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Zephyrhills Police Department

Seeking to improve Zephyrhills’ code enforcement

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The city of Zephyrhills is taking a hard look at its code enforcement policies — in an effort to maintain property values and make the community more desirable.

According to City Manager Steve Spina, that starts with taking “a holistic view” on the issue.

“When people come to visit, they need to drive through town and see a vibrant commercial business community, a vibrant downtown,” Spina said. “People are going to move a business here and look at the schools, the recreation and the quality of life issues — and if they’re driving from the airport to somewhere else, and it’s not a pretty picture, they don’t stay.”

This image, shown during an Oct. 23 council meeting, provides an example of some of the compliance issues on code enforcement. The city of Zephyrhills is analyzing ways to beef up its code enforcement efforts, in hopes of maintaining property values and making the community a more desirable place to live. (Courtesy of City of Zephyrhllls)

During a regular Oct. 23 meeting, the city manager and building inspector Bill Burgess delved into the city’s code enforcement efforts — outlining progress and limitations, along with various initiatives and solutions.

Alan Knight, council president, several weeks ago requested an update on citywide code enforcement issues, citing growing concerns about blighted structures and dilapidated communities.

Attacking the problem head-on is a continuous battle, city officials say.

“A lot of times, code enforcement is two steps forward, three steps back,” Spina said.

“Over the last five to six years, there’s been action, but sometimes it’s just hard to keep up with the level of problems that we face,” Spina said.

Burgess concurred: “We have seen a turn a little in the wrong direction, and it’s a little harder to stay ahead of it than it was in the past.”

City staffers this year have made more than 900 code-related contacts, completing 35 mowing and abatements, which has led to issuing $2,400 in citations and $750 litigation. There’s also been one demolition and two neighborhood cleanups.

From 2011 to 2016, Zephyrhills had 36 demolitions and collected $85,000 in mowing fees and abatements, and liens and administrative costs. Additionally, city staff made more than 7,200 contacts with residents and business owners related to code enforcement issues.

That includes Funk Street, formerly a notorious “drug haven,” south of town. In a span of two years, the city removed 34 trailers and cleaned the site up entirely.

But, addressing similar run-down parts of the city has proven to be a challenging and time-consuming task.

The issues, city leaders say, continually are tied to changes in demographics, drug infestation, cheap housing conditions and mental health issues, among others.

Lack of adequate funding and resources is another issue.

Zephyrhills building inspector Bill Burgess updated council members on the city’s code enforcement efforts. He indicated issues have become more widespread over the past year or so, due to several different factors. (Kevin Weiss)

The city’s Building Department has six employees. It had five in 1991.

The code enforcement division has one full-time and one part-time employee, each able to make five contacts to 10 contacts per day.

Local and federal funds for demolitions of blighted structures also have recently dried up.

“We’re back on our dime,” Burgess said.

Meanwhile, legal procedures in repairing blighted structures often delays code enforcement efforts.

“It can be a lengthy process, just to get one house or one property done,” Spina said.

“When you do make contact, it’s not just simply you go up and knock on a door. Sometimes you have to go back, write letters, do research. It’s time-consuming,” Burgess added.

“It seems easy…but, if they don’t (respond) or if they’re not accepting of that, then we have to go through that whole process, where there’s a lot of time involved,” he said.

Spina noted the city continuously deals with repeat violators, some of whom have been to court or have been jailed before.

“We’re dealing with the same people, over and over. We’ve had people that we’ve put in jail and they’re back out, and there’s no resolution to the problem,” Spina said.

The city also has some absentee landlords and revolving tenants, plus cheap rental rates throughout the city, that contribute to the problem, Spina said.

The city is ranked fourth nationally in affordable housing.

“That’s a good thing for different communities, depending on economic and social conditions, and job opportunities, but it also can be a negative,” Spina said.

In light of ongoing struggles, Spina outlined several initiatives to try to solve code enforcement issues “from a number of different ways.”

Some of the ideas he presented, include:

  • Planning for CDBG (Community Development Block Grant) funding to help with neighborhood blight
  • Toughening up city ordinances, to include citing rental owners, as well as tenants, for code violations
  • Consulting with other communities, such as New Port Richey, on their code enforcement plans
  • Utilizing Zephyrhills Police reserve officers, once the reserve program is re-established, to assist with related code enforcement matters
  • Developing an in-house demolition program
  • Continuing with neighborhood cleanups to assist in removing household trash, debris, appliances, tires and so on
  • Adding staff to the code enforcement division

The formation of an interdepartmental intelligence committee, coordinated by the Zephyrhills Police Department is one step that’s already been taken.

The task force — involving police, utility workers, public works employees, Planning Department, Community Redevelopment Agency — places more people on the streets to look for issues, and watch for abnormal behavior and suspicious activities.

Spina noted it’s already netted several arrests since the summer.

“We see how it’s working. It’s a key element of what we’re doing, and it shows the need also for interdepartmental cooperation and how well people work together,” he said.

The city’s lien forgiveness program and neighborhood cleanups also have netted encouraging results, Spina said.

More staffing for the code enforcement division, however, garnered the most attention—and support—from the council.

“Personnel is the key to this,” Mayor Gene Whitfield said.

Council president Alan Knight also suggested taking “a serious look” at staffing, considering the city’s impending growth — like the development of 1,500 new homes.

“I think our code enforcement people are doing a real good job. It’s just a massive job,” Knight said.

Councilman Lance Smith, meanwhile, suggested a “more aggressive” comprehensive plan on code enforcement.

The plan, he said, would specifically identify programs, staffing needs and technological opportunities, to be implemented sometime next year.

“We need to look at it really seriously,” Smith said. “I’d say right now maybe we’re treading water, but if we’re not going to do more, then we’re going to be underwater.”

Published November 1, 2017

Zephyrhills High names ‘Tom Fisher Field’

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It’s been nearly a decade since Tom Fisher last roamed the sidelines, but his name won’t soon be forgotten at Zephyrhills High School.

The namesake of Zephyrhills High School’s football field, Tom Fisher, served as the high school’s football coach for some 20 years. Fisher was bestowed the honor at a dedication ceremony during the Friday night football game against Hudson. (Fred Bellet)

The school’s Oct. 27 homecoming festivities added greater significance, when Zephyrhills’ Bulldog Stadium was formally renamed “Tom Fisher Field.”

The dedication ceremony, held at midfield and attended by Fisher, drew dozens of former players and coaches, as well as the longtime coach’s family members and friends.

Thousands of Bulldogs faithful, were there, too — in a show of respect for Fisher, who retired after the 2008 season, following 21 years as head coach.

He is the football program’s winningest coach (124-86), leading Bulldogs teams to eight playoff berths, four conference championships and three district titles; he also was a four-time conference coach of the year.

Fisher, now 65, still attends several Zephyrhills games each year, sometimes wishing he was still donning a headset and calling plays.

“I miss it a lot,” Fisher said, “but, all these great kids that I’ve coached over the years, for them to come back, I really appreciate it.”

While receiving a round of applause for his years as coach of the Bulldogs’ football team, Tom Fisher, holding one of his grandchildren, McKenzi Moncrief, 3, of Zephyrhills, is surrounded by friends, family, former players turned coaches of the team and well-wishers.

Not one to wax poetic about his coaching career, Fisher said many of the 20 years “all blend together.”

“Working with the kids was great; football’s been my life,” he said.

As coach, Fisher influenced hundreds, if not thousands of lives.

Among them is current Bulldogs coach Nick Carroll, who has guided the program to two consecutive eight-win seasons — including Friday night’s 62-0 romp of Hudson High School.

Carroll was apart of Fisher’s 1996-1997 playoff team.

He has vivid memories of that season.

“We had a lot of success; won a lot of football games. For us to get the first playoff win for him, it was a special moment for him, and for us,” Carroll said.

Fisher’s coaching demeanor isn’t lost on Carroll, either.

“He was old-school, man,” Carroll said. “You didn’t mess with coach Fisher. If his lip ever curled, he was mad.”

“I didn’t cause him no trouble,” he added.

Former player, now head coach, Nick Carroll leads the Bulldogs this year.

Carroll noted several of his assistants, including B.J. Booker, Bryan Thomas and Troy Hochstetler, also played for Fisher at some point.

“They say great leaders develop great leaders, so there’s four of us right there that have come back and kind of stepped in his role, and made a chance to—not build it—but have success the first two years we came here to Zephyrhills.”

Reggie Roberts, who coached the Bulldogs from 2010 to 2015, was another former player—and team captain — of Fisher’s.

Roberts, now a captain with the Zephyrhills Police Department, recalls Fisher as a hard-nosed, no-nonsense coach.

“Those were the days when you didn’t have water breaks every 30 minutes — and we had to grind,” Roberts said. “Sometimes as we grow up, we always have people that mold us, and he was one of them, especially coming back here to coach, you bet that was the first phone call I made.”

Zephyrhills’ No. 6 Tyreese Wigfall jumps for joy and celebrates yet another touchdown with No. 7 Jaquan Sheppard during game action against Hudson. Zephyrhills beat the visiting Cobras.

But, Roberts also remembers Fisher for his acumen and attention to detail.

“You’re talking about somebody that studied game film—he was a student of the game,” Roberts said.

“I wish when I was coaching I could be half as good as he was watching video and actually coming up with a game plan. He was excellent at that. We may not have been as talented as a lot of people, but we played a lot better than a lot of people because we were prepared. That’s one thing I can say about him — he got us prepared.”

The Pasco County School Board approved the field renaming in June, after the idea was presented by Zephyrhills school officials.

Zephyrhills High School athletic director Bruce Cimorelli said it was about time Fisher received “a real good sendoff.”

“He deserves it quite a bit,” Cimorelli said.

“Tom did a great job. He took a mentoring to the kids. He was a great person to work for, so it’s something that’s well-deserved.”

Tom Fisher: By the numbers
124 wins (most in school history)
86 losses
Eight playoff appearances
Four conference championships (1989, 1995, 1997, 2002)
Four district titles (1995, 2002, 2006)
Four Conference Coach of the Year awards (1989, 1994, 1995, 1997)

Published November 1, 2017

New Zephyrhills police chief has a familiar face

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Derek Brewer’s official promotion to Zephyrhills Police Chief was just weeks ago — yet he’s no stranger to the uniform, or to the community he’s tasked to serve.

The 45-year-old Brewer was appointed the city’s permanent, full-time police chief on Sept. 25. He was sworn-in two weeks later, on Oct. 9.

Brewer, however, already had months of familiarity with the position.

He served as interim chief since June, filling in the post formerly held by Police Chief David Shears, who retired after 25 years with the agency.

Derek Brewer was sworn in as Zephyrhills Police Chief on Oct. 9. He replaces David Shears, who had been chief since 2008. (File)

Brewer is a 15-year veteran of the Zephyrhills Police Department, who gradually worked up the ranks from patrol officer, to field training officer and lieutenant, to captain.

The test-run as chief proved valuable for Brewer.

“I think it definitely helped,” Brewer said, in a recent interview with The Laker/Lutz News. “I got a chance to see things there from a little different perspective, but at the same time, I’m very familiar with the agency, and the city and the community. My role may have changed a little bit, but everything was still very familiar.”

Brewer was born in Massachusetts and raised in Merrimack, New Hampshire.

After high school, he moved to Florida, searching for a better job market while escaping from blistering cold northern winters.

After a decade of “working odd jobs” in the Sunshine State, the then 29-year-old Brewer opted to become a law enforcement officer, at the encouragement of others.

After police academy training, he joined the Zephyrhills Police Department in 2002.

Being a police chief was not in his original plans.

“It’s not something I ever truly imagined I would be in, but being here for the agency I started with, there’s just an extreme amount of pride,” Brewer said.

He is the 10th police chief in Zephyrhills history.

Within the role, he’s responsible for 32 officers (33 when fully staffed) and an annual budget that exceeds $4 million.

He said the biggest adjustment so far has been overseeing additional personnel — from the entire police force, to its civilian employees in administration.

It means managing “a lot of different personalities” and handling “a lot of different problems.”

Brewer added: “Even though I had some experience in the administrative side when I was a lieutenant, it’s different when you have all of them together working at the same time.”

Challenges aside, Brewer still follows advice often bestowed upon him by Shears.

And, there has been plenty of that, through the years.

When Brewer was a patrolman, Shears was his sergeant. When he was a sergeant, Shears was his captain. And, when Brewer became a lieutenant and captain, Shears, of course, was his chief.

“I really did have an opportunity to learn a lot from him, particularly in police work,” Brewer said. “But, the one thing he always said that really always stuck with me was: ‘You do the right thing, and no matter how hard it is, you’ll always be OK.’ I still follow that today, and I truly do believe that.”

Since joining the department, Brewer earned an associate’s degree in criminal justice from Hillsborough Community College, attended the senior leadership-training program at the Southern Police Institute in Louisville, Kentucky, and also attended the Florida Police Chiefs executive leadership training in 2014.
He graduated this July from the Command Officer Management Program at Saint Leo University, and is scheduled to receive his bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Saint Leo University this December.

In the meantime, Brewer has received numerous honors during his extensive law enforcement career, including:

  • Pasco County Crisis Intervention Team Officer of the Year (2010)
  • William B. Eiland Officer of the Year Award (2012)
  • Tampa Police Department Appreciation Award (2013)
  • City of Zephyrhills Employee of the Year Award (2015)

Besides regular police duties, Brewer has been a member of several committees and organizations that include the Transportation Exception Plan Committee; Pasco-Hernando State College Technical Advisory Committee; Pasco County Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Task Force; Zephyrhills Code Enforcement Task Force; Zephyrhills Police Department Homeless Initiative; Zephyrhills Site Plan Review Committee; Florida Police Chiefs Association; and, Noon Rotary Club of Zephyrhills.

His appointment to chief was recommended to the Zephyrhills City Council by city manager Steve Spina, who was part of a six-person interview committee.

Of the six applicants interviewed for police chief, Spina told the council Brewer was “without a doubt” the top candidate.

The council later approved Brewer’s hiring in a 4-1 vote, with Councilman Ken Burgess dissenting.

At the Sept. 25 meeting, numerous speakers offered support for Brewer’s appointment, including police officers and members of the community.

They praised his leadership and management style, his work ethic, his compassion and humility, and his ability to handle high-risk situations, such as Hurricane Irma.

One of those speakers was Amy Chappell, vice president and residential loan officer at CenterState Bank.

She characterized Brewer this way: “You have an individual that cares, and that’s something you won’t find really on the resume.”

Published October 25, 2017

Zephyrhills appoints police chief

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Following a four-month nationwide search for its next police chief, the city of Zephyrhills has opted to hire from within, appointing interim chief Derek Brewer the city’s permanent, full-time police chief.

At its Sept. 25 meeting, the Zephyrhills City Council voted 4-1 in favor of Brewer, a 15-year veteran of the Zephyrhills Police Department who’s served as the interim chief since May following the retirement of former chief David Shears, who held the leadership position since 2008.

Brewer’s appointment was recommended to the council by city manager Steve Spina, who was part of a six-person interview committee during the hiring process.

Derek Brewer, a 15-year veteran of the Zephyrhills Police Department who has served as the interim chief since May, has been appointed as the city’s permanent, full-time police chief; he will be sworn in at the city’s Oct. 9 council meeting.
(Courtesy of Zephyrhills Police Department)

Of the six applicants interviewed, Spina told the council Brewer is “without a doubt” the top candidate for the position.

Brewer, 44, gradually has risen up the agency’s ranks, since being hired as a patrol officer in 2002.

He served as a field training officer, patrol sergeant and lieutenant before being promoted to patrol captain in 2014.

While on the force, Brewer earned an associate’s degree in criminal justice from Hillsborough Community College, and attended the senior leadership training program at the Southern Police Institute in Louisville, Kentucky, and the Florida Police Chiefs executive leadership training in 2014.
He also graduated this July from the Command Officer Management Program at Saint Leo University, and is scheduled to receive his bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Saint Leo University this December.

Brewer has received numerous honors during his law enforcement career, including:

  • Pasco County Crisis Intervention Team Officer of the Year (2010)
  • William B. Eiland Officer of the Year Award (2012)
  • Tampa Police Department Appreciation Award (2013)
  • City of Zephyrhills Employee of the Year Award (2015)

Besides regular law enforcement duties, Brewer is a member of several committees and organizations that include the Transportation Exception Plan Committee; Pasco-Hernando State College Technical Advisory Committee; Pasco County Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Task Force; Zephyrhills Code Enforcement Task Force; Zephyrhills Police Department Homeless Initiative; Zephyrhills Site Plan Review Committee; Florida Police Chiefs Association; and, Noon Rotary Club of Zephyrhills.

Several officers of the Zephyrhills police force spoke in favor of Brewer’s appointment to the department’s top job, during the meeting’s public comment period.

Lorenzo Limoges, a K-9 officer, said the agency, under Brewer’s leadership, has experienced “some of the best teamwork I’ve ever seen in my life.”

“…I’ve talked to just about every officer that we’ve got, and I can’t tell you one that hasn’t showed their support for Derek and the agency,” Limoges said.

(File)

Zephyrhills police captain Reggie Roberts said Brewer’s promotion to chief is “what’s right” for Zephyrhills and the police department.

Roberts touched on Brewer’s management style, outlining his work ethic, compassion and humility, and the handling of high-risk situations, such as Hurricane Irma.

“I believe in him 110 percent,” Roberts said.

A few citizens stepped forward, too, to express their support in naming Brewer the 10th police chief in the city’s history.

Amy Chappell, vice president and residential loan officer at CenterState Bank, said Brewer deserves the job and “has the talent it takes to bring this city together for the greater good.”

“You have an individual that cares, and that’s something you won’t find really on the resume,” said Chappell, who’s spoken in favor of Brewer at previous council meetings.

Mickey McPhee, who manages the Publix Supermarket on Gall Blvd, also applauded Brewer’s service as interim chief.

“Anytime we’ve needed the police department, they’ve just been great. And, it’s his leadership that makes it great,” McPhee said.

The store manager noted Brewer and the agency were particularly accommodating in the week leading up to Hurricane Irma.

“I just appreciate (Brewer) for the communication we had all during the storm,” McPhee said.

“We were the last retailer to be open in Zephyrhills. We didn’t call the police department, but he came down there personally and sat with us for the last 30 minutes (we were open). It was comforting, and it was his leadership that made it comfortable,” McPhee added.

The lone councilman opposed to Brewer’s appointment was Ken Burgess, who suggested an outside hire to give the agency a “fresh look.”

The Zephyrhills City Council voted 4-1 in favor of Brewer at its Sept. 25 meeting, with councilman Ken Burgess the opposed vote.
(Courtesy of City of Zephyrhills)

“I felt that this was an opportune time to possibly look at things from a new philosophy and perspective,” Burgess, addressing the council, said.

“During this whole process, I gathered as much information as I could, and I spoke to a lot of individuals, both in and out of the law enforcement community on this important decision. In our current society, I believe our next chief will face challenges that previous chiefs probably never faced or had to deal with. He will need to have an access to a multitude of resources and a willingness to embrace them.”

Council vice president Lance Smith countered Burgess, pointing out the city’s previous outside hires for police chief failed in the past.

Smith mentioned by name former chiefs Russell Barnes — who resigned in 2008 after accusations he created a “flex time” policy that allowed employees to receive time off instead of overtime pay for extra hours worked — and Jerry Freeman— who resigned in 2003 after just nine months on the job, due to perceived questionable decisions and judgments.

Smith said, “We have gone outside before without much success. But, that’s one part of the equation to me. The other is seeing the way the employees respond to Derek. “I think he’s done a great job,” Smith said.

Once Brewer’s appointment became official, Burgess said he will support him “all the way through, because that’s what’s important for the city.”

Brewer will be sworn in at the city’s Oct. 9 council meeting.

Published Oct. 4, 2017

Zephyrhills sets tax rate, presents draft budget

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For the third straight year, the property tax rate will stay the same in Zephyrhills.

The Zephyrhills City Council voted to set the tentative millage rate at 6.35 mills.

Under state law, once a tentative millage rate has been set, the city cannot raise it before the start of the fiscal year, which begins Oct. 1. The council does, however, have the option to reduce the rate before then.

Based on the 6.35-millage rate, the total budget for the new fiscal year will be $16.8 million, across the city’s 10 departments. The Zephyrhills Police Department, among others, will see several equipment upgrades. The draft budget includes funding to purchase four new Ford Explorers (two K9 and two marked units), along with new firearms and Taser replacements. Other upgrades include new officer laptops and external police cameras, plus replacement air conditioning unit at the agency’s station. (File)

Public hearings on the proposed rate are scheduled Sept. 11 at 6 p.m., and Sept. 25 at 6 p.m., in the Zephyrhills Public Library meeting room, 5347 Eighth St.

City records show that maintaining a rate of 6.35 mills will generate about $3.91 million in property taxes, an increase of nearly $218,000 over last year. Those figures are based on the proposed total city property value of about $651 million.

In the 2014-2015 fiscal year, Zephyrhills’ tax rate was 6.1415 mills. But, two years ago, the council opted to raise the rate to 6.35 mills to “accommodate operational improvements.”

Based on the 6.35-millage rate, the total budget for the new fiscal year will be slightly more than $16.8 million across the city’s 10 departments.

The remaining money necessary for the 2017-2018 budget will come from other funding sources, including state revenues, franchise fees, utility fees and grants.

The Zephyrhills Police Department, among other departments, will see several equipment and operational upgrades.

The draft budget includes funding to purchase four new Ford Explorers (two K9 and two marked units), totaling $166,000, along with several new firearms ($23,000) and Taser replacements ($11,000).

Other upgrades include new officer laptops ($15,000) and external police cameras ($21,000), plus a $160,000 replacement air conditioning unit at the agency’s station.

Additionally, police overtime is increasing by about $20,000, to account for shift overtime and various training programs.

The Zephyrhills city council voted to set the tentative millage rate at 6.35 mills, the same figure set for the past three fiscal years.

The city’s parks department has several new digs coming their way, too.

Funds are earmarked for a new, $300,000 concession stand at Krusen Field, and Zephyr Park is slated to receive $150,000 in new playground equipment.

The department also is set to receive two replacement pickup trucks totaling $50,000 and a zero-turn lawnmower, worth $12,000.

As in prior years, the city plans to divvy out thousands of dollars in grants.

According to the draft budget, The Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce is slated to receive $50,000 from the city, while the East Pasco YMCA will receive $30,000. Sports youth leagues will receive $10,000, and Zephyrhills High School will receive $10,000 for scholarships.

Besides funding $30,000 for the Samaritan Project, the city also is working on budgeting water lines and service to Helping Rock, a homeless shelter on Forbes Road that provides 24-hour housing and is a resource for the Zephyrhills Police Department.

Other proposed budget items include:

  • A 3 percent increase in salaries and benefits for employees, at an additional cost of about $300,000.
  • A contingency fund of about $1.6 million, a decrease of $1.2 million from the current fiscal year — mainly due to funding for Tyler software, overages at the Jeffries House and costs for implementing employee pay increases.
  • Worker’s compensation is $245,000, an increase of about $30,000 from the previous year.
  • An increase to $770,000, up from $669,000, for casualty and property insurance.

The budget also includes a loan of more than $7 million for the construction of the new City Hall, which has been carried over from last year. The loan amount will be paid on an annual basis from Penny for Pasco revenues.

Another budget workshop is anticipated sometime in August to discuss, among other issues, costs and improvements to revitalize the former Hercules Park property, and to finalize a plan for the anticipated Sarah Vande Berg Tennis Center.

City staff is currently working on the tennis center’s design, as well as building construction costs.

According to City Manager Steve Spina, an early estimate of the building cost is $2.25 million, while court construction costs are anticipated to be $950,000, to be paid out of park impact fees by District of Abbot Station developer David Waronker. The city, meanwhile, still needs to enter into a contract to take ownership of the site and payment of the park impact fees for court construction.

Also of note: The Dade City Commission voted to set their tentative millage rate at 7.14 mills, the same figure set for the 2016-2017 fiscal year.

City records show that maintaining a rate of 7.14 mills will generate about $1.89 million in property taxes, an increase of $80,700 from last year.

Published August 2, 2017

Dade City Police gets a new K-9 team

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The Dade City Police Department has a new K-9 team — with Officer Kevin Burns and his new partner Tyke.

Burns is a 12-year veteran of the Dade City Police Department. He hit the streets with Tyke on June 5.

The city had operated nearly 15 months without a K-9 team.

The team was introduced to the public at the Dade City Commission meeting on June 13.

The tandem is fresh off a demanding 16-week training course in patrol procedures and tracking, sponsored by the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office.

Tyke is a 16-month-old German shepherd. Officer Kevin Burns, a 12-year veteran of the agency, is his partner. They hit the streets together on June 5, after a demanding 16-week training course.
(Courtesy of Dade City Police Department)

During the course, K-9s are trained to ascend obstacles, negotiate water bodies and follow their handler’s commands, among other tasks.

“It was a long 16 weeks of school — four months, 10-hour days, four days a week,” Burns said.

Tyke, a 16-month-old German shepherd, passed the state exam “with flying colors,” according to Dade City police chief Ray Velboom.

The new unit will become an integral part of the police department and the community, acting as a “force multiplier” capable of searching buildings and tracking suspects, missing children and vulnerable adults.

After a year on the beat, the K-9 unit will be sent to a narcotic detection school to receive dual-certification from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.

“Overall, he’s going to be a good tracking dog. He’s going to be good for the city here,” Burns said.

The K-9 unit also offers protection and safety assurances for the police force, Velboom said.

“I had somebody ask me why we needed a dog, and we happened to be in a bank building, and I said, ‘Well, put yourself in an officer’s shoes when it comes to this bank building at 3 a.m., and that door is wide open and the alarm is going off. Do you want to go in by yourself, or do you want to send something in that’s got a better sense of smell?”

Tyke, imported from Slovakia, cost about $9,000. Supplies and equipment costs — kennel, vests and leashes, among other items — totaled another $1,500.

Since a police dog wasn’t included in last year’s budget, the agency sought outside assistance.

The department received several thousand dollars in donations from a number of local organizations and businesses, including the Kiwanis Club, the Rotary Club and many private donors. It also led to the formation of the Dade City Police Foundation, a private 501c3 nonprofit organization.

“Because this dog was purchased through the generosity of the community, I want him to be much more visible to everyday citizens than teams in the past. He will not only be used on patrol, but will be seen interacting downtown and in the schools,” the police chief said.

For Burns, joining the K-9 unit and handling Tyke has been “life-changing.”

“We still have a lot to go and a lot further to see and do, but just in the four months that we’ve had training, he’s not only my partner, he’s an officer of Dade City and he’s a family member, too,” Burns explained.

“When he comes to work, he works. When he comes home, he’s a house dog — he lies down, relaxes, plays, whatever he needs to do. But, when he comes to work, he knows what to do,” the police officer said.

Even in a decade-plus law enforcement career as a patrol officer, Burns didn’t realize the undertaking of a K-9 team — from intensive training to daily tasks.

“Mentally, it’s challenging,” he said, “because you have to be able to read him.

Tyke gets up close and personal with Dade City council members. Tyke and his handler, Officer Kevin Burns, were formally introduced to the public on June 13.
(Kevin Weiss)

“He’s the one doing the work, we just train him. Learning how to read him, (the job) is probably 80 percent mental and probably 20 percent physical.”

Choosing Burns as Tyke’s partner was likewise arduous.

The police chief received a handful of applicants inside the department, and collaborated with the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office to conduct interviews, along with background checks, performance reviews, physical assessments and home assessments.

“It was a long, exhausting process,” Velboom said. “We wanted to make sure we had the right fit.”

“We sent a team out to his house…to make sure the family’s okay with it and the house is okay,” he added.

For over a year, the Dade City Police Department operated without its own K-9 unit.

Chris Stone, a 14-year law enforcement officer, and his K-9 partner, Ryko, worked together for eight years before retiring as a team in March 2016; Stone now works for Pasco County Fire Rescue.

Meantime, the agency received K-9 assistance from both the Pasco Sheriff’s Office and the Zephyrhills Police Department.

“The county provided a K-9 service for us whenever we needed it, but it’s always nice to have your own dog,” Velboom said.

Velboom acknowledged a second police dog could be added at some point, dependent on budget and fundraising efforts.

Police dogs are typically retired after nine or 10 years, due to hip issues.

“It’s a tough job — riding in a car for 12 hours a day, jumping out and running,” Velboom said.

Published June 21, 2017

Zephyrhills Police to have a changing of the guard

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Zephyrhills police chief David Shears is hanging up his uniform following 25 years of service.

His retirement, effective May 31, was announced during the Zephyrhills City Council May 8 meeting.

Zephyrhills police chief David Shears is retiring after 25 years of service. Shears has been the city’s police chief since 2008.
(Courtesy of City of Zephyrhills)

The council then unanimously approved City Manager Steve Spina’s appointment of Zephyrhills police Capt. Derek Brewer to interim chief, effective June 1.

The city now will undergo a hiring process—expected to take several months—to fill the position permanently.

Shears, now 54, had 16 years on the force when he replaced former chief Russell Barnes in 2008.

Barnes resigned after accusations he created a “flex time” policy that allowed employees to receive time off instead of overtime pay for extra hours worked.

Brewer, like Shears, is a longtime member of the Zephyrhills Police Department. Hired as a patrol officer in 2002, Brewer served as a field training officer, patrol sergeant and lieutenant, before his promotion to patrol captain in 2014.

Brewer, 44, earned an associate’s degree in criminal justice from Hillsborough Community College, and attended the senior leadership training program at the Southern Police Institute in Louisville, Kentucky and the Florida Police Chiefs executive leadership training in 2014.
He also is slated to graduate from the Command Officer Management Program and obtain a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Saint Leo University this year.

Zephyrhills police Capt. Derek Brewer has been appointed interim chief, effective June 1. He’s been on the force since 2002. In 2015, Brewer won the City of Zephyrhills Employee of the Year award.
(Courtesy of Zephyrhills Police Department)

Besides regular law enforcement duties, Brewer is a member of several committees and organizations: Transportation Exception Plan Committee; Pasco-Hernando State College Technical Advisory Committee; Pasco County Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Task Force; Zephyrhills Code Enforcement Task Force; Zephyrhills Police Department Homeless Initiative; Zephyrhills Site Plan Review Committee; Florida Police Chiefs Association; and, Noon Rotary Club of Zephyrhills.

Additionally, Brewer has received numerous honors during his 15-year law enforcement career, including:

  • Pasco County Crisis Intervention Team Officer of the Year (2010)
  • William B. Eiland Officer of the Year Award (2012)
  • Tampa Police Department Appreciation Award (2013)
  • City of Zephyrhills Employee of the Year Award (2015)

In March, Brewer outlined the city’s 2016 crime statistics to the Zephyrhills city council.
The report — generated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation — found overall crime and arrests decreased in Zephyrhills last year, but violent crime and domestic offenses went up.
According to the report, the city’s total crime rate, which incorporates violent and property offenses, decreased 4.7 percent in 2016.

The city of Zephyrhills will undergo a hiring process to permanently fill the police chief vacancy. The search is expected to take several months.
(File)

Violent crimes rose 3 percent (a total of 51 offenses), while property crimes fell 5.2 percent (a total of 879 offenses).
The report also revealed a significant jump in citywide domestic-related offenses.

Those incidents, which include simple battery and assault, skyrocketed 27.6 percent, with 125 actual offenses in 2016.
Total arrests, however, decreased 12 percent (832 total) in 2016.

At that meeting, Brewer indicated that Zephyrhills Police is taking a more proactive approach toward narcotics arrests, using a special response team for surveillance and intelligence gathering “to attack the problem at a broader level.”

He also said the department is looking to take “a stronger approach to domestic violence cases.”

Brewer noted that addressing code enforcement and the homeless rate within Zephyrhills are some of the department’s other major focuses.

Published May 24, 2017

Zephyrhills police chief applauds award winners

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The Zephyrhills Police Department has recognized its annual award recipients for 2016.

Police Chief David Shears recognized the department’s annual award recipients for 2016 Police Officer of the Year, Civilian of the Year and Volunteer of the Year during the City Council’s Feb. 13 meeting.

The department selected David Wainwright as the William R. Eiland Police Officer of the Year. Wainwright, a field training officer, has been with the department for 13 years.

From left: Mayor Gene Whitfield, Zephyrhills Police Department Field Training Officer David Wainwright and Zephyrhills Police Department Chief David Shears. Wainwright was awarded the department’s 2016 William R. Eiland Police Officer of the Year.
(Kevin Weiss)

Wainwright, who holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Saint Leo University, regularly performs as an acting sergeant.

“His decision-making skills are right on task,” Shears said.

The department also honored Building Maintenance Specialist Gene Rains as the department’s Civilian of the Year. Shears was especially complimentary of Rains, highlighting his “high level of professionalism, courtesy, efficiency and ability to perform his duties at ZPD.”

Shears added: “He brings a higher level of experience and work ethic to his position than would be normally be seen in his job classification, and is a great asset to the department. He is always willing to assist and handle any project, no matter how small or large the task.”

Eleanor Cooley, who’s been with the department since 2009, was selected as the department’s Volunteer of the Year. Cooley volunteered more than 105 hours “with a smile and positive attitude.”

“She interacts well with all age groups and enjoys helping others,” Shears said.

Department volunteers, the chief said, typically assist with fingerprinting, event supervision, public education, bicycle helmet fitting and literature distribution.

The nominations committee is chaired by Capt. Robert McKinney, and selections are signed off by Shears.

“I have to say this year my job was very easy,” Shears said.

Wainwright, Rains and Cooley also were recognized during the department’s annual award ceremony on Jan. 25 at the Elks Lodge.

Published Feb. 22 2017

Safeguarding seniors against scams

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Awareness is key in protecting yourself against scams, according to Florida’s Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater.

Atwater launched Operation SAFE (Stop Adult Financial Exploitation) in 2014 to help protect Florida’s elderly population from financial scams and fraud.

An Operation SAFE workshop, presented by the San Antonio Citizens Federal Credit Union, was held on Jan. 18 at Zephyrhills Cinema 10.

There, a group of mostly senior attendees learned about spotting fraudulent behavior, common scams that target seniors and ways to fight identity theft.

Savannah Sullivan, a communications specialist for the Florida Department of Financial Services (DFS), counseled the dozens in attendance to first be wary of odd behavior. She said seniors should tread carefully if someone is “becoming a little too friendly” or “shows up out of nowhere and wants to move in.”

During the presentation, Sullivan pointed out senior women, typically, are more vulnerable than their male counterparts to becoming a scam victim.

“A lot of women are a little more trusting, nurturing, caring, and may find themselves in a position where they want to help somebody more,” she explained.

Those attributes, Sullivan said, makes them particularly susceptible to what’s known as a romance scam.

In romance scams, a con artist pretends to have romantic intentions to gain affection and trust, often claiming to be from another country. The scam artist will then begin asking for money, claiming it’s for airplane tickets, medical bills or other expenses.

Those scams, Sullivan noted, are becoming more prevalent with the rise of online dating sites.

It’s also becoming one of the most costly.

Sullivan said romance scams wound up costing older Americans about $82 million in 2014; the average cost was over $100,000 per person.

“It really does wrap people in it,” Sullivan said, “because it uses that place where we are at our weakest — our hearts and our love connections.

“If they’re asking for money, and you haven’t met them, it’s a bad sign.”

The overall rate of scams against seniors is staggering.

According to the AARP, 80 percent of fraud victims are 50 and older.

Moreover, one out of every five adults, 65 years and older, has been the victim of a financial scam.

One explanation: seniors control about 70 percent of the disposable income in the United States.

“(Seniors) have so much control over the nation’s wealth,” Sullivan said, “and that is why scam artists are targeting them.”

Yet many scam artists, surprisingly, aren’t even strangers.

About 79 percent of scams against seniors over 65 occur by a family member, a DFS report shows.

“It’s important to keep in mind that sometimes it’s the people you least expect,” Sullivan explained. “It’s often the people who are closest around and may have access to personal financial information…”

Det. Bruce Cohen handles economic crimes for the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office.

He said many scammers claim to be an authentic government agency, such as the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), and then proceed to ask for payment via a prepaid debit card.

Requests for green dot cards, he said, are one vital clue to filtering out a scam.

“No legitimate business or government agency will tell you fill out a green dot card; if you hear that, it’s a scam,” Cohen said.

Cohen also instructed seniors to never place mail in mailboxes for pickup.

Doing so creates an easy opportunity for criminals to access financial statements, like credit card accounts and bank statements.

“If you’re going to deal with mail, go to the post office and drop it off at the post office box inside,” Cohen said. “The red (mailbox) flag is just an indication to all the thieves to steal your stuff.”

Seniors, too, should be wary of various intimidation scams, like the jury duty scam.

Fraudsters, posing as courthouse officials or police, telephone in claims that jury duty was missed.

Because of that, scammers threaten you’re going to be arrested, unless a fine is immediately paid.

“It’s a doubly whammy,” said Zephyrhills Police Sgt. Reginald Roberts. “You’ve given them money and your (personal) information.”

Roberts noted those types of scams have also become more frequent because of spoofing, a technique where scammers manipulate the Caller ID feature to masquerade as courthouses or law enforcement agencies.

“They’ll use official names. They’ll use the names of judges, the sheriff, the police chief,” Roberts explained.

He continued: “Caller ID was the gospel at one time, but nowadays, there’s just too many spoofing apps that you really can’t trust that.”

If you suspect a sham call, Roberts advised, “hang up and call the jury clerk.”

Unfortunately, Roberts said, these types of scams, along with other fraud schemes, are constantly getting tweaked and fine-tuned by criminals.

It makes law enforcement’s job even tougher, he said.

“These scams are going to change daily,” Roberts said. “They’re going to try to find a way to get better.”

Yet, experts agreed that knowing the telltale signs of scams and applying common sense can help to avoid getting caught up in a money-draining plot.

“Scam artists are using information that you don’t know,” Sullivan said. “They’re banking on you not knowing something.”

For more information, visit MyFloridaCFO.com.

Common tactics used by scam artists

  • Phantom riches: The scam artist will dangle the prospect of wealth, perhaps a guaranteed monthly income, if you purchase a certain product.
  • Source credibility: The scam artist will make it appear that his or her company is reputable, or that they have special credentials or experience.
  • Social consensus: The scam artist will want you to believe that people you may know already have invested or purchased the product, such as your neighbors, or well-known community leaders.
  • False affiliation: Similar to source credibility, the scam artist works for a company whose name gives the appearance that they are a part of, or affiliated with a senior advocacy group, such as AARP, or a government agency to gain your trust.
  • Sense of urgency: The scam artist will try to get you to buy now by saying the offer is extended only to the next 10 people who purchase today.

Red Flags

  • The person uses broken English and/or poor grammar during the interaction.
  • The person requests money or personal information.
  • A stranger tells you that he or she knows you.
  • The person makes threats that you will be arrested or will be forced to pay a penalty, if you don’t pay a fee.

Ways to avoid being scammed

  • Practice safe internet use.
  • Protect your Social Security number.
  • Destroy private records.
  • Secure your mail.
  • Check your credit report for suspicious activity.

Published February 8, 2017

 

Having fun, and learning, at the library

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There’s more than just books to check out

It won’t be long before school bells ring in a new year, but before they do, there’s still ample opportunity to have fun at local libraries during summer break.

Three-year-old Daniel Price uses his fingers as pretend binoculars, as he is shaded by a Tampa Bay Rays poster held by his grandmother, Paula Powell, of Zephyrhills. They were at the Zephyrhills Public Library standing outside, while Zephyrhills Police Department Patrol Officer Gio Marcacci gave people a chance to get a close look at his patrol car. (Fred Bellet/Photos)
Three-year-old Daniel Price uses his fingers as pretend binoculars, as he is shaded by a Tampa Bay Rays poster held by his grandmother, Paula Powell, of Zephyrhills. They were at the Zephyrhills Public Library standing outside, while Zephyrhills Police Department Patrol Officer Gio Marcacci gave people a chance to get a close look at his patrol car.
(Fred Bellet/Photos)

There also are plenty of ways — besides books — to learn at local libraries.

For instance, people who wanted to learn more about the work that police officers do had a chance to do that on June 22 when Gio Marcacci, a patrol officer from the Zephyrhills Police Department, dropped by the Zephyrhills Public Library to talk about his job.

Police officers do more than arrest criminals. They’re often involved in community events, too. In fact, Marcacci saved a child from choking during the Zephyrhills’ Founders Day Parade.

During his visit to the library at 5347 Eighth St., in Zephyrhills, the police officer showed parents and children his handgun, flashlight and Taser, and gave them a chance to check out his patrol car, while explaining the various features.

From left, seven-year-olds Eli Morel and Nicholas Purcell, both of Zephyrhills, listen to Zephyrhills Patrol Officer Gio Marcacci as he discusses the items in his utility belt. Four-year-old Noah Purcell sits on the lap of his mom, Nicole Purcell, of Zephyrhills, as he listens, too.
From left, seven-year-olds Eli Morel and Nicholas Purcell, both of Zephyrhills, listen to Zephyrhills Patrol Officer Gio Marcacci as he discusses the items in his utility belt. Four-year-old Noah Purcell sits on the lap of his mom, Nicole Purcell, of Zephyrhills, as he listens, too.

Another summer break may be nearly over, but there’s still fun to be had at various local libraries. Of course, the fun doesn’t stop when school resumes. Libraries always have interesting offerings for their patrons. Check out the websites for the Hillsborough County Public Library Cooperative (HCPLC.org) and the Pasco County Library Cooperative (PascoLibraries.org), and search for events, to get a better idea of what’s available. There are programs for people of all ages and interests.

Meanwhile, here’s a sampling of some coming events:

Land O’ Lakes Branch Library, 2818 Collier Parkway, Land O’ Lakes 34639

  • Join us to build some awesome projects with our new LEGO kits. For youths age 9 to 15. Call (813) 920-1214 to register. July 30, 10 a.m. to noon.

Hugh Embry Branch Library, 14215 Fourth St., Dade City 33523

  • Free food, Pictionary and Monopoly. For youths in grades eight through 12. July 27, 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.

 Austin Davis Library, 17808 Wayne Road, Odessa, 33556

  • Calling all pirates and princesses: Journey with us through games and crafts as we discover all things needed in our castle. For children in kindergarten through fifth grade. July 26, 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Leah’s Cartooning: Learn how to draw and color cartoons with local artist Leah Lopez. The library supplies the materials. For children in kindergarten through fifth grade. (Funded by the Friends of the Austin Davis Library). July 28, 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Jimmie B. Keel Regional Library, 2902 W. Bearss Ave., Tampa, 33618

  • Pilot a quadcopter: For ages 8 and older. Must register in person, one hour prior to event. (Funded by Friends of the Jimmie B. Keel Regional Library) July 26, 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
  • Fritzy Brothers One-Man Circus: Be entertained by juggling, unicycling and other circus activities. For children in kindergarten through fifth grade. (Funded by Friends of the Jimmie B. Keel Regional Library) July 29, 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

New Tampa Regional Library, 10001 Cross Creek Blvd., Tampa, 33647

  • Wonders of Nature: See the free-flying behaviors of raptors and parrots and learn about conservation. For children in kindergarten through fifth grade. (Funded by Friends of the New Tampa Regional Library) July 28, 11 a.m. to noon; and, also from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. the same day.

Lutz Branch Library, 101 W. Lutz Lake Fern Road, Lutz, 33548

  • Suds It Up: Learn how to make your own soap by choosing a mold that suits your style and adding your own fragrance and color. For youths in grades six through 12. (Funded by Friends of The Lutz Branch Library) July 25, from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Published July 20, 2016