• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • About Us
  • Videos
    • Featured Video
    • Foodie Friday
    • Monthly ReCap
  • Online E-Editions
    • This Week’s E-Editions
    • 2022
    • 2021
    • 2020
    • 2019
    • 2018
    • 2017
    • 2016
    • 2015
    • 2014
  • Social Media
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Instagram
  • Advertising
  • Local Jobs
  • Puzzles & Games
  • Circulation Request

The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

       

Click to join our weekly e-newsletter

  • Home
  • News
    • Land O’ Lakes
    • Lutz
    • Wesley Chapel/New Tampa
    • Zephyrhills/East Pasco
    • Business Digest
    • Senior Parks
    • Nature Notes
    • Featured Stories
    • Photos of the Week
    • Reasons To Smile
  • Sports
    • Land O’ Lakes
    • Lutz
    • Wesley Chapel/New Tampa
    • Zephyrhills and East Pasco
    • Check This Out
  • Education
  • Pets/Wildlife
  • Health
    • Health Events
    • Health News
  • What’s Happening
  • Sponsored Content
    • Closer Look
  • Homes
  • Obits
  • Public Notices

Dennis Alfonso

Redistricting proposals advance for a vote

October 26, 2021 By B.C. Manion

The Pasco County Commission has selected its preferred map for new voting districts for the five seats on its board.

And, the Pasco County School Board is set to make a similar choice at its Nov. 2 meeting.

Both government bodies also are planning public hearings on the issue.

County Administrator Dan Biles said the county’s proposed redistricting map took into account feedback from individual commissioners, geographic features and a need to balance population between districts. (File)

The county commission’s public hearing is being advertised for Dec. 7; the school board’s is expected on Nov. 16.

The school board’s desire to weigh in on the redistricting discussion before the county board made a choice, however, didn’t happen.

The school board had taken up the issue at its Oct. 5 meeting, addressed it again on Oct. 19.

School board member Megan Harding thanked the district’s Deputy Superintendent Ray Gadd for trying to arrange an opportunity for the school board and county board to work together on redistricting.

The school board had hoped to establish the same district boundaries as the county commission. That’s what it did the last time redistricting occurred.

“Unfortunately, we didn’t get to work with the county,” Harding said. “It’s unfortunate that we now have to have two separate maps.”

Redistricting occurs every 10 years, based on the population figures collected in the decennial census.

The figures are used to apportion the number of seats each state has in the U.S. House of Representatives.

The Florida Legislature redraws the districts from which Florida voters elect their members of their U.S. House of Representatives, state senators and state representatives.

The Florida Constitution also requires county commissions to develop a redistricting plan every decennial census to keep commission districts as nearly as equal in population as practical.

Political observers are keenly interested in the process because the way the lines are drawn can influence outcomes of elections.

In the case of Pasco County’s proposed district lines, County Administrator Dan Biles told the county board at its Oct. 12 meeting: “After we sat down with each of you and each of you gave us feedback of what you’d like to see, with respect to your district, we kind of combined all of that and tried to come up with a compromise map.”

His preferred option, was based on input from each commissioner, consideration of geographic boundaries and the goal of balancing population.

Incumbent school board member Alison Crumbley would have been carved out of her district, if the school board had adopted the map that the Pasco County Commission has proposed under its redistricting plan.

“What we tried to do was follow major arterials, collectors, as best we could,” Biles said.

“I know it’s not necessarily perfect, but it’s what we could do best to balance the population across the county, based on the feedback you gave us and make it reasonably easy to describe what your district boundaries are to the members of the public,” he said.

He also noted: “The difference between the largest and the smallest district is less than 2%.”

Commissioner Mike Moore made a motion to approve Biles’ preferred option, which was approved unanimously by the board.

The board is scheduled to have a public hearing and vote on the proposed map at its Dec. 7 meeting, at 1:30 p.m., in New Port Richey.

After the vote, Commission Chairman Ron Oakley invited Gadd, who was in the audience, to address the county board.

Gadd told commissioners: “What I have to say is now irrelevant. In all deference to Mr. Biles, because I know he worked hard in putting this together.”

Gadd told the county board that the school board and county commission met in a workshop on Aug. 16, 2011, regarding the last redistricting effort.

“We adopted the same districts. The school board did that by resolution,” Gadd said.

The board was interested in taking the same approach, but didn’t have the opportunity, Gadd added.

“We thought it was a good idea to have commission districts and school board districts that were the same. In the past, we cooperated on that,” Gadd said.

The county’s proposed map won’t work for the school board because it carves school board member Alison Crumbley out of her district, he said.

“I think it’s unfortunate that the school board and the county didn’t meet to discuss this issue, prior to that decision being made,” he said.

Some county board members said it appeared that a small tweak might be able to resolve the issue, but Gadd said: “None of our school board members have seen these maps. I don’t know what any of them think of these maps.”

School Board Attorney Dennis Alfonso and Superintendent Kurt Browning addressed the issue during the school board’s Oct. 19 meeting.

Alfonso told the board that the county’s proposed map can’t be used by the school board “because it would be contrary to the law.” He explained that a map cannot affect an incumbent’s position.

Proposed maps have been circulated to board members, Browning said.

The issue will be discussed at the board’s Nov. 2 meeting, and the proposed maps will be published as part of that agenda, the superintendent said.

Browning said based on the board’s Nov. 2 action, a resolution and map will be placed on the board’s Nov. 16 meeting, to set the new districts for each of the five school board members.

By the numbers

Proposed commission districts:
District 1: 113,431
District 2: 112,918
District 3: 111,299
District 4: 111,763
District 5: 112,480
Total Pasco County population: 561,891
Average population per district: 112,378

Pasco County, census data
Total population, 2020: 561,891
Total population, 2010: 464,697
Numeric change between 2010 and 2020: 97,194
Percent change: +20.9%

Published October 27, 2021

Pasco School Board wants in on redistricting talks

October 12, 2021 By B.C. Manion

Pasco County is in the midst of its redistricting process and the school board is interested in being involved.

On Oct. 5, the school board asked its attorney, Dennis Alfonso, to reach out to the county to let them know of their interest.

The request came after Ray Gadd, deputy superintendent, said he’d had some discussions with members of the Pasco County Commission and learned “they are actively involved in redrawing those boundaries.”

Redistricting occurs every 10 years, following the completion of the United States decennial census.

Changes to district maps are made based on changes to the population, but the way the lines are drawn in redistricting can have a significant influence regarding whom is elected to a particular office. So, those interested in the political process tend to keep a close eye on redistricting.

When the redistricting issue surfaced at the school board meeting, Alfonso noted: “Just to remind the board that we’re not bound by whatever redistricting is done by the county, but as a historical practice, it’s been practical for the board to just accept those districts.

“It’s not required by law, so the board, could in fact, draw its own boundaries, if it chose to do that.

“Either way, I’ll at least reach out and speak with the county attorney’s office to say, ‘Hey, we’re aware of this and we want to know whether or not we’re invited to participate in the discussions,’” Alfonso said.

School board chairman Allen Altman responded: “We went through that process 10 years ago. We cooperated together,” and noted that historically that’s been the case.

Altman told Alfonso: “If you would reach out to them on behalf of the board, let them know that we’d like to see what they are working on and participate in the process.

“My understanding is that they are the recipient of the (U.S. Census) information, and that it flows through them. And, we have heard nothing, so communication would be appreciated,” Altman said.

School board member Alison Crumbley added: “As I recall, 10 years ago, we had a co-meeting with them.”

Altman responded: “We did. So, we will go to work on that.”

Superintendent Kurt Browning announced that the district just completed its reaccreditation process, which occurs every five years.

It will be receiving the full report in coming weeks, but the district has been informed that it will recommend a continued system accreditation, Browning said.

“It is all about continuous improvement, how we become a better district,” he added.

In his remarks to the school board, Don Peace, president of the United School Employees of Pasco, noted that negotiations continue between the union and the district.

“We are hoping to be able to finalize the $1,000 payments to those employees who are not covered by the state (Gov. Ron DeSantis’ COVID-19 bonus plan) very soon,”  Peace said.

The union also hopes that negotiations will include how the district can move toward “addressing longtime teachers and raising the ceiling on teacher salaries, as these are the leaders and role models we desire to keep in front of our students.”

The union also is interested in lessening the amount of required paperwork.

“Let’s work together to streamline data where we can,” Peace said.

On another topic, the board approved additional spending for extra instructional time to help close achievement gaps for students and to help support students who are below grade level.

In keeping with the grant requirements, the program targets students who are performing below grade level in one or more academic areas, according to agenda background materials.

The extra instruction will be provided from Oct. 18 to March 11.

The elementary extended school day program will focus on reading and mathematics. The secondary extended day program will focus on core content courses.

A total of 11,500 instructional hours will be devoted to elementary students; 2,628 for middle school students and 9,824 hours for high school students.

On another issue, board member Colleen Beaudoin reminded parents that the district’s school choice program, known as Pasco Pathways, will be hosting virtual expos soon to familiarize parents with the various education options available in the district.

The virtual expo for West Pasco is scheduled for Nov. 15 and the virtual expo for East Pasco is set for Nov. 18. Each expo is from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Beaudoin said she wanted to draw attention to the expos, to help ensure parents will be able to take advantage of them.

“I frequently have parents say they didn’t know there were certain programs available at schools,” she said.

“I would like to encourage parents to please attend the (virtual) expos and then you’ll learn all of the things that are offered at the different schools, and then you make informed decisions for your students for the year.

“Pasco Pathways is talking about all of the different pathways that your students can take to go through our schools, pre-k through 12. That is school choice.

“That’s a chance to learn about the programs, the opportunities that we have.

“And then, the window to apply for school choice, is Jan. 6, 2022 to Jan. 20,2022, which will be here before you know,” Beaudoin said.

The expos provide a tremendous opportunity for parents to find out about their options, Altman agreed.

“They (school district staff) did an outstanding job putting it (expos) together last year,” Altman said.

The notification and acceptance window for the district’s choice program is Feb. 23 to March 4.

For more information, visit the school district’s website and then go to the Pasco Pathways page.

Published October 13, 2021

Primary Sidebar

Search

Sponsored Content

Avalon Applauds Healing Hearts Cafe

August 9, 2022 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Congratulations to Healing Hearts Cafe for being applauded by Avalon Park Wesley Chapel. Healing Hearts Cafe’s mission … [Read More...] about Avalon Applauds Healing Hearts Cafe

Affordable Living At Club Wildwood

July 26, 2022 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Older adults in central and east Pasco County are discovering the charming manufactured home community of Club Wildwood … [Read More...] about Affordable Living At Club Wildwood

More Posts from this Category

What’s Happening

08/11/2022 – Food distribution

Farm Share, the Pasco Sheriff’s Office, Pasco Sheriff Charities, The Gentlemen’s Course, and the Pasco County NAACP will host a free food distribution on Aug. 11 starting at 9 a.m., at the Big Lots parking lot, 4840 Allen Road in Zephyrhills. Food will be handed out rain or shine, on a first-come, first-served drive-through basis, until the items run out. … [Read More...] about 08/11/2022 – Food distribution

08/11/2022 – Yarn for a Cause

The New River Library, 34043 State Road 54 in Wesley Chapel, will host Yarn for a Cause on Aug. 11 at 6:15 p.m., in the Meeting Room. This group creates projects such as blankets for nursing homes, and more. Participants can learn new techniques and show their own projects. Register online at PascoLibraries.org. … [Read More...] about 08/11/2022 – Yarn for a Cause

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

08/12/2022 – Smart Driver Course

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

More of What's Happening

Follow us on Twitter

The Laker/Lutz News Follow

Your home for weekly news that impacts your life and community. Serving Land O' Lakes, Lutz, New Tampa, Wesley Chapel, Zephyrhills and Dade City.

LakerLutzNews
Retweet on Twitter The Laker/Lutz News Retweeted
zephyrhillscity City of Zephyrhills-Government @zephyrhillscity ·
14h

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

Reply on Twitter 1557034351644352512 Retweet on Twitter 1557034351644352512 3 Like on Twitter 1557034351644352512 1 Twitter 1557034351644352512
lakerlutznews The Laker/Lutz News @lakerlutznews ·
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

3

Reply on Twitter 1556701943510228993 Retweet on Twitter 1556701943510228993 Like on Twitter 1556701943510228993 1 Twitter 1556701943510228993
Retweet on Twitter The Laker/Lutz News Retweeted
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!

Top of the 1st:
@CotuitKettleers - 0
@harborhawks - 3

Reply on Twitter 1556235095786373120 Retweet on Twitter 1556235095786373120 3 Like on Twitter 1556235095786373120 6 Twitter 1556235095786373120
Load More

Archives

 

 

Where to pick up The Laker and Lutz News

Copyright © 2022 Community News Publications Inc.

    Doc