Pasco Sheriff's Office

Chalk Talk 08/17/2022

August 16, 2022 By Mary Rathman

Stepping up for others
Davron, an executive search and outplacement services business, completed its second annual Back-To-School Drive and its third year contributing to Christian Social Services (CSS) in Land O’ Lakes. Davron donated to CSS a total of 186 backpacks and a multitude of school supplies, along with $1,860 to help with the food pantry. From left: Matthew Noble and David Coreen, Davron; Sandra Stack and Jacquie Petet, CSS; and Lacy McElfresh, Eric Maddox, Leah Stevens and Wyatt Durney, Davron.

Scholarship endowment
In recognition of a distinguished business career and more than a decade of service at Bloomin’ Brands Inc., Bloomin’ Brands is investing $300,000 to establish a scholarship endowment through the Hillsborough Community College (HCC) Foundation, to honor retired chairman and CEO and current member of the board of directors Elizabeth “Liz” Smith, according to a news release.

The gift will fund the Elizabeth Smith Endowed Scholarship and will provide three full annual scholarships to female students for the duration of their studies at HCC.

Priority will be given to eligible students with a major in business operations/management and secondarily to those with the greatest financial need.

The scholarships will be awarded in spring 2023 for students beginning their studies in the fall of that same year. Subsequently, the scholarships will be awarded every year in that same time frame.

For more information on the Elizabeth Smith Endowed Scholarship, email Stephen Shear at , or visit HCCFoundation.com.

Keep students safe
The Pasco Sheriff’s Office (PSO), school resource officers and school crossing guards are dedicated to keeping students, schools and faculty safe, to promote a positive and supportive learning environment.

With school back in session, communities will see more school buses, bike riders and pedestrians with students.

Below are steps to take to help to keep students safe, according to a PSO news release.

Drivers should always follow the speed limit and slow down in school zones and near bus stops.
Cross at the crosswalk where drivers expect pedestrians to cross, until the crossing guard or signal indicates you may pass.
Take time to learn your state’s school bus stop laws. Do not pass a stopped school bus with flashing lights and a deployed stop sign.
PSO recommends parents and guardians talk with students about safe and appropriate behavior online, and stay aware of what apps students are using (more on this in next week’s edition of The Laker/Lutz News).
PSO urges parents and guardians to reiterate to students to make sound decisions and to report anything suspicious to a responsible adult.

Merit scholarship winners
The National Merit Scholarship Corporation recognized more than 1,200 additional winners of National Merit Scholarships financed by colleges and universities.

Sponsor colleges include 82 private and 73 public institutions located in 42 states and the District of Columbia.

These local students were selected as winners:

Andrea L. Burgess, Lutz, Steinbrenner High School: National Merit University of South Florida Scholarship
Devin T. Connerney, Lutz, Gaither High: National Merit University of Florida Scholarship
Robert M. Muldrow, Odessa, Berkeley Preparatory School: National Merit University of Florida Scholarship
Eric T. Reichard, Wesley Chapel, Wiregrass Ranch High: National Merit University of Florida Scholarship
Marc Taylor, Lutz, Hillsborough High: National Merit University of Florida Scholarship

Student achievement
April Prier, of Lutz, has been named to the Chancellor’s List at Troy University, Alabama, for the summer semester/Term 5 of the 2021-2022 academic year. The Chancellor’s List honors full-time undergraduate students who are registered for at least 12 semester hours and who earn a grade point average of 4.0.

Scholarship benefit
BCMF Calstrong in Trinity/Odessa and LiveFit in Hudson are partnering to host their first Walk-A-Thon on Sept. 10, at 11539 Pyramid Drive in Odessa. The event will benefit The Ashley Morrison Heart Scholarship for Pasco County high school athletes. Any remainding funds will be donated to meningitis research. For more information, call 727-842-7000.

School Fishing Club
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s (FWC) 2022-2023 School Fishing Club Program offers school fishing clubs or teams the opportunity to apply for the Florida R3 Fishing Grant.

The grant program is focused on engaging youth anglers to ensure the future of fishing in Florida.

The Florida Sport Fish Restoration R3 Grant will award up to 40 high school fishing clubs or teams $500 to assist with club expenses, the purchase of fishing licenses or gear for the participants.

The grant program is open to new or existing freshwater and/or saltwater fishing clubs or teams in public, private and charter schools throughout Florida.

To be considered for the grant, the clubs or teams must have a minimum of five members and be represented by a school faculty member or parent who will follow the provided instructor’s manual.

Applications can be found online at MyFWC.com/SFC — scroll down to “Florida’s R3 Fishing Grant Program.”

The deadline for submitting applications is 5 p.m., on Sept. 16.

Anniversary plans
Pasco-Hernando State College (PHSC) will celebrate 50 years of service to the district with free community celebrations, a speaker series, and other events and initiatives. The school’s golden annivesary year officialy began in July and will conclude on June 30, 2023.

The first of five campus-based community celebrations will be presented at the East Campus, 36727 Blanton Road in Dade City, on Sept. 17 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The event, taking place during Hispanic Heritage Month, will feature the flavors and sounds of Latin culture, and guest speakers will explore local history and Hispanic culture.

Free entertainment, fmaily activities, food, campus tours and demonstrations will be included, and application fees to PHSC will be waived for prospective students attending the event.

Other campus celebrations will be hosted at the Brooksville, New Port Richey, Spring Hill locations, and the Porter Campus at Wiregrass Ranch in Wesley Chapel throughout the anniversary year.

Details on events and activities will be posted and announced online at PHSC.edu/history.

Sheriff’s office announces new app

August 9, 2022 By Mary Rathman

The Pasco Sheriff’s Office (PSO) has announced the launch of its official app — Pasco Sheriff News — according to a news release.

The app provides citizens with direct access on any mobile device, to news from the sheriff’s office.

In addition to social media platforms and the News.pascosheriff.com website, the PSO will share breaking news through its official app.

The app also will feature PSO community alerts, events, news, and missing people.

This additional resource will allow citizens to “always be in the know about the PSO,” the release said.

The new app can be downloaded from the (Apple) App Store or through Google Play.

Published August 10, 2022

Health News 08/10/2022

August 9, 2022 By Mary Rathman

Little Women donate books
The Ronald MacDonald House Tampa has opened for visitors, and the Little Women of Lutz presented the ‘home away from home’ with a rolling library, filled with over 200 books for all ages. It is the mission of this community service organization to keep the library full, for the reading pleasure of the residents now and in the future. Those taking part were Zoey Cropper, Fleur Van Buuren, Lyndsey Turnage, Lauren Gualtieri, Linda Mitchell, Dee Knerr and Kiara Palmer. For information on the Little Women of Lutz (for ages 12 to 18), email .

Fentanyl overdoses
The Pasco Sheriff’s Office is encouraging residents to be aware of the rise in fentanyl overdoses and its signs, according to its Facebook page.

Fentanyl can be absorbed by the body by skin contact, ingestion or inhalation, and it has rapidly become one of the most common substances seen in overdoses and substance abuse cases.

Signs of an overdose include: blue/purple fingernails; blue/purple lips; difficulty breathing; clammy skin; vomiting; pinpoint pupils; drowsiness; and unconciousness — all of which can occur within minutes of exposure.

If you think someone is overdosing, immediately call 911.

For more information on the PSO’s community-based resources, visit PascoSheriff.com/mentalhealth.

Muscular Dystrophy boot drive
Pasco County Tax Collector Mike Fasano will feature the Pasco Fire Rescue’s annual “Boot Drive” as its charitable organization for the month of August.

All proceeds from this promotional effort will benefit the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA), which is a key organization supported by Pasco Fire Rescue/Pasco Firefighters Charities.

Donations (filling the boot) can be made at any of the five tax collector offices in Pasco County. To find locations, visit PascoTaxes.com.

For more about the charitable giving programs through the tax collector, call Greg Giordano at 727-847-8179.

For information about the Fire Rescue/Firefighters charities, call Sean Messer at 813-929-2750.

Hospital accreditations
HCA Florida Bayonet Point Hospital, HCA Florida Trinity Hospital and HCA Florida Oak Hill Hospital have together earned a three-year accreditation from the Amerian College of Surgeon’s (ACS) Commission on Cancer (CoC), for their integrated network cancer program, according to a news release.

The program was created by the three hospitals after each individually held ACS CoC accreditation for many years and saw the need to provide a coordinated approach to cancer care for patients in Pasco County, Hernando County and surrounding communities.

To earn voluntary CoC accreditation, a cancer program must meet 34 CoC quality care standards, be evaluated every three years through a survey process, and maintain levels of excellence in the delivery of comprehensive patient-centered care.

As a CoC-accredited cancer center, the program will take a multidisciplinary approach to treating cancer as a complex group of diseases that requires consultation among surgeons, medical and radiation oncologists, diagnostic radiologists, pathologists and other cancer specialists.

This multidisciplinary partnership results in improved patient care.

Chalk Talk 08/10/2022

August 9, 2022 By Mary Rathman

(Courtesy of Pasco County Property Appraiser)

A ‘step’ in the right direction
Pasco Property Appraiser Mike Wells, Jacques Hakim, the YMCA, and Julio Vega send out thanks to everyone who contributed to the second annual Step Up For Students Back-to-School Fundraiser. Due to the generous support of many, 3,100 pairs of new shoes were donated to Pasco County Schools, topping the total of 2,862 pairs donated in 2021. Wells, third from right, stands alongside school district representatives to show off a colorful variety of footwear the group received.

Scholarship benefit
BCMF Calstrong in Trinity/Odessa and LiveFit in Hudson are partnering to host their first Walk-A-Thon on Sept. 10, at 11539 Pyramid Drive in Odessa. The event will benefit The Ashley Morrison Heart Scholarship for Pasco County high school athletes. Any remaining funds will be donated to meningitis research. For more information, call 727-842-7000.

Fishing Club changes name
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has approved changing the name of the High School Fishing Program to the School Fishing Club Program, according to a news release.

The new name more accurately portrays the age range for student participation. The program has grown in popularity in recent years, and continues to support and encourage youth anglers of all ages.

The FWC’s fishing program in 2021 welcomed 21 new and 13 returning student angling clubs from Florida, offering funding for clubs committed to complete the provided FWC curriculum, as well as pre- and post-tests, and at least one conservation project.

Club sponsors worked to provide support and hands-on training in knot-tying and fishing gear assembly, and assisted with the clubs’ local events to increase confidence for student anglers in the sport of fishing.

To learn more, visit MyFWC.com/SFC.

Timothy Beard, Ph.D., president of Pasco-Hernando State College (Courtesy of Pasco-Hernando State College)

Top marks for president
Pasco-Hernando State College president Timothy Beard has earned near-perfect scores on his annual review by the college’s District Board of Trustees (DBOT), with an overall average score of 4.95 out of 5.0, according to a news release.

Beard was recognized for his excellent communication skills with the DBOT, community stakeholders, and state and national relationships.

John Mitten, DBOT chair, summarized the review comments in a letter to the trustees, commending “Dr. Beard for his leadership, personal and professional demeanor, and the overall positive impact he has on the college,” the release said.

Beard earned a 4.86 for board relations; a 4.99 for community, state and national relations; a 5.0 on fiscal responsibility; a 4.88 for leadership; and a 5.0 for accountability.

The review is consistent with last year’s review that showed Beard’s strong marks in all categories.

Education achievements
• Emara Saez, of Lutz: Dean’s List, Tufts University, Massachusetts
• Victory High School in New Port Richey, Tampa Bay’s first Recovery High School, hosted a ceremony on July 13 for its first graduating student. The female graduate received 1 ½ years of mental health services, recovery support, and an education to accomplish her diploma.

Information Technology training
CareerSource Tampa Bay (CSTB) currently is accepting applications for individuals who would like to receive training in the field of Information Technology (IT).

CSTB has two H-1B Skills Training grants available to help local job seekers living in Hillsborough County gain skills for career advancement. The total grants amount to $466,000, according to a news release.

Participants must be Hillsborough County residents, 17 years of age or older who currently are not in high school and are unemployed or underemployed.

The TechBoost grant provides training assistance up to $5,000. This amount may be provided per participant under the grant award of $387,000, the release said.

TechBoost is a national program that provides comprehensive workforce strategies to prepare the workforce for middle- to high-skilled occupations within the IT industry.

The Tech Quest Apprenticeship (TQA) is part of a federal program and on average can provide $600 in occupational training assistance under the grant.

CSTB has received a total grant award of $79,000 from TechQuest.

TQA assists IT and IT-related apprenticeships and pre-apprenticeship programs in development, expansion, and active enrollment.

To learn more about the two progams, visit CareerSourceTampaBay.com/job-seekers/techboost/.

Crossing guards are part-time positions and are available at several locations throughout Pasco County.

For information, visit JoinPSO.com.

Meal applications available
Pasco County Schools has announced the free and reduced-price household meal application process for the 2022-2023 school year is open.

The National School Lunch Act states that households who are below the Federal Income Eligibility Guidelines may qualify for free or reduced-priced breakfast and lunch benefits.

Households must complete a new application each school year. Families can visit PascoSchoolMeals.com, for a link to the online application, frequently asked questions, income eligibility guidelines, cafeteria menus and more.

All students will be served breakfast at no charge at these local schools in The Laker/Lutz News coverage area: Centennial Elementary, Centennial Middle, Chester Taylor Elementary, East Pasco Education Center, Lacoochee Elementary, New River Elementary, Pasco Elementary, Pasco High, Pasco Middle, Quail Hollow Elementary, R.B. Stewart Middle, Rodney Cox Elementary, San Antonio Elementary, West Zephyrhills Elementary, Woodland Elementary, and Zephyrhills High, the release said.

For additionl information and a complete list of schools, call Pasco County Schools Food & Nutrition Services at 813-794-2522, or email .

Chalk Talk 08/03/2022

August 2, 2022 By Mary Rathman

Edward Dadez (Courtesy of Saint Leo University)

Saint Leo names president
The Saint Leo University Board of Trustees has elected Dr. Edward Dadez as the 11th president of the university, following the resignation of Jeffrey Senese, according to a news release.

Prior to becoming the second provost of the university, Dadez was a visiting professor in graduate education. He also had the position of vice president in support of the school’s regional education centers, online learning program, student affairs, and campus operations.

Before coming to Saint Leo, Dadez served in administrative roles in student affairs and continuing education at The Ohio State University, University of Dayton (Ohio), Michigan State University, Bucknell University (Pennsylvania) and Chowan University (North Carolina).

“Saint Leo University’s commitment to its core values, Catholic heritage, and close-knit community make it a special place — countless students have thrived here and gone on to make an impact in our world,” said Dadez in the release.

“I am excited to work alongside students, faculty, staff and alumni to strengthen the university experience and to help make it possible for more students to pursue their educational and professional goals,” said Dadez.

Meal applications available
Pasco County Schools has announced the free and reduced-price household meal application process for the 2022-2023 school year is open.

The National School Lunch Act states that households who are below the Federal Income Eligibility Guidelines may qualify for free or reduced-priced breakfast and lunch benefits.

For additionl information and a complete list of schools, call Pasco County Schools Food & Nutrition Services at 813-794-2522, or email ">.

Campus Kickoff
Hillsborough Community College will host the 2022 Dale Mabry Campus Kickoff on Aug. 5 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., at 4001 W. Tampa Bay Blvd., for students and community members. Participants can learn more about degree programs, enrollment steps, student clubs and life, and financial aid. Free snacks will be provided.

Crossing guards needed
The Pasco Sheriff’s Office (PSO) school crossing guards and traffic control officers play an important role in the community — they help students and their loved ones to cross busy streets as they travel school routes safely and ensure drivers are cautious in school zones. Crossing guards are part-time positions and are available at several locations throughout Pasco County. For information, visit JoinPSO.com.

Meet the Teacher
Seven Oaks Elementary School, 27633 Mystic Oak Blvd., in Wesley Chapel, will host two Meet the Teacher sessions on Aug. 8, for students and families. Prekindergarten through second-grade students can attend from 10 a.m. to noon; and third-grade through fifth-grade students can attend from noon to 2 p.m. Families need to report to the cafeteria first, to pick up classroom assignments. Both sessions will provide the opportunity to get teacher assignments, meet the teacher, get transportation information, tour the campus, order a yearbook, purchase spirit gear, join the PTA, and ask questions about the school. For information, call 813-794-0700.

Meet Your Teacher
Woodland Elementary School, 38203 Henry Drive in Zephyrhills, will host a Meet Your Teacher Day on Aug. 8 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., in the school cafeteria. Members of the Zephyrhills business community will be on hand, too, with flyers, promotional items or giveaways, to share ways they can support Woodland families. For information, call 813-794-6400.

Local students honored
More than 5,200 students in June competed at the 2022 SkillsUSA Championships, a national showcase of career and technical education.

Students were invited to demonstrate their technical, workplace, and personal skills in 108 hands-on competitions including robotics, automotive technology, drafting, criminal justice, aviation maintenance, and public speaking.

Desiree Tirado, of Lutz and a student at Tampa Bay Technical High School, was awarded the high school silver medal in Pin Design.

Isabella Ruiz, also of Lutz and a student at Tampa Bay Technical, was awarded the high school bronze medal in T-Shirt Design.

The annual championship event is for students in middle or high school, or college/postsecondary programs, as part of the SkillsUSA National Leadership & Skills Conference.

For information, visit SkillsUSA.org.

Workstations gifted to Pace Center
Pace Center for Girls in Pasco and Polk counties received 20 fully refurbished computer workstations from eSmart Recycling, for the girls’ at-home personal use, according to a news release.

Pace procides free year-round middle and high school academic, case management, counseling, and life skills development in a safe and supportive environment that recognizes and deals with past trauma, and builds upon girls’ individual strengths, the release said.

The partnership with Pace and eSmart is designed to help close the digital divide many girls face at home.

“This contribution will help build a pathway for girls to embrace technology for personal use — opening new doors for creativity, exploration, and growth,” said Ellen Katzman, executive director of Pace Polk and Pasco, in the release.

Student achievements
• Megan Blanchard, Dade City: Bachelor of Science in Biology: Environmental & Conservation Biology from Furman University, Greenville, South Carolina
• Thais Jacomassi, Lutz: Bachelor of Arts in Writing, Lit and Publishing from Emerson College, Boston, Massachusetts
• Thea G. Wangsness, Dade City: Dean’s List, University of Minnesota Twin Cities, College of Liberal Arts

Back-to-school fundraiser
Step up for Pasco Students! is a back-to-school fundraiser, sponsored by Pasco County Property Appraiser Mike Wells; the YMCA of the Suncoast James P. Gills Family Branch Togetherhood Committee; educator, entrepreneur and philanthropist Jacques Hakim; and the Pasco Sheriff’s Office Charities.

Every $10 donation buys a new pair of shoes for a child in need: The goal is 5,000 pairs.

Sponsorship levels also are available.

For information or to donate, visit bit.ly/2022ShoeDrive.

Pasco limits new recurring expenses

July 19, 2022 By B.C. Manion

Pasco County’s revenues are up because of its burgeoning growth, but the county is taking a conservative approach when it comes to adding new recurring expenses.

The assessed taxable value in fiscal year 2023 is just at $2 billion, compared at just under $1.4 billion last year, according to Robert Goehig, the county’s budget director.

“The taxable assessed value in 2023 was actually higher than the new construction in 2008,” he said.

“So, because we can’t expect this taxable from new construction to be at this level for year over year over year, we are suggesting that we not spend this new additional revenues for new ongoing expenditures, except as they relate to Fire Rescue,” Goehig told the Pasco County Commission at its July 12 meeting.

“So, we are suggesting that we adopt a limited number of new business plan initiatives — or new spending for new ongoing expenditures — and take the remaining piece of that and invest that into one-time capital investments, into our capital improvement process to bring those projects up to speed,” Goehig said.

Emergency personnel representing Pasco County Fire Rescue repeatedly have urged the Pasco County Commission to provide them with more equipment and manpower, to reduce response time to emergencies. The county’s proposed budget reflects about $6 million in initiatives to bolster Fire Rescue operations. (File)

“So, we saw there’s an additional $21 million out there. Before we get carried away with all of this new money (and) figure out we’re going to spend it, there are lots and lots of things that we have to pay for with that new money,” he added.

Inflation, he noted, is at 11.3% in the Tampa Bay Metropolitan Statistical Area, which includes Pasco County.

“Just the cost of fuel alone has increased 38% over the past year,” he said.

Fleet-related expenditures, including fuel and increased costs for maintenance and parts is expected to increase by more than $1 million for Fire Rescue alone, he said.

“It will increase over $3 million countywide,” Goehig said.

The county also is currently conducting a compensation/classification study for its staff, which is expected to result in a 7% increase in the county’s average compensation, he said.

Wages also will increase for firefighters, he said.

Goehig also noted that Fire Station 3 and Fire Station 9 are coming online and must be funded for a full year.

As Fire Rescue responds to more calls, costs for medical supplies are expected to increase by $500,000, he added.

There also are increases to health care and retirement costs.

The county, however, is recommending a number of enhancements to its Fire Rescue services.

Those proposed budget items follow persistent requests by firefighters at board meetings, urging the county to provide the equipment and manpower necessary to address a surging number of emergency calls.

This year’s budget calls for two new fire stations to come online, four new rescue units and four peak-hour rescue units, Goehig said. That brings the total number of new ambulance units on the street to eight, Goehig said.

The budget also calls for adding 65 firefighters.

Goehig noted the call volume for Fire Rescue increased by 16% in 2021, compared to a typical rate of increase of 3% to 4%.

The county doesn’t know if the spike in call volume in 2021 was a one-time thing because of the pandemic, or if that will be the new normal.

“In either case, we have to plan as if that 16% is the new normal,” Goehig said.

In total, there are 16 business plan initiatives for Fire Rescue, totaling about $6 million, he said.

The proposed county budget also includes two additional code enforcement officers and two additional animal services officers.

The budget also calls for providing a general fund transfer of $1.6 million to the Pasco Sheriff’s Office to support the hiring of 10 deputies.

Goehig’s presentation was made in concert with an agenda item on proposed tax rate and date for the first public hearing on the county budget for fiscal year 2023.

The county board approved the proposed tax rate and set the first public hearing on the county’s budget on Sept. 6, at 5:15 p.m. The meeting will be in the board chambers at the Historic Pasco County Courthouse, 37918 Meridian Ave., in Dade City.

The final public hearing is set for Sept. 20 at 5:15 p.m., in the board chambers at the West Pasco Government Center, 8731 Citizens Drive, in New Port Richey.

Pasco County’s proposed tax rates
Pasco County is planning :

No change in its operating millage rate of 7.6076
No change in its fire service millage rate of 1.8036

The Florida Constitution’s “Save Our Homes” provision caps the taxable value of homestead properties at 3% or the change in the Consumer Price Index, whichever is less. This year, the CPI is 7%, so the taxable value for homesteaded properties will be capped at 3%.

The taxable value of the house is $150,000, minus standard exemptions, resulting in a taxable value of $100,000. The taxable value thus increases by $3,000, based on the 3% cap. That house would pay $22.82 in additional property taxes.

Taxable values of non-homesteaded properties cannot be increased by more than 10%.

Source: Pasco County budget presentation on July 12

Want to weigh in?
The first public hearing on Pasco County’s budget is set for Sept. 6 at 5:15 p.m., in the board chambers at the Historic Pasco County Courthouse, 37918 Meridian Ave., in Dade City.
The final public hearing is set for Sept. 20 at 5:15 p.m., in the board chambers at the West Pasco Government Center, 8731 Citizens Drive, in New Port Richey.

Published June 20, 2022

Health News 04/20/2022

April 19, 2022 By Mary Rathman

Ron Graff and pet therapy dog Jackson (Courtesy of St. Joseph’s Hospital-North)

Limited therapy pet visits resume
The pandemic has affected every aspect of St. Joseph’s Hospital-North in Lutz, including the hospital’s pet therapy program.

During COVID peaks and visitor restrictions and pandemic safety measures, the pet program for all patients and team members was suspended and stopped completely.

At other times, pet therapy was offered only for team members in restricted non-patient areas and outdoors.

And during lulls and periods of lower COVID presence, the program was available to some patients.

During the outbreak at the end of 2021 into early 2022, pet therapy again was shut down.

St. Joseph’s now is happy to report that some patients can resume visits with the furry friends, bringing back smiles and joy.

Jackson, a 7-year-old golden retriever, wore bunny ears for his pre-Easter visit to a hospital room, with his handler Ron Graff.

Beeping egg hunt a success
The Lighthouse for the Visually Impaired and Blind hosted its annual Beeping Easter Egg Hunt on April 9. Kids who are visually impaired searched for beeping eggs, while their sighted siblings looked for the regular eggs. At the end of the hunt, everyone exchanged their eggs for candy.

The Beeping Easter Egg Hunt is just one of Lighthouse’s many programs and activities for visually impaired youth. To learn more, Visit LVIB.org.

All aboard, for good causes
The Woman’s Club of Zephyrhills presented to a sold-out audience Maria Buckley’s production of ‘Murder on a Budget Cruise Line’ dinner theatre. Proceeds from the production were donated to the Healing Hearts Cafe and a domestic violence shelter. Club members and guests, from left, are: Emily Keene, Sue Trebour, Robin Burke, Brenda Dougherty, Peggy Berry, Missy Moon, Tammy Hanlon and Tom Dougherty.

Health resources
The Pasco Sheriff’s Office has compiled commnity-based health resources on its website, to help serve citizens.

Resources are available for a variety of challenges that citizens may encounter, including mental health issues, houselessness, suicidal thoughts, and more.

The list was developed to give those seeking assistance a place to start when they may not know how.

For information, visit PascoSheriff.com, and click on “Community Based Resources.”

Wellness Center opens to the public
Saint Leo University on April 8 opened the doors of a $20 million, 59,500-square-foot Wellness Center that features an outdoor pool, basketball courts, state-of-the-art gym amenities and locker rooms, a cafe and more, to the public. ‘We anticipate offering a variety of fitness classes in the Mind, Body, Spirit Studio, Group X Studio, and Cycling Studio on an ongoing basis as well,’ said Kathleen Pantalone, executive director, Wellness Center Services and Events.

Pasco sheriff calls for more deputies

April 12, 2022 By B.C. Manion

Pasco County’s top law enforcement official appeared before the Pasco County Commission last week, making a case for the county to fund more deputies on the street.

Citing a statistic from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), Pasco Sheriff Chris Nocco told the county board: “We are 64th out of 67 counties, in terms of law enforcement officers, per thousand (residents) that we serve.”

Based on figures from Florida Tax Watch, Pasco ranks 55th out of the state’s 67 counties in terms of funding for public safety, Nocco added.

Pasco County significantly lags behinds Pinellas County, when it comes to sworn law enforcement officers, Nocco said, noting Pasco’s ratio is 1.06 officers per 1,000 residents, while Pinellas County’s ratio is 1.86.

Pasco Sheriff Chris Nocco is making a case for hiring more deputies to put on the street, in response to the county’s growing needs. (File)

Other ratios of nearby counties are: 1.23 for Hillsborough County; 1.26 for Polk County; and, 1.32 for Hernando County.

Nocco also emphasized that these are numbers from the FDLE.

To match Pinellas County’s level of service, Pasco would need 399 more deputies. It would need 130 more to match Hernando; 100 more to match Polk; and, 85 more to match Hillsborough.

The staffing at the Pasco Sheriff’s Office is not keeping pace with the county’s growth, Nocco said.

“We’re trying to maintain the level where we’re at. We seem to keep falling behind.

“I am not anti-growth. I am not anti-development. That’s not my role and responsibility.

“My role and responsibility, as the sheriff, is to make sure we do everything we can to keep our community safe,” Nocco said.

He added: “It’s also my role to come here and explain this and tell you, this, to tell you, ‘Hey, this is where we’re at.’”

He told the county board that for every 1,000 additional residents, Pasco should be adding two additional deputies.

And, that, he said, would just slightly improve the current level of service.

He also told commissioners that it’s not just a matter of hiring new deputies. They must go through an onboarding process.

“It takes us over a year to hire somebody, train that person, put through orientation and put them on the street,” Nocco said.

Plus, since it’s an around-the-clock job, 365 days a year, it’s not just a matter of hiring one deputy to be out on patrol. It takes five deputies to equal having one on patrol at all times.

Pay is another significant issue, Nocco said.

Around 2015, Pasco lost more than 100 officers to the City of Tampa, because of pay.

“They actually called it ‘The Tampa 100 Club,’” Nocco said.

While the county board responded to that problem, Pasco again is at a disadvantage when it comes to pay, Nocco said.

“We’re now competing against higher-paying agencies. So, Tampa PD (Police Department) is starting at $60,000 a year. Pinellas is $51,000.

“Florida Highway Patrol is planning to have a starting salary of $56,000 a year, if Gov. Ron DeSantis approves it, which he has said that he will,” Nocco said.

At the same time, Pasco’s starting salary is $46,948, just slightly above Hernando County.

He also noted there’s an issue of hiring law enforcement officers across the country “because a lot of people lost interest, and say, ‘Hey, maybe I don’t want to get into that field,’’’ Nocco said.

Pasco’s 30-year retirement also puts it at a disadvantage to Tampa, which has a 20-year retirement for high-risk positions, Nocco said.

If the county doesn’t increase pay for its law enforcement officers, they will go elsewhere, Nocco said.

“And, if you lose them to Hillsborough, Pinellas, you’ve now trained them up, build them up, and they go somewhere else,” he said.

The sheriff also asked the county board for some assurances about his budget.

“I don’t think there’s anyone who will disagree with keeping the current budget for law enforcement and court security at $111 million.

“I just want to make sure that everybody is good with that, that the $111 million stays with the law enforcement budget and the $51 million (for jail operations) will transfer back to the county.

Reducing the $111 million would result in reduced law enforcement services in the county, Nocco said.

Commission Chairwoman Kathryn Starkey told Nocco: “I’m not prepared to say anything about numbers.”

County Administrator Dan Biles said, “as part of the jail transfer, our budget office is working with (their budget office), to see what their expenses are in the jail, because we have to build a budget based on line-item expenses. So, we’re working on that.”

However, Biles added, “I don’t expect us to ask for any of that piece, as we move forward into ’23, with the jail transition.”

Commissioner Mike Moore wants the county to explore ways it could shift the burden of these costs to the new growth that is causing the expenses.

He raised the prospect of creating a new MSTU (municipal services taxing unit), so new growth could pay for new costs incurred for public safety services.

County Attorney Jeffrey Steinsnyder said it might be possible to structure something like that, but added that he’s not aware of it being done anywhere, and he’s not sure that would be defensible.

After the lengthy discussion, there was a consensus on the board that the conversation needs to continue.

The board has a budget workshop planned for May 24.

Ratio of law enforcement officers (per 1,000 residents)
Pasco: 1.06
Hillsborough: 1.23
Polk: 1.26
Hernando: 1.32
Pinellas: 1.86

Source: Pasco County Sheriff Nocco, citing state law enforcement figures

Published April 13, 2022

Volunteers needed to help combat human trafficking

March 22, 2022 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

The Pasco County Commission on Human Trafficking is seeking 11 volunteers to serve on the advisory council to help combat human trafficking, according to a Pasco County news release.

The Pasco County Community Services team is accepting applications to serve on the committee from representatives of a variety of community sectors that have been identified as being critical to attacking the problem.

Applications are being accepted through April 8.

Here are the categories with openings:

Pasco Sheriff’s Office (2)/including a Child Protection Investigations Unit representative
Pasco County Schools
Community/victim services advocate
Tourism/hospitality industry
Medical and/or behavioral health profession
Faith-based community
Anti-human trafficking community advocate
Business sector
College or university professor/researcher
Member at large (from any sector identified above)

The human trafficking commission serves as an advisory council to the Pasco County Commission.

To apply, go to bit.ly/2gWcaXt.

To learn more about the Pasco County Commission on Human Trafficking, including the 2022 meeting schedule, go to bit.ly/PascoHTCommission.

Published March 23, 2022

Interns gain knowledge about local law enforcement

February 1, 2022 By Mary Rathman

These new interns will learn more about law enforcement during the 2022 spring semester at the Pasco Sheriff’s Office. (Courtesy of Pasco Sheriff’s Office)

The Pasco Sheriff’s Office (PSO) has welcomed 20 new interns for its 2022 spring semester.

These students will work alongside various PSO units, including the Behavioral Health Intervention Team, Forensics, Victim Advocates, Economic Crimes, Major Crimes, and others.

The internship program offers diverse opportunities, presenting career paths available with the sheriff’s office.

Internships also give students an opportunity to gain experience and learn about law enforcement.

Applications currently are being accepted for the 2022 summer semester.

To apply, visit JoinPSO.com, and complete a volunteer application by Feb. 18.

Published February 02, 2022