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Red Cross

Pasco County hosts Disaster Expo to help residents

June 5, 2019 By Brian Fernandes

Pasco County marked the beginning of this year’s hurricane season with an expo aimed at helping residents better prepare for potential disasters.

The county’s 2019 Disaster Expo, held at the Veterans Memorial Park in Hudson, gave those attending a chance to learn about myriad ways to better protect themselves, if a disaster should strike.

Tim Exline of the Pasco County Health Department explains necessary storm precautions to New Port Richey resident Natalie Griffin. The health department was among a host of booths at the June 1 Disaster Expo, preparing residents for potential storms. (Brian Fernandes)

Participants at the June 1 event included the Pasco County Health Department, Pasco County Fire Rescue, the county’s Emergency Management team and other groups, such Home Depot and the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP).

Judith Tear, a wildlife mitigation specialist for the Florida Forest Service, focused on educating residents about steps they can take to protect their homes from the danger of wildfires.

She encourages residents to trim trees near their homes, especially trees that have branches that hang over roofs.

When a fire is spreading, tree limbs hanging over a home can allow the fire to endanger the residence, she said.

Her organization also works in conjunction with Pasco County’s Emergency Management team and Pasco County Fire Rescue to predict the effects of harsh weather conditions, especially with summer humidity.

“Florida Forest Service is a state agency, and we work closely with our community partners,” the specialist said. “If we find that we’re getting too dry, we look at our drought index and how many days since rain.”

Depending on how dire the circumstances look, the county can place a burn ban, which it did in 2017.

The Florida Forest Service also collaborates with the Emergency Management team to issue reverse 911 calls to those living in target areas of a fire.

Along with the Florida Highway Patrol, they help post consistent alerts on digital message boards on the highway.

And, with special occasions, such as July 4, on the way, Tear strongly advises residents to avoid fueling fires with gasoline because it makes them harder to put out.

To keep documents safe, in the event of a fire, Tear said you either need to place them in a fire safe, or keep them off site.

She also suggests scanning documents and saving them on a flash drive, as a backup.

Andy Fossa, director of Pasco County’s Emergency Management, encourages residents to have generators handy in case the power goes out.

Attendees crowded inside the Veterans Memorial Park to learn about safety tips in preparing for the hurricane season. The 2019 Disaster Expo on June 1 featured various Pasco County and independent organizations.

Fossa also emphasized the importance of using generators safely.

To avoid posing a risk to utility workers, it is important to have a generator with an automatic transfer switch, which will turn off the generator once the home’s power goes back on.

If a generator is still running when the power goes back on, a utility worker could get electrocuted, or explosions can occur within the home, he said.

Fossa said a common mistake people make is operating their generator within the home, which can lead to deadly carbon monoxide poisoning.

He recommends keeping generators outdoors and well anchored to the ground.

Residents also should be careful when they are using candles. They should not be left unattended, and they should be placed somewhere stable, so they won’t tip over.

Candles should not be left burning overnight, when everyone is asleep, he said.

Fossa also urged taking precautions to avoid become overheated.

He said unless you are not able to leave, staying home during a power outage should be a last resort.

He recommends staying with family or friends, or at a hotel, if possible.

There are also local shelters available, he said.

“Dependent on where the storm is coming from, we have the ability to open certain shelters,” the director noted. “As we see population growing, we’re very proactive. We’ll go ahead and get another shelter ready to go.”

Fossa said it’s also important to heed evacuation warnings.

In some cases, residents become stranded by flooding.

When that happens, Fossa said, it is best to stay put and wait for assistance.

In the aftermath of a storm, Pasco County Human Services and the Red Cross will go out into neighborhoods to assess the needs of residents.

For those displaced from their homes, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) can provide temporary housing – even hotels rooms for up to 90 days.

In sustaining a home for harsh weather, Fossa suggests protecting windows with shutters or plywood, or installing missile-proof windows.

“Some insurance companies actually give a break when you storm-harden your house,” he added.

Residents should have a go-kit they can take with them, if they leave their homes, Fossa said.

“If they decide they’re going to leave, they need to have a bag to pick up and walk out the door,” Fossa said.

This kit should include medications, hygiene products, flashlights, batteries, nonperishable food, water, plastic utensils, paper towels and other items.

Fossa suggests that residents should start stockpiling weeks in advance of hurricane season – buying nonperishable food in small increments.

Tim Exline of the Pasco County Health Department said residents should have a food supply stocked up to last 10 days to 14 days.

Getting a surplus of prescription medication is a good idea, too.

“Once an (emergency) declaration is made from the governor, you can go to your pharmacy and get up to a 30-day supply,” Exline mentioned.

Some pharmacies will send out prescriptions through the mail for those who cannot make the commute, he added.

Exline stressed that for those coming to a shelter, medication should be kept in its original prescription bottle, so that it can be properly identified by health officials on the premises.

Transportation services are available for all, but especially the disabled with limited mobility.

“If you have no way to get to that shelter, then you can call Pasco County [Emergency Management’s] office and they’ll make arrangements to have someone come pick you up,” Exline pointed out.

For constant alerts and notifications, residents can download the MyPasco app on their phones.

For additional information to prepare for emergencies, visit PascoCountyFL.net/2813/Prepare-For-An-Emergency.

Published June 05, 2019

Filed Under: Local News Tagged With: AARP, American Association of Retired Persons, Andy Fossa, Disaster Expo, Federal Emergency Management Agency, FEMA, Florida Forest Service, Florida Highway Patrol, Home Depot, Hudson, Judith Tear, Pasco County Emergency Management, Pasco County Fire Rescue, Pasco County Health Department, Pasco County Human Services, Red Cross, Tim Exline, Veterans Memorial Park

Efforts continue in quest to help Hurricane Michael victims

October 24, 2018 By B.C. Manion

The death toll continues to climb, as rescuers search for the missing in areas hit hardest by Hurricane Michael.

The monstrous storm slammed into Florida’s Panhandle as a Category 4 hurricane, before making its way across Florida, Georgia, North Carolina and Virginia, according to CNN reports.

Harmonie Price, a Land O’ Lakes resident, helps with Hurricane Michael relief effort. (Courtesy of Lakeside Heating, Cooling & Plumbing)

As residents try to regroup in communities ravaged by winds clocked at up to 155 mph, storm surge and flooding —  a groundswell of support has risen from across the nation, including local groups.

In Pasco County, Lakeside Heating, Cooling & Plumbing, 4608 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., Land O’ Lakes, is among those who have stepped up to help the hurricane victims.

The company emptied out a trailer and began collecting donations, so it could drive the items up to Panama City.

“We reached out to Lutz Elementary, as well as the Central Pasco Chamber who is assisting us in collecting donations,” Jacqueline Horruitiner, the company’s office manager, said via email. “Dade City Transmission is also collecting donations for us,” she added.

The Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce got involved, too, putting out the word that one of its members, Carlos Saenz with Ballantrae Dairy Queen, would be making a trip to the Panhandle with supplies. The chamber accepted donations, including such items as bleach, trash bags, water, personal hygiene products, nonperishable foods, diapers and feminine products.

The chamber also notified its members of Lakeside Heating, Cooling & Plumbing’s collection efforts.

Previously, the Rotary Club of Wesley Chapel Noon, the North Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce and Wesley Chapel Nissan stepped up to collect donations and transport them to Port St. Joe, and Pasco County emergency personnel deployed to the hurricane zone to help in Hurricane Michael’s aftermath.

Area Goodwill stores and donation centers continue to accept donations for Hurricane Michael relief from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday through Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Sunday, according to a news release from the organization.

Donations also are being accepted at Goodwill donation trailers from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., seven days a week.

Goodwill staff is working on arrangements for when and how donated items, such as bottled water and nonperishable food, will be delivered to help storm victims both at the Fasano shelter and in the Panhandle.

Items such as clothing and household items donated to Goodwill will be sold in its stores, and the proceeds will support Red Cross certificates redeemable in stores that will be given to storm victims, allowing them to select items they want and need.

Goodwill can accept almost anything for this effort, but is focusing on clothing, shoes, towels, linens and other household goods.

For Goodwill donation locations, visit Goodwill.org/donate-and-shop/donate-stuff.

If people would like to make monetary donations to Hurricane Michael relief efforts,  visit RedCross.org.

Published October 24, 2018

Filed Under: Local News Tagged With: Ballantrae Dairy Queen, Carlos Saenz, Central Pasco Chamber, CNN, Dade City Transmission, Florida Panhandle, Goodwill, Hurricane Michael, Jacqueline Horruitiner, Lakeside Heating Cooling & Plumbing, Land O' Lakes, Land O' Lakes Boulevard, Lutz Elementary, North Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce, Port St. Joe, Red Cross, Rotary Club of Wesley Chapel Noon, Wesley Chapel Nissan

Awards keep coming for Land O’ Lakes student

January 25, 2017 By B.C. Manion

When it comes to accomplishments, Maxwell William Keenan, or Max, for short, has racked up quite a few.

The Land O’ Lakes High senior’s academic credentials are impressive.

He ranks 14th out of 4,632 seniors in Pasco County.

He’s a National Merit Scholarship Semifinalist.

Max Keenan has garnered numerous accolades during his academic career, including, most recently ‘Pasco County Schools Most Outstanding Senior.’
(B.C. Manion)

And, he achieved high marks on two leading college admissions tests, scoring a 34 out of a possible 36 on the ACT and a 1,490 out of 1,600 on the SAT.

Beyond all that, he’s had success on the tennis court. He’s involved in community service projects, and he helped launch his school’s Investment Club.

Recently, he added to that list of distinctions by being named Pasco County Schools Outstanding Senior.

The award was bestowed during the Pasco County School Board’s meeting on Dec. 20.

In announcing the award, the presenter quoted comments from Land O’ Lakes High Principal Ric Mellin.

“Like his peers nominated for this award, Maxwell came highly recommended,” according to the principal’s account.

“His accomplishments in academics, athletics, service …are well-documented. However, Maxwell’s natural leadership ability and kindheartedness, sets him apart from other students,” Mellin added.

Keenan has a 4.0, unweighted grade point average, in the rigorous International Baccalaureate Program, and a 4.75 weighted GPA, Mellin said.

Initially, students at Land O’ Lakes High voted on who should represent the school. They narrowed the list to the top 10, and then the teachers voted, Keenan said.

Next, he was interviewed at the school district’s office.

It “is truly an honor” to be chosen for the award, Keenan said.

After graduation, he hopes to attend either Cornell University or the University of Chicago.

Keenan plans to study economics. He’s particularly interested in how economics affects government policies.

He said he hopes to gain a greater understanding of the impact that laws have on the average person.

He’d also like to pursue a law degree and is interested in politics.

Keenan said he’s grateful for the support he’s received from the teachers and administration at Land O’ Lakes High.

His appreciation for school administrators may have been developed at an early age.

His mom, Kimberly Keenan, is a former principal of Tampa Palms Elementary in Hillsborough County, and he used to tutor some of the younger students at the school.

It was a rewarding experience, he said, because he saw the children making progress.

His volunteer work didn’t end there.

Over the years, he’s connected with veterans at the Baldomero Lopez State Veterans Nursing Home, he’s been involved in campus cleanups at Land O’ Lakes High, he’s helped raise money for Red Cross and he’s taken a leadership role in Relay for Life activities.

“Relay for Life is my main community service club. I absolutely love it because I deal with so many people who are directly impacted by cancer, and I get to help them, not only with their struggle with cancer, but hopefully preventing future struggles with cancer.

“A lot of the money raised by Relay for Life is invested in new cancer research,” he explained.

Published January 25, 2017

Filed Under: Education, Land O' Lakes News, Local News Tagged With: Baldomero Lopez State Veterans Nursing Home, Cornell University, Kimberly Keenan, Land O' Lakes High School, Maxwell Keenan, National Merit Scholarship, Pasco County School Board, Red Cross, Relay for Life, Ric Mellin, Tampa Palms Elementary School, University of Chicago

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Avalon Applauds… Norah Catlin

February 23, 2021 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

CONGRATULATIONS to Norah Catlin, for being applauded by Avalon Park Wesley Chapel. Catlin, a senior at Wiregrass Ranch … [Read More...] about Avalon Applauds… Norah Catlin

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03/05/2021 – Apple Pie Bombs

The Pasco County Library Cooperative will offer “Foodie Feast: Apple Pie Bombs” on March 5. Participants can learn how to make tasty, apple pie bombs. Watch the prerecorded video between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m., online at Facebook.com/hughembrylibrary or Facebook.com/newriverlibrary. For information, call 352-567-3576, or email Danielle Lee at . … [Read More...] about 03/05/2021 – Apple Pie Bombs

03/06/2021 – Bridal Trunk Show

The Gulfside Hospice New Port Richey Thrift Shoppe, 6117 State Road 54, will host a Bridal Trunk Show on March 6 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. There will be more than 250 dresses to choose from, starting at $29.99 and many brand new. Admission is free, but limited spots are available to allow for social distancing. Brides must register online in advance, by March 3, at bit.ly/NPR-Bridal-Trunk-Show. All proceeds from the shop go to help hospice patients in Pasco County. For questions, contact Jeremi Sliger at , or call 727-842-7262. … [Read More...] about 03/06/2021 – Bridal Trunk Show

03/06/2021 – Pancakes and trains

The Grand Concourse Railroad, 11919 Alric Pottberg Road in Shady Hills, will offer a Pancake Breakfast and Unlimited Train Rides event on March 6 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The cost is $6 for adults and $4 for kids. For information, visit Grand Concourse Railroad on Facebook. … [Read More...] about 03/06/2021 – Pancakes and trains

03/08/2021 – Tomato garden

The Pasco County Library Cooperative will present a video on how to grow a tomato garden. Those interested can view the video at Facebook.com/hughembrylibrary or Facebook.com/newriverlibrary, all day, on March 8. For information, call 352-567-3576, or email . … [Read More...] about 03/08/2021 – Tomato garden

03/09/2021 – Grilled cheese

The Pasco County Library Cooperative will present a video on how to make green grilled cheese on March 9 at 4:30 p.m., for grades four to seven. To view the video, visit the Library Cooperative on Facebook or Instagram. … [Read More...] about 03/09/2021 – Grilled cheese

03/09/2021 – Poetry discussion

The Pasco County Library Cooperative will host a virtual poetry discussion group on “Female Power!” on March 9 at 6:30 p.m., for ages 16 and older, via Zoom. Participants can share a favorite poem or take part in discussions on poems about women or written by women poets. Themed poems will be sent out to help with the session. Registration is required. For information, contact Amaris Papadopoulos at 727-861-3020 or . … [Read More...] about 03/09/2021 – Poetry discussion

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