The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Zephyrhills/East Pasco News

Dade City forum inspires wordsmiths

By

Marjorie Nanian sits at the end of a long table, offering her experience and advice to others in the room during a recent meeting of the East Pasco Writers Forum.

As she speaks, the others listen intently.

The forum, part of the Florida Writers Association, meets at the Country Aire Manor clubhouse in Dade City, on the second Thursday of each month, from 10 a.m. to noon.

The writers forum aims to encourage authors and budding wordsmiths to share their work, and learn from each other.

East Pasco Writers Forum participants for the Sept. 13 meeting were, seated from left: Eugene Bozeman, Kim Fleming, Tammy Kennedy and Kara Teresi; and, standing from left: Jack Olson, Marjorie Nanian, Bonnie Nye and Marilyn Miller. (Brian Fernandes)

The meeting is broken into two segments.

The first segment focuses on offering advice, sharing thoughts and providing information about local opportunities and events that may be of interest to forum members.

The second segment focuses on writing.

Forum participants play an interactive role — with each author sharing copies of his or her work and reading for the group.

Between readings, group members offer suggestions to help the author enhance his or her skills.

Tammy Kennedy was a first-time visitor to the writers forum.

“I had to go through something so awful,” she told the group, referring to some difficult childhood experiences.

Kennedy, who wrote the books, “From Rubble to Royalty” and “Jingles Lost Her Jingle,” said she has used writing as an outlet for dealing with domestic abuse she experienced as a child.

She hopes her work will inspire others who have had similar experiences.

She recently self-published “Lil’ J Lost His Jam.” She said it has been difficult to get exposure for the book because of its subject matter on child abuse.

Nanian, who is an author herself and has attended several writing forums, had a wealth of information to share.

She told the writers it’s important to identify the genre of literature they’re creating and to be aware of the audience they’re seeking to reach.

When it comes to social issues, she said, “colleges are a great place to approach.”

Nanian also advised beginners to “build credibility” by sending short stories or poems to magazines for publication. Doing this puts one in direct contact with an editor, without the use of an agent.

Forum member Jack Olson is a photographer, who has experience sailing overseas.

He said he intends to publish his writings as a keepsake for his family.

Olson said he doesn’t feel qualified to offer feedback.

But, those taking part in the forum are encouraged to kindly point out errors or ways to polish up each other’s work, to foster better writing.

So, as forum members shared their work, they exchanged suggestions, such as avoiding too much detail, steering clear of repetition, using precise language and creating more emotional depth in characters.

“Whenever you introduce it [author’s work] to the group, you actually get criticism and learn from it,” said Eugene Bozeman, who shared his poem about a newborn baby’s perception of birth.

The topics that writers tackle range widely.

While Bozeman wrote poetry about a newborn baby, Bonnie Nye’s story focused on a girl falsely accused of murder in the late 1970s.

The writers said their interest in writing developed at different stages in their lives.

Some said creating literature did not become appealing until later in their lives.

Others developed a love for language quite early.

Kara Teresi knew she had a passion for writing since elementary school.

“This is my destiny, this is my identity – to be a writer,” she said. “That’s why I’m here.”

The forum is open to the public. It welcomes anyone who wants to share and improve their writing — whether they are professionals, just starting out, or somewhere in between.

For more information, contact Marjorie Nanian at (248) 231-7167 or .

East Pasco Writers Forum
Where: Country Aire Manor clubhouse, 10249 U.S. 98 in Dade City
When: The club meets on the second Thursday of each month from 10 a.m. to  noon.
Details: Members and visitors share their own works and offer suggestions to help each other hone writing skills
Cost: Free
Info: Contact Marjorie Nanian at (248) 231-7167 or

Published September 26, 2018

Class provides advice on healthy cooking

By

Shari Bresin understands the challenge of finding the time to prepare healthy foods, while having a busy schedule.

Bresin, the Family and Consumer Science agent for the Pasco County Extension Office, said she can relate to that challenge.

“I know what it’s like to be on the go,” Bresin said.

A class she’s now teaching at the Hugh Embry Library, 14215 Fourth St., in Dade City, aims to help people to gain a better understanding of healthy eating and offers cooking demonstrations, too.

Cooking instructor Shari Bresin prepares a cabbage stir-fry demonstration, and then provides samples to guests. (Brian Fernandes)

The Extension Office, which is part of  the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS), is providing the four-part class, called “Cooking Matters.”

The first class was on Sept. 6. The others are scheduled on Sept. 27 and Oct. 4. Each session is from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

The classes aim to help people who are interested in living healthier lifestyles.

“I, myself, am very passionate about health and cooking,” said Bresin. “There’s a big need, for sure, in combating chronic diseases and getting people healthier.”

During her lectures, she encourages group participation, asking the audience about their food preferences.

At one point during the first class, she asked participants to name foods they eat by color.

The instructor then explained the health benefits of eating organic foods that may be green, blue or red, among other colors.

She concluded her class with a cooking segment, preparing stir-fry cabbage in a grill, and then offering samples to class members.

Each of the four classes includes a cooking demo, gives participants a chance to indulge, and provides a take-home recipe.

The classes will cover the topics of budgeting and meal planning, and will provide information to dispel the notion that eating healthy is too expensive.

At the first class, Bresin provided a PowerPoint presentation to explain a modern version of the food pyramid called My Plate. My Plate displays a circular dish divided into five food groups that are recommended for any given meal.

It is portioned into grains, dairy, protein, fruits and vegetables.

It recommends that half of grain intake be made of whole grains, while fruits and vegetables make up half the plate.

Those taking part in the class also have the chance to win a gift card.

To find out more, contact Bresin at (352) 518-0156.

‘Cooking Matters’ Classes
Where: Hugh Embry Library, 14215 Fourth St., in Dade City
When: Upcoming classes are set for Sept. 27 and Oct. 4 from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Cost: Free
Details: Classes include cooking demonstrations and offer advice for healthy cooking.
Info: Call Shari Bresin at (352) 518-0156.

Published September 19, 2018

Planning Commission recommends approval of controversial tower

By

The Pasco County Planning Commission has recommended approval of a 110-foot observation tower on the south side of St. Joe Road in Dade City.

The approval came despite objections from two planning commissioners, as well as county planners, and an area resident and the owner of some adjacent property.

The request now goes to the Pasco County Commission, which has the final authority.

Terry and Mary M. McKnight, 36210 St. Joe Road, of Dade City, want to install the observation tower on a 9.84-acre site on St. Joe Road, about 4,965 feet east of Happy Hill Road.

Planning commissioners Michael J. Cox and Roberto Saez both strenuously opposed the request.

“I think this is just a real gross abuse of the land development code,” said Planning Commissioner Cox. “The land development code was written to not allow this kind of thing in an agricultural area.”

He also noted: “That’s pretty intrusive to other people. This thing is going to stick up five floors above the tree line.”

Plus, Cox said, “It’s not consistent with the rural character of that area.”

Planning Commissioner Saez put it bluntly: “I’m totally against this.

“I don’t like to create this precedent in the county,” Saez said, adding, “It’s more about privacy than anything else, in my opinion.”

The county’s planning staff recommends denial of the request.

During an Aug. 9 Planning Commission hearing on the request, however, the issue was continued and planners were asked to bring back conditions that could be attached to an approval.

The planners provided a list of 17 conditions, including that the tower cannot be used for commercial purposes. Among the other conditions: The tower must be painted green, loud music cannot be played in the tower and no electronic or recording devices are allowed on the tower, except for cellphones.

Terry McKnight said the applicant is agreeable to the conditions.

But, Steve Futch, of 2975 Plantation Road in Winter Haven, spoke against the request. He said the McKnights’ property is adjacent to property that was his mother’s land.

That property will be transferred to heirs of the family, and they oppose the request for the 110-foot tower.

The observation tower “will not promote rural or estate-type living,” Futch said.

The height of the structure would be the equivalent of an 11-story building, he added, “that would tower over the adjacent properties and be seen from a significant distance in all directions.”

He asked commissioners to consider the impacts the tower would have on its neighbors.

“Imagine having your private property being observed from such a high ‘observation tower’ which could easily be an invasion of  your privacy, your personal use of the property,” Futch said.

Another area resident, who lives across the lake from the proposed tower, said many of the people who would see the tower do not live close enough to receive notification of the McKnights’ request.

Despite the Planning Commission’s recommendation for approval, the county’s planning staff continues to recommend denial of the request, said Denise Hernandez, the county’s zoning administrator/special projects manager.

Published September 19, 2018

Despite neighbors’ concerns, commissioners OK subdivision

By

The Pasco County Commission has approved a 145-home subdivision on the west side of Fort King Road, south of State Road 52 and north of Roberts Road, despite opposition by neighbors.

Attorney Barbara Wilhite, representing the applicant, Dade City Fifty LLC, noted that the county’s future land use designation allows a potential of 284 units on the 50-acre property.

Wilhite also noted that flooding historically has been an issue in the area, and that this project will actually help improve drainage.

Neighbors expressed concerns about flooding back in 2005 when the property originally was rezoned to allow 100 homes, Wilhite said.

“The board heard these neighbors’ concerns and put stricter requirements,” Wilhite said, noting that a study of Tank Lake was done and the board adopted a Drainage Basin of Special Concern ordinance in the summer of 2005.

“So, as we come forward now in 2018, this project has to comply with those (stricter) standards,” Wilhite said.

Jeremy Couch, with Tampa Civil Design in Lutz, said he understands neighbors’ concerns.

“We’re higher than them, their fear is that we’re going to dump more water on them.

“We’re going to keep it (the water) there. We’re not going to let it go downstream,” Couch said.

Twenty-nine percent of the property is going to be used for ponds and drainage, Wilhite said.

“One 50-acre project is not going to fix the flooding that happens downstream. But, we are going to do our little part,” Couch said. “And, our little part is to put in infrastructure, trap the water and keep the volume. We are not going to slow-release. We’re just going to hold it.”

Still, neighbors were skeptical.

Once the retention pond fills up, the water will flow downhill, they said.

“What they’re going to do — I can guarantee you, is not going to hold all that,” said Betty Jean Perez, of 12431 Fort King Road. “When that water comes down, off those hills, it comes down like a river — a rushing, rushing river.”

Kathleen Schrimpf, of 12457 Fort King Road, also weighed in: “I understand they’re not responsible for the entire flooding issue in this area, however, I’m not confident that what they’re doing isn’t going to at least exacerbate the problem.”

Marie McLeod, 12524 Green Oak Lane, who said she’s been a flooding victim twice, urged board members to protect the neighbors.

“I would like to place my trust in you, that you will keep us safe and dry,” McLeod told commissioners.

Eddie Schultz, 12510 Fort King Road, noted: “I do think the engineers have done a good job of trying to come up with a solution.”

However, Schultz added, “there is a real concern about the ability of the water to actually be absorbed. The question is, how fast can it be absorbed?”

Cheryl Musgrove, speaking on behalf of her mother, Martha Damron, of 12231 Fort King Road, said there’s standing water on her mother’s property now — just from normal rains.

“Flooding plans are nice, but if they don’t work, real people’s lives and older homes are at risk of flood damage and loss,” Musgrove told commissioners.

Sheila Tomlinson, 12649 Green Oak Lane, said adding more homes will increase the potential for flooding.

“That’s a lot of roof, that’s a lot of cement, that’s a lot of driveways, that’s a lot of sidewalk,” she said.

Tomlinson said she was unaware of the area’s flooding problem when she moved into her home in 2004.

“Within two months, we had hurricanes come in.

“I was the mother of twin daughters. Every day I had to walk with my children on my shoulders in waist-deep water, so we could go to school and work every day for over a month,” Tomlinson said.

Jeff Richey, 12509 Green Oak Lane, cited concerns about increased traffic.

There are no sidewalks in the area, he said.

Plus, “at the wrong time of the day, it’s hard enough to get out of our neighborhood,” Richey added.

Wilhite said the applicant hired a traffic consultant to analyze the situation and that there will be no degradation of traffic standards, even with the project’s traffic.

Pasco County Commissioner Ron Oakley, former chairman of the board for the Southwest Florida Water Management District, said the area has been plagued by drainage problems and efforts have been underway for years — and still continue — to address the issue.

Meanwhile, Oakley said, “I appreciate this development taking care of as much water as they can going across their property.”

Commissioners approved the rezoning, 5-0.

Published September 12, 2018

Pasco County Commission denies solar farm appeals

By

The Pasco County Commission has denied two appeals seeking to block the construction of a solar farm on pastureland, outside Dade City.

Gordon and Kathleen Comer, and Sandra Noble, who live near the proposed solar farm site both challenged the Planning Commission’s approval of a special exception permit for the project.

Attorney Gordon Schiff represented the Comers and attorney Rena Frazier represented Noble during the Pasco County Commission’s Sept. 4 hearing on both appeals.

Those living near the proposed Mountain View Solar Farm said the project will destroy the area’s scenic views. (File)

Attorney Cate Wells represented Tampa Electric Company (TECO).

First Solar Electric, which has a contract with TECO, wants to install about 460,000 photovoltaic solar panels on about 205 of 350 acres of pastureland, on both sides of Blanton Road. Portions of the site are bordered by Frazee Hill and Platt roads.

The solar farm, known as the Mountain View Solar Project, would produce power to be fed to  TECO’s power grid.

From the onset, the proposed project has been controversial.

Opponents packed the meeting room during the Planning Commission’s hearing, with speakers contending that the solar farm would destroy one of the county’s best assets – its scenic views.

At the appeals hearing, Frazer said the solar farm is a major utility that should be located within a master-planned development.

Both Schiff and Frazer said the project should be denied because it violates the county’s Northeast Rural Protection plan.

Wells, representing TECO, said the solar farm will be buffered by trees and shrubs, and will have little impact due to traffic or noise.

Charles Lee, director of advocacy for Audubon Florida, who spoke in support of the project during the Planning Commission hearing reiterated that support.

Lee said TECO has been generous in protecting wetlands and creating a 660-foot buffer zone for an eagle’s nest in the southeast corner of the site.

When the Planning Commission approved the special exception permit for the Mountain View solar farm, the county’s ordinances did not directly address solar farms.

County Commissioners subsequently approved an ordinance, in June, relating to the placement of solar farms.

Pasco County now allows solar farms as special exceptions in agricultural zones, and as permitted uses in some commercial and industrial zones. Future decisions on permitting are now decided by county staff and the Planning Commission, with the County Commission involved only when there are appeals.

During the Sept. 4 appeal hearing, both Schiff and Frazer said that Commissioner Ron Oakley should recuse himself.

“There was an article published right after the Planning Commission decision and Commissioner Oakley made a comment, and the comment was substantial enough to show that he exhibits bias in this proceeding,” Schiff said. “He favors approval, in fact he wants approval.

“In this case, Commissioner Oakley should recuse himself, and if not, he should be disqualified,” Schiff added.

Elizabeth Blair, senior assistant county attorney, said the issue had been researched and it was determined that Oakley had no bias and should participate.

Both Schiff and Frazer said the solar plant should be denied because it is inconsistent with the county’s Comprehensive Plan and Land Development Code. Both asked commissioners to reverse the Planning Commission’s decision and deny the application.

Frazer noted the solar farm cannot be adequately buffered because of the area’s terrain.

“The elevation of the land is such that the panels cannot be hidden,” Frazer said.

Wells, representing TECO, cited the County Commission’s June adoption of the ordinance relating to the placement of solar farms.

“The ordinance was intended to be remedial in nature, to clarify existing law and, as such, applied retroactively to all applications or appeals pending as of the effective date of this ordinance,” Wells said.

Noble has filed an appeal, challenging the county’s June ordinance, relating to the placement of solar farms.

Published September 12, 2018

‘My job is to care for everybody,’ local pastor says

By

Sometimes Jordan Kassabaum does a double-take when someone calls him “pastor.”

“I’m just not used to it,” said the 27-year-old pastor of the First United Methodist Church of Land O’ Lakes. “It seems surreal when I’m standing in front of a congregation.”

Kassabaum, a native of Dade City, was named pastor of the Land O’ Lakes church on July 1.

Jordan Kassabaum, pastor at the First United Methodist Church in Land O’ Lakes, wants his church to be an inviting place that cares for everyone. (Brian Fernandes)

He is gradually getting to know his new congregation.

“I’m astounded at just how many gifted people are here,” said Kassabaum, who leads a church established in 1959. “My staff are amazing.”

Currently, membership stands at around 200. Kassabaum would like to see that number grow.

The church leader said his title isn’t the important thing — and he doesn’t mind when members of his congregation call him by his first name.

It’s that casual approach he’d like to share with people outside of the church, as well, he said.

For instance, in the past, he has participated in such events as ‘Beer and Hymns,’ where folks gather in a brewery or bar to sing classic church songs. He’s also taken part in ‘Pints and Parables’ which entails sharing drinks while taking part in bible study.

Those are some ways that Kassabaum has tried to break down stereotypes about church, and show it in a new and refreshing light.

“My job is to care for everybody,” he said. “Most of my friends are actually not deeply religious people.”

Early beginnings
Kassabaum was born in Dade City, and grew up there, graduating from Pasco High School.

“I loved it,” Kassabaum said. “When you’re growing up in a place like that, it can seem very restricting. You can’t wait to get out, and you really don’t appreciate that quiet kind of life until you go off and see the rest of the world. Now there’s a certain kind of attraction to it.”

He came from a musical household. His father played the saxophone and his mother played the flute. That influenced him to join the high school band and to play the saxophone.

He enjoyed performing so much that he contemplated it as a career, but he decided not to pursue that because he didn’t want to turn something he loved into a chore.

Kassabaum said he didn’t grow up in a religious home.

On several occasions, he attended a Baptist church that his grandfather had helped to build, but he was not immersed in church life, nor obligated to hold any religious beliefs.

“My parents wanted me to make decisions for myself,” he said. “They didn’t want to impose anything on me.”

In school, he excelled in science and biology, and had a desire to help people in need. That motivated him to look toward a medical career.

Finding meaning in tragedy
Although his desire to help others sparked an interest in medicine, it was his father’s illness that compelled him in that direction. He was just 15 when his father died from brain cancer.

“That really set me on a path towards being just a doctor,” he recounted.

As he was coping with the loss of his father, he began questioning life in general.

It was then that a friend invited him to the First United Methodist Church of Dade City.

“I asked a lot of these tough questions,” Kassabaum recalled. “Is God real? Does God love me? Why do we suffer?”

The church and its congregation provided a place of refuge and solace.

When the pastor describes his spiritual journey to others, he said, he often describes it as both a moment of epiphany, as well as a gradual process.

The transitions he went through, he said, were “fundamental experiences.”

“I was lucky enough to be in a space where there were people who loved and cared about me. Who didn’t seek to fix me,” he said.

As he acquainted himself with the congregation — through bible studies and discussions —  he realized that he wanted to remain within the Methodist denomination.

Leadership skills through academics
Kassabaum’s desire to become a doctor took a turn as he began to feel that evangelism was his true calling.

“I don’t think anybody goes into ministry without having a sense of call,” said the pastor. “A sense that God has placed a task for you to complete.”

With that in mind, he enrolled at the University of Florida in 2009. He graduated four years later with a double major in religion and classical civilization.

In 2013, Kassabaum moved to Connecticut to continue studies at Yale Divinity School.

“It was interesting to be exposed to all sorts of different people and different ways of thinking,” said the pastor about Yale’s diversity.

He graduated in 2016 with a Master of Divinity, a standard degree which qualifies a minister to go through an ordination process.

He then returned to Florida, where he worked for two years as a missions intern and adult ministry coordinator.

New and present chapter
Now, he envisions his Land O’ Lakes church becoming a place which is filled with individuals ministering to others with their own unique set of gifts — gifts that not only contribute to the church, but to the community at large.

He already has seen their talents through Sunday school teaching, as well as mission and relief work.

Working with those within the church and inviting others to join, the pastor hopes that one day his congregation will mirror its community — diverse in age groups and ethnicities.

Bob Swan, the church’s facilities manager and a member for 25 years, said “Pastor Kassabaum has brought a wealth of new ideas, and it’s just been great.”

Kassabaum knows that leading a church is not a one-man job, and he’s grateful for his staff and congregation, who have rallied around to help.

“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my experience here,” the pastor said of his new home church. “I knew this was where God wanted me to be.”

Published August 29, 2018

Traffic signals on tap in Zephyrhills

By

Pasco County officials are lauding a new traffic signal in Zephyrhills — for making a busy intersection a little less dangerous.

The fully operable traffic light at Eiland Boulevard and Handcart Road was installed in time for the 7 a.m., start of the school year on Aug. 13.

At a ribbon-cutting ceremony, Pasco County Commissioner Mike Moore said the project has been “a main priority” for Zephyrhills and the county since he stepped into office in 2014.

Pasco County officials recently held an informal ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new traffic signal at Eiland Boulevard and Handcart Road in Zephyrhills. (Courtesy of Pasco County)

“It was much-needed,” Moore said. “It’s a life-safety issue, so that’s what’s most important. We have to think about our citizens’ lives and their safety, and this is obviously done to stop potential accidents.”

It, too, has been on fellow County Commissioner Ron Oakley’s radar for some time.

He explained: “I’ve been here my entire life, so I know so many different people that this light affects. Before this light was installed, many accidents were happening.

“I can’t tell you how many people I’ve run across and said, ‘Thank you for getting that light.’”

Pasco County engineering services director Margaret Smith called the traffic signal “a definite, definite need” for Zephyrhills — labeling it “a good intersection control project.”

“Just watch (traffic) coming through compared to the craziness it was before — it totally controls the intersection,” she said.

Smith pointed out previous struggles for motorists to make left-hand turns east from Handcart onto two-lane Eiland Boulevard.

“I’ve been there all kinds of times of day, and it was very difficult. I think they needed to slow it down a little bit,” Smith said.

Such turns were also something Oakley experienced, as a nearby resident: “You can take a right turn here fairly easily, but you take a left turn and you’re taking a chance,” he said.

Along with the traffic signal, Eiland and Handcart had other improvements, including guardrails and road resurfacing.

Reflective pavement markings also will be installed at the intersection in about a month, officials say.

The Pasco County Commission approved the design plans for the project in 2016. Construction began in March 2018.

Before construction, the county completed a 30-day traffic operations study at the intersection to collect traffic data.

The analysis showed the traffic signal was warranted “based on Handcart (Road) southbound approach volumes and the amount of left turn vehicles turning east onto Eiland Boulevard.”

The study also found that two crashes occurred from Jan. 1, 2013 to Dec. 31, 2013. The crashes “may have been prevented with the installation of a traffic signal,” the study found.

From Jan. 1, 2012 to Dec. 31, 2014, the study also documented two angle crashes that occurred at the intersection.

Meanwhile, other traffic signals are coming to Zephyrhills.

A new signal is expected to be operating at Eiland and Geiger Road by late November.

A third is planned at Chancey and Coats roads. That signal will be operating in late October.

Oakley noted each of those signals are necessities to keep up with increasing traffic patterns: “The reason for these (roads) being so busy is our growth in our county. I mean, that’s great growth we’re having, and it’s a managed growth, so this is part of that management — managing traffic because it’s gotten bigger and bigger with the schools and the communities here.”

Published August 29, 2018

Zephyrhills chamber presents awards, installs board

By

The Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce presented its 2018 Business and Community Awards last week at the annual Member Appreciation and Awards Banquet held at St. Joseph’s Parish Center, in Zephyrhills.

The event, dubbed “ZEPHYROPOLY,” attracted more than 200 business and community leaders, according to a chamber news release.

Community award winners display their trophies and certificates after the Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce Annual Community Awards and Membership Banquet on Thursday. From left; Beth Aker, East Pasco Meal on Wheels, Community Service Award; Anna Bailey, Creative Soul’s Café, Small Business of the Year; Robert and Terry Hilferding, Innovative Business of the Year; Cliff Martin, Jarrett Ford Dade City, Chamber Member of the Year; Vicky Wiggens and Kelly Sinn, Sunrise of Pasco County, Diamond Award; Todd Vande Berg, city planning director, Zephyrhills, Economic Development Champion; Lee Heffelfinger, ABC Pizza, Ambassador of the Year; Rod Rehrig, Marine Corp League, Citizen of the Year; Jonathan Till, Rep. Danny Burgess, Leadership in Government; Russ Heffelfinger, ABC Pizza, Ambassador of the Year; Cliff McDuffie, Zephyrhills Elks Lodge #2731 BPOE, Leadership in Youth Involvement; Kevin and Sandy Bahr, Cindy and Lenny Bahr, Bahr’s Propane Gas & A/C, Large Business of the Year. (Courtesy of The Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce)

This year’s theme focused on what makes Zephyrhills great, and the event featured state Rep. Danny Burgess, as its master of ceremonies. It’s the third time in a row that Burgess filled that role, and he donned a top hat and bow tie for the occasion.

Audience members played a game of “chance,” which involved visiting “properties,” such as Bulldog Way, Zephyrhills Municipal Airport, Main Street Zephyrhills and so on, where they took selfies.

Other highlights included having a chance to shake hands with a veteran, or thank Police Chief Derek Brewer or Fire Chief Brian Swartout for their services to the community, the release said.

Laughter could be heard throughout the hall as Kevin Bahr of Bahr’s Propane Gas & A/C, Bob Hatfield, aide to Congressmen Bilirakis, and Representative Danny Burgess were sent to jail and had to be “bailed out.” Our very own auctioneer, Steve Linder, got the crowd excited as he solicited bids, the release continued.

Awards were presented, too.

Here’s the list of winners:

  • Innovative Business of the Year: Zephyrhills Brewing Company, for innovative product or service, entrepreneurial spirit and corporate citizenship
  • Small Business of the Year: Creative Soul’s Café, for exemplary reputation, product or service, growth, leadership and corporate citizenship of a business with less than 25 employees
  • Large Business of the Year: Bahr’s Propane Gas & A/C, for exemplary reputation, product or service, growth, leadership and corporate citizenship of a business with 25 or more employees
  • Zephyrhills Economic Development Champion: Todd Vande Berg, city planning director, for exemplary contribution furthering economic development of the community
  • Leadership in Youth Involvement: Zephyrhills Elks Lodge #2731 BPOE, for exemplary contribution to youth in the community
  • The Diamond Award: Sunrise of Pasco County, for exemplary contribution by a nonprofit organization to the betterment of the community
  • Community Service Award: Beth Aker, for exemplary volunteer service to the community
  • Citizen of the Year: Rod Rehrig, for exemplary contribution to the betterment of the community over the past year
  • Leadership in Government Affairs: Jonathan Till, for exemplary contribution and public service at the city, county, state or federal government level
  • Chamber Member of the Year: Jarrett Ford of Dade City, for exemplary contribution and service to the chamber over the past year
  • Chamber Ambassador of the Year: Russ and Lee Heffelfinger, for exemplary service, leadership and representation by a chamber ambassador in the community

The chamber’s new board also was installed. They are: Dr. Randy Stovall (PHSC, Provost Emeritus), president; David West (Make a Difference), vice president; Vicky Jones (Palm Tree Acres MHC), president-elect; John Scott (Gulf Coast Financial Strategies), treasurer; and Jasmine Wilkins (San Antonio Citizens Federal Credit Union), secretary.

The board’s 2018-2019 directors are: Carolyn Hodges (Faithful Friends Pet Creation); Sam Abrahani (Zephyrhills Moose Lodge 2276); Alex Hulbert (Dewberry); Randy Light (Light Insurance); Kathy Britton (Berkshire Hathaway Home Services); Amanda Maggard (Florida Hospital Zephyrhills); Sam Turgeon (Sunlight Realty); Amy Chappell (CenterState Bank); Kevin Sullivan (Nicoletti Law Firm); and Dean Smith (Health Markets).

Published August 29, 2018

Market Place at Hibiscus Park prepares for new season

By

The Market Place at Hibiscus Place in Dade City will be marking its fifth season, with its first event this year set for Sept. 1.

The market is held on the first Saturday of each month, September through May, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Narvel and Debby Pettis, of Trilby, had a booth featuring their Alpaca farm, during a previous Market Place at Hibiscus Park. (Courtesy of Richard K. Riley)

The event is free, and both people and pets are welcome.

Shoppers will have plenty of choices, said Lucy Avila, event coordinator.

“We have a variety of vendors,” said Avila.

“We could be as many as 25 to 30.”

Some of the items that will be available for purchase include soaps, birdbaths and feeders, honey, fresh produce and jewelry.

Patrons also can purchase cookies and scones, enjoy Italian ices and hot dogs, and sample various wines.

Guests can stroll through the park, relax at picnic benches, listen to music — or step up to perform for others with the help of a karaoke machine.

From left, a shopper checks out the scents of various soaps at the Dade City Soap Company booth, during a previous Market Place at Hibiscus Park. Also shown, Marilyn O’ Rourke, of Dade City (white blouse), and Lucy Avila, coordinator of the market, as well as Veronica Boise, of Dade City, and her daughter, Lorraine Boise, owners of Dade City Soap Company.

“It’s a hometown feeling because Dade City is that,” Avila said.

All proceeds will go toward the Dade City Youth Council, which will be taking an active role at The Market Place.

Camille Hernandez, Mayor of Dade City, oversees the Youth Council and has been instrumental in helping its members broaden their horizons.

The Youth Council has had the opportunity to visit City Hall, where members have been able to learn about different aspects of government and how to officiate meetings.

The group also has shown movies to students at Rodney B. Cox Elementary School.

Avila hopes that the event will encourage patrons to attend other Dade City events, including the Festival of Christmas parade, during the holidays, and the Kumquat Festival, which is held each spring.

For more information, call Avila at (352) 424-4972 or email her at .

The Market Place at Hibiscus Park
Where: Seventh Street & Bougainvillea Avenue, Dade City, FL 33525 (In front of the Dade City Garden Club)
When: First Saturday of the month, from September through May, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Cost: Admission is free
Details: Vendors will be selling goods, food will be available for purchase and there will be entertainment at this pet-friendly event.
Info: Contact Lucy Avila at (352) 424-4972 or .

Published August 29, 2018

New traffic signals aim to improve safety

By

A new traffic signal has been installed and is now operating at Eiland Boulevard and Handcart Road, and another traffic signal installation is underway at Eiland Boulevard and Geiger Road.

A ribbon cutting for the traffic signal at Eiland and Handcart is scheduled for Aug. 23 at 9 a.m.

The installation of that light was completed in time for the 7 a.m. start of the school year on Aug. 13.

“It’s been a very dangerous intersection,” said Pasco County Commissioner Ron Oakley.

A new signal is expected to be operating at Eiland and Geiger by late November.

The traffic volume along Eiland Boulevard has been increasing as the county experiences more development, Oakley said.

The Eiland and Handcart intersection is among three that Oakley said were priorities.

In addition to the Eiland traffic signals, a third one is planned at Chancey Road and Coats Road. That signal will be operating in late October.

And, along with the traffic signal, Eiland and Handcart had other improvements, including guardrails and road resurfacing.

Pasco County completed a 30-day traffic operations study at the intersection to collect traffic data.

The analysis showed that the traffic signal was warranted “based on Handcart (Road) southbound approach volumes and the amount of left turn vehicles turning east onto Eiland Boulevard.”

The study also found that two crashes occurred from Jan. 1, 2013 to Dec. 31, 2013. The crashes “may have been prevented with the installation of a traffic signal,” the study found.

From Jan. 1, 2012 to Dec. 31, 2014, the study also documented two angle crashes that occurred at the intersection.

However, the number of crashes alone didn’t indicate a “historic trend,” or meet national standards of five or more angle crashes that could be prevented by installing a traffic signal.

The Pasco County Commission approved the design plans for the project in 2016. Construction began in March 2018.

By Kathy Steele

Published August 22, 2018