The Laker/Lutz News

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Pasco County approves higher taxes for fire services

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The Pasco County Commission has approved a tax hike intended to reduce the county’s response time to fires and to improve the county’s ability to keep its firefighters from leaving for jobs with better pay in nearby counties.

Nobody got exactly what they wanted in the vote.

The current Fire Municipal Services Taxing Unit (MSTU) is 1.8 mills. The new rate will be 2.1225 mills.

Pasco County property owners will be paying higher taxes to improve pay for firefighters and to reduce response times for emergencies. (Mike Camunas)

One mill is equal to $1 of every $1,000 of taxable value.

At the first public hearing on the budget, County Administrator Mike Carballa recommended the Fire MSTU rate be increased from 1.8 mills to 2.3 mills.

He said the half-mill increase was based on a 10-year plan to keep the department solvent, improve pay for firefighters, provide manpower for new stations and cover costs for some additional initiatives.

Carballa’s initial recommendation encountered pushback from Commissioner Seth Weightman and resistance from the public.

At the first public hearing, Commission Chairman Jack Mariano recommended Carballa come back with an increase tied to a five-year plan for the department.

Carballa presented that plan at the second public hearing on Sept. 19, recommending a new millage rate of 2.159 mills for the Fire MSTU.

Weightman and the public again pushed back.

Weightman said he would not support a rate of more than 2.0 mills and made a motion to that effect. That motion died for a lack of a second.

Members of the public applauded Weightman for his efforts to hold the line on taxes and for being empathetic to their plight.

Speakers urged the board to raise impact fees — to force new growth to pay for its impacts.

They said the county needs to get help from other revenue sources.

They said the county — like its residents — should respond to inflation by tightening its belt.

While expressing support for firefighters, some residents reminded the county board that people are hurting and inflation is making it hard for them to pay their own bills.

They predicted rising costs will force longtime residents to move elsewhere.

While Weightman wanted to take what he called “a measured approach,” his colleagues on the board said that failing to achieve an adequate increase would merely push the problem down the road.

“By not facing this now, don’t think it’s going to be cheaper next year,” Commissioner Kathryn Starkey told Weightman. “It’s going to cost more next year.”

Mariano told Weightman: “We’re trying to cut down response times.”

Commissioner Ron Oakley also supported a larger increase.

Starkey attempted a compromise by calling for a reduction in the millage rate, from the current rate of 7.6076 mills to 7.57 mills.

The board approved that cut, on a 4-1 vote, with Weightman dissenting.

The board also directed Carballa to address the reduced revenues from the millage rate reduction through across-the-board cuts to the budget, including budgets of the constitutional officers, when legally possible. The constitutional officers are the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office, the Clerk & Comptroller’s Office, the Supervisor of Elections and the Tax Collector’s Office.

Initially, Weightman would not budge from a maximum millage of 2.0 for the Fire MSTU.

He told his colleagues: “I truly believe we need to hold the line for folks.”

He told fellow board members they had the power to help citizens now and should.

But after being unable to bring other board members around to his way of thinking, and after a number of failed votes, Weightman relented and joined his colleagues in approving Starkey’s motion for a 2.1225 millage rate for the Fire MSTU.

Carballa said the new rate is estimated to generate $13.9 million, and is expected to keep the fire department solvent for a solid four years.

Published September 27, 2023

‘Pet Detective’ on the case at PCAS

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Carey King-Agin is Pasco County’s Ace Ventura.

She doesn’t have large hair, colorful shirts or act like Jim Carrey, but she can bring a smile to a pet owner’s face.

She’s Pasco County Animal Services’ first-ever pet reunification specialist. Thanks to a $35,000 grant from Petco Love, King-Agin is able to scour, and post, on lost and found pet websites and social media pages looking for owners searching for lost pets, or asking the community to help locate pets’ families. These efforts are needed when a pet has not been microchipped or the contact information is outdated.

Pasco County Animal Services Pet Reunification Specialist Carey King-Agin plays with Cesar, an 8-year-old shepherd mix at PCAS’s shelter, 19640 Dogpatch Lane, Land O’ Lakes. King-Agin was recently brought on to specifically help reunite strays with their owners. (Mike Camunas)

PCAS took in more than 3,200 stray dogs and cats in 2022, so this is a position that’s not only warranted — it’s desired by the agency.

“We find that when someone finds a dog or cat on the street, 80% of that time they live near that area, but everyone’s thought is to bring it to the shelter, if they can’t house it or do the search themselves,” King-Agin said.

“We always scan first (for a microchip), and that’s the golden ticket to go home, but less than 25% of pets are microchipped. So now, we’re going to put in the leg work and get pets reunited with their families,” she added.

According to PCAS and King-Agin, the agency’s return-to-home rates are only 33% for dogs and 17% for cats. These numbers are the reason PCAS Assistant Director Spencer Conover reached out to the county to create the position, however, was turned down, as the county receives numerous requests from its varying entities.

However, a Petco Love grant allowed King-Agin to set up shop at the facility in Land O’ Lakes to do her diligent detective work.

“I go immediately to social media and there are a ton of groups out there, and things like NextDoor, Ring and multiple Facebook lost and found groups,” King-Agin said.

“I go to see if the dog or cat is listed on this page,” she continued. “If not, I keep digging. When they’re brought in and put in the system, we enter the crossroads they were found, so I then go to Google Maps and pull up that intersection and see what subdivisions and neighborhoods are nearby. Many have their own Facebook groups, so I see if they have something posted on their social media.

Carey King-Agin, the pet reunification specialist for Pasco County Animal Services, will scour lost and found pet websites and social media to help reunite strays brought into the shelter with worried owners who are searching for them. The reunification specialist position was made possible through a $35,000 grant from Petco Love. King-Agin will look to boost the 33% return-to-home rate for dogs and 17% rate for cats in the county.

“The truth is, one out of three pets go missing in their lifetime, so this is something I’m very passionate about — getting that pet back where they belong.”

King-Agin puts in the extra effort if the social media avenue is a dead end.

She contacts local vets and emails them pictures. She reaches out to well-known local dog sitters, as well as local dog groomers, knowing that a groomed dog is someone’s well-cared-for pet.

In just the short time King-Agin has been on lost-pet cases, she has returned home 10 pets as of Sept. 11. However, in just the second weekend of September alone, 13 more strays were brought in.

The PCAS also will use the new position to help educate the community about what to do if they happen to rescue a stray.

The first 48 hours are crucial in the reuniting process, whether a pet is brought to the shelter, or the finder tries to locate the owner, King-Agin said. She encourages the finder, when possible, to hold onto the pet, in case the owner is out looking for the pet or posting about the pet on social media.

“It’s like they lost a baby or child because it’s a family member,” Conover said. “Getting them home, that’s the most important part, and it’s amazing to see it and be able to provide that to Pasco County now.

“There are no packs of wild dogs running around the county, so all of these dogs belong to someone,” he added. “But to have someone dedicated to going the extra mile, dedicated to having someone get the dogs home, it’s part of the proactive work we want to be a part of.”

And as a four-time dog owner, King-Agin is passionate about her new position.

She knows how she would feel if one of her pets went missing.

“I have total OCD about their whereabouts all the time, so I know I would be a frantic mess if my pet went missing,” she said. “So to be able to do this, and reunite an owner with a pet with a family, it’s so rewarding. It can be amazing and emotional.

“I really do feel like a pet detective.”

Pasco County Animal Services
Where: 19640 Dogpatch Lane, Land O’ Lakes
When: Tuesday through Thursday, noon to 5:30 p.m.; Fridays and Saturdays, noon to 6:30 p.m.
For more information on services provided by PCAS, visit PascoCountyFl.net/175/Pets-and-Animals

Published September 20, 2023

 

Pasco wants to do more to encourage hurricane evacuations

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As Hurricane Idalia made its approach toward Florida, Pasco County officials ordered residents in coastal areas, flood-prone areas and mobile homes to evacuate.

They also urged residents in other potentially dangerous areas to evacuate voluntarily.

(File)

As it turned out, many residents ignored the county’s orders and requests.

The Pasco County Commission is now exploring what more the county can do.

“I’m concerned about the amount of people who did not evacuate. You know, we were lucky that we didn’t have loss of life,” Commissioner Kathryn Starkey said, during the county board’s Sept. 5 meeting.

“If this had turned just a little bit, it could have been far more serious. And, once again, we have people who don’t evacuate and our first responders have to go out. It’s dangerous for them.”

Pasco County Commissioner Chairman Jack Mariano wants the county to look into shutting off water and electricity in Hurricane Evacuation Zone A when a future hurricane threatens. That action, he said, would encourage residents to leave those areas and also would protect first responders who are forced to go into those areas to rescue people.

Commission Chairman Jack Mariano agreed: “The evacuations, that’s something we definitely need to address.

“If this storm had hit us at 7 to 9 feet (storm surge), as originally projected, we would have just seen devastation everywhere,” Mariano said.

Starkey asked if the county can increase its messaging.

County Administrator Mike Carballa responded: “We continue to message. We continue to push out through the various platforms.

“I don’t think what you saw here in Pasco was necessarily an anomaly to anywhere else in the state of Florida. People tend to think that it won’t happen.

“I think, when you saw a lot of the water rescues that were going on in the early morning hours, after the storm had passed to the north, I think that water started to come in and you had a lot of scared people.

“I think Chief Perez (Pasco County Fire Rescue Chief Tony Perez) told me the number was upwards of over 150 folks that decided that was the time they needed to evacuate. I am glad we got them out, got them to safety. But to your point, had that storm wobbled, like we see a lot of storms wobble to that right, it could have been collecting fatalities, which we don’t want to do.”

Starkey said she was disturbed by the fact that many rescues involved elderly people, whom, she noted, “wouldn’t have had a prayer to be able to swim out.”

Mariano said he understands that some people had the mistaken notion that the projected storm surge would be just a foot high and they figured they could handle that.

He’d like the county to take an aggressive stance in the county’s Evacuation Zone A, which is the area of highest risk.

He advocates turning off the water and electricity in that zone, when a hurricane is threatening.

Pasco County Commissioner Kathryn Starkey wants the county to ramp up efforts to persuade residents living in evacuation zones to leave their homes when a hurricane threatens. She said that despite damage in some areas, Pasco County was very lucky to emerge from Hurricane Idalia with no lives lost.

If that can be done, he said, “that’s going to increase dramatically the number of people who want to evacuate, or have to evacuate.”

Mariano suggests turning off the water and power for about eight hours, so people could evacuate to a safer place and then return once the storm passes.

Starkey suggested looking into whether the county can employ the types of signs that the Florida Department of Transportation uses to issue amber alerts and the county uses to alert motorists to road projects.

The county administrator said he wants to meet with the county’s team and emergency officials to get after-action reports before bringing recommendations back to the board.

Overall, “the county’s emergency response went very well,” Carballa said.

Pasco County has been declared a federal disaster area, which allows individuals eligible for compensation for damage, as well as providing assistance to county government, he said.

“FEMA is deployed now and they are setting up support throughout the county to support our citizens,” Carballa said.

“As far as the recovery goes, it’s ongoing. I did extend our local state of emergency and will probably continue to do that on a weekly basis until we’re done expending funds. It’s a necessary item, in order to receive reimbursement.

“To date, our solid waste and public works teams were out — collected over 400 tons of storm-related debris, thus far. We have waived tipping fees through Sept. 11 to help our citizens who are cleaning things out and trying to bring stuff in,” he said.

“Our building construction services, right, folks need to rebuild, so we’re waiving fees for certain types of damage and getting folks back on their feet quicker.

“We’ve extended our service hours and actually have some exclusive hours — both at the end of the day, and over the weekends, for those specifically impacted by the storm. So, we can get their questions answered and get them on their way.

“(We’re) actually even looking so far as having team members in home improvement stores on weekends, too, to have them answer questions,” Carballa said.

He also noted that the county’s emergency management team has been deployed to Suwannee County, at its request for Pasco’s team to help in its response efforts.

Published September 13, 2023

Beautiful botanical garden takes the limelight

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It was supposed to be a fishing pond, nothing more.

Over time, the old property — an abandoned lime rock quarry — became just a swamp. It would take work for it to be even considered fishable.

Cedar Lakes Woods and Gardens, 4990 N.E. 180th Ave., Williston, is a nonprofit botanical garden with more than 50 separate gardens, plus waterfalls, koi ponds, lush plants, winding paths and even swans. The attraction was built into an old lime rock quarry by Dr. Raymond Webber and opened to the public in 2014. The 20-acre gardens and the 64 acres of surrounding woodlands were donated to Conservation Florida to preserve it for future generations. (Mike Camunas)

However, when Dr. Raymond Webber purchased the property in 1991, he started cleaning up and renovating this swamp and he discovered the old lime quarry had some beauty to it.

Dr. Webber began envisioning even more.

There could be walkways, ponds, lush vegetation and plants — there could be animals, too, and there could even be waterfalls.

Dr. Webber brought that vision to life.

The end result is Cedar Lakes Woods and Gardens: a 20-acre botanical garden that is a sight to behold — an almost unbelievable find in Florida.

It’s a place that’s definitely Worth the Trip. 

No stone unturned
When Dr. Webber, an Army veteran and retired dentist, began the process of giving himself a fishing pond, he dug out old mining remnants, but discovered during the process that he was just as enthusiastic for gardening as he was for fishing.

So, the botanical gardens started to take shape.

Rock by rock, each rolled in by wheelbarrows and strategically placed by human hands, the walkways and walls of the gardens were created.

Working with a small crew, he created different islands throughout the quarry, concrete walkways, separate pools, waterfalls, pavilions, gazebos and bridges.

Holt’s Hidden Falls is one of the largest waterfalls in Cedar Lakes Woods and Gardens in Williston, but it also allows visitors an up-close, and very wet, look at the attraction inside the rebuilt lime rock quarry.

The quarry walls are lined with concrete and rock planters, filled with hundreds of species of plants and flowers. The surrounding trees and the topography of the quarry allow temperate and semi-tropical plants to flourish year-round. 

Then, just like Noah’s Ark, came the animals — two swans named Guenevere and Olivia, several ducks, pheasants, a goose, a squirrel named Delilah, a rose-breasted cockatoo named Rosie, numerous koi fish and a 100-pound blue catfish named Big Ben.

It’s as if a Garden of Eden sprung up in central Florida, with Dr. Webber overseeing its creation — a creation that would take more than 20 years to complete.

For all to enjoy
Cedar Lakes Woods and Gardens opened in 2014, and Dr. Webber founded the attraction as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and donated the entire botanical garden — plus the 64-acre surrounding woodlands he also purchased — to Conservation Florida to ensure their future protection.

That’s why these botanical gardens are for everyone to enjoy, young and old. The gardens promote peace, humane education, animal rescue and environmental preservation as a certified National Wildlife Federation Habitat.

One of the first features to visit upon entering Cedar Lakes Woods and Gardens is Nina’s Pond.

That being said, it takes about nearly two hours to enjoy every beautiful acre of the gardens. There are many benches and picnic tables throughout the trails, all of which have undulations and some several stairs — so be prepared to do some walking/hiking and be sure to wear proper shoes. The staff even encourages visitors to bring snacks or a picnic to enjoy on the grounds.

There are seats in the gazebos, as well as spectacular views of the ponds and waterfalls, such as Tim’s Gazebo high above the entire quarry. Additionally, the waterfalls can be enjoyed up close for a watery encounter, just like at Holt’s Hidden Falls.

The islands also provide a nice 360-view of the entire attraction and even include a few hammocks for a laid-back resting place.

It’s a paradise, Cedar Lakes Woods and Gardens, found inside a former lime rock quarry that many can’t believe even exists. It’s lush and colorful and gorgeous and a trip to Williston that begs the question, how did something so beautiful be born out of a swamp?

Cedar Lakes Woods and Gardens in Williston features several koi ponds on the grounds, but the ponds also include turtles, swans and even Big Ben, a 100-pound blue catfish.

Dr. Webber answered that question, with his vision to give himself a fishing pond, but ended up giving the public, visitors and nature lovers something more.

A perfect place to spend an afternoon.

Cedar Lakes Woods and Gardens
Where: 4990 N.E. 180th Ave., in Williston
When: Open daily 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Closed Wednesdays. Open all holidays except Christmas Day.
Cost: Adults $12, Children ages 6 to 13, $7; Military, $6. Dogs are allowed.
Details: Founded by Dr. Raymond Webber and opened to the public in 2014, this nonprofit botanical garden used to be a 100-year-old lime rock quarry and was rebuilt for over 20 years to create different islands, concrete walkways, separate pools, waterfalls, pavilions, gazebos and bridges. The 20-acre gardens and the 64 acres of surrounding woodlands were donated to Conservation Florida.
Info: Visit CedarLakesWoodsAndGarden.com.

Published September 06, 2023

Cedar Lakes Woods and Gardens has a distinct Japanese theme to it, from the koi ponds to several Torii gates situated around the botanical gardens.
Cedar Lakes Woods and Gardens features a tent with a walkway that also houses various types of cacti.
Cedar Lakes Woods and Gardens also features a small trail set aside just for younger children.

Tampa Bay braces for Idalia

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Tampa Bay governments, businesses and residents are gearing up for expected impacts from Hurricane Idalia.

While Idalia’s path appeared to be headed toward communities in Tampa Bay, the paths of tropical storms and hurricanes are uncertain and they have been known to veer off in a different direction at the last possible moment.

Residents in West Pasco County areas were forced to evacuate prior to Hurricane Idalia hitting the Tampa Bay area. (Mike Camunas)

Pasco County officials expect to feel the effects of Idalia, in terms of storm surge, high winds and heavy rainfall.

It’s impossible to know at this time how extensive the impacts will be, but disruptions have been occurring across a broad swath of Florida, as preparations are made to prevent damage and loss of life, and to be ready to go into recovery mode, in the storm’s aftermath.

Stay up to date on the latest developments, as released through local government social media apps and from local and national news reports.

Governor Ron DeSantis has issued an emergency order covering 46 counties in Florida — clearing the way to mobilize emergency response teams.

The Pasco County Commission has issued a Local State of Emergency for the county ahead of Tropical Storm Idalia.

The order allows County Administrator Mike Carballa to waive everyday procedures to do what is believed necessary to ensure the health, safety and welcome of the community.

The county has issued mandatory evacuations for the following:

  • Evacuation Zone A
  • Everyone living in a manufactured home, mobile home or RV anywhere in Pasco
  • Everyone in low-lying areas or areas prone to flooding
  • Everyone in an area ordered evacuated by local authorities due to life-safety hazards
  • Voluntary evacuations are in effect for the following:
  • Evacuation Zones B and C
  • Everyone registered with Pasco as a Special Needs Resident
  • Everyone who would be vulnerable in the event of a power loss

Pasco County also is opening hurricane shelters for anyone who needs to leave their home ahead of the storm and has nowhere else to stay.  Shelters opened Aug. 29 at 8 a.m. The county’s customer service center is now open 24 hours. Call 727-847-2411, or chat online at MyPasco.net.

The county also is posting storm updates on its social media pages and at MyPasco.net.

Hillsborough County Administrator Bonnie Wise also has declared a Local State of Emergency and Hillsborough has issued a mandatory evacuation order for Evacuation Zone A, and for those in mobile and manufactured homes and residents in low-lying areas prone to flooding. That order took effect at 2 p.m., on Aug. 28.

Both Pasco and Hillsborough counties have opened public shelters. (See accompanying list). Although shelters are available, officials urge residents to treat them as a haven of last resort. Instead, they encourage those evacuating to wait out the storm with friends or relatives, whenever possible.

Like many of the stores in and around Pasco County, this Publix in Lutz saw swarms of shoppers hit the stores preparing for Hurricane Idalia impacting the Tampa Bay area.

Schools across the region are closed.

Gov. DeSantis returned on the evening of Aug. 28 to the State Emergency Operations Center with Florida Division of Emergency Management Executive Director Kevin Guthrie and Major General John Haas to provide updates on Tropical Storm Idalia.

DeSantis announced tolls would be waived beginning at 4 a.m., Aug. 29, along Florida’s west coast in preparation for Tropical Storm Idalia.

At DeSantis’ request, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has granted a pre-landfall emergency declaration for Tropical Storm Idalia. Additionally, the State Emergency Operations Center has activated to Level One in anticipation of potential impacts from the storm.
Tropical Storm Idalia is predicted to strengthen to a major hurricane when it makes landfall early Aug. 30, according to the news update from DeSantis’ office.

Life-threatening storm surge and dangerous winds are becoming increasingly likely for portions of Florida’s Gulf Coast.
As of 5 p.m., EDT on Aug. 28, Tropical Storm Idalia was located approximately 480 miles south-southwest of Tampa. Idalia has maximum sustained winds near 70 mph and is forecast to have the greatest impact to the state during the overnight hours of Aug. 29 through the afternoon of Aug. 30.

As of that briefing:

  • Storm surge watch is in effect along the Gulf Coast from the Charlotte/Sarasota County border to the Collier/Monroe County border.
    • Storm surge warning is in effect along the Gulf Coast from the Charlotte/Sarasota County border to the Franklin/Gulf County border, including Tampa Bay.
    • Tropical storm watch is in effect for Brevard, Clay, inland Collier, Duval, Flagler, East Marion, Nassau, Putnam, Seminole, St. Johns, and Volusia counties, as well as the Lower Keys.
    • Tropical storm warning is in effect for Charlotte, coastal Collier, DeSoto, inland Franklin, Gulf, Hardee, Lake, Lee, Leon, Liberty, Orange, Osceola, Polk, Sarasota, Seminole, and inland Wakulla counties, as well as the Dry Tortugas.
    • Hurricane watch is in effect for eastern Alachua, Baker, Bradford, Columbia, Hamilton, Leon, central Marion, Sarasota, Union, and inland Wakulla counties.
  • Hurricane warning is in effect for western Alachua, Citrus, Dixie, coastal Franklin, Gilchrist, Hernando, Hillsborough, Jefferson, Lafayette, Levy, Madison, Manatee, western Marion, Pasco, Pinellas, Sumter, Suwannee, Taylor, and coastal Wakulla counties.
    The governor’s office encourages Floridians to monitor weather conditions and listen to all orders from local officials, as well as have emergency contact lists updated and important documents backed up and stored in a waterproof protective container.

Sandbags
Hillsborough County
Hillsborough County is making sandbags available at four locations, through 2 p.m., on Aug. 29.

  • Edward Medard Conservation Park, 6140 Turkey Creek Road, Plant City
  • E.G Simmons Conservation Park, 2401 19th Ave. NW, Ruskin
  • Ed Radice Sports Complex, 14720 Ed Radice Drive, Tampa  
  • Larry Sanders Sports Complex, 5855 S. 78th St., Tampa  

Hillsborough County residents are eligible for a maximum of 10 sandbags per family. Residents must show ID verifying they live in the county; a driver’s license or utility bill will serve as proper identification. 

Pasco County
Pasco County sandbagging stations are available, 24/7.

Westside:
– Magnolia Valley Golf Course: 7223 Massachusetts Ave., New Port Richey
– W.H. Jack Mitchell, Jr. Park: 4825 Little Road, New Port Richey
– Veterans Memorial Park: 14333 Hicks Road, Hudson

Eastside:
– Pasco County Public Works (C-Barn): 30908 Warder Road, San Antonio
– Wesley Chapel District Park: 7727 Boyette Road, Wesley Chapel
– Land O’ Lakes Recreation Center: 3032 Collier Parkway, Land O’ Lakes
– Zephyrhills Fire Station-2: 6907 Dairy Road, Zephyrhills

*Note: Sandbag locations are self-serve and are open 24 hours to Pasco County residents; however, sand will only be restocked between the hours of 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. You should bring a shovel and be prepared to fill your own sandbags.

City of New Port Richey
6420 Pine Hill Road, New Port Richey

City of Dade City
Former Dade City Police Department building, 38042 Pasco Ave., Dade City

The most effective placement for sandbags includes entry and exit points of your home. To watch a Pasco video explaining how to properly fill and place sandbags, visit bit.ly/PascoSandbags.
SHELTERS 
Pasco County
Pasco County hurricane shelters opened Aug. 29 at 8 a.m.:

All shelters allow family pets. Learn what supplies you should bring with your pet at mypas.co/PetHurricanePrep.

Visit MyPasco.net to find an open shelter near you. 

Hillsborough County
Hillsborough County has opened 10 shelters.

  • Erwin Technical, 2010 E. Hillsborough Ave., Tampa (Special needs and pet-friendly) 

Nine general population shelters:

  • Hillsborough Community College at The Regent, 6437 Watson Road, Riverview
  • Lockhart Elementary Magnet School, 3719 N. 17th St., Tampa 
  • Middelton High School, 4801 N. 22nd St., Tampa (Pet-friendly) 
  • Newsome High School, 16550 Fishhawk Blvd., Lithia 
  • Pizzo Elementary, 11701 USF Bull Run, Tampa 
  • Reddick Elementary, 325 West Lake Drive, Wimauma 
  • Shields Middle School, 15732 Beth Shields Way, Ruskin (Pet-friendly) 
  • Steinbrenner High School, 5575 W. Lutz Lake Fern Road, Lutz (Pet-friendly) 
  • Sgt. Paul R. Smith Middle School, 14303 Citrus Pointe Drive, Tampa 

CLOSINGS (Subject to change, based on conditions)

  • Pasco County Schools will be closed Aug. 29 and Aug. 30; Hillsborough County Schools will be closed Aug. 29 and Aug. 30; and Hernando County Schools will be closed Aug. 28 through Aug. 30.
  • Saint Leo University will be closed from 5 p.m., Aug. 28 through Aug. 30.
  • University of South Florida will be closed Aug. 29 and Aug. 30.
  • Hillsborough Community College will be closed Aug. 29 and Aug. 30
  • Pasco-Hernando State College will be closed Aug. 28 through Aug. 30
  • Amalie Arena rescheduled the $uicideBoy$ event from Aug. 29 to Nov. 5. Tickets for the original date are valid for the rescheduled date. Refunds are available at point of purchase through Sept. 28.
  • The Hillsborough County Supervisor of Elections closed at 4 p.m., on Aug. 28, and will remain closed through Aug. 30. Office is expected to open for regular business hours on Aug. 31. VoteHillsborough.gov is available for those who want to register to vote, update information or request a Vote by Mail ballot.
  • The city of Tampa’s Department of Solid Waste schedule has been revised: Residential garbage collections will run through 10 a.m., Aug. 29. Only blue City of Tampa garbage carts will be collected. If your garbage cart was not collected by 10 a.m., Aug. 29, please secure it in preparation for the storm. After the Aug. 29 pickup, services will be suspended until further notice. Recycling is suspended until further notice. Please secure your recycling carts.

New Tampa residents are encouraged to contact Hillsborough County Solid Waste Management at 813-272-5680 for their storm collection schedule.

  • The city of Tampa’s commercial collection will run through 10 a.m., Aug. 29, and then will be suspended until further notice. 

PREPARING AND RESPONDING
AAA — the Auto Club Group offers these safety and insurance tips:

  • Gather your supplies
  • Fortify your home
  • Document your belongings
  • Collect your insurance policy information and phone numbers for your agent and provider. Contact your provider to ensure you have adequate coverage. If you do not have flood insurance, it’s too late to get a new policy for this storm.
  • Check your auto insurance policy to ensure you have comprehensive coverage. That helps with vehicle damage such as flooding or if a tree falls on it.
  • Store important documents in a portable waterproof container. These documents can include insurance policy information, birth certificates, passports, social security cards, medical cards and other information.
  • Do a visual inventory of your home. Walk through with a video camera or smartphone to show what’s there. Keep a record of large purchases, including the cost of the item, the purchase date, the model and serial numbers.
  • Protect your home: Bring in loose items such as patio furniture, bikes and children’s toys – which could turn into dangerous projectiles in strong winds. Trim trees near your house. Ensure you have materials to make sandbags and board up windows, if necessary.
  • Have an evacuation plan and be ready to execute it.

 AAA provides this evacuation advice:

  • Identify multiple destinations in case the storm shifts or roads are closed.
  • Reserve a hotel room early, if needed. Hotels along evacuation routes often fill up fast due to high demand.
  • Take your important documents with you.
  • Bring enough food, water and supplies for each family member and your pets.
  • If evacuating, leave early. It will help you to avoid traffic congestion and avoid long lines at gas stations, which also are known to run out of fuel because of heavy demand.
  • Leave, if authorities instruct you to leave. Don’t return until authorities say that it’s safe to do so.
  • Before leaving, turn off your utilities and unplug your electrical items

AAA also offers these safety tips for drivers:

  • Leave early, so you’re not in a rush.
  • Avoid distractions while driving.
  • Slow down.

When driving in the rain:

  • Increase your following distance.
  • Turn your headlights on.
  • Turn your hazard lights off.
  • Avoid using cruise control.
  • Avoid flooded areas.
  • When visibility is poor, pull over to a safe place to wait until the rain eases up.

Duke Energy offers these safety tips for consumers

  • Be sure to have an adequate supply of flashlights, batteries, bottled water, nonperishable foods and medicines, as well as a portable, battery-operated radio, a TV, or a weather radio.
  • In case you lose power, customers dependent on medical equipment should have a power backup system, as well as an action plan of proceeding to the nearest medical facility, if necessary.
  • Stay away from power lines that have fallen or are sagging. Consider all lines energized, as well as trees or limbs in contact with lines. Report all power line hazards to Duke Energy at 800-228-8485 or your local emergency services agency.
  • If a power line falls across a car that you’re in, stay in the car. If you must get out of the car due to a fire or other life-threatening situation, do your best to jump clear of the car and land on both feet. Be sure that no part of your body is touching the car when your feet touch the ground.

For more tips on what to do before, during and after a storm, visit Duke-energy.com/StormTips.

Pointers for boaters
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) offers this advice:

  • Move your vessel, if possible. If you can; protect it, if you can’t.
  • Cover all lines to prevent chafing.
  • Charge batteries and make sure they can run automatic bilge pumps throughout the storm.
  • Do not stay onboard and do not venture out in rough conditions.
  • Monitor weather broadcasts and comply with evacuation orders.
  • After the storm, report any issues to the FWC.

Published August 29, 2023

Land O’ Lakes resident Ralph Padilla loads up several sandbags he filled at the Land O’ Lakes Recreation Complex on Aug. 28, less than 48 hours before Hurricane Idalia was supposed to hit the Tampa Bay area.
Several local gas stations in and around Pasco County were already out of gas on Aug. 28, such as this RaceTrac in Land O’ Lakes, less than 48 hours before Hurricane Idalia impacted the Tampa Bay area.
A familiar sight at a Publix during hurricane preparations, as the water aisle at this Lutz-based store was completely bare less than 48 hours before Hurricane Idalia impacted the Tampa Bay area.

Ray Gadd recognized for his leadership, accomplishments 

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The Pasco Economic Development Council’s policy council chooses to single out an individual every year for exhibiting exceptional leadership that has had a positive impact on Pasco’s economy and community.

The honor this year is being bestowed to Pasco County Schools Deputy Superintendent Ray Gadd.

Gadd is set to receive the award — which will be accompanied by a video tribute — during the Pasco EDC’s 35th Annual Awards ceremony.

Ray Gadd

The event is set for Sept. 7 from 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., at Pasco-Hernando State College’s Instructional Performing Arts Center (IPAC), at 8657 Old Pasco Road, in Wesley Chapel. (For event ticket information, go to PascoEDC.com.)

Perhaps it is fitting that the ceremony will take place at IPAC, since Gadd was instrumental in the project becoming a reality.

When a grand opening was held for the building, Pasco County School Board member Cynthia Armstrong praised Gadd’s persistence, and his willingness to think out of the box — which she said played a big role in making the project happen.

For his part, Gadd credited former Florida Speaker of the House Will Weatherford’s desire to bring a performing arts center to the area.

Gadd said Weatherford called to ask for his help in the quest.

The deputy superintendent then set about collecting floor plans from various performing arts venues and getting cost estimates.

In the end, the state came up with some funding and Pasco County Schools and Pasco-Hernando State College created a partnership to bring the building to life.

Pasco County Schools Deputy Superintendent Ray Gadd played an instrumental role in bringing various stakeholders together to collaborate on the creation of Pasco-Hernando State College’s Instructional Performing Arts Center, in Wesley Chapel. (File)

Now, the performing arts center offers students the chance to pursue careers in the performing and digital arts, and provides a venue for performances in Wesley Chapel.

That center is one example of the many collaborations involving Gadd, who has a vast network of connections that can help make things happen.

One of Gadd’s most notable accomplishments is the role that he played in helping to get the initial Penny for Pasco surtax approved by voters in 2004, and again in subsequent extensions.

Revenues from the voter-approved tax provide money to pay for new construction and renovations in district schools, as well as other projects.

Penny funds also cover costs for such things as infrastructure, environmental land and economic development in Pasco County, and various projects across the county’s municipalities.

Gadd also has played a key role in expanding options for students.

He advocated for the creation of Kirkland Academy of Innovation, in Wesley Chapel, where students can enroll in rigorous academic courses and prepare for technical careers.

He’s also been on the leading edge of planning for Angeline Academy of Innovation, which opened this year in the emerging community of Angeline, where Moffitt Cancer Center is developing its Pasco campus.

School district and Moffitt leaders began talking long before the new magnet school opened about ways they can work together to create unique opportunities for students.

Gadd also had a hand in a cooperative agreement between the school district and Pepin Academies regarding a new charter school that will be built on Kirkland Ranch Academy’s campus.

The agreement represents the first of its type in the state.

Ray Gadd, far left, stands with a group of people who helped realize the dream of creating a community stage in Land O’ Lakes. Gadd, who is the Pasco County Schools’ deputy superintendent of schools, was instrumental in pulling together various stakeholders to get the job done.

Gadd is a fan of the arts.

Beyond helping to bring IPAC to the county, Gadd helped make a black box theater a reality at Cypress Creek Middle School.

Plus, he helped pull together a multitude of forces — from local government, private business, the community and state leaders — to construct the long-desired stage at Land O’ Lakes Heritage Park.

Gadd also has worked closely with Chris Williams, the school system’s director of planning, to help the district secure land to serve future needs.

Bill Cronin, Pasco EDC’s president and CEO, praised Gadd’s contributions.

“I have had the privilege of working with Ray since I began working in Pasco County through his position with Pasco County Schools and work in passing the Penny for Pasco, which has been vital in improving the economic development landscape of our community,” Cronin said, in a news release.

“Ray’s eye to improving the community and dedication to the wellness of children are only a few of the reasons why he is being honored with this award,” the Pasco EDC executive said.

Superintendent Kurt Browning praised Gadd’s effectiveness.

“His ability to get things done is a testament to his work ethic and his commitment to the children and families of Pasco County,” Browning said, in the release.

“Ray is an incredible leader that has always had the best interests of Pasco County at heart.”

Published August 23, 2023

Pasco’s Angeline Academy begins its inaugural year

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JoAnne Glenn began ordering furniture months ago.

“That was the first thing I was doing once I got the job,” said Glenn, who is Angeline Academy of Innovation’s first principal.

First, it was about ordering furniture, then devices and equipment for the school and classrooms.

Angeline Academy of Innovation seventh-grader Gabrielle Laiso, 11, exits her parents’ car to enter Pasco County’s newest school in Land O’ Lakes on the first day of school on Aug. 10. The $52.7-million magnet school opened for sixth- through 10th-graders, but will be phasing in grades 11 and 12. JoAnne Glenn is the school’s first principal. (Mike Camunas)

“After those first two big purchases, it was then getting the books and then hiring the teachers, so it would all be ready for today,” Glenn said, as she and her staff of teachers, administrators, bookkeepers, secretaries and more welcomed hundreds of students to the county’s newest magnet school, which had its first opening day on Aug. 10.

The $52.7-million school, which ultimately will serve students in grades six through 12, is in the heart of the emerging community of Angeline, where Moffitt Cancer Research Center is developing its Pasco campus.

Before school started, cars lined the road out to Ridge Road as Glenn and Pasco County Schools Superintendent Kurt Browning ushered in students through the front doors.

“The excitement for the teachers and students is palpable because we’ve spent months preparing for today,” Glenn said. “We finally have our students here, and you can’t beat (this feeling).”

The academy, at 8916 Angeline Way, is on an 18.8-acre site, which is south of State Road 52, north of the Ridge Road extension and west of Sunlake Boulevard.

Angeline Academy of Innovation Principal JoAnne Glenn welcomes students to inside Pasco County’s $52.7-million magnet school, which had its inaugural opening day on Aug. 10.

It is a STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) magnet school that features four primary career academies at the high school level.

It will have a Biodesign Academy; a Computer Science and Applied Cybersecurity Academy; an Engineering and Applied Robotics Academy; and, an Entrepreneurship Academy. Students can pursue other pathways, which will enable them to leave school to become their own businesses and be their own bosses.

There are two primary magnet pathways at the middle school. They’re broad and intended to support the work in each of the high school pathways.

“I spent months interviewing and selecting teachers who believe in our mission about cultivating curiosity, encouraging students to explore,” Glenn said. “We’ve attracted students who are interested in technology, engineering, science, math —  and to bring those two key groups together and get started, the sky’s the limit!”

Angeline Academy is the third school of this type in Pasco, joining its sister institutions: Kirkland Ranch Academy of Innovation in Wesley Chapel and Wendell Krinn Technical High in New Port Richey.

Angeline Academy of Innovation sixth-grader Isaiah Upshaw, left, and Pasco County eSchool Assistant Principal Erin Senior work on finding out the location of Upshaw’s first class on the first day of school on Aug. 10.

The school is expected to have strong partnerships with both Moffitt and with Pasco-Hernando State College. 

Unlike its sister schools, Angeline Academy will, in fact, have athletic teams. The teams — named the Archers — will play on fields still being constructed on a parcel of land in front of the Land O’ Lakes subdivision, Tierra Del Sol, just off U.S. 41.

“That was actually one of the first calls I got,” Glenn admitted. “Our district was hearing from parents that they didn’t want their kids to have to choose between a magnet school or sports. I think sports are great for kids and I’m excited to have those athletic fields open, and it gives a little more importance to our colors and mascot — the Archers!”

Glenn — who was named Pasco County Schools’ Principal of the Year in 2019 and the 2020 Digital Principal of the Year by the National Association of Secondary School Principals — is ready to see what the school year brings.

“Literally, since November, I have been completely engrossed with the nitty-gritty,” said Glenn, who helped open Wharton High in 1997 and Pasco’s eSchool in 2009. “It was a lot of fun to look through it all, go over everything, from the equipment, to the teachers we wanted to hire.

“Kids here are going to be solving the world’s problems, I really believe that,” Glenn added. “I’m excited that my teachers, in this setting, will be able to use their time and expertise a little differently than in a traditional setting.”

Published August 16, 2023

Students of Angeline Academy of Innovation, also known as the Archers, make their way to their first class on the first day of school at Pasco County’s newest school in Land O’ Lakes.
Pasco County Schools Superintendent Kurt Browning is all smiles as he welcomes students to the county’s newest school: Angeline Academy of Innovation in Land O’ Lakes.
Angeline Academy of Innovation is Pasco County’s newest magnet school. The $52.7-million school ultimately will serve sixth-graders through 12th-graders, but opened its doors for the first time this year with students in grades six through 10.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Angeline Academy of Innovation in Land O’ Lakes has its mascot: the Archers.
Angeline Academy of Innovation students head into Pasco County’s newest $52.7-million school in Land O’ Lakes.

New school and new rules, as Pasco rings in the 2023-2024 school year

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Change is in the air, as Pasco County Schools’ students start the 2023-2024 school year this week.

The inaugural crop of students will arrive at Angeline Academy of Innovation, to launch the district’s latest magnet program, at 8916 Angeline School Way, near the Suncoast Parkway and Ridge Road.

The school initially will serve students in grades six through 10, but will phase in 11th and 12th grades.

The first crop of students will arrive this week at Angeline Academy of Innovation, in Central Pasco, as Pasco County Schools begins its 2023-2024 school year. The new magnet school is in the middle of Angeline, a new ‘city’ emerging in Land O’ Lakes, where Moffitt Cancer Center is developing its Pasco County campus. (Courtesy of Pasco County Schools)

The school is opening in the emerging ‘city’ of Angeline, and will offer curriculum options and learning experiences aimed to help students prepare for an ever-evolving world of work.

The high school will offer career academies, as well as opportunities to merge some fields — enabling students to create a more personalized track.

The school will be near Moffitt Cancer Center’s Pasco County campus, which has been christened Speros FL. The Moffitt campus and surrounding areas in Angeline are expected to attract life science researchers and companies from around the globe.

In addition to opening the new Angeline magnet school, the district will be initiating a new school board policy relating to the use of wireless communications devices (WCDs) on campus.

In essence, the policy requires:

  • Students in pre-kindergarten through fifth grade keep their WCDs on silent mode and completely out of view for the entire school day;
  • Students in grades six through eight keep their devices on silent mode and out of view throughout the school day, except for during the student’s lunch period, or when expressly authorized by a classroom teacher for a specific instructional activity;
  • Students in grades nine through 12 keep their devices on silent mode and out of sight for the entire school day, except for during the student’s lunch period, in between class periods or as expressly authorized by a classroom teacher for a specific instructional activity.

As defined by the board’s policy, WCDs include peripheral devices such as headphones, earbuds and watches.

Another big change involves school meals.

The district will be implementing the Community Eligibility Provision for the 2023-2024 school year, which means that all breakfasts and lunches served to the public school district’s students will be free.

No action is required on the family’s part for the students to receive the free meals.

This school year also ushers in the beginning of better pay for the district’s non-administrative employees. Voters backed salary increases for those employees by adopting higher taxes to pay for them. 

The voter-approved tax increase allows the district to impose up to a 1 mill increase for up to four years, to provide revenues for the improved pay.

Advocates of the new tax said increased salaries are needed to allow Pasco to compete with other school districts, which offer higher pay.

Another initiative being rolled out this year is a software tool called “Where’s the Bus?”

The tool uses an app that allows parents and schools to know where a bus is located.

Students use a card with a barcode to indicate when they get on the bus and when they get off of it, which lets parents know when they were picked up and dropped off.

Like school districts across the country, Pasco has had a hard time finding enough bus drivers to handle its routes.

Pasco County Schools continues to struggle with a bus driver shortage, but it is planning to deploy a new software tool called ‘Where’s the Bus?’ to help keep parents and schools informed of where a bus is, and the software is expected to provide useful ridership information to help route planning.

The system has used a number of strategies to address the issue, including the change of school start and ending times, combining bus routes, and eliminating “courtesy” riding for secondary students living within 2 miles of school.

During the Pasco County School Board’s Aug. 1 meeting, Betsy Kuhn, assistant superintendent of support services, told board members: “The news that I have is better than anticipated and significantly better than we’ve had the past two years.”

As of Aug. 1, the district was down 41 driving positions, but had hired 18 relief drivers — leaving a net of 23 positions with no drivers.

“I have spoken to counterparts across the state and some are in significantly worse shape than what we’re in,” she added.

Kuhn expects the new software tool, “Where’s the Bus?” to enable parents and schools to keep track of where buses are, and to help the district track ridership.

The district is rolling out the software tool at one of its garages, initially, but will be spreading it out across the system gradually.

It wants to learn from the initial rollout and then expand its use across the district, Kuhn said.

Parents will be notified when the tool becomes available on buses at their school.

The ridership data will help the district to consolidate routes, which has been its most effective way of addressing the bus driver shortage.

The district now has 274 routes, as compared to 420 routes two years ago, Kuhn said.

Get to school safely
The Pasco Sheriff’s Office offers these tips to help bike riders, pedestrians and drivers stay safe, as the 2023-2024 school year begins:

  • Those walking, driving or riding their bicycles should slow down and eliminate distractions, such as cellphones, when they are in school zones.
  • Drivers need to know Florida’s school bus stop sign laws.
  • Pedestrians and bicyclists should cross at crosswalks, where drivers expect pedestrians to cross. Wait for the crossing guard to indicate when you may pass.
  • Bicyclists should dismount and walk their bikes through crosswalks.
  • Follow the directions of a school crossing guard, traffic control officer, deputy or other public safety official present at the intersection.

Stay safe online
The Pasco Sheriff’s Office offers these pointers to help keep students safe online, as another school year begins:

  • Parents and guardians should talk with students about safe and appropriate behavior online.
  • Pay attention to what apps students are using. Ask the school’s resource officer for a list of apps that can exploit children.
  • Consider downloading apps your children are using, to make yourself aware of any potential dangers.
  • Consider employing parental controls, if available.
  • Advise your student not to talk to, or add people, in social media apps if they’ve never met them.

It’s important to have open conversations about potential online dangers to help keep students safe.

Published August 09, 2023

 

All Pasco school district eighth-graders will be able to take free PSAT 8/9 

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The Pasco County School Board has decided to give all eighth-graders in the district an opportunity to take the PSAT 8/9 for free.

The decision followed questions raised by school board member Colleen Beaudoin regarding the value of adding another test that she said would result in a loss of valuable instructional time for teachers.

District staff asked the school board to provide free PSAT 8/9 tests for eighth-graders, across-the-board.

The agenda item notes that the test provides early feedback on knowledge in areas that matter most for college and career readiness, including reading math, writing and language sections.

Vanessa Hilton, the district’s chief academic officer, explained the request this way: “We have tried to provide this opportunity for students, but there’s a little bit of inequity — or a lot of inequity in our district.

“We’ve been able to use Title 1 funds to administer at Title 1 schools,” Hilton said.

Pasco County School Board member Colleen Beaudoin questioned whether it was worth the loss of instructional time to give district eighth-graders the option to take the PSAT 8/9 test. (File)

Title 1 schools are those that have a high percentage of students qualifying for free or reduced-price meals.

In other schools, the test was administered based on parents requesting it and paying for it, Hilton said. 

“What we didn’t want to happen is to continue that inequity. This is a way for us to create that opportunity, across-the-board,” Hilton said. “Rather than have it be, really just if you happen to know.”

But Beaudoin wasn’t so sure that the PSAT 8/9’s value outstrips preserving the instructional time it would replace.

“The PSAT is practice for the SAT, right? We do provide that opportunity at 10th grade, for all of our 10th-graders. That’s where they can qualify for National Merit Scholarships.

“It is available for ninth-graders and 11th-graders to take it at school, as well.

“I’m struggling to find where the value is, to do a pre-test for a pre-test, with the middle school.

“I’m concerned about the loss of instructional time. It’s 145 minutes, that’s two to three class periods. We already give so many assessments, that we should know where our kids are. Our teachers are giving assessments. We have the FAST test given three times a year.

“I don’t like the idea of losing more instructional time and adding in another test for kids, when we are already pushing forward with giving kids opportunities. We’re trying to get everyone to Algebra 1 in eighth grade.

“I just don’t understand why we would take away these easy three class periods, and whether it’s optional or not, we know that if half the class is going to take a test, they’re not going to be teaching the half that remain,” Beaudoin said.

But board members Cynthia Armstrong and Alison Crumbley said they think the PSAT provides  valuable information for students, parents and district staff.

“This would be more of a nationally normed test,” Armstrong said.

“That is correct,” Hilton responded.

“That’s where I see the value of it. It’s really going to compare them with students all across the United States to see where they stand,” Armstrong said.

Pasco County School Board member Cynthia Armstrong believes parents, students and district staff would benefit from information that would be provided by results from PSAT 8/9 tests.

“This is actually a test that would be meaningful to parents. Parents are going to use it because it gives them a benchmark that they can work with their kids on, because it is a nationally normed test. This gives parents something they can understand. They can see how their kids compare to students across the nation.

“I think it’s not only a tool for the schools, but I also think it’s a tool for the parents — that they can easily understand. Because how they perform on state standards, in their minds (parents’) doesn’t necessarily translate into how they’re going to perform in college.”

Crumbley added: “To Mrs. Armstrong’s points, you are getting a national gauge in a test — a lot of these kids are going to have to take the SAT a few years later. Well, they get to try the test because it’s very similar. They also get to see where they rank on national standards, which I think is very important. And, they identify weaknesses on another type of test that is different than the Florida (state) and the course tests.

“This is a whole different realm … that I think is important for the student, in particular, for the student that’s going on to college. They get to see where they are strong and where they are weak.

“This gives them a really good indication.”

Marcy Hetzler-Nettles, assistant superintendent for middle schools, said the results provide guidance to students and to parents on the accelerated coursework students could take in high school.

“The other information they do receive is more interest-based and aptitude-based, outside of academics, so that might lead them to a field of study that they hadn’t considered previously,” Hetlzer-Nettles added.

Superintendent Kurt Browning vigorously advocated for adding the opportunity to take the PSAT for all eighth-graders.

“The thing that excites me about the PSAT in eighth grade is that it does help us identify those students earlier for advanced coursework, before they get into high school and they start setting their high school trajectory, if you will.

“The value that we get from administering the PSAT in eighth grade exceeds the downside of that lost instructional time.”

Browning also noted that the information that’s gleaned from the PSAT is good for all students, not just some students.

The district has allocated $68,000 of its general revenue fund to cover the cost of the test.

After the tests are administered and the district collects and analyzes the data, a report will be brought back to the board, Browning said.

Armstrong said she also wants to know how the information from the results will be transmitted to parents.

“This could be a tool that could really help parents understand the capabilities of their child,” Armstrong said.

Published August 02, 2023

Woodard working hard in her hometown

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Normita Woodard was out walking with her grandbaby.

She was in the heart of downtown Dade City, when she came to the corner of Martin Luther King Boulevard and Eighth Street.

It was there she decided to run for city commission.

“That was a game-changer,” Woodard, the 53-year-old Dade City native and now Group 5 representative on the city commission. “Being on that road, I thought, ‘How did Dr. King, how did Rosa Parks — how did those people stand up and get the change they wanted?’

“I served my country (in the U.S. Army), so why not come back and serve the constituents of my hometown? … It’s important our (African American) voice is at the table, that we have the opportunity to make sure equality is done because systemic racism is there — people might not even realize it’s being done, but it’s our job to bring those disparities to the forefront.

Normita Woodard, a native of Dade City, sits in front of the Historic Pasco County Courthouse. She also sits on the Dade City Commission, serving in the Group 5 seat since her election in 2020. She was unanimously selected in May, as mayor pro tem, a position she considers to require listening to and answering to all Dade City residents. (Mike Camunas)

“I’m really happy to be able to serve and ensure we have equality for all.”

Home is where the heart is
Woodard wanted to see the world.

She joined the Army after graduating from Pasco High in 1988 and had two tours in Iraq and another in Afghanistan during the first Gulf War.

“When the bombs started falling, I knew I wasn’t in training camp anymore,” she recalled.

During her 10 years in the military, she rose to the rank of Sgt. First Class. She finished her service at MacDill Air Force Base as a decorated veteran — earning the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal and National Defense Service Medal.

But she felt pulled back to Dade City.

She became a principal’s secretary at Lacoochee Elementary and also worked part-time at Steph’s Southern Soul Restaurant, owned by her godmother.

“I thought I’d have a job where I didn’t have any responsibility,” Woodard said. “I quickly found out that that’s not me.

“Being commissioner, you need to be available to go around the city, and I’m in a position now where if I get an email or call, I have that flexibility.

“One of the reasons I came back to Dade City was just being able to walk down the street and say ‘Hey!’ to whoever and actually know that person,” she said. “I don’t want us to be a town where we just pull into the driveway and go into the house and have no interaction with the neighbors.”

When Woodard decided to run for commissioner on that game-changing walk, she knew she’d also be filling a big seat. Eunice Penix, who had been commissioner since 1993, opted not to seek reelection.

Woodard knew Penix well. Penix also is a Dade City native, and both women attended St. John Missionary Baptist Church.

In a tight race that tallied 772 votes, Woodard edged out Christopher King, founder of The Gentlemen’s Course, a 501c3 nonprofit focused on educating youth in proper etiquette and anti-human trafficking efforts, 405-367.

“I believe her passion and influence is drawn from having grown up in Dade City,” fellow commissioner and Dade City Mayor Jim Shive said. “She is passionate about bringing their voice to the table.

“She always enters every task with enthusiasm, a big smile and says, ‘We got this!’”

An unexpected role
In April, City Commissioner Knute Nathe resigned from his Group 4 seat to serve as a Pasco County judge and was quickly replaced by newly appointed Lisa Simon.

However, Nathe also was the mayor pro tem.

Shive, without hesitation, nominated Woodard at the commission’s meeting in May. Commission colleagues backed the motion unanimously.

Normita Woodard, left, and Dade City Mayor Jim Shive attended a Juneteenth Celebration at Lewis Abraham Boys & Girls Club in Lacoochee.

“I believe Commissioner Woodard understands her role and the importance of diversity and equality in representing the causes of African Americans, as well as all who reside within the jurisdiction of Dade City, no matter their ethnicity,” Shive said. “I believe she is an inspiration to the African American community and the city, as a whole.

“She is an inspiration to many young girls and women within the community in her role as an elected official and Mayor Pro Tem.”

Woodard said becoming Mayor Pro Tem was never on her radar, nor was becoming any sort of government official. She was heavily involved in activities during high school, but never part of student government.

“I became very versed at public speaking through FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America) and that something fostered deep down I didn’t even know I had,” she said.

Now, her focus is on developing Dade City the right way.

She opposes more residential development, but welcomes more commercial growth. She points out that when Dade City lost Lykes Pasco, the beverage plant, in 2004, the city lost a lot of jobs and its economy suffered.

She has confidence in her hometown.

“Dade City is resilient. When that (the loss of a major business) happens in other places, you see that place die off. Dade City didn’t do that,” Woodard said. “It’s important to me that we preserve the proud heritage in Dade City. I don’t want it to look like Tampa or Orlando.

“Am I against development and growth? Absolutely not, but I need to be able to sleep at night with my votes and feel like I’ve done that in this role.”

Walking the path
On that walk with her grandbaby, Woodard had the choice to go to Naomi Jones Park or the opposite direction to Price Park. She says she chose Price Park because the facilities were better.

The walk still influences her actions as a commissioner.

One of her initiatives, with the help of City Manager Leslie Porter, is getting a new building to replace the Irvin Civic Center.

That center has been deemed too small and outdated. Impact studies and research have shown tearing down the current building, as well as moving to a more suited spot in the park, is the best option.

Woodard said she loves working with fellow commissioner Ann Cosentino, who leads the commission’s youth council. Those youth come to city hall to see the commission in action.

Woodard also wants more summer programs for youths.

Those were cut back this year and held at Pasco Middle due to limited space.

Porter said Woodard is an advocate for youths.

“She inspires young girls and women in the community through her outreach efforts and motivational words,” Porter said. “Mayor Pro Tem Woodard inspires the Black community in Dade City by encouraging their involvement, ensuring their voices are heard and representing them at each and every interaction she has.”

Woodard, for her part, walks the walk.

“I make it my business to be present, so another child, who looks like me, can see they can also make an impact,” Woodard said. “When it counts, Dade City unites together. At parades, everyone is standing shoulder-to-shoulder, from one end of the city to the other. We might not agree on everything, but at the end of the day, we all come together, no matter what the color of our skin is.

“To me, that will always be Dade City.”

Published July 26, 2023