The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

East Pasco Democratic Club

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.

Political Agenda 07/06/2022

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Precinct lines changed
The Pasco County Commission recently approved changes to some precinct lines that were brought forward by Pasco County Supervisor of Elections Brian Corley.

The following precinct lines have been modified:

  • Precinct 9 and Precinct 76: Precinct 76 was split by a Florida House District line. The portion of Precinct 76 lying west of the House District line will be combined with Precinct 9.
  • Precinct 90 and Precinct 101: Precinct 101 was modified to accommodate additional census blocks pertinent to its respective Community Development District from District 90 to meet the census block requirements in accordance with state law.
  • Precinct lines of 011, 031, 36 and 095 were modified to include the census block requirements under state law and to conform to new congressional lines. No voters are affected by this change.

Democratic Club meeting
The East Pasco Democratic Club is set to meet remotely, via Zoom, on July 18. The speaker will address the referendum on raises, which voters will decide on the primary ballot. Socializing begins at 6 p.m., with the meeting starting promptly at 6:30 p.m. Email , or call 813-383-8315 for details.

Pasco Republican Party
The Pasco Republican Party of Florida recently had a ribbon-cutting at its second office, at 14341 Seventh St., in Zephyrhills. A celebration was held on June 14 to mark the office’s opening.

Be ready to vote
Here are some reminders from Pasco County Supervisor of Elections Brian Corley, to help you to be sure you are ready to vote. (These pointers are excerpted from Corley’s Corner, a column posted on election supervisor’s website).

  • In addition to registering to vote, make sure your voter registration is up to date with your current name, address, party affiliation, and signature. Address changes can be done by telephone, online, or by written notification. Failure to update your address prior to Election Day could result in delays at the polls.
  • Check your voter registration online at PascoVotes.gov or by calling 800-851-8754. Don’t wait until Election Day to make sure you are registered and your registration is in good standing.
  • In addition to partisan contests on the Primary Election ballot, nonpartisan races, such as school board members and judges, are elected at large and are on every voter’s ballot. These offices are assigned specific geographical areas, but are elected by all voters.
  • Use your sample ballot to help expedite voting at the polls. Mark your sample ballot and take it with you, so you can copy your choices onto your official ballot.
  • Due to redistricting and facility agreements, some polling locations have changed. Once redistricting is complete, all voters will be sent a new voter information card that will list their new districts and their assigned polling location. We anticipate mailing the new information cards around the middle of June. If you have not maintained a current address with my office, you may not receive your new card.
  • Information relating to voter registration deadlines, closed Primary Elections, polling places,
    early voting, voting by mail, etc. can be found at PascoVotes.gov.

Endorsement
The American Association of Senior Citizens has endorsed Gus Bilirakis, who is running for reelection in Florida’s 12th congressional district, according to the Bilirakis campaign.

Political Agenda 03/13/2022

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Municipal elections coming soon
Municipal elections are set for April 12. Here’s the list of candidates for city commission, town commission and city council in The Laker/Lutz News’ coverage area:

Dade City Commission Group 1
Scott Black
Kelly Smith

Dade City Commission Group 2
Ann Cosentino
Keely R. Karatinos

St. Leo Town Commissioner, Seat 1
Donna H. DeWitt

St. Leo Town Commissioner, Seat 3
James E. Hallett

St. Leo Town Commissioner, Seat 5
William E. Hamilton
Susan J. Lashlee

San Antonio City Commissioner
Alison R. Cagle
Timothy N. Pettis
Sarah E. Schrader
John T. Vogel

Zephyrhills City Council, Seat 1
Lance Smith

Zephyrhills City Council, Seat 4
Ken Burgess

East Pasco Democrats
The East Pasco Democratic Club will meet March 21, remotely on Zoom.  All members and friends of the Democratic Party are invited to attend. An open forum will discuss current events. Socializing starts at 6 p.m. Meeting starts promptly at 6:30 p.m. Email or call 813-383-8315 for details.

Central Pasco Democrats
The Central Pasco Democratic Club will meet on March 16, via Zoom.  Socializing starts at 6:30 p.m., followed by the meeting at 6:45 p.m. Please join us for current information about Democrats in Central Pasco.  For details, go to .

Republican Club of Central Pasco
The March 28 meeting of The Republican Club of Central Pasco will feature the candidates for the District 2 County Commissioner seat vacated by Commissioner Mike Moore. Seth Weightman, Christie Zimmer and Troy Stevenson each will have the opportunity to talk about their campaigns and their vision for Pasco County. Each candidate will be asked to answer three questions that will be predetermined before the meeting.

The meeting is open to the public. The club encourages anyone that seeks to be involved in the political process to attend. The club meets at Copperstone Executive Suites, 3632 Land O Lakes Blvd, Land O Lakes, FL 34639. The social begins at 6 p.m., followed by the meetings, which begins at 6:30 p.m. For more information, 813-996-3011.

Hahn seeking reelection
Stacy Hahn is seeking reelection to the Hillsborough County School Board in District 2.

Seth Weightman endorsements
Pasco County Tax Collector Mike Fasano and Pasco County Property Appraiser Mike Wells have endorsed Seth Weightman, according to the candidate, who is running for the District 2 seat on the Pasco County Commission. Mike Moore, who currently represents District 2, has announced his retirement from politics.

Sollberger intends to run for House District 37
Brad Solberger has submitted initial paperwork, in his pursuit to seek the District 37 seat in the Florida House of Representatives, according to an email he sent to The Laker/Lutz News. He said he will file the remaining paperwork on May 30, the first allowed day to submit early qualifying documentation.

Political Agenda 02/09/2022

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Qualifying period for municipal seats
Pasco County Supervisor of Elections Brian E. Corley announced that qualifying period for Municipal Elections began at noon on Feb. 8 and ends at noon on Feb. 15, according to a news release from Corley’s office.

After the qualifying period ends, a determination will be made regarding the municipalities that will hold elections, which are scheduled on April 12.

Interested parties should contact their respective city clerk for more information on candidate qualifying.

Municipal elections are for voters residing within the city limits only.

Information on city candidates is available on the Supervisor of Elections’ website, PascoVotes.gov, and sample ballots will be published in the Tampa Bay Times on April 8. Election results will be posted on PascoVotes.gov.

Voters going to the polls for Municipal Elections should bring photo and signature identification, or they will be required to vote a provisional ballot.

Voters also are encouraged to update their voter registration record prior to election day by contacting the elections’ office at 800-851-8754, or by visiting PascoVotes.gov.

Central Pasco Democratic Club
The Central Pasco Democratic Club will meet, via Zoom, on Feb. 16.

The guest speaker will be Amy Weintraub, the Reproductive Rights program director for Progress Florida and chair of the Reproductive Rights Task Force for NOW.

Socializing begins at 6:30 p.m, followed by the meeting at 6:45 p.m., and the guest speaker at 7 p.m.

For details, email .

East Pasco Democratic Club
The East Pasco Democratic Club is scheduled to meet on Feb. 21, remotely, via ZOOM.

Speakers will discuss winning in 2022.

Email , or call 813-383-8315 for details. Socializing starts at 6 p.m., followed by the meeting at 6:30 p.m.

Moore retires from District 2
Pasco County Commissioner Mike Moore has announced he will not run for reelection when his term in District 2 expires in November. In sharing the news, Moore said the decision came after much deliberation with his family. He plans to retire from politics and return to the private sector, his announcement said.

Candidates lining up for local seats
Here’s a look at candidates in local races that have filed as of Feb. 3, according to the Pasco County Supervisor of Elections website:

Pasco County Commission
District 2 candidates:
Troy F. Stevenson
Seth Weightman

District 4 candidates
Gary H. Bradford
Christina M. Fitzpatrick
Shannon J. Wittwer

Pasco County School Board
District 1:
Johnathan D. McKeen-Chaff

District 3:
Cynthia Armstrong
Matt Geiger

Endorsement
Pasco County Commissioner Mike Moore has announced he is retiring from his seat in November. He has endorsed candidate Seth Weightman to replace him on the county board.

Political Agenda
Political Agenda is a column that runs only during election years.

It gives candidates a place to announce they are seeking political office. It lets voters know of upcoming Meet the Candidate nights or political forums.

It is a place where political clubs can announce upcoming meetings, and it will include news that is pertinent to voters for upcoming elections. It also will announce endorsements.

It is limited to candidates who are running for office in The Laker/Lutz News coverage area.

This column does not include political fundraising events.

There is never a guarantee of publication, but we do consider each item we receive. Please submit items for consideration at least two weeks prior to the desired publication date. Send submissions to .

Political Agenda 10/07/2020

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Republican women’s group endorses Trump
The Florida Federation of Republican Women has announced its support for the reelection of President Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence in the 2020 Presidential Election. The women’s political group also endorsed that ticket during the 2016 presidential election, according to a news release from the organization.

Randy Maggard endorsements
Randy Maggard is running for reelection in District 38 of the Florida House of Representatives. His campaign has announced the following endorsements:

  • The West Central Florida Chapter of the Florida Police Benevolent Association
  • Pasco County Schools Superintendent Kurt Browning
  • Richard Corcoran, former speaker of the Florida House and current state education commissioner

East Pasco Democrat Club
The East Pasco Democratic Club will meet remotely, via Zoom, at Oct. 19, at 6:30 p.m. The meeting will feature supporting the Democratic candidates locally and nationally. All members and friends of the Democratic Party are invited to attend. Email , or call (813) 383-8315 for details. Socializing begins at 6 p.m., followed by the meeting.

Democrat Club meeting set
The Central Pasco Democratic Club will meet Oct. 21 at 6:45 p.m., remotely on Zoom. The meeting will feature supporting the Democratic candidates locally and nationally. All members and friends of the Democratic Party are invited to attend. Email , or call (813) 383-8315 for details. Socializing begins at 6:30 p.m., followed by the meeting.

Kathy Lewis endorsements
Kathy Lewis is running for the District 20 seat in the State Senate. She has received these endorsements, according to her campaign:

  • Tracey Kagan, Democratic candidate for the Florida House
  • Florida State Sen. Victor “Vic” M. Torres, Jr.

Polling place changes in Pasco
Pasco County Supervisor of Elections Brian Corley announced the following polling place changes for precincts 15 and 55, for the 2020 General Election.

New locations
• Precinct 15: Cornerstone Community Church, 5708 Trouble Creek Road, New Port Richey, 34652
• Precinct 55: Zephyr Shores Estates POA Clubhouse, 35143 State Road 54 W., Zephyrhills, Florida 33541

Former locations
• Precinct 15: Ashbury United Methodist Church, 4204 Thys Road, New Port Richey
• Precinct 55: Crystal Lakes Clubhouse, Zephyrhills, Florida 33541

Sample ballots
Pasco County will mail sample ballots to voters on Oct. 9. Voters who have requested vote-by-mail do not receive sample ballots.

Some vote-by-mail reminders
The Hillsborough County Supervisor of Elections’ Office provides these Vote By Mail reminders, on its website:

  • Don’t forget to sign your Vote By Mail envelope before returning it.
  • Make sure you have a current signature on file with your Supervisor of Elections Office. You can update your signature by completing a printed or online voter registration application. (An online application will add your most recent Florida Driver License or Florida State ID signature to your voter record.)
  • Be consistent when signing your mail ballot return envelope. Signatures are compared to those on file with the elections office.
  • You may mail your ballot back or drop it off at your local elections offices or Early Voting sites (during Early Voting).
  • Check with your local elections office for more information on drop-off locations.
  • If you mail the ballot back, make sure to allow plenty of time for it to be received. It’s a good idea that you allow at least a week for your mailed ballot to reach your elections office. If your ballot isn’t in your county’s elections office by 7 p.m., Election Day, it will not be counted.

Political Agenda 03/04/2020

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Young Democrats meeting
The Young Democrats plans to meet on March 10 from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., at Brick City Eatery, 16540 Pointe Village Drive in Lutz, according to the calendar on the Pasco Democrats’ website.

Wesley Chapel Republican Club
The Wesley Chapel Republican Club plans to meet on March 12 from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., at Wesley Chapel Toyota, 5300 Eagleston Blvd., in Wesley Chapel. The scheduled speaker is Alexandria Suarez. For more information, contact Peter Cracchiolo at (813) 360-9813.

East Pasco Democratic Club
The East Pasco Democratic Club plans to meet March 16, at The Tavern, Southport Springs Country Club, 3509 Southport Springs Parkway in Zephyrhills. Brian Staver, president of the club, will speak on the implementation of the Pasco County Democratic party platform. All friends of the Democratic Party are invited to attend. Dining and socializing start at 5 p.m. The meeting starts promptly at 6:30 p.m. For more information call (813) 383-8315, or visit the club’s Facebook page.

East Pasco Republican Club
The East Pasco Republican Club plans to meet on March 17 at 6 p.m., at the Microtel Inns & Suites, 7839 Gall Blvd., in Zephyrhills. The scheduled guest speaker is Dr. Randall Stovall, according to the club’s Facebook page.

Political season is beginning to heat up

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It’s not 2020 yet, but the political season is underway, and candidates are beginning to make their intentions known.

This Political Agenda column is The Laker/Lutz News’ way to keep our readers informed of candidates who have filed, political party meetings, political forums and endorsements.

This column also includes information that’s pertinent for upcoming elections, such as deadlines for registering, new polling places, meet the candidate nights, political town halls and other relevant news.

It does not promote political fundraisers.

The column runs periodically, based on the volume of submissions, but it generally runs about twice a month.

Those wishing to submit items for possible publication should send the information at least two weeks prior to the desired publication date. The Laker/Lutz News publishes on Wednesdays.

Send your items to .

Here is your first helping of Political Agenda

Club meetings

  • The Democratic Environmental Caucus of Florida-Pasco Chapter will meet Nov. 13, at the Land O’ Lakes Heritage Park Community Center, 5401 Land O’ Lakes Blvd. Doors open at 6 p.m., for networking. The guest speaker is Brandi Geoit, candidate for Pasco County Commission, District 5. She will talk about her environmental issues vision relating to Pasco County. The meeting begins at 6:30 p.m. For more information, call Lee Ogden at (813) 778-3097.
  • The Wesley Chapel Republican Club will meet Nov. 14 at 6:30 p.m., at Toyota of Wesley Chapel, 5300 Eagleston Blvd. The guest speaker will be Pasco Commissioner Mike Moore. Admission free; all are welcome. Coffee and homemade desserts will be served. For information, call Peter Cracchiolo at (813) 360-9813.
  • The East Pasco Democratic Club will meet Nov. 18, at The Tavern at the Southport Springs Country Club, 3509 Southport Springs Parkway in Zephyrhills. The guest speaker will be Christine Bright on the topic of the National Popular Vote. Dining service begins at 5 p.m. The meeting starts at 6:30 p.m. For more information, call (813) 383-8315.
  • The Central Pasco Democratic Club will meet on Nov. 20, at Meadow Pointe 1 CDD, Building A, at 28245 County Line Road in Wesley Chapel. The doors open at 6:15 p.m. The presentation will be given by Marilyn Holleran, who will discuss what the climate crisis means and how it can be solved. For more information, email .
  • Libertad-Club Republicano de Pasco County meets on the third Monday of the month, beginning with a 6:30 p.m. social hour, with complimentary coffee and pastries. The meeting starts at 7 p.m. All are welcome. The group meets at Havana Dreamers Café, 3104 Town Ave., Suite 107, in Trinity. For more information, call (727) 807-7990.

Published November 06, 2019

Political Agenda 03/06/2019

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Sample ballots and early voting
Pasco County Supervisor of Elections Brian Corley has announced that Sample Ballots for the April 9 Municipal and Special Primary elections are available online at PascoVotes.com.

The supervisor’s office also intended to send the vote-by-mail ballots for the more than 12,000 requested on March 5, after The Laker/Lutz News print deadline.

Voter turnout will be posted daily on PascoVotes.com, as vote-by-mail ballots are returned.
The Municipal Elections are for voters who reside within the city limits of New Port Richey, Port Richey and Zephyrhills. The Special Primary is for voters who reside within House District 38, and per Florida Statutes 101.021, is a closed primary for registered Republican voters.
To be counted, vote-by-mail ballots must be returned to the elections’ office by mail or hand delivery by 7 p.m., on Election Day. Mail ballots may also be returned to city halls but may not be turned in at the polls. Voters can check the status of their vote-by-mail ballot at PascoVotes.com/Vote-by-Mail/Check-Request-Status.aspx.

Vote-by-mail ballot can be requested by calling (800) 851-8754 or request one online at PascoVotes.com.

Voters who wish to vote in person before Election Day may vote at City Halls beginning March 8.

Early Voting begins March 30 at East Pasco Government Center and Central Pasco Professional Center. See PascoVotes.com for addresses and times.

Election results will be posted on-line at PascoVotes.com beginning at 7 p.m., on Election Day.

East Pasco Democrats
The East Pasco Democratic Club will meet March 18 at 6:30 p.m., at Omari’s Grill at Scotland Yard Golf Club, 9424 U.S. 301 in Dade City. The speaker will be Kelly Smith. Dining a la carte is available from 5 p.m. For more information, visit EastPascoDems.com, or call (813) 383-8315.

Democratic Environmental Caucus of Pasco
The Democratic Environmental Caucus of Florida, Pasco County Chapter will meet on March 13, at the Land O’ Lakes Heritage Park Community Center, 5401 Land O Lakes Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes. The meeting begins at 6:30 p.m., but networking begins at 6 p.m. For more information, .

Political Agenda 01/16/2019

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Candidates vying to fill District 38 vacancy
Democrat Kathy Lynn Lewis and Republican Randy Maggard have pre-filed to seek the seat expected to be vacated by Danny Burgess, who was selected by Gov. Ron DeSantis to serve as executive director of the state Department of Veterans Affairs. Pasco County Supervisor of Elections Brian Corley said no official word had been received regarding Burgess vacating the seat, as of the print deadline for The Laker/Lutz News. Once Burgess resigns, Gov. Ron DeSantis will issue an order for a special election.

Municipal elections
Lance Smith has filed to run for the District 1 seat on the Zephyrhills City Council, and Kenneth M. Burgess Jr., has filed to run for the District 4 seat of the Zephyrhills City Council, according to Supervisor of Elections Brian Corley’s website. No candidates have filed so far for the City of San Antonio’s two open commission seats or the two open Town of St. Leo commission seats. There is no election scheduled in 2019 in the City of Dade City.

East Pasco Democrats
The East Pasco Democratic Club will meet on Jan. 21 at 6:30 p.m., at Omari’s Grill at Scotland Yard Golf Club, 9424 U.S. 301., in Dade City. Dining and a-la-carte is available from 5 p.m. For more information call (813) 383-8315, or visit EastPascoDems.com.

Trinity Democrats
Pasco County Supervisor of Elections Brian E. Corley will speak at the Trinity Democratic Club’s monthly meeting on Jan. 23, at the Fox Hollow Golf Club, 10050 Robert Trent Jones Parkway in Trinity. Doors open at 5 p.m., for dinner and happy hour (self-pay), with food and beverages available for purchase throughout the meeting, which begins at 6:30 p.m.

Republican Club of Central Pasco

The Republican Club of Central Pasco will meet Jan. 28 at Copperstone Executive Suites, 3632 Land O’ Lakes Blvd. The social begins at 6:30 p.m., followed by a business meeting at 7 p.m. The guest speaker will be state Sen. Tom Lee. For information, call (813) 996-3011.

Political Agenda 10/10/2018

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Wesley Chapel Republicans
The Wesley Chapel Republican Club will meet Oct. 11 at 6:30 p.m., at Lexus of Wesley Chapel, 5350 Eagleston Blvd., in Wesley Chapel. Numerous candidates will be featured. Admission is free, all are welcome, and coffee and homemade desserts will be served. For more information, contact Peter Cracchiolo at (813) 360-9813 or at .  

Candidate forums
There are three upcoming candidate forums, according to the Pasco County Supervisor of Elections’ website.

They are:

  • The American Association of University Women on Oct. 13 from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., at the New Port Richey Library, 5939 Main St., New Port Richey. The forum will feature all candidates running for U.S. Congress, the Florida Legislature and Pasco County School Board.
  • The Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce and The Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce on Oct. 15, at the East Pasco Adventist Academy, 38434 Centennial Road in Dade City. A meet and greet begins at 6 p.m., with the forum starting at 6:30 p.m. The public is invited to attend the event and will have the opportunity to submit questions to the moderators for consideration.
  • The League of Women Voters-Pasco on Oct. 17 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., at Land O’ Lakes Heritage Park, 5401 Land O’ Lakes Blvd. The forum will feature all candidates running.

East Pasco Democrats
The East Pasco Democratic Club will meet Oct. 15 at 4:30 p.m., at Omari’s Grill at Scotland Yard Golf Club, 9424 U.S. 301, in Dade City. The meeting will end at 6 p.m., and will reconvene at 6:30 p.m., at the Dade/Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce Candidate Forum at East Pasco Adventist Academy, 38434 Centennial Road in Dade City. For more information, visit EastPascoDems.com, or call (813) 383-8315.