike Camunas

One sign it’s time for fall in Dade City — painted hay bales have returned.

The hay bale at Agnes Lame Park, 14200 Ninth St., in Dade City, honors the true and tested fall tradition of pumpkin spice latte. It was painted by Patty Reese, Delanie Reese, Alissa Ross and Cassidy Welch for the Fourth Annual Dade City Hale Bale Painting Project. Six hay bales are stationed throughout Historic Downtown Dade City and will be on display through Nov. 12. (Mike Camunas)

The Dade City Center for the Arts announced the kickoff of its fourth annual Dade City Hale Bale Painting Project, which features six painted hay bales displayed at various parks and locations throughout the city until Nov. 12.

This is the fourth consecutive year that painted hay bales have been on display and the third year the center was able to provide sponsorships for them.

Sponsors include Florida Cracker Lunch on Limoges, Badcock Home Furniture, Dade City, Karatinos Law, PLLC, RX Care Pharmacy, and Lynch, Cotton & Associates.

Joey Wubbena, of Sumner Knoll Farms, donated the bales.

Local artists demonstrate their creativity through their designs on the bales. Most have a fall theme, but Kevin Taggerty’s bale maintained his American flag theme from previous years.

Lucy Avila, vice president of the Dade City Center for the Arts, said she and the center are glad this has become a staple in Dade City, as residents and visitors alike enjoy seeing the new designs each year.

Fourth Annual Dade City Hale Bale Painting Project
Details: Six painted hay bales are on display at varying parks and locations throughout the city and will be available for viewing through Nov. 12.

Artists/Locations:
Patty Reese, Delanie Reese, Alissa Ross and Cassidy Welch — Agnes Lamb Park, 14200 Ninth St.
Ryah Taggerty — Dade City Woman’s Club, 37922 Palm Ave.
Kevin Taggerty — Hardy Trail at Church Avenue, in front of 37800 Church Ave.
Diego Grant — Naomi Jones Park, 38122 Martin Luther King Blvd.
Joey Wubbena — Price Park, 37415 Magnolia Ave.
Zoe Roland – Watson Park, next to the Community Garden, at North Avenue and Main Street, in Dade City
Info: Visit DadeCityArts.com.

Published October 18, 2023