The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Zephyrhills/East Pasco News

Zephyrhills’ rebranding begins to take shape

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The City of Zephyrhills is getting ready to tell its story.

It’s all part of the rebranding process that Pasco County’s largest municipality is undergoing — one that will carry the town into the future, and will provide a more complete picture.

Zephyrhills, in conjunction with North Star Place Branding + Marketing, a Jacksonville-based consulting firm, has finished its community research, which is aiding in the town’s rebranding efforts.

Data has been collected from 1,486 unique inputs, including nearly 1,000 online surveys, focus groups and interviews. The firm will use the feedback to develop options that include a new town logo, motto, color schemes and other elements to to rebrand Zephyrhills.

The City of Zephyrhills, Pasco County’s largest municipality, is undergoing a complete rebranding of the town, from its slogan, to logo and more, with the help of North Star Place Branding + Marketing. (Mike Camunas)

“We were very happy we got this much feedback,” said Patrick Golden, executive creative director for North Star. “Sometimes communities can be survey fatigued, but we got a lot of responses, and getting input from the community in this type of venture is very important.

“We’ve seen a lot of passion in the people, and that’s very indicative of the city and what the city brings to its people and always has brought to its people. That’s just going to help when it comes to finding the brand of the city.”

That passion was on display when Zephyrhills and North Star hosted a Community Creative Input Open House on Feb. 1, allowing for about a couple dozen citizens and stakeholders to offer their opinions.

Those present brought up views and themes consistent with the data collected, from keeping the same ‘town fee’ to remembering and honoring the town’s history and veterans. They also want the town to be known for more than being where the bottled water comes from, its skydiving, and, of course, being “Snowbird Central.”

“The passion (we’ve seen) is what is going to make the brand the best it can be,” City Manager Billy Poe said. “Trust me, the comments we have gotten, not all of them have been positive — and we’ll address the negative ones.

“People just walk up to me, and say, ‘Why are you spending so much money on this (rebranding)? Why are you spending any money at all on this? What’s wrong with the logo we have? This is where the water comes from, what’s wrong with that?

“And it’s not to get rid of the water logo or get rid of the skydiving component. We feel we’re more than one thing, and we want to tell our story before someone can tell it for us and then not get it right.”

Indeed, rebranding the city, Golden added, is not about doing away with what Zephyrhills already has, but refining the story and finding a cohesive one. The story will encapsulate the town as it moves forward and looks to soon surpass a population of 20,000.

“People are usually excited, not just to see what we come up with, but what everyone said their community is about and how everyone sees their city, from the outside,” Golden added.

The City of Zephyrhills and North Star Place Branding + Marketing had a Community Creative Input Open House on Feb. 1 — welcoming those in attendance to share their thoughts about their town with the rebranding firm’s representatives.

The city and the rebranding firm launched a community-wide online survey on Oct. 17, 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.

In the survey, participants were asked to pick two descriptors of Zephyrhills. The top two chosen were “Snowbird destination, older residents,” which accounted for 43% of the answers, while “Where growth is headed” came in at 27%. Another category, “neighborly, hometown feel” came in at 23%.

The data also showed Zephyrhills greatest assets, with the top responses being the Sarah Vande Berg Tennis & Wellness Center, Main Street, Skydive City, the city’s many parks, the municipal airport and the proximity to Tampa and Orlando.

The $68,000 rebranding project now moves to the creative phase, as North Star’s team will produce options to present to the city, tentatively in about five months.

Zephyrhills, currently known as “The City of Pure Water,” will then choose a new brand aimed at increasing interest and investment in its residents, entrepreneurs, companies and visitors.

“We are a small town, but what we’re trying to do is grow and maintain that small-town feel — that’s important because if you lose your downtown, where’s your center of community?” Poe said. “I think the story of Zephyrhills is that we’re an emerging community that’s always been known as the ‘Snowbird Capital’ and I think we’re so much more than that.

“Yes, we have the water (bottling plant), we have the skydiving, but Zephyrhills is a very open-minded community that is always trying to better the lives of its citizens.”

Published February 08, 2023

 

Farming a great crop of students

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For the past 20 years, Academy at the Farm has put a lot of students out to pasture — which, in this case, refers to high school.

“Our focus has always been education,” said Ray Polk, the academy’s director for 13 years.

Soha Bajaj, a sixth-grader at Academy at the Farm, walks a cow during an agricultural learning session at the school in Dade City. Over the past 20 years, the school has grown tremendously, both in size and its participation in its award-winning 4-H and Future Farmers of America clubs. It also has become a much sought after school choice in East and Central Pasco County. The K-8 school focuses on six fundamentals: Responsibility, Fairness, Respect, Honesty, Citizenship and Caring. (Mike Camunas)

“We focus on our six traits and start that from kindergarten, right from the get-go. “We teach them life skills, which are our traits, and how they are responsible for their work, for themselves and even how they treat other people. We emphasize that,” he added.

“And we teach them that you’re the person that has to work on (those things), not the rest of the people in the school.”

Since Dr. Michael Rom opened the Dade City charter school in 2002, Academy at the Farm has grown leaps and bounds. The charter has become a sought-out educational institution for parents seeking an alternative, with empowered learning styles for their children.

At Academy at the Farm, every classroom has an instructor assistant (IA), which extends to the school’s four sections: Preschool/VPK, Primary (first and second grades), Intermediate (third through fifth grades) and Middle (sixth through eighth grades).

Each division has its own principal.

“We’ve been an A school for 18 years,” Polk said. “That’s not something that’s easy to keep, but we have been able to do that and we’re proud of that fact.”

Academy at the Farm, a Dade City charter school, has classrooms set up with alternative seating for grades K-8.

At Academy at the Farm, it all begins in kindergarten, with children learning these six character traits: Responsibility, Fairness, Respect, Honesty, Citizenship and Caring.

From the get-go, students learn to embody these attributes, which extend beyond the classroom.

Many of the school’s 650 students are members of the school’s 4-H Club and Future Farmers of America (FFA) program. And while every student will get agriculture education and lessons on the 35-acre property, those who join the clubs tend to be  heavily involved with the on-campus livestock, such as goats, hogs and cows.

“We see a lot of growth from kids who have been in our program a long time,” said Robin Carter, the school’s agriculture teacher. “Because we have high expectations of them in 4-H and FFA, and definitely set the bar higher for them than the rest of the general school population.

“And they rise to it, because they want to work with animals and want to do a good job because they find it important and — I don’t know, maybe they want to shovel poop all day, too! (laughs).”

Sixth-grader Miriam Fehir, left, and eighth-grader Liea Kautz hold onto some of the baby goats that are cared for at the charter school.

Carter said working with animals puts an emphasis on the character trait of responsibility.

They know that animals rely on them.

But those involved in the agricultural program also get to experience something that’s not common at many campuses.

“We have baby goats being born,” Carter added. “How many kids get to see baby goats being born at their school?…

“You’ll see it, as our principals will say that our FFA kids don’t get in trouble because they know that they have responsibilities and have to be out there for the animals. … They know that their personal responsibility is to be great — they’re expected to be great and to do great things.”

And part of being great is knowing, and learning, that these animals are not pets, but a way of farm life. The school breeds its livestock, including certain animals that are sold for meat.

“It’s Academy at the Farm, not Academy at the ‘Pet,’” Polk said. “Which can be tough for kids, but it’s a life lesson about where you get your food, from farms, and learning how much agricultural farming comes out of Florida.

“The kids learn that they’re not pets.”

So what’s in store for this charter school after 20 years? Well, more expansion.

Academy at the Farm includes an outdoor hockey rink for students to play on during P.E. classes and recess.

With a waiting list of nearly 2,000 students to be a lottery pick to join the student body (when there is space available), Academy at the Farm wants to go from three to four classrooms per grade.

But the big move is even loftier, and one Polk already has tried to make happen four times previously.

A high school at the Farm.

“You don’t get a 2,000-kid waiting list in Dade City without having a good reputation on what kind of charter school we are,” Polk said. “I want to be here to educate kids, even as the director, I want them to know I care about their education, even if I’m not doing any direct educating.”

Polk estimates adding a high school — grades nine through 12 — will cost up to $15 million. However, through federal funding provided by the state, the school was awarded $13.5 million back in September 2022.

Yet, just weeks later, Hurricane Ian devastated parts of Florida and that funding, as well as funding given to several other local government agencies and projects, was redirected to relief aid.

“We’ll reapply,” Polk said of getting grant or federal funding again. “A new public high school could cost anywhere from $80 to $100 million, and even though we raise about $200,000 in fundraising each year, it’s just not enough for the kind of education level we have here.

“To have an IA in every classroom, that’s $350 ($350,000) to $400,000 a year, right there.”

Academy at the Farm
Where: 9500 Alex Lange Way, Dade City
Details: In its 20th year, Academy at the Farm is a K-8 charter school that focuses heavily on higher education, but also has several agricultural aspects, such as a working farm, livestock, crops and more. Any parent can apply for their child or children to attend Academy at the Farm; however, there is a lottery list that resets every March, and that list has nearly 2,000 kids waiting on it.
Info: Visit AcademyAtTheFarm.com.

Published January 25, 2023

Supply chain issues delay grand opening of VA clinic

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Construction has been completed on a new veteran’s clinic in Zephyrhills, but the grand opening isn’t expected until late Spring or early Summer.

It’s been a long road for the new Zephyrhills veteran’s clinic; however, the end is in sight.

Officials at Tampa Veterans Affairs (VA) at James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital, which oversees 16 clinics, including the one in Zephyrhills, said it’s just a matter of time before the 14,000-square-foot facility opens.

“The Zephyrhills team is working diligently to open by late Spring (or) early Summer 2023,” Tampa VA officials told The Laker/Lutz News. “We, at James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital, are eager to provide expanded health care options to our Zephyrhills veterans.”

Construction has been completed on the new Veterans Clinic, at 37827 Eiland Blvd., in Zephyrhills, for some time. However, several other VA construction projects and national supply chain restrictions have delayed the grand opening until late Spring or early Summer. (Mike Camunas)

Like many construction projects nationwide, the clinic has been experiencing supply chain issues.

Additionally, the Tampa VA had unprecedented concurring construction activities that have swamped officials with a logjam of projects. The main hospital unveiled a Bed Tower of 240,000 square feet and 150 beds on Jan. 21, the VA clinic in New Port Richey expanded to serve up to 24,000 veterans and Lakeland broke ground on a new 93,000-square-foot facility in April 2022.

The new Zephyrhills clinic, at 37827 Eiland Blvd., broke ground on June 7, 2019 and cost $16 million to build.

It replaces the older clinic, which will help address the health needs of veterans in Zephyrhills, the county’s largest municipality.

“The new VA clinic in Zephyrhills will be a game-changer for veterans in East Pasco,” Zephyrhills native and executive director of the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs Danny Burgess said at the 2019 groundbreaking ceremony. “The expansion will provide increased access to quality health care. We are so excited for this commitment to our community by USDVA (U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs); and FDVA (Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs) looks forward to growing our strong relationship with our federal partners.”

The clinic is designed to accommodate people with disabilities, and will offer new services such as Podiatry and Physical Therapy. Additional services offered include Hearing Aid Repair, Social Work, Food and Nutrition, and Tele-health Services.

Each patient will have an assigned patient-aligned care team that will consist of a physician, nurse, social worker and a mental health provider.

Patients will be referred to and treated at the James A. Haley hospital for surgeries and extensive therapy.

Ten rooms are devoted to primary care, while six rooms are used for treating mental health, which is part of the VA’s efforts to provide more access to psychiatric care services.

Those without transportation will be able to take advantage of a service that will provide free rides to their appointments.

“I’m excited about the new clinic because it’s going to enhance the patient experience for our veterans,” Chief Medical Officer of Zephyrhills Community Based Outpatient Clinic Dr. Scott Knoeppel said in a statement to The Laker/Lutz News. “The new clinic will be nearly triple in size, so we now have the capacity to add some high-demand specialty care services, such as Physical Therapy, Podiatry and Hearing Aid repair. Additionally, our Mental Health providers will be seeing patients in the new building, as well. Offering these services in one building will be of convenience to our veterans. Lastly, we will be expanding parking capacity, which had been a challenge at the previous location.”

Published January 25, 2023

Zephyrhills seeking artist for next mural

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Main Street Zephyrhills issued a call for artists for the city’s ongoing mural series that is meant to brighten up, beautify and even modernize the constantly transforming historic downtown district.

The Zephyrhills Public Library, and its crosswalk in front of the building on Eighth Street, will be the site of the city’s next mural and is tentatively scheduled to be finished by the end of May 2023. (Mike Camunas)

The next mural is slated to be painted on the crosswalk in front of Zephyrhills Public Library, 5347 Eighth St. All local artists are welcome to apply to be awarded the project, which will not exceed a budget of $5,000.

Those interested must submit an application demonstrating experience in the execution of art projects from concept to completion; meeting a specific budget and time frame; and, working in the public realm with public agencies. A combination of experience and creative design also will be considered.

Deadline to apply is March 17 at 3 p.m.. The artist will be selected by March 31.

The artist will then propose and finalize concept artwork by April 28, then given a month to complete the project by May 31.

The artist(s) are responsible for all arrangements and site preparations, including pressure wash of surfaces and applying primer and final sealant, costs, including delivery of equipment, and tools, as necessary to provide a completed and installed work.

All installations must be able to withstand Central Florida subtropical weather conditions. Safety is crucial for the artist and general public. Artists are responsible to ensure a safe environment while their work is in progress.

This mural will serve dual purposes of adding flare to a traditional crosswalk and being an identifier of a safe place for pedestrian crossing.

Applications must include:

  • Application cover sheet
  • Itemized budget clearly defining costs associated with the project. The total cost cannot exceed $5,000.
  • Professional resume, previous work on display and location, current gallery affiliations, documented exhibits and so on.
  • Links to digital portfolios including examples of work, news articles, accolades, etc.

Artists must deliver their package to: Main Street Zephyrhills, Attention: Erin Beasley, 5335 Eighth St.

Zephyrhills, FL 33542.

Additional questions can be emailed to .

 

Shining a spotlight on a century-old lumber business

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Long before most of Pasco County’s residents settled here, the San Antonio Lumber Company was meeting customer’s needs for building supplies.

The Pasco County Commission took a few minutes on Jan. 10 to congratulate members of the Schrader family, whose members have been involved in the business since 1923.

Tom and Sarah Schrader, and some other family members were there, when the county board passed a resolution honoring the company’s 100th year.

Originally, Herman Schrader was involved in the business with J.P. Lynch in 1929, but Schrader bought out Lynch and ran the lumber company until 1937, according to the county’s resolution.

Members of the Schrader family pose with the Pasco County Commission and other county officials during the county board’s Jan. 10 meeting, where the Schrader’s company, San Antonio Lumber, was honored for its century of business operations. (Courtesy of Pasco County)

Next, Arthur Schrader took over and remained at the helm for two decades. Then, Arthur Schrader Jr., took over in 1957.

Arthur Schrader Jr., is credited with expanding the store and its business operations, by heading up regional agriculture pilot programs and forging an alliance with the Purina Chow Company.

When Arthur Schrader Jr., died in 1994, his son, Thomas Schrader, took over the company, and now, Thomas Schrader’s daughter, Sarah, is the lumber company’s president. She joined the family business in 2012 after graduating from Stetson University and working several years in other industries.

“We are the largest independent lumber company in East Pasco County, and the only one, by the way,” Thomas Schrader told board members.

“We’ve had a lot of great customers over the years. A lot of good employees — some have been there 40, 50 years. All of the family has been involved with the business, at one time or another.

“My grandfather is over on the wall,” he said, pointing to photographs of former county commissioners, whose portraits line a wall in the county board’s chamber on the second-floor of the Historic Pasco County Courthouse. “Teddy (Ted Schrader) is over on the wall. They were both county commissioners.

“We’re just glad to still be here. We have about 22 employees now. They’ve all been there many, many years,” he said.

Sarah Schrader added: “We just want to thank you for acknowledging our business. We appreciate it.”

Pasco County Commissioner Ron Oakley, whose district includes San Antonio, said his relationship with the lumber company spans 40 years.

“I built my first home buying material from San Ann (San Antonio) Lumber, back in the ’70s. I’m building my last home, right now, finishing up, buying materials from San Ann Lumber.

“And, I’ve done other homes and other projects for my company and my family — over the years, so many different ways we’ve been able to use your company and get what we need, as far as building construction needs,” Oakley said.

“I congratulate you. Not many companies last 100 years. They don’t have anybody to take over, they’re sold, or gone. Thank you, for all that you’ve done for our community and for East Pasco and for working with us.

“It’s been a joy to do business with you all, and your family. You’ve been a great asset to the community,” Oakley said.

Commissioner Seth Weightman noted one thing he thinks that’s unique about San Antonio Lumber is that Mr. Schrader has been known to write personal thank you notes to customers.

“That’s something unique to the business, that I thought was pretty special,” Weightman added.

Commissioners Kathryn Starkey marveled at the company’s staying power.

“Any business that can survive that long, that’s fantastic,” she said.

Commissioner Gary Bradford added: “I can appreciate the longevity of your business, so well done.”

Commission Chairman Jack Mariano told the Schraders: “Congratulations on 100 years. That’s a great accomplishment. Your family has done a great service for this county — made it better and better.”

Published January 25, 2023

Setting the stage to remember fallen law enforcement officers

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Crews cut trees last week to prepare for the construction of the Pasco County Fallen Law Enforcement Memorial.

That’s just one step needed to erect the planned memorial on the front law of the Historic Pasco County Courthouse in downtown Dade City.

It’s a project that’s been a longtime coming — but now that the money has been raised to pay for the permanent tribute, it won’t be too much longer before the vision becomes reality.

Pasco County Commissioner Ron Oakley gave his colleagues an update on the project during the county board’s Jan. 10 meeting.

This is a rendering of what the Pasco County Fallen Law Enforcement Memorial will look like, when construction is completed in coming months. (File)

He expects construction of the memorial to be complete within the next three months to four months, weather permitting.

“We hope to see that memorial out on the front lawn, on the corner, next to Meridian Avenue and Seventh Street,” Oakley said, during the meeting, held in the board’s second-floor chambers in the historic courthouse.

Commission Chairman Jack Mariano reacted enthusiastically to the news: “Looking forward to that!”

Oakley added: “Yeah, it’s been a long wait. We’ve been waiting like nine years to get that done.”

Mariano expressed the county’s gratitude to Oakley for the commissioner’s private efforts to raise the money for the project.

Oakley thanked others who were involved, as well.

The project was started almost a decade ago.

Tim Hennigan, who has been involved in the efforts since the beginning, recapped the history during a groundbreaking ceremony for the memorial in October.

He told those gathered about the event that inspired the effort to pursue a permanent memorial.

It was windy and rainy one year during the Pasco Sheriff’s annual memorial ceremony for fallen law enforcement office, recalled Hennigan, who is president of the board for the Pasco County Fallen Law Enforcement Officer Memorial and Benefit Foundation Inc.

Photos of the fallen officers began blowing away, he said.

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

Hennigan enlisted his friend, Skip Stone to get involved and they sat down with an accountant to get the ball rolling.

Fundraising efforts began small, but others joined in, including Craig Laporte, an attorney who is a former Pasco Sheriff’s Office deputy.

Oakley, his friend Randy Blankenship, and others recently helped push the fundraising effort for the memorial over the finish line.

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

“We have a lot of citizens that look forward to that being placed there, in support of our law enforcement,” Oakley said.

Published January 18, 2023

Zephyrhills will make election decisions in April

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(Mike Camunas)

Residents of the City of Zephyrhills will be choosing a new mayor and selecting a representative for Seat 2 on City Council, during the Municipal Elections, set for April 11.

Here are the important election dates and information regarding the election.

Important Dates

  • Municipal Candidate Qualifying begins at noon on Feb. 7.
  • Municipal Candidate Qualifying ends at noon on Feb. 14.
  • Mayor’s Caucus is scheduled for 5 p.m. on Feb 17 in Council Chambers at City Hall, 5335 Eighth St.
  • Municipal Election: Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., on April 11, at Alice Hall Community Center, 38116 Fifth Ave., in Zephyr Park.

Candidate Requirements

  • All candidates must be a qualified and registered voter of the City of Zephyrhills and have been a resident of the city for a six-month period immediately preceding the next election to qualify for any City elective office.
  • The City Council may set filing fees to be paid by candidates at the time of qualifying to run for elective office.
  • The nomination of all candidates for elective offices shall be made by nominating petitions. The name of any elector of the City having the necessary qualifications to hold the office may be nominated for the election to such office when a petition shall be filed with the City Clerk, signed by not less than 25 registered voters of the City.

For additional information, please visit the Pasco County Supervisor of Elections website at PascoVotes.com.

Published January 18, 2023

Blue Triton Brands plans bottled water plant expansion

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Blue Triton Brands Inc., formerly known as Nestle Waters North America Inc., has secured permission to vacate a portion of platted right of way, to help accommodate the company’s planned plant expansion in Zephyrhills.

After hearing from county staff and a representative for Blue Triton Brands, the county board voted on Jan. 10 to unanimously approve the request to vacate a portion of Leaf Lane, which is a platted right of way, and to vacate portions of Camphorwood Lane and Breezewood Drive.

Zephyrhills Bottled Water Plant, at 4330 20th Street, will get an expansion through its parent company, Blue Triton Brands. (Mike Camunas)

Joann Ravida, a real property professional in the county’s Real Property & Planning Division, told the county board: “The purpose of the vacation (of the property) is to allow for the area to be utilized for parking and water retention, to serve the expansion of the petitioner’s existing plant.

“There were no objections to this petition and the team recommends approval,” she added.

Linda Pearson, a planner representing Blue Triton Brands, told the county that approval of the request was needed to accommodate the company’s plant expansion plans.

Pearson told the county board: “We’re not affecting anything or any access used currently, now or in the future, by the residents to the south that are currently in Pasco County.

“They have no access to it. There’s nothing there. Our company has owned that company for some time. It’s vacant,” she said.

Pearson also noted that the three homes that are affected are a considerable distance away.

The planned plant expansion will add 30 new positions and convert 45 of the existing 56 positions into full-time roles, Pearson said.

Salaries will generally range from about $44,000 to $64,000, in connection with the expansion, she added.

“Blue Triton Brands purchased the Nestle Corporation in April of 2021. They purchased all of the U.S. and Canadian plants, approximately there are 27 of them. And, they’re making their biggest capital investment this year, in this plant,” Pearson said.

Pearson told the county board that Blue Triton Brands has a pending application to annex into the City of Zephyrhills. She showed county board members a map indicating the only portion of its property that’s currently outside the city limits.

“We are being very careful in anything we do, to minimize the impact to the surrounding community,” Pearson said.

The landscaping and buffering provided will exceed code requirements, she added.

Commissioner Ron Oakley asked if the City of Zephyrhills could vacate the rights of way in question, if the land is being annexed.

County Attorney Jeffrey Steinsnyder said an argument could be made along those lines, but the original plat likely was recorded in the county records, and since the applicant had already gone through the county’s process, the board might as well take action.

Pearson agreed, noting the plan was recorded in the county and her company believes its best to have the county board take action, to ensure everything is legal.

The City of Zephyrhills is scheduled to consider the annexation, a comprehensive plan amendment and a zoning request on Jan. 23, Pearson said. Another neighborhood meeting is planned before then, she added.

Although no one spoke against the request during the board’s afternoon public hearing, Marlene Mann, a neighbor to the water plant, had voiced opposition during the morning public comment portion of the board’s meeting.

After Mann voiced her objections, Steinsnyder informed the board that her remarks were related to an item that would be heard by the board in the afternoon.

Mann signed up to speak during the afternoon session, but was unable to wait until the board took it up.

In the morning, she told board members: “I just want to go on record to say that I oppose the petition to vacate a portion of three platted rights of way by Blue Triton.

“I know it won’t do any good, but I speak on behalf of the neighborhood, that used to be a nice quiet neighborhood of 16 homes, dead-end street.

“We’re in the county, but right next to us used to be Nestle’s Zephyrhills Bottled Water, now owned by Blue Triton.

“Our neighborhood was there before Blue Triton or Zephyrhills Bottled Water was ever built,” she said.

Nestle bought eight of the 16 homes and bulldozed them, she said.

She objected to Blue Triton Brand’s planned expansion.

“They’re going get rid of a lot of big oaks, over 200 trees. They’re going to bring this retention pond within 75 feet of our backyards,” she said.

“None of the neighbors want this. We don’t want our peaceful neighborhood destroyed, with mosquitoes close by, all of the trees, big oaks, disappearing, plus the big noise factor of the trucks, which are 24 hours a day, which’ll be right close to our backyards and the big lights.

“I know there’s probably not much hope because big city and big companies always win, but thank you for hearing me out,” Mann said.

Published January 18, 2023

More changes, growth coming to Zephyrhills

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The City of Zephyrhills continues to grow and change as it enters 2023.

“I think the biggest thing is, we’re not just a snowbird community anymore,” City Manager Billy Poe said. “We’re growing leaps and bounds, and now, as a city, we have to ask ourselves, ‘What do we want to be when we grow up?’ And what we want is everyone on the same page as we head into what is expected to be a busy future for Zephyrhills.”

Poe’s current passion project is the city rebranding. From the town slogan, logo and even color schemes, it’s a citywide image change that will be based on research and resident feedback.

The City of Zephyrhills — the largest municipality in Pasco County — has several projects in the works and planned for 2023. The city expects its population to reach nearly 20,000 within the next couple of years. (Mike Camunas)

“It’s to tell everyone who we are, what kind of city we are and have become, and what we have to offer,” Poe said.

In July 2022, 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 to explore the city’s unique offerings. The firm then launched a survey in October, asking residents those questions. Since then, Poe said, there have been nearly 1,000 responses.

Poe hopes the rebranding will be complete by mid- to late-2023 to unveil to the public.

The city’s $100-million budget is nearly 33% more than it was last year, reflecting Zephyrhills’ growth.

It has earmarked $1 million to repair and add sidewalks throughout the town, especially around schools.

Poe says this is to “connect any missing links,” so residents can get around town without crossing streets or have neighborhoods connecting to the schools via sidewalks.

The sidewalks are coming at the right time and coincide with several road work projects, such as extensions of Dairy Road and Kossick Road, and improvements to the intersection at County Road 54 and 12th Street, next to Zephyrhills High.

In addition, Poe said the city was excited to welcome a new distillery — Dunamis Premium Spirits — which opened a tasting room by the Zephyrhills Municipal Airport off Chancey Road.

The distillery plans to convert the old SunTrust Building on Gall Boulevard into a two-story, glass-fronted tasting room and banquet hall that will be available for events.

“That could be a real game-changer for downtown Zephyrhills and a real shot in the arm for Gall Boulevard,” Poe said. “This project will be pretty cool, and I think that it’s exciting because, while not right downtown, it’s a couple of blocks away and could be a real catalyst in connecting that strip there into downtown.

“Because, let’s be honest, we’re almost at 18,000 here in Zephyrhills, so it won’t be much longer before we’re at 20,000.”

An estimated 1,200 to 1,800 residents are expected at the Abbott Square development off Simons Road, which is adding 600 homes.

“You want to grow at a controlled pace for several years to come, and we’ll see what happens — certainly we want to move forward, but we have to do it the right way,” Poe said. “Our goal is to grow a great community, with a balance of commercial and residential properties, so it becomes — and this is going to sound cliche, but it’s so true — where everyone wants to live, work and play.”

Additional Zephyrhills projects include:

Hercules Park: Plans are being finalized for a new $5.4-million park project that will be on the 12-acre parcel of land at the corner of County Road 54 and Gall Boulevard, adjacent to Woodland Elementary. City officials hope to have the full plans for City Council approval in time for a late spring/early summer groundbreaking. The park will include a splash pad, restroom, picnic shelters, a playground and trails.

The Backyard: An open-air park at the southwest corner of Eighth Street and Sixth Avenue will feature covered seating under teepee-like structures. Repurposed metal storage containers will serve as vendor spaces. There will be a stage, lighting, an event screen, plus service from food trucks. The initial design on the project came in over the $250,000 budget, so the city is having conversations to scale back the project. If officials can’t settle on budgetary concerns, the project may be shelved until a later time.

Multi-use indoor sports complex: A 30,000-square-foot multi-use indoor sports complex is planned to come to the Sarah Vande Berg Tennis & Wellness Center, but also is facing funding issues. Money for this project had been planned through state appropriations, but that was pulled back due to Hurricane Ian. Facility plans call for room for four full-size tennis courts and other athletic events. The space also would be used for trade shows, banquets and ceremonies. City officials are looking to scale back some on this project and, of course, await the funding, with a late 2023 start date being very tentative at this time.

Airport additions: More state appropriation money has been given to the city to add a new terminal, two box hangers and a taxiway. This also would include jet parking after the airport finished a $5.9-million, 1,200-foot runway expansion in the summer that will allow the city to welcome larger planes, including private jets. Since 2011, the city has spent $32 million improving the airport and has another nearly $7 million of state appropriated funds to spend on it.

National Guard Armory Complex: A $25-million armory complex is expected to be completed by 2026, also built by state appropriated funds. This also will mean extending South Avenue to the north up to County Round 54. Bidding on this project will commence soon and future development will come at a later date.

Published January 11, 2023

The kumquat soon will be king for a day, in Dade City

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On the same day that ‘pirates’ take over downtown Tampa in that city’s annual Gasparilla invasion and parade, the city of Dade City expects to embrace a more genteel invasion of its own — with thousands of visitors arriving for the 26th annual Kumquat Festival.

The festival — which draws its name from a tiny, sweet and tangy citrus fruit — began more than two decades ago when Phyllis Smith, Roxanne Barthle and Carlene Ellberg were trying to find a way to inject new life into downtown Dade City.

All sorts of products featuring kumquats will be available at the 26th annual Kumquat Festival, in downtown Dade City on Jan. 28, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.(File)

They decided to have an event to celebrate the kumquat because the Kumquat Growers, based in Dade City, are the nation’s largest producers of the fruit, sometimes described as “the little gold gems of the citrus family.”

The festival began small, on the lawn of the historic Pasco County Courthouse.

Over the years, the event spread through the city’s historic downtown core, and it routinely attracts thousands of visitors from the Tampa Bay area and beyond.

Besides giving people a chance to sample the distinctive flavor of kumquats, the festival also offers them a chance to experience Dade City’s hospitality, at a family friendly event, according to John Moors, executive director of the Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce.

It’s affordable, he added. There’s no admission charge, and there’s free parking, entertainment and activities.

The event is set for 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., on Jan. 28. It will be held, rain or shine.

The event showcases Dade City’s “wonderful merchants and shops and restaurants” in the city’s historic downtown, Moors said.

Festival-goers who enjoy shopping can check out offerings from about 350 vendors — including an array of arts, crafts and other creations.

“It is a juried show, so the items that are being sold are quality items,” Moors said. Also, organizers “only allow certain amounts of various items in the show, which keeps it very eclectic.”

Entertainment will be offered at various locations around downtown, and there will be a vintage car show, children’s activities and other things to see and do.

Food and drink options will be plentiful.

Besides going to downtown restaurants, festival-goers also will be able to grab a bite to eat from food trucks and food vendors, too.

Those who enjoy adult beverages will be able to sip on kumquat beer or kumquat wine as they stroll from place to place, because on Kumquat Festival day, the entire downtown will be wet-zoned.

Of course, the kumquat is king at this event. And it will be available in myriad forms, including kumquat salsas, kumquat jelly, kumquat marmalade, kumquat marinade, kumquat salad dressing and kumquat barbecue sauce.

There’s kumquat ice cream and, of course, kumquat pie — which has been declared Pasco County’s official pie.

Moors expressed gratitude for the event’s dozens of sponsors, including headline sponsor AdventHealth.

The chamber executive also noted the festival relies heavily on volunteers, estimating that about 200 are pitching in this year.

26th annual Kumquat Festival
When: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Jan. 28
Where: Downtown Dade City
Cost: Admission is free, parking is free, entertainment is free.
Info: Call 352-567-3769, or visit DadeCityChamber.org.

Kumquat pie is Pasco County’s official pie. Would you like to buy a slice? You can purchase one at the 26th annual Kumquat Festival, or, if you prefer, you can buy some kumquats and follow these directions to make your own.

Ingredients:
1 9-inch baked pie crust
1 can condensed milk
1 8-ounce container of whipped topping
2/3 cup of Kumquat puree
1/2 cup of lemon juice

Directions:
Beat condensed milk with whipped topping. Add lemon juice and beat until thickened. Add Kumquat puree. Pour in pie crust and chill for several hours. Garnish with Kumquats and mint leaves.

Source: Kumquat Growers website (Original recipe is from Rosemary Gude)

Kumquat facts
Kumquats have been called the ‘little gold gems’ of the citrus family. They are believed to be native to China and have a very distinctive taste. Kumquats are the only citrus fruit that can be eaten whole. The peel is the sweetest part and can be eaten separately. The pulp, which contains seeds and juice, is sour. Together, the peel and pulp taste sweet and sour. The seeds contain pectin, which can be removed by boiling for use in jams and jellies.

Source: The Kumquat Growers Association

Published January 11, 2023