The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Zephyrhills/East Pasco News

Ownership agreement reached on Hercules Park

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The city of Zephyrhills and the Pasco County School Board are ready to complete a deal that will deed part of Hercules Park to the city.

A gate and a stop sign block entry into Hercules Park in Zephyrhills. About 9 acres is expected to be deeded to the city, so that the park can be reopened.
(File)

The Zephyrhills City Council approved an inter-local agreement with the school district on June 25. The agreement will be presented to school board members on July 24.

If approved, Zephyrhills would own about 9 acres of the approximately 15-acre park, off Gall Boulevard.

“We’re glad. We’re happy,” Zephyrhills City Manager Steve Spina said.

Negotiations have been ongoing with school district officials for years on the park’s fate.

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

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

The school board, which eventually came to own portions of the property, signed an agreement for Pasco County to operate the park. But, nearly eight years ago, Pasco closed the park as a cost-savings measure.

The park has languished until the city and school board reached this new agreement.

“Sometimes, it’s worth waiting for,” said Spina.

This 2017 rendering shows potential plans for refurbishing Hercules Park. No final decisions have been made.
(File)

In addition to the land, Zephyrhills would receive about $13,000, which could be used for general cleanup or possibly to cover demolition of structures at the park’s former aquatic center.

The money is a donation from developers who bought park acreage from the school board at the corner of Eiland and Gall boulevards. The site has a new WaWa gas station and convenience store, which recently had a grand opening.

As part of the agreement, Zephyrhills’ officials agreed that the remaining park land would be kept for public use only.

Spina said area schools would be able to use the park for special events.

A master plan for Hercules Park is under consideration, but Spina said no decisions have been finalized.

In 2017, plans for the park included trails, a picnic area, a trailhead for bicyclists and an outdoor center.

But, Spina said, “It’s not our intent to open the aquatic center.”

A decision also must be made on what to do with a building located by the swimming pool, he added.

Some playground equipment remains at the park, but Spina said, “It might be replaced. It’s badly out of date and doesn’t meet ADA (Americans with Disability Act) standards.”

Published July 11, 2018

Local garden club celebrates National Garden Week

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The Dade City Garden Club recently celebrated National Garden Week, with a variety of activities in Dade City.

Diane Scott, of Dade City Garden Club, demonstrates how to make a floral arrangement to one of the city employees.
(Courtesy of Dade City Garden Club)

The club received a proclamation from the Dade City Commission in May, asking the club to share their knowledge with Dade City residents.

In response, the garden club set up 21 floral displays and three conservation exhibits in 17 Dade City businesses, according to a news release from the Dade City Garden Club.

The exhibits were “Storm Water Runoff,” “Plight of Springs” and “Threats to our State Parks,” the release says.

The floral displays were placed at Hugh Embry Library, Peterson Insurance, Centennial Bank, Historic Courthouse, Matter of Taste, City Hall/Exhibit, Kiefer’s, Center State Bank, Williams Lunch on Limoges, Nye Commercial, Wells Fargo/Exhibit, Pioneer Museum/Exhibit, Sun Coast, Garden of Eden, The Custom Frame Shop, Law Office of Sarah Sultenfuss, and Law Office of Laurie R. Chane, the release said.

The club also hosted a free “Nature Detective” workshop at the library.

And, it hosted an open house on June 9 from 9 a.m. to noon, where they showcased all of the floral designs and exhibits that have been at area businesses.

The club’s historic ornaments also were on display. The club has created 24 ornaments since 1994.

Club members also were on hand to give garden tours and answer questions.

Light refreshments were served.

Published July 11, 2018

Help kids succeed, donate school supplies

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Every year, students are asked to bring supplies from an ever-growing list to school on the first day.

Efforts are underway to help students who need supplies for the 2018-2019 school year.
(File)

Pasco County Tax Collector Mike Fasano is sponsoring a countywide Back-to-School Supply Drive, throughout the month of July, to help alleviate the burden of the families that may not be able to afford the supplies required.

“Gone are the days when a notebook, a pencil and some book covers, often made out of old shopping bags, were what most kids needed,” Fasano said, in a news release.

“Now in addition to backpacks, earbuds, USB drives and a variety of pens, pencils, tape, crayons and other items, they are expected to buy supplies for the classroom as well.”

Too many families struggle to provide for their own children, let alone provide towels, wipes and items for other students to use, he said.

All five tax collector offices will be collecting donations of school supplies. Cash donations also can be made, at any of the locations.

To mail a check, send to Tax Collector Mike Fasano, P.O. Box 276, Dade City, FL 33526. Note on the memo line: Back-to-School Backpack Promotion.

Schools in each community will receive the supplies soon after the promotional campaign ends.

For more information about the Pasco Tax Collector’s Back-to-School Supply Drive, contact Assistant Tax Collector Greg Giordano at (727) 847-8179, or visit PascoTaxes.com.

Office locations also can be found at the website.

Published July 11, 2018

Local governments share forum

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Pasco County has shared interests with city governments, but it’s a rare occasion for county and city officials to meet in a joint public forum.

But, that’s exactly what happened on June 26 when staff members and elected officials from Pasco County, the town of St. Leo, San Antonio, Zephyrhills and Dade City sat down at Saint Leo University to discuss topics of mutual interest, and such meetings could become an annual or semi-annual event.

“We need to do more things together,” Pasco County Commission Chairman Mike Wells Jr., said.

Officials from Pasco County, the town of St. Leo, San Antonio, Dade City and Zephyrhills held a joint forum at Saint Leo University to discuss topics of mutual interest. (Kathy Steele)

Most of the talk centered on roads, traffic and redevelopment.

Each of the city and town representatives highlighted accomplishments and issues of concern.

Traffic and road projects topped the list, including one traffic crossroad, known as “calamity corner.”

The intersection is where State Road 52, headed toward St. Leo, takes a turn to the right. But, motorists at that juncture also are navigating along Pompanic Street and College Avenue.

They are guided by signs to stop or yield, and a string of three red caution lights that motorists can find confusing.

“There are a lot of accidents, near accidents, and complaints,” said Eric Stallworth, who serves on the San Antonio City Commission.

Former Pasco County Commissioner Ted Schrader spoke a few months ago at a Pasco County Commission meeting about the intersection and urged county commissioners to find a fix for it.

One idea was for a roundabout.

That appealed to Pasco County Commissioner Kathryn Starkey, who said the topic could be brought up at the August Pasco County Metropolitan Planning Organization.

Discussion also focused on current and ongoing road projects, including widening and realigning State Road 52.

An additional extension of State Road 56 is being sought, too.

Currently, State Road 56 is being extended from Meadow Pointe Boulevard in Wiregrass Ranch to U.S. 301 in Zephyrhills.

Zephyrhills’ officials are seeking additional state funding for a study on linking State Road 56 to State Road 39.

City and county benefit from greater roadway connectivity, said Todd Vande Berg, Zephyrhills’ planning director.

With roads and existing rail lines, Vande Berg said, “We think there’s an opportunity to have an inland port at the (Zephyrhills) Municipal Airport.”

Zephyrhills and Dade City representatives also provided brief views on projects paid with revenues from their Community Redevelopment Areas, or CRAs.

Zephyrhills has used funds for items, including Hercules Park, street lighting and three neighborhood cleanups that removed 900 tons of debris.

“It has made a difference,” said Gail Hamilton, the city’s CRA director.

Future plans include Zephyr Park improvements.

Dade City (which has two CRAs) used its CRA funds, along with Florida Department of Transportation money, to extend Hardy Trail. The trail is envisioned as part of a network of area trails.

The CRA also provides matching grants as incentives to redevelop Dade City’s historic downtown.

The projects brought praise but also criticism of CRAs in general from Pasco County Commissioner Mike Moore.

“It’s no secret. I’m not a big huge fan of CRAs,” he said. But, he added, “I do appreciate both cities doing it properly, and not including the entire city in a CRA.”

Moore and other county commissioners have been critical of CRAs in Port Richey and New Port Richey, which are drawn to include all properties within city limits.

State law has since been amended to be more restrictive, with a CRA being no more than 80 percent of a municipality.

CRAs are special taxing districts that generate property taxes for reinvestment in community projects to end blight within those districts. Once a property tax baseline is established, future property tax revenues are available to the CRA. Those revenues, then, aren’t available to the county’s general funds.

Moore said it doesn’t make sense for areas with expensive homes to be in a CRA. “Obviously, we know an entire city isn’t blighted,” he said. “That’s not too kosher.”

He anticipates the Florida legislature eliminating new CRAs after complaints about mismanagement statewide.

Zephyrhills City Manager Steve Spina disagreed.

“I’m not sure they’re going away,” he said.

If they do, Spina said the city would lose the incentives it can now offer to spark redevelopment. “We have a much more vibrant downtown now,” he added, because of the city’s CRA.

It’s the “bad apples” that are misusing CRAs that are the problem, said Starkey.

“I’m OK with it, if we add accountability and transparency,” she said. “I think the language in the (Florida) statute was poorly written.”

Published July 4, 2018

Goat yoga brings happy hour to American House

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Goats turned loose in a yoga class behave pretty much like nature meant them to act – like goats.

They nibble a button on Ron Hinson’s shirt.

A Nigerian dwarf goat strikes a pose – or just balances on three legs while scratching his ear. Meanwhile, humans raise their hands in a stretching exercise during ‘goat yoga.’ (Fred Bellet)

They climb higher plateaus, like Michele Ryan’s inviting back as she drops down onto four hands into the cow pose.

They take snack breaks — and munch the greenery in the enclosed garden at the American House senior living community in Zephyrhills.

Or, they jump into the laps of unsuspecting observers, who thought they could sit in chairs and wonder from inside their goat-free bubble: Why all the fuss about “goat yoga?”

The answer came in a chorus of “ohs” and “whoa” that burst forth from yoga students, charmed by the antics of about a dozen Nigerian dwarf goats.

About 35 people from American House, and local residents, unfurled yoga mats (or sat and watched) for an hour of gentle yoga, with rambunctious goats.

Wesley Chapel resident Kayleen Jenkins, 15, is surprised and delighted when she realizes a goat is balanced on her back. She was one of about 35 people who enjoyed ‘goat yoga’ at American House in Zephyrhills.

The humans gave in to laughter and fellowship.

“See the joy,” said yoga instructor, Leiko “KoKo” Bergers.

“Everyone has a little bit of the love of nature in them. And, the goats bring that out.”

American House resident Jack Hanrahan, 84, laid on his mat while a goat stepped onto his tummy.

He’s an avid yoga student for its health benefits. He thought adding goats was just plain fun and a “good experience.”

Michele Ryan and Judy Chassey saw a flier about the goat yoga experience at their gym.

“We really didn’t know what to expect, but we’re animal lovers,” Ryan said.

Goat yoga was a first for American House, which is home for assisted living and memory care residents.

It won’t be the last.

Yoga instructor Leiko ‘KoKo’ Bergers, center, guided her students through a gentle yoga class with special guests – a dozen Nigerian dwarf goats. Here, one goat shows its appreciation to Bergers.

Animals are a big deal at American House, whether goats or kittens, or birds. Special visits are regular events.

“Animals are always so therapeutic,” said Debbie Kern, American House’s activities director. “We’re always doing something up close with animals and nature.”

Goat yoga started trending about two years ago when a ranch owner in Oregon let her goats roam freely through an outdoor yoga class.

Debbie Canton, founder and executive director of Grady Goat Foundation, rounded up her crew of goats for the inaugural goat yoga class at American House.

Canton and her family operate a working ranch in Thonotosassa, where she has about 90 goats.

On Saturdays and Sundays once a month, people are invited to Hat Trick Ranch for goat yoga. Donations are accepted, and funds given to charities to aid children with physical, mental or economic challenges.

A Nigerian dwarf goat relaxes as Thonotosassa resident Lea Bourlan, in the background, waits for the start of ‘goat yoga’ at American House in Zephyrhills.

The nonprofit foundation is named for Grady, a goat that couldn’t stand or walk at birth. Though he learned to walk, he also was blind and deaf. Canton said his struggles and his perseverance were inspiring.

From the time a goat is born, socializing with humans begins, Canton said.

“They are all handled from Day 1,” she said.

Interaction between goat and humans adds a little spark.

“We consider ourselves to be full-contact goat yoga,” Canton added.

As the class began, she laid down a few rules to follow.

For one, be wary of putting fingers near their mouths.

“They do nibble,” Canton said. “But, they also do like to be scratched anywhere. Under the chin is their favorite spot.”

She enticed a few goats to climb onto students’ backs with small treats of animal crackers. “We take out all the goat ones,” she joked.

A Nigerian dwarf goat relaxes as Thonotosassa resident Lea Bourlan, in the background, waits for the start of ‘goat yoga’ at American House in Zephyrhills.

There can be hazards during class.

Canton has a spray bottle of cleaner fluid at the ready for goat “accidents.”

Everyone adapted.

“Glad to see you today,” said Hinson, as a pair of goats nuzzled him. One heard the call of nature. “Hey, you’re peeing on my blanket.”

Canton quickly eradicated the blotch.

Chassey summed up the experience in one word: “Awesome.”

Dade City resident Connie Gonzalez, 60, found herself surrounded by goats, eyeing her dangly earrings and climbing on her back.

“You can feel the points of their feet,” she said. “It feels good. And, I have trouble with my back.”

Thonotosassa resident Lea Bourlon shared the feeling.

“I loved it,” she said. “They really give you a good massage when they’re on your back.”

Published July 4, 2018

Stroll showcases spirit of patriotism

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Walkers took an old-fashioned patriotic stroll during this year’s SummerFest in Zephyrhills.

Supporters, hospice staff, volunteers and student groups from Zephyrhills schools take a patriotic stroll around the lake at Zephyr Park.
(Richard K. Riley)

The charity walk was a new element at the festival, but is expected to become an annual event.

The walk raised money to benefit hospice patients and families, with suggested donations of $10 for adult walkers and $5 for kids.

The walk took place around the lake, shortly before the fireworks display at sunset.

“We are honored to be invited to take part in the festivities at SummerFest, and I think the Old-Fashioned Patriotic Stroll will be a nice addition to the family friendly atmosphere,” Linda Ward, president and chief executive officer of Gulfside Hospice & Pasco Palliative Care, said in a news release.

SummerFest, a free event, took place from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., at Zephyr Park, 38116 Fifth Ave., in Zephyrhills.

Other activities at SummerFest included dance and watermelon-eating contests, food vendors, bounce houses, family games and a crafter area.

Published June 27, 2018

 

Park once again may be a place to make memories

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When Peterson Park originally opened, it was a place where motorists traveling down U.S. 98 could pull over to a wayside rest area to take a break.

But, it was more than that.

The small park, south of the Lacoochee River, became a popular place with locals — and was the setting where people made memories that have lasted for decades.

Scott Black has a Facebook page called Trilby Homecoming. When he announced Pasco County’s plan to sign a lease with the Florida Department of Transportation that could lead to the park’s reopening, the post unleashed a floodgate of memories involving the park. (B.C. Manion)

When Scott Black, a Dade City commissioner, shared the news on his Trilby Homecoming Facebook page that Pasco County is seeking to reopen the park, his page lit up with comments.

One post, by Tim Gibson, recalls: “I spent many summer days there as a kid (and enjoyed) fried fish, hushpuppies, cheese grits and baked beans.”

Larry McElveen shared his recollections, too: “I remember picnics, family reunions and especially the summer swims with my Crawford (Sharon, Brenda and Janet) cousins at Peterson Park. Fond memories, indeed.”

Rodney McLeod experienced an especially big moment at the park: “This is where I proposed to Debbie Marsee on 13 March 1981,” he posted. “Happy to see it reopened.”

While many shared memories of socializing at the park, Barbara Basham recalled enjoying a different aspect of Peterson Park. It was, she posted, “my go-to place for reading and quiet time.”

Alan Spriggs recalled going to the low-lying park when it was under water: “We even had fun when it flooded, trying to find the (picnic) tables to sit on,” he posted.

And, Alvaro Fernandez shared a memory of a higher spiritual purpose for some visits to the park: “I remember the Baptist Church would baptize at the river at that location,” he posted.

Black, a local historian with a deep fascination for Trilby’s history, keeps people up to date on news involving the community.

When he posted about Pasco County’s intention to sign an agreement with the Florida Department of Transportation for a 30-year lease for Peterson Park, he couldn’t believe the extent of the reaction.

Peterson Park is a low-lying park, which is prone to flooding. This is a look at the park in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma. (Stefanie Burlingame)

“I’ve never had one (post) that generated this much interest,” Black said. “This had more views than anything: “11,647 people were reached, 274 people have reacted with Emojis, 113 comments. 147 shares,” he said.

Peterson Park, which sits on less than 2 acres, became a park in 1952, when the state road department decided to establish wayside parks along state highways.

The park is on the west side of U.S. 98, just south of the Lacoochee River, near the Pasco-Hernando county line.

“They would set up these nice little picnic areas for the travelers, for them to stop,” Black said.

Besides being a place for picnics, it was next to the river, so people could fish there, swim there and put in their boats there, Black said.

The park had concrete picnic tables and benches, which are still there.

“Everything is pretty much original,” Black said, noting county parks department may want to consider keeping it just the way it is.

The site does flood periodically, so it’s probably not a good idea to have wooden picnic tables, or a dock, because those would be damaged by floodwaters, Black said.

The park has been gated off for more than 20 years, according to the agenda item involving the lease agreement.

The county’s Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Department is interested in reopening it.

Doing so would provide access to recreational opportunities along the Withlacoochee River, which is a state-designated paddling trail, according to county staff.

Reopening the park would provide opportunities for picnicking, fishing, wildlife viewing, canoeing and kayaking, the agenda item says.

There is no current timetable for reopening the park.

The agenda item for the lease states that county staff “will continue to seek grant funding opportunities to redevelop the park. A county match may be required but would be presented to the BCC (County Commission) for approval at the appropriate time.”

Black hopes the county will be able to secure funding to reopen the park.

“This is where I grew up out here, so it’s a special place for me,” Black said. “People will drive by and bemoan the fact that the park is there, but can’t be used.”

To read more of people’s memories, or to add your own, go to the Trilby Homecoming page on Facebook.

Published June 20, 2018

Buzzin’ about bees at the Hugh Embry Library

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Ginny Geiger, a member of the Dade City Garden Club, delivered an entertaining and informative program on the importance of bees at the Hugh Embry Library.

Ginny Geiger delivers a high-energy lesson on the importance of bees. (Christine Holtzman)

Geiger led the “Nature Detectives Bee Workshop,” dispensing information and, at one point, demonstrating how a bee might act, if a wasp — an enemy of the bee — approached the hive.

In her hour-long workshop, Geiger talked about the importance of bees as pollinators.

The western honey bee, according to the University of Florida, IFAS Extension, is conceivably the most important pollinator in Florida and American Agricultural landscapes.

Three-year-old Miguel Alvarez, of Dade City, proudly shows off his bee that he made during the workshop.

Bees are critical to the food chain, and without them much of the fruits and vegetables at local supermarkets would disappear.

Besides talking about the importance of bees, Geiger also gave the children a chance to try their hand at making a bee.

The workshop, held during National Garden Week, was sponsored by the Dade City Garden Club, in coordination with the Hugh Embry Library.

The program was first developed by the St. Augustine Garden Club and is recognized by the American Library Association.

Everyone who took part received a bee swag bag — containing things to do, fun facts, a packet of flower seeds, honey samples and a copy of the book “You Wouldn’t Want to Live Without Bees.”

By Christine Holtzman

Published June 20, 2018

With her model bee in hand, 9-year-old Glorie Todd, of Dade City, listens to instructor Ginny Geiger as she speaks about the next activity, which will be sampling honey.
Seven-year-old Annabelle Harris, of Dade City, and her brother, 9-year-old Anderson, construct their model bees during a hands-on activity at the Nature Detectives program.

Deborah Roberts, of Zephyrhills, helps her grandson, 5-year-old Kaeden Roberts, construct a model bee during one of the hands-on activities given recently at the Nature Detectives Bee Workshop at the Hugh Embry Library.

Six-year-old Annette Sanchez and her mom, Leticia Alvarez, from Dade City, work together as they glue the wings on a model bee. The bee was included in the little girl’s ‘swag bag.’

Volunteers spruce up Moore-Mickens campus

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Volunteers put a little shine to the campus of Moore-Mickens Education & Vocational Center in Dade City.

They swept the parking lot, raked and bagged leaves, pruned the greenery and cut the lawn.

Inside, they cleaned up the kitchen and refrigerators, and wiped down walls.

Dade City resident Quantabia Maner serves on the Community Enrichment Committee for the Moore-Mickens Education & Vocational Center. She helped organize a Saturday cleanup at the school.
(Fred Bellet)

Future projects include interior painting and a pressure washing for the exterior of the school’s buildings.

For now, the cleanup efforts were done just in time for summer activities.

“It looks so much better,” said Marilyn Hunter, president of the Moore-Mickens Education & Vocational Center, at 38301 Martin Luther King Blvd., in Dade City.

Many of the volunteers who showed up for work duty on May 26 are former students who wanted to give back.

Some of those who turned out also serve on the school’s advisory board or its junior board.

“This is a legacy,” said Warren “Snapper” Godbolt, a director on the advisory board and a 1968 graduate of the school. “It’s been a life saver in a lot of ways to a lot of people. The teachers here made a lot of difference in our lives. They were like second parents for us.”

Dade City resident Guy Wright brought his ride-on mower to Moore-Mickens Education & Vocational Center to help spruce up the campus.

Moore-Mickens is a historical landmark in Dade City as the first public school for blacks in Pasco County. It began as Moore Academy, but later operated under the Moore and Mickens’ names as elementary, middle and high schools, and lastly as the education center.

The school’s name honors its founding educators, Rev. Junias D. Moore and Odell Kingston Mickens.

Pasco County Schools closed Moore-Mickens in 2016, citing the expenses of repairs and upkeep.

Nearly a year ago, a coalition of community activists accepted the keys to Moore-Mickens from the Pasco County school board. There is a 30-year lease, at a cost of $10 a year.

School administrators and its board of directors are revitalizing Moore-Mickens as a learning center and social hub for the community.

Dade City resident Ed Reed clipped overgrown palms to help beautify the landscape at Moore-Mickens Education & Vocational Center.

“We want this to be a new beginning,” said Godbolt. “The first priority is education. If you can save anyone’s child, you’ve done something.”

In recent months, the school has begun afterschool tutoring and General Equivalency Diploma classes. This summer, the school is partnering with a Gainesville-based nonprofit, Mega Social Enterprise Inc., to offer job training skills to youth, ages 14 to 21.

Although some students have signed up, additional applications are being accepted, Hunter said. The program will provide stipends during training, and will seek to find hands-on work opportunities in the community.

Sprucing up the campus was a kickoff to a busy summer.

Quantabia Maner is in charge of the Community Enrichment Committee for the school and helped organize the cleanup day.

Pam Roberts, a junior board member, attended sixth grade at the school. She was in charge of lunch for the volunteers – hot dogs, chips and drinks.

“It was a great experience for me,” she said of her brief time at Moore-Mickens. “I have great memories.”

Dade City resident Arthur Whitehead, 80, was among the first volunteers to show up on a recent Saturday morning to clear leaves and sweep the parking lot at Moore-Mickens Education & Vocational Center.

Arthur Whitehead, 80, was an eager volunteer. He was born in Tampa but lived most of his life in Dade City. He pushed a broom to sweep up leaves and dirt from the parking lot.

“I’ve lived here longer than Tampa, and I wanted to help out,” he said.

Mack Brockington operates Soul Refreshing Outreach in Zephyrhills. He wants to expand services and open a food pantry at Moore-Mickens. “We’re trying to move in this direction (to Dade City),” he said.

A friend and fellow church member, Guy Wright, brought a ride-on mower to clip the lawn, especially the tall grass between classroom buildings.

Ed Reed is a custodian for Pasco County Schools. He went to elementary school at Moore-Mickens. His father, Freddie Reed, worked on the construction of Moore-Mickens’ buildings.

Baron Bloodsworth, of Dade City, signed as a volunteer, ready for cleanup duty at Moore-Mickens Education & Vocational Center. Bloodsworth attended the school in the late 1990s.

And, Ed Reed’s wife, Ella, was a majorette and student there.

“I’m glad I’m part of it,” said Reed, who pruned palms from planters, and in the landscaping outside the buildings.

Baron Bloodsworth attended middle school in the late 1990s. He grabbed a rake and went to work. “It made an impact on the community,” he said. “Anything I can do to help.”

Edele Graham had appointments that day but made time to give an hour or so to the cleanup. She attended middle school. “I just want to see it stay and thrive,” she said.

For information on Moore-Mickens or the Mega Social Enterprise summer youth program, call Marilyn Hunter at (352) 807-5691 or Saundra Coward at (352) 467-0313.

Published June 13, 2018

Controversy continues over solar in Pasco

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The Pasco County Commission has adopted an ordinance that will guide future decisions on where and how solar farms are permitted.

But, the controversy over a proposed solar farm in northeast Pasco County continues.

Commissioners approved the ordinance relating to placement of solar farms at their June 5 meeting in Dade City.

Pasco County Commissioner Mike Moore, who supported the ordinance, said, “I feel not just as a county, but as a nation, we need to be less dependent on fossil fuel.”

The ordinance doesn’t settle what has been a controversial issue, however.

The county’s Planning Commission in April gave its stamp of approval to a special exception permit for Mountain View Solar Project. But, that decision is on hold until the county commissioners hear two appeals filed against the planning commission’s decision.

Tampa Electric Company, known as TECO, wants to install about 464,000 photovoltaic solar panels on about 350 acres, on both sides of Blanton Road. The solar farm would produce about 53 megawatts of power for TECO’s power grid.

The amended land use ordinance, adopted by the County Commission, codifies the county’s approach to regulating solar farms. Previously, the code did not deal directly with solar farms.

For the Mountain View project, county officials had to rely on a section designated for uncertain classification rules.

The newly amended ordinance permits solar farms as special exceptions in agricultural zones, and as permitted uses in some commercial and industrial zones. Future decisions on permitting would be left to county staff and the planning commission.

Many residents who live on and near Blanton Road, outside Dade City, are opposed to the solar farm.  They also spoke against the ordinance on June 5.

They told county commissioners they worried about impacts of photovoltaic solar panels on water and soil, about damage from panels swept up during hurricanes, and how fires would be handled on site.

“I think we’re just moving too fast with this,” said Margaret Woods. “I don’t think they’ve been around long enough to know what the long-term effect will be.”

TECO representatives in contrast cited research that has shown photovoltaic panels are safe, and typically are located on agricultural land.

“It’s a very compatible use with agriculture,” said Rich Kirkland, a certified appraiser from North Carolina. He said he had reviewed about 400 solar projects, including about 10 in Florida.

Pasco County Commissioner Ron Oakley said solar farms wouldn’t work for all agricultural lands. But, the Blanton Road site, with nearby transmission infrastructure, seems suitable, he said.

However, Commissioner Jack Mariano found some of the residents’ comments persuasive regarding safety issues, especially the disposal of old solar panels as waste.

“This is probably the most complex, difficult decision I’ve had as a commissioner,” he said. “I’m not sure we have done everything we should to make the best ordinance for the county.”

However, he voted in favor of the ordinance after receiving assurance that the county’s ordinance, as written, could be defended against legal challenges.

In future votes, residents raised concerns about the ordinance’s provision to place authority for solar permits with county staff and the planning commission. County commissioners would only be involved in the event of appeals.

Resident Judy Geiger noted that an appeal cost $2,500 to file. Additional fees for transcripts and attorneys would easily push the cost to $5,000 or more, she said.

“That’s huge to many Pasco county residents,” Geiger said.

Residents also said the county wasn’t paying attention to overlay district protections for rural areas that are part of the county’s land use plan.

“All of us bought homes in this area because of the beauty,” said Laura Myers, who lives on Blanton. “You’re going to take that away. I don’t understand who benefits. It’s going to be an eyesore we all have to live through.”

Published June 13, 2018