The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Zephyrhills/East Pasco News

Dade City reopens lobby for utility customers

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The City of Dade City has announced the reopening of its City Hall municipal building for utility customers to make payments, with some added restrictions and limited capacity due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The city also has announced that anyone entering the City Hall lobby will be required to wear a face covering at all times, unless the visitor is exempt under a recently adopted Pasco County executive order mandating face coverings in all businesses and government buildings.

All visitors must observe social distancing guidelines of at least 6 feet. Visitors to the building will not be allowed to remain in the lobby unless conducting business, according to a news release.

Hand-sanitizing stations are located at the customer service windows. The city asks customers wishing to meet with specific staff in person request an appointment, but walk-in customers are allowed. Residents can request an appointment by calling (352) 523-5050 and ask for the department that is needed.

Also, late fees have been reinstated for missed utility payments, effective July 6. Effective Aug. 1, turn-offs for nonpayment will resume.

As the city resumes normal operations, customers may continue and are encouraged to use no-contact payment options. However, customers will be responsible for convenience fee charges by the credit card processor for paying online or over the phone.

Other payment options are also available.

The drop box is available for non-cash payments. Payments also may be mailed to P.O. Box 1355, Dade City, FL, 33526.

The city says it will make other adjustments as needed, as conditions and further guidance develops from the pandemic.

For more information, visit DadeCityFl.com, or call (352) 523-5050.

Published July 08, 2020

Development is ramping up in Zephyrhills

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Except for some weeks throughout March and April, the COVID-19 hasn’t halted much new development within the City of Zephyrhills.

That’s the word from Zephyrhills Planning Director Todd Vande Berg, who outlined a number of citywide projects during an East Pasco Networking Group virtual meeting on June 23.

Perhaps the most notable setback, Vande Berg said, involved a slight delay in court installations at the forthcoming Sarah Vande Berg Tennis and Wellbeing Center, due to some extra safety and travel precautions taken from Miami-based construction crews.

However, the nearly $5 million project on Simons Road is proceeding well, with a grand opening scheduled for mid-to-late August.

Zephyrhills Planning Director Todd Vande Berg was the featured guest speaker at an East Pasco Networking Group virtual meeting on June 23. (File)

Aside from that, the planning director said, “I haven’t heard of a lot of slowdown, at least in our community.”

Underscoring the point is the myriad projects and initiatives Zephyrhills has in the pipeline — mainly in regards to new residential construction.

Larger single-family developments underway include The District at Abbott’s Square, Zephyr Lakes, Hidden River, Links at Calusa Springs, plus various expansions to the Silver Oaks and Silverado communities, respectively.

In other words, the city’s real estate market is “very hot right now,” Vande Berg said.

He explained, “I don’t know where all these people are coming from, but these housing subdivisions are selling homes for over $300,000 with HOAs and CDDs. I wasn’t sure how that’d work in Zephyrhills, but you drive up to Silverado and before the lot infrastructure is completed, you’re seeing a ‘Sold’ sign, so it is amazing.

“Even through this COVID-19 environment the residential housing…has really stayed very strong, which helps the city from a budget and revenue standpoint.”

Vande Berg added another 550-plus residential development is being planned around the new tennis center and should be underway a year or so from now.

The Lennar project will feature one-story villas, two-story townhomes and three different lot sizes. “It’s going to be a unique project,” Vande Berg said, adding, “we’re just beginning the due process on that.”

The planning director touched on a number of commercial developments, too.

Much is contingent on the addition of two signalized intersections on U.S. 301, Pretty Pond Road and Medical Arts Courts.

Funding for the $2.3 million project is in the state budget for this fiscal year. The aim of the traffic signal project — already out to bid — is to speed up potential commercial development in the northeast and northwest corners of U.S. 301 and Pretty Pond, and to improve access to the Merchants Square and Townview Square shopping centers.

The project will “spur a lot of development” along the intersection, Vande Berg said.

Additionally, a slew of light industrial businesses have recently set up shop at Park Place Center — an industrial park situated on Chancey Road south of Skydive City. That development is funded by a group of local investors.

“There’s a lot of activity going on in there,” Vande Berg said. “If you get a chance, go back there and drive around in that industrial park and you’ll see everything that’s going on in there.

Zephyrhills will join more than 100 other cities and water treatment facilities across the country in a federal lawsuit that is going after various companies that manufactured firefighting foam containing chemicals found to contaminate water wells. (File)

“We’re always excited when we have new, quality industrial manufacturing coming in, that creates jobs, they don’t require a lot of city services, and they generate a lot of ad valorem revenue for the city, so it’s always very positive, and you see that happening, to help diversify our community economy, and just good business overall,” Vande Berg said.

Another visible construction project underway is the rebuild of Jerry’s Crystal Bar on Gall Boulevard. The bar had been a community landmark downtown for over 60 years, until a fire destroyed the building last May.

The project will fall under the requirements of the city’s form-based code for the U.S. 301/Gall Boulevard corridor area, whereby the facade is aligned right up to the street with a wide sidewalk and all parking is situated behind the bar.

The planning director described the new building as “a big improvement” from beforehand, adding future projects within the corridor will be required to meet form-based code — a tool used to regulate new development in a manner compatible with the community’s vision.

For example, Vande Berg noted a builder is looking to erect townhomes on Seventh Street, so those structures likewise would be situated right up to the street with backlot parking.

Vande Berg observed of the zoning regulations: “You’ve probably seen that in other communities where it’s been pretty successful, so we’re doing the same thing here.”

Another anticipated project moving along is a new 14,000-square-foot Veterans Affairs clinic, at 378727 Eiland Blvd. Construction broke ground last June, but work halted after last-minute changes to modify the facility’s design and layout.

Those site plan changes were recently approved by the city’s review committee, Vande Berg said, “so they should be getting along with that pretty soon, we anticipate.”

In the arena of new eateries, Zephyrhills is set to land Chipotle and Chick-fil-A franchises in the near future.

Chipotle has been approved by the city for a small commercial outparcel in the Zephyr Commons Shopping Center and construction should begin soon, Vande Berg said.

Chick-fil-A, meanwhile, will be located at the northeast corner of U.S. 301 and Pretty Pond Road. The franchise is likely waiting until the new traffic light project is a go before construction gets underway, Vande Berg said.

Some other updates and happenings for Zephyrhills the planning director shared:

  • An extension of Kossik Road is complete, to service the Abbott Park residential development.
  • The city is working with the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) on continuing State Road 56 east of U.S. 301 with four-lane alignment alternatives, as well as one-way pairs on Gall Boulevard.
  • The city received a $15,000 grant from Duke Energy toward the long-range Zephyrhills Industrial Corridor master plan.
  • The city has applied for a $15,000 grant from the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) to revamp the housing element of its comprehensive plan.

Published July 08, 2020

Commissioners elected in Dade City, San Antonio

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It came more than two months later than expected, but voters in Dade City and San Antonio finally had the chance to head to the polls to elect a new group of city leaders.

The Pasco County municipal elections took place on June 30, rescheduled from the original April 14 date because of COVID-19.

A total of six people were newly elected or re-elected to serve the respective municipalities.

In Dade City, the Dade City Commission will see one familiar face and two new fresh ones on its five-member legislative body.

Incumbent Jim Shive retained his Group 3 seat for a third term, receiving 58.14% of votes to defeat challenger Matthew Shane Wilson.

Shive, a retired government employee, has served on the Dade City Commission since first being elected in 2012.

Knute Nathe garnered 56.72% of votes, defeating Ann Cosentino for the Group 4 seat.

Nathe is an attorney with McClain Alfonso P.A., who also serves on the city’s planning board. He will take over for Nicole Deese Newlon, who did not seek re-election after serving a single four-year term.

The closest race came in Group 5, where Normita Woodard received 52.46% of votes, edging out Christopher King.

Woodard is a secretary at Lacoochee Elementary School. She will assume a seat held by Eunice Penix since 1993. Penix opted not to seek re-election.

In San Antonio, five candidates vied for three open seats on the San Antonio City Commission.

Unlike the head-to-head matchups of other municipalities, the top three overall vote-getters earn commission seats and serve two-year terms.

Incumbents Elayne Bassinger and Sarah Schrader won re-election, while the third open seat went to John Vogel II. Vogel II earned the highest percentage of votes (27.62%) to beat out challengers Joseph Couture and Dacia Wadsworth Mitchell.

Voter turnout was a combined 20.26% for the municipalities — 1,036 ballots cast among 5,114 registered voters. All municipal races are nonpartisan.

For more information, visit PascoVotes.com.

Pasco County municipal election results

City of Dade City
Group 3 Commissioner

  • Jim Shive — 58.14% (475 votes)
  • Matthew Shane Wilson — 41.86% (342 votes)

Group 4 Commissioner

  • Knute Nathe — 56.72% (439 votes)
  • Ann Cosentino — 43.28% (335 votes)

Group 5 Commissioner

  • Normita Woodard — 52.46% (405 votes)
  • Christopher King — 47.54% (367 votes)

City of San Antonio
San Antonio City Commissioner

  • John Vogel II — 27.62% (132 votes)
  • Elayne Bassinger — 24.69% (118 votes)
  • Sarah Schrader — 21.34% (102 votes)
  • Joseph Couture — 13.18% (63 votes)
  • Dacia Wadsworth Mitchell — 13.18% (63 votes)

Published July 08, 2020

Mickens Field improvements underway in Dade City

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Construction on a new concession/public restroom building at Mickens Field soon will be underway, with completion targeted for the end of October.

The Dade City Commission awarded the bid and approved contract to Borregard Construction Inc., for the project, at 14318 Canal St., in Dade City.

Completion of a new concession building at Mickens Field in Dade is expected by Oct. 31. (File)

The action came during a June 23 virtual meeting by a 4-1 vote, with Commissioner Nicole Deese Newlon casting a dissenting vote.

The city has $150,000 budgeted for the project, funded through the local government infrastructure surtax, also known as Penny for Pasco.

Borregard posted the lowest bid among six proposals received, in the amount of $89,750.

The company’s bid is all-inclusive and in compliance with specifications included in the city’s request for proposal, per a memo from Dade City Manager Leslie Porter.

That was a point of contention at a previous commission meeting on June 9.

City staff initially recommended entering contract negotiations with Ryman Construction of Florida Inc., who generated the highest evaluation score among six proposals and a bid of $113,727.

While the lowest bidder, Borregard’s evaluation score ranked fifth of sixth proposals, as city staff explained the company did not submit all requested information.

But, Commissioner Jim Shive disagreed with staff’s recommendation earlier this month, suggesting the city simply proceed with the lowest bidder, Borregard, a Dade City-based company with a 20-year running relationship with the city.

He reasoned the city should be more conservative with construction projects near-term, citing possible budgetary impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic and cost overruns on previous projects.

He also argued the project — a 672-square-foot concrete block structure and roof — shouldn’t be a complicated undertaking for any construction company.

The decision was tabled until the June 23 meeting, so the city manager could review the matter and make another recommendation.

The Mickens Field building has a target completion date of Oct. 31. The old concession/restroom structure was demolished in late May by the city’s public works department.

In other action, commissioners unanimously approved preliminary construction plans for Hilltop Estates, a 250 single-family lot subdivision on 61 acres of land, situated off of U.S. 301 and Clinton Avenue.

Some other citywide updates shared during the meeting:

  • Downtown sidewalk pressure washing is scheduled for July 5.
  • The City Hall lobby will be open to customers beginning on July 6. Masks will be required and visitors will not be allowed in staff areas.
  • Utility billing turnoffs and late fees will resume in August.
  • The city has applied for a grant through the Florida Redevelopment Association, for transportation enhancements to the Roy Hardy Trail.
  • City staff is gathering information on wayfinding signage, and will schedule a presentation at an upcoming commission meeting for further input and direction.
  • Dade City Manager Leslie Porter is seeking to temporarily outsource the city finance director functions to a freelance accountant who has worked with other local governments, until a permanent replacement can be found.
  • Sarah Rader was sworn in as deputy city clerk, taking over for Erika Cordoba, who is now working in the city’s planning and zoning department.

Commissioners farewell

Dade City Commissioner Nicole Deese Newlon (Courtesy of City of Dade City)

The June 23 virtual meeting marked a farewell for Mayor Pro Tem Eunice Penix and Commissioner Nicole Deese Newlon. Neither commissioner sought re-election.

Penix, a retired schoolteacher, served as a commissioner for nearly 27 years, dating back to August 1993.

Newlon, a commercial law attorney, served one four-year term after being elected in a three-way race in April 2016.

Penix took time to deliver some parting words to thank the Dade City community: “I’m grateful for the citizens of Dade City for allowing me to serve them for 27 years. I am so honored. Thank you, thank you, thank you. I love all of you.”

Newlon did not offer any comments.

Dade City Mayor Pro-Tem Eunice Penix

Fellow commissioners, meanwhile, shared positive words to Penix and Newlon for their dedication and service to the municipality.

They lauded Penix for her smile, wisdom and powerful invocations, while Newlon was regarded for her tenacity and overall sense of humor.

Some Dade City residents also weighed in, to recognize the outgoing commissioners for their contributions over the years.

Dade City resident Clyde Carter, a minister at St. John Missionary Baptist Church, said: “We do appreciate everything that they’ve done during their tenures, and continue to do things even past their tenures in the community. I do want to give a shout out this evening and we thank them very much from a community standpoint.”

Dade City resident Christopher King, who operates a youth mentorship charity and is running for Penix’s vacated commission seat, echoed similar sentiments: “I wanted to just say thank you to Commissioner Penix and Commissioner Newlon for their time and service on the commission, and their commitment to the community. All the things they have done is a tribute to their work ethic, loyalty and patronage to Dade City….and we will miss you dearly.”

Published July 1, 2020

Pasco municipal elections set for June 30

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Municipal elections for the cities of Dade City and San Antonio are scheduled for June 30.

The local elections — which will decide various city commission seats — originally were  scheduled for April, but were delayed due to COVID-19.

The Dade City voting precinct is at First Baptist Church Dade City, 37511 Church Ave., in Dade City.

San Antonio’s precinct is at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, 12110 Main St., in San Antonio.

Municipal elections in Dade City and San Antonio are scheduled for June 30. Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. (File)

Polls for both races will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Poll workers at each precinct will be following the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines of social distancing, mask-wearing and sanitation, Pasco County Supervisor of Elections Brian Corley told The Laker/Lutz News.

“Anyone that does show up for election day voting, there will be those safety precautions in place. We’re not expecting a huge turnout, but for voters that do show up, they can expect to get out of there rather quickly, and we’ll take care of them,” Corley said.

For those cautious about heading to the polls amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the elections supervisor suggests voting by mail instead. Request a vote-by-mail ballot by calling (800) 851-8754, or in writing to P.O. Box 300, Dade City, FL 33526. Vote-by-mail ballots are due back in the elections’ office by 7 p.m., election day.

Whether it’s a polling place or via mail, Corley emphasized the importance for city residents to cast a ballot in the local elections.

“These municipal offices are the closest to the people and traditionally have the lowest turnout, and it should be the opposite,” Corley said. “It’s the old adage, ‘If you don’t vote, you can’t complain,’ so I would encourage all voters to come out and get their voice heard.”

Here is a closer look at the elections:

Dade City
Six candidates are running for three open seats on the Dade City Commission — for Groups 3, 4 and 5.

In Group 3, two-term incumbent Jim Shive is facing challenger Matthew Wilson. Shive is a retired government employee. Wilson is a data entry clerk for the United Parcel Service.

Groups 4 and 5 seats will see fresh faces, as Nicole Deese Newlon and Eunice Penix are not seeking re-election. Newlon served one four-year term after she won in 2016, while Penix has held her seat since 1993.

Vying for Newlon’s Group 4 seat are Ann Cosentino and Knute Nathe.

Cosentino owns a communications/branding consulting firm. Nathe is an attorney with McCLain Alfonso P.A.

Christopher King and Normita Woodard are facing off for Penix’s Group 5 seat. King is the founder of The Gentleman’s Course Inc., a local youth mentorship charity. Woodard is a secretary at Lacoochee Elementary School.

San Antonio
Five candidates are vying to fill three open seats on the San Antonio City Commission.

Incumbents Elayne Bassinger and Sarah Schrader are running and Joseph Couture, John Vogel and Dacia Wadsworth Mitchell fill out the field.

Unlike the head-to-head matchups of other municipalities, the top three overall vote-getters earn commission seats. San Antonio commissioners serve two-year terms.

For more voting information, call the Pasco County Supervisor of Elections office at (800) 851-8754 or (352) 521-4302, or visit PascoVotes.gov.

Published June 24, 2020

City manager receives performance review

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The Dade City Commission delivered its latest review for City Manager Leslie Porter, and they identified some key areas for improvement.

They rated Porter’s overall performance at a 4.1 out of 5.0 scale, and said focus areas for improvement are in building relationships and communications.

Dade City Manager Leslie Porter (File)

The five commissioners graded Porter in these categories: management in administration, adhering to governance, relationship-building, leadership, and financial acumen.

She received the evaluation at the commission’s June 9 virtual meeting.

This was Porter’s fourth review since she was officially named city manager last May. Going forward, she will receive annual performance reviews like other city department heads and administrators.

In a summary of the latest evaluation, Mayor Camille Hernandez explained Porter “scored a little bit lower” when it came to cultivating relationships with legislators, residents, merchants, The Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce and so on.

The mayor also advised Porter — who resides in Tampa — that she needs to better familiarize herself with the municipality as a whole, along with the various city departments and employees.

Hernandez observed, “I think the communication, listening to the citizens, getting involved and responding, and serving as an effective spokesperson are really more of the primary areas (for improvement).”

In fairness, Hernandez pointed out the COVID-19 pandemic slowed down some of those objectives she previously had discussed at length with Porter. With that, the mayor did credit Porter for keeping the community informed through social media websites and online newsletters in the last few months.

Commissioner Jim Shive thanked Porter for “keeping the city at hand” through the pandemic, adding, “We all know that Leslie is a very hard worker, and she’s doing a great job in some areas.”

The city manager’s other evaluations this past year “have continued to come in satisfactory,” Commissioner Scott Black added.

Reflecting on her first year as city manager, Porter said: “I will just say it has been a whirlwind of a year, and I’m just thankful for the opportunity, (and) to continue the opportunity.”

Meanwhile, Hernandez noted another matter to hash out is finalizing the reorganization of city administration.

Specifically, having Porter fully relinquish finance director duties — the original position she was hired for back in 2014. Porter has juggled both roles since February 2019, when she was then appointed interim city manager.

A possible candidate for the finance director post is Venus Irvine, who became the city’s assistant finance director in March.

The issue likely will be addressed further once budget conversations begin and new commissioners come aboard following the June 30 municipal election.

In any case, “a separation of duties” Hernandez said.

The mayor added: “The intent was never to have the city manager acting as the city finance director as well.”

Published June 24, 2020

Dade City moves ahead on priority projects

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Dade City is moving ahead on some city priority projects.

The city’s commissioners have authorized staff to enter into a design-build contract with Borregard Construction Inc., for a design-build of a visitor’s information welcome center, to be located on the south side of Church Avenue near the Hardy Trail multi-use trailhead.

Preliminary plans call for a building of 1,100 square feet to 1,500 square feet, with two family bathrooms that meet Americans with Disabilities Act standards.

The center will feature an open floor plan — allowing for vendor operations, area attractions, museums and art exhibits to host mobile displays.

Officials said the visitor’s center will not exceed $250,000, which is funded through a grant from the Pasco County Tourist Development Council.

The facility will be part of a larger exterior space concept that will feature a bike-share hub with stations for parking, minor repairs, and public resting areas for cyclists and exercising pedestrians.

The public will be invited to provide input on the design of the building, in the coming months. The general idea is for the visitor’s center to help promote some of the city’s attraction to locals and out-of-town visitors, said Melanie Romagnoli, the city’s community and economic development director.

For example, Pioneer Florida Museum would be able to display items to help promote that attraction.

“We want to make sure that the building will fit into the context of the neighborhood, with a contemporary interior that will allow for modern amenities, such as digital display ads and a place for our nonprofit partners and our community partners to have mobile exhibits,” Romagnoli said.

The project passed by a 4-1 vote, with Commissioner Nicole Deese Newlon dissenting.

Also, commissioners approved a motion allowing City Manager Leslie Porter to negotiate a contract with Wesley Chapel-based Magic Bubbles, to pressure wash sidewalks in the downtown area.

The company’s quote came in at $3,050 to pressure wash sidewalks from Church Avenue to Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, and Meridian Avenue from Eighth Street to Third Street. However, the commission also agreed to have the company clean other surrounding areas heavily trafficked downtown, including the sidewalks by Nancy’s Natural Foods, Lori Anne’s, Green Door on 8th, Magnolia Title Agency, and The Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce, among other businesses.

The request for additional cleaning services came from Commissioner Jim Shive. Given the added work will be at relatively minimal cost, commissioners directed the city manager to proceed without having to return for funding approval. The motion passed 4-1, with Newlon dissenting.

Published June 17, 2020

Mickens Field concessions building tabled, for now

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Long-anticipated facilities improvements to Mickens Field, 14318 Canal St., will be delayed just a little bit longer.

The Dade City Commission tabled the Mickens Field concession and public restroom building project, after some disagreement on contractor selection. The decision came during a June 9 virtual commission meeting.

Here’s the issue: City staff in a memo recommended entering contract negotiations with Ryman Construction of Florida Inc., who had the highest evaluation score among six proposals (75.51), and a bid of  $113,727. Should a deal fail with Ryman, staff recommended to then enter into the second-highest ranked bidder, Leonard Contractors, who’s bid came in at $100,834.

However, Commissioner Jim Shive disagreed with the recommendation.

He suggested the city instead go with the lowest bidder overall. That’s Borregard Construction Inc., whose proposal came in at $89,750 and evaluation score (64.22) ranked fifth among six proposals.

Shive reasoned the city should be more conservative with construction projects near-term, citing possible budgetary impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic and cost overruns on previous projects.

The Mickens Field building project shouldn’t be a complicated undertaking for any construction company, he said. He also noted that Borregard has a 20-year running relationship with the city.

The city has $150,000 budgeted for the project, funded through the local government infrastructure surtax, or Penny for Pasco.

“We have a potential to save $60,000, which we could utilize in other areas. Why would we not take that opportunity to save that kind of money?” Shive questioned. “We’re talking about a 672-square-foot building. It’s basically a block with a roof. It’s not rocket science, it’s cut-and-dry.”

City Engineer Abu Nazmurreza was not one of the four city staffers involved in the evaluation process, but pointed out that Borregard did not submit all of the requested information — which is why the company didn’t warrant a higher evaluation score, or primary or secondary recommendation. The city engineer also noted Ryman has completed similar projects in neighboring cities and scored high in all areas of the original request for proposals, except in the final dollar amount.

With looming indecision, commissioners agreed to have City Manager Leslie Porter review the matter and come back with a final determination at the next meeting on June 23.

Mayor Camille Hernandez said Shive “brought up some very valid points” regarding the project’s selection process.

“Hopefully, we can try to straighten this out,” the mayor said. “I know we have talked about (Mickens Field) for many, many years, so we’re excited to see that coming to fruition, and hopefully, a reality by October or before year’s end.”

The project had an initial target completion date of mid-October. The old concession/restroom structure was demolished in late May by city public works.

Published June 17, 2020

Zephyrhills can handle COVID-19 budget impacts

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Cities and towns across the country are gearing up for budget cuts because of prolonged COVID-19 shutdowns, but that isn’t true in Zephyrhills.

Zephyrhills City Manager Billy Poe said the city is in good enough shape financially to handle any lingering effects of the shutdown for the rest of this fiscal year, and for next fiscal year, too.

He provided that reassuring news to city council members at their regular meeting on June 8.

Councilman Charles Proctor was elevated to the role of council president at a June 8 regular meeting. (Courtesy of City of Zephyrhills)

Although state revenues shared with local governments could be reduced by 50% for the months of April, May and June, Poe said that’s “not a super larger part” of the city’s roughly $66 million budget.

The city had larger-than-anticipated revenues at the beginning of the year, which helps to offset lower state revenues, Poe said.

He also noted that some big-ticket purchase items came in under budget.

Plus, the city has flexibility to slow down some city projects that are less critical, he said.

“Talking to the finance director I think we’re going to be OK,” the city manager told the council. “There’s some money that we can move around, so there will be a decrease, but I think we’re going to be OK,” Poe said.

Meanwhile, as the city prepares its 2020-21 fiscal year budget, Poe has directed city department heads “to really hold the line” when prioritizing needs and projects.

Besides the negative revenue impacts caused by COVID-19, the city also is facing higher health care and retirement costs for next fiscal year.

The millage rate will be set during the first week in July. The city will hold two public hearings on its budget, which must be adopted by Oct. 1.

On the upside, the city manager noted a preliminary estimate from the Pasco County Property Appraiser’s Office shows the taxable value of the city up about $42 million, with $35.7 million in new construction value.

“What it’ll do is offset some of those reductions from the state, those lost revenues as a result of COVID-19,” said Poe.

Council swearing-in, reorganization
Like other government organizations, the COVID-19 pandemic forced the Zephyrhills City Council to hold virtual call-in meetings over the past two months or so.

That all changed June 8, when council members gathered inside the Zephyrhills City Hall chambers, for the first time since March 23.

The move came at an appropriate time, as City Clerk Lori Hillman administered the oath of office to Mayor Gene Whitfield and Councilman Alan Knight, who retained their seats since being declared elected unopposed.

Whitfield has held the mayor chair since 2014, when Danny Burgess resigned to run as the area’s state representative in Tallahassee. Whitfield has owned Whitfield Funeral Home in Zephyrhills the past 25 years. He also is former director of The Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce.

Knight, first elected to Council Seat 2 in 2014, is a retired educator who’s worked mainly in Pasco County Schools as a teacher, coach and administrator.

The swearing-in ceremony also coincided with some council reorganization, which happens each year.

Council Vice President Charlie Proctor was elevated to the role of council president, taking over for Councilman Ken Burgess. Councilwoman Jodi Wilkeson was appointed council vice president.

As council president, Proctor will be responsible for signing official city documents and chairing council meetings, otherwise serving as the leading voice in business agenda items. He last served as council president in 2014.

Proctor commended Burgess.

Said Proctor, “First of all, I would like to thank former Council President Ken Burgess for doing an amazing job this past year. We really had a rough year, a lot of tough decisions we had to make as a council. Not only that, we had to go through this virus that had us meet online, and it was very difficult, and I think Council President Burgess did an amazing job, along with our staff.”

Liaison appointments were decided, too. Burgess was chosen to sit on the Pasco County Tourist Development Council (TDC), in addition to serving as an officer with The Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce. Other roles remained in place — Proctor serving on the Ridge League of Cities; Wilkeson on Main Street Zephyrhills; and Councilman Lance Smith on the Pasco County Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO), with the mayor serving as an alternate.

The council also:

• Approved the last plat for Silverado Ranch subdivision, otherwise known as Phases 10B and 11C, situated on the northern boundary of the development

• Accepted an $85,000 facilities grant United States Tennis Center (USTA), for costs related to the Sarah Vande Berg Tennis & Wellbeing Center, 6585 Simons Road, Zephyrhills. The nearly $5 million project is slated to open in July and will include 11 tennis courts, eight pickleball courts and four padel courts, among other features.

• Passed a second reading ordinance and public hearing consenting to the inclusion of the city’s boundaries into the Pasco County Municipal Service Taxing Unit (MSTU) for fire rescue services.

Published June 17, 2020

30 years and counting for Dade City Commissioner

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Scott Black was only 25 years old when he was first elected to the Dade City Commission, in 1990.

Three decades later, he remains just as passionate about the post.

“I still get excited about the meetings, I still feel like I’m learning things, I still feel like I’m kind of young with it,” Black said in a recent interview with The Laker/Lutz News.

Scott Black has been serving on the Dade City Commission for 30 years and counting. He was first elected in April 1990. (Courtesy of City of Dade City)

The commissioner, now 55,  jokes he’s almost in denial about serving the municipality for so long.

“I keep redoing the math and it’s like, ‘Oh, my goodness, what happened here?’ I’m noticing more and more that I’m not the youngest one in the room anymore,” he said.

Black’s milestone was recognized during a recent commission meeting. He will also be formally recognized by the Florida League of Cities later on this year.

A passion for service
Growing up in Trilby, Black always had an interest in politics and community pride. He held various leadership roles in organizations such as the 4-H Club and Future Business Leaders of America while attending Pasco Middle School and Pasco High School. “I was always running for an office,” even during his youth, he recalled.

As a young adult in the late 1980s, Black and his family moved to “the big city” of Dade City 7 miles south of his original hometown. Almost instantly, he became interested in local affairs and attending commission meetings.

Once the next election cycle came around, Black figured he’d try his hand at becoming a city commissioner. “I thought, ‘You know, it would be kind of fun to run,’” he said.

Black won that April 1990 election by just four votes, unseating then incumbent William Dennis. He’s gone on to be re-elected six times over, running unopposed for five of those elections.

Black, a full-time insurance agent, has appreciated the decision-making role ever since — valuing the ability to help solve problems and concerns of local residents: “I’ve been very pleased with it, and I’ve been very challenged by it. It’s one of those things where you can actually go in and make a difference within a few minutes.”

Over the years, Black has simultaneously served as the city’s mayor on four separate occasions. He’s held countless roles in numerous other boards and committees, such as the Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council and Dade City Historic Preservation Advisory Board, among others. He was president of the Florida League of Cities, from 2001 to 2002.

Serving in city government for so long, Black teased he often feels “on assignment” when he visits or vacations other cities, taking notes on any interesting features and services and utilities: “My wife has joked that I notice things like fire hydrants and the wastewater treatment plants that most people don’t notice, just because I’ve gotten involved in things related to the city.”

Forever home
To Black, Dade City will always be home. He can’t imagine living anywhere else.

The commissioner takes pleasure in the small-town, tight-knit community, rather than a big city lifestyle others have pursued.

“I enjoy the neighborly aspect of it,” Black said of Dade City living. “Seeing people that you grew up with and seeing people that were your schoolteachers or people that go to church with, it’s just something special.”

Simply put, in Dade City, “People are very nice,” he said.

The commissioner doesn’t take for granted having a commute shorter than most. His home sits a mere five blocks from his Fifth Street office. Being within walking distance to the local post office, bank, City Hall and downtown restaurants is another bonus, too. “My biggest challenge is crossing Seventh Street every day,” he quipped.

Dade City’s growth has been at a slower pace compared to other parts of Pasco County and the greater Tampa Bay area, Black acknowledged. Yet, he remains bullish on the city’s future prospects.

One of the more positive changes has been the revitalization of the historic downtown area — with an emphasis on unique eateries and antique shopping opportunities to help draw tourists and day-trippers, he said.

“I think a lot of small towns our size would give their left eye to have a downtown like we have — just the opportunities here and the neat features,” he observed.

Upgrades and extensions to the Roy Hardy Trail, tied in with future plans for a multi-purpose downtown splash park, are other investments the commissioner feels will help raise the city’s profile in coming years.

Said Black, “People are always saying, ‘We need to do more things for our kids in Dade City,’ and that’s what we’re doing.”

He thinks future generations will appreciate those efforts.

Meanwhile, this year is setting up to be one of the more distinctive periods during Black’s tenure on the commission.

The commission has held virtual meetings since April, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The municipal election — which has been rescheduled to June 30 — will see two, if not three, new faces on the five-member commission.

Commissioners Nicole Deese Newlon and Eunice Penix are not seeking re-election for Seats 4 and 5, respectively, while incumbent Commissioner Jim Shive is running against Matthew Wilson for Seat 3.

And, the changeover will come while the city gears up for a tighter budget, also due to COVID-19.

Black plans to use his extensive experience to help bring new commissioners up to speed and to help foster an atmosphere of collaboration.

Black put it like this: “Hopefully, I can help find common ground and consensus, and we can all move ahead. …We have a common goal and that’s keeping Dade City viable, successful, rebuilding.”

Black’s current term doesn’t expire until 2022, but he is already thinking ahead to a future run for re-election.

“I still have things I’d like to see us accomplish. I still feel useful,” Black said.

He went on: “But, the important thing to remember is it’s not about me, it’s not about (the commission), it’s about the City of Dade City.”

Published June 10, 2020