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The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Lutz since 1964 and Pasco since 1981.
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Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

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Tampa Bay Salvage

Local groups help federal workers

January 23, 2019 By Brian Fernandes

Organizations around the region are stepping up to help, as workers and their families struggle during the nation’s longest partial federal government shutdown.

The help has come in various forms.

“The key is to take off some of the pressure from these folks (so they can) worry less about where their food is coming from,” explained Greg Giordano, assistant tax collector of Pasco County.

Adele Richoll packs paper bags with food at Father and Son Love Ministries on Jan. 18. Her organization is one of many that are providing help to federal workers who have been furloughed, or are working without pay, during the partial federal government shutdown. (Brian Fernandes)

The federal government partially shut down on Dec. 22, in the midst of a budget battle between President Donald Trump and members of congress, over funding for a border wall between the U.S. and Mexico.

Over the past weekend, Trump offered a deal that would include money for the border wall, while granting some immigrants protection for three years. But, Democrats were not moved by Trump’s offer.

The impasse affects about 800,000 federal employees, including some who are not working during the shutdown, and others who are working without pay.

The U.S. Coast Guard is one group of federal employees who are working without pay.

Pasco County Tax Collector Mike Fasano was inspired to specifically help those troops.

The five branches of the county’s tax office intends to distribute donations to the troops and their families.

“Mr. Fasano supports our men and women in uniform,” Giordano said. “He wanted to do something to show that this community is behind those individuals.”

On Day 1 of collections, Tom Kliebert was at the tax collector’s office to offer support.

“I’m always looking for things I can do to help out the military,” the Vietnam veteran said. “I really appreciate what they do to protect our country.”

The Wesley Chapel resident went directly to the grocery store to purchase donations when he learned online about the tax collector’s effort.

Debby Palmer, also of Wesley Chapel, received the notification through email and also wanted to help.

“I feel like I’ve been very blessed in my life, so I try to contribute where I can,” she said.

She brought in four bags of groceries to her local tax office.

Tom Kliebert wasted no time buying and donating food to his local tax office in Wesley Chapel. His contribution is one of many that will go toward members of the U.S. Coast Guard and their families. (Courtesy of Greg Giordano)

he tax collector’s five branches began collecting donations on Jan. 16 and accumulated more than $2,300 in cash, 91 bags of groceries and more than a dozen gift cards within the first two days. (For addresses of branches, go to PascoTaxes.com).

“Obviously this has touched a nerve in the community,” Giordano said. He characterized the community’s generosity as being “incredible.”

Father and Son Love Ministries, at 24156 Foggy Ridge Parkway, in Lutz, also is offering a helping hand.

Pastor C.J. Johns heads the Lutz church, which has opened its doors to federal workers and their families every Friday.

Church staff and volunteers, from noon to 3 p.m. on Fridays, will give out bagged lunches, plus supplies of food for a week, for those requesting it.

The church also understands that some families won’t be able to afford to drive to the church, so it is willing to deliver food boxes to homes if they provide 48 hours’ notice, the pastor said.

Before the shutdown, the church was already operating a food drive and now has prepared for a larger turnout.

“We’re committed to helping our community,” Johns said. “It’s a need that has risen, and we’re going to do whatever we can to help ease the turmoil.”

Publix has supported the church’s efforts, Johns said, noting the grocery chain recently donated surplus items from the holidays.

Besides providing food, the church also offers free clothing and personal hygiene items.

It also understands that children need relief, too, so the church will make toys, birthday cakes and cupcakes available, the pastor said.

The church plans to keep the drive open 30 days after the government reopens to help workers get back on their feet.

Restored Hope, at 13703 17th St., in Dade City, also is committed to assisting federal workers for as long as necessary.

The nonprofit organization welcomes workers to stop by its center on Mondays, Wednesdays or Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Federal employees are asked to bring identification or their last pay stub to verify their status.

The organization’s pantry room is filled with nonperishable items and clothing.

Many items were leftover donations given by Metropolitan Ministries over the holidays, said Doreen Kennard, bookkeeper of Restored Hope.

Knowing there was surplus in storage, she thought: “Perfect timing, we’ll offer it to the government employees.”

Kennard added that the organization will do what it can to help workers pay past due bills.

During the federal government shutdown, Pasco County Utilities also is working to help federal employees, who are also PCU customers, develop an action plan to ensure continuation of services.

Pasco County Utilities will waive late fees and provide extensions for utility bills due by any federal employee who is on furlough or is required to work without compensation, as long as supporting documentation is provided.

Customers in need of assistance should call (813) 235-6012 during regular business hours.

Other acts of kindness can be seen throughout the Tampa Bay Area.

Tampa Bay Salvage, at 37832 Meridian Ave., in Dade City, is accepting donations of food and personal hygiene items at its Dade City and Palm Harbor offices.

The Humane Society of Tampa Bay is offering pet food to support furloughed workers who have pets. The donations are available on weekdays from noon to 7 p.m., and weekends from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Verification is required.

The Crisis Center of Tampa Bay is connecting federal employees of Tampa International Airport with community resources.

Feeding Tampa Bay also has set up a food bank for TSA workers, and TECO is offering payment extensions on electric bills.

The Florida Aquarium in Tampa will also offer a day of relaxation with one free admission to federal workers.

These organizations are providing help to federal workers who are either off the job, or not being paid during the partial federal government shutdown:

  • Pasco County Tax Collector Offices (Land O’ Lakes, Dade City, Wesley Chapel, Gulf Harbors, New Port Richey); Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Restored Hope, 13703 17th St., Dade City; Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Call (352) 437-4815.
  • Father and Son Love Ministries, 24156 Foggy Ridge Parkway, Lutz; Fridays from noon to 3 p.m. Call (813) 846- 9993.
  • Tampa Bay Salvage, 37832 Meridian Ave., Dade City; Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Call (352) 437-5231.
  • The Florida Aquarium is offering one free admission to federal workers with identification.
  • Pasco County Utilities will help customers that are federal employees who are not receiving pay, or are furloughed, to ensure continuation of services. Documentation is needed. Those needing assistance should call (813) 235-6012.

Published January 23, 2019

Filed Under: Top Story Tagged With: 17th Street, C.J. Johns, Crisis Center of Tampa Bay, Dade City, Debby Palmer, Donald Trump, Doreen Kennard, Father and Son Love Ministries, Feeding Tampa Bay, Florida Aquarium, Foggy Ridge Parkway, government shutdown, Greg Giordano, Humane Society of Tampa Bay, Lutz, Meridian Avenue, Metropolitan Ministries, Mike Fasano, Pasco County Utilities, Restored Hope, Tampa Bay Salvage, Tampa International Airport, TECO, Tom Kliebert, U.S. Coast Guard, Wesley Chapel

Dade City to draw up ordinance allowing cannabis dispensaries

January 16, 2019 By Kevin Weiss

Medical marijuana treatment centers soon could be allowed within some areas of Dade City.

At a Jan. 8 workshop, the Dade City Commission expressed consensus to have city staffers draft an ordinance that would permit cannabis dispensaries — but restrict their location to areas outside the boundaries of the city’s CRA (Community Redevelopment Agency) districts, generally encompassing the downtown corridor.

The ordinance will come before the city’s planning board and will have two public hearings before a formal vote.

Dade City Commissioners expressed consensus to draft an ordinance that would permit medical marijuana dispensaries within city limits, with certain restrictions. The ordinance will come before the city’s planning board and will have two public hearings before the matter is formally voted upon. (Kevin Weiss)

Dade City Mayor Camille Hernandez said an ordinance permitting medical marijuana dispensaries is “what’s in the best interest of the city.”

Hernandez noted Florida voters’ clear support of Amendment 2 in 2016.

“I do believe that the voters on medical marijuana were decisive in their vote. Over 71 percent (of Florida voters) voted in favor of medical marijuana dispensaries — and that is a big deal,” Hernandez said.

She continued: “I do believe it should be allowed within the municipal limits. I do believe it should be available for those that need it and are using it for the right reasons. I am concerned about having them right in our downtown corridor…but I do think we have a charge to make it accessible to those residents that have problems.”

Dade City has had a temporary ban on medical marijuana facilities since 2016, to study the potential impacts such facilities on the municipality.

That temporary moratorium followed the November 2016 amendment of Florida’s constitution to allow “the dispensing and use of marijuana for medical purposes by persons with debilitating diseases.”

The moratorium has been extended multiple times and is set to expire in March.

At the workshop, city attorney Nancy Stuparich advised the commission to take action instead of extending the moratorium again, which she said may create legal issues, as it creates a “de facto ban” on medical marijuana treatment centers.

The attorney also noted that letting the moratorium just expire would allow dispensaries throughout city limits, without certain zoning regulations set forth by the commission.

The mayor said it’s unfair to keep extending the moratorium.

“We’ve got to take a stand and say, ‘We’re going to go this way or that way.’ I think we owe it to the people in our community,” Hernandez said.

Other cities in Pasco County, including Zephyrhills and San Antonio, have passed ordinances establishing regulations to allow dispensaries. The county’s first medical marijuana dispensary opened last June in New Port Richey.

Commissioner Scott Black was the lone dissenter.

He favored banning the dispensaries altogether for the time being because of the shifting legal implications of marijuana laws. (Several states, including Florida have already legalized marijuana; federal law still prohibits the cultivation, distribution, possession of the substance.)

“Just because all the other cities are rushing out to do this doesn’t mean we have to join in there, too,” Black said.

“If we say, ‘Not at this time,’ we’re not saying no forever. It just seems like a wise thing, in my opinion, that we wait until all of this gets settled. I think if we can be patient, it will all work itself out.”

Black also pointed out that Dade City residents are able go to other nearby cities to access medical marijuana treatment, or can choose to have it ordered through the mail.

“I think that those that are suffering — and I feel for them — there are opportunities for them to get medication,” he said.

Residents and business owners express mixed feelings
“I’m really concerned if we’re not patient and we’re not careful, we’re going to end up with something that we don’t want,” said Margaret Angell, who chairs the Dade City Merchant’s Association. “I know that we all understand that we don’t want a dispensary in the CRA, but it sounds like it’s going to be pretty complicated as far as trying to navigate that and how to do that.

“I don’t mind if it’s out there somewhere else and has low impact. My concern is about the downtown and conserving the economic space there and the atmosphere that we depend on. I just would urge us to be very, very cautious.”

Lynette DiNova, who owns Tropical Wine Shop in Dade City, also echoed a wait-and-see approach before approving any cannabis dispensaries within city limits.

“I think to rush into it just to do something is not fair to anyone,” DiNova said. “I think (commissioner) Black should be listened to as far as waiting, finding out what the right thing is, to protect the people that (commissioners) are here to take care of.”

“Don’t do something just to do it,” she said.

Vance Scheer, a retired educator and Dade City resident, spoke in favor of allowing medical marijuana dispensaries in Dade City.

“We’re talking pain management for our residents,” Scheer said. “We have a big opioid crisis and many of them are finding relief in (medical marijuana). It’s not going to be downtown, but we have to have something for these people that are in this condition. “We’re servicing a lot of people, whether it’s vets or seniors or people that are suffering from cancer.

“We need to be offering these services for our residents,” Scheer added.

Another speaker, Janet Blackburn, who works at Tampa Bay Salvage in Dade City, said she wouldn’t oppose a cannabis dispensary, as long as it isn’t downtown.

“I have no problem with it on the outskirts of (U.S.) 301 or whatever,” she said, “but not in downtown.”

Published January 16, 2019

Filed Under: Local News, Zephyrhills/East Pasco News Tagged With: Camille Hernandez, Community Redevelopment Agency, Dade City, Dade City Commission, Dade City Merchants Association, Janet Blackburn, Lynette DiNova, Margaret Angell, medical marijuana, Nancy Stuparich, Scott Black, Tampa Bay Salvage, Tropical Wine Shop, Vance Scheer

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01/16/2021 – Train Show & Sale

Regal Railways will present a Toy Train, Toy Show/Sale on Jan. 16 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Hernando Fairgrounds, 6436 Broad St., in Brooksville. Vendors will be on hand with various model trains, toys and die cast cars. There also will be a running train layout. Admission is $5 for adults, and free for kids age 12 and younger. Credit cards will be accepted. For information and to prepay, visit RegalRailways.com. … [Read More...] about 01/16/2021 – Train Show & Sale

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

01/19/2021 – Best of crafts

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

01/19/2021 – Virtual gardening

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

01/20/2021 – Library story times

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

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