Zephyrhills/East Pasco News

Steps being taken to improve traffic safety on U.S. 301

February 13, 2024 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Pasco County Commission Chairman Ron Oakley informed his colleagues during a recent board meeting that the county and the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) are responding to a traffic situation on U.S. 301 that has become dangerous.

During the county board’s Feb. 6 meeting, Oakley said he met with residents at Tropical Acres Estates, which is off U.S. 301, in Zephyrhills.

“There was a full room,” Oakley said. “They were very concerned about their exit and entrance onto (U.S.) 301, between (State Road) 39 and (State Road) 56.”

There has been a traffic fatality and have been other accidents, too, the county board chairman said.

“I originally thought that we had already started the construction of a four-lane, from (State Road) 39, back down to (State Road) 56, only to find out that hasn’t even started and all of these issues are created right here at this entrance to Tropical Acres Estates,” he said.

He reached out to FDOT officials to see if there might be a traffic light installed.

“I got information that it could be up to a year before a light comes, and it’s going to be right at their entrance. But in the meantime, they’ve got this issue going on. And, I’m sure the people across the way probably have a similar issue,” Oakley said.

But the issue is different across the way because people leaving there are turning right to head to Zephyrhills, he said.

So, until a more permanent solution is available, Oakley recommended a temporary fix.

“I suggested that possibly we can make a right-turn only out of Tropical Acres Estates and put some flashing (warning) lights up, first,” Oakley said.

The county board chairman expected those actions to be taken quickly.

“It’s all based on safety,” Oakley said.

Published February 14, 2024

Ag shows, entertainment, fried foods and fun

February 13, 2024 By B.C. Manion

Even before the 77th annual Pasco County Fair gets rolling — there’s a championship rodeo at the Pasco County Fairgrounds on Feb. 16 and Feb. 17.

The first day of the fair kicks off with the fair parade — with the theme “Buckets of Fun for Everyone.”

Fair-goers looking to grab a bite at the 2024 Pasco County Fair will have ample choices, including corn dogs, pizza, grilled cheese, Italian sausage sandwiches, corn-on-the-cob, turkey legs, hamburgers, cotton candy, funnel cakes and more. This is a look at food offerings during a previous fair. (File)

That’s set to begin at 11:30 a.m., on Feb. 19, in downtown Dade City.

The fair, held at the fairgrounds, at 36722 County Road 52, will run Feb. 19 through Feb. 25.

There are so many choices at the fair, it’s a good idea to check out its website ahead of time, to give yourself the best chance to take advantage of what it has to offer.

Of course, there are the typical agricultural shows and competitions including beef, dairy, poultry, rabbit and swine.

There’s a plant contest, too, and competitions involving the FFA (Future Farmers of America) and 4H.

Other competitions include home arts, community exhibits, the Pasco Showcase of Talent and the karaoke contest.

Take a ride on a Ferris wheel to get an excellent vantage point of what’s happening on the ground at the Pasco County Fair.

If you want to grab a bite to eat, the fair will have plenty of options, including corn dogs, pizza, grilled cheese, turkey legs and Italian sausage sandwiches. There’s a wide range of sweets, too, including fried Oreos, cotton candy and funnel cakes, to name a few.

The fair also features dozens of rides, some with names like The Hurricane, The Beast and Cliff Hanger, which sound perfect for thrill seekers; and others, which are milder, and are geared toward tiny tots.

There’s a long list of entertainment options, including a Legends in Revue Night, on Feb. 20; a Bluegrass Night on Feb. 21; and a Gospel Night, on Feb. 22 — with performances beginning each evening at 6 p.m.

Plus, there are all sorts of other acts, including Mad Chad, the chainsaw juggler; the Strong & Amazing Ariel Stunt Show featuring Laura J.; magician and illusionist Jay Mattioli; Lew-E’s Comedy Circus, Robinson’s Racing Pigs; Hot Glass, a glass-blowing demonstration; Doc Magic Balloons; and Crazy Boy Coy, a comedic fire eater.

The Pasco County Fair got its start in 1947 when a group of businessmen decided to start a fair to showcase the county’s resources. San Antonio rancher D.E. Cannon along with agriculture agent Jimmy Higgins and businessmen George Nickolas, Bob Williams and Joe Collure worked together on the project, according to the fair website.

The men found a 40-acre site off County Road 52 (formerly State Road 52), and raised $3,500 to purchase it.

The rest, as they say, is history.

Pasco County Fair
When: Feb. 19 through Feb. 25
Where: Pasco County Fairground, 36722 County Road 52, Dade City
Cost: $10 for adults; $5 for children ages 6 to 12; free for those age 5 and under (Feb. 20 is carload night. The charge is $70 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., for a carload of up to six belted passengers, which includes admission and a ride wristband.)
Details: The fair will feature rides, food, entertainment and all sorts of competitions. Info: PascoCountyFair.com

Published February 14, 2024

Memorial service planned for Sgt. David Dixon, Zephyrhills officer for 15 years

January 30, 2024 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Sgt. David Dixon, who served on the Zephyrhills Police Department for 15 years, has succumbed to his battle with cancer. (Courtesy of City of Zephyrhills)

Memorial services have been set for Sgt. David Dixon, who served the residents of Zephyrhills for 15 years.

The visitation will be from 10 a.m. to noon on Feb. 1, followed by the funeral at noon, at the Plant City Church of God, 2103 Mud Lake Road, in Plant City.

The public is welcome to attend.

The City of Zephyrhills and the Zephyrhills Police Department expressed “great sadness” at Dixon’s passing, when announcing the news last week.

“Sgt. Dixon succumbed to his fight with cancer. He will be missed!,” a city news release said.

Dixon began his law enforcement career with the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, where he served for four years before joining the Zephyrhills Police Department. He served as a patrol officer, school resources officer, field training officer and patrol sergeant.

Published January 31, 2024

Be prepared to savor some Southern Charm, and kumquats, too

January 23, 2024 By B.C. Manion

Downtown Dade City soon will be transformed into a marketplace and center of activity for the 27th annual Kumquat Festival.

The event celebrates all things kumquat.

Thousands of visitors head to Dade City each year to enjoy some old-fashioned Southern Charm at the annual Kumquat Festival. (File)

The festival draws its name from a tiny, sweet and tangy citrus fruit.

The annual gathering began nearly three decades ago, when Phyllis Smith, Roxanne Barthle and Carlene Ellberg were trying to find a way to inject new life into downtown Dade City.

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.

All sorts of products featuring kumquats will be available at the 27th annual Kumquat Festival in downtown Dade City on Jan. 27 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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.

This year’s event is being presented by AdventHealth Dade City, the City of Dade City, and dozens of other valued sponsors, according to Vicki Wiggins, CEO of the Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce.

About 20,000 are expected to attend, including residents from the Tampa Bay area and surrounding counties, winter residents, tourists and “day-trippers,” according to Wiggins.

The event presents opportunities for fun, shopping, eating and entertainment.

Admission is free; parking is available in the downtown area.

The event will feature art displays, a “Health and Wellness” section, a children’s activity area, a classic car show, a quilt show, vendors selling food and unique craft items, kumquat items in myriad varieties and, of course, kumquat beer and wine.

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, like grapes, 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

27th annual Kumquat Festival
When: Jan. 27, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Downtown Dade City
Cost: Free admission and free parking
Info: Visit DadeCityChamber.org.

Published January 24, 20234

Garden club celebrates Joy-Lan Drive In

January 23, 2024 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Vicki Johnson and Sally Redden of the Hollyhock Circle of the Dade City Garden Club are shown here with Chip Sawyer. Sawyer received two ornaments from the garden club depicting the Joy-Lan Drive In. The Hollyhock Circle nominated Joy-Lan for the honor of being the garden club’s 2023 historic ornament. (Courtesy of Dade City Garden Club)

Members of the Dade City Garden Club recently presented Chip Sawyer with a gift of two ornaments to celebrate the selection of the Joy-Lan Drive In as the subject of the garden club’s 2023 historic ornament.

Sawyer is president of Sun South Theatres, which operates the Joy-Lan in Dade City and Silver Moon in Lakeland.

He recently visited the Dade City Garden Club to receive his gift of two of the club’s 2023 historic ornaments, according to a news release.

Since 1994, the Dade City Garden Club has designed and sold an annual ornament depicting landmarks, institutions, and activities of Dade City, to preserve its rich history and strengthen community pride, the release says.

The Joy-Lan Drive In was featured in the 2023 ornament and proved to be a community favorite, selling out within two months of its issue.

Published January 24, 2024

Growth, change were East Pasco’s big stories in 2023

December 26, 2023 By Mike Camunas

Over on the east side of Pasco County, there’s Zephyrhills, Dade City, San Antonio, St. Leo, Lacoochee, Trilby and more, some of which are the oldest towns, cities, communities and municipalities in the state. But this year, those areas saw a lot of change and happenings coming their way, so we’re taking a look back at some of the important stories that came out of East Pasco in 2023.

**Zephyrhills in the midst of a makeover, more growth**
Pasco County’s largest municipality — with its population nearing 20,000 residents — is in the process of seeing a lot of changes and additions to itself. Zephyrhills not only has several projects on the books or underway, it even went about rebranding itself, from top to bottom, with a new town logo and slogan, color schemes and marketing campaign.
Unveiled in October, Zephyrhills embraced its history, heritage, well-known assets and future by telling residents and visitors to “Jump Right In.” The new slogan pays homage to Skydive City, while shying away from its former slogan, “City of Pure Water.” However, the color scheme still honors the water, as well as the green of the rolling hills in the town limits.
Additionally, groundbreaking and construction finally got underway for a brand new park. On Nov. 28, after more than five years of planning and budgeting, city officials broke ground on Hercules Park — a 12-acre, $5.4-million park project coming to the corner of County Road 54 and Gall Boulevard, adjacent to Zephyrhills High and Woodland Elementary schools. It will be the city’s first new park in more than 40 years.
Also happening in Zephyrhills will be more jobs on the horizon. Bauducco Foods purchased 72.5 acres of the Zephyrhills Municipal Airport’s Ready Site and should hire more than 600 employees within the coming decade to fill its $200-million new facility. Plus, Zephyrhills Bottled Water Plant, through its parent company, Blue Triton Brands, will get an expansion, adding 30 new positions and converting 45 of the existing 56 positions into full-time roles. (Mike Camunas)

**Dade City’s several projects updating town-wide amenities**
Over in Dade City, Zephyrhills’ sister city is also in the midst of several projects — in fact, the city is undergoing or in the process of starting eight citywide projects, in which it has invested more than $32 million.
There’s a new park with a splash pad coming to Church Avenue and Eighth Street. There’s the redesign and rejuvenation of Polly Touchton Park. The city also is working on designs, but will eventually rebuild from the ground up James Irvin Civic Center at Naomi Jones Park.
Additionally, the city will streetscape its main street, a.k.a Seventh Street, making it more shopper- and driver-friendly. And while it’s not a city, but a county project, the Pasco County Fallen Law Enforcement Memorial, just in front of the Pasco County Historic Courthouse, is nearing completion.
“We are all excited about all the projects and improvements because we know the impact it will have on Dade City,” City Manager Leslie Porter told The Laker/Lutz News in November. “We’ve been listening to the community and working with them, hand in hand, to bring what they want to Dade City, which is growing exponentially.”
“This is all very exciting,” Mayor Jim Shive added. “We can’t wait to bring them all to our city.” (MIke Camunas)

**New State Road 52; all complete to 301**
Beginning way back in late 2019, construction on the realignment and widening of State Road 52 – from Interstate 75 to U.S. 301 in Dade City—was a cause for consternation among drivers.
But that project was finally finished in early October.
State Road 52 has shifted. Instead of going through St. Leo and San Antonio, through the rolling hills past Saint Leo University, it now bears right and passes Curley and Prospect roads. State Road 52 still becomes Clinton Avenue once past Prospect Road at the edge of St. Leo. Now, starting at the new Mirada community in San Antonio, which opened its largest human-made lagoon in the country in June, the road is a four-lane highway until it intersects with U.S. 301.
Drivers can still take the old 52, which is now County Road 52, and still go past Saint Leo and head out to the residential outskirts of Dade City at Meridian Avenue. (Courtesy of FDOT)

**Orange Belt Trail planning in East Pasco still ongoing, drawing ire**
It’s been no secret that Pasco County, and its commissioners, are totally in on creating the Orange Belt Trail — a proposed, continuous 37-mile multi-use trail from Trinity to Trilby. However, while some proponents and residents are all for the Orange Belt — which will make use of the Coast-to-Coast Trail, Starkey Trail, Suncoast Trail and Withlacoochee Trail and is expected to be a 12- to 14-foot-wide paved — not all of them are as excited about this project.
Several East Pasco residents — namely from Dade City, San Antonio, Trilby and beyond — have voiced their displeasure with the project, pointing out it would intersect private properties or align with backyard property lines and that they are not willing to spend taxpayer money on it.
In August, Pasco County and Orange Belt project leaders heard several heated objections to the project, while in December the City of San Antonio also objected with a Sept. 20 letter to the Pasco County Commission, from Mayor John Vogel II, Mayor pro-tempore Mark B. Anderson and commissioners Alison Cagle, Kevin Damic and Sarah Schrader.
Pasco County Commissioner Kathryn Starkey, a staunch advocate for the Orange Belt Trail, has said there are no plans for the county to take property against property owner wishes or impose on private property.
Orange Belt planning and discussion are expected to continue well into 2024. (Courtesy of Diane Jones)

**St. Leo aims to attract tourists**
St. Leo, which is Pasco County’s oldest municipality, with a history dating back to 1891, is a community working to brand itself beyond being home to its private college, Saint Leo University.
In February, the St. Leo’s Town Commission unveiled its plans for a multi-faceted town center at the corner of State Road 52 and Lemon Road. The facility will include an underground stormwater system for food and beverage vendors, overflow parking restrooms, sidewalks, gardens and performance plaza. It is seen to be a destination that will draw tourists — a crowning gem that St. Leo will market to those beyond East Pasco.
“We really did our homework here,” St. Leo Mayor Vincent D’Ambrosio told The Laker/Lutz News in February. “We know that we can maintain the history and feel of St. Leo while still showing the greatness that we know we’re capable of. With a town center, we won’t be a drive-thru town anymore, but a destination that people will want to stop at.”
(Courtesy of City of St. Leo)

Church in Zephyrhills is changing its affiliation

December 26, 2023 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

The First Methodist Church of Zephyrhills has dropped its previous affiliation with the United Methodist Church and has re-established its affiliation with the Global Methodist Church, according to a news release from the church. The transition occurred on Dec. 15.

The church’s new name is a return to its name prior to 1968, when the United Methodist Church merged with the Evangelical United Brethren Church to form the United Methodist Church.

“After a three-year discernment process, our congregation chose to reaffiliate to the Global Methodist Church, a new denomination founded for more traditionally minded Methodists who want to remain faithful to orthodox Christian theology, stand on scriptural authority, and be part of a leaner and simpler denominational structure,” Dr. Steve Ezra, senior pastor of the church, said in the news release. “We are excited to continue building on our 111 years of worshiping God and making disciples of Jesus Christ in Zephyrhills but doing so as part of a new and rapidly growing worldwide Methodist movement.”

Founded in 1912, First Methodist Church of Zephyrhills has ministered to thousands of people locally and around the world through their mission partnerships. The church offers two worship services on Sunday mornings: 9:30 a.m. contemporary worship and 11 a.m. traditional worship, both live-streamed through its Facebook page, at Facebook.com/fumczhills/.

The church offers a variety of discipleship opportunities for children, students and adults throughout the week, as well as multiple opportunities for ministry and service, including a thrift shop and food pantry. Its mission is “to make disciples of Jesus Christ who worship passionately, love extravagantly, and witness boldly.”

Published December 27, 2023

Zephyrhills’ leaders step up to help school children

December 12, 2023 By B.C. Manion

City leaders from Zephyrhills are stepping up to boost literacy efforts among the community’s young children.

City leaders are getting involved in efforts to help school children learn to read. They have volunteered to help a specific group of young children in Zephyrhills’ public elementary schools.

“There’s a commitment from the city to support our literacy efforts. They are doing that not only through their innovative programs at the public library, but they’re also committed to have their city employees volunteer in our schools,” said Poe, the district’s assistant superintendent of elementary schools.

“So, at this time — and they’ve been doing it for over a month — every week we have the librarian, airport director, finance director and public information officer volunteering at West Zephyrhills Elementary.

“We have the city manager, police chief and public works director volunteering at Woodland Elementary. They have an assigned time, an hour a week, that they do during their work day, with assigned third-graders.

“So, they are working with those students who are really trying to give it their all this year, and we know that’s a high stakes year and we’re focusing our efforts there.

“Also, City Council members Lance Smith and Steve Spina — they are members of the Zephyrhills Noon Rotary — so they heard of the initiative and wanted to get involved, so they and the Rotary members are pushing into West Zephyrhills Elementary, focusing on first-grade learners.

“So, we’re super-excited to know that the efforts are citywide.

“And they’re working along our two elementary schools to impact their youngest citizens.

“We know it takes a village. It’s cliché. We hear it, but we know it does take all of us working together to positively impact our community, and we are all in on literacy this year.”

Published December 13, 2023

Daystar thrift store announces new hours

December 5, 2023 By Mary Rathman

Daystar Hope Center of Pasco has announced new hours for its thrift store this winter season, as its inventory must be reduced for remodeling.

(Courtesy of Daystar Hope Center of Pasco)

The store will be open the first Saturday of each month, from 9 a.m. to noon. Items for sale include clothing, baby/kid stuff, electronics, home entertainment, exercise equipment, sporting goods, furniture, household items, tools, and more, according to a news release.

Daystar is a local charity dedicated to serving the disadvantaged people of the area. At present, more than 500 families are provided with food, clothing, medicine, rent assistance, utilities assistance, temporary housing, transportation assistance, referral assistance with governmental agencies, and more, according to its mission statement.

Daystar Hope Center is located at 15512 U.S. 301 in Dade City, 1.3 miles north of downtown Dade City, at the northeast corner of U.S. 301 and Pioneer Museum Road. Additional overflow parking is available across the street at the Dade City Business Center.

The thrift store will operate with its normal hours on weekdays — Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 9 a.m. to noon.

For more information, contact Glen Thompson at 352-567-7449 or .

More spores springing up at Zephyrhills farm

November 28, 2023 By Mike Camunas

Eric Roman is a fun guy who likes fungi.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

And he runs his farm all by himself.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Published November 29, 2023