Zephyrhills/East Pasco News

Hercules Park workshop set June 10

June 8, 2021 By Kevin Weiss

Zephyrhills residents will have an opportunity to weigh in on the future development and proposed amenities of Hercules Park.

Attendees are encouraged to bring their ideas and opinions to a public workshop meeting on June 10 at 6 p.m., at Zephyrhills City Hall, 5335 Eighth St., in Zephyrhills.

The City of Zephyrhills will host a workshop on June 10, to gather public input about the development of Hercules Park. Renovations could feature a circuitous BMX bike track with jumps and rollers, plus other passive amenities, based on this conceptual sketch from the project’s consultant, Kimley-Horn. The 12-acre park site is situated at the corner of County Road 54 and Gall Boulevard. (File)

Other stakeholders in attendance are expected to include the city’s parks and recreation advisory board, CRA (Community Redevelopment Agency) board and representatives from the project’s consultant, Kimley-Horn.

The City of Zephyrhills in recent months has pondered ways to spruce up the languished 12-acre park property at the corner of County Road 54 and Gall Boulevard, next to Zephyrhills High and Woodland Elementary schools.

One possibility for the park’s update includes installing a BMX (bicycle motocross) track where youth and adult bike enthusiasts traverse winding trails and thrilling jumps, in a safe and comfortable setting.

The latest conceptual sketch plan from Kimley-Horn shows a circuitous riding trail spanning roughly 5.29 acres of the park property, albeit with many details still to be hashed out.

Height levels on jumps and bumps haven’t yet been determined, but the track is expected to have variations for beginner, intermediate and advanced bikers — keeping safety in mind, too.

Surface material hasn’t been decided, either, though one option is a dirt track with wooden features for jumps and stunts.

Also proposed is a paved pathway encircling the BMX course for parents, walkers and runners to use for general exercise purposes.

Based on renderings, remaining Hercules Park property upgrades would then take on a mostly passive vibe — with a nearly 1-acre open playfield, 1.42-acre playground and picnic/shelter area, and a soft walking trail surrounding an existing retention pond and lighted fountain spray.

An open playfield —situated at the former Hercules Aquatic Center — would offer a grassy space for throwing footballs, Frisbees and so on.

A playground, meanwhile, could include some nature-based equipment beyond conventional slides and swings — think rock climb, bridges, tunnels, rope play structures and more.

The budget for the entire Hercules Park renovation will be determined from the workshop, where amenities could be added or removed based on community feedback, Zephyrhills CRA director Gail Hamilton wrote in an email to The Laker/Lutz News.

Final design and construction is expected sometime after park funding is identified for the city’s 2021-2022 fiscal year, Hamilton says.

Depending on the amenities and project cost, the development could be completed in a year, or built out over multiple years, she says.

City officials also have previously mentioned facilitating public-private partnerships for some of the park’s improvements.

In addition to its proximity to local schools, Hercules Park borders a busy Wawa gas station and Culver’s fast food restaurant, which could prompt those patrons to drop by the park to have a relaxing meal.

The park also is accessible to surrounding neighborhood developments through Henry Drive.

Should the BMX concept follow through, it would create an amenity otherwise not readily available to the East Pasco community. (Local BMX enthusiasts have previously tried accessing the Zephyrhills Skatepark at Krusen Field for those purposes.)

The closest public BMX pump tracks in the surrounding Tampa Bay area include Tampa BMX in Lutz and Oldsmar BMX.

City leaders for years have been calling for an action plan for vacant park land that once had a buzzing aquatic center and swimming pool.

Ownership of the land was transferred to the city from the Pasco County School Board in June 2018.

The park land is a legacy from about 80 acres once owned by the Hercules Powder Co.

The company, which converted pine stumps into resin and turpentine, had been the city’s largest employer at one point.

During a city council meeting last month, City Manager Billy Poe deemed the upcoming Hercules Park workshop “important” to provide additional information, plans and ideas to the public and other interested parties.

Published June 09, 2021

Work gets started on new home for military family

June 8, 2021 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Operation Homefront and Meritage Homes celebrated Military Appreciation Month last month, with a groundbreaking ceremony for a new home being built for a deserving military family.

During the ceremony, four military veterans on Meritage Homes’ staff, participated in the festivities.

Taking part in the ceremonial groundbreaking, from left are Stephanie Harris, veteran of the U.S. Air Force and administrative services manager for Meritage Homes; Steve Harding, Florida regional president for Meritage Homes; Gintas Urbonavicius, veteran of the U.S. Coast Guard, and vice president of construction for Meritage Homes; Beth McGregor, program coordinator, for Operation Homefront; and Maggie Milana, U.S. Navy veteran and sales consultant for Meritage Homes. (Courtesy of Havas Formula)

The new, mortgage-free and energy-efficient home that will be presented to a deserving family on Veterans Day.

Meritage Homes hosted the event, which included remarks by Steve Harding, regional president for Meritage’s Florida division, according to a news release.

The event took place in Bristol Meadows, on Asher Moon Lane, in Zephyrhills.

Meritage Homes, the sixth-largest U.S. homebuilder, has again renewed its partnership with Operation Homefront, to place a deserving military family into a brand new, mortgage-free and energy-efficient Meritage home.

This is the eighth year Meritage Homes has built and donated a new home to Operation Homefront through the Permanent Homes for Veterans program.

Operation Homefront will select the recipient for the new home and keys will be awarded the week of Veterans Day 2021.

The Permanent Homes for Veterans program, formerly known as Homes on the Homefront, has placed more than 700 military families in mortgage-free homes and deeded over $90 million in home equity since 2012.

For more information about Meritage Homes, visit MeritageHomes.com.

For more information about Operation Homefront, visit OperationHomefront.org.

Published June 09, 2021

The play’s the thing — and it’s in their backyard

June 8, 2021 By B.C. Manion

As the old saying goes, “Necessity is the Mother of Invention.” So when COVID-19 put the brakes on indoor performances, aspiring actor Rhett Ricardo, of Dade City, had an idea.

This 32-foot stage, with changeable scenery, is behind the Missouri Avenue home of Jill and Jason Ricardo in Dade City. It provides a venue where students and some recent graduates have put on plays, to pursue their interests in theater. In this scene, 18-year-old Connor Mirrop, of Dade City, left, a recent graduate of Pasco High, takes on the role of Max, and 16-year-old Zachary Trenkle portrays Mr. Saunders, in ‘Lend Me a Tenor.’ (Fred Bellet)

He formed a “Shakespeare in the Yard” company, and offered performances in the family’s Dade City backyard.

He organized performances of “Much Ado About Nothing,” in November and of a “Midsummer Night’s Dream” in January.

And, when the Arts in Motion (AIM) Pasco program couldn’t find a suitable venue, Rhett’s parents — Jill and Jason Ricardo — offered up their backyard as the setting for smaller AIM plays — where young actors would have a place to perform and the audience could remain socially distanced.

Jill Ricardo is vice president of production for the AIM Pasco program — which gives youths a chance to pursue their interest in theater.

Eva Weiss, seated, played the role of Maria, a home-schooler, in ‘Lend Me a Tenor.’ She is flanked by Connor Mirrop, who performed the role of Max, and Zachary Trenkle, who played the role of Mr. Saunders.

Typically, Arts in Motion puts on two large musicals each year.

The productions usually involve 50 to 60 performers, and each child that auditions gets a role, Jill Ricardo said.

When the organization shifted to smaller productions — to keep things going — she said she was surprised by the level of interest the young actors displayed.

“In a musical, you can rely on the big, flashy numbers to get you through,” she said.

In the plays staged in the Ricardos’ backyard, the actors had to develop completely different skill sets, she explained.

They performed “The Laramie Project,” “Greater Tuna,” “Snow White Rap,” “The Diary of Ann Frank,” and “The Lend Me a Tenor.”

“The Laramie Project” explores the story of Matthew Shephard, a gay University of Wyoming student who was beaten and left to die.

“That was a really powerful show for us,” Ricardo said.

Eighteen-year-old Jadyn Mills, of Dade City, right, plays the role of Maggie, exchanging lines with Max, performed by 18-year-old Connor Mirrop.

They also did “The Diary of Anne Frank,” based on a journal kept by a young Jewish girl who chronicled two years of her family’s life in hiding during German occupation of the Netherlands in World War II.

Her diary was published two years after the girl’s death in a concentration camp.

Ricardo was moved by the work done by the cast, describing it as “a really, really beautiful show.”

“Greater Tuna” and “Lend Me a Tenor” are comedies, and “Snow White Rap” gave the younger children a chance to perform.

“Each play we did, there were four performances,” she said. “It was busy around here.

“My husband and I were exhausted in the end,” Ricardo said.

Artists in Motion is finished for this season, but expects to audition in August for its next show.

From left, 19-year-old Roman Ricardo, of Dade City, operates the light board, 17-year-old Jayden Parsons, of Dade City, cues the music and 15-year-old Amelia Hesting, of Hudson, runs the sound board for ‘Lend Me a Tenor.’ Capria Pitchette directed the play.

By then, Ricardo hopes they will be able to find an indoor venue for their performances.

However, she’s not opposed to continuing to have some plays in the family’s backyard.

She’s a huge believer in giving youths a chance to get involved in the theater.

“I think art allows them to express their feelings in a way that’s productive, and they can explore their feelings, and they explore the world, in a safe space,” Ricardo said.

The young actors also get a chance to develop teamwork and experience “building something from nothing — the act of creation,” Ricardo added.

Arts in Motion is a nonprofit community youth theater and arts education organization. For more information, check the website ArtsinMotionPasco.org.

Published June 09, 2021

Sign war pokes fun, prompts camaraderie

June 8, 2021 By Kelli Carmack

What began as a ‘sign war’ between Zephyrhills Cinema 10 and Golden Corral, in mid-May, has evolved into a battle of wits among 70-plus Zephyrhills businesses.

Golden Corral, at 6855 Gall Blvd, advises Zephyrhills Police to skip the doughnuts and enjoy a steak, instead. (Kelli Carmack)

It seems like just about everybody is getting into the act.

The First Congregational Church of Zephyrhills took on Taco Bell.

The church’s sign declares: “Taco Bell sounds good, but ours has a real ring to it.”

Golden Corral took on Zephyrhills Police, while K & K Glass poked fun at Pin Chasers.

Lavish Lox teased The Gentleman’s Quarter, while others such as Axe of Kindness, Zephyrhills Brewing Company and Salon on 5th used clever gibes and poetry to convey their messages.

First Congregational Church of Zephyrhills, at 7900 Fort King Road, took on Taco Bell’s bell, as part of the ‘sign war’ fun.

Even The Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce joined in, taking a universal approach to cheer on the community’s businesses — something it’s grown accustomed to, through the years.

Some of the signs are quite tall. Others, very small.

And, some, like the ones — at Sen. Danny Burgess’ office — aren’t even signs at all.

Who needs a sign to share a message? Not State Sen. Danny Burgess’ office, at 38507 Fifth Ave. — pieces of paper will do just fine.

At the lawmaker’s office, four pieces of paper are taped to the window, conveying this message:

“We don’t have a sign, but we wanted to play!

“So we want to take the opportunity to say …

“As we have been looking at all of the signs, while we drive around

“It makes us proud to represent

And live in this great little town.”

Published June 09, 2021

Forget hot girl summer! Sonny’s BBQ, 6606 Gall Blvd., wants you to have a hot grill summer.

Salon on 5th, at 38521 Fifth Ave, offers a witty response to the sign at Sonny’s BBQ.

Lavish Lox Beauty Lounge, 38440 Fifth Ave., tosses the ‘sign war’ challenge over to The Gentleman’s Quarter, a local barber shop.

K&K Glass, at 5938 Seventh St., challenges Pin Chasers to join in the community’s ‘sign war.’

The Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce, at 38550 Fifth Ave., once again threw its support behind all of the community’s businesses.

Axe of Kindness, an entertainment venue that features axe throwing, at 38444 Fifth Ave. in Zephyrhills, is just one of scores of businesses having fun in a citywide ‘sign war.’

Hold their beer! Zephyrhills Brewing Company, at 38530 Fifth Ave., wants to create its sign.

Residents back Zephyrhills golf course

June 1, 2021 By Kevin Weiss

The future of the Zephyrhills Municipal Golf Course remains up in air, as city leaders continue to ponder the possible sale of the property for a Florida Army National Guard Armory.

In recent weeks, the National Guard has been scouting the 65-acre golf property situated on the southwest quadrant of the Zephyrhills Municipal Airport.

This development comes as state lawmakers approved allocating $25 million in appropriations to the military organization, for future training grounds in Zephyrhills.

The Zephyrhills Municipal Golf Course is designed to provide a public, low-cost alternative compared to other courses in the area. The 18-hole, par 68 course is known as a haven for snowbirds and beginners alike. The course’s future may be in jeopardy if the Florida Army National Guard selects the location as its site for an armory expansion, and the City of Zephyrhills received a weighty offer for the property. (File)

But area residents have come out swinging in support of the 18-hole, par 68 course, at 39248 B Ave., in Zephyrhills.

Avid golfers and course workers alike voiced the need to keep the outdoor recreational amenity intact, during a public comment portion of a May 24 Zephyrhills City Council regular meeting.

The facility — established in 1957, then opened in 1978 — is regarded as a low-cost alternative compared to surrounding golf courses, where snowbirds and others flock to during the year.

Discussion about the course’s future originally came up during an earlier May meeting to approve a lease agreement with Under Par Inc., to continue to serve as course management operators.

But City Manager Billy Poe at the time disclosed how the National Guard had targeted the golf course property for purchase — likely to be a substantial offer — among other site alternatives and parcels throughout the city, following the wave of expansion funding.

Armed with that information, council members tabled the lease renewal for future discussion, given that the city’s present agreement with Under Par won’t expire until April 2022.

With no final decisions yet set, locals came out in full force inside Zephyrhills City Hall to put comments on the record.

Sixteen-year-old Wesley Chapel resident Jake Roberts spoke in glowing terms about his experiences at the course.

The teen, who was the first public speaker to weigh in on the topic, said he learned to play golf there with his father, when he was just 8 years old.

He described the course as “a cornerstone” of his life and “a very important place” for the entire East Pasco community.

“I have a lot of good memories from there,” Roberts told the council. “I’ve grown up there basically, around some of the best, kindest, and overall good people that you could meet.”

He urged council members: “Please allow these memories I will forever cherish to be experienced by more people in this community.”

Roberts’ father, Art, also stood up, wrought with emotion on the course’s uncertain future.

Choking up, the parent shared how course staff and members welcomed his family and rallied around his 12-year-old daughter’s battle with cancer.

Art added that the course was “a place to go” for the family during the traumatic times, then emphasized how the facility is accommodating and affordable for both young and older golfers, including retirees and winter residents.

“The value to our community is immeasurable,” Art said. “There’s a lot of folks that need that place.”

Zephyrhills resident Ken Fabiani can attest, as an amputee veteran who’s played the municipal course the past four years. “It’s about the only golf course that’s feasible for somebody that has, not a handicap, but a little difficulty playing the longer golf courses,” he said, also noting the pro shop offers a 20% veteran discount.

Fabiani also suggested the proposed armory project “be placed somewhere more convenient than taking away the city’s golf course, and let it be that everybody has a chance to play.”

Mike Murrell discovered the course about two years ago when he relocated to Zephyrhills.

He has since become a regular course volunteer, where he’s met hundreds of people young and old — including some players in their 90s, who relish the smaller, beginner-friendly style course. “If it weren’t for that course,” Murrell said, “they wouldn’t be playing golf.”

Murrell also said, “I think it’d be a travesty if the course was shut down, because it’s enjoyed by so many people, especially the six months out of the year when the northerners are down here, it’s unbelievable.”

Longtime Zephyrhills resident Gary Kyle began playing the course about 11 years ago.

He likewise pleaded with city leadership to not compromise the course: “It’s a great place to go to unwind, it does a lot for the community. It gives people, young people especially, a place to go that’s safe, a good, safe environment, and I would really like for the council members and the city to keep the course open.”

In addition to other area residents who spoke up in favor of keeping the facility intact, course employees, like pro shop manager Craig Sexton, expressed concern about closing the course in favor of another development project.

“I don’t see why one company has to die for another to live,” Sexton said.

“I don’t understand why we need to destroy one company that’s functioning, not great, but we’re surviving, and for that to happen post-COVID, I’m confused, I’m not sure what is going on.

“I understand the city has to look out for the city, but I ask that you also consider us employees and just understand that we have something at stake, too.”

When questioned by council about course activity, Sexton said the facility can average upwards of 1,500 players per week and some 6,000 rounds per month, during the busy winter season between October through February.

“When we’re on and everybody’s in the groove,” he said, “it’s busy, it’s crazy out there, but they love it, and we make it happen.”

Sexton contrasted those figures with an undetermined number of National Guard soldiers and staffers who’d train and take base at the would-be armory unit.

He observed, “I mean, it’s really a substantial penalty to the community if we just wipe this golf course off the earth, you know.”

Zephyrhills golf course manager Ayako Burkhart also pleaded to keep the city golf course, describing it as an affordable recreational outlet for all ages and backgrounds.

Burkhart also detailed how the property is a haven for many seniors and winter residents, some who regularly stop by the clubhouse, not just for golf, but for coffee and conversations.

She also pointed out how the facility also is “a safe, comfortable environment” for golfers with disabilities, who may take a while longer to get around the course, by ensuring they aren’t harassed or yelled at for slow play. “People are appreciative of what we’re doing,” Burkhart said, “as a city golf course to everyone.”

Council addresses concerns
Following the barrage of public statements, council members further weighed in on the issue, while also thanking citizens for providing input.

Councilman Lance Smith, who grew up playing the course, acknowledged any final decision one way or the other will be tough given the course’s history and community role.

The councilman encouraged city staffers to visit the course to see its present condition and operations.

He also suggested the National Guard “look elsewhere” throughout Zephyrhills, instead of a golf course “that provides a recreational amenity to how many thousands of people every season.”

“Quite frankly, I’m going to have a very difficult decision to make, because that golf course is very dear to me, personally,” Smith said.

“When it comes down to it, I honestly can’t say which way I’m going to fall on it. …I know this (issue) is going to come before us, but I just want to put it out there that I have a strong attachment to that piece of ground out there.”

Mayor Gene Whitfield similarly advised staffers to best push other vacant sites to the National Guard for an armory.

“It’s been here a long time, it’s almost like a landmark here to many of us,” Whitfield said of the municipal course. “Personally, I’m kind of in the camp that says, ‘We need to keep looking and not make a hasty decision.’”

Councilman Ken Burgess said he’s confident administration “will do what’s in the best interest for the city overall,” then adding “we still have some things to find out before we even make a decision anyway.”

Added Councilman Charles Proctor: “Sometimes we do have to make tough decisions, but I think we can put a little common sense into it and maybe, hopefully, make everybody happy.”

City Attorney Matthew Maggard even chipped in his experiences participating in youth camps as a kid at the course.

It’s where he first learned to properly hit out of a sand trap thanks to an instructor’s memorable tip about envisioning swinging a shallow patch of sand about the size of a dollar bill under the ball. “I used that (tip) all the way through high school when I played on the high school team. That was the best trick I ever learned, and I learned it out there,” he said.

Altogether, Council President Alan Knight may have best summed up what most were thinking: “I have a big place in my heart for that golf course.”

Published June 02, 2021

Memorial remembers Fallen Law Enforcement Officers

May 25, 2021 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

The Pasco County Sheriff’s Office, along with several other area law enforcement agencies, on May 14 honored the life and sacrifice of law enforcement officers lost in the line of duty, as well as those who died of natural causes on the way to or from their jobs, during National Police Week.

A riderless horse, with boots facing backward in the stirrups, is a traditional part of a ceremony held each year to remember law enforcement officers who died in the line of duty. PSO volunteer Mary Findlay, the horse’s owner, walks on the horse’s left. In the forefront is Hernando County Deputy Tony Musto. (Courtesy of Pasco County Sheriff’s Office)

The event was held on the grounds of the Historic Pasco County Courthouse, according to the sheriff’s office’s Facebook page. Fallen officers were honored throughout the day on the agency’s social media sites.

The sheriff’s office was joined at the memorial event by Dade City Police, Zephyrhills Police, New Port Richey Police, the Florida Highway Patrol and Tarpon Springs Police.

A number of community leaders and elected leaders were in attendance, including Florida Lt. Gov. Jeanette Nunez, State Sen. Danny Burgess and Pasco County NAACP President Clyde Carter, who offered the invocation for the event, according to the Facebook post.

Patriotism was on full display at the annual Fallen Law Enforcement Officers Memorial ceremony on the grounds of the Historic Pasco County Courthouse in Dade City.

The event also featured significant traditions, including the appearance of a riderless horse and a gun salute.

U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis also recognized the sacrifices made by law enforcement officers by sharing information about those contributions in a news release.

“According to Officer Down Memorial, there have been 124 police officers killed in the line of duty since January of this year,” Bilirakis said, in the release.

“Tragically, two of them have been my constituents: Deputy Michael Magli of the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office and Master Patrol Officer Jesse Madsen of the Tampa Police Department. I went to the funeral services of these two heroes, and shared the anguish of their grieving families and colleagues. These fallen heroes leave behind a distinguished legacy of service and sacrifice that deserves to be honored,” Bilirakis added.

The congressman also said that while some are calling to “defund the police,” he advocates increasing support for them.

Published May 26, 2021

A gun salute typically occurs during the solemn event.

Dade City put its heart, in art

May 25, 2021 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

If you enjoy outdoor public art displays, then you may find a new one in Dade City quite appealing.

Ryah Taggerty, of Valrico, came up with a stunning collage of 20 symbols representing what Dade City is all about. Her heart is located on the Hardy Trail at Florida Avenue. (Fred Bellet)

The display, unveiled during a “Take Heart” free event held May 15, features large 3D metal hearts — built by welding students at Pasco-Hernando State College and painted by local artists.

Although the event took place at Agnes Lamb Park, in downtown Dade City, the hearts, with their varying themes — are posted in downtown Dade City parks and along the Hardy Trail.

The public art exhibition was coordinated by the Dade City Center for the Arts (DCCA), a nonprofit organization that’s working to increase public art and art events in the city.

The group provides opportunities for artists to showcase their talents in Dade City through community outreach and collaboration with Pasco-Hernando State College, Saint Leo University and area businesses.

Local businesses and donors help to support the efforts.

Three-year-old Briella Navarro, of Dade City, works on an artistic beaded bracelet at the booth set up in Agnes Lamb Park by the Boys & Girls Club of Lacoochee. The little girl was there with her mom, Patricia Navarro, and her 4-year-old sister, Galilea Navarro. Charlotte Lewis, representing the Boys & Girls Club provided information about the Prodigy Cultural Arts Program.

During the event, people could compete for prizes by visiting each of the hearts and taking selfies with it, could enjoy music provided by a DJ, could grab a bite to eat and could chat with the artists.

The painted hearts measure approximately 36 inches by 36 inches by 4 inches, attached to steel posts secured to the ground, to withstand inclement weather conditions.

The heart signs also feature QR codes, directing people to DCCA’s website, to learn more about the artist who painted the particular piece, and where to find more of their work.

Aside from heart-shaped sculptures, the DCCA has other ideas for other community art initiatives, too.

For information, visit DadeCityArts.com, call (352) 437-3204, or email .

Published May 26, 2021

Along the 301 Bypass at Meridian Ave., Sandy Mann’s ‘heart-work’ sits high above the railings in front of the Heritage Museum. Dan Mitchell, lower right, of San Antonio, leads the way to the heart, where he and some family members took a selfie.

Sixteen-year-old Jessenia Mahamud and her mom, Linda Mahamud, were the first to see all of the hearts in Dade City — winning the heart-seekers challenge. The Dade City residents received a certificate and gift cards from local businesses.

On the Hardy Trail at Howard Avenue, artist Raeyn Smith’s heart — featuring kumquats — draws a crowd to take selfies with it. This new piece of public art is quite a contrast from the nearby signs.

Artist Russ Taylor, of Dade City, was standing near his work on the north end of Agnes Lamb Park. The iconic Edwinola served as a backdrop, as Taylor fielded questions about his work, which he titled ‘When Nobody’s Watching.’

Four-year-old King Michael Wells, of Brooksville, compares his newly made bracelet with one his 7-year-old cousin, A.J. Isaza-Cruz, was making under the Boys & Girls Club tent at Agnes Lamb Park. They were there with their grandfather, Nelson Cruz, of Dade City.

Artist Mark Hannah’s heart, at its Church Street location, is a patriotic salute for all those who have served, or are serving.

Museum seeks help for maintenance costs

May 25, 2021 By Mary Rathman

The Pioneer Florida Museum & Village’s Blanton Packing House has termites and will have to be tented in the coming weeks to resolve the issue. The nonprofit is asking for donations to help cover the cost.

The open-air museum in Dade City includes Overstreet House, a one-room schoolhouse, a church, a train depot, a train engine, and a museum exhibition of tools, household items, antiques and farm equipment.

The museum hopes to show that “the men and women who were here before us, struggled, made do, and sometimes won and sometimes lost their battles with nature. In essence, they were people much like us,” according to its website.

Donations can be made online through PayPal at tinyurl.com/ypywc8ns, or by mailing a check to Pioneer Florida Museum & Village, P.O. Box 335, Dade City, FL 33526-0335.

Published May 26, 2021

Solar farm proposed in Zephyrhills

May 18, 2021 By B.C. Manion

Tampa Electric Company is seeking permission to proceed with a 74.5 megawatt solar farm and substation, north of County Line Road and east of Paul S. Buchman Highway.

The request is part of the company’s long-term strategy to build a grid that is reliable and meets its customer’s needs, according to a March 20 letter the utility company sent to some Pasco residents.

The letter is among materials in the agenda packet for the May 6 meeting of the Pasco County Commission.

Tampa Electric, otherwise known as TECO, is seeking a special exception from the planning board to proceed with its plans.

Planning commissioners opened the hearing on the request, but continued it after the representative for the utility company had technical problems in making a remote connection.

One couple, who live in an area surrounded by the proposed solar farm, voiced opposition to the project. They said they’re concerned about potential — as yet unknown — impacts the solar farm could have on their health.

In its letter, TECO officials said “If all goes well, we hope the solar facility is complete and producing energy from the sun in 2023.”

The county allows solar farms as a special exception in some agricultural districts.

The proposed solar farm would be located on a 576-acre site that now contains the Palm River Dairy Farm and some single-family dwellings, according to materials in the agenda packet.

The site is in the southeastern portion of unincorporated Pasco County.

The future land use designation on the site is for residential and light industrial uses.

The current use of the site is for an active dairy farm, and as pasture for dairy cows and cattle.

The proposed solar farm will use film photovoltaic (PV) panels that absorb sunlight and directly produce electricity, the agenda materials say.

The solar farm will encompass approximately 95 acres of the total site, but the panels will be situated at different locations on the land, according to maps in the file and meeting testimony.

Access to the property is from Bay Avenue.

The subject site is located next to Martin Marietta Materials, which uses are aggregate transfer facility, asphalt plant, rail spur, aggregate sorting and conveyance system, storage yard, sales and operational offices.

The solar farm will be unmanned and will be remotely monitored.

The maximum structure of the photovoltaic panels, supports, substation building, and any other structures shall be 15 feet. A lightning mast and the utility equipment located totally within the substation site may exceed this height, provided they comply with the additional setbacks of the county’s land development code.

Conditions for approval, contained in the agenda packet, spell out minimum setbacks, buffering requirements and noise regulations.

Also, before approval of the preliminary development plan and/or preliminary site plan, the applicant shall provide a decommission plan for the site, which may be reviewed and approved by the county administrator or his designee.

If the applicant ceases operations or the solar farm no longer works properly or is abandoned, the applicant is responsible for decommissioning the solar farm within 180 days.

The decommissioning shall include the removal and disposal of all material and equipment, in a manner that is consistent with industry standards and practices.

The site also shall be restored to the condition that existed immediately following the initial site clearing and grading, the agenda materials say.

Published May 19, 2021

These gentle alpacas seem to enjoy posing for pictures

May 18, 2021 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Those traveling to the Sweet Blossom Alpacas open house in Dade City, had plenty of chances to be photographed with alpacas and take photos of the animals, too.

Just to prove that alpacas only have bottom teeth, Ms. Helen, left, a 15-year-old Huacaya, shows off her bottom occlusion, while standing with Cali, an 8-year-old Suri alpaca. (Fred Bellet)

There were also chances to feed and pet the alpacas, and go shopping for yarn, roving, hats, scarves, gloves, shawls, slippers and other items made from alpaca fiber.

People of all ages seemed to be having fun, while getting a look at quite a collection of alpacas and llamas at Sweet Blossom Alpacas, 37543 Pappy Road in Dade City.

Those gathered could also learn about the animals, could treat themselves to a wide assortment of sandwiches from a food truck, and simply enjoy an outing with the family.

Admission was free, but donations were welcome.

For more information about the farm, visit SweetBlossomAlpacas.com.

Published May 19, 2021