The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Zephyrhills/East Pasco News

Getting down and dirty in summer camp

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It’s a few minutes before class will start and 6-year-old Elix Danahue, 10-year-old Elizabeth Lankist and 11-year-old Karis Williams are looking forward to the day’s lessons.

The children are in a class being taught by Eden Santiago-Gomez.

The three children are among a group of 21 in a Farm to Table Summer Youth Camp, offered by the University of Florida/Institute for Food and Agricultural Sciences and Pasco County Extension in Dade City.

Eden Santiago-Gomez helps children in a Farm to Table Summer Camp work on an experiment. The youths next to Santiago-Gomez, from left, are Isel Chavez, Alan Guzman and William Lopez. (B.C. Manion)

“It’s a summer camp that teaches kids how to grow their own food,” said Gomez-Santiago, who is the Extension Office’s community gardens program assistant. Among other things the camp teaches is “the importance of nutrition, as well as water conservation,” she said.

All three kids said they’ve been enjoying the camp and would recommend it to friends.

That may be due to the teacher’s approach. She limits how long she talks and instead concentrates on letting kids learn by doing.

She also brings in guest speakers to give the kids a deeper look at various topics.

It’s the first time that Gomez-Santiago has offered a summer camp for kids, but it won’t be the last. There’s a possibility she could offer this camp again near the end of the summer, if there’s enough demand.

Otherwise, she’ll likely offer it twice next summer, she said.

“Each day, I have a different theme. The first day was Gardening 101,” Santiago-Gomez said.

“Yesterday, we talked about good bugs vs. bad bugs,” she said.

“They got to do a scavenger hunt, where they looked for these good and bad pests, and different elements that plants need.

Each day of the week has had a different emphasis.

On Wednesday, the children focused on learning about the importance of conserving the environment.

Gomez-Santiago asked the kids to tell her what they knew about pollution, then she shared some video clips on the topic.

Next, they did an experiment that involved making edible water bottles.

Later in the morning, an agent was slated to visit the class to talk about vermicomposting, which uses worms to turn food waste into compost called worm castings. Worm bins tend to take up less space than traditional compost bins and can even be kept inside.

“Kids will get to make their own little bins and will take them home,” she said.

Other days of the week involved lessons on food conservation, aquaponics, different forms of farming and gardening.

There was even a visit planned involving an agricultural agent to talk about chickens and manure.

Karis and Elizabeth said they especially enjoyed the gardening.

“I’ve always had a knack for gardening,” Elizabeth said.

“I like gardening,” Karis agreed.

Elix said he pretty much likes everything about the camp.

“It’s just so fun,” the 6-year-old said.

Published June 13, 2018

Solar farm approval recommended

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Despite opposition from area residents, a proposed solar farm of Blanton Road in northeast Pasco County is a step closer to approval.

Pasco County’s Development Review Committee has recommended approval of an amended ordinance that opens the way for the project’s development.

Committee members agreed with the county’s planning department that the solar farm, located on agricultural land, would be consistent with Pasco’s land development code.

Pasco’s Planning Commission approved the project in April, in a 6-3 vote.

Tampa Electric operates a solar plant at Big Bend. The company is proposing to build a solar farm, on rural land, off Blanton Road, outside Dade City. (File)

The matter now goes before the Pasco County Commission for a public hearing in New Port Richey, set for May 22. The final vote on the issue is set for June 5 in Dade City.

Tampa Electric is proposing to install about 464,000 photovoltaic solar panels on about 350 acres, off Blanton Road and Frazee Hill.

The project is known as Mountain View Solar.

About a dozen people objected to the project during public comment at the development review committee’s May 10 hearing.

They cited the loss of scenic views in an area known for rolling hills and open spaces. They called for additional county study and workshops to give residents an opportunity for input regarding how and where solar farms should be approved.

County officials acknowledged that the code doesn’t specifically list where “solar electric power collection facilities” are permitted. Decisions were made based on a section dealing with uncertain classification rules.

As a result, solar farms were deemed suitable for agriculturally zoned areas, but they also need a special exemption permit. County officials said the approval process gives residents opportunities to raise objections and provide input on the project.

But, residents said the current process is insufficient.

“It’s almost a shotgun effect, instead of thinking and planning for it,” said resident Paul Boetcher.

Others agreed.

“This involves the whole county,” said resident Nancy Hazelwood. “It’s just not our area. How many solar farms are you going to put in each district? How are you going to control that?”

Resident Judy Geiger said the county seemed to be reacting, when there should be proactive measures.

“Hire a planner that knows solar,” she said. “Let’s do solar all at one time, instead of piecemeal.”

Electric company officials say, if approved, TECO plans to invest about $75 million in the solar farm, which is expected to produce about 53 megawatts of power.

Over the next decade, TECO plans to invest about $850 million in solar projects to produce energy for about 100,000 customers in Florida.

Revised May 17, 2018

Hitting all the right notes — together

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It’s a Monday evening at the Dade City Woman’s Club and vocal coach Alison Graham sits at a small round table, near a bank of windows.

Girls are sitting around her on the floor, listening as Graham reads through judges’ comments from their most recent competition.

It’s a routine the girls know well.

The singers, who are members of Graham Music Studios, are accustomed to performing, and also to being judged.

Alison Graham, of Graham Music Studios, uses a blend of constructive criticism, humor and kindness to help the singers under her direction to develop their voices. (B.C. Manion)

They make frequent appearances at local events, such as the Pasco County Fair, the Kumquat Festival, Church Street Christmas, the San Antonio Rattlesnake Festival, the Dade City Christmas Stroll, and the holiday show at The Shops at Wiregrass.

They compete at Spotlight on Talent, a local showcase and also every year at Access Broadway in Orlando, which has regional and national contests.

Graham’s groups have been competing in Orlando for about 10 years.

Last summer, her middle group won the national competition and this spring, her oldest group took the top prize in regionals.

Graham’s groups compete in regionals every year in Orlando, and at nationals when they’re held there. The nationals rotate between Orlando, New York and Las Vegas.

While her groups and individual members in the groups have a good track record at competitions, Graham said that’s not her focus.

“It’s not about the trophy,” she said.

She’s far more interested in the individual development of each of her singers.

Amelia Collins awaits her part during a practice on a Monday evening at the Dade City Woman’s Club.

Her groups also aim to foster teamwork and camaraderie.

After a singer performs, Graham said she tries to talk to her before the awards are announced.

She wants to know how the singer felt about the performance. Sometimes the singer will acknowledge that she hadn’t prepared enough; other times, she’ll say she gave it her all.

“I don’t care what place you got. I care about: ‘Did you do well for you?’ Did you do your best?’,” said Graham, who has been coaching vocal groups and giving private voice lessons for more than 20 years.

Striving to reach their potential
She wants her singers to make the most of their ability and to continue the quest to improve.

“One of the things I say all of the time is, ‘Good is the enemy of great.’ If you’re OK with good, you are not going to be great,” she said.

Sometimes, the judges won’t see a performance the same way that Graham sees it.

When, for instance, the judge gets it wrong in Graham’s opinion, she’ll tell the singer: “We both know you got ripped off.”

Georgia Piersall dons an apron for a practice session of ‘Opening Up,’ from the Broadway show, ‘The Waitress.’

In the same breath, though, she’ll remind them: “You can’t control the judges. You have to focus on what you can control.”

Graham has three singing groups.

In general, Showtime is made up of elementary students; Showbiz is made up of middle school students; and Showstoppers is made up of high school students. Occasionally, a younger girl may be part of an older group.

And, because there are three different age groups, Graham has set up a system: “There’s a big sister, a middle sister and a little sister, and they look out for each other,” she said.

They bond with each other and validate each other, too, she said.

“If a girl kills it and still comes in fifth, the other girls will support her,” the vocal coach explained.

Graham’s weekly group lessons are 45 minutes long, beginning at 6 p.m., for the youngest singers; then at 7 p.m., for the middle group; and at 8 p.m., for the oldest group.

It costs $50 a month for the group lessons, but that doesn’t include expenses for costumes or entry fees for competitions. Most of her older singers also take private voice lessons with her.

Graham began her career as a music teacher at Hunter’s Green Elementary School, but decided to offer private lessons when her son was born, more than two decades ago.

The waiting list for her private lessons grew so long that she decided to form groups.

Most of the singers at Graham Music Studios come from Dade City, but some come from other areas, including Zephyrhills and Sumter County.

Graham said the success of her program is a result of the dedication of her singers, and the support of both their parents and the community, at large.

“I have a lot of people say, ‘Is your job like Dance Moms? I bet it is.’

“Honestly, it’s the opposite of Dance Moms.

“When I came to Access Broadway, one of the moms had Starbucks for me. Another mom ran and got my lunch for me.

Showbiz, the middle group from Graham Music Studio, rehearses a number from ‘Wicked.’

“They are just: ‘Whatever those girls need.’

“That’s why they’re successful,” Graham said.

Occasionally, though, something will come up, and she’ll have to have a chat with a parent.

She’ll say: “My job is to do what’s best for the group, and your job is to what’s best for your kid. Sometimes, those things don’t overlap.”

Ultimately, though, “they all have to understand that I’m the one who is going to pull the trigger in the end,” the vocal coach said.

The community of Dade City provides welcome support, Graham added.

“If we were from a large town, like Tampa, you just don’t know them. But in Dade City, people know these girls,” she said.

Having the girls look out for each other is essential when they are performing at a large event, Graham said.

At The Shops of Wiregrass, during the holidays, for instance, “when those little girls come off the stage, the big girls are waiting there for them,” she said.

The girls grow attached to each other and to Graham, and the vocal coach also bonds with the singers.

There’s a lot of affection and laughter, but a good deal of focus and effort, too.

Offering criticism and kindness
Catherine Beard, a relatively new singer in the oldest group, said belonging to the group requires commitment. “It takes a lot of hard work. We all have to practice over and over, until we get it right,” she said.

She thinks the singers are in good hands.

“Mrs. Alison is absolutely wonderful. She’s kind and supportive. She’s experienced. She knows what she’s doing,” Beard said.

Some girls in the oldest group have been singing with Graham for a dozen years.

Megan Phillips joined Graham’s group 11 years ago.

She was delighted when Showstoppers received the top honor at Access Broadway’s spring regional competition. The group put in extra practices to prepare and faced quality competitors, she said.

Phillips appreciates Graham.

Members of Showstoppers rehearse ‘Opening Up,’ a song from the Broadway show, ‘Waitress.’

“Mrs. Alison is a second mom. I’ve known her almost my entire life, and she’s a great person. She’s supportive and nice, but she’s not afraid to tell us what we’re doing wrong and what we need to improve ourselves,” Phillips said.

She values the other girls in her group, too.

“We really are a family here, and I love everything about Showstoppers,” Phillips said.

Mikayla Mauradian, a member in the middle group, appreciates Graham’s candor and high standards.

“Miss Allison is truly a great teacher and we love her, and she always pushes us to do better, no matter the rating,” Mauradian said.

Georgia Piersall, a member of the oldest group, said the bond between the singers helps them perform well together.

“It definitely helps to have a group of girls who are as close as sisters to work with,” Piersall said.

Plus, she added: “Mrs. Allison is so incredibly dedicated to what she does, it amazes me. She treats us like her own and is always proud of us, no matter what.”

Graham feels connected to the girls, too.

It’s always emotional when one of her singers graduates and moves on, Graham said. “I cry every year. I just sit there, and bawl and bawl.”

The girls may leave, but they tend to come back to visit.

Many show up at the end-of-year performance and pitch in backstage, Graham said.

The vocal coach believes that being part of the group gives the girls something they wouldn’t have independently.

“Something, at some point, is going to go wrong for you,” Graham said.

The friendship and support the girls get from one another, helps cushion them for life’s blows.

“It’s having a safe place to land,” Graham said.

Members of Showstoppers: Catherine Beard, Mackenzie Ferrell, Analiese Gallagher, Maitlin Hart, Chase Hemphill, Kiersten Herman, Megan Phillips, Georgia Piersall, Shelby Surratt and Haley Sanders.

 

Members of Showbiz: Bailey Bardin, Amelia Collins, Haley Collins, Isabella Como, Emma Crist, Lyndsey Furtado, Lyra Lacson, Emily Loyed, Mikayla Mauradian, Kassie Miller, Mackenzie Robinson, Payton Rodgers, Emma Shireman, Analee Tomkow, Marlee Tomkow and Macy Whisnant.

 

Members of Showtime: Carly Bowling, Katarina Carroll, Ellie DeLoyed, Sally Harper, Larkin Mainwaring, Lacey Miltner, Emeley Poblick, Sophia Poblick, Shyleigh Reeher, Mackenzie Trenkle and Keaton Ward.

Published May 16, 2018

Pasco High student earns top score in nation

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Madison Hoyle spent hours upon hours reviewing practice problems and quizlets, so she’d be fully prepared for the Cambridge International AS Psychology exam.

It turns out that was time well-spent for the Pasco High senior.

Hoyle was recently recognized by Cambridge Assessment International Education for achieving the highest score in the nation on the psychology exam, outperforming all other American students.

Pasco High School senior Madison Hoyle was recently recognized for scoring highest in the nation on the Psychology AS. (Courtesy of Madison Hoyle)

Her actual score was not released because of Cambridge’s data privacy policy.

Hoyle and other Pasco High students in the Cambridge program took the two-part, written psychology exam last May.

The first paper required students to recall details of well-known psychological studies, such as the Milgram and Stanford Prison experiments.

The second paper required students to evaluate the experiments by explaining given strengths and weaknesses, and providing a better, alternative study themselves.

Hoyle, in a recent interview with The Laker/Lutz News, said she was “blown away” when she heard about the high mark.

Nevertheless, Hoyle admitted the exam as a whole wasn’t too difficult, noting the first written exercise was easier than the second “just because it was a lot of being able to memorize.”

Said Hoyle, “I pretty much spent like three days memorizing all that stuff, so I knew pretty much that I was pretty good on paper one. Paper two was challenging because you kind of had to talk about all the studies as a whole and compare them.”

The Cambridge curriculum can be compared to Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) curricula, whereby students in the high school program can earn college credits and an international diploma. Those who earn the diploma also qualify for a Florida Bright Futures College scholarship.

In 2017, students in the United States completed nearly 100,000 Cambridge International AS & A Level exams, a record number and an increase of 23 percent over the prior school year, according to Cambridge International.

Hoyle, a Zephyrhills native, has been taking Cambridge classes at Pasco High since her freshman year.

In choosing the accelerated academic program, it was a matter of convenience compared to the IB program at Land O’ Lakes High School.

Hoyle said she was debating whether to do IB or Cambridge and decided on Cambridge because she didn’t want to get up really early to take a bus over to Land O’ Lakes.

She also liked the fact that Cambridge didn’t require her “to take classes like fine arts and gym and that kind of thing, and I could actually take classes that were interesting that would also count as college credit.”

Because of all the Cambridge credits she earned, Hoyle said her college freshman year will be mostly complete.

Hoyle will attend Florida Gulf Coast University in the fall, where she plans to study biology. She eventually wants to go to medical school and become an emergency room doctor.

She said the Cambridge program helped her to become a better learner, which may ease the transition to college life.

In some instances, Cambridge courses were more challenging than AP courses, the student said.

“I think the fact that all of the (Cambridge) tests were written helped because I actually had to know things to be able to write them down, instead of being able to try and guess on it,” Hoyle said.

“Even though there are some written responses on AP, it’s primarily multiple choice, so even if you don’t know how to do the problem, there’s a chance that you can kind of guess on it. With Cambridge, there’s really no way to go around that. You actually have to have the information and be able to do it.”

Hoyle wasn’t the only Pasco High student recognized by Cambridge International.

Thirty of her peers were also recipients for Cambridge Learner Awards for their achievement on Cambridge examinations for the 2016-2017 school year.

And, Pasco County Schools as a whole was named District of the Year — Medium Sized Cambridge District.

The district was recognized for expanding access to Cambridge exams by more than 100 percent and achieving a pass rate of 76 percent.

The district launched the Cambridge education program at Pasco High and Pasco Middle schools in 2014.

The acceleration program has since been incorporated into San Antonio Elementary, Paul R. Smith Middle and Anclote High schools.

Pasco High teacher Erika Simmons administers several Cambridge courses, including psychology.

She taught many of the students recognized by Cambridge, including Hoyle.

“They’re a tremendously bright group of kids that for being part of a program so new, they’ve been able to thrive and be very successful, and patient,” the teacher said.

Simmons, who previously taught AP classes for several years at Wiregrass Ranch High, explained it was a “huge change” for instructors and students adjusting to the Cambridge educational style.

In the AS-level Psychology course, for example, students focused on 20 different studies or experiments in depth, ranging from biological to social psychology. The students were then required to not only have in-depth knowledge about each study but also be able to critically evaluate the study on topics, such as usefulness, validity, reliability and ethics.

Said Simmons, “The biggest thing is (students) learn to really be critical thinkers… and they learn how to really deconstruct information. They do a lot of reflecting on the process of learning, and I think that whole reflection process pushes them to another area of learning that AP really doesn’t offer as much.”

She continued: “They’re taught to question the validity, the credibility of sources, whether it’s in psychology, chemistry, in the news. They’ve learned to be critical of things, as well as getting multiple perspectives on things…and then analyzing, ‘OK, well which one of these do I go with? What do I support?’”

Simmons was initially astonished, yet ultimately not surprised, when she heard Hoyle achieved the nation’s highest mark on last May’s psychology exam.

The teacher described Hoyle as “incredibly diligent and focused.”

Simmons added: “She’s an out-of-the box thinker. She doesn’t come to deal with the generic ideas. She does bring new ideas and questions in her studies.

“Last year, when I would grade Madison’s papers or I’d grade the whole class, if I was frustrated that kids weren’t getting it, I could always go to Madison’s paper and be like, ‘OK, I know she’s going to get it because she always did. It was consistent. …I don’t think she got anything but As on her exams last year, so I knew that she always showed that she knew what she was doing. I never worried about her,” the teacher said.

Pasco High School Cambridge Scholar Award winners

  • Andrew Hull
  • Carrie Greene
  • Tam-An Hoang
  • Kayleigh Heather
  • Drew Johnston
  • Julia Gregory
  • Madison Jender
  • Madison Hoyle
  • Sylvia Martinez
  • Molly Bentley
  • Savannah Jividen
  • Mackenzie Green
  • Taylor Hays-Lankford
  • Elizabeth Coleman
  • Allyson Worthy
  • Brendan College
  • Brittnee Hampton
  • Hazel Wilburn
  • Lindsey Torres
  • Akosua Kissi
  • Nathalie Sawczuk
  • Micaela Blomeley
  • Annemarie Peacock
  • Amber Wood
  • Susana Stripling
  • Maunel Tarango
  • Brian Andruskiewicz
  • Emily Weiser
  • Jillyan Jerkins
  • Cara Dwyer

Published May 9, 2018

Approval recommended for TECO solar farm

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Opponents are disappointed

A proposed solar farm in northeast Pasco County cleared the first hurdle needed for approval — despite impassioned pleas and even tears from area residents who oppose it.

The Pasco County Planning Commission recently voted 6-3 to recommend approval of the project to the Pasco County Commission, which has the final say.

Tampa Electric Company, or TECO, needs a special exception permit to build the solar farm on about 350 acres on two sides of Blanton Road. Portions of the site are bordered by Frazee Hill and Platt roads. The site is north and west of Pasco-Hernando State College’s East Campus.

It’s not clear when the county commissioners will take up the issue.

There is a 30-day appeal period for challenges to be filed against the planning commission’s decision.

Additional delays would come if an appeal is filed.

Nearly 240 people crowded into West Pasco Government Center in New Port Richey on April 9 for a five-hour public hearing on the proposed project.

Tampa Electric Company operates a solar farm in Big Bend. (File)

Opponents objected to the loss of unique scenic views in a gateway area into Dade City, which is known for its rolling hills.

“This is by no means something that fits in this area,” said Gregory Ostovich, who lives near the proposed site.

“This is clean energy,” he said. “However, there is a term called visual pollution. This is spewing huge amounts of visual pollution in our area that trees will not hide, shrubs will not hide.”

About 250 acres of the proposed solar farm site are owned by State Sen. Wilton Simpson and his wife, Kathryn Simpson. Additional acreage is owned by James Gross & Ranch Inc., according to county records.

If built, TECO officials propose investing about $75 million and anticipate production of about 53 megawatts of power. About 464,000 photovoltaic panels would be installed that would track the sun daily from east to west, and feed power to TECO’s electric grid.

Over the next decade, TECO plans to invest $850 million in 10 solar projects that would provide energy to about 100,000 homes in Florida.

The electric company has about 20,000 customers in Pasco County, but company officials said the solar farm’s energy production would be shared by all of TECO’s service-area customers.

Consultants and TECO officials laid out a site plan that they said would produce clean energy and protect wildlife.

They provided renderings of a buffer of trees and shrubs along the roadway that would largely block views of the panels, and maintain Dade City’s rural character. They also emphasized cost efficiencies of solar compared to other fuels.

“Photovoltaic is going to be a good neighbor,” said Mark Ward, TECO’s director of renewables.

The project had some supporters at the hearing, including Charles Lee, director of advocacy for Audubon Florida.

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.

In testimony during the hearing, a TECO representative committed to keeping that corner undeveloped “in perpetuity.”

“I understand that neighbors would like things to remain the same,” Audubon’s Lee said. “Renewable energy is important. We believe it is a good site. We believe the impacts have been well taken care of. We think the applicants have done an exemplary job of setting aside an area (for an eagle’s nest). This is not normally what we see.”

Landowners who would sell to TECO, if the project is approved, also supported it.

Members of the Jordan family, which harvested citrus groves for decades, described years of struggle to hold onto their way of life. But, the citrus greening disease has devastated Florida’s citrus industry, they said.

“It is not viable,” said Alice Jordan. “We can’t do it anymore, folks.”

But, opponents kept coming back to what they and Dade City would lose.

Laura Myers described the beautiful views she and her family had in a new home they bought on top of the hill overlooking the solar farm site.

“That’s not going to be covered by their buffering,” she said. “Instead of God’s sunrise, we are going to be looking at solar panels.”

Property owner Gordon Comer and his attorney, Gordon Schiff, contend the project doesn’t meet the county’s land use regulations including a northeast rural protection plan.

Comer said he was a real estate developer with 20 years of experience in Hillsborough, Pinellas and Polk counties.

“I am not opposed to appropriate development moving in,” he said. But, the solar project, he added, would substantially diminish the quality of life and property values.

Schiff declined to comment if an appeal would be filed.

The matter produced sharp differences among the planning commissioners as well.

“This is just the wrong place,” said Art Woodworth Jr. “There are plenty of other places TECO can site solar. I can’t understand why TECO is so intent on jamming this down the throats of northeast Pasco (residents).”

Planning Commission Charles Grey, who supported the solar farm proposal, acknowledged that perhaps a better location could be found.

But, Grey said: “Every time you find a location, someone will say ‘that is not a great spot. You need to put it over there.’

“It’s a beautiful area,” Grey said. “I want to see it preserved.”

But, Grey continued: “Everyone has rights. Not just you. Property owners have rights too.”

Published April 28, 2018

Smithsonian’s sports exhibit stops at local museum

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Jim “Mudcat” Grant is a Lacoochee native son who blazed a trail as the first African-American to pitch a 20-game winning season in the American League.

His 1965 win/loss record for the Minnesota Twins was 21-7.

Grant, now age 82, lives in California.

He won two World Series games, also in 1965, pitching for the Twins against the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Stephanie Black, executive director of Pioneer Florida Museum, shows off the Smithsonian traveling exhibit, ‘Hometown Teams: How Sports Shaped America.’ (Kathy Steele)

During one of those wins, he powered a three-run homer over the fence. He was named The Sporting News American League Pitcher of the Year.

Grant’s career began in 1958 with the Cleveland Indians, about a decade after Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier in major league baseball. He pitched his last game in 1971, pitching for the Oakland Athletics and the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Mudcat is a name given to Grant by another ballplayer who reportedly thought he was from Mississippi, and Mudcat fit.

Grant’s star quality as an athlete is now on view at the Pioneer Florida Museum & Village, in Dade City.

His career is part of the Smithsonian Museum’s traveling exhibit, “Hometown Teams: How Sports Shaped America,” which runs through April 28.

Baseball, and Grant’s achievements, are just one of the highlights of the exhibit, which covers every sport imaginable.

There are interactive videos and trivia on baseball, football, bowling, soccer, cheerleading, roller blading, basketball, surfing and much more.

“There are all different sports,” said Stephanie Black, the museum’s executive director. “Everybody can come in here and see something different.”

The interactive nature of the exhibit is meant to get conversations going about the impact of sports in American culture.

Items on display include a Wheaties box with soccer star Brandi Chastain; videos with marching bands and mascots; a mock-up of bleachers with seat cushions that reveal answers to baseball trivia; photographs; trophies; sports magazines; and, audio of athletes and fans talking about their favorite memories.

A lecture series is planned, too
On April 14 at 2 p.m., University of Florida history professor Steve Noll will be the featured speaker. Anyone wearing a sports team’s jersey or T-shirt will get a 25 percent discount on the museum’s fee.

Other lectures are tentative, but information can be found at PioneerFloridaMuseum.org.

It’s a true traveling exhibit.

The Smithsonian traveling exhibit, ‘Hometown Teams: How Sports Shaped America,’ is the second Smithsonian exhibit to visit the Pioneer Florida Museum.

Once “Hometown Teams” leaves Dade City, it heads to the Dunedin Historic Museum, among other stops in Florida.

This is only the second Smithsonian exhibit for the Florida Pioneer Museum. The first was last year when the museum featured “The Way We Worked,” a look at the working life of Americans from the mid-19th century to the late 20th century.

The exhibits are part of the Museum on Main Street series, sponsored by the Smithsonian in partnership with state and local organizations.

The Florida Humanities Council selected the Pioneer museum to host Hometown Teams, and awarded a $5,000 grant. A portion of the grant will help sponsor a Dade City Little League team.

Host sites are encouraged to reach out locally for athletes who can be featured in the exhibit.

It was special to see Mudcat play
Most of the memorabilia from Grant’s career came from family members who still live in the area.

“We were fortunate that they were able to be so involved,” Black said.

A few items also are from the collection of artifacts on loan to the museum from alumni of Moore Academy, and the later schools bearing the names of Moore-Mickens.

“We’ve had a tremendous response from the community,” Black said. “Everybody is so excited about this.”

A life-size cutout of Jim ‘Mudcat’ Grant is featured in a display highlighting Grant’s career in major league baseball. Grant grew up in Lacoochee.

Grant’s twin sister, Johnnie Mae Lopey, remembers her first time watching her brother pitch professionally in Cleveland. She went there with their mother, Viola Grant.

A scoreboard announcement splashed her name onto the screen as Grant’s twin sister.

“That was special to see him play,” she recalled.

Through the years, Grant has left memorabilia with her, including a life-size cutout, which is part of the exhibit.

His nephew, Jamie Lopey, described Grant as a “family guy” who always encourages youth to play sports, especially baseball.

Grant is co-author of “The Black Aces,” a book that chronicles 15 black pitchers who had 20-game winning seasons in the majors. He also includes some who played in the Negro League.

Johnnie Mae Lopey said her brother had challenges even a decade after Robinson began playing for the Brooklyn Dodgers.

On one trip through Georgia, team members stopped for lunch, and Grant was told to go to the back door.

“His teammates said if he has to go to the back door, we’ll all go to the back door,” she said.

Grant has been back to Lacoochee on several occasions. Mudcat Grant Boulevard, near the entrance to Stanley Park, is named for him.

Local businessman Jesse Stanley, for whom the park is named, was an early booster of Grant when he played baseball at mini-camps, and was signed by the Cleveland Indians.

Johnnie Mae Lopey said her brother never let being from a small town hold him back. And, she said, that’s his message to youngsters still.

“Keep on practicing and try to be somebody,” she said.

What: Smithsonian Exhibit, “Hometown Teams: How Sports Shaped America”
Where: Pioneer Florida Museum, 15622 Pioneer Museum Road, Dade City
When: Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Exhibit ends April 28.
Cost: $10, adults; $8, seniors; $5, students including college students with valid school identification. No charge for children under age 5, and for active duty military with identification (with immediate family).
Info: (352) 567-0262 or PioneerFloridaMuseum.org

Published April 4, 2018

Zephyrhills voters head to the polls

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Voters in Zephyrhills will decide the outcome of two city council seats in an election set for April 10.

In District 3, Devin J. Alexander, Cory P. Sommers and Jodi Wilkeson are competing for the seat vacated by Kenneth Compton, who chose not to seek re-election.

In District 4, incumbent Charles E. Proctor will face challenger William D. Seville.

Brian Corley, Pasco County supervisor of elections

Voters can pick up carry-out absentee ballots through April 9, at Zephyrhills City Hall, 5344 Ninth St.

On April 10, voters must cast their ballots between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. at Alice Hall Community Center, 38116 Fifth Ave., in Zephyr Park.

Although voter turnout is historically low for municipal elections, Brian E. Corley, supervisor of elections for Pasco County, thinks there could be an uptick in participation this year.

Voters “appear to be a little more energized than in the past, which certainly makes me a happy camper,” Corley said.

Plus, there’s a sizable number of voters who, for the first time, requested Vote by Mail ballots for the 2016 election cycle, leading up to the presidential and general election, Corley said. They requested ballots through every election for two cycles, he said.

These voters typically don’t vote in city elections, but ballots have been mailed to them.

So, now, “literally, all they have to do is fill in a couple of ovals, and drop it in the mail, or get it back to our office by 7 p.m. on the 10th, and it will obviously count.”

Corley finds it ironic that voter turnout “is through the roof” for elections when voters are choosing the nation’s president, but local elections have low turnouts.

“Your city council members — those are the ones you pass by, going to church, going to Walmart. They make very important decisions that deal with the future of your city. It really kind of baffles me that people don’t get involved in coming out to vote in those elections,” Corley said.

“They need to get off the sidelines. They need to get in the game and have their voices heard,” he added.

Meanwhile, voters won’t need to do a thing in Dade City, San Antonio or St. Leo on election day.

The results of those are already known — since the candidates in those races drew no opposition.

In Dade City, Scott Black and Camille S. Hernandez won seats on the City Commission.

In San Antonio, Elayne Bassinger, Sarah Schrader and Eric C. Stallworth won seats on the City Commission.

And, in St. Leo, Donna H. DeWitt, James E. Hallett and Richard Christmas won seats on the Town Commission.

Published April 4, 2018

County commissioners plan future road projects

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Pasco County commissioners favor a pair of road projects for segments of Curley Road and Prospect Road that are aimed at handling more traffic in a rapidly developing area of the county.

The roadwork is part of a network of projects, by the county and the Florida Department of Transportation, to improve connectivity with State Road 52, Clinton Avenue, Curley and Prospect roads.

Residents check out proposed road improvements in northeast Pasco County. (File)

In the next 20 to 30 years, traffic counts in the area are expected to triple, according to data from the road studies.

Road widening, realigned designs, and a roundabout are on the drawing board.

County commissioners reviewed two traffic studies and voted on recommended projects at their March 14 meeting in Dade City.

An open house for the Prospect Road/Happy Hill Road Route Study was held in 2017 and was attended by more than 50 people.

County commissioners considered four construction alternatives, as well as a no-build option.

One alternative shifted the road east; another went west; a third also went west, but with a roundabout. A fourth modified the westward option with the roundabout to avoid taking right of way from properties on the east side of Happy Hill Road.

The County Commission approved the modified option, as recommended by HDR, the study’s consultants.

The adjustment to Happy Hill eliminated seven parcels from a potential list of right of way purchases. Consultants said that was possible only with a roundabout.

An initial design with bicycle lanes striped off on the road shoulder and 5-foot sidewalks didn’t please Pasco County Commissioner Kathryn Starkey.

She asked consultants to consider a multi-use trail, on at least one side of the road, and to think about a link with the proposed Orange Belt trail. The bicycle lanes would be insufficient, she said.

“That doesn’t work for our families,” Starkey said. “They’re just not going to put their kids on the road.”

By 2041, traffic is expected to triple to about 24,000 vehicles per day, according to the study.

County commissioners also looked at two alternatives recommended in the Curley Road North Route Study.

The study was initially done in 2005, but was updated last year by URS Corporation Southern. It looked at Curley Road, from north of Wells Road to north of a realignment of State Road 52.

One alternative widened Curley Road to four lanes by acquiring right of way on both sides of the road, but generally follows the existing route. The second took a major share of right of way from the east side of Curley Road, from Wells Road to Kiefer Road. From there to McCabe Road, right of way would come from both sides of Curley, with the four-lane segment transitioning to two lanes north of McCabe Road.

Recommendations also were made on traffic signals versus a roundabout where Curley Road, Prospect Road and Mirada Boulevard meet.

Mirada Road is a new road that is part of the master-planned community of Mirada, which is within the Connected City corridor.

More than 60 area residents attended an open house in 2017 to look at maps, and offer public comment.

County commissioners opted for the second alternative, and the roundabout.

Published March 28, 2018

An ‘unsung hero’ seeks to help others to grow tasty food

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When a crowd gathered in January to celebrate the dedication of the Watson Park Community Garden in Dade City, there was a man standing quietly in the background — as the festivities progressed.

That man, Brightman Logan, played a vital role in providing the support to help make the garden happen, Whitney C. Elmore, who leads the Pasco County Extension Office, told the crowd — characterizing him as an “unsung hero.”

Brightman Logan says ‘it’s so easy’ to grow delicious food, once someone understands the basics. He’s been instrumental in helping the Pasco County Extension Office in its quest to introduce more community gardens in Pasco County. (B.C. Manion)

As it turns out, Logan helped financially, but he also has given his time to help the Pasco County Extension Office pursue its plans to nurture the growth of community gardening across the county.

Logan thinks it’s important work, and he’s glad to join the University of Florida, the city of Dade City, Pasco County Schools, master gardeners and other volunteers in a quest to make it easier for people across the county to grow their own food.

“It’s really so easy, once you understand it,” said Logan, who has had affinity for the outdoors since he was a child.

Although he grew up in South Tampa, his family had a farm in Pasco County, and he always enjoyed being there.

“My family is from an agricultural background, forestry and things. My grandfather was in naval stores — (the) turpentine and pitch business.

“I grew up listening to his stories about the woods, that’s really what got me to the feel of it,” he said.

He went on to get a degree in biology and then ended up creating his own native plant nursery, and then an organic vegetable farm.

His native plant business flourished for years.

“We did all kinds of neat projects. We did work all over the state. We worked with Disney. We worked throughout the Southeast,” he said.

“When the economy went down in 2008, it just took us out. It went from great to just nothing,” he said, noting he did what he could to hang on, but ultimately had to cease operations.

Next, he branched into other things.

“We actually had an organic vegetable farm up here, called Magnolia Organics, and we ran that for about four years, 2008-2012,” he said. “We grew great food. It was so awesome.

“We would bring classes out. These kids were just blown away that you would actually just pull a carrot out of the ground. They just thought you went to Publix, where it was wrapped up, and you bought it there,” he said.

But, there just wasn’t enough buy-in to keep the organic farm going, he said.

“We were kind of ahead of the curve,” he said.

So, even though he’s shifted into different directions, he wants to share his knowledge with others.

“There are people starving out there. It’s so easy to grow your own food. We need to start teaching people and reaching out to people, and show them what they can do,” Logan said.

He’s been working with Elmore to see how he can help to create a momentum for community gardens across Pasco County.

By supplying what’s needed to establish a garden plot and by teaching people how to tend to their plots, the idea can catch on and take hold, Logan said.

“You want everybody involved,” he said. ““When you have all of these people, you have this synergy.”

By getting youths involved, he said, “you can have a lifelong impact.”

“I’ve been so blessed in my life, I want to try to help other people,” said Logan, who is married to Nan, and they have two grown children, Brightman Logan Jr., and Martha Jean Logan. They also have two granddaughters.

Published March 28, 2018

Proposed solar farm sparks controversy

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An open house to preview a proposed solar farm in northeast Pasco County drew an impassioned crowd of residents who mostly panned the project.

Tampa Electric, known as TECO, is seeking a special exception permit to build the solar farm on about 350 acres, off Blanton Road in Dade City.

The first public hearing for the project will be with the Pasco County Planning Commission at a future date.

The solar farm, if built, would produce about 55 megawatts of renewable energy. The project represents a $75 million investment from TECO. It is part of the electric company’s master plan to expand its use of solar power.

Tampa Electric operates a solar farm at Big Bend at Apollo Beach, in Hillsborough County. The same technology will be used at a proposed solar farm in Pasco County, if approved.
(Courtesy of Tampa Electric)

By 2021, TECO anticipates investing $850 million in 10 solar projects that are expected to generate energy for about 100,000 homes.

About 120 residents attended TECO’s open house on March 8 at Pasco-Hernando State College, outside Dade City.

The electric company planned the event as a one-on-one exchange between residents and its employees, who stood next to poster boards ready to explain the project.

Midway through the event, however, resident Dot Ward climbed aboard a chair with a plea.

“I suggest we all leave and tell the county we aren’t happy,” she said.

Most appeared to share her opposition to the project, and disappointment with TECO’s event.

“This is the jewel in the crown of Pasco County,” said Pat Weaver, in describing the aesthetics and scenic views on what could become a solar farm.

“This is agriculturally zoned out here,” said Weaver, who is a former Dade City mayor. “Solar is not agriculture. It’s industrial. This is not something you can grow.”

However, Sharon Hanna-West is concerned about future development proposals, if the solar farm is rejected.

She hasn’t decided if she is for or against the solar farm, and she wants more information. She worked with other residents on the Northeast Rural Protection Overlay District.

The Pasco County Commission adopted the district in 2016 as part of the county’s long-range land use plan.

It was a victory for residents, Hanna-West said.

But, she said, “I want ya’ll to think long and hard about this blanket opposition. So, be careful what you hope.”

The solar farm would be built on two sides of Blanton Road, on the southeast corner of Blanton and Frazee Hill Road; and, on the northwest corner of Blanton and Platt Road. The site also is to the north and west of Pasco-Hernando State College’s East Campus.

About 250 acres are owned by State Sen. Wilton Simpson and his wife, Kathryn Simpson. The couple bought the property from Wells Fargo Bank in 2016 for an estimated $1.5 million.

Additional acreage is owned by James Gross & Ranch Inc., according to county records.

Many expressed concerns about noise and loss of property values.

About 464,000 panels would be installed. TECO officials said the panels swivel and follow the sun’s direction, which allows for better energy collection.

In height, the project is equivalent to a one-story structure, they said. They also said noise level is “imperceptible.”

Alma Coston, who lives near the site, was skeptical.

“They say it doesn’t make any noise. That’s a bunch of hooey,” she said.

She said people enjoy the scenic views and rolling hills.

“We’re on one of the highest ridges in Florida,” said Coston.

The regulations set out for the overlay district govern residential development of three houses or more. It also restricts mining operations or other projects that tear up hillsides or impair vistas. Portions of some roads, including State Road 52, Bellamy Brothers Boulevard, Trilby Road and Blanton are designated as “rural-scenic.”

New development isn’t prohibited but would need to meet certain standards, including buffering.

“This (solar farm) isn’t going to protect our view shed,” said Jill Yelverton, who lives directly across from the site.

She also worries about a bald eagle’s nest, located in the southeast corner of the property near Ramsey Road and Blanton. She said she has seen eaglets.

TECO officials said the nest will be protected. Design plans include a 660-foot radius as a buffer. There are no plans to ever develop that area of the property, they said.

Area residents in the past have opposed two housing developments at the site – Berry Hill Estates and College Hill.

“We don’t mind residential, at least, if it’s on one, five or 10 acres,” Yelverton said. “That would be acceptable.”

That’s the current housing pattern in the area, she said.

For more information about TECO’s proposal, visit TampaElectric.com.

Published March 21, 2018