The Laker/Lutz News

Fourth Street

Worth the Trip

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Explore the ways of the West
The West isn’t nearly as far away as you think. Spend a few hours at The James Museum of Western & Wildlife Art and you’ll feel you’ve landed in the heart of western life.

You’ll see paintings, life-size sculptures, sketches, jewelry, photos and etchings depicting Native Americans, cowboys and cowgirls. You’ll see sultry landscapes, stampeding horses, and life as it was, and still is, in the West.

The Introductory gallery showcases majestic landscapes of the American West and some of the diverse peoples who have called these places home. Figurative bronze sculptures seemingly bring to life 19th century Native leaders. (Courtesy of The James Museum of Western & Wildlife Art)

The museum building is artistic itself, with mesa-like sandstone walls inside and out, evoking western landscapes. Featuring 350 artworks and 100 pieces of jewelry, the permanent collection is one of the largest of its kind on exhibit in the country.

Art on display is just a sampling of 3,000 pieces owned by collectors and museum founders Thomas A. James and Mary James. For years, some of their art was exhibited at Raymond James Financial headquarters in St. Petersburg, where Thomas James served as CEO for 40 years and is chairman emeritus.

Now, the art is available for all to see in the museum that opened in 2018, thanks to the James’ $75-million initial investment.

On the first floor are larger-than-life sculptures. Visitors are lured upstairs by a bronze sculpture called “The Wild” of frontiersmen Kit Carson and John Fremont riding a canoe through roiling waves. Vast galleries feature paintings by Charles Russell, Frederic Remington, Ernest Blumenschein and others. There’s also Native American pottery, paintings and sculptures; contemporary Western paintings and more.

A glass room called The Jewel Box features Mary James’ Native American concho belts, rings, necklaces and bracelets. Another gallery is filled with wildlife paintings and sculptures of animals from around the world.

The museum gift shop sells books, jewelry and other items. The Canyon Cafe is temporarily closed.

Museum membership offers rewards. The biggest reward, though, is being able to see some of the best of the West, slightly more than an arrow shot away from Tampa Bay.

The James Museum of Western & Wildlife Art
Where: 150 Central Ave., downtown St. Petersburg. Parking is on Levels 3 and 4 of the South Core Parking Garage at 101 First Ave., S. The first hour is free; $1 an hour after that.
When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., daily, except Tuesdays, when hours are 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Cost: adults, $20; seniors, active military and students, $15; ages 7 to 18, $10. Discounts given on Tuesdays. Tickets can be purchased at the door or at TheJamesMuseum.org.
Covid-19 restrictions: As of mid-July, masks are not required for vaccinated visitors but are required for unvaccinated visitors. The museum is temporarily not accepting cash. Canyon Café is closed, but free tea and coffee are available. Please check to see if there are any changes to these restrictions.
Info: 727-892-4200;

By Karen Haymon Long

Note: This is an edited and updated version of a story that originally appeared in The Laker/Lutz News on Jan. 15, 2020.

 

Visit a ‘palm paradise’ in St. Petersburg
Tom St. Peter, a volunteer at Gizella Kopsick Palm Arboretum in downtown St. Petersburg, has always been attracted to plants and trees.

When he was in the corporate world, he often spent his lunch hour buying plants in local nurseries. The palm park is a special place, he said.

Foxtail palms, natives of northern Australia, are rare and protected. (Karen Haymon Long)

“It’s like my cathedral. There’s an aura about it.”

The 2-acre park once was a city-owned miniature golf course that closed due to increased costs.

In 1976, resident Elva Rouse suggested a palm arboretum for the spot overlooking the bay. The St. Petersburg City Council agreed and Gizella Kopsick, a longtime palm admirer, contributed stock to establish the park.

It began with 60 palms, representing 10 species. Now it has 500 palms and cycads, totaling 150 species apiece, and every palm species is native to Florida.

Volunteers and city workers maintain the park.

Volunteer Phil Stager, who leads free tours, said he’s not aware of another place like it in the Western Hemisphere, even though palms are nearly universal.

“Palms are native to every continent, except the Antarctic,” he said. “Cycads are native to every continent except Europe and the Antarctic.”

Cycads, he said, are the oldest seed-bearing plants on the planet. They go back about 300 million years, while palms are about 60 million to 65 million years old. Sago palms and other cycads are labeled by green signs in the park; palms are designated by gray ones.

Tours are just one way to enjoy the park. Some visitors exercise there, push baby carriages along the winding paths, take pictures, or merely sit on benches to enjoy the tropical views.

When Sager moved to Florida, he recognized two types of palms – coconut palms and all others. Then he planted a few palms at his home and joined a local chapter of the International Palm Society.

“That’s the best way,” he said, “to learn about palms.”

Gizella Kopsick Palm Arboretum
Where: 901 North Shore Drive, N.E., St. Petersburg
When: Open daily 30 minutes before sunrise to 11 p.m. for self-guided tours
Cost: Free admission, parking and volunteer-led tours
Info: For volunteer-led tours, make reservations at 727-893-7441; more details at StPeteParksRec.org.

By B.C. Manion

Note: This is an edited and updated version of a story that originally was published in The Laker/Lutz News on April 19, 2017.

 

Stop by for beauty and tranquility at Sunken Gardens 

Birds chirp, as breezes stir through trees. Beauty abounds around every bend in this tranquil place, so different from outside its walls just off busy Fourth Street. There’s plenty to take in at Sunken Gardens, which dates back more than a century.

Described as St. Petersburg’s “oldest living museum,” the botanical gardens boast waterfalls, meandering paths, demonstration gardens and more than 50,000 tropical plants and flowers, some of the oldest in the region.

Live pink flamingos, not the plastic ones found in many Florida yards, make their home at Sunken Gardens in St. Petersburg. (Courtesy of Dwayne Biggs/Sunken Gardens)

Where else within walking distance of a busy downtown can you see flamingos, koi, tortoises, orchids and palms all in one place?

Here, moms push strollers, or walk along, clinging to small children’s hands. Friends chat as they make their way through. Couples, families, photographers and nature lovers share the experience, too.

Sunken Gardens dates to 1903, when George Turner Sr., a plumber and gardener, bought the site that included a shallow lake 10 feet below sea level. He drained the lake to form his private sunken garden and grew papayas, citrus and exotics in the rich soil.

By the 1920s, he had opened a nursery and sold fruit, vegetables, roses and other plants. He charged a nickel to stroll through his gardens. In the fall of 1935, he fenced his gardens off and upped admission to a quarter.

Over time, Sunken Gardens became one of Florida’s most popular attractions. Turner’s sons, Ralph and George Jr., carried on after he died in 1961. Ralph’s sons sold the attraction to the City of St. Petersburg in 1999.

Today, near a bench made of fossilized limestone rock, known as the Sunken Gardens Growing Stone, a sign proclaims: “Legend has it that, ‘He who sits upon the ancient stone shall be granted tranquility, inner harmony and the talent to make things grow.’”

Sunken Gardens
Where: 1825 Fourth St. N., St. Petersburg
When: Open Mondays through Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; Sundays, noon to 4:30 p.m. Closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.
Cost: adults, $12; seniors 62 and older, $10; children 2 to 17, $6. Parking is free.
Info: 727-551-3102
Covid-19 update: As of mid-July, no events or programs were scheduled. Call the gardens to find out the latest news.

By B.C. Manion

Note: This is an updated and revised version of a story that originally was published in The Laker/Lutz News on Aug. 8, 2018.

Published July 21, 2021

Dade City library closed for remodeling

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The Hugh Embry Library, 14215 Fourth St., in Dade City, as of June 26 is closed for remodeling.

The library’s new look will include a complete floor-to-ceiling renovation, with updated technology, new furnishings, high-efficiency air conditioning and high-speed internet.

The Hugh Embry Library in Dade City will get a new look, with extensive work expected to start soon. (Courtesy of Pasco County Libraries)

The modernized interior will offer new spaces for adults, teens and kids, meeting spaces, and a central service desk.

The extensive work is expected to begin soon.

To see a rendering of the proposed library updates, visit PascoLibraries.org/hugh-embry-library-remodel/.

“Most of the libraries were built in the 1980s, and we’re excited to completely reimagine the library experience for everyone in Pasco County,” said Bob Harrison, libraries program manager, in a news release.

The renovations are part of the General Obligation Bond (GO Bond) Referendum that Pasco County voters passed in November 2018.

The library is expected to reopen in the spring of 2022.

Patrons can continue to check out books and other materials at open library locations throughout the county, including the newly renovated New River and Centennial Park branches.

The South Holiday Library also remains closed for remodeling.

Published June 30, 2021

Places you can turn to for help in Pasco, Hillsborough counties

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Pick up paper unemployment forms
Both Hillsborough and Pasco counties are handing out paper unemployment forms at specific libraries.

Hillsborough County
The location near The Laker/Lutz News coverage area is at Jimmie B. Keel Regional Library, 2902 W. Bearss Ave. The library’s drive-thru will be open seven days a week, from 9:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. Once completed, residents also can drop off the forms at either drive-through, and library staff will mail the documents for them.

Pasco County
Printed unemployment forms will be available just outside the entrance to these libraries, in The Laker/Lutz News coverage area:

  • Land O’ Lakes Library, 2818 Collier Parkway, in Land O’ Lakes
  • Hugh Embry Library, 14215 Fourth St., in Dade City

If you’re unable to visit a library in person and would like to request a blank application form by mail, please contact the library at "> or through the “Ask A Librarian” feature at PascoLibraries.org.

Once completed, residents can mail the form to the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity.

For more information about Pasco County Libraries, including the library catalog, E-content,  programs, events and links to all Pasco County Library branches, visit PascoLibraries.org.

Hillsborough County emergency help
As the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) fallout continues, Hillsborough County officials are reminding residents about assistance available to help people meet their food needs.

Here is a look at some programs:

  • Hillsborough residents age 60 and older can apply for food assistance through Hillsborough County Aging services. There is no income requirement to participate in the federally funded program. To find out more, call (813) 2727-5250.
  • Feeding Tampa Bay is offering drive-thru distribution of free, pre-packaged groceries to Hillsborough County residents in need. Distribution is on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., at Hillsborough Community College’s Dale Mabry campus, 4001 W. Tampa Bay Blvd., in Tampa. Check Feeding Tampa Bay’s website before the events, to be sure there have been no changes. To find out about other food assistance programs and information, visit FeedingTampaBay.org, or call (813) 254-1190.
  • Tampa YMCA Veggie Van is distributing free pre-packaged bags of produce in several neighborhoods in Hillsborough County. No ID, paperwork or pre-screening is required to receive the food. Learn more, visit Tampa Veggie Van on Facebook.
  • SNAP recipients across the state starting April 21 will be able to use EBT cards to make eligible food purchases from Walmart and Amazon online.

Pasco Planning and development open online
Pasco County’s planning and development department is only accepting electronic submittals via its online portals. It is not accepting hard copy application packages, hard copy re-submittals or checks.

All project information must be uploaded in Accela and all payments must be made online via e-check ($1.99 fee) or credit card (2.65% fee) through the Accela Citizen Access (ACA) portal.

To communicate with the department, reach out to a specific staff member, via email or telephone. You can email general questions to , or call (727) 847-8142.

Tips for reducing stress
Here are some suggestions from the National Alliance on Mental Illness to help reduce potential stress and anxiety, as the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) global pandemic disrupts our daily lives.

Manage how you consume information
Equip yourself with information from credible, reputable sources, such as the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO). See “Basic information” section for more links.

Be selective about how you consume news. It’s generally a good idea to stay engaged and informed. Having some limits on your news consumption can help:

  • Watching or listening to the same news constantly can increase stress. Reading can be an easier medium to control how much and what kind of information you’re absorbing.
  • Set limits on when and for how long you consume news and information, including through social media. It may help you to choose a couple of 15-minute blocks each day when you will check news/social media and limit your news consumption to that time.
  • False information spreads very easily on social media and can have serious consequences for individual and public health. Always verify sources and make sure they are reputable, especially before sharing anything.

Follow healthy daily routines as much as possible
Your daily habits and routines can help you feel more in control of your own well-being.

Even simple actions can make a difference:

  • Make your bed
  • Get dressed
  • Connect with loved ones
  • Move your body
  • Make time for breaks
  • If possible, take regular short breaks during work or between shifts. During these breaks, go outside and engage in physical activity if you can.
  • Practice good hygiene, especially by cleaning your hands
  • Get enough regular sleep, it is critical for your immune system
  • Eat nutritious food as much as possible, especially fruits and vegetables

Published April 22, 2020

Getting up-close and personal with reptiles

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A love of dinosaurs at age 5 led Bruce Shwedick into a lifetime of work with reptiles.

The Plant City man, who operates Reptiles Discovery, recently brought his traveling reptile show to the Hugh Embry Branch Library in Dade City.

Bruce Shwedick, of Reptile Discovery, feeds a piece of banana to ‘Baby,’ a yellow-footed tortoise. The 35-year-old Baby was hatched at the Bronx Zoo. These tortoises are found in the Amazon rainforest and are among the largest of the land turtle species. (Christine Holtzman)

Shwedick’s show features  gentle, captive-born reptiles, which he presents in a safe, non-threatening manner to people at his shows.

He focuses on educating the audience, with the purpose of helping them understand these often misunderstood creatures. His talks emphasize the need for safety and for conservation.

Since Reptile Discovery was founded in 1994, Shwedick  has put on shows in more than 1,000 schools, in 45 states, and in Washington D.C.

Shwedick, a Maryland native, said he was just 10 when he followed in his older brother Michael’s footsteps in raising reptiles. Michael is also a reptile specialist, and is the founder of Reptile World Inc., in Maryland.

The brothers enjoyed visiting the National Zoo and the Smithsonian in Washington D.C..

Seven-year-old Samantha Cook, of Dade City, gets a chance to touch a blue-tongued skink lizard, held by handler Bruce Shwedick.

Shwedick said he still has fond memories of those experiences today.

The reptile handler began presenting educational shows in 1974.

He has traveled to Africa, South America and throughout Asia to learn more about these creatures, by speaking to people in those locales and observing reptiles in the wild.

The reputation he has developed because of his knowledge about reptiles has led to shows at theme parks and to the role of reptile curator at Cypress Parks. He even was featured on Nickelodeon’s “LIVEWIRE” many years ago.

Recently Shwedick — also known as Mr. Bruce — shared his knowledge and showed off his reptiles at the Hugh Embry Library, 14215 Fourth St., in Dade City.

Eight-year-old Lauren Cook, of Dade City, pets ‘Chopstick,’ a 25-year-old Chinese alligator. ‘Chopstick’ has been accompanying his handler, Bruce Shwedick, to presentations for more than 20 years.

He captivated the crowed with a mix of personal stories, reptile facts, safety tips and a presentation of live reptiles.

Children and adults in the audience had the chance to touch many of the reptiles he exhibited.

One of those was ‘Baby,’ a yellow-footed tortoise, who was gentle and graceful, and loved to eat bananas.

The reptile handler also brought “Chopstick,” a docile, Chinese alligator, that he’s been taking to shows for more than 20 years.

Another reptile he displayed was “Alexander the Great,” an alligator snapping turtle from the Okefenokee Swamp. His appearance was brief because the swift-moving turtle was not quite as friendly as the others.

Mr. Bruce also showed off a blue-tongued skink lizard, a corn snake, a West African slender-snouted crocodile, and at the show’s conclusion, a 14-foot-long albino reticulated python, named “Banana Boy.”

Published August 14, 2019

Rhiannon Spillane, of Wesley Chapel, and her 2-year-old son, Harrison Martin, touch ‘Banana Boy,’ a 14-foot-long albino reticulated python, as handler Bruce Shwedick cradles the snake’s head.
A close look inside the mouth of an alligator snapping turtle. This species has the ability to attract fish, using its worm-like tongue.
Bruce Shwedick, of Reptile Discovery, shows the audience a West African slender-snouted crocodile, named ‘MBecky’. Shwedick also raised MBecky’s parents.

 

Suggestions wanted for Burks playground improvements

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Dade City’s John S. Burks Memorial Park playground will be undergoing remodeling, and Pasco County wants its residents to have a say on ways to improve the play space.

The playground at the John S. Burks Memorial Park is set for renovation in 2020, and Pasco residents are being asked to help create the new look for the Dade City play area. (Courtesy of Angela Fagan-Pasco County Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources)

A session is set for July 10 from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., to give people a chance to  offer their ideas for the project. Kids too, are encouraged to brainstorm and bring fresh ideas for Pasco County Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources to consider.

While the county department has potential plans in mind, any expansion or additional amenities to the playground may be factored in after public comments have been weighed.

The renovation will occur during 2020, but no completion date has been given.

The public meeting will be in the Hugh Embry Library conference room, at 14215 Fourth St., in Dade City.

For additional information, contact the Pasco County Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources department at (813) 929-2760.

Public meeting for John S. Burks Memorial Park playground
Where: Hugh Embry Library conference room, 14215 Fourth St., Dade City
When: July 10 from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Cost: Free
Details: The public is invited to the library to offer their ideas for the remodeling of the Dade City playground.
Info: Call the Pasco County Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources department at (813) 929-2760.

Published July 03, 2019

Pasco library patrons asked to share their ideas

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Pasco County Libraries is remaking its seven branches and wants the public to help guide the way.

There will be a series of Community Listening Sessions as the design phase of library remodeling gets underway, according to a news release from the county.

Mr. Tommy jokes around by hiding in the crowd at the New River Branch Library, during his introduction before his show. (File)

Anyone with ideas about the planned use of various spaces within the renovated library branches is invited to attend a session to share their thoughts.

The three-year remodeling project is funded by voter approval in November of $18.6 million in general obligation bonds for library upgrades. The county’s libraries were built before the 1980s.

The first listening sessions are being held for the New River branch in Wesley Chapel and the Centennial Park branch in Holiday.

The first session will be at New River Branch Library, 34043 State Road 54 in Wesley Chapel, on April 25 from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

The unusual-looking blue chameleon has eyes for Stacy Dunn as it sits perched on her finger during a presentation on reptiles at New River Branch Library.

The second one will be at Centennial Park Branch Library, 5740 Moog Road in Holiday, on April 30 from 6:30 p.m. to  7:30 p.m.

An estimated $2 million in renovations will be done at the New River Branch Library. The project is in design phase and is expected to be completed in 2020.

Pasco County Administrator Dan Biles has said that the county plans to close the libraries during the renovation, with outreach efforts planned to serve patrons.

Closing the libraries during the work will allow contractor to complete the work more quickly and at a lower cost than doing phases at each facility, Biles said.

In addition to the New River Branch Library, improvements also are planned at the Hugh Embry Branch Library and the Land O’ Lakes Branch Library.

Nearly $1.8 million in improvements is planned at the Hugh Embry Branch Library, 14215 Fourth St., in Dade City. That project is expected to be completed in 2021.

And, nearly $1.7 million in improvements is planned at the Land O’ Lakes Branch Library, 2818 Collier Parkway in Land O’ Lakes. That project is expected to be completed in 2021.

Published April 24, 2019

Pasco readies for big building program

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Voter approval of four general obligation bond issues in November has set the stage for a major building program in Pasco County.

The bond revenues will go to expand the Pasco County Detention Center; to update and expand fire rescue facilities; to upgrade libraries; and, to spruce up and improve park and recreational facilities.

Pasco County staff members briefed commissioners on the timing for various projects that will be done, and commissioners offered some suggestions during the meeting.

This is Pasco Fire Rescue Station No. 23, at 21300 State Road 54 in Lutz. The county is planning to add several new fire rescue stations, using revenues from general obligation bonds approved by voters in November. (Christine Holtzman)

In a typical year, the county is involved in about $21 million in projects, according to Andrew Baxter, the county’s facilities management director. The workload over the next few years will average about $45.5 million, he said.

The biggest single project, under the approved general obligation bonds, involves the expansion of the Land O’ Lakes Detention Center, at 20101 Central Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes.

That bond issue is for $128 million, and it will be used to pay for a 1,000-bed addition and an upgrade to all of the jail’s central services, including medical, intake, the kitchen and support services.

The design is expected to be done during fiscal years 2019 and 2020. The construction will begin in 2021, with completion in fiscal year 2023.

As the county gets ready for that project, Commissioner Jack Mariano suggested county staff visit Charlotte County to see how they’ve handled medical services at the jail.

“They may have a better way, and a better result at the end. The successes that they say they’re having is probably worthy for us taking a look at.” Mariano said.

Commissioner Mike Wells also said the services that are provided need to address mental illness and addition.

“If we can help these folks, it’s not a revolving door,” Wells said. “ The numbers should go down.”

The county also will be making significant improvements regarding its fire and rescue services.

Projects in the Central Pasco and East Pasco areas will be:

  • Adding Station 42, at Suncoast Parkway and State Road 52. The $6.1 million project involves the construction of a new one-story, four-bay station. Construction is expected to be completed in fiscal year 2021.
  • Replacing Station 22, in Land O’ Lakes. The $6.9 million project calls for replacing the existing one-story, four-bay station near the detention center in Land O’ Lakes. Construction is expected to be completed by fiscal year 2022.
  • Adding Station 44, at State Road 54 and Meadow Pointe Boulevard. The $6.5 million project calls for a new one-story, four-bay station. It is expected to be completed by the end of fiscal year 2023.
  • Adding Station 45, in Bexley, a subdivision off State Road 54 in Land O’ Lakes. This $7.3 million project calls for a new one-story, four-bay station. It is expected to be completed by the end of fiscal year 2023.
  • Adding a Rescue Training Center in Land O’ Lakes. This $5.8 million project is expected to be completed in fiscal year 2023.

The county received $20.2 million in bond funding for parks and recreation projects.

Projects in The Laker/Lutz News coverage area include:

  • San Antonio Maintenance Building, $100,000, to be completed in fiscal year 2020
  • Land O’ Lakes Recreation Complex, pool pump room, $10,000, to be completed in fiscal year 2021
  • Wesley Chapel District Park, replace air conditioning, $53,000, to be completed in fiscal year 2020
  • Heritage Community Center, roof, $45,320, to be completed in fiscal year 2020.

Across the county, there are some fairly pricey concession stand building projects, which drew the attention of Commissioner Mike Moore.

He urged county staff to see if there are ways to trim those costs.

“Any savings allows you to do more. Maybe you need another concession at another park,” Moore said.

Wells also suggested looking at the possibility of using the same design firm for projects, to potentially lower costs.

“I’m just trying to save everybody time and money,” Wells said.

Libraries will be modernized, using revenues from general obligation bonds. Planned projects in East and Central Pasco are:

  • New River Branch Library, 34043 State Road 54, Wesley Chapel: Nearly $2 million in improvements. The project is in the design phase and is expected to be completed in 2020.
  • Hugh Embry Branch Library, 14215 Fourth St., in Dade City: Nearly $1.8 million in improvements are planned. Completion is expected in 2021.
  • Land O’ Lakes Branch Library, 2818 Collier Parkway, Land O’ Lakes: Approximately $1.7 million in improvements are planned. The county is working with Supervisor of Elections Brian Corley to be sure there is no conflict with election needs, said County Administrator Dan Biles. This project is expected to be completed in 2021.

Biles said the plan is to close the libraries during the renovation, with outreach efforts to serve patrons.

“If we close the libraries, we can give the contractor the entire footprint, so construction can be faster and less expensively than if we try to phase it through those facilities. It gets us in, gets the construction done and out of there.”

The county is anticipating the bonds to be issued in April.

“In order to accomplish these projects, we’re probably going to need some surge staffing, just to manage these projects, and ensure the quality we expect is achieved,” Baxter said. “We’re basically doubling our workload for the next few years.”

Additional discussion is expected at a later board meeting over those staffing needs and how to pay for them.

Published March 13, 2019

Hugh Embry Branch Library now open again on Mondays

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A ribbon-cutting was held at Hugh Embry Branch Library on Oct. 29 to celebrate the fact that, once again, the library is open on Mondays.

The facility, at 14215 Fourth St., is one of four libraries across Pasco County where Monday hours have been restored.

Pasco County Commissioner Ron Oakley is joined by others during the ribbon-cutting ceremony on Oct. 29 to celebrate the restoration of Monday hours at Hugh Embry Branch Library. (Brian Fernandes)

The others are the Hudson Branch Library in Hudson, the Regency Park Branch in New Port Richey and the Land O’ Lakes Branch in Land O’ Lakes.

Pasco County Commissioners voted in 2010 to reduce library operating hours because of plummeting revenues during the Recession. Gradually, it has been adding hours back to libraries.

Pasco County Commissioner Ron Oakley, who represents District 1, did the honors of cutting the ribbon during the festivities at the Hugh Embry Branch.

He also shared his thoughts about the vital role that libraries play in community life.

“You see not only older people in there, but young people and families – that’s very important to me,” Oakley said.

Many people need the services the library offers, said Angelo Liranzo, the Hugh Embry Branch manager. People visit the library to check out books, but they also come to work on school assignments, conduct research for job searches, or join in the library’s recreational programs.

With the restoration of funding, the Hugh Embry Branch is now open on Mondays from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

The additional hours allow increased access to the amenities that the library provides.

For instance, patrons can use a program called Freegal — implemented this year — to stream and download music legally onto their personal devices.

Films and e-books also can be conveniently transferred to laptops, tablets and smartphones with software like Kanopy and Hoopla.

There are also launchpad tablets that kids can use to play games, which help teach subjects, such as math and science.

“One of the great things about libraries is that we try to find ways to make learning seem like fun,” Liranzo said.

After Oakley concluded his remarks, those attending the celebration were able to enjoy refreshments and live music.

Published November 7, 2018

Library hours restored for patrons

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Pasco County Libraries has restored Monday hours at the Hugh Embry and Hudson branches, as of Oct. 15. Patrons will now have four libraries to choose from to visit on Mondays.

The restoration of hours at more locations was a priority of the Pasco Board of County Commissioners for the fiscal year 2018-2019 budget.

In October 2017, the Regency Park and Land O’ Lakes branches were the first to restore hours, with the addition of Monday hours and some evening hours.

The Pasco County library locations that are now open on Mondays are:

  • Land O’ Lakes Branch Library, 2818 Collier Parkway
  • Hugh Embry Branch Library, 14215 Fourth St., Dade City
  • Regency Park Branch Library, 9701 Little Road in New Port Richey
  • Hudson Regional Library, 8012 Library Road

All libraries will remain closed on Sundays.

According to Bob Harrison, libraries public communications specialist, the restored hours give patrons on both the east and west sides of the county more access to everything they love about the libraries.

For information on hours of operation for all seven branches in the Pasco County Library System, visit PascoLibraries.org.

Information on the library catalog, e-content, programs, events and links to all the branches also can be found on the website.

Published October 24, 2018

Class provides advice on healthy cooking

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Shari Bresin understands the challenge of finding the time to prepare healthy foods, while having a busy schedule.

Bresin, the Family and Consumer Science agent for the Pasco County Extension Office, said she can relate to that challenge.

“I know what it’s like to be on the go,” Bresin said.

A class she’s now teaching at the Hugh Embry Library, 14215 Fourth St., in Dade City, aims to help people to gain a better understanding of healthy eating and offers cooking demonstrations, too.

Cooking instructor Shari Bresin prepares a cabbage stir-fry demonstration, and then provides samples to guests. (Brian Fernandes)

The Extension Office, which is part of  the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS), is providing the four-part class, called “Cooking Matters.”

The first class was on Sept. 6. The others are scheduled on Sept. 27 and Oct. 4. Each session is from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

The classes aim to help people who are interested in living healthier lifestyles.

“I, myself, am very passionate about health and cooking,” said Bresin. “There’s a big need, for sure, in combating chronic diseases and getting people healthier.”

During her lectures, she encourages group participation, asking the audience about their food preferences.

At one point during the first class, she asked participants to name foods they eat by color.

The instructor then explained the health benefits of eating organic foods that may be green, blue or red, among other colors.

She concluded her class with a cooking segment, preparing stir-fry cabbage in a grill, and then offering samples to class members.

Each of the four classes includes a cooking demo, gives participants a chance to indulge, and provides a take-home recipe.

The classes will cover the topics of budgeting and meal planning, and will provide information to dispel the notion that eating healthy is too expensive.

At the first class, Bresin provided a PowerPoint presentation to explain a modern version of the food pyramid called My Plate. My Plate displays a circular dish divided into five food groups that are recommended for any given meal.

It is portioned into grains, dairy, protein, fruits and vegetables.

It recommends that half of grain intake be made of whole grains, while fruits and vegetables make up half the plate.

Those taking part in the class also have the chance to win a gift card.

To find out more, contact Bresin at (352) 518-0156.

‘Cooking Matters’ Classes
Where: Hugh Embry Library, 14215 Fourth St., in Dade City
When: Upcoming classes are set for Sept. 27 and Oct. 4 from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Cost: Free
Details: Classes include cooking demonstrations and offer advice for healthy cooking.
Info: Call Shari Bresin at (352) 518-0156.

Published September 19, 2018