Zephyrhills/East Pasco News

New 4-lane to connect communities

January 20, 2016 By Kathy Steele

Pasco County is set to receive a nearly $23 million state loan after state and local officials stitched together a deal for a four-lane extension of State Road 56 from Wiregrass Ranch to Zephyrhills.

The project previously had been intended to build two lanes from Meadow Pointe Boulevard in Wiregrass Ranch to U.S. 301 in Zephyrhills.

Converting it to a four-lane project will boost the estimated $35 million price tag to about $65 million, including the loan plus interest.

‘We will facilitate a lot of regional benefits. This will definitely benefit all of our (traffic) circulations.’ — Richard Gehring, Pasco strategic policy administrator.

Loan proceeds from the State Infrastructure Bank could be available as soon as April. Construction is expected to start by fall of this year. Completion is expected in 2019, and repayments of the loan would start shortly thereafter.

The project is expected to improve access to Interstate 75 and southeast Pasco, and spur new development in and around Zephyrhills, and its airport. Residents and officials in Zephyrhills have long lobbied for four lanes, arguing that a two-lane road was a major roadblock to redevelopment.

“It’s a major, major public/private partnership,” said Steve Spina, Zephyrhills’ city manager. “It will be an economic boost for the area.”

Pasco County commissioners, on Jan. 12, approved a series of agreements with the Florida Department of Transportation, four developer/landowners, the Cone & Graham construction company and the city of Zephyrhills.

The agreements detail a repayment schedule that allows the county to collect funds from developers and landowners along the corridor through mobility surcharge fees, or special assessments if needed.

“We will facilitate a lot of regional benefits,” said Richard Gehring, the county’s strategic policy administrator. “This will definitely benefit all of our (traffic) circulations.”

Prior to the commissioners’ meeting in Dade City, negotiations had hit a few snags, largely around how to structure the loan’s repayment and who would be liable for cost overruns.

State transportation officials agreed to extend the department’s contract with Cone & Graham, the contractor hired for the initial two lanes. The contractor would cover cost overruns but, in the event of a default, the county and developers would be liable.

Most of the road construction runs through Two Rivers Ranch, and its developers will pay almost $15 million in mobility surcharge fees. River Landing and Wyndfields will yield fees of about $6.8 million and $4.2 million, respectively.

Developers of a fourth community – Wesley Chapel Lakes – had an existing agreement in place, not taking into account additional construction, and will contribute about $2.7 million.

The county would pay most of a potential shortfall of about $1.5 million, with Zephyrhills contributing about $150,000 of that total.

In addition, plans to build a district park in Wesley Chapel Lakes will be abandoned. Because of wetlands, the site was too small, said David Goldstein, Pasco County’s chief assistant county attorney.

Instead, the developer of River Landing will provide parkland co-located with River Landing High School.

“This is going to be a win-win for the school district and the road project,” Goldstein said.

Published January 20, 2016

Preparing to pig out in Zephyrhills

January 13, 2016 By Kevin Weiss

The 6th annual Pigz in Z’Hills BBQ and Blues Festival promises to be bigger and better than ever.

The festival, presented by the Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce, is scheduled for Jan. 16 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., at the Zephyrhills Municipal Airport, at 39450 South Ave., in Zephyrhills.

Admission is free, but parking is $10.

One way to reduce the mess of eating ribs is to enjoy them on a stick. These are some of the ribs that were ready to be sold at the Pig In or Pig Out BBQ booth during last year’s festival. (File Photos) — One way to reduce the mess of eating ribs is to enjoy them on a stick. These are some of the ribs that were ready to be sold at the Pig In or Pig Out BBQ booth during last year’s festival.
(File Photos)

The event features both professional and amateur barbecue competitions, and is sanctioned by the Florida BBQ Association.

There will be approximately 50 barbecue teams, 70 judges and a total of 60 vendors, concessionaires and exhibitors at the festival.

“I just think this event is probably the best thing we have in the area,” said Kevin Bahr, amateur barbecue competitor and owner of Bahr’s Propane Gas & A/C. “It’s huge in Z-Hills (Zephyrhills). It’s one of, if not the leading fundraiser here. It helps out so many things in the community and as a business owner, it’s really nice to be involved with it.”

The barbecue competition has a total cash purse of $8,000 and will have winners in four standard categories: chicken, pork, brisket, and ribs.

The festival is also a qualifier for three prestigious barbecue championship contests: the Jack Daniel’s World Championship Invitational in Lynchburg, Tennessee; the American Royal World Series of BBQ in Kansas City, Missouri; and the Sonny’s Smokin’ Showdown Invitational in Sanford.

Bahr said being involved as an amateur competitor is “like nothing else.”

“It’s one of the most fun events that you can do, if you’re cooking,” he remarked.

Probably the toughest part of a barbecue cooking contest is waiting for the judges to render their verdict of whose barbecue is best. Dan Haynie of Zephyrhills sat on the edge of his smoker and waited for the judges' decision for the Tri-S BarBQ entries in the backyard division during last year’s Pigz in Z’ Hills BBQ and Blues Festival. — Probably the toughest part of a barbecue cooking contest is waiting for the judges to render their verdict of whose barbecue is best. Dan Haynie of Zephyrhills sat on the edge of his smoker and waited for the judges’ decision for the Tri-S BarBQ entries in the backyard division during last year’s Pigz in Z’ Hills BBQ and Blues Festival.

According to Bahr, what makes the festival even more exciting is the entire process of barbecuing with friends and getting food prepped in advance of the competition.

“Cooking in competition is one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do in my life,” he said. “You sit there, and you’ve got to get a specific kind of meat from a specific place. …Then you’re up all night long with smoke blowing in your face worrying about the temperatures and the basting, especially for the chicken.

“It’s very humbling, and it’s incredibly rewarding,” Bahr said.

The event has grown dramatically since it was introduced six years ago and attracted between 2,000 and 3,000 people. Now, it has reached the point where 10,000 people are expected to attend, and more amateur barbecue teams are signing up each year.

“When we started this, we had no idea what it was going to do,” said Bahr, whose business is one of the sponsors of the event. “The first year, I thought, ‘All right, maybe we’ll have a few teams.’ And all of a sudden, it’s just overwhelming how many people came and what happened with getting it sanctioned.”

Tim Linville, president of the Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce, said changing the event from its original date in October to its current date in January and relocating it in 2013 from Krusen Field in Zephyrhills to its current site at the airport also has helped the festival expand.

The hope is to make the airport a permanent venue for ‘Pigz in Z’ Hills’ and several other events, he said.

Jason Mistretta of San Antonio, Florida, prepared chicken for those stopping by his booth. Mistretta was ready to serve 400 dinners last year

“If we get a permanent venue at the airport, then we’ll have a place for nonprofit organizations to have different events,” Linville said. They would have a stage and power and water, and we’ll have more room for expansion.”

The event’s attraction also is buoyed by the varied musical choices brought in each year.

This year’s slate of performers includes Coldiron, Wendy Rich & The Soulshakers, the R.J. Howson Band, and Damon Fowler. Live music will be presented from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m.

“We’re always trying to upgrade our bands, because that’s a key part, and also we have different barbecue people every year,” Linville said. “The two things that bring in people from outside the area is one, it’s a sanctioned barbecue, and the other thing is we have lot of blues bands that have a following themselves.”

In addition to a smorgasbord of food options and musical performers, there will be a family fun zone with games, a car show, aviation displays, helicopter rides and amusement park attractions.

In addition to providing more exposure for Zephyrhills, the festival also aims to benefit several local youth and education programs.

The event’s success has paved the way for many donations to scholarships, youth leadership programs and children’s charities.

“I think we’re very fortunate to have a community that volunteers so many thousands of hours to put this event on,” said Rod Mayhew, chamber director.

“Without the community and these hours they put in, we would never be successful,” Mayhew said.

Sixth annual Pigz in Z’ Hills BBQ & Blues
When: Jan. 16, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Where: Zephyrhills Municipal Airport, 39450 South Ave., Zephyrhills
How much: Admission is free; parking is $10
What: Barbecue teams compete for prizes, blues bands perform, and event-goers can purchase barbecued foods and check out monster trucks, aircraft displays, and other attractions and activities.

January 13, 2016

Loan for State Road 56 no sure thing

January 6, 2016 By Kathy Steele

A state loan to build two additional lanes of an extended State Road 56 is in jeopardy, as state and county officials haggle over details of how to repay the estimated $22 million construction costs.

The road project currently calls for a two-lane extension of State Road 56 from Meadow Pointe Boulevard in Wiregrass Ranch to U.S. 301 in Zephyrhills.

A state loan would allow a four-lane road to be built — which is what residents and city officials in Zephyrhills have sought for years.

Pasco County commissioners will review eight agenda items on Jan. 12 related to the loan application that was made in May to the State Infrastructure Bank. They are facing a deadline on that date to complete an agreement acceptable to the county, the Florida Department of Transportation, area developers, and Cone & Graham, which is contracted to build the first two lanes of the project.

Everything could fall in to place by then, or not.

“Unfortunately, the ball’s in DOT’s corner. They set the deadline,” said Assistant County Attorney David Goldstein. “The deal is going to fall apart, or they are going to have to give us a new deadline.”

Most of the issues with developers and the road contractor are resolved, but state department of transportation requirements on the loan’s repayment are a major sticking point.

Goldstein said the state initially anticipated the county receiving a loan through tax-exempt bonds. But, that places restrictions on how the loan can be repaid, and likely means the county couldn’t pass the burden to private developers through county-collected mobility surcharge fees.

The city of Zephyrhills also agreed to pay up to 10 percent of annual loan repayments, if the county had to dip into its coffers for expenses.

The county had turned to the state bank as a last resort to fund two more lanes on State Road 56.

Unless the state transportation department can shift the county’s request into a loan pool for non-tax exempt bonds, the agreements with developers can’t work, Goldstein said.

The county also has a second concern about potential liability for cost overruns.

Cone & Graham representatives agreed to absorb expenses, if there are cost overruns with building the additional lanes. But, Goldstein said the state transportation department has a caveat. The agency won’t extend that protection in the event the company is fired, and a new contractor hired.

That would leave the county on the hook for unexpected payments.

“We’re hoping FDOT can resolve these two issues, so we can move forward,” Goldstein said.

The idea for the state loan arose after a February town hall meeting in Zephyrhills, where residents and city officials lobbied the department and state lawmakers for help. Many view a four-lane State Road 56 as an economic driver for more commercial and retail development.

Among the largest land tracts along the route is the Two Rivers Ranch, with about 3,500 acres. About half of the 6.7-mile extension would cut through the ranch. Thousands of new homes, shops and industries are anticipated there and within other new developments still on the drawing board including Wyndfields.

One development – Wesley Chapel Lakes in the Meadow Pointe subdivision – is under construction. Based on a prior agreement, the county has received between $300,000 and $400,000 in payments, but might not be able to recoup additional funds, despite the increased costs of road construction.

Published January 6, 2016

Resident crusades for safety wall on I-75

January 6, 2016 By Kathy Steele

Construction dust, giant cranes and truck traffic are an everyday inconvenience near Tampa Bay Golf & Country Club.

Road crews are busy expanding the interchange at Interstate 75 and State Road 52 from County Road 54 to Hernando County.

The three-year project is slated for completion in 2017, and is meant to improve traffic flow by widening I-75 from four lanes to six lanes, with three lanes in each direction.

State Road 52 also will be widened to six lanes. There will be frontage roads north and south of State Road 52, west of I-75. Sidewalks and bicycle lanes also will be installed.

John Hart points out a chipped window at his home in Tampa Bay Golf & Country Club. He believes that vibrations coming from truck traffic on Interstate 75 cause damage to both his home and his neighbors’ homes. (Kathy Steele/Staff Photos) — John Hart points out a chipped window at his home in Tampa Bay Golf & Country Club. He believes that vibrations coming from truck traffic on Interstate 75 cause damage to both his home and his neighbors’ homes.
(Kathy Steele/Staff Photos)

But, what John Hart sees and hears from his backyard in Tampa Golf & Country Club he perceives as trouble.

He’s worried about a steady flow of cars and 18-wheelers delivering nonstop noise and rattling the foundation of his home.

And, in a worst-case scenario, he’s concerned about an overturned semitrailer crashing into his backyard.

The retired Rhode Island cop has been on a three-year crusade on behalf of his community to improve conditions.

“We’re looking for a safety wall,” Hart said. “I want to see the wall out there. I want to see people protected.”

State highway officials maintain that a study completed prior to construction did not justify a wall based on noise levels. And the road design, they say, meets national safety standards.

The entrance into the age 55 and older community is off State Road 52, within a few yards of the highway ramps.

Hart wants the sound and safety barrier installed along the approximately two-mile outer boundary of his neighborhood paralleling I-75. Currently, a row of pine trees and a vinyl fence are the only defenses against noise, or worse, an out-of-control vehicle, just 300 feet or so from a row of homes backing up to the interstate.

Hart has repeatedly raised his concerns with the Florida Department of Transportation.

He isn’t a man who gives up, even though Hart acknowledges that some by now — even within his community — probably wish he would concede it’s a lost cause.

Hart points to a recent accident as evidence that a safety wall is needed.

On Dec. 11, north of the interchange project, a dump truck in the southbound lane of I-75 blew a tire. A chain reaction accident occurred, involving another dump truck, a van, a semitrailer and a pickup truck.

Roadwork on the interchange at Interstate 75 and State Road 52 will be completed in 2017. This is one of several projects statewide to improve traffic flow on the highway.

The driver with the blown tire died and another person suffered serious injuries, according to media reports.

The van ended up on the outside shoulder of the highway.

Hart worries that someday a semitrailer could roll across the road into his backyard. “It would take out this house,” he said.

State department of transportation spokesman John McShaffrey said the state agency can’t design roads for unexpected tire blowouts. But, he added, “We don’t compromise (safety).”

Construction projects aimed at improvements for the community can be a tough sell sometimes, he added.

“One thing to keep in mind is that improvements are needed for the greater good and the motoring public,” McShaffrey said. “We have to look at the greater good.”

In this instance, Tampa Bay Golf & Country Club was in early stages of development when the project was designed, with 10 or fewer homes built.

“The interstate was here first,” McShaffrey said, adding that homebuyers knew they would be living next to I-75.

The community could pay for a wall privately, if that is what residents want, McShaffrey said.

The project’s goal is to make driving safer by adding more lanes, and improving access on and off ramps. It is one of a series of interchange projects statewide along I-75.

“These are capacity projects,” said McShaffrey.

On average, about 50,000 vehicles per day travel on I-75, south of State Road 52, according to state transportation data from 2014.

Estimates for 2020 peg traffic along this segment an average of 56,000 a day.

The project has been on the state road department’s radar for more than a decade. It has met with hurdles along the way, including a lawsuit filed by Hillcrest Properties against Pasco County in 2010. A settlement eventually resolved issues related to a right of way purchase, and cleared the way for construction.

Hart has a file of material he has collected over nearly three years of protests by himself and, at times, hundreds of area residents who attended a public hearing in 2012.

His letters, emails and phone calls seeking relief have gone to U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson, Gov. Rick Scott, State Reps. Will Weatherford, John Legg and Danny Burgess. He has reached out to Pasco County Commissioner Ted Schrader, and former State Rep. Jim Norman.

Hart disputes the road department’s sound study.

“We did our own soundings,” he said.

The results showed noise levels in some areas reached 94 decibels, Hart said.

According to data from Purdue University, that equates to a jet taking off, a jackhammer, power mower or motorcycle within 25 feet.

Hart paid thousands of dollars to install double-pane windows that muffle some noises. He also said he repaired a crack in his kitchen ceiling which he attributes to heavy truck traffic.

He also noted a crack in the outer wall of his neighbor’s house, and a chipped window and similar crack on his house’s exterior.

“Every now and then, you can feel vibrations when a truck goes by,” Hart said.

He has hosted tours of Tampa Golf & Country Club for representatives of area lawmakers. He got sympathy but, so far, Hart said nothing has happened.

And, he won’t give up.

“I know what the danger is out there,” he said.

Published January 6, 2016

Pasco-Hernando State College issues first four-year degree

January 6, 2016 By Kevin Weiss

For one former football star, the opportunity to witness palm trees and visit family was simply too great to pass up.

Jamal Roberts recently became the first student to graduate from Pasco-Hernando State College with a bachelor of applied science in supervision and management, taking advantage of one of PHSC’s two four-year programs.

Jamal Roberts converses with other Pasco-Hernando State College graduates after the college’s winter commencement. (Photos courtesy of Jamal Roberts) — Jamal Roberts converses with other Pasco-Hernando State College graduates after the college’s winter commencement.
(Photos courtesy of Jamal Roberts)

“It was an accomplishment,” said Roberts, 21, who graduated in December. “It was a milestone for me, and it was a milestone for the college as well. It’s wonderful.”

While primarily a two-year college, PHSC began offering four-year programs in 2014, starting with the supervision and management program, as well as offering a bachelor of science in nursing. Formerly known as Pasco-Hernando Community College, the institution changed its name to reflect its broader program offerings.

Wasting no time after graduation, the Dade City native has already lined up a job as an administrative assistant at Irvin & Petty, a St. Petersburg-based law firm that primarily focuses on personal injury cases.

“I just want to be able to get dressed up nice for work every day,” Roberts quipped.

While still unsure what career path he wants to follow for the next 30-plus years, Roberts hopes to work for a company that features a positive work environment where fellow co-workers get along.

Former Zephyrhills’ football star Jamal Roberts in action at a Kent State football practice.

“I can have the best (job) or the easiest job duties, but if I’m in a terrible place, then I’m not going to like that job,” he elaborated. “But, if I have hard duties and everyone around me is friendly, and we’re all working together, then that’s going to be somewhere where I can stay.”

Prior to graduating from PHSC, Roberts was a standout athlete at Zephyrhills High School, where he shined as a dual-threat quarterback on the football team, was an All-Conference sprinter on the track team and also lettered in baseball.

Showcasing extraordinary athleticism, Division I football scholarships rolled in from several out-of-state programs, including Ball State, University of Massachusetts and Eastern Michigan. However, Roberts opted to attend Kent State in Ohio in 2012, where he suited up to play defensive back.

“Honestly, it was probably the best time of my life,” said Roberts, who spent three years on the Kent State Golden Flashes football team. “I had so much fun. I met a whole a bunch of people that I can call real friends.”

His most memorable experience at Kent State occurred in 2012, when he was redshirting as a freshman, the Golden Flashes finished 11-3 and earned a berth to the GoDaddy.com Bowl game.

“It was just unbelievable,” Roberts reminisced. “Just the way everybody played together, it was crazy.”

Jamal Roberts (right) is presented with his diploma from Pasco-Hernando State College from Dr. Timothy Beard, the college’s president.

While Roberts enjoyed his college experience, the bone-chilling Midwest winters in northeast Ohio started to become unbearable. “It was terrible,” he stated.

The opportunity to move back to the Sunshine State arose when his mother, Pamela, who works at PHSC as a student development assistant, told him the college offered four-year programs.

It became a seamless transition for Roberts, where most of his college credits at Kent State transferred and applied to the new bachelor’s degree program.

“Honestly, I did miss my family,” he said about moving back to Florida. “So, after some thinking and some consideration, and given the opportunity, I thought it’d be best if I was back at home and I finished up (at PHSC).”

While his football-playing career is over, Roberts hasn’t forgotten about the lessons he learned from the sport, which he uses in his everyday life.

“One of the first things I learned about football in high school, one of my coaches said, ‘you wake up and you get better, or you wake up and you get worse,’ and that’s what I stick by with absolutely everything,” he explained. “If you’re not getting better, you’re getting worse and there’s no in between.

“That’s my mentality going towards things in life.”

With the burden of attending classes and studying on the weekends no longer tying up his time, Roberts plans to stay involved with the game he loves by getting into coaching youth football.

“I definitely see coaching as an opportunity for me to get out and teach young kids the game,” he said.

Published January 6, 2016

Is Hercules Park back in play?

December 23, 2015 By Kathy Steele

The city of Zephyrhills could get another chance to own Hercules Park.

A deal between the Pasco County School District and Gh&G Florida LLC remains under negotiation, but it isn’t clear a final deal can be struck.

To put the city of Zephyrhills in the posture of being able to purchase the park, the Zephyrhills City Council, on Dec. 14, voted 3 to 2 to renew the city’s offer to buy the park for $1.7 million.

City council members Charles Proctor and Lance Smith voted against the proposal.

City officials sent a letter of intent on the offer to the school board.

A fence prevents vehicles from entering the shuttered Hercules Park, but the city of Zephyrhills remains hopeful that it will be able to buy the park from the school district. (File Photo) — A fence prevents vehicles from entering the shuttered Hercules Park, but the city of Zephyrhills remains hopeful that it will be able to buy the park from the school district.
(File Photo)

“Our contract is kind of a backup contract,” said Steve Spina, Zephyrhills’ city manager. “We’re in a different ball game. If they can’t (close the deal), we’ll step up to the plate.”

Spina said he believes the developers are having a hard time making their financial plan work.

Representatives with the development company approached city officials in October about a possible private/public partnership.

Spina said the offer was declined.

The city lost out in June when its bid came in lower than the $2.3 million offered by Gh&G Florida LLC. The school board voted to begin negotiations with the development company with expectations that 10 acres to 11 acres of parkland would be donated to Zephyrhills. The park site has a fitness trail, children’s playground and an aquatic center.

At one time, the parkland was part of about 80 acres owned by Hercules Powder Co., formerly the largest employer in Zephyrhills. The company converted pine stumps into rosin and turpentine. The property later became sites for the park, Zephyrhills High School and Woodland Elementary School.

The county shut down the park nearly five years ago citing budget issues. A prior agreement between the county and the school district required that the land be used for a park or be returned to the school district.

Gh&G Florida is about three months into a six-month contract to purchase the site.

“Until they withdraw their contract, I have to deal with them,” said Ray Gadd, deputy superintendent for Pasco County Schools.

But, he added, “We would not sell the property unconditionally to Zephyrhills for $1.7 million.”

Sticking points could be the potential sale of a portion of the site for commercial use.

Spina said the city remains interested in reviving the 15.5-acre park, but also would like to sell about two acres along U.S. 301, just south of a corner lot.

City officials have said the intent would be for those two acres to be developed for a purpose compatible with the park.

But, Gadd said that would have to be negotiated if the original contract with Gh&G Florida doesn’t work out.

Published December 23, 2015

Have a ‘Joyous Kwanzaa’

December 23, 2015 By Kathy Steele

The holiday season at the end of the year is a time of celebration for many religions around the world.

Christians rejoice in the birth of Christ. Jews reflect on the miracle of Hannukah when a single-day of sacred oil for burning candles at a rededicated temple lasted eight days.

For many African-Americans the season brings one more celebration, known as Kwanzaa.

The holiday’s name is from a Swahili phrase for the “first fruits of harvest.”

Though not specifically religious, Kwanzaa celebrates the roots and culture of the African-American and Pan-American experience.

A typical greeting at this time of year is “have a joyous Kwanzaa.”

“We’re celebrating the best of African culture,” said Imani Asukile, president of the African American Heritage Society of East Pasco County.

From Dec. 26 to Jan. 1, participating families will gather each day in their homes to honor the seven principles of Kwanzaa, known as Nguzo Saba: unity (umoja); self-determination (kujichagulia); collective work and responsibility (ujima); cooperative economics (ujamaa); purpose (nia); creativity (kuumba); and faith (imani).

Schools, libraries and churches also host Kwanzaa events.

Though the celebration is annual, the meaning of Kwanzaa is year-round.

“It’s not something we do,” said Asukile. “It’s a way of life.”

Each day of the week during Kwanzaa, a candle is lit – most often by a child – and one principle is discussed each day. The black candle in the center of the kanara, or candleholder, is the first to be lit in a ceremony reminiscent of the Jewish ritual of lighting eight candles during Hannukah.

“Hopefully, they develop a sense of appreciation of ancestors who laid a foundation on which we stand today,” said Asukile. “And, they can restore what we consider the best pride in our community.”

To start the holiday, the heritage society will host the Brenda Wormack Annual Unity Walk on Dec. 26 at 9 a.m., at the New Bethel African Episcopal Methodist (AME) Church in Lacoochee.

Wormack was vice president of the organization at the time of her death in 2009 from breast cancer. She also was a member of New Bethel AME.

“She was an ardent supporter of youth in the community,” said Asukile.

The heritage society also will host a Kwanzaa event, featuring storyteller Windell Campbell, on Dec. 29 at 2 p.m., at the Hugh Embry Branch Library in Dade City.

Storytelling is an affirmation of the African-American experience, Asukile said, and it creates an understanding of the past and future.

“You have to constantly tell the story,” Asukile said.

Kwanzaa began in the mid-1960s as the first uniquely African-American holiday. Its creator is Maulana Karenga, a professor and chairman of black studies at California State College in Long Beach, California.

According to the Kwanzaa website, the theme for Kwanzaa in 2015 is “Embracing Kwanzaa’s Principles and Practices: Creating and Celebrating the Good.”

For the African-American Heritage Society of East Pasco County, the Kwanzaa celebration is a tradition dating at least to the 1990s.

“I think it was through Kwanzaa that our organization was given birth,” Asukile said. “We have kind of used Kwanzaa to help make our community a better place.”

The organization hosts an annual memorial service to honor more than 20 veterans buried at Indian Pond Cemetery in Dade City. During segregation, the cemetery was the only one where African-Americans could bury their loved ones.

Events also are held during the year to recognize black history and women’s history, particularly individuals from the east Pasco area.

“We are extremely proud of what we have been able to contribute, especially proud of how the community has received the organization,” Asukile said.

For information, contact Imani Asukile at (352) 567-0441.

What: The Brenda Wormack Annual Unity Walk
When: Dec. 26 at 9 a.m.
Where: New Bethel AME Church, 20653 Floyd Road in Lacoochee

What: African American Heritage Society of East Pasco – Kwanzaa celebration, featuring storyteller Windell Campbell
When: Dec. 29 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Hugh Embry Branch Library, 14215 Fourth St., Dade City

All events are free and open to the public.

Published December 23, 2015

Pearl in the Grove wins ‘Golden Spoon’

December 16, 2015 By Kathy Steele

The farm-to-fork menu at the Pearl in the Grove is a winning combination of creativity and freshness that earned the Dade City restaurant a 2015 Golden Spoon award.

Florida Trend magazine highlighted its annual Golden Spoon winners in a 13-page special section of its December edition.

Curtis Beebe, chef and owner of the Pearl in the Grove, said he works with local producers and growers to select the best food to put onto the plate.

“It’s (farm-to-fork) the core of our philosophy,” Beebe said.

Pearl in the Grove won a 2015 Golden Spoon from Florida Trend magazine for its fresh, original take on the farm-to-fork movement. This is one of the restaurant’s meals. (Courtesy of Pasco Count) — Pearl in the Grove won a 2015 Golden Spoon from Florida Trend magazine for its fresh, original take on the farm-to-fork movement. This is one of the restaurant’s meals.
(Courtesy of Pasco Count)

He also noted that the farm-to-fork concept isn’t just a trend.

“It’s a component of dining in Florida now,” Beebe said.

Pearl in the Grove opened in Dade City in 2010 in a small 1950s house at 31936 St. Joe Road. Beebe and his wife, Rebecca, also operate LOCAL Public House in San Antonio, and Rebecca’s at City Market, in downtown Dade City.

In singling out Pearl in the Grove, Florida Trend noted, “Small menu, small place, but a bold idea. Florida farm-to-table in a crossroads far away amid real farming: The kumquat capital of the world. Catfish meuniere and fried okra, Florida chicken and pork are paired with smart wines.”

Florida Trend’s restaurant editor, Chris Sherman, is a well-respected food critic, Beebe said.

Sherman favorably reviewed Pearl in the Grove when it first opened, and Beebe said the critic generally looks to see if a restaurant can maintain standards over four or five years before awarding a Golden Spoon.

“We were very, very happy to hear about the award,” Beebe said.

Another Pasco County restaurant located in New Port Richey – Dulcet – also received a Golden Spoon as best new restaurant.

Dulcet is a high-end restaurant and night club in downtown New Port Richey, praised by Florida Trend for its eclectic menu and fresh ingredients.

Published December 16, 2015

Downtown Dade City adds to its ‘eclectic mix’

December 16, 2015 By Kathy Steele

New storefronts in downtown Dade City are creating a buzz.

One of the newest additions is Flint Creek Outfitters, which opened nearly three weeks ago at 14129 Seventh St., at the intersection with Pasco Avenue.

The prime retail spot had been vacant more than two years following the closing of Remember When Antiques Mall.

A grand opening is planned for January.

Business owners Gordon and Kathy Comer of Dade City also operate Flint Creek Outfitters in Ocala. A store in the Westshore district in Tampa recently closed.

“We felt like for Dade City this is something that’s not been seen before,” said Ian Baldwin, manager of the Dade City store.

John Moors agrees, and the executive director of the Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce can point to at least two other new businesses filling a niche in downtown – Truly Mediterranean Grill and Rolando’s Cigar Lounge.

“Those particular businesses are really welcome,” Moors said. “It’s adding to the eclectic mix of historic downtown.”

Moors believes the city, and even new development in Wesley Chapel, set the stage for the retail uptick in Dade City.

“It started with the city,” he said. “The city put its money in a new city hall.”

The 22,000 square-foot building will be completed in early 2016 at a cost of about $5.9 million. It replaces an aging structure dating to the 1920s.

“But, some of it has to do with growth to the south in Wesley Chapel,” Moors added.

The chamber has more than 440 members within the “greater” Dade City area, including businesses from Wesley Chapel to Brooksville. Some Lutz businesses also belong.

The growth is attracting a younger population from the millennial generation that enjoys the live, work, play lifestyle, and Moors said Dade City, with its traditional small town environment, is an option for them.

“They are saying ‘we can live in an authentic community and still be connected with high speed Internet where we live and work’,” he said.

Saint Leo University and Pasco-Hernando State College also are part of the mix. The Dade City Merchants Association has stepped up its marketing and special events.

The Florida Department of Transportation is upgrading U.S. 301, and plans are under way to connect a regional multi-use trail system including Hardy Trail in Dade City.

“One of the reasons Flint Outfitters owners decided to relocate (to Dade City) is that they saw some of the changes happening and saw other businesses opening,” said Moors, who knows the Comers. “They are certainly tailoring to a higher-end clientele.”

According to the company’s website, the family business began in Michigan in the mid-1960s with patriarch, Cecil Comer, who opened Apache Trailer Sales. Comer moved his family to Florida in the 1980s, and with his son Gordon, pursued opportunities in commercial real estate and trailer parks.

Flint Creek Outfitters is named for the creek surrounding a family farm in Antioch.

The store offers men’s and women’s outdoor clothing apparel and accessories. It also has equipment for hunting, fishing, kayaking and camping.

Fly tying lessons and special fly-fishing competitions are planned.

Flint Creek will have a full repair and service department for bicycles, and sell bicycles from the Cannondale Bicycle Corporation.

Guided tours and excursions can be arranged including trips to Costa Rica and Alaska, and trout fishing in Tennessee, according to the website.

“Everyone says a place like this has been needed for awhile,” said Baldwin. “We’re filling a void that was needed here.”

Published December 16, 2015

Cigar lounge opens in Dade City

December 2, 2015 By Kathy Steele

Rolando’s Cigar Lounge is a place where people pause and enjoy leisure time with friends.

A glass of wine or beer, and if desired, a hand-rolled cigar, awaits.

In the evening, a disc jockey plays music for listening and dancing, from salsa to jazz.

There are friendly games of pool or billiards, too. And, on football nights, a flat screen television is on view.

Rolando Reyes Jr., center, holding red scissors, cuts the ribbon for Rolando’s Cigar Lounge at a celebration with family, friends and the Dade City Chamber of Commerce. (Courtesy of Richard K. Riley) — Rolando Reyes Jr., center, holding red scissors, cuts the ribbon for Rolando’s Cigar Lounge at a celebration with family, friends and the Dade City Chamber of Commerce.
(Courtesy of Richard K. Riley)

On some occasions, there might be a sighting of Stogie, the family dog and mascot for owner Rolando Reyes Jr.

The lounge is a transformation from the Quaker Bar that shut down last year in downtown Dade City. Reyes knew he wanted the spot immediately.

“I didn’t ever hesitate. It’s a trendy place,” he said.

The lounge, at 37945 Meridian Ave., is near Kafe Kokopelli, and across from the Historic Dade City Courthouse.

Reyes brings a family legacy to the lounge.

His late father, Rolando Reyes Sr., began learning the cigar business as a young boy in Cuba. He immigrated to the United States in the late 1960s, and opened a small cigar factory in New Jersey. He moved the factory at other times to Miami and Honduras. At his death in 2012, he was a master blender known for two brands, Cuba Alliados and Puros Indios, according to an article in “Cigar Aficionados.”

The junior Reyes learned the skill of cigar rolling also as a young boy. For several years he operated Smoker’s Paradise, a tobacco shop in Wesley Chapel.

He moved his family to Dade City when he opened Rolando’s Cigar Lounge. A ribbon cutting, hosted by the Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce, was held on Nov. 14.

Reyes is looking ahead to having a full liquor license. For now, he serves beer and wine.

He plans to change up the music nightly. Friday will be disco and Saturday will be salsa.

If anyone doesn’t know salsa, Reyes said, “I’ll be teaching people.”

Sundays will be for softer music, much like a piano bar. Reyes also is thinking of adding line dancing and karaoke nights, and Thursday will be ladies night.

Reyes sees familiar faces from Dade City, but he said customers also are coming from Lutz, Land O’ Lakes and even Port Richey.

His lounge primarily caters to people in the mid-range of ages, from 30 to 50.

“They can’t find a place to go,” Reyes said. “It’s either too loud or too fast.”

But, Rolando’s could be just the spot.

“There is nothing like what I’m doing,” Reyes said.

Published December 2, 2015