The Laker/Lutz News

Federal Emergency Management Agency

Pasco hires a federal lobbyist to act on its behalf

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The Pasco County Commission has selected Van Scoyoc Associates, of Washington D.C., to be the county’s federal lobbyist.

Commissioners considered proposals submitted by Van Scoyoc Associates and Gray Robinson — with each commissioner scoring the proposals individually. When the scores were tallied,  Van Scoyoc received the higher mark.

In approving the selection of Van Scoyoc Associates Inc., commissioners also authorized County Administrator Dan Biles to execute a contract with the firm in an amount not to exceed $90,000 for fiscal year 2021.

Commissioner Mike Moore wasn’t sold on the idea of hiring either firm — not because of their capabilities, but because he’s not convinced that having a federal lobbyist is the best expenditure of the taxpayer’s money.

“I still have concerns seeing what our lack of return on investment was last time,” Moore said.

“I know there are earmarks — that the current president has added earmarks again, so there’s possibility of getting things. I just want to make sure that we’re going to get the best return on our investment for our citizens.”

He asked his commission colleagues: “Do you guys honestly feel that it’s worth us making this hire?”

When she advocated for the county to hire both a state and a federal lobbyist last fall, Commissioner Kathryn Starkey argued the investment would bring dividends back to the county.

She hasn’t changed her mind.

“I chair the federal committee at Florida Association of Counties, and I’ve interacted with other counties’ federal lobbyists and heard all of the things they’ve done for other counties,” she said.

“There are counties in the state that have multiple federal lobbyists,” Starkey added.

Such lobbyists can be valuable on federal issues, such as dredging, the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s flood maps and transportation, Starkey said.

“There’s all kinds of ways — if we learned how to engage better, we could be effective in advocacy for things that are good for our county,” Starkey said.

But Moore said that wasn’t the case with the county’s last federal lobbyist.

“I don’t think we saw one dollar. We didn’t get anything. Let’s be honest. We got nothing,” Moore said.

Starkey responded: “I don’t think we utilized the resource as much as we could have, and I think that part is our fault. I think we need to learn how to use the resource better.”

Commissioner Jack Mariano agreed with Starkey.

“I think it’s very worthwhile,” Mariano said, noting he believes having a federal lobbyist is more important than having a state lobbyist.

He also noted that in this case, patience is a virtue.

“To invest in this, it can’t be a one-year deal. It takes time,” Mariano said. “It’s going to take a commitment for a few years, to get something back.”

Published May 05, 2021

State budget takes billion-dollar hit from COVID-19

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Florida’s final $92.2 billion budget reflects a billion dollars in projects and programs vetoed by Gov. Ron DeSantis.

The governor blamed the economic impacts of COVID-19 for forcing the budget cuts — which included numerous initiatives in Pasco County.

“As the budget was coming due, we started to see the economic effects of the coronavirus pandemic, which has changed the trajectory of the nation’s economy and obviously the economy here in Florida. And has, of course, affected the budget balances,” DeSantis explained in a televised news conference when he signed the budget on June 29.

“As we were looking at the budget, my goal was to try to safeguard the historic achievements that we were able to do, while also realizing historic savings, so that we could put Florida on a more solid fiscal foundation,” the governor said.

The budget “provides significant support for education, the environment, infrastructure, child welfare and more,” he said.

He also noted that, in light of Florida’s population growth, per capita spending has declined, as compared to the previous year’s budget.

“Everyone understands that circumstances have changed,” DeSantis said. Still, he added, “I don’t think we necessarily forecast the economy simply stopping for a time.”

The budget puts a high priority on teacher salaries.

“We wanted to take Florida from the bottom half of the country in average minimum salary to the top five. It was not an easy fight, there were a lot of folks who didn’t want to do that.

“We were able to get $500 million to increase the average minimum salary in the state of Florida for K-12 teachers, as well as including money for salary increases for teachers who are more seasoned, and other eligible personnel.

“We are now in the top five for average minimum salary. I think this is really a historic achievement,” DeSantis said.

Also, “we do have the highest funding ever for K-12 (kindergarten through 12th grade) schools, with an increase of $137 per student,” he said.

The state’s college and universities also received increases, and the state continued its commitment to restoring the Everglades and state waterways, and improving water quality, the governor said.

The budget also fully funds the Florida Department of Transportation’s $9.2 billion work program, which DeSantis said is necessary, as the state continues to grow.

There’s also $8.7 million in new funding to support the Office of Public and Professional Guardianship to help ensure the legal rights of older Floridians are protected, and eliminate abuse, neglect and exploitation of the elderly population, he said.

Plus, the budget also includes more than $138 million in state and federal funding to address the opioid epidemic, and $8 million to continue providing community-based behavioral health services.

Still, the governor vetoed pages and pages of projects and programs.

“These were not easy decisions,” DeSantis said.

“These were difficult circumstances. I want people to know, particularly those in the Legislature, that there were obviously things that I vetoed that I think there could be good policy. There are specific projects in there, that under normal circumstances, I would have supported.”

Locally, initiatives such as a stand-alone senior center in Dade City, a landscaping beautification project along U.S. 41 in Land O’ Lakes and an archive center at Florida Pioneer Museum will have to wait or find another funding source.

But, not all was lost.

Pasco County Commission Chairman Mike Moore said he’s gratified that hard work by Pasco’s legislative delegation resulted in getting many projects into the original budget.

He’s also pleased that some county initiatives gained funding.

“I am thankful the Governor did approve two Pasco projects worth just under $8 million dollars for needed infrastructure improvements,” Moore said, via email.

Those projects are the Lacoochee industrial area right-of-way improvements for approximately $5.5 million, and the U.S. 301/Pretty Pond and Medical Arts Court Intersection Improvements estimated at $2.3 million.

Moore also noted that in comparison with some other areas in the state, Pasco County fared well. The commission chairman also said the lack of state funding won’t kill all of the projects that were vetoed.

“At the moment, Pasco County staff is still reviewing options for the vetoed projects; we do expect some will move forward although they may be delayed from original timelines. As an example, the Quail Hollow stormwater improvement project has already pursued alternative grant funding from FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) we are awaiting final word on,” Moore said.

Veto list
Here are some of the projects or programs within and near The Laker/Lutz News coverage area that were included in Gov. Ron DeSantis’ veto list:

  • Saint Leo University, Robotics Bachelor’s Degree and Micro-credential program: $1.25 million
  • Pepin Academies Foundation, $1.5 million
  • Metropolitan Ministries Miracles for Pasco, $250,000
  • Pasco County Handcart Road Water and Wastewater, $5.75 million
  • CARES One Stop Senior Center in Dade City, $750,0000
  • Pasco County Quail Hollow Boulevard, South, $850,000
  • Land O’ Lakes U.S. 41 landscape rehabilitation, $850,000
  • Sarah Vande Berg Tennis & Wellness Center, Zephyrhills: $1 million
  • FIRST Economic Development Incubator, Land O’ Lakes: $750,000
  • Pioneer Florida Museum Association Inc. Archives Center Pasco: $100,000

State budget highlights
Gov. Ron DeSantis gave a news conference when he unveiled the state’s final $92.2 billion budget. Here is a look at some budget highlights he mentioned:

  • $500 million to increase teacher salaries
  • $137 increase in spending, per student in K-12
  • $25 million increase in mental health programs for schools
  • $22.8 million increase for Florida colleges, bringing total to $1.3 billion in state operating funds
  • $44.4 million increase for Florida’s universities, bringing total to $2.7 billion
  • $322 million for Everglades Restoration; $50 million for springs restoration; $160 million for targeted water quality improvements; $40 million for alternative water supply; $25 million to combat harmful algal blooms and red tide
  • $2.3 million to implement the first statewide threat assessment strategy in the country
  • $17.3 million to begin transitioning correctional officers from a 12-hour shift to an 8.5-hour shift
  • $15 million to fund prevention programs for at-risk youth

Published July 15, 2020

Planning for the vulnerable during crises

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People with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia especially can be vulnerable during disasters, such as severe weather, fires, floods, hurricanes and other emergency situations.

It is important for the caregivers of those afflicted to have a plan that includes the special needs of people with impairments in memory and reasoning that could severely limit their ability to act appropriately in a crisis.

In general, caregivers should be prepared to meet the needs of the family for three days to seven days, including having supplies and backup options when basic services like water or electricity, are lost, according to the National Institute on Aging (NIA).

Organizations such as the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the American Red Cross can provide information on how to make a general disaster preparedness plan.

And, the Administration for Community Living (ACL.gov) has a disaster planning toolkit for people with dementia.

Here are some tips from the NIA on how to plan ahead:

  • Caregivers should consider the needs of the person with Alzheimer’s while assembling supplies for the disaster kit. All supplies should be stored in a watertight container. A kit could include: incontinence undergarments, wipes and lotions; a pillow, toy or something the person can hold onto; favorite snacks and high-nutrient drinks; recent photos of the person; and, medical documents and medications.
  • If a move to a safer place is required, such as to a community shelter or someone’s home, caregivers should be sensitive to the Alzheimer’s patient’s emotions, by staying close, offering their hand, or giving reassuring hugs.
  • While planning an evacuation, know how to get to the nearest emergency shelters; arrange with someone else for transport; make sure the person with Alzheimer’s wears an ID bracelet; take general supplies and disaster kit; keep neighbors, friends and family informed about your location; keep comforting items on hand; and keep your cellphone charged.

For more information, including what to do in the case of caregiver/patient separation, and how to prepare for disaster situations, consider contacting these organizations:

• Eldercare Locator: Call (800) 677-1116, visit Eldercare.acl.gov, or email .

Published July 08, 2020

Pasco County hosts Disaster Expo to help residents

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Pasco County marked the beginning of this year’s hurricane season with an expo aimed at helping residents better prepare for potential disasters.

The county’s 2019 Disaster Expo, held at the Veterans Memorial Park in Hudson, gave those attending a chance to learn about myriad ways to better protect themselves, if a disaster should strike.

Tim Exline of the Pasco County Health Department explains necessary storm precautions to New Port Richey resident Natalie Griffin. The health department was among a host of booths at the June 1 Disaster Expo, preparing residents for potential storms. (Brian Fernandes)

Participants at the June 1 event included the Pasco County Health Department, Pasco County Fire Rescue, the county’s Emergency Management team and other groups, such Home Depot and the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP).

Judith Tear, a wildlife mitigation specialist for the Florida Forest Service, focused on educating residents about steps they can take to protect their homes from the danger of wildfires.

She encourages residents to trim trees near their homes, especially trees that have branches that hang over roofs.

When a fire is spreading, tree limbs hanging over a home can allow the fire to endanger the residence, she said.

Her organization also works in conjunction with Pasco County’s Emergency Management team and Pasco County Fire Rescue to predict the effects of harsh weather conditions, especially with summer humidity.

“Florida Forest Service is a state agency, and we work closely with our community partners,” the specialist said. “If we find that we’re getting too dry, we look at our drought index and how many days since rain.”

Depending on how dire the circumstances look, the county can place a burn ban, which it did in 2017.

The Florida Forest Service also collaborates with the Emergency Management team to issue reverse 911 calls to those living in target areas of a fire.

Along with the Florida Highway Patrol, they help post consistent alerts on digital message boards on the highway.

And, with special occasions, such as July 4, on the way, Tear strongly advises residents to avoid fueling fires with gasoline because it makes them harder to put out.

To keep documents safe, in the event of a fire, Tear said you either need to place them in a fire safe, or keep them off site.

She also suggests scanning documents and saving them on a flash drive, as a backup.

Andy Fossa, director of Pasco County’s Emergency Management, encourages residents to have generators handy in case the power goes out.

Attendees crowded inside the Veterans Memorial Park to learn about safety tips in preparing for the hurricane season. The 2019 Disaster Expo on June 1 featured various Pasco County and independent organizations.

Fossa also emphasized the importance of using generators safely.

To avoid posing a risk to utility workers, it is important to have a generator with an automatic transfer switch, which will turn off the generator once the home’s power goes back on.

If a generator is still running when the power goes back on, a utility worker could get electrocuted, or explosions can occur within the home, he said.

Fossa said a common mistake people make is operating their generator within the home, which can lead to deadly carbon monoxide poisoning.

He recommends keeping generators outdoors and well anchored to the ground.

Residents also should be careful when they are using candles. They should not be left unattended, and they should be placed somewhere stable, so they won’t tip over.

Candles should not be left burning overnight, when everyone is asleep, he said.

Fossa also urged taking precautions to avoid become overheated.

He said unless you are not able to leave, staying home during a power outage should be a last resort.

He recommends staying with family or friends, or at a hotel, if possible.

There are also local shelters available, he said.

“Dependent on where the storm is coming from, we have the ability to open certain shelters,” the director noted. “As we see population growing, we’re very proactive. We’ll go ahead and get another shelter ready to go.”

Fossa said it’s also important to heed evacuation warnings.

In some cases, residents become stranded by flooding.

When that happens, Fossa said, it is best to stay put and wait for assistance.

In the aftermath of a storm, Pasco County Human Services and the Red Cross will go out into neighborhoods to assess the needs of residents.

For those displaced from their homes, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) can provide temporary housing – even hotels rooms for up to 90 days.

In sustaining a home for harsh weather, Fossa suggests protecting windows with shutters or plywood, or installing missile-proof windows.

“Some insurance companies actually give a break when you storm-harden your house,” he added.

Residents should have a go-kit they can take with them, if they leave their homes, Fossa said.

“If they decide they’re going to leave, they need to have a bag to pick up and walk out the door,” Fossa said.

This kit should include medications, hygiene products, flashlights, batteries, nonperishable food, water, plastic utensils, paper towels and other items.

Fossa suggests that residents should start stockpiling weeks in advance of hurricane season – buying nonperishable food in small increments.

Tim Exline of the Pasco County Health Department said residents should have a food supply stocked up to last 10 days to 14 days.

Getting a surplus of prescription medication is a good idea, too.

“Once an (emergency) declaration is made from the governor, you can go to your pharmacy and get up to a 30-day supply,” Exline mentioned.

Some pharmacies will send out prescriptions through the mail for those who cannot make the commute, he added.

Exline stressed that for those coming to a shelter, medication should be kept in its original prescription bottle, so that it can be properly identified by health officials on the premises.

Transportation services are available for all, but especially the disabled with limited mobility.

“If you have no way to get to that shelter, then you can call Pasco County [Emergency Management’s] office and they’ll make arrangements to have someone come pick you up,” Exline pointed out.

For constant alerts and notifications, residents can download the MyPasco app on their phones.

For additional information to prepare for emergencies, visit PascoCountyFL.net/2813/Prepare-For-An-Emergency.

Published June 05, 2019

If a hurricane hits, what would your business do?

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Residents aren’t the only ones who need to how to respond if water rises, high winds hit or other damage results from tropical storms, hurricanes or other emergencies.

Businesses also need a plan that will help them weather the storm, and resume their enterprise as quickly as possible.

Brian Ellis, an expert with the Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council, offered some practical advice on how to deal with a disaster, during a recent Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce luncheon. (B.C. Manion)

Brian Ellis, disaster recovery coordinator for the Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council, recently shared his expertise on the topic at a Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce luncheon at the Plantation Palms Golf Club, in Land O’ Lakes.

Planning ahead is essential, Ellis said.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) estimates that nearly 40 percent of small businesses that closed after a disaster never reopened because they lacked a Business Continuity Plan and were unprepared to recover, Ellis told those gathered.

Additionally, he said that nearly one in four businesses can expect to experience a disruptive disaster, according to the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety and the U.S. Small Business Administration.

To be resilient in the face of such threats, businesses need to prepare, respond and recover, he said.

Preparations should include:

  • 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, too, he said.

“Bad information is not what you want,” Ellis said.

  • When faced with a disaster: Be sure you have an evacuation plan, with escape routes. Establish a safe place — which may be at your home or in another location — for you to resume your business as quickly as possible. Can you operate in your parking lot?

Keep your customers informed, he said. “Put some information on Facebook. A sign on the door (of your business) can go a long way.”

Be sure your employees know their roles. “Does your staff know how to react when you’re not there?” Ellis asked.

  • Build resilience in your supply chain. If you need specific products or services to conduct your business, be sure you have secondary suppliers, in case your supplier runs out. Establish service level agreements with your suppliers so you will know what level of service you can expect, if problems arise.
  • Build alliances with others in a similar business. Establish a buddy system: You help them if they’re hit with a disaster; they help you if you’re hit with a disaster. You can lend each other staff; exchange reliable supplier information; and, share inventory.

Responding to a crisis:

  • Account for all employees after the disaster.
  • Gather accurate information after the storm, with boots on the ground.
  • Conduct a full evaluation of infrastructure and take safety measures.
  • Coordinate next steps to get the doors open.
  • Communicate with all parties involved.

Filing an insurance claim:

  • Immediately contact your insurance company.
  • Make sure your insurance company knows your temporary address and contact information.
  • 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.
  • Be careful in choosing contractors to make repairs. Hire only licensed contractors, who secure the appropriate building permits. (The Better Business Bureau warns you should be wary when hiring contractors after a disaster. Watch out for red flags, such as upfront cash-only payment options; contractors offering to use materials left over from another job – a common tactic of fly-by-night operators; high-pressure sales tactics; and missing contact information.)
  • If the settlement offered by the insurance company seems unfair, contact the Florida Department of Insurance Regulation by visiting FLOIR.com.

Identify lessons learned:

  • How did we improve communications?
  • Were we satisfied with the way technology was backed up and stored?
  • Did staff fully understand their roles during and after the disaster?
  • Were there delays in reopening? If so, why?
  • Are changes needed in our insurance policy?

Ellis also quoted former President John F. Kennedy, who observed, “The time to repair the roof is when the sun is shining,” and famous inventor Benjamin Franklin, who said, “By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.”

Published June 05, 2019

Know your flood risk

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Pasco County is offering an interactive, online tool for property owners to see how the proposed flood hazard data contained in the new Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) could impact their property.

The digital FIRMs identify flood hazards throughout the county and help determine flood insurance rates.

In 2017, Hurricane Irma dumped quite a bit a rain, leaving behind flooded roads in Dade City. (File)

Residents and businesses can view the maps to better understand their potential flood risks to help identify steps that may be needed to protect against property damage and loss.

A FEMA appeal process is now open for anyone in Pasco County who is affected by the preliminary FIRMs.

Official appeals and/or comments must be submitted directly to FEMA by mail to Rick Sacbibit, Engineering Services Branch, Federal Insurance and Mitigation Administration, FEMA, 400 C Street, Washington D.C. 20472; or by email to . The deadline to submit an appeal or comment is May 28.

After the appeals process closes, FEMA will review all public input and make any necessary revisions to the preliminary FIRMs.

The final maps will then be presented to the Pasco County Commission.

To learn more about FEMA’s flood hazard data, visit bit.ly/FloodHazardData.

For more about the Pasco County Flood Plain Management, visit bit.ly/PascoFloodInfo.

Published May 01, 2019

Plantation Palms drainage project approved

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Plantation Palms and Pasco County have agreed to a deal that will result in a $2.99 million drainage project — which will be paid for by residents in the Central Pasco community through the creation of a Municipal Service Benefit Unit (MSBU).

As part of the deal, the county will stabilize the north ditch, with a project that’s approximately 1,700 feet long.

Plans have been prepared by the county’s consultant — Coastal Design Consultants — at the county’s expense, and the estimated cost for the project, including a 10 percent contingency, is $2,986,000.

The construction costs will be covered through annual payments on property tax bills of the residences of the 821 members of Plantation Palms Homeowners Association Inc.

The project will be paid for over a period of 30 years, with an interest rate set at 3 percent, which results in an annual payment per member of $195.32, according to county documents.

However, the document also notes that the assessments will be finalized before September 2019.

The county also notes that Pasco County Tax Collector Mike Fasano has said his office will waive the normal 2 percent administrative cost for projects of this type.

The homeowners association owns the ditch, but needs the county’s help to fund the project.

The bids are already out, advertised and will be closed on Dec. 14.

The county attempted to obtain funding from the Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFMD) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency for the project, but was unsuccessful.

Jim Hammond, president of the Plantation Palms Homeowners Association, said “The HOA board unanimously supports an MSBU being formed, as do a majority of our homeowners.”

Pasco County Commissioner Mike Moore was pleased to see the issue resolved.

He praised the county’s staff and the HOA for working out a solution.

Moore said the county should continue to seek assistance on costs form SWFMD.

Commissioner Jack Mariano agreed: “I think we should continue to go after that SWFMD funding, or FEMA funding, whatever it would be.”

The board voted 5-0 to support the project and the creation of the MSBU to pay for construction.

Published December 5, 2018

Efforts underway to help Hurricane Michael victims

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In the aftermath of Hurricane Michael, some local efforts are underway to help the storm’s victims.

Hurricane Michael was monstrous, clocking winds at 155 mph and becoming the first Category 4 storm to slam into Florida’s Panhandle.

A look at some of the devastation in Gulf County, where Pasco County teams are helping in the aftermath of Hurricane Michael. (Courtesy of Pasco County Fire Rescue)

Its fierce winds and storm surge have reduced coastal communities to rubble, and after wreaking its havoc on the Panhandle, the destructive storm made its way through Georgia, North Carolina and Virginia.

At least 18 deaths had been reported as of Monday, with eight in Florida, three in North Carolina, one in Georgia and six in Virginia, according to the website, Weather.com.

Authorities predict it will take some time, even years in some cases, for areas hit by Hurricane Michael’s fury to recover.

While being spared the storm’s wrath, the Tampa Bay region is responding with ways to help.

A local donation drive is being coordinated by the Rotary Club of Wesley Chapel Noon, the North Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce and Wesley Chapel Nissan.

Donations can be dropped off through Oct. 19 at Wesley Chapel Nissan, 28519 State Road 54, in Wesley Chapel. The dealership’s hours are 9 a.m. until 9 p.m.

These are the items that are needed:

  • Portable generators
  • Insect repellent
  • Bottled water
  • Bleach
  • Disinfectant wipes
  • Latex gloves
  • Large garbage bags
  • Brooms
  • Mops
  • Sponges
  • Laundry detergent
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Soap
  • Feminine products
  • Diapers
  • Baby wipes
  • First aid kits/supplies
  • Tarps

“We’re going to pack trucks on Saturday, and if we can get in, we’ll leave on Sunday,” said Chris Casella, president-elect of the Rotary Club of Wesley Chapel Noon.

“We’re going to be delivering it to St. James Episcopal Church,” he said.

A few of the items collected so far in the showroom at Wesley Chapel Nissan. (Courtesy of Chris Casella)

Thomas Dwyer, the pastor of the church, also serves as the president of the Rotary Club of Port St. Joe.

The Wesley Chapel club wanted to be sure it had a focused effort, with a local contact to make sure the supplies could be distributed there.

“Rotary District 6950 — which is Citrus County, Pinellas County, Hernando and Pasco — they sent out 1,900 emails to our members,” Casella said. “A lot of people are sending us checks, and we’re just going to go shop on Saturday.”

The effort is focused on providing practical items that people need that the Federal Emergency Management Agency doesn’t provide, such as cleaning supplies and personal hygiene items.

“Insect repellent is going to be huge. These people are going to be outside all day long,” Casella said. Plus, there’s no electric, so the windows are open.

“The focus on television has been Mexico Beach and Panama City. You don’t hear about Port St. Joe, at all,” Casella said. “A small town like Port St. Joe will get neglected.”

Two of the Rotary Club’s Interact Clubs are also doing supply collection drives, Casella said. One of those clubs is at Wesley Chapel High School and the other one is at Cypress Creek Middle High School.

“The chamber (North Tampa Bay Chamber) has been incredible with this. They’re mobilizing local businesses,” Casella said.

Other Rotary Clubs are pitching in.

And, Wesley Chapel Nissan’s ownership and management has played a vital role by allowing the dealership’s staff to help and making room for the supplies in the dealership’s showroom, Casella said.

Mady Miller, a student from Sanders Elementary School, organizes a water collection drive at her school, which results in a truck full of water collected in a single day. (Courtesy of Chris Casella)

In addition to those efforts, Pasco County government is lending its assistance to hurricane victims, as well.

Troy Stevenson, of Wesley Chapel Nissan, said “we’re convoying up Sunday. We’ve got Wesley Chapel Nissan employees, Wesley Chapel Rotary and North Tampa Bay Chamber.”

“By the end of the week, we’ll probably be sending up two truckloads.”

One team from Pasco Emergency Services (911) was deployed to Bay County. The six dispatchers on the team are relieving and supporting the 911 center there, according to Brendan Fitterer, public information officer for Pasco County.

Pasco Emergency Management also has deployed the State of Florida Region 4/6  All-Hazards Incident Management Team (AHIMT) to Gulf County.

This group is made up of personnel from Pasco County Fire Rescue and Emergency Management, as well as personnel from Hernando, Sumter, Hillsborough, Manatee and Sanford counties, the University of South Florida and the Lakeland Police Department.

The all-hazards team is being deployed for both Emergency Operations Center support and field operations, as needed, Fitterer said, via email.

Published October 17, 2018

Wiregrass sports complex will be hurricane-ready

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Pasco County received a $2 million federal grant to make the future Wiregrass Sports Arena hurricane-resistant, according to a news release from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Pasco’s emergency management department applied for the grant, which will pay for 75 percent of the approximately $2.7 million total cost of hurricane preparedness.

“We’re very excited for this opportunity,” said Laura Black, assistant director of emergency management. “It’s one of our top projects.”

This is a rendering of how the Wiregrass Sports complex will look. The complex is expected to open in 2019. (File)

The federal agency awards these grants through its Hazard Mitigation Grant Program. The grants are provided to states, and tribal and local governments, to reduce the loss of life and property due to natural disasters, including hurricanes.

The 98,000-square-foot sports arena will be built and hardened to withstand up to 170-mph winds. That exceeds Florida’s standard requirement of 142 mph.

In addition, the floors will be elevated by 1-foot to reduce the risk of flooding. Also, a 1000-kilowatt generator will be installed to provide backup power.

All of this will be done from the ground up, during construction. Doing that will result in substantial savings, Black said, adding the cost could be as much as $8 million, if a retrofit was required afterward.

The Pasco County Commission approved the project as a public/private partnership in 2017.

RADD Sports, a private company, will operate and manage the sports complex. Pasco County will own the facility and share in anticipated profits.

The federal application included a cost analysis on economic losses, if the arena suffered hurricane damage and couldn’t operate for a period of time, Black said.

In addition to the indoor sports arena, the complex will have seven outdoor sports fields, an amphitheater with an event lawn, trails, pavilions and a playground. The county also has a ground lease for a Marriott Residence Inn that will be built with private funds at the complex.

Richard Blalock, president of RADD Sports, spoke last year at an economic briefing luncheon sponsored by the Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce (now known as North Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce).

The facility will host sporting and recreational activities, including basketball, volleyball, cheerleading, dancing, wrestling, gymnastics, curling and badminton.

Blalock last year estimated annual economic impact would be about $6.5 million. Over 10 years, about $8 million or more in sales and use taxes would be generated, not including tourism taxes from hotel stays.

A construction date isn’t scheduled as yet, but the arena is expected to open by late summer or early fall of 2019.

Published April 25, 2018

They hit the water to solve crimes, make rescues

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A Pasco Sheriff’s Office team has been trained to respond to emergency calls involving water rescues, and to search for evidence in lakes, rivers and other water bodies.

The tactical units, called the Underwater Recovery/Swift Water Response Team, includes divers, rescue swimmers and deputies who pilot boats.

“We really can do anything that needs to be done on the water,” said Lt. Jay Galassi, who oversees the Marine Unit.

The Underwater Recovery/Swift Water Response Team held a training exercise on Dec. 4 at SunWest Park on Old Dixie Highway in Hudson, to practice its new waterborne skills. The unit was deployed over the summer during Hurricane Irma to assist residents living in flood-prone areas, such as the Elfers community in Pasco County. They also recovered items and debris in the November plane crash of former Major League Baseball pitcher Roy Halladay. (Kevin Weiss)

The 18-member team became nationally certified in November, after completing advanced swift water training through Dive Rescue International.

The certification means the team is ready to serve a wide range of scenarios, from safety and security, to special waterborne operations — even in strong water currents.

Officials say no mission is too large, whether its retrieving cars crashed in bodies of water, rescuing drowning victims, or looking for evidence or weapons underwater.

The certification also allows it to assist in Federal Emergency Management Agency-related response efforts, on a local, regional and national level.

“We could deploy to Texas, we could deploy to South Florida, North Florida, wherever…and then still have a team here that could effectively deal with issues in Pasco County,” Galassi said.

The Pasco Sheriff’s Office began the task of creating and implementing a Swift Water Recovery Team in late 2016 for rescue and recovery operations in areas that frequently flood in the county.

The team initially planned to include just four members who would respond to any swift water event in Pasco County. But, as the process of creating the team evolved, the Sheriff’s Office obtained funding from private citizens allowing the agency to dedicate more than a dozen fully trained and equipped personnel to the team.

The unit has been deployed for several high-profile occasions this year.

For instance, they assisted during Hurricane Irma to provide aid to residents living in flood-prone areas, such as the Elfers community.

They also recovered items and debris from the November plane crash of former Major League Baseball pitcher Roy Halladay.

They also conducted underwater searches in Wesley Chapel in a recent missing persons case.

The team held a training exercise on Dec. 4 at SunWest Park on Old Dixie Highway in Hudson, to practice and maintain its new waterborne skills.

Mitch Bollenbacher is a member of the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office’s Swift Water Response Team. The team’s 18 members retrieve cars crashed in water, rescue drowning victims, conducting evidence and weapons searches underwater and handle other water-related duties.

Team members tested three new 12-foot long INMAR inflatable/recovery boats purchased from private community donations.

As part of the drill, they assembled the boats — which involved inflating them and connecting motors — and then they operated them on the water.

They also practiced setting up what’s called a highline, a rope that connects to the boat and is controlled by someone on land. The rope line helps stabilize the boat for rescue and recovery operations in high waters or strong currents.

“We just kind of keep current on getting the speed down of getting the boats out and getting them in the water. The water here is nice and clean, so we just run the boats out here and get the motors all cleaned up,” Galassi said of training at SunWest Park.

The boats, equipped with 25-horsepower Suzuki motors, are designed to hold steady control in all bodies of water, fighting against heavy winds and currents.

They are being used instead of the larger, bulkier boats the team previously used, said Mitch Bollenbacher, a member of the team.

“These are easier to maneuver. They sit very still,” Bollenbacher said. “You can anchor the boat, and then a diver can dive off the back of it. The boats aren’t really affected by the wind or the current. They kind of maintain control in the water.”

Bollenbacher also said the boats can traverse tight-access areas, including lakes, canals and retention ponds — where someone might discard a body, weapons or another type of criminal evidence.

“It’s definitely something that we needed at the Sheriff’s Office,” said Bollenbacher, who’s been with the agency more than four years.

“We can now definitely search an area and say, ‘No, it’s not here.’ You can 100 percent say, ‘There’s no one here, there’s no object here, and we searched it,’”

said Bollenbacher, who is a swimmer and a diver, and has been around the water since he was a teenager.

To be considered for the special unit, deputies must pass a standard test for their water skills.

Even with his skills, Bollenbacher said there’s still trepidation in and around water, with the presence of alligators and other unknowns.

“It’s Florida. There’s always a fear,” he said.

The team takes precautions to stay safe.

“The biggest thing is safety, double-check and use the right equipment for the right job,” Bollenbacher said.

By year’s end, the agency looks to also have its Underwater Recovery Team, or tactical dive team, certified as a specialized unit of the Division of Homeland Security. It would allow the Sheriff’s Office to assist federal task forces in waterborne operations, including: antiterrorism and maritime dignitary protection, drug interdiction, underwater crime scene, special response team support, and maritime surveillance.

Published December 13, 2017