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Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Camille Hernandez

Outdoor art exhibit coming to Dade City

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“The Heart of Pasco County” moniker will soon be taken on quite literally in Dade City — in the form of an outdoor, permanent public artwork exhibit.

At least 10 or more large-sized heart-shaped sculptures will be installed at city-owned properties in and around the downtown area, per an art proposal OK’d by Dade City Commissioners at a Sept. 10 meeting.

The Dade City Center for the Arts is facilitating an outdoor, permanent public art exhibit that will bring large-sized heart sculptures to nearly a dozen city-owned properties in the downtown area. (Courtesy of Dade City Center for the Arts)

Plans call for 3D metal heart sculptures measuring approximately 36 inches by 36 inches by 8 inches that will be attached to 6-foot steel posts secured to the ground; artwork patterns will differ on each heart structure.

The entire project is being facilitated by the Dade City Center for the Arts (DCCA) and local artist Russ Taylor, who owns and operates Out of Our Hands Gallery on Seventh Street.

DCCA’s board of directors will select various artists to paint the myriad sculptures, enlisting the help of professionals and youth groups alike to submit ideas and designs.

Additionally, the art organization is partnering with Pasco-Hernando State College’s welding program to fabricate metal structures designed to withstand inclement weather and other conditions.

The initiative is to not only spruce up the downtown area, but also use public artwork as a photo opportunity and marketing tool, to encourage residents and visitors alike to stroll throughout city limits. More frills include installing QR codes on each sculpture mapping out the location of other city landmarks and providing information about a particular artist or meaning of the artwork itself.

The entire concept is similar to outdoor art events in other cities that bring together artists’ creativity with a sculptural icon that relates to the city. In Dade City’s case, its official seal has a heart shape surrounded by kumquats in its center.

Some proposed locations for the forthcoming heart sculptures include:

  • Hibiscus Park
  • City Hall/Police station alcove entrance or nearby
  • Green space entrance to Hardy Trail
  • Meridian Avenue/U.S. 301 intersection, near Dade City Heritage and Cultural Museum
  • Naomi S. Jones Park
  • Whitehouse historical landmark on Old Lakeland Highway
  • Lock Street/Hardy Trail intersection
  • Agnes Lamb Park near Meridian Avenue
  • Price Park
  • Watson Park
  • Dade City Garden Club

Calls for artwork are out now. Sculptures are expected to be debuted in late January. There are also plans to organize a “Take Heart” art, music and food walk in mid-February, further showcasing the artwork throughout the city.

Shown here is a rendering of the type of large-sized heart-shaped sculptures that will be installed at city-owned properties in the downtown area. The 3D sculptures will measure approximately 36 inches by 36 inches by 8 inches and will be attached to 6-foot steel posts secured to the ground. Image is for example only, and not representative of actual completed artwork.

City leaders expressed enthusiasm about the forthcoming project.

Said Mayor Pro Tem Jim Shive: “I think art’s a great thing. It’s a great motivator for the young people. I think it’s going to be great to have art in Dade City.”

Mayor Camille Hernandez added: “We look forward to seeing it come to fruition, and just adding that creative touch and some excitement for the town.”

Dade City staffers are likewise “very supportive” of the installation of public art objects, said Melanie Romagnoli, city’s community and economic development director.

“Coming from a staff perspective, for the locations within our CRA (Community Redevelopment Area) as well as in our comprehensive plan for the entire city, public art is encouraged as part of an attraction as a destination for people to come visit,” Romagnoli said.

A final agreement at the administrative level is expected to make DCCA responsible for repairing any wear-and-tear the sculptures incur, like if the original paint fades or chips.

Aside from heart-shaped sculptures, the DCCA, too, has ideas for other community art projects.

The group is expected to facilitate a wall mural visible from the Hardy Trail, that would be painted on the exterior of a nearby building.

Like with heart sculptures, the DCCA would similarly arrange for a mural’s funding and labor, pending city approval.

Published September 30, 2020

Residents call for upgrades to Naomi Jones Park

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First, it was the Washington Heights community that weeks ago raised various concerns with Dade City leadership, asserting their local neighborhood and subdivision has been neglected in funding and resources.

Now, the Mickens-Harper community has come forward to levy complaints to the city, particularly for what they view as inadequate amenities and upkeep at Naomi S. Jones Park and the James Irvin Civic Center, at 38122 Martin Luther King Blvd.

Dade City Mayor Camille Hernandez (File)

Over a handful of middle-aged residents from the predominately Black neighborhood stepped forward during a Sept. 20 virtual city commission meeting, sharing written letters and making statements during a public comment period.

Many of the speakers expressed how the park and its recreation center have fallen in disrepair, and is a shell of its former self decades ago.

Citizens called for additional features to be installed at the park — including more pavilions; a covered playground area with new exercise equipment; more picnic tables and seating, upgraded lighting; and more routine landscaping, like edging and weeding, among other upgrades.

They also outlined various issues with the civic center building. They said the roof is leaking. There’s mold and it needs a new coat of pain. They complained about limited space in the kitchen, and outdated appliances and furnishings. The building needs expansion to accommodate larger events, residents said.

Chloe Senia recently moved back to Dade City after being away for about 45 years.

She recalled fond memories at the park when she was growing up as a youth decades ago, but was troubled to see the park’s conditions upon return to her hometown.

“I am very excited to be back in the City of Dade City, but it was very disturbing to walk out to and see the upkeep, and the condition of the park and the recreation center. …To see that there have been no improvements to the building, was pretty sad.”

She, too, pointed out the city recently upgraded other parks, such as Price Park on Magnolia Avenue, while Naomi Jones Park seemingly has been ignored: “When I look at other parks, it makes me wonder, ‘Where is the funding for Naomi Jones?’”

Those sentiments were summed up in a letter by Ella Mae Hamilton, who has been in the city the past 22 years.

While she complimented the city for funding a new bathroom/concession stand at Mickens Field and planning out a downtown community splash park, she said more needs to be done at Naomi Jones Park. She specifically requested shading for playground equipment, another pavilion and an updated kitchen: “I pray that these projects will be met for the betterment of the citizens of this city. After all, we pay taxes like everyone else.”

Meanwhile, long-time resident Anita Blake shared a recent negative experience at the park and civic center.

Blake detailed how she organized a birthday party for her 5-year-old granddaughter in November, but discovered the civic center’s kitchen oven was inoperable when she tried heating up food. Moreover, she ordered tables and chairs from the city, but they weren’t delivered on time, forcing her to scramble to make other accommodations.

This was all after she had paid designated permit and rental fees to the city, she said.

“The city knew some of this stuff was not intact, and they were still OK with me paying the whole payment,” Blake told commissioners, adding she’d have been better off renting out the Alice Hall Community Center in nearby Zephyrhills for the same price, surmising they offer better service and amenities.

She later underscored how the park’s features haven’t been upgraded since she was in school many years ago: “If you go out there to the park, the swings that are out there are the (same) swings when I went to Mickens.”

In response to all the concerns and demands, Dade City Mayor Camille Hernandez said the matter is being addressed by department heads, who will be performing site visits and coordinating a priority improvement list. City workers might be able to make some of the improvements, the mayor said. Other upgrades “are much bigger line items that need to be put on some type of list so we can get those accomplished,” she added.

Hernandez said she appreciates residents for bringing the issue to the commission’s attention.

“We take this matter very seriously,” Hernandez said. “We’ve heard your pleas to address this area, the importance of it, from not only the community and the heritage and the legacy of those families that have preceded us, but the importance of the future of our children that are there in our communities,” Hernandez said.

Meantime, the city is already in the works of applying for a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding to install sun shade covers over the playground equipment at Naomi Jones Park. Grant funding also is being requested to install an inclusive and ADA accessible playground apparatus on the proposed downtown community park on 10th Street, and install ADA compliant playground apparatus in Watson Park on 19th Street.

Published September 30, 2020

Complaints arise about cemetery upkeep

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When Mario Jenkins went to visit his mother’s grave at the Dade City Cemetery, he discovered that some of the decorations — including a memorial cross — had been destroyed and had to be replaced.

He recently took his concerns about the shoddy conditions of the grounds at the cemetery, at 38161 Martin Luther King Blvd., to city officials and members of the Dade City Commission.

“Every time I go there, I seem to be disappointed,” Jenkins said. “The upkeep on the grounds is very poor.”

He added, “I have a landscaping business, and if I were to treat any of my customer’s yards like that cemetery, I would be out of a job, and I’d have to pay for quite a few items that are damaged along the way.”

Jenkins had aired his concerns with city officials and then presented them at the Dade City Commission meeting.

Dade City Mayor Camille Hernandez said Jenkins’ comments “definitely got our attention” and said city staff had been directed to facilitate an action plan for the cemetery.

Some cleanup has been completed, Hernandez said, “but by no means do we consider that a done deal. This is our community, and we want to make sure that we are hearing your needs and moving forward.”

Dade City Manager Leslie Porter said short-term and long-term strategies are being developed, with the help of interim public works director Bryan Holmes. The plans include additional regular deep cleaning and perhaps adding more manpower to assist the city’s full-time groundskeeper.

“We did fall short,” Porter said of cemetery conditions. “I would like to say, though, that I don’t think it’s a reflection of the individual we had dedicated out there to the upkeep.”

The cemetery is within the Mickens-Harper community, which generally borders Irvin Avenue and Martin Luther King Boulevard, and stretches from First Street to Taylor Avenue, among other areas.

During the Sept. 10 commission meeting, residents from the Washington Heights neighborhood complained about flooded streets and stormwater deficiencies; poor road and sidewalk conditions; and, a general lack of code enforcement presence to address trash, debris and parking issues involving a slew of nearby rental properties.

That community is generally bordered by Gaddis Avenue and Whitehouse Avenue, and includes 10th, 11th and 12th streets, among other areas.

The city has begun to take action. For instance, the Dade City Police Department has stepped up with additional patrols and enhanced its community policing efforts in the area.

Additionally, code enforcement has put in requirements that shorten the turnaround time for repeat offenders to resolve blight.

In other city action:

  • Commissioners approved a $17.7 million budget for fiscal year 2020-2021, based on a 7.14 millage rate.
  • Commissioners approved a $20,000 bid (plus disposal costs) from Sanford-based Hydro International Settled Solids Management for tank cleaning services at the city’s wastewater treatment plant. The cleaning service will be performed while the tank stays in operation and will not require draining or removing from service, officials say. The work is expected to increase the facility’s effectiveness and efficiency, and increase the lifespan of its mechanical equipment.

Published September 30, 2020

New residences popping up all over Dade City

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Residential construction is on a roll in the City of Dade City, and officials are predicting that it will yield marked increases to the town’s ad valorem revenue across the next several years.

Information shared during a budget workshop revealed some of the city’s timelines and projections for when new single-family housing and apartment complexes are expected to hit the city’s tax rolls, in the foreseeable future.

Melanie Romagnoli, the city’s community and economic development director provided the latest housing and apartment updates to the Dade City Commission.

The most recent large-scale projects — that are all but complete — include two affordable workforce apartments — Osprey Pointe (110 multi-family units) and Arbours at Hester Lake (80 multi-family units).

Melanie Romagnoli, Dade City’s community and economic development director (File)

Osprey Pointe, at 12870 Courtyard Estates, is already 100% occupied. Arbours at Hester Lake, 13300 Hester Lake Way, has been receiving application requests since it broke ground and is expected to be fully occupied shortly, Romagnoli said.

Both apartment complexes, plus the addition of 13 single-family homes (11 infill development, two Suwanee Lakeside models) are expected to increase the city’s tax rolls by another $205,000 in fiscal year 2021-2022, she said.

That represents about a 10% bump from this upcoming fiscal year’s tax rolls — where ad valorem taxes are tallied at $2,044,490.

Long-term, at least 3,000 new units are expected to come online within the next decade, with a substantial number expected to be built out over the next few years.

With that, the city has a bullish outlook for ensuing years, with further projected increases in ad valorem revenue in fiscal years. In fiscal year 2022-2023, it expects an increase of $91,000. In,  2023-2024, a bump of $199,400; in 2024-2025, an increase of $206,400;, and 2025-2026, an additional $182,000.

In other words, by 2025-2026, ad valorem tax revenues are expected to total more than $2.9 million.

And, that’s a conservative estimate, Romagnoli said. She noted that single-family homes are calculated with an assessed value of $98,000, at a 7.14 millage rate by the Pasco County Property Appraiser.

But, she said, many new properties being built come in with much higher property values.

Romagnoli explained: “A majority of the homes being built start at $220,000 to $240,000 and goes up from there based on customization, so hopefully we’ll see a lot more than that.”

Meantime, the economic development director offered a rundown on several of the more pressing projects.

Suwanee Lakeside is a 302 single-family, three-phased development along Adair Road west of State Road 52.

Earthwork on the 10-year build-out is under way since it experienced various slowdowns due to issues related to seasonal weather and environmental reviews. “They expect to see some homes built this year, we just don’t know how many. We know it’s two (model homes), for sure,” Romagnoli said.

Phase II of the Abbey Glenn development off Prosser Road and State Road 52 likewise has been held up by seasonal weather issues since its design review process was approved by city planners last fall. The 170-single family expansion is expected to have a five-year build-out, with about 35 homes coming online each year.

Earthwork and pad installations have begun at Countryside, a 25-lot subdivision at the intersection of U.S. 301 and State Road 52. “They expect to have one or two homes before the end of the year, and then 25 homes completed at the end of next year,” Romagnoli said.

Underground and roadway work is complete at The Cove, a 10-unit Habitat for Humanity development situated at 15th Street and Main Avenue. The project is still awaiting some funding and other assistance though, Romagnoli said.

Meantime, the 812-unit Summit View project is on hold as its developer is “reassessing their situation right now,” Romagnoli said.  The development is expected to eventually consist of single-family homes and townhomes east of Happy Hill and south of St. Joe Road. “We hope to see something with them coming up the first quarter of next year,” she said

Following the report, Dade City Mayor Camille Hernandez expressed her pleasure that dirt is being moved and housing developments getting under way within city limits.

“It’s very exciting, and it’s very good news that we will have these rooftops and we will be moving forward over these years,” Hernandez said.

Planned residential development in Dade City

  • Vista Walk (450 units): Construction expected 2021; eight-year build-out
    • Summit View (812 units): Project on hold; 10-year build-out
  • Abbey Glenn II (170 units): Construction in progress; five-year build-out
  • Suwanee Lakeside (301 units): Construction under way; six-year build-out
  • Osprey Point (110 units): Completed
  • Arbours at Hester Lake (80 units): Completed
  • Countryside (25 units): Construction under way; two-year build-out
  • Hilltop Point (250 units): Construction expected 2021; six-year build-out
  • Highland Trail (600 units): Construction expected 2021; 10-year build-out
  • Perfection Partners (300 units): Development plans to be determined
  • Crossroads (total units unknown): Pending comprehensive plan amendment; 10-year build-out
  • Various infill development: Roughly 10 to 15 units per year for 11 years

Dade City’s expected increases in ad valorem, year by year
Fiscal year 2021-2022: $205,500
Fiscal year 2022-2023: $91,000
Fiscal year 2023-2024: $199,400
Fiscal year 2024-2025: $206,400
Fiscal year 2025-2026: $182,000
Note: Single-family homes calculated with assessed value $98,000 at 7.14 mills

Published September 16, 2020

Dade City budget is decreasing in 2020-2021

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The Dade City Commission has adopted the city’s tentative budget for next year, and it represents an 8.2% decrease from this year’s budget.

Commissioners had the first reading of the ordinance and first hearing on the proposed $17,710,000 budget in a virtual meeting on Sept. 10. Commissioners gave first-round approval and will have a second reading and final public hearing before the new budget takes effect on Oct. 1.

Dade City Commissioners on Sept. 10 approved a $17,710,000 budget for fiscal year 2020-2021, based on a 7.14 millage rate. It represents a decrease of about $1.58 million, or 8.2% from current budget.

The 2020-2021 budget represents a decrease of $1,576,935 from this year’s budget.

The proposed budget is based on an approved 7.14 millage rate, accessed on the taxable value of property within the city.

Here’s a breakdown:

  • Capital outlay and debt service represents about 44% of the budget, anticipated to total $7,825,733. Major capital projects include construction of the Dade Oaks retention pond; Howard Avenue stormwater improvements; installation of the Tank Hill well, storage tower and booster station; Morningside Drive design, acquisition and construction project; construction of the visitors information center; and other various utility, sidewalk and road improvements projects.
  • Personnel costs represent about a third of the budget, totaling $5,807,341 — and an increase of $144,221 from the current budget. That’s a result of funding four new positions, increased health care and workers compensation premiums, 3% cost of living adjustments, years of service increases, reorganization within the police department, increased wages and benefits through the negotiation of the police union contract, and associated retirement.
  • Operating costs make up about 23% of the budget, at $4,076,925. Changes include funding for a website revision, conversion from a part-time IT consultant to a full-time IT manager (staff position), projected increases in solid waste collections, and additions to a utility renewal and replacement fund.

The city organized six budget workshops throughout July, August and September to hammer out the fine details, with the help of new interim finance director Andrew Laflin.

Newly elected Commissioner Knute Nathe said he was “very proud” the town was able to pass the budget without having to raise taxes on residents — maintaining a millage rate that’s been in place the past several years.

Washington Heights residents raise community concerns
Several Washington Heights residents weighed in during the public comment period of the virtual meeting — expressing their disappointment with city leadership, asserting their local neighborhood and subdivision has been neglected in funding and resources.

The Washington Heights community is generally bordered by Gaddis Avenue and Whitehouse Avenue, and includes 10th, 11th and 12th streets, among other areas.

More than a handful of residents spoke up, complaining of flooded streets and stormwater deficiencies; poor road and sidewalk conditions; and, a general lack of code enforcement presence to address trash, debris and parking issues of a slew of nearby rental properties.

Dade City Mayor Camille Hernandez (Courtesy of City of Dade City)

Harriett Craig, who’s lived on 10th Street since 1979, called out commissioners for appropriating “millions and millions of dollars” toward park improvements and other projects in other parts of the city, but overlooking various infrastructure issues of her local neighborhood.

“The city commissioners are here to serve the entire city, not certain parts of it,” Craig said. “I, as a resident of the City of Dade City, feel like our voices are mute when it comes down to expressing what our needs are in the city,”

She continued her point: “If Howard Avenue can be upgraded so homes won’t be flooded, why can’t 10th Street get the same treatment? I don’t understand it.”

Anita Blake, who lives in Oakview Circle adjacent to Washington Heights, also levied harsh words to commissioners: “We can’t even get the road paved, we can’t get the ditches paved. At some point, it’s like, why are we even paying taxes?”

Eunice Penix, a former longtime commissioner who lives on Wilson Street, also shared her dismay with the community seemingly being brushed aside: “I’m kind of upset. It seems to me we have selective code enforcement. …We shouldn’t have to call the city every time something needs to be done when we have workers all over the city riding and looking; they should look to see what’s wrong with the grounds.”

In response to all that, Dade City Manager Leslie Porter told residents she’ll collaborate with department heads to inspect the area and formulate an action plan in coming weeks.

“We care about all the communities in the city,” said Porter, “and it’s good for us to know when there is a problem, if there’s somewhere where we may be falling short, so I do thank you all for being here and letting us know what your concerns are.”

Dade City Mayor Camille Hernandez assured Washington Heights will be met with a detailed response and action from city staff, saying she is “very, very disturbed” by residents feeling neglected.

“This is embarrassing, and it should not be the case,” Hernandez said. “It’s our town, everyone pays the same taxes and should be treated the same, so we expect a plan.”

In other city business and happenings:

• Dade City Clerk Angelia Guy has been selected to serve on the Florida League of Cities’ legislative policy committee

• A neighborhood community cleanup is scheduled for Sept. 19 at 8 a.m., at Naomi Jones Park, 38122 Martin Luther King Blvd. Volunteers can register at KeepPascoBeautiful.org/coastal-cleanup

• The Mickens Field concession stand/restrooms building is progressing, as the 672-square-foot structure is vertical and bearing a roof. The $89,750 project, at 14318 Canal St., is on track to be complete by the end of October.

Published September 16, 2020

Dade City approves visitor’s center design

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Dade City Commissioners have narrowed in on a design for a new visitor’s information center building that’ll help round out Roy Hardy Trail trailhead — and serve as an important component for a future multi-use park near Church Avenue in the downtown area.

Commissioners on Aug. 25 unanimously selected a preferred design option that was favored by nearly 62% of residents in an online survey.

The visitor’s information center is being funded with the help of a $250,000 grant from the Pasco County Tourist Development Council.

The visitor’s information center will generally match the look of the surrounding Church Avenue neighborhood, which commonly features homes with wood siding, columns and brick embellishments. The 1,380-square-foot building will feature informational kiosks and mobile displays for all county tourism amenity partners, and showcase exhibits from local artists and museums. (Courtesy of the City of Dade City)

Plans call for a 1,380-square-foot open floor plan with two family bathrooms that meet Americans with Disabilities Act standards.

The interior space will feature informational kiosks and mobile displays for all county tourism amenity partners. There also will be a third-party vendor space to provide maintenance, information sharing and security. The space also can be used to showcase exhibits from local artists and museums.

The center’s exterior will generally match the look of the surrounding Church Avenue neighborhood, which commonly features homes with wood siding, columns and brick embellishments; the building will be painted with a historic color palette of amber, copper red and black.

The building also will be accompanied by two porches and a bike rack — its location designed to offer easy access off the Hardy Trail for riders and exercisers to gather and rest.

The final building design, however, might take on a few more minor tweaks. Commissioner Scott Black expressed a desire to incorporate some elements of the former Seaboard Airline Depot, a Mediterranean-style structure that was once located northeast of the site. Any changes will likely apply to lighting fixtures, decorative elements and benches that can give the feel of a depot and railway platform, city officials say.

The project’s budget will next be finalized by staff and commissioners. Construction is expected to begin in January following the approval of submitted building permits.

Commissioners in May approved a design-build project bid with Dade-City based Borregard Construction Inc.

Mayor Camille Hernandez described the visitor’s center as “a major part” of a proposed downtown community park that’ll someday be “a destination in our town.” The center will be situated at the northeast corner of the 2.23-acre park property that could eventually feature a water splash pad, playground, event lawn and walking path, among other amenities.  “We certainly want it to become something that we’re all very proud of,” Hernandez said.

Published September 02, 2020

Dade City Commission welcomes new planning board

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The Dade City Planning Board has added a new face, plus a few familiar ones to its dais.

Dade City Commissioners on Aug. 11 reappointed three board members whose terms recently expired, and approved a new at-large member to the agency’s group of seven.

Matthew Munz was approved to the Dade City Planning Board, as an at-large member. The Dade City resident is a project manager at Mead & Hunt, an architecture and engineering firm. He takes over for Knute Nathe, who vacated the seat after being elected to the Dade City Commission last month. (Courtesy of Matthew Munz)

The three reappointments are James Cosentino, Bermice Thomas and Joe Kennard.

Dade City native and resident Matthew Munz is the new at-large appointment.

Terms of each of the four appointments will expire April 2024. The other planning board members are Jimmy Miller, Davis Henley and Juliann Hale.

Munz, the newest addition, is a project manager for Mead & Hunt, an architecture design, engineering, environmental and construction administration services company.

He takes over the at-large seat previously held by new Commissioner Knute Nathe, who vacated the seat after being elected last month to the Dade City Commission.

“I enjoyed a great deal my tenure on the planning board. It can be thankless service, but it is service that is necessary to the city,” Nathe said.

With that, Nathe recommended Munz for the at-large seat, citing his experience as an engineer leading various water, wastewater, and stormwater projects in multiple stages of development — matters that go hand-in-hand with planning board responsibilities.

Fellow commissioners concurred, unanimously approving the recommendation.

Dade City Mayor Camille Hernandez said Munz’s credentials “certainly are impressive” and his knowledge in development-related matters “should be an asset to the board.”

Hernandez noted that Munz sat through a four-plus hour commission meeting last month, underscoring his passion for community issues.

“If that ain’t dedication, then I don’t know what is,” Hernandez quipped.

Aside from professional experience, Munz also has deep-rooted ties to Dade City coming from a family of public servants.

His mother, Barbara Munz, was principal of Pasco Elementary School for 23 years.

His father, William Munz, was assistant county administrator for Pasco County throughout the 1990s.

Munz kept his comments brief following the appointment. “I look forward to being able to serve the city,” he said.

The city’s seven-member planning board also serves as the Local Planning Agency for quasi-judicial procedures, and also includes one member representative from Pasco County Schools.

The board meets monthly, or as needed.

Duties include transmitting recommendations to the commission regarding zoning district amendments, comprehensive plan amendments, variances, and conditional use permits.

On another matter, commissioners unanimously approved a final plat for Countryside, a 25-lot subdivision located on 5.72 acres east of U.S. 301 and adjacent to a busy block that includes a McDonald’s, O’ Reilly’s Auto Parts, Captain D’s and EZ Clean Car Wash, among other businesses.

The Countryside development has been in the works for some time.

Commissioner Scott Black noted the subdivision has been in entitlement ever since the city landed the McDonald’s location when he was a freshman in high school, roughly 40 years ago.

“It is rather interesting that the project is finally, after so many years, something is happening there,” he said.

The development has received some pushback due to potential negative traffic impacts in that area, including from former Dade City Commissioner Nicole Deese Newlon.

Budget transparency headed to city’s website
Local residents soon will be able to get an inside look at Dade City government’s spending and departmental operations, in real-time online.

Newly appointed Dade City interim finance officer Andrew Laflin told commissioners he’s rolling out a cloud-based budgeting transparency software program onto the city’s website, within the next month or two.

The new program, will allow users to view and navigate the municipality’s multi-year capital projects and budget actual data, with links to the city’s annual budget document and ongoing budget preparations. It also will provide updates and messages from the city’s various departments, he said.

The new online feature will “show really a whole lot of stuff,” Laflin said.

Mayor Hernandez applauded the initiative, especially at a time when the city is experiencing a wave of commercial and residential development.

“I think that’s excellent,” Hernandez said. “I love the fact that it’s not only going to be available to the commission, but it’s going to be available in real-time, so I’m excited. That sounds like a good addition to providing information and transparency to our residents and those in Dade City.”

Laflin has hit the ground running on budget preparations for fiscal year 2020-21 since being hired to provide consulting financial services a month ago.

Other items worth noting:

  • The Dade City Police Department announced the hiring of two new police officers — Christopher Amatruda, 35, and Ronny Rivera, 48.
  • Dade City’s public restrooms have reopened, accessible from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., daily.
  • Work is underway on the design of a visitor’s information welcome center building at the Roy Hardy Trail trailhead.
  • Pasco County issued a notice to proceed with a route study for the extension of Morningside Drive — to connect U.S. 301 to Fort King Road in Dade City.

Published August 19, 2020

Dade City commissioners set tentative tax rate

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The City of Dade City has set its tentative millage rate at 7.14 mills for fiscal year 2020-2021 — the same property tax rate established the past several years.

Dade City commissioners voted unanimously to set the rate at a July 28 virtual meeting.

At 7.14 mills, ad valorem tax revenues in the city’s general fund are anticipated to generate about $2.04 million — an increase of $106,710 from last year, due to new construction, higher values due to property improvements, and so on.

Under state law, once a tentative millage rate has been set, the city cannot raise it before the start of the fiscal year, which begins Oct. 1. The commission does, however, have the option to reduce the rate before then.

Traditionally, the commission has voted to use the rollback rate as the proposed millage, while instructing city staff to later set a lower rate for a particular fiscal year; the rollback rate is the millage rate that would collect an equivalent level of ad valorem taxes in the next fiscal year as in the current fiscal year.

However, this year’s rolled-back rate  — 6.354 mills — is lower compared to prior years.

In effect, by setting the tentative millage rate at the higher 7.14, the city is able to help make up ground after a hospital property was taken off the tax rolls, which decreased the general fund upwards of $95,000 last year, explained Dade City Manager Leslie Porter.

Porter said the 7.14 millage rate “will help bring us back to where we were (revenue-wise) a couple of years ago.”

What usually is a rather laborious process to get commissioners to agree on a tentative property tax rate was a cut-and-dry scenario this time around, Dade City Mayor Camille Hernandez pointed out.

“Traditionally, this has been a very long conversation because the numbers didn’t look like they do here this evening,” Hernandez said.

Meanwhile, commissioners have scheduled virtual workshops on Aug. 11, Aug. 18 and Aug. 25. Each meeting will begin at 4 p.m.

A tentative budget public hearing is scheduled for Sept. 10 at 5:30 p.m.

Milestones recognized
Commissioner Scott Black was informally recognized a few months ago for his 30th year serving on the Dade City Commission.

Dade City Police officer Pete Emerson was recognized for 25 years of service. (Courtesy of Dade City Police Department)

The Florida League of Cities (FLOC) have since acknowledged Black’s milestone, sending a formal letter to the municipality, as well as mailing him a resolution and a service pin.

Normally, a FLOC representative will make a presentation during a commission meeting, but not this year, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Black, who’s been on the commission since 1990, thanked his colleagues for the additional recognition. “It’s been a pleasure to serve,” he said, “and it seems like just yesterday I started.”

Another career milestone also was shared during the meeting — as Dade City Police officer Pete Emerson was recognized for 25 years of service with the city.

Emerson is currently in his second stint as a school resource officer (SRO) at Pasco High School. He was the school’s SRO from 1997 to 2002, then returned to the role last year after having served in other department roles, including detective.

Underscoring Emerson’s longevity — newly sworn-in Commissioner Knute Nathe noted he was a student at Pasco High when Emerson was SRO.

The mayor took time to congratulate both Black and Emerson on their respective accomplishments: “Those are huge numbers and something very special and to be proud of, so thank you for your service to your community, and in Emerson’s case, keeping our young people safe over there (at Pasco High).”

Published August 05, 2020

Celebrating a quarter-century in law enforcement

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Dade City Police Chief James Walters has reached quite the career milestone — 25 consecutive years with the only law enforcement agency he knows.

Walters joined the Dade City Police Department in 1995 as a beat cop, fresh out of Saint Leo University.

Since then, he has worked his way through the ranks as a detective, sergeant and captain, among other titles.

He became acting chief in February 2018, when then Chief Ray Velboom retired. And, he became the department’s top cop that August, a role he still performs.

James Walters was sworn in as Dade City police chief in August 2018. He recently celebrated his 25-year anniversary working for the law enforcement agency. He joined the force as a beat cop in 1995. (File)

On the whole, Walters said, the last quarter-century has “gone by in a flash.”

“It felt like just yesterday I was walking into the doors of the old Dade City Police Department building,” Walters said during a recent phone interview with The Laker/Lutz News. “It seems like it was just yesterday I was walking in for the very first time.”

Over the past few weeks, community members and leaders have congratulated Walters on his 25 years of service — somewhat jokingly adding that they’re looking forward to seeing him in uniform for another 25 years.

While he won’t be working in 2045, he has no plans to step away anytime soon.

He said he’s humbled by the community support and appreciation.

“I’m glad this community, this city still wants me to be a part of things. As long as we are making a difference and contributing, we’re going to keep on going,” Walters said.

The police chief was formally recognized during a July 14 Dade City Commission virtual meeting.

It’s where Mayor Camille Hernandez summed up her appreciation to Walters: “You are truly an asset, you are a pleasure to work with, and your outreach and concern for the community and students, and the young people and families in our community is noteworthy.”

Destined for law enforcement
Walters’ pathway into law enforcement and public service began while growing up in Inverness, in Citrus County.

Walters said he discovered what he wanted to be in the summer of 1979, when he was just 8 years old.

That was when he survived an alligator attack, while swimming in a lake on his parents’ property. As he tells it, an alligator grabbed his foot and pulled him out of the water. He sustained injuries, but managed to escape.

During Walters’ three-week stay in a hospital, he was visited several times by Jamie Adams, then a wildlife officer with the Florida Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission.

Adams, would go on to become longtime sheriff of Sumter County through the 1980s and 1990s.

The positive interactions that Walters had with Adams left an imprint on the young boy, that he would never forget.

“He said he was going to go get that gator, and that made me pretty happy,” Walters recalled, “so back then, it left an impression on a scared kid, and I never really wanted to do anything else in my life.”

Dade City love
Walters moved to Dade City roughly 30 years ago, to finish his undergraduate degree in criminal justice at the University of Saint Leo.

Before that, he had graduated from Citrus High School and played college football for a few years at a small school in Iowa — St. Ambrose University. But, as a Florida boy, “I nearly froze to death,” Walters quipped.

So, he transferred to Saint Leo. Walters quickly immersed himself into the Dade City community, coaching football and wrestling at Pasco High School. He was an assistant football coach on Perry Brown’s staff that won a state title in 1992.

After experiencing “a tremendous feeling of community,” where the Pasco High football stadium “would just be overflowing with people,” Walters had no desire to live or work anyplace else.

“I grew up in a small town. Dade City felt like home, and I really fell in love with the community,” Walters said. “It’s really small town America.”

That small town feeling, however, could change a little bit in coming years.

With Dade City poised for extensive growth that could see its population more than double in size in the next decade or so, Walters acknowledged it’s a challenge for an agency that has 23 full-time sworn and about 40 personnel total.

Preliminary plans call for more homes to be built than currently exist within city limits, Walters noted.

Growing the department in proportion to the number of rooftops will be “a metered approach”  in coordination with city leaders, the police chief said.

“We’re not going to accomplish anything overnight,” Walters, “but, we’re going to try to grow as the city grows, so we can maintain the levels of service that the citizens and the visitors of this community come to expect,” he said.

Published July 29, 2020

Commissioners sworn in, virtually

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The swearing-in ceremony for the Dade City Commission took on a new look, as the city adapted to this COVID-19 time.

This year, oaths were recited and hands were raised, as usual — but not at City Hall.

Group 3 Commissioner Jim Shive (File)

Commissioners took their oaths remotely, by video conference and telephone.

While not quite as ceremonial as a traditional swearing-in ceremony, a purpose was served, as third-term incumbent Jim Shive and newly elected Knute Nathe and Normita Woodard became official members of Dade City’s legislative body.

The July 14 virtual proceedings were handled by City Clerk Angelia Guy and City Attorney Tom Thanas.

The action also coincided with the selection of the municipality’s mayor and mayor pro-tem.

Commissioner Camille Hernandez was unanimously reappointed to the mayor’s chair, while Shive was named mayor pro tem.

Hernandez thanked fellow commissioners for a “vote of confidence to continue to lead the city for the next term.

Group 4 Commissioner Knute Nathe (Courtesy of Knute Nathe)

“I’m honored, I will continue to do my best, and will continue to move Dade City forward as we handle lots of different things,” she said.

The newly sworn-in commissioners, who will serve four-year terms, also offered some remarks.

Shive thanked Dade City residents for allowing him to serve for another term. The retired government employee has served on the Dade City Commission since 2012. He retained his Group 3 seat after receiving 58.14% of votes to defeat challenger Matthew Shane Wilson.

“I really care about Dade City, and am really looking forward to working with the new commissioners and getting things done,” Shive said. “We have a lot of work to get done, but I appreciate the support and thank you very much.”

Group 5 Commissioner Normita Woodard (Courtesy of Normita Woodard)

Nathe, an attorney, assumes the Group 4 seat vacated by Nicole Deese Newlon, who chose not to seek reelection. He defeated Ann Consentino by garnering 56.72% of the vote.

Nathe thanked his supporters and encouraged Dade City residents to become more active in governmental affairs and provide feedback to the commission, whether it’s through phone calls, emails or attending meetings.

He also was vocal about controlling development that comes into city limits, to curb “out-of- control” growth like you have in Wesley Chapel and what’s going on now in San Antonio.”

Woodard, an educator, assumes the Group 5 seat held by Eunice Penix since 1993.

Penix decided not to seek another term. Woodard received 52.46% of votes, edging out Christopher King.

Woodard used her platform to prompt commissioners and department heads to offer more appreciation and thanks to the city’s rank-and-file employees who daily deal with the public.

“I just want to make sure that we’re telling them, ‘Thank you’ just a little bit more, because it seems like a lot of them are wearing a lot of hats. …I think we just need to take a little bit more time and acknowledge them, and that goes a long way.”

Commissioners also:

  • Approved first reading ordinance establishing the Highland Trails Community Development District (CDD), encompassing approximately 243 acres located south of Morningside Drive, north of Clinton Avenue, west of Old Lakeland Highway and east of U.S. Highway 301
  • Approved first reading ordinance for an annexation of approximately 13.59 acres located west of U.S Highway 301 and north of Clinton Avenue. The annexation petition was requested by Wagenvoord Advertising Inc., and David and Gordon Howard.
  • Approved first reading ordinance for an annexation of approximately 52.32 acres located east of U.S. Highway 301, west of U.S. Highway 98 and south of Clinton Avenue. The annexation petition was requested by Iqbal Groves Inc. Additionally, commissioners approved first readings of a large-scale comprehensive plan amendment and zoning amendment for the vacant property, to make way for a future 298-unit subdivision.
  • Approved first reading ordinance amending a zoning map on approximately 2.13 acres of real property located at 36847 and 36851 State Road 52, from CN (Neighborhood Commercial District) to CG (Commercial General). The applicant, Benoit Trust, is proposing to develop the property for a small-scale commercial retail building, namely a Dollar General.
  • Approved preliminary plan for a new seven-lot subdivision called Teri Court near the intersection of 14th Street and Dixie Avenue
  • Approved preliminary assessment for stormwater utility fees for the 2020-2021 tax year, whereby the preliminary equivalent residential unit (ERU) rate is $45 per year. A public hearing is set for Sept. 8.

Published July 22, 2020