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Addressing the issue of police suicides
By Kevin Weiss kweiss@lakerlutznews.com
It’s known as a silent suffering in law enforcement circles — and one that experts say needs a higher profile. Suicide is the leading cause of death among law enforcement officers. At least 228 officers died by suicide in 2019 — the highest number ever reported by BlueHELP, a nonprofit that tracks police suicides. Dr. Rahul Mehra and other professionals are working to change that. Mehra was a featured guest speaker dur-
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ing an Aug. 27 webinar that addressed strategies to mitigate stress and to help prevent suicide by law enforcement officers and other first responders.The virtual program was hosted by Saint Leo University and Florida’s Forensic Institute for Research, Security, and Tactics (FIRST), which is based in Land O’ Lakes. The first challenge, which must be acknowledged, is the stigma associated with mental illness, said Mehra, CEO and chief physician executive of the National Center for Performance Health (NCPH). One reason that stigma remains perva-
sive is because depression is an invisible disease, said Mehra, a professional with 30 years of experience. “Mental wounds don’t bleed. We don’t have anything tangible that we can see or touch or feel.There is no,‘If you break your arm, we can get an X-ray, you can see the fracture in your arm,’” he said.“We have no such mechanisms in medicine to X-ray for depression, or even, for that matter, to get a blood test.” Because it’s not tangible, mental illness is See POLICE, page 7A
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Noah Ruggles, a Steinbrenner High standout, emerged as the University of North Carolina’s primary kicker as a sophomore last year.
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Ja’Quan Sheppard, safety at the University of Cincinnati, was mostly known for his skills as a wide receiver at Zephyrhills High School, where his impact helped guide the Bulldogs to arguably its best season in program history in 2018.
Making a name for themselves, on a new stage Before these athletes hit the gridiron for their respective colleges, they were known locally for their skills on local fields. Above, Donovan Jennings didn’t start playing football until his freshman year at Gaither High School, but he quickly developed his skills, attracting a number of scholarship offers. The massive left tackle is now a junior at the University of South Florida. Find out more about what these athletes are up to now. Check out our coverage on Sports, page 8A.
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Discussion continues on Pasco BMX park By B.C. Manion bcmanion@lakerlutznews.com
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A BMX and bicycle park may not happen anytime soon in Pasco County, but officials appear to be interested in seeing what can be done to bring the idea to life. The Pasco County Commission heard a briefing on the concept at its Sept. 8 meeting. Delaney Morrison, president of the nonprofit Ride Local Inc., outlined the vision for a new large-scale BMX (bicycle motocross) park, that she said would complement existing BMX parks in the region, would expand the area’s recreational offerings and would help to attract more tourists to Pasco County. The idea is to partner with the county to construct a BMX track and bike park on a 23-acre tract situated of the intersection of State Road 54 and Gunn Highway in the Odessa/Trinity area. The land is presently owned by Pasco County Utilities. Under the proposal, about 3 acres would be used for a BMX dirt race course made of various jumps and rollers. That would mark the first stage of a larger, surrounding bike park that would include a pump track, skate park, mountain bike obstacle course, casual bike path and other features. The proposal calls for having an open air, covered track. “We think that this is super important here in Florida, given the heat and the rain that we have,” Delaney said. “We really think that that roof will set us apart from just having another BMX track.” She also noted there would be opportunities for recreational leagues and a beginner’s program for newcomers to the off-road racing sport.And, the facility would host large-scale competitive events sanctioned by USA BMX. The open space also could be used for
drone races, truck rallies, and Boy Scouts of America and All-Pro Dad meet-ups, among other activities, Morrison said. Over the past year or so, Morrison and her team have had ongoing discussions with Pasco County Commissioner Kathryn Starkey and Keith Wiley, the county’s director of parks, recreation and natural resources. “They came to me because of my background with cycling and biking,” said Starkey, who helped to Delaney’s group find the proposed site. It’s an excellent location, Delaney noted, because it’s along the booming State Road 54 corridor, sits along the Tower Road extension and near a future high school, whose adjacent lot could be used for overflow parking for large events. She also noted that it’s in the middle of some huge community developments, such as Asturia and Starkey Ranch, and others being built in the area. Plus, she said, the location also pairs well with Tampa BMX and Oldsmar BMX, which is under construction — to attract regional and national tournaments. Commissioners appear open to the idea, but money is the biggest hurdle. Pasco County Commission Chairman Mike Moore, who also chairs the Tourist Development Council, said during a recent TDC meeting that the county might be able to support some type of land use or lease deal, but is not in the position to fund additional capital projects. Moore reiterated the funding issue during the board’s Sept. 8 meeting. He said doesn’t want to give the group false hope. But, Starkey said Delaney’s briefing was for information only, at this point. She plans to work with Delaney’s group to explore various funding sources, includSee BMX, page 7A
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Pasco County Commission Chairman Mike Moore brought his dog, JoJo, to the commission’s Sept. 8 meeting. His family adopted the dog from a rescue organization, and Moore said that despite JoJo’s disabilities, the pet has become a cherished member of the Moore household.
Pasco outlaws sale of dogs and cats at pet stores By B.C. Manion bcmanion@lakerlutznews.com
Pasco County has amended a county ordinance to halt the sale of dogs, cats, kittens and puppies from retail pet stores. Commissioners adopted the change unanimously — after a public hearing on Sept. 8, which included opposition to the ban; opposition that the language in the ordinance didn’t go far enough; and, support for the change. When Mike Shumate, the county’s director of animal services brought the proposal to the board in August, he urged commissioners to amend the county’s ordinance — to restrict the sale of kittens, puppies, dogs and cats from pet stores — “especially those intentionally selling from large, commercial See PET STORES, page 7A