The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Zephyrhills/East Pasco News

First Dade City Art Walk a success

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Artist Jayde Archbold at Lighthouse Books, at 14046 Fifth St., in Dade City. (Courtesy of Jasmine Wright)

The weeklong, first-ever Dade City Art Walk, featuring 22 local artists, was well-received by those checking out the displays, and by shop owners in the area.

The Dade City Center for the Arts and the Dade City Merchants Association featured artistic displays in shops along historic downtown streets, including Meridian Avenue and Seventh Street.

The event kicked off on Sept. 17, at the Florida National Guard Armory, and ended on Sept. 24, at Dade City Brew House. The final event featured live music, the Pre-Casso Kid craft area, and the release of a special beer made to “pair” with an art piece by Mark Hannah.

“It was just a nice way to tie a tidy bow on the end of the art walk,” said Jasmine Wright, who is an Arts Center board member, Art Walk organizer and the owner of Treehouse Mercantile.

Published October 05, 2022

Artist Katie Sutton at Treehouse Mercantile, 37834 Meridian Ave., in Dade City.
Artist Keith Martin Johns at Lowman Law Firm, at 14206 Fifth St., in Dade City.
Artist Kaitlyn Muldez at Arts Eclectic, at 14115 Seventh St., in Dade City.

Zephyrhills begins rebranding efforts

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The City of Zephyrhills has begun an initiative to rebrand the community —  an effort that’s expected to take months, and will involve everything from the town’s logo, slogan and perceptions about the community.

The city, which is now the largest municipality, has partnered with North Star Place Branding + Marketing to assist in the effort, according to a news release.

This is a view of downtown Zephyrhills. The city has embarked on an initiative to rebrand itself and is seeking the community’s help in those efforts. (Mike Camunas)

The Jacksonville-based consulting firm 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.

The rebranding effort is aimed at increasing interest and investment in Zephyrhills from residents, entrepreneurs, companies and visitors, the release adds.

The city is looking 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.

As part of the initiative, North Star has created a community engagement/brand story site to serve as an online tool to direct traffic of residents and stakeholders who are interested in learning more about the rebranding project and getting involved, according to the release.

Those who are interested can take part in the research stage or can become a brand ambassador to help launch the city’s new brand, which is expected to happen in mid-2023.

“Now is an exciting time for the City of Zephyrhills to undergo a rebranding effort amid a period of rapid growth and development,” said Zephyrhills City Manager Billy Poe, in the press release. “We want to ensure we’re telling the right story and have a unified message across all city departments, as well as with our dedicated community stakeholders, to foster a vibrant, distinguishable future for our wonderful town.”

North Place Branding + Marketing has worked with over 200 communities in 44 states over the last 20 years, including Marshall, Minnesota; Gallatin, Tennessee;  Johnson, Tennessee and others.

For more information or to sign up as brand ambassador, visit AuthenticZephyrhills.com.

Published September 28, 2022

Town of St. Leo approves $4.1 million budget

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The town of St. Leo has adopted a budget of $4.1 million for the 2022-2023 fiscal year.

Founded in 1891, the Town of St. Leo is the oldest incorporated municipality in Pasco County. The town has an estimated population of 2,362 and is approximately 858 acres in size. (Mike Camunas)

This year’s budget represents slightly more than $200,000 higher than last year, which translates into an increase of about 5%.

The St. Leo Town Commission approved the budget in a commission meeting on Sept. 21.

The town is expected to generate total general funds in about $1.2 million through sales and use taxes, licenses and permits, intergovernmental and miscellaneous revenues.

St. Leo also has $2.1 million in reserves.

Expenditures are estimated at just over $2 million, stemming from general government, public safety, physical environment, human services and other non-operating uses.

General government has the highest expenditure at $318,731.

The Town plans on spending $173,500 of special revenue on transportation and special projects.

Founded in 1891, St. Leo is the oldest incorporated municipality in Pasco County. The Town is approximately 858 acres in size, much of which is Lake Jovita. The most recent population estimate is 2,362.

The five-person Town Commission consists of Donna DeWitt, Mayor Vincent D’Ambrosio, Mayor Pro Tem James Hallett, Curtis Dwyer and William Hamilton.

For more information about the town, its commission, permits, applications and other issues, visit TownOfStLeo.org.

Published September 28, 2022

Pasco seeks input on Lacoochee planning

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For now, the plan is to create a plan.

Planners with Pasco County’s planning and development department are working on doing just that in the Greater Lacoochee area. It’s the northeastern most part of the county and includes Lacoochee, Trilby and Trilacoochee.

In this case, the county is looking to build upon ideas and plans set forth nearly two decades ago, but also wants to lay out a realistic plan for one of the most rural parts of the county.

Dozens of Lacoochee residents and citizens attend the first public workshop at the Lewis Abraham Boys & Girls Club of Lacoochee on Aug. 30. (Mike Camunas)

The county’s goal is to gather, collect and analyze resident and citizen feedback, while also taking into account the area’s potential and expected growth.

“There was a lot of work that was done about 10 to 15 years ago, so we’ve been pulling that and used that as a foundation,” said Sonide Simon, a long-range planner for the county. “We also looked at what had been done then and are also looking at what needs to be fixed up at the same time, and finally seeing if that still works today.

“We have nothing, and that’s what I want everyone to understand: we literally have no plan,” Simon added. “Someone asked what we have planned, but we have no plan.

“And even then, the area wants or needs one thing and this area wants or needs one thing, so talking about two different things isn’t helpful either.”

For the wants, and even needs, Simon and the county’s planning department are inviting citizens and residents of the Greater Lacoochee to take part in public workshops. The county also has established a site that allows people to fill out a survey, anonymously, and to leave comments.

The site also offers a wealth of information, including an interactive map that allows users to click on icons that represent certain community elements such as transportation, housing, business development, and parks and recreation.

Clicking on an icon allows users to start a discussion or leave comments on that specific location on the map.

The county’s planning division also has brought in a Tampa-based geotechnical engineering firm, S&ME, which will provide development and design services. Both entities will develop the plan that will include land use, housing, commercial and industrial development, roadway design and maintenance, alternative modes of travel utilities, parks and more.

Pasco County plans to schedule two more public workshops, one in the Winter and another in the Spring.

The goal is to have the plan ready to present in a March/April time frame.

The first public workshop was on Aug. 30 and attended by dozens, if not over 100 citizens. S&ME representatives laid out the schedule of collecting data, as well as information it found out in initial research.

Of the nearly 11,000 acres included in Greater Lacoochee, 35% of that land is used for agriculture, while another 32% is considered residential. With a population of just under 2,800, the area remains very rural.

Also, during this workshop, citizens were allowed one-on-one time with county and S&ME representatives that were looking for feedback. Residents were encouraged to write down on lists and white paperboards the issues and ideas they thought were relevant.

The most popular, and prevalent, comment was “keep Lacoochee rural” with “open spaces,” as well as a “small, tight-knit community.”

“We’re trying to be realistic that keeping this area rural probably doesn’t fit that idea of 100% rural,” Simon said. “But at the same time, they need more jobs, more work in this area, so how do we marry those two ideas? Rural, but with growth.

“And then this area becomes a lot like Wesley Crazy Chapel? No. We’re building just on the ideas that were done in the past and those ideas were that this is a rural area. That was then. The question now is where do we need to look? That’s where these workshops come in.”

Greater Lacoochee Community Plan
Details: Pasco County’s Planning and Development Department is working on community plans for the greater Lacoochee area, which includes Lacoochee, Trilby and Trilacoochee. The plan will explore topics such as land use, housing, commercial and industrial development, roadway design and maintenance, alternative modes of travel, utilities, parks and more. The county is seeking feedback from Lacoochee area residents and citizens by providing two more public workshops and an online survey.
Info: Access the survey and provide feedback, at smeinc.mysocialpinpoint.com/lacoochee_small_area_plan.

Published September 21, 2022\

Dade City’s inaugural art walk will celebrate local artists

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Get ready to walk into a new kind of arts scene — within the shops and businesses in the heart of Dade City’s historic downtown.

From Sept. 17 through Sept. 24, downtown Dade City businesses will feature local artists and their works in their storefronts on the town’s historic streets. (MIKE CAMUNAS)

The Dade City Center for the Arts and the Dade City Merchants Association are hosting the inaugural Dade City Art Walk from Sept. 17 through Sept. 24.

The week-long event is a celebration of local artists and their work, as well as a chance to mesh business and the arts, in a creative new collaboration.

“As someone who grew up here (in Dade City), I can say that sometimes you don’t always go to the downtown of your hometown,” said Jasmine Wright, a board member at the arts center. “So this all started as, ‘How do we get people to come see what our downtown has?’ and ‘How could we do something with the small businesses in town?’

“We thought it was just the perfect way to get people out and walking around our historic, beautiful downtown, which is very walkable,” Wright said. “And, it turns out everyone was very excited and willing to be a part of it.”

The Art Walk will feature 22 artists, each one in a different one of 22 select businesses that line the streets of downtown Dade City, such as Meridian Avenue and Seventh Street.

The event kicks off with a Sept. 17 opening ceremony at 5 p.m., at the Florida National Guard Armory, 38017 Live Oak Ave., in Dade City.

The artists will be on hand for a meet-and-greet, plus to sell some of their work. There also will be the “PreCasso” Kids Art Zone, where children can make their own art, and foster children from Caterpillars to Butterflies Charitable Foundation will display art they created.

Wright, who is owner and operator of Treehouse Mercantile on Meridian Avenue, said she and other arts center members were genuinely surprised at the enthusiastic response from artists and businesses that wanted to participate.

“From the start, we said and thought, if we got 10 people to do this, then we could make it work,” Wright said. “Then, we had so many that we had to stop, but people were already asking us about doing it next year!”

Once all the artists and businesses were slated to participate, Wright set about pairing the artists with businesses. She took into account the type of art each artist would feature, as well as the style, vibe and type of business that would be the perfect match.

“It came down to what the store offers and who was going to be in that store, customer-wise,” said Wright, who also will feature an artist in her store.

“There are going to be all kinds of arts and, I think, we did a pretty good job of which artist is going to fit in perfectly with a certain store,” she said.

“And we’re all really excited to see everyone walking around to see some art and shop.”

Dade City Art Walk
When: Sept. 17 to Sept. 24; hours vary
Where: Downtown Dade City
Details: Works from 22 local artists will be on display at downtown Dade City businesses for a week. An opening ceremony is planned on Sept. 17 at 5 p.m., at the Florida National Guard Armory, 38017 Live Oak Ave. Artists will meet-and-greet those attending and will have works available for purchase. A “PreCasso” Kids Art Zone will give children a chance to make their own art.
Info: Contact the Dade City Center for the Arts at 813-363-4385 or .

Published September 14, 2022

A cause that is good for the ‘sole’

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Scores of shoes were collected during the 2021 Two Good Soles campaign, a collaborative effort between Pasco County government and the school district, now in its seventh year. (FILE)

The Pasco County Tax Collector’s Office once again is participating in the new shoes and socks collection drive, Two Good Soles, to assist local students and families in need.

The campaign, now in its seventh year, is a collaborative effort between the Pasco County government and the school district.

The goal of the drive is to collect as many new pairs of shoes and socks as possible.

“It is heartbreaking to know that children come to school without socks or shoes in good repair,” said Pasco Tax Collector Mike Fasano in a news release.

“I am pleased that our office is once again part of this county-wide effort to collect as many pairs of footwear as possible. …Every item will go to a Pasco student in need,” said Fasano.

The need for shoes is primarily at the middle school and high school level, although shoes for elementary students also will be accepted.

The sizes most in need are children’s shoes size 9 and bigger, adult shoes of all sizes, and socks of any size. It is recommended that sneakers, shoes and socks be of a neutral color. However, no flip-flops or open-toed shoes, please.

Donations will be accepted through Oct. 21, the final day of the drive, at the labeled collection box near the door, at these sites:

  • New Port Richey, 8731 Citizens Drive, Room 120
  • Gulf Harbors, 4720 U.S. 19, New Port Richey
  • Land O’ Lakes, 4111 Land O’ Lakes Blvd. (U.S. 41)
  • Wesley Chapel, 4614 Pet Lane, Suite 109 (Lutz)
  • Dade City, 14236 Sixth St., Room 100

For information about the Two Good Soles drive, call Greg Giordano, assistant tax collector for communications and special projects, at 727-847-8179.

Published September 14, 2022

Taskforce focused on homelessness in Zephyrhills

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They are taking care of their own.

Over the past year, local organizations, churches, charities and citizens, have formed The Hub Taskforce. It’s a coalition of like-minded individuals, either representing a place in Zephyrhills or Dade City or just themselves, that comes together monthly to discuss initiatives and how to get more resources to the homeless community.

“This is a group effort — a community effort,” Zephyrhills Police Chief Derek Brewer said. “When we started over a year ago, we just started meeting to talk about resources and where we wanted to go as a group. It has snowballed into something much more.”

The Hub Taskforce, made up of community representatives from the city, churches, businesses, charities and citizens, meets at Genesis Community Center in Zephyrhills, and discusses initiatives and resources to help the town’s homeless people. (Mike Camunas)

At first, the taskforce was small and it reached out to the Pasco County Coalition for the Homeless. However, Brewer says it was evident that that group was “stretched pretty thin” and the community, at large, was looking for ways to make an immediate impact on their streets.

“We’ve learned over the years that you can’t rush away homelessness,” Brewer said, “and we wanted a humanitarian approach to it.”

Brewer admits, especially in the meetings, that his officers will be the first line in meeting with homeless people. Which is why he wanted to address the issue in a way that doesn’t involve escalation or even incarnation.

So, the taskforce sets about finding ways to help the homeless, by either getting them the resources they need at the moment, such as a food bank or a shelter.

Backpacks, full of useful supplies for the homeless, were packed and donated by Mechell Alline, a local entrepreneur and life coach.

“We want to get them out of the situation, that way they’re not just sitting in jail,” Brewer added.

Over time, more and more organizations, charities and businesses have joined or attended the meetings. The August meeting was well-attended, and joining the Zephyrhills Police Department (ZPD) was the Zephyrhills Women’s Club, Meals on Wheels Zephyrhills, Pasadena Food Pantry in Dade City, United Methodist Women of Zephyrhills, Saint Joseph’s Catholic Church Food and Baby Pantries, Premier Community HealthCare, First Presbyterian Church of Zephyrhills, Pasco County Schools Students In Transition (SIT) Program, Healing Hearts Cafe, Palm Medical Center for Seniors, and Samaritan Project in Zephyrhills.

The roundtable discussions will present new or recurring issues and those attending will offer solutions. The goal is to find resources and ways to help the homeless, with potential options to improve their lives.

“There are new people every single month, and it’s about what they can offer us, what we can offer them,” Brewer said. “Someone has an issue, everyone jumps on top of it to help. That’s the goal.”

Zephyrhills Police Chief Derek Brewer addresses attendees of The Hub Taskforce during its monthly meeting at the Genesis Community Center.

Others are going a step further. Mechell Alline, a local entrepreneur, life coach and aneurysm survivor, has been putting together helpful backpacks that include supplies like snacks and water, but also resource materials that could lead the homeless person to charities and organizations that might help their specific need.

Members of the taskforce will take a backpack and hand it out to a homeless person. Alline made 12 backpacks at the most recent meeting, paying for them out of her own pocket.

“My intention (with the backpacks) was to make people feel like they are human beings by providing some comfort — it was something I really wanted to do,” she said. “It feels good to be a part of something that’s working toward helping the people in the community who really need it.”

Other members of the taskforce are looking for ways to involve the city more. For the police department, “it’s typical for law enforcement to be thrust into this because we’re the ones making contact with them,” Brewer says, adding “unfortunately we don’t have all the resources available to us.”

“As the officers are coming in contact with them, we want to be able to say, ‘I know who you can call’ and it doesn’t matter if they need clothing or food or shelter or even a backpack.”

However, the taskforce is hoping to get more city representatives to the meetings, as a way to get their feedback and suggestions on solutions.

“I would like to see a little more involvement from the city, especially if we’re addressing this as a city issue and not just a police one,” said Becky Finley, who represents St. Joseph’s Catholic Church Food and Baby Pantries.

In the end, the taskforce sees homelessness as a community, a city and a citizen issue. One that should be solved by their own in the community.

“This is a great group of individuals with the same goal in mind and that’s to help people,” Brewer said. “I didn’t realize the impact these individuals can and will make, until I started meeting with them. They are entrenched in the community, and really care about what happens here.

“They are Zephyrhills people trying to take care of Zephyrhills people.”

The Hub Taskforce
When: Every third Wednesday of the month, 4 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Genesis Community Center, 38112 15th Ave., Zephyrhills
Details: A monthly roundtable of Zephyrhills community, local organizations and citizen representatives that meet to discuss initiatives to help the homeless and poor, and to share other resources to contribute to the city-wide effort. Anyone from the community is welcome to attend.
Info: Call Beth Aker at 813-782-7859.

Published September 07, 2022

Cruising on the Chassahowitzka

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Let’s just get right to it: We’re going to call this spot by its nickname because not even the locals call it by its full name.

It’s The Chaz. That’s short for the Chassahowitzka River, or “pumpkin hanging place.”

The Chassahowitzka River Campground and Boat Launch, at 8600 W. Miss Maggie Drive, in Homosassa, is a popular destination for weekend warriors and daily adventuring boaters. (Mike Camunas)

This spring-fed, 6-mile river starts near the Citrus/Hernando County Line, and then along with its tributaries, it runs out into the Gulf of Mexico.

The head spring is named after the river, but it’s also fed by the Seven Sisters Springs.

This crystal-clear waterway is scenic, mostly remote and a gorgeous little slice of Florida nature. It is simply perfect for even hardcore outdoorsy types.

There’s wildlife, from herons to otters. There’s plenty of fish. There are eagles. And, of course there are manatees seeking warmer waters during the “winter.” 

It’s a place where visitors can boat, kayak, paddleboard, canoe, swim, fish, explore and, yes, even swing in a few spots.

The Chaz has just about a little bit for all, in a perfectly Floridian way.

Spring ahead with Seven Sisters

The Chaz’s main spring that feeds the river is the Chassahowitzka Spring, visible from the campground dock.

The Chassahowitzka River is fed by its head spring, the Chassahowitzka Spring, and also features Seven Sisters Springs that feeds the 6-mile river that eventually leads out to the Gulf of Mexico. (Mike Camunas)

There is a campground and boat dock with ample parking, so you can disembark small vessels, from kayaks to pontoons.

The western half of the river is known for tidal creeks, oyster bars, Mangrove-populated keys and, of course, vast saltmarsh.

The eastern 3 miles around the river is state-owned wilderness and the Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge.

The entire river is very shallow, about 1 foot to 4 feet deep.

There are cabins dotted along the outer portion of the river that are privately owned, just before “Buzzard Bay.”

Dog Island is a recreation area with a restroom and dock located off the main channel, just before John’s Island and the Gulf.

If you’re just out for a leisurely paddle, you probably won’t stray far from Seven Sisters Springs, which can be found by going right when casting off at the boat dock.

Seven Sisters is a popular hangout spot. Just about anyone can get out and walk and/or wade in the year-round 72-degree water. These spring heads can be found easily and have small caves that can be searched through diving. Please be careful, though.

Below the surface is beautiful at Seven Sisters, but please bring a mask. I always do.

Step on this crack

If you enjoy exploring, like me, then grab your paddle because do I have something to show you.

Not too far and just around the bend from the boat launch is one of the first tributaries on The Chaz. This is Baird Creek. You can’t miss it because it opens up at Blue Spring, and then it narrows basically to a shallow creek you must paddle for about one-fourth mile, maybe less.

This is the entrance to The Crack on The Chaz, which can be paddled to, but then one must dock their kayak, canoe or paddleboard and wade through ankle-deep water to access the hidden spring and lagoon. (Mike Camunas)

Toward the end, you’ll have to get out because the creek will become ankle- deep; dock your vessel and walk maybe 100 yards to find “The Crack” on The Chaz.

It’s a deep, turquoise spring that looks like a paradise lagoon, secluded by lush palms and other trees.

Locals have tied a rope swing up one of the trees, but you also can wade in the crack, sit in the shallow water and just enjoy the scenic seclusion. (Of course, how secluded it is will depend on just how many others are there to take advantage of the rope swing.)

Spend the day

Whether you’re an experienced explorer, a novice adventurer or a laid-back boater, The Chaz can give you a day’s worth of things to do.

My advice is to take your time and enjoy the activities allowed there, such as swimming or fishing.

Make the most of your full-day vessel rental because as the sun sets in the west over The Chaz, the golden hour is just as gorgeous as it is at noon.

Learn how to say the full name of this place, which yields such true Florida beauty — it will make you feel good and is sure to impress Chassahowitzka River natives, too.

The Chassahowitzka River, or The Chaz

Where: Chassahowitzka River Campground and Boat Launch, 8600 W. Miss Maggie Drive, Homosassa

When: Boat rentals are available from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., but the boat launch is available from dawn until dusk.

Cost: Parking is $5; parking with a trailer is $7. Watercraft rentals start at $30 for the day.

Details: A spring-fed, 6-mile river that features hidden lagoons, boating, rentals, swimming and more in southwestern Citrus County.

Info: Call 352-382-2200, or visit ChassahowitzkaFlorida.com. 

Published on May 25, 2022.

Revised May 27, 2022

Help to protect the Chassahowitzka River

When The Laker/Lutz News initially published “Cruising on the Chassahowitzka,” the intention was to encourage readers to visit the river and enjoy its beauty.
It turns out that some of the activities described in the story are the same kinds of activities which the Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFMD), along with its state and local partners, have set out to discourage through a public education campaign.
The water management district circulated a news release in March urging the public to help protect the river, by avoiding any activities which pose a threat.
The Laker/Lutz News did not publish information from that March news release because “The “Chaz,” as its commonly known, is outside the newspaper’s coverage area.
However, after this Worth The Trip story published, the water management district reached out to us to alert us to potential threats to the river from some activities.
In the spirit of trying to ensure that visitors now, and, in the future, can enjoy this slice of Florida’s natural beauty, we are sharing the tips that were shared with us.
When visiting the Chassahowitzka River:
• Stay in the vessel when possible.
• If you have to leave the vessel, tie off in shallow waters.
• Avoid docking on riverbanks.
• Don’t trample vegetation or kick up silt.
• Avoid climbing on banks.
• Don’t climb trees or use rope swings.
• Don’t throw out litter or leave anything behind.
• Trim boat motors to prevent propeller scarring.
To learn more about protecting the Chassahowitzka River, visit WaterMatters.org/ProtectChass.

Explorer Hernando de Soto traveled through Dade City

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Explorer Hernando de Soto, commissioned by King Charles V, of Spain, took formal possession of La Florida, on June 3, 1539 — two days after landing near a native village at the head of Charlotte Harbor.

Those were among the facts offered during a talk at the Florida Pioneer Museum & Village, presented by author Charles Enloe Moore.

Moore details de Soto’s expedition, including travels through specific areas in Pasco County, in his 2020 book, “The Long Road to Mabila.”

This map shows 34 locations of the De Soto Trail in Florida, including Zephyrhills, Dade City and Brooksville. (Courtesy of National Park Service)

De Soto and his men became famous as the first European expedition to explore the interior of the North American continent.

Spain’s quest for gold was a prime motivator for de Soto’s expedition, which traversed what would become 14 future states in the United States, according to the author.

Diaries kept along the 4,000-mile trek provide historians a glimpse of what life was like during the days of de Soto’s travels, Moore said.

As de Soto headed north in Florida, Moore explains, the ambitious explorers wanted to find gold as quickly as possible.

The explorer’s party included 620 men and 223 horses, as well as “knights, artisans, wives, war dogs, priests, boat builders, servants and cattle,” Moore wrote.

At the time of his death, at age 42, Hernando de Soto had completed expeditions in Peru, Nicaragua, the Yucatan Peninsula and territory in the modern-day United States. (Courtesy of Charles Enloe Moore)

It is considered likely that wild pigs still found in Florida today are descendants of the large herd of pigs that were part of de Soto’s expedition, the author said.

Shortly after leaving their fleet of ships in Charlotte Harbor, the expedition encountered Juan Ortiz, a Christian native and guide, who helped them follow trails that later became major highways.

They visited places that would become future Florida cities.

For instance, the de Soto expedition passed through what is present-day Mulberry and crossed over a “Great Swamp,” now known as the Green Swamp.

In the Green Swamp, the Spaniards witnessed a vast wilderness of giant cypress trees draped with bromeliads and orchards that would remain undisturbed until the logging boom that occurred 300 years later.

Charles Enloe Moore spent 11 years researching and five years writing his manuscript — by hand — in his quest to publish ‘The Long Road to Mabila,’ a book that details the Hernando de Soto expedition. (Courtesy of Brian Swann)

The huge contingent crossed the Hillsborough River, heading in the general direction of what would become U.S. 98 and entered into an area now known as Dade City.

Averaging at least 11 miles a day — and traveling for five days at a time — the de Soto expedition took the time to rest in Dade City.

One account, chronicled in Moore’s book, recounted that the expedition was “encamped in some very beautiful valleys having large maize (corn) fields, so productive that each stalk had three or four ears…”

In another report, the book notes: “The governor (de Soto) ordered all the maize which was ripe in the fields to be taken, which was enough for three months.”

Rumors persist, among residents of River Road, that Spanish explorers from Hernando de Soto’s expedition hid gold on land, north of Dade City, now owned by Linda Groover. (Courtesy of Doug Sanders)

As a conquistador and nobleman, it was de Soto’s duty to lead his men from the restful Dade City retreat to continue their quest.

They headed north and crossed the Withlacoochee River where they spotted “red deer like large bulls, very large bears and panthers,” Moore wrote.

As the namesake for Hernando and DeSoto counties in Florida, de Soto and his expedition, known as the entrada, entered Georgia where they fought the Indian warriors of Chief Tuscaloosa at a small fortress settlement called Mabila.

Continuing their long journey from 1539 to 1543, the de Soto expedition made its way through the Carolinas, Virginia, Kentucky, Indiana, and sent scouts as far north as present-day Chicago.

Searching for an elusive passage to the Pacific Ocean, de Soto sent scouts as far west as San Antonio, Texas.

Finding no gold or food, de Soto perished on the banks of the Mississippi River, in 1542.

His contingent, which had dwindled in 1543 to less than 300, fled south toward Mexico City where Spain’s major outpost was located on the continent.

At least 30 lancers of de Soto’s men headed back and stopped to rest in Dade City, before returning to Spain.

Published August 24, 2022

East Pasco cleanup yields nearly 12 tons of trash

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Pasco County’s code enforcement and solid waste teams conducted a cleanup in the Lock Street area of East Pasco and collected nearly 12 tons of trash.

Those county teams joined forces with the community to complete the gargantuan cleanup, according to a news release.

The cleanup included 561 pounds of hazardous materials and 11.74 tons of solid waste debris, the release says.

Commissioner Ron Oakley, whose district includes the area where the cleanup occurred, expressed his appreciation of the effort.

“The Lock Street Community Cleanup got rid of nearly 12 tons of trash and other debris, keeping our community clean for everyone to enjoy,” Oakley said, in the release. “This event, like others we’ve hosted, ensures Pasco County is an exceptional place to live, work and play.  I extend my gratitude to the many volunteers who work so hard to ensure a clean and healthy county.”

Pasco County hosts community cleanup events to give customers a convenient opportunity to get rid of trash, debris and hazardous materials that might otherwise lead to code violations or illegal dumping.

To report illegal dumping in Pasco County, call 727-847-2411.

Published August 24, 2022