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The Laker/Lutz News

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

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

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Pasco County Libraries

What A Year It Was in Avalon Park Wesley Chapel!

December 29, 2020 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

There certainly were many challenges in 2020, but also many good things to reflect on, that we are proud to share with you. Here are some highlights of the year from the team at Avalon Park Wesley Chapel.

Partnership with the Pasco Fine Arts Council
In 2020, Avalon Park Wesley Chapel continued its partnership with the Pasco Fine Arts Council and its East Pasco Fine Arts Gallery, which is located in the community’s Welcome Center.

Before the pandemic closed the gallery down in March, three shows were held for watercolor artists Joye Moon and Lionel Sanchez, as well as contemporary painter Richard Terrill, who also is a resident of Avalon Park.

Jo Baughman, longtime director of the Pasco Fine Arts Council, recently passed away. She was involved with the arts organization for 22 years.

This arts partnership began in 2019, led by Jo Baughman, longtime director of the Pasco Fine Arts Council (PFAC), who sadly died in September.

It was just a year earlier that Avalon Park’s executive team met with Baughman to offer their Welcome Center as a new gallery on the east side of the county. The developer also committed to building a permanent Arts Center in its downtown in coming years.

For Baughman, who was involved in the Pasco Fine Arts Council for 22 years, the invitation from Avalon Park Wesley Chapel to work together accomplished a long-held dream.

In the year that Baughman headed up activities at the East Pasco Fine Arts Gallery, there were bi-monthly art shows exhibiting the works of local artists, and several workshops for beginning and experienced artists. And, when the pandemic changed how people could meet, Baughman organized virtual art shows and workshops.

The loss of Baughman was especially emotional for Stephanie Lerret, who worked closely with Baughman to set up the location of the East Pasco Fine Arts Council at Avalon Park Wesley Chapel. “Jo had an unrivaled passion for the arts! Her desire to share that passion with others was an inspiration. We are blessed to have known Jo and to absorb her knowledge of the finer things,” said Lerret, senior vice president of the Avalon Park Group.

Pasco County Backs Downtown Avalon Park
In February, the Avalon Park Group received overwhelming support and backing from the Pasco County Commission to create a brand-new town center in its Wesley Chapel community.

Downtown Avalon Park Wesley Chapel is being established as a mixed-use development on 215 acres, and includes four freestanding office buildings that will have a mix of retail and commercial uses. The first phase is already under construction and, when completed, will have 75,000 square feet of commercial space within walking distance to residents living in the community’s single-family homes, townhomes and apartments.

“We are creating a real downtown with businesses offices, shops and restaurants, because we want to greatly reduce the need for our residents to drive outside their community to get to work, take kids to school, shop and dine, and enjoy indoor and outdoor activities,” said Lerret. “And now, with the full support of Pasco County, downtown Wesley Chapel will become a reality within the next few years.”

The Pasco County Commission unanimously voted to approve an incentive package totaling $33.5 million. The agreement outlines that in exchange, the Avalon Park Group will spend about $83.3 million to build roads, multi-story parking decks and transit-related infrastructure.

The project is expected to generate 1,065 full-time jobs and have a total economic output of $84.4 million, according to county documents.

Avalon Park Wesley Chapel will include 2,695 residences, 165,000 square feet of class A office and 190,000 square feet of commercial space. “Fifty percent of the residential trip generation on the site will stay on the site, once the project is complete,” said David Engel, manager of the county’s office of economic growth.

New Townhomes by Avex Homes
In April, Avex Homes introduced the first townhomes in Avalon Park Wesley Chapel, with two-car garages and private alleys in the rear.

“Our townhomes are beautifully designed with upscale custom finishes and offer buyers a tremendous value for the Wesley Chapel area,” said Cheryl Gonzalez, sales representative for Avex Homes. “Plus, every home comes with a two-car garage — something you rarely find in townhomes that begin under $250,000.”

Three floor plans are available, ranging from 1,608 square feet to 1,834 square feet, each with three bedrooms and 2.5 baths. Homes are solidly built with families in mind, and rich in architectural design, with distinctive exteriors and open floor plans. Each home has a front porch, covered lanai or private breezeway that connects to the garage.

“Buyers love our townhomes’ cozy feel and old-fashioned, traditional look,” said Gonzalez. “Our buyers can upgrade their home’s finishes to their individual lifestyle and design preferences, including flooring, cabinetry, countertops and lighting. These are not cookie-cutter homes.”

New Avex Model Home
A beautiful new model home by Avex Homes opened in June. The new Clayton model is one of the builder’s most popular plans because its spacious floor plan is perfect for families of all kinds.

“This is my favorite floor plan because it’s very open, but at the same time, everything is very nicely tucked away, which makes it feel much larger than its 2,000 square feet,” said Carlie Meadows, a sales associate for Avex Homes.

Meadows explains that every home built by Avex Home comes standard with granite countertops, 42-inch kitchen cabinets and ceiling heights of 9 feet, 4 inches on both the first and second floors.

The home opens into its dining room, which shows off the open floor plan that flows into the great room and kitchen. The master bedroom suite is on the first floor — a very popular feature that is attractive to families with children, and empty-nesters. A huge walk-in closet is located through the master bath.

The two additional bedrooms upstairs are quite large, at 14.4 feet by 11.2 feet, and each has a large walk-in closet. A full bath is located between the two bedrooms.

D.R. Horton to Build 1,000 Homes
In July, D.R. Horton announced that it will be building 1,000 homes in Avalon Park Wesley Chapel as the exclusive builder in the third phase of this prestigious master-planned community.

Currently underway is the construction of several townhome and single-family home models, which will open in early 2021 in Avalon Park’s new Westgate Village community. Pre-sales are expected to begin soon.

Single-family homes will be built on 40-foot to 50-foot homesites, with nine floor plans ranging in size from 1,504 square feet to 2,601 square feet. Homes will offer three to five bedrooms, two to three baths, and two-car garages, giving families square-footage options that best meet their needs.

Townhomes will include three bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths, and a one-car garage with a two-car driveway. Two floor plans will be available at 1,673 square feet and 1,758 square feet.

The Westgate Village community will embrace its own set of amenities for residents, including a resort-style pool, open-air clubhouse with an outdoor kitchen, playground, open sports field, and picnic area with pavilions.

New K-6 Charter School Opens
Few planned communities can boast of a tuition-free charter school at their main entrance. But this bragging right goes to Avalon Park Wesley Chapel, which is proud to welcome Pinecrest Academy Wesley Chapel.

The school opened its doors on Aug. 10 to over 600 students in kindergarten through sixth grade. Students in all grades are immersed in new technologies, including robotics, and work in fully functioning STEM labs — something most schools do not offer.

“All Pinecrest schools have an emphasis on high-quality instruction. We’ll continuously be monitoring the data so we know what each student needs, and have many different programs available to focus on the needs of the individual student,” said Principal Aimee Mielke.

The school, on State Road 54, has several sections at every grade level, and will be adding seventh and eighth grades in coming years. The school also offers self-contained classrooms for gifted students, where pacing will be faster and performance tests much more in-depth.

Technology is an essential component of the new school, Mielke explained, and everything purchased for classrooms was chosen for student engagement. Laptops are provided for every student in grades two through six, as are iPads for first-graders and kindergartners.

Blue and green colors brilliantly burst along the hallways of the modern building that has 49 large classrooms, oversized art and music rooms, and high-tech science labs. The school is visually notable with unusual windows in the shape of half-moons, circles and squares that give students and faculty stunning lake and conservation views.

“Pinecrest Academy Wesley Chapel, along with New River Elementary, are essential elements of building a brand-new town,” said Lerret, of the Avalon Park Group. “We are ecstatic to have both schools in our community to give our residents the best options and opportunities for themselves and their children.”

New River Library to Reopen in January
After months of work, Pasco County Libraries in January is reopening its New River branch, which is located at the west entrance of Avalon Park.

Having a library in the center of the community is something residents truly love and value. The New River Library is being completely renovated, including expanding both the size of its building and outdoor areas. The county also is upgrading the library’s technology capabilities, and when the library reopens, will be a showpiece for all of Pasco County.

Visitors will love the library’s modern new look, covered walkway entry, much faster Internet speeds, expanded youth areas, and a makerspace that opens into a shaded classroom for outdoor activities.

Makerspaces are do-it-yourself centers that foster hands-on discovery and stimulate imagination. An expanded garden makerspace will include programs hosted by Pasco County Extension agents and master gardeners.

Also, new at the library will be a unique children’s activity, Story Walk, which will encourage children to follow a winding path where they will stop at stations and read pages from a storybook.

Published December 30, 2020

Filed Under: Home Section Tagged With: Aimee Mielke, Avalon Park Group, Avalon Park Wesley Chapel, Avex Homes, Carlie Meadows, Cheryl Gonzalez, D.R. Horton, David Engel, East Pasco Fine Arts Gallery, Joe Baughman, New River Elementary, New River Library, Pasco County Extension, Pasco County Libraries, Pasco Fine Arts Council, Pinecrest Academy Wesley Chapel, Stephanie Lerret

Pasco County Thanksgiving closings

November 24, 2020 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Pasco County government offices, including the constitutional offices and the courts, will be closed on Nov. 26 and Nov. 27, in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday.

All government offices and the courts will reopen on Nov. 30, according to a county news release.

The Pasco County Parks, Recreation, and Natural Resources’ offices, recreation complexes and community centers also will be closed Nov. 26 and Nov. 27. Parks and beaches, however, will stay open to the public from dawn to dusk.

Pasco County Public Transportation (PCPT) will be closed, and bus services will not run on Thanksgiving, but will be open on Nov. 27,  and will be providing service on all fixed routes and paratransit.

Administrative offices for PCPT will be closed to walk-in customers on Nov. 27, but phone lines will be open.

Pasco County Libraries will be closed from 5 p.m. Nov. 25, through Nov. 27. Libraries will resume regular business hours on Nov. 28.

The Pasco County Animal Services Administration Office, Adoption Center, Intake/Reclaim Shelter and Field Services will be closed Nov. 26 and Nov. 27. An animal control officer will be available for emergencies only.

The Adoption Center & Intake/Reclaim will resume regular business hours Nov. 28.

The Pasco County Resource Recovery Facility, West Pasco Class III, and the East Pasco Transfer Station will be closed to the public and Pasco County licensed commercial haulers on Nov. 26, and also will be closed to the public on Nov. 27, but they will be open to Pasco County licensed commercial haulers. Regular business hours will resume on Nov. 28.

The Pasco County Tax Collector’s Office will be closed Nov. 26 through Nov. 28.

Published November 25, 2020

Filed Under: Local News Tagged With: Pasco County Animal Services, Pasco County Libraries, Pasco County Parks Recreation and Natural Resources, Pasco County Public Transportation, Pasco County Resource Recovery Facility, Pasco County Tax Collector's Office, PCPT, Thanksgiving closures

New River Library In The Heart of Avalon Park

June 23, 2020 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Having a library in the center of your community is something that residents of Avalon Park Wesley Chapel truly love and value. The New River Library, a branch of the Pasco County Libraries system, is located on State Road 54, at the west entrance to the Wesley Chapel community.

Rendering of the covered walkway being built at the New River Branch Library.

The New River Library is currently going through a complete renovation and expansion of its building and outdoor areas, and also is upgrading its technology capabilities. When completed this fall, it will be a showpiece for all of Pasco County.

When the New River Library re-opens, visitors will love its modern new look, covered walkway entry, much faster Internet speeds, expanded youth areas, and a makerspace that opens into a shaded classroom for outdoor activities.

Library patrons can expect “a complete re-imagining from top to bottom,” including space for do-it-yourself activities and gardening programs hosted by master gardeners or Pasco County Extension agents, said Bob Harrison, marketing program manager for Pasco County Libraries.

The New River Library will re-open with its garden area greatly expanded from six raised beds to 26 beds. About half will be used for workshops and demonstrations, and the rest will be available to people who want to grow flowers or vegetables.

“It’s really kind of neat that the library team gave us this opportunity,” said Judy Curran, the library’s youth services provider.

Curran made the first plantings at the original New River Library in 2014, when employees were encouraged to adopt a special project. Curran’s garden idea received an enthusiastic response as soon as she posted it on the library bulletin board, and flowers and vegetables soon sprouted with help from a dozen youth and adult volunteers.

Also, new at the library is a unique children’s activity, Story Walk, which will encourage children to follow a winding path where they will stop at stations and read pages from a storybook.

“I think Story Walk is going to bring even more people when we reopen,” Curran said. “This little idea I had has really expanded.”

To encourage full use of the library’s new capabilities, a new employee is being added who will be assigned to community outreach and helping organize library events.

Funding for the renovations is from General Obligation bonds approved by voters in November 2018. For information on New River and video on renovations, visit Facebook.com/newriverlibrary.

Published June 24, 2020

Filed Under: Home Section Tagged With: Avalon Park Wesley Chapel, Bob Harrison, Jody Curran, New River Library, Pasco County Extension, Pasco County Libraries, State Road 54, Wesley Chapel

New River library gets makeover

June 2, 2020 By Kathy Steele

New River Branch Library was feeling its age after more than nearly 30 years of service to patrons in Zephyrhills and Wesley Chapel.

But soon, New River will be like new again.

Construction on major renovations and an expanded community garden is on schedule for a fall 2020 completion.

This rendering shows the covered walkway that is part of an expansion of the New River Branch Library. (Courtesy of Pasco County)

“We’re moving forward on it. The (coronavirus) pandemic has not slowed down construction,” said Bob Harrison, marketing program manager for the Pasco County Libraries.

All seven county libraries are slated for “a complete re-imagining from top to bottom,” Harrison said. Funding for the renovations is from the GO, or General Obligation, bonds approved by voters in November 2018.

Centennial Park Branch Library in Holiday also is in the process of being renovated.

When the New River renovation is finished, patrons can enjoy a new look, as well as upgrades in technology, high-efficiency air conditioning, teen and youth adult areas, faster Internet speeds, a covered walkway entry and a makerspace that opens into a shaded “classroom” for the community garden.

Harrison said the covered walkway and garden space will allow for “do-it-yourself” activities. It also can be used to host gardening programs delivered by master gardeners or Pasco County Extension agents.

During the COVID-19 shutdown, the original garden died off, but Judy Curran is ready to dig and plant anew when New River opens in the fall.

Curran, the library’s youth services provider, said the new garden will be larger and will have more activities.

A garden that had about six raised beds will expand to about 26 beds, Curran said. About half will be for workshops and demonstrations. The rest will be open to people who want to grow flowers or vegetables.

“It’s really kind of neat that the library team gave us this opportunity,” she said. “I’m hoping to expand some of my outdoor activities.”

A new employee assigned to community outreach will aid in organizing events.

Curran made the first plantings in 2014 when employees were encouraged to pick a special project to adopt. They could spend 10% of their work hours to make it happen.

Curran got enthusiastic responses as soon as she posted her idea on the library bulletin board. The garden beds soon sprouted with help from a dozen youth and adult volunteers.

New River’s garden was unique not only in Pasco County, but in Florida, as well. Curran said she even received a call from Chicago asking about the library’s garden.

The Land O’ Lakes Branch Library has since planted a community garden, too.

A project to plant fruit trees at New River is expected to continue.

And, a new children’s activity, Story Walk, will allow children to follow a winding path where they will stop at stations and read pages from a storybook.

“I think it’s going to bring even more people when we reopen,” Curran said. “This little idea I had has really expanded.”

For information on New River and video on renovations, visit Facebook.com/newriverlibrary.

Published June 03, 2020

Filed Under: Local News, Wesley Chapel/New Tampa News, Zephyrhills/East Pasco News Tagged With: Bob Harrison, Centennial Park Branch Library, Judy Curran, Land O' Lakes Branch Library, New River Branch Library, Pasco County Extension, Pasco County Libraries

Check out these reopened libraries

May 26, 2020 By Kathy Steele

Pasco County residents once again can walk into a library and check out a book.

Or, spend time on a computer doing online searches.

Or, find a magazine to their liking.

Jessica Meisenbach missed being able to check out books at the Land O’ Lakes Branch Library. Her mask covered a big smile. (Kathy Steele)

As of May 18, Pasco County libraries are open for business — with the exception of the Zephyrhills Branch Library, which is offering curbside service only at this time.

The county’s reopened libraries do have limitations to prevent the potential spread of coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19). For one thing, they’re closed from noon to 1 p.m., each day, for cleaning.

Capacity is limited, too. Plus, face masks are required of both patrons and staff.

There are a limited number of face masks available for those lacking one.

Floor space is marked off for social distancing. And, computer time is by appointment only.

Self-checkout is available for books and magazines.

Pasco branch libraries, including the one in Land O’ Lakes, are marked off for social distancing.

Curbside pickup is still available, and is encouraged.

“Our curbside pickup is the star of the show,” said Catherine Seavey, librarian at the Land O’ Lakes Branch Library.

Curbside service began a week before the libraries reopened.

At the Land O’ Lakes branch, patrons drive to the back of the building, park in one of the curbside slots and wait for a librarian to bring out their pre-ordered book selection.

“That’s been especially popular,” said Bob Harrison, marketing program manager for Pasco County library system.

In fact, it’s so popular, the service likely will continue even after the libraries are fully reopened, Harrison said.

Currently, under Gov. Ron DeSantis’ executive order, libraries can operate at 50% capacity.

Pasco County has opted to be more conservative, with as few as nine patrons at a time in the Hugh Embry Branch Library in Dade City and as many as 36 at once at the Hudson Regional Library, in Hudson.

“We decided to be very slow, very cautious. The safety of our patrons, and our staff, take priority,” Harrison said.

Library officials will monitor health reports on infections before increasing capacity, he added.

Ian Boyne browsed the ‘New Book’ shelf at the Land O’ Lakes Branch Library.

Patrons are slowly starting to return.

“While it certainly is not as busy as it usually is, there are definitely people coming in.”

Lutz resident Jessica Meisenbach said she brought her three children, a 16-year-old and 11-year-old twins, to the Land O’ Lakes branch soon after the doors opened.

They prefer reading books rather than E-books, she said.

She’s with them.

She was at the library on Thursday morning, making her own book selections.

“I can’t do virtual reading. I like my own little book,” Meisenbach said.

Wesley Chapel resident Ian Boyne browsed the library’s “New Book” shelf.

“I’m really tired of re-reading all my Stephen King books. I have nothing to read,” he said.

While libraries have reopened, not all areas or activities are available.

If you need an unemployment form, you can pick one up from a table outside Pasco libraries.

The makerspaces, seating areas and study rooms remain closed, and story times for children remain online and virtual.

The COVID-19 shutdown has had the effect of boosting the library’s already strong online presence with additional virtual activities.

Patrons are accustomed to E-books and audio books, Harrison said.

But, during the shutdown, librarians looked for more ways to use technology, too.

In addition to the curbside service, there could be other and newer online activities that will continue, Harrison said.

“Libraries in general, and Pasco, in particular, pride ourselves on innovation,” Harrison said.

For library hours and other information, visit PascoLibraries.org.

Published May 27, 2020

Filed Under: Local News Tagged With: Bob Harrison, Catherine Seavey, COVID-19, Dade City, Hudson Regional Library, Hugh Embry Library, Ian Boyne, Jessica Meisenbach, Land O' Lakes Branch Library, Pasco County Libraries, Ron DeSantis, Zephyrhills Branch Library

Places you can turn to for help in Pasco, Hillsborough counties

April 21, 2020 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Pick up paper unemployment forms
Both Hillsborough and Pasco counties are handing out paper unemployment forms at specific libraries.

Hillsborough County
The location near The Laker/Lutz News coverage area is at Jimmie B. Keel Regional Library, 2902 W. Bearss Ave. The library’s drive-thru will be open seven days a week, from 9:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. Once completed, residents also can drop off the forms at either drive-through, and library staff will mail the documents for them.

Pasco County
Printed unemployment forms will be available just outside the entrance to these libraries, in The Laker/Lutz News coverage area:

  • Land O’ Lakes Library, 2818 Collier Parkway, in Land O’ Lakes
  • Hugh Embry Library, 14215 Fourth St., in Dade City

If you’re unable to visit a library in person and would like to request a blank application form by mail, please contact the library at "> or through the “Ask A Librarian” feature at PascoLibraries.org.

Once completed, residents can mail the form to the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity.

For more information about Pasco County Libraries, including the library catalog, E-content,  programs, events and links to all Pasco County Library branches, visit PascoLibraries.org.

Hillsborough County emergency help
As the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) fallout continues, Hillsborough County officials are reminding residents about assistance available to help people meet their food needs.

Here is a look at some programs:

  • Hillsborough residents age 60 and older can apply for food assistance through Hillsborough County Aging services. There is no income requirement to participate in the federally funded program. To find out more, call (813) 2727-5250.
  • Feeding Tampa Bay is offering drive-thru distribution of free, pre-packaged groceries to Hillsborough County residents in need. Distribution is on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., at Hillsborough Community College’s Dale Mabry campus, 4001 W. Tampa Bay Blvd., in Tampa. Check Feeding Tampa Bay’s website before the events, to be sure there have been no changes. To find out about other food assistance programs and information, visit FeedingTampaBay.org, or call (813) 254-1190.
  • Tampa YMCA Veggie Van is distributing free pre-packaged bags of produce in several neighborhoods in Hillsborough County. No ID, paperwork or pre-screening is required to receive the food. Learn more, visit Tampa Veggie Van on Facebook.
  • SNAP recipients across the state starting April 21 will be able to use EBT cards to make eligible food purchases from Walmart and Amazon online.

Pasco Planning and development open online
Pasco County’s planning and development department is only accepting electronic submittals via its online portals. It is not accepting hard copy application packages, hard copy re-submittals or checks.

All project information must be uploaded in Accela and all payments must be made online via e-check ($1.99 fee) or credit card (2.65% fee) through the Accela Citizen Access (ACA) portal.

To communicate with the department, reach out to a specific staff member, via email or telephone. You can email general questions to , or call (727) 847-8142.

Tips for reducing stress
Here are some suggestions from the National Alliance on Mental Illness to help reduce potential stress and anxiety, as the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) global pandemic disrupts our daily lives.

Manage how you consume information
Equip yourself with information from credible, reputable sources, such as the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO). See “Basic information” section for more links.

Be selective about how you consume news. It’s generally a good idea to stay engaged and informed. Having some limits on your news consumption can help:

  • Watching or listening to the same news constantly can increase stress. Reading can be an easier medium to control how much and what kind of information you’re absorbing.
  • Set limits on when and for how long you consume news and information, including through social media. It may help you to choose a couple of 15-minute blocks each day when you will check news/social media and limit your news consumption to that time.
  • False information spreads very easily on social media and can have serious consequences for individual and public health. Always verify sources and make sure they are reputable, especially before sharing anything.

Follow healthy daily routines as much as possible
Your daily habits and routines can help you feel more in control of your own well-being.

Even simple actions can make a difference:

  • Make your bed
  • Get dressed
  • Connect with loved ones
  • Move your body
  • Make time for breaks
  • If possible, take regular short breaks during work or between shifts. During these breaks, go outside and engage in physical activity if you can.
  • Practice good hygiene, especially by cleaning your hands
  • Get enough regular sleep, it is critical for your immune system
  • Eat nutritious food as much as possible, especially fruits and vegetables

Published April 22, 2020

Filed Under: Local News Tagged With: Accela Citizens Access, CDC, Centers for Disease Control, Collier Parkway, coronavirus disease-2019, COVID-19, Dade City, Feeding Tampa Bay, Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, Fourth Street, Hillsborough Community College, Hillsborough County Aging, Hugh Embry Library, Jimmie B. Keel Regional Library, Land O' Lakes Library, National Alliance on Mental Illness, Pasco County Libraries, SNAP, Tampa YMCA Veggie Van, Unemployment forms, West Bearss Avenue, West Tampa Bay Boulevard, WHO, World Health Organization

Pasco drops fines on overdue library books

February 12, 2020 By B.C. Manion

Pasco County Libraries has joined a national trend and no longer imposes fines on overdue library materials.

The new policy kicked in on Feb. 10.

The timing also coincides with Library Lovers Month, according to a Pasco County news release.

Materials borrowed from the county’s library system will continue to have a due date, but the fines associated for bringing them back late will no longer apply.

Have some overdue books from Pasco County Libraries? Bring them back. The county no longer imposes fines for overdue materials. (File)

Dropping the fines actually saves the library system a substantial amount of money, the system reports.

In Fiscal Year 2019, libraries collected $67,288 in overdue fines, but the administrative cost to manage and collect the fees was $386,345, according to system figures.

Besides saving $319,057, the shift in policy allows library staff to spend more time assisting customers, conducting outreach and offering enrichment programs, the news release adds.

Removing the fees also removes a barrier for some patrons.

“Fines for overdue materials can act as an inequitable barrier to service, disproportionately affecting minors, students, and community members with limited financial resources,” said Libraries Program Manager Robert Harrison. “Libraries have seen increases in return rates, borrowing and library card registrations after adopting fine-free policies.”

The new program kicks off with a “book amnesty” period from Feb. 10 through March 10, when all accumulated fines (large or small) associated with overdue materials will be forgiven once the item is returned.

In addition to loaning books and other materials, Pasco County provides a wide variety of programming.

To learn more about the fine-free policy, visit bit.ly/Fine-FreeFAQ.

For more information about Pasco County Libraries, including the library catalog, E-content,  programs, events and links to all Pasco County Library branches, visit PascoLibraries.org.

Published February 12, 2020

Filed Under: Local News Tagged With: library book fines, Pasco County Libraries, Robert Harrison

New online program encourages creativity

January 8, 2020 By Brian Fernandes

A new online program available through Pasco County libraries, offers tutorials to help people explore their creativity.

Creativebug, introduced in November, walks patrons through video tutorials on trying out such activities as crafts, sewing, quilting, knitting, home décor and jewelry.

“We love Creativebug, our newest database, on our website,” said Angelo Liranzo of Pasco County Libraries. “[It’s] very easy to use and our patrons are really taking to it.”

Angelo Liranzo, of Pasco County Libraries, gives a tutorial of a new online program called Creativebug that is now available to library patrons. The program gives users a chance to learn how to make their own creations. (Brian Fernandes)

So far, knitting and crocheting seem to be the most popular online courses, Liranzo said.

The Pasco library system’s newest online feature offers an online blog, giving users an opportunity to share their thoughts and ideas with one another.

The Creativebug home page offers various categories for patrons to choose from.

But, there also is a search engine that allows patrons to seek specific tutorials. The search engine also allows users to select the instructor they prefer.

The online program provides an alternative to in-person sessions that are scheduled at a specific time, Liranzo said.

Creativebug can be accessed 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

“It’s just one of the ways that we want to put information in peoples’ hands,” Liranzo said. “It’s very easy to use, self-explanatory. The video instruction is very clear.”

The site has courses for beginners, intermediates and experts on particular subjects. There are categories for all age groups, too.

For children, for example, there are tutorials to create holiday-oriented crafts, drawings, paintings and costumes.

Those unable to finish a course can download a transcript that provides step-by-step instructions and lists the materials that are needed.

The program can be used at the library, but also can be accessed at home, Liranzo said.

For patrons, their library card number can be used at the library or at home. There is also a subscription plan available for those who don’t have a library card.

To learn more about Creativebug and other library programs, visit PascoLibraries.org.

Published January 08, 2020

Filed Under: Local News Tagged With: Angelo Piranzo, Creativebug, Pasco County Libraries

New River Branch Library to close for remodeling

August 21, 2019 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

The New River Branch Library will be closing Oct. 1 to prepare for an extensive makeover, according to a Pasco County news release.

Instructor Bonnie Birdsall, far right, leads the class in a Tai Chi move called ‘Swimming Dragon’ during a class at the New River Branch Library, 34043 State Road 54 in Wesley Chapel. Shown in the back: Margie Gordon, left, and Olympia Coleman. In the front: Joleen Patane, left, and Bonnie Birdsall. The library will be closing on Oct. 1 for an extensive makeover and is expected to reopen in Summer 2020. (File)

The renovation is being paid for funding provided through a general obligation bond approved by voters in November 2018 to upgrade Pasco County’s seven branch libraries.

Voters also approved general obligation bonds to pay for improvements to the county’s parks, to expand the county’s fire rescue services and to build a jail expansion.

The New River Branch Library project is expected to be completed by Summer 2020. The Centennial Park Branch Library in Hudson will be closed for renovations at the same time.

The library projects will include updated technology, new outdoor spaces, more accessible parking, updated furnishings, high-efficiency air conditioning systems, high-speed internet and makerspaces.

Library staff will be at alternate local venues to provide continued services and programs.

Please visit the Pasco County Libraries website, PascoLibraries.org for updated program information.

Published August 21, 2019

Filed Under: Local News, Wesley Chapel/New Tampa News, Zephyrhills/East Pasco News Tagged With: Centennial Park Branch Library, New River Branch Library, Pasco County Libraries

Snag a pass to children’s museum

August 7, 2019 By Mary Rathman

Pasco County Libraries has your ticket for free, family friendly fun at the Glazer Children’s Museum, a nonprofit, hands-on, interactive learning center.

The museum offers 19 themed areas and 170 exhibits, annually.

And, according to its website, guests can “Play with purpose at the Glazer Children’s Museum, Tampa’s interactive, learning laboratory where children play, discover, and connect to the world around them to develop as lifelong learners and leaders.”

The pass is available on a first-come, first-served basis, and is good for free admission for up to five guests. It can only be used once within the seven-day checkout period.

Blackout dates at the museum and other restrictions may apply.

The museum is at 110 W. Gasparilla Plaza in downtown Tampa. To learn more about the nonprofit, visit GlaserMuseum.org.

Reserve the Museum Pass in person at any Pasco County Library, or online at bit.ly/GCMPass.

Published August 07, 2019

Filed Under: Local News Tagged With: Gasparilla Plaza, Glazer Children's Museum, museum pass, Pasco County Libraries

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01/18/2021 – Garden club

The Dade City Garden Club will host a virtual general membership meeting on Jan. 18 at 9:30 a.m., via Zoom. The program will feature a presentation by Madonna Wise, author of “A Haunted History of Pasco County.” Wise’s husband, Ernest, also will present a short demonstration on pressing flowers. Non-members can attend. Registration is through email at by Jan. 17. For information, visit DadeCityGardenClub.com. … [Read More...] about 01/18/2021 – Garden club

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The Pasco County Library Cooperative will present a “Best of Craft Tuesdays: Playlist” on Jan. 19 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Check out a video at Facebook.com/hughembrylibrary or Facebook.com/newriverlibrary to learn about some of the craft programs that are worth revisiting from the past year. For information, call 352-567-3576, or email Danielle Lee at . … [Read More...] about 01/19/2021 – Best of crafts

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The Pasco County Library Cooperative will present “Virtual Backyard Gardening with Jo Ann” on Jan. 19 at 2 p.m., via Zoom. Registration is required to receive an email on how to join the meeting. For information, email . … [Read More...] about 01/19/2021 – Virtual gardening

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The Pasco County Library Cooperative will offer these upcoming story times: Jan. 20, for birth to age 5: Participants can tune in anytime between 10 a.m. and 8 p.m., at Facebook.com/hughembrylibrary or Facebook.com/newriverlibrary, to hear “Private I. Guana.” For information, call 352-567-3576, or email Danielle Lee at . Jan. 21 at 10 a.m.: “Virtual Baby Time with Miss Cindy.” Visit Facebook.com/cplib. Jan. 21 at 10 a.m., for ages 2 to 5: “Virtual Story Time with Miss Jenn.” For information, call Amaris Papadopoulos at 727-861-3020. … [Read More...] about 01/20/2021 – Library story times

01/20/2021 – LOL Book Club

The LOL Book Club from the Land O’ Lakes Library will meet on Jan. 20 at 2:30 p.m., to discuss “Beartown” by Fredrik Backman. Register online for a Zoom link, which will be sent out via email a day ahead of the discussion. For information, call 813-929-1214. … [Read More...] about 01/20/2021 – LOL Book Club

01/20/2021 – Mouse bookmark

Learn to make a folded paper mouse bookmark on Jan. 20. Participants will use the art of origami to make the bookmark. Watch the instructional slide show, all day, on the South Holiday Library Facebook page. … [Read More...] about 01/20/2021 – Mouse bookmark

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