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The Laker/Lutz News

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Ashley Moody

Special session set for Nov. 15

November 3, 2021 By B.C. Manion

The Florida Legislature will meet in special session beginning on Nov. 15 and will conclude its session by no later than Nov. 19, under a proclamation issued by Gov. Ron DeSantis last week.

The session is intended to “provide protections for Floridians who have lost their jobs or are having their employment threatened due to vaccine mandates,” according to a posting on the governor’s web page.

DeSantis announced, in a news conference on Oct. 28, that the state had filed a lawsuit against the federal government — challenging the Biden administration’s authority to impose a vaccine requirement on federally contracted workers.

“We are not going to deny people the ability to earn a living, based on their decisions about an injection,” DeSantis said, during that news conference.

During the special session, DeSantis expects legislators to pass laws to protect Florida jobs and protect parents’ rights when it comes to masking and quarantines,” the website posting says.

The governor is calling on state legislators to address vaccination issues on a number of fronts.

According to the governor’s web page, those include considering legislation to:

  • Protect current and prospective employees against unfair discrimination on the basis of COVID-19 vaccination status
  • Ensure that educational institutions and government entities are prohibited from unfairly discriminating against current and prospective employees, students, and residents based on vaccination status
  • Appropriate enough funding to investigate complaints regarding COVID-19 vaccination mandates and to take legal action against such mandates, including mandates imposed by the federal government
  • Clarify that the Parents’ Bill of Rights, Chapter 1014, Florida Statutes, vests the decision on masking with parents, not government entities, and that schools must comply with Department of Health rules that govern student health, including rules that ensure healthy students can remain in school

In the website posting, DeSantis said: “The health, education, and well-being of our children are primarily the responsibility of parents. As long as I am governor, parents in Florida will play a strong role in determining what their kids are learning and how they’re treated in school.”

During his Oct. 28 news conference announcing the state’s lawsuit against the federal government, DeSantis said, “We want to protect people who are working now in the state of Florida. These people have been workin’ the whole doggone time, and now, all of a sudden they’re goin’ to get kicked to the curb? Give me a break.”

He added: “In Florida, we believe these things are choices based on individual circumstances. There are physicians that will recommend one course of action or another, based on your health history.”

DeSantis told those at the news conference: “We cannot have the federal government coming in and exceeding their power.

“They’re really rewriting contracts, and they’re transforming normal contracting into basically public health policy and that’s not anything Congress has ever authorized,” he said.

At the same news conference, Attorney General Ashley Moody said President Joe Biden has overstepped his authority.

“It is a complete and gross overreach of the federal government, into the personal autonomy of American workers,” Moody said.

The state attorney general also described the action as an “unlawful mandate” and added, “we will not back down.”

While issues involving COVID-19 vaccinations will play out in the state legislature and the courts, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration on Oct. 29 authorized the emergency use of Pfizer for children ages 5 through 11.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is expected to take up the issue this week and must grant authorization before vaccines can be distributed.

Published November 03, 2021

Gov. DeSantis calls for special session of the legislature

October 26, 2021 By B.C. Manion

Gov. Ron DeSantis has called for a special session of the Florida Legislature to take aim at a federal plan to force businesses of 100 employees or more to require their workers to be vaccinated.

“We have a situation in our country now, where very much, the federal government is trying to use the heavy hand of government to force a lot of these injections,” the governor said, during a news conference in Clearwater on Oct. 21.

“And, you have a lot of folks that actually believe that decision should be theirs, and believe in having basic medical freedom and individual choice, and that your right to earn a living should not be contingent upon COVID shots,” he continued.

“And so, attorney general (Ashley Moody) and I — we are working — we want to contest that contractor mandate in court, as well. We’ve got to make sure we’ve got the right plaintiff, in terms of what we can do. You know a lot of these contractors probably aren’t going to do it themselves because they know there will reprisals, if they do it.

“But that has an impact on thousands and thousands of people in the state of Florida.”

“We’re also, when it comes out, going to contest the mandate they’re going to impose on hospitals through CMS, where they’re basically saying, ‘If you don’t do forced injections, then you lose Medicare/Medicaid funding.

“Well, none of these health care providers would be able to even function, particularly in a state like Florida, where most of their patients are on Medicare.

“So, we think that’s illegal, that’s wrong,” DeSantis said.

“We’re also going to be taking legislative action to add protections for people in the state of Florida. “That’s something that cannot wait until the regular legislative session next year.

“It needs to happen soon. So, we will be calling the legislature back for a special session,” the governor announced, and when he did, those gathered at the news conference cheered.

During this special session, the governor is asking the legislature to provide protections for employees facing termination because of COVID-19 vaccine mandates and to reaffirm that government entities including school districts may not fire any employee based on COVID-19 vaccine status, according to a news release on the governor’s website.

“Violating government entities should be held accountable. Employers’ broad liability protections should also be reevaluated if they harm employees through vaccine mandates,” the posting says.

The governor also is asking the legislature to provide greater protections to parents to manage the health care decisions of their children, including the freedom to opt their children out of mask mandates, the website posting adds.

In response to the governor’s call for a special session, Florida Senate President Wilton Simpson and Speaker of the House Chris Sprowls issued a joint statement.

“Across the country, hard-working employees and business owners trying to make a living are being threatened by the Biden Administration’s reckless one-size-fits-all approach to COVID-19 vaccine mandates. Meanwhile, the rights of parents are being trampled on. Florida will respond to this gross overreach by the federal government,” their statement says.

“In the coming days, we will review the governor’s specific proposals as well as discuss our own ideas for legislative action, including whether now is the time for Florida to withdraw from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration and establish our own state program. We believe that by doing so, Florida will have the ability to alleviate onerous federal regulations placed on employers and employees.

“We stand with the dedicated health care workers, law enforcement, first responders, military service members, and all workers across the country who never got a day off and couldn’t work from home during the pandemic. Too many of our esteemed heroes are facing termination thanks to heavy handedness at all levels of government. During the upcoming special session, our goal is to make our laws even more clear that Florida stands as refuge for families and businesses who want to live in freedom,” the joint statement concludes.

Published October 27, 2021

Super Bowl heightens potential for human trafficking

February 2, 2021 By B.C. Manion

As worldwide attention shifts to Super Bowl LV, efforts are ramping up to prevent the human trafficking that is often associated with major sporting events.

Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody is working with Uber to provide human trafficking prevention education ahead of the game, which is being held this year on Feb. 7 at Tampa’s Raymond James Stadium.

“Hosting the Super Bowl in Florida for the second year in a row is a huge win for our state’s economy and tourism, but as we learned from Super Bowl LIV, traffickers will look to exploit this event to advance illegal enterprises at the expense of innocent victims,” Moody said, in a report posted on her website.

Her office has been involved in Uber’s effort to educate thousands of drivers and customers through educational videos about human trafficking.

The idea is to help them better understand the crime of human trafficking, how it presents itself in our communities and what to do when they suspect someone is being trafficked, the website says.

During the week leading up to the 2020 Super Bowl, law enforcement reportedly made 47 arrests related to human trafficking, leading to the rescue of 22 victims, the website adds.

In Hillsborough County, about three dozen adult entertainment businesses were inspected on Jan. 28, to ensure compliance with the county’s human trafficking ordinance, according to a county news release.

County code enforcement officers, City of Tampa Neighborhood Enforcement, and the Tampa Police Department made the inspections, which resulted in citations issued to two businesses found in non-compliance. The citations carry a fine of $265, the release said. Inspection efforts are ongoing.

Hillsborough County’s ordinance requires strip clubs, adult bookstores and theaters, cabarets and other adult entertainment businesses to post signage that provides information about human trafficking to employees, patrons and others. The signage includes details on how to contact the National Human Trafficking Resource Center if they or someone they know is a victim of human trafficking.

The signage must be conspicuously posted near the front entrance, and in bathroom stalls and changing rooms, and written in English, Spanish, Mandarin and Cantonese.

These efforts are in addition to other ongoing efforts to reduce human trafficking.

In January 2020, the Department of Justice awarded a $741,556 grant to the St. Petersburg Police Department for three years to create a regional Tampa Bay Human Trafficking Task Force. The task force is a collaboration of local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies, working with organizations that provide services to victims of human trafficking.

State, federal and regional agencies are among the 23 agencies on the task force, including the Hillsborough and Pasco sheriff’s offices and the Tampa, Dade City and Zephyrhills police departments.

The task force focuses on education, rescue and enforcement.

Local governments also have backed efforts to prevent human trafficking and to raise public awareness about the issue, with county boards in Pasco and Hillsborough counties declaring January as human trafficking awareness month.

Natalie Kehn, director of outreach for the U.S. Institute Against Human Trafficking, works to cast a spotlight on the problem, to promote education and prevention efforts and to seek help for people who have been victimized by the crime.

Kehn spoke at a virtual meeting of WOW-Women of Wesley Chapel, in November.

“Our goal is to end trafficking and protect children,” Kehn said.

She gave a big picture look at the problem, and also offered some practical advice.

There’s an estimated 40.3 million children worldwide that are caught up in the cycle of human trafficking, she said.

Between 100,000 to 300,000 sex-trafficking victims in the United States alone are under the age of 18, she added.

People often have misconceptions about how victims get caught up in trafficking, Kehn said.

“Luring and recruiting is the No. 1 way that happens in the U.S.; it isn’t kidnapping,” she explained.

And, it can happen close to home.

“Know your child’s friends. Know your grandchildren’s friends. Pay attention. We know that 53% of minor girls that were recruited, were recruited by another girl that was involved in trafficking. Not by an adult. Not by that creepy guy — that a lot of us think are the ones we need to watch out for,” Kehn said.

People also have a tendency to think that this is a problem that happens somewhere else, not in their community, she said. But she added, this, too, is an inaccurate perception.

In Pasco County, Kehn said, “we did a study over a 60-day period, where we just chose two websites to look at the sex ads. We found that there were 32 ads of buying and selling just over two websites, in just 60 days, so it is really happening here.”

She also noted that the Super Bowl is coming up, and historically, “there’s been a lot of trafficking around that.”

Kehn continued: “There are two primary factors driving the spread of human trafficking: the high profits and the low risks.

“The problem lies in the demand to purchase a human being for sex. Because the demand exists, the traffickers are filling an economic equation and filling that supply with victims,” she said.

Some red flags of human trafficking

  • Appears scared or nervous, may not make eye contact
  • No knowledge about where they are and why
  • Typically has someone with them at all times; this person may seem controlling.
  • Carries multiple hotel keys
  • Signs of branding (tattoos, jewelry)
  • Physical injuries or signs of abuse
  • Has no personal items (cellphone, ID, passport)
  • Not allowed to freely leave work or residence
  • Lies about age/false identification and/or inconsistencies
  • No private space available for victim

If you encounter or suspect someone to be a victim of trafficking, contact local law enforcement immediately and report the incident to the National Human Trafficking Hotline by calling 1-888-373-7888. To learn more about how to spot and report human trafficking, visit YouCanStopHT.com.

Published February 03, 2021

Area prepares for flooding, wind

August 30, 2019 By B.C. Manion

With Hurricane Dorian bearing down on Florida, the state is bracing itself for impact.

Gov. Ron DeSantis also declared a State of Emergency in the state’s 67 counties, and Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody activated the state’s Price Gouging Hotline.

Both Hillsborough and Pasco counties have declared a state of emergency.

In an advisory issued at 11 a.m., Aug. 30 from the National Hurricane Center, “life-threatening storm surge and devastating hurricane-force winds are likely along portions of the Florida east coast by early next week, but it is too soon to determine where the highest storm surge and winds will occur. Residents should have their hurricane plan in place, know if they are in a hurricane evacuation zone, and listen to advice given by local emergency officials.”

Pasco County didn’t feel the full fury of Hurricane Irma’s wrath, but some other communities were less fortunate. (Courtesy of Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council)

The advisory continues, “a prolonged period of storm surge, high winds and rainfall is

likely in portions of Florida into next week, including the possibility of hurricane-force winds over inland portions of the Florida peninsula.”

Dorian could strengthen to a Category 4 hurricane before making landfall on Florida.

The Pasco County Commission last week declared a local state of emergency, which allows County Administrator Dan Biles and Emergency Management Director Andy Fossa the ability to waive everyday procedures, and do whatever they feel is necessary to ensure public health and safety.

The declaration allows Biles and Fossa the freedom to order evacuations, perform public work, make emergency purchases, rent equipment, hire workers, use volunteers, and so on.

The Local State of Emergency remains in effect for seven days, or until Biles rescinds it, if it is no longer needed.

To help residents prepare for potential flooding, Pasco County opened several sandbag locations, which included Land O’ Lakes Recreational Complex, in Land O’ Lakes; Pasco County Public Works (C-Barn) in San Antonio; Wesley Chapel District Park in Wesley Chapel; and, Old Dade City Police Station, in Dade City.

The City of Zephyrhills also opened a sandbag location at Fire Station 2 in Zephyrhills.

In an abundance of caution, the North Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce cancelled its monthly business breakfast scheduled for Sept. 3.

Hurricanes can easily topple and down trees, which can cause major damage. (File)

It also sent its members links to information that could help them prepare for Hurricane Dorian.

Saint Leo University planned to close on Sept. 1 and to remain closed through Sept. 3, at its main campus and several other locations. Students, faculty, and staff were advised to check the Saint Leo University website at SaintLeo.edu for updates, especially concerning classes on Wednesday.

All Rasmussen College campuses in Florida also were scheduled to close Sept. 1 and remain closed until at least Sept. 3, to give students, faculty and staff time to prepare for weather conditions, and to ensure they are safe.

Pasco County Schools’ Place child care and Beyond-the-Bell programs will be closed Sept. 3.

The Pasco County School Board meeting has been postponed from Sept. 3 until Sept. 10.

AdventHealth West Florida Division leaders also have activated emergency management teams to ensure the safety of patients and staff. Hurricane protocols include team staffing procedures, adequate water supply and backup generator power checks, according to a news release.

As always, emergency officials encouraged residents to take steps to prepare for potential impacts.

The Laker/Lutz News publishes information at the beginning of each hurricane season to help our readers prepare for a possible hurricane, and information intended to help deal with the aftermath of any damage.

Those tips, along with information gleaned from additional sources, is presented here.

Before a hurricane hits

Protect your property:

  • Trim trees and shrubs.
  • Clear out clogged rain gutters and downspouts.
  • Put away outdoor furniture, windchimes, garbage cans, decorations, potted plants and other items that could become projectiles in high winds.
  • If you have a boat, secure it.
  • Cover windows with hurricane shutters or pre-cut plywood.

Protect yourself

  • Assemble an emergency kit: Be sure it has enough food and water to last up to seven days, according to the latest advice from experts.
  • The foods should be nonperishables that are easy to store and prepare, including dried fruit, canned pastas, soups, canned tuna, peanut butter and jelly, crackers, raisins, beef jerky. Be sure to include a can opener in your kit. (See our What’s Cookin’ column on page 5A for food safety advice).
  • The rule of thumb is to have 1 gallon of water per day for each person, for drinking and sanitation
  • Don forget baby formula and baby food
  • Stock up on disposable cups, plates and utensils
  • Sanitation supplies
  • Medications
  • First aid kit
  • A whistle to signal for help
  • A hand-cranked radio, or battery-powered radio with extra batteries
  • Moist towelettes for sanitation
  • Garbage bags and plastic ties (for personal sanitation)
  • Be sure to have an emergency kit for your pets, too. It should include sturdy leashes, harnesses and/or a carrier; pet food, drinking water, bowls, cat litter, a litter pan; pet health records, current photos of your pets, in case they get lost; pet beds and toys.

Shelter

  • A sleeping back for each family member
  • Duct tape and heavyweight garbage bags or plastic sheeting (for shelter-in-place)
  • A wrench or pliers (to turn off utilities)
  • Flashlights
  • Generator: Be sure to follow directions. These can kill, if used improperly.

Protect important documents

  • Keep in waterproof container on a shelf. Carry with you, if you evacuate.
  • Documents should include bank account records, marriage certificates or divorce decrees, driver’s license, Social Security card, passport, titles, deeds, income tax information, trusts, wills and birth certificates.

Prepare to stay, or go

  • If you live in an evacuation area, be prepared to leave. In Pasco County, mobile home residents must evacuate, no matter where they live, if the county issues an evacuation order.
  • Those living in a mandatory evacuation zone should prepare an evacuation plan that includes transportation routes and destinations, and considers all family members and pets.
  • If you plan to shelter in place, notify out-of-area contacts of your decision to stay. Be sure you have assembled your emergency kit and have a safe place to stay in your home.
  • If staying at home, fill up bathtubs or buckets with water to use for cleaning and toilet flushing.
  • Keep your gas tank three-quarters full at all times.
  • Have cash on hand.
  • Stay informed. Listen to an NOAA weather radio, or regularly check local forecasts and news reports.
  • Close all interior doors. Secure and brace exterior doors. Take refuge in a small interior closet, or hallway on the lowest level. Lie on the floor under a table or another sturdy object.
  • Stay away from windows and glass doors.

After the hurricane passes

  • Stay aware of threats from flooding and tornadoes.
  • Do not drive into water when you can’t see the bottom of the road.
  • Do not walk in standing water; it may contain contaminants, it might be deeper than it looks; it may have a strong undercurrent; or, it may be electrically charged with a downed wire.
  • Be careful about the foods you eat. If the power is out, your food may be spoiled.
  • Avoid carbon monoxide poisoning: Do not burn charcoal or gas grills inside a house, tents, garage, vehicle or fireplace. Do not use gas-powered generators indoors or in a garage.

If you have damage

  • Call an agent.
  • Take photos of the damage.
  • Make emergency repairs to avoid more damage, and keep receipts for tarps, lumber, etc.
  • Keep alert to potential scams.
  • Special needs sheltersThe Florida Department of Health in Hillsborough, Pasco and other Tampa Bay area counties is reminding medically dependent people to be prepared for severe weather emergencies.Special Needs Shelters are available for residents who meet specific criteria and should be used as a place of last refuge, according to the health department.

    Online registrations for the shelters stops about 48 hours before impact. Those who have not registered, but believe they should go, should monitor local media to find out which ones are open and are closest to them.

    Registration is preferred, but not required in an emergency.

    There has been some confusion about registration. Many people are under the impression that once they have registered, they are automatically reserved a bed when severe weather is coming. But, that is not correct, according to the health department.

    Residents need to know:

    • There is no guarantee of a reservation at a special needs shelter.
    • If someone is in an evacuation area and has registered, they will be contacted to confirm they are reporting to the special needs shelter.
    • If needed, upon request, Emergency Management will coordinate transportation to the shelter.
    • If they have a caregiver, the caregiver must accompany them and remain with them at the shelter.

    Who qualifies?

    Generally, those who may qualify include those who are oxygen dependent; those who need electricity for the medical equipment; those who have conditions that do not qualify for admission to the hospital, but exceed the capability of a general population shelter.

    To register online, go to:

    • Hillsborough: HCFLGov.net/specialneedsshelter
    • Pasco: bit.ly/RegisterPascoSpNS

Tips for businesses:

Before the storm

  • Be sure you have an evacuation plan, with escape routes.
  • Have an emergency communication plan, which includes: A staff text message/email; a method for reaching employees after hours; and, a single point of contact. Be sure to monitor the news, so you are up to date on the latest information.

After the storm:

  • Account for all employees.
  • Gather accurate information about damage. Conduct a full evaluation of infrastructure and coordinate next steps to get doors open.
  • Communicate with all parties involved.
  • Establish a safe place — which may be at your home or in another location — for you to resume your business as quickly as possible.
  • Use social media to keep customers aware of the status of your business. Have you reopened? Do you know when you will? Also, if possible, put a sign on the door of your business conveying the same type of information.
  • Contact your insurance company.
  • Take photographs of damaged assets.
  • Leave damaged property where it is, until the adjuster has made an official report.
  • Accompany the adjuster to point out damage during the inspection.
  • Make only repairs necessary to prevent further damage. Be aware that unauthorized repairs might not be covered.
  • Use care in selecting contractors. Hire only licensed contractors, who secure the appropriate building permits. (Watch for red flags, such as upfront cash only; contractors using leftover materials; incomplete contact information.)
  • If proposed insurance settlement seems unfair, contact the Florida Department of Insurance Regulation at FLOIR.com.

Source: Brian Ellis, Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council

Pasco Shelters, tiered activation
Tier 1:
Fasano Regional, Wiregrass High, Wesley Chapel High, Centennial Middle, Fivay High

Tier 2: River Ridge Middle/High, Weightman Middle, Stewart Middle, Sunlake High, Cypress Creek Middle High

Tier 3: Mitchell High, Odessa Elementary, Veterans Elementary, Oakstead Elementary, Pasco Middle, New River Middle, Bexley Elementary

Tier 4: Double Branch Elementary, Seven Oaks Elementary, Sanders Memorial Elementary, Connerton Elementary, Trinity Oaks Elementary, Schrader Elementary, Longleaf Elementary

Tier 5: Trinity Elementary, Chasco Elementary, Lacoochee Elementary, Denham Oaks Elementary, Watergrass Elementary, Pine View Elementary

Published September 4, 2019

Results are in for Florida’s primary

September 5, 2018 By B.C. Manion

Florida’s voters went to the polls last week in a primary that captured national attention when Democratic gubernatorial candidate Andrew Gillum stunned political prognosticators by defeating the predicted winner Gwen Graham.

If he wins in November, Gillum would become Florida’s first black governor.

On the Republican side of the ledger, Congressman Ron DeSantis — endorsed by President Donald J. Trump — carried the day, defeating Adam Putnam, a longtime Florida politician, who had served as Florida’s Commissioner of Agriculture and five terms in Congress, representing Central Florida.

Locally, 85,907 voters cast their ballots in Pasco County, representing a 24.84 percent turnout of the county’s 345,879 registered voters.

“The turnout was considerably higher than I expected and, in this case, I’m never more happy to be wrong,” Supervisor of Elections Brian Corley said, via email.

The 2018 Primary turnout represented a 66 percent increase from the last midterm primary in 2014, Corley said.

“It’s apparent the voters are more engaged than in previous cycles,” the supervisor of elections added.

Hillsborough County experienced a slightly higher turnout, with 219,118 ballots cast, representing a 26.16 percent turnout of the county’s 837,681 registered voters.

DeSantis and Graham garnered the most votes in the governor’s race among Pasco voters, while DeSantis and Gillum were the top vote-getters in that race in Hillsborough County.

While many races on the ballot were true primary choices, with voters deciding which candidate should represent the Democrats and Republicans in the general elections, the races for judges and school board members were nonpartisan, meaning winners could be named if a candidate secured more than 50 percent of the vote.

That happened in two of the three Pasco County School Board races on the ballot.

Allen Altman and Cynthia Armstrong were both re-elected to another term, which the winner of the seat vacated by retiring Steve Luikart will be decided in the general election, with a run-off between Megan Harding and Tara M. O’ Connor.

The Pasco race for the Circuit Judge 6th Judicial Circuit, Group 4, also will require a run-off in November between Davis Ellis and Roxanne Fixsen. In that race, none of the three candidates secured more than 50 percent of the vote.

TOP VOTE-GETTERS IN KEY RACES

Pasco County Republicans
Federal
U.S. Senate: Rick Scott

State
Governor: Ron DeSantis
Attorney General: Ashley Moody
Commissioner of Agriculture: Baxter Troutman
State Representative District 37: Ardian Zika

Pasco County Democrats
Federal
U.S. Rep. District 12: Chris Hunter

State
Governor: Gwen Graham
Attorney General: Sean Shaw
Commissioner of Agriculture: Nicole ‘Nikki’ Fried
State Senator District 20: Kathy Lewis

Local races, No Party Affiliation
Pasco County
Circuit Judge 6th Judicial Circuit

Group 9: Christine Helinger
Group 36: Doneene D. Loar
Group 40: Thomas H. “Tommy” Minkoff
Group 45: Rebecca Hamilton

County Judge
Group 7: Kent Compton

Pasco School Board
District 1: Allen Altman
District 3: Cynthia Armstrong
District 5:  A run-off will be held between Megan Harding and Tara M. O’Connor in the November general election.

Hillsborough County Republicans
State races
Governor: Rick DeSantis
Attorney General: Ashley Moody
Commissioner of Agriculture: Baxter Troutman
State Representative, District 64: James Grant

Local races, Republican
Hillsborough County Commission, District 2: Ken Hagan
Hillsborough County Commission, District 5: Victor Crist
Hillsborough County Commission, District 7: Todd Marks

Hillsborough County Democrats
Federal
U.S. Congress, District 12: Chris Hunter

State races
Governor: Andrew Gillum
Attorney General: Sean Shaw
Commissioner of Agriculture: Nicole ‘Nikki’ Fried
State Senator, District 20: Kathy Lewis

Local races, Democratic
Hillsborough County Commission, District 5: Mariella Smith
Hillsborough County Commission, District 7: Kimberly Overman

Hillsborough County School Board (No political affiliation)
District 1: William Henry Person and Steve Cona will have a run-off in the November general election
District 2: Stacy Hahn
District 4: Melissa Snively
District 6: Karen Perez and Henry “Shake” Washington will have a runoff in the November general election.

Complete results can be found at PascoVotes.com and VoteHillsborough.org.

Published September 5, 2018

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08/11/2022 – Yarn for a Cause

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08/12/2022 – Monuments tour

The Dade City Heritage and Cultural Museum will host a “Monuments By Moonlight Tour” at the Dade City Cemetery, 38161 Martin Luther King Blvd., in Dade City, on Aug. 12 from 8 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Participants can learn about founding families, notable citizens, and the stories ‘in the stones.’ This tour is on grassy pathways and uneven surfaces; open-toed shoes are not recommended. Twilight time brings heat, bugs, and sometimes rain, so be prepared. Water will be provided. Guests should meet at the cemetery gate. Parking is available across the street. The tour will be rescheduled in the event of inclement weather. All proceeds benefit the Friends of the Dade City Cemetery and the Dade City Heritage Museum. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased online at EventBrite.com. … [Read More...] about 08/12/2022 – Monuments tour

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The Zephyrhills Public Library, 5347 Eighth St., in Zephyrhills, will offer the AARP Smart Driver Safety Course on Aug. 12 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., for ages 50 and older. Space is limited. Registration is required. Call Bev Cogdill at 813-907-3908. … [Read More...] about 08/12/2022 – Smart Driver Course

08/13/2022 – Ask a Gardener

The Zephyrhills Public Library, 5347 Eighth St., in Zephyrhills, will host “Ask a Master Gardener” on Aug. 13 at 9 a.m. and at 10 a.m. A master gardener will be on hand to answer questions. For information, call 813-780-0064. … [Read More...] about 08/13/2022 – Ask a Gardener

08/13/2022 – Belly Dance Show

The American Belly Dance Studio will present “We Come to Belly Dance,” a gala belly dance show, on Aug. 13 at 7:30 p.m., at the Land O’ Lakes Heritage Park, 5401 Land O’ Lakes Blvd. This is a fun, family oriented show featuring a variety of belly dance styles and costumes. Tickets are $15 per person and can be purchased online at AmericanBellyDance.com, and at the door if available (limited seating). For information, email , or call 813-416-8333. … [Read More...] about 08/13/2022 – Belly Dance Show

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zephyrhillscity City of Zephyrhills-Government @zephyrhillscity ·
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Learn more about the @ZephyrhillsCity 2035 Comprehensive Plan Update in this detailed presentation at last night's City Council meeting: http://ow.ly/mWhJ50Kg34F

You can also submit your thoughts on the future of #Zephyrhills via this online survey: http://ow.ly/GENo50Kg34I

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8 Aug

Happy #InternationalCatDay!

To celebrate, here's our adorable feline friends who have been featured as our Pet of the Week this year 🐱

Do you have a kitty you'd like to submit for Pet of the Week? Send a photo of them, along with a short blurb, to

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whartonbaseball Wharton Baseball @whartonbaseball ·
7 Aug

This guy right here! He keeps grinding ⚾️💙💪🏼 @DrewEhrhard @UT_Baseball @WhartonBoosters https://twitter.com/officialccbl/status/1556010951840866307

Cape League @OfficialCCBL

Drew Ehrhard (@UT_Baseball) absolutely crushes the ball to left for a Home Run!

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