The Laker/Lutz News

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Fox Ridge Boulevard

East Pasco land donated for fire station

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The Pasco County Commission passed a resolution at its March 10 meeting recognizing Schikedanz Bros.-Hammock Pines Ltd., for its donation of 3.8 acres for a fire station to improve fire rescue services in East Pasco County.

Scott Cassin, fire chief for Pasco County Fire Rescue, expressed appreciation for the gift.

The site is just east of Fox Ridge Boulevard, on the south side of State Road 54, in Wesley Chapel.

Construction is tentatively set for 2023, and when it opens it will be known as Station 4.

The station will enhance services to Watergrass, Meadow Pointe and Zephyrhills, Cassin said.

“This is a great location, it’s going to serve so many people,” the fire chief added, noting that the station will be constructed using funding provided through general obligation bonds approved by county voters.

Gunther Flaig, who spoke on behalf of the land donor, said, “As a father of a current EMS student, trying to become an EMS worker, I know a little bit about the difficulty that you’re facing.”

He said the company was happy to “do a little bit” for the county.

Commissioner Kathryn Starkey also expressed gratitude for the donation, noting that she and Flaig have been friends for a long time.

Commission Chairman Mike Moore said, “We very much appreciate your donation.”

As the county continues to grow, Moore said, so will its need for more fire stations.

Published March 18, 2020

Get close to the animals at ‘Barnyard Bash’

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Families looking for a close encounter with animals may want to check out the “Barnyard Bash” at the Home Sweet Home Animal Rescue in Wesley Chapel.

Valerie Burke’s affection for animals began when she was ‘knee-high to a grasshopper’ and has never waned. She now operates Home Sweet Home Animal Rescue in Wesley Chapel. (B.C. Manion)

Children and adults, alike, can meet Arnold the Pig, Ollie the Goose, Effie the Goat and other animals at the event on Nov. 11 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the rescue, 4129 Fox Ridge Blvd., in Wesley Chapel.

Besides getting a chance to meet the animals, there will be an education tent, food, a bounce house, games and other activities.

Those wanting to visit the barnyard will be required to wear sneakers or other close-toed shoes.

“We did this last year, and we had a ball,” said Valerie Burke, the founder of Home Sweet Home Animal Rescue.

About 100 people turned out and everyone seemed to enjoy themselves, said Burke, who said her love for animals began when she was “knee-high to a grasshopper” and has stayed with her for life.

Last year, she said, “we had kids face-painting kids,” she said, which was fun for the kids and fun for adults to watch.

Ollie the goose, also known as Oliver, was rescued from a parking lot at a lawyer’s office in the Westshore business district in Tampa.

Burke began the barnyard rescue operation because she saw a need for it.

It began with one injured animal.

“One thing led to another,” Burke said. “People would bring me injured animals and sick animals, from as far away as the Panhandle. I’ve had several come from Gainesville.

“We do a lot of special needs animals here,” she said. Without the rescue operation, many of the animals would be euthanized, Burke said.

“One of our ducks is missing half her bill. I have a parrot missing his leg. Some are missing toes,” she said. “We try to make it comfortable for them.”

Currently, she has 40 ducks, three geese, seven goats, a pig, 20 or so chickens and some parrots.

They come to her in different ways.

Oliver, also known as Ollie, is her Chinese goose. He was dropped off at a lawyer’s office, off Westshore Boulevard in Tampa.

Valerie Burke knows how to make her goat, Effie, happy.

Ollie’s girlfriend, Greta, an African goose, was dumped with her mate in Safety Harbor. Her mate was killed by a predator.

“So, she came here; her and Ollie are best friends,” Walker said.

Harley, one of the ducks, is named for the Harley-Davidson dealership in Brandon that found her.

Burke said she has been the recipient of animals that were starved nearly to death, or were abandoned at apartment complexes.

“We take in the ones that are the forgotten ones,” she said.

The barnyard bash is a way for people to have fun, but also develop a greater understanding of animals, Burke said.

And, while visitors to the Barnyard Bash are invited to get closer to the animals, they are not permitted to chase them, Burke said.

“This isn’t a petting zoo. It’s all about respect. This is their home, so you have to respect them in their home. If they come up to you, great. If they don’t, well, they don’t,” Burke said.

She is looking forward to the event.

She’s confident that the adults and children will have a good time.

Plus, she added, “I’m going to have a great time.”

Barnyard Bash Family Event
Where: Home Sweet Home Animal Rescue, 4129 Fox Ridge Blvd., in Wesley Chapel
When:  Nov. 11, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Cost: Free event, but donations are accepted.
Details: Kids and adults can meet barnyard animals, learn about caring for animals, enjoy games and refreshments. There will be take-aways, a bounce house, an education tent, an opportunity to take pictures, ask and answer questions, and win prizes. Sneakers or close-toed shoes are required in the barnyard.

Learn ways you can help by visiting HSHARTampa.org.

Published November 8, 2017