The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Zephyrhills/East Pasco News

East Pasco project calls for up to 100 homes and 5 acres of office

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The Pasco County Planning Commission has recommended approval of a request that would allow up to 115 single-family detached residences or up to 100 residences plus 5 acres of office.

The request, known as the Deer Springs master-planned unit development (MPUD), seeks to convert the zoning on 38.29 acres of land now zoned for agricultural and agricultural-residential uses.

The proposed development is on the west side, and abutting, Crystal Springs Road, about 3,200 feet east of Gall Boulevard and about 4,700 southwest of the city limits for the City of Zephyrhills.

The planning board recommended approval, but not before increasing the proposed setbacks on the properties. Initially, the proposed setbacks called for houses to be set back only 10 feet from the property line.

But planning board members Jaime Girardi and Jon Moody questioned how landscaping requirements could be met, since that 10 feet of setback is required for utilities and trees can’t be planted in spaces where utilities are located.

Board member Chris Williams asked why the staff would allow a condition that is virtually impossible to meet.

Brad Tippin, the county’s development review manager, said the applicant would have to meet the county’s code requirements — regardless of the conditions listed in the zoning request.

The rezoning sets a maximum limit for the development. If it can’t be achieved while meeting all of the county’s requirements, it can’t be achieved, Tippin said.

In essence, it just gives the applicant more flexibility, said Shelly Johnson, the attorney for the applicant.

Those responses didn’t satisfy the planning board.

It recommended approval, contingent on conditions that increase the setback requirements and specify a maximum amount of lot coverage.

Moody asked the county planning staff what the setback and lot coverage requirements were for the Cobblestone development, an adjacent subdivision.

He then recommended that approval of the Deer Springs request be contingent upon matching the requirements imposed on Cobblestone.

His colleagues agreed, recommending approval of the request, based on Moody’s revision.

In other action, the planning board recommended approval of a comprehensive plan amendment from a category allowing up to three residences per acre to one that allows up to six residences per acre. In this case, the applicant is seeking a maximum of 240 residences on 61 acres at a location that’s east of Billmar Road and north of the Zephyrhills Bypass.

The site abuts the Chapel Crossing master-planned unit development to the west and Avalon Park West to the south. A separate rezoning request is being pursued, as well, and that must be approved before development could take place.

These planning board recommendations now go to the Pasco County Commission, which has final jurisdiction on land use and zoning issues.

Published November 09, 2022

Paying homage to Pasco’s fallen law enforcement officers

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One day — perhaps sometime in May — visitors arriving at the square near the Historic Pasco County Courthouse will have a chance to pay their respects to Pasco County’s fallen law enforcement officers at a new memorial being built there.

A ceremonial groundbreaking was held on Oct. 27 to mark the special moment, as construction on the permanent monument is set to begin.

“It’s a very exciting day for a lot of us, who have been working on this project for almost 10 years,” said Craig Laporte, who serves on the board of the Pasco County Fallen Law Enforcement Officer Memorial and Benefit Foundation Inc.

Dignitaries had a ceremonial groundbreaking for a permanent memorial for Pasco County’s fallen law enforcement officers. The event was on Oct. 27. (Courtesy of Andy Taylor/Pasco County)

Laporte offered a few remarks, along with Tim Hennigan, president of that board. Other board members are Skip Stone, Jeff Gray, Tim Marshall and Scott Humphrey.

Hennigan told those gathered how the project originally started.

“We all know there’s a memorial given by the sheriff’s office every year,” Hennigan said.

One year, it was windy and rainy, and the photos posted to memorialize those lost began to blow away.

Hennigan said his wife encouraged him to put together an organization to pursue the construction of a permanent memorial.

And, he did.

“So, then I got with my good friend Skip Stone, we sat down with an accountant, and here we are today, 9 ½ years later,” Hennigan said.

“We started off very, very small, just, I think, with our own contributions. Along the way, we picked up people to help us out,” he said.

Laporte was one of those people.

Laporte had been a deputy with the Pasco Sheriff’s Office before he became an attorney.

He knew there was a need for law enforcement families to have a chance to relax together, so he and his wife, Arndrea, organized a Family Fun Day for them. At one point, hundreds of law enforcement families attended the event.

Contributions collected to pay for that day always exceeded the cost, so remaining funds would go to the memorial fund, Laporte said. But COVID put the kibosh on the Family Fun Day and, funding for the permanent memorial remained short.

Tim Hennigan, left, and Craig Laporte, have been working for nearly a decade to get a permanent memorial for Pasco County’s fallen law enforcement officers. A groundbreaking for the new memorial was held on Oct. 27, on the lawn of the Historic Pasco County Courthouse. (B.C. Manion)

That’s where Pasco County Commissioner Ron Oakley, acting as a private citizen, stepped in.

Oakley and his friend, Randy Blankenship, had seen the fallen law enforcement memorial in Polk County, and Oakley knew about the ongoing effort in Pasco.

He contacted Laporte to find out how much more money was needed and found out the fund was about $100,000 short.

“Randy reached out to his friends and I reached out to some of mine. Within a week and a half, two weeks, Randy and I were able to raise $100,000,” Oakley said.

After that, there were delays in obtaining necessary supplies.

But on the morning of the ceremonial groundbreaking, the sun was shining and the crowd was enthused.

Oakley addressed those gathered, noting the memorial will offer a permanent honor, on the courthouse lawn, near the corner of Seventh Street and Meridian Avenue — in Dade City, Pasco’s  county seat.

Besides paying respect for those who paid the ultimate price, the memorial also signals the community’s support for those who are willing to take that daily risk, as they head off to work, Oakley said.

“They never know, when they leave home that day — they may meet that time when they lose their lives in duty,” Oakley said.

When the memorial is completed, Pasco County will join the state’s other 66 counties that already have permanent memorials for their fallen law enforcement officers, Hennigan said.

Oakley said the public tribute is needed in Pasco.

“We need to make sure that we do not forget them,” he said.

Published November 02, 2022

Zephyrhills asks citizens to help with rebranding efforts

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The City of Zephyrhills once again is turning to its citizens to help rebrand itself.

The City of Zephyrhills is working toward distancing itself from its current designation as ‘The City of Pure Water’ and rebranding itself with input obtained from research and the community. (Mike Camunas)

In July, city leaders brought in North Star Place Branding + Marketing, a Jacksonville-based consulting firm that will conduct research within the community to uncover how Zephyrhills is perceived, attitudes that people have about it and will explore the city’s unique offerings.

On Oct. 17, the city and the firm launched a community-wide online survey giving everyone in Zephyrhills a place where they can share their input and have their perspective counted.

The survey asks several questions, including how one would describe Zephyrhills, how others perceive Zephyrhills and even to name some things that people outside the community should know about the city.

Zephyrhills, the largest municipality in Pasco County, plans to “rebrand” itself beyond being widely known as a great place for skydiving and for winter residents. The effort also includes rewriting the city’s current “The City of Pure Water” slogan. The rebranding effort is aimed at increasing interest and investment in Zephyrhills from residents, entrepreneurs, companies and visitors.

The survey is about researching to uncover what is distinctive and authentic about the entire community and using that to creatively proceed with a new town slogan, logo, accent colors and more.

Survey results will remain confidential, and the information will be presented in total. The city asks participants to complete the survey before Nov. 25.

To complete the survey, visit tinyurl.com/ZephyrhillsSurvey, or visit AuthenticZephyrhills.com, to learn more about the city’s research/branding initiative.

Published October 26, 2022

Garden club releases 2022 ornament

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(Courtesy of Joan Hepscher)

The Dade City Garden Club since 1994 has designed and sold an annual ornament depicting landmarks, institutions, and activities of Dade City to help to preserve its rich history and strengthen community pride.

The design of the 2022 ornament is based on the garden club itself, and is issued during the club’s 75th anniversary year.

The ornament’s tree denotes the center of the club, with roots running deep into the ground to sustain it.

The club is divided into six circles and each of the flowers on the design represents one of the circles: azalea, camellia, hibiscus, hollyhock, magnolia and poinsettia. The flowers are as varied as the circles they symbolize, and each contributes to the overall mission of education and community enrichment.

The sale of the yearly ornaments is a major fundraiser for the garden club and proceeds are used to maintain the club’s historic building and grounds, and to support its community projects.

Each ornament costs $22 and can be purchased through a garden club member or at the Dade City Chamber of Commerce. Checks should be made out to the Dade City Garden Club.

For information, call Mona Goossens at 352-457-6439.

Published October 26, 2022

Hay, would you look at that?

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The hay bales are back.

The Dade City Center for the Arts announced the kickoff of its third annual Dade City Hale Bale Painting Project with six painted hay bales on display at varying parks and locations throughout the city through Nov. 12.

Six hay bales painted by local artists have been placed in parks around Dade City, as part of the Dade City Hay Bale Painting Project. This bale, painted by Olivia Balogh, is at Naomi Jones Park, 38122 Martin Luther King Blvd. (Mike Camunas)

This is the third consecutive year painted hay bales have been on display, but the second year the center was able to provide sponsorships for them.

Sponsors include Florida Cracker Lunch on Limoges, the Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce, Karatinos Law, PLLC RX Pharmacy, Schaper Roofing, Construction & Pools and VITIS Realty.

The hay bales were donated by Joey Wubbena of Sumner Knoll Farms.

Local artists expressed their creativity through their designs on the bales.

Most of them have a fall theme, but one painted by Kevin Taggerty maintained his American flag theme from last year.

In a piece published by The Laker/Lutz News in 2021, Taggerty, a U.S. Air Force veteran, explained: “Veterans Day is in November and it’s a tribute to them.”

Lucy Avila, vice president of the Dade City Center for the Arts, said the community response to the art work has been well-received and draws considerable interest each year.

For more information, visit DadeCityArts.com.

Third Annual Dade City Hale Bale Painting Project
Artists and locations
Curtis and Jasmine Wright — Agnes Lamb Park, 14200 Ninth St.
Kevin Taggerty — Hardy Trail at Church Avenue, in front of The Spoke, at 37800 Church Ave.
Olivia Balogh — Naomi Jones Park, 38122 Martin Luther King Blvd.
Patty Reese, Delanie Reese, Alissa Ross and Cassidy Welch — Polly Touchton Park, 13620 Seventh St.
Randy Hernandez — Price Park, 37415 Magnolia Ave.
Ryah Taggerty — Watson Park, next to the Community Garden, at North Avenue and Main Street, in Dade City.

Published October 26, 2022

Curtis and Jasmine Wright painted this hay bale that is at Agnes Lamb Park at 14200 Ninth St., in Dade City.
The hay bale at Polly Touchton Park, painted by the team of Patty Reese, Delanie Reese, Alissa Ross and Cassidy Welch, is on display at the park, 13620 Seventh St., in Dade City. It features a pumpkin theme.
Kevin Taggerty kept his American flag theme with his painted hay bale on the Hardy Trail at Church Avenue, just outside The Spoke at 37800 Church Ave.
This bale, painted by Randy Hernandez, features a pumpkin. The bale sits at Price Park, 37415 Magnolia Ave.
Ryah Taggert painted this bale, which celebrates the upcoming Thanksgiving season. It is next to the Watson Park Community Garden, at North Avenue and Main Street, in Dade City.

 

 

Delays slowing down Hugh Embry Library renovation

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Closed for more than a year already, Dade City’s Hugh Embry Branch Library, at 14215 Fourth St., has been hit by unexpected delays.

A tentative reopening date is unscheduled, according to Pasco County Library Cooperative officials.

The problem is supply chain issues, which has shown to be a huge factor with construction projects, both public and private.

Hugh Embry Branch Library, at 14215 Fourth St. in Dade City, is well underway on its $2-million renovation that started more than a year ago, but supply chain issues has delayed completion and Pasco County Library Cooperative officials are unsure of when reopening will occur. (Mike Camunas)

“The Hugh Embry Library Renovation Project remains a top priority for Pasco County’s Facilities Management team. Libraries are an important part of our community, and the work being done at Hugh Embry will ensure the library is a vibrant, welcoming place for everyone,” Pasco County Library Cooperative said in a statement to The Laker/Lutz News.

“Unfortunately, key pieces of critical equipment are on backorder, and we’ve experienced several major construction delays due to supply chain issues. This situation is not unique to Pasco.”

Library officials wanted to address the community, as well, understanding citizens’ desire to return to the library and enjoy its services.

“While these delays are frustrating for our customers and team members,” the statement added, “please understand, we’re doing everything we can to expedite this work — and all work that can be done, has been done. Once the necessary supplies arrive, we anticipate finalizing the project in a matter of weeks.

“We apologize these ongoing delays are keeping you out of your local library. We’re working as hard as we can to open Hugh Embry Library’s doors as soon as possible.”

In early to mid-2021, Hugh Embry was cleared of its contents for the $2-million renovation to begin, with completion by mid-2022. The renovation is to include a complete overhaul and remodel of the branch, including new furnishings, lighting, computer, printers and even faster broadband.

It was the first time the branch received renovation work since 1991, when the library was expanded through a $10-million bond referendum passed by Pasco County voters in 1986 to improve public library services and build new parks countywide.

The Hugh Embry Library’s makeover will be a floor-to-ceiling remodel, and will include new furnishings, updated technology, faster broadband and other improvements. (Courtesy of Pasco County Library Cooperative)

“It’s a top-to-bottom remodel. Floor-to-ceiling,” Bob Harrison, marketing program manager for the Pasco County Library Cooperative, told this publication in July 2021. “Everything is brand new. Literally, from the floor coverings to the wall, to the ceiling treatments.” Funding for the library renovation is coming from proceeds of general obligation bonds that were approved through a referendum in 2018, with a 66% approval rating from voters, Harrison added.

Hugh Embry is one of three Pasco County libraries currently closed for remodeling. The Land O’Lakes Branch Library, 2818 Collier Parkway, is in its final stages of renovation, but also does not have a reopening date.

Also under renovation is the South Holiday Branch Library, at 4649 Mile Stretch Drive.

Founded in 1904, the Hugh Embry Library is the oldest in Pasco County. Its namesake, the then 25-year-old Embry, had exhausted books he could borrow from friends. He raised $50 to start a library and called it the Shakespeare Club. He chose books and ran the library out of his family home until his death from tuberculosis in 1907.

The Pasco Library Association was established to manage the library, and aided by The Dade City Woman’s Club. In 1927, the woman’s club began loaning books to the general population for free, out of a room in the Herbert Massey Building. Within a month of its opening, the library had attracted 440 registered borrowers.

For years, the library was unincorporated, though it continued to grow. It wasn’t until 1952 that Dade City gave property across the street from City Hall for a library building, and in 1953, the City took over responsibility for the library.

It would take another 10 years before the library finally moved to its current location.

After the Pasco County Library Cooperative was founded in 1980, it began operating and maintaining the Hugh Embry Branch under a no-cost lease. In 1988, the City Commission of Dade City sold the library to Pasco County for $150,000.

Published October 19, 2022           

Dade City approves nearly $41 million budget

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The City of Dade City approved a budget of nearly $41 million for the 2022-2023 fiscal year.

The new spending plan represents a 64% increase over last year’s budget, which approached $25 million, and was adopted unanimously during an Oct. 4 meeting.

This is a significantly large increase from the previous budget, accounting for 64% higher than the $24,961,790 budget for last fiscal year.

Dade City Commissioners voted on Oct. 4 to approve the 2022-2023 budget of $40,994,350. The city covers 7.5 square miles and was incorporated in 1889. It has an estimated population of 7,888 in 3,029 households. (Mike Camunas)

The new budget is $40,994,350.

The substantial percentage of the increase comes from capital projects, while other costs are the addition of personnel and inflationary impacts.

Personnel costs are expected to be slightly more than $7.7 million, representing about 19% of the budget. That’s an increase of more than $1.3 million over last year.

The increase is due to new positions, increased health care premiums, salary increases and associated retirement costs.

Inflation also had a significant impact on the budget.

The city’s millage rate of 7.14 remained unchanged. The city’s property values came in at $403,362,761. That’s more than $63 million higher than the value in 2021, which was $339,633,298.

The general fund budget is expected to increase by almost $5.2 million.

Operating costs have increased by nearly $360,000.

Overall, departments continue to look for ways to improve operating efficiencies in the face of rising costs. Inflation and supply chain delays continue to impact operating costs.

Major projects include construction of the Dade Oaks retention pond, Morningside Drive Extension, design of the wastewater treatment plant, wastewater force main and lift station projects, utility relocation projects, splash pad, Irvin Center, playground equipment and sidewalk/road improvements. This amount includes $1.75 million collected from impact fees and system development charges that will be held in reserve for future capital projects, and $430,500 that will be deposited into the renewal and replacement fund for public utilities.

Capital expenditures increased by nearly $3.9 million, primarily due to the Morningside Drive Extension, splash pad, Irvin Center, road improvements and the purchase of police vehicles.

The Dade City Commission consists of Mayor James Shive, Mayor Pro Tem Knute Nathe, and Commissioners Scott Black, Ann Cosentino and Normita Woodard.

Published October 19, 2022

Dig into this garden club

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They speak for the trees in Tree City, USA.

They speak for the butterflies, too, in Monarch City, USA.

In fact, the Dade City Garden Club, celebrating its 75th anniversary, speaks for and keeps an eye on all things plants and nature.

Members of the nonprofit organization work in the fields of gardening, horticulture, landscape design, floral design and environmental awareness through the conservation of natural resources.

The Dade City Garden Club Clubhouse, at 13630 Fifth St., is a 1913 church relocated to the garden club grounds in 1977. The structure then underwent a modern renovation. Volunteers help maintain the grounds and the building. The building is available for event rentals. (Mike Camunas)

The garden club has a diverse group of members.

“We have mothers, we have daughters, we have aunts, we have sisters, we have everyone,” said Mona Goossens, club president. “We have so many who are so into gardens and we have plenty who want to know more about gardens, and we have others that kind of look at gardens and they’re not as hands-on.

“But what we really have is so many who are dedicated to everything our club strives to preserve and educate the public about — horticulture and the environment,” said Goossens, who is serving as the club’s leader for her fourth year.

The club was founded in 1947 when club dues were only $1.50. The next year, the club formed five circles, allowing members to pursue activities and topics of specific interest to each group. Now, there are six circles: Azalea, Camellia, Hibiscus, Hollyhock, Magnolia and Poinsettia.

Over the years, the club has worked on a variety of projects throughout the East Pasco town. Club members have beautified streets, such as Meridian Avenue, and worked on the landscaping at places such as Pasco High School and the Dade City Armory.

The club initially met at the nearby woman’s club, but in 1976, Saint Rita Catholic Church presented its old church building to the club and it became the group’s clubhouse.

After a modern renovation of that 1913 church structure, the club took over its location at 13630 Fifth St., in 1977.

“This club, with its members and its garden, it takes into account what can help this town. It always has, and all you have to do is look back at what members have done over the 75 years,” said Joan Hepscher, a longtime member and co-chair of the Club’s Birds, Bees & Butterflies committee.

Longtime Dade City Garden Club member Pat Carver will be remembered for her 61 years of service to the club. Her legacy now has been enshrined with this special plaque in the 3-acre garden surrounding the clubhouse.

One of the mainstays of the garden club — member Pat Carver — was involved for 61 years before she passed away in March. The club honored her contributions with a plaque placed in its 3-acre garden.

“Pat always saw the bigger picture, of how we could do more,” said Hepscher, who was recruited to join the club by Carver. “She was a dedicated member to this club for 61 years, and the club wouldn’t be what it is today without her.”

The club annually celebrates Arbor Day and National Garden Week with special events. It also puts on the biannual Uncorked, a fundraiser event featuring wine, beer and hors d’oeuvres.

Since 1994, the club has been responsible for approximately 450 trees being planted throughout Dade City.

Also, since 1996, the club has decorated the buildings, grounds and gate at Pioneer Florida Museum and Village with permanent and fresh greenery that are brought in for Christmas decorations.

The club also deserves credit for pursuing the designation of Dade City as a Tree City, USA and Monarch City, USA.

Achieving the Monarch City USA designation was Carver’s “last hurrah.”

Club members take pride in the role their organization played in achieving those distinctions.

Polly Touchton Park, adjacent to the Dade City Garden Club Clubhouse, is the site of the Third Annual Monarch Butterfly Festival. It has art and signs on display that proudly proclaim Dade City’s Monarch City designation.

“We would not be a tree city or a monarch city without the Dade City Garden Club,” Goossens said. “We work so hard every year to retain those statuses (of having those titles), and it makes us all feel very connected to the city.”

Third Annual Monarch Butterfly Festival
When: Oct. 22, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: Polly Touchton Park, between Fifth and Seventh streets, and Bougainvillea and Southview avenues, in Dade City
Details: The festival, sponsored by the Dade City Garden Club and the Dade City Youth Council, will feature environmental educators, informational booths, presentations, native plant sale and hands-on activities for kids. Through the Dade City Monarch Project, the festival takes on special importance this year because the butterflies have been added to the “endangered” species list. “They’re just not another pretty face,” said Joan Hepscher, chair of the Monarch Butterfly Festival. “We want to make people aware of their ‘struggle.’”
Visitors can park downtown and hop on a free trolley, which will be traveling from downtown to the park from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Pickup locations are adjacent to the Robert B. Sumner Judicial Center, at 38033 Live Oak Ave., and at The Spoke, located at 37800 Church Ave. Parking is available in city- and county-owned lots, and other areas around downtown.
Info: Email , or visit DadeCityGardenClub.com.

Published October 19, 2022

Community service is in this club’s heart, history

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The women of The Woman’s Club of Zephyrhills are busy bees.

And, that’s nothing new for this group, which was established 107 years ago to be of service in Pasco County’s largest municipality.

“Bee kind — that’s our theme,” said Emily Keene, the club’s recording secretary.

“Be kind, be generous, be happy. All those be’s, all of them, are part of every woman here and what brings them here,” said Keene, displaying her fun-loving spirit by sporting a bee-antenna headband. Each member of the group has one.

Members of The Woman’s Club of Zephyrhills pose together with their bee headbands, which is part of their motto to ‘Bee Kind.’ (Mike Camunas)

“There are all walks of life (in this club), and they come to this club because they want to provide services to this community that make a difference,” said Keene, a member of the club for eight years.

“It is a lot of fun, we have a good time and we’re friends, but it’s not a social club — it’s a working club,” she emphasized.

The Woman’s Club of Zephyrhills has been working for 107 years to help improve life in its community. It is the Zephyrhills branch of the General Federation of Women’s Clubs that was established in 1889.

The GFWC Woman’s Club of Zephyrhills was formed on Nov. 11, 1915 by 15 civic-minded women, while, through the efforts of Walter R. Gail and Mayor B.F. Parson, The Works Progress Administration built the clubhouse, located at 38545 Fifth Ave., from native rock hauled from a quarry on the Hillsborough River.

The Women’s Club first meeting at the clubhouse was April 18, 1941, and the club maintains the building through renting it for events. The club’s rent for the building is $1 year.

“We’ve been growing in leaps and bounds,” the club’s seventh-year president Gina Granger said. “We have a very diverse group of ladies, who all have a servant’s heart, and they just want to serve their community in some way, shape or form.”

Within every GFWC woman’s club, there are five committees, each focusing on a different aspect of the community. There is Arts & Culture; Civic Engagement & Outreach; Education & Libraries; Environment; and, Health & Wellness.

These committees help clubs light a path for the future. They also help focus efforts to address the current and upcoming needs within the community.

“We ask all members to join at least one committee, but some of them have multiple interests, so they might join more than one,” Granger said. “Those committees then come up with an annual service project — this is in every woman’s club.”

GFWC, nationwide, also has a signature service program: Domestic and Sexual Violence Awareness and Prevention, with an aim to increase awareness of and to help prevent the widespread occurrence of violence against women in communities.

Group is devoted, has staying power
The Zephyrhills club’s efforts to address the national GFWC’s signature program involves working extensively with Sunrise of Pasco, the Dade City-based center that helps victims of domestic violence and sexual assault.

The club also works with Meals on Wheels, Zephyrhills Task Force, St. Joseph’s Baby Pantry, Helping Hands Food Pantry, and Support our Troops, and Hospice.
The club, as well as its Education Committee, works with the ABC Program at Zephyrhills High, West Zephyrhills Elementary and Woodland Elementary.

The Women’s Club of Zephyrhills Clubhouse, at 38545 Fifth Ave., is a distinctive structure, built from native rock hauled from a quarry on the Hillsborough River. The building is used for club meetings, but also is available for event rentals. Money raised from those rentals is used for charitable endeavors and scholarships. (Mike Camunas)

Through their members’ education focus, the club created the Pasco-Hernando State College Lola Lambert Memorial Scholarship. Named after a former president, the $15,000-a-year perpetual scholarship supports students who demonstrate financial need and maintain a 3.2 or higher GPA.

“Well, Zephyrhills (High) is a Title 1 school, and it’s been a tough few years to be a teacher,” said Granger, who is a teacher at the high school. “So, there have been ladies here who have adopted my classroom, and collected supplies and even prizes and other things to motivate (students). They’ve done the same at West Zephyrhills (Elementary), and even one year they took care of the teachers, getting them supplies and other stuff to thank them.

“We always try to do service projects that are near and dear to our hearts, but we like to focus on education a lot.”

Granger added that the club also awards 10 $1,000 scholarships, as well as participates in Take Stock in Children of Florida — a nonprofit mentoring, college success and college scholarship organization that will look after a student all the way through high school and into college.

“That one is definitely important to me, and it means a lot to me that others have joined in helping me with Take Stock in Children,” Granger said.

As a new service season gets rolling, members expect to keep themselves busy.

“I have seen this group grow and grow,” said Linda Weyer, a former club president.

“I joined in 2008 and next year I became the president and was president for the 100-year anniversary in 2015. That was a big deal, because (GFWC) is, nationally, one of the oldest community service organizations around.

“And, in all my time, never have I seen the group not be enthusiastic or not dedicated to community service. Members come and go, but we’ve always had amazing numbers and amazing women.”

The Woman’s Club of Zephyrhills
Where: 38545 Fifth Ave., Zephyrhills
Details: Founded in 1915, the club, with about 80 members, is dedicated to community service, civic participation and educational programs. Members work together in the spirit of friendship for the betterment of the community, and support local national and international relief efforts. The club has a more than 100-year history of community service and is open to any woman 18 years of age or older. The club’s outreach includes education, scholarships, supporting local food banks and charitable, nonprofit organizations, and more.
Info: GFWCWomansClubOfZephyrhills.com

Published October 12, 2022

City of Zephyrhills approves 33% budget increase

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The numbers are in for the City of Zephyrhills’ budget — and this year’s total represents a 33% increase over last year.

The City of Zephyrhills approved a 33% increase in its budget, bringing the total budget for fiscal year 2022-2023 to slightly more than $100 million. (Mike Camunas)

The Zephyrhills City Council approved the city’s budget on Sept. 26. The budget for fiscal year 2022-2023 is slightly more than $100 million.

This is the fourth time in the past five budgets that the city increased its planned spending — and it marks the largest increase.

In the 2021-2022 fiscal year, the city budget increased 24.5%, for a total of $75.3 million.

This year’s budget is based on a millage rate of 6.25 mills, which will generate $6,591,549 in ad valorem taxes. The city’s total property valuation is  $1,110,155,587.

Last year, the valuation was $946,676,382, generating $5,710,825 in ad valorem tax revenues.

This fiscal year’s total expenditures are expected to be $100,621,184.

Budget particulars are detailed in a 54-page book.

Here’s a look at how spending breaks down:

  • General fund: $16,391,197
  • Special revenue fund: $32,739,894
  • Community Redevelopment Agency fund: $1,380,771
  • Impact fee fund: $3,037,407
  • Utility impact fee fund: $5,841,000
  • Utility fund: $30,027,676
  • Airport fund: $8,963,569
  • Sanitation fund: $2,239,670

Zephyrhills City Manager Billy Poe presented some budget highlights to council members. Those included:

  • Sarah Vande Berg Tennis & Wellness Center multipurpose indoor facility: $7,080,672, funded entirely by the state
  • Hercules Park Construction: $4,410,000, funded by Penny For Pasco and the American Rescue Plan Act
  • South Avenue Extension relating to National Guard: $1,940,000, funded entirely by the state
  • Sidewalks: $1.4 million, funded by Penny For Pasco
  • Eiland Boulevard/Simons Road intersection: $800,000, funded by transportation impact fees
  • Annual road resurfacing: $600,000, funded by gas tax
  • County Road 54, east of Hercules: $581,907, funded by Penny For Pasco
  • Stormwater Design Phase: $500,000, funded by Penny For Pasco
  • Zephyr Park Surveying: $400,00, funded by Penny For Pasco
  • Gateway Project: $350,000, funded by transportation impact fees
  • Park improvements: $300,00, funded with General Fund revenues
  • Design of City Yard: $200,000, funded by Penny For Pasco
  • Fuel tank upgrade: $150,000, funded by Penny For Pasco

The new budget calls for additional personnel, including four police officers, an administrative assistant, a code support specialist, a parks maintenance worker, an equipment operator and adding two employees to the High School Student Work Program.

City Council member salaries also will be getting an increase of $100 a month, taking effect at each election for the new elected Council member.

The budget includes a pay increase of 6% for employees and 41 cents to work toward the $15 minimum wage increase.

The budget includes $367,454 for the Zephyrhills Police Department to pay for renovation of an old ambulance, a camera system for command unit, stadium/portable lights and a dispatch consolidation project.

Also, $558,000 in Penny for Pasco funds has been allocated to purchase nine new SUV vehicles.

The streets department has budgeted $70,000 for an asphalt roller and trailer, and $600,000 for resurfacing, which will be paid for through gas taxes. It also has allocated $250,000 for a chipper truck, which will be paid for with Penny for Pasco funds.

The Sanitation Department will spend $535,000 on a new front load garbage truck, Curotto Can cart lift, cart tipper, automated truck arm, and the painting of two garbage trucks.

Parks will spend $93,000 for a zero-turn mower, two lawn trailers and a large area turf mower, paid for with gas tax proceeds, and $150,000 for playground equipment, paid for with park impact fees.

Additionally, Zephyrhills Municipal Airport received a 100% state appropriation for $6.6 million for new Terminal/Box Hangars/Taxiway and $390,000 for existing Runway 1-19 rehabilitation.

The city’s General Fund revenue sources include franchise fees, utility taxes, communication taxes, licenses and permits, state grants, state revenue sources, county shared funds (occupational licenses), building fees, other services fees, fines and forfeitures, interest income, miscellaneous fees and services, and interfund transfers.

Published October 12, 2022