The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Lutz since 1964 and Pasco since 1981.
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Zephyrhills Public Library

Show your local library some love

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Libraries provide so much more than a place to borrow a book, music and movies — they also provide a place to do research, a quiet space to study, exhibit art displays for local artists, provide hands-on activities and offer preservation services. These institutions are celebrated in February, designated as National Library Lover’s Month.

Libraries offer a variety of services. Check out a book, music or a movie, or take part in arts and crafts or virtual story times. Staff members of The Laker/Lutz News delve into some books and newspapers — just a small sampling of the types of materials that can be found at the local library. From left: Kelli Carmack, Diane Kortus, Mary Rathman and Katie Fernandez. (Kelli Carmack)

There are 9,225 public libraries across the United States, though may states have seen library closings, according to the American Library Association.

A struggling economy has cost libraries some funding, as some municipalities cannot afford to keep libraries open, while other establishments are taking steps to make libraries more popular in the digital age.

Many libraries have increased their offerings beyond traditional books to include free music and e-Book downloads, and free wireless internet connectivity. Services also can include hosting club meetings, increasing children’s programs, and offering DIY curbside-pickup crafts and virtual story times.

Here are several ways patrons can contribute to their local libraries:

  • Nominate your library as your community, school or corporate organization’s project for the year.
  • Buy your library a subscription to a popular magazine.
  • Honor a friend or relative’s birthday with a book for the library.
  • Donate a book (or a whole shelf of books) to the Friends of the Library book sale.
  • Remember your library in your estate planning.
  • Donate to your library’s foundation/friends group.
  • Give to the library through a company matching program for charitable giving.
  • Give the gift of a library card to a friend or loved one.
  • Volunteer to read stories to children or help with library visits, or to work at the library bookstore or book sale.
  • Attend local government meetings to urge city and county legislators to invest in libraries as a vital community resource and a necessary public service.

Pasco County libraries in The Laker coverage area include:

  • Hugh Embry Library, 14215 Fourth St., Dade City. Call 352-567-3576.
  • Land O’ Lakes Branch Library, 2818 Collier Parkway. Call 813-929-1214
  • New River Branch Library, 34043 State Road 54, Wesley Chapel (currently closed for renovations). Call 813-788-6375.
  • Zephyrhills Public Library, 5347 Eight St. Call 813-780-0064.

In Hillsborough County, libraries in the newspaper’s coverage area are:

  • Austin Davis Public Library, 17808 Wayne Road, Odessa.
  • Jimmie B. Keel Regional Library, 2902 W. Bearss Ave.
  • Lutz Branch Library, 101 Lutz-Lake Fern Road (temporarily closed)
  • New Tampa Regional Library, 10001 Cross Creek Blvd.

Contact Hillsborough libraries by calling 813-273-3652.

Proposal for design standards sparks debate

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A proposal to enact new design standards in the Zephyrhills Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) area has prompted debate.

On one hand, the design standards can promote across-the-board architectural and visual uniformity and compliance — to protect and enhance property values in the CRA.

On the other hand, if care isn’t taken, the standards can become cumbersome and expensive.

Those were some of the main points raised during the discussion of a proposed set of design standards that would apply to the CRA’s roughly 500-plus acre historic area, which encompasses the center spine of town.

The Zephyrhills Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) is considering implementing comprehensive design standards within its 500-acre historic district, relating to residential and commercial architecture, along with regulations pertaining to site access, circulation, parking, lighting, tree preservation and more. (Courtesy of City of Zephyrhills)

It’s an extensive undertaking.

Gail Hamilton, director of the CRA, has worked on the past few years, in conjunction with Kimley-Horn, a planning, design and engineering consulting firm.

An 83-page drafted document was presented last month to the Zephyrhills CRA Board, which is chaired by all five city council members and mayor.

It contains regulations outlined in specific detail that pertain to site access, circulation, parking, lighting, tree preservation. It also has various requirements related to residential and retail space — particularly up and down Gall Boulevard and along cross streets.

For example, it calls for all drive-thru restaurants and banks to have buffering in the form of fences, gates, hardscapes and streetscapes.

It also calls for new streetlights built on public or private property to be required to take on a distinct historical look similar to what’s seen along City Hall and the Zephyrhills Public Library — which is a decorative fixture with Florida Vernacular style and black finish. By contrast, cobra head and shoebox style fixtures on top of an aluminum light pole, which frequently are seen in big box store parking lots, would be prohibited.

Another goal calls for tree preservation and creating, or maintaining, canopied roads — which are characterized by limbs of large trees that provide a lush and shaded effect, overhead.

The document also outlines a number of other restrictions, such as limiting the number and size of business signs and prohibiting residential parking on the grass.

Kelley Klepper, a project manager for Kimley-Horn, emphasized the significance of establishing concrete design standards throughout the CRA.

“A good design is the starting point for a great community. You’ve got a lot of great bones here in the city, especially within the CRA,” Klepper said.

Firm standards will help create the community’s desired aesthetic, and create accountability among property and business owners, he added.

“We want to make sure what we’re talking about has some teeth, because ultimately the CRA is that key focal point within itself,” Klepper continued.

Ensuring any new streetlights within take on a Florida Vernacular historical look is one of the many objectives in the CRA’s proposed 83-page design standards document. The CRA Board tabled a decision on whether to approve the design standards within its 500-acre district during a meeting last month.

“A lot of times we hear guidelines, we hear overlays. A guideline is just that, it’s a guide. It’s not a, ‘Thou shall,’ it’s a, ‘Well, we’d really, really appreciate it if you could,’ and there’s no teeth to it,” Klepper said.

Hamilton said the CRA would offer various incentives and partnership opportunities to help new and existing properties get up to code.

She said she has spoken with multiple residential and commercial developers who did not object to the design standards. If anything, they’re encouraged, because it provides a roadmap and expectations for the city’s future plans, she said.

“Developers want to know that,” Hamilton said.

She also talked about the value of having design standards.

“Your investment is going to be protected, because the person next to you is going to have to do the same thing. Rising tides lift all boats….” Hamilton said.

The CRA board, however, wants more specifics before taking stand. It tabled the issue until it receives additional information.

Board vice president Alan Knight cautioned strongly against overregulation.

He pointed to The Villages in Sumter County as an example, referencing a recent hot-button case where a couple was sued by the community’s development district after placing a 1-foot cross on display in their front yard, therefore violating a “lawn ornament” deed compliance.

“Every time I roll this page, all I see is another rule and another rule and another rule, and I just don’t want us to get into the idea that we’re so many rules that we can’t expand,” Knight said.

Board member Charles Proctor expressed similar concerns .

“I just don’t want to be super restrictive,” Proctor said. “I understand, we don’t want a bunch of junk cars with no tags in people’s yards, but on the same hand, I just want to be cautious.”

Meanwhile, board member Lance Smith thinks design standards are necessary.

However, Smith added:  “I don’t want them to be too costly to the people. Believe me, I’m for ‘em, but we’ve got to be real careful.”

Hamilton said the design standards don’t contradict anything the city already has on the books with its form-based code and land development code.

The document helps organize all present city ordinances, with some additional expansions and clarifications, and multiple visual examples for better understanding, she said.

Hamilton also observed the standards are not as strict as seen in HOA/deed restricted communities, such as Silver Oaks. “They tell you certain things about what you can or cannot do with your property. I can assure you these are much less than those,” she said.

Klepper described the proposed standards as a “baby step” compared to what other municipalities have done with their respective historic districts.

The project manager mentioned some have gone so far as to regulating parking lot line colors or the font and lettering of business signage.

“We didn’t want to go anywhere near that,” Klepper said. “The document we have is not punitive; it’s not so many rules we can’t follow.”

He continued, “At the end of the day, what we’re trying to do is increase property values. If you maintain your property, if your neighbors maintain their property, what’s going to happen to the valuation of that neighborhood? It’s going to go up.”

But, the board said it wants to see an example of a commercial business or homeowner go through a mock review and submittal process. That will give them a better idea of how much time and expense the new standards will create for someone who is looking to buy or invest in the city, they said.

The Zephyrhills CRA is a dependent special district in which any future increases in property values are set aside in a Trust Fund to support economic development and redevelopment projects within the designated district.

Although it functions within the City of Zephyrhills, the Zephyrhills CRA is a separate and distinct legal entity.

The district generally spans from Hercules Park to C Avenue, and from Zephyr Park to 17th Street. Within those boundaries are the following historic neighborhood districts: Hercules, Historic Jeffries, Historic Abbott, Moore’s Estate, Zephyr Lake, Oakside and Plaza.

Published September 09, 2020

Zephyrhills CRA projects, initiatives on tap

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Amid the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the Zephyrhills Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) has managed to stay plenty busy.

In a virtual CRA board meeting last month, Zephyrhills CRA director Gail Hamilton outlined a number of tasks the agency has on its plate to beautify the 500-plus acre historic district that stretches through the center spine of the city.

Hamilton told the board: “We are in strange times, trying to do remote meetings and getting things done has certainly been a challenge, but everybody has pitched in and worked hard.”

The Zephyrhills CRA (Community Redevelopment Agency) district is roughly 500 acres, from Hercules Park to C Avenue, and from Zephyr Park to 17th Street. Within those boundaries are the following historic neighborhood districts: Hercules, Historic Jeffries, Historic Abbott, Moore’s Estate, Zephyr Lake, Oakside and Plaza. (Courtesy of Zephyrhills Community Redevelopment Agency)

More immediately, the CRA is in the final review of its sidewalk master plan and updating signage design standards in the district. It’s also collaborating with the Zephyrhills Public Library to redesign the agency’s website “to make it more appealing and easier to navigate,” Hamilton said.

Meantime, the CRA is working on a bid proposal for the final restoration of the historic Carriage House, a two-story wooden structure connected to the historic Jeffries House, at 38537 Fifth Ave. The city recently received architectural plans on the project that calls for a new balcony, footings and columns — with the idea the home’s restoration will contribute to the preservation of other buildings within the CRA district.

Another ongoing CRA initiative is reviewing its grant programs and the grant application process, “looking for ways to make it clearer, better, easier to read,” Hamilton said.

The CRA director added she’s working on providing information on a single sheet to better explain residential ownership grants, residential paint grants, and so on.

The idea is to make the process easier.

Hamilton also touched on other general projects the agency has on its to-do list, too.

She said the public works department is set to install flowerpots and other landscaping upgrades along Fifth Avenue, once it returns to its regular, fully staffed operations. (Public Works is presently in partially staffed, split shifts, due to the coronavirus pandemic.)

She also mentioned free, public Wi-Fi has been installed at Zephyrhills City Hall and the adjacent courtyard, but the amenity won’t be activated until large gatherings are deemed safe again.

Additionally, the agency has received three bids for public-use Wi-Fi at Clock Plaza, a half-acre park located on Fifth Avenue, two blocks east of U.S. 301 in the historic downtown district. The Wi-Fi at that location would support up to 100 users at a time, and will be presented at the next CRA board meeting scheduled for June 22.

Hamilton also is evaluating “four or five locations” in the CRA district that could be ripe for residential developments, such as duplexes and condo townhomes.

To do that, the CRA is working with consulting firm GAI Community Solutions Group to handle “proformas on the land and see how the numbers work out,” Hamilton said. “We would like to really promote some of the city sites and other sites that are privately owned within the district, to try to encourage residential development,” she said of the plan.

Meanwhile, the CRA director is finalizing the job description for the Main Street Zephyrhills coordinator position and meeting with Main Street board members on how to best proceed with the organization — following the recent resignation of Anna Stutzriem, who held the role for more than two years.

Main Street Zephyrhills is a 501c3 nonprofit that generally facilitates new business and organizes large events within the historic downtown district.

Hamilton underscored the importance of having a new Main Street coordinator and action plan in place once storefronts and downtown activity is fully operational again, for whenever the COVID-19 pandemic blows over.

The Zephyrhills Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) has many projects and initiatives on tap over the next several months. (File)

She observed, “When we can open back up, when the stores can open back up, Main Street needs to be up and running and working on promoting the city, our merchants, the businesses, and really doing a full press on creating a promotional for events…to get people to come downtown and use our businesses.”

Elsewhere, Hamilton presented the CRA’s 2019 annual report, which showed a notable increase in ad valorem revenues collected by the city and Pasco County. For fiscal year 2019, the county’s share was $107,238 and the city’s share was $89,510. That’s up from 2018, when the county and city generated $36,000 apiece in ad valorem taxes in the district.

To Hamilton that means the agency is “seeing the fruits of our labor in working on redevelopment for the CRA district and taking out the blight.”

In other business, the CRA board approved the following grants/incentives:

  • $5,000 matching façade rehabilitation grant to Faithful Friends Pet Cremation, 5221 Eighth St.
  • $5,500 historic preservation developer’s incentive to Kerns Family Construction for the restoration of a 1928 wood frame structure at 5524 11th St.

The Zephyrhills CRA is a dependent special district in which any future increases in property values are set aside in a Trust Fund to support economic development and redevelopment projects within the designated district. Although it functions within the City of Zephyrhills, the Zephyrhills CRA is a separate and distinct legal entity. The Zephyrhills City Council also serves as the appointed board governing the Zephyrhills CRA.

The CRA district encompasses the center spine of the city, generally between Hercules Park to C Avenue, and from Zephyr Park to 17th Street. Within those boundaries are the following historic neighborhood districts: Hercules, Historic Jeffries, Historic Abbott, Moore’s Estate, Zephyr Lake, Oakside and Plaza.

Published May 13, 2020

East Pasco municipalities declare local states of emergency

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Responding to concerns about coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) , the City of Zephyrhills passed a resolution declaring a local state of emergency — taking steps to implement protocols suggested by state and federal agencies.

The City of Zephyrhills declared a local state of emergency on March 17, in response to coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19). It must be renewed every seven days, or it expires. (File)

The measure allows Zephyrhills flexibility to act quickly, if needed. However, its primary purpose is to allow the city to seek future reimbursement for costs incurred as it deals with the coronavirus outbreak.

It also results in several temporary changes in city services, including some cancellations and postponements, among other measures.

The motion passed unanimously be Zephyrhills City Council on March 17. It must be renewed or updated every seven days, or it expires.

Per the plan:

  • Any city employee traveling on a cruise or traveling out of the country must self-isolate for 14 days before returning to work; sick time will be charged.
  • Council chambers will be utilized only for essential meetings, such as city council meetings.
  • City staff is sending emails and messages to utility customers, encouraging them to pay their bills online.
  • Zephyrhills Fire Rescue has purchased gloves for all departments, and gloves and mask for the city’s fire and police departments.
  • City staff will begin to utilize FEMA 214 forms to track time, purchases, use of equipment, and use of vehicles as it relates to the city’s COVID-19 preparation and response.

Additionally, the Zephyrhills Public Library is closed to the public and has suspended all other programs until further notice. However, library staff have developed a drive-thru service for citizens to place a hold on a book and book checkout.

All rentals for the Alice Hall Community Center, Wickstrom Stage and Zephyrhills Train Depot Museum have been canceled at least through March, and likely April.

Events such as the March 28 Snowbird Palooza and April 25 Touch-A-Truck also have been canceled.

Zephyrhills City Manager Billy Poe underscored the need for such measures: “It’s a very real possibility that it could get so bad that there is a mandatory shutdown of the state or the nation, but we’re not to that point, yet. Can it happen? Yeah, I think it could. I hope it doesn’t, but we’re preparing, trying to think of those things now, so that if it does happen, we have an action plan that we can activate.”

The Zephyrhills Police Department has been actively visiting bars, restaurants and other establishments, making sure their they’re aware and compliant with tighter state-issued regulations guidelines, due to the coronavirus outbreak. (Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis on March 17 ordered all bars and nightclubs to shut down for 30 days). He also ordered restaurants to close down dining rooms.

“It seems like a lot of them are emptying out on their own, but we’re going to continue to still make sure they’re following those orders,” Police Chief Derek Brewer said.

Establishments that do not comply will be referred to the “appropriate state agency” for review and possible action, such as license suspensions, Brewer said.

The Zephyrhills Municipal Airport will continue to operate as usual, still providing fixed-base operator services. But, the airport may at some point switch to a “self-service” model, where planes would be able to take off and land, but all fueling would be done by the pilot and not airport staff; the airport’s fuel pump has a credit card swipe for purchases.

The City of Dade City declared a local state of emergency March 16.

The airport would close if the FAA enacts a no-fly policy.

City staff is “continuing to monitor the airport and surrounding (general aviation airports) in the area,” Poe said.

Meantime, city leaders are actively discussing the possibility of having non-essential staff telecommute, or work from home — something the city has the technological capability to do.

Dade City declares local state of emergency
Similar to Zephyrhills, the City of Dade City also declared a local state of emergency after a motion passed by the Dade City Commission on March 16.

As part of the measure:

  • Non-essential meetings are postponed.
  • City commission agendas will be limited to essential items.
  • City parks remain open to the public, but facility rentals and special events are canceled, including the City Market Place scheduled for April 4. Staff will not process special events permits or park reservations through April.
  • Residents are encourages to mail or pay their water bill online. Non-payment turn-offs are temporarily suspended.
  • For building permit and inspection services, the city is encouraging online permitting and either calling or emailing staff members with questions. All notary services are suspended until further notice, except for city-issued permits.

• The Dade City Police Department has suspended all fingerprinting services and canceled on-site meetings and tours.

Published March 25, 2020

Zephyrhills opens doors to new City Hall

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The brand-new Zephyrhills City Hall has been in operation since October — but local residents and dignitaries got an up-close view of the digs during a Nov. 27 open house and ribbon-cutting ceremony.

At 19,000 square feet, the $6.2 million building represents a major upgrade to the former City Hall facility, which was 11,000 square feet and was built in the 1950s.

The new $6.2 million Zephyrhills City Hall is more than 19,000 square feet. The two-story building is located at 5335 Eighth St. (Kevin Weiss)

The two-story building, at 5335 Eighth St., has a modernized brick and stone exterior, and is accented with a fountain and courtyard plaza.

The interior has a similar majestic feel.

On the whole, the new City Hall features more open workspaces and multifunctional meeting rooms, which can flexibly be used to accommodate public events.

The first floor is spotlighted by its sizable council chambers — outfitted with high ceilings, large windows and modern decor. It seats up to 80 people and is equipped with large flat-screen televisions to help attendees see presentations.

Also on the first floor, is a large main lobby and a sizable reception area, for those waiting to meet with the city’s utility, building and planning departments.

Much of the second floor features administration and IT office spaces, as well as a conference room and break room. Several of the second floor spaces are double-door rooms, which may later be converted to more offices as the city grows.

Technology is another a significant feature in the facility. It has automatic lighting and upgraded thermostats, as well as security cameras and access-control keypads. Meeting rooms are equipped with Smart TVs that are integrated with office computers for greater efficiency and planning purposes.

Multiple restrooms, stairwells and an elevator are some other noted features.

City officials expressed excitement about the City Hall during the open house event.

The new Zephyrhills City Hall was christened with a Nov. 27 open house and ribbon-cutting ceremony.

“This is a beautiful facility,” Zephyrhills Mayor Gene Whitfield said. “The first thing I thought of when I came in after it was finished was, ‘Wow!’”

He added: “We’re very proud of it and very proud we could do this for our citizens. It’s their building. It fits our community, and we’re really proud of that and we’re proud to have the honor of serving the community.”

Zephyrhills City Council president Lance Smith was enthusiastic about the building, too. He noted the former City Hall felt “kind of like a dungeon.”

“It was well past time we needed this new building,” Smith said. “It’s just a beautiful building, and I think that’s what a public structure should be — it should be something that everybody’s proud of and it’s to be used by the community.”

Smith also took time to encourage more residents to utilize the council chambers to host meetings, events and other activities. “I just want everybody to use this. …Instead of being used once every two weeks, I want to see that thing used,” he said.

Fellow City Council member Jodi Wilkeson expressed these sentiments, regarding the new City Hall: “I believe in my heart that the people who hold this city together — the workers— they deserve a structure like this, as do the citizens of our community.”

The City Hall project was designed and built by Harvard Jolly and A.D. Morgan.

It took more than a year to build the facility after the old City Hall was demolished last September. During construction, Zephyrhills staffers worked from the city’s old police station on Ninth Street, while City Council meetings were held at the Zephyrhills Public Library.

Assistant City Clerk Jessica Carter remembers her co-workers being elated to finally move into the new City Hall on Oct. 8.

“That was a day we were all looking forward to. We didn’t mind coming into work that Monday,” Carter said with a chuckle.

Though pleased with the entire facility, Carter noted the break room, of course, is a favorite among city employees, herself included.

Said Carter: “It’s a happening place; lots of counter spaces.

“I don’t know if anybody saw the old City Hall, but our break room was more like a closet with a refrigerator, so this is definitely a huge upgrade,” she added.

The new building is still undergoing a few final finishing touches, according to Public Works Director Shane LeBlanc. Those include correcting minor painting flaws, window treatments and other punch list items. Work is also being done on the courtyard fountain and an additional parking lot, which is expected to be finished by January.

Published December 5, 2018

If you enjoy eating and reading, this club is for you

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They came in carrying plates, casserole dishes and plastic containers holding an assortment of food — inspired by books they had read.

One brought in a chocolate cake, inspired by “The Help.”

Another brought a platter of corn dogs and a bottle of lemonade — an homage to “State Fair.”

John Flack and Debbie Lopez serve themselves some of the goodies that members of the Zephyrhills Library’s Cookbook Club brought to the January meeting. (B.C. Manion)

A third had a plate of chocolate chip cookies, a tip of the hat to “Murder She Baked: A Chocolate Chip Cookie Mystery.”

There were other items, too, including a casserole of bread pudding, a butterscotch cake, and a container of spring rolls.

As they arrived, members of the Cookbook Club at Zephyrhills Public Library began chatting, as if they’d just seen each other the day before — even though the club only meets once a month.

And, they wasted little time in getting themselves down to the business — and pleasure — of tasting each other’s offerings.

The club, formed slightly over a year ago, was the idea of Andi Figart, the library’s former director.

Club meetings are on the fourth Wednesday of the month, from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m., in the community meeting room at the library, 5347 Eighth St., in Zephyrhills. (Please note, the time sometimes changes, so it’s a good idea to call ahead).

Essentially, it’s a club made up of people who enjoy reading and cooking, or at the very least enjoy sampling different foods.

Each month, the club convenes and club members share food they have made, or have purchased, to reflect a particular theme they selected during the previous gathering.

January’s theme for the Zephyrhills Public Library’s Cookbook Club was recipes inspired by books you have read.

In January, for instance, the theme was foods based on books that members have read.

For February, club members chose a “Red, White and Blue” theme, so they’ll bring foods reflecting those three colors.

Generally, around a half-dozen or so club members come to the meeting.

There are no culinary or literary credentials needed to belong to this club.

Club members said they welcome anyone who would like to join them.

Dave Domino, who acknowledges he’s not a cook, comes regularly, with a container of freshly cooked spring rolls.

He shared his recipe for the spring rolls once: “Go over to Best Thai. You put out your credit card and you bring them (spring rolls) back here.”

Domino said the sessions are a great way for the community to use the library. It also gives library patrons a chance to mingle with library staff, he said.

“Everybody’s nice,” added Diana Flack, a club regular, who was there with her husband, John.

This bread pudding casserole was inspired by The Outlander books by Diana Galbadon.

Club members said they enjoy socializing and sharing their food.

“It’s fun,” Flack said. Plus, she picks up some good recipes.

“Somebody made a really awesome enchilada casserole, and I got that recipe and I made it last night, actually. I make it a couple of times a month,” she said.

Over the months, the club has had Italian, chocolate, Greek and vegan themes, to name a few.

“We’ll have to do Portuguese sometime,” Flack said. “I make a wicked Portuguese kale soup.

“A lot of my friends I went to school with were Portuguese.”

Allyson Schmitt, who has been a member for about six months, came up with the idea for January’s theme. She made a butterscotch cake, inspired by the Butterbeer in the Harry Potter series of books.

People share recipes they have from a variety of sources, said Debbie Lopez, senior circulation clerk at the library. Some bring in recipes from their personal cookbooks, or that they have found online. Some find recipes in cookbooks at the library, too, she said.

For more information about the club or other library activities, call (813) 780-0064.

Zephyrhills Public Library Cookbook Club
Where: The Zephyrhills Public Library, 5347 Eighth St., in Zephyrhills
When: Fourth Wednesday of the month, 12:30 p.m. (but, call ahead to make sure there hasn’t been a change in schedule)
Details: This group meets once a month to share their love of reading and eating. They bring dishes to share, based on a specific theme.
Cost: Attendance is free; participants are asked to bring a dish to share
Info: Call the Zephyrhills Public Library for more information, at (813) 780-0064

Published February 21, 2018

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

Explore your inner artist on Tuesday afternoons

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If you enjoy the act of creation, the Art in the Afternoon program at Zephyrhills Public Library may help you fulfill that urge.

Artist Bill Bellgraph, of Zephyrhills, works on a seascape scene, using acrylic paint. His artworks are displayed prominently in the room in this month’s exhibit.
(Fred Bellet)

The program welcomes art enthusiasts of all levels.

It’s a great way for artists to share their knowledge and mingle with other creative spirits.

Budding artists can learn techniques from those with more experience.

Artists should bring their own supplies and join those who enjoy sharing their time and talents.

The group meets at the library, at 4347 Eighth St., on Tuesdays, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Jiafu Li, of Zephyrhills, works with calligraphy and uses soft but bold strokes, as she creates characters for her bamboo tree picture.

This is just one of many programs offered at the library, said Peggy Panak, the library’s acting director.

The events calendar shows a wide range of programs offered throughout the month, including help with career searches, gardening, crafts, cooking, good health and other topics.

The library’s hours are Tuesday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.; and Saturday, 9 a.m. to noon.

To find out more about what this branch offers, go to PascoLibraries.org, and search the events calendar for the Zephyrhills branch.

Published July 5, 2017

 

 

Using washable markers as his means for drawing, David Milam, of Zephyrhills, tries his hand at copying calendar art.
A look at Marian Gilbert’s detail work on her pastel sketch of a stallion.

National parks offer lessons in life, history

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The nation’s history is recorded in books and taught in classrooms — but, author Penny Musco recommends another path of discovery.

She suggests that you visit as many of the 417 properties in the U.S. National Parks Services as possible.

That list includes 59 parks, 87 monuments, 15 rivers, three scenic trails, four battlefield parks, 11 battlefields, 78 historic sites, and thousands of recreational areas.

Musco, who lives in Sarasota, summed it up like this: “It’s our history.”

Sarasota resident Penny Musco was guest lecturer at the Zephyrhills Public Library, where she discussed her book, ‘Life Lessons from the National Parks: Meeting God in America’s Most Glorious Places.’
(Kathy Steele)

She went on to say, “sometimes it’s more interesting to learn our history when you’re somewhere history occurred rather than in a classroom. That’s what makes it come alive.”

Musco is author of “Life Lessons from the National Parks: Meeting God in America’s Most Glorious Places.”

She was guest lecturer at the Zephyrhills Public Library on April 19.

She also is a former artist-in-residence for the National Park Service.

She spent six weeks in Nebraska researching the “exodusters,” blacks who migrated to Kansas and other states west of the Mississippi River after the Civil War. The Homestead Act of 1862 provided land grants of 160 acres to all Americans, including former slaves and women.

During her residency, Musco wrote “Steal Away,” a one-woman show on homesteaders and exodusters. She occasionally performs at events for Black History Month or Women’s History Month.

She wrote her book in 2016 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the National Park Service.

The variety of properties operated by the park service often surprises people, who tend to only think of the national parks, such as the Grand Canyon or Yosemite.

There are many other properties to visit that are less widely known, Musco said.

For instance, the national historic site commemorating the Supreme Court desegregation decision in Brown v. Board of Education is in Topeka, Kansas.

“It has a lot of multi-media. It’s a really good place to go,” she said.

Another plus? The site is free, Musco said.

Another free attraction — which was the country’s most visited park property in 2016 — is the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco.

About 15.6 million people visit that each year, Musco said.

The Grand Canyon ranks No. 8 for most visitors; Yosemite, No. 12; and the Lincoln Memorial, No. 6.

The Blue Ridge Parkway – No. 2 in visitors – follows a scenic route for more than 400 miles through the Shenandoah National Park within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

The Smoky Mountains became a national park in the 1930s — as automobiles became a popular mode of travel.

Park service officials wanted to have a national park located in a populated area, unlike the western parks that had far fewer, if any, residents.

“Most Americans wanted to go somewhere in their automobiles,” Musco said.

Donations from the states of Tennessee and North Carolina, average citizens, and John D. Rockefeller Jr., helped buy the land. The park’s creation came with controversy, as about 1,200 people were displaced.

“People lived in the hollers in the Great Smokies,” Musco said.

About 70 log-built structures remain.

Today, the Great Smoky Mountains is the largest protected land area east of the Rocky Mountains.

In Florida, a popular spot is the Hernando de Soto National Memorial, near the Sarasota-Bradenton airport. The site marks the spot where the Spanish explorer came ashore in Tampa Bay in 1539.

The Dry Tortugas National Park is an island fortress south of the Florida Keys, accessible by ferry or seaplane. Dr. Samuel Mudd, convicted as a conspirator in the assassination of Abraham Lincoln, served time on the island until his pardon in 1869.

Musco said Cuban refugees fleeing Castro would sail small boats to the island to seek asylum in the closest place to mainland United States.

It is one of the least visited parks but, Musco said, “It’s architecturally a magnificent place. The aquatic life is beautiful. It’s an all-day adventure.”

Her personal favorite is the Grand Canyon.

“It is so immense and so hard to wrap your mind around the scale,” she said.

Musco also loves the opportunities for free or reduced cost passes issued by the park service.

Seniors age 62 and older qualify for $10 lifetime passes. (There is a proposal to increase that fee to $80). Free passes are available to military; permanently disabled; and, fourth graders (age 10) and their families from Sept. 1 through Aug. 31.

Parks also are free on President’s Day, Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday and on Aug. 25 for the National Park Service’s birthday.

For information on parks, visit NPS.gov.

For information on Musco, visit PennyMusco.com.

Published May 10, 2017

Zephyrhills’ police unveil city’s crime statistics

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A report generated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation finds overall crime and arrests decreased in Zephyrhills last year, but violent crime and domestic offenses went up.

Zephyrhills police Capt. Derek Brewer presented the city’s 2016 uniform crime statistics, during a March 27 city council meeting.

The figures were generated through the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting Program (UCR), which the police department reports to semi-annually, to provide a useful barometer for addressing crimes citywide.

The city’s total crime rate, which incorporates violent and property offenses, decreased 4.7 percent in 2016, the report shows.

Violent crimes rose 3 percent (a total of 51 offenses). Property crimes fell 5.2 percent (a total of 879 offenses).

Among property crimes, the city saw the largest decrease in burglaries and motor vehicle thefts. Burglaries were down 19.6 percent (86 actual offenses), and motor vehicle thefts were down 16 percent (21 actual offenses), in 2016.

Meanwhile, the uptick in violent crimes, Brewer said, is oftentimes attributed to narcotics offenses. (In the UCR Program, violent crime is composed of four offenses: murder and non-negligent manslaughter, forcible rape, robbery, and aggravated assault.)

To address the issue, Brewer noted the police department is taking a proactive approach toward narcotics arrests, using a special response team for surveillance and intelligence gathering “to attack the problem at a broader level.”

“We’re going to focus on getting search warrants, as opposed to just controlled, street-level offenses, hoping that we get the bigger fish as opposed to the small ones,” Brewer explained.

The most staggering figure from the crime report, perhaps, is the jump in citywide domestic-related offenses.

Those incidents, which include simple battery and assault, skyrocketed 27.6 percent, with 125 actual offenses in 2016.

To tackle that problem, the police department has begun collaborating with Sunrise Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault Center, based in Dade City.

Both groups are working together to “break the cycle” of domestic incidents, via education and awareness efforts.

“We’re hoping to take a stronger approach to domestic violence cases,” Brewer said.

Besides crime rates, total arrests decreased 12 percent (832 total) in 2016.

Brewer pointed out the department, instead, placed a greater emphasis on reducing property crime and drug offenses, and working on code enforcement and the city’s homeless initiative.

Those arenas, Brewer said, “took away from some of the focus on the actual arrests.”

Following the presentation, councilman Charles Proctor expressed his support for the Zephyrhills police department, particularly for its ongoing initiative to combat narcotics-related offenses.

“I am excited…that we are getting into a more active, gathering intelligence about the drugs. That’s been a pet peeve of mine for a long time, and I believe that we’re making great strides in the area,” Proctor said. “I believe that will definitely help lower the crime rate, if we can get rid of (drug usage) going on in the community.”

Meantime, the city’s police force remains understaffed.

The department currently has three unfilled positions, including a detective vacancy.

In other business, City Manager Steve Spina suggested that regular city council meetings be held in the Zephyrhills Public Library’s conference room, once the current city hall is demolished and city staff takes up temporary quarters in the former police station.

Meetings were originally planned for the Alice Hall Community Center, 38116 Fifth Ave. But, Spina noted the library conference room is already wired for audio-visual capabilities and offers a more ideal sound system, Spina said.

Council members unanimously supported Spina’s suggestion.

Construction is slated to begin in June on a new City Hall complex, replacing the existing building, at 5335 Eighth St.

Council meetings will likely begin in the library this summer.

Published April 12, 2017