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Pasco calls for civil campaign behavior
By B.C. Manion bcmanion@lakerlutznews.com
The Pasco County Commission has amended its Ethical Campaign Practices Act to encourage civility among candidates. Commissioners voted unanimously on Jan. 21 to support changes suggested by Pasco County Supervisor of Elections Brian Corley. Corley said the changes incorporate “lan-
guage that speaks to civility in the public discourse for candidates running for office within Pasco County. “In essence, this ordinance is a plea for civility, if you will, amongst those running for office in our great county,” Corley said, noting the changes update an ordinance initially adopted in 2006. Corley noted:“It’s not solely my request, but more importantly, rather something the
voters not only want but deserve, and have asked for many times to me, personally. “Many voters have relayed that they tire of the toxicity and lack of decorum among campaigns and candidates. So, that’s what’s the driving force is behind this.” Agreeing to abide by the Pasco Ethical Campaign Practices Act is voluntary, but See CAMPAIGN, page 15A
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Storytime offers fun for toddlers
The Hugh Embry Branch Library, at 14215 Fourth St., in Dade City, hosts two 45-minute programs every Wednesday morning for toddlers and preschoolers. The Toddler Storytime is for children up to age 2, and the Preschool Storytime, ages 3 through 5. Each session mixes playtime, stories, songs and crafts to provide a learning experience for kids. Shaina Smith, the library’s youth service provider, leads the programs. She focuses on a theme, and selects books and fun activities to convey that theme. To find out more, call (352) 567-3576. Above, Candice Kyle, of Dade City, helps Kaizer, her 4-year-old son, to build a tower out of blocks. The mother and son were bonding during the playtime portion of the Preschool Storytime program at the library. The Kyles moved to the area from Georgia in September and are regulars at the library program.
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Charter school coming to Epperson By B.C. Manion bcmanion@lakerlutznews.com
A K-8 charter school could open as early as this fall in Epperson, if all goes according to plan. The Pasco County School Board has approved an agreement with Metro Apple LLC and Red Apple Development LLC — known collectively as the developer — for a charter school that is planned on the east side of Curley Road. Details regarding the school are spelled out in the agreement. Plans call for a two-story school of approximately 55,000 square feet, that will be built on a site of about 8 acres to 10 acres. The charter school will have a capacity of 765 students. The proposed concept for the school is based on the acronym of W.I.S.H., which stands for Wellness, Innovation, Science and Health. The aim is to open the school for the 2020 school year.
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Shaina Smith, Hugh Embry Branch Library’s youth service provider, reads a book called, ‘Wild About Us’ by author Karen Beaumont, at a recent Preschool Storytime at the library. The program focused on the themes of having self-confidence and loving yourself.
Three-year-old Reese Frassrand, of Dade City, hugs her mother, Jennifer, before a recent Preschool Storytime at the Hugh Embry Branch Library. Jennifer said her daughter tends to seek out hugs when she’s feeling shy.
This all-female Pasco County adopts rental registry ordinance barbershop group By B.C. Manion bcmanion@lakerlutznews.com
Pasco County has adopted an ordinance requiring owners of rental properties and vacant properties to register them. The idea is to give the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office a way to find out who owns a property, or who’s authorized to be on it, when they’re called to a scene. It also will give county officials information they need to pursue code violations, when a structure is becoming a hazard, property is littered with trash, weeds are overgrown and so forth. Commissioners voted unanimously in favor of the new tool. Pasco County Sheriff Chris Nocco applauded commissioners, noting the registry will help residents who have been dealing with nearby crime and other issues resulting from problem properties. “They can’t sleep at night.They can’t let
their kids out at night.This is something that will help them bring back their neighborhoods,” Nocco said. The ordinance notes that commissioners recognize that vacant properties and the condition of many rental properties “lead to a decline in community and property value; create nuisances; lead to a general decrease in neighborhood and community aesthetic; create conditions that invite criminal activity; and foster an unsafe and unhealth environment.” The ordinance also notes that while the total number of homes have increased, the total number of homesteaded properties has declined. The registry will give the county and Sheriff’s Office a reliable way to communicate with others when properties are “abandoned, neglected, or left unsupervised, or when tenants/occupants are violating See RENTAL, page 15A
enjoys entertaining
By Kevin Weiss kweiss@lakerlutznews.com
For these women, snowbird season in Zephyrhills means more than soaking up the warm Florida sun — it’s also a time to harmonize in a group called the Zephyr Sound. The all-women’s barbershop chorus entertains at senior communities and nursing homes with their collection of four-part acapella harmonies. Zephyr Sound members come from all over. They hail from Michigan and Maine, New York and Canada. Some live in East Pasco year-round. They bring a cohesive, professional sound, but the female barbershop group See BARBERSHOP, page 15A