The Laker-East Pasco-March 3, 2021 by LakerLutzNews

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MARCH 3, 2021

Zephyrhills discussing 911 dispatch

By Kevin Weiss kweiss@lakerlutznews.com

The City of Zephyrhills has proudly operated its own police and dispatch for over a century, dating back to 1914 to be exact. Some of this autonomy could be altered in coming years, however. With technology advancements and rampant growth on the East Pasco town’s doorstep, local leaders are evaluating the existing operating model for public safety.

The Zephyrhills Police Department (ZPD) and other city officials are considering various ways to upgrade and improve its 911 dispatch communications and records management technology. At least one possibility includes consolidating and integrating those services with Pasco County, in an effort to improve efficiency and public safety, among other reasons. The Zephyrhills City Council conducted a 90-minute workshop presentation on the

issue last month. Council members reached a consensus that it’s time to proceed with a feasibility study to account for cost factors, planning and transition of a 911 systems merger. Some possible routes for such study are via the Police Executive Research Forum, through an academic institution such as the University of South Florida, or with the help of a consulting firm. See 911, page 11A

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Adventure seekers succeed at the fair The COVID-19 pandemic continues — but the 74th annual Pasco County Fair found a way to work around it — offering rides, midway games, food, fun and entertainment. There were also plenty of social distancing signs and hand sanitizer stations, and masks were required inside of the buildings. Above, 8-year-old Vashaun Smith, center, tosses rings at the ‘Ring-a-Bottle’ game, while family members cheer for him. The Dade City family was spending the day at the Pasco County Fair on Feb. 20. From left in back: Za’keyia Obanner, 16; Breshae Obanner, 15; and Anthony Lane, 13. From left in front: Ashley Washington, 8; Vashaun Smith, 8; Jeremiah Harris, 9; Rashawn Washington, 6; and Jawaun Washington, 9. For more fair coverage, see 1B.

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The LAKER WESLEY CHAPEL/NEW TAMPA EDITION

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FEBRUARY 3, 2016

The LAKER

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Auto Accident? Slip and Fall?

By Kathy Steele

FREE CONSULTATION

The site is located at the corner of of heading toward a construction start Magnolia Boulevard and Wesley Chapel Amici Plaza in spring with an opening likely Boulevard, which is also known as County ksteele@lakerlutznews.com by the end of 2016. Road 54. Pasco County records show a conceptual Pasco County is moving forward with acOwners of Amici Pizza & Deli are planthe plan with about 3,000 square feet for Road ning to build a new stand-alone restaurant, for quisition of right-of-way along County restaurant, and about 1,800 square feet 54 to prepare for the expansion of the twowith additional retail space, on Wesley retail. the lane road into a four-lane road at Chapel Boulevard. “We’d like to have our own building and 54 junction of State Road 56 and State Road The new restaurant is a short distance a bigger kitchen,” said Andrea Mannino. from the existing Amici restaurant in Grand No decisions have been made on the adSee PIZZA, page 13A Oaks Square, at Wesley Chapel and Pet Lane. ditional retail space, he said. Andrea and Josephine Mannino, are

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FLORIDA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL

EDITION

JANUARY 27, 2016

Pasco administrator to retire in

By Kathy Steele

ksteele@lakerlutznews.com

Pasco County Administrator Michele Baker expects to be very busy over the next year and a half. She’ll be crossing off a to-do list, one by one, before leaving in 2017 to go on a lengthy road trip with her husband. The couple will hit the road with their recreational vehicle and their motorcycles, on a tour of as many baseball parks and national parks as they can squeeze into a year. “That’s been our dream,” Baker said, so letting her contract lapse in July 2017 makes sense. But, don’t expect a lame duck administrator. “There’s no kicking back here,” Baker said.“This isn’t me slowing down. ” Baker has told Pasco County commissioners she won’t seek renewal of her current two-year contract, which makes her

2017

last day July 9, 2017. the jail and construction of new fire stations By then, Baker will • Relocating have worked 35 years central Pasco more government offices to in public service, 24 Baker also plans to fill vacancies for a of those years with few key leadership positions that remain, Pasco County. cluding an assistant county administrator infor Her to-do list, in public safety and administration. short form, includes: Progress has been made, Baker said, but • Completing mas- government services still could be more ter plans and updates customer-friendly. for storm water, solid A culture that was decades in the waste and tourism making is being changed, she said.“You don’t • Funding and building a diverging get to dia- turn a canoe.You’re turning mond road design to ease traffic congestion a ship.” Public service wasn’t Baker’s first at State Road 56 and Interstate 75 career choice. • Completing the State Road 56 extenOver the years she worked sion as a waitress, • Nurturing SunWest Park, the county’s flight attendant and a theater manager. She also served in the U.S.Air Force Reserve. fledgling aqua park Her undergraduate degree was in • Replacing and repairing aging busiinfra- ness administration. structure and roads damaged by the It wasn’t until she accepted a secretarial summer flooding • Making progress on the expansion of See RETIRE, page 11A Michele Baker

Kumquats reign supreme at area festival By Kathy Steele ksteele@lakerlutznews.com

Saturday, January 30, 2016 9 AM - 5 PM Historic Downtown Dade City

FREE ADMISSION KATHY STEELE/STAFF PHOTOS

WESLEY CHAPEL/NEW TAMPA

Amici Pizza plans stand-alone location

Mark Pizzurro, Joe Traina and Peter Abreut

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I th

The first kumquat tree in St. Joseph took root more than 100 years ago, when C.J. Nathe planted it in his backyard. He added a few more, and soon he had small grove on an acre of fertile ground. a The kumquat king, as Nathe was later dubbed, transformed a quiet back road community into the Kumquat Capital of the World. An open house will take place on Jan. and Jan. 29 at the Kumquat Growers 28 packi h d

Margie Neuhofer and her h

KATHY STEELE/STAFF PHOTO

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Fourteen-year-old Cody Adams Jr., of Dade City, flashes the peace sign, as he rides the swing ride ‘Vertigo’ with his 10-year-old brother, Justin Young. Adams said that he likes the hand symbol, and does it all the time. Their mother, Jessica Young, waited on the ground while her sons rode the popular thrill ride, which rises nearly 90 feet in the air, and spins riders seated in swings.

Thirteen-year-old Colby Stewart, left, finds hilarity while seated on the thrill ride ‘Axis’ next to a giant plush panda, and his friend, 13-year-old Salena Briggs. The teens are sixth-graders at Raymond B. Stewart Middle School in Zephyrhills.

Helping people get from place to place, safely By B.C. Manion bcmanion@lakerlutznews.com

As Pasco County and the municipalities within the county’s borders continue to grow, Pasco County Commissioner Kathryn Starkey thinks the Pasco Metropolitan Planning Organization should have a greater voice in planning future roads to ensure safety, while promoting connectivity. The issue came up repeatedly during the Pasco MPO’s Feb. 11 meeting. “I’m wondering if it’s the role of the MPO to give some policy direction when we work on our road network,” Starkey asked her colleagues. She’d like the MPO board to be able to weigh in before road projects are done — to keep safety in mind for pedestrians, cyclists and golf cart users. Otherwise, she said, the county and local jurisdictions could end up with scenarios they don’t want and have to spend more money later to make changes. The issue of paying more attention to connectivity came up during discussion of an item to amend the transportation improvement plan to include two wildlife culverts under State Road 52.

The culverts will connect the Connor Preserve on the southern side of State Road 52 to the northern side of State Road 52, in the area of Parker Lake. Once those culverts are added, right of way acquisition will begin this year, according to the agenda item. Starkey asked if there’s a way to look at these planned wildlife crossings to make them large enough to allow cyclists and pedestrians to pass through them. She suggested making the crossings 8 feet deep, to make room for people to go back and forth. Doing that would be much cheaper than putting an overpass over State Road 52, added Starkey, an avid proponent for using trails to create connectivity within and between communities. She noted that the extension of State Road 56, between Meadow Pointe Boulevard and U.S. 301, would have benefited from forward-thinking regarding pedestrians and cyclists. “Now, we’re going to have a problem, of how to get people safely from the south side of Two Rivers to the north side of Two Rivers,” Starkey said.“If we had just gone up a little in elevation, it would have been a lot

cheaper than whatever the solution is going to be.” Commissioner Jack Mariano agreed with Starkey’s observation. He told her: “You brought up a great point way back at State Road 52 and (Interstate) 75, about doing something for cyclists to be able to go under that bridge, as well, that did get accomplished. It delayed the project a little bit, but I think it was well worth it.” Starkey said:“I think it was a $1 million redo.“That is much cheaper than a $10 million, $12 million flyover for cyclists — or whatever other solution there could have been.” Mariano said he would like the state roads department to take another look at the wildlife crossings proposed for the State Road 52 project. “Instead of being tight underneath, maybe it should be a big box culvert that will actually allow a couple of bicyclists width-wise to go through. I think it’s something we should explore. It’s a lot cheaper to do it now, than it would be later,” Mariano said. Justin Hall, with the Florida Department See SAFELY, page 11A

SWFMD executive director wins geology alumni award By B.C. Manion bcmanion@lakerlutznews.com

When Brian Armstrong received the 2020 Geology Alumni Society Award from the University of South Florida — he was both surprised, and humbled by the honor. Armstrong, who is executive director for the Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFMD), knew that he was going to play a role at the Jan. 30 awards banquet, but didn’t know whether it would be to bestow, or receive, an award, he said. Upon learning that he was the recipient, Armstrong said he felt humbled because he realizes the caliber of the previous winners of this award. Plus,Armstrong noted, it felt a bit odd to receive an individual award. “I almost feel a little bit guilty, in that, I know all of the people who have helped me along the way,”Armstrong said. In his role at the helm of SWFMD, Armstrong leads a team of 574 full-time equivalent employees, plus some student interns. The district includes all or parts of 16 counties, including Pasco and Hillsborough counties within The Laker/Lutz News coverage area. Its four areas of responsibility are

COURTESY OF BRIAN ARMSTRONG

When he’s not working, Brian Armstrong, of San Antonio, enjoys the great outdoors. Here, he shows off a success in fishing.

water supply, flood protection, natural systems and water quality. The district manages those areas of responsibility in various ways, including its regulatory and cooperative funding programs,Armstrong said. In the cooperative funding program, the

district and its cooperators build projects together — pooling resources to create alternative water supply projects or complete restoration projects, for example, he said. The district also collects a tremendous amount of data, Armstrong said,“so we can keep an eye on the resources, in the areas of water quality, water levels, rainfalls.” The SWFMD executive has great respect for the work his team does to carry out the district’s mission. “We have a brilliant group of scientists who are able to take that data, interpret it for us and help us make recommendations for the board,”Armstrong said. The district’s greatest challenge — as it has been for the past 20 years — is water supply, he said. “We’re trying to develop alternative supplies,” he said, such as surface water, desalination plants and reservoirs. “Matter of fact, you know, we’ve had tremendous population growth over the past two decades, but our actual groundwater use has gone down and the actual use per person has gone down. That is something we’re really, really proud of at our district,”Armstrong said. The use of reclaimed water also has in-

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creased, and he expects that resource to play a greater role in the future. On a personal level, Armstrong said he gets enormous satisfaction from doing work that is so closely related to his interests. “I am an avid outdoorsman. I love nature. And, when I was able to connect science to my passion, that was it for me. I found something that I could do, and also help protect the resources that I love in Florida,” he said. Initially, his goal was to be an engineer, like his father. But he decided to pursue geology, instead, after finding out more about it from his brother-in-law,Tony, a geologist. Armstrong is delighted to be able to combine his love for mathematics, science and nature in his work. He and his wife, Pam, have two sons — 12-year-old Noah, who attends Centennial Middle School, and 14-year-old Dillon, who attends Pasco High School. Pam teaches first grade at Watergrass Elementary. The family lives in San Antonio now, but will be making a move to an area off U.S. 98, between Dade City and Zephyrhills, Armstrong said. “Everywhere I move just starts to explode (with growth), so I just keep moving.”

Fire Station 38, in Wesley Chapel, now has a ladder truck. Its arrival was celebrated with a “push-in” ceremony — a tradition among firefighters that symbolizes the days before motorized fire trucks, when hand-drawn carts or horsedrawn wagons were used to carry the water to fight a fire, and then the apparatus was pushed back into its place. In this case, a firefighter was in the truck — and the truck was put into reverse — to make it easier to push and to make sure everything went smoothly. Pasco County Commission Chairman Ron Oakley, who participated in the event, briefed commissioners on the ceremony during the board’s Feb. 9 meeting. Ladder 38, a 100-foot E-One HR100 ladder

truck, can pump 1,500 gallons of water per minute and can carry 500 gallons of water on board, according to Corey Dierdorff, a public information officer for Pasco Fire Rescue. The truck was designed to set up in small spaces — allowing the fire department to perform fire ground operations and rescues in areas where aerial trucks won’t fit. The truck, which cost $1 million, was purchased as part of the department’s strategic plan. In addition to telling his colleagues about the new ladder truck, Oakley told them about a practice that firefighters have adopted during this time of COVID-19. When the firefighters respond to a fire, another truck goes out that is stocked with spare uniforms, Oakley said.The firefighters change into the clean uniforms before leaving the scene.

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COURTESY OF THE FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

This aerial view shows the intersection of U.S. 41 and State Road 54. During morning and afternoon rush hours, there are significant backups at the busy intersection in Land O’ Lakes.

Solution to Land O’ Lakes traffic jams still years away, if then The public will have a chance later this year, to weigh in on alternatives being considered for improving traffic flow at U.S. 41 and State Road 54. By B.C. Manion bcmanion@lakerlutznews.com

Complaints have persisted for years about traffic congestion at the intersection of U.S. 41 and State Road 54 in Land O’ Lakes. There also have been on-again, off-again public discussions over the best solution for reducing traffic at the place where two of Pasco’s busiest roads meet. State Road 54 runs east-west, and had an average daily traffic count of 63,000 in 2019, according to figures supplied by the Florida Department of Transportation. U.S. 41 runs north-south, and had average daily traffic counts of 69,000 in 2019, according to state road officials. On top of that, there’s new growth underway and future growth coming in Land O’ Lakes. Plus, State Road 54 is an evacuation route when hurricanes threaten. But, complaints about traffic congestion are likely to persist for some time, because even in a best-case scenario, any option for improvements is likely to be at least 10 years away from funding. That’s according to a Feb. 11 presentation to the Pasco Metropolitan Planning Organization’s board by Craig Fox, a project manager for FDOT. While a solution may be a long way off, the issue is expected to get public attention this year, as consideration is given to four alternatives being studied by state road officials. Fox outlined those four options: • Alternative 1:Two lanes of State Road 54, in each direction, are elevated over U.S. 41.Two frontage lanes run parallel to State Road 54, east-west. Additional lanes allow left and right turns to U.S. 41. • Alternative 2: An at-grade intersection without elevated lanes. Left-turns occur prior to the main intersection, using a

frontage road along the cross streets. • Alternative 3:Two lanes of State Road 54 are elevated in each direction over U.S. 41. Left-turning traffic crosses over the opposing through traffic, several hundred feet before the major intersection. • Alternative 4: No Build While there’s no funding for construction until 2031, work continues to study the alternatives, Fox told the MPO board. “We are currently working on concepts for all three build alternatives,” he said. In evaluating the alternatives, Fox said, “we’re looking at the improvements based on traffic operations, safety costs, impacts, right of way impacts, also. “From that we’re going to select a build alternative to carry into the PD&E (Project Design & Environmental Study) phase, and eventually the design phase,” he said. He expects a public meeting on the alternatives to occur later this year, he said. Once the alternative is chosen, the PD&E would be conducted in 2021 to 2022. That would be followed by design, which would occur from 2022 to 2024. And, after that, right of way acquisition would occur from 2025 to 2026. Construction, however, would not start until 2031, Fox said. “It actually got pushed out to 2031-2032, and that was kind of also due to the impacts of COVID-19 on the statewide budget.” At the Pasco MPO board meeting, Pasco County Commissioner Jack Mariano told Fox:“I like that you’re doing all of the alternatives.The one that intrigues me the most is the flyover, going east-west, because I think that’s going to be critical. It’s as much a safety factor, with the rail line that goes north-south, and especially if the rail line is ever going to run up and down.That would be safer, as well as more efficient, for that rail line, as well.” Fox said the FDOT is currently updating right of way costs affiliated with the three alternatives. He said it will be up to the Pasco County MPO to determine when the Vision 54/56 Task Force will reconvene. The public will be able to comment on the alternatives at the Alternative Public Meeting, which is expected in Summer of 2021.They also will be able to comment online and via mail, he said.

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This map shows the Florida Department of Transportation’s study of the alternatives being considered for improvements to the State Road 54 and U.S. 41 intersection in Land O’ Lakes.

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March 3, 2021

What’s Happening

Your Community Calendar • Submit 2 weeks in advance to: news@lakerlutznews.com • All listings free of charge

CHURCH FISH DINNERS Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 32145 Saint Joe Road in Dade City, will offer these Lenten meals for takeout or dine-in. • March 5: Fried fish, baked beans, hush puppies, coleslaw, cheese grits or macaroni & cheese, and a beverage • March 19: Fried fish, French fries, coleslaw and a beverage The cost is $10 for adults and $5 for children.Whole kumquat pies also will be available for purchase, for $20.

FISH FRY FRIDAYS Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Church, 2348 Collier Parkway in Land O’ Lakes, will offer its annual Lenten Fish Fry Fridays.This year, dinners are prepaid, take-out only, from 3:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., due to COVID-19 restrictions. Each dinner includes two pieces of fish and up to three sides.The cost is $10 per meal. Preorder by the weekend before each Friday to guarantee your dinner. Upcoming dates are March 5, March 12, March 19 and March 26.To preorder a meal, visit KnightsLOL.org/takeout.

APPLE PIE BOMBS The Pasco County Library Cooperative will offer “Foodie Feast:Apple Pie Bombs” on March 5. Participants can learn how to make tasty, apple pie bombs.Watch the prerecorded video between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m., online at Facebook.com/hughembrylibrary or Facebook.com/newriverlibrary. For information, call 352-567-3576, or email Danielle Lee at daniellel@pascolibraries.org.

must be picked up between March 9 at 10 a.m., and March 13 at 5 p.m. For information, call 813-929-1214. The Pasco County Library Cooperative will host a virtual poetry discussion group on “Female Power!” on March 9 at 6:30 p.m., for ages 16 and older, via Zoom. Participants can share a favorite poem or take part in discussions on poems about women or written by women poets.Themed poems will be sent out to help with the session. Registration is required. For information, email amarisp@pascolibraries.org.

Tree problems

The UF/IFAS Pasco Extension will present a discussion entitled, “Learn on the Lawn: Avoiding Common Tree Problems,” on March 12 at 6 p.m., which will include an Ask the Arborist session. Participants should bring a lawn chair or blanket and face coverings/masks, and dress appropriately for weather conditions (sunscreen, insect repellant, etc.) Social distancing will be enforced. For information and to register, visit Eventbrite.com.

Garden Club

GRILLED CHEESE

The Dade City Garden Club will host a general membership meeting, via Zoom, on March 15 at 9:30 a.m. The program will feature a local Florida Sweeties peach grower, Cristi Johnson. Johnson will share her experiences of cultivating this new crop and will provide advice for growing the fruit. There also will be a Q&A session. Registration for non-members is by email at dcgc0352@gmail.com, by 5 p.m., on March 14. For information, visit DadeCityGardenClub.com.

The Pasco County Library Cooperative will present a video on how to make green grilled cheese on March 9 at 4:30 p.m., for grades four to seven.To view the video, visit the Library Cooperative on Facebook or Instagram.

Rose society

FANDOM TRIVIA

The Tampa Rose Society will meet on March 16 at 7 p.m., at the Seminole Garden Center, 5800 Central Ave., in Tampa. Allen Whitcomb and Karen Prevatt will present a visual tour, “Rose Gardens of Germany,” that will include the rose garden in Sangerhausen, the International Test Garden, and the garden in BadeBaden. Participants should wear a mask and social distance. There also will be a raffle. For information, call 813-933-6166.

The Pasco County Library Cooperative will present Fandom Trivia: High School Musical on March 10 at 4 p.m., for grades eight to 12. Participants can test their knowledge of the High School Musical movies. Registration is required. For information, contact Amaris Papadopoulos at 727-8613020 or amarisp@pascolibraries.org.

Plant society

The Nature Coast Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society will host a native plant sale on March 27 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Land O’ Lakes Heritage Park, 5401 Land O’ Lakes Blvd. There will be a large selection of quality nursery-grown plants, a plant profile for each purchase, society members on hand to answer questions, and carts available for plant transportation. Guests must wear a mask and follow social-distancing rules. Hand sanitizers will be available. For information, visit PascoNativePlants.org or FNPS.org

THEATER REOPENS

The Grand Concourse Railroad, 11919 Alric Pottberg Road in Shady Hills, will offer a Pancake Breakfast and Unlimited Train Rides event on March 6 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.The cost is $6 for adults and $4 for kids. For information, visit Grand Concourse Railroad on Facebook.

TECHNOLOGY TUESDAY

REPUBLICAN CLUB

The Land O’ Lakes Library, 2818 Collier Parkway, will offer a Technology Tuesday: Robots & Machines on March 9, through a curbside pickup activity.The kit will help kids learn more about technology, from robots to coding, through online and handson activities.The pickup is limited to 35 participants and must be reserved ahead of time.A book bundle can be included. Kits

The Pasco County Library Cooperative will present a video on how to grow a tomato garden. Those interested can view the video at Facebook.com/hughembrylibrary or Facebook.com/newriverlibrary, all day, on March 8. For information, call 352-567-3576, or email he@pascolibraries.org.

POETRY DISCUSSION

Tampa Theatre, 711 N. Franklin St., in downtown Tampa, will reopen on March 11 with a screening of the new Anthony Hopkins drama,“The Father,” at 7:30 p.m. Movie tickets must be purchased online, instead of at the box office.Temperature checks and masks will be required for entry.There also will be a 200-patron seating capacity per screening. Movie-goers will be required to use the Noble Concessions App to order snacks from their seats. For information and additional showtimes, visit TampaTheatre.org.

PANCAKES AND TRAINS

Tomato garden

The Wesley Chapel Republican Club will meet on March 11 at 6:30 p.m., at Myrtle Lake Baptist Church, 2017 Reigler Road in Land O’ Lakes.The guest speaker will be political and policy strategist Amanda Makki.Attendance is free.To RSVP, call 813469-0227. More WHAT’S, page 5A

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The Pasco Unit of the League of Women Voters of Hillsborough County will sponsor a panel discussion on “Economic Security in Pasco County During the COVID Outbreak” on March 11 at 7 p.m. Panelists will include Brian Hoben, community services director, Pasco County Public Services; Marcy Esbjerg, director of community development, Pasco County Public Services; Don Anderson, CEO, Pasco Homeless Coalition; and, Mike Bishop, director, Stakeholder Engagement, Pasco Economic Development Council. For information on how to register, email pasco@hclwv.org.

ST. PATTY’S CRAFT

The Land O’ Lakes Library, 2818 Collier Parkway, will offer a St. Patty’s Day curbside-pickup only kids craft on March 13 at 10 a.m., until supplies run out. For information, call 813-929-1214.

EXHIBITORS NEEDED

Demene Benjamin and UrEsteem will host “UrSelf:A Dabble in Self-Care” on March 13 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Land O’ Lakes Heritage Park, 5401 Land O’ Lakes Blvd. Exhibitors can be anyone who has a product or service to promote physical, mental and social health, including physical and massage therapists; counselors; churches; nail techs/hairstylists; yoga/pilates/exercise; or natural products. For information, call 813-334-6006, or email b4uresteem@gmail.com.

‘GREASE’ EVENT

T-Mobile will sponsor “Grease is the Word” on March 13 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., at Land O’ Lakes Heritage Park, 5401 Land O’ Lakes Blvd.There will be a sing-along contest pitting Pasco County Fire Rescue against the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office, a free movie “under the stars,” and a classic car show with prizes.There also will be food trucks and games.Admission is free.

VIRTUAL OPENING ACT

The 10th annual Paulie Palooza music festival, a benefit for Gulfside Hospice, will take place in two parts.The Virtual Opening Act is scheduled for March 13 at 3 p.m., and the Live Headliner Event is scheduled for Oct. 16. Guests can stream the opening act by visiting Facebook.com/GulfsideHealthcareServices. More information is online at PauliePalooza.org, or by contacting Leesa Fryer, fundraising and event planning specialist, at 727-845-5707 or leesa.fryer@gulfside.org.

REPUBLICAN CLUB

The East Pasco Republican Club will meet on March 16 at 6 p.m., at the Golden Corral, 6855 Gall Blvd., in Zephyrhills, in the Tuttle Room.The guest speaker will be Jodi Wilkeson, Zephyrhills city councilwoman.

‘ALADDIN JR.’

Live Oak Theatre is now selling tickets for its Acorn Theatre production of “Aladdin jr.” Performances will be March 18 through March 28, at the Carol and Frank Morsani Center for the Arts, 21030 Cortez Blvd., in Brooksville. Seats are $15 for adults and $8 for children ages 13 and younger, when accompanied by an adult. For show times and tickets, visit LiveOakTheatre.square.site, email liveoakboxoffice@gmail.com, or call 352-593-0027.

MUSIC FESTIVAL

The SunWest Music Festival is scheduled for March 20 from noon to 7 p.m., at SunWest Park, 17632 Old Dixie Highway in Hudson. There will be live music, food trucks, beach games and more. Guests can bring their own chairs and seating, and should social distance.There will be hand sanitizer stations available, but guests also should bring their own. No coolers or pets. Admission is $10 for early bird tickets online or $15 at the door. Kids are free. For information, visit SunWest Park on Facebook.

DOGS’ DAY

The annual Dogs’ Day in Dade City is scheduled for March 20 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Agnes Lamb Park, across from The Edwinola on Meridian Avenue).The event will include: • Dog Wagon Parade, 10 a.m. • Dog Costume Contest, 11 a.m. • K-9 Challenge, noon • Canine Got Talent?, 12:30 p.m. • Ice Cream/Yogurt-Eating Contest, 1:30 p.m. • Vendors (Booth fee is $20, or $10 for nonprofits) All dogs must be on a leash. For information, call 352-424-4972, or visit DogsDayInDadeCity.com.

JELLY BEAN FLING

The Pioneer Florida Museum & Village, 15602 Pioneer Museum Road in Dade City, will host the Jelly Bean Fling on March 20 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.The event will include Sphere’s Bubble Magic Show, Jasper the Easter Bunny, egg hunts, kids’ entertainment, games, food and vendors. More details coming soon.

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The Pasco-Hernando State College Rao Musunuru M.D.Art Gallery, 10230 Ridge Road in New Port Richey, will display “Eye of the Quilter,” presented by the West Pasco Quilters’ Guild, through March 20.Art exhibits are free and open to the public. Social distancing and masks are required. Attendance is limited to individuals and small groups.The school will be closed for spring break from March 1 to March 5. For information, call 727-816-3407, or visit PHSC.edu.

CUSTODIAL TRAINING

The University Area CDC (Community Development Corporation) will offer free custodial services training on March 23 and March 24 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., at its community center, 14013 N. 22nd St., in Tampa, for adults.The field of custodial services recently has grown due to the pandemic, and companies that never considered it before, are now hiring for these services. Registration is limited and is required by contacting Josie Rocco at 813558-5212, ext. 208, or jrocco@uacdc.org.

REMIX PERFORMANCES

The Straz Center for the Performing Arts will resume live, in-person Arts Legacy Remix performances on the Riverwalk Stage, continuing through May. • March 26:“Bridges of Rhythm” — Latin rhythms to celebrate cultures from Central and South America, Spain and Portugal • April 16:“A Journey Through Central and Eastern Europe” — A melodic journey through Germany, Poland, the Czech Republic, Switzerland, Russia and more • May 21:“Jazz, Jazz, Jazz” — Performance by The Straz High School Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra and others All concerts are from 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tickets are free but required in advance at StrazCenter.org.There is a $3.90 processing fee.

DRIVE-THRU EGG HUNT

The Rotary Club of Wesley Chapel will host a free Egg Hunt Drive-Thru on March 27 from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., at Wesley Chapel District Park, 7727 Boyette Road. Guests can sport their Easter best, decorate their vehicles, and bring baskets for the drive-thru “Eggstravaganza.”The first 300 cars will receive an “adult egg.”Vendors are still being accepted.A portion of the proceeds will go to the Underdog Fund, scholarships and the Wesley Chapel community. For information, email rotaryjodie@gmail.com.

ELKS LODGE BINGO

Bingo is back at the Elks Lodge, at 6851 Wire Road in Zephyrhills, on Thursdays, from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.There will be monetary and door prizes, and refreshments will be available. For information, call 813-782-4604.

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Local Jewish temple gifted Torah By Kevin Weiss kweiss@lakerlutznews.com

A local Jewish temple now happily can claim a Torah of its own, thanks to a generous donation from a fellow Tampa Bay area synagogue. Land O’ Lakes-based Congregation Beth Chavarim (“House of Friends”) last month was gifted with an authentic Torah, the Hebrew version of the first five books of the Bible, from Gulfport’s Congregation Beth Shalom, which recently closed after being in operation since 1958. Beth Chavarim launched in 2018 by Alan Stern and his wife, Nayda, operating the place of worship from their Land O’ Lakes home. Since then, the upstart temple had been using a Torah from the Institute of Southern Jewish Life, based in Jackson, Mississippi. Thus, to finally have its own dedicated Torah is significant for the place of worship. “You can’t believe how I excited I was when it was handed it to me,” said Stern, who holds the title of president of Beth Chavarim.“I can’t put it into words how excited I was that a congregation 3 years old has its own Torah.” The Torah that the temple received is donned with a silver breastplate, and elegant red and gold mantle, weighing between 25 pounds to 30 pounds. “It’s absolutely gorgeous,” Stern proudly said. “It’s going to be the

foundation for our growth, which makes it exciting for me.” Stern explained Torahs are handwritten by a scribe on special parchment paper, then sewn together and placed on rollers — a process which takes about a year to complete. He is unsure exactly how old the Torah is, but noted Beth Shalom officials instructed him to “take good care of it.” The handing down of a Torah from one congregation to another brings on added significance, Stern said. “What makes it special is it’s just continuing the Jewish tradition of learning, and I say that because this congregation (Beth Shalom) was founded in 1958,” he said.“It’s keeping the Jewish traditional life, you might say, from generation to generation.” When word spread of Beth Shalom closing its doors late last year due to the aging out of its senior membership, Stern inquired about obtaining one of the synagogue’s four Torahs. Beth Shalom representatives eventually obliged, after multiple discussions, consultations and visits. In addition to the Torah, the Land O’ Lakes shul received a slew of other items from the closing Beth Shalom, including a collection of Jewish High Holiday and weekday prayer books; Chumash, which provides the interpretation of the Torah;

and an eternal light sanctuary lamp, which is supposed to burn at all times next to where the Torah is stored, symbolizing God’s eternal presence. Beth Chavarim is an unaffiliated temple and welcomes people of all ages, including families with young children. Stern himself grew up in a Reform Jewish household, while his wife was raised more Conservative/Orthodox. They lived in Buffalo, New York, for more than 30 years, until moving to Florida in 2004. Unable to find a synagogue in the Tampa area that offered what they were seeking, the Sterns decided to offer services of their own. The temple has been holding online Zoom services twice a month, amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Its last in-person service and meal held prior to the virus outbreak drew about 35 people, Stern said. Meantime, there appears to be growing interest in the family friendly temple, receiving inquiries from New Yorkers and others with plans to relocate to Tampa Bay, Stern said. With a Torah in tow and a solid membership base, the next step for Beth Chavarim is securing a standalone building to hold services in or around Pasco County.“We will,” Stern said,“when we get a little bit bigger.” For information or interest in joining the congregation, email familyfriendlytemple@yahoo.com.

COURTESY OF ALAN STERN

Congregation Beth Chavarim president Alan Stern holds a Torah, which represents the Hebrew version of the first five books of the Bible. The authentic Torah was donated to the Land O’ Lakes temple from Gulfport’s Congregation Beth Shalom, which recently closed down.

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Smell something stinky in your landscape? By Whitney C. Elmore Special to The Laker/Lutz News

What is that smell? If you are talking about a terrible odor in your yard, it could be the scent of stinkhorn fungi. Late winter into early spring in Central Florida is the time during which stinkhorn fungi make an appearance. The weird fungal growths are not harmful. In fact, they are quite beneficial organisms that decompose dead plants and animals — recycling those nutrients back into the environment. While related to mushrooms, such as puffballs and earthstars, stinkhorn fungi are very unusual in appearance, often keeping their identity a mystery to those finding them simply because they don’t really look like anything else you might have seen. You may not even see them in the environment due to their odd appearance, but you’ll certainly smell them. Stinkhorn fungi are aptly named due to the putrid aroma that emanates 20 feet or more away from the actual fungus. Stinkhorn fungi are very commonly found growing in landscaping mulch and compost, which they are slowly decomposing and using as a food source. These fungi prefer the cooler months and usually emerge from below ground following a rain event. Most of the stinkhorn’s body is underground and a white, egg-like protrusion is the first indication that one is emerging.The rest of the stinkhorn’s body will emerge over a few days. Depending on the species, they might look round; be an upright, tubular protrusion; or even have a lattice-like network of filaments. The color ranges from yellow to orange, and maybe even red. Stinkhorn fungi gradually decompose over a four-day to five-day period as they complete their life cycle. Early in their development, the fungi will emit a foul odor that can persist for days. Some say the odor smells like rotting flesh, while others might say it smells like rotting eggs. Recently, a homeowner called the Pasco Extension Office concerned about the smell of methane emanating from the yard. Upon further investigation, it was determined the cause of the smell was a stinkhorn fungus. While we won’t appreciate the rotting

COURTESY OF DAVID CLODE

Stinkhorn fungi can take on different looks, and it smells horrible, but it plays a valuable role in improving soil health.

smell associated with these fungi, it is essential to their survival and spread to new areas.The smell attracts ants, flies and other insects that will carry the spores (microscopic seed-like structures) to new locations with more food sources. Luckily, stinkhorn fungi are harmless to landscape plants, trees, shrubs and so on. Stinkhorn fungi, as well as other decomposers, help to break down tiny pieces of organic matter helping to build a healthier soil profile, which then can support plants much more effectively.This benefit is really important considering Central Florida soils are very poor with little to no organic matter and low water-holding capacity. Since stinkhorn fungi are beneficial, and not harmful, there’s no need to try to control them. If you notice stinkhorns in one place, it’s possible you’ll continue to see them in the same area for several seasons. If they are troublesome due to the smell, simply place a plastic bag over the egg-like protrusion as soon as you notice them, collect the fungus, tie up the bag and throw it away. Allowing them to mature will increase the chance that they will spread, as will running over them with a mower. Looks — and smells — can be deceiving in the landscape. Do some research on land-grant university websites, or better yet, call your local Extension Office to get help identifying unusual things in your landscape. You just might discover that they are more helpful than you could ever imagine. Dr. Whitney C. Elmore is the UF/IFAS Pasco County extension director and an urban horticulture agent III.

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What’s Cookin’ It’s strawberry (shortcake) season again By Shari Bresin Special to The Laker/Lutz News

It’s that time of year when strawberries take front and center — at UPick farms, grocery stores, farmers markets and in the garden. The fruit is easy to find here, because of where we live — we’re just a short drive away from Plant City — the winter strawberry capital of the world. The popularity of strawberries in our area may have made you curious about how the berries got their name. Blueberries and blackberries have obvious names. So, where did the name strawberry come from? There are a few theories. One theory is based on the fact that on the surface it appears that pieces of straw were lodged into them. Another thought is that that name came from the role that straw plays when they are stored — to keep them from bruising, or when they are covered with straw during winter. A third explanation is that vendors would string them through the stem of straw for sale at markets. But, naysayers shoot down those theories, insisting that the word “strawberry” was in use long before strawberries were harvested and sold at markets. Indeed, strawberries are featured in literature and artwork dating back several centuries. Ancient Romans used them for medicinal purposes, and the fruit was a sym-

COURTESY OF UF/IFAS COMMUNICATIONS

Have you come across the white strawberry yet? University of Florida researchers are test-marketing a new variety that is expected to be available widely in 2022.

bol for Venus, the Goddess of Love — because of its heart shape and red color. So, here’s another potential explanation: The plant’s runners lay in various directions in strawberry fields, making the strawberries look like they are “strewn” over the ground, according to Farmer’s Almanac. So, the word strawberry resulted from the mingling of the words strewn and berry. Regardless of where it gets its name, it is a misnomer because botanically, a strawberry isn’t even technically a berry.A berry has its seeds on the inside, not on the outside. In fact, it’s considered an aggregate fruit — but doesn’t ‘berry’ just sound better? We will probably never know with complete certainty the origins of the name, but we do know that, like any fruit, strawberries provide health benefits. They provide Vitamin C, potassium, fiber,

antioxidants and folate. Their popularity has grown over the years, from per capita consumption of 3 pounds in the 1970s to 6 pounds a year now, according to University of Vermont Extension. Strawberries rank No. 5, in terms of the amount of the fruit consumed, by weight, in the United States.The top four are bananas, apples, oranges and grapes. And, while most of us think of strawberries as a red fruit there is a new variety of the fruit that’s actually white. The white strawberries that exist in nature are not as flavorful like the ones bred for consumption. University of Florida researchers have helped to develop a new variety of white strawberries. White strawberries have been popular in Japan for many years, and the seeds from Japan were used in the breeding process of the new U.S. variety. The U.S. variety of the white strawberry is being test-marketed now, and is expected to be available in U.S. markets by 2022. This new variety doesn’t have a name yet, but is likely to be named pineberry because it has a pineapple aroma, and is less acidic and sweeter than red ones. Be sure to give it a try when it becomes available. I was lucky to sample some while at a meeting at the UF Gulf Coast Research and Education Center this time last year; I’m looking forward to when it becomes readily available next year. In the meantime, we will still enjoy the red strawberries — and continue the debate the origins of its name.

Strawberry Shortcake Strawberry topping Wash and hull 1 quart of ripe berries. Slice berries and add 1/3 cup sugar. Stir. The berries will form a syrup, as you prepare the biscuits. Biscuits Ingredients • 2 cups flour • 3 teaspoon baking powder • ½ teaspoon salt • ¼ cup sugar • ½ cup shortening • 2/3 cup milk Directions Combine dry ingredients. Cut in shortening with a fork or pastry blender until the mixture resembles small peas. Add milk. Drop biscuits onto an ungreased baking sheet. Bake at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 minutes to 12 minutes. Whipped cream • ½ cup heavy cream • 1 Tablespoon confectioner’s sugar • ½ teaspoon vanilla Whip ingredients to stiff peaks To assemble shortcake Split biscuits lengthwise. Top with strawberry topping. Add whipped cream (either made from scratch or a purchased topping).

Shari Bresin is the Family & Consumer Science Agent for the University of Florida/Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Cooperative Extension Pasco County.

Save money, get back behind the wheel The Laker/Lutz News Staff Report

If you have a suspended license over unpaid court fees, costs and penalties, you may want to take advantage of Operation Green Light, a program offered by the Pasco County Clerk of Circuit Court and Comptroller’s office. The in-person, telephone and online program will run from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., March 3 through March 5, at the East Pasco and West Pasco judicial centers.The program is online only and by telephone on March 6 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The website is PascoClerk.com.The telephone numbers are

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727-847-8031 or 352-521-4542 (option 2). “This is an important moment for drivers who have seen their licenses suspended over unpaid court obligations,” Clerk & Comptroller Nikki Alvarez-Sowles, said in a news release. “So much of our modern lives depends on having reliable transportation, and for most of us, that means being able to drive. “During Operation Green Light, penalties, interest, and collections fees that have been piling up can, in many cases, be waived. For those who can’t pay their obligations in total, we offer payment plans that allow driving privileges to be restored, too,” she added. Any time leading up to and during the

event, access is available to a special Operation Green Light web page, at PascoClerk.com/856/Operation-Green-Light. Those with licenses suspended over failure to pay child support, DUI, failure to complete a driver’s course ordered by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), traffic-related felony, or deemed by FLHSMV as a habitual traffic offender may not be eligible to participate. Drivers wanting to get a grasp on the financial obligations pending against their license may check their status at Services.flhsmv.gov/DLCheck/.

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March 3, 2021

Send school news to news@lakerlutznews.com

STUDENT ACHIEVEMENTS

These local students were named to the fall Dean’s List at Florida Institute of Technology, Melbourne:Alexis Clark,Trinity; Braden Contreras, Lutz; Andrew Ekblad, New Port Richey; Jacqueline Figueredo, Lutz; Max Martino, Lutz; Tyler Vermillion, Trinity; and Zachary Watson,Trinity. Norwich University in Northfield, Vermont, recognized Molly Grace Flanagan, of Lutz, and Julliet Abel Muriel, of Spring Hill, to its fall Dean’s List.

ESSAY CONTEST

Pasco County Tax Collector Mike Fasano is accepting entries for an essay contest, open to high school students. Students of Pasco’s public/charter, private, parochial, nonpublic and home-schools are asked to answer the question,“When unexpected events occur, such as COVID-19 or a devastating storm, people are often negatively impacted. Some may lose their jobs, their homes or experience other setbacks in their lives. Keeping in mind that funds expended by government (local, state or federal) must come from somewhere, what do you think government should do to assist people to get through these challenges?” Entries will be judged by a panel of directors from the tax collector’s office, and will be reviewed on how well the student communicates his or her response to the question, as well as overall essay structure, appearance and readability. Students in public/charter schools should submit their essays to their principal. For entries from private, parochial, nonpublic or home-schools, essays should be sent directly to Greg Giordano, assistant tax collector, Pasco County Tax Collector’s Office, P.O. Box 276, Dade City, FL 33526. Entries also can be dropped off at the New Port Richey office, 4720 U.S. 19, or sent by email to ggiordano@pascotaxes.com. For information and questions, call 727847-8179. The deadline to enter is 5 p.m., March 12.

The Laker/Lutz News likes to keep our readers informed about news from our local schools, including upcoming events, photos of events, recognitions and so on. Submissions need to include who, what, where, when, contact information, identifications for individuals in a photo (unless it is a large group), and a photo credit. Please send your information two weeks prior to desired publication date, and email it to news@lakerlutznews.com. If you would like The Laker/Lutz News to consider coverage of an event, send a request to the same email.

Twins selected as scholarship finalists Twin sisters Faith Anne Quinn and Grace Helen Quinn, seniors at Bishop McLaughlin Catholic High School, have been selected as 2021 National Merit Scholarship finalists. The Quinns are the only finalists in a Diocese of St. Petersburg high school and two of 12 semifinalists in Pasco County. In addition to their studies, both Faith and Grace are active members of Bishop McLaughlin’s theater department and have played varsity basketball since freshman year. The twins join approximately 15,000 finalists across the country in the 66th annual National Merit Scholarship Program. Merit Scholar designees are selected on the basis of their

SAT SCHOOL DAY

The District School Board of Pasco County will provide the SAT School Day free of charge to all juniors on March 24, according to the Pasco County Schools Facebook page. The district will register all juniors for the test; it is not necessary for students to register on the College Board website. For more information, students should contact their respective school counselor.

ESSAY WRITING CHALLENGE

“Dear Evan Hansen” is a contemporary Broadway musical that had a breakout song entitled,“You Will Be Found.” During the past year, finding connection has been more integral to our daily lives, and has also required more creativity to maintain it. With that theme in mind, Gotham Writers Workshop is inviting students in 11th grade and 12th grade to write a college application-style essay that describes how the student has managed to ensure those around him or her were a little less alone in recent months, or, alternatively, a moment where the student has found

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comfort in connection. Entries will be judged by a panel of writers and theater professionals. The winner will receive a $10,000 college scholarship from “Dear Evan Hansen” lead producer Stacy Mindich and a free sixweek Gotham Writers class. The essay must be 650 words or less. There is no entry fee. The deadline to enter is 11:59 p.m., on April 5. For specifics and how to enter, visit WritingClasses.com/contests.

SCHOLARSHIP ELIGIBILITY BROADENS

Hillsborough County Social Services and the Community Action Board again are partnering to offer scholarships up to $5,000 to eligible students. In response to the impact of COVID-19, the program will feature expanded eligibility criteria. The Community Action Board Scholarship Program has broadened its household income eligibility from 125% to 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, and lowered the GPA requirement from 2.5 to 2.0.

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The changes to the program aim to help students who struggled academically because of the pandemic’s unprecedented impacts on schools, as well as students from households that saw a reduction in annual income. The scholarships are awarded to students to help alleviate some of the financial burden of college tuition, so students can focus on furthering their education, not paying bills. The scholarships can be used at trade schools, community colleges or four-year universities. Both first-time students and students returning to school can apply. Applications for the 2021 scholarships will be accepted through March 31. Recipients will be notified in writing prior to the start of the fall semester. Application materials and detailed instructions can be found at tinyurl.com/fyner9md. Students may submit completed applications online only. For information, call Irina White at 813272-5074.

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No plans to shutter Zephyrhills police department By Kevin Weiss kweiss@lakerlutznews.com

While Zephyrhills is considering a consolidation of its dispatch services with Pasco County’s emergency dispatch, city officials made it clear that there are no plans to shutter the city’s police department. Last year, the city merged its fire department with Pasco Fire Rescue, as the city’s fire department faced mounting costs and personnel turnover. Elected city officials want the public to know that its police department will remain intact. Council Vice President Jodi Wilkeson put it like this:“We need to reassure people that it’s not our intent to merge the police department with the county, that this is purely to improve communications between law enforcement groups.” If anything, the city should expand its own police force, which stands at 34 sworn officers, Councilman Ken Burgess said.

“I think we need more officers on the street.This (communications merger) could be a way of putting more officers on the street; I think that’s a positive,” Burgess said. Pasco Sheriff Chris Nocco doesn’t have interest in absorbing the Zephyrhills Police Department or other municipal police forces, for that matter, said the city’s Police Chief Derek Brewer. “The sheriff has publicly said he has no interest in taking over the cities, and I will tell you that is a very, very, very expensive proposition for the county to take over, that I don’t think that they’d be willing to look at,” Brewer said. City officials also said that if a dispatch merger occurs, city dispatchers would retain full-time positions within the municipality or police department, albeit in a different capacity, if for some reason they are not taken in by county dispatch through a merger. The city is budgeted for 10 dispatchers, but currently has eight on staff.

911, from page 1A “This is a big deal, so we need to know what we’re getting into,” said Zephyrhills Council President Charles Proctor. Here’s how the communications system currently works:The municipality’s central dispatch handles all landline 911 calls and other non-emergency calls within city limits. But Pasco County Emergency Communications, based in New Port Richey, answers 100% of wireless cellphone 911 calls, even those within Zephyrhills. After a briefing with the wireless caller, county dispatchers transfer the call to ZPD dispatch. Dispatchers at ZPD proceed to ask a similar line questions from the 911 caller — such as exact location, name and phone number — and determine whether to send an officer on scene. Zephyrhills Police Chief Derek Brewer acknowledged this multi-step verification and county-to-city wireless call transfer creates “some redundancy” and at times becomes “a very lengthy process,” often due to voluminous confirmation protocols required by the county. The police chief underscored the issue by mentioning that a local wireless 911 caller sometimes may be asked to confirm his or her name three times or more, even before identifying their particular emergency or situation. Said Brewer:“I can understand if you’re going through those protocols as a 911 caller and you’re going through an emergency, and then having to get transferred, they’re probably upset, that they just want an officer or EMS or whatever.” Another shortfall with the current model — there’s the chance of wireless call transfers getting dropped in transit between county and city dispatch.

MULTIPLE OPTIONS ON THE TABLE

Zephyrhills leaders previously considered dispatch consolidation in 2012. The plan wasn’t implemented due to potential costs and a view by stakeholders that a merger with the county wouldn’t be beneficial at the time. But with marked increases in cellphone usage, surging residential growth and corresponding cutting of landlines, city leaders are again considering the possibility of an operational overhaul. Since 2012, wireless transfer calls have increased from about 55% to 62%, and the figures are only expected to increase in coming years, officials say. Brewer introduced three options for city leaders to consider: • Remain status quo — continue to operate in the same manner • Hybrid consolidation — create a mixture of a centralized and localized system.The city would remain as a standalone communications center but would share a common CAD/RMS (computer-aided dispatch/record management system) with Pasco County. • Full consolidation — consolidate into a centrally located communications center for all emergency personnel and shared CAD/RMS system, to eliminate 911 calls being answered by dispatches from different agencies and the need to transfer callers A full dispatch consolidation model would mirror what’s now in place at the Dade City Police Department (DCPD), which joined Pasco’s 911 system in 2015. Under this setup, the county handles all 911 calls, prioritizing calls by importance and dispatching city or county units accordingly, on the same radio frequency. At the same time, Dade City police employees answer all non-emergency calls. When there’s a municipal landline call requiring assistance, Dade City police call-taking employees simply enter information into a shared CAD/RMS system. From there, the county dispatches the closest unit, whether it’s Dade City police, sheriff’s deputies, or both.

BENEFITS TO DISPATCH CONSOLIDATION

Brewer outlined multiple benefits associated with a communications merger — particularly the improved safety for law enforcement officers and the general public. A consolidated system between city and county may prove particularly useful when responding to critical incidents, he said. “All (city and county) officers would have the same information simultaneously and would allow for greater situational awareness,” he explained. “I think being able to

FILE

This aerial photo of the State Road 56 extension shows a pristine stretch of roadway, running from Meadow Pointe Boulevard, in Wesley Chapel, to U.S. 301, in Zephyrhills. But that road will be developed on both sides, and once it is, Pasco County Commissioner Kathryn Starkey says it will be hard for pedestrians and bicyclists to safely cross the road. She’d like future road planning efforts to be more forward-thinking when it comes to cyclists, pedestrians and people driving golf carts.

SAFELY, from page 1A COURTESY OF CITY OF ZEPHYRHILLS

The Zephyrhills Police Department (ZPD) will remain in place, even if the city merged its 911 dispatching services with Pasco County. The local law enforcement agency has 34 sworn officers.

respond in a coordinated manner would certainly provide better safety for our citizens.” The police chief shared various examples of high-profile emergency response communication failures, like the 2018 Parkland school shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, which claimed the lives of 17 students and school faculty members. In this particular case, Brewer detailed how the Broward County and Coral Springs Police Department were operating on different communications systems at the time, causing delays in the transfer of 911 calls.The calls overloaded the 911 system and overwhelmed staff. Meanwhile, officers and deputies on scene were unable to merge radio traffic, thus preventing information exchange of the shooter’s location and description.Also, the antiquated radio system became impaired at one point, further impeding communication among units. Removing redundancy and improving efficiency, along with interoperability, enhanced mapping capabilities and shared costs would be other plusses under a merger, Brewer said. Cybersecurity enhancements would likely result, too. “They (Pasco County) have layers upon layers upon layers of protection over there to protect themselves from cyberattacks,” Brewer said.“While I think we do a good job as a municipality, I don’t think we have the protections that they do.” Moreover, ZPD is also working toward seeking police accreditation, whereby “there will be expectations for certain protocols, certain technology that we’ll have to take into consideration,” Brewer said.

of Transportation, said the department will consider the request.“I can circle back with the project manager and we can take a look at that.” The issue of advance planning to improve safety and mobility also came up during discussion of two work task orders, approved by the board after discussion. In one work task, Aecom will prepare Active Transportation Plan procedures and outline a public engagement process. The consultant will “assist with the actual plan development; the recommended schedule, preparing draft templates for how the plan should be put together and also prepare the next steps. It’s essentially the strategic approach for how to put together the Active Transportation Plan, which is something the county has not had in more recent times,” said Nectarios Pittos, acting executive director for the Pasco MPO. That work task order was approved for $49,917.25. The second work task order is being handled by Tindale Oliver & Associates. “This will include available data sources, data assembly, demographics, data gap, data collection, GIS mapping, crash data analysis,

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DRAWBACKS TO DISPATCH CONSOLIDATION

Reservations regarding a consolidation model include the loss of local control and the required levels of data sharing between city and county law enforcement, particularly as it pertains to internal investigations and confidential information. “There’s a lot of different circumstances where we’d want to have control over our own information,” Brewer said. “I have a lot of pride where I work and I feel like we provide a good service to our citizens, and losing some of that control scares me a little,” he said. While response times to emergencies may be improved in some instances, the comprehensive level of service Zephyrhills residents and businesses have been accustomed could take a hit, if the county is put in charge of dispatching all units. That’s because the city’s team of dispatchers — many who’ve accrued long tenures in their role — have a heightened familiarity with community members and landmarks to quickly discern where to send units, even with limited information, officials say. Also, besides handling pressing matters, ZPD “pretty much responds to everything” including vacation house checks and neighborhood noise complaints, Brewer said. In these scenarios, county dispatchers may opt to not deploy units, given their lower priority level. Zephyrhills City Manager Billy Poe highlighted this dynamic during the workshop:“I will tell you that the sheriff’s office cannot provide the same level of service that ZPD provides the citizens of Zephyrhills. They cannot do it. The calls that we respond to, they say,‘Thank you, but we’re not coming.’ — so the level of service would just not be matched. “If somebody goes on vacation and says, ‘Hey I think I left my door unlocked.’We respond.The sheriff’s office says,‘You better call your neighbor or family member, have them go check.’ That’s just an example of the level of service that we provide.”

technical memo development, review of comprehensive plan and right of way preservation with standards,” Pittos said. “This is essentially the technical understanding of what information we have, ahead of the plan formation,” he said. That work task order was approved for $48,666.14. By having the two work task orders done at the same time, the MPO hopes to finish phase one of the project by the end of June, so it can begin plan development starting in August, Pittos said. Starkey asked if this planning would be an appropriate place to consider policies that the MPO would like to be considered during future road planning. “Certainly when they’re developing the plan, there will be recommendations and policies established in that plan. Our understanding is that this plan is going to take a lot of cue from the long-range transportation plan, so there will be a definite dove-tailing of the two documents. “So, you’ll be able to make recommendations and essentially set policy as well, in these documents. “The MPO can have its own policy and work with the various jurisdictions that are working with the MPO, to follow that policy,” Pittos said.

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March 3, 2021

11A

Community Sports Your Neighborhood Sports Source

Land O’ Lakes Little League celebrates 50th anniversary By Kevin Weiss kweiss@lakerlutznews.com

et the games begin! The start of each Little League season often elicits a heightened level of nostalgia. With spring in the air, youth of all ages and skills partake in America’s favorite pastime, testing their mettle on the mound, at the plate and in the field. Pitches are thrown. Bats are swung. Balls are caught. Games are won or lost. And along the way, life lessons, sportsmanship and lasting friendships are cultivated. For Land O’ Lakes Little League, this year’s Opening Day festivities took on an added significance:The organization celebrated its 50th anniversary on Feb. 27, at the Land O’ Lakes Recreation Complex, off Collier Parkway. The organization actually formed back in 1967 at the Land O’ Lakes Community Center (now Heritage Park) off U.S. 41, but it didn’t receive its first Little League charter until 1971. The local league has come a long way since its initial start-up — boasting upwards of 800 boys and girls, ages 4 to 16, playing baseball and softball across 10 fields. And, the league found a way kick off its semicentenary season in memorable fashion, even amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Bounce houses and face painting, and other kid-centric interactive activities were noticeably absent due to coronavirus precautions. The large ballfield took center stage in the league’s season-opening event. Teams from all age divisions were spread across the infield and outfield, signaling the league’s staying power and sustained growth. First pitches were accurately thrown from veteran baseball players, as well softball Little League players. Local players sang the national anthem and read the league pledge. There was the unveiling, too, of a framed 50th anniversary “golden ticket” issued and signed Little League International Headquarters, which is based in Williamsport, Pennsylvania. Of course, there was plenty of action. Ballgames were played from morning to night. It was a special day that was long-awaited by Little Leaguers, such as 16-year-old Damien Lampe, who caught a ceremonial first pitch from left-hander Max Folkman. Partaking in the longstanding pregame ritual is something Lampe won’t soon forget, given that it came during the celebration of the league’s 50th season. “Throughout the years I’ve been here and I’ve seen lots of people catch (the first pitch), so it’s kind of cool,” he said. Lampe — like countless others — weren’t able enjoy the full Little League experience last spring, as the season was cut drastically short due to the coronavirus pandemic. “I was itching at home just to do something baseball-related, whether it was just watching it or like playing on video games, just something,” he said. Lampe plays his fair share of travel ball and varsity ball at Land O’ Lakes High School, but the Land O’ Lakes Little League experience also holds its share of significance. He was a part of league history as a member of the 2019 all-star senior team that won a state crown and reached regionals.The team’s banner is proudly displayed along the fence line of one of the park’s concession stands. “That was a great group of kids,” Lampe recalled. “I really bonded with them and felt really close to them, and we’re all still good friends now, and it was just so much fun to travel around and play with them.” Lampe started in the organization when he was 4, playing T-ball. This will be his final

Sixteen-year-old Jaclynn Neel improvises the use of her baseball mitt as a protective mask, as she waits to throw the ceremonial first pitch for the girls’ softball teams.

While waiting for the 50th anniversary ceremony to begin, 4-year-old Lincoln Maxim, 4, gets a little tender loving care from his mother, Jodie Maxim, of Land O’ Lakes. Lincoln plays for the Atlanta Braves T-ball team.

Seven-year-old Kelvin Kinney, of Land O' Lakes, a player for the Athletics, shows good sportsmanship and gives the thumbsup signal to 7-year-old Remy Perez-Velasco, of the Nationals.

Alissa Canter, vice president of Land O' Lakes Little League, holds the 50th anniversary charter with league president Gary Gwinn. Canter is outgoing VP.

Jackie Boyett, of Land O' Lakes, holds her excited daughter, 4-year-old Jordan Boyett, as the little girl celebrates her first year in Little League.

portunity to play and developing traits that are important both on and off the field, he said. “We’re here to give these kids structure, to teach them sportsmanship, just how to be a responsible person,” Gwinn said. One of his most gratifying experiences, is guiding those kids that may not be as gifted athletically “and making them realize and believe in themselves,” he said. “I’m a true believer in Little League,” Gwinn said.

he loves and he’s out here with his dad, and it’s still a family thing,”Woods said. The parent and volunteer still looks back on memories of her son and group of friends longing to head to the Little League for practices and games:“This was just like their mall. They would just come here and hang out.” League vice president Alissa Canter also remains heavily involved, despite her two sons graduating from the league. “It’s a wonderful experience,” Canter said. “I mean, the progression of seeing them from starting at T-ball all the way up to the big senior field here, and the all-star experiences are just amazing. It’s a lot of great memories, great experiences for the kids, and it’s like your family away from home.” That’s the hope for new league parents like Jackie Boyett. Boyett played in the organization’s softball league when she was growing up. Now her 4-year-old daughter, Jordan, has joined a T-ball league. And, like many other players, the little girl had her own personal fan club at the ballpark — with her mom, grandparents, aunt and uncle to cheer her on. Some of Boyett’s best memories of Land O’ Lakes Little League revolve around opening day. And, now, there’s a new generation in her family to keep that tradition alive. “I’m happy for (Jordan) to experience it,” Boyette said.

FRED BELLET

year, before aging out of the league. “It’s a great community,” Lampe said of Land O’ Lakes Little League.“I mean, I know, I’ve been here for so long I know almost all these kids that play. It’s fun. It’s just great to come out here and have fun.” He also commended the countless volunteers and 20-plus board members who keep the league running smoothly:“They work so hard to keep this place clean and professional, and it’s really nice.”

IT’S ABOUT MORE THAN WINS AND LOSSES

The beauty of the organization is it’s a recreational format. It welcomes the novice player that may never make an all-star team or play high school ball, to others who have the potential to earn college scholarships and maybe play professionally someday. “I think every kid should play Little League,” said Land O’ Lakes Little League President Gary Gwinn, whose five children have taken part. “The atmosphere of Little League is — the kids come here, they’re out here to have fun, they make new friends — friends for life — and, there’s stuff that’s going to have happen at this Little League that’s going to last forever.” Gwinn joined the organization 18 years ago. The league is about more than wins, losses or the number of runs scored, he said. Its focus is on playing fair, having the op-

FOSTERING A FAMILY ATMOSPHERE

League secretary Monica Woods offers a similar upbeat outlook about the popular youth baseball and softball sports organization. “Every day that you’re up here, you’re going to see somebody get their first hit,” she said. “You’re going to see a boy or a girl that got a chance to pitch and they might struggle, and then something clicks and their coach will say the right thing, and they’ll start throwing strikes.” Woods’ involvement in Land O’ Lakes Little League has come full circle. Her husband and son, Hayden, are now coaching a team in the league together. Hayden recently aged out after a long run in the league, but still wanted to stay involved as a volunteer. “It’s sad that he’s not playing, but I still get to see him in a different light, he’s doing what

MORE SPORTS NEWS ON PAGE 8B

The decorations outside the baseball fields celebrated the Land O’ Lakes Little League 50th anniversary at the Little League fields off Collier Parkway.

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MARCH 3, 2021

Pasco County Fair lives up to its billing By Christine Holtzman The Laker/Lutz News Staff Report

CHRISTINE HOLTZMAN

Evin Martinez, of St. Leo, left, holds a large plush cow over his shoulders, as he jokes with his best friend, Dominic Shaefer, of New Port Richey. The two were waiting for Martinez’s girlfriend, Hannah Haddad, of Dade City, who was placing an order of funnel cakes and cotton candy for the group. Martinez won the oversized doll for Haddad.

he theme for the 74th annual Pasco County Fair was “The Adventure Continues” — and, based on the sounds of laughter and the abundance of smiles seen across the fairgrounds, the event lived up to its name. This year — in the time of COVID19 — special safety precautions were taken. There were signs all over the place, asking fair-goers to observe social distancing. Hand sanitizer stations were plentiful, and masks were required inside fair buildings. The fair, which ran from Feb. 15 through Feb. 21, was held at the Pasco County Fairgrounds, 36722 State Road 52 in Dade City. Thrill-seekers of all ages — who wanted to get their pulse racing — had lots of choices.

The Orbiter is seen in motion at the Pasco County Fair. This thrill ride lifts and spins riders, as they sit in cars, attached to the Orbiter’s arms.

Nine-year-old Levi Blake, of Dade City, rides the mechanical bull - a first for him - at the Pasco County Fair. After being bucked off the machine, he jokingly told 9-year-old Kasen Howard, his best friend, ‘I’m a cowboy, baby.’

Mike Vazquez, of Tampa, sits for his portion of the caricature drawing that he commissioned from Orlando artist Haley Likes. His son, Carmelo, and nephews Truth and Terrance O’Neal, already sat for their portraits. Vazquez said he wanted the drawing to capture the priceless time he was having with family members at the fair.

Seven-year-old Makenzie Gaarder, of Wesley Chapel, reacts with surprise, as magician Brad Matchett, of Richmond, Virginia, shows her ‘Houdini,’ the live bunny that was made to appear inside a wooden box. This was just one of many tricks the magician had up his sleeve, during his interactive agriculture-themed magic show, Agricadabra.

Five-year-old Brayden Wright, of Dade City, tries to maintain balance as he climbs a ladder at the ‘Crazy Ladder’ game at the Pasco County Fair midway. He almost reached the end before the ladder flipped, causing him to fall onto the inflatable mat below.

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Loki is loving and smart

Loki will be 2 years old in May and loves to talk all the time. He calls his brothers, Tyler and Ryan, constantly because he loves to play peek-a-boo with them. Loki loves to wrestle with his daddy, and he likes to cuddle and mutter on mommy’s shoulder at bedtime. He’s like a little green puppy with wings. Loki has learned over 20 words and phrases, he’s working on potty training, and he’s even learning to sing (so far he just knows the words “happy birthday”). Loki lives with the Harkness family in Wesley Chapel, and they wouldn’t know what to do without him.

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A BEAUTY TO BEHOLD

Sharon Thompson, on a recent stroll, snapped this photo of a luna moth in Country Walk, in Wesley Chapel. The luna moth is part of group commonly known as giant silk moths. It has lime-green colored wings and a white body. This moth's wingspan can stretch 4 1/2 inches, which is about the same length as an iPhone.

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Send us a picture and information on your favorite pet!

Write a short paragraph about why your pet is special along with a photo and mail to: Pet of the Week, c/o The Laker, P.O. Box 479, Lutz, FL 33548 or email to mrathman@lakerlutznews.com, ATTN: Pet of the Week PLEASE NOTE: OWNERS NAME AND ADDRESS MUST BE INCLUDED FOR YOUR PET TO BE CONSIDERED FOR PUBLICATION.

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PET PAWS ANIMAL SERVICES RECOGNITIONS

The National Animal Care & Control Association has recognized two of Pasco County Animal Services’ (PCAS) own. Gina Botticello has been named Animal Care Professional of the Year, and Michael Northrup is the Animal Control Officer of the Year, according to the PCAS Facebook page. Botticello works as the pet services supervisor, and manages the animal transfer and rescue program, the foster program, the volunteer program, and customer service for PCAS. She has developed and maintained partnerships with rescues locally and statewide, contributing to the save rate of over 90% at the shelter. Her work has decreased an animal’s length of stay to an average of 3 ½ days at PCAS. Botticello also was a contributing

member of the Guiding Coalition that helped Animal Services achieve the Service Enterprise Certification from the Point of Light Foundation recognizing PCAS for excellence in volunteer programming. Northrup has been working in the busiest and most populous zone within the county, handling the highest case load and responding to more than 1,000 animal control calls in the past year. He also finds the time to assist citizens in need with special cases such as TNVR (trap-neuter-vaccinate-return) support. And, he has assisted a motorist on the highway to extinguish a car fire, helped a citizen who was the victim of elder abuse, and aided another citizen suffering from a mental health issue. Northrup serves as an example that animal control officers also are first responders.

TRIGGERFISH SEASON

The recreational gray triggerfish season reopened to harvest on March 1, in Gulf state and federal waters. The season will remain open through May 31, and will close June 1 through July 31 for an annual spawning season closure. To fish for gray triggerfish from a private recreational vessel, signup is required as a State Reef Fish Angler (annual renewal required). To learn more, visit MyFWC.com/Marine and click on “Recreational Regulations” and “State Reef Fish Survey” under “Reef Fish.” Signup at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com.

FLOUNDER REGULATIONS

As of March 1, the following changes are in effect for flounder: • Extending all Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) floun-

der regulations into federal waters • Increasing the minimum size limit from 12 inches to 14 inches total length (recreational and commercial) • Reducing the recreational daily bag limit from 10 to five fish per person • Establishing an Oct. 15 through Nov. 30 recreational closed season • For commercial harvesters using allowable gear: Establishing a commercial trip and vessel limit of 150 fish from Dec. 1 to Oct. 14, and 50 fish from Oct. 15 to Nov. 30 • Modifying the incidental bycatch limit for commercial harvesters using non-allowable gear from 50 pounds/trip to 50 fish/trip • Creating a federal waters trawl bycatch limit of 150 fish/trip from Dec. 1 to Oct. 14, and 50 fish/trip from Oct. 15 to Nov. 30. Learn more about flounder regulations at MyFWC.com/Marine.

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Blake likes to go for walks Blake is one striking guy with beautiful blue eyes, white fur and big, expressive ears. He is affectionate and likes to give kisses. Blake sits on command, takes treats gently and probably would be quick to learn new skills. He is heartworm positive, but the Animals Services staff can go over treatment options. This 3-year-old, 50-pound boy likely would do best as an only pet. Looking for a walking or jogging buddy? Blake may be your match. Schedule an appointment to meet him.

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Denver is high-energy Exercise, discipline and affection: That's the recipe for success with Denver. He enjoys being outside, running in the yard and splashing in the pool. After a good workout, Denver can focus on training or sit next to his human and be loved on. He likes to play with other dogs, and is the rough-and-tumble kind. Denver enjoys being matched with dogs that are as big and highenergy as he is. This 3-year-old, 60-pound boy would do best in an adultsonly home. Denver does not like going to the vet or sharing his food and toys. He needs someone willing to work with him to help him reach his full potential.

If you would like to adopt Blake or Denver, be sure to visit Pasco County Animal Services at 19640 Dogpatch Lane in Land O’ Lakes. The adoption center is open Tuesday through Saturday, noon to 6:30 p.m. All adoption fees include spay/neuter, microchip and vaccines. For more information, email adoptionpartners@pascocountyfl.net.

PUT YOUR PET IN THE SPOTLIGHT! We are looking for photos and information on your favorite pet. Include in your short story your pet’s name, age, and breed.

Don’t forget to include the owner’s name and city of residence! Send photo and information to:

The LAKER/Lutz NEWS Email to: mrathman@lakerlutznews.com, SUBJECT: Pet of the Week Mail to: Pet of the Week, c/o The Laker, P.O. Box 479, Lutz, FL 33548

The LAKER / Lutz NEWS CROSSWORD PUZZLE ACROSS 1. Volcanic crater 5. Long times 10. Swedish rock group 14. Having the means to do something 15. Rods or spindles 16. La __ Tar Pits, Hollywood 17. Missing soldiers 18. Measuring instrument 19. All of the components considered individually 20. Play “__ Irish Rose” 22. Gene 23. Barrels 24. London-based soccer team 27. Feline 30. Breed of sheep 31. Body part 32. Doctors’ group 35. One who follows the rules 37. Cigarette residue 38. Ancient Greek sophist 39. Polish yeast cakes 40. Promotional materials 41. Pancakes made from buckwheat flour 42. Completed perfectly 43. Photo 44. A peninsula in SW Asia 45. The common gibbon 46. Disfigure 47. Ribonucleic acid 48. Japanese honorific 49. Pieces of music 52. Expressed pleasure 55. Having ten 56. Type of sword 60. Humble request for help 61. Eating houses 63. Italian Seaport 64. Cain and __ 65. Measure the depth 66. U. of Miami’s mascot 67. Political outsiders 68. Greek sorceress 69. Body part

DOWN 1. Mother 2. Jewish calendar month 3. Jai __, sport 4. Establish again 5. Swiss river 6. Racetrack wager 7. __ but goodie 8. Closeness 9. Soviet Socialist Republic 10. At right angles to a ship’s length 11. Women’s undergarments 12. Mountain stream 13. Expresses pleasure 21. Painful places on the body 23. Automobile 25. Scandinavian god of battle 26. Expresses surprise 27. Secret political clique 28. Yields manila hemp 29. River in central Italy 32. Brain injury science acronym 33. Mental illness 34. A person from Asia 36. Father 37. General’s assistant (abbr.) 38. Cooked or prepared in a specified style 40. Large terrier 41. Hillsides 43. Golf score 44. Not or 46. Type of student 47. Flower cluster 49. Closes tightly 50. Saudi Arabian desert 51. Famed vaccine developer 52. Multi-function radar (abbr.) 53. Actress Jessica 54. Pay attention to 57. Beloved big screen pig 58. __ Clapton, musician 59. Take a chance 61. Cost per mille 62. Helps little firms

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EAST PASCO NETWORKING GROUP Upcoming speakers for the East Pasco Networking Group include Zephyrhills City Councilwoman Jodi Wilkeson and Zephyrhills City Manager Billy Poe, who will speak at the March 9 meeting, and Pasco Sheriff Chris Nocco, who will speak on March 23. The group meets at 7:30 a.m., at IHOP, at 13100 U.S. 301 in Dade City. For more information, call Nils Lenz at 813-782-9491 or Vicky Jones at 813-4311149.

BUSINESS & COMMUNITY EXPO Network with 40 Pasco County businesses and community organizations at the first annual Pasco Business & Community Expo at The Concourse on March 20 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. The Concourse is at 11919 Alric Pottberg Road in Shady Hills. Admission is $5 and includes a grand raffle entry ticket. Email Liz@TheConcourse.org for more information.

WOMEN-OWNED BUSINESSES How resilient are women entrepreneurs feeling during COVID-19? A study by FreshBooks reveals that women entrepreneurs are being harder hit by the direct and indirect impacts of COVID-19. Here are some of the key findings of the study: • On average, women-owned businesses are taking nearly three times longer to recover from the financial setbacks brought on by COVID-19 compared to businesses owned by men.

• Self-employed women in industries that rebounded quickly are still under-indexing and recovering much slower than their male counterparts (for example, the construction industry). • Nearly 60% of women say it will take them longer than six months to recover their business to previous COVID levels, compared to 47% of men. • Industries with predominantly women-owned businesses (e.g., education, social assistance, etc.), were among the hardest hit industries during social distancing regulations. • Women are more likely to be caring for children or the elderly during the pandemic. The Business Resiliency During COVID-19 study combines survey data from 2,200 FreshBooks U.S. customers with business data from over 10,000 small businesses in the United States. Survey responses were collected online between July and September 2020.The FreshBooks data science team examined a range of metrics (e.g., revenue, expenditures, invoice amounts) to infer the impact(s) of COVID-19 on overall business performance in aggregate, as well as by gender and industry. FreshBooks is the No. 2 small business accounting software in America, with paying customers in 100+ countries.

GROCERY SPENDING A new data study found that while most Americans are spending more on groceries than ever before, Florida saw no change in grocery spending. TOP Data analyzed spending at grocery stores across Florida and found that the average annual grocery bill was the same in 2020, with the average person spending $4,580. The study also revealed that the biggest increase in spending has been on spirits, which was 33% higher in 2020 than in 2019. Spending on meat jumped by 16%, with the meat alternatives subcategory seeing a 34% spike.The biggest subcategory increase was storage, which saw a huge 605% increase.

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Key Findings from TOP Data’s study: • There was a 9.4% increase in annual grocery spend in 2020. • 33 states have increased their grocery bill during the pandemic. • The average American spent $4,442 on groceries in 2020. • People of Florida spent the same amount on grocery in 2020 compared to 2019. TOP Data analyzed weekly spending data of 900,000 Americans.This spending was mapped to 55 grocery retailers, including Trader Joes,Whole Foods, Safeway, Kroger, Albertsons, Wegmans and Publix Super Markets, and others. The data was cross-checked with publicly available information from each organization, and any correction provided was incorporated into the report. Viewing this information in concert, TOP determined the weekly purchases at each merchant over the last 15 months by state.

16 MILLION MEALS, AND COUNTING The Florida Department of Elder Affairs distributed more than 16 million home-delivered meals last year following the onset of COVID-19.That number represents an increased distribution of over 200% for nearly five months, compared to the number of meals served during periods of non-emergency, according to a news release from the department. As the department and the Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) increased the number of home-delivered meals, the Aging Network simultaneously partnered with the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association to launch Feeding Older Floridians Restaurant Meal Initiative that contributed over 3.5 million meals to Florida seniors during the same time period. Now, the department is reinforcing the successful home-delivered meal programs. An additional $12.7 million in federal funding has been distributed to the 11 AAAs throughout the state, to address the needs of older Floridians who remain affected by COVID-19.

“Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, our restaurants have stepped up to help fill the critical need for senior meals, and the extension of this program will continue to allow seniors to have increased access to hot, nutritious meals from the safety of their home while simultaneously helping to support Florida’s restaurants,” Carol Dover, President and CEO of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association, said in the release. The additional funding will allow extension of various meal delivery projects including the Feeding Older Floridians Restaurant Meal Initiative, drive-through meals, and grab-and-go meals for older adults who remain homebound.

SEVEN PRODUCTIVITY HACKS TO HELP SMALL BUSINESSES The Better Business Bureau has published a list of seven tips aimed at helping small businesses succeed. In a nutshell, here are the tips: • Know when to delegate.You are just one person; you can’t do everything. • Set goals and track progress. Make lists of tasks you need to complete and keep track of how you are doing. Having a plan for each day and each week reduces the amount of time you waste. • Work in time blocks. After setting your goals for the day, schedule a time for each task. For instance, if you schedule an hour to answer emails, stop doing that task after an hour and move on to the next thing on your list. Don’t forget to schedule in some 10-minute breaks. • Avoid multi-tasking. Very few people can do more than one task at a time (Research says just 2.5%). Do one task at a time, and give it your full attention. • Have short, impactful meetings. Every meeting should have a clear agenda. • Hire the right people. It’s easier to delegate when you have the right people on the job. When choosing new team members, take your time to make sure the candidate is a good fit. • Automate processes.Take a good look at your company.Automate, when possible. For more information, visit BBB.org/smallbusiness.

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Operation Feed Pasco closes, amid success By Mary Rathman mrathman@lakerlutznews.com

United Way of Pasco County (UWPC) in partnership with the Pasco County Commission exceeded expectations with its one-of-a-kind, exclusive program to Pasco County called Operation Feed Pasco (OFP) — which provided more than 237,000 meals for individuals and families. The project has wrapped up its work, amid great success, according to a news release. The purpose of OFP was simple: Assist local food pantries and soup kitchens and sup-

ply food for their clients by using local restaurants in Pasco County. The program was inspired by the growing number of food-insecure people and the increasing number of struggling restaurants, according to a news release. Pasco County in May 2020 awarded a $600,000 grant to UWPC to develop and implement a program to help feed people while employing Pasco-based restaurants, event centers and caterers. What started as a one-time grant turned into a multimillion dollar operation. And, UWPC went on to receive three additional

grants. Ultimately, it grew to include 37 partners and more than 20 locations for meal distribution. The program’s partner restaurants were made up of a variety of cuisines — Italian, South American, Soul Food and others. Meals from partner restaurants were served at various nonprofit agencies throughout the county, including women’s shelters for victims of domestic violence and human trafficking, children’s shelters, food ministries and pantries, homeless outreach centers, afterschool programs for at-risk youth, and elderly care centers.

“United Way of Pasco County’s mission is to respond to unmet needs in the community,” said Charles Anderson, president and CEO, in the news release. “None could be greater than ensuring our citizens had food during this pandemic. “Responding to the challenge required tremendous teamwork and I remain very grateful to my staff team, board of directors, participating agencies, local restaurants,” Anderson said, adding a special shout-out to Cathy Pearson, an assistant Pasco County administrator, and to the Pasco County Commission.

Meals on Wheels for Kids looks to expand in 2021 By Mary Rathman mrathman@lakerlutznews.com

The Tampa Bay Network to End Hunger (TBNEH), a tri-county leader in hunger relief, research and program development, is accepting applications for its 2021 Meals on Wheels for Kids (MOW4Kids) National Expansion Program. Approved applicants can receive financial aid and technical assistance to develop and launch home-delivered meal programs in communities across the eastern United States. When schools closed due to COVID-19, TBNEH launched MOW4Kids Tampa Bay to serve disadvantaged children who depend

on school meals. Now, the Network to End Hunger is offering a unique opportunity to organizations that are interested in launching community programs that deliver nutritious meals to transportation-disadvantaged and homebound families with children.

The MOW4Kids expansion is looking to provide support to at least 15 partner organizations in 2021. “Meals on Wheels for Kids is an essential community program. We are excited to bring MOW4Kids to other communities across the country.The national expansion

of this program is vital at this stage because the need is not going away. Kids are going hungry at home by not going to school. These children need our help now and we will do everything we can to make sure they have the nutritious meals they need,” said Caitlyn Peacock, executive director, in a news release. Schools and community organizations can access the MOW4Kids Request for Proposal and Partner Application at MOW4Kids.org. For additional information, visit NetworkToEndHunger.org. The network also is accepting donations to help support the MOW4Kids National Expansion Program on its website.

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Leadership Pasco will host its first event online on March 9 at 8 a.m., via Zoom. The topic will be “Leading Through a Crisis,” with a discussion on navigating the COVID-19 pandemic.The guest speaker will be Mike Napier, health officer, Florida Department of Health-Pasco County. Napier also is an alumni of Leadership Pasco’s Class of 2014. The presentation will examine various aspects of the pandemic response, from getting the first positive case to organizing mass vaccination clinics in the county. Registration is available online at LeadershipPasco.com. The cost is $20 for alumni in good standing, $30 for the general public, and $10 for students. Preregistration is required and limited to 300 participants.

COPING WITH ANXIETY

Pasco County Libraries will host a free, weekly virtual Story Strong Book Club, focused on family wellness. Each month, a social worker will lead a discussion on a topic such as anxiety, housing and food insecurity, reemployment and more. Upcoming meetings are at 10 a.m.: • March 9: A group instructional session on overcoming and managing anxiety through yoga • March 16: Discussion of the book “Feeling Good” by Dr. David Burns • March 23: A group instructional session on managing anxiety and stress through journaling Preregistration is required by emailing storystrongbookclub@gmail.com. A link to join each virtual session will be provided after registration. For more information, please visit bit.ly/MarchAnxiety.

COLON CANCER

AdventHealth Zephyrhills and AdventHealth Dade City will host a virtual health talk,“What You Need to Know about Colon Cancer,” on March 9 at noon. The guest speaker will be Dr. Thushy Siva, board-certified general surgeon. The discussion will take place on the AdventHealth Zephyrhills and AdventHealth Dade City Facebook pages. To register, call 877-534-3108, or visit AHZephyrhills.com.

MEN’S MENTAL WELLNESS

The University Area CDC (Community Development Corporation) will host free mental wellness sessions for men, every Thursday for six weeks, starting March 11, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., at the Harvest Hope Center, at Harvest Hope Park, 13704 N. 20th St., in Tampa. Crystal Clark, licensed cognitive behavioral therapist, will lead the sessions, which are part of the Get Moving! program. Limited space is available.To qualify, participants must agree in advance to attend every meeting. Temperature checks and face coverings/masks will be required. Those interested in taking part in the sessions should contact Ronnie Oliver at 813-558-5212, ext. 310, or roliver@uacdc.org.

VIRTUAL WEIGHT MANAGEMENT

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UF/IFAS Pasco Extension and AdventHealth Dade City will present a Virtual Weight Management & Health Lifestyles Series on Tuesdays at 6 p.m., for six weeks, starting on March 16. Participants should plan to attend all six sessions. There will be weekly online presentations, including information about nutrients, diet myths, healthy portion sizes, physical activity and more.The series also includes discussions and hands-on learning in your own kitchen. Each participant/household will be eligible for a $10 bag of fruits and vegetables for attending each session ($60 in fresh food for attending all six sessions). Preregistration on Eventbrite.com is required, as spaces are limited. Those interested should signup based on your closest AdventHealth location.

NEW DIRECTOR NAMED

Gulfside Healthcare Services has named Eduardo Puntonet as its director of clinical services. In the new role, Puntonet will oversee the clinical nursing teams for the hospice division of the organization in Pasco County. Puntonet graduat- Eduardo Puntonet ed from the Inter American University of Puerto Rico with a bachelor’s degree in nursing, and then pursued graduate degrees in business administration, and nursing leadership and management. “Having received outstanding hospice care in my own family, I know first-hand the meaningful difference that hospice care can make,” said Puntonet in a news release. “That is why I feel an overwhelming responsibility to assure that every patient under Gulfside’s services receives the most adequate care, which meets the highest quality standards,” he said.

DEAN SPEAKS ABOUT VACCINATIONS

The University of South Florida Dean of College of Pharmacy Dr. Kevin Sneed recently spoke during the Tampa Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc.’s “Now You Know” virtual community forum. Sneed spoke and answered questions on the COVID-19 vaccinations, to try to dispel some of the myths and skepticism the community may have in taking the vaccination, according to a news release. Related topics included school-age children and the virus; children as possible carriers; side effects; and which vaccine to take. “While there have been children who have been affected and died from the virus, overall children’s affection rate is lower than (adults),” Sneed said in the release. On the vaccination side effects, Sneed said that fatigue and headaches are the main ones, and that few have had nausea, chills and fever. “By and large, it’s not serious and most are gone within 24 hours,” Sneed said. When discussing the different vaccines, he said that people should not “get caught up in the eye candy. It’s like comparing apples to oranges. It has proven to be 100% avoidance of death.” Sneed said even if you get the shots, people must maintain CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) recommendations for social distancing and wearing a mask when social distancing is not possible.

OVERDOSE DEATHS INCREASE

The Florida Department of Health in Pasco County (DOH-Pasco) is continuing its efforts to prevent opioid overdoses, which have increased in Pasco Cunty amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The Pasco County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO) reported a total of 1,491 overdoses in 2020, resulting in 268 deaths — an increase of 71% from 2019, according to a news release. Pasco County in 2019 was awarded the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Overdose Data to Action Grant for $638,400, to assist in decreasing the opioid epidemic in the area. Partnering with the PCSO and Pasco County Schools, DOH-Pasco hired an opioid epidemiologist as part of the Florida Epidemic Intelligence Service (FL-EIS) Fellowship Program to combat the epidemic. The partnership has allowed the PCSO Behavioral Health Intervention Team, which partners with BayCare Behavioral Health, to connect individuals to treatment services. Schools also are able to offer additional prevention education to students. The partnership also has implemented the CDC’s Rx Awareness Campaign, which will be on billboards and bus wraps throughout the county, to increase knowledge and awareness. In addition, DOH-Pasco, the PCSO and the Alliance for Substance Addiction Prevention (ASAP) are working to host a virtual information town hall on opioid misuse and provide education on medication safety measures.

FIRST RESPONDERS WEBINARS

Saint Leo University and F1RST (Forensics Institute for Research Security & Tactics) will present a free webinar series for first responders, targeting skills to improve their well-being. The four-part series, “Strengthening the Force: Service, Support and Security Series,” will consist of eight-hour sessions (8 a.m. to 5 p.m.) that can improve responders’ mental See HEALTH, page 7B

HEALTH,

from page 6B

and physical health, as well as on-the-job effectiveness. The series will be interactive, with time for questions and answers. Attendance certificates will be issued for each training session. • March 23: De-escalation for First Responders • April 13: Resiliency for First Responders • May 11: Suicide Prevention for Law Enforcement Upon registration, participants will receive a confirmation email containing information about how to join the meeting. For more details, contact Nikki Heister, special programs manager, Department of Public Safety Administration, at Nikki.heister@saintleo.edu or 352-588-8487.

SUBSTANCE ABUSE EDUCATION

The Hernando & Pasco SEN (Substance Exposed Newborn) Taskforces will present the second annual “Education & Beyond: Supporting Substance Exposed Newborn Communities” seminar as a series of virtual workshops on Fridays in April. The event is designed for medical, health care and hospital professionals, social and behavioral health workers, nonprofits, treatment providers, law enforcement officers, legal professionals, prevention coalitions and experts, early learning coalitions, state agencies, and all others involved in caring for women of child-bearing age, addiction and substance exposed newborns.

Four national medical experts have been confirmed to speak at the seminar. Attendees will have access to the conference’s all-new Virtual Attendee Hub. Registrants will receive access in an email prior to the event. The taskforces also are seeking sponsors and support partnerships for the workshop series. Registration is $35 per attendee if registered by March 1, and $45 after that date. For information and to sign up, visit tinyurl.com/yq43owv7.

Closer Look a N

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It’s Always Members First AT SAN ANTONIO CITIZENS FEDERAL CREDIT UNION

GRIEFSHARE MEETINGS

The weekly support group GriefShare will meet at Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Church, 2348 Collier Parkway in Land O’ Lakes, on Wednesdays from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. The group is designed to help those who have lost a loved one rebuild their life. The group will meet through June 2. For information, call 813-949-4565.

HIV AND HEP C TESTING

The Department of Health in Pasco County (DOH-Pasco) continues to offer free rapid HIV and hepatitis C testing on Wednesdays and Thursdays at the county health department, 10841 Little Road in New Port Richey. Results from rapid tests will be available in 20 minutes. No matter the test results, DOH-Pasco will work with clients to take steps to help them protect their health. Testing is by appointment only. For information, questions or to schedule an appointment, call 727-619-0260.

By Kelli Carmack Special to The Laker / Lutz News “Your Future. Our Community. Together.” This is the motto of San Antonio Citizens Federal Credit Union (SACFCU), the oldest chartered financial institution in Pasco County. The credit union has served its members in the eastern half of Pasco County for over 65 years. Patricia Sarne, president and chief executive officer, attributes its longtime success to its unwavering philosophy of putting the members first. “We offer all the same products and services as the bank around the corner, but what stands us apart is how we deliver those products to the member,” says Sarne. The most important mission at SACFCU is to make sure its members and community are succeeding. That’s why the credit union routinely hosts prize giveaways for its members, and donates to many local nonprofits, including The Thomas Promise and Daystar Hope Center. “We’re not mandated to give back to the community, but we do because it’s the right thing to do,” says Sarne. “When our members and community succeed, we succeed.” Another way SACFCU gave back to the community was through approving 229 Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans through the COVID relief program. The credit union loaned over $7 million to local businesses. Sarne remembers that their first PPP loan went to a local restaurant. Within 24 hours of receiving the loan the restaurant owner called the credit union to tell us that he told his entire staff that they could come back to work because of SACFCU. “That’s the impact we strive for,” says Sarne. SACFCU’s positive impact on the community has not gone unnoticed. They were awarded the 2020 Chamber Member of the

Patricia Sarne, president and chief executive officer

Year by The Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce. Sarne joined SACFCU in 1994 as a teller, and worked her way up to president last June. In her new role, her main focus is to increase the credit union’s imprint in the area —and they’re doing just that. The credit union is currently building an 11,000-square-foot Operations Center at its San Antonio location. “We want our back office support staff under one roof,” says Sarne. “And, this facility will help us attract talented individuals to our team by providing additional job opportunities and advancement.” SACFCU is currently offering a 4.99% APR on credit card balance transfers for the life of the balance. There is no transfer or transaction fees with this offer. “If you have a credit card with a higher interest rate, let us help you,” says Sarne, “Just by taking advantage of this balance transfer, we are able to save you money. Our goal here is to get you in a better financial position.” San Antonio Citizens Federal Credit Union has locations in San Antonio, Dade City, Zephyrhills and Wesley Chapel. To bank with SACFCU as a Member/Owner you must live, work, worship or attend school in Eastern Pasco or Hernando Counties.

COURTESY OF PATRICIA SERIO

A pick-me-up for those in service Members of the GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club assembled 125 goodie bags filled with snacks and treats for the front-line workers serving the public at the University Mall COVID Vaccination Center. Linda Mitchell, left, delivers snacks to nurse Corrie PearsonSailer, of Land O’ Lakes.

Liffe Changing h Vision s ® Cataracts are one of the most comm mon eye conditions treated by ophthalmologists and usually occur as paart of the normal aging process. St. Luke’s surgeons have been trailblaazers in the innovations that make cataract surgery one of the safestt and most regularly performed surgeries in the United States.

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LOVING HANDS MINISTRIES GOLF TOURNAMENT

Loving Hands Ministries’ 29th annual charity golf tournament is set for March 13 at 8:30 a.m., at Scotland Yards Golf Club, 9424 U.S. 301, Dade City. The event is a four-person scramble with a shotgun start. Lunch is included, as well as an awards ceremony, door prizes, silent auction and raffle. Cost is $125 per individual golfer and $400 per foursome. Sponsorships also are available. Proceeds from the tournament will go toward Loving Hands Ministries, a 501c3 nonprofit that offers Christ-centered residential discipleship programs designed to help men with life-controlling problems and addictions. For information, call 352-523-1399, or visit LovingHands.net.

PIRATES CLAY SHOOT SET

The Pasco High School PTSA has set its second annual Pull for Pirates Clay Shoot Fundraiser for April 17 from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., at Tampa Bay Sporting Clays, 10514 Ehren Cutoff, Land O’ Lakes. Sponsorships and four-person teams are needed. Cost is $150 per person or $500 for a team of four shooters. Each individual shooter receives 50 targets, two ammo boxes, ear protection, scorecard,T-shirt, and seat on a golf cart. Breakfast and lunch also will be provided. Proceeds will go toward scholarships, school programs and other needs of Pasco High students and staff. For more information, contact Dawn Enright at denright@ pasco.k12.fl.us or 813-997-5154.

SPRING LAKE MEMORIAL CLASSIC RACE

The annual Spring Lake Memorial Classic 10K/5K/2 mile is set for May 29 at The Arc Nature Coast, 5283 Neff Lake Road, Brooksville. Check-in begins at 6:30 a.m., with the 10K start at 7:30 a.m., 5K at 7:40 a.m., and 2mile fun run/walk at 7:45 a.m. An awards ceremony will immediately follow the race. Cost is $30 for the 10K, $25 for the 5K and $20 for the 2-miler. The race is located in scenic eastern Hernando County, taking participants along tree-draped roads and challenging hills with all sorts of wildlife. Proceeds from the event will support in-

Pasco Schools eases attendance restrictions at sporting events The Pasco County School District recently announced a new set of rules that allows for more spectators at school sporting events. The new rules allow 50% capacity at all outdoor athletic events, while indoor athletic events are now limited to four spectators for each athlete and coach (double the number of spectators previously allowed). The new rules officially went into effect last month. dividuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. For more information, visit TheArc-naturecoast.org or tinyurl.com/1g33yzlx.

CYPRESS CREEK HIGH COACH EARNS REGIONAL HONOR

Cypress Creek High School athletic director and varsity boys soccer coach Justin Pelliccia was named one of 100 regional winners for the Positive Coaching Alliance (PCA) 2021 Double-Goal Coach Award, according to an announcement by the organization. Nominees are assessed on the extent to which they reflect the model of PCA’s Double-Goal Coach, “whose first goal is winning, and whose second, more impor- Justin Pelliccia tant goal is teaching life lessons through sports,” according to the organization. Pelliccia and others were selected out of over 600 nominations that received over 3,000 letters of reference. He is one of 11 Florida-based coaches recognized. In coming weeks, the organization’s selection committee will next identify 25 National Winners who will each receive $500, a certificate from PCA, and recognition on PCA’s website, newsletters and media campaigns. From there, one special coach will win the Taube Family Prize in Recognition of Excellence in Coaching and be named PCA’s National Coach of the Year.This prize, to be awarded in April, will include $10,000 ($2,500 to the coach and $7,500 to a youth sports organization or school of their choice). Pelliccia joined Cypress Creek when the school first opened 2017. Under his leadership, the upstart school’s athletics department earned the FHSAA’s Fred E. Rozelle Sportsmanship Award for Class 4A for the 2019-2020 season.

Rules regarding masks have not changed, meanwhile. At outdoor events, spectators and audience members still will be required to wear masks while entering and leaving the venue, and when leaving their seats to visit the concession stand or restroom. Masks are not required while spectators are seated at the event. Spectators and audience members still will be required to maintain appropriate social distance with anyone other than direct family members.

SAINT LEO ACROBATICS COACH STEPS DOWN

Saint Leo University acrobatics and tumbling head coach Allie Williams has stepped down from the program, to spend more time with her family after welcoming her first child last year. Williams was hired as the first head coach of the acro and tumbling program in November 2018 — then Saint Leo’s newest and 21st intercollegiate sport. Williams spent her first year recruiting Allie Williams and building the first collegiate acrobatics program in the state of Florida, while also procuring necessary equipment, uniforms and staffing. The program’s first season of competition in spring 2020 was cut short due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Williams herself was a four-year standout at Baylor University, helping lead the team to three national championships in 2015, 2016 and 2017. She also scored individual event national titles in 5 element Acro (2015), Pyramid Heat 1 (2015), and multiple titles in Pyramid Heat 2 (2015, 2017). Lions assistant coach Joely Smith will serve as the interim head coach for the program. A search will be conducted at a later date when COVID-19 protocols allow for the process to occur, according to a release from the school’s athletics department. “We will always be grateful to Coach Williams for starting the Acrobatics & Tumbling program at Saint Leo,” Saint Leo athletics director Fran Reidy said, in a release.“Allie built things from the ground up, not only in recruiting great student-athletes but also in equipment needs, logistics, and promoting a new sport. We wish Allie, and her family, all the best as they start their newest journey as proud parents.” Acrobatics and tumbling, a discipline of USA Gymnastics, is the evolution of different

The revised rules were established after Pasco County experienced a marked decrease in local COVID-19 cases and infection rates, and following consultation with the Pasco Department of Health. “We want parents and friends to be able to attend school events, so long as it can be done safely,” Pasco Superintendent of School Kurt Browning said, in a release. “With all decisions we make, our first priority is the health and safety of our student, staff, and families.” forms of gymnastics, and involves tumbling, tosses, and acrobatic lifts and pyramids. Teams participate in head-to-head competition and are scored in six events, including compulsory, acro, pyramid, toss, tumbling and team.

FIRST TEE - TAMPA BAY AWARDED $100,000 GRANT

First Tee - Tampa Bay, a Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA program, has received a $100,000 grant from the United States Automobile Association (USAA) to help advance racial equality in Tampa Bay. Because of the grant, First Tee - Tampa Bay will be able to provide free golf lessons to an estimated 600 minority students in Title I schools throughout Hillsborough County.The grant also will enable the organization to offer 80 golf tournament scholarships and five college scholarships to minority students. “The goal is to eliminate cost as an obstacle for any children from these specific schools and get them involved in our program,” First Tee - Tampa Bay Executive Director Ian Baxter said, in a news release. “We are extremely appreciative to USAA for their generosity, which will introduce the game of golf to more children by removing any financial barriers.” First Tee - Tampa Bay formed in 1999. It provides more than 80,000 children each year with hands-on, interactive golf experiences and focuses on developing core values. In addition to being a program of Tampa YMCA, First Tee - Tampa Bay also partners with community members such as the Tampa Sports Authority, the City of Tampa and various golf facilities to offer year-round programming for kids and teens.The organization also offers programming in over 175 Hillsborough County Public Schools, afterschool programs or weeklong summer camp experiences. For more information, call First Tee Tampa Bay at 813-238-7320.

MORE SPORTS NEWS ON PAGE 12A

12-Year-Old 1 2-Year-Old R Ronnie onnie Ierna Ierna D Dreams reams O Off T The he D Daytona aytona 5 500 00 AND SOMEDAY REPRESENTIING LUTZ/LAND O’ LAKES Ronnie Ierna has been racing go-karts since he was a young boy. After many years of hard work and dedication, today Ronnie is one of the top competitors in Florida and recently was recognized for his outstanding performance at Year Shootout Race at the Florida Dirt The New Ye Motor Speedway on State Road 52. “Ronnie has been focusing on winning this race for quite some time now w,, and we are so proud of his accomplishments,” said his motherr,, Charlene Ierna. “He sat on the pole for all three races, and led every lap of every race to earn three first-place wins!” Ronnie’s fatherr,, Ron Ierna, along with his motherr,, Charlene, support their son’s racing ambitions with encouragement and commitment. The sport is truly a family affairr,, with practice and races taking p g place p most weekends. When Ronnie is not racing his go-kart, the 12-year-old is busy as a top student at Pine View Middle School in Land O’ Lakes, where Vi he is on the honor roll. “Ronnie volunteers before and after school as a patrol, and also helps out with community events, such as a recent trash collection drive,” said Charlene. “Most of Ronnie’s classmates

have no idea that Ronnie is such an accomplished racerr,, because at scchool he is just a normal kid like everyone else.” t Lutz racing team, Ronnie is a member of the Team ERC (Eleanor Racing Te g Chassis). “He is fortunate to be paart of a solid race team like Te Team ERC,” said d Ron Ierna. “They set him up for success, week after week. he s at without his Ronnie would not be wherre he’s outstanding coaches.” a the New Ye Years’ With his recent success at Shootout Race, Ronnie hass moved up a class, and is now one of the youn ngest racers in this class. The entire Te Team ERC C saw great success at this competition, with th he team winning 10 out of 10 races.

n thrreee ra races hootout out Race. R

“W Wee really want to give a sshout out to Team ERC, its coaches, pit crew w,, and all the parents and friends that support these young racers on ne. so many levels,” said Charlen Because of his leadership aand racing success, Ronnie has been featured as a guest on oadcast geared Last Lap Live, a live radio bro toward the go-kart racing spo ort. Ronnie and Charlene Ierna are owners of local air conditioning companies. Both are very philanthropic and sponsor many local events. Since Ronnie was a preschoolerr,, he has accompanied his parents and volunteered countless hours at chamber events, stuffing promo bags, collecting canned goods, trash pick-up operations, and many other charity activities.

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www.LakerLutzNews.com

March 3, 2021

11B

Florida’s best cancer care. Clos ser to our patiients. Florida’s ﬁnest cancer care is s closer than ever. Introducing Moffitt’s new outp patie p ent cancer center, o opening soo on in Wesley Chapel. Beginning o February 15, you will have eve en more convenient access a to the most proven treatm ments along g with screening g exams and more. Plus a cance er team that willl fuel your courage to face the challe enge. If you’ve been n newly diagnosed, don’t compromise.

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12B

March 3, 2021

www.LakerLutzNews.com

To schedule s an appoin ntment, visit Moffitt.org or call 1-888-MO OFFIT T.