• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • About Us
  • Videos
    • Featured Video
    • Foodie Friday
    • Monthly ReCap
  • Online E-Editions
    • This Week’s E-Editions
    • 2022
    • 2021
    • 2020
    • 2019
    • 2018
    • 2017
    • 2016
    • 2015
    • 2014
  • Social Media
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Instagram
  • Advertising
  • Local Jobs
  • Puzzles & Games
  • Circulation Request

The Laker/Lutz News

  • Home
  • News
    • Land O’ Lakes
    • Lutz
    • Wesley Chapel/New Tampa
    • Zephyrhills/East Pasco
    • Business Digest
    • Senior Parks
    • Nature Notes
    • Featured Stories
    • Photos of the Week
    • Reasons To Smile
  • Sports
    • Land O’ Lakes
    • Lutz
    • Wesley Chapel/New Tampa
    • Zephyrhills and East Pasco
    • Check This Out
  • Education
  • Pets/Wildlife
  • Health
    • Health Events
    • Health News
  • What’s Happening
  • Sponsored Content
    • Closer Look
  • Homes
  • Obits
  • Public Notices

Seth Weightman

Political Agenda 03/13/2022

March 15, 2022 By B.C. Manion

Municipal elections coming soon
Municipal elections are set for April 12. Here’s the list of candidates for city commission, town commission and city council in The Laker/Lutz News’ coverage area:

Dade City Commission Group 1
Scott Black
Kelly Smith

Dade City Commission Group 2
Ann Cosentino
Keely R. Karatinos

St. Leo Town Commissioner, Seat 1
Donna H. DeWitt

St. Leo Town Commissioner, Seat 3
James E. Hallett

St. Leo Town Commissioner, Seat 5
William E. Hamilton
Susan J. Lashlee

San Antonio City Commissioner
Alison R. Cagle
Timothy N. Pettis
Sarah E. Schrader
John T. Vogel

Zephyrhills City Council, Seat 1
Lance Smith

Zephyrhills City Council, Seat 4
Ken Burgess

East Pasco Democrats
The East Pasco Democratic Club will meet March 21, remotely on Zoom.  All members and friends of the Democratic Party are invited to attend. An open forum will discuss current events. Socializing starts at 6 p.m. Meeting starts promptly at 6:30 p.m. Email or call 813-383-8315 for details.

Central Pasco Democrats
The Central Pasco Democratic Club will meet on March 16, via Zoom.  Socializing starts at 6:30 p.m., followed by the meeting at 6:45 p.m. Please join us for current information about Democrats in Central Pasco.  For details, go to .

Republican Club of Central Pasco
The March 28 meeting of The Republican Club of Central Pasco will feature the candidates for the District 2 County Commissioner seat vacated by Commissioner Mike Moore. Seth Weightman, Christie Zimmer and Troy Stevenson each will have the opportunity to talk about their campaigns and their vision for Pasco County. Each candidate will be asked to answer three questions that will be predetermined before the meeting.

The meeting is open to the public. The club encourages anyone that seeks to be involved in the political process to attend. The club meets at Copperstone Executive Suites, 3632 Land O Lakes Blvd, Land O Lakes, FL 34639. The social begins at 6 p.m., followed by the meetings, which begins at 6:30 p.m. For more information, 813-996-3011.

Hahn seeking reelection
Stacy Hahn is seeking reelection to the Hillsborough County School Board in District 2.

Seth Weightman endorsements
Pasco County Tax Collector Mike Fasano and Pasco County Property Appraiser Mike Wells have endorsed Seth Weightman, according to the candidate, who is running for the District 2 seat on the Pasco County Commission. Mike Moore, who currently represents District 2, has announced his retirement from politics.

Sollberger intends to run for House District 37
Brad Solberger has submitted initial paperwork, in his pursuit to seek the District 37 seat in the Florida House of Representatives, according to an email he sent to The Laker/Lutz News. He said he will file the remaining paperwork on May 30, the first allowed day to submit early qualifying documentation.

Political Agenda 02/09/2022

February 8, 2022 By B.C. Manion

Qualifying period for municipal seats
Pasco County Supervisor of Elections Brian E. Corley announced that qualifying period for Municipal Elections began at noon on Feb. 8 and ends at noon on Feb. 15, according to a news release from Corley’s office.

After the qualifying period ends, a determination will be made regarding the municipalities that will hold elections, which are scheduled on April 12.

Interested parties should contact their respective city clerk for more information on candidate qualifying.

Municipal elections are for voters residing within the city limits only.

Information on city candidates is available on the Supervisor of Elections’ website, PascoVotes.gov, and sample ballots will be published in the Tampa Bay Times on April 8. Election results will be posted on PascoVotes.gov.

Voters going to the polls for Municipal Elections should bring photo and signature identification, or they will be required to vote a provisional ballot.

Voters also are encouraged to update their voter registration record prior to election day by contacting the elections’ office at 800-851-8754, or by visiting PascoVotes.gov.

Central Pasco Democratic Club
The Central Pasco Democratic Club will meet, via Zoom, on Feb. 16.

The guest speaker will be Amy Weintraub, the Reproductive Rights program director for Progress Florida and chair of the Reproductive Rights Task Force for NOW.

Socializing begins at 6:30 p.m, followed by the meeting at 6:45 p.m., and the guest speaker at 7 p.m.

For details, email .

East Pasco Democratic Club
The East Pasco Democratic Club is scheduled to meet on Feb. 21, remotely, via ZOOM.

Speakers will discuss winning in 2022.

Email , or call 813-383-8315 for details. Socializing starts at 6 p.m., followed by the meeting at 6:30 p.m.

Moore retires from District 2
Pasco County Commissioner Mike Moore has announced he will not run for reelection when his term in District 2 expires in November. In sharing the news, Moore said the decision came after much deliberation with his family. He plans to retire from politics and return to the private sector, his announcement said.

Candidates lining up for local seats
Here’s a look at candidates in local races that have filed as of Feb. 3, according to the Pasco County Supervisor of Elections website:

Pasco County Commission
District 2 candidates:
Troy F. Stevenson
Seth Weightman

District 4 candidates
Gary H. Bradford
Christina M. Fitzpatrick
Shannon J. Wittwer

Pasco County School Board
District 1:
Johnathan D. McKeen-Chaff

District 3:
Cynthia Armstrong
Matt Geiger

Endorsement
Pasco County Commissioner Mike Moore has announced he is retiring from his seat in November. He has endorsed candidate Seth Weightman to replace him on the county board.

Political Agenda
Political Agenda is a column that runs only during election years.

It gives candidates a place to announce they are seeking political office. It lets voters know of upcoming Meet the Candidate nights or political forums.

It is a place where political clubs can announce upcoming meetings, and it will include news that is pertinent to voters for upcoming elections. It also will announce endorsements.

It is limited to candidates who are running for office in The Laker/Lutz News coverage area.

This column does not include political fundraising events.

There is never a guarantee of publication, but we do consider each item we receive. Please submit items for consideration at least two weeks prior to the desired publication date. Send submissions to .

Pasco board moves ahead on jail expansion funding

June 15, 2021 By B.C. Manion

The Pasco County Commission has authorized county staff to secure funding from the county’s general obligation bonds to pay for expansion of the Land O’ Lakes Detention Center.

The expansion is funded through general obligation bonds that Pasco voters approved in November 2018. The board unanimously authorized an amount of nearly $108 million of those funds to pay for the work.

The project will add 1,000 new beds, plus major upgrades to the jail’s central services, including medical, laundry, kitchen, intake and administrative facilities to meet a larger capacity.

At completion, the 352,700-foot-facility will be about 200,000 square feet larger.

The current facility has 1,432 beds, but is operating above capacity.

Completion of the expansion will allow the facility, at 20101 Central Blvd., in Land O’ Lakes, to house more than 3,000 inmates.

Commissioner Jack Mariano requested an update on the project for the board and County Administrator Dan Biles said he would schedule a presentation sometime in July or August.

On another matter, the board agreed to amend an ordinance, at the county administrator’s request, to permit greater flexibility in how the county spends it transportation tax increment funds.

Chief Assistant County Attorney David Goldstein told the board the proposed change would allow the funds to be transferred to the general fund for other public facilities and services — to the extent they’re not needed for mobility fee subsidies.

“The exact amount of this transfer will be determined yearly, as part of the budget process,” Goldstein said.

The change also will apply to the Villages of Pasadena Hills, which has its own tax increment financing district. Those funds also had been restricted to transportation-only related costs, Goldstein said.

No one from the public spoke either for, or against, the change.

In another item, the board appointed members to the Northeast Pasco Rural Advisory Committee.

The county’s planning and development department sought applicants for the 13-member volunteer board and received 22 applications.

The committee’s task will be to  evaluate policies and regulations related to the Northeast Pasco Rural Protection Overlay District, and to recommend commercial development design standards and guidelines to the Pasco County Commission.

The northeast rural area is bordered by Bellamy Brothers Boulevard, the Green Swamp, State Road 52 and the Hernando County line.

Those appointed to the committee are:

  • Area residents: Nancy Hazelwood, Anthony Midthun, Lisa Moretti, Mary Kaye Harrison and Diana Hughes Diaz
  • Area business owners: Craig Linton Jr., James N. Hancock, Paul Boetcher, Frank Greco and Ronnie L. Deese
  • Land-use attorney: G. Randall (Randy) James
  • At-large members: Cyndi Tarapani and Chris Williams

The board, at the suggestion of Commissioner Kathryn Starkey, also appointed Seth Weightman, one of the applicants, to serve as an alternate.

Commission Chairman Ron Oakley, whose district includes the area, said “the staff did a good job of selecting the 13 out of the 22.”

With Northeast Pasco’s growth, the board will be able to address issues regarding the need for workforce housing and other issues, he said.

Oakley said the board will provide an avenue for input.

“People will be able to voice their opinion,” the commission chairman said.

Advisory committee members will serve until a final recommendation is made to the county board and then the committee will disband.

On another issue, Commissioner Kathryn Starkey said she would like to pursue a board workshop on the issue of the county’s vacation rentals ordinance.

She said she knows that opinions are divided on the issue, but she thinks something must be done regarding the county’s current ordinance — which she said is not working.

It is not yet known whether a workshop will be held.

In other action, the board:

  • Authorized the acquisition of 7.41 acres on State Road 54 for what will become Fire Station No. 5, and will serve central Wesley Chapel and communities within a 5-mile radius. A market value appraisal was completed on Feb. 8, using a sales comparison approach and it came in at about $3.1 million. The parcel is vacant and is zoned for commercial uses. The county’s purchase price is $2,450,000.
  • Approved a task order with Fleishman and Garcia Architects and Planners, AIA, PA (FGA) to perform architectural, engineering and related services for the design and construction of Fire Station No. 18 on Chancey Road in Zephyrhills in an amount not to exceed $261,230 for fiscal year 2021.
  • Accepted the donation of an electronic varsity scoreboard from the Dade City Little League, Inc. for John S. Burks Memorial Park. The 8-foot-by-4-foot LED scoreboard with wireless remote control, is valued at $3,090. It will be used for baseball games.

Published June 16, 2021

Primary Sidebar

A Conversation with Lutz Filmmaker, Alexis Yahre

Search

Sponsored Content

Avalon Park Wesley Chapel Aims to Provide A Sense of Belonging

May 24, 2022 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

For Mental Health Awareness Month, the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) is focusing on the message: “Together … [Read More...] about Avalon Park Wesley Chapel Aims to Provide A Sense of Belonging

A Guide for Summer Camps in Pasco County 

May 23, 2022 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Summer break is quickly approaching and organizations throughout Pasco County are offering camps for children of all … [Read More...] about A Guide for Summer Camps in Pasco County 

More Posts from this Category

What’s Happening

05/26/2022 – Food distribution

Farm Share, the Pasco Sheriff’s Office, Pasco Sheriff Charities, the Pasco County NAACP, and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Tampa Bay will partner for a free food distribution on May 26 starting at 9 a.m., at the Boys & Girls Club of Lacoochee, 38724 Mudcat Grant Blvd., in Dade City. Food will be given out on a first-come, first-served basis, while supplies last. The event is a drive-thru, rain or shine. … [Read More...] about 05/26/2022 – Food distribution

05/26/2022 – Lawn fertilization

Keep Pasco Beautiful will host a workshop for HOAs, homeowners and anyone who wants to learn how to properly maintain their lawn, on May 26 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., at the Patel College of Global Sustainability, 4202 E. Fowler Ave., Room 136, in Tampa. Panelists will include members from the Tampa Bay Estuary Program and the University of Florida Pasco Extension Office, who will explore a range of fertilization topics. For information and to register, visit EventBrite.com. … [Read More...] about 05/26/2022 – Lawn fertilization

05/28/2022 – Memorial Day Concert

The “Let’s Do Good Memorial Day Concert” is scheduled for May 28 from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m., at Land O’ Lakes Heritage Park, 5401 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., to benefit the Tunnel to Towers Foundation. Tunnel to Towers provides mortgage-free homes to Gold Star and fallen first responder families with young children, and builds custom-designed smart homes for catastrophically injured veterans and first responders. The foundation is committed to eradicating veteran homelessness and aiding the victims of major U.S. disasters. The event will include vendors, gifts, a Forget-Me-Not Garden, and more. Entertainment will be provided by Fred Chandler, Charles Goodwin, Cruz Er Mac, Mike Henderson, and Travis White. Special guests include Congressman Gus Bilirakis and State Sen. Danny Burgess. Rain date is Sept. 10. … [Read More...] about 05/28/2022 – Memorial Day Concert

05/28/2022 – Pet supply drive

Munchies Natural Pet Foods, 1722 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., in Wesley Chapel, will host a Pet Supply Drive on May 28, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., to benefit the Pet Peace of Mind Program at Gulfside Hospice. Gulfside team members will be on site to offer information about the program and to collect donated supplies, such as pet food, cat litter, treats, basic supplies and other items. The donations will be distributed to hospice patients, to help provide care for their pets. For information about the Peace of Mind program, visit Gulfside.org, or call 727-845-5707. … [Read More...] about 05/28/2022 – Pet supply drive

05/28/2022 – Seafood Festival-CANCELLED

The North Tampa Bay Chamber’s Summer Seafood Festival is scheduled for May 28 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., at the Tampa Premium Outlets, 2300 Grand Cypress Drive in Lutz, between the outlets and At Home. There will be seafood, crab races, a kids zone, live bands, craft beer, a local market, a Nautical Art Show, and a crab claw-eating contest. For information, call 727-674-1464. … [Read More...] about 05/28/2022 – Seafood Festival-CANCELLED

05/30/2022 – Memorial Day Ceremony

Lexington Oaks Community Center, 26304 Lexington Oaks Blvd., in Wesley Chapel, will host a Memorial Day Ceremony on May 30 from 3 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., in front of the big flag. There will be patriotic songs and readings, and the playing of "Taps."  The event is weather permitting. … [Read More...] about 05/30/2022 – Memorial Day Ceremony

More of What's Happening

Follow us on Twitter

The Laker/Lutz NewsFollow

Home for all your local news in Land O' Lakes, Lutz, New Tampa, Wesley Chapel, Zephyrhills and Dade City.

The Laker/Lutz News
LakerLutzNewsThe Laker/Lutz News@LakerLutzNews·
8h

🪺 Two Lutz residents who are members of the Tampa Audubon Society, maintain and monitor 25 bird boxes throughout Lake Park. Bluebirds and other species of birds use them to lay and hatch eggs during nesting season 🪺 https://lakerlutznews.com/lln/2022/05/101807/

4
Reply on Twitter 1529554228989112320Retweet on Twitter 15295542289891123201Like on Twitter 15295542289891123203Twitter 1529554228989112320
LakerLutzNewsThe Laker/Lutz News@LakerLutzNews·
10h

FEATURED STORY of the week! 🗞️ Pasco County Administrator Dan Biles is leaving the top job in the county, after five years of serving at the helm. He and his wife, Mandy, are moving overseas to be involved in church development work. https://lakerlutznews.com/lln/2022/05/101809/

Reply on Twitter 1529520173778083841Retweet on Twitter 1529520173778083841Like on Twitter 1529520173778083841Twitter 1529520173778083841
LakerLutzNewsThe Laker/Lutz News@LakerLutzNews·
14h

"It's not Wednesday until you read The Laker!" This week's stories are in! https://lakerlutznews.com/lln/

Reply on Twitter 1529457252339531779Retweet on Twitter 15294572523395317791Like on Twitter 1529457252339531779Twitter 1529457252339531779
Load More...

Archives

 

 

Where to pick up The Laker and Lutz News

Copyright © 2022 Community News Publications Inc.

    Doc