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APRIL 14, 2021
Vaccination efforts continue to expand
By B.C. Manion bcmanion@lakerlutznews.com
Vaccine supplies, vaccine eligibility and vaccination sites have increased in recent weeks — as efforts continue to defeat the COVID-19 pandemic and restore a sense of normalcy.
The availability of vaccine supplies and vaccination sites continues to change, so it’s a good idea to check with local health departments and congressional offices to secure updated information. In Pasco County, for instance, the health department previously had vaccine appointments available on Friday afternoons for the
following week. As of April 9, however, it began allowing appointments for a twoweek period. “Working with local physicians’ offices and pharmacies, Pasco County now has over 130 locations that are offering COVIDSee VACCINATION, page 9A
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Lutz flea market lures shoppers with its bargains
The GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club offered a variety of good deals at its annual Spring Flea Market fundraiser, attracting a steady crowd of bargain-hunters to the sale, held at the Boy Scout Pack 12 property, at 205 Second Ave., S.E., in Lutz. The event raises money for scholarships, said Annette Bellinger, club president. Above, Marcey Rotz made the trip from New Port Richey to do a bit of shopping. More photos, page 5B.
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• Annual Exams • Cleanings • Dentures D t • IInvisible i ibl Braces B • Mouth Guards Elaine Pittman, left, also known as The Plant Lady, speaks with Debbie Cold, of Lutz, under the plant sale tent. Pittman, assisted by Sandi Giddens of Lutz, sold a variety of native plants.
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Union Park Charter Academy has Divided county one year to get finances in order board approves apartment request
By B.C. Manion
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B BATTLING THE OPIOID EPIDEMIC INSIDE, PAGE 1B
An early crowd snatched up bargains, but there was still time to buy the large-faced clock at noon. Volunteer Dee Knerr, of North Tampa, was one of many Woman’s Club members on hand to help out.
The Pasco County School Board has refused a 5-year extension of Union Park Charter Academy’s contract, instead granting it a one-year term. The decision came during the board’s April 6 meeting, at the recommendation of Pasco Schools Superintendent Kurt Browning. Board members backed the superintendent, despite the urgings of numerous parents and of representatives of Charter Schools USA and the school’s governing board. Browning said the school district has no desire to shut down the charter school, but said this action is necessary to ensure the charter gets its financial house in order. Parent after parent told school board members that Union Park has gone to extraordinary lengths to meet the needs of their children, to maintain open lines of communication with parents and to engage families.
They said their children are thriving and they believe the school needs the five-year contract extension to provide stability. In addition to the obvious support of parents — representatives for the school said they were surprised by the district’s decision to offer just a one-year term. “Union Park Charter has met all criteria to be renewed for five years,” said Valora Cole, board chair of the Florida Charter Educational Inc., which is the governing board for Union Park Academy. Eddie Ruiz, Florida State Director for Charter Schools USA, told school board members that there was no basis for just a one-year term. He told the school board that Charter Schools USA has been operating for 20 years and this has never been an issue. Independent auditors have done audits and there have been no negative findings, he said. “We’re happy to work with staff, but a See UNION, page 9A
By B.C. Manion bcmanion@lakerlutznews.com
The Pasco County Commission voted 3-2 to approve a request for a conditional use to allow a maximum of 248 apartments on the west side of Bruce B. Downs Boulevard, south of Eagleston Boulevard. Commission Chairman Ron Oakley, and commissioners Kathryn Starkey and Christina Fitzpatrick supported the request; commissioners Mike Moore and Jack Mariano opposed it. That vote followed an initial motion for denial by Moore, seconded by Mariano. But that motion failed on a 2-3 vote, with Starkey, Oakley and Fitzpatrick voting no. Adventist Health Systems Sunbelt Healthcare Corporation is listed as the applicant, but the hospital chain intends to sell See APARTMENT, page 9A