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Nicole Deese Newlon

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

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

Mickens Field improvements underway in Dade City

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Construction on a new concession/public restroom building at Mickens Field soon will be underway, with completion targeted for the end of October.

The Dade City Commission awarded the bid and approved contract to Borregard Construction Inc., for the project, at 14318 Canal St., in Dade City.

Completion of a new concession building at Mickens Field in Dade is expected by Oct. 31. (File)

The action came during a June 23 virtual meeting by a 4-1 vote, with Commissioner Nicole Deese Newlon casting a dissenting vote.

The city has $150,000 budgeted for the project, funded through the local government infrastructure surtax, also known as Penny for Pasco.

Borregard posted the lowest bid among six proposals received, in the amount of $89,750.

The company’s bid is all-inclusive and in compliance with specifications included in the city’s request for proposal, per a memo from Dade City Manager Leslie Porter.

That was a point of contention at a previous commission meeting on June 9.

City staff initially recommended entering contract negotiations with Ryman Construction of Florida Inc., who generated the highest evaluation score among six proposals and a bid of $113,727.

While the lowest bidder, Borregard’s evaluation score ranked fifth of sixth proposals, as city staff explained the company did not submit all requested information.

But, Commissioner Jim Shive disagreed with staff’s recommendation earlier this month, suggesting the city simply proceed with the lowest bidder, Borregard, a Dade City-based company with a 20-year running relationship with the city.

He reasoned the city should be more conservative with construction projects near-term, citing possible budgetary impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic and cost overruns on previous projects.

He also argued the project — a 672-square-foot concrete block structure and roof — shouldn’t be a complicated undertaking for any construction company.

The decision was tabled until the June 23 meeting, so the city manager could review the matter and make another recommendation.

The Mickens Field building has a target completion date of Oct. 31. The old concession/restroom structure was demolished in late May by the city’s public works department.

In other action, commissioners unanimously approved preliminary construction plans for Hilltop Estates, a 250 single-family lot subdivision on 61 acres of land, situated off of U.S. 301 and Clinton Avenue.

Some other citywide updates shared during the meeting:

  • Downtown sidewalk pressure washing is scheduled for July 5.
  • The City Hall lobby will be open to customers beginning on July 6. Masks will be required and visitors will not be allowed in staff areas.
  • Utility billing turnoffs and late fees will resume in August.
  • The city has applied for a grant through the Florida Redevelopment Association, for transportation enhancements to the Roy Hardy Trail.
  • City staff is gathering information on wayfinding signage, and will schedule a presentation at an upcoming commission meeting for further input and direction.
  • Dade City Manager Leslie Porter is seeking to temporarily outsource the city finance director functions to a freelance accountant who has worked with other local governments, until a permanent replacement can be found.
  • Sarah Rader was sworn in as deputy city clerk, taking over for Erika Cordoba, who is now working in the city’s planning and zoning department.

Commissioners farewell

Dade City Commissioner Nicole Deese Newlon (Courtesy of City of Dade City)

The June 23 virtual meeting marked a farewell for Mayor Pro Tem Eunice Penix and Commissioner Nicole Deese Newlon. Neither commissioner sought re-election.

Penix, a retired schoolteacher, served as a commissioner for nearly 27 years, dating back to August 1993.

Newlon, a commercial law attorney, served one four-year term after being elected in a three-way race in April 2016.

Penix took time to deliver some parting words to thank the Dade City community: “I’m grateful for the citizens of Dade City for allowing me to serve them for 27 years. I am so honored. Thank you, thank you, thank you. I love all of you.”

Newlon did not offer any comments.

Dade City Mayor Pro-Tem Eunice Penix

Fellow commissioners, meanwhile, shared positive words to Penix and Newlon for their dedication and service to the municipality.

They lauded Penix for her smile, wisdom and powerful invocations, while Newlon was regarded for her tenacity and overall sense of humor.

Some Dade City residents also weighed in, to recognize the outgoing commissioners for their contributions over the years.

Dade City resident Clyde Carter, a minister at St. John Missionary Baptist Church, said: “We do appreciate everything that they’ve done during their tenures, and continue to do things even past their tenures in the community. I do want to give a shout out this evening and we thank them very much from a community standpoint.”

Dade City resident Christopher King, who operates a youth mentorship charity and is running for Penix’s vacated commission seat, echoed similar sentiments: “I wanted to just say thank you to Commissioner Penix and Commissioner Newlon for their time and service on the commission, and their commitment to the community. All the things they have done is a tribute to their work ethic, loyalty and patronage to Dade City….and we will miss you dearly.”

Published July 1, 2020

Pasco municipal elections set for June 30

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Municipal elections for the cities of Dade City and San Antonio are scheduled for June 30.

The local elections — which will decide various city commission seats — originally were  scheduled for April, but were delayed due to COVID-19.

The Dade City voting precinct is at First Baptist Church Dade City, 37511 Church Ave., in Dade City.

San Antonio’s precinct is at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, 12110 Main St., in San Antonio.

Municipal elections in Dade City and San Antonio are scheduled for June 30. Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. (File)

Polls for both races will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Poll workers at each precinct will be following the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines of social distancing, mask-wearing and sanitation, Pasco County Supervisor of Elections Brian Corley told The Laker/Lutz News.

“Anyone that does show up for election day voting, there will be those safety precautions in place. We’re not expecting a huge turnout, but for voters that do show up, they can expect to get out of there rather quickly, and we’ll take care of them,” Corley said.

For those cautious about heading to the polls amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the elections supervisor suggests voting by mail instead. Request a vote-by-mail ballot by calling (800) 851-8754, or in writing to P.O. Box 300, Dade City, FL 33526. Vote-by-mail ballots are due back in the elections’ office by 7 p.m., election day.

Whether it’s a polling place or via mail, Corley emphasized the importance for city residents to cast a ballot in the local elections.

“These municipal offices are the closest to the people and traditionally have the lowest turnout, and it should be the opposite,” Corley said. “It’s the old adage, ‘If you don’t vote, you can’t complain,’ so I would encourage all voters to come out and get their voice heard.”

Here is a closer look at the elections:

Dade City
Six candidates are running for three open seats on the Dade City Commission — for Groups 3, 4 and 5.

In Group 3, two-term incumbent Jim Shive is facing challenger Matthew Wilson. Shive is a retired government employee. Wilson is a data entry clerk for the United Parcel Service.

Groups 4 and 5 seats will see fresh faces, as Nicole Deese Newlon and Eunice Penix are not seeking re-election. Newlon served one four-year term after she won in 2016, while Penix has held her seat since 1993.

Vying for Newlon’s Group 4 seat are Ann Cosentino and Knute Nathe.

Cosentino owns a communications/branding consulting firm. Nathe is an attorney with McCLain Alfonso P.A.

Christopher King and Normita Woodard are facing off for Penix’s Group 5 seat. King is the founder of The Gentleman’s Course Inc., a local youth mentorship charity. Woodard is a secretary at Lacoochee Elementary School.

San Antonio
Five candidates are vying to fill three open seats on the San Antonio City Commission.

Incumbents Elayne Bassinger and Sarah Schrader are running and Joseph Couture, John Vogel and Dacia Wadsworth Mitchell fill out the field.

Unlike the head-to-head matchups of other municipalities, the top three overall vote-getters earn commission seats. San Antonio commissioners serve two-year terms.

For more voting information, call the Pasco County Supervisor of Elections office at (800) 851-8754 or (352) 521-4302, or visit PascoVotes.gov.

Published June 24, 2020

Dade City moves ahead on priority projects

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Dade City is moving ahead on some city priority projects.

The city’s commissioners have authorized staff to enter into a design-build contract with Borregard Construction Inc., for a design-build of a visitor’s information welcome center, to be located on the south side of Church Avenue near the Hardy Trail multi-use trailhead.

Preliminary plans call for a building of 1,100 square feet to 1,500 square feet, with two family bathrooms that meet Americans with Disabilities Act standards.

The center will feature an open floor plan — allowing for vendor operations, area attractions, museums and art exhibits to host mobile displays.

Officials said the visitor’s center will not exceed $250,000, which is funded through a grant from the Pasco County Tourist Development Council.

The facility will be part of a larger exterior space concept that will feature a bike-share hub with stations for parking, minor repairs, and public resting areas for cyclists and exercising pedestrians.

The public will be invited to provide input on the design of the building, in the coming months. The general idea is for the visitor’s center to help promote some of the city’s attraction to locals and out-of-town visitors, said Melanie Romagnoli, the city’s community and economic development director.

For example, Pioneer Florida Museum would be able to display items to help promote that attraction.

“We want to make sure that the building will fit into the context of the neighborhood, with a contemporary interior that will allow for modern amenities, such as digital display ads and a place for our nonprofit partners and our community partners to have mobile exhibits,” Romagnoli said.

The project passed by a 4-1 vote, with Commissioner Nicole Deese Newlon dissenting.

Also, commissioners approved a motion allowing City Manager Leslie Porter to negotiate a contract with Wesley Chapel-based Magic Bubbles, to pressure wash sidewalks in the downtown area.

The company’s quote came in at $3,050 to pressure wash sidewalks from Church Avenue to Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, and Meridian Avenue from Eighth Street to Third Street. However, the commission also agreed to have the company clean other surrounding areas heavily trafficked downtown, including the sidewalks by Nancy’s Natural Foods, Lori Anne’s, Green Door on 8th, Magnolia Title Agency, and The Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce, among other businesses.

The request for additional cleaning services came from Commissioner Jim Shive. Given the added work will be at relatively minimal cost, commissioners directed the city manager to proceed without having to return for funding approval. The motion passed 4-1, with Newlon dissenting.

Published June 17, 2020

30 years and counting for Dade City Commissioner

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Scott Black was only 25 years old when he was first elected to the Dade City Commission, in 1990.

Three decades later, he remains just as passionate about the post.

“I still get excited about the meetings, I still feel like I’m learning things, I still feel like I’m kind of young with it,” Black said in a recent interview with The Laker/Lutz News.

Scott Black has been serving on the Dade City Commission for 30 years and counting. He was first elected in April 1990. (Courtesy of City of Dade City)

The commissioner, now 55,  jokes he’s almost in denial about serving the municipality for so long.

“I keep redoing the math and it’s like, ‘Oh, my goodness, what happened here?’ I’m noticing more and more that I’m not the youngest one in the room anymore,” he said.

Black’s milestone was recognized during a recent commission meeting. He will also be formally recognized by the Florida League of Cities later on this year.

A passion for service
Growing up in Trilby, Black always had an interest in politics and community pride. He held various leadership roles in organizations such as the 4-H Club and Future Business Leaders of America while attending Pasco Middle School and Pasco High School. “I was always running for an office,” even during his youth, he recalled.

As a young adult in the late 1980s, Black and his family moved to “the big city” of Dade City 7 miles south of his original hometown. Almost instantly, he became interested in local affairs and attending commission meetings.

Once the next election cycle came around, Black figured he’d try his hand at becoming a city commissioner. “I thought, ‘You know, it would be kind of fun to run,’” he said.

Black won that April 1990 election by just four votes, unseating then incumbent William Dennis. He’s gone on to be re-elected six times over, running unopposed for five of those elections.

Black, a full-time insurance agent, has appreciated the decision-making role ever since — valuing the ability to help solve problems and concerns of local residents: “I’ve been very pleased with it, and I’ve been very challenged by it. It’s one of those things where you can actually go in and make a difference within a few minutes.”

Over the years, Black has simultaneously served as the city’s mayor on four separate occasions. He’s held countless roles in numerous other boards and committees, such as the Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council and Dade City Historic Preservation Advisory Board, among others. He was president of the Florida League of Cities, from 2001 to 2002.

Serving in city government for so long, Black teased he often feels “on assignment” when he visits or vacations other cities, taking notes on any interesting features and services and utilities: “My wife has joked that I notice things like fire hydrants and the wastewater treatment plants that most people don’t notice, just because I’ve gotten involved in things related to the city.”

Forever home
To Black, Dade City will always be home. He can’t imagine living anywhere else.

The commissioner takes pleasure in the small-town, tight-knit community, rather than a big city lifestyle others have pursued.

“I enjoy the neighborly aspect of it,” Black said of Dade City living. “Seeing people that you grew up with and seeing people that were your schoolteachers or people that go to church with, it’s just something special.”

Simply put, in Dade City, “People are very nice,” he said.

The commissioner doesn’t take for granted having a commute shorter than most. His home sits a mere five blocks from his Fifth Street office. Being within walking distance to the local post office, bank, City Hall and downtown restaurants is another bonus, too. “My biggest challenge is crossing Seventh Street every day,” he quipped.

Dade City’s growth has been at a slower pace compared to other parts of Pasco County and the greater Tampa Bay area, Black acknowledged. Yet, he remains bullish on the city’s future prospects.

One of the more positive changes has been the revitalization of the historic downtown area — with an emphasis on unique eateries and antique shopping opportunities to help draw tourists and day-trippers, he said.

“I think a lot of small towns our size would give their left eye to have a downtown like we have — just the opportunities here and the neat features,” he observed.

Upgrades and extensions to the Roy Hardy Trail, tied in with future plans for a multi-purpose downtown splash park, are other investments the commissioner feels will help raise the city’s profile in coming years.

Said Black, “People are always saying, ‘We need to do more things for our kids in Dade City,’ and that’s what we’re doing.”

He thinks future generations will appreciate those efforts.

Meanwhile, this year is setting up to be one of the more distinctive periods during Black’s tenure on the commission.

The commission has held virtual meetings since April, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The municipal election — which has been rescheduled to June 30 — will see two, if not three, new faces on the five-member commission.

Commissioners Nicole Deese Newlon and Eunice Penix are not seeking re-election for Seats 4 and 5, respectively, while incumbent Commissioner Jim Shive is running against Matthew Wilson for Seat 3.

And, the changeover will come while the city gears up for a tighter budget, also due to COVID-19.

Black plans to use his extensive experience to help bring new commissioners up to speed and to help foster an atmosphere of collaboration.

Black put it like this: “Hopefully, I can help find common ground and consensus, and we can all move ahead. …We have a common goal and that’s keeping Dade City viable, successful, rebuilding.”

Black’s current term doesn’t expire until 2022, but he is already thinking ahead to a future run for re-election.

“I still have things I’d like to see us accomplish. I still feel useful,” Black said.

He went on: “But, the important thing to remember is it’s not about me, it’s not about (the commission), it’s about the City of Dade City.”

Published June 10, 2020

Dade City awards contract for Hardy Trail

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Dade City has pushed another step forward to make the Roy Hardy Trail more tourist-friendly.

City commissioners have agreed to enter negotiations with Borregard Construction Inc., for the design-build of a visitor’s information welcome center, to be located on the south side of Church Avenue near the Hardy Trail multi-use trailhead.

Preliminary plans call for a building of 1,100 square feet to 1,500 square feet, with two family bathrooms that meet Americans with Disabilities Act standards.

A group of cyclists is ready for the Trail Jam fitness event held previously at Dade City’s Roy Hardy Trail. A visitor’s information welcome center and bike hub is set to be installed near the Hardy Trail trailhead. (File)

The center will feature an open floor plan — allowing for vendor operations, area attractions, museums and art exhibits to host mobile displays.

The building is part of a larger exterior space concept that will feature a bike-share hub with stations for parking, minor repairs and public resting areas for cyclists and exercising pedestrians.

Commissioners voted 4-1, with Commissioner Nicole Deese Newlon voting against the bid award, during a May 12 virtual conference call meeting.

The city received three bids for the project.

Borregard, a Dade City-based construction firm, garnered the highest average qualification score by city staffers for its proposal, scope of services and cost projections.

If the city is unable to come to terms with Borregard, it will turn to the second-ranked bid, WJCreate LLC.

Construction shall begin no later than July 15 and completed before June 2021, per the city’s

request for proposals (RFP).

The exact budget for the visitor’s center will be determined by the design of the structure and any necessary site improvements, officials say.

The city has received a $250,000 appropriation for the project from the Pasco County Tourist Development Council.

The visitor’s center will require additional public input and commission approval along the way, officials say.

The new amenity adds to Hardy Trail, which is currently being extended northbound to Lock Street. Commissioners have also expressed a desire to phase in more water stations, pet stations and even outdoor fitness stations.

In addition to the visitor’s center and bike hub, an adjacent downtown park is being planned, with features that could include a splash park, amphitheater, playground and more.

Leaders anticipate budget hit
Dade City Manager Leslie Porter told commissioners April statewide tax collection information will be made available May 25, giving city leaders a “first inkling on some of the impact” from the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) disease pandemic.

While total figures are not yet known, decreases in sales tax, shared revenues and Penny for Pasco monies to the city are to be expected, she said.

Meanwhile, Dade City Mayor Camille Hernandez said there’s general worry among Florida cities of all sizes about the negative fiscal impact related to COVID-19. She based that assessment on  a recent conference call she had with the Florida League of Cities.

“The budget may be painful, and it’s very concerning,” Hernandez said. “It doesn’t matter if you’re a small city or a very large city, we are all going to feel this in some shape or way or form.”

Adding to the hardship of what will likely be a tight budget cycle for the city is the fact there’ll be at least two new faces on the five-member commission following the June 30 municipal election.

Commissioners Newlon and Eunice Penix aren’t seeking re-election for their seats.

Commissioner Jim Shive is running against candidate Matthew Wilson for the Group 3 seat.

“It’s going to be kind of a real quick learning curve,” the mayor said.

Resident shares frustration with city upkeep
Speaking during the public comment portion of the virtual meeting, Dade City resident Bernice Thomas expressed her displeasure with city public works crews for not following proper 6-foot social distancing protocols and not wearing masks on the job.

The resident described one alleged incident on 14th Street near the Dade Oaks area, where city workers were “just sitting under the tree, talking without masks, and sitting right next to each other,” she said.

Thomas also criticized public workers for just “riding in air-conditioned trucks doing absolutely nothing.”

“It is absolutely disgraceful to me that our city has employees getting paid, but are not doing anything, “said Thomas. “COVID-19 has been an excuse to take time off, get paid, and still do nothing. We are taxpaying citizens who deserve better than we are getting.”

Thomas went on to mention the Dade City Merchant’s Association two months ago requested painted crosswalks, new signage and sidewalks cleaned, watered flowers and so on. “I haven’t seen anything being started yet,” she said.

She then blamed city department heads for not keeping tabs on city employees nor ensuring proper upkeep of the downtown district.

Said Thomas, “If the supervisors cannot manage their employees, maybe we need to seek out another employee who can be promoted to fulfill these duties. If the city manager cannot care for this city as if she lives here, maybe we need to find a new one.”

Responding to Thomas’ claims, Porter pointed out the city just received quotes on painting crosswalks, while city workers have now begun “an intense downtown cleanup,” including mulching, weeding, pressure washing sidewalks and more.

As for city employees possibly not observing proper health and safety measures, the city manager said: “Certainly, if we have new employees who are not observing the social distancing and following the protocols we will be addressing that, because that has to be one of our priorities, the safety of our citizens, as well as our employees.”

Published May 20, 2020

Dade City projects progressing, others delayed

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As coronavirus disease-2019  (COVID-19) affects how municipalities and government entities operate, the City of Dade City is striving to keep day-to-day duties relatively intact, while following various safety procedures and precautions.

Not unlike its municipal neighbor Zephyrhills, which is 9 miles down the road, Dade City has gone about minimizing the number of personnel at City Hall or out in the field — incorporating rotating shift schedules and allowing others to work remotely. The city, for example, is limiting the number of staffers inside City Hall to no more than six to 10 at a particular time, Dade City Manager Leslie Porter told The Laker/Lutz News.

Dade City Manager Leslie Porter (File)

Porter acknowledged the pandemic has presented some logistical challenges, but added “the majority of us have been able to be fully functional, whether we’re remote or in the office.”

She continued: “We’ve been doing our best to keep business moving forward.”

So, while municipal offices on Meridian Avenue are emptier than usual, several projects and initiatives are progressing, albeit with slight delays, Porter said.

For instance, the city recently was able to put two construction projects out to bid:

  • A new concession stand and public restroom building at Moore-Mickens Field, 14318 Canal St. The city has budgeted $150,000 for the project.
  • A visitor’s information center building at the Hardy Trail trailhead, near property that later will be developed into a multi-use splash park/bike hub. The Pasco County Tourist Development Council allocated $250,000 for the information center.

Moreover, the $2.3 million downtown stormwater improvement project is nearly completed and is on track to meet its summer deadline, Porter said.

The scope of the project generally takes underground piping through multiple downtown streets into an existing conveyance system into a reconfigured Irwin Pond, just past U.S. 98 and the CSX railway.

All downtown roadway construction work is done, while “final pieces” of the pond component are underway, Porter said.

There were “a few delays” because of COVID-19, she said.

Other city plans are facing longer postponements, however.

The multimillion dollar Tank Hill wastewater facility improvement project has been put on hold, until on-site pre-bidding meetings can be scheduled, something necessary because it’s a larger-scale project, Porter said.

Also, the splash park/bike hub project is facing indefinite delays. A public draft conceptual presentation was originally scheduled in mid-March, but canceled due to concerns surrounding the coronavirus outbreak, and has not yet been rescheduled.

A visioning meeting would have allowed residents to provide input and ideas on wanted amenities for the new downtown park, located on a 2.23-acre parcel that borders the Hardy Trail on Church Avenue.

Other updates from the city manager:

  • City Hall remains closed to the public, so utility billing payments are being accepted online, over the phone, or through drop box. The city is absorbing the cost of credit card transaction fees for utility bills.
  • Playgrounds and public restrooms are closed, but city parks and trails remain open with the exception of Naomi Jones Park at 38122 Martin Luther King Blvd., due to challenges associated with users not obeying social distancing protocols.
  • Dade City Commissioners Eunice Penix and Nicole Deese Newlon, who are not seeking re-election, have agreed to remain in their legislative roles up until the rescheduling of the Pasco municipal elections. The elections have been delayed per an executive order from Gov. Ron DeSantis
  • The Dade City Police Department is temporarily pulling back on some of the in-person, community policing efforts, to minimize face-to-face contact in the wake of COVID-19.
  • The city is releasing a quarterly newsletter on its website and becoming more active on social media, to better engage citizens on various happenings and initiatives.

City to begin virtual meetings
Dade City will start holding virtual city commission meetings by teleconference, the first coming on April 28 at 5:30 p.m. The virtual format will continue “as long as necessary to keep business going and keep everybody safe,” Porter said.

Porter added the city also is prepared to hold other noteworthy meetings virtually — such as planning commission board — should stay-at-home orders extend indefinitely. “We don’t want to hold up progress,” she said.

The city had to cancel multiple in-person commission and planning board meetings in March and April due to COVID-19, and needed additional time to explore how to best go about a virtual meeting setup.

Persons wishing to participate in virtual meetings:

  • Call +1 (517) 317-3122
  • Enter access code 342-617-085(Mute your phone unless you wish to speak during public comments)

Comments about items on the agenda will be solicited and heard during the meeting by telephone or communications media technology.

General public comment (limited to 3 minutes) unrelated to an item on the agenda should be e-mailed no later than 60 minutes before the start of the meeting to . If received in a timely manner, the mayor or city staff will read the public comment at the meeting.

For more information on the setup, call (352) 523-5052, or visit DadeCityFl.com.

Published April 29, 2020

Pasco seeks to delay municipal elections

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UPDATE: Postponed indefinitely per Executive Oder 20-97 from Gov. Ron DeSantis. Elections will be rescheduled “as soon as practicable.”

In the wake of coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19), Pasco County Supervisor of Elections Brian Corley is seeking to delay the April 14 municipal elections Dade City, Zephyrhills and San Antonio.

To that end, Corley has requested Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis to move back the local county elections to the Aug. 18 state primary election date.

Corley told The Laker/Lutz News he’s had ongoing discussions on the matter with intermediaries Secretary of State Laurel M. Lee, State Division of Elections Director Maria Matthews, and incoming Senate president Wilton Simpson.

However, no decision was made by The Laker/Lutz News Monday press deadline.

Corley cited the “health and safety” of voters and poll workers in wanting reschedule the municipal elections.

The elections supervisor said it doesn’t make sense “having the public come to an election day polling place, to their own possible health peril, when our average age is not exactly, really, really young.” He also said “asking members of the public to come out and vote” runs contrary to the governor’s stay-at-home executive order.

City managers of the three local municipalities have concurred delaying the municipal election, Corley said. Holding those elections concurrently with the primary election poses no additional financial costs to those cities, he said.

The county elections office is mandated to hold the April 14 election, until it hears otherwise from the governor’s office, Corley said.

Here is a closer look at each election:

Dade City
Six candidates are running for three open seats on the Dade City Commission — for Groups 3, 4 and 5.

In Group 3, two-term incumbent Jim Shive is being challenged by Matthew Wilson. Shive is a retired government employee. Wilson is a data entry clerk for the United Parcel Service.

Groups 4 and 5 seats will see fresh faces, as Nicole Deese Newlon and Eunice Penix are not seeking re-election. Newlon served one four-year term after she won in 2016, while Penix has held her seat since 1993.

Vying for Newlon’s Group 4 seat are Ann Cosentino and Knute Nathe.

Cosentino owns a communications/branding consulting firm. Nathe is an attorney with McCLain Alfonso P.A.

Christopher King and Normita Woodard are facing off for Penix’s Group 5 seat. King is the founder of The Gentleman’s Course Inc., a local youth mentorship charity. Woodard is a secretary at Lacoochee Elementary School.

The Dade City municipal election will take place at First Baptist Church Dade City, 37511 Church Ave., in Dade City. Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Zephyrhills
In this election cycle, the City of Zephyrhills will have a mayoral race, as incumbent Gene Whitfield faces off against Justin Docherty.

Whitfield has held the mayor chair since 2014 when Danny Burgess resigned to run as the area’s state representative in Tallahassee.

The Zephyrhills mayor serves mainly an ambassador’s role, being a presence at many public events, ribbon cuttings and so on. As far as citywide matters, the mayor doesn’t run council meetings, cannot make motions and cannot vote on matters before the council, but does have the ability to veto city ordinances.

On the Zephyrhills City Council, Seat 2 incumbent Alan Knight is running unopposed.

Knight is a retired educator who’s worked mainly in Pasco County Schools as a teacher, coach and administrator. He was first elected to the seat in 2014.

The Zephyrhills municipal general election will be at the Alice Hall Community Center, 38116 Fifth Ave., in Zephyrhills. Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

San Antonio
Five candidates are vying to fill three open seats on the San Antonio City Commission.

Running are incumbents Elayne Bassinger and Sarah Schrader, along with Joseph Couture, John Vogel and Dacia Wadsworth Mitchell.

Unlike the head-to-head matchups of other municipalities, the top three overall vote-getters earn commission seats. San Antonio commissioners serve two-year terms.

For more voting information, contact the Pasco County Supervisor of Elections office at (800) 851-8754 or (352) 521-4302, or visit PascoVotes.gov.

Updated April 09, 2020

Medical marijuana dispensaries allowed in Dade City

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Medical marijuana treatment centers and dispensaries may now set up shop within certain areas of Dade City.

Dade City Commissioners on Jan. 28 adopted an ordinance revising the city’s land development regulations to make the treatment facilities a permitted use in the city’s general commercial zoning district, and an allowed use in commercial and employment center planned development districts.

More specifically, the ordinance lets medical marijuana facilities be situated along U.S. 301/U.S. 98 south and north of town, and certain pockets of the Community Redevelopment Area (CRA) district, while avoiding much of the city’s historic downtown main street and central business district.

The ordinance requires any future standalone pharmacies and drugstores to locate within those aforementioned districts, as Florida statutes prevent municipalities from enacting regulations that are more restrictive for dispensaries than for traditional pharmacies.

Also, the ordinance includes language establishing regulations for hand-rolled cigar manufacturing within city limits, something the city had not addressed.

Hand-rolled cigar facilities would be a conditional use, permitted use or allowed use in as many as 10 different types of business or planned development zoning districts.

The commission’s action on the ordinance’s second reading was approved 3-2, with Scott Black and Eunice Penix voting no. The city passed a first reading of the ordinance on Jan. 14 by the same vote. No one from the public weighed in on the issue at either reading.

The city previously had a series of concurrent moratoriums on medical marijuana treatment centers within its municipal limits dating back to 2016, to study its possible impacts.

In September, city commissioners directed city staff to draft an amendment to the city’s land development regulations that would change that, and allow medical marijuana dispensaries in specified areas.

In other action, commissioners:

  • Adopted an ordinance of an annexation petition for JDR Investments Inc., for a 0.41-acre parcel located at 14836 U.S. 301, considered an enclave within the city
  • Adopted an ordinance of an annexation petition for Esplanade Communities of Florida, for a 0.22-acre parcel located at 36221 State Road 52, which was previously not discovered in the subdivision approval process
  • Renewed a one-year contract extension agreement with Wood Environment & Infrastructure Solutions Inc., for general planning and engineering services

Dade City police officer honored
Commissioners recognized Miguel Velez, who prevented a drug overdose death last fall.

Dade City police officer Miguel Velez, left was recognized by Chief James Walters, for his role in preventing a drug overdose death last fall. (Courtesy of Dade City Police Department)

The 30-year-old Velez, a four-year veteran of the agency, was dispatched on Oct. 9 to a reported overdose on Hillside Lane in Dade City. When he arrived, he found a 23-year-old woman lying on the ground, unresponsive, with no sign of pulse or breathing.

Recognizing the symptoms of an overdose, he administered his officer-issued Narcan spray, which the police department had received through a donation eight weeks earlier from the Recovery Epicenter Foundation.

Shortly after he administered the Narcan, the woman began breathing and Velez could detect her pulse. Then, Pasco County Fire Rescue arrived and stabilized the woman, whom they transported to a local hospital, where she survived.

Dade City Police Chief James Walters presented Velez with a challenge coin inscribed with the Latin phrase, “Semper paratus, mitte me,” which translates to, “Always ready, send me.” It is the second coin Chief Walters has presented to an active member of the city’s police department. The other was given to Sgt. Robert Tungate in May, for his efforts in trying to rescue a victim from a house fire.

Dade City Mayor Camille Hernandez commended Velez for his “heroic act,” adding, “It is those kinds of things that make our police department so special.”

Public roundtables for downtown splash park
Dade City officials want to hear local residents’ thoughts regarding the design and amenities they’d like to see for a planned downtown splash park/bike hub project.

Two public charrettes are planned to collect that input. They are scheduled for 6 p.m., on Feb. 17 and Feb. 24, at City Hall, 38020 Meridian Ave., in Dade City.

The meetings will include a small presentation of the park, followed by a brainstorm of suggestions and ideas from residents and stakeholders.

The splash park and bike hub are planned on a 2.23-acre parcel at 3772 Church St., which borders the Hardy Trail and is diagonal from The Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce building.

A preliminary concept plan for the project calls for a multi-use water splash pad, bike-share shelter, amphitheater, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)-accessible playground, open space, a concession area and other features.

The project will likely be completed in phases over the next several years, starting with the bike hub, which could break ground this year, in partnership with Pasco County’s tourism office.

For more information, call (352) 523-5050.

General election set April 13
Three seats are open on the Dade City Commission for this year’s election cycle.

The offices to be filled are for Groups 3, 4 and 5 — as terms expire for commissioners Jim Shive, Nicole Deese Newlon and Eunice Penix, respectively.

The election qualifying period will begin at noon on Feb. 11 and end at noon on Feb. 18.

The general election is April 13. The polling place for the election will be at Precinct 1 at First Baptist Church, 37511 Church Ave. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Those newly elected will serve a four-year term through April 2024.

Published February 05, 2020