The Laker/Lutz News

Florida Forest Service

Chalk Talk 03/02/2022

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Panel discussion
Saint Leo University’s Center for Catholic-Jewish Studies will host “Theological Perspectives on Nationalism, Antisemitism, and Racism in the United States Today,” on March 3 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., via Zoom.

The discussion will include religious scholars from three faith traditions, on the topic of the impact of each ‘ism’ in the U.S. today.

The program is sponsored by Congregation Kol Ami, Tampa Jewish Community Centers & Federation, and St. Timothy Catholic Church in Lutz.

Admission is free. Registration is online at SaintLeo.edu/theological. Once registered, the participant will receive a Zoom link.

For information, email Matthew Tapie at .

College career fair
Pasco County Schools will host a virtual College Career Fair on March 8 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., for middle and high school students and their families.

The event will be beneficial for families planning for college entrance and/or careers after high school.

Presentations and a live Q&A will include:

  • ACT/SAT Test Programs
  • Career Exploration Resources
  • College Admissions Process
  • Collegiate Athletics
  • Financial Aid & Scholarships
  • Florida Bright Futures Program
  • Selecting Mathematics Courses for Your Future Pathway
  • Options After High School
  • Resources for Students with Disabilities

For details and to register, visit Pasco.k12.fl.us/oll/page/college-and-career-fair.

Teachers Tour
The Florida Forest Service is inviting educators statewide to apply for the Florida Forestry Teachers Tour scheduled for June 21 to June 24, according to a news release.

The annual tour brings educators from throughout the state to Northeast Florida for an inside look at the state’s largest agricultural commodity.

The tour is designed to provide educators with an opportunity to learn how the industry meets the needs of the state’s communities and environment, from clean air and water to home goods and other wood products.

“The Florida Forestry Teachers Tour is one of the best tools we have to make the next generation aware of the important of Florida’s forests and the career opportunities they provide,” said Erin Albury, state forester and director of the Florida Forest Service, in the release.

Educators of all subjects and grade levels are encouraged to apply.

All lodging, meals and tour transportation are provided at no cost to teachers through the support of private partners and sponsors, including the Florida Forestry Association, Project Learning Tree of Florida, and Friends of Florida State Forests.

The four-day event earns Florida teachers 30 Continuing Education Units.

Deadline to apply is March 11.

To learn more, visit FloridaStateForests.org/TeachersTour.

Saint Leo earns honors
Saint Leo University earned honors in five categories for providing the best online bachelor and master programs in the United States, according to the 2022 U.S. News & World Report’s Best Online Programs edition, a news release said.

Saint Leo received recognition in the Best Online Bachelor’s Programs in Psychology (36th); Best Online Bachelor’s Programs (tied for 101st); Best Online Bachelor’s Programs for Veterans (84th); and Best Online Bachelor’s Programs in Business (tied for 98th).

In addition, Saint Leo was named one of the Best Online Master’s in Computer Information Technology Programs (tied for the 65th-85th rankings).

Many online students are looking to advance in or change their careers, and online education appeals to working adults, too.

U.S. News & World Report assessed universities and colleges based on four categories: Engagement; Services and Technologies; Faculty Credentials and Training; and Expert Opinion.

Saint Leo also is designated as a National Security Administration/Department of Homeland Security National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education.

To see the rankings, data and methodologies for the Best Online Programs edition, visit USNews.com/online.

Scholarship applications
Supervisor of Elections Brian E. Corley is accepting applications for the Florida State Association of Supervisors of Elections Scholarship (FSASE).

Applicants must be at least a junior in college; be enrolled or accepted as a full-time student in a senior college or university in Florida, and have at least a C average or above for the previous year; have been a resident of Florida for two years; and demonstrate a financial need.

Two letters of recommendation, one from a college or university last attended or graduated from, and one from a personal reference should accompany the application.

The applicant also must be a registered voter.

Applications, as well as additional requirements, guidelines and eligibility information, can be found online at PascoVotes.gov, by selecting the 2022 FSASE Scholarship Application under the Newsworthy tab on the homepage.

Deadline for getting applications to the supervisor’s office is March 11.

Applicants will be personally interviewed by Corley, who will then select one finalist from Pasco County for consideration by the FSASE Scholarship Committee.

The association will award four $1,200 scholarships statewide to a political science/public or business administration or journalism/mass communications major.

Action board scholarships
The Hillsborough County Community Action Board Scholarships are now available to Hillsborough County students who want to continue their post-secondary education.

The scholarships can be used at trade schools, community colleges, or four-year universities, and are awarded to students to help alleviate some of the financial burden of tuition.

All applicants must follow specific criteria.

Interested students should read through the full Community Action Board Scholarship Application Package (visit tinyurl.com/2p95vwc6) before applying online, to ensure all documents are complete and requirements are met.

A full list of required documents can be found in the online package.

Students can apply online at tinyurl.com/yc46uy6p, once all the information and documents have been collected.

Applications are due by March 18.

For information and questions, call 813-272-5074, ext. 55316.

5 for 5 Dinner
The Republican Party of Pasco (RPOP) Scholarship Committee will host the return of its 5 for 5 Dinner on March 24, at Timber Greens Golf & Country Club in New Port Richey.

Pasco Sheriff Chris Nocco will be the master of ceremony, and Chef Adam and Sous-Chefs Sen. Danny Burgess, Rep. Randy Maggard, Clerk of Court Nikki Alvarez-Sowles, and Pasco Commissioners Ron Oakley and Kathryn Starkey will prepare a five-course meal.

Sponsorships and single tickets are available. The money raised will benefit the RPOP Scholarship Fund to award five $1,000 scholarships to seniors applying from any Pasco high school, private, charter or home-school.

Students must attend an accredited Florida college, university or technical/vocational school.

Applications are online at PascoGOP.com/rpop-scholarship/, or at the student’s school Career Resource Center office.

Deadline for application submission for review is March 25.

Scholarships will be awarded in the spring.

For more information on applications, tickets or sponsorships for the dinner, call the Republican Party office at 727-863-5400; Sandy Graves at 813-817-3011; or Jean Nathe at 813-783-4364.

Chalk Talk 03/23/2022

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St. Clement’s carnival
St. Clement’s Academy, 706 W. 113th Ave., in Tampa, will host a family carnival on Feb. 26 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., to celebrate the grand opening of its full-time child care program (for ages 2 to 6).

The academy uses the Funny Daffer curriculum, will offer safety and parent-friendly features, including a parent communication app; shared videos and pictures of the children; and digital documentation.

Parents will receive regular progress reports and at-home activity content, linking to Brightwheel.

There will be food, games, a bounce house, tours, and more. Admission is free.

For information, call 813-932-6204.

Panel discussion
Saint Leo University’s Center for Catholic-Jewish Studies will host “Theological Perspectives on Nationalism, Antisemitism, and Racism in the United States Today,” on March 3 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., via Zoom.

The discussion will include religious scholars from three faith traditions, on the topic of the impact of each ‘ism’ in the U.S. today.

The program is sponsored by Congregation Kol Ami, Tampa Jewish Community Centers & Federation, and St. Timothy Catholic Church in Lutz.

Admission is free. Registration is online at SaintLeo.edu/theological. Once registered, the participant will receive a Zoom link.

For information, email Matthew Tapie at .

College career fair
Pasco County Schools will host a virtual College Career Fair on March 8 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., for middle and high school students and their families.

The event will be beneficial for families planning for college entrance and/or careers after high school.

Presentations and a live Q&A will include:

  • ACT/SAT Test Programs
  • Career Exploration Resources
  • College Admissions Process
  • Collegiate Athletics
  • Financial Aid & Scholarships
  • Florida Bright Futures Program
  • Selecting Mathematics Courses for Your Future Pathway
  • Options After High School
  • Resources for Students with Disabilities

For details and to register, visit Pasco.k12.fl.us/oll/page/college-and-career-fair.

Teachers Tour
The Florida Forest Service is inviting educators statewide to apply for the Florida Forestry Teachers Tour scheduled for June 21 to June 24, according to a news release.

The annual tour brings educators from throughout the state to Northeast Florida for an inside look at the state’s largest agricultural commodity.

The tour is designed to provide educators with an opportunity to learn how the industry meets the needs of the state’s communities and environment, from clean air and water to home goods and other wood products.

“The Florida Forestry Teachers Tour is one of the best tools we have to make the next generation aware of the important of Florida’s forests and the career opportunities they provide,” said Erin Albury, state forester and director of the Florida Forest Service, in the release.

Educators of all subjects and grade levels are encouraged to apply.

All lodging, meals and tour transportation are provided at no cost to teachers through the support of private partners and sponsors, including the Florida Forestry Association, Project Learning Tree of Florida, and Friends of Florida State Forests.

The four-day event earns Florida teachers 30 Continuing Education Units.

Deadline to apply is March 11.

To learn more, visit FloridaStateForests.org/TeachersTour.

Local fall graduates

  • Rachel Asante-Korang, Lutz: Bachelor of Fine Arts in animation, University of Tampa
  • Akshay Bhuva, Lutz: Master of Science in entrepreneurship, University of Tampa
  • Matthew Bradley, Lutz: Bachelor of Science in cybersecurity, University of Tampa
  • Cory Burke, Lutz: Master of Science in entrepreneurship, University of Tampa
  • Jeffrey Davis, Lutz: Bachelor of Science in business administration, University of Maryland Global Campus, Adelphi
  • Moxeshkumar Dilkhush, Odessa: Master of Science in entrepreneurship, University of Tampa
  • Nathan Egli, Odessa: Bachelor of Science in engineering, Miami University, Oxford, Ohio
  • Daniel Engstrom, Land O’ Lakes: Master of Business Administration, University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire
  • Atlanta Foskey, Odessa: Bachelor of Liberal Studies, University of Tampa
  • Madeleine Hendron, Odessa: Bachelor of Applied Science, University of Mississippi
  • Melissa Hill, Odessa: Bachelor of Science in nursing, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa
  • Troy Klemm, Land O’ Lakes: Bachelor of Science in accounting, Palm Beach Atlantic University
  • Gianna Mangiaracina, Odessa: Bachelor of Science in public health, University of Tampa
  • Lindsey Marzo, Lutz: Bachelor of Science in marketing, University of Tampa
  • Kristina Nappi, Lutz: Doctor of Education, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa
  • Jennifer Pricher, Odessa: Doctor of Nursing Practice, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa
  • Jeremy Reaper, Lutz: Bachelor of Science in information and computer science/networking and security, Park University, Parkville, Missouri
  • Victor Reyes, Lutz: Associate of Arts, University of Maryland Global Campus, Adelphi
  • David Tzeel, Odessa: Master of Science in Business Administration Finance, University of Tampa
  • Ruth Wilson, Odessa: Bachelor of Science in cybersecurity management and policy, University of Maryland Global Campus, Adelphi

Fish art contest
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), in partnership with Wildlife Forever, is hosting the annual Florida State Fish Art Contest.

Students in kindergarten through 12th grade can compete in the free contest for a chance to win state and national honors, and prizes.

The program inspires creativity, while developing the next generation of anglers and conservationists.

Florida winners will be selected by the FWC in four grade categories: Kindergarten through third grade; fourth grade through sixth grade; seventh grade through ninth grade; and 10th grade through 12th grade.

State winners will advance to the National Competition to be judged for top prizes, including Best of Show.

The deadline to enter is March 31.

For entry guidelines and information, visit WildlifeForever.org/home/fish-art/.

Crossing guard winners
Every year, the Florida Department of Transportation recognizes individuals and organizations exemplifying professionalism and responsibility for the safety of children.

This year’s award recipients are:

  • 2021 Florida Crossing Guard of the Year: Pat Alfonso, Seminole County Sheriff’s Office
  • 2021 Florida School Crossing Guard of the Year Extra Mile Award: Heather Calloway, Fort Walton Beach Police Department

For more information, visit FDOT.gov/SchoolCrossingGuard.

Garden club plans Arbor Day celebration

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The annual Arbor Day and Memorial Celebration is set for April 30 at 10 a.m., at the Dade City Garden Club, 13630 Fifth St., in Dade City.

The event marks the 26th year that the City of Dade City and the Dade City Garden Club have jointly sponsored the Arbor Day/Memorial Day program.

(File)

The event usually is held the third Friday in January, which is the day the State of Florida celebrates Arbor Day, but this year’s event has been rescheduled to coincide with National Arbor Day on April 30, according to a news release.

This year, the Dade City Garden Club sponsored an art contest for the students at Centennial Elementary School in Dade City.

Students learned about the history of Arbor Day and were asked to design a cover fitting for the Arbor Day Program to be printed for the event. The winners will be announced, and the grand prize winner will be recognized at the event.

Memorial trees that have been given throughout the year will be recognized. Trees are dedicated in memory of or in honor of a person or special occasion, and are living and lasting tributes that add beauty to the city and quality to the environment.

Speakers for the event will be Dade City’s own Cowboy Poet Steve Melton, and Foresters Mona Neville and Arthur Clothier from the Florida Forest Service.

The Garden Club is extending a special invitation to the public to join them for this event to celebrate Arbor Day and to honor the tree recipients.

For more information, email Ruth Anderson at .

Published April 14, 2021

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

Celebrating a day to honor trees

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Arbor Day is an annual observance that celebrates the role of trees in our lives and promotes tree planting and care.

As a formal holiday, it was first observed in 1872, in Nebraska, but tree planting festivals are as old as civilization. The tree has appeared throughout history and literature as the symbol of life.

The idea for Arbor Day in the United States originated in Nebraska City, Nebraska. Among the pioneers moving into the Nebraska Territory in 1854 was Julius Sterling Morton from Detroit. He and his wife, Caroline, were lovers of nature, and the home they established in Nebraska was planted with trees, shrubs and flowers.

In 1872, the State Board of Agriculture accepted a resolution by Julius Morton “to set aside one day to plant trees, both forest and fruit.”

The trees planted on Arbor Day show a concern for future generations. The simple act of planting a tree represents a belief that the tree will grow and provide wood products, wildlife habitat, erosion control, shelter from the wind and sun, beauty and inspiration, for everyone.

By 1920, more than 45 states and territorial possessions were celebrating Arbor Day. Today, it is commemorated in all 50 states.

For many years, Arbor Day was observed on Julius Morton’s birthday, April 22, but today, National Arbor Day is usually celebrated on the last Friday in April.

Many states and municipalities have implemented state or locally recognized Arbor Days that reflect the best time for planting in their region. Florida celebrates Arbor Day the third Friday in January — a tradition that began in 1886.

Visit ArborDay.org to learn when Arbor Day is recognized in each of the states.

Pasco County celebrates Arbor Day

What: Memorial Tree Celebration
When: The Dade City Garden Club and the City of Dade City will host an Arbor Day Memorial Tree Celebration Jan. 19 at 10 a.m., at the garden club, at 13630 Fifth St.
Details: Dade City is an official “Tree City,” which means it has a tree ordinance in place, maintains core standards of sound urban tree management, contributes funding, and celebrates Arbor Day.
Memorial trees, dedicated in memory or in honor of a special person or occasion, will be recognized by Deborah Garnett Parks, president, and Gail Stout, chairperson.
Trees will be planted by city staff at the Garden Center and the Hardy Trail at Church Avenue and Ninth Street, and a small memorial plaque is placed in front of the tree.
The program also will feature a Proclamation from the City of Dade City to be read by Mayor Camille Hernandez, and speakers from the Florida Forest Service, University of Florida IFAS Extension.
The event is open to the public.
Info: Call Gail Stout at (352) 567-0607.

What: Arbor Day Celebration
When: Jan. 19 starting at 11 a.m. at Frances Avenue Park, 5580 Frances Ave., New Port Richey
Details: Trees, free seedling will be available, while supplies last. Seedling species will include Pawpaw, redbud maple, sycamore, wild black cherry, hoptree and sassafras.
There will be a children’s program about trees, the city’s Public Works department and the children will plant trees as part of the celebration and the city’s designation as a National Tree City USA.
Free seedlings also will be available at Tasty Tuesdays on Jan. 23 from 10 a.m. to noon, at the New Port Richey City Library on Main Street.
Approximately 600 seedlings will be handed out to the community during the week of Arbor Day.
Info: KeepPascoBeautiful.org

Published January 17, 2018

Wildfires in Pasco cause hassles, heavy smoke

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Wildfires burning in Pasco County have produced heavy smoke — causing inconvenience for motorists, disrupting schools and posing potential health hazards.

Pasco County officials have responded to the wildfires by issuing warnings to motorists to use care when driving through areas surrounding Starkey Park.

Flames in Starkey Park on May 6.
(Courtesy of Pasco County Emergency Management/Emergency Services)

Motorists should expect periods of heavy smoke on the road for 30 days to 45 days, according to county emergency staff.

Signs have been posted along State Road 52, State Road 54 and State Road 589 (Suncoast Parkway), to alert motorists of the latest conditions.

Motorists are advised to slow down when driving through smoke and to use their headlights, not their hazards.

Parents also are advised to check the Pasco County Schools website for the latest information on schools that may be affected by the smoky conditions.

Pasco County Schools and the Pasco County Emergency Management staff decided to continue the late start time for River Ridge Middle School and River Ridge High School on May 15, and planned to decide that day whether it would be safe to resume the schools’ regular schedule beginning May 16.

“We hope we will be able to resume the regular schedule beginning on Tuesday (May 16), but the weather forecast will dictate what we do moving forward,” Superintendent of Schools Kurt Browning said, in a news release.

River Ridge Middle, River Ridge High and Cypress Elementary Schools were closed on May 8, because heavy smoke from the Starkey Park wildfire had permeated the schools’ classrooms.

This Smokey Bear sign off State Road 52 approaching Dade City alerted passersby to a high risk of fires. Dry conditions have contributed to several wildfires in Pasco County, which have caused inconvenience and posed hazards.
(B.C. Manion)

Beginning May 9, River Ridge Middle and River Ridge High have operated on a 10:45 a.m. to 5:10 p.m. schedule.

The Starkey Park wildfire also posed an inconvenience for those planning to camp at the park during Mother’s Day weekend.

The county cancelled all camping in Starkey Park through May 14.

The county also banned campfires, barbecues or any other kind of open flames in county parks until further notice.

There is a burn ban in effect, until further notice, in Pasco County that prohibits burning of garbage, trash or yard debris.

Bike and hiking trails also are closed in Starkey Park until further notice because of safety concerns, and to provide access for firefighters.

On May 9, the Florida Forest Service reported that the Jay B. Starkey Wilderness fire was 70 percent contained, at 2,275 acres.

During a recent update for the Pasco County Commission, county emergency staff reported that 15 miles of bike trail have been damaged in Starkey Park. Of that, about 2 miles of trail were damaged by bulldozers that had to create breaks to keep the fire from spreading.

Staff also reported that all of the signs in Starkey Park will need to be replaced.

The county estimates that between 600 and 700 people visit Starkey Park daily during the week, and about 1,000 visit daily on weekends.

The Florida Department of Health in Pasco County has issued an alert to remind citizens that wildfire smoke is a respiratory irritant that causes a scratchy throat or irritated eyes and nose. It also can worse conditions such as asthma and other chronic respiratory or lung conditions.

Dust generated from increased wildfire response activity on dirt roads also may worsen these conditions.

And, while it may seem like an obvious piece of advice, Pasco County Commission Mike Moore warned people that they need to stay away from the wildfires.

“Let’s not do sightseeing in the area,” Moore said. “Boots were melting when you walked in some of those areas. It’s important that the public stay out of there. It’s not time for sightseeing.”

The Florida Department of Health in Pasco County has issued these tips to help protect you and your family from the ill effects of smoke:

  • Pay attention to local air quality reports, local news and health warnings related to smoke.
  • Use common sense when you are outside and the conditions are smoky.
  • Avoid prolonged outdoor activities.
  • Those with existing medical conditions should avoid going into smoky areas.
  • If smoke persists, stay indoors and run your air conditioner, if you have one. Also, keep the fresh air intake closed and be sure the filter is clean. For best results, run the air conditioner with recirculated air.
  • If you have asthma or another lung disease, be sure to follow your doctor’s advice about taking your medications, and call your doctor if conditions worsen.

Published May 17, 2017

Forester’s days are anything but routine

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One day, Mona Neville may be riding in an airplane over Pasco County searching for signs of Southern Pine Beetle infestations.

Another day, she may be talking to a homeowner who wants to create a stewardship plan for his property, or explaining a cost-share program aimed at encouraging healthier forests.

Jake English and Mona Neville discuss plans for managing English’s pine forest, and also talk over some cost-sharing programs available through Florida Forest Service. (B.C. Manion/Staff Photos)
Jake English and Mona Neville discuss plans for managing English’s pine forest, and also talk over some cost-sharing programs available through Florida Forest Service.
(B.C. Manion/Staff Photos)

Or, perhaps she’ll be providing technical advice on tree ordinances to local governments or guiding some scouts through some forested land — in their quest to earn a badge.

Neville’s job — as the forester for Pasco County — is anything but a 9-to-5 behind the desk routine.

In fact, if you call her, chances are she’ll be out in the field.

And that’s exactly how it should be, said Neville, who grew up in Wesley Chapel, graduated from Land O’ Lakes High School, and received her bachelor’s degree in forestry management from the University of Florida.

“We’re out of the office more than we’re in the office, or we try to be. That’s the whole goal, working with the landowners,” Neville said.

She began her career with the Florida Forest Service Withlacoochee Forestry Center, as a state lands forester. She was delighted when she had the chance to return to her roots. She became the forester for Pasco County in January and is stationed in the forest service’s Dade City office.

“As the county forester, we help any private landowner with any of their forest management needs,” Neville said.

She also can help local governments with urban forestry or parks forestry issues, she said, And, she can advise private landowners on urban landscape issues, she said.

“It may be somebody in a development that calls me and it looks like their tree is dying or declining, or they don’t know what type of tree it is, and they want to know more about it. I’ll go out and see them,” she said.

“It could be shade tree calls, or forest health calls,” Neville said.

Pasco County Forester Mona Neville uses a prism to help gauge the number of trees in an acre of pine forest.
Pasco County Forester Mona Neville uses a prism to help gauge the number of trees in an acre of pine forest.

“Some of the bigger developments, that do their own maintenance, will call when they have sick trees,” she said.

If a homeowner’s association needs technical advice, she’s happy to provide it.

The Withlacoochee District includes Pasco, Hernando, Citrus, Sumter and Lake counties, and each county has its own forester.

Neville said she’s noticed a growing interest in the preservation of forested lands.

“That whole sustainability concept is really starting to come back,” she said.

Recently, she made a visit to Jake English’s wooded property in Land O’ Lakes.

She was there to help English work on his stewardship plan and to explain some cost-share programs available through the Florida Forest Service.

There were cows grazing on the property.

“They go through the pine stand and chew up all of the grass, and mow it for him,” she said.

“Florida Forest Service offers several cost-shares, different times a year,” Neville said. Those include programs to prevent the spread of Southern Pine Beetles, to eradicate cogongrass, to thin out pine stands and to replant trees.

“This property is due for a thinning, because trees can only grow so much before they’re competing too much for nutrients,” Neville said.

“A healthy stand needs to be thinned, usually 15 (years) to 20 years after planting. And, then you go out another 15 (years) to 20 years and you start getting the bigger, more quality, better trees,” she said.

“The prescribed burning, a lot of people don’t realize, puts a bunch of the nutrients back into the ground.

“We will assist, when we can, to help landowners do a prescribed burn,” Neville said.

In addition to returning nutrients to the ground, a prescribed burn reduces fuel that can spread fires quickly when lightning sparks a blaze.

“Most of our wildfires are lightning strike-induced,” Neville said.

When a stand is thinned out, the remaining trees have a better chance to thrive.

The forest service will also cover a portion of the costs to eradicate cogongrass, which Neville describes as “a big invasive nightmare.”

“Cogongrass is an exotic, invasive, that was brought in originally to feed cattle, except they found that cows don’t like it,” she said.

“It usually takes two years, if not more, to kill a patch of cogongrass,” she said.

English grew up on his property, but his family later sold it for a planned subdivision. When the economy crashed, plans for the subdivision were dropped, and English was able to buy the property back four years ago.

“He has a stewardship plan written up, which is a 10-year plan that goes through and pretty much maps out what his goals are for his property,” Neville said.

“Normally, when we do the stewardship plan, they do the best management practices,” she added.

English appreciates Neville’s guidance.

“This is a huge help for me. Otherwise, I would be clueless as far as how to control invasive weeds and other issues,” English said.

After consulting with English, Neville will hop in her white truck and head off to her next assignment.

Her knowledge, coupled with her enthusiasm, conveys her passion for her work.

“I love the fact that it’s never the same,” Neville said.

Want to know more?
If you’d like to know more about cost-share programs through the Florida Forest Service or about services offered by the Pasco County Forester, contact Mona Neville at (352) 523-5101 or .

Published July 13, 2016