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A Bok in the park When it comes to amazing Florida foliage, first thoughts typically lean toward the Sunken Gardens or the old Cypress Gardens. Bok Tower Gardens, however, is considered one of America’s finest gardens, offering a feeling of serenity, and making a trip to Lake Wales a memorable one. Find out more about this park on Page 20.
Tired of seeing a neighbor’s car up on concrete blocks? Worried that snakes are finding a paradise in a home’s overgrown yard on your street? Making a complaint to Pasco County’s Customer Service Department requires a name, address and telephone number. But it might not be that way for long. Pasco County Commissioners are exploring the idea of allowing the option to report code violations and other problems anonymously. It would help encourage neighbors to keep Pasco looking good without the fear of retaliation. But not everyone on the commission is on board. “I am very concerned with going anonymous,” Commissioner Henry Wilson said during a workshop last week in Dade City.“I think it would be a huge burden to the (code enforcement) officers, but I will defer to them. If they think it’s the better option to do that, then I would be willing to look into it.” Joaquin Servia, Pasco’s code enforcement manager, said moving to a system where someone didn’t have to give their name when filing a complaint could require more money and manpower than his department currently has. “There is a real chance that just accepting pure anonymous complaints is going to increase the number of frivolous complaints we get,” Servia said.“It could just turn into spite, a neighbor-on-neighbor-type of dispute that gets elevated to where now you can use government to club your neighbor over the head.” However, many people don’t complain about problems they see in their neighborSee CODE, page 14
Hoedt works hard to keep local traditions alive By B.C. Manion bcmanion@lakerlutznews.com
Phyllis Hoedt quietly goes about helping to preserve a sense of community that residents cherish in Lutz. Her activities on the evening of Dec. 17 offer a glimpse into the level of her involvement. It was then Hoedt was at the Christmas Card Lane celebration in downtown Lutz. The event featured over-sized Christmas cards made of plywood, representing local organizations and businesses. It also included a showcase of local talent. The celebration attracted hundreds, and was the last in a series of special events the Lutz Centennial Committee planned. After hanging out at Christmas Card Lane, Hoedt headed down U.S. 41 to Christmas House at the Old Lutz School. That free annual tradition draws friends and families to the historic school building to spend time together and enjoy the festive décor. Long before the crowds arrive at See HOEDT, page 14
B.C. MANION/STAFF PHOTO
Phyllis Hoedt uses her time and energy to help keep traditions alive in Lutz that cherishes its small-town feel.