The Laker/Lutz News

Zephyrhills Police

Sign war pokes fun, prompts camaraderie

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What began as a ‘sign war’ between Zephyrhills Cinema 10 and Golden Corral, in mid-May, has evolved into a battle of wits among 70-plus Zephyrhills businesses.

Golden Corral, at 6855 Gall Blvd, advises Zephyrhills Police to skip the doughnuts and enjoy a steak, instead. (Kelli Carmack)

It seems like just about everybody is getting into the act.

The First Congregational Church of Zephyrhills took on Taco Bell.

The church’s sign declares: “Taco Bell sounds good, but ours has a real ring to it.”

Golden Corral took on Zephyrhills Police, while K & K Glass poked fun at Pin Chasers.

Lavish Lox teased The Gentleman’s Quarter, while others such as Axe of Kindness, Zephyrhills Brewing Company and Salon on 5th used clever gibes and poetry to convey their messages.

First Congregational Church of Zephyrhills, at 7900 Fort King Road, took on Taco Bell’s bell, as part of the ‘sign war’ fun.

Even The Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce joined in, taking a universal approach to cheer on the community’s businesses — something it’s grown accustomed to, through the years.

Some of the signs are quite tall. Others, very small.

And, some, like the ones — at Sen. Danny Burgess’ office — aren’t even signs at all.

Who needs a sign to share a message? Not State Sen. Danny Burgess’ office, at 38507 Fifth Ave. — pieces of paper will do just fine.

At the lawmaker’s office, four pieces of paper are taped to the window, conveying this message:

“We don’t have a sign, but we wanted to play!

“So we want to take the opportunity to say …

“As we have been looking at all of the signs, while we drive around

“It makes us proud to represent

And live in this great little town.”

Published June 09, 2021

Forget hot girl summer! Sonny’s BBQ, 6606 Gall Blvd., wants you to have a hot grill summer.
Salon on 5th, at 38521 Fifth Ave, offers a witty response to the sign at Sonny’s BBQ.
Lavish Lox Beauty Lounge, 38440 Fifth Ave., tosses the ‘sign war’ challenge over to The Gentleman’s Quarter, a local barber shop.
K&K Glass, at 5938 Seventh St., challenges Pin Chasers to join in the community’s ‘sign war.’
The Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce, at 38550 Fifth Ave., once again threw its support behind all of the community’s businesses.
Axe of Kindness, an entertainment venue that features axe throwing, at 38444 Fifth Ave. in Zephyrhills, is just one of scores of businesses having fun in a citywide ‘sign war.’
Hold their beer! Zephyrhills Brewing Company, at 38530 Fifth Ave., wants to create its sign.

Memorial remembers Fallen Law Enforcement Officers

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The Pasco County Sheriff’s Office, along with several other area law enforcement agencies, on May 14 honored the life and sacrifice of law enforcement officers lost in the line of duty, as well as those who died of natural causes on the way to or from their jobs, during National Police Week.

A riderless horse, with boots facing backward in the stirrups, is a traditional part of a ceremony held each year to remember law enforcement officers who died in the line of duty. PSO volunteer Mary Findlay, the horse’s owner, walks on the horse’s left. In the forefront is Hernando County Deputy Tony Musto. (Courtesy of Pasco County Sheriff’s Office)

The event was held on the grounds of the Historic Pasco County Courthouse, according to the sheriff’s office’s Facebook page. Fallen officers were honored throughout the day on the agency’s social media sites.

The sheriff’s office was joined at the memorial event by Dade City Police, Zephyrhills Police, New Port Richey Police, the Florida Highway Patrol and Tarpon Springs Police.

A number of community leaders and elected leaders were in attendance, including Florida Lt. Gov. Jeanette Nunez, State Sen. Danny Burgess and Pasco County NAACP President Clyde Carter, who offered the invocation for the event, according to the Facebook post.

Patriotism was on full display at the annual Fallen Law Enforcement Officers Memorial ceremony on the grounds of the Historic Pasco County Courthouse in Dade City.

The event also featured significant traditions, including the appearance of a riderless horse and a gun salute.

U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis also recognized the sacrifices made by law enforcement officers by sharing information about those contributions in a news release.

“According to Officer Down Memorial, there have been 124 police officers killed in the line of duty since January of this year,” Bilirakis said, in the release.

“Tragically, two of them have been my constituents: Deputy Michael Magli of the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office and Master Patrol Officer Jesse Madsen of the Tampa Police Department. I went to the funeral services of these two heroes, and shared the anguish of their grieving families and colleagues. These fallen heroes leave behind a distinguished legacy of service and sacrifice that deserves to be honored,” Bilirakis added.

The congressman also said that while some are calling to “defund the police,” he advocates increasing support for them.

Published May 26, 2021

A gun salute typically occurs during the solemn event.

City of Zephyrhills gives employee service awards

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The City of Zephyrhills recognized several employees with service awards at a regular city council meeting on Jan. 11.

Seventeen employees were presented plaques for achieving benchmarks of five, 15, 20, 25 or 30 years of service, respectively.

A service award ceremony is usually conducted at the city’s annual Christmas party, but the celebration was unable to occur because of COVID-19, according to Zephyrhills City Manager Billy Poe.

Zephyrhills Police patrol officer Ray Revell, right, is recognized for five years of service to the city. He is retiring in February having spent a combined 25 years in law enforcement, the bulk with the Pasco Sheriff’s Office. Also pictured is Zephyrhills City Manager Billy Poe. (Kevin Weiss)

Of note was a presentation to Zephyrhills Police patrol officer Ray Revell, who reached five years of service with the city, but is retiring having a combined 25 years of law enforcement experience.

Revell previously spent 20 years with the Pasco Sheriff’s Office, in various capacities. There, he is known for spearheading a veteran housing unit at the Land O’ Lakes Detention Center in 2014, which offers a range of services for military veterans in the way of counseling, rehabilitation, job placement, life skills and an outreach program. Revell came up with the idea upon hearing of a similar program during a leadership planning trip to FBI headquarters in Quantico, Virginia.

Revell’s last day patrolling the streets of Zephyrhills was Jan. 11. His last official day in uniform will be sometime in mid-February. He joined the local agency on June 21, 2015.

“We’ve been lucky enough to have him for the last five years,” Poe said of Revell.

Meanwhile, the longest-tenured city employees recognized were streets foreman Joseph Galloway and building official Bill Burgess — as both achieved the 30 years’ service plateau. Galloway started working for the city on Oct. 3, 1990. Burgess began Oct. 25, 1990.

“The secret to any successful business or city is the longevity of their great employees,” Zephyrhills Council President Charles Proctor said at the meeting. “I’ve always been a major supporter of our employees and it’s exciting to see people staying with us for so long, and I appreciate all of your service, whether you’ve been here for one year or 30 (years), we appreciate your service to this great city.”

Added Zephyrhills Mayor Gene Whitfield: “I just want to congratulate the city employees that achieved the different levels of work and attendance and patronage to the city, and all the city employees who do such a great job. We just thank you all for the work that you do.”

Five years of service
Rodney Corriveau – senior planner – June 2015
Emile Limoges – patrol officer – May 2015
Ray Revell – patrol officer – June 2015
Eugene Howard – patrol officer – September 2015
Jodi Stewart – telecommunications operator – October 2015
Gene Rains – building maintenance specialist II – November 2015
Amy Knoechelman – customer service representative – November 2015

15 years
Peggy Panak – assistant library director – June 2005
Russell Guynn – parks maintenance worker II – June 2005
Stephanie Nelson – telecommunications supervisor – June 2005
Marvin Johnson – utilities service worker II – July 2005
Deborah Lopez – senior circulation clerk – August 2005
Kalvin Switzer – senior code inspector – November 2005

20 years
Tammy McIntyre – utilities department executive assistant – May 2000

25 years
Eugene Brown – public safety inspector – October 1995

30 years
Joseph Galloway – streets foreman – October 1990

Bill Burgess – building official – October 1990

Published January 20, 2021

 

Eiland exits Kansas City Royals organization

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Zephyrhills native Dave Eiland was let go as pitching coach of the Kansas City Royals after six seasons with the pro club. (Courtesy of MLB.com)

Dave Eiland, one of Zephyrhills’ most celebrated sports figures, was let go as pitching coach for the Kansas City Royals after six seasons with the major league ball club.

The move to not renew Eiland’s contract — first reported by the Kansas City Star on Oct. 2— was part of a greater staff shakeup as the club enters the offseason following an 80-82 season. The club also opted to part ways with three other coaches.

Eiland, who oversaw pitching staffs that helped the organization reach two World Series, was hired by manager Ned Yost after the 2011 season, making him the longest-tenured member of the Royals coaching staff.

But, Kansas City pitchers struggled under Eiland this past season, combining to post a 4.61 ERA, the sixth-worst mark in the American League.

Moreover, it was the fourth straight season the Royals’ ERA slipped. It was 4.21 in 2016, 3.73 in 2015, 3.51 in 2014 and 3.45 in 2013.

Still, some industry pundits believe Eiland, 51, soon will get another big league coaching opportunity, based on his past experience and reputation, and considering the Royals overall lack of front-line talent in the rotation to begin with.

Before the Royals gig, Eiland was the pitching coach for the New York Yankees (2008-2010), and served in an advisory role, as a special assistant for the Tampa Bay Rays in 2011. Earlier in his career, he worked as a pitching coach in the minor leagues for several years in the Yankees organization.

Eiland, the son of the revered Zephyrhills police Chief Bill Eiland, graduated from Zephyrhills High School in 1984 as an all-everything athlete. In addition to baseball, Eiland stood out in football, basketball and golf.

He later went on to play baseball at the University of South Florida and was taken by the New York Yankees in the seventh round of the 1987 amateur draft.

That culminated in a decade long MLB career, which included two stints with Yankees (1988-1991 and 1995) as well as the San Diego Padres (1992-1993) and Tampa Bay Rays (1998-2000).

Published Oct. 11, 2017

Retirement ‘bittersweet’ for Zephyrhills police chief

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After 25 years of service, former Zephyrhills Police Chief David Shears is settling into retirement life.

Throughout a respected career, Shears at some point worked every hour of the day, every day of the week and every day of the year.

Now, he gets to relax.

His last day in uniform was May 31.

To Shears, stepping away from law enforcement altogether is “bittersweet.”

David Shears retired as Zephyrhills Police Chief on May 31. He spent 25 years in the department, moving up the ranks from patrol officer to detective, sergeant and captain. (Kevin Weiss)

“You enjoy the job, and enjoy doing the work and everything,” he said, “but, also I think with veteran officers there comes a point it’s time to move on and let the next generation come in.

“For me personally, my goal was to get my 25 years in here at the police department.”

He’ll most cherish memories of his time on patrol.

“The biggest thing I am going to miss is actually being out there working with the community as a cop on the street; that was something I enjoyed,” he said.

Shears, 54, exits the department satisfied, with what he considers a job well done.

“I can walk out with my head up high, feeling good about the agency and everything that we did here,” he said.

Zephyrhills leaders agree.

City Manager Steve Spina shared his appreciation for Shears’ service, during a May 22 city council meeting.

Spina said, “Chief Shears led his department — and the men and women working there — with quiet resolve, moral integrity and high ethical standards. While every department and every organization experiences turbulence and some level of discord, never in his tenure as chief were there any ethical or moral lapses that compromised or embarrassed his coworkers, the city of Zephyrhills or his community.”

Other councilmen expressed similar sentiments.

A portion of Eighth Street—from North Avenue to Henry Drive—has been renamed Chief Shears Way, an honorary designation for the outgoing Zephyrhills Police Chief. The council unanimously approved the measure May 22.

“He has been a leader, and he has taken this city and molded it into a safe, protected city,” Council president Alan Knight said. “He’s really just somebody that I want to tip my hat to.”

“He’s just been a tremendous part of this city,” Councilman Charles Proctor said. “He’s helped transform our police department into the modern police department that it is today; he’s left it in great hands.”

Shears is often described as ‘a cop’s cop.’

A native of Flint, Michigan, Shears relocated to Florida in 1982.

Prior to joining the force, Shears worked in internal security, and then became an electrician.

Law enforcement, however, was his true passion.

“I always wanted to be a police officer,” Shears said. “I was blessed that my parents paid for my academy.”

Shears joined the Zephyrhills Police Department in 1992 as a patrol officer.

He wasn’t the only one in his family to don the badge, either.
His older brother served in the Tampa Police Department, while his younger brother was an officer at the New Smyrna Beach Police Department.

In Zephyrhills, Shears moved up the ranks to detective, sergeant and captain, before being named the city’s ninth police chief in 2008. He replaced former chief Russell Barnes, who resigned after accusations he created a “flex time” policy that allowed employees to receive time off instead of overtime pay for extra hours worked.

Over the years, Shears worked with and trained scores of numerous veteran officers; supervised patrols and actions; oversaw the civilian side of the department; provided for records and evidence, communications and dispatch, volunteer services and operating equipment; and equipping the department.

His first year as acting chief was a “learning experience,” he acknowledged.

“It was a little bit more of a difficult process for myself,” Shears said. “I had to learn the administrative side rather quickly, and also I had to put together a budget, which is very tough on someone that’s never done one before.”

But, the most challenging aspect, he said, “was getting a mindset that you’re responsible for everybody in (the) police department. Decision-making that affects not only the police department, but the community — that was something that you better learn real quick.”

He preserved two key citywide streaks: all of the city’s homicides were solved, and no Zephyrhills police officer was killed in the line of duty.

There were other highlights, too.

In 2015, starting officer wages increased to $43,000.

Training opportunities, such as in-house de-escalation instruction, also ramped up.

Shears also helped modernize the department’s property room, instituting bar coding.

“I believe that we have made this a better agency than it was when I took over,” Shears said. “We have made improvements throughout the years that had really bettered this police department.”

Shears also emphasized high standards in ethics and integrity.

“Transparency has got to be a big thing in this line of work,” he said. “Whether we’ve made a mistake or we’ve done good, it needs to be out there so people understand that you’re doing the right thing, and sometimes the right thing isn’t always the most pleasant.”

Meanwhile, efforts to make Zephyrhills safer are still needed, Shears said.

Addressing the city’s drug problem is one approach.

“The majority of crimes that are committed—in any community—is generally drug-related,” Shears explained. “I think combating that situation, but also having the backing of our State Attorney’s Office, is something that needs to be looked into and firmed up, because that’s what’s going to deter a lot of crime that is committed here with thefts and all the burglaries and property crimes that are being committed by people addicted to drugs.”

In hindsight, the police chief role was burdensome, at times.
Besides navigating the city’s budget crunches around 2010 and 2011, Shears prepared for countless retirements and defections inside the police department –often to higher-paying agencies.

Around that period, he battled two bouts of colon cancer, and underwent an assortment of surgeries, chemotherapy and radiation.

Dealing with cancer, Shears said, was “very difficult.

“I had to keep a positive mindset that we could handle anything, and that’s the way I looked at it. I’m just thankful that I had a staff to step up.”

He’s been cancer-free since 2012.

With new-found free time — and less stress — Shears plans to take a family vacation, with visits to North Carolina and West Virginia.
House repairs and fishing are on his initial retirement agenda, too.

“I’ve got to learn how to fish again,” Shears said, jokingly.

Zephyrhills police Capt. Derek Brewer is serving as interim chief, until the city fills the position permanently.

Besides losing Shears to retirement, the department is also losing another long-time veteran. Zephyrhills police Capt. Robert McKinney, a member of the department for 15 years, retired, effective June 2. He had been in law enforcement for 25 years.

Published June 6, 2017