Lutz News-Lutz/Odessa-December 1, 2021

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5060 river glen blvd. wesley chapel December 1, 2021 | www.LakerLutzNews.com

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Wesley Chapel 3.5 miles east of I-75 on State Road 54 Just 15 minutes from Wesley Chapel, Zephyrhills and Dade City Just 30 minutes from Land O’ Lakes and Lutz December 1, 2021 | www.LakerLutzNews.com

It’s All About Community at Avalon Park Wesley Chapel “ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT PARTS OF BUILDING A TOWN IS SUPPORTING THE COMMUNITY IT IS COMPRISED OF,” SAYS STEPHANIE LERRET, SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT OF MARKETING AND COMMUNITY RELATIONS FOR AVALON PARK GROUP. Here are just some of the ways Avalon Park Wesley Chapel has supported its community this year:

CHAMPIONING THE LOCAL ARTS Avalon Park Wesley Chapel is collaborating with The Wesley Chapel Theater Group, a new group for Wesley Chapel residents that is banding together to create a local community theater for adults.

Avalon Park Wesley Chapel is allowing the theater group to use its welcome center as its temporary home for all the group’s meetings and rehearsals.

“It is our pleasure to support local, grass-roots organizations that build up the arts, especially when it provides opportunities to meet and build relationships with neighbors,” says Beat Kahli, president and CEO of Avalon Park Group.

One of those neighbors — and a resident of Avalon Park Wesley Chapel for the past five years— is Rodney Bueno, artistic director for The Wesley Chapel Theater Group.

Bueno says he’s extremely grateful for Kahli and his entire team at Avalon Park Wesley Chapel for allowing his group to use the welcome center for its meeting space.

“I’m very happy about it. It feels like home… It’s definitely nice to bring something that I love to the community I live in. I hope to do that for a long time because I plan on living here for a long time,” says Bueno.

“We were excited to learn about Rodney’s desire to bring community theater to our area and are more than thrilled to support it by providing a venue for practice, performances and also by promoting the group throughout our various avenues,” says Lerret.

For more information on The Wesley Chapel Theater Group, email wesleychapeltheatergroup@gmail.com.

PARTNERSHIP WITH THE PASCO FINE ARTS COUNCIL Avalon Park Wesley Chapel began its partnership with the Pasco Fine Arts Council and its East Pasco Fine Arts Gallery back in 2019.

The residential community offered its Welcome Center as a new gallery on the east side of the county. The developer also committed to building a permanent Arts Center in its downtown, in coming years.

“This partnership brings great opportunities to expand the arts to not only our community, but the entire east side of the county,” says Lerret.

The vision the leaders at Avalon Park Wesley Chapel have for the arts in their master-planned community meshes perfectly with that of the Pasco Fine Arts Council.

“We want to have art classes and workshops for our community, and a place to share artwork created by students and adults,” says Kahli. “As it turns out, the Fine Arts Council has been providing these types of programs for years, and all they needed was a place in East Pasco to bring their programs and exhibits to our residents in Wesley Chapel, Zephyrhills, San Antonio and Dade City.”

For more information about the Pasco Fine Arts Council, visit PascoArts.org.

GIVING BACK TO THE TROOPS To give back this holiday season, Avalon Park Wesley Chapel partnered with The Stano Foundation, a nonprofit in Wesley Chapel dedicated to supporting troops of all branches, both active duty and veterans.

Avalon Park Wesley Chapel’s entire team helped to make care packages on Nov. 6.

Avalon Park Wesley Chapel was first introduced to the nonprofit back in 2018, when the residential community hosted several drives for the organization, as well as a packing party.

Then in 2019, Avalon Park Wesley Chapel hosted a Jack Frost 5K, where all the proceeds from the race went to the nonprofit.

“We are always looking for ways to give back to our community, and we love every time we get to collaborate with The Stano Foundation,” says Marielle Fernandez, marketing and events coordinator at Avalon Park Wesley Chapel.

“Avalon Park Wesley Chapel is not only an amazing community, but one that loves to give back to so many. We are so grateful for their partnership, as we wouldn’t be able to do what we do without their support,” says Paula Stano, founder of The Stano Foundation.

For more information on The Stano Foundation, visit Stano.org.

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DECEMBER 1, 2021

Designing a better Pasco County

By B.C. Manion bcmanion@lakerlutznews.com

As Pasco County’s rampant growth continues, the Pasco County Commission has been calling for changes to the land development code that would address aesthetic issues.

They’ve been hashing over the topic, off and on, for months.

Commission Chairman Ron Oakley put it like this, at a recent meeting:“We need to be real careful about what we allow our developers to do — make sure that they’re (doing) the right thing for Pasco County.”

Oakley has repeatedly voiced concerns about neighborhoods made up of houses on 40-lots noting there’s little room for landscaping.

“We’ve been rural for many, many years,” Oakley said. “We really do not want to destroy the nature of what we have in Pasco

Kathryn Starkey

Ron Oakley

County, and yet, we do want to grow and have jobs for our citizens, and do the right thing for our citizens.”

Commissioner Kathryn Starkey has pushed for greater attention to design details, as the county’s building boom continues.

“If you go and drive and find a 40-foot

front-loaded street, it’s just a driveway, garage and a door.

“If you drive down a street where they’re rear-loaded on 40-foot, it’s a porch and grass, and it’s very nice.

“You can see it in Starkey Ranch, you can see it Longleaf, you might see it in Asturia. In Bexley, I know, you see it,” she said.

“I’m not opposed to 40-foot lots. I’m opposed to 40-foot front-loaded lots and only 40-foot, and the house is cookie-cutter and there’s no architectural elements on it,” Starkey said.

“This is an issue that I think needs to be addressed soon. I don’t want 10,000 homes to be approved before we fix this,” Starkey told her colleagues, during a board session.

“I get that our development community needs to understand what we’re looking for.

“When I’ve been meeting with developSee PASCO, page 9A

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Pasco County to reach 1 million by 2040?

By Kevin Weiss kweiss@lakerlutznews.com

Pasco County Property Appraiser Mike Wells gave a talk at a recent meeting of the East Pasco Networking Group, and offered a look at the county’s current growth — and what may be in store.

Wells, who has been in the appraiser’s office for 10 months, reminded the crowd that he’s continuing to learn.

Still, he offered a number of statistics that document the county’s rapid growth, and at least one forecast that expects it to continue to expand for the foreseeable future.

FRED BELLET He pointed to a study from the Urban A new apartment community, Avidity Living, is being built at State Road 54 and Oak Grove Land Institute that predicted the county’s Boulevard, in Land O’ Lakes Pasco County Property Appraiser Mike Wells says apartment population could reach 1 million by 2040.

Whether or not that turns out to be true, communities rank among the highest-valued properties in the county. the county is in the midst of a significant growth surge,Wells told those gathered for property (6.6%) and government (4.2%). to be a bedroom community,Wells said. the meeting of the East Pasco Networking The key to managing the county’s (In fact, County Administrator Dan Biles Group, at the Sarah Vande Berg Tennis & growth is for county leadership to continue recently reported that 60% of the county’s Wellness Center, in Zephyrhills. to push for “smart development” through workers travel to surrounding counties to “There’s just so much in the the use of Mixed-Use Trip work — up from the previous rate of 50%.) pipeline, it’s crazy, it really is,” Reduction Measures, referred to But Pasco continues to work toward Wells said. “You can see the as MUTRM, he said. shedding its bedroom community image growth; it’s unreal,” said Wells, That strategy calls for a and has made progress in attracting some who served years on the Pasco mixed-use compact development large employers.

County Commission before pattern, incorporating various TouchPoint Medical Inc., for instance, has being elected to his current post. ways to get around. a new $24 million global headquarters in The county, which measures He pointed to the Epperson Odessa. There also has been a number of 868 square miles, has 301,000 Crystal Lagoon community in Class A offices added, as well as warehouses parcels,Wells said.

Wesley Chapel, as a solid exam- and retail facilities.

It is currently averaging about ple of this approach.

Moffitt Cancer Center also will have a 800 single-family permits a There, residents have access significant impact, when it establishes its month, which equates to about to most of their needs within the 775-acre campus near the soon-to-open Mike Wells Jr. 10,000 new permits for 2021development, he said.

Ridge Road extension and Suncoast 2022.

“They don’t have to come out Parkway.

The county’s just value recently was any main roads. They can shop in there, Moffitt’s Pasco campus will include lab, measured at more than $52 billion, which is work in there, play in there. Kids go to office and manufacturing space. It’s also ex13% more than last year. school in there, eventually.That’s the kind of pected to be a magnet for biotech and life Wells noted that 69% of the county’s communities we want to see.” sciences enterprises and innovation. property value is tied to residential, followed Although Pasco has been working to See 1 MILLION, page 9A by commercial (7.4%), tangible personal bring more jobs to the county, it continues

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Plan calls for 410 residences in Land O’ Lakes

By B.C. Manion bcmanion@lakerlutznews.com

The Pasco County Planning Commission has recommended approval for up to 410 single-family detached and attached residences on 322.21 acres, on the north side of Wisteria Loop, approximately 2,100 west of U.S. 41, in Land O’ Lakes.

The planning board gave its stamp of approval to the project, known as the Clark master-planned unit development (MPUD), during its Nov. 4 meeting.

No one from the public spoke for or

against the request and the planning board recommended approval, without discussion, as part of the board’s consent agenda.

The request was submitted by the Robert J. Clark, Jr.Trust and the John M. Clark Revocable Trust. It calls for changing the current zoning from agricultural residential, estate residential and rural density mobile home zoning to MPUD, which allows for creating a specific plan for the rezoned area.

The proposed plan call for a mix of lot sizes with 40-foot wide lots being the minimum. However, at least 40% of the single-family detached residences will be on

50-feet wide lots, or larger, according to the planning board’s agenda backup.

There are also conditions regarding the inclusion of architectural details for the single-family detached products to prevent monotony, and front yard/street trees to ensure trees are required in the front of lots and/or along roadways, the agenda materials say.

This development will have access to Causeway Boulevard to the north and shall not have vehicular access to Bexley See RESIDENCES, page 9A

Hillsborough consolidates COVID-19 services The Laker/Lutz News Staff Report

Hillsborough County has consolidated its COVID-19 testing, vaccinations, booster shots and antibody therapy treatment to a single location.

The change became effect on Nov. 27, according to a county news release.

The West Tampa Community Resource Center, 2103 N. Rome Ave.,Tampa, is now the only public site supported by Hillsborough County.

It is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. It offers free COVID-19 testing, adult and Pfizer pediatric vaccinations, Pfizer booster shots for those who are eligible, and antibody therapy treatment. Appointments are not required.

Proof of medical insurance is recommended and should be presented at the time of the visit, however those without

medical insurance still will be tested, vaccinated, or receive antibody therapy treatment for free.

Children ages 5 to 11 who are accompanied by their parent or legal guardian can receive the COVID-19 Pfizer pediatric vaccine at the site. The child must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian to verbally confirm the child’s age.

Residents that would like to make an appointment are encouraged to visit patientportalfl.com or call 844-770-8548 for assistance.

Vi s i t H C F L G o v. n e t / C OV I D 1 9 o r Vaccines.gov to locate pharmacies and other sites offering COVID-19 vaccinations.

For more information on COVID-19, and any other potential emergency in the county, visit HCFLGov.net/StaySafe and sign up for the HCFL Alert system.

COURTESY OF THE DISTRICT SEVEN OFFICE OF THE FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Motorists heading eastbound on State Road 56 need to know that the ramp to access Interstate 75 has been moved to the west, meaning they’ll be getting on the ramp sooner.

Temporary lane added to help handle holiday traffic

By B.C. Manion bcmanion@lakerlutznews.com

COURTESY OF PATRICIA SERIO

Spreading holiday cheer The GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club members recently formed assembly lines of crafters to put together Thanksgiving and Christmas treats and favors for Meals on Wheels homebound recipients. The women prepared hundreds of turkey cookie packets and elf candy canes to lend a festive surprise to the meal trays that seniors and shutins receive. From left: Sandi Giddens, Mary Anne Lykins, April Saland and Joan Young.

To help ease the flow of holiday traffic, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) has added a temporary third lane on eastbound State Road 56, from east of Grand Cypress Drive to east of Interstate 75.

The extra lane is expected to remain open until after the New Year’s holiday period, according to a news release from Kris Carson, of the District Seven office of FDOT. Also, motorists who are headed to southbound I-75 from eastbound State Road 56 need to know that the entrance ramp entry point to I-75 has been moved to the west, meaning motorists will need to exit State Road 56 sooner to get onto the interstate.

The additional lane and the relocation of the exit are just the latest changes near the I-75/State Road 56 interchange — one Pasco County’s most traveled areas.

The interchange happens to be near Cypress Creek Town Center, which includes Tampa Premium Outlets, west of I-75 on State Road 56; and The Shops at Wiregrass, east of the interchange on State Road 56.

There also are myriad shops and restaurants in the general area — making the State Road 54/State Road 56 corridor a magnet for motorists.

Add to the mix a major construction project that’s now underway to create a

new configuration at the interchange — and the ingredients are there to create traffic migraines.

The state road department previously issued a playbook, of sorts, aimed at helping drivers avoid the frustrations of holiday traffic jams.

Their first word of advice is to avoid the area, when possible.

Instead of getting off at the State Road 56/I-75 exit, FDOT officials advise southbound motorists to get off at the Exit 279, which is the County Road 54 (Wesley Chapel Boulevard)/I-75 exit. Those motorists can head west from that interchange and then take Wesley Chapel Boulevard south to State Road 56, to access the area on State Road 56, west of I-75.

Or, drivers can head east over to Bruce B. Downs Boulevard and then south to State Road 56, to access the areas east of I-75.

Here are some additional suggestions: • Use other roads to travel around the highly congested area of SR 56 at I-75, and also near shopping malls, especially if your destination is not actually on the State Road 54/State Road 56 corridor.

• Seek out alternate access points to shopping and dining destinations.

(Remember many major shopping areas have multiple access points to and from parking areas.)

• Shop or commute during off-peak hours, when possible. Congestion at SR 56/I-75 is at its worst between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m., on weekdays, so try to avoid that area during those hours.

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School district gets pushback on hiring staff attorney

By B.C. Manion

Job description for Pasco Schools staff attorney

bcmanion@lakerlutznews.com

The Pasco County School Board has authorized a new position to help the school district with day-to-day legal issues.

The board voted unanimously to support the district staff’s request to add the position, which they said is needed to handle day-to-day legal questions that arise.

Prior to the vote, some members in the audience questioned why the district is adding the position now — when it hasn’t had a staff attorney for years.

They speculated that the district may find itself in greater need of legal help, noting that it has been the subject of legal challenges.

They also questioned the use of taxpayer money to cover the costs and complained that the district has not done a good job in listening and responding to the public on a number of policy matters.

The item had been included in the board’s Nov. 16 consent agenda — meaning it would have been approved without comment.

But Megan Harding, who was named the board’s vice chairwoman at the same meeting, pulled the item, but vice chairwoman Megan Harding pulled it for public discussion.

She asked Betsy Kuhn, assistant superintendent for support services and Melissa Musselwhite, director of student support services and programs, to address the issue.

Kuhn said “the recommendation of the job description for staff counsel is intended to do day-to-day work.”

The role involves a broad array of duties, that include: • Provide legal services for all departments, divisions and offices of the school district • Conduct and oversee direct legal research • Assist in the drafting, review, and/or negotiation of board policies, administrative rules, contracts, proposed legislation and other legal documents • Prepare and render oral and/or written legal opinions when requested • Cooperate in the coordination and directing of investigations of claims or complaints by or against the district • Assist in the evaluation and settlement of liability, workers compensation, and other claims or complaints against the district • Cooperate in the preparation of materials and/or testimony for records requests, subpoenas, depositions, and any other legal processes involving the district • Assist in the representation of the district in litigation and/or administrative claims brought by or against the district • Aid in the preparation of materials and implementation of staff development in relevant legal areas as requested • Maintain confidentiality of privileged attorney-client matters • Assist with preparing and presenting litigation reports to the school board.

• Be responsible for self-development and keeping abreast on current research, trends, and best practices relevant to the area of responsibility.

• Assist the superintendent by providing counsel and leadership during emergency or crisis situations • Work collaboratively with the School Board Attorney on any assignments where responsibility may overlap • Perform other duties as assigned

She said this attorney is not intended to handle the work performed by the school board’s attorney, but instead is needed to address timely issues that require legal expertise.

For instance, a legal interpretation may be needed on a contract, or on a memorandum of understanding that the district is doing with another agency.

The idea is get a quick turn-around, she said.

Musselwhite told board members:“On a daily basis we deal with custody issues, with families. So, families may come in with custody paperwork that needs to be interpreted. You might have Dad standing there a Mom standing there waiting to pick up the student.And, many times we need im-

mediate access ti somebody who could really give us some guidance of what the language is, in the custody agreements.

“In addition to that, we have staff that gets subpoenaed for various reasons, and a lot of times staff just need a quick conversation with an attorney to really feel OK about their role that they’ve been subpoenaed for, and really what their responsibilities are, during that session,” Musselwhite said.

She also cited the need to have an attorney provide advice regarding contracts and to provide assistance on charter school contracts.

“So, there’s lots intricacies that we answer quickly every day — just make interpretations. So we are looking for that ‘intime’ resource that will be able to assist with some of that work, that we currently perform each day,” Musselwhite said.

The job description lists duties that includes providing a wide range of legal services.

Harding noted:“We’re growing exponentially right now. We have over 83,000 students right now.

Kevin Shibley, the district’s assistant superintendent for administration, added:“To interject, as a matter of perspective, you know the district is the largest employer in Pasco County.

“Just to compare the single position here.

The county proper actually has 13 staff attorneys, on staff.The Sheriff’s Office has five.

“This is just a request for a single person who can help us do our day-to-day work,” he said.

The school board unanimously approved adding the position.

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What’s Happening

Your Community Calendar • Submit 2 weeks in advance to: news@lakerlutznews.com • All listings free of charge

ARTS & CRAFTS SHOW RETURNS

CHRISTMAS STROLL AdventHealth Zephyrhills will present an opening night celebration of its annual Christmas Stroll on Dec. 5 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., at the hospital’s fitness trail, 7050 Gall Blvd., in Zephyrhills.The trail will be filled with holiday decorations, music, lights and oversized Christmas cards.

Opening night will include fun giveaways, hot chocolate and cookies, and a visit from Santa Claus.There also will be trees for the community to decorate, so guests are encouraged to bring non-valuable ornaments and decorations to participate.

The Christmas Stroll will be open daily through Dec. 11 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Admission is free. Reservations are not required. For information, visit AHZephyrhills.com.

The GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club will present its 42nd annual Lutz Arts & Crafts Show on Dec. 4 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and on Dec. 5 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the Keystone Prep campus, 18105 Gunn Highway in Odessa.The indoor/outdoor event will feature more than 200 vendors with an array of art and handmade items, including paintings, photography, jewelry, wood-carving, ceramics/pottery, stained glass, artisanal products, and yard art.A variety of food also will be available for purchase.Admission is free; parking is $5.

VIP parking will be available for $10.

Handicapped parking is limited. For information, contact Faith Sincich at 813389-2719 or LutzArtsAndCraftsShow@gmail.com.

CHRISTMAS GREETINGS

UKULELE JAM

COURTESY OF JODIE SULLIVAN PRODUCTIONS

The New River Library, 34043 State Road 54 in Wesley Chapel, will host a Ukulele Jam on Dec. 4 from noon to 2 p.m. For information, call 813-788-6375.

Cheyenne Stoltz, a vendor’s daughter, helps to fill the stockings of a family making the drive through a previous event.

Stuff Your Stocking

Jodie Sullivan Productions will host a Stuff Your Stocking Drive-Thru on Dec. 12 from 9 a.m. to noon, at the Tampa Premium Outlets, 2300 Grand Cypress Drive, in Lutz.

Guests can decorate their cars, wear their Christmas pajamas, and bring their stockings to hang out the car windows, so local businesses can stuff them with goodies and candies.

The ‘Grinch’ will be there to greet the families.

Decorated vehicles may win a prize, as two giant stockings full of treats will be given away.

Admission is free. A portion of the vendor and sponsorship proceeds will benefit the Rotary Club of Wesley Chapel and the Build That Home project that supports victims of human trafficking.

For information, email jodiesullivanproductions@gmail.com.

HOLIDAY CRAFT FAIR Forest Lake Estates, 6429 Forest Lake Drive in Zephyrhills, will host its annual Holiday Craft Fair on Dec. 4 from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.There will be a variety of hand-crafted items, including jewelry, sewing, Christmas florals, paintings, pottery, jams, candy, and baked goods. Doughnuts and coffee will be served at 9 a.m.; lunch starts at 11:15 a.m. Proceeds will benefit The Thomas Promise Foundation and the Zephyrhills Pregnancy Center.

‘POLLYANNA’ PERFORMANCE Saint Leo University’s Black Box Theatre will present “Pollyanna,” based on the classic children’s novel by Eleanor H. Porter, on Dec. 4 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., and on Dec. 5 at 7 p.m.Admission is free, but donations will be accepted. Masks will be required. For reservations, email saintleoalphapsiomega@gmail.com.

Antonio, will host its annual Treats and Treasures sale on Dec. 4 from 8 a.m. to noon.There will be home-baked goods, housewares, books and more.

MUSEUM CHRISTMAS

SANTA FEST The City of Tampa’s tree lighting ceremony, 40th annual Santa Fest and Christmas parade will take place on Dec. 4. Festivities begin at 1:30 p.m., with the parade.The Santa Fest will be at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park from 3 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., and the tree lighting is scheduled for 6 p.m.After the tree lighting, the movie “The Grinch” will be shown on a big screen, followed by a choreographed light show in the park. Guests can get a free keepsake photo with Santa at the festival.

There also will be free books, holiday entertainment, face painters, make-n-take crafts, interactive games, bounce houses, a rock wall, and a Candy Cane Scavenger Hunt. For information, www.FriendsOfTampaRec.org.

The Pioneer Florida Museum & Village, 15602 Pioneer Museum Road in Dade City, will host its annual Pioneer Christmas & Vintage Market on Dec. 4 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.There will be antiques, arts and crafts (make an ornament), live entertainment, model trains, blacksmith demonstrations, free family photos, Christmas carols, food, Reindeer Games with prizes, cookie decorating, pony rides, a Gnome Scavenger Hunt, the Skunk Rescue, and surprises.All museum buildings will be open and decorated, most with docents in period attire.Admission is $5. Children younger than age 5 are free.The museum and village will be accepting donations of canned goods, too, during the event. For information, visit PioneerFloridaMuseum.org.

CANDYLAND CHRISTMAS Main Street Zephyrhills will present a Festival of Lights Candyland Christmas on Dec. 4 from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., including a Christmas parade. For information, visit MainStreetZephyrhills.org.

TEEN ORIENTATION

WORLD WAR II EVENT

The New River Library, 34043 State Road 54 in Wesley Chapel, will host a teen volunteer orientation, in person and virtually, on Dec. 4 at 3 p.m. Register online at PascoLibraries.org. For information, call 813-788-6375.

American Legion Post 147, 17383 Gunn Highway in Odessa, will host an open house on Dec. 4 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.The event will include an educational program with displays (including The Florida Holocaust Museum), videos and games for all ages, and recognition of the families of deceased veterans. For information, call Sal Poliandro at 813-920-4512, or email 147worldwar2thanks@gmail.com.

TREATS & TREASURES The Community United Methodist Church, 32606 Michigan Ave., in San

SUNCOAST BRONZE RINGERS The Suncoast Bronze Ringers will present “Ring Noel,” performed on five octaves of Malmark English handbells and choir chimes, featuring secular and sacred Christmas music, on Dec. 5 at 3 p.m., at the First United Methodist Church of Lutz, 960 W. Lutz Lake Fern Road.Tickets are $10 for adults, and $7 for seniors and students. For information and tickets, visit SuncoastBronzerRingers.com.

CHURCH ANNIVERSARY Harvester Community Church, 2432 Collier Parkway in Land O’ Lakes, will host “Harvester’s Homecoming,” to celebrate its 26th anniversary, on Dec. 5 starting at 4 p.m.There will be a video broadcast of Amy Grant singing Christmas songs, followed by a congregational singing of Christmas hymns. Guests are asked to bring a dessert to share in the Fellowship Hall after the music. For information, call Gary Evans at 813-948-2311.

CLASSIC MOVIES The Tampa Theatre, 711 N. Franklin St., in downtown Tampa, will present classic holiday films and a sing-along to Christmas carols with the Mighty Wurlitzer theater organ before the shows.

• Dec. 5 at 3 p.m.: Sing-along with “White Christmas” (1954) • Dec. 12 at 3 p.m.:“Jingle Jangle:A Christmas Journey” (2020) • Dec. 17, Dec. 18, Dec. 19, Dec. 20 to Dec. 23:“It’s a Wonderful Life” (1946) – check show times • Dec. 26 at 3 p.m.:“Elf” (2003) Tickets for the sing-along are $13 ($10 for theater members); all other holiday movies are $10 ($7 for theater members), and can be purchased at the box office or online at TampaTheatre.org.

The Suncoast Harmony Chorus once again will offer magical, musical COVID-free Christmas greetings.The West Central Florida chapter of Sweet Adelines International will telephone family or friends, anywhere in the U.S. or Canada, and deliver a live performance of your chosen Christmas carol(s). Calls will be available on Dec. 16 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., and on Dec. 19 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.The cost is $15 for one song or $20 for two songs, to the same phone number.

Additional songs can be added for $5 per song, also to the same number. Zoom delivery will be available with either audio delivery or audio plus video. Information and an order form (which has a list of songs available), can be found at SuncoastHarmony.com, or on the Suncoast Harmony Facebook page. For questions, call 352-597-4376. Orders and payments must be received by Dec. 9.

NATIVITY PLAY New Tampa Players will present “The Black Nativity,” by Langston Hughes, Dec. 10 to Dec. 12, at the Uptown Stage, at University Mall, 2200 E. Fowler Ave., in Tampa.

Audience members are required to wear masks. General admission is $20. For performance times and ticket purchases, visit NewTampaPlayers.org.

AVALON AGLOW Avalon Park Wesley Chapel will host its annual Avalon Aglow on Dec. 11 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., at 5060 River Glen Blvd., in Wesley Chapel.The event will include a bounce park, food trucks, vendors, community performances, pictures with Santa, and fireworks at 9 p.m. For information, email info@AvalonParkWesleyChapel.com.

CHRISTMAS DRIVE The Founders Garden Club of San Antonio’s “Christmas Drive Around the Park” will take place on Dec. 12 starting at 7 p.m.The drive starts on Rhode Island Avenue, onto Joe Herrmann Drive at San Antonio City Park, 32819 Pennsylvania Ave., in San Antonio. Mr. and Mrs. Claus will be there for a lighting of Christmas cards and a tree, and Showstoppers entertainment will perform throughout the park.The program ends at 8 p.m. Social distancing will be practiced. Prepackaged candy bags will be given out by Santa’s elves, too. For information, call Barbara Berberich at 352-668-4540.

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Area efforts to help the less fortunate at the holidays

DECORA AT TE ED FOR THE HOLIDA AY YS!

The Laker/Lutz News Staff Report

If you have a giving heart at the holidays, there are plenty of ways for you to reach out.

For instance, contrary to the old stereotype, the tax collector isn’t a Grinch — at least not in Pasco County.

Pasco County Tax Collector Mike Fasano has announced these efforts his office is sponsoring to help the community during the 2021 holiday season: • Be a Santa to a Senior: Collection boxes are located in each of the five tax collector offices. Stop by and donate a personal care item for a local senior citizen (i.e., toiletries, bath sets, greeting cards, stationary, stamps, etc.). Gifts will be collected until Dec. 14.

• Toys for Tots: The five tax collector’s office locations in Pasco County are all drop-off sites for the Marine Corps League’s annual toy drive. Toys for children of military personnel will be collected until Dec. 15.

• Salvation Army’s Red Kettle Drive: The Gulf Harbors and Wesley Chapel offices will be Red Kettle donation sites on Dec. 11 and Dec. 18. Stop by between 8:30 a.m. and noon, either day, to make a contribution to programs that Salvation Army provides throughout the year.

• Farm Share Holiday Food Giveaway: Collection jars will be on display in December in each of the five tax collector offices in the county. Donations made will help purchase fresh food for families in need this holiday season and into 2022.

Here are the tax collector office locations:West Pasco Government Center, 8731 Citizens Drive, Room 120, New Port Richey; Gulf Harbors location: 4720 U.S. 19, New Port Richey; Land O’ Lakes location, 4135 Land O’ Lakes Blvd. (US 41); Wesley Chapel (technically in Lutz): 4610 Pet Lane – Room C 101, Lutz; and, the East Pasco Government Center, 14236 Sixth St., Room 100, Dade City.

For additional details, contact Greg Giordano, assistant tax collector, at 727847-8179.

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY

Efforts also are underway in Hillsborough County to help those in need, during the holidays.

Several Hillsborough County departments are asking for donations to help residents and pets in need to celebrate the

Pioneer P ioonneeeeerr Christmas Chhhrrriisttmmmaaass & Christ C Vintage Vi V intaggee Market Maarkkeet M holidays. The departments of Children’s Services, Homeless Services and the Pet Resource Center have created online wish lists, which can be accessed through the Hillsborough County website, Hillsboroughcounty.org.

The department of Children’s Services also is seeking financial contributions.

Checks or money orders payable to: Hillsborough County Children’s Services BOCC can be sent to: Department of Children’s Services, 3191 Clay Mangum Lane,Tampa, FL 33618.

The county’s Pet Resource Center also is seeking donations to benefit resident shelter animals, pets in foster care, and the Safety Net Program that keeps pets from being turned into the shelter by families in crisis. To find out more, check the department’s website.

Another charity that often makes the difference between a family being able to celebrate the holidays, or not being able to, is Metropolitan Ministries. One of the organization’s donation tents will be operating at Keystone Community Church, at 21010 State Road 54, in Lutz.

It will be open Dec. 10 through Dec. 12 and Dec. 17 through Dec. 23.The hours are 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., on weekdays, and noon to 3 p.m., on Sundays.

Items that will be accepted are toys, food, frozen turkeys, frozen hams, frozen chickens, and new or nearly new clothing.

Gift cards and cash donations are accepted, too.

Many entities — such as schools, churches, Rotary Clubs, civic groups, community associations and businesses — also make special efforts to help those in need at the holidays.

If you want to help, ask around. It probably won’t take you long to find someone who will be happy to find a way for you to donate to their cause, or do some charitable work, to help brighten the holidays for those who could use an extra serving, or two, of good cheer.

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NATURE NOTES

If you enjoy birds, add some natives to your landscape

By Nicole Pinson Special to The Laker/Lutz News

If you derive pleasure from watching birds and if you enjoy other wildlife sightings, too, there’s a way to help make that happen right in your yard.

Consider adding native plants to your landscape.

You don’t have to devote your entire yard to natives, although some people do.

They can be integrated within traditional landscapes.

Interest in native Florida plants is on the rise because they are adapted to our area, provide ecological value and they generally require less water, fertilizer and maintenance once they’re established.

And, they provide cover and food for birds and other wildlife.

Chances are you already have some excellent native plants in your landscape.

In addition to attracting birds, insects and other wild creatures, some natives also provide seasonal color, such as spring blooms, and produce timely holiday berries.

Here are some bird-attracting natives to consider:

WALTER’S VIBURNUM VIBURNUM OBOVATUM

Walter’s viburnum is an all-around great landscape plant because it’s attractive to people and wildlife. Its white, bouquet-like flowers cover the plant in spring, and provide nectar and pollen for bees. Later in the fall, songbirds enjoy the red/black berries.

Walter’s viburnum grows tall and thick.This feature makes it a good plant for birds to take cover or build their nests. There are dwarf and standard cultivars, so pick the plant that works best for your landscape.

Place a birdbath under Walter’s viburnum and you’ll be sure to see visiting songbirds.

BEAUTYBERRY CALLICARPA AMERICANA

Beautyberry is a shrub and like Walter’s viburnum is valuable to wildlife. The pink flowers attract pollinators and other insects.

Purple berries form later in the year and offer a buffet for birds. Mockingbirds especially enjoy them. If you happen to have quail in your neighborhood, they also like beautyberries.The purple berries persist on the branches from late summer through fall, making this a specimen plant. However, beautyberry is deciduous and sheds its leaves in winter.

If adding it to your garden, you may want to place it behind other plants or toward the back of the garden.

BUTTONBUSH CEPHALANTHUS OCCIDENTALIS

If you live near water, consider planting a buttonbush nearby. The unusual-looking, spiky white flowers bloom during summer, and provide nectar and pollen for bees and butterflies.Waterfowl eat the fall seeds.This large shrub is a favorite place for birds to take cover and build nests.

Attract songbirds, such as cardinals, to your garden by making sure your landscape provides food, cover and water.

SABAL PALM SABAL PALMETTO Do you have a sabal palm – also known as a cabbage palm – in your landscape or neighborhood? If so, this is great for attracting birds. Sabal palms, our state “tree,” produce flowers and fruits attractive to insects and birds.The boots on the trunk can provide habitat for wildlife.The palm fronds and canopy are great places for birds to rest or hide. Some cavity nesters also build their nests in the holes in palms. For example, woodpeckers use old cabbage palm trunks to make their nests.

COURTESY OF NICOLE PINSON

Cabbage palms provide many benefits to birds and wildlife. Woodpeckers make homes in the trunks.

SPANISH MOSS TILLANDSIA USNEOIDES

Contrary to belief, Spanish moss is not harmful to trees – it is a harmless epiphyte.

Epiphytes are not parasitic plants. They attach to plants for support but do not harm the plant or tree. You may have some Spanish moss on oak branches, elms, or other plants.The moss provides protective cover for some animals, such as butterflies and insects. Birds feed on the insects found in the moss and some birds use the moss to build their nests.These Spanish moss nests help protect the birds’ eggs and young.

• Simpson’s stopper, Myrcianthes fragrans, has fragrant leaves and white flowers.

After flowering, red fruits develop. These fruits are especially attractive to birds.

Simpson’s stopper may be substituted for foundation plantings and makes an attractive hedge.

• Wild coffee, Psychotria nervosa, a shrub with shiny, dark green leaves. It produces clusters of tiny white flowers that attract bees and butterflies. Later, birds enjoy the red or maroon fruits.

• Southern red cedar, Juniperus virginians, is a thick cone-bearing tree with dense foliage. It makes an excellent hedge or when planted for privacy. Southern red cedars have male and female cones borne on separate trees. Birds eat the blue female, berry-like cones.

• Florida privet Forestiera segregate is less common in traditional landscapes.This shrub provides nectar and pollen for bees and butterflies, nesting habitat for birds, and

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Invite charismatic mockingbirds to your landscape with native plants such as beautyberry.

purple fruit in summer. Look for it at native nurseries.

• Coral honeysuckle, Lonicera sempervirens, attracts butterflies and hummingbirds.They later produce red fruits that songbirds eat. This vine can be grown easily on trellises, stakes and arbors.

Other great choices for hummingbird plants include crossvine Bignonia capreolata, scarlet sage Salvia coccinea, and firebush Hamelia patens.The red, tubular-shaped firebush flowers attract butterflies and hummingbirds. Songbirds eat its fruit.

There are other ways to attract birds, too.

For example, increase the diversity of plants in your garden to attract insects. Plant diversity is one of the easiest and most economical forms of integrated pest management. Insects visiting these plants are a food source for birds.

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Nicole Pinson is the Urban Horticulture Agent in Hillsborough County. For additional information, contact pinsonn@hcflgov.net or 813-744-5519, ext. 54145.

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methods when possible. Contact your county Extension office if you need help with recommendations, including “soft” pesticides, rotating pesticides, and natural methods of pest control.

Choose plants that bloom at different times of the year. Select a mix of plants that provide food and cover year-round.

Place a clean water source nearby, such as a birdbath. Fill it with fresh water, especially during hot days.

Once you’ve created a welcoming place for birds and wildlife, don’t forget to relax, sit back and enjoy the creatures that venture in for a visit to your yard.

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Send school news to news@lakerlutznews.com

STUDENT RECEIVES TOP AWARD

Lana Guzman, a student at Wesley Chapel High School has been named the 2021-2022 Outstanding Senior in Pasco County Schools.

The award is based on academic record, service, leadership, citizenship and commitment to school and community, according to a news release.

Each Pasco County high school selects an Outstanding Senior, who is then interviewed by a panel which selects a senior to represent the school district.

Guzman has been involved in Future Farmers of America and has volunteered at the Glazer’s Children’s Museum, the local library, and at her church.

Here are the other students, within The Laker/Lutz News coverage area that were selected as the Outstanding Senior at their school: • Cypress Creek: Camila Amaya • Land O’ Lakes: Ella Knouse • Pasco eSchool (virtual school): Iman Bhyat • Pasco High:Ashlee Cummings • Sunlake High: Emma Cohen • Wendell Krinn Technical High (magnet): Liliana Gonzalez • Wiregrass Ranch High:Aisia Walden • Zephyrhills High: Kamil Mehrab These are the outstanding seniors in Pasco high schools outside the newspaper’s coverage area: Joselyn Pena (Anclote); Sadie Campbell (Fivay); Louis Carr (Gulf High); Morgan Casel (Hudson) Isabela Viera (J.W. Mitchell); and, Aimee Sullivan (River Ridge)

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Employees across the City of Tampa connected with students and faculty, both online and in person, during the Great American Teach-In, which took place on Nov. 18.

The City of Tampa has more than 4,000 employees with diverse skill sets, backgrounds and interests, and it received more than 400 requests to speak with students and educators for the teach-in.

Teachers from more than 60 schools throughout Hillsborough’s school district, as well as Pasco County, registered to join live virtual presentations, which included: • Tampa Police Department Mounted Unit • Tampa Police Department K9 Units • “A Walk Through the Park” with Parks & Recreation Director Sherisha Hills • “Discovering Robots and Drones” presented by senior applications programmer Jonathan Girwar-Nath • Careers in Tampa City Government featuring employment manager Mike Swain and the city HR team • “Hospitality and Venue Management” presented by Tampa Convention Center sales and marketing manager Juan Lopez Tampa Mayor Jane Castor also hosted two virtual sessions, one geared toward elementary school students who were able to learn facts about the city, and another designed for middle and high school students that focused on Mayor Castor’s “Transforming Tampa’s Tomorrow” vision.

The mayor also made an in-person visit to Gorrie Elementary to speak to the students about the importance of staying in school and doing what they can to help others in the community.

ODESSA NATIVE NAMED TO LEADERSHIP SOCIETY

Elizabeth Szabo, a native of Odessa, was recently initiated into the High Point University Circle of Omicron Delta Kappa, the National Leadership Honor Society.The Society welcomed 350 new initiates from 17 universities during October 2021, according to a news release.

Fewer than 5% of the students on campus are invited to join each year.

The society’s mission is to honor and de-

COURTESY OF PATRICIA SERIO

Provisions for meals Members of the GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club delivered shopping carts filled with Thanksgiving dinner ingredients to Lutz Elementary School’s ‘The Den.’ The food donations were sufficient to help 15 families in need. Club members Barbara Booth, Mary Anne Lykins and Linda Mitchell stand alongside a Lutz Elementary staff member with the donations. For more information on this community service organization, visit the group’s Facebook page or GFWCLutzLandOLakesWomansClub.org.

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FISH ART CONTEST

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), in partnership with Wildlife Forever, again will host the Florida State Fish Art Contest.

The program is to inspire creativity while developing the next generation of anglers and conservationists.

Students in kindergarten through 12th grade can compete in this free contest for a chance to win state and national honors, and prizes.

Florida winners will be selected by the FWC in four grade categories: kindergarten through third grade; fourth through sixth grade; seventh through ninth grade; and 10th through 12th grade.

State winners will advance to the national competition, to be judged for top prizes including Best of Show.

Entries should be submitted online at tinyurl.com/yaw9afj5.The deadline to enter is March 31.

Submissions must include: • An original horizontal 9-inch by 12inch piece of artwork featuring any fish from the official fish list (found at tinyurl.com/5bujmn32) • A piece of creative writing, no longer than one page, about the chosen species (required for grades four to 12) • A Florida State Fish Art Contest entry form

HONOR SOCIETY FUNDRAISER

The Martinez Middle School National Junior Honor Society will host a donation drive to benefit Hope Children’s Home, on Dec. 11 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Stonebrier basketball gazebo, 3741 W. County Line Road in Lutz.

Guests can bring a blanket or lawn chair, and eat, relax and listen to live music with local metal band, Actual Purgatory. The Bacon Boss food truck will be on site from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., and Kona Ice will be on site from noon to 2 p.m.

Accepted donations include: Nonperishable items (such as canned veggies, box/bag cereal, canned soup); household items (such as paper plates/bowls, aluminum foil, dryer sheets); school supplies (such as white board cleaner, binders, post-its); and, gently used clothes/shoes for boys and girls ages newborn to 18 years old.

For questions and a more detailed list of acceptable donations, email Annie Hayman at annhayman@gmail.com.

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PASCO, from page 1A ers, I let them know, that I am very loathe to approve a 40s-only development (40-foot lots).

“I need some better landscaping in front of homes. I need a mixture of 40s, 50s, 60s (lots). I need better architectural details on the sides and the front. I need more rearloaded 40-foots.

“I want to be fair to the development community.They need to understand what the rules are, or when someone buys a piece of land (what to expect),” Starkey said.

Commissioner Jack Mariano agreed:“We don’t want to build slums for the future.You know, density is sometimes overrated — how good it can be. If the lots are a little bigger, it makes it more comfortable.

“It’s a worthy conversation to bring forward at some meeting coming up,” Mariano said.

County Administrator Dan Biles told the county board that planning staff has drafted some potential conditions that could be added to master-planned unit developments to address concerns that commissioners have been raising — regarding smaller lots, the lack of landscaping on the front, parking and other issues.

Nectarios Pittos, the county’s director of planning and development, is meeting individually with commissioners to discuss the issues.

Biles noted: “Your focus has been on those single-family small lots, of 40-foot, but we thought through what that looks like on the townhome perspective, too.You need to think about both of those discussions.Your front-loaded townhome, you have the same types of issues, as you have with the small 40-foot lots.”

Starkey told her colleagues:“The city of Zephyrhills and Dade City require some architectural details, and we don’t.And, so, we are getting … windows and a door and a roof.”

Pittos said, when the driveways are rearloaded,“you can talk about fenestration: How

1 MILLION, from page 1A Job creation estimates vary, but Wells said it could yield as many as 25,000 jobs over its 20-year build-out, he said.

“Moffitt is going to be larger than downtown Tampa,”Wells said.“That should pretty much sum it up. It’s crazy. It’s exciting.”

PASCO’S APARTMENT DILEMMA

Wells also shared his views on the county’s temporary moratorium on applications seeking new entitlements for apartment development.

The moratorium applies to new applications in an area primarily in Land O’ Lakes and Wesley Chapel.

Pasco County Commissioner Mike Moore advocated for the temporary moratorium, to allow time to find out how many apartments are already entitled and how many are needed to meet market demands.

He has argued that approving too many apartments will lead to a glut on the market, which eventually could result in derelict buildings and associated problems.

Wells said he understands the moratorium decision, but emphasized there is a need for apartments in certain parts of the county.

“I feel the market decides those things, but my opinion doesn’t matter anymore, and I respect the board with the decision that they’ve made, and it’s not easy,” he said.

He continued,“It’s just about trying to do it a little smarter. You look at these apartment complexes, they don’t get any breaks.

There is no homestead. They pay full tilt.

They take up less space (than housing developments).”

Wells also pointed out apartments lead the way in construction value “by a pretty substantial margin.”

In fact, six of the 10 highest-valued commercial properties in the county are apartment complexes, he said.

Those include: • Lantower Cypress Creek: $75.29 million • Lotus at Starkey Ranch: $71.93 million • Horizon Wiregrass: $71.56 million • Tapestry Cypress Creek: $62.05 million • Trinity Exchange: $61.69 million

many windows you want to see. Where to place the door — keep it on the front of the house, instead of on the side of the house.A porch.”

Starkey said “there can be a smorgasbord of architectural details” that can be added, that are not expensive.

“We don’t want to see what we’re getting.We want to see better,” Starkey said.

As the county board considers changes to the land development code, Jennifer Motsinger, executive vice president of the Tampa Bay Builders Association, is encouraging the board to look at updates that can streamline the development review process.

In an interview with The Laker/Lutz News, Motsinger said that the cost of a home is made up of four components: Land, materials, local regulations and labor.

Some regulations in Pasco’s land development code have stymied ongoing efforts to streamline the development review process, Motsinger said.

She also noted there’s a need to balance the desire for a particular type of aesthetic with the need for affordable housing.

“Every single one of the suggestions that are being made (by commissioners) can be accommodated for a price. For a price,” Motsinger said.

“We have to make sure that there is a balance of options for folks,” she said.“We have to be careful that we are not trying to legislate to a particular type of buyer.

“One of the reasons you would do a neighborhood with just 40 (40-foot lots) is to get that more-affordable product,” Motsinger said.

She also addressed the issue of requiring homes with 40-foot lots to be backloaded.

“That trend is not in high demand.

Because, guess what? Kids want a backyard to play in,” she said.

She said the building industry will be paying close attention to proposed changes and will want to weigh in on them.

“We have to be careful that our local government doesn’t have too much power to say how we live in our homes and what our homes look like,” Motsinger said.

• Lantower Asturia: $56.45 million).

Six of the largest commercial sales in the county also have been apartment developments,Wells said.

Those are: • Pier 8 at the Preserve: $100 million • Lotus at Starkey Ranch: $87 million • Tapestry Cypress Creek: $78.49 million • Parc at Wesley Chapel: $53.57 million • Worthington Court: $15.61 million

UPDATES WITHIN PROPERTY APPRAISER’S OFFICE

Elsewhere, Wells shared the various changes within the property appraiser’s office since he was elected to replace Gary Joiner, who won the post in 2016, but chose not to seek a second term.

So far, Wells said, there have been updates to the website’s parcel database, based on input from industry professionals.

Property record searches now yield more detailed information, such as school versus non-school values and the sinkhole status, including the exact year a sinkhole was stabilized or remediated.

Wells also is working on making the website easier to navigate, noting:“The idea should be less clicks, not more,” he said.

Additionally, Wells has hired some employees from the private sector, including a licensed surveyor — something new for the office.

Wells said his office is required to inspect every property on a five-year cycle.

His 54 staffers handle about 5,500 parcels apiece, he said.

He also noted that his homestead fraud investigators added $69.5 million back to the tax roll in 2020 — equating to roughly $1.2 million in recovered revenue.

“There’s been a lot of things that we’ve found,”Wells said, noting one scheme that is used involves landlords having renters sign up for homestead exemptions on rental properties.

“There’s been a lot of things that we’ve found,” he said.

The investigative group works closely with the county’s municipalities and the sheriff’s office to track down illegal activities, the property appraiser said.

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Partnership brings anti-bullying awareness

The GFWC Lutz-Land O’ Lakes Woman’s Club supported an anti-bullying campaign with the fifth through eighth grades at Lutz Elementary School, in partnership with law enforcement and the school. The teams that won a competition by producing videos on anti-bullying were issued certificates during the school’s morning TV show. Each winning student received a gift and a $25 Barnes & Noble gift card. Club members Sabrina Scott and Annette Bellingar stand alongside a law enforcement representative.

RESIDENCES, from page 1A Road/Wisteria Loop other than an emergency-only access.

The upland portions of the project in the southeast and southwest shall be preserved for open space/stormwater/mitigation, as depicted on the Master Plan, and shall not be developed for residential uses as they would not

have direct access to the project’s internal roadways/Causeway Boulevard, the materials add.

Also, the master plan shows pedestrian/sidewalk access to Land O’Lakes High School on the northeast and to the conceptual/planned Bexley/Wisteria Trail, according to the agenda packet.

The request now goes to the Pasco County Commission, which has final jurisdiction on land use and zoning requests.

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9A

Community Sports Your Neighborhood Sports Source

Local swimmers make waves at state championships

By Kevin Weiss kweiss@lakerlutznews.com

L

ocal athletes and teams performed well at the 2021 FHSAA (Florida High School Athletic Association) State Swimming and Diving Championships, held last month at the Sailfish Splashpark Aquatics Athletics Center, in Stuart.

Eleven local schools were represented across the four classifications — Academy at the Lakes (Class 1A), Carrollwood Day School (1A), Cypress Creek High (2A),Wesley Chapel High (2A), Freedom High (3A), Gaither High (3A), Land O’ Lakes High (3A), Sunlake High (3A), Wharton High (3A), Wiregrass Ranch High (3A) and Steinbrenner High (4A).

Two of these programs registered top-10 finishes — the Freedom Patriots girls team finished fifth among the 46 schools competing in 3A, while the Sunlake Seahawks girls team finished eighth in the same classification.

Other noteworthy team showings came on the boys side in 3A — with Freedom notching a 14th place finish and Wiregrass Ranch a 15th place finish, out of 46 schools, respectively.

Freedom had a banner season — its boys and girls squads each won regional titles for the first time in school history — under the guidance of coaches John Olewski and Catherine Wright.

The squads claimed district and conference titles during the season, too.

“We had a phenomenal season,” Olewski wrote in an email to The Laker/Lutz News.

“Assistant Coach Catherine Wright and I are so proud of the Freedom swimmers and divers. The administration, faculty, staff, and students of Freedom High School applaud the Freedom Swim & Dive team members and join them in celebrating their many successes this season.”

Freedom senior Michelle Morgan — a Division I University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill commit — registered the best individual showing among all area swimmers.

Morgan is a familiar name, for those who follow swimming.

She was one of the state’s top distance swimmers for years and she qualified for the 2020 U.S. Olympics Trials in the 400-meter individual medley.

At states, Morgan took gold in the 3A 200yard individual medley, clocking 2:01.06 to finish ahead of Gainesville High senior Katherine Sammy (2:01.90).

She also won the event last year, posting a 2:00.92.

COURTESY OF SUNLAKE HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETICS DEPARTMENT

For reference, the state record in the girls 200-yard individual medley is 1:57.07 set in 2009 by then Countryside High’s Melanie Margalis, who went on become an Olympic relay gold medalist for the U.S. National Team.

Morgan collected more hardware, taking silver in the 3A 500-yard freestyle.

Her time of 4:53.78 trailed only Chiles High senior Stella Watts, who swam in 4:46.86.

She also was a leg on the Patriots’ medalearning 200-yard medley and 200-yard freestyle relay teams, which finished fourth and fifth, respectively.

Other Freedom relay members were seniors Carly Joerin and Alexa Valdez Velez, and freshman Alex LaBohn.

Joerin — a Division I Dartmouth College commit — likewise notched robust individual medalist performances, taking fourth in

FREEDOM (14th place, out of 46 schools) 200-yard medley relay: Martin Ferrebee, junior; Anthony Murashkin, freshman; Gregory Murashkin, freshman; Sean Thatavakorn, freshman (10th, 1:41.27) 200-yard freesyle: Martin Ferrebee, junior (14th, 1:45.62) 200-yard individual medley: Sean Thatavakorn, freshman (15th, 2:00.69) 100-yard freestyle: Sean Thatavakorn, freshman (12th, 48.82) 500-yard freestyle: Martin Ferrebee, junior (10th, 4:41.90) 100-yard breaststroke: Anthony Murashkin, freshman (15th, 1:02.02)

10A

December 1, 2021

the 500-yard freestyle (5:00.03) and fifth in the 200-yard individual medley (2:08.56).

Also in 3A, the Sunlake girls tallied five medals (or top-eight finishes).

The Seahawks best showing was the 400yard freestyle relay, which finished in sixth place with a 3:42.12.The squad consisted of seniors Lillian Hilt, Amber Ewald and Leah Fonnotto, and junior Madison Houck.

Carrollwood Day sophomore Adele Sands was another area standout, in the smallschool 1A competition. She took third in the 1A 100-yard freestyle (51:50) and fourth in the 1A 200-yard freestyle.

In the boys’ end of the pool, the highest individual finish came from Gaither freshman Aidan Levine, who took sixth in the 3A 100-yard backstroke (52.85).

Levine also was a leg on Gaither’s 3A 200meter freestyle relay, which finished 16th (1:33.11).

LAND O’ LAKES (40th) 100-yard butterfly: Michael McCloskey, junior (ninth, 51.83)

4A BOYS

3A BOYS

COURTESY OF STEINBRENNER HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETICS DEPARTMENT

The Steinbrenner High School swimming and diving team was wellrepresented at this year’s state championships in Stuart.

100-yard breaststroke: Alex Thai, junior (10th, 1:01.04)

STEINBRENNER (tied 41st place, out of 47 schools) 50-yard freestyle: Gavin Peck, sophomore (disqualified, false start) 100-yard freestyle: Gavin Peck, sophomore (10th, 47.18)

STEINBRENNER (22nd place, out of 43 schools) 200-yard individual medley: Kayla Daley, junior (16th, 2:11.26) 100-yard butterfly: Kayla Daley, junior (14th, 57.69) 100-yard freestyle: Gavriela Daniels, sophomore (15th, 52.96) 200-yard freestyle relay: Charlotte MacGregor, sophomore; Kayla Daley, junior; Gavriela Daniels, sophomore; Abigail Greene, senior (ninth, 1:38.36)

The Freedom High School girls swimming and diving team finished in fifth place at the 3A state championships last month in Stuart. The squad collected seven medals, including the 200-yard medley relay and 200-yard freestyle relay. From left, freshman Alex LaBohn, senior Carly Joerin, senior Michelle Morgan and senior Alexa Valdez Velez.

The Sunlake High School swimming and diving team earned five individual and relay medals at the state meet.

Results among locals at the state meet:

4A GIRLS

COURTESY OF JOHN OLEWSKI

COURTESY OF CARROLLWOOD DAY SCHOOL

Carrollwood Day School sophomore Adele Sands finished third in the Class 1A 100yard freestyle (51:50) and fourth in the 1A 200-yard freestyle (1:50.59).

3A GIRLS

400-yard freestyle relay: Martin Ferrebee junior; Ethan Udagawa, junior; Brandon Thatavakorn, freshman, Sean Thatavakorn, freshman (11th, 3:19.90) WIREGRASS RANCH (15th) 200-yard medley relay: Parker Munari, senior; Noah Porter, senior; Robert Childers, senior; Kevin Chen, senior (ninth, 1:40.98) 200-yard individual medley: Noah Porter, senior (11th, 1:59.12) 100-yard freestyle: Noah Porter, senior (seventh, 48.11) 400-yard freestyle: Kevin Chen, senior; Robert Childers, senior; Parker Munari, senior; Noah Porter, senior (13th, 3:21.40) GAITHER (tied 31st) 200-yard freestyle relay: Aidan Levine, freshman; William Acero Clark, senior; Anibal Utrera, senior; Zachary Cannon, senior (16th, 1:33.11) 100-yard backstroke: Aidan Levine, freshman (sixth, 52.85) SUNLAKE (tied 31st) 200-yard freestyle relay: Tien Duong, junior; Jackson Houck, junior; Connor Canfield, sophomore; Alex Thai, junior (13th, 1:32.37)

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FREEDOM (Fifth, out of 46 schools) 200-yard medley relay: Michelle Morgan, senior; Alex LaBohn, freshman; Carly Joerin, senior; Alexa Valdez Velez, senior (fourth, 1:49.36) 200-yard individual medley: Michelle Morgan, senior (first, 2:01.51); Carly Joerin, senior (fifth, 2:08.56) 500-yard freestyle: Michelle Morgan, senior (second, 4:53.78); Carly Joerin, senior (fourth, 5:00.03) 200-yard freestyle relay: Carly Joerin, senior; Alexa Valdez Velez, senior; Alex LaBohn, freshman Michelle Morgan, senior (fifth, 1:39.58) 100-yard breaststroke: Alex LaBohn (15th, 1:09.10) SUNLAKE (Eighth) 200-yard medley relay: Amber Ewald, senior; Lillian Hilt, senior; Piyarmard Edwards, sophomore; Madison Houck, junior (seventh, 1:51.26) 200-yard individual medley: Lillian Hilt, senior (seventh, 2:10.31) 50-yard freestyle: Madison Houck, junior (14th, 24.81) 500-yard freestyle: Leah Fonnotto, senior (16th, 5:22.77) 100-yard backstroke: Madison Houck, junior (seventh, 58.77); Lillian Hilt, senior (eighth, 59.57); Amber Ewald, senior (10th, 58.93) 400-yard freestyle relay: Lillian Hilt, senior; Amber Ewald, senior; Leah Fonnotto, senior; Madison Houck, junior (sixth, 3:42.12)

The next best showing was Wiregrass Ranch senior Noah Porter, who earned seventh in the 3A 100-yard freestyle (48.11).

He also took 11th in the 200-yard individual medley (1:59.12) and was a leg on the team’s 200-yard medley relay (ninth, 1:40.98) and 400-yard freestyle relay (3:21.40).

Altogether, local boys and girls individual and relay teams combined to register 16 medals (top-eight finishes).

Also noteworthy: The girls state 50-yard free record (22.22) set last year by former Steinbrenner High swimmer Lexi Mulvihill remained intact.

The closest to that mark came in the 1A meet, when South Florida HEAT (Home Educated Athletic Teams) sophomore Erika Pelaez posted a 22.29 — .07 behind the record.

Mulvihill is now a freshman scholarship swimmer for Auburn University.

WIREGRASS RANCH (28th) 50-yard freestyle: Maryam Khalil, senior (tied 11th, 24.60) 100-yard breaststroke: Maryam Khalil, senior (seventh, 1:07) WHARTON (37th) 100-yard breaststroke: Lauren Blevins, sophomore (12th, 1;07.41) LAND O’ LAKES (No points) Diving: Lillianna Diberadinis, sophomore (20th, 223.55)

2A GIRLS CYPRESS CREEK (No place) 1-meter diving: Isabelle Le-Nguyen (17th, 204.80) WESLEY CHAPEL (No place) 1-meter diving: Jessica Roehrig, junior (21st, 126.40)

1A BOYS ACADEMY AT THE LAKES (34th, out of 38 schools) 50-yard freestyle: Nathaniel Smith, sophomore (15th, 22.02) 100-yard freestyle: Nathaniel Smith, sophomore (13th, 23.11)

1A GIRLS CARROLLWOOD DAY SCHOOL (18th, out of 44 schools) 200-yard freestyle: Adele Sands, sophomore (fourth, 1:50.59) 100-yard freestyle: Adele Sands, sophomore (third, 51.50)

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DECEMBER 1, 2021

Fixing an error that’s gone unnoticed for 60 years Knowing Your History

By Doug Sanders Special to The Laker/Lutz News

I

n one of downtown Dade City’s most visible places, there’s a historic plaque commemorating the establishment of Pasco County.

The problem is — that celebrated memorial, located in courthouse square — contains an inaccurate date.

“Pasco County was created from Hernando County on May 12, 1887,” the sign reads.

On the face of it, that seems like an important thing to remember.

However, the historic sign perpetuates the wrong date.

It turns out that the separation of the counties was signed into law by then Gov. Edward A. Perry on June 2, 1887.

The document he signed was titled, “A Bill to Divide the County of Hernando and make therefrom the Counties of Citrus and Pasco.”

In a way though, it’s almost fitting that COURTESY OF DOUG SANDERS the marker is wrong because it serves as a Some errors can go a long time before anyone notices.

In this case, the historic marker erected 60 years ago reports an incorrect date for reminder of the many challenges that arose, the formation of Pasco County. during the naming of Pasco County.

It took much compromise to arrive at that name, according to Jefferson Alexis “J.A.” Hendley.

Hendley wrote about the efforts in a work published in 1943 that chronicles a gathering of residents of southern Hernando County, who met in May 1887, with the purpose of forming a new county.

“We agreed in convention assembled to make an effort to get away from Brooksville,” Hendley writes, in an account he dedicated to the schoolteachers of Pasco County.

Forming counties in Florida during the 1800s was nothing new.

Hernando County, itself, was part of Hillsborough County before it was separated, and became its own entity, on Feb. 27, 1843.

COURTESY OF JEFF MILLER/FIVAY.ORG Writing in a letter on Nov. COURTESY OF FIVAY.ORG J.A. Hendley, shown here, and Richard C. 25, 1927, Dr. Richard C. This photograph of the Historic Pasco County Courthouse was taken in 1909.

Bankston lobbied in Tallahassee for the forBankston, recalled that at the mation of Pasco County.

Hendley later wrote time of Pasco County’s crethat it took Gov. Edwin A. Perry only a few ation, there was “unanimous ber thought he came from a banner county,” hours to approve the new county. sentiment” to support it.

Bankston wrote.

“We all were weary of travThey knew they’d have to come up with eling the sand trails of a less-objectionable name. was expedited to the House and sponsored Brooksville, the county seat, to It so happened that the state’s lawmak- by Frank Saxon, where it passed unanimousattend court, or transact other ers were in joint session that week voting ly.The governor was favorable and signed it. business of varied nature,” he for Florida’s next U.S. Senator.

Having accomplished all we proposed, we wrote.

In those days, senators were elected by returned home, able to report the complete Bankston and Hendley were state legislatures and the decision was rarely success of our mission.” selected to lobby for the made in a single vote.

The governor approved the formation of change, in Tallahassee.

It took 89 ballots for Florida’s state Pasco County within four hours, according Bankston was a member of Democratic party to choose Judge Samuel to Bankston’s account. the Florida Legislature, from Pasco, of Monticello, as their compromise Nearly 20 years after Hendley’s history of Tampa; Hendley was a Blanton candidate.

Pasco County was published, the state postlawyer and a member of the It took another 25 ballots for the full leg- ed the marker on the west lawn of the Florida Constitutional islature to elect Pasco, with a vote of 87-17 county’s red-brick courthouse, with its neoConvention of 1885. on May 19, 1887. classical dome and clock tower.

Hendley knew it was not Pasco was at the height of his popularity Flash forward to the present. going to be easy based on his — and, Bankston and Hendley were inEven though the historic marker was own experience in west Texas, spired by these events. erected in 1963, the Pasco Historical Society where he helped to organize They figured if they wanted their new in Dade City and the West Pasco Historical COURTESY OF DOUG SANDERS Mitchell County. county, the best way to get it done was to Society in New Port Richey are interested in Pasco County is named after Samuel Pasco, who had Plus, both men had already recently been elected as Florida’s representative to the garner the support of the English-born making a joint request to the Pasco County read “a very discouraging let- United States Senate. He was at the height of his popular- Pasco.

Commission to put the correct date — June ter,” from James Latham, a ity when the county was named.

He was a Harvard graduate, a Civil War 2, 1887 — on the marker.

Florida House of Hero, a lawyer, a Baptist, and, above all — a Stay tuned, to this column, to see what Representatives member, from Democrat. happens next.

Hernando County.

The group also suggested three names “It struck me as an inspiration to call our Latham’s letter said it was too late in the for legislators to consider for the new coun- county ‘Pasco,’” Bankston wrote.

Doug Sanders has a penchant for unsession to accomplish anything. ty. They recommended: “Tropic,” “Banner” Finding a committee room with a desk, earthing interesting stories about local The subsequent reply from south and “Emanuel.” he immediately changed the name on the history. His sleuthing skills have been deBankston and Hendley preferred the legislative documents from Banner to Pasco. veloped through his experiences in Hernando County was a political threat to “split the county right in the middle of name,“Banner,” for the new county.

Bankston recounts:“We gave the finished newspaper and government work. If you Brooksville,” if the suggested new county That was a problem. bill to Sen.A.S. Man, who at once introduced have an idea for a future history column, was not formed.

“As we learned that nearly every mem- it in the Senate, and it passed unanimously. It contact Doug at interstar1@juno.com.

IT DOESN’T MAAT ATTER

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Phoebe is a joy Buffy is a beautiful and friendly Buffy is a beautiful, friendly girl in the market for her forever home. She takes part in play groups, preferring other dogs that are gentle like she is, although she can be reactive when there is a barrier between them such as a fence or a leash. She’s been around cats and children, and she enjoys attention and being petted. She is about 5 years old and weighs about 60 pounds.

She has some manageable health concerns that Pasco County Animal Services would be glad to discuss with you.

Phoebe is a joy to be around. She’s outgoing, affectionate and loves to be with her people.

She can be a little rough and tumble at times — she's just so eager to make friends. She’s attentive and sits and shakes on command. She loves to chase after a toy and then lie in the grass chewing it. Five-year-old Phoebe is the perfect medium size, weighing in at about 50 pounds with a short stature. She has experience at being around children, but would do best as an only dog. She has a few treatable health concerns that Pasco County Animal Services staff would be happy to discuss with you.

If you would like to adopt Buffy or Phoebe, 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.

LOCAL WILDLIFE Introducing Clover Chanel Wilson Clover was born on June 26, and after a lot of prayers, the Wilsons were able to introduce her into their family on Aug 28. Clover is a lovable, smart and super-friendly puppy that fits right in with the Wilson household. Every member of this Land O’ Lakes family — Charlie, Billie Jo, Isabella, and 16year-old family dog Sadie — is grateful for her and loves her dearly.

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.

WHAT A CATCH!

This blue heron caught a large fish in the pond behind Steve Vinik’s house, in Lexington Oaks, in Wesley Chapel. To prepare the meal, the bird carried the fish in its mouth into the pond and moistened it in the water, then brought the fish up the bank and placed it in the grass. The heron would scissor it in its beak and attempt to toss it down its throat. This took several tries, Vinik said, but, in the end, the heron managed to get its lunch.

PET PAWS MANATEE AWARENESS The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is reminding people on the water to slow down and look out for migrating manatees this time of year.

As water temperatures cool, manatees are naturally migrating to warmer waters around the state.

Manatees depend on water generally warmer than 68 degrees Fahrenheit to survive the winter, so they travel to Florida springs, power plant discharges and other warmwater sites.

And, disturbing manatees at warmwater sites can cause them to swim out of those protected area and into potentially life-threatening cold water.

Boaters should “go slow and look out below,” to allow the manatees to swim safely.

While manatees are large, they can be difficult to see in the water.

Those out on the water should follow guidelines and follow all manatee protection zones; look out while boating; wear

polarized glasses; and always give the mammal the space it needs.

Manatee protection zones are marked by waterway signs. Maps of manatee protection zones are available online at MyFWC.com/Manatee, by clicking on “Data and Maps.”

During the colder months, seasonal manatee zones require boaters to slow down in certain areas to prevent manatees from being injured or killed by motorboats or personal watercrafts.

Boat strikes continue to be a major threat to Florida manatees.

Resources for boaters, educators and other interested members of the public are available at MyFWC.com/Manatee.

NEW FISHING REGULATIONS

New regulations for spot and Atlantic croaker on Atlantic coast became effective on Dec. 1, according to a news release from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC).

They apply to state waters from the

Florida-Georgia border through MiamiDade County will go into effect beginning Dec. 1.

There have been recent coastwide declines in abundance and harvest of spot and Atlantic croaker along the U.S. Atlantic.These changes are part of a coastwide, multi-state conservation strategy for the Atlantic stocks of these species.

The new regulations include: • A daily recreational bag limit of 50 fish per person for each species.

• Commercial vessel limits of : Spot: 2,200 pounds; Atlantic croaker: 1,200 pounds.

The FWC also announced that the recreational harvest of flounder in all state and federal waters will reopen Dec. 1.

The minimum size limit for flounder is 14 inches total length and the daily recreational bag limit is five fish per person.

This annual season closure and other management measures were approved by the FWC late last year because a stock status update suggested statewide, the flounder fishery has been in a declining trend and it is likely overfished and undergoing overfishing on the Atlantic coast of Florida.

Other south Atlantic and Gulf states have also reported declines in flounder populations and have been making their own regulation changes.

Learn more about flounder regulations at MyFWC.com/Marine by clicking “Recreational Regulations” and “Flounder” or download the Fish Rules App at Instagram.com/FishRulesApp or Facebook.com/FishRulesApp.

SHARE YOUR PET NEWS

If you have pet news about adoptions, walks or other events for pet owners and their pets, you can let us know by sending us an email.We just need the basics: who, what, when, where and why.

The information should be submitted two weeks prior to the desired publication date. We also need a contact name and number, in case we have questions.

There is no guarantee of publication, but we consider each item we receive.

If you’d like to make a submission, send it to news@lakerlutznews.com.

Readers can now find Pets of the Week and Local Wildlife photos on our website at LakerLutzNews.com, under the Pets/Wildlife link.

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CONGRAT ATULAT ATIONS

Donate a teddy bear, offer comfort

By Mary Rathman mrathman@lakerlutznews.com

Saint Leo University is lending a helping hand to the Tampa Police Department (TPD) this holiday season, through the Teddy Bears for TPD campaign.

The campaign provides cuddly critters for officers to carry in their vehicles, so they can provide comfort to children in stressful situations, according to a news release.

Saint Leo’s Tampa Education Center will partner with the TPD to put together a “comfort squad” of stuffed animals. Officers will provide these furry friends to children at crime scenes, in times of crisis, trauma, and other scary situations.

“When police arrive on scene, they’re the first people to see children in a traumatic situation,” Ruben Delgado,TPD's interim chief, said in a release.

“Giving them a teddy bear or a stuffed animal helps calm them. It really makes a difference,” said Delgado.

The Saint Leo education center will accept donations through Dec. 13 of new and gently used teddy bears and other stuffed animals, which can be dropped off Monday through Friday, between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., at 1403 N. Howard Ave., in Tampa.

In addition, Saint Leo also will collect teddy bears and other “stuffies” at its residential campus in St. Leo, 33701 State Road 52, and all items will be donated to the police department.

The teddy bears will provide another tool for the TPD to use to diffuse an often anxious and scary time.

For information, contact Rod Kirkwood at rod.kirkwood@saintleo.edu or 813-7433228.

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The LAKER / Lutz NEWS CROSSWORD PUZZLE ACROSS 1. Chinese Muslim group 5. Alternative name 10. Resounds 12. Supporter 14. Furnishes anew 16. Beloved Hollywood alien 18. Supervises flying 19. Ballplayer’s tool 20. Coarse edible red seaweed 22. Former CIA 23. Basketball player 25. Travel necessities 26. Honey producer 27. Military analysis (abbr.)

28. Diego, Francisco, Anselmo 30. Mental sharpness and inventiveness 31. Popular Easter meal 33. Man (Spanish) 35. __ de la __ 37. Counterweights 38. Made a harsh, grating noise 40. Monetary unit 41. Commercials 42. Cool!

44. Partner to cheese 45. Expression of creative skill 48. Unit of angle 50. Transported 52. N. American people of Kansas 53. Computer game character Max 55. Moved swiftly 56. Everyone has one 57. Tin 58. A mole is one 63. Nocturnal hoofed animals 65. Oppositional to 66. Monetary units 67. Not on time SEE SOLUTIONS, PAGE 9B

DOWN 1. Hogshead (abbr.)

2. Misery resulting from affliction 3. Defunction European group 4. Line on a map 5. Becomes less intense 6. Back muscle 7. Frosted 8. Ethiopian town 9. Midway between south and east 10. Wipe from the record 11. In a continuous way 13. Breathe 15. Cleaning device 17. Male organ 18. Tab on a key ring 21. Criminals 23. Taxi 24. Cheer of encouragement 27. Wartime American escort carrier 29. Polish river 32. Current unit 34. Life form 35. Painful contractions 36. Glowing 39. Press against lightly 40. Melancholic 43. Something you can be under 44. Of the mind 46. E. Indian cereal grass 47. Couple 49. Sharpshoot 51. A baglike structure in a plant or animal 54. __ Blyton, children’s author 59. Human gene 60. Data mining methodology (abbr.)

61. Examines animals 62. Mineral 64. Cools your home

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Health

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STUDENTS & MENTAL HEALTH

A recent Intelligent.com survey found that eight in 10 Americans support giving college students with mental health issues accommodations such as extra absences, extended deadlines, and more time to take exams, according to a news release.

Additional findings include: • 86% of Americans who support these accommodations say mental health challenges can make it more difficult to perform to the best of one’s ability • The plurality of Americans say depression is the No. 1 mental health condition that should qualify students for accommodations • 54% of Americans who don’t think students with mental health issues should get special accommodations say it’s because students must learn to cope To read the full article, visit tinyurl.com/ywn7248n.

VOLUNTEER FOR SHINE

The SHINE (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders) Program is a statewide volunteer program that offers seniors,

adults with disabilities, and their caregivers free, unbiased counseling on Medicare, prescription drugs, and other insurance matters.

The SHINE SMP (Senior Medicare Patrol) Program educates beneficiaries on how to protect, detect and report suspected Medicare fraud, waste and abuse.

Individuals who would like to help prepare others for some of the most crucial decisions in life make successful volunteers for SHINE. To learn more, call 727-217-8111, or visit FloridaShine.org and click “Join Our Team” at the top of the page to complete an online application.

HIV/HEP C TESTING

The Florida Department of Health in Pasco County (DOH-Pasco) continues to offer free rapid HIV and Hepatitis C testing on Wednesdays and Thursdays, at the county health department, 10841 Little Road in New Port Richey.

Results from rapid tests will be available in 20 minutes. No matter what the results are, DOH-Pasco will work with clients to take steps to help them protect their health.

Testing is available by appointment only.

For information, questions, or to schedule an appointment, call 727-619-0260.

RESOURCE LIST

The Pasco Sheriff’s Office has compiled community-based resources on its website to help serve its citizens, according to a news release.

Resources are available for a variety of challenges that citizens may encounter, including mental health issues,

The Laker/Lutz News likes to keep our readers informed about available classes, seminars, lectures and events regarding health and wellness issues. Hospitals, doctors, individual practitioners and anyone related to the health care industry can submit information, at least two weeks in advance, to be considered for publication. Photos of events, recognitions and so on, also are welcome. Submissions should include who, what, where, when, cost, contact information, identifications for individuals in a photo (unless it is a large group), and a photo credit.

This information should be emailed to news@lakerlutznews.com.

COURTESY OF HCA HEALTHCARE

The Medical Center of Trinity Behavioral Health Program team was awarded the Office of the Year from Pasco NAMI.

HOSPITAL GARNERS NAMI AWARD NAMI Pasco, an affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), announced its 2021 Heroes of Hope Awards recipients.

The awards celebrate community members and organizations that are making an impact on mental health support in Pasco County, in the midst of the ever-increasing demand

for mental health services, according to a news release.

Now in its second year, the awards program “honors those in the community who have gone above and beyond to help community members get the care and support that they need for their or a loved one’s mental health,” in 12 different categories, the release says.

The Medical Center of

houselessness, suicidal thoughts, and more.

The list was developed to give those seeking assistance a place to start when they may not know how.

To see the resources, visit PascoSheriff.com/MentalHealth.html.

VIRTUAL SUPPORT GROUPS

The Alliance for Healthy Communities will host virtual health sessions every

Trinity Behavioral Health Program was honored as the Office of the Year.

“I couldn’t be prouder of our team of caregivers and the strong programs and therapy they provide to our patients,” said Kevin Sullivan, director of behavioral health sciences, in the release.

“Their compassion and expertise working with the mental health community make a difference.”

Wednesday at 1 p.m., via Zoom (Meeting ID: 864 2883 2023; Passcode: 355593).

Weekly topics include: mindfulness, selfcare for caregivers, child safety, and education and resources.

There also will be a monthly roundtable of providers and guest speakers.

To request a list of topics, for questions, or to register, please email Missy.Coyle@Baycare.org.

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Fasano Center stops antibody treatments But the treatment is available at other sites in Pasco County The Laker/Lutz News Staff Report The Fasano Center has stopped providing monoclonal antibody therapy, but there are number of other sites in the county that are providing the treatment.

The Fasano Center ceased the state-supported therapy on Nov. 27, according to a news release from the Department of Health-Pasco County.

Other sites that are delivering the treatment are: • AdventHealth Dade City, 13100 Fort King Road, Dade City • Medical Center Of Trinity, 9330 State Road 54, Suite 401,Trinity • AdventHealth Wesley Chapel, 2600 Bruce B Downs Blvd.,Wesley Chapel • Morton Plant North Bay Hospital, 6600 Madison St., Port Richey

• AdventHealth Zephyrhills, 7050 Gall Blvd., Zephyrhills Monoclonal antibodies help the immune system to recognize and to respond effectively to the COVID-19 virus, according to the health department.

Monoclonal antibody therapy treatment is for individuals who have contracted or been exposed to COVID-19. Monoclonal antibody therapy treatment can prevent severe illness, hospitalization, and death in high-risk patients who have contracted COVID-19.

Specifically, it: • Reduces the risk of death/hospitalization by 70% to 85% • Reduces the risk of developing symptomatic disease by over 80% The Florida Department of Health will continue to allocate doses of monoclonal antibodies to health care providers with high utilization rates and will ensure inventory levels meet county demand, according to a news release from the health department.

Monoclonal antibody therapy treatment locations can be found at FloridaHealthCOVID19.gov and by using the National Infusion Center Association's treatment locator.

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By Mary Rathman mrathman@lakerlutznews.com

The Pasco Sheriff’s Office (PSO) wants to help citizens prevent identity theft, and not just during the holiday season.

Online shopping offers convenience, but it can be an invitation to hackers when transactions are conducted.

Once a hacker collects your data, it can be sold or used to make unauthorized purchases.

To safely make purchases online be sure to shop on private networks, check to see if the website is secure, and utilize credit card safety features such as online statements, spending alerts and new account notices.

The PSO offers these five tips to help you protect yourself from identity theft:

• Read your credit card and bank statements carefully and often.

• Know your payment due dates. If a bill doesn’t show up when you expect it to, look into it.

• Read the statements from your health insurance plan. Make sure claims match the care you received.

• File a police report if you feel you have been a victim of identity theft.

• Create an Identity Theft Report and get a personal recovery plan at IdentityTheft.gov.

Get rid of household hazardous waste The Laker/Lutz News Staff Report Pasco County is hosting a drive-up collection for residents to get rid of old electronics, household cleaners, pesticides and other hazardous wastes.

The event will be Dec. 11, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the West Pasco Government Center, 7537 State St., in New Port Richey.

For a full list of hazardous waste items accepted at the drop off event, visit:

bit.ly/2mx7K0h.

The event is intended for anyone who lives in Pasco County.

The disposal event is free, except there is a $5 charge for televisions, computer monitors, computer towers and laptops, and a $10 charge for TVs that are 36 inches or larger.

To learn more about household hazardous waste in Pasco County, please visit: bit.ly/2getW9g.

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UHCCommunityPlan.com/FL Plans are insured through UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company or one of its affiliated companies, a Medicare Advantage organization with a Medic care contract and a contract with the State Medicaid program. Enrollment in the plan depends on the plan’s contract renewal with Medicare. Benefits, features and/or devices var y by plan/area. Limitations and exclusions apply. Depending on your level of Medicaid eligibility, costs may var y. OTC and Healthy Food benefits have expiration time frames. Call the plan or refer to your Evidence of Coverage (EOC) for more information. © 2021 United HealthCare Ser vices, Inc. All Rights Reser ved d.

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10B December 1, 2021

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