The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Zephyrhills/East Pasco News

Scout seeks to help others understand their tech tools

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Holly Roberts is one tech-savvy kid, and she wants to help others who may struggle in using their everyday devices.

In fact, the young woman is so adept at using technology, she has initiated an effort to earn her Girl Scout Silver Award by sharing her skills.

Her mother, Carrie, sparked the idea earlier this year, as she witnessed Holly’s expertise in using phones and computers.

Fourteen-year-old Holly Roberts is side by side with her Girl Scout troop leader Tammy Whitworth, left, and her mother, Carrie. As part of her scout task, Holly wants to help those in the community to better understand their smartphones and other devices. (Courtesy of Gina Granger)

“She knew that I was good with technology, so she recommended, ‘Hey, why don’t you do workshops?’” the 14-year-old said.

So, the member of Zephyrhills Troop 148 decided to do just that.

She and other members of her troop had to come up with their own ideas for pursuing the coveted Silver Award.

Holly had her first tech workshop on June 27 at the GFWC Zephyrhills Woman’s Club building.

She came prepared: She had surveys ready in order to get community feedback, and there were light refreshments available.

She was joined by several others, including her mother and Tammy Whitworth, her troop leader.

For additional support, she also recruited Desmond Gadson, the director of a network operation center.

Gadson has committed himself to Holly’s project, helping to assist in breaking down technical jargon and giving those attending, guidance on using their phones.

Holly said she wants to tailor her teaching skills to what people want to know, or have not yet discovered.

That can include everything from downloading apps, taking photos, texting, using emojis or understanding the meaning of technical terms.

She’s thinking about using feedback she gets on her surveys to help her create a presentation on struggles that people have with technology and how they can address them, said the young woman who will be entering high school this year.

Her mom said that Holly also is “looking at doing a Facebook page once it’s approved through our council, so people can use that as a reference.”

That council represents the Girl Scouts of West Central Florida (GSWCF), and requires that the surveys and project be completed by this October before having a social media presence.

The council also will analyze whether the project is “sustainable” in helping the community and can continue to be of service long after the project is completed, Whitworth noted.

Holly said she’s confident that her task will meet those requirements because people will always need help in better understanding technology.

Holly is open to assisting people of all ages.

She first received her Bronze Award working with her fellow scouts to build and paint a bench that was donated to the Humane Society in Brooksville.

While the Silver Award doesn’t require a team effort, Holly said she’s ready to become a teacher and exercise the patience that comes along with the job.

In fact, she’d already taken on that role before the project began.

The teen has been helping her grandmother discover new features on her smartphone.

For instance, she taught her how to enhance text messages through the use of emojis.

Carrie has learned a few lessons, too.

“I took a picture, and I put words on it,” Holly said. “She didn’t know how to do it.”

So, the teen gave her mother a step-by-step tutorial.

“I was blown away,” Carrie said, adding that Holly is still teaching her new things because technology is constantly evolving.

That’s the kind of feedback Holly is hoping to get with her project — that it’s helpful and it’s needed.

Holly also has her eyes set on achieving a Gold Award in the future, but for now her No. 1 priority is to help people use technology to make their lives easier.

She will have her next workshop on July 11 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. It will be at the GFWC Zephyrhills Woman’s Club building at 38535 Fifth Ave., in Zephyrhills.

For more information, call Holly at (813) 312-5345.

Tech workshop
Where: GFWC Zephyrhills Woman’s Club, 38535 Fifth Ave., in Zephyrhills
When: July 11 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Cost: Free
Details: Girl Scout Holly Roberts, will be handing out surveys to gauge what respondents would like to learn about their phones or other tech devices.
Info: Call Holly Roberts at (813) 312-5345.

Published July 10, 2019

Funding moves Morningside extension forward

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A $5 million allocation from the state is bringing the extension of Morningside Drive — to connect U.S. 301 to Fort King Road in Dade City — a step closer to becoming reality.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’ approval of the allocation in this year’s budget came as reassuring news to Dade City and Pasco County.

Officials believe the extension will yield numerous benefits.

“We’re anticipating it will reduce traffic volume on the roadways that are parallel,” said Leslie Porter, city manager of Dade City. “We’re also anticipating that [it] will drive our economic development by providing that connector.”

The extension also provides direct access to AdventHealth Dade City, on Fort King Road, which was considered as a top priority for the road’s extension.

“In addition to the hospital serving the citizens, we’re seeing that it will greatly improve public safety access for our police and fire rescue services,” Porter said.

DeSantis’ approval also was seen as a victory for Dade City because former Gov. Rick Scott vetoed the proposed funding last year.

Dade City Mayor Camille Hernandez also advocated for the county’s Metropolitan Planning Organization to put the project on its funding list.

The county’s Long Range Transportation Plan has the road designed as two lanes, but it may be widened to four lanes by 2040, according to Porter.

An alignment study has been done, but additional studies to collect current data must be done before a construction time frame can be set.

Published July 10, 2019

301/98/Clinton Avenue project in initial stage

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A realignment study of the U.S. 301/U.S. 98/Clinton Avenue intersection in Dade City has begun – with an eventual alternative corridor to be placed in the vicinity.

This comes as Pasco County has seen a need to ease the flow of traffic and to reduce the number of accidents where these roadways meet.

As a part of the study, the public is encouraged to weigh in with comments or concerns – which could help determine the project’s end result.

Efforts have been underway since April to seek an alternative corridor where U.S. 301 and U.S. 98 merge and intersect with Clinton Avenue in Dade City. The new roadway is aimed at easing traffic and reducing accidents. (Brian Fernandes)

An open meeting was held on June 20 at the Dade City Hall Council Chambers to initiate public feedback.

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) and the H.W. Lochner organization are working together on the project.

The study areas that the two departments are looking at range from:

  • The U.S. 301/U.S. 98 intersection to the west
  • Clinton Avenue to the north
  • Old Lakeland Highway to the east
  • U.S. 98 to the south

At the meeting, department officials explained the aim of the project and encouraged feedback from citizens, as well as city and county officials.

“This is a two-part study,” explained Brian Shroyer, FDOT project manager. “Where (U.S.) 98 comes into (U.S.) 301, there’s about a 1,600-foot offset to (Clinton Avenue) and there are issues with that intersection.”

There were 110 crashes within the study area between 2013 to 2017, according to the presentation.

The report also showed the density of accidents that occurred at the U.S. 301/U.S. 98 intersection, which continued north along the offset before reaching Clinton Avenue.

However, the majority of accidents took place at the intersection with Clinton Avenue. It accounted for mostly rear-end and angular vehicle-to-vehicle impacts.

Kevin Connor is the senior environmental manager at Lochner. He said that under current road models, traffic on U.S. 301 between U.S. 98 and Clinton Avenue will only increase.

In conjunction with the Pasco County Metropolitan Planning Organization, FDOT and Lochner are in the planning phase of development.

In this phase, an Alternative Corridor Evaluation is done to identify various corridor routes to take into consideration.

“We’re going to collect all the existing environmental and engineering data for the area,” Connor explained. “We’ll use that information to develop potential corridors.”

Possible impacts to residential and commercial buildings, as well as wetlands, will be a part of the information that’s collected.

Current FDOT findings show that environmental effects, due to the project, would be little to none.

The next phase, the Project Development and Environment Study, would look at the road width, number of lanes, sidewalks and trails that may be necessary.

At present, there are plans to widen U.S. 301 from four lanes to six lanes within the study area.

Bonnie Burton was one of the local residents at the meeting. While she stated that the installation of traffic lights at the U.S. 301/U.S. 98 intersection made her feel relieved, she still voiced concern about turning southeast.

“As a person who frequently makes that turn heading south on (U.S.) 301 and making a left onto (U.S.) 98, it feels a lot safer in a lot of ways, but it feels banked wrong,” the Dade City resident said. “Unless you’ve come to a complete stop and that light is on green, you attempt to make that and you’re often in the wrong lane.”

In response, Shroyer stated that the engineering study would analyze that issue. He also noted that additional traffic lights and roundabouts could possibly be factored into the project.

With designs and right of way acquisition yet to be planned, construction may not begin for another four years to five years.

Public feedback will be open and welcomed through the remainder of the year. Another meeting to update the public is expected in December.

For additional information or to send comments, contact Brian Shroyer by emailing or by visiting FDOTd7Studies.com/US301US98INT/.

Published July 03, 2019

Suggestions wanted for Burks playground improvements

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Dade City’s John S. Burks Memorial Park playground will be undergoing remodeling, and Pasco County wants its residents to have a say on ways to improve the play space.

The playground at the John S. Burks Memorial Park is set for renovation in 2020, and Pasco residents are being asked to help create the new look for the Dade City play area. (Courtesy of Angela Fagan-Pasco County Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources)

A session is set for July 10 from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., to give people a chance to  offer their ideas for the project. Kids too, are encouraged to brainstorm and bring fresh ideas for Pasco County Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources to consider.

While the county department has potential plans in mind, any expansion or additional amenities to the playground may be factored in after public comments have been weighed.

The renovation will occur during 2020, but no completion date has been given.

The public meeting will be in the Hugh Embry Library conference room, at 14215 Fourth St., in Dade City.

For additional information, contact the Pasco County Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources department at (813) 929-2760.

Public meeting for John S. Burks Memorial Park playground
Where: Hugh Embry Library conference room, 14215 Fourth St., Dade City
When: July 10 from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Cost: Free
Details: The public is invited to the library to offer their ideas for the remodeling of the Dade City playground.
Info: Call the Pasco County Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources department at (813) 929-2760.

Published July 03, 2019

Pasco County Farm Bureau advocates for agriculture

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Protecting the lush farmland in and near towns, such as Dade City and Zephyrhills, has been the focal point, for decades, of the Pasco County Farm Bureau.

The grassroots organization supports the needs of farmers and their produce.

The agency is just one within 60 statewide counties that fall under the Florida Farm Bureau – an organization that began more than 75 years ago.

During routine maintenance, Allen Altman of Dade City, checks one of his Bingo variety tangerine trees for any pests that may potentially harm the tree. This block of trees, designed to be resistant to the citrus greening disease, is one of only two blocks currently planted in Pasco County. Altman is agency manager for the Pasco County Farm Bureau, and a member of the Pasco County School Board. (Christine Holtzman)

Allen Altman is an agency manager for the Pasco County branch and has been with the bureau for almost 40 years.

“[The] Farm Bureau is out there making sure that farmers have the opportunity to remain viable economically,” Altman said. “We’re a membership organization that embraces all agriculture producers and the values that they stand for.”

In doing so, the bureau offers coverage policies to farmers for their equipment and buildings, as well as automobile, homeowners and life insurance.

This coverage is not exclusive to only farmers, but open to everyday consumers who are Farm Bureau members.

And, while the organization is independent of government, it does work with legislators in helping pass measures beneficial to agriculture.

In the past, it has been successful in helping to implement a statewide agricultural sales tax exemption.

This has saved Florida farmers and ranchers more than $2.3 million in annual tax exemptions for health and medical products used for livestock.

An additional $13 million has been spared in taxes for farm equipment, as well.

In its efforts to preserve the Everglades, the bureau was instrumental in reducing the cost to build a water storage reservoir, and has advocated for access to proper water distribution to maintain healthy crops.

Last year, the federal government had signed into law the Agriculture Improvement Act, which allocated $867 billion to help sustain farmers nationwide.

The bipartisan measure was in response to the United States trade tensions with China, which had a negative economic impact for U.S. farm producers.

A Hamlin orange tree damaged by the citrus greening disease.

The financial aid has benefited Pasco farmers, but not to the same extent as those in Midwestern states that tend to have more farmland, Altman said.

While there are issues that the Farm Bureau can readily address, others aren’t as simple.
Throughout the early to late 1980s, harsh winter conditions devastated Florida’s citrus crops – especially in Pasco County.

“The entire economy revolved around citrus production,” Altman said. “Two freezes combined killed 98 percent of the producing citrus in Pasco County. It has never been the same since.”
During the aftermath, the Pasco agency has tried to produce alternative crops that could bolster the farm market to the levels that citrus once did.

Farmers have turned to Florida peaches as a viable commodity. While they are plentiful within the county, there are economic obstacles, such as shipping and sales, that have yet to be worked out, Altman noted.

In 2012, Pasco County’s market value for crop and livestock products sold, amounted to more than $73.8 million – representing a 34 percent decline from 2007, according to the United States Department of Agriculture.

Also, the citrus greening disease has plagued many crops, both locally and nationally.

This disease infects the trees of this fruit family when exposed to the Asian insect, citrus psyllid.

Although the infected citrus pose no threat to humans, they are not suitable for consumption because the oranges remain green and taste bitter. This in turn, hurts the citrus market in the county, which has struggled to recover since the winter freezes decades back.

This is a matter of concern for many farmers, including Altman himself, who owns 6 acres of tangerine trees.

While there is no known cure, scientists are striving to find solutions to eradicate this disease.
One successful method of helping stabilize the market has been collaborating with other farm bureaus in different states.

John Blommel plants a high quality Tifton 44 hay on his Dade City field, where citrus once grew. Many farmers are planting hay to protect the soil and minimize erosion of their land.

Upon entering the Dade City bureau office, a refrigerator and shelves stocked with various edibles can be spotted.

Many of these foods come from other states, including jams, jellies, sauces and cheeses.
Florida’s Best is a name brand company that distributes products that the Sunshine State is known for – including orange blossom honey.

Currently the largest production distributed out of Pasco County is live cattle, Altman said.
The Farm Bureau also tries to bring awareness to the public and emphasize the importance of agriculture.

The agency’s members attest to its efficiency by word of mouth – as does its county board of directors.

“We try to find people from a diverse background of agriculture to represent that board and help develop policy,” Altman explained.

One such person on the board is State Sen. Wilton Simpson, of Trilby, who also is a poultry farmer.
As a legislator, Simpson articulates the needs of Pasco County farmers to implement policies in their favor within Tallahassee, Altman said.

The agency also has a presence at the annual Pasco County Fair, taking advantage of the venue in its quest to educate the public about the farm industry.

The Farm Bureau puts a heavy emphasis on educating youth, in particular.

“We focus most of our efforts on young people and trying to make sure that those students [who] want to go into agriculture have our support,” Altman stated.

The agency educates kids through youth programs, such as the local Head, Heart, Hands and Health (4H) club and Future Farmers of America (FFA).

It also goes into Pasco County classrooms to introduce teaching and reading sessions for the students, said Altman, who also sits on the Pasco County School Board.

In collaboration with the Pasco Education Foundation, the bureau also offers scholarships to high school seniors who have an interest in pursuing a degree in an agriculture-related field.

Whether buying from a farmer’s market or a commercial grocery story, Altman said he wants the average consumer to understand the effort that goes into making produce or poultry available.

“Don’t take it for granted,” the agency manager said. “Somebody somewhere has worked extremely hard to produce that commodity and put it on the shelf for your convenience.”

The Farm Bureau isn’t the only organization that encourages youths to become involved in the agricultural industry. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently launched a Youth and Agriculture website to connect young people and youth-serving organizations with department-wide resources that engage, empower and educate the next generation of agricultural leaders.
The website’s three key components include: classroom studies, experiential learning and leadership training.
Visit: USDA.gov/youth.

Published June 26, 2019

Randy Maggard wins District 38 seat

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Voters have selected Randy Maggard to become their next representative in District 38 of the Florida House of Representatives.

Maggard, a Republican, received 9,615 votes, or 55.58 percent of the total in the Special Election held on June 18. His opponent Kelly Smith, a Democrat, received 7,684, or 44.42 percent of the vote.

The voter turnout in the contest was 15.24.

The district’s boundaries stretch roughly from East Pasco over to U.S. 41 in Central Pasco.

Maggard fills a vacancy that was created by former Rep. Danny Burgess, who accepted an offer from Gov. Ron DeSantis to become the executive director of the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs.

Maggard is a businessman and community leader. He’s served as vice president of Sonny’s Discount Appliances for 30 years, according to campaign materials.

He is a Pasco County native, attended Zephyrhills High School and holds an Associate of Arts degree from Pasco-Hernando Community College (now known as Pasco-Hernando State College).

He has served on the Southwest Water Management Governing Board since 2011, including a stint as  chairman, from 2016 to 2018.

He was chairman of the Republican Party of Pasco from 2006 to 2012.

He was a member of the Coastal River Basin Board, from 2004 to 2008, and was vice chairman on that board from 2008 to 2010.

Maggard lives in Dade City. He’s been married to his wife, Colleen, for 34 years, and they have three children.

In his free time, Maggard enjoys hunting, fishing, ranching and spending time with his family.

Maggard was endorsed by Burgess, whom he is replacing.

He also received endorsements from other widely known Pasco County public office holders, including Pasco County Sheriff Chris Nocco; Pasco County Tax Collector Mike Fasano; Pasco County Commission Chairman Ron Oakley; Pasco County Commission Vice Chairman Mike Moore; Pasco Schools Superintendent Kurt Browning; and former Speaker of the House Richard Corcoran.

Published June 26, 2019

Zephyrhills plans for future industrial hub

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The City of Zephyrhills is developing a master plan aimed at increasing high-wage industrial jobs and boosting the region’s economy.

Called the Zephyrhills Industrial Corridor Plan, it focuses on a large grouping of industrial properties and adjacent areas within the Chancey Road corridor, near the Zephyrhills Municipal Airport.

The City of Zephyrhills is developing a master plan aimed at increasing high-wage industrial jobs and benefits. The proposed Zephyrhills Industrial Corridor plan is long-range in nature, geared at guiding growth and development for the next 20 years or so. (Courtesy of City of Zephyrhills)

The proposed master plan industrial project is long-range in nature, geared at guiding growth and development for the next 20 years or so.

Details of the preliminary plan were shared by urban planning consultant Tammy Vrana at a June 10 city council meeting.

The planning area is generally bound by Melrose Avenue to the north, the CSX Transportation railroad and U.S. 301 to the west, Pattie Road to the south, and Barry Road and the Upper Hillsborough Wildlife Management Area to the east.

It encompasses approximately 9.76 square miles (6,248 acres), including 33 percent within Zephyrhills and the remainder in unincorporated Pasco County, representing the largest aggregation of industrial lands in Pasco.

According to the draft plan, about 1,630 acres of that has already been designated for industrial land use, and another 215 acres for commercial. About 631 acres consists of existing residential property.

Two CSX mainline railroads traverse the area, the plan shows, accessible to Port Tampa Bay and the CSX Central Florida Intermodal Logistics Center.

The Zephyrhills Municipal Airport, a general aviation airport, also is located in the heart of the plan area, which can accommodate needs of business travelers.

In her presentation, Vrana underscored the need for Zephyrhills to begin planning now for industrial development, and finding ways to identify and recruit employment-generating manufacturing companies.

“There’s no better way to growing your middle class,” Vrana said, “than having good paying, industrial jobs.

“It diversifies your economy, so you’re not relying on just a couple of industries segments, and that way you’re better able to weather economic cycles,” she said.

Vrana explained an industrial corridor would help bring in dollars from outside the community, which she said in turn creates more business activity within local shops, restaurants and so on.

Shown here is the planning area for the Zephyrhills Industrial Corridor, generally bound by Melrose Avenue to the north, the CSX Transportation railroad and U.S. 301 to the west, Pattie Road to the south, and Barry Road and the Upper Hillsborough Wildlife Management Area to the east. It encompasses approximately 9.76 square miles (6,248 acres), including 33 percent within Zephyrhills and the remainder in unincorporated Pasco County.

“The revenues that you get from sales tax and property taxes…those things go to pay for your public services and amenities that are enjoyed by the entire community,” said Vrana.

Vrana stressed the need for the city to form partnerships with the Pasco County Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) and the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) to create a “beltway” network of four-lane roads and more roadway connectivity to the interstate system. Investing in other infrastructure and operational improvements to reduce congestion and increase the efficiency of freight movement are needed, too, she said.

Quality of infrastructure is typically the top criteria for companies in deciding to relocate or move to a particular area, the consultant noted.

Vrana told the council: “You need to consider hard infrastructure, the things that you typically think about, but also those soft infrastructure assets such as education, public-private partnerships and just simple networking opportunities for community businesses.”

Vrana went on to identify potential opportunities for commercial development and placemaking around State Road 39 and Chancey Road.

She said that area could be utilized for retail, hotel, gas station and more. It also can incorporate some recreational accents, perhaps an extreme bike course and walking trails “to make the area a little bit nicer for walking, shopping, and as a workplace,” Vrana said.

“Just because it’s an industrial area doesn’t mean that it can’t look nice, that it can’t be spruced up, and have some nice trees and landscaping,” Vrana said.

The city’s industrial master plan is being funded through a technical assistance grant from the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity.

The planning process for the master plan began in January. That included gathering relevant information and organizing a series of workshops, stakeholder’s meetings and open houses.

Vrana said next steps for the drafted plan include sketching up detailed conceptual layouts “and just look at the different things the city and its partners can do to increase business in this area.”

Additional opportunities for public input will be offered in late summer following development of plan illustrations and other refinements based on community feedback.

“I think that we all recognize the importance Zephyrhills of the industrial corridor brings us,” council president Ken Burgess said. “I’ve attended some of those workshops and meetings, and they’re very informative. And, there’s a lot of great discussion and feedback that I’ve seen, and I like the way the goals tie not into not just when you think about an industrial corridor, but the entire city and education, and all that.”

Councilman Lance Smith also voiced his approval of the industrial corridor initiative, but believes the city also must find ways to maintain its small-town vibe in the face of growth.

Smith put it like this: “I mean, I love going out to Wesley Chapel, but I would never live there, O.K. It’s a wonderful place to visit, but I like out downtown, I like our small town charm.”

Published June 19, 2019

Pioneer Museum gets new exhibits

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Visitors to the Pioneer Florida Museum and Village now will be able to see an up-close look at how blacksmiths and woodworkers mastered their crafts as settlers back in the 1800s and 1900s.

Guests will be able to glimpse the tools used back then — whether the craftsmen were pulling forge bellows and shaping hot steel, or operating a foot-powered treadle lathe and turning wood.

The ribbon cutting ceremony and dedication took place outside the new Paul Rhinesmith Wood Wright shop. (Christine Holtzman)

The museum, located at 15602 Pioneer Museum Road in Dade City, recently added a full-fledged blacksmith shop and wood wright shop to its extensive collection of reenactment building exhibits.

The new shops were officially unveiled at a dedication ceremony last month at the museum property.

Materials and hand tools for both shops were donated by Paul Rhinesmith, a longtime museum demonstrator and trustee. Both exhibits were named for him.

The new additions took about a year to complete and furnish — as well as replicate something seen at the turn of the century, said Pioneer Museum board president Seth Mann.

Wood Wright Bill Holmes, of San Antonio, demonstrates how he uses a ripping saw to cut reclaimed lumber that will be used to make wood boxes. The wood for this project comes from the porch of a historic log cabin in Lacoochee, that will soon be moved to the museum property.

Previously, the museum didn’t have any actual working forge or wood wright shop, so smaller blacksmith and woodsmith demonstrations would take place at the museum’s Mabel Jordan Barn, which houses collections of early farm equipment, vintage buggies and carriages.

So, for Mann and other trustees, the new shops make for “a beautiful addition” to the 20-acre museum property that houses an old schoolhouse, a church, an original settler’s home, a general store, a shoe repair shop, a citrus packing house, a train depot and more.

The blacksmith shop measures 24-by-24 feet and the wood wright shop is 24-by-32 feet.

The museum acquired Dade City road bricks to put in the floor of the blacksmith shop, and used beams from one of the railroads, in the building.

Blacksmith Lewis Riggleman bangs on a piece of hot, mild steel, in order to shape it into a nail. The steel becomes malleable at 1,000 degrees, allowing Riggleman to pound it into shape.

The wood wright shop, meanwhile, contains cypress wood from the porch of a historic log cabin in Lacoochee, that soon will be moved to the museum property.

“We try to show people what the businesses looked like,” Mann said. “In historic Pasco, the carpentry shop and the blacksmith shop would’ve been major businesses downtown.”

The museum couldn’t survive without donations from community members, such as the Rhinesmith family, Mann said.

“Most of the buildings and exhibits we have here are contributed, even the land was contributed,” the museum board president said. “It takes the volunteers to come out here and work, the board members, the trustees — we all have to work to try to make the museum a success.”

Marilynn Ory, of Wesley Chapel, left, and her husband, Richard, admire the handmade wooden boxes and tools on display in the new wood wright shop. The Orys are both volunteers with the museum.

Rhinesmith, 86, suffers from a rare eye disease and lives in an assisted living facility in Zephyrhills.

But, he and his family were at the dedication ceremony.

His son, Phillip Rhinesmith, said the longtime volunteer dreamed of the museum having standalone blacksmith and woodworking shops when he did demonstrations in the 1990s and the 2000s, up until he began losing his eyesight.

“He knew he wouldn’t be able to demonstrate but still wanted to be able to show his support and donate to the museum,” Phillip Rhinesmith said.

Phillip Rhinesmith said boxes upon boxes of hand tools donated were collected or handmade by his father over many decades.

That includes an extensive collection of rare, vintage Stanley woodworking planes the elder Rhinesmith crafted himself for various projects.

The Paul Rhinesmith Wood Wright Shop

“Everything he built, there were no power tools, no sandpaper, no nails. Everything was friction fit together,” Phillip Rhinesmith said. “He knew if he needed a specific tool for a job, he would copy old designs out of old books and build the planes himself. It’s pretty incredible.”

The son added, “The legacy that he leaves with his tools here, most his collection, it means a lot to the family to be a part of this community.”

Bill Holmes is a new volunteer docent at the wood wright shop and a veteran carpenter.

The Paul Rhinesmith Blacksmith Shop

He said many of Rhinesmith’s donated tools, like a foot-powered treadle lathe, are so rare that he’s only seen them in books or on television.

“The guy was such a craftsman to get this together, to be able to use this stuff,” Holmes said. “All these tools, they’re still in impeccable shape. I can still use them today. A lot of times when you see these tools they’re so beat up, but these are impeccable working pieces.”

Fellow volunteer docent Steve Melton, who helps operate the blacksmith shop, was likewise impressed with Rhinesmith’s collection of donated hand tools, calling them “the real deal.”

Melton added both shops — and the many the items in them — are important for educating schoolchildren that visit the museum each year.

“This introduces to them a lot of the heritage arts,” Melton said, “and so it is just a remarkable addition to this community.”

To learn more about the Pioneer Florida Museum and Village, visit PioneerFloridaMuseum.org.

Published June 19, 2019

Zephyrhills wants public input on industrial plan

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The City of Zephyrhills is inviting public comment on a plan aimed at increasing high-wage industrial jobs and benefits.

The proposed plan focuses on a large grouping of industrial properties and adjacent areas within the Chancey Road corridor, near the Zephyrhills Municipal Airport, according to a news release from the city.

The preliminary plan includes an assessment of conditions and trends, including a high-level real estate assessment.

The city offered an opportunity for the public to weigh in at an open house-style meeting on June 4 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., at City Hall, 5335 Eighth St., in Zephyrhills, an event planned to occur after The Laker/Lutz News’ press deadline. City planning staff members were expected to be on hand to provide information and answer questions.

Later the same day, the Planning Commission also was scheduled to take up the issue at its meeting, also at City Hall, which begins at 6 p.m.

City staff also will present the preliminary plan at the Zephyrhills City Council meeting, also at City Hall, on June 10, beginning at 6 p.m.

The planning area is generally bound by Melrose Avenue to the north, the CSX Transportation railroad and U.S. 301 to the west, Pattie Road to the south and Barry Road and the Upper Hillsborough Wildlife Management Area to the east.

It encompasses approximately 9.76 square miles, including 33 percent within the City of Zephyrhills and the remainder in unincorporated Pasco County.

It is the largest aggregation of industrial lands in Pasco County, according to the release.

Two CSX mainline railroads traverse the area.

It is accessible to Port Tampa Bay, the CSX Central Florida Intermodal Logistics Center, rapidly expanding consumer markets and Central Florida, the release notes.

The Zephyrhills Municipal Airport, a general aviation airport, also is located in the heart of the plan area, which can accommodate needs of business travelers.

Published June 05, 2019

Dade City turns 130: It’s time to celebrate

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Dade City is celebrating its 130th birthday with a series of events this week that include everything from a walking tour, to enjoying a free cupcake, to a scavenger hunt — and more.

The week kicked off with events on Monday and Tuesday — which was after The Laker/Lutz News went to press.

But, there are other events set for the rest of the week, beginning with a Walking Wednesday tour, set for June 5 at 9 a.m.

This historic courthouse has a commanding presence in downtown Dade City. It also is where the Pasco County Commission has some of its meetings. (File)

The tour begins at Agnes Lamb Park, 14200 Ninth St., and goes through downtown Dade City, wrapping up at the Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce, 14112 Eighth St., where refreshments await.

Those taking the tour have a chance to see a city that prides itself on its charm, its history, shops and restaurants, and its picturesque courthouse.

The stop at the chamber of commerce gives tour-takers a chance to visit the place which rallies a couple of hundred volunteers annually to put on the city’s signature event: the Kumquat Festival.

The festival, which pays homage to a tiny fruit, attracts thousands of visitors to Dade City.

Last year, the festival feature more than 400 vendors and sponsors who sold their products and promoted their services. In addition to generous sponsors, more than 200 volunteers stepped up to make it happen.

The chamber also hosts popular monthly business breakfasts and promotes merchant events to encourage a lively downtown.

Another celebration set for this week is called Throwback Thursday, which pits downtown merchants in a competition to see whose storefront window best reflects a theme from the past.

Voters can choose their favorite on June 6 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The winning business will receive a prize.

On Friday, June 7 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., drop by the Dade City Heritage Museum, at 14206 U.S. 98 Bypass, to enjoy a free cupcake and learn about Dade City’s 130-year history.

The museum itself has an interesting past.

It is housed within the Dade City Atlantic Coast Line Depot, which was built in 1912 and was the first site to be placed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Originally, the depot accommodated freight and passenger traffic.

“Designed in a traditional style for southern railroad depots constructed in the late 19th and early 20th century, this building is utilitarian in layout, yet possesses finely crafted structural and ornamental Folk Victorian style details,” according to documents related to its historic designation. The building’s architectural elements include gable dormers, bay window, wraparound loading platform, and interior finishes, the document says.

Beyond being an architectural gem, the depot played an important role in Dade City’s history.

“Railroad stations served as major community commercial and social centers, linking each of the small towns with the rest of the world. At the turn of the century, therefore, railroads and associated depots play a significant role in the development of Central Florida communities, such as Dade City,” the historic document said.

The week of celebrations concludes with a Scavenger Hunt, set for Saturday, June 8 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The hunt will involve representatives from the City of Dade City, the city’s merchants, the Dade City Heritage Museum and others for a city-wide scavenger hunt. Take photos of the activities, people and places on the scavenger hunt list to earn points toward a grand prize.

Events set for earlier in the week — after The Laker/Lutz News went to press — included

Monarch Monday, which was a ceremony to officially dedicate Dade City as a Monarch Butterfly City USA.

The city has joined four other Florida municipalities to address the plight of the endangered insects.

Another event, called Touring Tuesday, was held on June 4. It featured a guided tour of City Hall, with a meet-and-greet with Mayor Camille Hernandez and members of the Dade City Commission.

Dade City celebrations
Walking Wednesday: June 5, 9 a.m.: Tour begins at Agnes Lamb Park, 14200 Ninth St., in Dade City. The walk travels through downtown Dade City, ending at the Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce, 14112 Eighth St., where refreshments will be available.

Throwback Thursday: June 6, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.: The Downtown Dade City merchants will be decorating their storefront windows to reflect the years past and you get to vote on which you like best. The winning business will receive a prize.

First Friday: June 7, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.: The Dade City Heritage Museum, 14206 U.S. 98 Bypass. Celebrate Dade City’s birthday with a free cupcake and learn about 130 years of Dade City history.

Scavenger Hunt Saturday, June 8, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.: Join the City of Dade City, the city’s merchants and the Dade City Heritage Museum for a city-wide scavenger hunt. Take photos of the activities, people and places on the scavenger hunt list to earn points toward a grand prize. Visit the Dade City Heritage Museum’s website or Facebook page for more details.

Published June 05, 2019