The Laker/Lutz News

James Walters

Public service campaign targets human trafficking

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Law enforcement agencies and the Pasco County Commission on Human Trafficking have teamed up to launch a public awareness campaign to target human trafficking.

Three public service announcement videos highlight aspects of the problem.

One video focuses on traffickers; another, on sex buyers; and the third, on human trafficking victims.

The five law enforcement agencies in Pasco County — the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office and the police departments in Zephyrhills, New Port Richey, Port Richey and Dade City — all joined in on the effort.

The videos feature Pasco Sheriff Chris Nocco, Zephyrhills Police Chief Derek Brewer, New Port Richey Police Chief Kim Bogart, Port Richey Police Chief Cyrus Robinson and Dade City Police Chief James Walters.

The videos were set to be released on all participating agencies’ social media platforms on Oct. 7.

These PSAs highlight Pasco County law enforcement’s unified front in combating human trafficking,” Liana Dean, chair of the Pasco County Commission on Human Trafficking, said in a release.

“This crime will not be tolerated in Pasco, and if you’re trafficking or buying sex, law enforcement will track you down,” Dean said.

The PSAs also address human trafficking victims and survivors directly – assuring them that law enforcement cares about them and letting them know help and resources are available.

“The commission is honored to continue to work with our law enforcement partners on this project, and we are extremely grateful for its help and support,” Dean said.

To report human trafficking or to ask for help, call 911 or the National Human Trafficking Hotline.

Here are the links to the PSAs on YouTube.

Published October 13, 2021

Dade City proposes big hike in public safety impact fees

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The Dade City Commission has unanimously given first-round approval to an ordinance that includes sizable increases of the city’s public safety impact fees.

The Dade City Commission gave first-round approval to an ordinance that will increase the public safety impact fees on new residential, commercial and industrial construction projects construction valued at $5,000 or more within the city limits. The fees will help pay for equipment and training for the Dade City Police Department. (Courtesy of Dade City Police Department)

The higher impact fees would apply to new residential, commercial and industrial construction valued at $5,000 or more.

The proposed public safety impact fee on new single-family homes would be $449.30 — a whopping increase over the current fee of $94.49.

That’s an increase of 376%, according to the summary of a report from Stantec Consulting Services Inc., the consulting firm that prepared the fee study.

The proposed rate for retail units would be $462.78 per EDU, a 52% increase from the current rate of $304.

An EDU is a unit based on the impact of a typical single-family detached dwelling.

Different types of uses are assigned EDU multipliers.

For instance a single-family dwelling equals 1.0 EDU, while a mobile home is assigned 0.75 EDU and a retail use is assigned 1,030 EDUs.

Commissioners gave the proposed fee schedule preliminary approval during their Aug. 10 meeting. No one offered public comment during the introduction and first reading of the proposed ordinance.

The second reading and adoption of the proposed ordinance are scheduled during the 5:30 p.m., meeting on Aug. 24, at City Hall, 38020 Meridian Ave.

Proceeds of the fees are intended to provide additional funding for the Dade City Police Department, at a time of surging growth and development in the East Pasco municipality.

The proposed impact fees are based on a recent study completed by Stantec Consulting Services Inc.

A city agenda memo explains that Stantec “determined that capital costs for the expansion of the police department caused by new growth should be borne by the developers of the new projects and the residents and businesses that will occupy the new structures.”

Stantec “has recommended the municipality’s public safety impact fee schedule be increased from a flat fee schedule to a fee schedule based on $449.30 per EDU in accordance with the schedule set forth in the study,” the memo continues.

The city’s public safety impact fees haven’t increased since 2004.

Officials say the proposed increases come at a critical time in the city’s history.

This graphic, from Stantec Consulting Services Inc., compares the City of Dade City’s proposed public safety impact fee rate of $449 on new single-family homes, a whopping increase over the current rate of $94. The current rate hasn’t changed since 2004. The chart also shows comparisons of Dade City’s rate to other Florida cities and counties. (Courtesy of Stantec Consulting Service, Inc.)

About 6,500 new rooftops and several commercial properties are approved to be built over the next 10 to 20 years, Melanie Romagnoli, the city’s community and economic development director, told commissioners.

Dade City Police Chief James Walters said the department will need to hire 46 additional sworn officers, in response to the city’s growth.

Additional revenues from the public safety fees would be used to address the police department’s increased costs of service delivery, operations, capital outlay, training and new equipment, officials say.

‘Antiquated’ impact fees
In addressing the proposed fee schedule, Peter Napoli, a senior financial consultant for Stantec, characterized the city’s existing impact fee model as “antiquated.”

He told commissioners that its impact fee schedule needs to be more in line with 2021 values through the Engineering News Record Construction Cost Index (ENR-CCI).

The proposed schedule “represents an updated proportional allocation between the property classes that you charge those impact fees to,” Napoli said.

He also explained the consequences of not increasing the fees.

By keeping the same fees, the consultants believe the city would be insufficiently covering the incremental cost of growth, according to Napoli.

When that happens, he said, “the difference between the costs and what you recover is shouldered by the existing taxpayers in the city.”

Napoli acknowledged there is at least one wrinkle in the city’s efforts to impose higher public safety impact fees.

This graphic from Stantec Consulting Services Inc., compares the City of Dade City’s proposed public safety impact fee rate on new retail properties is about $463 per 1,000 square feet, compared to its current rate of $304. The current rate hasn’t been updated since 2004. The graphic also provides a comparison with other Florida cities and counties. (Courtesy of Stantec Consulting Services Inc.)

A new Florida law, which took effect July 1, requires that new impact fees be phased in over years, rather than imposed within 90 days.

However, the consultant noted, Dade City may be exempt from the new law, if it exhibits a “demonstrated need” to accelerate the impact fee schedule.

City Attorney Thomas Thanas concurred with Napoli’s assessment, as the town will need to expand its police department, which, in turn, necessitates equipping and training new officers.

Thanas pointed out the Florida statute allows such impact fees to be applied to capital costs such as squad cars and other long-term investments. It can’t be used for salaries, however, he said.

Put another way, hiking impact fees “will help defer the cost of adding new officers to address the growth issues that we’ll be encountering over the next few years,” the city attorney said.

Additionally, Thanas outlined another finding that may work in the city’s favor to claim  extraordinary circumstances to rapidly impose public safety impact fee increases.

It comes in the form of another new Florida law (House Bill 7051) that calls for new technology and training requirements for all police departments statewide.

The technology requirements include body-worn cameras, while training requirements span use of force, de-escalation techniques, and interactions with persons suffering from substance abuse disorder or mental illness.

Because of this law, Thanas observed the city’s police department “will be incurring additional expenses, even if we don’t have growth, we still have these costs to deal with, and some of the costs are eligible for being covered by a public safety impact fee.”

The city’s proposed ordinance calls for making the new impact fees effective within 90 days of adoption.

Proposed public safety impact fee schedule for the City of Dade City:

  • Retail — $462.78 per 1,000 square-feet
  • Single-family — $449.30 per dwelling unit
  • Mobile home — $336.98 per dwelling unit
  • Multi-family — $323.50 per dwelling unit
  • Office — $220.16 per 1,000 square-feet
  • Institutional — $134.79 per 1,000 square-feet
  • Industrial — $76.38 per 1,000 square-feet
  • Warehouse — $44.93 per 1,000 square-feet

Published August 18, 2021

Detective, investigator complete specialized firearms training

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A pair of Dade City Police Department employees have achieved the distinction of earning an advanced firearms certification.

Dade City Police Detective Amanda Chambers and Investigator Diana Surratt completed a local three-day certified firearms specialty class, organized by the International Firearm Specialist Academy.

Front row, from left: Dade City Police Detective Amanda Chambers, Dade City Police Investigator Diana Surratt, retired Tampa Police captain Bret Bartlett, Dade City Mayor Camille Hernandez and Dade City Police Chief James Walters. Back row, from left: Dade City Commissioners Scott Black, Knute Nathe, Jim Shive and Normita Woodard. (Courtesy of Dade City Police Department)

Chambers and Surratt were among 22 class members from various law enforcement agencies from across the Tampa Bay area. The in-classroom firearms specialist academy took place at the DCPD Training Center in November 2019. The two became the first to successfully complete the course’s 13 learning modules and tests, according to Dade City Police Chief James Walters.

Areas of focus for certification include safe handling practices; accurate identification of firearms and ammunition; competency to explain firearms rules and classifications, and nomenclature; and mechanical operation.

The two members’ certifications became official March 4.

The firearms academy originally was developed by Daniel O’ Kelly, a retired special agent from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. O’ Kelly recognized there was a learning gap in firearms training and specialty after he served as lead instructor of firearm technology at the ATF National Academy in Glynco, Georgia.

One of the lead instructors for the local firearms class was retired Tampa Police captain Bret Bartlett, who made a presentation during a March 9 Dade City Commission meeting to recognize the Dade City Police employees’ achievement.

The certification, Bartlett said, “is designed to let investigators and officers make better firearms cases so we put more bad guys away in jail, more efficiently.”

“It’s a difficult class,” Bartlett said. “When I took it the first time, I realized there’s a lot more that I needed to learn, a lot more than I knew, so they worked very hard, they were very diligent. There are very few in this whole country, very few certified firearms specialists.”

Chambers was hired by the local police department in December 2016. Surratt was bought on as a part-time employee in January 2017 and became full-time in October last year.

Published March 31, 2021

74th annual Pasco County Fair is a go

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The 74th annual Pasco County Fair is happening this year, with some modifications from previous years, due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The fair’s theme is “The Adventure Continues,” and the show will run Feb. 15 through Feb. 21 at the Pasco County Fairgrounds, 36722 State Road 52 in Dade City.

Even amid the pandemic, fair organizers are assuring a fun, enjoyable and safe time for all.

The Pasco County Fair will again feature a full lineup of entertainment, attractions and activities, but with enhanced COVID-19 protocols in place throughout the fairgrounds in Dade City. (File)

Details about the festival were shared at a Jan. 19 Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce breakfast meeting, hosted at the fairgrounds. Speakers included Pasco County Fair Association president R.J. Huss and annual fair chairman Tracy Thompson.

Several measures are being taken in the way of COVID-19 health and safety protocols, including quadrupling the number of hand sanitizer stations and investing in a fogger machine. There also will be indoor mask requirements, social distancing recommendations, spaced seating, and one-way aisles in designated areas.

“We’re going full steam ahead at having a fair,” Huss said at the meeting. “We’ve talked to multiple different people in our local government, state government, and we feel confident that we can do it.”

There will be one key departure from prior county fairs: This year’s event won’t feature the typical kick-off parade in downtown Dade City, which usually features marching bands, colorful floats, mounted horse units and more.

The showy serenade was a no-go after fair organizers consulted with the Dade City Mayor Camille Hernandez, Dade City Police Chief James Walters and other officials.

Said Thompson, “It was just not physically possible to get a permit to ensure everyone’s safety this year for the parade, so it had to be nixed, but we’re hoping to come back on our 75th anniversary (in 2022) to have a bigger and better parade.”

However, the fair expects to make up for the parade absence in other ways — including its full entertainment lineup and slew of other activities.

One of the headliners is “The Wagsters,” a Myrtle Beach, South Carolina-based magic show that encompasses illusions and sleight-of-hand tricks, mixed in with some comedy and audience interaction.

The husband and wife team of Brandon and Hannah Wagster will perform on the Back Porch Theatre all weeklong, at designated times in the afternoon and evening.

This will mark the magic duo’s first-ever show in Florida after an accomplished eight-year run at The Carolina Opry Theatre and over 850 performances.

They come well-accredited, having earned the International Magician Society Merlin Award for “Best Theatrical Magic Production,” among other honors.

One event back after a long hiatus is “ClogJam,” an exhibition-style competition featuring folk dance cloggers from across the state. That is scheduled for Feb. 20 at 11 a.m., at the Dan Cannon Auditorium.

Pasco County Fair Association president R.J. Huss was a guest speaker at a Jan. 19 Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce business breakfast meeting. (Kevin Weiss)

For those unfamiliar, clogging involves dancers using their footwear percussively, by striking the heel, toe or both against a floor or each other to create audible rhythms.

“Many years ago we had a clogging show in here and people loved it, and there’s been a lot of chatter on Facebook and around town,” Thompson said.

In the way of kid-friendly attractions, “Walking With Giants,” popular with the younger crowd, is returning. The interactive strolling show features moving, animatronic prehistoric dinosaurs and dragons that children can crawl on, play on and pose with for pictures.

The lifelike creatures measure 8 feet tall and 16 feet long, with realistic eye-blinking, tail-swooshing and mighty roars.

That show can be found in the Schrader Building Entertainment Area all week.

“The dinosaur thing was a big hit last year, the kids loved it, so we brought that back,” Thompson said of the attraction.

Other noteworthy happenings throughout the week include a stunt thrill circus, a comedy hypnotist, racing pigs, community talent show, pageants, sanctioned rodeo show and bluegrass and gospel concerts, plus other frills.

All in all, Thompson is “extremely happy” with the lineup the association was able to book through the pandemic. “We’ve got top-notch entertainment coming from across the nation,” Thompson said. “We’re always in the cutting edge of finding new entertainment.”

Meantime, the independent midway again will offer a little taste of everything for fairgoers working up a thirst and appetite.

Besides traditional fair grub — such as pizza, corn dogs and cotton candy — new offerings this year include fried vegetables, corn fritters and donut burgers. (Some of those calories can seemingly be burned off while venturing throughout the 30-acre hillside fairgrounds.)

Fair exhibits will take on a new twist this year, too.

While youth ag and plant auctions still will be handled in person, they’ll also be simulcast online, where bidders virtually can partake in the action in real-time.

The youth steer sale is Feb. 18 at 7 p.m., at the Albert A. Barthle Livestock Pavilion; the hog sale is Feb. 20 at 5 p.m., at the Barthle Livestock Pavilion; and, the plant sale is Feb. 21 at noon at the Joe Herrmann Greenhouse.

Huss noted the online auction feature is “something I think the fair should’ve been doing for a long time,” adding its youth exhibitors could see their projects go for a higher price because of it.

Details are still being worked out with an auctioneering company on software, cameras, broadcast links and so on.

Fair officials seek big turnout
The annual shindig typically draws between 45,000 to 50,000 visitors over the course of the entire week.

Huss and other organizers don’t have a particular attendance figure in mind for this year, but expect a solid showing even with challenges posed by the virus.

Huss noted the Manatee County Fair — the first Florida-based fair to open in 2021 on Jan. 14 —has reported strong attendance and positive reviews for its COVID-19 health and safety protocols.

“I think we’ll have a great turnout, but it’s hard to project,” said Huss. “We’ve heard of record attendance at some of the other fairs across the state, (but) I just don’t know if we can commit to expecting that, just because of the unknown. How many people in this area do want to get out, versus how many are concerned about the COVID?”

The fair is run by the Pasco County Fair Association Inc., an independent, nonprofit organization which relies mostly on local community sponsorships, fair memberships, guest revenue, and rental income from the buildings housed on the fairgrounds.

Officials say the fairgrounds underwent an eight-month event rental freeze between March and November due to COVID-19; the first major event to return was the Florida Bug Jam back on Nov. 7 and Nov. 8

Huss said the shutdown represented “a pretty substantial income loss” for the association, but “we are still putting on a very good fair, with those budgets cut.”

“We’re doing everything that we can do, and I think we’re going to have a great fair,” he said.

For more information, visit PascoCountyFair.com, or visit the Pasco County Fair Association on Facebook.

Pasco County Fair
When: Feb. 15 through Feb. 21 (Hours vary)
What: Rides, food, games, entertainment, livestock and exhibits
Where: Pasco County Fairgrounds, 36722 State Road 52, Dade City
Cost: Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for children ages 6 through 12, free for ages 5 and under; parking is free. Discounted gate and ride tickets are available online at PascoCountyFair.com.
Info: Visit PascoCountyFair.com, call 352-567-6678, or email .

If you go

  • Check the weather report — Be prepared with sunscreen and visors on warm,
    sunny days. Have a jacket or sweatshirt for cool evenings. A poncho or umbrella
    is a good idea if skies turn gray.
  • Wear comfortable shoes —With over 30 acres of activities and the fairgrounds
    being located on a hillside, there is plenty of walking in store.
    • Leave coolers at home — No bottles, cans, coolers or picnic baskets are
    permitted on the fairgrounds.
  • Bring a camera — There figures to be plenty of memorable moments, so bring a
    camera or video camera to capture the special day. (Note: Use of cameras and video cameras may be prohibited during certain entertainment events.)
  • Leave your pets at home — With the exception of service animals, pets are
    not permitted on the fairgrounds.
  • Parking — Parking is free at the fairgrounds. Be sure to lock your vehicle,
    and take note of where you have parked. Take a minute to familiarize yourself
    with your surroundings when you arrive to avoid confusion when you depart. When
    driving in the parking lot, please drive with caution and keep an eye out for people walking in the lot.
  • Once inside the fairgrounds — Be sure to pick up a daily schedule at the Information booth. This is the best way to plan your day and to be aware of all there is to see and do at the Pasco County Fair.
  • Health & safety — Pasco County Fair officials ask everyone to wash his or her hands before leaving the restrooms, animal areas, and barns — especially before eating. Hand-sanitizing stations are located throughout the fairgrounds and food court area.
  • Volunteers needed
    The Pasco County Fair Association is in search of volunteers for the fair, for gates and buildings, to fill these slots:

    • Feb. 15 – three shifts
    • Feb. 16 to Feb. 19 – two shifts
    • Feb. 20 – various shifts
    • Feb. 21 – two shifts

    A volunteer breakfast is scheduled for Jan. 30 at 9 a.m. For information or to sign up as a volunteer, call 352-567-6678.

Published January 27, 2021

New contract gives Dade City police a bump in pay

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Members of the Dade City Police Department are set to receive across-the-board salary increases, plus starting salary will be higher, too.

Those are just two of the provisions in a 56-page collective bargaining agreement between the City of Dade City and the West Central Florida Police Benevolent Association (WCFPBA) on behalf of the local law enforcement agency.

The new three-year contract was approved unanimously at the Dade City Commission’s Oct. 13 meeting. The agreement runs through fiscal year 2022-2023.

The Dade City Police Department is set to receive across-the-board salary increases and other benefits as part of a new three-year collective bargaining agreement between the City of Dade City and the West Central Florida Police Benevolent Association (WCFPBA). The new base salary is $40,000, up from the previous base salary of $37,000. (File)

The respective negotiations team for the city and police union met three times during the summer, and reached tentative agreement on all articles in early September.

The collective bargaining unit notified the city that its members had ratified the proposed contract during a vote later that month.

The most noteworthy changes are the increased officer salaries, as well as established pay steps. The new starting salary for a Dade City police officer is $40,000 — up from the previous starting salary of $37,000.

Meanwhile, a pay step plan implemented for sworn officers will create a 2% increase for every year of service between years one to 15, a 5% increase at year 20, and a 5% increase at year 25. This pay step plan eliminates a separate Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) increase and eliminates a separate longevity incentive.

Under the plan, all current officers will receive some sort of immediate pay increase — with most receiving up to 5%.

Officers and detectives requiring a greater increase to fit respective pay step will have the balance adjusted in equal installments in year two and year three, according to the agreement.

As an example, a rookie officer who was making $37,377.60 will see pay jump to $40,000 this fiscal year. In 2022-2023, that salary will be $41,616.

An 11-year veteran of the force making $43,992 will see pay jump to $46,191,60 this year; the salary will be $51,744.27 by 2022-2023.

To further put in perspective, here’s how an officer would be compensated based on years of service, under the plan:

  • Rookie officer: $40,000
  • One year service: $40,800
  • Five years of service: $44,163.23
  • 10 years of service: $48,759.78
  • 15 years of service: $53,834.73
  • 20 years of service: $56,526.47
  • 25 years of service: $59,352.79

There also were other special payment provisions implemented in the contract, including a $100 footwear allowance for all officers each year.

Another clause of the contract compensates officers for a loss of personal items during a physical incident on duty, or due to the of hazardous materials.

Dade City Police Chief James Walters, right, with Dade City Mayor Camille Hernandez

Dade City Mayor Camille Hernandez commended both city staffers and the police union for arriving at a workable agreement.

“I want to thank both sides,” Hernandez said. “I’m impressed at the amount of time, thought and deliberation, and action that ultimately we came to.”

The mayor, however, did acknowledge more work needs to be done in the future — alluding to greater officer pay and benefits in the future, as the city grows, develops and expands.

Even with the raises, the upgraded starting salary for a Dade City police officer still lags behind other agencies in Pasco County, where starting pay for police officers and deputies hovers around the mid-40s.

The nearby City of Zephyrhills, for instance, is actively advertising a starting salary of $44,500.

Hernandez put it this way: “You know, we have lots to do better on, we know that. But, I’m happy of where we are and we know there’s more to go, but I do believe we are moving in the right direction…”

Dade City Police Chief James Walters echoed the mayor’s sentiments regarding the agreement, overall.

“We appreciate the hard work for getting this done,” said Walters, a 25-year veteran of the agency who’s served as chief since 2018. “It is a great accomplishment for the employees and staff and officers, to be able to understand where they’re going to be at, and how they’re going to get there.”

The city’s police department has about 40 employees, including 23 sworn officers, civilian personnel and part-time staff.

Better pay deemed essential for retaining officers
The finalized contract comes at a point when the city is expected to need additional officers, as it continues to experience residential growth.

Walters advised commissioners during a budget meeting in August that additional staffing will be required to match the additional demands. At that time, he said: “In order to provide the services this community has come to expect and deserve, the police department must grow as well.

“We are already seeing a tremendous increase in our calls for service, and the more calls for service that we have with the same number of officers, the less time there is to spend on direct speeding enforcement, and community outreach and community-oriented policing.”
At the same meeting, WCFPBA president Nick Marolda underscored the importance of competitive pay for the city’s police force, noting the challenge the lower pay presents in both attracting and retaining officers.

“You’re spending thousands and thousands of dollars training these officers. They get great training, and then in about two years or three years, they look around and they see they’re the lowest (paid) in Pasco County, and they bail on you, and you lose all that money in training, and they go to another agency and you’ve got to start over again,” he said.

Published October 28, 2020

Dade City Police seek raises, more resources

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As Dade City anticipates burgeoning commercial and residential development, the city’s police chief said the time is ripe for increased funding for his department.

Dade City Police Chief James Walters addressed the issue during a Dade City Commission budget workshop earlier this month.

Dade City Police Chief James Walters, right, with Dade City Mayor Camille Hernandez (File)

Early projections put the police department’s budget at nearly $2.9 million for fiscal year 2020-2021. That represents roughly 44% of the city’s entire $6.51 million general fund.

The agency’s budget this year includes creating a detective sergeant class to assist with span of control and supervision; adding a new civilian position to handle crime scene property evidence; and replacing three police vehicles totaling $165,000. The department originally asked for four vehicles.

A broader issue, however, centers on base salaries and overall pay to the department’s sworn police officers.

As Dade City Manager Leslie Porter negotiates with the West Central Florida Police Benevolent Association on behalf of the police department, Walters is asking commissioners to consider a “significant pay adjustment” for his police force. He also wants “equity” of police officers in relation to other city employees.

The starting salary for a sworn Dade City police officer is about $37,700, notably lower than other law enforcement agencies in Pasco County, Walters said.

He also stated that starting salary hasn’t changed for numerous years.

“The average pay for a police officer of deputy sheriff in Pasco County is $41,000. That’s not because some departments are paying $42,000 or $40,000, but rather, because we’re at $37,000 and most others are in the mid-40s,” Walters said.

He pointed to Zephyrhills, which is advertising a $44,500 starting salary for a patrol officer. And, he noted that figure is expected to be higher with Zephyrhills’ next budget.

The city’s growth is a factor, too, the chief said, saying hundreds, if not thousands, of new homes have been approved within city limits.

That comes at a time when the agency already is having a challenging time recruiting and retaining qualified sworn officers, Walters said.

Nick Marolda, president of the West Central Florida Police Benevolent Association, touched on those issues without revealing information regarding the ongoing confidential negotiations.

“You’re spending thousands and thousands of dollars training these officers. They get great training, and then in about two years or three years, they look around and they see they’re the lowest (paid) in Pasco County, and they bail on you, and you lose all that money in training, and they go to another agency and you’ve got to start over again.

The Dade City Police Department has the lowest base salary of any law enforcement agency in Pasco County, at around $37,700. Dade City Police Chief James Walters and the West Central Florida Police Benevolent Association are working to change that. (Courtesy of Dade City Police Department)

“The goal here is we’re trying to find good people and good officers to come to the department, and we’ve got to pay them for that, because it’s competitive,” Marolda explained.

The city’s police department has 23 sworn officers and about 40 total employees, which includes civilian personnel and part-time staffers.

While its police chief didn’t call for the addition of sworn officers in this year’s coming budget, it’s something he emphasized that commissioners must seriously address in coming years, until development levels out.

As of this year, the municipality had roughly 4,000 residential unit entitlements over the next decade — which means they are actively under construction or review.

“In order to provide the services this community has come to expect and deserve, the police department must grow as well,” he said.

“We are already seeing a tremendous increase in our calls for service, and the more calls for service that we have with the same number of officers, the less time there is to spend on direct speeding enforcement and community outreach and community-oriented policing,” Walters said.

Commissioners later voiced their support for the police department and the concerns raised by Walters, a 25-year veteran of the agency who’s served as chief since 2018.

Mayor Pro Tem Jim Shive said the matter will be handled seriously by city leaders, and other commissioners echoed those sentiments.

Published August 26, 2020

Celebrating a quarter-century in law enforcement

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Dade City Police Chief James Walters has reached quite the career milestone — 25 consecutive years with the only law enforcement agency he knows.

Walters joined the Dade City Police Department in 1995 as a beat cop, fresh out of Saint Leo University.

Since then, he has worked his way through the ranks as a detective, sergeant and captain, among other titles.

He became acting chief in February 2018, when then Chief Ray Velboom retired. And, he became the department’s top cop that August, a role he still performs.

James Walters was sworn in as Dade City police chief in August 2018. He recently celebrated his 25-year anniversary working for the law enforcement agency. He joined the force as a beat cop in 1995. (File)

On the whole, Walters said, the last quarter-century has “gone by in a flash.”

“It felt like just yesterday I was walking into the doors of the old Dade City Police Department building,” Walters said during a recent phone interview with The Laker/Lutz News. “It seems like it was just yesterday I was walking in for the very first time.”

Over the past few weeks, community members and leaders have congratulated Walters on his 25 years of service — somewhat jokingly adding that they’re looking forward to seeing him in uniform for another 25 years.

While he won’t be working in 2045, he has no plans to step away anytime soon.

He said he’s humbled by the community support and appreciation.

“I’m glad this community, this city still wants me to be a part of things. As long as we are making a difference and contributing, we’re going to keep on going,” Walters said.

The police chief was formally recognized during a July 14 Dade City Commission virtual meeting.

It’s where Mayor Camille Hernandez summed up her appreciation to Walters: “You are truly an asset, you are a pleasure to work with, and your outreach and concern for the community and students, and the young people and families in our community is noteworthy.”

Destined for law enforcement
Walters’ pathway into law enforcement and public service began while growing up in Inverness, in Citrus County.

Walters said he discovered what he wanted to be in the summer of 1979, when he was just 8 years old.

That was when he survived an alligator attack, while swimming in a lake on his parents’ property. As he tells it, an alligator grabbed his foot and pulled him out of the water. He sustained injuries, but managed to escape.

During Walters’ three-week stay in a hospital, he was visited several times by Jamie Adams, then a wildlife officer with the Florida Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission.

Adams, would go on to become longtime sheriff of Sumter County through the 1980s and 1990s.

The positive interactions that Walters had with Adams left an imprint on the young boy, that he would never forget.

“He said he was going to go get that gator, and that made me pretty happy,” Walters recalled, “so back then, it left an impression on a scared kid, and I never really wanted to do anything else in my life.”

Dade City love
Walters moved to Dade City roughly 30 years ago, to finish his undergraduate degree in criminal justice at the University of Saint Leo.

Before that, he had graduated from Citrus High School and played college football for a few years at a small school in Iowa — St. Ambrose University. But, as a Florida boy, “I nearly froze to death,” Walters quipped.

So, he transferred to Saint Leo. Walters quickly immersed himself into the Dade City community, coaching football and wrestling at Pasco High School. He was an assistant football coach on Perry Brown’s staff that won a state title in 1992.

After experiencing “a tremendous feeling of community,” where the Pasco High football stadium “would just be overflowing with people,” Walters had no desire to live or work anyplace else.

“I grew up in a small town. Dade City felt like home, and I really fell in love with the community,” Walters said. “It’s really small town America.”

That small town feeling, however, could change a little bit in coming years.

With Dade City poised for extensive growth that could see its population more than double in size in the next decade or so, Walters acknowledged it’s a challenge for an agency that has 23 full-time sworn and about 40 personnel total.

Preliminary plans call for more homes to be built than currently exist within city limits, Walters noted.

Growing the department in proportion to the number of rooftops will be “a metered approach”  in coordination with city leaders, the police chief said.

“We’re not going to accomplish anything overnight,” Walters, “but, we’re going to try to grow as the city grows, so we can maintain the levels of service that the citizens and the visitors of this community come to expect,” he said.

Published July 29, 2020

Medical marijuana dispensaries allowed in Dade City

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Medical marijuana treatment centers and dispensaries may now set up shop within certain areas of Dade City.

Dade City Commissioners on Jan. 28 adopted an ordinance revising the city’s land development regulations to make the treatment facilities a permitted use in the city’s general commercial zoning district, and an allowed use in commercial and employment center planned development districts.

More specifically, the ordinance lets medical marijuana facilities be situated along U.S. 301/U.S. 98 south and north of town, and certain pockets of the Community Redevelopment Area (CRA) district, while avoiding much of the city’s historic downtown main street and central business district.

The ordinance requires any future standalone pharmacies and drugstores to locate within those aforementioned districts, as Florida statutes prevent municipalities from enacting regulations that are more restrictive for dispensaries than for traditional pharmacies.

Also, the ordinance includes language establishing regulations for hand-rolled cigar manufacturing within city limits, something the city had not addressed.

Hand-rolled cigar facilities would be a conditional use, permitted use or allowed use in as many as 10 different types of business or planned development zoning districts.

The commission’s action on the ordinance’s second reading was approved 3-2, with Scott Black and Eunice Penix voting no. The city passed a first reading of the ordinance on Jan. 14 by the same vote. No one from the public weighed in on the issue at either reading.

The city previously had a series of concurrent moratoriums on medical marijuana treatment centers within its municipal limits dating back to 2016, to study its possible impacts.

In September, city commissioners directed city staff to draft an amendment to the city’s land development regulations that would change that, and allow medical marijuana dispensaries in specified areas.

In other action, commissioners:

  • Adopted an ordinance of an annexation petition for JDR Investments Inc., for a 0.41-acre parcel located at 14836 U.S. 301, considered an enclave within the city
  • Adopted an ordinance of an annexation petition for Esplanade Communities of Florida, for a 0.22-acre parcel located at 36221 State Road 52, which was previously not discovered in the subdivision approval process
  • Renewed a one-year contract extension agreement with Wood Environment & Infrastructure Solutions Inc., for general planning and engineering services

Dade City police officer honored
Commissioners recognized Miguel Velez, who prevented a drug overdose death last fall.

Dade City police officer Miguel Velez, left was recognized by Chief James Walters, for his role in preventing a drug overdose death last fall. (Courtesy of Dade City Police Department)

The 30-year-old Velez, a four-year veteran of the agency, was dispatched on Oct. 9 to a reported overdose on Hillside Lane in Dade City. When he arrived, he found a 23-year-old woman lying on the ground, unresponsive, with no sign of pulse or breathing.

Recognizing the symptoms of an overdose, he administered his officer-issued Narcan spray, which the police department had received through a donation eight weeks earlier from the Recovery Epicenter Foundation.

Shortly after he administered the Narcan, the woman began breathing and Velez could detect her pulse. Then, Pasco County Fire Rescue arrived and stabilized the woman, whom they transported to a local hospital, where she survived.

Dade City Police Chief James Walters presented Velez with a challenge coin inscribed with the Latin phrase, “Semper paratus, mitte me,” which translates to, “Always ready, send me.” It is the second coin Chief Walters has presented to an active member of the city’s police department. The other was given to Sgt. Robert Tungate in May, for his efforts in trying to rescue a victim from a house fire.

Dade City Mayor Camille Hernandez commended Velez for his “heroic act,” adding, “It is those kinds of things that make our police department so special.”

Public roundtables for downtown splash park
Dade City officials want to hear local residents’ thoughts regarding the design and amenities they’d like to see for a planned downtown splash park/bike hub project.

Two public charrettes are planned to collect that input. They are scheduled for 6 p.m., on Feb. 17 and Feb. 24, at City Hall, 38020 Meridian Ave., in Dade City.

The meetings will include a small presentation of the park, followed by a brainstorm of suggestions and ideas from residents and stakeholders.

The splash park and bike hub are planned on a 2.23-acre parcel at 3772 Church St., which borders the Hardy Trail and is diagonal from The Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce building.

A preliminary concept plan for the project calls for a multi-use water splash pad, bike-share shelter, amphitheater, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)-accessible playground, open space, a concession area and other features.

The project will likely be completed in phases over the next several years, starting with the bike hub, which could break ground this year, in partnership with Pasco County’s tourism office.

For more information, call (352) 523-5050.

General election set April 13
Three seats are open on the Dade City Commission for this year’s election cycle.

The offices to be filled are for Groups 3, 4 and 5 — as terms expire for commissioners Jim Shive, Nicole Deese Newlon and Eunice Penix, respectively.

The election qualifying period will begin at noon on Feb. 11 and end at noon on Feb. 18.

The general election is April 13. The polling place for the election will be at Precinct 1 at First Baptist Church, 37511 Church Ave. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Those newly elected will serve a four-year term through April 2024.

Published February 05, 2020

Longtime Pasco High school resource officer retires

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A longtime Dade City Police Department school resource officer (SRO) won’t be patrolling the halls and campus of Pasco High School anymore.

Brian McDougal joined the police department in 1990, straight out of then Pasco-Hernando Community College’s law enforcement academy.

The bulk of his service has been spent as a familiar face in local schools.

Longtime Pasco High School resource officer Brian McDougal, middle, has retired from that role, after nearly three decades of service with the Dade City Police Department. (Kevin Weiss)

Before his 17-year stint at Pasco High, McDougal became the police department’s first SRO when he was assigned to Pasco Middle School in 1994.

He had to step away from his SRO role this year because of an ongoing leg injury he said stems from an arrest he made in 2018.

While he’s leaving that position,he will remain on the Dade City force as a reserve officer, to assist with multi-subject trainings.

“I just got to the point where I can’t walk, can’t do my job as a resource officer on 99 acres,” McDougal recently told The Laker/Lutz News.

He said he will miss the interaction with kids.

“It’s having that feeling of making a difference in a young person’s life that’s made it all worthwhile for me,” he said.

Dade City police detective Pete Emerson will serve as Pasco High’s SRO for the 2019-2020 school year. He last served in that role from 1997-2002, until, ironically, McDougal took over for him.

McDougal began his law enforcement career as a patrolman, and eventually worked his way up to detective. Advancement opportunities arose after he passed the police sergeant’s exam.

His passion, however, remained in schools “to bridge that gap between cops and kids.”

“I was just trying to really make a difference. My heart told me I just needed to stay as SRO,” said McDougal.

McDougal acknowledged that the responsibilities of a resource officer have evolved since he took his first post in the mid 1990s — particularly when it comes to school safety in the age of school shootings and other violent threats.

“As a resource officer, you’ve got to have your head on a 360 (degree) swivel all the time now, constantly looking, constantly watching. In your mind, you have to be prepared for the absolute worst and fall back to your training,” said McDougal.

“You used to be able to go to school and say, ‘OK, I got this.’ You know, pretty comfortable in your environment and not have to worry about a lot. But then, Columbine happened, 9/11 happened and the snowball effect for our safety, that’s where it all changed.”

When he put on the uniform each day, McDougal was reminded about the importance for the consideration of the whole student body.

“If those kids don’t know we care as law enforcement, if they don’t know we care, then why should they?” McDougal said. “If you’re going to go out here and be a public servant, you treat everybody with compassion, you treat everybody how you want to be treated, you don’t lose your temper just because they do.”

Now in quasi-retirement, McDougal said he plans to start a firearms safety instruction business.

He also wants to become a blacksmith to tap into his Scottish roots, and craft ornamental ironworks and knives.

“Before the (History Channel) TV show “Forged in Fire” ever came on, it’s something that my Scottish ancestors did, so that’s what really got me interested in it. Being a McDougal, we’re pretty Scottish,” he said with a hearty laugh.

For McDougal, working in law enforcement fulfilled “a lifelong dream.”

“Ever since I was a little fat kid, I always wanted to be a cop. All the TV shows I watched, I was the good guy,” McDougal, who was born and raised in St. Petersburg, said. “I’ve been very blessed in my career. I can’t deny it. God has watched over me from Day One.”

The longtime resource officer was formally recognized for his service during an Aug. 27 commission meeting.

Dade City Police Chief James Walters said McDougal “took his job seriously” when it came to ensuring school safety, and praised him for his work ethic and commitment to the job.

“What an honor it has been to serve beside Brian for almost 30 years,” Walters said.

“If anybody that knows Brian from any time at Pasco High School over the last 20-some years, he’s as much of that institution as W.F. Edwards Stadium or anything else to do with Pasco High School, and he’s going to be missed.”

Dade City Mayor Camille Hernandez also thanked McDougal for his service and keeping students safe. She said he leaves “big shoes to fill.”

Addressing McDougal at the commission meeting, Hernandez said: “I know the times that I’ve spent at the school and had a chance to interact with you, those students love you. I mean, they respected you. I know your job probably wasn’t easy there, but I know that a lot of the students have so much admiration, and love and support for you.”

Published September 11, 2019

Swearing-in ceremony draws a big crowd

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Dade City has a new police chief, but he has a familiar face.

James Walters — who has been the acting chief for more than six months — became the department’s official leader at the Aug. 28 Dade City Commission meeting.

Walters is replacing former chief Ray Velboom, who retired after a decade of service.

The occasion drew a standing-room-only crowd of more than 100 community and business leaders, government officials, and representatives from other local law enforcement agencies.

City Clerk Angie Gay swears in James Walters as chief of the Dade City Police Department. Walters, who’s been with the agency since 1995, has been acting chief since February. (Courtesy of Richard K. Riley)

Friends and family members traveled from as far away as California, Wisconsin and Virginia to share in a moment marking what Walters’ described as the pinnacle of his career.

As he addressed the crowd, Walter said being named the city’s police chief is both humbling and an honor.

“I am so proud of all the members of the Dade City Police Department, my brothers and sisters in law enforcement, and the amazing work that they do in this community every day,” said Walters, who has been with the department since 1995. “We have a great team.”

Walter also used the public platform to outline several of his priorities for the department going forward. Those include:

  • Seeking department accreditation through the Commission for Florida Law Enforcement Accreditation
  • Redeveloping its strategic plan “to identify the needs of our department and our community” for the next five years
  • Maintaining and ensuring safety in local schools
  • Creating a plan of professional development and succession for police department personnel to “ensure stability, viability, and professional preparation in training” and “instill a tradition of continued and guaranteed success for generations”
  • Upholding the fundamental values that serve the agency’s mission and vision—respect, integrity, professionalism and service

“There’s a lot of challenges ahead,” Walters said. “We have a tremendous amount of growth on our doorstep and so we’re going to have to be ahead of the curve.

“As far as I’m concerned, law enforcement is no different than any other infrastructure—it’s no different than a water line or a road or what have you. We have to be prepared for the growth that’s coming, and we have to have systems in place and be ready to deal with the increase; we could easily double in population in the next decade,” the chief said.

In 23 years of policing, Walters has worked on patrol and criminal investigations, as well as handling administrative duties. Most recently, he served as administrative sergeant, a role he held since 2003.

Walters is a native of Chicago, Illinois. He holds a bachelor of arts degree in criminology and a master of science in criminal justice administration from Saint Leo University.

He also holds a certified instructor ranking, in both general and high liability areas, from the Florida Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission. Additionally, he holds a number of certifications in firearms, investigations, field training, crisis intervention, line supervision, middle management, police internal affairs and so on.

He has also served as an adjunct instructor at Pasco-Hernando State College and at Saint Leo University.

During his time at the department, Walters has received numerous decorations and awards, including a unit citation, community service award, education ribbons, hazardous incident team, chief’s award, and employee of the month.

Besides his work for the police department, he also has served the Dade City Police Retirement Board, YMCA Advisory Board and PHSC Law Enforcement Academy Advisory Board.

The police department currently has 44 employees, including 33 sworn officers.

In his new role, his starting salary is $69,143.

The city’s website outlines the chief’s responsibilities. They include managing the department’s day-to-day operations and preparing the department’s annual budget. The chief also must attend weekly staff meetings, bimonthly city commission meetings, and events throughout the year.

The chief also functions as the department’s official liaison with various community groups, media outlets and law enforcement entities.

City Manager Billy Poe said Walters’ experience, knowledge and law enforcement connections made him an ideal candidate for the post.

Poe also mentioned Walters’ philosophy on community-oriented policing and increased community involvement as another reason he was selected.

Said Poe: “I think Chief Walters understands our direction that we want to go as a city and as a police department, and I think he has a firm grasp on it to take us to the next step.”

Dade City Mayor Camille Hernandez offered her approval of Walters, saying he’s “shown nothing but the most outpouring of love and affection and safety for everyone.”

The mayor also said she’s “so proud and privileged” to have Walters as chief, noting his “outstanding staff and amazing leadership.”

Walters’ appointment coincides with the promotions of Lieutenants Bill Rowe and Brian Uppercue to oversee the department’s operations and administration divisions, respectively.

“I think all three are great individuals,” Poe said, noting they have different strengths that work well together.

Published September 5, 2018