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Pasco moratorium area to expand?
By B.C. Manion bcmanion@lakerlutznews.com
The Pasco County Planning Commission has recommended approval of a proposal that would expand the area where new applications for multifamily are on hold. The planning board voted to recommend approval of the expansion during its
Jan. 6 meeting. The larger area was proposed by Pasco County Commissioner Mike Moore, who has championed the pause on new multifamily applications — to allow completion of a study to determine whether the county has an oversaturation of entitled apartment developments. Moore repeatedly has warned his col-
leagues about potential long-term consequences from allowing too many approvals of apartment projects. He fears the prospect of an oversupply leading to buildings being abandoned, as renters move to newer developments.That, he has said, will set the stage for blight and See MORATORIUM, page 7A
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After sampling the dozen sugar cane syrup entries in the Southern Syrup-Makers Association Syrup-Tasting Contest and listening to a U.S. Sugar presentation, Sid Lehman, of Frostproof, bit into the source of the cane syrup, a sugar cane stalk. Lehman, a snowbird from Indiana, said it was not only his first sugar cane festival, but it was his first time at the Pioneer Florida Museum & Village.
In this monthly video series, Trevor and Nicole of our marketing team recap some of our top stories from each month. These videos are published on our Facebook page AND website at the end of every month, so be sure to check it out!
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SAC AWARDS INSIDE, PAGE 8A
Steve Melton, of Trilby, president of the Southern Syrup Makers Association, right, congratulates Jack Whitehurst, of Williston. Williston won the firstplace blue ribbon for his cane sugar syrup, in what was the largest turnout ever for tasting during the event. Whitehurst said the key to making the syrup was taking his time and doing it the way the old-timers did it.
Omicron cases continue to Pasco MPO eyeing soar across United States new method for COVID-19 statistics prioritizing projects
By B.C. Manion
bcmanion@lakerlutznews.com
Cancellations are starting to occur more frequently, as COVID-19 cases continue to climb across the United States. Health care experts say the surge is being driven by the Omicron variant of the virus. An interpretive analysis published on The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)’s website estimates that Omicron may account for approximately 95% of cases. There were 5,705,264 new cases reported across the U.S. on Jan. 5, more than doubling the January 2021 peak, according to a CDC report. “The entire country is now experiencing high levels of community transmission. Hospitalizations are also on the rise,” the CDC report says. Based on current knowledge about the Omicron variant, the CDC recently updated its quarantine and isolation recommendations for the public. Those coming into close contact with someone with COVID-19 should quarantine See OMICRON, page 7A
Statistics from Jan. 9:
Pasco County: Community transmission rate, High; Cases: 6,247; positivity, 30.05% Hillsborough County: Community transmission rate, High; Cases: 22,110; positivity, 30.2% Florida: Community transmission, High; cases: 410,713; positivity, 25-plus%
Statistics from Jan. 7: Pasco County Schools: 196 student cases; total of 6,793 student cases for the school year Pasco County Schools: 31 employee cases; total of 1,273 employee cases for the school year Hillsborough County Schools: 2,398 employees cases for the year; 12,751 student cases for the year Note: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises everyone in Pasco County and Hillsborough County to wear a mask in public, indoor settings.
Sources: Pasco County Schools, Hillsborough County Schools and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
By B.C. Manion Bcmanion@lakerlutznews.com
The board of the Metropolitan Planning Organization — which is the county’s lead agency in transportation planning — is considering a new way to add and rank projects on its priority list. Carl Mikyska, executive director of the MPO, discussed the proposed methodology with the MPO board at its Dec. 9 meeting. He asked them to take a closer look at the proposal, with the goal of voting on it at the board’s meeting in February. One proposed change calls for establishing a separate priority list for bicycle and pedestrian improvements. Another part of the method calls for using a numerical scoring system to rank the projects. This approach assigns points to the proposed projects, which are summarized for a total project score. Projects can earn a maximum score of 100, except for up to 10 in See MPO, page 7A
WELCO OME HOME
Joining forces in the fight against human trafficking By Mary Rathman mrathman@lakerlutznews.com
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Saint Leo University and the Pasco Sheriff’s Office Florida Forensic Institute for Research, Security and Tactics (F1RST) have joined forces to fight human trafficking in Citrus, Hernando and Pasco counties, a university news release says. The two organizations have helped to form the Mel Greene Institute to Combat Human Trafficking, named for the late Spring Hill resident and philanthropist Melvin T.“Mel” Greene. Greene passed away in 2020 at the age of 92, after “a life spent helping others in his adopted state of Florida, and beyond,” the release notes. “Human trafficking has continued to be a horrible crime that is present within Florida, as well as within national and international borders,” said Saint Leo assistant professor Karin May, in the release. May worked in law enforcement for the protection of children and the elderly
from abuse prior to joining academia. “But those of us in criminal justice and public safety administration have seen that concentrated attention does help raise awareness of the dangers involved and the means that criminals use to trap children and adults,” said May. For several years, Florida has emerged as the third-ranked state in the nation for human trafficking activities, according to national statistics. Saint Leo and FIRST have collaborated in the past to offer seminars on such topics as leadership development, and natural disaster and emergency management and response to professionals from a number of agencies and communities. For anyone who needs help or suspects human trafficking, call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-3737888, text 233733, or use the TTY number of 711. Community members also can use the chat function at HumanTraffickingHotline.org/chat.
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January 12, 2022
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Youth group home request faces opposition Citizens academy By B.C. Manion bcmanion@lakerlutznews.com
A request to waive Pasco County’s conditional use permit requirement for a proposed group home for handicapped youths has drawn opposition from its potential neighbors, in a Wesley Chapel neighborhood. The Pasco County Planning Commission has continued the public hearing on the request to its Feb. 3 meeting, to allow Chief Assistant County Attorney David Goldstein time to work on refining conditions in an attempt to address concerns expressed by neighbors and some members of the planning board. Goldstein has recommended approval of the request, but in doing so, he provided background and a set of proposed conditions. The issue involves a proposal by Elevated Youth Services (EYS) to operate a residential treatment facility for young men, ages 13 to 17, with multiple or dual diagnoses of emotional or mental illness, at 26318 Lawrence Ave. Before the applicant purchased the property, Nicholas B. Browning, owner and clinical director of EYS, sought a zoning verification letter from the county. In that Aug. 17 request, Browning told the county “we are looking provide housing for up to 12 youth in the home.” Frederick Humberstone, a planning and zoning tech II for the county, responded to Browning’s request by informing him on Aug. 18: “Under the AR-1 zoning the proposed use as a residential youth group home is a permitted use.” EYS then closed on the property for the
group home. It turns out that Humberstone’s determination was incorrect:A residential group home is a permitted use, provided that it has six or fewer residents, under the county code, according to Goldstein. Browning told the planning board that clients served by EYS need a group-home setting, which operates similar to a family, as part of their treatment plan. Dan McDonald, a fair housing attorney representing EYS, said requiring EYS to go through the county’s conditional use permit process would constitute a violation of federal law. In the planning board’s agenda materials, Goldstein summarized EYS’s primary argument. He said EYS claims that Pasco’s land development code “either facially, or as applied, discriminates against handicapped residents (including those that would occupy the EYS facility), because handicapped residents are required to go through a conditional use process, but similarly situated non-handicapped residents are not required to undergo the same process.” The county attorney’s office has recommended that changes be made to address the legal issues raised by EYS, but those changes are not yet in effect, Goldstein said. The attorney also noted that “requiring EYS to go through the conditional use process at this time could subject the county to potential liability, and would be a difficult decision to defend in this particular case, because of the existing Land Development Code definitions, and because of the August 18th, 2021 zoning verification letter issued by the Planning
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and Development Department. “Accordingly, while the County Attorney’s Office is certainly not admitting to all of the allegations in the alternative relief application, the County Attorney’s Office is recommending approval of the application,” Goldstein said. Goldstein also told the planning board that approving the request with conditions would provide more protection for neighbors than they could receive if the group home had six or fewer residents — which would have no restrictions. But neighbors questioned how the residents moving into the home would be screened, noting they don’t want to worry about the safety of their families. They also raised questions about whether supervision of the residents will be adequate and voiced concerns about the residents “roaming” the neighborhood. Other issues raised included drainage problems in the home’s backyard and inadequate parking. Browning said there would be 24-hour staffing, with a four-to-one ratio of residents to staff. He said the youths would be educated through online schooling. Planning board member Chris Poole said he believes that residential treatment centers are important, noting he has a child who is being assisted at one. However, he added:“I think we owe it to the residents to go through this (conditional permit process).” McDonald reiterated that requiring EYS to undergo a conditional use permit hearing would violate federal law. Goldstein noted the county could be found liable and be required to pay damages.
graduates one class, welcomes another
The Laker/Lutz News Staff Report
The Pasco County Citizens’ Academy recently announced the latest group of graduates from its program. The academy helps to educate citizens about the county’s governmental operations. It includes sessions hosted by elected officials, department directors and other county staff aimed at providing a deeper look at government functions and services. In addition to giving citizens a better understanding of local government, the program also helps develop a pool of knowledgeable people who can act as ambassadors, serve on advisory boards and become volunteers, according to information provided by the county. A new class begins on Jan. 19. If you are interested in learning more about the Citizens’ Academy, visit MyPasco.net/citizensacademy.
Recent graduates: • Patsy Albert • Samantha Almaraz • Meghan Benoit • Michael Cianfarani • Leticia Collins • Linda J. Connolly • Chris Cusick • Cindy Donovan • Andrea Eisenhauer • Valerie Francis • Zach Harris
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January 12, 2022
3A
What’s Happening
Your Community Calendar • Submit 2 weeks in advance to: news@lakerlutznews.com • All listings free of charge 14 from 3:45 p.m. to 5 p.m. Families can try some of the library’s challenges or build their own creations. For information, call 727-815-7126.
Save the Date
Kiefer Fine Jewelers will host a threeday Rarities Buying Event, at both of its locations: 24144 State Road 54 in Lutz and 37850 Meridian Ave., in Dade City. Those interested can bring in unused jewelry, watches, coins and more for appraisals (and possible sale). The Lutz hours will be on Jan. 25 and Jan. 26 from 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., and Jan. 27 from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. The Dade City hours will be on Jan. 25 and Jan. 26 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Jan. 27 from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. For more information, call 888-7871112.
FLORIDA BIRD WEBINAR The Friends of Weedon Island will host a webinar entitled,“Learning Florida Upland and Backyard Birds,” on Jan. 15 at 10 a.m., for adults and families (kids ages 7 and older).The guest speaker will be wildlife biologist Jeanne Murphy. Participants can learn what birds are typically found in Florida’s upland and backyard habitats, how they adapted to live here and if that gives them a unique survival advantage. Registration is required at tinyurl.com/yc7wdr5v.
POLICE LODGE BINGO
PLAY EXPLORES ADOLESCENCE
John Nelson Memorial Fraternal Order of Police Lodge No. 29, near the corner of Bell Lake Road and Land O’ Lakes Boulevard, in Land O’ Lakes, offers bingo every Tuesday evening. (The new entrance to the lodge is off Land O’ Lakes Boulevard, next to the Radiant Car Wash.) Doors open at 4 p.m., followed by bingo at 6 p.m. Drinks, hot dogs and pizza are available for purchase. Outside food and drinks are allowed. No one younger than the age of 18 will be admitted. For information, call 813-4065611.
The New Tampa Players will present “Black Butterfly, Jaguar Girl, Pinata Woman and Other Superhero Girls, Like Me” by Luis Alfaro from Jan. 15 to Jan. 23, at the Uptown Stage in University Mall, 2200 E. Fowler Ave., in Tampa.The performance follows the lives of five girls living and growing up in east Los Angeles.All audience members are asked to wear a mask.Tickets are $20. For show times, information and tickets, visit NewTampaPlayers.org.
OPEN STUDIO The Starkey Ranch Theatre Library Cultural Center, 12118 Lake Blanche Drive in Odessa, will host an Adult Open Studio: Painting on Jan. 12 from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., for all skill levels.The studio will be open the second Wednesday evening of every month. In these sessions, participants can learn, practice, and share techniques and resources with each other, and explore painting through the use of a variety of materials.Walk-ins are welcome. For information, call 727-815-7126.
REPUBLICAN CLUB The Wesley Chapel Republican Club will meet on Jan. 13 at 6:30 p.m., at Myrtle Lake Baptist Church, 2017 Reigler Road in Land O’ Lakes.The guest speaker will be Tami Donnally, vice chair of the Palm Beach Republican Executive Committee. Coffee and dessert will be served.Admission is free. For information, call Peter Cracchiolo at 813-469-0227.
KOREAN CULTURE CLUB The Starkey Ranch Theatre Library Cultural Center, 12118 Lake Blanche Drive in Odessa, will host a Korean Culture Club on Jan. 13 at 4 p.m., for grades six to 12. Participants can learn about Korean dishes and take home a bag of Korean snacks. Masks are recommended, but not required. Registration is required at PascoLibraries.org.
COFFEE WITH A COP The Pasco Sheriff’s Office (PSO) will host “Coffee with a Cop” on Jan. 13 at 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., at Mitchell’s Coffee Time, 22299 State Road 54, Suite 102, in Land O’ Lakes. PSO deputies will be on hand to answer questions and to get to know their community.
LEGO OPEN BUILD The Starkey Ranch Theatre Library Cultural Center, 12118 Lake Blanche Drive in Odessa, will offer a Lego Open Build on Jan.
BONFIRE BASH NorthPointe Church, 19862 Amanda Park Drive in Lutz, will host a Bonfire Bash & Tampa Bay Food Truck Rally on Jan. 16 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.This free, family, community event will feature games, activities, inflatables, s’mores, cotton candy, and more. Food will be available for purchase. For information, visit NorthPointeFL.org/bonfire.
DADE CITY GARDEN CLUB The Dade City Garden Club will have a general membership meeting (open to the public) on Jan. 17 from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., at 13630 Fifth St., in Dade City.There will be a presentation by Steve Melton on the impact of the watermelon industry on Pasco County. Light refreshments will be served. Door prizes will be awarded. For information, email Jackie German at jcgerm@tampabay.rr.com, or visit DadeCityGardenClub.com.
DEMOCRATIC CLUB The East Pasco Democratic Club will meet on Jan. 17, via Zoom.The guest speaker will be Jessica Stempien, Pasco Democratic Executive Committee chairwoman. Socializing starts at 6 p.m., followed by the meeting at 6:30 p.m. For information, email eastpascodems@gmail.com, or call 813-3838315.
DRAGON STORY TIMES The New River Library, 34043 State Road 54 in Wesley Chapel, will host these dragon story times: Jan. 18 at 11 a.m., ages 0-5; Jan. 19 at 10:15 a.m., toddlers; Jan. 19 at 11 a.m., preschoolers; Jan. 21 at 10:15 a.m., toddlers; and Jan. 21 at 11 a.m., preschoolers. Each time will include stories about dragons, plus songs and dances. Space is limited for all programs. Registration is online at PascoLibraries.org. For information, call 813-788-6375.
COMMUNITY GARDENING The New River Library, 34043 State Road 54 in Wesley Chapel, will present a program
Casino night benefit
The Wesley Chapel Rotary will host a Casino Night on Feb. 11 from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m., at the Hilton Garden Inn, 2640 Silver Maple Parkway in Wesley Chapel, to benefit Bridging Freedom and Rotary projects within the community. Bridging Freedom’s mission is to combat sex-trafficking of minors by bringing restoration to those rescued, and victim prevention. The benefit will help to build a home for minor female human trafficking survivors. The event includes free heavy hors d’oeuvres, a cash bar, a DJ, a silent auction, raffles and prizes. Tickets are $25 per person, and can be purchased at WCRotaryCasinoNight.eventbrite.com.
from the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) on the benefits of community gardening, on Jan. 18 at 3:30 p.m. Space is limited. Registration is online at PascoLibraries.org. For information, call 813-788-6375.
MAKE COCOA ‘BOMBS’ The New River Library, 34043 State Road 54 in Wesley Chapel, will host two programs on Jan. 18 for making cocoa “bombs” from scratch. Preteens can participate at 5 p.m., and teens can attend at 6 p.m. Registration is online at PascoLibraries.org. For information, call 813-788-6375.
PREVIEW SESSION The UF/IFAS Pasco County Cooperative Extension Service will host a free preview session on Jan. 18 at 3 p.m., for anyone interested in applying for the 2022 Master Gardener Volunteer Training Class. (To be considered for the program, participants must attend this meet-and-greet session.) The training is scheduled to begin in March and includes bi-weekly online training, as well as in-person sessions, running for seven consecutive weeks. Preregistration is required at bit.ly/PascoMGV2022.
BOOKMARK CRAFT The New River Library staff will visit the Zephyrhills Senior Center, at St. Elizabeth Episcopal Church, 5855 16th St., in Zephyrhills, on Jan. 19 from 10:15 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Participants can make a YoYo bookmark.To register, visit PascoLibraries.org. For information, call 813-788-6375.
DEMOCRATIC CLUB The Central Pasco Democratic Club will meet on Jan. 19, via Zoom.The guest speaker will be Jessica Stempien, chairperson of the Democratic Executive Committee Pasco County. Socializing will start at 6:30 p.m., followed by the meeting at 6:45 p.m. For details and a Zoom link, email centraldemocraticclub@gmail.com.
KITCHEN SCRAPS The New River Library, 34043 State Road 54 in Wesley Chapel, will present “Kitchen Scrap Gardening” on Jan. 20 at 11 a.m., for anyone interested in learning how to garden using kitchen scraps.Admission is free. For information, call 813-788-6375.
MAKE A LAPEL PIN The Starkey Ranch Theatre Library Cultural Center, 12118 Lake Blanche Drive in Odessa, will host a DIY craft on Jan. 20 at 4 p.m., for tweens and teens (grades six to
12). Participants can make a lapel pin for a backpack or jacket. Masks are recommended, but not required. Registration is online at PascoLibraries.org.
LIBRARY RESOURCES The New River Library staff will be at SMARTStart at the Grove on Jan. 20 from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., for anyone interested in learning about library resources. For details, call 813-788-6375.
BATH ‘BOMB’ The Starkey Ranch Theatre Library Cultural Center, 12118 Lake Blanche Drive in Odessa, will host a class on Jan. 20 at 6 p.m., for anyone interested in creating a bath “bomb” with a simple recipe. Masks are recommended, but not required. Registration is online at PascoLibraries.org.
IMPROV NIGHT Live Oak Theatre will present an Improv Night on Jan. 21 at 7:30 p.m., at the Carol & Frank Morsani Center for the Arts, 21030 Cortez Blvd., in Brooksville.Advance tickets are $10; and will be $15 starting Jan. 20. Doors open at 7 p.m. For information and tickets, visit LiveOakTheatre.org, call 352-5930027, or email liveoakboxoffice@gmail.com.
FAMILY TRIVIA The Hillsborough County Public Library Cooperative will host “Family Trivia Night: Space Edition” on Jan. 21 at 6:30 p.m., online, for all ages. Participants can test their knowledge of all things space, including sci-fi, movies and television, and astronomy. Prizes will be awarded to winning teams. For a chance to win a prize, an address must be provided in the registration. Register at HCPLC.org.
SEEKING ARTISTS The Charity Festival of Arts scheduled for April 23 at Land O’ Lakes Heritage Park, in Land O’ Lakes, is seeking artists of all ages to be part of the festival’s art exhibit. Prizes will be awarded for “Most Popular” entry in each age category: kindergarten through fifth grade; sixth grade through eighth grade; ninth grade through 12th grade; adult amateur; and adult professional. Mediums can include painting, sculpture, drawing, collage, photography and more.The fee is $5 per entry. Groups and individuals can submit an application to be part of the talent showcase, too. Performances (up to 15 minutes) can include vocal, dance, instrumental, comedy, band and more. For information, contact Leesa Fryer at 727-8455707 or leesa.fryer@gulfside.org, or visit CharityFestivalOfArts.org.
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75-home subdivision proposed on Happy Hill Commercial requested at Chancey Road and U.S. 301 By B.C. Manion bcmanion@lakerlutznews.com
The Pasco County Planning Commission has recommended approval of a proposed subdivision of up to 75 homes at the northwest corner of Happy Hill and Sarah Lynn Drive, in Dade City. The land currently is zoned for agricultural and rural density use, but, if approved by the Pasco County Commission, will be rezoned to a residential-4, high-density residential district.The county board has final jurisdiction in land use and rezoning requests. County planners also have recommended approval of the application by Distinct Development Dade City/Happy Hill Road to rezone the 18.78 acres. The site currently consists of undeveloped hayfields. Access to the proposed subdivision will be from Happy Hill Road, which is a county-maintained collector road. In accordance with an interlocal agreement between the county and the City of Dade City, the county has requested a review of the subject request from the City of Dade City and has not received any comments, according to materials in the planning board’s agenda packet. The area surrounding the site is characterized by residential development and
agricultural pursuits.The site is designated in the county’s land use plan for up to six residential units per acre. Attorney Clarke Hobby represented the applicant at the planning board’s Jan. 6 public hearing. He told planning commissioners that his client opted for the R-4 zoning request, rather than seeking a master-planned unit development that would have yielded the potential for approximately 120 houses. The site is “immediately adjacent to the Sweetwater apartment complex to the south.Two of the sites adjacent to this site are zoned MF-1, so they allow multifamily at considerably higher density.” A traffic study shows that after the development occurs, Happy Hill Road “will still be at level of service A and B, depending on whether you are north or south of the site. There’s a lot of capacity there. “There’s a lot going on in that area and there’s really two big influences in the area, that’s from the crest of the hill, down to (State Road) 52, on Happy Hill. One is, the roads, including the Clinton Extension, which you can see from these sites looking down. So, you have (State Road) 52 and the Clinton Extension, which are going to be major, major game-changers in this area. “And then the second thing is, the City of Dade City has annexed a considerable number of parcels, not very far north of this site and now have approved basically 1,000 units with lots that are smaller than this site,” he said. Alisa Weaver, who lives directly across the road from the proposed rezoning, urged
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the planning board to recommend denial of the request. “My question is: How does this zoning change positively affect the health, safety, welfare and morals of the surrounding community? And, how does this change benefit the surrounding homeowners? “That's a lot of houses in a small area, and I don’t feel any of the resident homeowners are benefiting from this,” she said. She’s concerned about traffic on Happy Hill Road. “It’s always been a two-lane rural road,” she said. But she pointed out, there’s already a problem with traffic and that’s likely to worsen with increased development. The speed limit is 45 mph, and 35 mph near the school and church, she said. “Nobody goes 45 (mph). I’ve been run off the road. I’ve got my blinker on, turning left.They go around you,” she said, adding that even county vehicles have nearly run her off the road. “It’s very hazardous, and now we’re looking at additional homes, on top of what’s already going to go in down the road (on the land that Dade City has annexed). “My question is: What is the county going to do to protect me and my visitors and my property? What is going to keep us safe? “Now, is the time to support your current homeowner residents before allowing additional high-density development. “I ask you to deny this proposal on Happy Hill Road,” she said.
Hobby told the planning board that the transportation analysis, completed by an expert in the field, showed there’s sufficient capacity on the roadway. He also said that lot sizes in the proposed subdivision will have frontages of at least 60 feet. The planning board unanimously recommended approval of the request. In other action, planning commissioners recommended approval of a request by Rucks Cobblestone for a land use change to allow commercial use on 3.34 acres at the intersection of U.S. 301 and Chancey Road. The land currently is designated for residential development, at up to nine dwellings per acre.The applicant is seeking a designation to allow commercial uses. In recommending approval, the planning board concurred with county planners, who supported the request. In supporting the request, county planners found that shifting the land use to commercial would “create little or no objectionable, external effect upon neighboring land uses.” Planners also noted that the proposed commercial site is at the intersection of two arterial roadways; is not located internally to an existing single-family neighborhood and will not act as an intrusion. Planners also found that the development intensity is limited and designed to serve the needs of the immediate neighborhoods. The request now goes to the Pasco County Commission, which has final jurisdiction on land use and zoning issues.
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Martin J. Levins II If you know a student or nonprofit deserving of recognition, please email your nominee suggestion to kcarmack@lakerlutznews.com. PROFILED NOMINEES RECEIVE A $50 GIFT CARD FROM A LOCAL BUSINESS.
CONGRATULATIONS to Martin J. Levins II, a senior at Saddlebrook Preparatory School in Wesley Chapel, for being applauded by Avalon Park Wesley Chapel. Martin is an exceptional student both inside and outside of the classroom. He dedicates his time to studying and has been a member of the National Honor Society since starting high school. The National Honor Society organization recognizes students that commit themselves to values such as scholarship, service and leadership. Martin also has been recognized nationally for his academic prowess over the years by the executive branch of the United States of America. “I am a proud recipient of the President’s Award for Educational Excellence each year from 20172020,” said Martin. The award focuses on a recipient’s success within the classroom, and maintaining grades that average from 90-100+ points on the grade point scale. On Sept. 29, 2019 Martin received his Eagle Scout award, the highest honor a Boy Scout can achieve in the Boy Scouts of America program. Only 4% of scouts go on to achieve this rank by completing merit badges that benefit the community and continuously exemplify the scout oath and law.
“I wanted to become an Eagle Scout to learn leadership and responsibility that could aid me in all aspects of my life,” said Martin. Even to this day, he continues to scout, and is currently a Junior Assistant Scoutmaster. Service is at the forefront of how Martin determines his extracurricular activities. Not just as a Scout, but by using other local organizations as tools of service to give back. “I’m a School Spartan Ambassador, which involves using the school to raise money for the community,” said Martin. “In November, we raised funds for November Needs. During Christmas, we raised money for a toy drive for underprivileged children, and a campus cleanup.” In 2020, Martin was awarded the Saddlebrook Preparatory School Community Service Award. He was also was awarded the Green Ball Award for recycling over 40,000 used tennis balls in Saddlebrook. Martin owes his drive for success and passion to succeed in life to the great example of his father. “My father has always been my role model and a man that I look up to. He instilled the values in me I hold close in all I do, to this very day,” said Martin. “I am so grateful to have learned about the world from him.”
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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.
Send school news to news@lakerlutznews.com
SCHOOL CHOICE WINDOW OPEN
The Pasco County Schools’ School Choice application window is now open and will close at 4:30 p.m., on Jan. 20. The Pasco Pathways Innovative Programs and School Choice application is available for parents via the myStudent parent portal. Parents who do not have an account can establish a myStudent account by going to the district website, PascoSchools.org, and clicking on the myStudent link. This will be the only application window for all grade levels, and is for all school choice options, including STEM and STEAM magnet schools, Kirkland Ranch Academy of Innovation, Wendell Krinn Technical High School, International Baccalaureate (IB), and the Cambridge Programme.
implementation details, visit Policies.phsc.edu, and click on Policies and Procedures, Public Disclosure.
DUKE ENERGY AWARDS GRANTS
CITIZENS OF THE MONTH
Ten students were honored by The Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce’s Citizen of the Month program. Students were chosen by the teachers and administration of the individual schools for their exemplary effort, achievement and contribution to their school, family and community. The chamber has recognized students through this program each month of the school year, for 22 years. Recipients of the award were: Khamaron Paul and Noah Sublette,Academy of Spectrum Diversity; Cordell Hooks and Janice Robles, The Broach School; Emily Lopez and Jomar Ruiz, Heritage Academy; Kira Fasig and Joseph Mohler, Stewart Middle School; Hailey Carter and Ximena Cortez, West Zephyrhills Elementary School.
FEE ADJUSTMENT MEETING
The Pasco-Hernando State College’s District Board of Trustees (DBOT) will consider approving proposed adjusted course-related fees at its Jan. 18 board meeting. Fee adjustment proposals are reviewed and approved for DBOT consideration by PHSC’s Council of Academic Affairs, a committee that includes representation by administrators, deans, academic department chairs, program directors, faculty and staff. Many fee adjustments relate to vendor increases for workforce courses, laboratories, and program testing. Some fees may be covered by financial aid, scholarships and grants. For details regarding proposed fee adjustments, justification for the fees and fee
Duke Energy has awarded a total of $250,000 in grants to support a wide range of education and community assistance initiatives across Florida, according to a news release. This year’s grant recipients range from local education foundations to community assistance programs that address economic and quality of life issues for students and families, as well as diversity and access to educational and training opportunities. “These programs are more important than ever, as many students and educators continue to face academic challenges and families across the state struggle to get by,” said Melissa Seixas, Duke Energy Florida state president, in the release. “Duke Energy Florida is proud to support the organizations that work tirelessly to eliminate barriers and create opportunities for all children, individuals and families to thrive and reach their full potential,” said Seixas. The list of the 2021 local grant recipients includes: Citrus County Education Foundation, $5,000; Hernando County Education, $5,000; A Gift For Teaching, $50,000;AdventHealth Foundation in Sebring, $15,000; Boys & Girls Club of North Central Florida, $5,000; Boys & Girls Club of Volusia/Flagler County, $5,000; Find, Feed & Restore, $5,000; Lake Wales Care Center, $5,000; Seminole State College Foundation, $15,000;The Foundation for Orange County Public Schools, $40,000; United Arts of Central Florida, $50,000; Conservation Corps of the Forgotten and Emerald Coast (Franklin’s Promise Coalition), $5,000; Jefferson County Education Foundation, $5,000; Lafayette Penny Foundation, $5,000; Levy County Schools Foundation, $5,000; Public Education Foundation of Marion County, $5,000; Sumter Education Enhancement Foundation, $5,000; The Education Foundation of Alachua County, $5,000; Madison County Foundation for Excellence in Education, $5,000; and Ocala Metro Chamber & Economic Partnership, $10,000.
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MORATORIUM, from page 1A increased crime. The temporary moratorium on new multifamily applications applies only to an area within Moore’s District 2. The temporary ban on new applications applies to an area essentially made up of Wesley Chapel and Land O’ Lakes. The area initially was generally defined as between State Road 52, on the north; U.S. 41, on the west; State Road 54 on the south; and, Bruce B. Downs Boulevard, on the east.The boundary zigzags between Moore’s District 2 and Commissioner Ron Oakley’s District 1. The proposed expansion includes several additional areas along the State Road 54/State Road 56 corridor. The expansion area can generally be defined as State Road 54 to Collier Parkway to County Line Road (south) to Mansfield Boulevard to State Road 56; and from just east of Bruce B. Downs Boulevard and State Road 54 due north to Interstate 75 to Overpass Road and west to the existing moratorium boundary. The planning board’s recent recommendation follows Moore’s request to apply the moratorium to areas that became part of his district as a result of redistricting. (The board recently adopted new boundaries for commission districts in response to population changes recorded by the 2020 U.S. Census. Redistricting is an exercise that aims to balance out population within individual voting districts.) The call for expanding the moratorium area does not include a request to extend the April 1 deadline on the moratorium. Originally, the moratorium was set to expire on Sept. 28, 2021, but the county board extended it for 185 days, to allow more time to complete the study. The study is examining whether there’s a potential oversaturation due to existing and possible future multifamily developments, and to determine whether additional regula-
OMICRON, from page 1A if they are in one of these groups: • Age 18 or older and have completed the primary series of recommended vaccine, but have not received a recommended booster shot when eligible • Have received the single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine (completing the primary series) over two months ago and have not received a recommended booster shot • Are not vaccinated or have not completed a primary vaccine series The CDC also says that those confirmed or suspected of COVID-19, regardless of vaccination status, should stay home and isolate from other people for at least five full days. They also should wear a well-fitting mask when around others at home and in public for an additional five days. Testing may be used to help determine when to end your isolation period, the CDC says. As of Jan. 5, the current seven-day moving average of daily new cases (586,391) increased 85.7% compared with the previous seven-day moving average (315,851). A total of 57,898,239 COVID-19 cases have been reported in the United States as of Jan. 5, according to the CDC. Health experts are advising those who need to be tested to go to a local pharmacy, an urgent care center or a public testing site — not to a hospital emergency room. Hillsborough County has three free COVID-19 testing sites, they are located at: • Hillsborough County Community College Brandon campus, 10451 Nancy Watkins Drive, in Tampa. It is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., daily for residents who want to receive free COVID-19 testing. This is a drive-thru site, and no appointments are needed. • Progress Village Park, 8701 Progress Blvd., in Tampa.This is a walk-up COVID-19 testing site open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., daily. No appointments are needed. • West Tampa Community Resource Center, 2103 N. Rome Ave., in Tampa.This is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., daily. It is a walkup site that offers free COVID-19 testing,
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COURTESY OF PASCO COUNTY
This map depicts the original boundaries for Pasco County’s temporary pause on accepting new multifamily applications, and the proposed expansion area. Approval of the expanded area appears likely, as the Pasco County Commission, which has final jurisdiction on the issue, directed staff to initiate the process for amending the map.
tions are necessary. It aims to identify how much multifamily already is entitled and to examine market demand, occupancy rates and other issues. A housing market research firm is preparing the report and will present it to the board. That report will cover the current quantity of multifamily dwelling unit entitlements and the current acreage of land zoned for multifamily dwelling units, including the acreage having potential for multifamily units
upon approval of a conditional use. It also will include the potential number of multifamily dwelling units available through existing land use equivalency matrices to accurately calculate and determine the true potential for the oversaturation of multifamily dwelling units within the moratorium area. If the expansion area is approved by the county board, it would take effect on Jan. 6 — the date of the planning board’s public hearing on the topic.
In extending the original deadline, county staff said the extension was justified because of procedural delays, staff shortages, and the complexities associated with accurate data collection. In its original approval of the ordinance allowing the temporary pause on new multifamily applications, the county board described the action as being “in the best interest of the public health, safety, and welfare, and (noted) that it advances a valid and important public purpose.”
vaccinations, Pfizer pediatric vaccines, booster shots for those who are eligible, and monoclonal antibody therapy treatment. No appointments are needed for most of the services, but residents wanting monoclonal antibody therapy treatment must make an appointment. They can make an appointment at PatientPortalFl.com. Children ages 5 to 11 who are accompanied by their parent or legal guardian can receive the COVID-19 Pfizer pediatric vaccine at the West Tampa Community Resource Center site.The child must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian to verbally confirm the child’s age. For all services, proof of medical insurance is recommended and should be presented at the time of the visit. People without medical insurance will still be tested, vaccinated, or receive monoclonal antibody therapy treatment for free. Meanwhile, according to a report by The Center Square, an online news outlet, Florida’s Republican Congressional delegation has entered into the state’s ongoing rift with the Biden administration over access to monoclonal antibody drugs. The state’s two senators and 11 of its congressional members sent a letter to Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra arguing the administration’s distribution policy regarding the monoclonal antibody therapy “continues to be shortsighted and burdensome on states and health care providers.” Their letter comes after Florida Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo accused the Biden administration of “actively preventing the effective distribution of monoclonal antibody treatments in the U.S.,” according to The Center Square report. The Center Square also reported that Florida seniors who live in assisted-living facilities and nursing homes will receive 1 million rapid COVID-19 tests in an effort by the state to prioritize safety for those at high risk to serious illness. Gov. Ron DeSantis announced the distribution during a visit at the Rehabilitation Center of the Palm Beaches, where he met with leaders in the senior care industry.
MPO, from page 1A
a neighboring county or federal government, he said. So, the county can accomplish a greater value, using less money, he said. Zephyrhills City Councilman Lance Smith agreed:“I think that makes sense.” Pasco County Commissioner Ron Oakley said it’s important for projects to get on the list, so they can be eligible for funding. “They need to be on the list, to be funded at the right time,” he said, citing two roundabouts planned in the Dade City area, as examples. Both are close to receiving funding, Oakley said. Mikyska said the new approach is aimed at helping “people to understand their likelihood of being able to successfully pursue funding.” He also noted that it’s important to identify worthy projects because there may be sources of potential funding that is unknown to the county. “Florida DOT (Department of Transportation) has more money than just federal funds,” he explained. “If they see something on our list that they feel is a good project they may be able to put other funding on it.” Smith, who chairs the MPO board, urged his colleagues to take a close look at the proposed methodology before the February meeting. “This is pretty important.This is how we’re going to rank the projects, so we need to all make sure we look at it hard,” Smith said. Mikyska told board members that he wants to make sure that staff is moving in the right direction. The goal is to finalize the methodology so it can be used for the MPO’s list of projects due to the state on June 15.
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additional bonus points — based on how long a project has been on the priority list. Under the updated methodology, proposed bicycle and pedestrian projects will be ranked based on the total number of points they receive in the following categories: safety and security; mobility and connectivity; economic development; project readiness and project longevity. Road improvements will be ranked upon the total of points they receive in these categories: safety and security; mobility and connectivity; freight movement and economic development; project readiness and project longevity. The staff wants to use this method to rank the MPO’s 2022 List of Project Priorities, Mikyska said. He explained that a separate priority list was created for bicycle and pedestrian improvements because the previous methodology put nonmotorized projects at a disadvantage. “We recognize the need to have two very similar methodologies but one that focused on our nonmotorized projects because of their attribute of being significantly different from roadways,” he said. On both lists, safety and security represent a large number of points. Pasco County Commissioner Jack Mariano said he would like the scoring methodology to include points for projects that involve shared funding through partnerships. There are instances when a project is of greater value to the county because it is receiving joint funding from another source, such as
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Community Sports Your Neighborhood Sports Source
All-Pasco County fall awards announced Compiled by Kevin Weiss kweiss@lakerlutznews.com
H
igh school coaches from Pasco County Schools recently announced Sunshine Athletic Conference (SAC) All-Conference Teams, Athletes of the Year and Coaches of the Year, for the 2021-2022 fall sports season. Selections were made for both the East and West divisions. The following high schools from The Laker/Lutz News coverage area were represented in the East: Cypress Creek, Land O’ Lakes, Pasco, Sunlake, Wesley Chapel, Wiregrass Ranch and Zephyrhills. Here is a listing of boys team and individual recipients within The Laker/Lutz News coverage area for cross-country, football, golf, and swimming & diving. NOTE: The Laker/Lutz News will publish the Girls All-Conference listings in its Jan. 19 edition.
BOYS FALL SPORTS SAC EAST ALL-CONFERENCE CROSS-COUNTRY
Team Champion: Sunlake Coach of the Year: Randal Reeves, Sunlake Runner of the Year: Colby Robbins, Sunlake
FIRST-TEAM Colby Robbins, Sunlake, senior Zack Poekert, Cypress Creek, junior Alex Pena, Sunlake, junior Cason Meyer, Sunlake, senior William Poe, Zephyrhills, sophomore Cade Culpepper, Sunlake, freshman Seth Stringer, Pasco, senior
COURTESY OF WIREGRASS RANCH HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETICS DEPARTMENT
The Wiregrass Ranch varsity football team defeated all three of its Pasco County opponents this season, downing Mitchell (21-6), River Ridge (69-47), and Zephyrhills (40-7).
SECOND-TEAM Max Goserud, Sunlake, senior Hunter Boggs, Wiregrass Ranch, sophomore Dalton Sallengs, Land O’ Lakes, junior Caden Sessions, Land O’ Lakes, sophomore Nathan Lee, Sunlake, junior Cody Smith, Sunlake, senior Nathan Webb, Land O’ Lakes, freshman
HONORABLE MENTION Cole Couch, Wesley Chapel, senior
SAC EAST ALL-CONFERENCE FOOTBALL Team Champion: Wiregrass Ranch Coach of the Year: Anthony Egan, Wesley Chapel Offensive Player of the Year: Rocco Becht, Wiregrass Ranch Defensive Player of the Year: Josh Poleon, Wesley Chapel FILE
FIRST-TEAM OFFENSE QB: Rocco Becht, Wiregrass Ranch, senior RB: Jaylin Thomas, Zephyrhills, senior RB: Jaylan Blake, Wesley Chapel, senior WR: Kenan Ayala, Land O’ Lakes, junior WR: Bryson Rodgers, Wiregrass Ranch, junior TE: Dylan Lolley, Cypress Creek, junior OL: Cristian Loaiza, Wiregrass Ranch, senior OL: Logan Ridolph, Wiregrass Ranch, senior OL: Isaiah Tavo, Land O’ Lakes, senior OL: Quinn Hewitt, Sunlake, senior OL: Briac Riles, Wesley Chapel, senior
FIRST-TEAM DEFENSE/SPECIAL TEAMS DL: Maguire Neal, Zephyrhills, senior DL: Aiden Marsh, Land O’ Lakes, junior DL: Steven Prevaux, Wiregrass Ranch, senior DL: Zeph Johnson, Sunlake, junior LB: Josh Poleon, Wesley Chapel, junior LB: Theotis Smith, Zephyrhills, senior LB: Mitch Hammond, Sunlake, senior DB: Abram Beer, Wiregrass Ranch, senior DB: Nick Sheldon, Zephyrhills, senior DB: Nehemiah Morgan, Wesley Chapel, senior DB: Tymar McKever, Zephyrhills, senior P: Daniel Lester, Sunlake, senior K: Daniel Lester, Sunlake, senior Utility: Nehemiah Morgan, Wesley Chapel, senior
SECOND-TEAM OFFENSE QB: Kyle Horvath, Land O’ Lakes, sophomore RB: Kione Robinson, Cypress Creek, senior RB: Jackson Lipski, Sunlake, junior WR: Dontrell Clerkley, Cypress Creek, senior WR: T.J. Jackson, Zephyrhills, senior TE: David Alejandro, Land O’ Lakes, senior OL: Austin Slusher, Cypress Creek, sophomore OL: Tucker Schwab, Wiregrass Ranch, senior OL: Damon McMillian, Zephyrhills, sophomore OL: Max Hembrecht, Wesley Chapel, junior OL: Karl Campbell, Cypress Creek, senior
The Sunlake varsity boys cross-country team finished third in the Class 3A state championship meet, representing the best finish among all local schools in The Laker/Lutz News coverage area. From left: Nathan Lee, Cason Meyer, Cade Culpepper, Alex Pena, Colby Robbins, Maximillian Goserud and Cody Smith. FILE
Sunlake senior Cody Williams, left, was named 2021 SAC East Boys Golfer of the Year. Williams stands alongside coach Bob Kamps, who was named 2021 SAC East Boys Golf Coach of the Year.
SECOND-TEAM DEFENSE/SPECIAL TEAMS DL: Vincent Tre, Cypress Creek, junior DL: Xavier Lewis, Land O’ Lakes, senior DL: Gabe Stewart, Wesley Chapel, junior DL: Calob Durham, Zephyrhills, junior LB: Jordan McCaslin, Wesley Chapel, senior LB: Ethan Ayo, Pasco, senior LB: Kevin Marks, Land O’ Lakes, junior DB: Ayden Roysdon, Wesley Chapel, senior DB: Elijah Westbrooks, Wiregrass Ranch, junior DB: Luis Nunez, Sunlake, senior DB: Jakobe Campbell, Zephyrhills, sophomore P: Will Fotopolous, Land O’ Lakes, junior K: Colton Corrao, Cypress Creek, senior Utility: Jaxson Rivera, Zephyrhills, senior
SAC EAST ALL-CONFERENCE GOLF Team Champion: Sunlake Coach of the Year: Bob Kamps, Sunlake Golfer of the Year: Cody Williams
FIRST-TEAM Cody Williams, Sunlake, senior Daniel Polce, Cypress Creek, senior Alex Dodd, Sunlake, junior Conor Newbold, Cypress Creek, sophomore Eddie Chang, Sunlake, senior
SECOND-TEAM Ben Alexander, Land O’ Lakes, junior Aidan Sherman, Land O’ Lakes, senior Max Haines, Sunlake, freshman Joaquin Parrilla, Cypress Creek, junior Levi Wade, Cypress Creek, sophomore
HONORABLE MENTION(S) Gabriel Johnston, Zephyrhills, senior Aidan Brooks, Wiregrass Ranch, junior Cooper Krump, Pasco, freshman Jackson Almasy, Wesley Chapel, junior
SAC EAST ALL-CONFERENCE SWIMMING AND DIVING Team Champion: Wiregrass Ranch Coach of the Year: Kyle Gramm, Wiregrass Ranch, Swimmer of the Year: Alex Thai, Sunlake Diver of the Year: Nolan Ray, Land O’ Lakes
FIRST-TEAM 200 medley relay: Sunlake — Cayden DeTillio, sophomore; Alex Thai, senior; Jackson Houck, junior; Tien Duong, junior 200 freestyle: Andrew Fisher, Pasco, senior 200 individual medley: Garret McNab, Land O’ Lakes, junior 50 freestyle: Alex Thai, Sunlake, junior 100 butterfly: Noah Porter, Wiregrass Ranch, senior 100 freestyle: Kevin Chen, Wiregrass Ranch, senior 500 freestyle: Jack Porter, Wiregrass Ranch, sophomore 200 freestyle relay: Sunlake — Cayden DeTillio, sophomore; Alex Thai, junior; Jackson Houck, junior; Tien Duong, junior
IInjured? njured?
100 backstroke: Michael McCloskey, Land O’ Lakes, junior 100 breaststroke: Alex Thai, Sunlake, junior 400 freestyle relay: Wiregrass Ranch — Kevin Chen, senior; RB Childers, senior; Parker Munari, senior; Noah Porter, senior Diver: Nolan Ray, Land O’ Lakes, junior
SECOND-TEAM 200 medley relay: Wiregrass Ranch — Parker Munari, senior; Noah Porter, senior; RB Childers, senior; Kevin Chen, senior 200 freestyle: Jack Porter, Wiregrass Ranch, sophomore 200 individual medley: Cristian Doan, Pasco, freshman 50 freestyle: Tien Duong, Sunlake, junior 100 butterfly: Michael McCloskey, Land O’ Lakes, junior 100 freestyle: Tien Duong, Sunlake, junior 500 freestyle: Reid Knuckes, Wiregrass Ranch, junior 200 freestyle relay: Cypress Creek — Adam Przychodski, junior; Nicky Vreeland, senior; Clay Ballash, sophomore; Paul Bobey, senior 100 backstroke: Parker Munari, Wiregrass Ranch, senior 100 breaststroke: Cristian Doan, Pasco, freshman 400 freestyle relay: Andrew Fisher, senior; Aaron Loguercio, junior; Cristian Doan, freshman, Connor Harrie, junior Diver: Aaron Tran, Land O’ Lakes, senior
HONORABLE MENTION(S) Tyler Norman, Wesley Chapel, sophomore Jacob Piankowski, Zephyrhills, sophomore
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Smoke billows from the chimney atop of the Cane Mill at the Pioneer Florida Museum & Village. The fire must be hot enough to boil the 60 gallons to 70 gallons of sugar cane juice down to 6 gallons to 7 gallons of sugar cane syrup.
B
JA N UA RY 1 2 , 2 0 2 2
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Little did 6-year-old Nikolai Hinson, of Dade City, know, but he was tasting the sugar cane syrup that was voted No. 1 by the Southern Syrup-Makers Association Syrup-Tasting Contest. Nikolai, his 9-year-old sister Isabella Hinson, and their aunt Marcia Nichols, who was visiting the family from Minnesota, tasted all 12 samples for judging.
Festival features sugar cane syrup, and the history of moonshine The Laker/Lutz News Staff Report
T
he Pioneer Florida Museum & Village has been raisin’ cane for years, at a festival featuring the art of making syrup from Florida sugar cane. But this year, the event on Jan. 8 added a new element — showcasing the history of moonshine.
Pasco County’s history is replete with stories about moonshiners, and this year, for the first time, the pioneer museum shared part of that history with event-goers. Jeffro Cotton, of Lithia, volunteered to man the moonshine shed, where he talked about ‘moonshinin’ and explained how the mash was fermented into alcohol. Meanwhile, visitors to the event had the chance to see demonstrations of syrup-mak-
ing from sugar cane and to taste entries in the Southern Syrup-Makers Association Syrup-Tasting Contest Steve Melton, of Trilby, president of the Southern SyrupMakers Association presented Jack Whitehurst, of Williston, with the first-place ribbon for his cane sugar syrup. This year’s event had the largest turnout ever for tasting during the event. Whitehurst said the key to making the
syrup was taking his time and doing it the way the old-timers did it. Beyond syrup-tasting, the event also featured Tarpon Springs Distillery, which offered samples of its products, and had a couple of moonshine cocktails and bottles available for purchase. Event-goers also had a chance to do a little shopping, grab a bite to eat, enjoy live music and stroll around the 6.5 acres.
Steam rises from the huge vat containing sugar cane juice, as volunteers Marcus Copeland, of Dade City, left, and Jasper Starnes, of Zephyrhills, right, work on skimming any impurities that bubble to the top during the sugar cane syrup-making process. The demonstration occurred in the Cane Mill during The Pioneer Florida Museum & Village Raising Cane and Moonshine Festival.
Five-year-old Tanner Weeks, of Dade City, manages to recline on his dad Kyle Weeks, of Dade City, as he was talking cane with Joy Dew, of Dade City, about replanting the sugar cane stalk at home.
Jeffro Cotton, of Lithia, volunteered to man the moonshine shed, where he talked about ‘moonshinin’. He explained how the mash was fermented into alcohol. Leon Rookey, of Dade City, right, passes by the old still, which is covered in verdigris, that green pigment that forms on weathered copper.
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A diamond in the rough Tubby is about 4 years old and 55 pounds. This smart boy already knows sit, down, shake and roll over. He also is eager to learn more commands. He is friendly and likes people, but he loves toys. He will play fetch or push a ball around all day. Sometimes, he picks it up and carries it. Other times, he lies down and chews on it. Tubby is high energy and must have an active home. He needs to work on his manners, including not pulling on a leash, jumping or using his mouth. He doesn't like to share his things, and requires a home without other dogs. Tubby is heartworm positive, but his treatment will be sponsored upon adoption. With exercise, training and patience, he has the potential to become a good pet.
Myron is a ball of energy
Myron is looking for an active home. He is friendly, playful,and enjoys splashing in the pool after a game of fetch. He participates in play groups with other dogs, preferring a rough-and-tumble style. This 1-year-old weighs about 60 pounds and can be a bit rowdy, so he needs someone who can handle his strength and activity level. Myron could use some work on his leash manners, and he can be mouthy. When he settles down, he loves to cuddle. Although Myron likes people and other dogs, he would do best without cats. Myron also doesn't like to share his food.
If you would like to adopt Myron or Tubby, be sure to make an appointment at Pasco County Animal Services at 19640 Dogpatch Lane in Land O’ Lakes, by calling 813-929-1212. 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.
Miss Mabel loves to shop Miss Mabel is a 9-year-old Maltipoo that came running up to her owner on the Mississippi River levy in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, in 2019. Mabel was homeless and in need of care, so Ester Ragolta flew back home with her to Land O’ Lakes. Miss Mabel loves to dress up and if she hears, ‘Let’s go shopping,’ she gets more excited than her humans do. Miss Mabel shares her home with Jackie, the cat.
LOCAL WILDLIFE
PET OF THE WEEK FAMILIES RECEIVE A $30 GIFT CARD TO CHUY’S TEX MEX. 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.
OUR NATIONAL BIRD
Doris Moore snapped this photo of a bald eagle, a classic icon, by the backyard pond in her neighborhood of Northwood Palms in Wesley Chapel.
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Duke Energy invests in workforce By Mary Rathman mrathman@lakerlutznews.com
Duke Energy Florida is investing $200,000 in strategic economic development and recruitment programs, by awarding grants to 14 Florida-based organizations. The Duke Energy Foundation grants will help communities across the state attract, build and grow businesses, as well as tackle emerging recruitment and workforce challenges, according to a news release. “These community partners are delivering meaningful results for our state, and we’re proud to support their ongoing commitment to growing our economy and enhancing the quality of life for all residents,” said Melissa Seixas, Duke Energy Florida state president, in the release. Locally, the Pasco Economic Development Council Inc., received a $10,000 grant, to create a workforce devel-
opment video showcasing its WorkforceCONNECT program and the talent pipeline in Pasco County. Across the state, additional grants were awarded to these organizations in the communities that Duke Energy serves: Foundation for Chamber Economic Partnership; Enterprise Florida; Citrus County Economic Development Council; City of Pinellas Park; Hernando County Board of County Commissioners; Foundation for Orlando’s Future; Highlands County Board of County Commissioners; Lake County Board of County Commissioners; Seminole County; Gainesville Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation Inc.; North Florida Economic Development Partnership Foundation Inc.; Florida’s Great Northwest Foundation; and Sumter County. For more information on the Duke Energy Foundation and its Powerful Communities program, visit Dukeenergy.com/foundation.
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Pasco Schools sets up reunification shelter The Laker/Lutz News Staff Report Pasco County Schools has signed a memorandum of understanding with RADDSports Pasco Wiregrass LLC to establish a reunification shelter. The site will be used in the event an evacuation is required due to an emergency, resulting in students and staff no longer being able to remain in their regular facility, according to the agreement. The district “will make every effort to notify RADD of evacuation possibilities with as much notice as possible so RADD can close its facility to the public as applicable. “Contact information between the two parties shall be maintained in a separate appendix and is considered confidential information and is not subject to public disclosure,” according to the agreement. Under terms of the agreement, RADD will open specific areas of buildings at the Wiregrass Ranch Sports Complex, 3021 Sports Coast Way,Wesley Chapel, to provide bus access, shelter, and assistance to students and staff evacuated during emergency situations. RADD will be responsible for opening the building and developing procedures for making the building accessible, including restrooms and an area with phone and in-
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ternet connection, if available, to district administrative personnel. The district will provide supervision for all students and staff during the time that the facility is used as an emergency shelter site, the agreement adds. The district also agrees “that it shall exercise reasonable care in the conduct of its activities in said facilities and further agrees to replace or reimburse RADD for any items, materials, equipment or supplies that may be used by the district in the conduct of its sheltering activities.” Under other provisions in the agreement, the district: • Agrees to accept responsibility for replacing, restoring or repairing damage, upon an itemized written request by RADD • Will reimburse RADD for any bona fide expenditure of personnel required to maintain the facility for reunification sheltering, including overtime costs, upon production of receipts or time sheets • Will provide all releases of information to the press and media The initial term of the contract is for five years. It will automatically renew — with any modification agreed to by both parties — for an additional five years, unless either party provides a written notice of intent not to renew at least 60 days before the expiration.
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LAND O LAKES - ASBEL ESTATES is a fantastic community with NO CDD and low HOA fees, Basketball and Sand Volleyball Courts, Playground and Covered Picnic area. Outstanding fenced corner home site. Enter through the front door to a Formal Dining Room. Nicely appointed kitchen with wood cabinets and crown molding and stainless steel appliances and ceramic tile floors. The kitchen opens to an inviting family room with plenty of entertaining space and access to the large back yard. The Master Bedroom is located on the first floor, massive walk in closet, Master Bath with separate shower and garden tub. Oversized 17x15 Media Room. All secondary bedrooms accommodate large furniture and have walk in closets. Two full baths and king size laundry room are located on the second floor. Insulated double pane windows and much more! This home is not perfect but could be. Call Cody Adams at 813-909-0712
PICTURESQUE WATERFRONT LOT Come build your dream home in the heart of Land O' Lakes! Beautiful High and dry lot on a canal. Canal connects to Green Lake. Ready for the Boat and Friends! Make watersports your passion and life style with skiing and fishing out your back door! Call Cody Adams at 813-909-0712
RENTALS LAND OF LAKES - TIERRA DEL SOL Three large bedrooms plus Den, two full baths along with a two car garage on a conservation home site. A spacious kitchen with oak cabinetry, Corian counter tops, ample storage, separate breakfast area, which is located right off of the Family room. Separate Living & Dining room area great for entertaining. You must see this beautiful home in order to appreciate everything it has to offer. The floor plan for this home is the "Hunter. Call Cody Adams at 813-909-0712
VACANT PROPERTY KING LAKE IN LAND O LAKES Ready for your dream home! 1/2 Acre Lot with Lake access to King Lake a 122 acre private lake. Ready for Fishing and boating!! Common lake access for property owners' use. Property is located at end cul-de-sac and surrounded by large mature trees. Easy access to Tampa via I-75 or Suncoast Expressway. Call Cody at 813-909-0712 BUILD YOUR DREAM HOME in Land O' Lakes' coveted Lake Padgett Estates. Great Location, beautiful wooded lot. Ski Lake Access and horse riding stables. NO DEED RESTRICTIONS! Call Cody at 813-909-0712 WOODED BEAUTY BELL LAKE & ALPINE in Land O Lakes. Come build your dream estate or family compound. Great Location, beautiful wooded lot. Almost 3 acres. NO DEED RESTRICTIONS! City water available. Property can be subdivided into two lots. Build on one and sell the other. $299,900 Call Cody at 813-909-0712
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The LAKER / Lutz NEWS CROSSWORD PUZZLE ACROSS 1. Requests 5. Calendar month 8. Invests in little enterprises 12. Bird sound 14. S. American plant cultivated for tubers 15. Car 16. Bullfighter 18. Hill (Celtic) 19. Strong criticism 20. Detector 21. When you hope to get there 22. Having the skill to do something 23. Legendary MLB broadcaster 26. Vulcanite 30. C. Asian mountain range 31. In a way, healed 32. Midway between east and southeast 33. Small appendages of insects 34. __ Greene, “Bonanza” actor 39. A place to bathe 42. Postal worker accessory 44. Classical music 46. A way of wrecking 47. Terminator 49. You eat three a day 50. Pointed end of a pen 51. NATO official (abbr.) 56. Genus of clams 57. Boxing’s “G.O.A.T.” 58. A colorless, odorless gas used as fuel 59. Covered thinly with gold paint 60. Bachelor of Laws 61. Red fluorescent dye 62. Engineering group 63. Female sibling 64. Adjacent
DOWN 1. What a thespian does 2. Footwear 3. Adjust spacing between 4. Witnesses 5. Who shows excessive fondness 6. Distinct form of a plant 7. National capital 8. Hunting expedition 9. Related to medulla oblongata 10. European country 11. Cola 13. Excluded from use or mention 17. Speak 24. Bloodshot 25. Make better 26. Keyboard key 27. Type of degree 28. Paddle 29. Peacock network 35. Not young 36. Baseball stat 37. One’s grandmother 38. Breakfast food 40. Bathroom features 41. Disease-causing bacterium 42. NY ballplayer 43. Got up 44. Prophet 45. Part of the mouth 47. Unnatural 48. Acronym for brain science study 49. Three are famous 52. Languages spoken in Patagonia 53. Freedom from difficulty 54. Widely used OS 55. Many people pay it SEE SOLUTIONS, PAGE 7B
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BARIATRIC SEMINAR
AdventHealth Dade City will host a free bariatric seminar,“Imagine a Healthier You,” on Jan. 12 at 6 p.m., at AdventHealth Wesley Chapel’s Wellness Center, 2700 Healing Way, in the second-floor conference room. The guest speaker will be Dr. Naga Thatimatla, bariatric surgeon, on the topic of surgical weight-loss options. Registration is required by calling 833300-2371, or online at tinyurl.com/HealthierYou2022.
CCOURTESY OF ST. JOSEPH’S HOSPITAL-NORTH
Local New Year’s baby
Meet Eliana Rose Jones — the first baby born at St. Joseph's Hospital-North in 2022. Baby Jones was born at 4:53 p.m., New Year's Day, weighing 6 pounds, 12 ounces. Her proud parents are Sheree and Ian of Land O' Lakes. The hospital gifted the family a basket of goodies to start the year off in an amazing way. Congratulations to the family and the St. Joseph's Hospital-North maternity teams.
TAI CHI TUESDAYS
The Zephyrhills Public Library, 5347 Eighth St., will host Tai Chi Tuesdays at 11 a.m., for an introductory class on sun-style Tai Chi, suitable for anyone who wants to improve their balance. The next class is Jan. 18. Class size is limited.Weekly registration, which begins each Wednesday prior to class, is required. For information, call 713-780-0064.
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The New River Library, 34043 State Road 54 in Wesley Chapel, will offer a balance and stability class on Jan. 19 at 1 p.m. Registration is online at PascoLibraries.org. For questions, call 813-788-6375.
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Integrative Healing at OM will present a wellness lecture, “Authentic Healing for Sustainable Living,” on Jan. 18 from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., at the WellCome OM Integral Healing & Education Center, 4242 Lake in the Woods Drive in Spring Hill. Dr.Maria Scunziano-Singh will discuss naturopathic medical care, nutritional counseling, IV nutrition on chelation, and pure BioEnergy healing. For information and to register, call 352600-4242, or visit WellComeOMCenter.com.
CHAIR ZUMBA
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The Zephyrhills Public Library, 5347 Eighth St., will host chair Zumba on Jan. 19 at 2 p.m. The class is an introduction to Zumba that allows for modified movement with Latin routines performed while sitting in chairs. Class size is limited.Weekly registration, which begins each Thursday prior to class, is required. For information, call 713-780-0064.
The Zephyrhills Public Library, 5347 Eighth St., will host Sit & Be Fit on Jan. 19 at 11 a.m.The class is an introduction to chair exercise that emphasizes cardio-toning and stretching. Routines are performed while sitting on or balancing with chairs. Class size is limited.Weekly registration, which begins each Thursday prior to class, is required. For information, call 713-780-0064.
The New River Library, 34043 State Road 54 in Wesley Chapel, will host a Medicare 101 seminar on Jan. 20 at 10:30 a.m. This is an information session on Medicare basics, and will provide an overview of the the parts of Medicare, including A, B, C, D, Medigap and available assistance. For information and to register, call SHINE (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders) at 727-217-8111.
Dementia education
Beach House Assisted Living and Memory Care at Wiregrass Ranch and Life Church will host Teepa Snow, a leading advocate and educator for anyone living with dementia or other forms of brain change, on Jan. 26 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Life Church, 6224 Old Pasco Road in Wesley Chapel. (Note: This is a different location than previously published for seminar.) Snow is an occupational therapist with more than 40 years of varied clinical and academic experience, medical research, and first-handing caregiving experiences. Her company, Positive Approach to Care (PAC), was founded in 2006 and now collaborates to improve dementia care in more than 30 countries. For tickets, visit BeachHouseWiregrass.com. For information on this day of education and training on dementia, call 813-508-6677. For more about Snow, visit TeepaSnow.com.
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health department provided essential information and services to the community regarding COVID-19 resources and aided businesses as they navigated through COVID protocols. Mr. Napier worked very Mike Napier closely with the Pasco School District and the Pasco County Board of County Commissioners to provide updates and partner with officials to provide COVID-19 testing and vaccines to county and school staff and students." The health department leader’s actions were credited with helping businesses and schools remain open. The West Pasco Board of Realtors has more than 1,500 members and is the largest trade organization in Pasco County.
Two new home dedications
Hillsborough wants community’s input
Besides the keys to their new homes, Jimmie Mitchell and Ashley Westberry also received gifts from the East Pasco Quilters Guild and the GFWC Lutz-Land O' Lakes Woman's Club. Habitat for Humanity of East & Central Pasco County was founded in 1994 and has enabled 153 families to make a move from rental housing to owning a home of their own. To learn more about Habitat for Humanity of East & Central Pasco County and how to help families that are seeking the opportunity to build a better life, visit HabitatPasco.org.
The Laker/Lutz News Staff Report Mike Napier, health officer for the Florida Department of Health-Pasco County, has been named “Pasco County Public Servant of the Year,” by the West Pasco Board of Realtors. The annual award is bestowed to an individual whose public service actions go above and beyond, according to a news release. In choosing Napier, the West Pasco Board of Realtors said: "During the past 20 months, Mr. Napier has guided the Health Department in Pasco County through the COVID-19 pandemic in exemplary and tireless fashion.The
The Laker/Lutz News Staff Report Hillsborough County wants residents to weigh in about diversity, equity, and inclusion issues that impact the quality of life across the county. The county is offering options for residents to take part in January, to help inform an equity profile study that is now underway, according to a news release. This input will be used to help guide the Hillsborough County Commission in its de-
The Laker/Lutz News Staff Report Habitat for Humanity of East and Central Pasco County celebrated the recent holidays with a pair of new home dedications in Dade City, the first in-person dedications to be done in almost two years, due to the pandemic. “We have been able to dedicate homes virtually during the pandemic, something that we were grateful for, since Habitat continued to build and sell affordable homes during the pandemic,” said CEO Crystal Lazar, in a news release. “But to finally be able to see the faces of all those hands and hearts involved in the building of these new affordable homes, well, that can’t be replaced by a video,” Lazar said.
cision-making on equity issues. The county is looking for input regarding inequities that impact the quality of life in the following areas: economic opportunity, housing, land use and zoning, transportation, digital divide, health care, criminal justice and food security. To participate, call the 24/7 voicemail and leave a message at 813-327-4716, or email hillsboroughequityprofile@mgtconsulting.com The deadline for comments, Jimmie Mitchell stands in the kitchen of her new Habitat home. through either approach, is Jan. 31.
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Mike Mashke, executive vice president of First National Bank of Pasco, right, hands Ashley Westberry the keys to her new home.
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PLEASE LIKE/FOLLO L W US ON FA CEBOOK TWO ‘OLE HENS H (813) 918-572 20 • 32745 SR 52 Lik us on F Like Fa acebook/Instagram b k/I
Rose Dukes, Owner Cool Salvage, Fun Rusty y Stuffff, Unique Finds, Gifts, Signs, Home & Garden Decor
ST OP BY AND VISIT THE ST ORE T O D AY! Y
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50% O
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AN AFFORD AB BLE WAY T O AD VER TISE T
Jam Pickles, Bakeds, Good s!
Mary ry W Wa arrffel, Ow wner Antiques to Shabb by Chic, Vintage, Farm House & Rustic Décorr,, Shab bby and Farmhouse Paintss, Collectibles
READY, SE T, SPRING EVENT MA ARCH 5, 2022
THE BLOOMING T G HOUSE JUNK SH HOP ( (813) 541-9234 • 12 2409 Curley Street Irron Design Orchiid s & Zib Lik us on F L Like Facebook b k/Instagram k/I k ra Bru s
hes Laura Bloomerr,, Owner L P Primitives to Shabby Chic c, Rusty Stuffff & Antiques, Handmades, G General Store, Elite Retailler of Dixie Belle Paints an nd Products
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January 12, 2022
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