The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

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Food pantries are feeling the pinch

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Drivers wait patiently as cars inch their way toward the pickup point for the drive-thru food pantry at  Atonement Lutheran Church, at 29617 State Road 54, in Wesley Chapel.

Volunteers box the items and place them into a waiting vehicle’s trunk or back seat.

Another group of volunteers is inside the church, wheeling steel grocery carts around tables, “shopping” for food items to fill the food boxes.

They load up their carts with fresh produce, meat, beverages, bread, snacks and desserts to provide a source of food for people who are in need.

Carla Haberland is the ‘temporary’ volunteer director for Atonement Lutheran Church’s food pantry. She stepped into the temporary role 13 years ago and has been at it ever since. (B.C. Manion)

The church helps to feed the hungry every Wednesday, said Carla Haberland, who oversees the operation.

She became the “temporary, volunteer director” when the pantry began its weekly giveaways 13 years ago.

She’s witnessing a great need among the people who are dropping by to pick up food boxes.

“We’re getting a lot of families back that hadn’t been for a long time because of the food and gas (prices), Haberland said.

“We’re getting families where maybe before they would come once a month, but maybe now they’re finding they’ve got to come twice a month,” she added.

Scott Lindner, Atonement’s pastor, put it this way: “People are struggling. People that have never struggled before. Rent is an issue for people. It’s gas. It’s groceries. It’s hitting them from all sides.”

On the morning of Aug. 3, within a 45-minute period, 145 families registered to pick up food, Haberland said. “They were backed to (State Road) 54,” Haberland said.

And that was just during the rush.

Vehicles of varied makes and models continued streaming into the church’s parking lot, making way down the driveway line, throughout the pantry’s hours.

The pantry is open each Wednesday from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Before COVID-19, people would come inside the church, to do their own shopping, Haberland said. They would pick up an allotted number of items, based on the size of their household.

That all changed when the pandemic hit.

Instead of coming inside, everyone now drives through to pick up food boxes.

The drive-thru approach is faster for recipients; the old lines used to take hours.

The church also has experienced a notable uptick in pantry business.

When the shopping was done indoors, the church provided food supplies to about 200 people every week.

Since COVID, that number has soared to between 375 and 400 families each week, Haberland said.

The pantry could use some help, too
“The community is great in donations, but it’s hard keeping up every week,” Haberland said.

“We do get some (donations) from Feeding Tampa Bay,” but she noted, “their supplies have been going down.”

Donations from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) are down, too, Haberland said.

When the pantry closed out its records at the end of June, it had 1,413 registered families. It began a new year on July 1 and by Aug. 3, it already has registered 610 families, she said. By comparison, at the same time last year, it had registered 389.

Volunteer Greg Gehring is cheerful, as he loads boxes of food into trunks, during a recent pantry day at Atonement Lutheran Church.

Haberland said the program relies on donations it receives and the commitment of volunteers.

Although food is distributed just one day, it’s a five-day operation, including picking up food donations, accepting donation deliveries, sorting food and so forth.

Its volunteers range from some in their upper-80s to high-schoolers.

About 50 people pitch in, in some form or fashion, but the pantry can always use more help, Haberland said.

It’s especially in need of strong people with good backs, Haberland said.

People who want to help don’t have to put in tons of hours, but they need to know there’s physical work involved — standing, walking, lifting and loading — so would-be helpers should keep that in mind, she said.

Those who pitch in said it’s gratifying work.

“There are so many people who need help and I’m able to help,” said Barb Packer, a volunteer in the program for nine years. Before moving to Florida she was involved in food banks for 20 years.

“Jesus said, ‘Feed my sheep,’ and that’s what I keep doing,” Packer said.

It goes beyond providing food, she said, noting, there’s also a sense of connection.

“Everybody’s got a story and they want to share it. We have people who are still unemployed, unable to find work,” she said.

People may wonder why that would be true, with so many “Help Wanted” signs all around, but Packer explained that some people can’t find work because of something that’s in their past.

She notices the families that struggle during the summer to feed their children, and the seniors who would feed their pets before feeding themselves.

A look at some of the drivers lined up to pick up boxes of food at Atonement Lutheran Church, 29617 State Road 54, in Wesley Chapel.

She’s also aware that some people have unique needs.

“One gentleman, he stays at a rest stop out at (Interstate) 75, so we pack his stuff separately because he has no way to keep things cool or cook,” Packer said.

Some recipients are forced to make difficult choices.

For instance, Packer said, they may have to decide: “Do I get the laundry detergent or do I get food for my kids?”

If some laundry detergent comes in, it can go to help someone with that need, she said.

“I feel for them,” Packer said. “Everybody tells them ‘No.’ There’s so many ‘No’s in their life. So, if we can give joy to them at least while they’re here, they go out with a smile.”

Volunteer Cheryl Ohls, who lives in Wesley Chapel, said she’s happy she can help out.

“I love it here,” said Ohls, who is a member of the Wesley Chapel Rotary Club.

There are numerous food pantries in The Laker/Lutz coverage area (see accompanying box).

In general, they aim to make life easier for those in need.

Christian Social Services, at 5514 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes, provides bags of grocery from its pantry on Tuesday through Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The amount of groceries provided depends on the size of the family, said Jacquie Petet, executive director of the thrift store and food pantry, which operates out of large red building, off U.S. 41.

She noted that the pantry itself could use some donations of canned foods and other nonperishable items.

Over the years, the pantry has received donations from The Letter Carrier Food Drives to help stock its shelves.

“This year, we got maybe less than half,” she said.

Besides food, the pantry also could use brown paper grocery bags, like the ones used at supermarkets, such as Publix, she said.

The pantry would be happy to accept recycled paper bags.

That way, it won’t have to buy them and can instead use that money for food, Petet said.

Pantry List
Note: Before heading to a pantry, call ahead to verify that it remains open and its current days/times of operation. Also, if you want to help, touch base with individual pantries, to see what they need.

LAND O’ LAKES

  • Father and Son Love Free Food Pantry, 21418 Carson Drive, Land O’ Lakes, 813-846-9993: Free grocery shopping for military, first responders and essential workers. The pantry is open on Tuesdays, from noon to 2 p.m. ID is required
  • Christian Social Services and Thrift Store, 5514 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., Land O’ Lakes, 813-995-0088. Pantry open Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Keystone Community Church, 21010 State Road 54, Lutz, 813-948-4522. The first Wednesday of the month and third Saturday of the month, from 10 a.m. to noon.
  • Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Church, 2348 Collier Parkway, Land O’ Lakes, 813-949-4565. Call the church for details regarding its food pantry.

WESLEY CHAPEL

  • Atonement Lutheran Church, 29617 State Road 54, in Wesley Chapel, 813-973-2211. Drive-thru food pantry is open on Wednesdays, from 8:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m.
  • Life Community Center, 6542 Applewood St., Wesley Chapel, 813-994-0685. Call for pantry operating hours.

DADE CITY

  • Pasadena Baptist Church, 3548 Clinton Ave., Dade City, 352-521-0545. Food pantry: Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
  • DayStar Hope Center, 15512 U.S. 301, Dade City, 352-523-0844. Pantry operates Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to noon.

ZEPHYRHILLS

  • First Presbyterian Church of Zephyrhills, 813-782-7412. Hot takeout meals, Mondays and Fridays, 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. Food pantry, Tuesdays, 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
  • St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, 5316 11th St., Zephyrhills, 813-782-2813. Food and baby pantry, Wednesdays, 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
  • Farmworker’s Self-Help, 37240 Lock St., Dade City, 352-567-1432. Call for information.
  • Neighborhood Care Center, 5140 Sixth St., in Zephyrhills, 813-780-6822. Call for information.
  • Food Pantry at Emmanuel Ministries, 12639 Candlewood Drive, in Dade City, 813-713-0305. Call for information.

NORTH TAMPA

  • St. Mark the Evangelist Church, 9724 Cross Creek Blvd., Tampa, 813-907-7746. Call for information.

MOBILE PANTRIES

  • Make a Difference mobile food pantry, 12311 U.S. 301, Dade City, 352-437-3466. Conducts food distributions, either through pre-packed boxes or farmer’s market style. Call for information.

Published August 10, 2022

This posse offers security, showmanship

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There’s just one requirement to join Pasco Sheriff’s Mounted Posse.

Pasco Sheriff’s Mounted Posse works on formation, during a training exercise at Diamond B Ranch in Dade City. The posse is a volunteer group that helps the Pasco Sheriff’s Office (PSO) with security, as well as entertainment, during various events throughout the county. The unit also engages in community relations, crime prevention, search and rescue, and fundraising for PSO Charities. (Mike Camunas)

Volunteers need to have a little giddyup.

Well, actually there is more to it than that.

Posse volunteers provide security, as well as entertainment, during various events throughout Pasco County. They also engage in community relations, crime prevention, search and rescue, and even fundraising.

“It is a really expensive hobby,” said Deputy Cliff Williams, the sworn officer who works with the volunteer group.

“But a lot of volunteers come out and it is needed — as the (Pasco) Sheriff’s Office is always looking for volunteers,” he added. “We do public events, fairs, festivals — and we get a better sight advantage from up higher. These volunteers, they work hard, and we have a great group of people.”

Indeed, volunteers for the posse must meet certain criteria. They must pass a background check, must own a horse, must be able to transport the horse, and, of course, must know how to ride and to tack.

Jeff Alston and his horse, Jack, work together for the Pasco Sheriff’s Mounted Posse, helping at events and other functions all over the county.

Beyond that, being part of the posse requires training.

Once they have all of that, they’re ready to saddle up — using their own equipment —  for an upcoming festival or fair.

“A lot of work — safety is a huge thing, so there’s a lot of training and tactics to prepare ourselves for — lots of behind the scenes stuff, too,” said Dani McGinity, a Dade City resident who has been president of the posse since 2019. “There’s care for the horse, hay, the trailer — you put a lot of money into that — the fuel, feeding them, cleaning them. … You have to enjoy doing this, and if our volunteers are putting in that much effort to be here, it has to be fun and rewarding in some way.

Pasco Sheriff’s Mounted Posse president Dani McGinity walks with her Clydesdale horse, Teagan, at Diamond B Ranch in Dade City, during a Pasco Sheriff’s Mounted Posse training.

“And it is! It is absolutely fun — not just the attention we get, but the fun part is, for example, during COVID, with everything shut down, we went to an assisted living facility. When those people saw us walking around with our horses, the smiles on their faces, the cheering, that makes it fun,” she said.

Williams agreed: “These horses bring a lot of joy to people’s lives who might not get it elsewhere.

“(My) favorite part is kids, or even adults, who get to see the horse — maybe for the first time.  I think having police officers (at events) in uniform can be intimidating, but having us there with horses makes it easier to approach, ask questions, pet the horse and really get to enjoy us volunteering at an event.”

McGinity added: “We’re one of the biggest attractions wherever we go because it’s always, ‘Hey, there’s a horse!’ and we definitely can’t say we don’t like that!”

So, besides a horse, equipment and riding skills, what else does it take to join this posse? Well, it basically comes down to the love of volunteering.

And the love of a horse, of course.

“(This is) something I had been wanting to do for a very long time,” the newest member of the posse, Dani Judge, said. “I have some really good friends in the posse and it combines my favorite things: volunteering and horses.

Deputy Cliff Williams and fellow horse deputy, Walker, are sworn officers in the Pasco Sheriff’s Mounted Posse. They lead the volunteers during training exercises and events around the county.

“Being a horse lover and being able to give back to the community, it doesn’t get any better than that,” she said.

 

Pasco Sheriff’s Mounted Posse
Info: Anyone with a horse, transportation for it and the desire to do plenty of volunteer work can join the Mounted Posse. However, there are several requirements, which can be viewed in the brochure, at PascoSheriffCharities.org, by clicking on “Pasco Posse.”
To apply for the Mounted Posse, visit PascoSheriffCharities.org/events/apply.
To schedule the Mounted Posse for an event, visit PascoSheriff.com/schedule-pso/.

Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Mounted Posse
There also is a Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Mounted Posse, which works many events in Lutz, New Tampa, Carrollwood and beyond.
Info: Visit Facebook.com/Hillsborough-County-Sheriffs-Mounted-Posse-190756680934944, or email .

Published August 03, 2022

Answering the call, on the same line

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Some fathers and sons play catch together — this pair caught a call.

It happened on July 11.

Pasco County Fire Rescue Station 26, located at the front of the Meadow Pointe subdivision, responded to a structure fire in the Wesley Chapel area.

Tampa Fire Rescue Station 23, just across Bruce B. Downs Boulevard in Hillsborough County, arrived to provide mutual aid.

Tampa Fire Rescue veteran Daniel Herrero, left, and his son, Pasco County Fire Rescue’s Dalton Herrero, battled a blaze together on July 11, even working on the same hose for the first time professionally as firefighters. (Courtesy of Dalton Herrero)

Pasco firefighter Dalton Herrero, from Station 26, responded to what could be described as a straight-forward fire call.

But it also came with a surprise.

It turns out that longtime Tampa Fire Rescue Capt. Daniel Herrero, who happens to be Dalton’s father, was among those dispatched to help out.

They fought the fire together, even working the same hose that doused the flames.

“We don’t call mutual aid very often, so it was a little luck of the draw,” said Dalton, who has been a firefighter for two years.

“Obviously, we’re not in the same department, but departments won’t do that: put family members — fathers and sons, brothers, even cousins — on the same battalion just in case, especially on a structure fire where something bad could happen.

“But, luckily, nothing did and it turned out to be a really awesome moment for both of us.”

Captain Herrero has been a firefighter for 38 years.

Even when his son became a firefighter, working with him was something that didn’t cross his mind because of the department policy. In fact, Daniel wasn’t sure Dalton would become a firefighter until after returning from college in Tallahassee.

“I never pushed him, but he did (become a firefighter) and I’ve always been there for him, so it’s such an honor,” Daniel said.

Dalton Herrero, left, and his father, Daniel, work a hose to put out a fire in Wesley Chapel on July 11.

“He’s a good, smart kid, and I think he’ll do a good job with it, and if he puts his mind to it, he’ll be great.”

Dalton said he absolutely became a firefighter because of his father, and because of the traditional schedule — 24 hours on, 48 hours off — that firefighters work.

“I love that 24/48 schedule — now and growing up with my dad as a firefighter. Sure, he’d be gone a day, but then he was there most of the time because of the schedule and (we) got to spend a lot of time together.

“That was always great as a kid.”

And, it was great to work a fire together, too, he said.

“When we were both on the scene, and we finally realized we were both there, there was a lot of finger pointing and like, ‘Heyyyyyy,’” he said, with a laugh.

“And then it was pretty obvious they were setting it up to get us together on the line,” he said.

Daniel definitely saw it coming, too.

“With mutual aid, we usually just stand back and wait until (the other department) needs or requests help,” the elder Herrero said. “There were other guys there that had been there long enough, but then they said Dalton needed backup on the line, and I knew they meant me.

“I had been set up!”

Set up for a call that neither of the men, who live in Land O’ Lakes, will ever forget.

“Holding the hose and fighting the fire together,” Dalton said, “I’ll always cherish that awesome moment.”

“(It was) such a great moment,” Daniel agreed. “I couldn’t be more proud.”

Published July 27, 2022

Hooked on a feeling

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The name will give you pause.

The Happy Hookers are, however, not what you think. In fact, they have hearts of gold as a “sewing circle” that meets weekly to crochet and knit blankets, quilts, and even beanies for newborns, all for charity.

Sue Sullivan, of the Highlands Happy Hookers, works on a blanket that will be donated through charity to either a veteran or to the Meals on Wheels program. The Happy Hookers is a group that gets together weekly and makes blankets, quilts and more for those in need. (Mike Camunas)

“It’s definitely people not putting it together that we’re ladies who are crocheting,” group manager Sue Sullivan said. “We’re ‘hookers,’ because of our crochet hooks.

“It’s definitely memorable, so they sure don’t forget us!”

Who could forget the Happy Hookers?

The group from the Highlands at Scotland Yards in Dade City has been doing this for more than 15 years. Not only is it a noble, charitable act, there’s no one that doesn’t chuckle at the name.

“A lot of people find that … humorous,” Judy Besley, a founding member of the Happy Hookers, said with a sly smile. “We had about 20 people at one time and, yes, some people have died and others have moved. Even with COVID, we couldn’t meet, but we kept crocheting at home, and came back ready with a bunch of blankets and more. We just got into the habit of doing this, every week, because we like to talk. We will also crochet at home, but it’s so nice to be able to do it with some people and just have a conversation.

Lynda Chynoweth crochets a little newborn beanie from some yarn, for the Highlands Happy Hookers.

“We’ve had that name since we started — we’ve always been hookers.”

Besley says the group formed when since-passed Highlands resident Josephine Basil wanted to teach crochet in the community. Several residents already knew how, so the original members decided they’d like to continue to crochet and knit as charity work.

“As hookers,” Sullivan said, “our kids and grandkids already have enough scarves, blankets and beanies they could need or possibly want, so we stopped giving them to our families. We (make stuff) for anyone in general, but we like to make blankets for the veterans, beanies for the babies — we just want to do charity work.”

The Highlands Happy Hookers is a group that meets weekly to crochet, knit, sew and, of course, socialize, all while making blankets for veterans and the needy, as well as beanies for newborns.

The Happy Hookers make a lot of blankets that are then given to Meals on Wheels, or to veterans with the help of Zephyrhills Elks Lodge #2731 that donates a lot of yarn to the group. Sullivan also is an Elk, and on Jan. 24, the Hookers presented 45 blankets to the veterans at Baldomero Lopez State Veterans Nursing Home in Land O’ Lakes.

The women also make beanies for newborns and give them to Paula’s Project, a charitable Facebook group that collects and donates beanies to St. Joseph’s Women’s Hospital in Tampa.

Nearly all the supplies, especially the yarn, is donated to the Hookers. Not only does the Elks Lodge give them a lot, but so does the community. The Hookers also hold fundraisers and raffles to raise money to buy supplies.

“Sometimes,” Sullivan added, “we’ll come in here on a Wednesday and just find a great big bag of yarn someone left. … It’s great to have this in the community, and together we do some charity work and also have some fun.”

Hands of a Happy Hooker hook some yarn, while creating a colorful newborn beanie.

The members do have fun, as evidenced by the chatter and laughter during a morning sewing session. Sullivan likens it to sewing groups that meet at local libraries, with those participants doing so “because then there’s someone to talk to.”

“That’s just like us,” she added. “We just happen to be here in Scotland Yards.”

Which is not to say The Happy Hookers aren’t welcoming or limited to just Scotland Yards’ residents. In fact, not only have there been “hookers” from other communities, these Hookers welcome anyone — no matter their experience, or even if they can’t crochet, knit or sew.

“There are some people who don’t even crochet,” Besley said. “Whether they can’t because they don’t know how or have a medical issue like arthritis, but they’re just here for the chit chat. We’re happy for anyone to come by, either to crochet or visit.”

Sullivan adds the group can even teach those willing, and wanting to be, a hooker.

“Come on down — everyone is welcome!” she said. “We actually taught one lady how to knit, and she’s really good now, too. We’re not going to turn anyone away. This isn’t a club. There’s no dues, there’s no requirement or forms — it’s just us, knitting and talking (laughs).

“We’re just a group of ladies that call themselves hookers.”

Highlands Happy Hookers
Anyone can join the Happy Hookers — it’s not only for residents of the Highlands at Scotland Yards. No experience is necessary either. Nor is sewing in general, as the members welcome those looking for some companionship, as well. To join the group or donate yarn, email Sue Sullivan at .

Published June 20, 2022

Edith Minch, right, looks on with a smile as Judy Besely wraps up some yarn, during a meeting of the Highlands Happy Hookers.
Hands of a Happy Hooker sew a fun dinosaur onto a newborn beanie that will be donated to St. Joseph’s Women’s Hospital in Tampa.
Carolyn Fuller, right, with her great granddaughter, Madison, work together to help create newborn beanies that eventually will be donated to St. Joseph’s Women’s Hospital in Tampa.

 

New schools being planned in Pasco

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Pasco County is on the grow and the public school district is planning to increase its capacity.

The Pasco County School Board recently approved the district’s five-year school plant survey, which includes existing conditions and recommended plans.

Kirkland Ranch Academy of Innovation, slated to open this fall, is one of the new schools on the list.

It’s a magnet school that will specialize in preparing students in career fields and technical trades such as automotive maintenance and repair, including diesel; biomedical sciences; building trades and construction technology; cybersecurity; digital media and multimedia design; engineering and robotics; welding; electricity; and, patient care technology.

Kirkland Academy of Innovation is a magnet school that will open in the fall in Wesley Chapel. It will feature a curriculum that allows students to earn a standard diploma, while having the opportunity to earn industry certifications in an array of technical fields. (Courtesy of Pasco County Schools)

Students attending the new high school are primarily coming from Wesley Chapel High, Pasco High, Zephyrhills, some from Wiregrass Ranch, and some from Cypress Creek, according to Chris Williams, director of planning for the school district.

Kirkland Ranch K-8, another school on the list, is expected to begin construction soon.

“As soon as they’re done with the Academy of Innovation, they’re moving to the back of this property. That’s going to be a magnet. Similarly, we expect that to have impact on primarily the east side. Weightman, John Long, Centennial (middle schools),” Williams said.

The elementary school students primarily will come from “Watergrass, Wesley Chapel, San Antonio, and even farther out, Double Branch, Seven Oaks, Wiregrass, that whole region,” he said.

The school plant survey also includes a number of other projects that are either planned soon, or are on a longer horizon.

A 6-12 STEM magnet school, in the emerging community of Angeline in Land O’ Lakes, is a four-story building under construction near Moffitt Cancer Center’s planned Pasco Campus.

The school is expected to open in the fall of 2023, and the school district is delighted by the partnerships it anticipates with Moffitt.

“We’re really excited about the opportunity we’ll have for our students there,” Williams said.

That school also will be the district’s tallest school, the planning director said, noting there is no other four-story school in the system.

A new traditional K-8 is planned on the south side of State Road 54, across the road from the Ballantrae subdivision. The school will be built behind a Ballantrae office complex.

This magnet school, for students in grades six through 12, is expected to open in the fall of 2023. It will feature partnerships with Moffitt Cancer Center, which plans to create its Pasco County campus nearby. It also will be the tallest school in the Pasco County system.

Other plans call for a school campus in the new Two Rivers development off State Road 56, near Morris Bridge Road.

A site has been identified for the campus, but the school district hasn’t purchased it yet, Williams said. The site likely will be co-located with a regional park.

“We have done some preliminary thinking of how that might look. Because we’re going to have a whole campus there, probably K-8 and a high school, along with the park,” he said.

It’s not clear yet whether there will be a joint-use library, although it’s a possibility, he said.

“What are we going to be sharing? Certainly, we’ll be sharing the (athletic)  fields and the parking,” Williams said.

The planning director noted that projects listed in the district’s five-year plan are subject to change because available funding will be influenced by the collection of impact fees, whether the extension of the Penny for Pasco infrastructure surtax is approved by voters, local capital millage funds, and the overall economy.

If there’s a recession, for instance, there will be less construction activity and fewer revenues collected through impact fees.

Also, voters will decide in November whether to extend the Penny for Pasco surtax for 15 additional years.

That being said, a number of  other projects within the Laker/Lutz News coverage area are on the five-year list:

• Starkey Ranch K-8: Expansion for 400 student stations
Work is starting on that immediately, Williams said. When the district opened the school, it knew that the Starkey Ranch development would grow, but it turned out that the magnet school also attracted students who had been attending private schools and charter schools, Williams said.

• West Zephyrhills Elementary: Expansion for 400 student stations
If Penny for Pasco passes, the remodeling of West Zephyrhills Elementary will likely be one of the first projects that’s completed, Williams said. That project would include additional capacity.

• Pasco Senior High: Expansion for 400 student stations
When the first Penny for Pasco passed, the district did a significant project at Pasco Senior High, Williams said. That work did not include substantial work in the cafeteria or kitchen.

The conceptual plan for this project calls for tearing down the one-story building and constructing a two-story structure. The first floor would contain a kitchen and larger cafeteria. The second floor would be classrooms, Williams said. The media center likely would be remodeled, too, he said.

In addition to district projects, Williams said there’s also an expectation of some charter school expansions, as well as some new charter schools that will come online in the next few years.

Long-term school plans
These Pasco County school district projects are possibilities within the next 10 years:
• Classroom wing at these schools: Wiregrass Ranch High; Centennial Middle; and, Chester Taylor and West Zephyrhills elementary schools
• New K-8 school: Villages of Pasadena Hills and in Two Rivers
• New high schools in Bexley Ranch and in Odessa area

Source: Pasco County Schools

Published July 13, 2022

A jumping doggone good time

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These dogs aren’t sitting on the dock.

Nope.

Rusty, a 5-year-old chocolate Labrador, jumps and reaches for the air to retrieve apparatus at the pool at Courteous Canine, a dog training and boarding facility in Lutz. Rusty is the No. 2-ranked Labrador in the United States, according to statistics from North American Diving Dogs, the sanctioning body over the sport of dock diving. (Mike Camunas)

They’re running down it and jumping right off — with no hesitation.

After a huge splash, most dogs are back up on the dock before the water has even settled.

“Some dogs love it; I think most dogs love it,” said Diving Dog Instructor Joe Souza. “We get little old ladies with chihuahuas that jump, to Great Danes that jump, to everything in between.

“To be honest, there are worse ways to spend your day than with dogs at the pool.”

Dog dock jumping at Courteous Canine, a dog training and boarding facility in Lutz, is quite popular. Any dog, of any size, can come and learn to dock dive.

The diving can be just for fun or for competitions governed and sanctioned by North American Diving Dogs (NADD).

Three-year-old black lab Rylee runs up the ramp at the pool at Courteous Canine, in Lutz, so he can jump back in the pool as soon as possible.

In fact, the NADD limits the number of dock diving facilities, so they can be no closer than within 100 miles of each other.

“Some people train here, some people show up for competitions and some people just bring their dogs so they can jump off the dock,” said Souza, who has four dogs that dock jump. “When it comes to (my dog) Rusty, if he had to choose between breathing, eating and dock diving, he’s choosing dock diving.”

Rusty, a 5-year-old chocolate Labrador, is actually nationally ranked as the No. 2 Labrador at dock diving, according to NADD.

His personal best jump is 30 feet. The world record is 36 feet, 11 inches, and held by a whippet.

Courteous Canine Diving Dog Instructor Joe Souza sends Rusty high into the air after a toy, at the facility’s pool in Lutz.

Souza says dogs are usually competing against themselves, in that they’re just trying to get a personal best in each level. Levels are determined by length. Novice is up to 10 feet, while the top jumpers are in the premiere level, which is 28 feet or longer.

Courteous Canine also hosts competitions.

Souza says the facility has dogs, and owners, who take those very seriously. They’ll compete throughout the year, including at nationals, which is held in St. Louis.

Ashley Gandees, of Wesley Chapel, is an owner who does everything for her Great Danes. Her 2-year-old, Dazzle, competes in several types of competitions, and Gandees didn’t hesitate when she found the dock jumping facility a few miles away.

“She was jumping off the dock by the second lesson with Joe,” Gandees recalls. “I never thought she would be so good at it. She’s holding her own at competitions, getting up to about 20 feet. Really it was just something else I wanted the dogs to be able to do and be more well-rounded dogs.

“She definitely loves doing it.”

Courteous Canine
Where: 3414 Melissa Country Way, Lutz
Details: A dog training and boarding facility that also specializes in swimming and dog dock jumping lessons. The dock jumping sport and competitions are under the sanctioning body North American Diving Dogs (NADD).
Info: Visit CourteousCanine.com, or call 813-949-1465. For more information on NADD, visit NorthAmericaDivingDogs.com.

Published July 06, 2022

Chip, a black Labrador, waits, somewhat patiently, to be let back into the diving area at the pool, at Courteous Canine.
River, left, and Rusty, right, tug over a floating toy in the pool at Courteous Canine, in Lutz.
Dazzle, a 1-year-old Great Dane, leaps after a toy at Courteous Canine, in Lutz. Her owner, Ashley Gandees, of Wesley Chapel, brings Dazzle to weekly dock jumping sessions and has entered her in competitions, as well. (Courtesy of Joe Souza)
Rusty gladly returns his floating toy, so he can once again jump off the dock into the pool at Courteous Canine and retrieve it.

Mike Carballa is named Pasco’s next county administrator

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The Pasco County Commission decided it didn’t need to look beyond its current staff to fill the county’s top job.

Board members took action at their June 21 meeting, elevating Mike Carballa, assistant county administrator of public infrastructure, to interim county administrator, effective July 30.

Board chairwoman Kathryn Starkey will negotiate a contract with Carballa, who has been selected on a unanimous board vote to become county administrator, effective Oct. 1.

Mike Carballa is Pasco County’s new interim administrator, effective July 30. He has been selected to replace Dan Biles as the county’s new administrator, when Biles’ contract lapses on Oct. 1. (Courtesy of Pasco County)

The action to promote Carballa happened quickly.

Dan Biles officially announced his resignation on May 17. His contract expires Sept. 30, but he’ll be leaving sooner because of accrued time off.

County Commissioner Ron Oakley made a motion to appoint Carballa to the interim county administrator during the board’s June 7 meeting, but withdrew it after Starkey raised concerns about making that decision without a full board. Commissioner Mike Moore was absent because of illness.

Seeking a compromise, Biles suggested that the board could direct him to start working with Carballa, and delay any formal action until the following meeting.

That led to Oakley’s motion on June 21.

Oakley told his colleagues: “Last time I’d made a motion for an interim administrator and by waiting, I’ve thought more about it. If I was doing this in my business, and it was a vice president, or something who had left my business and I had someone interim to put in that position, I wouldn’t put him in there as an interim. I’d put him in the position and go forward, and it would be a smooth transition.”

Commissioner Jack Mariano added: “My first thoughts were a national search, get the best candidate you can for the county.”

But Mariano said he, too, had a change of heart.

Mariano referenced a budget meeting that he’d had the previous day with Carballa, Erik Breitenbach, assistant administrator of internal services, and Robert Goehig, the county’s budget director.

That meeting, Mariano said, solidified his feeling that promoting Carballa was the right move.

He said both Carballa and Breitenbach initially indicated interest in the job, but Breitenbach backed away, saying this wasn’t the best time for him to pursue it, because of family considerations.

Commissioners express confidence in Carballa
“I don’t think there’s been a better person suited to take over the county administrative than Mike Carballa, of anyone I’ve ever seen,” Mariano said. “He’s really diligent. I think he’s ready for the job.”

Oakley agreed: “I think it would be really smooth and this county will keep moving forward.”

Commissioner Mike Moore said Carballa is “obviously, very competent, obviously, understands the county — lives in the county, knows the county very well.

“I have all of the confidence in the world in him. I think he would excel at this position,” Moore said.

At the same time, Moore said he wanted to hear the thoughts of his other colleagues.

Commissioner Christina Fitzpatrick gave her stamp of approval: “I think he would be a great asset to the county.”

Chairwoman Starkey added: “I also think Mike is very, very capable. I’ve talked with people who have worked with him, in other agencies, and they find him to be capable, as well.

“I have mixed emotions because I think sometimes it’s good to hear what other people’s ideas are in other places.

“I’ve had the opportunity to live around the world and I’ve learned something in every place that I’ve lived, so I guess I can go either way.

“I know sometimes when you do a national search you don’t know what you’re going to get. “We’ve interviewed some people that probably weren’t right for our county, but we did find someone like Dan Biles.

“I think Mike can do a great job, but I also think it’s good to hear what others have to offer, and bright ideas from other really prime areas that I think we could attract from,” Starkey said, but she did not push for a national search.

Moore said the decision to hire from within is not unusual.

“Pasco County is a very large company. We’re the board of directors and all of the constituents are its shareholders. The shareholders decide who the board of directors are and the board of directors decides who our new CEO is.

“If you look at companies, throughout time, people groom their replacement. The board doesn’t always go out and do a national search.

“Why put outside people through a process when we know who we want?

“It’s not fair to them, anyhow. So, good decision,” Moore concluded.

Fitzpatrick also noted some of Carballa’s attributes: “It’s very easy to speak with him. He has great communication skills. He’s respectful. He has ethical values and integrity.”

Mariano added: “We’ve got a great team. We’ve got great leadership. We can keep this thing rolling … without skipping a beat.”

Carballa, who was filling in for Biles at the June 21 meeting, told commissioners that their action was unexpected, but appreciated.

“It was also unexpected for me to land here, in Pasco County, and work for such a great administrator, Dan Biles, as well as the people that we work with here, this board and our various stakeholders.

“I do appreciate your confidence. I look forward to working alongside the women and men, as well as our key stakeholders, in Pasco County, as your county administrator. So, thank you for that,” Carballa said.

Carballa joined the county’s senior leadership staff in 2014, after working at Tampa Bay area engineering firms, according to information provided by the county.

Before working in the private sector, Carballa was a captain in the U.S. Air Force for five years.

He holds a master’s degree from the University of Florida Warrington College of Business and a bachelor’s degree in engineering from the University of South Florida.

Carballa and his wife have two children, and they are Pasco residents.

Published June 29, 2022

Model homes expected soon in new ‘city’ of Angeline

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Crews are busy at Angeline, a new 6,200-acre master-planned community in Central Pasco.

A recent tour of the property, given by Vaike O’Grady, vice president of marketing and communications for Metro Development Group, provided an early glimpse of the emerging development.

Fabric banners proclaim Angeline, on a portion of Sunlake Boulevard, just south of State Road 52.

Angeline is a massive community that’s in the early stages of development. It is being likened to a small city, built from the internet up, by Kartik Goyani, vice president of operations for Metro Development Group. (Courtesy of Metro Development Group)

A welcome center is under construction.

Some street signs already are posted, including Banyan Breeze Boulevard and Anchor Dune Drive.

Vibrant signs proclaim some of the community’s values: Thrive. Nourish. Learn. Connect.

Lennar will build the first homes in Angeline, from its Active Adult Collection, with model homes expected to open this summer.

A multimillion amenity center and clubhouse will be constructed within Lennar’s gated neighborhood — featuring a resort-style swimming pool, fitness center, tennis, pickleball and bocce ball courts, and more.

“We are currently launching with four (builders). Just like in any of our large communities, we would expect to have a very diverse mix — anywhere from eight to 10 builders, over time,” said Kartik Goyani, vice president of operations for Metro Development Group.

“We like to create multigenerational communities, so everything from townhomes, villas, entry-level single-family homes, move up, luxury, for rent, multifamily apartments.

“Our goal is to be able to offer a very diverse product mix, so there’s something in it for everyone,” he said.

Angeline will be massive
When completely built out, Angeline is expected to have about 35,000 people, Goyani said.

The community will be home to H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center’s planned Pasco County 775-acre campus, which is entitled for up to 24 million square feet of planned clinical and research facilities.

Plans include a hospital, research and development space, office, manufacturing, laboratories, pharmacies, educational facility/university, hotel, and commercial space. The multiyear, multiphase project is expected to create 14,500 jobs.

Its footprint is larger than downtown Tampa.

“It’s super exciting. We can’t more thrilled to have an anchor like Moffitt Cancer Center here,” Goyani said.

Recently, Gov. Ron DeSantis vetoed $20 million in funding for Moffitt, which would have been recurring for 30 years. At the same time, he left intact $106 million in funding for infrastructure for Moffitt.

Goyani said the governor’s veto will have no impact on Metro Development Group’s plans in Angeline.

Moffitt issued a statement following the recent legislative session, thanking the governor and legislative leadership for their support of Moffitt’s efforts.

In part, that statement says: “The new funding approved will help accelerate Moffitt’s expansion efforts in Pasco County to better serve more patients, increase our research and education efforts, create new jobs and make our vision to build a global destination to live, work and cure cancer a reality.”

Not far from the planned Moffitt site, Pasco County Schools is building a 6-12 STEAM Magnet School, focusing on science, technology, engineering, the arts and mathematics.

Goyani said the school is significant.

This depicts the 6-12 STEAM Magnet school under construction in Angeline. It’s on a site near Moffitt Cancer Center’s planned Pasco County research and medical campus. (Courtesy of Metro Development Group)

“That’s an integral part of our town center. It’s the first of its kind, not only from an educational standpoint, but from a place-making standpoint that we’ve integrated a four-story school, right within the heart of the town center,” Goyani said.

Angeline also will feature the latest in technology.

“We’re creating an entire city, from the internet up,” said Goyani, obviously passionate about what that will mean to the people who live and work there.

“Angeline is going to have the fastest connectivity in the Tampa Bay area at over 2 gigs —included for everyone who moves into the community.

“At a very fundamental level, we see technology as the great connector and the great equalizer, especially in today’s world.

“Technology is the only thing that can bridge the digital divide.

“So, you could be a school student, you could be a CEO high-level executive, you could be an hourly laborer — but guess what, one thing in common to everyone is technology.

“When I’m looking for a restaurant, I’m connecting to the same level of connectivity. I’m using the same maps, I’m using the same websites that a CEO or an executive or someone else would do, if you bring the same technology to everybody, regardless of where they live.

“They rent an apartment, the live in a townhome, or they live in a multimillion dollar home — we want them to be able to connect, learn, stay healthy, by getting access to the same technology,” Goyani said.

Angeline promotes wellness
The new community in Central Pasco is designed to promote good health.

It will have a professionally managed working farm. It will have a regional park.

(B.C. Manion)

An extensive trail network will weave throughout Angeline and will have connections to the Starkey Preserve, the Connerton Preserve and the Crossbar Ranch Preserve.

“We want to create the healthiest zip code in the country,” Goyani said.

For one thing, people who want to do telehealth appointments are unlikely to encounter problems with the strength of their internet connection.

Besides encouraging good health, the trails provide easy connections between people and the places they want to go, he said.

“You could go on a bicycle, golf cart. You can take an e-bike, you could take a scooter; (or) autonomous golf carts, when they arrive eventually. Or, you could just bike and run,” Goyani said.

“You should be able to get to anywhere within the community without hopping in your car,” Goyani said.

Angeline also promotes sustainability, he said.

It will have state-of-the art battery- and solar-powered streetlights that are completely off-grid and are dark-sky compliant.

It also will retain much of its natural beauty.

“Preserving the natural area is part of our sustainability goal. More than half of the Angeline project is conservation and preserve areas,” Goyani said.

“The way we do that is basically bending our building footprints and subdivision phases around the existing natural areas, and respecting what’s out there that came before us.

“It’s obviously harder. It’s also expensive. But we think that’s the right way to do it,” Goyani said.

One manmade amenity that’s expected to be popular is Angeline’s planned crystal lagoon. The development group established the first lagoon in Florida in Epperson in Wesley Chapel, and another one is under construction in its Mirada development.

This aerial shows the welcome center for Angeline that’s under construction near Sunlake Boulevard and State Road 52. (Courtesy of Metro Development Group)

The lagoon sparks interest, Goyani said.

“So, you’re in California, you’re in New York, you want to move to Florida. Or, you’re living in South Tampa, and you say, ‘OK, why would I go up to Angeline?

“The lagoon provides that visual ‘Wow,’” Goyani said.

He also noted: “What we saw during Covid was that it was just a great way for people to safely gather outdoors, continue with their life.

“It just provides for good, all-around family enjoyment,” he said.

Metro Development Group’s involvement in Angeline began in 2018, when it acquired the property.

“Originally, Lennar had it under contract, and based on what they saw what we’d done at Connected City, the ability to transform an entire region, they approached us to see if we would be interested in taking over Angeline. That’s how we got involved,” he said.

The property’s size and its access to the Suncoast Parkway and State Road 52, as well as the Ridge Road extension running through it, made Angeline appealing to Metro Development Group.

“We want to create something that is of this size and scale, that can also handle traffic for the next 50 years,” Goyani said.

Angeline, a 6,200-acre master-planned community, one day will be like a small city.

Plans for the area, which is south of State Road 52 and east of the Suncoast Parkway, include:

  • Moffitt Cancer Center’s Pasco County campus, a 775-acre life sciences and research park, expected to attract researchers and companies from around the world
  • A diversity of residential options, expected to appeal to be people of all ages in different stages of life
  • A community farm
  • A 6-12 STEAM Magnet School (STEAM stands for science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics).
  • 3,600 acres of green space and an extensive trail system
  • A MetroLagoon
  • The fastest internet in the nation, accessible to all within the community
  • Access to State Road 52, the Suncoast Parkway and Ridge Road. An extension of Ridge Road will run through the property, ending at U.S. 41.

Published June 22, 2022

F1RST having a ‘field’ day

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They’ve got a field. Some rubble. And, drones, too.

They even have dogs.

Florida’s Forensic Institute for Research, Security and Tactics, or F1RST Field, is located at the Pasco County Sheriff’s property in Land O’ Lakes and works closely with all aspects of the department. (Mike Camunas)

Florida’s Forensic Institute for Research, Security & Tactics, or F1RST, features several aspects in its multidisciplinary research institute, which operates under the Pasco Sheriff’s Department.

The state-of-the-art training facilities represents a collaboration and partnership between academia, practitioners and the private sector — creating the opportunity to discover and provide innovative, cutting-edge techniques.

“A lot of the research questions we have are ones that come up in the field,” F1RST Forensic Science Administrator Austin Polonitza said. “We rely on that academia aspect on figuring out how to answer those questions. We want to fill in the gaps in the knowledge associated with the seven core disciplines.”

F1RST’s seven core disciplines are Forensic Science; Tactics and Human Performance; Public Safety K-9s; Intelligence Studies; Cybersecurity; Unmanned Systems (Drones); and Leadership.

F1RST has various training facilities, both indoor and outdoor.

K-9 Deputy Ryan Kiley works with Joker, a two-year-old officer, at the Helen Rich K-9 training facility in Land O’ Lakes.

The Helen A. Rich K-9 Training and Research Campus is in Land O’ Lakes. It allows housing for the dogs, but also every training scenario for the nearly 40 K-9 officers in the sheriff’s department.

There also are two FEMA-certified rubble piles that are used for mock training for search and rescue with both the K-9s and the fire and rescue department.

“This is what we call ‘engineered chaos,’” Polonitza said, with an obvious measure of pride.

F1RST Forensic Science Administrator Austin Polonitza watches as Sgt. Tony Hallaian operates the department’s Matrice Drone, which is used mainly for searching for missing people, usually by using its heat-seeking function.

Then, there is F1RST Field.

This 11-acre field, which went up in December 2020, houses three different types of environments and can be used for training, for instance, in finding human remains or investigating crime scenes.

Thanks to the Anatomical Gift Program through Florida Gulf Coast University — one of F1RST’s academic partners — and its Human Identity and Trauma Analysis Program, the field can have actual human remains used to create certain scenarios. This allows Human Remains Detection K-9s to practice searching for “a body” and also allows technicians to try different forensics techniques in varying environments, especially those of harsh Florida wetlands.

“The field really simulates and mimics what you’ll encounter in the actual field in Florida,” Polonitza said. “There are no scenarios out there — nothing else like this area because the environment in Florida is so different, dense and moist.”

The field also is a great training location for the Unmanned Systems portion of F1RST, or the drone operators. Those remote-control pilots are able to use drones that have thermal imaging to locate missing people, as well as multispectral imaging to identify gravesites.

“We used thermal imaging to find a missing kayaker on the Withlacoochee River,” Pasco County Sgt. and Drone Operator Tony Hallaian said, noting the kayaker was found in 5 minutes.

Pasco County Sheriff’s Department has two rubble piles that are used for situational training with forensics, the K-9 units, fire and rescue, and more. Dubbed ‘engineered chaos,’ these environments allow the departments to train for all kinds of scenarios they may face in the field.

“In 10 years, (drones will) probably all be automated, but I guess that’s part of the whole program here: how do we make it better?” he said.

As part of the drone research, each device sends feedback for analysis, such as how to improve imaging or battery life. The drone patrol also is integral in hostage situations, as it can send in a drone to assess the situation before the SWAT team enters.

“That saves lives right there,” Hallaian added.

F1RST relies heavily on sharing its academic finds, as it has no limits on how many institutes or university programs it partners with (Florida International University’s Global Forensics and Justice Center is one of dozens of partnerships).

F1RST also has an outreach program to educate the youth — those who might be interested in forensics and the other core disciplines.

“We do have forensics camps,” Polonitza said. “High school students have shown interest in learning the aspects of forensics as possible careers. We’re all about empowering those with the knowledge we learn right here at F1RST.”

To learn more about F1RST, its Anatomical Gift Donation Program and its upcoming training courses, visit FloridaFirstTraining.org.

Published June 15, 2022

Pasco County Sgt. and Drone Operator Tony Hallaian walks atop the urban rubble pile that simulates a disaster in a city environment and includes a donated downed helicopter from Puerto Rico, at the department’s F1RST Field.
Pasco County Sgt. and Drone Operator Tony Hallaian greets Phi, the Forensics Department’s Human Remains Detection K-9 at the Helen Rich K-9 training facility in Land O’ Lakes.
The Pasco County Sheriff department’s Matrice Drone is used mainly for searching for missing people, usually by using its heat-seeking function. That’s how it found a missing kayaker earlier this year.

Delivering sweetness, the old-fashioned way

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Johnny and Janine Oaks definitely hear the screams.

They hear the screams, for ice cream.

Land O’ Lakes Ice Cream truck owner Janine Oaks takes orders, and passes out ice cream and other treats to patient kids in the Asbel Estates neighborhood in Land O’ Lakes. Janine and her husband, Johnny, visit various communities in East Pasco and Central Pasco County, and alert everyone that they’re coming, through the nursery rhymes playing from the speakers. (MIKE CAMUNAS)

This Land O’ Lakes couple tool around in the Land O’ Lakes Ice Cream Truck, selling cold treats.

Whether midweek or on weekends, kids and adults alike, stand in the street, sometimes barefoot, and pass over dollars for an ice cream bar, cup or Dippin’ Dots.

“It’s really great to see kids jump up and down, and even watching mom and dad seeing their kids be happy to get an ice cream,” Johnny said. “We like doing things, and staying active and getting out. I don’t really want to sit around the house in a rocking chair.”

Besides, he said, it’s fun.

Janine added: “I mean, I’m not ready to fully retire yet. We get to pick and choose when we (take the truck out in neighborhoods) and we don’t go every day, but we do it a lot on the weekends, too.

“He’s right, though: it is fun!”

The Land O’ Lakes Ice Cream truck, with Johnny always behind the wheel, will hit varying neighborhoods in East Pasco and Central Pasco, including Land O’ Lakes, Lutz, Wesley Chapel, Trinity, Odessa and even some parts of Spring Hill.

However, the Oaks also are available to be reserved for events and parties.

Janine says several day care centers book the truck, as do local schools for the last day of school.

“Birthday parties really help (business),” Janine said. “It spreads, not really word of mouth, but that we’re available. Because if one party has it, then another kid or parent wants it for their party — they’ll inquire about booking before the party is even over.”

The Oaks have been driving their truck for about three years, ever since a trip to an antique store in Tallahassee had Janine buying some Blue Bell ice cream. It wasn’t before long she was looking up ice cream trucks for sale on eBay and doing research on aspects of an ice cream truck business.

“Well,” Janine joked, “he was retired and needed something to do!”

“We really started doing it all because of her!” Johnny quipped back.

Issac Lowry pays for his ice cream treat to Janine Oaks inside of her Land O’ Lakes Ice Cream truck in the Asbel Estates neighborhood in Land O’ Lakes. (MIKE CAMUNAS)

In fact, Johnny and Janine were able to keep doing it during the COVID shutdown when people were required to stay home.

Being careful to always wear a mask and have hand sanitizer available, the Oaks actually experienced a slight COVID boom, since the neighborhoods were full of kids and parents stuck at home.

“We, like everyone else, didn’t know what to expect during that time, but it was actually kind of busy for us,” Janine said. 

The truck drives at 10 mph through neighborhoods, ready to serve big crowds of kids.

The Oaks are a spry couple not even thinking about retiring. They’re content to sell ice cream to hungry customers.

“We’re not going to slow down — only to let the kids come buy ice cream!” Janine said.

“Everyone loves our truck,” Johnny added. “Everyone wants us to come to their neighborhood and everyone seems to want ice cream when we come around.

Janine and Johnny Oaks drive through just about every neighborhood in East Pasco and Central Pasco County, even replying to texts for direct-to-door stops. They also take reservations to park at events and parties. (MIKE CAMUNAS)

“So,” he said, “we’ll just keep selling ice cream, as long as the truck keeps running.”

Land O’ Lakes Ice Cream

Details: This classic ice cream truck (also featuring Dippin’ Dots) visits various communities in East Pasco and Central Pasco County. It also can be scheduled for events and parties. It accepts cash only.

Owners Johnny and Janine Oaks respond to call and text requests, and can be reached at 813-781-8297, or visit LandOLakesIceCreamTruck.com.

Published June 1, 2022.