The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Lutz since 1964 and Pasco since 1981.
Proud to be independently owned.

Jane Castor

Bring a mask, if heading to Super Bowl-related festivities

By

As Tampa gears up to be on the world stage during Super Bowl LV, Tampa Mayor Jane Castor has ordered the use of face coverings within specific outdoor locations to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.

In a tweet, Castor said, “Let’s each do our part in keeping our community and visitors safe. Masks are the right defense. Masks and simple health habits will go a long way in ensuring a fun, safe #Super Bowl LV experience for all.”

Raymond James Stadium is gearing up for Super Bowl LV. There will be a few things different for this year’s game. For one thing, it’s the first time in NFL history that a team — the Tampa Bay Buccaneers — will be playing at its home stadium. For another thing, those attending big outdoor Super Bowl-related festivities will be required to wear a mask, at specific venues, to reduce potential spread of COVID-19. (B.C. Manion)

Besides being the host city for this year’s Super Bowl, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers will be the first team in NFL history to play the game in its home stadium.

The Bucs take on the Kansas City Chiefs on Feb. 7. Kickoff at Raymond James Stadium is set for 6:30 p.m. A host of activities surround the game, bringing large crowds to many venues.

In her executive order, Castor requires the use of face coverings within specific outdoor locations, within the City of Tampa — namely in areas defined as Event Zones and Entertainment Districts.

The Event Zones are defined as areas of downtown Tampa and surrounding Raymond James Stadium.

The Entertainment Districts include the Ybor City Historic District, the South Howard Commercial Overlay District, the Central Business District, and the Channel District.

The city also has a mask order in effect that requires that a facial covering be worn by anyone working, living, visiting or doing business in an indoor location — other than their residence — when not able to maintain social distancing from other person, excluding family members or companions.

There are some exceptions to the city’s mask ordinance, including children under age 5, people with health conditions and people working in a business that doesn’t require interactions with others, or allows social distancing to be maintained.

Masks are not required while people are eating or drinking.

Also, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has announced it will establish a Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) to prohibit drones around Raymond James Stadium on Feb. 7, and around the Tampa Riverwalk for the NFL Super Bowl Experience during the days leading up to Super Bowl.

Drones will be prohibited within a 30-nautical-mile radius of the stadium up to 18,000 feet in altitude on game day, according to the FAA. The TFR will be in place from 5:30 p.m. to 11:59 p.m.

Drones also are prohibited for 1 nautical mile around Raymond James Stadium on Feb. 7 from 10 a.m. until the TFR for the game takes effect.

The FAA will restrict drone flights for roughly 2 nautical miles around Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park and Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park up to an altitude of 2,000 feet through Feb. 6, during event hours.

Pilots and drone operators who enter the TFRs without permission could face civil penalties that exceed $30,000 and potential criminal prosecution for flying drones in the TFR.

Drone pilots should check the FAA’s B4UFly app to determine when and where they may fly.

Published February 03, 2021

COVID-19 prompts local face mask requirements

By

As Florida’s positive COVID-19 cases continue to climb, local officials are taking action to require the wearing of face coverings.

The requirements vary by jurisdictions.

Pasco County has joined the list of local governments imposing restrictions in an effort to reduce the spread of COVID-19.

Pasco County Administrator Dan Biles issued an executive order on June 23, requiring everyone in Pasco County to use face coverings while indoors at a public business or county government facility. The order took effect immediately, with enforcement beginning on June 25.

While wearing an N95 mask for her safety during the COVID-19 pandemic, Linda McCabe, of Dade City, confirms the amount of food bags needed for one of the cars that showed up recently for the Pasco County school district’s free lunch program, at the Pasco High School. (File)

There are exceptions to the order, which include children under age 2 and anyone with an existing health condition that would be complicated by wearing a mask.

Pasco County Code Enforcement is enforcing the ordinance, focusing first on education.

Under Pasco’s order:

  • Face coverings should cover nose and mouth.
  • All businesses and county government facilities open to the public must comply.
  • Businesses must ensure compliance, with those found in violation facing a fine of up to $250.

The county also announced the availability of face masks at several locations.

Those wishing to report a violation should call (727) 847-2411, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Pasco County Schools issued a statement in response to the county’s order, noting that while the order doesn’t apply to schools, the school district will require masks or face coverings for employees and visitors.

Masks or face coverings will be required for anyone visiting any district school or work site open to the public, according to the district’s news release.

The county order and school district’s directive will remain in place indefinitely and both are subject to change as circumstances change.

These actions follow requirements imposed by the Emergency Policy Group of Hillsborough County, which voted 5-3 on June 22, to require face coverings be worn by customers and employees in indoor spaces of businesses, when social distancing of 6 feet cannot be achieved.

That order is automatically set to expire within 7 days of its adoption, unless renewed.

Tampa Mayor Jane Castor imposed a face covering order on June 19, also requiring masks when inside any business within the city of Tampa, when not maintaining social distancing, excluding family members or companions.

Florida Surgeon General Scott Rivkees also has issued an advisory recommending “all individuals in Florida should wear face coverings in any setting where social distancing is not possible” and discouraging social gatherings of more than 50 people.

The North Tampa Bay Chamber notified its members about the requirements for face coverings, providing links to the various government jurisdictions for more information.

The chamber also offered its members the opportunity to contact its office to obtain some free masks, through touchless pickup. The masks are being made available through the chamber’s partnership with the Florida Chamber of Commerce and Pasco County.

The Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA) also issued updated safety and operating guidance for members of the hospitality industry, to ensure the safety of employees and guests.

The FRLA is strongly encouraging all Florida residents and visitors to wear masks in public spaces, including at restaurants and hotels, and to practice social distancing.

“Ensuring employee and guest safety is of the utmost importance,” Carol Dover, the FRLA’s president and CEO said, in a news release.

“All Florida businesses must do everything possible to contribute to the health and safety of our communities. We are strongly urging all Floridians to adhere to statewide Executive Orders, comply with the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) and other business regulators, follow CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) and the Florida Department of Health recommendations on mask-wearing and social distancing. These collective efforts will help ensure the safety of all Floridians and our visitors,” Dover said.

Information available on the afternoon of June 26 showed that Florida had a total of 122,960 positive cases, including 8,993 on June 25. The state recorded 3,336 deaths of Florida residents and 98 deaths of non-residents.

Hillsborough County had 8,108 cases, including 7,941 Florida residents and 77 non-Florida residents.

The figures for Pasco County stood at 1,326 cases, including 1,314 Florida residents and 12 non-residents.

The median age of those testing positive was 35 statewide, compared to a median age of 31 in Hillsborough County. Pasco County’s median age for those testing positive mirrored the state’s age of 34.

Published July 1, 2020

Deadly COVID-19 virus poses challenges on all fronts

By

Florida has joined the ranks of states across the nation that have issued Stay-at-Home orders in an effort to reduce the spread of coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19).

Gov. Ron DeSantis issued a 30-day Stay-At-Home executive order effective April 3.

His action came just days before U.S. Surgeon Gen. Dr. Jerome Adams warned the nation that “this is going to be the hardest and the saddest week of most Americans’ lives. This is going to be our Pearl Harbor moment, our 9/11 moment. Only it’s not going to be localized, it’s going to be happening all over the country,” Adams said to Chris Wallace, during a Fox News program over the weekend.

The death toll from the COVID-19 virus continues to rise.

As of the afternoon of April 6, there were 330,891 cases in the United States and 8,910 deaths, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Statewide, there are 13,324 confirmed cases, including 399 non-residents; and, 236 deaths.

In Pasco County, there have been 110 cases, including four non-residents. There have been 22 hospitalizations and two deaths.

In Hillsborough County, there were a total of 571 cases, include 15 non-residents. There have been 86 hospitalizations and five deaths.

To help prevent the spread of COVID-19, the CDC has consistently recommended that people maintain a 6-foot distance between themselves and others, and to stay at home as much as possible.

Recently, it changed its guidance regarding masks. Before, it recommended masks only for those who were sick to ensure an adequate supply for hospital staff.

Now, the CDC recommends “wearing cloth face coverings in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain (e.g., grocery stores and pharmacies) especially in areas of significant community-based transmission.”

Meanwhile, at the local level, governments are responding to the economic and medical threats posed by the deadly virus.

Pasco County Commission Chairman Mike Moore organized a virtual meeting on March 31 with regional leaders from Hillsborough and Pinellas counties, and the cities of Tampa and Clearwater to discuss how the region can respond to the unprecedented challenges being posed by COVID-19.

The meeting didn’t yield any immediate solutions, but the leaders shared information about issues such as hospital capacity, availability of medical supplies and concerns about economic impacts from COVID-19.

Moore asked regional leaders for their thoughts about transporting patients to other counties, if the need arose.

Tampa Mayor Jane Castor responded, “I think it would probably be more beneficial just to make sure that you have that overflow capacity, just in your particular area.”

Other regional leaders agreed.

Clearwater Mayor Frank Hibbard said his primary interest would be in working together regionally to figure out a way to share best practices, so individual governments don’t need to reinvent the wheel.

While Moore was reaching out regionally, Pasco County Commissioner Kathryn Starkey arranged a virtual Town Hall meeting featuring panelists including Summer Robertson representing U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis, and Shahra Lambert representing Florida Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Services Nikki Fried. Others on the panel included Pasco Schools Superintendent Kurt Browning and representatives for several county offices.

During the town hall, the speakers gave overviews on issues such as the federal government’s $2 trillion stimulus package; the school system’s current status; and, a variety of services that are available — or unavailable — at this time.

Commissioner Starkey offered words of encouragement.

“It is such an unusual time. I know when I talk to my fellow workers in government that we have never been busier. I cannot keep my phone charged,” Starkey said.

She added: “It certainly is a challenging time for all of us, but there will be an end to it, and we’ll be able to get back out and enjoy our beautiful county.”

Practical Information

  • Gov. Ron DeSantis suspended foreclosure and eviction enforcing laws for 45 days to provide temporary relief to Floridians.
  • Pasco County Public Transportation has waived fares and increased frequency of buses on the busiest routes — U.S. 19, State Road 54 and U.S. 301, to provide financial relief for those in need and increased services for workers who need to get to grocery stores, hospitals and other essential services for their jobs.
  • Pasco County parks and playgrounds are closed, so residents are encouraged to find ways to exercise in their neighborhoods — while practicing social distancing.
  • Some stores are opening an hour early on some days a week, to give those age 65 and older a chance to shop for essential items. Check store websites for more information.
  • The deadline for paying federal taxes has been delayed until July 15. Go to the IRS website for more details.
  • Pasco County senior centers for congregate meals and social activities are temporarily closed, but there are drive-thru and delivery services available.
  • School campuses are closed, but school districts are providing “to go” bags for children 18 and younger. To find out more details, visit local school district websites.

Recreational options

  • Suncoast Trail is open. Suitable for biking, walking and rollerblading. It is 42 miles long, including 22 miles in Pasco County.
  • Starkey Boulevard Trail and Starkey Gap Trail are open; Pinellas Trail as of last week was still open. Trails next to U.S. 301 and State Road 56 also are open.

Please be prepared for no public access to restrooms or water fountains.

Please maintain social distancing.

Avoid bicycling in packs.

Do not use trails if you are exhibiting symptoms of illness.

Published April 08, 2020

Will body cameras become new standard?

By

The Pasco County Sheriff’s Office rolled out the use of body cameras as standard equipment for its deputies beginning in February.

The Tampa Police Department has adopted a pilot program, using 80 cameras in three police districts.

Pasco Sheriff Chris Nocco and Tampa Police Chief Jane Castor spoke recently at Saint Leo University about the use of body cameras. (Courtesy of Saint Leo University)
Pasco Sheriff Chris Nocco and Tampa Police Chief Jane Castor spoke recently at Saint Leo University about the use of body cameras.
(Courtesy of Saint Leo University)

The leaders of both police agencies spoke about the use of body cameras at the debut of the Criminal Justice Speaker Showcase on April 16 at Saint Leo University.

Pasco Sheriff Chris Nocco and Tampa Police Chief Jane Castor addressed roughly two dozen faculty, students and media about the expanding use of body cameras.

Pasco’s deputies and investigators put on a body camera at the beginning of each shift.

Nocco made the decision to use the cameras after seeking opinions from other law enforcement agencies that were using the technology even before the tragic events in Ferguson, Missouri.

“One thing that was consistent when they were asked the question ‘Would you ever go back?’ They all said no,” Nocco said.

The Ferguson, Missouri incident involved a white police officer who shot and killed a 17-year-old black teenager.

The incident sparked riots in Ferguson and a national protest regarding charges of excessive police force and racism.

An investigation cleared the officer in Ferguson of any wrongdoing.

The use of body cameras will have a significant impact on policing, Nocco said.

“It’s going to change the way we do law enforcement,” Nocco said. “It’s an evidence-based business model.”

Police departments already using the cameras have reported fewer confrontations and reduced complaints from residents.

Nocco also said he expects the court system will benefit, because more suspects will plead out cases rather than go to trial.

“If we can reduce the backlog because of the evidence, think how much more efficient courts will be,” he said.

Videos taken by bystanders on camera cellphones have brought mixed results.

A grand jury declined to indict officers caught on tape using a banned chokehold while arresting Eric Garner on Staten Island for selling single cigarettes. Garner died at the scene.

But another bystander in North Charleston, South Carolina taped a police officer shooting Walter Scott in the back as he fled after a routine traffic stop for a broken tail light. The officer has been charged with murder.

Still, the objectivity of a video is what many hope will resolve disputes of fact and create more transparency when confrontations happen.

“Once it is ironed out, it will be a regular thing” said Jennifer Booker, a staff member at Saint Leo University. “I think it will become a piece of evidence like DNA was in the 80s. They shoot exactly what happens from beginning to start.”

Rickado St. Fleur, a criminal justice major, hopes to some day work for the federal Homeland Security agency. “It’s definitely going to take some time to get used to them,” he said. “But it definitely helps. It will help society regain the bond with law enforcement.”

The Pasco sheriff’s department issued more than 400 sets of Taser Axon cameras that are mounted usually onto glasses, hats, on shirt fronts or collars of deputies or investigators. Cameras are turned on to record interactions with the public. At the end of a shift, video is uploaded to a docking station.

Castor opted for a pilot program with 80 body cameras deployed to 18 officers in each of three districts, and six to officers on bicycle patrols.

“We need to have our side seen,” she said.

It’s a learning curve for everyone.

“It’s going to be an ongoing process to see how the public reacts, and the officers,” Castor said. So far, acceptance has been high, she said.

The cameras raise questions about privacy, search and seizure protections, and about how the video can be used. Currently public record requests for footage are reviewed in-house. Software can blur out certain information such as license tags or identities of minors.

Lawmakers are weighing in during the current legislative session. One bill would require agencies that use body cameras to set policies on their use and training requirements. A second bill would set exemptions to the state’s public records law that supporters say would protect the general public’s privacy. Critics say that could lead to less transparency and allow law enforcement to conceal misdeeds.

Castor said there should be some limitations. She noted that Tampa successfully barred the release of video showing the deaths of two Tampa police officers killed during a routine traffic stop.

“I don’t think that we’ll see the end of legislation for several years,” Nocco said.

But Nocco believes that body cameras are here to stay.

“As we move forward, it’s going to be constantly evolving, constantly changing,” Nocco said. “We’ll be much better off for it.”

Published April 22, 2015