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Pasco’s growth likened to adding ‘a good-sized city’

November 16, 2021 By B.C. Manion

Pasco County’s burgeoning development is evident.

Subdivisions are springing up. New businesses are moving in. Roads are being built. And, there are more places to shop, eat, learn and have fun.

A 20% growth in population between 2010 and 2020 has created new opportunities, but also presents challenges — and, Pasco County Administrator Dan Biles gave a big-picture look at the county’s growth during the North Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce’s Nov. 2 breakfast meeting.

Pasco’s population, estimated at 464,697 in 2010, grew to 561,891 in 2020, according to U.S. census data.

“A 100,000 (people) is a good-sized city itself,” Biles observed.

Most of Pasco’s growth was spread out throughout the county, with 60% of the county’s population now living west of U.S. 41 and about 40% living east of it.

Biles addressed the opportunities and the challenges created by Pasco’s swelling population. He also touched on Pasco’s future prospects, during his talk on the Porter campus of Pasco-Hernando State College, in Wesley Chapel.

Pasco County Administrator Dan Biles gave members of the North Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce a big-picture look at what’s happening in Pasco County, particularly regarding the opportunities and challenges presented by the county’s rapid growth. (B.C. Manion)

Although the county has New Port Richey, Port Richey, Dade City, Zephyrhills, San Antonio and St. Leo within its borders, roughly 92% of the county’s residents live in unincorporated areas.

Residents living outside of municipal boundaries rely on the county to deliver the types of services that cities normally provide, Biles said.

And, it takes a sizable staff to deliver them, the administrator said, noting the county’s 2021-2022 budget authorizes 3,200 positions.

The budget includes additional personnel for two new fire stations that are coming online and beefs up its development services office to address the staggering demands.

Permitting activity has been on a steady climb.

“October was actually the first month we actually dropped below year-over-year in 18 months,” Biles said.

He also noted: “We have consistently, since last July, issued about as many or more single-family permits every month than Hillsborough County.

“By the end of August, we had issued more single-family home permits in 2021 than we had issued in all of 2020. And that’s with builders tapping the brake and metering themselves.

“Yes, the market is crazy.

“Part of this is happening because of the reception that builders and developers are getting south of us,” the administrator said.

The Pasco County Commission has worked to create a welcoming environment for the development community, the administrator said, noting “not necessarily to compete with Hillsborough, but (so) that the development community would prefer to be in Pasco, than they would south of us.”

The rapid growth has impacts.

“Have you tried to get a permit from us recently? It’s not easy,” Biles said.

Besides residential growth, there’s been a significant uptick in commercial activity, too.

“Commercial is up 40% year-over-year, and that’s the one we want, right? Because they’re not homesteaded, from an ad valorem tax perspective. They actually help pay for the services we deliver to single-family.

“Our site plan approvals have doubled, year-over-year.

“The MPUDs (master-planned unit developments) almost doubled year-over-year.

“Even the stuff that’s in the pipeline isn’t slowing down.

“We’ve issued over 14,000 utility connection permits in the last 12 months, which is double the number of single-family permits,” he said.

Sales tax revenues are up, too, coming in at 15% to 20% higher, compared to a normal growth rate closer to 3%, year-over-year, Biles said.

While some of the increase can be attributed to taxing internet sales, most of it stems from consumers making more purchases.

Biles also noted that revenues based on increased property values went up 10.8%, and that’s including homesteaded properties, which are protected from significant property tax increases.

The county has finally recovered from the impacts of the Great Recession, when property values plummeted.

“It took us 12 years to get back to 2008 values. We finally got there in 2019-2020,” Biles said.

Biles told the crowd that Pasco has added 23,000 jobs during the past 12 months, and that’s not counting the positions that remain vacant, as employers search for qualified candidates.

The county’s tourism is on the upswing, too, he said.

“We almost doubled the amount of visitors last quarter from the quarter last year,” he said.

“We went from 236,000 to over 400,000 visitors in that quarter, and that’s when we were still in the wave, starting to come down the backside of the Delta COVID wave,” Biles said.

Looking into the future, Biles sees great things arising from Moffitt Cancer Center’s planned campus on 775 acres, in the upcoming Angeline community in Land O’ Lakes.

“For perspective, the corner they (Moffitt) have at Suncoast and Ridge Road is larger than the Central Business District of Tampa,” Biles said.

The campus is going to be a mix of profit, nonprofit, research and health care — and is expected to generate 14,000 jobs, an estimate that Biles thinks is probably too low.

The Moffitt campus, Biles said, will have significant consequences.

“This is a generational type thing. Forty and 50 years from now, our kids and grandkids will think of Pasco, and they will think of the cancer research — and maybe cure, that would be nice — that happened in Pasco County.”

He expects Moffitt to submit for permits sometime within the next six months.

Revised November 17, 2021

Pasco County pursuing new effort to curb panhandling

November 3, 2021 By B.C. Manion

The Pasco County Commission wants to follow Lee County’s lead, in enacting an ordinance that aims to reduce panhandling — while avoiding potential concerns about free speech violations.

Patrick Moore, a senior assistant county attorney, explained the approach during the county board’s Oct. 26 meeting.

In essence, the new approach makes it illegal for people to stand in a roadway area that’s less than 6 feet wide and prohibits physical interactions between motorists and pedestrians.

“The county’s current ordinance was created for the purpose of protecting vehicular and pedestrian safety, and the free flow of traffic. This purpose hasn’t changed,” Moore said.

However, he added, the county’s current ordinance “makes it unlawful to solicit or attempt to solicit with the intent to receive a charitable donation.”

Because of that, the ordinance is often referred to as the county’s panhandling ordinance, he said.

“As far as enforcement goes, historically, direct citations haven’t always been effective, which causes the sheriff’s office, in an attempt to enforce the ordinance, to utilize the county’s public roadway, public right of way, trespassing ordinance,” he said.

“However, due to recent case law, the sheriff’s office has decided not to enforce or utilize the ordinance, in order to trespass someone, moving forward.

“In fact, that’s kind of across-the-board in the state of Florida. Law enforcement agencies across the state are deciding not to enforce many panhandling ordinances in different counties,” Moore explained.

So, he said, “this discussion is something that many other jurisdictions are also struggling with.

“The reason why this new case has caused this result is because it points out the infringement on First Amendment rights, specifically related to free speech, as to requesting charitable donations and so on, in public roadways.”

The ordinance recently adopted in Lee County essentially eliminated the solicitation aspect, Moore said.

“It has the same exact purpose of our current ordinance,” Moore said.

But, it eliminates the concerns over the First Amendment because it “eliminates any mention of solicitation or panhandling, as a basis of the violation.

“It creates a violation for remaining in a median or other areas of the roadway,” Moore said.

“It is unlawful” to remain in a median, whether the area is paved or not paved, if it less than 6 feet, unless you are actively crossing in a crosswalk.

It also is unlawful in Lee County “to have a physical exchange, or physical interaction, amongst a pedestrian and a vehicle.

“It specifically notes a vehicle that’s not lawfully parked. In other words, in a roadway at an intersection, stopped at a red light, stopped at a stop sign.

“It removes any contemplation on the enforcement side, whether it’s the sheriff’s office or code enforcement, of trying to determine what the intent of the message is that the person is trying to relay. It simply says this is a violation. There is no physical interaction between a pedestrian and a vehicle.”

Commissioners Mike Moore, Kathryn Starkey and Jack Mariano all spoke in favor of the ordinance, noting panhandlers pose a danger to motorists and to themselves.

Commissioner Moore said when he came on the board in 2014, it was a problem, but lessened for a time and now seems to be on the uptick, as word gets out that enforcement isn’t happening.

Starkey noted: “I’ll drive around Holiday, which I do regularly. They’re at every intersection and it’s dangerous because they’re walking down between the cars. Who wants to hit someone walking down the street? It’s unsafe for our citizens.”

Mariano added: “This has been a very sore subject in the Hudson area. Probably the No. 1 complaint, I get is all of the panhandling.”

The Lee County ordinance appears to be an excellent approach, Mariano said.

“It addresses stopping, standing or otherwise occupying a median that is not sufficient pedestrian refuge.”

And, it seeks to get people to understand “they are in violation, if they give,” Mariano said.

“Those two things will help us tremendously.

Mariano also noted: “I can’t think of a more important thing for code enforcement to do than to attack this issue, at least in the Hudson area. It may deter this behavior from going on.”

Starkey made a motion for the county’s legal team to draft an ordinance that incorporates Lee County’s approach, to advertise it for public hearing and to bring it back for board action.

Published November 03, 2021

Driver shortage causes disruptions

October 26, 2021 By B.C. Manion

A change is being proposed that will shift starting and ending times for school days — to address a bus driver shortage in Pasco County Schools.

The proposal, if approved, would take effect on Jan. 4.

All schools would have some adjustment to their start and end times, with most shifts being 30 minutes or less, according to school district officials.

District staff addressed the issues and presented a proposed solution during a workshop with the Pasco County School Board on Oct. 19.

Superintendent Kurt Browning also outlined the issues in two videos on YouTube. One video is addressed to families and the other to district staff.

Pasco County Schools’ buses cover hundreds of routes each day and the district simply doesn’t have enough drivers. To solve the problem of getting students to school on time, the district is proposing a massive scheduling shift. (File)

In essence, Browning noted that the district struggles every year to hire and retain all of the bus drivers that it needs, but this year, the shortage is worse than ever.

He noted that the district has tried different strategies to solve that, he said, including financial incentives, job fairs, waiving background check fees and using an all-hands-on-deck approach.

Those efforts have helped, but have not solved the problem, the superintendent said.

“The result of this acute shortage is that many of our students are late arriving at school in the morning, which results in loss of instructional time, and they are late arriving at home in the afternoon and early evening, which puts a strain on families.

“Our bus drivers and our transportation department are doing a remarkable job under very difficult circumstances.

“Still, chronically late buses remain the norm.

“This is unacceptable.

“We have now devised a strategy that we believe will solve the problem,” he continued.

“In short, by having some schools start earlier and some start later, we can widen the window of opportunity for us to transport students on time,” he explained.

“This proposed solution was not our first choice. It will have a district-wide impact on families, including those who do not rely on school buses for transportation,” he acknowledged.

“For some, the impact will be a minor tweak to some morning and afternoon routines. For others, the impact will be significant and will require some planning,” he said.

However, the superintendent said: “We cannot continue to have a large group of students who are chronically late, arriving at school, through no fault of their own.

“This challenge is not unique to Pasco, but it is up to us to solve it.

“We have a responsibility as a school community to do everything we can to provide all students with an opportunity to learn.

“And that includes having a consistent and predictable start and end to their school day.”

During the school’s evening Oct. 19 meeting, Don Peace, the president of United School Employees of Pasco (USEP), said, “it is clear that making the proposed changes will be a monumental undertaking with numerous issues that must be worked out, not only for transportation employees, but worksite employees, students, parents and community partners, as well.

“I think we can safely say that every issue or concern will not be able to be worked out to everyone’s benefit, therefore communication and collaboration between district staff and USEP are key to reducing those problematic concerns to a minimum.

“We, as a district, have never attempted an undertaking this large in mid-year. Clearly, thinking outside the box to create solutions for all should be employed.

“It is in everyone’s best interest to minimize as much transitional stress as possible, and new and untried methods of operations may be necessary,” Peace said.

Even before the school year began, district staff had been raising the warning flag about the bus driver shortage.

The inability to attract drivers is not unique to Pasco, as school districts across the nation are facing the same problem.

The impacts from the lack of drivers are numerous: including the loss of instructional time; unpredictability for students, families, schools and employees; and the stress and turnover in the transportation department, exacerbating the problem — according to a presentation created by district staff for the school board.

The vast majority of schools would begin their day at 7:10 a.m., 8:10 a.m., 9:10 a.m., or 10:10 a.m., under the proposed bell times.

The school board is expected to consider and vote on the issue at its 9:30 a.m. meeting on Nov. 2.

The board meets in the board room, in Building 3, at the school district’s headquarters at 7227 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes.

PROPOSED BELL TIMES

ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS
School                         Start                End
Bexley                         10:10 a.m.       4:20 p.m.
Centennial                   9:10 a.m.         3:20 p.m.
Chester Taylor            10:10 a.m.       4:20 p.m.
Connerton                   10:10 a.m.       4:20 p.m.
Denham Oaks             10:10 a.m.       4:20 p.m.
Double Branch            9:10 a.m.         3:20 p.m.
Lacoochee                   8:10 a.m.         2:20 p.m.
Lake Myrtle                 9:10 a.m.         3:20 p.m.
New River                   10:10 a.m.       4:20 p.m.
Oakstead                     10:10 a.m.       4:20 p.m.
Odessa                        10:10 a.m.       4:20 p.m.
Pasco                           8:10 a.m.         2:20 p.m.
Pine View                    10:10 a.m.       4:20 p.m.
Qual Hollow                10:10 a.m.       4:20 p.m.
Rodney B. Cox             8:10 a.m.         2:20 p.m.
San Antonio                9:10 a.m.         3:20 p.m.
Sand Pine                    9:10 a.m.         3:20 p.m.
Sanders                       9:10 a.m.         3:20 p.m.
Seven Oaks                 9:10 a.m.         3:20 p.m.
Starkey Ranch K-8       9:10 a.m.         3:30 p.m.
Veterans                     9:10 a.m.         3:20 p.m.
Watergrass                 9:10 a.m.         3:20 p.m.
Wesley Chapel            9:10 a.m.         3:20 p.m.
West Zephyrhills         10:10 a.m.       4:20 p.m.
Wiregrass                    9:10 a.m.         3:20 p.m.
Woodland                   10:10 a.m.       4:20 p.m.

MIDDLE SCHOOLS
School                         Start                End
Centennial                   8:10 a.m.         2:30 p.m.
Rushe                          7:15 a.m.         1:42 p.m.
Cypress Creek             8:10 a.m.         2:30 p.m.
John Long                    9 a.m.              3:20 p.m.
Pasco                           7:10 a.m.         1:30 p.m.
Pine View                    9 a.m.              3:20 p.m.
Stewart                       9 a.m.              3:25 p.m.
Starkey Ranch K-8       9:10 a.m.         3:30 p.m.
Weightman                 8:10 a.m.         2:30 p.m.

HIGH SCHOOLS
School                         Start                End
Cypress Creek             7:10 a.m.         1:37 p.m.
East Pasco Education Academy    7:10 a.m.         1:35 p.m.
East Pasco Education Academy    8:10 a.m.         2:35 p.m.
Land O’ Lakes              7:10 a.m.         1:35 p.m.
Pasco                           7:15 a.m.         1:45 p.m.
Sunlake                       7:10 a.m.         1:44 p.m.
Wesley Chapel            7:10 a.m.         1:34 p.m.
Wendell Krinn             8:10 a.m.         3:05 p.m.
Wiregrass Ranch         8:10 a.m.         2:36 p.m.
Zephyrhills                  7:10 a.m.         1:36 p.m.

Note: These schools are located in or near The Laker/Lutz News coverage area. For a complete list of schools and proposed bell times, visit the Pasco County Schools’ website at Pasco.k12.fl.us.

Published October 27, 2021

Proposed transportation plan would accelerate some Pasco projects

October 19, 2021 By B.C. Manion

It’s a tentative list — but if it gains approval and subsequently secures funding, numerous transportation improvements affecting local motorists, pedestrians and bicyclists could occur faster than previously proposed.

The new work program presented during the Pasco Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) meeting “represents an over $40 million increase from what we are currently enjoying,” Carl Mikyska, executive director, told members of the MPO board during its Oct. 14 meeting.

Public comment will be accepted online regarding the tentative work plan, from Oct. 25 through Oct. 29, and at a public open house will be conducted by the District Seven office of the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) on Oct. 28.

All public comment, regardless of how it is provided, must be submitted by Nov. 12. (For more details, visit FDOT.gov/wpph/district7.)

Southbound traffic on Interstate 75 passes under the State Road 56 overpass. A proposed project in the State Department of Transportation’s five-year tentative work program calls for improving the traffic flow for southbound motorists, heading to I-75 and I-275, from State Road 56. (File)

Jensen Hackett, of the FDOT’s District Seven office outlined some of the proposed changes to the tentative work program, in an update to the MPO board. The board is made up of the Pasco County Commission and elected officials from the county’s largest municipalities.

One project, now included for construction in fiscal year 2027, is the widening of State Road 52, from Ehren Cutoff to Bellamy Brothers Boulevard, Hackett said.

“This is the final project as part of the (State Road) 52 widening, across the northern part of Pasco County,” he said, noting the project had been identified as the Pasco MPO’s No. 1 priority.

Pasco County Commissioner Kathryn Starkey reacted: “Thank you. I’m happy to see the rest of (State Road) 52 in the work plan.”

Another proposed change involves an effort to improve traffic flow heading south at Interstate 75/Interstate 275, in an area between State Road 56 and County Line Road.

It would be similar to the collector/distributor system that already exists for northbound motorists on I-75 and I-275 that get off the long exit ramp at State Road 56, Hackett said.

“This will be almost identical in the southern direction, to guide you from State Road 56 to southbound 75 or southbound 275 — taking away a lot of those weaving conflicts that occur, heading in that southbound direction.

“This construction is being added to fiscal year ’27,” Hackett said.

Other projects that have been added, or moved up on the proposed work program, include:

Bike and pedestrian improvements

Overpass project for the Suncoast Trail, at State Road 54 and the Suncoast Parkway. This pedestrian overpass project has been added to the construction list for fiscal year 2023. It is being paid for through an agreement with Pasco County.
Overpass project for the Suncoast Trail, at State Road 52 and the Suncoast Trail. This pedestrian overpass has been added to the construction list for fiscal year 2023. It, too, is being paid for through an agreement with Pasco County.

Safe route to school improvements

Ballantrae Boulevard, from north of Straton Place to Tower Road. This is a sidewalk project near Bexley Elementary School. Construction of this project has been added to the list for fiscal year 2026.
Fort King Road, from Hester Road to north of Coleman Avenue. This is a sidewalk project near Pasco Elementary School. Its construction has been added to the list for fiscal year 2026.
Leonard Road, from U.S 41 (State Road 45/Land O’ Lakes Boulevard) to Henley Road. Design has been added to fiscal year 2025; construction, to fiscal year 2027.

Resurfacing projects

State Road 39, from north of Central Avenue to U.S. 301 (Gall Boulevard). Design has been added to fiscal year 2023; construction added to fiscal year 2025.
State Road 54, from west of Ray Drive to U.S. 301 (Gall Boulevard). Design added to fiscal year 2023; construction added to fiscal year 2025.
State Road 54, from Gunn Highway to east of Crossing Boulevard. Design has been added to fiscal year 2023; construction to fiscal year 2025.
State Road 54, from Marathon Road to Gunn Highway. Design has been added to fiscal year 2023; construction to fiscal year 2025.
State Road 581 (Bruce B. Downs Boulevard), from State Road 56 to State Road 54. Design has been added for fiscal year 2024; construction, to fiscal year 2026.
State Road 54, from Bruce B. Downs Boulevard to Curley Road. Design has been added in fiscal year 2024; construction to fiscal year 2026.

Aviation improvements
A number of improvements at Zephyrhills Municipal Airport also have been added or moved up on the list. They are:

Zephyrhills Municipal Airport Master Plan Update, added to fiscal year 2024, includes partial local funding
Design and construct box hangars, added to fiscal year 2024, includes partial local funding
Sixth Avenue realignment around the airport grounds, added to fiscal year 2026; includes partial local funding
Rehab Runway 1/19, design added to fiscal year 2023, includes partial local funding
Rehab Runway 1/19, construction added to fiscal year 2024, includes partial local funding

The proposed changes — and many other projects that have been previously included in the plan — still must gain funding through the Florida Legislature and secure the governor’s signature before they become operational.

The current work program ends on June 30 each year, with the new work program beginning on the first year of the five-year program, on July 1. New projects are then added into a new fifth year, based on transportation goals.

Want to weigh in?
The Florida Department of Transportation’s District Seven office is accepting public comment on its tentative work program for the upcoming five fiscal years, 2022-2023 through 2026-2027.
The public can participate online, from Oct. 25 through Oct. 29. To do so, go to FDOT.gov/wpph/district7.
The public open house will be on Oct. 28 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., at the District Seven office, 11201 N. McKinley Drive, in Tampa.
All public comments, regardless how they are submitted, are due by Nov. 12.

Published October 20, 2021

She had just the right touch, and left a lasting impression

October 12, 2021 By B.C. Manion

Some people know when to listen, know when to help and know when a great big hug is precisely what’s needed.

That was Kelly Boyd.

At least that’s how the people who knew Boyd describe the 52-year-old Dade City woman — who died unexpectedly.

A candlelight vigil for Kelly Boyd, organized by her loved ones, brought people to share the joy of having known the 52-year-old and to grieve the pain of her sudden death. (Courtesy of Rodney B. Cox Elementary School staff)

Boyd was affectionately known around the school and community as “Miss Kelly.”

The Dade City woman worked for 31 years as the clinic assistant at Rodney B. Cox Elementary School, at 37615 Martin Luther King Blvd., in Dade City.

Her unexpected death on July 8 was met by disbelief and sadness.

Miriam Cosme, a data entry operator at the Dade City school, said Miss Kelly treated every child who came through her clinic as if he or she was her own. She knew the particular needs of individual children, Cosme said.

If a family needed an extra bag of food for the weekend, or if a child or a child’s brother or sister needed a pair of shoes, Miss Kelly met that need.

“She was our go-to person if we needed to find out anything about a kid or a family,” added Cosme, who knew Miss Kelly for 15 years. “If she didn’t have the answer, she would be on the phone making contact with parents to find out answers.”

Karen Lamar, the school’s bookkeeper, said she met Miss Kelly six years ago and they became instant friends.

These words on the marquee at Rodney B. Cox Elementary, in Dade City, express the sense of loss the school community feels at the unexpected death of Kelly Boyd, a clinic assistant at the school for 31 years.

“Kelly was the best hugger; I know the kids and adults loved how she would squeeze you and make everything OK,” Lamar said.

She made sure that kids were fed, clothed and that they had the things they needed.

She was uber-connected throughout the school and the community, her friends say.

“Kelly was a walking directory for our school family. Whenever you needed a phone number or to get in touch with a family, she knew that number, and knew where they lived and most of the family members,” Lamar said.

Principal Karen Natal said people gravitated to Miss Kelly because they knew she genuinely cared.

She had a remarkable memory, Natal said, noting Miss Kelly recalled not only names and faces, she also remembered people’s stories.

She would connect with them and check in on them, Natal said.

“She was just a safe person to talk to,” the principal added.

Even after students left Cox to go on to middle and high school, they would drop by the elementary school to talk with Miss Kelly.

Despite the integral role she played in many people’s lives and the extra hours she voluntarily gave to address others’ needs, Miss Kelly was not one to call attention to her good works or seek any kind of credit for what she did, Natal said.

This poster, including an array of photos, was created to honor Kelly Boyd. It is surrounded by candles, during a vigil at the school.

But the community knew.

And, when the school posted news of Miss Kelly’s death on its Facebook page, dozens responded with posts— many mentioning her kindness and compassion.

Courtney Wynn Loss couldn’t quite take it in.

“What!!! OMG this is so sad and heartbreaking,” she posted. “I’ve known Miss Kelly for years. She was/is so amazing and my daughter loved her.”

The clinic assistant’s loved ones organized a candlelight vigil at the school, and the principal asked the Pasco County School Board to rename Building No. 19 on Cox’s campus as the Kelly Boyd Center.

The building seemed a fitting choice, since Miss Kelly worked there for years and the building is used to offer both student and community services, Natal said.

In the letter to the school board, Natal described Miss Kelly’s contributions.

She served as community liaison for the Thomas Promise food program, she coordinated the East Pasco Toys for Tots and she collaborated with the community on the school’s clothes closet.

Beyond providing practical help, she was encouraging.

After Natal finished addressing the school board, at its Oct. 5 meeting, Allen Altman, the school board’s chairman said he would be honored to step outside of his role as chairman, so he could make the motion to grant the request.

“I have been volunteering at that school for decades, and as a board member, I’ve been there 15 years, and I can absolutely verify everything that you said about Miss Kelly,” Altman said to Natal.

“She meant the world to that school and it meant a bunch to her, too,” Altman said.

Published October 13, 2021

Should Pasco ban the retail sale of pet rabbits?

October 5, 2021 By B.C. Manion

Pasco County outlawed the sale of kittens, puppies, cats and dogs from pet stores last year, and now animal advocates are urging the Pasco County Commission to halt the retail sale of pet rabbits, too.

A trio of speakers appeared before the county board during the board’s public comment portion of its Sept. 28 meeting.

Kurtis Marsh, of Holiday, explained the need for the change.

“Rabbits, if you don’t know, are the third most popular pet, which makes them the third most dumped pet,” Marsh said.

This bunny was kept in a loving home; unfortunately, rabbits often are ‘impulse buys’ and are abandoned on the streets shortly after their purchase, say some animal advocates who want to ban the retail sale of rabbits at pet shops. (Courtesy of Mary Rathman)

“This year alone, because of COVID-19, our small rescue has taken in 25 rabbits.

“Since the first of September, there have been a total of 66 rabbits we’ve been contacted about — either dumped, or someone is about to dump them. People call the rescues and threaten to dump the rabbits,” he said.

By prohibiting the sale of rabbits at pet stores, the number of rabbits being dumped on the street will decline, he said.

People are buying pet rabbits over the weekend and dumping them by Tuesday of the following week, he said.

“It’s just gotten that bad,” Marsh said.

Another speaker, Renee Rivard, reminded commissioners: “We worked with some of you on the dog chaining law for Pasco County.”

Now, the focus is on trying to end the sale of rabbits by pet stores, she said.

“We’re working on this issue with five counties that make up the greater Tampa Bay area: Pasco, Hillsborough, Pinellas, Manatee and Sarasota. Not a single county-run animal shelter takes in pet rabbits. Only four nonprofit facilities accept pet rabbits,” she said.

She then recited some statistics for the county board.

“SPCA (the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) in Manatee County took in 76 rabbits last year. The SPCA of Pinellas County took in 246 pet rabbits last year.

“We don’t have the statistics yet of the Humane Society of Pinellas, but we’ll get those to you.

“And the Humane Society in Tampa took in 190 pet rabbits, as of July this year.

“There are no facilities that accept pet rabbits in Pasco County,” she said.

A couple of good Samaritans began the Suncoast House Rabbit Rescue in 2019, Rivard said.

“Since then, they have taken in over 100 rabbits. They line up fosters to help them.

“They cannot keep up with the overwhelming number of calls they get from people who are turned away from the nonprofits because they have no space,” she said.

Just this month, the people who run the shelter said they had to turn away 60 rabbits.

“Pet rabbits are not native to Florida and they can easily die of temperatures below 50 degrees and above 80 degrees. They also do not know how to find food and shelter.

“Commissioners, we are asking for your help with this issue.

“As far as we can see, we have two options. Even provide a facility to take in unwanted rabbits, or ban the retail sale of rabbits.

“At the very least, consider a seasonal ban in March and April, to curb the impulse buys of rabbits for Easter,” Rivard said.

Nina Perino, of Palm Harbor, also asked the county board to address the issue.

“It’s a huge problem.

“People just leave them in their cages,” she said, where they get rained on.

“They’re diseased. Full of fleas. Anemic. Sometimes they can’t be saved,” she said.

“They don’t know how to find food, or shelter,” she said.

People will buy rabbits on an impulse and then dump them because they don’t know how to take care of them, or don’t want to take care of them.

“You can’t force people to be responsible,” Perino said, so, she added: “Don’t give them opportunity to buy rabbits.

“Their lives matter, and they only get one,” Perino said.

Published October 06, 2021

Pine View Middle’s SRO wins top state honors

September 28, 2021 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Corporal Elissa Elders, from the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office, said she was shocked upon learning she had been selected the 2021 School Resource Officer of the Year from a pool of 900 officers in the state of Florida.

Elissa Elders, Florida’s School Resource Officer of the Year is shown here with Edward Upthegrove, program administrator for the Florida Crime Prevention Training Institute. The FCPTI is part of the Bureau of Criminal Justice Programs in the Office of the Attorney General. (Courtesy of Pasco County Sheriff’s Office)

“Out of all those people, I’m the one who is selected?’’ Elders said. “I’m just doing my job, but so are all the amazing people I work with. I am honored and I am humbled. Next to marrying my husband, it’s the biggest honor in my life.

“But I still can’t get over it. Me? Why me?’’

When examining Elders’ eight-year body of work at Pine View Middle School in Land O’ Lakes and hearing from the students, administrators and parents, another question quickly emerges.

Why did it take so long for Elders to be recognized?

Cpl. Elissa Elders, who serves at Pine View Middle School in Land O’ Lakes, is the 2021 School Resource Officer of the Year for Florida. She received the distinction during the opening of the annual convention for the Florida Association of School Resource Officers. (Courtesy of Pasco County Sheriff’s Office)

“She really cares about the kids,’’ Pine View principal Jennifer Warren said. “She’s extremely relatable and they feel very comfortable in receiving her messages. She’s a huge part of our school and we’re all very excited to see this type of recognition.’’

Elders doesn’t seek recognition, though. Her rewards are seeing kids learn and develop.

“This isn’t a job, it’s her calling,’’ said retired law enforcement officer Bill Elders, Elissa’s husband of 14 years. “Whether something turns out to be frustrating or a great success, she has a tremendous way of separating the two, always keeping it in perspective, and never letting it take away from her purpose of helping the kids.

“I’ve listened to her cry when she sees kids hurting. I’ve listened to her laugh when they do outstanding things. She gets excited. She empathizes. She doesn’t punch a clock. It never stops. This is her life and her heart is completely in it.’’

Elders, who enlisted in the Army before a medical discharge, originally thought she wanted to become an arson investigator with the fire department. But after attending the police academy, she found her niche as Pine View’s SRO.

“My principal (Warren) is such a proactive person and she always encourages me to grow and train,’’ Elders said. “I appreciate working with such a strong leader, who has helped me process things and mature as a deputy.

“I wear many hats. I’m your friend, your counselor, your teacher, your go-to for advice. If you need something sewn for an outfit or a class project, I can do that. I’m here to help and I work for them, which makes them my boss. Whatever they need, I’m here. I want to take care of any needs or worries, so the families can concentrate on raising a good productive member of society.’’

School Resource Officer Cpl. Elissa Elders played the role of Keystone Cop in Pine View Middle’s production of ‘Annie.’ That’s just one example of how she gets involved with kids. (Courtesy of Pine View Middle School)

Elders’ biggest tool: Creativity
During the school’s “Pink Out Against Bullying,’’ she wore a large pink bow in her hair and pink socks.

She’s known to pop into classrooms and actively participate.

She had a role in the school’s production of “Annie Junior,’’ playing a Keystone Cop (of course). But nothing was handed to her. Elders auditioned for the role like any student.

On St. Patrick’s Day, she makes a pot of gold with prizes. At Christmas, she uses clues for a “Corporal Elders on a Shelf’’ contest with large candy bars going to the winners.

Playing the role of a seahorse, in ‘The Little Mermaid,’ Cpl. Elissa Elders demonstrates her willingness to do what it takes to connect with kids. (Courtesy of Pine View Middle School)

She has a “Walking Dead Fan Club,’’ so students and parents can converse and argue about the popular television series, while using that common interest to promote fellowship and togetherness. She also has started other clubs, such as Girls on the Run and the Craft Club.

She likes to poke fun at herself. At a dance class, she displayed some cop-themed exercises, such as running after freshly baked donuts. She carries a donut-shaped water bottle in the car line. She has passed out donuts to reward students who wear their seat belts.

“Cops and donuts — classic joke, right?’’ Elders said with a laugh.

All of Elders’ out-of-the-box ideas have the same goal.

“We do have days at school where kids make poor choices,’’ Elders said. “But I want to be as involved as I can be, whether it’s doing a play, being at a basketball game, helping in the classroom, anything to share what I can and have a positive impact on students.

“When you are involved in their lives, when you can show them the right way to do it, they will be less likely to do something wrong that could result in criminal charges.’’

There are tangible signs of Elders’ state award, such as the designation on her parking spot at Pine View Middle School (“Florida SRO of the Year Parking Only’’).

Sometimes, though, Elders doesn’t see the complete results until years later. But that’s when she realizes the full impact.

“I have seen it where she runs into a former student at a restaurant or a ballgame and they are so appreciative over something she once said or did for them,’’ Bill Elders said. “She puts her heart and soul into helping kids and it’s rewarding to see them on a good road in their lives.’’

She appreciates the community’s support.

“I have gotten so many notes and messages from people congratulating me,’’ Elders said. “Some of them don’t even have a kid at our school. They are saying how proud they are. It means a lot. These kinds of well wishes really show that people are aware and how much they care about the kids, too. That’s really the mission, getting kids on the right road.’’

By Joey Johnston

Published September 29, 2021

Considering options to ease traffic

September 21, 2021 By B.C. Manion

Three alternatives are being considered to improve traffic flow through one of Pasco County’s busiest intersections.

A community workshop was held last week for the public to weigh in on three proposed alternatives, as well as a no-build option, at U.S. 41 and State Road 54, in Land O’ Lakes.

The intersection carried about 124,000 vehicles per day in 2019 and is projected to carry 176,000 vehicles per day in 2045, according to the Florida Department of Transportation’s District Seven presentation materials.

Charts of various configurations of traffic patterns piqued the interest of many attending a workshop regarding alternatives being considered to improve the intersection of U.S. 41 and State Road 54. (Fred Bellet)

State Road 54 runs east-west through Pasco County, providing connections to several regional north-south routes, including U.S. 19, the Suncoast Parkway, U.S. 41, Interstate 75, U.S. 301 and U.S. 98.

Meanwhile, U.S. 41 is a north-south road that traverses the entire length of Pasco County.

The roads are part of the regional transportation network, are used as hurricane evacuation routes, and are designated as regional freight mobility corridors.

They also play a role in the daily lives of commuters.

Motorists use U.S. 41 to travel from Hernando County through Pasco County to Hillsborough County.

When the traffic stacks up at the intersection of U.S. 41 and State Road 54, traffic is impeded on both major arterial roads.

The situation has been a source of frustration for motorists, who have complained for years about being stuck in traffic through repeated light cycles, and there’s been considerable talk, too, about the need to fix the problem.

Besides being inconvenient, the crash rate at the intersection is higher than the state average, according to FDOT materials.

Paul Ketchum, who lives in the Oasis development off State Road 54, makes a point regarding one of the proposed plans to improve the flow of traffic through State Road 54 and U.S. 41, where Land O’ Lakes meets Lutz.

The options being considered are:

Alternative 1: A single-point urban intersection (SPUI), providing an interchange with State Road 54 elevated over U.S. 41.

This alternative would affect 62 parcels and would require 28 business relocations.

The anticipated need for right of way is 55.3 acres. The estimated present cost for this alternative is $222 million.

Alternative 2: A parallel flow intersection (PFI), providing displaced left-turns, in all four approaches, at grade.

This alternative would affect 30 parcels and would require 17 business relocations. The anticipated need for right of way is 22.2 acres. The estimated present total cost for this alternative is $108.9 million.

Alternative 3: A continuous flow intersection (CFI), with elevated lanes of State Road 54 over U.S. 41, providing displaced left turns in all four approaches.

This alternative would affect 65 parcels and would require 34 business relocations.

The anticipated need for right of way is 54.5 acres. The estimated present day total cost is $246.3 million.

Leslie Bush, of Tampa, used an electronic device to take notes regarding the proposed alternatives.

All three of the options would involve three residential relocations and would impact eight contaminated sites. None of them would have an impact on archaeological or historical sites.

There also is a no-build alternative, which will be dropped if and when an alternative is selected.

The workshop drew 94 people, with 49 coming to the workshop at Keystone Community Church, off State Road 54, in Lutz, and 45 taking part virtually, according to figures provided by Kris Carson, spokeswoman for the District 7 office.

The session included a video, that ran continuously, explaining the alternatives.

Those attending could check out displays and learn details about options being considered.

Representatives of the DOT were there, too, providing information and fielding questions.

A closer look at a proposed plan, showing a change of elevation on State Road 54.

Besides having the chance to become more informed, the workshop offered the opportunity for the public to fill out comment cards offering their views on the various alternatives and to address such issues as traffic patterns, project design, and the social, economic, and environmental effects of the proposed improvements.

The need for this project has been established based on future traffic demands, future population and employment growth in the area, according to FDOT background materials.

In evaluating alternatives, the state looks at the improvements based on such issues as traffic operations, safety, right of way needs and environmental impacts, among others.

Based on additional analysis and consideration of public comment, the project team will select a preferred alternative and complete the feasibility study.

The next phase is resuming the Project Design & Environmental (PD&E) Study phase, which will be done in 2021 and 2022; then the design phase, 2023 and 2024.

Right of way acquisition is expected to take place from 2022 to 2026.

This project is not yet funded for construction.

Published September 22, 2021

We pause, and remember (Part One)

September 14, 2021 By B.C. Manion

Sept. 11, 2001, was a day that began for most of us, like any other — but the events that transpired that day forever changed America.

On that morning, 19 terrorists from al-Qaeda hijacked four commercial airplanes and deliberately crashed two of them into the North Tower and the South Tower of the World Trade Center. They smashed a third plane into the Pentagon. Passengers on the fourth plane overtook the hijackers and forced that plane to slam into an empty field in Shanksville, Pennsylvania.

The attacks claimed the lives of 2,977, as well as the 19 hijackers.

In recognition of the 20th anniversary of that fateful day, we asked our readers to tell us where they were when they heard the news and how that day has affected them.

We share their compelling stories here in The Laker/Lutz News’ special 20th anniversary tribute, “Sept. 11, 2001: Remember & Reflect.”

–B.C. Manion, Editor of The Laker/Lutz News

First, helping others; then, overcome by dust and debris
On Sept. 11, 2001, I was caught beneath Ground Zero on my way to work, on a subway train in a smoke- and debris-filled tunnel.

This rush hour train was full of passengers. We had no idea what was occurring above us. After about a half-hour of being stuck in the tunnel between stations, the train began filling with smoke.

The passengers began ripping pieces of cloth from their clothing to protect their noses, in an attempt to filter out the smoke.

Former U.S. Army JAG Corps Captain Edward Rademaker (Courtesy of Edward Rademaker)

Some passengers began crying.

The train motorman hurriedly passed through my train car.

I asked the motorman what was happening, he replied, “I don’t know.”

The motorman then headed toward the last car and left the train.

The passengers, not knowing what was occurring, started to panic.

The passengers began to rush toward the last car.

One passenger fell to the floor, gasping for air with an asthma pump in his hand.

At this point, a retired detective and I took control of the situation.

We had the passengers line up in an orderly fashion and head toward the last car of the train, where the conductor had opened the last door of the last car.

We also picked up the asthmatic man and led him out of the train to an emergency exit of the train tunnel.

After the last passenger left the train, I walked through the smoke-filled train to make sure all of the passengers had been evacuated.

I then left the train, walked the live tracks and climbed up an emergency exit ladder to the street.

Once at street level, I saw the aftermath of the first collapsed tower. I saw several police officers assisting pedestrians. I advised the police officers that I was a member of the U.S. Army Reserve and asked if I could help.

The officers asked me to direct people in the street toward the Brooklyn Bridge, as lower Manhattan was being evacuated.

A short time later, as I was directing pedestrians toward the bridge, the second tower began collapsing.

I ran, but not fast enough.

The dust and debris blinded and covered me, and I could no longer breathe.

Fortunately, I was pulled from the debris and into a nearby building and resuscitated by an EMS worker.

After coming to, I went out of the building for medical assistance.

Several loud explosions were then heard and we all evacuated that building and ran toward the Brooklyn Bridge.

After walking across the bridge, I walked for several hours toward my home, as public transportation was unavailable.

I later caught a taxi home.

I had respiratory problems for several weeks from the dust that I inhaled.

Edward Rademaker originally wrote this for an U.S. Army newsletter in April 2002. (It has been slightly edited). He is a former U.S. Army JAG Corps Captain.

-Edward Rademaker, Wesley Chapel

The morning of Sept. 11, 2001, began as a normal school day for then Denham Oaks art teacher Cindy Smith. (Courtesy of Cindy Smith)

On morning duty at Denham Oaks
As I was standing on morning duty outside the front office of Denham Oaks Elementary School, happy children passed by, waving and saying “Good Morning, Ms. C, see you in art class.”

The children were laughing and smiling on their way into school, with not a care in the world.

Glancing over, I noticed a gathering group of staff in the office staring at the overhead TV.

Moving closer, I began looking at the screen and saw in disbelief and shock the North Tower being engulfed with flames and smoke.

How is this happening and why?

I was witnessing people hanging desperately from the tower, and even jumping.

It was unbelievable and horrifying.

The thoughts of the potential loss of human life began to break my heart.

The near impossible challenges of rescuing those lives had me thinking about those who are brave and dedicated enough to be there to help.

My thoughts turned to the students who were too young to grasp the enormity of what was happening.

Tears filled my eyes as I thought of the families that would be broken apart.

As the day unfolded, a deep sadness settled in my soul.

I found myself praying for everyone who was affected and for rescuers to have strength.

I knew then, it would be a day and event we would always remember together — united as a nation, and we do.

-Cindy Smith, Land O’ Lakes

An air traffic controller heads into work
I was driving to work for the early shift at Phoenix TRACON (Terminal Radar Approach Control) when my wife, also on her way to work, called me and said that a local radio station had reported that an airplane had crashed into the North Tower of the World Trade Center.

As a pilot and air traffic controller, I told her that the pilot had probably encountered bad weather and crashed into the tower.

I arrived at work and my manager informed me that an air carrier had crashed into one of the towers.

A view of the radar tower at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. (Courtesy of Steve Hadley)

This was unbelievable.

I thought it had to be a hijack or suicide, as it was a clear, cloudless day in New York City.

As you can imagine, our facility was buzzing.

I told my boss that I would stay in the breakroom and monitor the television to see what I could learn. A few minutes later I watched the second plane slam into the South Tower.

I ran into the TRACON and yelled that the South Tower had just been hit.

One of our controllers, a former New York TRACON controller, let loose with a swear word, followed by, “It’s a terrorist attack.”

Everyone was so upset that the manager yelled “calm down and pay attention to your traffic,” as we were in the early stages of a big arrival push from the East Coast.

As that horrible day progressed, the FAA shut down the U.S. airspace and we were tasked with informing the pilots that they had to land at the closest airport that would accommodate their aircraft.

Within just a few hours, all aircraft were on the ground without incident.

Phoenix airspace, which was always very busy, had no air traffic except law enforcement.

Not long after, I was working with an FBI agent by my side running intercepts with F16s on small aircraft that were observed in our airspace and apparently were unaware that U.S. airspace was shut down.

U.S. and Canadian airspace under heavy restrictions reopened on Sept. 13, but it was weeks before there was anything approaching normal air traffic.

Everything changed for us.

Our facility was now under heavy security— no visitors, no leaving for lunch.

We were later surprised to learn that one of the hijackers may have toured our facility from a local flight school where several of the hijackers trained.

-Steve Hadley, Land O’ Lakes

Flight attendant at home, awaiting shift that day
On Sept. 11, 2001, I was at home in Centreville, Virginia.

I was a flight attendant scheduled to fly a three-day trip out of Washington Dulles Airport at 4 p.m.

I first heard about the terrorist attacks when I turned on The Today Show, on TV.

The broadcaster was reporting that a plane had flown into the World Trade Center.

He gave no other information at that time.

Tammy Hansen, a flight attendant for American Airline, was scheduled to work a later shift on Sept. 11, 2001. She knew some crew members who died and attended a funeral for two flight attendants, who were married, who were working on the airplane that crashed into the Pentagon. (Courtesy of Tammy Hansen)

I was in disbelief as to how an airplane could be in that airspace and crash into the tower.

As more information came in, I found myself glued to the TV. I witnessed the second airplane crashing into the World Trade Center on TV.

I couldn’t figure out what was happening. I was horrified!

I took a break from the TV news to walk my dogs.

We lived under one of the landing paths to Washington Dulles Airport.

I remember hearing airplanes overhead.

The airplanes were approaching and flying overhead two by two.

There were two parallel landing runways at the airport.

I had never seen so many airplanes landing all at once at Dulles Airport before.

I just couldn’t comprehend what was happening.

I returned home to learn a third airplane had crashed into the Pentagon.

A fourth airplane was heading back to Washington. This was the airplane that eventually crashed in Shanksville, Pennsylvania.

I just couldn’t believe that four airplanes could be hijacked all at once!

I never thought skyscrapers would be a target and eventually collapse to the ground.

The horror of all the innocent people, firemen, policemen who passed that day. Unbelievable!

I didn’t fly my trip that day. All airplanes had been grounded indefinitely.

I still couldn’t comprehend it all.

Later, I found out that I knew some of the flight crew members on two of the airplanes.

I attended a funeral for two of them in Culpepper, Virginia.

There we all were, airline employees, proudly wearing our uniforms in support, standing with family and friends.

Such a sad, sad day!

When the airlines were allowed to fly passengers again, I was assigned a two-day trip out of Washington National Airport.

I was a bit apprehensive to fly so soon.

I completed that trip and many thereafter, before retiring from a 40-year career with American Airlines.

I will never forget that day and all the lives lost to terrorists.

I still can’t believe how vulnerable we Americans were that day.

Never forget!

-Tammy Hansen, Land O’ Lakes

New homeowners in Oak Grove
On Sept. 8, 2001, which was a Saturday, my husband, Peter, and I moved into our new house in the Oak Grove community in Lutz.

We were very excited to be moving from an apartment in Tampa to our new home.

On Sept. 11, just three days later, Peter went to work in South Tampa, not far from MacDill Airforce Base.

This photo was taken of Kelley and Peter Caporice shortly before they moved into their new home in Lutz, in 2001. (Courtesy of Kelley Caporice)

He called me to tell me to turn on the TV, to see the news.

I asked, “What channel?”

He said: “It doesn’t matter.”

I turned the TV on just after the second plane hit.

I couldn’t believe what I was seeing.

There was no doubt, at all, as to what was happening.

We soon heard of the plane hitting the Pentagon, along with scary stories of other possible attacks and of our military bases being targets.

Our families and friends began calling. Parents, aunts, cousins — the calls were local and from different states, as we all checked on each other.

We kept saying that we could not believe what we were seeing.

I anxiously waited for Peter to come home, but it would be a while before his company closed for the employees to go home.

I was on the phone with my brother when the first tower collapsed.

I did, too. I just sank to the floor, my heart breaking for those still in or around the building and their families.

It was incomprehensible.

It still is.

I didn’t know anyone in New York or D.C., or that was near any of the attack or crash sites, but I believe we all were impacted by what happened that day.

For me, I knew that going forward, I would be sure to tell my family and friends, with words, how much I loved them, in case…well, you know.

Now, 20 years later, I continue to pray and ask God for comfort and peace for those who lost loved ones on 9/11/01, for the first responders and for their families, and for those who continue to suffer with health or emotional issues from that day.

I ask God to carry them through the hills and valleys, just as He has carried me.

-Kelley Caporice, Lutz

Watching the TODAY show, drinking coffee
On the morning of Sept. 11, 2001, I was having coffee, while watching the TODAY show at home in Lutz.

Breaking news interrupted the programming, with video of a plane crashing into the first of the Twin Towers.

I still recall the bright, beautiful blue cloudless sky in New York City and the horror of an assumed airline mishap hitting the building, but at the same time knowing that weather could not have been a factor.

This photo was taken in 2018, when members of the GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club, and some others, stood out in front of the Old Lutz School, waving American flags in remembrance of those who lost their lives in the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. The women gather each year to pay their respects. (Courtesy of Patricia Serio)

Shortly thereafter, when a second plane tore into the second tower, I realized immediately that it was not a mistake or accident, but an actual attack — but from whom and why?

As details emerged, it became increasingly horrifying to realize the numbers of office workers, firefighters, police and bystanders who could not escape as both towers collapsed.

This catastrophic attack left an indelible imprint on my psyche, as an American and as a recently transplanted (upstate) New Yorker.

We all immediately became New Yorkers, and Pennsylvanians and D.C. citizens after the full impact of this terrorist attack was realized at all those locations.

Like with the assassinations of JFK, RFK and MLK, I will always remember where I was, that moment and the profound shock, sadness and anger that ensued.

Much like our parents’ generation experiencing the surprise attack on Pearl Harbor and forever changing our lives and our history, we will never forget!

The following year on 9/11/02, as a member of the GFWC Lutz-Land O’Lakes Woman’s Club, we waved flags in commemoration of the first anniversary of the event.

Each subsequent year — up to and including this year’s 20th anniversary — our women have stood tall, waving flags along U.S. 41, in Lutz.

The event is typically accompanied by cars, trucks and 18-wheelers honking their horns, and bicyclists waving, as they pass by.

This flag-filled club event always brings tears to my eyes.

Let us never forget.

-Patricia Serio, Lutz

NOTE: Please see Part Two of reader responses in the story below.

Pasco steps in to help dogs rescued from Hurricane Ida

September 7, 2021 By B.C. Manion

Pasco County Animal Services stepped in last week to help with rescue efforts, of dogs that were endangered by Hurricane Ida.

Mike Shumate, who oversees animal services, explained the chain of events leading to the shelter’s involvement and described how it helped.

Waiting for a new home, Blaze, a 44-pound mixed-breed male, came to Pasco County Animal Services in a group of dogs rescued from Gulfport, Mississippi. The Pasco shelter took in the dogs to help the Charleston Animal Society, which pulled dogs from the Humane Society of Southern Mississippi, due to Hurricane Ida. (Fred Bellet)

“We were contacted by some of our network partners who asked if we could help Charleston as they were taking in dogs from the Humane Society of South Mississippi,” Shumate said, via email.

“We said we could take some of the animals they were going to pick up. We were then contacted by Charleston and made arrangements.

“Initially, we were going to meet them in Lake City since they were trying to get to Jacksonville to also drop off dogs.

“We discussed it with Charleston and offered to shelter all 50 dogs overnight at our shelter so they could rest up for the final leg of their journey.

“They were very appreciative. It worked out well, as Humane Society of Tampa Bay (HSTB) was also going to have to drive to Lake City.”

So, instead of traveling to Lake City, HSTB only needed to travel to Pasco to pick up 15 dogs, Shumate said.

This mixed-breed male vies for attention — hoping to entice a new owner to take him home. He’s trying to feel for something under the door.

Charleston transported a total of 50 dogs on Aug. 29, with HSTB taking 15; animal services kept 20 in Pasco; and 15 went to the Jacksonville Humane Society and Halifax Humane Society in Daytona Beach.

Most of the dogs that were transported were medium to large dogs, including pit bulls, hounds, shepherds and retrievers, Shumate said.

There didn’t appear to be any purebreds, he said.

This wasn’t the first time the shelter has stepped in to help out in response to a disaster, Shumate said.

“We have helped numerous shelters with disaster relief efforts, such as Santa Rosa County Animal Services after Hurricane Michael, and we also help other local shelters when they are overcrowded or experience staff shortages, or hoarding or cruelty cases,” he said.

Shumate also explained why the shelter got involved.

“We have been blessed here in Pasco with great resource partners in the local community and surrounding counties. We have a great team who is always looking to help where we can. For us it is a matter of paying it forward — especially for disaster relief or overcrowding. There may come a time when we need assistance and we know our partners will reach out in our time of need to repay the favors,” Shumate said.

Published September 08, 2021