The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Local News

Early voting ramping up in Pasco and Hillsborough counties

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Early voting has kicked off in Hillsborough County and is scheduled to begin soon in Pasco County.

Voters who want to cast their ballot in advance of Primary Election Day on Aug. 23 can choose from a number of locations within the county where they live.

This is what the early voting booths look like in Hillsborough County. (Courtesy of the Hillsborough County Supervisor of Elections Office)

Other voting options include casting a ballot-by-mail or heading to the voter’s assigned polling place within their precinct on Primary Election Day.

Both Brian Corley, supervisor of elections in Pasco County, and Craig Latimer, supervisor of elections in Hillsborough County, said they haven’t experienced any problems attracting poll workers and other personnel during this election season.

“That was a huge concern I had going into the 2022 cycle,” Corley said, citing national reports of poll workers being hassled in other localities.

The Pasco elections official continued: “Whenever we have orientations with prospective poll workers, I’ll ask: Why do you want to be a poll worker?”

Many of the poll workers are volunteers who tell Corley they want to give back.

“They’ll say, I had a good career, I want to give back.

“Younger people just want to (be a poll worker), for the love of country and democracy, and the county, quite honestly.

“It just blows my mind that people step up and do that. It’s a tough job, but we’re blessed to have such a loyal group of hardworking folks,” Corley said.

Latimer said his operation is ready, too.

“We are well-staffed,” he said.

“People can still apply on our website to be poll workers. They may go on a standby list,” Latimer said.

But he noted, those on the standby list could be called upon, if someone drops out. Plus, they’ll be gearing up for the General Election, in November.

Corley noted: “We had an excess, what we call our alternates —  in the bullpen, as we say, but just yesterday, one of my chief deputies reached out: ‘We’re losing some.’”

The top reason for poll workers dropping out is because of COVID, Corley said.

Anyone wanting to learn more about applying to work during the Election 2022 season in Pasco should call 800-851-8754, Corley said. The pay rates vary, based on position.

To find out more about voting in Pasco County, visit PascoVotes.gov; in Hillsborough County, visit VoteHillsborough.gov.

Early Voting*
Pasco County: Early voting in Pasco County starts Aug. 13 and runs through Aug. 20. Hours are from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Early voting sites:

  • Alice Hall Community Center, 38116 Fifth Ave., Zephyrhills
  • East Pasco Government Center, 14236 Sixth St., Dade City
  • Land O’ Lakes Recreation Complex, 3032 Collier Parkway, Land O’ Lakes
  • New River Library, 34043 State Road 54, Wesley Chapel
  • Pasco County Utilities Administration Building, 19420 Central Blvd., Land O’ Lakes
  • Wesley Chapel District Park, 7727 Boyette Road, Wesley Chapel
  • Wiregrass Ranch Sports Complex, 3021 Sports Coast Way, Wesley Chapel

Hillsborough County: Early voting in Hillsborough County began Aug. 8 and will end Aug. 21. Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Early voting sites:

  • Jimmie B. Keel Regional Library, 2902 W. Bearss Ave., Tampa
  • Keystone Recreation Center, 17928 Gunn Highway, Odessa
  • New Tampa Regional Library, 10001 Cross Creek Blvd., Tampa
  • Northdale Recreation Center, 15550 Spring Hill Drive, Tampa
  • University Area Community Center, 14013 N. 22nd St., Tampa

* These Early Voting locations are in, or near, The Laker/Lutz News coverage area.

Source: The websites of the Pasco County Supervisor of Elections and Hillsborough County Supervision of Elections offices.

What to bring to the voting site
Please bring one or two forms of identification that include your signature and photo. Without proper identification, you may still vote a provisional ballot, which will later be evaluated by a canvassing board for eligibility. Any of the following forms of photo identification are acceptable:

  • Florida Driver License
  • Florida ID Card issued by the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles
  • U.S. Passport
  • Debit or Credit Card
  • Military ID
  • Student ID
  • Retirement Center ID
  • Neighborhood Association ID
  • Public Assistance ID
  • Veteran Health ID (issued by VA)
  • Concealed Weapon License (issued pursuant to s. 790.06)
  • Government Employee ID (If your photo ID does not include your signature, you will be asked to provide another ID that has your signature.)

You also should bring your sample ballot to the polling place with notes on how you plan to vote. By making your voting decisions before going to the polling place, you help keep the lines down.

Source: Hillsborough County Supervisor of Elections Office

Published August 10, 2022

Don’t rubberstamp projects, planning board member says

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Jon Moody, who has returned to serve on the Pasco County Planning Commission for a second time, has noticed some things he’d like to see change.

Moody was sworn-in on July 7 to fill a vacant seat. He previously served on the board from January 2007 to November 2013.

When the planning board met Aug. 5, Moody raised some issues for discussion with his colleagues and Pasco County’s staff.

He said he’s noticed “that the consent agenda has changed a lot, since I last occupied this seat.”

The consent agenda contains a number of items that the board votes on in a single action, without discussion. Items are placed on the consent agenda when they are considered to be non-controversial because no one has come forward to object or raise questions.

“I’m frankly shocked that I see large-scale comprehensive plan amendments; 3,000-acre projects; 800-home subdivisions; 1,600-home subdivisions — all slide through on the consent agenda,” Moody said.

“In my mind, the consent agenda is for Mrs. Jones’ 5-foot variance for her shed, not for us just to rubberstamp a 1,000 homes here, a 1,000 homes there,” Moody added.

His comment drew applause from the audience.

“That needs to change,” Moody said. “I’m just going to sit up here and pull them off, and we’re going to hear them.”

He also cited an application that was on the agenda that day, which was for a request on the west side of the county — even though the planning board meeting was in Dade City.

Both the planning board and the Pasco County Commission alternate their meetings between the Historic Pasco County Courthouse in Dade City and the government center in New Port Richey.

In the past, applications were heard at the meeting place closest to the site in question.

Chief Assistant County Attorney David Goldstein said: “The old, old policy, called the (former County Administrator) John Gallagher policy — maybe when Mr. Moody was here — was that anything on the east side of the county had to be heard on the east side; anything on the west side of the county had to be heard on the west side.

“There was no deviation from that.

“The more current county administrator (former County Administrator Dan Biles) relaxed that policy. If there was no opposition to the item, it could be heard on either side of the county.”

Brad Tippin, the county’s development manager explained: “The reason why that change was made was it was due to the volume of submittals.”

“A directive was given to us to do the first available hearing after we’re ready to go, unless there is some form of opposition. That was done to try to improve the processing time, due to the volume of stuff that is happening in the county right now.”

Tippin also noted that another part of the rationale is that anyone who wants to participate in any public meeting can do so, remotely, through the county’s WebEx system.

Planning Commissioner Peter Hanzel also weighed in, noting that when the staff schedule applications, it should consider not just distance from the meeting place, but also driving time.

For instance, it takes about 40 minutes for people in Central Pasco to get to Dade City, compared to about 75 minutes for them to get to New Port Richey, Hanzel said.

Moody also raised a question about public notice requirements for requests to amend the county’s comprehensive plan.

Nectarios Pittos, the county’s planning and development director, told Moody: “Comp plan amendments are noticed in the newspaper, per state statute requirements at this time.

“But we have identified an update that needs to be made to our land development code to align the notification requirements and make them similar to (master-planned unit development) notification requirements.”

Moody then asked: “How far around the perimeter of the MPUD are the notification requirements?”

Denise Hernandez, county zoning administrator, told Moody that the notification requirements vary by land use. In essence, notice must be given within 1,000 feet for properties designated for agricultural (AG), agricultural residential (AGR) and residential, one home per acre (Res-1).

For property designated for three houses per acre (Res-3) and above, the notice requirement is 500 feet, she said.

Moody asked: “Why is the notification requirement less, if the development is more intense?”

Hernandez: “If you look at the logic, it’s because the AG, AGR — those are larger pieces of property, so you’ll pick up more people, if you do the 1,000 feet.

“Typically, those properties, AG or AGR, are 5 acres, 10 acres, 20 acres, 40 acres. That’s why the notice is 1,000 feet,” Hernandez explained.

Goldstein added: “That’s why staff requires the posting of signs, because signs are supposed to be the notice to anybody that lives beyond those radiuses.”

Published August 10, 2022

Helping monarchs is even more important now

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News of the addition of the monarch butterflies to the “endangered” species list has caught the attention of the Dade City Garden Club.

The garden club is the group that spearheaded efforts that led to Dade City being declared a Monarch City USA in 2019.

The club’s work resulted in the East Pasco town to be declared one of 17 cities across Florida to bear that designation.

So, with the International Union for the Conservation of Nature’s addition of monarch butterflies to its “endangered” species list, it underscored the importance of protecting the winged creatures, according to Joan Hepscher, co-chair of the Dade City Garden Club’s Birds, Bees & Butterflies committee, and chair of the Monarch Butterfly Festival.

Polly Touchton Park, 13620 Seventh St.., Dade City, is decorated with artwork depicting monarch butterflies and will host the Monarch Butterfly Festival, on Oct. 22 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. (Mike Camunas)

This is the first time Union for the Conservation of Nature has included the migrating monarch butterfly on its “red list” of threatened species, categorizing it as “endangered,” — just two steps from extinction.

The conservation group has estimated that the population of monarch butterflies in North America has declined nearly 72% over 10 years.

And the conservation group’s recent designation “was a real kick in the pants for us,” Hepscher said.

“Our mission has always been to get out the message, but now it will be getting it out to the individual person — you can see people really care because people were really upset about it and saying, ‘Oh, no! Can you believe it? What can I do?’” she added. “We, as a group, use the monarch as the poster child to make people aware of all the things we are doing to nature, and the butterfly is a good mirror to how our nature is doing. So it’s about not only helping the monarch, but also our whole environment and getting the message out to take better care of our world.”

Now, helping monarchs with their migration has become key to their survival.

“Homeowners can have plants to support these magnificent animals,” said Dr. Whitney Elmore, director of Pasco County Extension, a partnership between Pasco County and the University of Florida/Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences.

Planting milkweed is the best way to help because milkweed is the only plant monarch caterpillars eat, and it’s where the adult butterflies lay their eggs. Without this plant, the species simply could not exist.

Milkweed is low maintenance, Elmore said. But she cautioned it’s important to purchase the plants from reputable nurseries, to be sure they are free of pesticides.

The horticulture expert also noted that monarchs need “rest areas,” because they undertake the longest migration of any insect species known to science.

“Just like drivers, they need a place to stop and rest. If there are large areas or no stations around, they are going to be stressed,” she said.

Unfortunately, urban development and environmental depletion have hindered the migration. Fortunately, adding the resting places is not complicated, she added.

“Rocks and twigs — a place to sit and rest, even provide fresh water with a low dish on the ground and a stone in there to rest. Or habitats for them to roost, like Spanish moss — just providing a diversity of things in your garden can help attract them and move along in migration.”

Hepscher agrees, adding that while there are “plenty of milkweed tips on social media,” the monarchs really need “weigh stations” for their migration.

“They just need a place to stop and refresh and have nectar, a place to lay their eggs,” Hepscher said.

“Small pockets around town and county will give them what they need to survive. Pocket gardens will help because they don’t need 20 acres,” she said.

Elmore encourages citizens to contact the local Extension Office for additional information about how to help monarchs and other species.

“We have all the info on how to attract pollinators,” Elmore added. “A 72% decline in monarch population, which is bad, is from losing the plants and habitats they need. But there are 17 cities in Florida that are monarch cities, and the garden club works very hard at (its efforts).”

Hepscher vows the garden club is committed to continuing its efforts.

“We are going to really try to get more gardens right in the city — just little spots they can use and get some other organizations to help us with the awareness,” she added. “The festival will really be making the point that anyone can make a difference. It is scary news, but the reality is that if we stop and do our part, we can really help them — and we can help them today.”

Third annual Monarch Butterfly Festival
When: Oct. 22, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: Polly Touchton Park, 13620 Seventh St., Dade City
Details: Local vendors will be on hand, as will the Dade City Garden Club to promote awareness of the city’s efforts to maintain the survival of the monarch butterflies.
Info: Visit DadeCityGardenClub.com, and click on “Monarch Project,” or visit the Pasco County Extension’s website at SFYL.ifas.ufl.edu/pasco/.

Published August 10, 2022

Newberger shares name, legacy with Lutz

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Just like the road that bears his family’s name, Carl Newberger’s life cut a path through Lutz.

Born to one of the original Lutz Pioneer families, Carl and his brother, Calvin, were the community’s first set of twins.

Newberger attended Lutz Elementary and later served in the U.S. Army in the Korean War. He played an instrumental role in the building of Tims Memorial Church in Lutz, where he served as a deacon.

Carl Newberger

He died on July 4 at the age of 94.

Newberger embedded himself in community life, said his daughter, Tina Hevel.

“He was always constantly busy doing something. He was never the type of guy to just sit around, and I think that’s pretty evident with his involvement in the Lutz community,” she said.

He was active in the local Boy Scouts, serving as a troop leader for years. He enjoyed bowling, taking part in The Odd Couples at Royal Lanes. He played softball, too.

He was an avid outdoorsman, and enjoyed hunting and fishing for most of his life. He competed in shooting tournaments and was a member of the Florida Highway Patrol Auxiliary.

His name comes up several times in the local history book, “Sawmills, Citrus, Critters and Crackers: Life in Early Lutz,” by Elizabeth Riegler MacManus and Susan MacManus.

He and his brother, Calvin, were part of the ribbon-cutting ceremony when the former Vernon Road, a sand trail, was paved in the 1930s and turned into what is now known as Lutz Lake Fern Road. The twin boys rode in a Model T flatbed truck, holding little American flags at the ceremony, the local history book recounts.

The book also shares the story about Newberger attempting, but ultimately failing, to rescue a 7-year-old boy who drowned near First United Methodist Church of Lutz.

After being involved in Lutz for decades, Newberger retired from a 30-year career with Anheuser-Busch and moved to Webster, Wisconsin, in 1993.

Carl Newberger and his brother, Calvin, seen here as infants with his family in 1927, were the first set of twins born in Lutz. (Courtesy of ‘Sawmills, Citrus, Critters and Crackers: Life in Early Lutz’/Susan MacManus)

Although he has passed on, the name Newberger will live on in Lutz, thanks to the road that has existed since the late 1800s.

Originally, it was a dirt trail that led to the residence of Wolfgang and Mary Newberger, Carl’s great grandparents.

Briefly it was renamed Feinsinger Road, after other early settlers of the area. But it reverted back to Newberger Road to honor longtime lawman and former Tampa Chief of Police Fred Newberger.

“We’re very proud of that road,” Hevel added.

A Celebration of Life Ceremony for Newberger is scheduled on Aug. 13 at 11 a.m., at Lutz Community Church, 601 Sunset Lane, in Lutz, the same one he helped to build back when it was Tims Memorial.

His family expects several members of the community to be there, and possibly they will share stories.

It won’t be a depressing affair, his daughter said.

“We’re going to have an uplifting ceremony. Because that’s who he was. He had funny stories, so it’s not going to be all depressing and what not. We’re going to celebrate my dad’s life, much of it that was here in Lutz.”

She added: “My cousin, Barry (Newberger), who was Calvin’s son, will have even more stories to tell at the ceremony. That’s just who Carl, and Calvin, were — always involved in something.”

Carl is survived by his wife, Suzanne; his daughter, Tina Hevel and Robert Hardy; his granddaughter, Jessica Vickery and Jason Vickery; great-granddaughter, Bella Vickery; and his first wife, Phyllis Newberger, and his stepson, Pete Okins.

His survivors also include several nieces and nephews in Lutz and Land O’ Lakes.

Carl Newberger Celebration of Life
When: Aug. 13, 11 a.m.
Where: Lutz Community Church, 601 Sunset Lane

Published August 10, 2022

Political Agenda 08/22/2022

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East Pasco Democrats
The East Pasco Democratic Club is set to meet on Aug. 15, remotely via Zoom. The session will be a round-table discussion of current events. Email or call 813-383-8315 for details. Socializing begins at 6 p.m.; the meeting begins promptly at 6:30 p.m.

East Pasco Republican Club
The East Pasco Republican Club is set to meet on Aug. 16 at 6:30 p.m., at Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church, 37015 Orange Valley Lane, in Dade City.

Endorsements
• The ballot initiative to increase the Pasco County property rate to support pay increases for teachers and other non-administrative personnel has picked up endorsements from Pasco Advocates PTA and Pasco National Organization for Women, according to a release from Lift Up Pasco, a group formed to seek approval of the referendum.
• The Pasco Professional Firefighters has endorsed Patrick Moore for Pasco County Judge, according to an announcement shared by the East Pasco Republican Club.
• Al Hernandez, candidate for Pasco County School Board, District 1, has been endorsed by Orlando Local News, according to an announcement shared by the East Pasco Republican Club.

The Laker/Lutz News wins 14 awards in state contest

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The results are in from the 2022 Florida Press Association’s Weekly Newspaper Contest, and The Laker/Lutz News received top honors in several categories.

The newspaper competed in Division A of the contest, which is for papers with circulations of 15,000 or more — the largest division in the competition.

The results were announced on Aug. 5 at an awards luncheon at the 2022 Florida Media Conference, at Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort & Spa in Ponte Vedra.

A diverse collection of stories and photographs received recognition.

Stories by Kevin Weiss that received awards:

  • Detailed Pasco County’s economic growth
  • Shared insights from a renowned educator on the issue of racial equity
  • Reported efforts to seek solutions to the opioid crisis

B.C. Manion received recognition for:

  • A feature on a high school principal who has created a culture for success
  • A profile on a 105-year-old woman, who still enjoys life’s simple pleasures
  • An obituary about a community “mover and shaker” who left her imprint on Lutz
  • A news story detailing deep budget cuts facing Hillsborough County Schools
Looking like a politician of the day, Kirk Slater sports his straw hat, wearing early 40’s garb, the Tampa resident speaks with German soldier reenactor, Charles Smith of Ft. Myers, after the Allied forces stormed the Germans at Renault. (Fred Bellet)

Photographer Fred Bellet, a regular contributor to The Laker/Lutz News, received the Robert J. Ellison Memorial Award for a portfolio of photographs. It is the most prestigious photography award bestowed in the competition.

His other honors:

  • Photos in a single issue, first place
  • Sports photography, third place
Two-year-old Lilliana Joiner, of Dade City, has a remedy for all of the loud gunfire during the reenactment of a World War II battle at the Pioneer Florida Museum & Village, in Dade City. (Fred Bellet)

The Laker/Lutz News also swept the reader-generated photo category, with photos submitted by Scott MacKay, Jia Wang and Gary Owens winning first, second and third place, respectively. Their prize-winning shots were published in our Local Wildlife weekly photo feature.

Although they were not formally recognized, the quality work created by the newspaper could not be achieved without the crucial contributions of Matt Mistretta, our art director; Stefanie Burlingame, our graphic designer; and Mary Rathman, our editorial assistant.

Others playing a vital role in making it possible to provide our readers with a free local source of community news are Brian Calle, our owner and publisher; Terri Williamson, Mary Jane Weeks and Carolyn Bennett, on our advertising staff; Mary Eberhard, in accounting; Kelli Carmack, our digital content manager; and Steve Mistretta, in IT.

Cody, an 8-year-old Yorkie, was dressed as a tarantula for the dog costume contest by Orkin Man Scott Smith, of Clermont. They were attending Dogs’ Day in Dade City. (Fred Bellet)

Of course, advertising support and loyal readership also are keys to our success.

During the past year, there have been changes at The Laker/Lutz News.

Diane Kortus, the owner and publisher for 21 years, sold the newspaper to Street Media LLC in November.

Weiss left his role to accept a new opportunity at the City of Zephyrhills, handling public information. Mike Camunas joined our news team and already is producing memorable stories and photographs.

Calle, CEO of Street Media,  recently appointed Frank Vasquez, Street Media’s COO, to lead the team at The Laker/Lutz News.

Street Media also owns L.A. Weekly, The Village Voice, Irvine Weekly, Marina Times, and media operations in Texas and North Carolina.

The Laker/Lutz News 2022 Florida Press Association awards:

Photography categories

  • Portfolio photography: Fred Bellet, first place in his division; and, winner of the Robert J. Ellison Memorial Award, the most prestigious photography award in the contest
  • Photo series in one issue: Fred Bellet, first place
  • Sports photography: Fred Bellet, third place
  • Reader-generated photos: Scott MacKay, Jia Wang and Gary Owens winning first, second and third respectively.

Writing categories
Education news: B.C. Manion, first place
Education feature story: Kevin Weiss, first place; B.C. Manion, third place
Business reporting: Kevin Weiss, first place
Health, medical and science reporting: Kevin Weiss, second place
Best obituary: B.C. Manion, third place
Feature profile: B.C. Manion, third place

Published August 10, 2022

Plans call for a trade school, or nursing school, on State Road 54

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The Pasco County Planning Commission has recommended approval of a zoning modification that would allow a new technical, trade or nursing school on 22.16 acres, off State Road 54 in Land O’ Lakes.

The proposed development is located northeast of the State Road 54/Aprile Drive intersection, about 1,490 feet east of Ballantrae Boulevard.

The applicant, Colwell Avenue Properties IV LLC, is seeking to add a school that would be a maximum of 60,000 square feet on a parcel in the previously approved Concord Station master-planned unit development. The school would be converting existing office entitlements to a new use.

Concord Station had never developed the subject parcel, then the MPUD for the development expired, according to materials in the planning board’s agenda backup.

There is a cooperative funding agreement between the applicant and Pasco County that was approved by the Pasco County Commission on Oct. 18, 2019.

A condition of approval has been added to address the proposed ‘school’ use and, in keeping with the cooperative funding agreement, restricting it to technical/trade/nursing educational facilities that directly support high-paying job generation and labor force training for target industries.

Planners recommended approval of the request, which was part of the planning board’s consent agenda.

No one appeared from the public to speak for or against the request, which was approved unanimously by the planning board during its Aug. 4 meeting.

The application now goes to the Pasco County Commission, which has final jurisdiction over land use and zoning issues.

Published August 10, 2022

Who needs to go to Africa, to go on a safari?

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If you crane your neck just enough, you might see a giraffe in Dade City.

Or, you could just take an actual safari on the grasslands at Giraffe Ranch.

Sarah Doychak, of Connecticut, feeds a happy giraffe at Giraffe Ranch in Dade City. Visitors to the park can take a reservation-only tour, which is an information-filled safari that goes out onto African-similar open grasslands on a specially designed four-wheel-drive vehicle. (Mike Camunas)

For 20 years now, wife-and-husband owners Elena Sheppa and Lex Salisbury have run a hands-on, working game farm and wildlife preserve tucked away off U.S. 301, offering tours, animal interactions and, of course, ecological information.

“What we’re trying to do here is have a working classroom,” said Sheppa, who provides informative tours. “We want to show people animals, get them close, but also keep it safe for the animals. … If you’re lucky enough to go on safari in Africa and you get a good guide, they’ll talk about anything — local plant life, astronomy, fauna, plant life — and there’s just so much (out) here.

“Every tour is different and it changes all the time (depending on the season), so what we offer is really dynamic.”

Tyeast Harris, of Illinois, has a good laugh while feeding a hungry giraffe during a safari tour at Giraffe Ranch in Dade City.

Giraffe Ranch offers five kinds of safaris, all with a very talkative guide. There is the drive-thru option, where visitors (up to seven) stay in the car and an FM radio station provides real-time commentary. There also are tours that can be taken on camel-back, by Segway or by walking with a llama.

The most comprehensive tour is offered in a customized four-wheel-drive tour vehicle, which provides a comfortable ride and safety, as well as terrific up-close views of all the animals. This tour offers a giraffe feeding session that is a must for any lover of the longnecks.

“We love animals as a family, but my daughter really likes giraffes, so this was just a no-brainer,” said Donna Doychak, who was visiting the attraction from Connecticut with her family. “It was a lot of fun and something different. It was just an amazing and very informative tour.”

For some, it’s a way to get an African safari without traveling across the Atlantic.

Visitors to Giraffe Ranch in Dade City ride in a modified four-wheel safari vehicle while seeing various animals. The tour includes a giraffe-feeding session.

“I want to go see giraffes in Africa, but I thought this might be the next best thing (laughs), and I loved it,” said Tyeast Harris, who took the safari for her birthday while visiting from Illinois. “The close encounter (with the giraffes) was just incredible because I love exotic animals. Full recommend for the tour!”

Safaris and tours can be customized, almost a la carte. Giraffe Ranch also offers encounters with a rhino, as well as cheetahs. Visitors also can purchase feedings of otters and ring-tailed lemurs.

“Those feedings are quite popular, but (the animals), especially the otters, do beg quite a bit,” Sheppa said with a smile.

Claire Doychak, of Connecticut, feeds a giraffe during a recent visit to Giraffe Ranch in Dade City.

While Giraffe Ranch is considered a tourist attraction, Sheppa says that locally, the drive-thru safari has become quite popular. It’s an affordable, easy activity, one that, like many things, was created during early COVID times.

“And I think some people like staying in their vehicle, too,” Sheppa added.

Giraffe Ranch is by reservation only, as it does not allow walk-ups or spontaneous visitors. But, then again, it’s like an African safari — only in Dade City.

“We just wanted to get people to come and see animals, and learn more about them,” Sheppa said. “You will see our ongoing conservation efforts with endangered species, including some that are extinct in the wild. And you’re going to leave here having learned something. That, and the animals, has always been important to us.”

Giraffe Ranch
Where: 38650 Mickler Road, Dade City
When: While Giraffe Ranch is open seven days a week, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., reservations are required to visit the park or take a tour.
Cost: Custom vehicle tours ($119); camel, Segway and llama treks ($239) can be booked online and run at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., daily. Drive-thru safaris ($150) occur hourly from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and must be booked online. Tours are two hours to three hours long.
Reservations: Visit GiraffeRanch.com.
Info: Email .

Published August 10, 2022

Giraffe Ranch owner Elena Sheppa gives a little pat and talks to Kahlie, a very large rhino on loan to the park.
Giraffe Ranch has a whole herd, or dazzle, of zebras on the grounds, including these two young ones.
It wouldn’t be an animal habitat in Florida without a gator exhibit.
Giraffe Ranch has a pen full of dozens of ring-tailed lemurs that are friendly and eager for visitors to take part in a feeding session.
Giraffe Ranch owner Elena Sheppa holds a dormant ostrich egg, while telling visitors about the ecological facts involving such eggs and the birds that lay them.

Sheriff’s office announces new app

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The Pasco Sheriff’s Office (PSO) has announced the launch of its official app — Pasco Sheriff News — according to a news release.

The app provides citizens with direct access on any mobile device, to news from the sheriff’s office.

In addition to social media platforms and the News.pascosheriff.com website, the PSO will share breaking news through its official app.

The app also will feature PSO community alerts, events, news, and missing people.

This additional resource will allow citizens to “always be in the know about the PSO,” the release said.

The new app can be downloaded from the (Apple) App Store or through Google Play.

Published August 10, 2022

Is that road really pink?

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Some motorists could be doing a double-take over the next several months, as Pasco County treats some of its roads with a substance that makes them turn temporarily pink.

Pasco County Public Works crews will be applying Reclamite, an asphalt pavement penetrating rejuvenator intended to give the roads longer life by sealing them, preventing air and water intrusion and improving durability, according to a county news release.

The process can add up to five years of life to a road, the release said.

The project is beginning on the west side of the county, but will be done on other select arterial and collector roads in the future.

When initially applied to the road, the substance appears pink, but that disappears in about 30 minutes, the county reports.

The first stretch of road to be treated will be Aripeka Road from U.S. 18 to the Pasco County line.

Published August 10, 2022