The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Zephyrhills/East Pasco News

Dade City water and sewer bills going up

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Dade City residents can expect an increase in their water and sewer rates, effective on Nov. 1.

Dade City’s city commissioners approved a 2 percent water rate increase and a 6.5 percent sewer rate increase at their Oct. 10 meeting.

The vote was 4-1, with Nicole Deese Newlon voting against the increases.

Water customers on average use about 6,000 gallons a month, which means the increase will add about 35 cents to the monthly bill, said Leslie Porter, the city’s finance director.

The sewer fee increase will add about $2.25 a month to the bill, she said.

The total increase for water and sewer customers would be about $2.60 a month.

Porter said Dade City also supplies water to some residents outside the city limits. They can expect similar increases in their bills, she said.

The new rates will be applied over the next five years.

But, Porter said, “That will be re-evaluated each year.”

This is the city’s first increase in fees in about eight years.

A consultant hired by the city completed an “Annual Water Resources Rate Study,” and presented the results to city commissioners in September.

In recent years, the city has paid for major upgrades to its wastewater system, and the additional revenues will help to pay down the debt service.

The increased funds also will help with operating expenses for renewal and replacements, Porter said.

The study also recommended that the city add two water system employees.

For information on the study, visit Dadecityfl.com.

Published Oct. 18, 2017

Florida Hospital CEO settling into new role

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It’s been a busy time for Amanda Maggard, since being appointed Florida Hospital Zephyrhills CEO more than a month ago.

Her first week on the job presented a unique and challenging experience, navigating the 149-bed regional medical center in the wake of Hurricane Irma, to ensure patients could be cared for at any time.

Amanda Maggard was appointed Florida Hospital Zephyrhills CEO on Sept. 4, replacing Randy Surber, who was promoted to CEO for Florida Hospital Heartland Medical Center in Sebring. Maggard previously oversaw the strategic development and operations for Florida Hospital Winter Garden, an outpatient facility. (Courtesy of Florida Hospital Zephyrhills)

But Maggard came prepared, considering she’s dealt with four other hurricanes throughout her career in hospital administration.

“Our team here did a great job. Overall it went very, very well,” said Maggard, when she sat down for an interview with The Laker/Lutz News. “The main thing is we were ready to care for all the patients and we got the team members here to do it.

“Fortunately or unfortunately, it’s my fifth hurricane that I’ve been through,” she said.

Since that whirlwind of a week, Maggard has turned her attention to hospital operations.

She’s focused on “listening and learning,” building relationships with hospital staff, patients and members of the east Pasco community.

“I’m kind of in that road show of just meeting a lot of people, both inside and outside the hospital,” Maggard said.

Aside from attending various events and functions citywide, Maggard has been shadowing key departments within the hospital, working shifts in the operating and emergency rooms, and observing surgeries and other medical procedures.

“I just enjoy being on the frontline and learning as much as I can,” the new hospital CEO said. “If you don’t have that connection point, you’re not always able to see and hear what our patients are experiencing or what our team is working through.”

Maggard was appointed Florida Hospital Zephyrhills’ new CEO on Sept. 4, replacing Randy Surber, who, after nearly four years, was promoted to CEO for Florida Hospital Heartland Medical Center in Sebring.

An award-winning hospital, Florida Hospital Zephyrhills offers the only comprehensive cardiovascular program in east and central Pasco County, including open-heart surgery and valve repair. Equipped with eight technologically advanced surgical suites, the hospital provides a full range of inpatient and outpatient surgical services, including, orthopedic, endoscopic, gynecology, urology, cardiovascular and robotic procedures. Also, the hospital’s newly-renovated emergency room that delivers emergency medical care 24/7 with a fast track suite for minor emergencies.

Florida Hospital Zephyrhills is an award-winning 149-bed regional medical center located in east Pasco County. It is a member of the Adventist Health System, which operates 45 hospital campuses across nine states.
(File)

Florida Hospital Zephyrhills presently offers services for the following: breast health, cardiovascular, diagnostic imaging, gastroenterology, general surgery, obstectrics, orthopedics, outpatient rehabilitation, urology, wellness center and spa, and wound care

During her first three months on the job, Maggard said one of her goals is to take a deep look at the hospital’s key service lines and facilities to determine possible improvements, based on the needs of the Zephyrhills community.

“What are the service lines that the community needs? What are those services that we could provide here that there’s enough of a need and a demand and that we can perform with great clinical quality?”

Finding ways to enhance the patient experience is another objective of Maggard’s, whether it’s through more personalized care or finding ways to reduce medical costs.

Said Maggard, “I feel very strongly that we’re here to serve the community and serve the patients. Our (Adventist Health System) mission is to extend the healing ministry of Christ, and I think if we’re not creating a great experience for our patients, we’re really not holding true to that mission. And if we’re not constantly looking for how we can do that better, we’re not living out our mission.”

Maggard, who comes from a family of nurses and healthcare professionals, also hopes to develop a culture at the hospital centering on responsibility, accountability and positive relationships, among others.

“I think some of the important elements of creating that ‘right’ culture are ownership,” Maggard said. “You’ve got to have a team that understands that they own their results, and they own their experience. It’s not someone else’s responsibility; it’s all of our responsibility. Part of that’s accountability, too. And it’s got to be accountability, from the bottom up and the top down.”

She continued: “I’m also a firm believer in, ‘life’s too short not to love your job’, so you’ve got to have a little fun in there, too. Patients feel that. I’m a big fan of Southwest Airlines and the culture they’ve built over the years, and they have a way to inject just a little bit of fun and personality into what they do.”

Steady community involvement also will be critical for Maggard, as the hospital is the city’s largest employer with more than 900 employees and 360 active physicians.

“I think its really important to be connected with the community because the community has a sense for what the needs. Typically, the hospital is one of the largest employers in the community, so it’s important that we’re looking for ways to give back and that we’re aware of the issues and how we can be involved with the community to improve it,” Maggard said.

Though just 34 years old, Maggard’s experience in healthcare administration is vast.

She’s worked for Adventist Health System—which operates Florida Hospital Zephyrhills and 44 other medical facilities — since 2004.

Prior to being named CEO of Florida Hospital Zephyrhills, Maggard oversaw the strategic development and operations for Florida Hospital Winter Garden, an outpatient facility. In advance of its opening in 2016, she led the facility’s design and construction, operational planning, community and physician engagement and team onboarding. Maggard’s responsibilities later expanded to include senior leadership for Florida Hospital Apopka’s ancillary and support services.

Her other stops include Winter Park Memorial Hospital, as assistant administrator and chief operating officer, and Florida Hospital Altamonte, as director or operations.

She also served as manager for training and consulting for the health system, as well as a marketing and foundation coordinator Florida Hospital Apopka.

In a release, Adventist Health System president/CEO Terry Shaw called Maggard “an effective and mission-focused leader who has excelled in engaging physicians, team members and the community in providing exceptional, whole-person care.”

Amanda Maggard, Florida Hospital Zephyrhills CEO

  • Master’s degree in business administration from Webster University
  • Bachelor’s degrees in business administration and communication from Union College in Lincoln, Nebraska
  • 2015 graduate of the Florida Hospital Physician Leadership Development Program
  • American Society of Training and Development certifications in training, instructional design and organizational change
  • American College of Healthcare executives member
  • In 2015, was named Orlando Business Journal’s “40 under 40”

Some additional thoughts from Amanda Maggard, new CEO for Florida Hospital Zephyrhills

Q: Long-term, for you, what are some of some of the most important aspects of the hospital CEO position?

A: “I think, for me, it’s a few things. Absolutely you’ve got to have great relationships with your physicians, because they’re also closest to the patient and they understand what the patients’ needs are for care and experience. You’ve got to create the right culture for your team. I am a firm believer in life is too short not to love your job and if you’re team doesn’t enjoy what you’re doing then the patients aren’t going to feel that and have a great experience, so we’ve got to set the right culture here for the team, and that has a trickle-down impact for everyone.
… I think getting out there rounding with the team, spending time with them, and really, we are a faith-based organization, and one piece of advice that I received before is to look at the role, not just as a CEO, but you’re really the Chief Spiritual Officer for your hospital, so I think that’s another aspect as well, looking at the spiritual health of the team.”

Q: Which aspects healthcare administration/operations do you most enjoy?

A: “I do really enjoy building that culture with the team. It’s very rewarding to me when we have a culture where employees enjoy what they do, including our physicians and where patients feel that difference when we’re involved with the community. We have a great reputation in the community and I enjoy improving results, so I do really love that you that you get to create that right culture, that culture has to then translate into better outcomes for our patients and a better experience. I really love being able to see that — what are the metrics that we’re using to monitor that performance and then how are we improving them.”

Q: What is the most challenging aspect of healthcare administration?
A: “I do think one thing that is challenging for us is how do we reduce costs. The healthcare environment’s payment models don’t fully reflect that you always get rewarded for that, but we still have to do the right thing for the patient, no matter what. But, figuring out how to reduce costs is a challenge.”

Q: Have you been monitoring potential healthcare legislation and how it might affect the hospital?

A: “The bottom-line is what happens in Washington D.C. is very important and will have a significant impact on us as much as what happens in Tallahassee. We have to figure out how to create great clinical quality for our patients, a great experience at a reduced cost to them, and I think those elements aren’t going to change, no matter what happens with some of the legislation. It’s kind of that triple gain that you hear about: better quality, better experience and lower costs; so I try to stay connected with that and try to learn, but I also try to buffer my team a little bit, because it can be easy to be distracted. I think those three things have to be our key focus, no matter what happens with the healthcare bill.”

 

Labor shortage delays debris removal

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Those piles of Hurricane Irma debris could be sitting near homes for as long as a couple of months, Pasco County officials have said.

That’s because there’s a shortage of work crews.

Pasco County homeowners may need to exercise patience, while they wait for debris from Hurricane Irma to be removed by subcontractors working for Pasco County. County officials say there’s a shortage of subcontractors available to get the job done. (Mary Rathman)

Officials hope that residents will be patient, as the county struggles to pull together enough work crews.

Pasco County Utilities, Solid Waste and Resources Recovery Department set the start of debris collection for Sept. 18. But, finding and keeping subcontractors who can do the work is proving difficult.

The problem is, Hurricane Irma took a swing through the entire state, stretching local government resources.

Financially, subcontractors are finding more lucrative contracts in South Florida, where Irma did the most damage. That has made it difficult for Pasco to secure and hold onto subcontractors.

“I’ve got a lot of complaints that we’re not getting anything picked up,” said Pasco County Commissioner Jack Mariano.

Working with the county’s consultant, Ceres Environmental Services, Pasco had hoped for 16 work crews. By Sept. 25, that number fell to eight. Then, one day later, the county could only count on four crews.

“There’s just not that many resources,” said John Power, the county’s solid waste facilities director. “At the rate we’re going now, we’re talking about a couple of months.”

Even as Pasco works to find its own crews to supplement county efforts, Power said other counties were calling Pasco to ask for manpower.

On Sept. 26, county commissioners approved inter-local agreements to allow Ceres Environmental Services to aid in securing cleanup services for Dade City, San Antonio and the Town of St. Leo.

Similar agreements are possible with New Port Richey and Port Richey.

Zephyrhills is the one city that has been able to do its own debris pickup.

Adding to Pasco’ cleanup task are suspicions that some residents are putting out more than storm debris curbside.

“A lot of people are using it for spring cleaning,” said Power, who said he was also waiting for debris at his home to be picked up.

Pasco County Commission Chairman Mike Moore wasn’t so sure.

“We need to be careful about making determinations,” he said.

The furniture and other goods being tossed onto residents’ piles could be from actual storm damage, he said. “It’s a delicate situation.”

Pasco County Administrator Dan Biles said the county likely will follow with a second county sweep after completing the initial pickups over the next weeks.

Pasco County officials have issued guidelines for debris pickup:

  • All debris materials must be brought to the curb or roadside.
  • Do not block fire hydrants, mailboxes, electrical boxes or other structures.
  • Do not bag debris.
  • Contractor generated debris won’t be picked up.
  • Refrigerators should be empty, with the doors secured or removed.
Piles of debris from Hurricane Irma may be a common sight around Pasco County, possibly as long as a couple of months. The county is struggling with a shortage of work crews to remove the debris. (Kathy Steele)

Debris must be separated into the following categories:

Furniture: Mattresses; couches, sofas, chairs; dressers; lumber, if not pressure treated; particle board; laminated flooring; dry insulation (if wet, pile with construction); carpet and padding

Construction: Drywall, plasterboard, ceramic tile, concrete, lumber (pressure treated), wet insulation

Vegetation: Tree cuttings (must be no more than 5 feet in length, and all branches must be bundled)

White Goods: Appliances, metal furniture, metal shelving, bicycles, items that are more than 75 percent metal

Hazardous Waste – Delayed Pickup: Any household chemicals; oil, gas, flammables; lawn and garden chemicals; televisions; computer monitors, computer towers (CPUs)

Contractor-generated debris won’t be picked up.

Requests for debris pickup must be submitted to Pasco County Customer Service Center by emailing ">, providing the address where the debris is located.

Residents also can call customer service at (727) 847-2411.

Pasco County now has a map, an interactive tool to track hurricane-related storm debris pickup, available at arcg.is/2wSHdN5.

Yellow boxes on the map indicate the areas in which crews are working.

Published Oct. 4, 2017

Zephyrhills appoints police chief

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Following a four-month nationwide search for its next police chief, the city of Zephyrhills has opted to hire from within, appointing interim chief Derek Brewer the city’s permanent, full-time police chief.

At its Sept. 25 meeting, the Zephyrhills City Council voted 4-1 in favor of Brewer, a 15-year veteran of the Zephyrhills Police Department who’s served as the interim chief since May following the retirement of former chief David Shears, who held the leadership position since 2008.

Brewer’s appointment was recommended to the council by city manager Steve Spina, who was part of a six-person interview committee during the hiring process.

Derek Brewer, a 15-year veteran of the Zephyrhills Police Department who has served as the interim chief since May, has been appointed as the city’s permanent, full-time police chief; he will be sworn in at the city’s Oct. 9 council meeting.
(Courtesy of Zephyrhills Police Department)

Of the six applicants interviewed, Spina told the council Brewer is “without a doubt” the top candidate for the position.

Brewer, 44, gradually has risen up the agency’s ranks, since being hired as a patrol officer in 2002.

He served as a field training officer, patrol sergeant and lieutenant before being promoted to patrol captain in 2014.

While on the force, Brewer earned an associate’s degree in criminal justice from Hillsborough Community College, and attended the senior leadership training program at the Southern Police Institute in Louisville, Kentucky, and the Florida Police Chiefs executive leadership training in 2014.
He also graduated this July from the Command Officer Management Program at Saint Leo University, and is scheduled to receive his bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Saint Leo University this December.

Brewer has received numerous honors during his law enforcement career, including:

  • Pasco County Crisis Intervention Team Officer of the Year (2010)
  • William B. Eiland Officer of the Year Award (2012)
  • Tampa Police Department Appreciation Award (2013)
  • City of Zephyrhills Employee of the Year Award (2015)

Besides regular law enforcement duties, Brewer is a member of several committees and organizations that include the Transportation Exception Plan Committee; Pasco-Hernando State College Technical Advisory Committee; Pasco County Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Task Force; Zephyrhills Code Enforcement Task Force; Zephyrhills Police Department Homeless Initiative; Zephyrhills Site Plan Review Committee; Florida Police Chiefs Association; and, Noon Rotary Club of Zephyrhills.

Several officers of the Zephyrhills police force spoke in favor of Brewer’s appointment to the department’s top job, during the meeting’s public comment period.

Lorenzo Limoges, a K-9 officer, said the agency, under Brewer’s leadership, has experienced “some of the best teamwork I’ve ever seen in my life.”

“…I’ve talked to just about every officer that we’ve got, and I can’t tell you one that hasn’t showed their support for Derek and the agency,” Limoges said.

(File)

Zephyrhills police captain Reggie Roberts said Brewer’s promotion to chief is “what’s right” for Zephyrhills and the police department.

Roberts touched on Brewer’s management style, outlining his work ethic, compassion and humility, and the handling of high-risk situations, such as Hurricane Irma.

“I believe in him 110 percent,” Roberts said.

A few citizens stepped forward, too, to express their support in naming Brewer the 10th police chief in the city’s history.

Amy Chappell, vice president and residential loan officer at CenterState Bank, said Brewer deserves the job and “has the talent it takes to bring this city together for the greater good.”

“You have an individual that cares, and that’s something you won’t find really on the resume,” said Chappell, who’s spoken in favor of Brewer at previous council meetings.

Mickey McPhee, who manages the Publix Supermarket on Gall Blvd, also applauded Brewer’s service as interim chief.

“Anytime we’ve needed the police department, they’ve just been great. And, it’s his leadership that makes it great,” McPhee said.

The store manager noted Brewer and the agency were particularly accommodating in the week leading up to Hurricane Irma.

“I just appreciate (Brewer) for the communication we had all during the storm,” McPhee said.

“We were the last retailer to be open in Zephyrhills. We didn’t call the police department, but he came down there personally and sat with us for the last 30 minutes (we were open). It was comforting, and it was his leadership that made it comfortable,” McPhee added.

The lone councilman opposed to Brewer’s appointment was Ken Burgess, who suggested an outside hire to give the agency a “fresh look.”

The Zephyrhills City Council voted 4-1 in favor of Brewer at its Sept. 25 meeting, with councilman Ken Burgess the opposed vote.
(Courtesy of City of Zephyrhills)

“I felt that this was an opportune time to possibly look at things from a new philosophy and perspective,” Burgess, addressing the council, said.

“During this whole process, I gathered as much information as I could, and I spoke to a lot of individuals, both in and out of the law enforcement community on this important decision. In our current society, I believe our next chief will face challenges that previous chiefs probably never faced or had to deal with. He will need to have an access to a multitude of resources and a willingness to embrace them.”

Council vice president Lance Smith countered Burgess, pointing out the city’s previous outside hires for police chief failed in the past.

Smith mentioned by name former chiefs Russell Barnes — who resigned in 2008 after accusations he created a “flex time” policy that allowed employees to receive time off instead of overtime pay for extra hours worked — and Jerry Freeman— who resigned in 2003 after just nine months on the job, due to perceived questionable decisions and judgments.

Smith said, “We have gone outside before without much success. But, that’s one part of the equation to me. The other is seeing the way the employees respond to Derek. “I think he’s done a great job,” Smith said.

Once Brewer’s appointment became official, Burgess said he will support him “all the way through, because that’s what’s important for the city.”

Brewer will be sworn in at the city’s Oct. 9 council meeting.

Published Oct. 4, 2017

Zephyrhills passes budget, water rate hikes

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The budget for the city of Zephyrhills is now set.

On Sept. 25, the Zephyrhills City Council unanimously approved a $63.3 million for the 2017-2018 fiscal year, for Oct. 1.

A second reading of the millage and budget ordinances drew no public comment, during the regular meeting.

Budget by department:

The city of Zephyrhills budget for fiscal 2018 is $63.3 million. (File)

City Council: $3.53 million

Administration: $9.62 million

Utility Billing: $871,045

Finance: $378,000

Human Resources: $1.32 million

Planning: $421,084

Information Technology: $1.11 million

Equipment Maintenance: $257, 526

Police: $4.19 million

Dispatch: $589, 504

Fire: $2.91 million

Stormwater: $45,000

Building Services: $507, 446

Streets: $996, 097

Economic Development: $77,000

Library: $371, 701

Parks & Facilities: $850,506

The remaining monies necessary for the 2017-2018 budget comes from other funding sources, including state revenues, franchise fees, utility fees and grants.

That includes a loan of more than $7 million for the construction of the new City Hall, which has been carried over from last year. The loan amount will be paid on an annual basis from Penny for Pasco revenues.

The budget did not include capital funding for the anticipated Sarah Vande Berg Tennis Center. However, the architect fee of $50,000 is included in the 2018 budget, paid from park impact fees. The city staff has been working on the tennis center’s design, as well as building construction costs.

An early estimate of the building cost is $2.25 million, while court construction costs are anticipated to be $950,000, to be paid out of park impact fees by District of Abbot Station developer David Waronker. The city still needs to enter into a contract to take ownership of the site and payment of the park impact fees for court construction.

Some other highlights:

  • A 3 percent increase in salaries and benefits for all employees, at an additional cost of about $300,000
  • $245,000, up from $211,000, for worker’s compensation from the previous year
  • $275,000, up from $248,000, for retiree health
  • $770,000, up from $669,000, for casualty and property insurance
  • Police overtime is $95,000, up from $75,000, for shift overtime and training programs.
  • $115,000 is budgeted for animal control, up from $80,000, due to the increase in population
  • Fire overtime is $110,000, up from $100,000 last year
  • $880,000 is budgeted for the airport, which also will receive $2.3 million in grant funding for Taxiway B improvements.
  • $100,000 budgeted to the Utility budget for the engineering and design of a new water and sewer operations building
  • $43,000 budgeted for a stormwater assessment fee study

Elsewhere, the city council unanimously approved a second reading of an ordinance that raises water and sewer rates for Zephyrhills residents.

That means a 4 percent increase in water rates and an 8 percent increase in sewer rates for all customers each year, for a five-year period, beginning Jan. 1 and running through fiscal 2022.

Plans call for the added revenue to go toward utility operating expenses and $27 million in capital projects planned through fiscal 2022.

As an example, a customer in Zephyrhills using 3,000 gallons of water per month currently sees a bill of $40.03. With the January rate hike, the bill would rise to $43.14, an increase of $3.12. Users of 5,000 gallons per month would see their bills increase from $53.29 to 57.52, an increase of $4.23; while users of 7,500 gallons of water a month would see their bills increase from $73.12 to $78.75, an increase of $5.63.

A recent study conducted by Raftelis Finance Consultants, found that 79 percent of residential customers use 5,000 gallons or less a month.

The city’s last five-year rate hike, approved in 2012, called for a 10 percent hike for the first three years and 5 percent the final two years.

City manager Steve Spina received positive reviews on his annual performance evaluation from the city’s five council members, scoring a 4.62 (out of 5) on the evaluation. (File)

In other action, city manager Steve Spina received overwhelmingly positive reviews on his annual performance evaluation from the city’s five council members.

Spina was scored a 4.62 (out of 5) on the evaluation, which is used to measure the manager’s ability to respond to the needs of individual city council members, and compliance of financial and management duties required by the charter.

The form used for the evaluation is comprehensive and covers many aspects of the city manager’s duties and responsibilities.

Spina essentially was evaluated on personnel skills, relationship with elected officials, personal skills and status, policy execution, reporting, citizen relations, staffing, supervision and community visibility, and so on.

Councilman Ken Compton complimented Spina for serving the city for nearly three decades, for keeping millage rates low, and for leadership in the wake of Hurricane Irma.

Council vice president Lance Smith praised Spina for fostering a constructive work environment citywide.

“People aren’t afraid to come up to you even if they don’t agree with what you do, and I think that’s commendable,” Smith said. “At the end of the day, and after it’s all fleshed out, everybody still works together. That’s not easy to do, and I commend you for it.”

Council president Alan Knight, meanwhile, thanked Spina for navigating the city as it continues to grow.

“I can’t tell you how well you’ve gotten us during this ‘explosion.’ You’ve made everything absolutely perfect for us to be able to do some of the things we’ve done,” Knight said.

Last June, the council voted unanimously to increase Spina’s salary by 16 percent, to about $118,000, citing strong job performance as both the interim and permanent city manager after the ouster of former manager Jim Drumm in 2014.

Spina took the job following his own retirement from the position in 2011 after 15 years.

“I couldn’t do the job I do without department heads backing me and supporting me, and being so knowledgeable in their respective fields, and the employees at large,” Spina, addressing the council, said.

Published Oct. 4, 2017

 

 

 

Roy T. Hardy was known for fish fries and kindness

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When Mike Carr was growing up in Dade City, he viewed Roy T. Hardy as a giant among men.

“He was just so kind,” Carr said, of Hardy, who died Sept. 19 at the age of 94.

Carr thought so highly of Hardy that he said he routinely referred to him as “the patron saint of Dade City.”

Longtime Kiwanis member Roy Hardy, of Dade City, had been doing fish fry fundraisers in the area since 1949. (File)

The Kiwanis Club and the city of Dade City also thought highly of Roy, and his wife, Martha, and honored them by naming a trail after them.

The couple moved to Dade City in the late 1940s and opened Hardy’s & Lingle’s Department Store, which later became Hardy’s Department Store.

Carr said his family shopped there, and one of the highlights was the Red Goose shoes that Hardy’s sold.

“There was this huge giant Red Goose in the front window of the store,” Carr recalled, noting that whenever a pair of the shoes was sold a child could pull the goose’s neck and an egg would drop out.

“In the egg, there was a prize of some sort,” Carr said, adding it was a huge hit with kids.

Later on, the couple closed the store, and concentrated on farming and their cattle.

Throughout it all, Hardy was devoted to the Dade City Kiwanis Club.

“If it’s in Kiwanis, he’s done it,” Carr said, noting that Hardy was president of the Dade City Club, a two-time Kiwanis governor of the state of Florida and held other offices, too.

Keith Williams, another member, marveled at Hardy’s commitment to the club.

“He had a 69-year perfect attendance,” said Williams, past president of the club.

“It (Kiwanis) was a very big deal to him,” agreed Penny Morrill, another longtime member.

“Even in his last six months, when he was failing, his family brought him every Tuesday to meetings,” she said. “He actually stopped coming to Kiwanis, about a month, six weeks, ago. We knew then that it wasn’t going to be too long,” said Morrill, who met Hardy during the 1980s.

Morrill said she’s sad at Hardy’s passing for herself, but happy for him.

“He was always very clear, particularly in his later years, that he wished that God would take him, so he could be with his Martha.

“He’s been waiting for this for a long time.

“They were glued at the hip.

“If he was out in the field haying, she was in the truck with him,” Morrill said.

Carr agreed: “Until Martha passed away … if you saw Roy, you saw Martha. They were inseparable.”

Karen DeStefano, Roy Hardy and Cathy Blommel, were among those helping at the annual roy Hardy Fish Friday held on April 10, 2008, at the National Guard Armory in Dade City.

Carr also noted the couple was known for their generosity.

“Many, many years ago, he and his wife Martha started a little benevolent foundation called the Hardy Benevolent Fund,” Carr said. “The fund was set up to help cover medical costs of needy citizens around the area, primarily children.

“Our major fundraiser for years and years and years was the Roy Hardy Fish Fry,” Carr said.

“The fish frys were his baby,” Morrill said. “You fried the fish the way Roy said. You made the coleslaw the way Roy said. You used the seasonings, the way Roy said.”

“It was all his.

“Before his wife passed, she would always help make the coleslaw. She and Agnes Lamb — that’s another one who passed. They would always make the coleslaw.”

Hardy left his mark, Williams said, noting he will always think of him as “a true friend. A true gentleman. One of the last really good guys.”

Morrill said his concern for others was consistent and genuine.

“I think it was the nature that God gave him. His focus was always to help others,” she said.

Carr said Hardy left an impression on the community.

“If you were born and raised in Dade City, you knew Roy Hardy,” Carr said.

Published September 27, 2017

Zephyrhills economic summit will focus on health care

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An economic summit is coming to Zephyrhills next month, with a primary focus on offering solutions to the needs of the medical community — which represents the largest percentage of the city’s workforce.

The inaugural Zephyrhills Economic Summit — organized by the Zephyrhills Economic Development Coalition (ZEDC), in partnership with the City of Zephyrhills and The Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce — is scheduled for Oct. 4, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Scotland Yards Golf & Country Club, 9424 U.S. 301, Dade City. Registration is $8, with breakfast and lunch provided.

Representatives from Florida Hospital Zephyrhills, the city’s largest employer, will make presentations at the economic development summit. (Courtesy of Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce)

Representatives from Florida Hospital Zephyrhills — the city’s largest employer — will be delivering presentations, along with a number of medical practitioners from Zephyrhills.

Survey results of the 2017 ZEDC Medical BizWalk also will be announced and discussed throughout the summit.

The ZEDC collaborated with professors from University of South Florida’s School of Public Affairs on identifying needs of medical employers and employees in the city.

Melonie Monson, executive director of The Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce, said one of the main outcomes from the BizWalk and economic summit is to address the issue of why many health care professionals work in Zephyrhills, but choose to live elsewhere.

Said Monson: “We want to know why they do not live here and what can we do (to address) what type of housing they need and what type of businesses they are looking for in the community…”

Besides addressing issues within the medical community, there also will be roundtable discussions on the city’s development and future growth opportunities in business, infrastructure and so on.

Other talking points will focus on how residents can become more involved in community affairs and additional amenities they prefer within city limits, Monson said.

“We would like to make sure that we’re informing the public of all of the great things that are going on around our community and any of the issues that might be affecting them that we’re working,” Monson said.

“We want everybody there that has any interest in what’s going on in the community,” she said.

The summit also will feature State Rep. Danny Burgess, Pasco County District 1 Commissioner Ron Oakley, Zephyrhills City Manager Steve Spina and Zephyrhills Planning Director Todd VandeBerg.

“We’re going to have the city’s planners…talk about the different things that we have coming into our community, and then we’re going to hit on the government side and how we can be better advocates in Tallahassee for our community,” Monson explained.

Some forthcoming projects that may come up include: construction of a new City Hall; development of a multi-million dollar, city-owned tennis center; various master-planned communities; and, restoring and reopening Hercules Park.

Monson said similar ZEDC-led summits will be held each fall, with a different spotlight each year, such as the education and industrial sectors.

The ZEDC was developed in 2012, partnering with city and local leaders in business, government, education and economic development, to create a sustainable and vibrant business and economic climate in Zephyrhills. Besides assisting the needs of the medical community, one of the ZEDC’s key initiatives is developing a vision for the city’s municipal airport for growth and expansion. Designing a comprehensive targeted jobs and barriers report is another.

For information on the summit, call The Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce at (813) 782-1913, or email .

Published September 20, 2017

Two museums receive money for special projects

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Two museums will receive a financial boost in Pasco County’s fiscal year 2018 budget.

The Pasco County Commission has agreed to give $25,000 each to the West Pasco Historical Society Museum and Library in New Port Richey and the Pioneer Florida Museum & Village in Dade City. The action came at the commission’s Aug. 29 meeting in Dade City.

The infusion of cash to the nonprofits stemmed from a request in July by Pasco County Commissioner Ron Oakley.

The Pioneer Florida Museum & Village in Dade City served as a backdrop for a movie called ‘The Terrible Trio.’ Here, actors and students from Florida State University rehearse a scene for the movie, outside the historical Overstreet House at Pioneer Florida Museum & Village. (File)

Before granting Oakley’s request, however, his colleagues on the commission wanted details on how the money would be spent.

“They struggle throughout the years to get funding to keep up with our records and history,” Oakley said.

County officials outlined each agency’s plans for the funds. Each agency sent a letter of explanation, as well.

Pioneer Florida Museum & Village wants to relocate a historical log cabin from Lacoochee to add to its collection of historical buildings at the 16-acre site in Dade City.

Museum officials are exploring the costs and suitability of moving the cabin, according to the letter from Melissa Lea, board president, and Stephanie Black, executive director.

“The museum is continually trying to preserve and improve,” the letter states.

Other potential projects could be attic fans and better lighting for the Blanton Packing House, or repairs to other buildings. The main building, with numerous displays and traveling exhibits, needs flooring.

Visitors to the museum already can tour its history center, as well as the Overstreet House, a one-room school house. They also can check out a church from Enterprise, the Trilby depot and a train engine.

West Pasco Historical Society will spend the money to expand storage. The museum is at capacity, according to the letter from Bob Langford, the society’s president.

“In the past few years, we have had to refuse items simply due to the fact that we don’t have room,” he stated.

A second potential project would be to digitize the museum’s collection of weekly newspapers – The New Port Richey Press, The Dade City Banner and The Zephyrhills Colonist/Zephyrhills News.

For more information about both of these organizations, visit PioneerFloridaMuseum.org and WestPascoHistoricalSociety.org.

Published September 13, 2017

Girl Scouts rejuvenate Karina’s Garden

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Step into the garden behind the administrative offices of Sunrise of Pasco, in Dade City, and you’ll find a place where flowers, plants, butterflies and statuary offer a place of repose and refreshment.

You’ve arrived at Karina’s Garden.

Those visiting Sunrise of Pasco’s office in Dade City have a chance to spend a little time behind the building in Karina’s Garden, which has been rejuvenated by Girl Scout Troop 1263. (B.C. Manion)

The garden initially was established in 2008 to honor Karina Abdul, a former shelter director for Sunrise of Pasco who died unexpectedly at the age of 29.

Over the years, plants became sparse and weeds took over.

So, when Troop No. 1263, of Wesley Chapel, was looking for a way to complete the requirements for a Girl Scout Silver Award, giving new life to the garden seemed to be an ideal project.

The trio of Girl Scouts — Paige and Kaitlin Traboulay, and Alyssa Duran — heard about Karina’s Garden from Kelly Mothershead, of the Rotary Club of Wesley Chapel, who has worked with the girls on other projects.

“They decided they wanted to come in and transform this space. That’s what they did,” said Vicki Wiggins, director of development for Sunrise.

Follow the mulched path to find a relaxing seat on a newly installed bench, in Karina’s Garden. (B.C. Manion)

The Girl Scouts, their parents and other volunteers rolled up their sleeves and got busy. They ripped out weeds, built mulch paths, added pavers, painted fences, installed benches and added plants.

They celebrated the garden’s completion at a gathering in August. Besides the volunteers, friends and Sunrise staff members, local members of Karina’s family were there, too.

“The family was thrilled,” Wiggins said.

Wiggins is impressed by the volunteers’ commitment.

“They’ve been raising money for about a year. They came out. They took pictures and designed it all,” she said.

“Apparently, Karina loved butterflies, so they made sure they incorporated a lot of plants (that attract butterflies),” Wiggins said.

“They did a really great job picking out things. I think the parents worked as hard as the kids.

Paige Traboulay paints some of the detail work on a door, which creates an inviting focal point in the garden. (Courtesy of Roger Traboulay)

“They started the weekend after July Fourth,” Wiggins said. “Everything that you can see that’s not a weed, they’ve added.

“They put the pavers in. They put this structure here that has the birdhouse on it. They added the fencing here. They repainted the wall. They added the butterflies (decorations).”

Local artist Lisa Tesla volunteered her talents to give a new look to a dilapidated wooden door in the garden that had been covered in weeds and vines. Her artistry transformed the door into an inviting focal point.

Chris Wirt, of A All Animal Control of Tampa Bay, cleared the garden of two black racer snakes before the trio of scouts got to work.

Sunil Mohammed, of Totally Blu H2O, stepped up to provide garden tools.

A colorful birdhouse invites feathered friends to drop by and stay awhile in Karina’s Garden. (B.C. Manion)

Another volunteer, Karen Weiss, made the sign that credits the people who helped on the project.

Paige Traboulay said the girls began planning the project at the end of last year.

“We walked in the garden, and we saw how big it was and how much needed to be done,” said the 12-year-old, who attends John Long Middle School.

“We asked them what Karina liked. They said she liked butterflies, so we tried to focus on that. So, there’s a butterfly on the door, and there are butterflies on the fences.”

There are butterfly plants in the garden, as well.

Kaitlin Traboulay, who attends Land O’ Lakes High School, said the work was mostly done by her family and Alyssa’s family over the course of two weekends.

Thirteen-year-old Alyssa, who attends John Long Middle School, said it was hard work, and it was hot.

When they finished, she said, “I was especially happy because that meant no more bug bites.”

Alyssa Duran works on a planter in a garden at Sunrise of Pasco in Dade City. (Courtesy of Roger Traboulay)

Paige added: “After the project was done, there was these butterflies flying around to each station. We thought it was her (Karina).”

The garden now provides a place to take a break and enjoy nature, Wiggins said.

“Sometimes the office can generate anxiety and a lot of stress for folks. This is a place where they can de-stress. They can just sit and watch the butterflies, and relax.

“It’s beautiful. I’m so happy they did this. They brought it back to life,” Wiggins said.

 

Garden Restoration and beautification
Girl Scout Troop 1263 Silver Award Project July 2017
Troop members: Kaitlin and Paige Traboulay, and Alyssa Duran

Made possible with the help of:

  • Andrew Abdul, donor
  • Suni Mohammed of Totally Blue H20
  • Chris Wirt of A All Animal Control of Tampa Bay
  • Lisa Tesla, artist
  • Families and close friends
  • T’Weiss as Nice

Published September 6, 2017

Seeking ways to link local and state trails

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A study that will guide decisions on how to build and connect multipurpose trails in the Dade City area with the Withlacoochee State Trail is narrowing down the options.

But, at the mid-point in the Withlacoochee Trail Connector Study, consultants are still gathering public input before singling out a recommended trail path.

On Aug. 10, about 20 residents met with Pasco County officials and AECOM consultants to study maps and swap ideas on how to link Hardy Trail in Dade City with the Withlacoochee State Trail, off U.S. 301.

About 20 area residents attended an open house to learn of plans to link Hardy Trail in Dade City with the Withlacoochee State Trail. (Kathy Steele)

“We want to know what the community thinks,” said Paul Kurtz of AECOM. “This is going to be your trail.”

The public meeting at the Historic Pasco County Courthouse in Dade City was the second in a series of proposed meetings. The next meeting is scheduled for October, with a date to be determined.

The study’s conclusion, and a trail recommendation to the Pasco County Commission, is expected in December.

The maps on display outlined three trail options, but Kurtz said, “Don’t get hung up on three (trails). You can make your own. They can be combined in any way.”

The final recommended trail route, he added, likely would be some combination of the three current options under review.

More than 5 miles of trail will be constructed. One segment will link the northern end of an existing trail on U.S. 301 to the southern end of the existing Hardy Trail in Dade City. An extension of Hardy Trail will connect with the southern end of the Withlacoochee State Trail at the Owensboro Junction Trailhead.

One proposed route would follow along U.S. 301 and utilize an extension of Morningside Drive, not yet built. Other suggestions pull in combinations of Lock Street, 14th Street, Frazee Road, Powerline Road, Beth Street, Long Avenue, Corbett Road, Old Trilby Road, Christian Road, and a swath of land at one time proposed for a wastewater treatment facility.

Area residents have proposed an equestrian park there instead of the treatment plant.

Some segments of the trail will be multipurpose, allowing for pedestrians and bicyclists. But, other segments, particularly those navigating through Dade City, might not have enough land to accommodate every trail use.

Sharrow symbols to mark roadways shared by bicyclists and motorists could be used instead of dedicated trail lanes.

However, traffic volume along busy corridors, such as U.S. 301, might require dedicated trail lanes. “Wouldn’t it be nice to stay off there (U.S. 301) because there are so many cars there?” Kurtz said.

Resident Judy Geiger asked that equestrians be included when considering trail designs and paths. She noted that the Withlacoochee State Trail is equestrian-friendly. It makes sense to consider horseback riding, if new trail segments would connect to the state park’s trail, Geiger said.

“We’re in a very rural area,” she said. “There are a lot of equestrians in east Pasco.”

Thought also should be given to trail markers that could highlight the area’s history, said Nancy Stuparich, who is an avid cyclist.

She said bikers are always looking for information or things to do in the areas where they ride.

“This could be an opportunity to discover some hidden historical jewels,” Stuparich said.

Published August 23, 2017