The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

University of South Florida

Pasco County looks at costs to fix Lake Padgett sinkhole

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Restoring the site of a sinkhole within the Lake Padgett Estates subdivision to “pristine” condition would cost as much as $12 million. That idea was a non-starter for the Pasco County commissioners who reviewed a list of options on what to do next.

They also rejected a suggestion for a $4 million bridge to span the sinkhole, and keep traffic flowing along Ocean Pines Drive.

The cleanup of a sinkhole on Ocean Pines Drive in Lake Padgett Estates is completed, including removing contaminants from the water. Pasco County officials say the sinkhole’s water quality is now better than Lake Saxon’s water. (Courtesy of Pasco County)

The sinkhole opened on July 14 at 21825 Ocean Pines Drive, and swallowed two homes, a motorcycle and a boat. Five more houses on both sides of Ocean Pines have been condemned.

The county approved $1.3 million for an initial cleanup of debris, and stabilization of the site. That work has been completed.

County commissioners reviewed future options at a workshop on Oct. 17 in Dade City.

The least expensive choice was to “do nothing” and install decorative fencing, with warning signs, around the sinkhole for about $50,000.

But, options in between $12 million and $50,000 are on the table.

Pasco County officials plan to meet with residents of Lake Padgett for their input before making a final recommendation to county commissioners.

One option is to connect the sinkhole to Lake Saxon, which is about 90 feet away. That would cost about $800,000.

“Any connection to the lake would not go over well with the community,” said Pasco County Commission Chairman Mike Moore, who has heard from some residents in Lake Padgett regarding concerns about potential contamination from the sinkhole.

The University of South Florida is recommending that a survey be completed to determine how the sinkhole interacts with underground surrounding areas. The cost would be about $15,000.  Before that, county officials say an additional geological survey should be done at a cost of about $100,000.

Ceres Environmental Services has completed its work to remove and dispose of floating debris from the sinkhole, pump and remove contaminated water, and stabilize the southeast portion of the sinkhole with granular fill.

Kevin Guthrie, assistant county administrator for public safety, said linking the sinkhole to the lake could be a “low-cost, long-term, permanent solution.”

The sinkhole, which went as deep as 50 feet, is now 10 feet deep, said Guthrie. And, he said, “The water quality in the sinkhole is better than in the lake.”

Major portions of the two houses, the motorcycle and the boat remain in the sinkhole, but that’s not unusual in such instances, Guthrie said.

“We have cars in sinkholes in just about every sinkhole in Pasco County,” he said.

The lake connection is an idea worth exploring, said Pasco County Commissioner Kathryn Starkey.

“To me, when I was out walking, it made great sense to connect it to the lake,” she said.

Historically, Pasco County officials say the lake’s shoreline at one time extended beyond the sinkhole and included lots where homes now exist.

Along with the lake connection, cul-de-sacs on Ocean Pines also could be built on either side of the sinkhole. That would cost about $1.7 million, bringing the total cost to about $2.5 million.

Pasco County Commissioner Ron Oakley suggested that if cul-de-sacs are built, different names would be needed for the disconnected segments of Ocean Pines.

“It doesn’t need to be confusing for emergency (responders),” Oakley said.

Another choice would be to reconnect Ocean Pines at the sinkhole and build up the road with sheet piles on either side. That would work as a dam to contain the sinkhole. The cost would be about $800,000.

Whatever the final decision, there are financial implications for the county and residents.

Pasco County officials have said they want to get reimbursement for as much of its costs as possible. They view sinkhole damage largely as a private matter between insurance companies and the injured parties.

To that end, the county mailed demand letters and notice of financial responsibility to homeowners, renters and companies that have done remediation work in the past.

Left open is how much liability could rest with Lake Padgett residents. Moore said residents are concerned about taking on maintenance costs of the sinkhole.

The subdivision has a special taxing district, created by Florida statute.

However, those funds are collected solely for the operation and maintenance of recreational facilities in the subdivision, including five lake parks, three boat ramps and a horse stable.

For fiscal year 2018, the per unit fee collected by the taxing district is about $500, according to documents on Lake Padgett’s website.

In describing the taxing district, website documents specifically state that it doesn’t serve or have authority to serve as a Community Development District, civic association or a homeowner association.

Published October 25, 2017

Light rail is top Tampa Bay choice for transit

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A light rail system running beside Interstate 275 is the top choice for transit in a study that identifies potential projects in the Tampa Bay region, according to rankings from the Regional Transit Feasibility Plan.

The route would link Wesley Chapel to Tampa and St. Petersburg, with a stop at the University of South Florida.

The second choice would follow the same route but rely on “rubber tires” in a dedicated lane, most likely buses or self-driving vehicles.

The results are part of an ongoing study, which has included workshops, meetings and social media responses.

The study focused on the urban areas of Hillsborough, Pasco and Pinellas counties.

Light rail, alongside Interstate 275 or the CSX rail line, is a popular option for a transit project, according to a regional study. (File)

The approximately $1.5 million cost is being funded by the Florida Department of Transportation, with support from local governments and agencies, including the three county governments and their transit agencies.

The study considered rail and rubber tire modes of transportation including express bus, bus rapid transit, light rail/modern streetcar, and commuter rail. A total of 15 projects were ranked based on technical merit, and public opinion.

The study’s findings were presented by HART on Sept. 29 at a meeting attended by the Tampa Bay Transportation Management Area (TMA) Leadership Group. The group includes members from Hillsborough, Pinellas and Pasco counties.

Previously, the study identified five potential transit corridors. They are Wesley Chapel to USF, Tampa, and St. Petersburg; downtown Tampa to USF; Westshore to Brandon; south Tampa to downtown Tampa; and Clearwater and Gateway to St. Petersburg.

No funding sources have been identified. The study is scheduled to conclude in September 2018 with a recommendation for a specific project that can attract funding and is “forward thinking.”

Other projects with top rankings in order are:

  • Light rail along the CSX rail line between downtown Tampa and USF
  • Rubber tire in a dedicated lane along the rail line, also between downtown Tampa and USF
  • Commuter rail along I-275 linking Wesley Chapel, USF, Tampa and St. Petersburg – tied for fifth
  • Commuter rail along CSX linking downtown Tampa and USF – tied for fifth

Commuter trains generally operate with heavier train cars at higher speeds, more passengers and fewer stops than light rail.

Light rail is closer to a modernized street car with quicker starts and stops, and fewer passengers than commuter trains.

The study also provided a county by county breakdown on preferred choices for transit based on public opinion.

Light rail along I-275 for Wesley Chapel, USF, Tampa, Gateway and St. Petersburg ranked first in Hillsborough and Pinellas.

In Pasco, the same route with some type of bus or self-driving vehicle placed first. Light rail ranked in third place.

For information, visit Tbregionaltransit.com.

Published Oct. 11, 2017

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

Agreement reached on forensic research campus

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Pasco County commissioners approved a three-way agreement that sets up the framework for ownership and operation of a forensic research and training facility on county land next to the Land O’ Lakes Detention Center.

One feature of the facility is a body farm to aid in criminal investigations, body identification and research into body decomposition.

Abigail Kennedy spoke at the dedication ceremony naming the Adam Kennedy Forensic Field for her husband, who died in January. Adam Kennedy, former principal of Crews Middle School, was the first body donated for research at the body farm. (File)

Florida F.I.R.S.T. (Forensic Institute for Research & Tactical Training), will be only the seventh in the nation. It is expected to become a national and international center for forensic research and its applications.

Pasco County, the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office and the University of South Florida are parties to the agreement.

“It’s really going to put us and USF on the map,” said Pasco County Commission Chairman Mike Moore.

At no cost, Pasco will lease a portion of the facility to USF for 33 years, with two extensions allowed, for a total of 99 years.

“We’re excited to get this rolling and move it forward,” said Chase Daniels, assistant executive director for the sheriff’s office.

The campus will have a laboratory, classrooms, a morgue and evidence storage space. Virtual autopsies with 3-D scanning and chemical isotope analysis will be done. Work also will be done in the fields of legal medicine, forensic intelligence, aviation reconstruction and cyber forensics.

A tactical training facility for the sheriff’s K-9 unit and the Pasco Unified SWAT team also is planned.

Dr. Erin Kimmerle of USF’s Institute of Forensic Anthropology & Applied Science (IFAAS) will be in charge of the university’s research and training.

Kimmerle and USF led efforts in identifying bodies found in unmarked graves at the former Dozier School for Boys in Marianna.

The forensic building at Florida F.I.R.S.T. will be the Thomas Varnadoe Forensic Center for Education and Research. Varnadoe’s body was among those recovered and identified at the unmarked burial sites at the Dozier school.

About 5 acres of the future campus were dedicated in May as the Adam Kennedy Memorial Forensics Field. It honors the memory of the former principal of Crews Lake Middle School, who died in a car accident while driving to work in January. His body was the first one donated to the body farm.

The price tag for the facility is about $4.3 million.

Legislators approved the money in the state’s 2017 budget, but Gov. Rick Scott vetoed the item.

The county’s legislative delegation will try again to win approval in the state’s 2019 budget. Conversations with members of Scott’s office already are underway, Daniel said.

Pasco County Commissioner Ron Oakley said he sent a letter to the governor’s office in support of funding. “It’s very important to the state besides us,” Oakley said.

If Pasco is unsuccessful a second time, Daniel said USF officials have offered to “tap into their donor lists.”

Published Oct. 4, 2017

‘He was our own Indiana Jones’

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After 91-year-old Bill Smith was laid to rest on Aug. 11 amid the emotionally riveting melody of bagpipes from quaint Smith Cemetery, a group of Smith’s fans gathered at Lake Jovita to swap stories and remember the rugged Wesley Chapel pioneer.

Dr. Christopher Darby Immer, the pioneer’s son, was among those paying homage to Bill’s memory.

Bill and Luther Smith on horseback in Wesley Chapel in 1940. (Courtesy of Madonna Jervis Wise)

“He was our own Indiana Jones!” said Immer, recalling his initial encounter with the legendary Bill Smith.

“Do you remember the Indiana Jones character that was created by Harrison Ford in “Raiders of the Lost Ark?” Immer asked.

“Well, I was 10 years old and star-struck by Indiana Jones. Around about that same time, I encountered Bill Smith.

“Modest and unassuming in demeanor, he shared a few quips on Wesley Chapel…ranching, open range and the like.

“Understanding a thing or two about the attention span of a 10-year-old, Bill pulled out his authentic Florida Cracker Whip and — reminiscent of Harrison Ford — Bill wielded his braided rawhide with painstaking precision.

“Just four effortless thrusts and he peeled each of the four letters from the label of the aluminum Coke™ can in sequence,” Immer said.

Timing was important to Bill Smith — along with honor, friendship, legacy and savoring life’s gusto.

Unpretentious and keenly aware, Bill was much more than merely his folksy humble Florida-boy persona.

He traveled the world with his beloved Lillian.

He had a map that chronicled their extensive travels and his hunting expeditions throughout the world—every continent.

He was well-read and, on things he deemed important, held strong opinions.

It was only after one got to know him well, that Bill would humbly reveal glimpses into a life well-lived.

For instance, his division was first to enter bomb-ravished Nagasaki, at the beginning of allied occupation of Japan at the conclusion of World War II.

And, during a 1963 work project on the Wesley Chapel overpass at the construction of Interstate 75, Bill remembered the fellow who waved him down off his tractor to tell him the sad news: “Our President was assassinated!”

Bill’s wife Lillian found a 2004 handwritten memoir, drafted in Bill’s classic self-effacing fashion.

Bill Smith, Michael Boyette and Ruth Smith Adams had a wealth of knowledge about the Wesley Chapel of long ago.

In part, it reads: “I was born William Rollie Smith on November 15, 1925, to Luther Daniel Smith and Louneta (Stanley) Smith in a two-story home about 200 yards from where I reside on Smith Road. A Fourth Generation Floridian, many would see my years as simple … it was a day-to day survival. I could not grow up fast enough to leave the farm during the Great Depression years.

“My sister, Ruth and I had a hard life but a good life, and we were always close. Everyone should have a sister like mine. We completed the eighth grade at a two-room schoolhouse with no electricity (electricity came in 1947), near the 1878 Double Branch Baptist Church, which was the center of the community, before subsequently graduating from Pasco High.

“My grandfather was Daniel Henry Smith, a man I dearly loved who told stories of the past. He died in 1955—a great loss. He and dad had cattle and hogs…running in the woods…from San Antonio to the present day site of the University of South Florida. This was the time of Open Range. You fenced the animals out of your yard or farm. Cities were fenced in!”

A descendant of homesteaders, William Riley Smith and Anne E. Sims Smith, Bill was eager to share that the Homestead Act of 1862, provided a 160-acre piece of land for a person who had resided on the land for five years and improved it.

Smith’s family was recognized at the September 1987 centennial ceremony, which commemorated the formation of Pasco County (including Precinct 4, Wesley Chapel). Fittingly, the homesteaded land now belongs to the Pasco County School Board.

Preserving history was an important mission for Bill.

In recent years, he lamented that his cohorts were decreasing.

His boyhood friend and close neighbor, Frederick (Dick) Tucker, passed away in 2012.

More recently, Wesley Chapel lost other keepers of the frontier history.

Michael Boyette, who spearheaded the placing of the Wesley Chapel historical marker, died on June 30, 2017. Bill’s own sister, Ruth Smith Adams, passed away on May 24, 2017.

The Smith cracker home is on display at ‘Cracker Country’ at the State Fairgrounds as a hands-on living legacy of frontier Florida. (Neighbors of Daniel H. and Elizabeth Geiger Smith built the cracker home in barn-raising fashion as a wedding present in 1894.)

The house was donated in 1979, as a tribute.

The fairgrounds exhibit reflects life on the Florida frontier, which included farming, ranching, charcoal producing, gator hunting, turpentine stills and moonshining.

Frontier independence permeated Wesley Chapel pioneer settlers who possessed a character of hard work and strength. Eking out an existence was a challenge, and Wesley Chapel was known for its gator hunting and moonshining.

Bill donated his moonshine still to the Florida Pioneer Museum in Dade City.

Wesley Chapel, as well as Bill’s many friends and family, will mourn the loss of his wisdom and insight.

One such lifelong friend and a member of Bill’s weekly fishing group is local sports hero Keathel Chauncey, who offered this reflection: “From the times that I spent with Bill, I realized that he was a straight shooter (literally and figuratively).

“Taught from early in his life what life is about, Bill experienced families that respected each other, worshipped together, and helped anyone in need. When you asked him a question or advice about anything, his answers came from his heart and his upbringing. ‘Find a quiet place, think of the teachings of the Bible, and you will find your own right answer, you don’t need me.’

“Bill Smith taught me self-respect, self-reliance, honor, patience,” Chauncey said.

By Madonna Jervis Wise

Madonna Wise, who lives in Zephyrhills, has written three local history books and is actively involved in preserving local history.

Published September 27, 2017

Area spared worst of Hurricane Irma

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Hurricane Irma devastated other parts of Florida, causing less damage than feared in Tampa and surrounding communities.

But area homes, businesses and other locations were not entirely spared from Irma’s wrath.

Concerns continue over rising floodwaters, which already have flooded homes and roads.

Rising water on River Road in Dade City made the road live up to its name in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma. (Stefanie Burlingame)

And, Irma’s whipping winds knocked down trees, shredded billboards, damaged fences, ripped off shingles and siding and did other types of damage to locations throughout The Laker/Lutz News coverage area.

Power outages became a major hassle for residents and businesses, causing many businesses to remain closed after Irma blew through and utility crews to swarm to widespread power outages.

Pasco’s four power companies — Duke Energy, Tampa Electric, Withlacoochee River Electric Cooperative and Sumter Electric Cooperative — reported 217,382 addresses without power, according to statistics provided by Pasco County’s emergency management officials.

Still, Pasco County officials were grateful that the area did not feel the full force of Irma’s fury.

Throughout Pasco County, Irma destroyed four homes and caused major damage to 56, according to county statistics. Additionally, 124 homes had minor damage and 205 were affected. Plus, 90 businesses reported property damage.

Hurricane Irma shredded billboards as she made her way through northern Hillsborough and Pasco counties. (B.C. Manion)

“I think we’re fortunate. We were forecasted to possibly see a Category 3 or (Category) 4 hurricane come right through here. We are fortunate that did not happen,” said Pasco County Commission Chairman Mike Moore.

Pasco County Commissioner Ron Oakley noted there was concern about the county’s mobile home communities, in particular, given the high winds that were predicted.

“If you look at Zephyrhills, they really came through,” Oakley said. “We’re very fortunate.”

Both commissioners said they continue to be concerned about rising floodwaters and property damage, but they also praised the community’s response to Irma.

“Our citizens in Pasco County are just amazing,” Moore said. “I have just witnessed so many people being so generous in helping one another, and offering to help each other.”

In the run-up to the hurricane, for instance, people were filling up sandbags all over the county to help them protect their businesses and homes.

Utility crews could be seen all over Pasco and northern Hillsborough counties, as crews worked to restore power. (B.C. Manion)

At one location, Moore said, he began chatting with some of the folks, who told him: “We were here to get sandbags. We saw people needed help, so we’ve been here for five hours. (They were) all walks of life, all types of people. The community has really come together.”

Irma’s potential threat prompted the opening of 26 hurricane shelters across Pasco County, which housed 24,100 people, including those with special needs.

Nearly 800 students and support personnel sheltered at University Campus in St. Leo.

Damage assessments are ongoing, but Irma knocked down a number of trees on the campus, and water got into at least 60 rooms, according to a university report.

After Irma passed, Moore said he put out a call for volunteers to load equipment at Wesley Chapel High School to help get some nursing home residents back home.

“I put on a Facebook call to action and said, ‘Hey, if anybody can down here, we’re loading U-Haul trucks with equipment.’

A tree crashed down on a mobile home in a mobile home park on Morningside Drive in Dade City. (Stefanie Burlingame)

“You wouldn’t believe the response,” he said, noting he wound up telling some volunteers that they already had enough help.

“I was touched by that, just knowing that our citizens are there, wanting to help one another and not looking for any accolades.”

Another bunch of volunteers showed up on Sept. 15 to help load cleaning supplies, snack foods, clothing and other donations onto a convey of 10 vehicles at Wesley Chapel Nissan, to take them to the Pasco County Staging Area, a temporary distribution center near the Suncoast Parkway.

The donations came from customers and employees of the dealership, members of the Wesley Chapel Rotary Club Noon, members of the community, area churches and Support the Troops.

Hurricane Irma also caused plenty of disruptions.

Besides the power outages, parents were forced to find new day care options, as public schools in both Hillsborough and Pasco counties closed as Hurricane Irma approached, and remained closed for the week following its landfall.

Those venturing around The Laker/Lutz News coverage area found it more difficult to get around, too.

At the peak of the storm, 749 county roads were closed, and in the aftermath, 97 of the county’s 260 traffic signals weren’t working because of power outages.

There were stop signs at some normally lighted intersections; generators strapped to utility boxes at others; and, in most cases, motorists were expected to treat the intersection like a four-way stop. Some motorists did, but others did not.

Considerable efforts were made to keep the public informed.

Those stepping up to provide emergency help drew high praise from elected officials.

The county’s Resident Information Center fielded 20,340 calls between Sept. 8 and Sept. 14, and throughout the storm, the Joint Information Center used social media, news releases and video links to provide timely information in English, Spanish and American Sign Language. Those communications included 57 news releases, 42 media alerts, five news conferences and 67 media inquiries. There were 12 reporters embedded in the Pasco County Emergency Operations Center.

Pasco County officials also are grateful for a lengthy list of community partners and agencies that have been helping in recovery efforts. Those partners include law enforcement agencies, utility companies, city governments, the school board, the University of South Florida, Pasco-Hernando State College, the Florida National Guard, volunteer ham radio operators, emergency response team volunteers and external rescue teams from Ohio, Arkansas, Illinois, among others.

Commission Chairman Moore put it this way: “The team has just been incredible. These people are running on fumes. You never hear anybody complaining.”

He planned to express his appreciation at the board’s session this week.

“I will give them a standing ovation at the meeting,” Moore said.

Published September 20, 2017

Area football games rescheduled

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With Hurricane Irma wiping out athletic events for schools in Hillsborough and Pasco counties for the week of Sept. 11, many anticipated Friday night football contests already have been rescheduled, or played, in some cases.

In Pasco, a few local schools didn’t waste much time agreeing to make up games on Sept. 18, including the Zephyrhills High squad, which traveled to Ridgewood High, and Wesley Chapel High’s team, which hosted Fivay High. Zephyrhills Christian Academy was set to host St. John’s Lutheran, but the latter forfeited the game.

High school football contests seldom are played on Mondays, but Florida High School Athletic Association permitted practices on Sept. 17 with the approval of each individual school and/or school district, giving coaches an additional day to work with players.

Other Pasco County schools in The Laker/Lutz News coverage area scheduled to play on Sept. 15 have since pushed contests back a week to Sept. 22:

  • Land O’ Lakes at Sunlake (7:30 p.m.)
  • Bishop McLaughlin at Ocala Christian (7 p.m.)
  • Cypress Creek at Pasco (7:30 p.m.)

Public schools in Hillsborough, meanwhile, will make up the Sept. 15 slate of games beginning Oct. 2. It marked the second straight week public schools in Hillsborough cancelled games.

The county’s public schools were closed all last week due to Hurricane Irma, and the district did not permit teams to resume practice until Sept. 18.

The following games scheduled for Sept. 15 in our coverage area that will have to be made up on a Monday in October include:

  • Steinbrenner at Manatee
  • Freedom at Gaither
  • Wharton at Leto
  • Wiregrass Ranch at Sickles

With regard to the FHSAA’s new playoff point system for football, as originally planned, total points will be determined by dividing points earned by games. If a school somehow falls below the eight-game minimum requirements, FHSAA executive director George Tomyn may waive the minimum game requirement on a case-by-case basis.

The new system, passed last September, bases football postseason berths on a points system in Class A-4A. The new format, beginning this season, is designed to reward teams for winning records and strength of schedule.

In the FHSAA’s biggest four classes (5A-8A), the district champion still automatically qualifies for regionals, with the remaining 16 spots decided by points.

Winning Wiregrass
Wiregrass Ranch High is one program hoping to keep its momentum in between a two-week layoff from football games.

Under third-year head coach Mark Kantor, the Bulls are off to its first 3-0 start in school history.

Mark Kantor has guided Wiregrass Ranch to its first 3-0 start in school history. (File)

Coincidentally, Kantor — who previously coached three seasons at Hudson High and compiled a 15-13 mark — now has the most wins in Wiregrass Ranch history, with 12; the school’s football program was launched in 2007.

Just one other public school in Pasco remains undefeated — Mitchell High (3-0).

The Bulls have been tested early on, battling to one-possession victories over Zephyrhills, Wesley Chapel and Sunlake high schools. And, despite several key departures in the offseason, the Bulls may be stronger than last year’s 7-3 District 8-7A runner-up squad. Junior quarterback Grant Sessums, the leading passer in the county (504 yards, four touchdowns, one interception, 57 percent completion rate), has lived up to preseason billing, as has senior cornerback/Penn State University commit Jordan Miner (13 tackles, two interceptions). The Bulls have also received breakout contributions from a pair of sophomore linebackers in Dylan Ridolph (31 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, four sacks) and Nick Gaziano (30 tackles, three tackles for loss, forced fumble).

Prior to the 2017-2018 school year, Wiregrass Ranch saw three of its top players — cornerback Shamaur McDowell, athlete Raymond Woodie III, tailback Da Da McGee — transfer elsewhere.

The Bulls host Wharton (1-1) on Friday at 7:30 p.m.

The Sunlake Seahawks were one of 87 high school programs that attended the USF-Illinois game on Sept. 15. (Courtesy of Sunlake High School)

Generous gesture
In the wake of Hurricane Irma’s impact on Florida, the University of South Florida (USF) provided complimentary admission to last Friday’s football game vs. Illinois to first responders and their families, as well as to Florida high school football teams, many of which have had their games cancelled as a result of the storm.

Eighty-seven high school teams, such as Steinbrenner and Sunlake, took up the offer. Even schools as far as Orlando, Lakeland and Vero Beach showed up.

“It’s all about us giving back,” USF head coach Charlie Strong said, during a press conference last week. “We want to make sure that everyone is working to give back and get their life (together). It’s going to take a while, we know that. When things happen, we just want to make sure people understand that we do understand. We’re not going through what they’re going through, but we can help them get through what they’re going through.”

Another offer for local standout
Cameron Smith, arguably one of the top defensive players in Pasco County, recently picked up a scholarship offer from Ursinus College, a Division III program in Collegeville, Pennsylvania. The latest offer is one of several for the Pasco High senior linebacker, who also holds offers from Albright College (Reading, Pennsylvania), Warner University (Lake Wales), Webber international (Babson Park) and West Virginia State University (Institute, West Virginia).

Pasco High senior linebacker Cameron Smith has added his growing list of scholarship offers. (File)

Smith, a 2016 SAC First-Team All-Conference selection, currently leads the Pirates in tackles with 12.

Here’s a running list of other known players from our coverage area in Pasco County to have at least one scholarship offer:

  • Dylan Gonzalez, Academy at the Lakes, senior linebacker
  • Tylor Winn, Land O’ Lakes, senior wide receiver
  • Adam Jarvis, Sunlake, senior linebacker
  • Isaiah Bolden, Wesley Chapel, senior defensive back
  • Chaz Neal, Wesley Chapel, senior defensive end
  • Daniel Biglow, Wiregrass Ranch, senior wide receiver
  • Kwesi Littlejohn, Wiregrass Ranch, senior safety/running back
  • Jordan Miner, Wiregrass Ranch, senior cornerback
  • Devaun Roberts, Wiregrass Ranch, senior tight end/defensive end
  • Adrian Thomas, Wiregrass Ranch, senior wide receiver
  • Charles Harrison III, Zephyrhills, senior quarterback
  • Ja’Quan Sheppard, Zephyrhills, junior wide receiver
  • Sterlin Williams, Zephyrhills, senior defensive lineman
  • Javion Hanner, Zephyrhills Christian, junior running back
  • Calvin Samuel, Zephyrhills Christian, senior running back
  • Alonzo Sampson, Zephyrhills Christian, senior linebacker
  • Evan Miller, Zephyrhills Christian, senior defensive back
  • Javan Smith, Zephyrhills Christian, junior tailback/linebacker
  • Jalen Spencer, Zephyrhills Christian, junior defensive end/linebacker

Published September 20, 2017

Book pays homage to Florida minority political trailblazers

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When Dr. Susan A. MacManus set out a decade ago to write “Florida’s Minority Trailblazers,” she wanted to recognize the men and women who changed the face of Florida’s government.

Her book does just that.

She recounts the personal stories of the first minority men and women elected or appointed to state legislative, executive and judicial offices, and to the U.S. Congress since the 1960s.

Dr. Susan MacManus, who lives in Land O’ Lakes, is widely known for her expertise regarding Florida politics. (Courtesy of Susan MacManus)

Through personal interviews, MacManus discovered what motivated them to seek political office.

Her book provides a wealth of information about how they ran their campaigns, what kinds of discrimination they encountered, what the experience meant to them and what advice they would offer aspiring politicians.

One of the politicians profiled is Bob Martinez, a former mayor of Tampa, who became Florida’s first Hispanic governor.

MacManus said she decided to write the book because she believes it was important to preserve these stories as part of Florida’s political history.

“It’s very easy to take for granted what we have at present, but it’s also important to know how we got to this point, and who took risks and made sacrifices for the public good,” MacManus said, during a recent interview in her Land O’ Lakes home.

Richard E. Foglesong, author of “Immigrant Prince: Mel Martinez and the American Dream,” wrote that MacManus’ book “Saves a piece of Florida’s political history by narrating the personal stories of the state’s ‘minority trailblazers’ from the Civil Rights Movement to the present day.”

In essence, MacManus said she wanted to write a book that chronicled real stories about real people.

“The whole purpose was to show, through people, the growing diversity of Florida, both racially and ethnically, as well as politically through biographies and in-person accounts,” she said.

In the forward of the book, David R. Colburn, writes “There is perhaps no recent book that reminds readers of the state’s rich political and diverse culture more than “Florida’s Minority Trailblazers,” by Susan MacManus.

“She emphasizes that the story of Florida is more than just about new beginnings, population growth, and economic opportunity; it is also about the struggle for civil rights, equal justice, opportunity for all Floridians, and political background,” Colburn wrote.

The volume will come in handy for historians and journalists, and college professors, too, said MacManus, who is a distinguished professor at the University of South Florida.

This is just one of numerous photographs in ‘Florida’s Minority Trailblazers,’ a book by Susan MacManus, of Land O’ Lakes. (Courtesy of Florida Memory Project (part of the State Archives)

“There were literally no materials that were readily available for teaching that would be able to personalize the changing faces of our elected officials, in state politics, particularly,” she said.

The book looks at factors that forced the South to change laws and processes that discriminated against persons of color, and notes the importance of single-member districts, redistricting and term limits in opening up the political arena to minority candidates.

MacManus said her approach to the book was influenced by the work she did with her mother,

the late Elizabeth Riegler MacManus, on local history books.

She and her mother are co-authors of “Citrus, Sawmills, Critters & Crackers,” and “Going, Going, Almost Gone …” which trace the history of Lutz and Land O’ Lakes.

Those books stemmed from scores of taped interviews that MacManus’ mother conducted with area old-timers who had deep roots in the settlements north of Tampa.

The interviews were supplemented with property records, advertisements, old brochures, photographs, documents and anything else that would help tell the community’s story.

Like her mother, MacManus thought it important to include personal stories, along with hard facts.

Arranging the interviews was a challenge.

“These are very busy, very prominent people,” she said.

Gaining the trust of the potential interview subject was essential, too.

In some cases, MacManus was seeking meetings with people who didn’t know her. So, she turned to people who do, to help her secure those interviews.

“It took time to get to them,” she said. “But, once I got the interviews, they were very gracious.”

As she talked with people from diverse backgrounds, some common themes emerged, MacManus said.

“One of the questions I asked was: ‘What kind of roadblocks did you experience?

“And, every one of them had something they could mention. None of these trailblazers had it easy.

“On the other hand, when I asked, ‘Who helped you along the way?’ Everyone had a cheerleader and some mentors.”

When she asked what sort of advice they would offer future politicians, a common refrain was: “Make sure this is something you and your family want to do. It is very, very demanding and draining to go into public office.”

In her work, MacManus said she tries to encourage students to consider becoming public servants.

But, she said there have been times over the years that she has worried that fewer people would be willing to run for office.

She routinely asks students if they have political ambitions.

“For a long time, I didn’t see but one or two hands out of 50,” she said. Recently, though, she’s been encouraged: “Now, I see 10 or 12.”

Of those who are interested, she said, “I think they think they can be change agents.”

MacManus also has noticed in the data that the number of people with No Party Affiliation is increasing.

She attributes that to a rise in the number of younger people who are alienated by the traditional two-party system.

“It’ll be interesting to see what they do with politics,” MacManus said. “It is a party-dominated political system, and it’s going to be hard to break that.”

To order a copy of the book, call (800) 226-3822 or email .

Published August 30, 2017

Wiregrass Ranch High loses top rusher

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One of Pasco County’s top running backs is taking his talents south — to Hillsborough County.

Senior 1,000-yard rusher Da Da McGee has transferred from Wiregrass Ranch High School to Hillsborough High School, just weeks before the start of the 2017 prep football season.

Senior running back Da Da McGee, pictured far left, has transferred from Wiregrass Ranch High to Hillsborough High. McGee was one of the top rushers in Pasco County last season, totaling 1,063 yards and 11 touchdowns on 180 carries. He is the latest high-profile transfer from Wiregrass Ranch, joining cornerback Shamaur McDowell and athlete Raymond Woodie III, who left the program in June. (Courtesy of Tom Ketchum, PascoCountyfb.com)

McGee was one of seven tailbacks in Pasco County to eclipse the 1,000-yard mark last season, rushing for 1,063 yards and 11 touchdowns on 180 carries.

And, he was one of just three tailbacks in east Pasco to accomplish the feat, joining Wesley Chapel’s Dexter Leverett (1,249 rush yards, 10 touchdowns) and Bishop McLaughlin’s Luis Valentin (1,072 rush yards, 11 touchdowns).

The 5-foot-9, 180-pound McGee also led Wiregrass Ranch in rushing his sophomore year (333 yards, three touchdowns), despite missing five games with a shoulder injury.

Losing McGee, a 2016 SAC (Sunshine Athletic Conference) East All-Conference First-Team Selection, marks a significant and the latest — blow to the Wiregrass Ranch football squad.

In June, the Bulls saw two other top players — cornerback Shamaur McDowell and athlete Raymond Woodie III— exit the program.

McDowell — a three-star prospect and University of Minnesota commit — transferred to IMG Academy in Bradenton, while Woodie III — a four-star prospect boasting over 20 scholarship offers — moved to Eugene, Oregon, with his family.

Yet, Wiregrass Ranch — coming off its best season in school history (7-3, District 7A-8 runner-up) — still remains a solid team, under third-year coach Mark Kantor.

The Bulls return senior cornerback Jordan Miner, a Penn State University commit and four-star prospect regarded as one of the premier players in the Tampa Bay area.

At Hillsborough, McGee will play for Earl Garcia, the winningest active coach in Hillsborough County with 236 victories. Garcia has produced more than 200 scholarship student-athletes. He’s also coached 15 players who went on to make NFL active rosters. (Courtesy of Hillsborough High School)

The Bulls also appear to have a promising starting quarterback in junior Grant Sessums.

With McGee’s departure, senior fullback Chase Oliver (443 yards, 7 touchdowns in 2016) figures to garner additional carries, as a between-the-tackles power runner.

McGee, meanwhile, joins a Hillsborough High program steeped in tradition since head coach Earl Garcia took over in 1993.

Garcia, the winningest active coach in Hillsborough County with 236 victories, has produced more than 200 scholarship student-athletes. He’s also coached 15 players who went on to make NFL active rosters.

Hillsborough High went 8-2 last season, but lost several key playmakers, including defensive end Zachary Carter (University of Florida signee) and running back Duran Bell Jr. (University of South Florida signee).

Besides Bell Jr., Hillsborough High graduated its other top two rushers in Drequan McCullough (494 rush yards, four touchdowns) and Russell Booth (192 rush yards, four touchdowns), giving McGee the inside track to become the team’s starting tailback.

–Stats compiled by MaxPreps.com–

2017 Kickoff Classic schedule
Schedules for the 2017 Statewide Kickoff Classic preseason football games have been released. All kickoff classics are scheduled for 7 p.m. Here’s a list of games involving Pasco County teams in the The Laker/Lutz News coverage area:

Aug. 17
Land O’ Lakes High School at Wesley Chapel High School

Aug. 18
Bishop McLaughlin Catholic High School at Superior Collegiate High School
Cypress Creek Middle High at Fivay High School
Mitchell High School at Zephyrhills High School
Ridgewood High School at Pasco High School
Wiregrass Ranch High School at Clearwater Central Catholic High School
Gulf High School at Zephyrhills Christian Academy
Lakewood High School at Sunlake High School

Published August 16, 2017

2017 graduates given second chance with new program

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Graduating from high school typically is a special day for members of the graduating class, and their families.

But, there’s a group in Wesley Chapel High’s Class of 2017 for whom graduation on May 26 at the University of South Florida Sun Dome was particularly meaningful.

Mauricio Lorenzo worked right up to the last day before graduating with Wesley High School’s Class of 2017. He took advantage of a second-chance program that allowed him to make up for lost time.
(Courtesy of Wesley Chapel High School)

That’s because these students — among the approximately 380 graduates from the school —were offered a second chance, and they took it.

Eighteen-year-old Mauricio Lorenzo, who lives in Lexington Oaks, is one of those graduates.

“Since February, I’ve been in the program, trying to recover as many credits as I possibly can,” said Lorenzo, who had to take several courses including English, math, biology and World History, to graduate on time.

He finished his work around noon; graduation was set for 8 p.m.

“I’ve been here like 10, 11 hours a day for the past week or two,” Lorenzo said during an interview on May 23. He planned to keep at it right up to the last day, to try to graduate with his peers.

Lorenzo was one of 20 students enrolled in the Support our Students program, new to Wesley Chapel High, this year.

Students from the high school that are good candidates for the program normally are sent to James Irvin Education Center, in Dade City, explained Danielle Johnson, principal at Wesley Chapel High.

However, James Irvin didn’t have enough seats to accommodate all of the Wesley Chapel students who could benefit from the program, the principal said.

So, she allocated a room with 20 computers and a teacher to establish the program at her school.

The idea is to give students a chance to make up the work they need, or raise their grade point average, so they can meet graduation requirements.

In some cases, the students are recovering credits for classes they failed. In other cases, they’re starting a course from scratch.

The program uses online instruction, with a teacher accessing the courses that students need.

Johnson, who has been an assistant principal at the school for several years became principal this year when Carin Hetzler-Nettles moved to Cypress Creek Middle High, set to open in the fall.

Johnson said she knew she had made the right decision when students began coming up to thank her for the second chance.

Lorenzo is one of those grateful students.

“I’m kicking myself now, but I’m very appreciative and very glad that I get the chance to do this — and make up for the mistakes I’ve made in the past.

“The normal school system, I didn’t really connect with it,” Lorenzo said.

“At one point, I had felt like I had given up on the school system. I felt like they had given up on me,” he said.

Lorenzo said his attitude changed, when he was given the opportunity to join the program.

“It made me realize: These people are giving me a second chance,” Lorenzo said.

The program is demanding.

“There are certain things you need to know beforehand,” Lorenzo said.

“They will take electronics away from you.

“You are taken out of the normal population of the school. You won’t eat lunch with the same people. You are going to be basically isolated, and set apart from everybody else, to ensure that you’re working hard,” he added.

But, the potential payoff is worth it, said Lorenzo, who aspires to go into music, and plans to pursue a real estate license, too.

Now that he’s made up for lost time, Lorenzo offers this advice for other students: “Focus on completing things the right way the first time. “

After all, he observed: “No matter where you go, no matter what you’re doing, you’re going to have to put the work in, if you want to get anywhere or do anything — here, or just anywhere.”

Johnson plans to keep the program going next year.

“Every kid has a different path,” she said. “That’s what we should remember. Some kids, it takes a little longer to master the concepts. Some students, it takes a little bit longer to mature.

“This is a great way for us to say, ‘We’re not giving up on you. You can still make it. And, here’s how we’re going to give you a chance to make it’,” the principal said.

Published May 31, 2017