The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

New Port Richey

Urban food park could sprout in Pasco

By

A St. Petersburg-based entrepreneur is hoping to persuade Pasco County planners that an urban food park would be a boon to the county’s economy and its tourism.

Emmanuel Roux, a longtime restaurateur, and his business partners, presented their concept to members of Pasco County’s Citizens Advisory Food Policy Council. They have met with the county’s planners, as well.

The project, which still needs financial backers, would need about 20 acres.

It could include a community garden, a food-related business incubator, restaurants, rooftop gardens, a bakery, a butchery, yoga classes, a wellness center, and activities that are educational and promote healthy, locally grown food.

TreeThere are sites under consideration and the final design would depend on which site is selected, as well as the community’s interests.

“This is not something we come in with that is cookie-cutter,” said Roux, a principal in the nonprofit Urban Food Park Inc. “It is essentially building synergies. People want more than just a food program. They want to learn something. They want it to be good for the community.”

Roux operated The Garden Restaurant and Redwoods in St. Petersburg. He currently owns Gateau O Chocolat, specializing in flourless, gluten-free cakes.

He has been a longtime supporter of community gardens and the farm-to-table organic food movement.

There are two potential sites for the urban food park, along U.S. 19, near New Port Richey. The most promising is a residential area near the intersection of U.S. 19 and Moog Road, around Holiday.

But, rural sites near Dade City and San Antonio also might be considered.

Roux and his team are in discussions with county planners.

“We may see this as a pilot project,” said Todd Engala, a planner with Pasco’s Long Range Planning Group.

Engala also advises with the citizen’s food policy group, which has a long-range goal of recommending policies that promote nutritional, and affordable food in Pasco.

The food park concept could potentially unite rural and urban sites in east and west Pasco, Engala said.

But, there is a sticking point.

Roux’s proposal is for the county to enter an agreement with his team for consulting services.

“The development process really is a consulting process,” said Derek Spilman, a partner in Urban Food Park and also in UFB Consultants Inc.

But the county wants a business plan.

“This is new ground for both of us,” said Engala. “We want to see this idea flourish, but it would need some kind of backing or funding. We’re at the point of trying to figure it out.”

Roux initially began looking for a site in St. Petersburg along the Fred Marquis Pinellas Trail. That has not yet materialized, but some vendors, including owners of a flower shop and ice cream shop, have expressed interest in the Pasco venture.

Food policy council member Jeff Wright said he would like the group to provide more details on their project.

“I would encourage them to talk to Pasco businesses that want to expand that are already here,” he said. “You’ll get more traction doing that.”

The intent is for Pasco residents to take the lead on this, said Roux. “The first choice should be given to residents in Pasco County. We are fully aware of that.”

Published October 14, 2015

Dade City joins Pasco’s 911 system

By

911Dade City Police Chief Ray Velboom could see the need for better communications between his police officers and deputies with the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office, on a daily basis.

Each agency had 911 centers operating on different radio frequencies.

“We’re surrounded by the county. We interact with them every day,” said Velboom. But, a deputy who needed assistance just outside city limits might be sent backup from 10 miles away, when a Dade City police officer was a few blocks away.

Critical time can be lost and the safety of police officers jeopardized, Velboom said.

On Oct. 5, a consolidation of the Dade City 911 Center and Pasco County’s Public Safety Communications addressed that problem.

Two staff members from Dade City completed weeks of training with the new consolidated system and transferred to Pasco’s Emergency Operations Center in New Port Richey.

The consolidation had been under discussion for two years as a way to increase both public safety and efficiency.

“It just made sense,” Velboom said.

The consolidation also reduces duplication because Dade City police officers now will file police reports on the county’s system. Both agencies previously had separate records management systems.

“We’ll be sharing all the data,” said Velboom.

Dade City will pay the county about $90,000 a year.

Velboom will serve on a board of directors that will oversee emergency operations, including the hiring and firing of staff.

“We have some ownership of this,” he said.

Pasco County Sheriff Chris Nocco said law enforcement agencies across the country are moving toward consolidation, in part due to recommendations that emerged after the 9/11 terrorists attacks.

“We have realized that public safety communications is critical for the safety of our citizens and first responders,” Nocco said.

Several months ago, the Pasco County Commission approved hiring of eight additional call takers for the county’s emergency operations.

Call takers answer 911 calls and relay information to dispatchers who use GPS tracking to pinpoint locations of patrol units for both Dade City and the county.

Pasco County has 15 administrative staff members and 82 operational members.

About 600,000 calls for service are answered each year.

The increasing volume of calls is complicated by the disappearance of landline phone service in favor of cellphones, Velboom said.

Under the old separate systems, a resident who called 911 in Dade City from a cellphone would reach the county’s emergency center in New Port Richey. That call would then be transferred to Dade City’s emergency center where information had to be repeated, and there was a chance of a dropped call.

“About 75 to 80 percent of 911 calls come in on cellphones,” Velboom said. “And cellphone calling is going to go up.”

Consolidation also has brought improvements regarding how calls are handled.

In years past, dispatchers were trained to handle one of three types of calls: police, fire or medical. Velboom said now dispatchers are cross-trained in all three protocols.

“One dispatcher can answer every call,” he said. “It makes it so much easier.”

Published October 7, 2015

Planting seeds for food policies

By

TreeCommunity gardens, backyard chickens, food deserts and agricultural tourism are on a short list of future policy ideas a citizen’s advisory council will tackle in Pasco County.

The Pasco County Food Policy Advisory Council met on Sept. 30, in its second meeting since the Pasco County Commission appointed nine panel members in June.

Pasco County is the only county with an active food policy council in the Tampa Bay region, according to county officials.

Statewide, similar councils exist only in Duval, Miami-Dade and Orange counties.

The group’s first goal is to complete a food assessment to identify resources, needs and challenges within Pasco’s food production and delivery system. Members also are working on a draft of an urban agricultural ordinance to recommend to Pasco County commissioners.

Regulations for community gardens, backyard chickens and beekeeping could be part of the proposed ordinance.

“It gives an opportunity for citizens to have a voice, and a powerful voice,” said Dell DeChant, who encouraged county officials to create the advisory council. “They (food policy councils) are at the cutting edge right now of agriculture in the nation.”

Others who helped establish the council were Kathryn Starkey, a member of the Pasco County Commission; Todd Engala, a planner for Pasco County; Deanna Krautner of Pasco County Department of Health; Travis Morehead, a farmer and business owner; and Whitney Elmore, director of Pasco County Extension.

In the past, agriculture meant big corporate farms, but there has been a shift in recent years to agricultural activities that are small, local and often urban, said DeChant, a professor at the University of South Florida.

As the council moves forward, the long-range goal is to develop policies to improve access to “culturally appropriate, nutritionally sound and affordable food produced in Pasco County,” according to a mission statement.

The council will have a public workshop on Nov. 4 from 10 a.m. until noon, at the West Pasco County Government Center in New Port Richey. Council members will review five urban agricultural ordinances including ones adopted by New Port Richey, Dade City and Boston, with a goal of recommending a draft ordinance for adoption by Pasco County commissioners in 2016.

General meetings will be held quarterly.

Members have a range of issues to review.

Some municipalities, including Tampa, allow residents to raise backyard chickens, with restrictions on how many can be kept.

The idea of having chickens in residential neighborhoods may not appeal to everyone, but it is an idea that Morehead hears frequently.

“There’s more people looking for backyard chickens than anything in this area,” he said. “I think it’s important to at least present it, even if it gets shot down.”

The issue of backyard chickens could be crafted as a stand-alone ordinance.

The issue of food deserts also will be addressed.

Food deserts are areas where residents lack access to grocery stores, farmers’ markets or places where fresh, healthy food choices are available.

Lester Cypher, chief executive officer of The Volunteer Way, provided the council members with a map locating 10 food deserts in Pasco. He founded his nonprofit food bank more than 20 years ago.

“We’re looking for areas to expand (food delivery),” Cypher said. He has had discussions with Publix representatives about purchasing boxes of food that the grocery store chain could deliver for distribution.

Another possibility would be mobile food pantry trucks if county regulations allowed that, he said.

Farmer’s markets also are likely to get attention.

Trina Messano, marketing director for M.O.M’s Friday Night Market in New Port Richey, told council members about the obstacles people face when trying to get permits to have farmer’s markets.

The county doesn’t have a category for them, and they can end up classified as flea markets.

“We need more clear guidelines,” Messano said. “There are no real guidelines for what they need to do.”

Published October 7, 2015

New adult day care serves Lutz, Land O’ Lakes

By

There’s a new adult day care center available for caregivers who need someone to watch their loved one while they’re working, running errands or merely taking a break from their caregiving duties.

CARES Adult Day Care at Northlake Community Center, 2640 N. Lakeview Drive in Tampa, opened in July in an updated recreational center.

CARES Adult Day Care at Northlake Community Center opened in July. (B.C. Manion/Staff Photos)
CARES Adult Day Care at Northlake Community Center opened in July.
(B.C. Manion/Staff Photos)

The adult day care center provides care for those ages 18 and older afflicted by Alzheimer’s or dementia, or who have other special needs.

The goal is provide the help that caregivers need and to provide socialization for those coming to the day care, said Brittany Stowers, center manager.

The center is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Some clients come daily and stay for the entire day. Others may come one or two mornings a week, or every other week, Stowers said. Those arrangements are made individually.

Program costs vary, based on how many hours of service a client receives and on individual financial situations, Stowers said. She said that will be discussed when arrangements are made for the care.

Regardless of the amount of time that clients spend in the center, the goal is to make it an inviting and stimulating place for them, Stowers said.

There are various activities, including daily walks, arts and crafts, meals, snacks and entertainment.

They play No Money Bingo, do brain teasers and share their talents. Some people really enjoy singing, Stowers said.

Brittany Stowers is the center manager for the CARES Adult Day Care at Northlake Community Center, 2640 N. Lakeview Drive. The center provides care for those ages 18 and older who are afflicted by Alzheimer’s or dementia, or who have other special needs.
Brittany Stowers is the center manager for the CARES Adult Day Care at Northlake Community Center, 2640 N. Lakeview Drive. The center provides care for those ages 18 and older who are afflicted by Alzheimer’s or dementia, or who have other special needs.

Clients also can look through books and magazines that have been donated to a small library at the center.

Clients can sit on recliners indoors and on picnic benches on the back porch. There’s an arts and crafts room, too.

“Since it is not a residential facility, we know they really don’t need to be here if they don’t want to,” Stowers said. “They can tell their family members, ‘I don’t like it. It’s boring.’ ”

Knowing that clients have a choice is motivating to the center’s staff to be sure to find ways to engage the clients, and to encourage them to interact with each other, she said.

“It really pushes us to find activities that they would really like to do, so they enjoy coming back every day,” she said.

“I haven’t heard one person say ‘I’m bored’ yet,” said Phyllis Bross, a CARES board member, who was at the center one recent morning.

The center gives the clients a place to meet new friends, both Stowers and Bross said.

They won’t become isolated, Bross said, noting that can easily happen if a person doesn’t get out to meet new people.

Besides letting the community know about the available service, the staff wants to invite anyone who is interested in volunteering to step forward.

“Volunteers are so helpful,” Stowers said. She’s looking for people who have special talents or hobbies, to help make the activities more engaging.

She’s also looking for people who don’t mind taking on some chores.

She could use people who want to help in the kitchen, or do clerical work, or merely provide companionship for clients by talking or listening to them.

The center has the capacity for 100 clients. So far, it has 16. Stowers expects the number to increase, as people become aware of the service.

The center is one of six in Pasco and Hillsborough counties. The two locations in Pasco County are in New Port Richey and Dade City.

CARES receives support from Hillsborough and Pasco counties, the Area Agency on Aging, the Florida Department of Elder Affairs, the United Way of Pasco County, and Senior Connection Center Inc.

Anyone who wishes to volunteer or needs more information, should call Stowers at (813) 570-7901.

“Living Well into the Future”
What: Jeremy Ewbank will perform as Elvis, Diane Hunter will give a presentation on a healthy body and mind, and Phyllis Bross will present on the accessibility and importance of Alzheimer Support Groups.
Where: CARES Adult Day Care at Northlake Community Center, 2640 N. Lakeview Drive in Tampa.
Who: All are welcome

 

World Alzheimer’s Day event
What: The staff will decorate the center in purple, and people will wear purple to bring awareness to World Alzheimer’s Day. Phyllis Bross will present on the importance of Alzheimer Support Groups and forever learning. Diane Hunter will present on a healthy body and mind.
When: Sept. 21, beginning at 10 a.m.
Where: CARES Adult Day Care at Northlake Community Center, 2640 N. Lakeview Drive in Tampa
Who: All are welcome

Published September 16, 2015

Industry of the year winners announced

By

The Laker/Lutz News is among those honored

More than 600 people gathered at Wesley Chapel’s Saddlebrook Resort at the Pasco Economic Development Council’s 29th annual Banquet and Industry of the Year Awards.

The Sept. 3 event attracted a who’s who in Pasco County, including movers and shakers in government and industry, as well as leaders of community organizations.

Awards were presented to eight companies making their mark in Pasco County, and the winners were:

  • The Laker/Lutz News: Service/Distribution, category 1 (1-25 employees)
  • Applicant Insight: Service/Distribution, category 2 (26+ employees)
  • SAHM Co.: New Business Award
  • Big Storm Brewing Co.: Manufacturer of the Year, category 1 (1-25 employees)
  • Preferred Materials: Manufacturer of the Year, category 2 (26+ employees)
  • Easy Business Software: Technology Award
  • Veterans Alternative Therapy: Special Recognition Award
  • Florida Hospital Zephyrhills: Special Contribution Award

The companies honored during the banquet were nominated in late spring and then interviewed by members of a Pasco EDC awards committee.

The committee considered a total of 23 nominees. Winners are selected based on exemplary growth in job creation, capital investment, technology, innovation and community service.

The awards committee used a specific grading scale to select the winners.

The Laker/Lutz News was honored during the Pasco Economic Development Council’s 29th annual Banquet and Industry of the Year Awards. Shown here, from left, are John Hagen, CEO and president of Pasco EDC; Diane Kortus, publisher and owner of The Laker/Lutz News; Suzanne Beauchaine, account manager; Mary Eberhard, accounting; B.C. Manion, editor; Terri Williamson, senior account manager; and Lex Smith, outgoing chairman of the board for Pasco EDC. (Courtesy of Pasco Economic Development Council)
The Laker/Lutz News was honored during the Pasco Economic Development Council’s 29th annual Banquet and Industry of the Year Awards. Shown here, from left, are John Hagen, CEO and president of Pasco EDC; Diane Kortus, publisher and owner of The Laker/Lutz News; Suzanne Beauchaine, account manager; Mary Eberhard, accounting; B.C. Manion, editor; Terri Williamson, senior account manager; and Lex Smith, outgoing chairman of the board for Pasco EDC.
(Courtesy of Pasco Economic Development Council)

“It is tremendously gratifying to be recognized by Pasco’s business leaders for our commitment to give readers a top-notch newspaper every week,” said Diane Kortus, publisher of The Laker/Lutz News. “This past year, my team embraced the vision to take our papers to its larger format, and their talent, determination and hard work is reflected in this honor.”

Other finalists this year were: Aviation Instrument Technologies Inc.; Can Can Concealment LLC; Covanta Pasco; Electro Tape Specialties; Fifth Third Bank/New Port Richey Branch; Freedom Scooter & Supply LLC; Habitat for Humanity of East & Central Pasco; Manufacturers Distributor Inc.; Morton Plant North Bay Hospital; Oasis Pregnancy Center; and Retail Process Engineering LLC.

Pasco EDC is a nonprofit organization that promotes economic development in Pasco County.

Besides those receiving Industry of the Year awards, John Hagen, the outgoing CEO and president of Pasco EDC, also was honored for his years of service. He expects to retire within the next few months.

The banquet program also featured an update on Pasco County’s economy from Lex Smith, the outgoing chairman of the Pasco EDC.

Smith noted that the council completed 14 new job creation projects since October 2014.

Those job creators include the attraction of three Fortune 500 companies: Leggett & Platt, Ortho Technologies (which is part of Henry Schein Inc.), and Tru Simulation and Training (part of Textron). Those 14 projects are expected to yield more than 900 jobs and $118 million of investment.

 

Panel says no to charter in Pasco County

By

With a one-vote margin, opponents of a charter-style government in Pasco County killed a proposal that had the backing of the county’s legislative delegation.

In an 8-7 vote, a 15-member appointed panel opted not to write a charter that could have significantly changed the way Pasco County’s government operates.

The vote came after the county’s five-member legislative delegation – State Rep. Richard Corcoran, State Rep. Amanda Murphy, State Rep. Danny Burgess, State Sen. Wilton Simpson, and State Sen. John Legg – had presented their case for pursuing a charter form of government. The charter could have included term limits, single member districts and a recall procedure to oust elected officials.

About 30 people attended the Aug. 24 committee meeting in New Port Richey.

After the vote, Corcoran expressed disappointment. He said he would prefer that voters had the final say on a charter.

Still, he said, “I’m glad we had the conversation. We had a good vetting. I’m happy.”

The seven votes favoring a charter came from panel members appointed by the delegation and two members appointed by Pasco County Commissioner Mike Moore.

Corcoran had urged the Pasco County Commission to create a charter commission earlier this year that would have been required, under state law, to produce a charter.

Under that scenario, commissioners would not have been able to amend the charter document and voters would have the final say.

Commissioners resisted that approach, instead opting for a nonbinding panel which had the option of recommending a charter or not.

If the panel had approved a charter with a super-majority vote, commissioners had said they would present the matter to voters, without change, in a 2016 referendum.

But for a majority on the panel, the case for a charter didn’t pass muster despite assertions that other counties with charters were better off than Pasco.

“Where is this fantasy, premier, preeminent county?” asked panel member Chuck Grey. “What are we aspiring to be? Tell me a county we’re aspiring to be like.”

Delegation members repeatedly hit on the theme of voter accountability and empowering voters.

“There’s nothing bad when we talk about accountability,” Burgess said. “I believe a lot in autonomy.”
However, as a former Zephyrhills’ mayor, Burgess had one caveat, if a charter were adopted.

“I would prefer that we preserve local governments’ ability to determine their own destiny,” he said.

Simpson dismissed the notion of an elected county mayor, an idea initially raised by Corcoran when he presented the charter idea to Pasco County commissioners.

“My personal opinion is that would be a dreadful idea,” he said.

He did, however, find single member districts “not a bad idea.”

Corcoran urged the committee to include ideas they liked and let others alone. “If the county mayor is controversial, chuck it out the window,” he said.

Committee members Randy Maggard and Mike Ryan felt the committee’s vote was premature, and wanted to explore individual items, such as term limits and single member districts.

“We have not looked at all the issues in any depth to know right now,” said Ryan.

During public comment, only one speaker supported a charter.

“We have seen many county commissioners who have stayed on an enormously long time,” said New Port Richey resident Hugh Townsend. “I think turnover would be a good idea.”

Former Pasco County Commissioner Pat Mulieri said many unanswered questions remained about why Corcoran and others were pursuing a charter.

“You don’t want turmoil in Pasco County,” she said. “These changes could cause turmoil with government, when this is a time for stability with our economic growth.”

Pasco County Tax Collector Mike Fasano wondered why all the focus was on accountability at the local level.

“It concerns me that those who just left Tallahassee and didn’t do what they needed to are concerned about accountability,” he said.

Legislators recently ended a special session to redraw the state’s district maps under order from the Florida Supreme Court. They recessed without agreeing on a map, making it likely that the court will redraw the map.

At least for now, the charter issue in Pasco seems moot.

A grassroots group, the Pasco County Citizens Charter Coalition, has expressed interest in a petition drive to collect 45,000 signatures required by state law to establish the charter commission that Corcoran wanted. Coalition members had anticipated that Corcoran would partner with them.

However, the lawmaker said he had no plans to join in their efforts.

“We’ll see. I’ll keep working for ways to make all levels of government accountable,” Corcoran said.

Published September 2, 2015

Legislative delegation to weigh in on charter

By

Fish or cut bait?

Members of the Municipal Association of Pasco County, which represents the six cities in Pasco, want a final decision on whether the county should alter its form of government.

Calvin Branche, a commissioner with the Metropolitan Planning Organization, told the charter panel during public comment that a charter government isn’t needed. (Photos courtesy of Richard K. Riley)
Calvin Branche, a commissioner with the Metropolitan Planning Organization, told the charter panel during public comment that a charter government isn’t needed.
(Photos courtesy of Richard K. Riley)

They likely will get their wish on Aug. 24 when the county’s appointed charter review panel has scheduled a vote on the matter. A previously scheduled vote on Aug. 10 was postponed until the charter panel could hear from Pasco’s legislative delegation.

State Representatives Richard Corcoran and Amanda Murphy, and State Senators John Legg and Wilton Simpson have confirmed they will attend the Aug. 24 meeting which will begin at 1 p.m., in the first floor board room, at the West Pasco Government Center in New Port Richey.

Pasco’s cities have expressed opposition to a charter.

“We are very concerned at the implications a charter would have on our cities,” said Lance Smith, a Zephyrhills’ city councilman. He and St. Leo Mayor Pro Tem James Hallett addressed panel members at their Aug. 10 meeting in Dade City.

Among issues of concern, according to Smith, would be whether cities would retain control over establishing special tax districts, known as community redevelopment areas.

“We need this decision one way or another,” he said. “Fish or cut bait.”

Zephyrhills is one of six cities in the municipal association. Others are Dade City, New Port Richey, Port Richey, St. Leo and San Antonio.

The municipal association members met recently and approved a resolution opposing charter government.

The resolution urges panel members “to reconsider this…effort, and to provide for a more balanced and transparent review of our county government in the future.”

There also is concern that a charter “would infringe on the rights and duties of municipal elected officials and the citizens they represent,” according to the resolution.

Pasco County currently is governed under home rule with five districts, each with a representative elected by countywide vote.

Twenty of the state’s 67 counties operate with charters, including Hillsborough and Pinellas counties.

Commissioners appointed the 15-member panel in May after Corcoran lobbied them earlier in the year to establish a charter commission.

Dade City resident Judy Geiger spoke during public comment at the Aug. 10 charter panel meeting. She opposes charter government.
Dade City resident Judy Geiger spoke during public comment at the Aug. 10 charter panel meeting. She opposes charter government.

However, the Pasco commissioners’ nonbinding panel has the option of approving or rejecting a charter-style government.

In contrast, state law requires that a charter commission, once formed, must produce a charter that voters would accept or reject.

An activist group, the Pasco County Citizens Charter Coalition, announced in June that it would partner with Corcoran in a petition campaign to secure a required 45,000 signatures needed to establish such a commission.

Corcoran has said in the past that charters give more power to residents.

“That’s sort of the idea,” said panel member, Randy Maggard. “The people have more say.”

Maggard said the panel should explore specific elements of charters, such as single-member districts and term limits, before shutting the door on a charter.

“We’re going to make a decision without discussing these other things?” he said. “Everybody has made their minds up?”

If the panel votes on Aug. 24 not to pursue a charter, then the panel can disband. It would take 10 votes to support a charter, but if that is the decision then, members would have to buckle down for months of additional study and work.

They would have to produce a document detailing the operations of government including possible adoption of single-member districts, term limits, a recall process, an elected county administrator or elected county mayor. Pasco voters would approve or reject the panel’s recommendation in the November 2016 election.

Regardless of the panel’s decision, the grassroots charter coalition can move forward on its own to seek to establish the desired charter commission.

Residents who spoke during public comment at the Aug. 10 meeting were skeptical of a charter.

“Just because you could, doesn’t mean you should,” said Calvin Branche, a commissioner with the Metropolitan Planning Organization. “I think it’s a very wrong way to approach the citizens about this thing.”

Branche told panel members he had attended some meetings of the charter coalition group, and doubted that it would get the required petition signatures.

No one from the charter coalition spoke during public comment.

Dade City resident Judy Geiger worried that a charter with single-member districts would work against east Pasco, which has fewer residents than the more developed west Pasco.

“I believe the current government works very well,” she said “To spend more time on a charter I think would be a waste.”

Published August 19, 2015

 

Higher property taxes appear likely in Pasco County

By

Pasco County commissioners have agreed to advertise a tax hike that could fully pay for salary increases for Pasco County Sheriff Chris Nocco’s deputies.

The increased revenues might also pay for a few other items on a wish list suggested by commissioners, including new fire rescue vehicles, additional code enforcement officers, and more money for libraries.

But the increased tax rate will not become final until commissioners approve the approximately $1.3 billion budget in September, and they can always roll the proposed rate back.

However, commissioners, at the July 21 meeting in New Port Richey, had to approve a tentative millage rate that can be advertised in trim notices sent to property owners.

The vote came before a standing-room-only crowd.

The board has adopted rate of 9.4, which is about half a mill higher than the current rate of 8.9.

For a $150,000 house, with taxable value of $100,000, the increase would mean about $36 a year in additional property tax.

Between now and September there will be workshops and public hearings where commissioners might get an earful from unhappy taxpayers.

Or, they could be greeted with cheers from Nocco and others who say the pay increase is critical to public safety.

“It’s just hard for Republicans to raise taxes. We know we’re going to get hammered,” said Pasco County Commissioner Kathryn Starkey.  But she said, “I’m not here for a career. I’m here to do what’s best for the county. I’m willing. If we don’t invest in our county, how can we possibly expect anyone else to?”

The crowd packing the commission’s meeting room included deputies, first responders and their family members.

They made it clear, as they have at other commission meetings, that they will not be satisfied with anything less than a full funding of Sheriff Chris Nocco’s requested budget increase of $6.5 million.

Kathleen Stevenson, the wife of a Pasco County deputy, told commissioners she never knows each day if her husband will come home safely.

“I want to say what an impact you can make today by putting yourselves in our shoes,” she said. “How much value do they (deputies) have for you? If you think things are improving in this county, you have blinders on.”

The sheriff’s total budget would be about $104 million for 2016, if fully funded. The increase is largely for salary and benefits to jump-start a three-year plan to make Pasco competitive in hiring and retaining deputies. The increase also includes funds for the jail’s new camera security system and maintenance of the department’s helicopter unit.

The sheriff’s department lost 44 deputies last year, many of them choosing to take higher paying jobs in Tampa. Nocco said he expects to lose about 60 deputies by the end of the year.

Pasco ranks 55 out of all 67 counties in Florida in per capita funding for law enforcement, and dead last among Tampa Bay area counties including Pinellas, Hillsborough, Citrus and Hernando, according to data provided by the sheriff’s department. That data also shows the department’s current budget is the lowest among counties with similar or smaller populations.

For example, Pasco’s 2015 law enforcement budget of about $98 million is significantly lower than Pinellas’ budget of nearly $249 million, even though Pinellas has about 61,000 fewer residents.

“It pains me that political leaders in this county have not made public safety funding a priority that gets us out of last place,” said Gary Bradford, a retired Tampa police detective who is a member of the West Central Florida Police Benevolent Association. “I’m ashamed of it. We have to start. We have to start now.”

Pasco County Commissioner Jack Mariano drew a round of applause when he suggested a higher millage rate than the one eventually adopted.

“We need to make a move,” he said. “We’ve got a chance for a giant leap in this area. I don’t think anyone here wants to be at the bottom of any pile.”

Mariano also championed an end to parking fees at county parks, saying it is time for the county to stop pushing off decisions from year to year.

County officials estimate the annual revenues from parking fees are about $341,000.

But Mariano said, “Our tax base is only going to grow. It’s going to get better.”

Commission chairman Ted Schrader took the opposite view.

“It’s not really going to get better,” Schrader said. “It’s going to get worse.”

Schrader asked Assistant County Administrator Heather Grimes to highlight the crisis that could confront county officials in the next years.

The problem, Grimes said, is that recurring revenues aren’t keeping pace with recurring expenses.

Ending parking fees would be a deal breaker for Schrader who said there was a fairness issue in ending those fees while also increasing the annual storm water fee by $10. He also said the county can’t afford, at least in 2016, to increase library funding to its 2008, pre-recession level.

One source of funding that could help offset or reduce a tax increase is a one-time payout of about $7.4 million from BP Oil. Pasco County commissioners recently agreed to accept the funds as settlement against the oil giant for damages related to the 2010 oil spill at the Deepwater Horizon oil rig, off the shores of Louisiana.

The funds probably will be received within three months.

Five Gulf States, including Florida, sued BP for its losses, including tourist-related dollars. The state received more than $3.2 billion from more than $18.7 billion in total from BP. Louisiana received the largest settlement of about $6.8 million but Florida received the highest payout for its total economic losses, pegged at about $2 billion.

Pasco County Commissioner Mike Moore suggested giving $2 million of the county’s share to fund the sheriff’s requested budget.

“That will get him one step closer to the volume of raises he needs to keep people here,” Moore said.

He also supported a budget that funds four additional code enforcement officers. “People are concerned about the image and appearance of the county,” he said. “What’s going to take care of that? Code enforcement.”

Commissioner Mike Wells restated his previous desire to give pay increases to every county employee, possibly with the BP settlement.

“It’s all about raises,” he said. “We have to take care of everybody.”

Published July 29, 2015

Charter committee faces crucial vote

By

A panel that was appointed to examine whether Pasco County needs a new structure could be headed toward a conclusion, if panel members decide to reject a charter-style government.

On the other hand, a favorable decision would mean the panel has more work to do to craft the details of how that charter government would operate.

A vote is tentatively set for Aug. 10, on the same day the county’s legislative delegation is expected to weigh in on the topic.

Ted Schrader said he doesn’t think Pasco County needs to adopt term limits for commissioners. ‘We have term limits. It’s called elections.’ (File Photo)
Ted Schrader said he doesn’t think Pasco County needs to adopt term limits for commissioners. ‘We have term limits. It’s called elections.’
(File Photo)

The charter process began two months ago in response to a request in January from State Rep. Richard Corcoran, who supports adoption of a charter.

“It’s a pretty important topic you all are jumping into,” Pasco County Chairman Ted Schrader said, at the panel’s July 13 meeting in New Port Richey.

Schrader, and Pasco County commissioners Kathryn Starkey and Michael Moore, were invited to the charter panel’s meeting to discuss issues related to the Pasco County Commission’s duties and functions.

But panel members largely zoned in on term limits, single-member districts, and whether to have an elected administrator or mayor.

Pasco County currently is governed under home rule with five districts, each with a representative elected by countywide vote.

Moore and Starkey supported term limits ranging from 12 years to 16 years.

Starkey said commissioners need that much time to develop institutional knowledge and a thorough understanding of how government functions.

But she said, “I don’t think anyone should be in office for 50 years.”

Schrader took a different view.

“We have term limits. It’s called elections,” he said.

Commissioners generally agreed that despite Pasco’s growth spurt, there aren’t enough residents to justify a shift from countywide voting to single-member districts.

That might change in five to 10 years, but for now Starkey said,

“I feel more powerful as a voter, voting for all five.”

Weighing the pros and cons, Schrader said the advantage would be in creating the potential for a minority candidate to be elected.

“But other than that, I don’t see any real benefit from single-member districts,” he said.

Moore said the idea is worth a look.

“I don’t have a problem with single-member districts,” he said. “I think a minority district is worth investigating,” he added.

However, increasing from five to seven commissioners wouldn’t make sense now based on Pasco’s population. “We’re not there yet,” he said.

On electing an administrator, Starkey is no fan.

“It shouldn’t be a political job,” she said.

Schrader also is adamantly opposed to what he described as a “hot button issue.”

He said making it elective would invite outside financing from people “who never set foot in Pasco.”

Moore was less committal. “There’s many ways to look at this,” he said.

Commissioners appointed the 15-member charter panel in May. Members can choose to adopt a charter or not.

In contrast, state law requires that a charter commission, once formed, must produce a charter. Pasco County commissioners would not be able to amend the charter document, and voters have the final say on adoption.

Corcoran favored the commission rather than the nonbinding panel. An activist group, the Pasco County Citizens Charter Coalition, is partnering with the lawmaker in a petition campaign to secure a required 45,000 signatures needed to establish such a commission.

“I think they’ve put a great weight on you, and it’s going to take some courage,” said Dan Callaghan of the charter coalition group. He spoke to the panel during public comment.

Pasco County commissioners initially said they created a panel to have more control over the outcome. But, they also have said that they will accept whatever choice the panel makes. If a charter were chosen, then the matter would be on the ballot in November 2016.

“We’re not making any changes. We all agreed to it,” Moore said. “Whatever comes to us, we’ll abide by it.”

Published July 22, 2015

Restaurant wings into Wesley Chapel

By

Buffalo Wild Wings will open its doors in time for the Fourth of July celebrations.

The ribbon cutting is scheduled for July 3, with the first full week of operation kicking off July 6, said Dana Balch, the restaurant’s general manager.

“We are super excited,” he said. “It’s been a long time in the making.”

Residents have come up to Balch and his staff for weeks when they have been spotted out and about sporting the Buffalo Wild Wings’ logos on their work uniforms.

Construction is nearly complete on the new Buffalo Wild Wings restaurant off State Road 56. A ribbon cutting is scheduled for July 3. (Kathy Steele/Staff Photo)
Construction is nearly complete on the new Buffalo Wild Wings restaurant off State Road 56. A ribbon cutting is scheduled for July 3.
(Kathy Steele/Staff Photo)

“There’s been a lot of excitement in town to see a family friendly sports restaurant,” he said.

The local connection extends to employees. Four out of five members of the management team are Wesley Chapel residents, including Balch. The restaurant is a member of the Greater Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce.

The restaurant is off State Road 56, next to the Gate gas station and east of Cypress Ridge Boulevard. The area is a hot spot for new development including the recently opened Mercedes Benz-Wesley Chapel.

Further east, just beyond the Interstate 75 exchange, construction is under way on the Tampa Premium Outlets and the Cypress Creek Town Center.

The new Buffalo Wild Wings is the second location for the Ohio-based chain. Another restaurant is in New Port Richey.

The restaurant was founded in 1982 with the name Buffalo Wild Wings & Weck. It was popularized with the nickname, BW-3. But after the restaurant dropped the weck roll for its sandwiches, a new nickname found favor – B-dubs.

Buffalo Wild Wings is known for its wings and selections of domestic, imported and craft beers. The menu also features

chicken tenders, popcorn shrimp, tacos, salads, hamburgers and sandwiches.

The restaurant will have plenty of televisions, too, for those who enjoy watching sports.

Published June 24, 2015