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Busy hurricane season expected
Emergency officials adjust shelter plans to prevent spread of COVID-19 By B.C. Manion bcmanion@lakerlutznews.com
HOLLIDAY KARATINOS
As if COVID-19, an economic meltdown and soaring unemployment aren’t enough — Floridians need to brace for an above-normal hurricane season, according to forecasters with NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center.
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Just days into the season, which runs from June 1 through Nov. 30,Tropical Storm Cristobal swept into the Gulf Coast, triggering a storm surge of almost 6 feet along parts of the northern Gulf Coast, according to national weather reports. Heavy rain triggered flash flooding as far east as Florida, and as far north as Wisconsin and Minnesota.The storm also spawned tornadoes in Florida and as far north as Illinois. That was the beginning of an Atlantic hurricane season that experts predict will have above-normal activity. Information released by NOAA says there’s a 60% chance
of an above-normal season, a 30% chance of a near-normal season and a 10% chance of a below-normal season. NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center is forecasting a range of 13 to 19 named storms, with winds of 39 mph or higher. Of those, six to 10 could become hurricanes, with winds of 74 mph or higher, including three to six hurricanes (Category 3, 4 or 5), with winds of 111 mph or more. An average hurricane season produces 12 named storms, of which six become hurSee HURRICANE, page 9A
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Some of the destruction wrought by Hurricane Irma’s powerful winds.
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Pasco Sheriff named to Homeland Security advisory role
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By Kevin Weiss kweiss@lakerlutznews.com
Crumbl Cookies is a dessert shop for specialty cookies and Crumbl Cream, a concoction of cookies and ice cream flavors. Menus rotate weekly to give customers four specialty choices. However, warm milk chocolate chip and chilled sugar cookies are always available, according to the company’s
Pasco County Sheriff Chris Nocco has added another leadership responsibility to his plate —an advisory role with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The Pasco Sheriff is one of seven new members named to the Homeland Security Advisory Council (HSAC) by acting secretary Chad Wolf. The announcement came from the federal agency last month. The HSAC is a Department of Homeland Security federal advisory committee that provides the secretary with independent, informed recommendations, and advice on a variety of homeland security issues. It’s comprised of national policy makers, representatives from state, local, and tribal governments, emergency, and first responder communities, academia, and the private sector.The 35-member council is chaired by former CIA and FBI Director Judge William Webster. With the appointment, Nocco becomes the only elected official from Florida to serve on the council. In an interview with The Laker/Lutz News, Nocco called the selection “a humbling honor,” that will give the area “a seat at the table” when it comes to providing and receiving input on homeland security-related matters — such as a hurricane, cyberattack, power grid shutdown and so on. “For the whole Tampa Bay region and the state of Florida, I’m very fortunate to be in this position to help out and have our voices heard,” said Nocco, noting the role goes beyond law enforcement issues.“With Homeland Security, it is a very large and very broad organization. When you dig down into it, you realize, from transporta-
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See SHERIFF, page 9A
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INSIDE, PAGE 1B
KATHY STEELE
Aussie Grill, a Bloomin’ Brand restaurant, opened in May with limited dine-in and drive-thru service.
New retail coming soon to Cypress Creek Town Center By Kathy Steele ksteele@lakerlutznews.com
Cypress Creek Town Center is adding new retail to its commercial roster. Though COVID-19 hit a pause button for the Pasco County community, construction workers are still building out new space for shops, restaurants and offices at the town center. Located across from Tampa Premium Outlets on State Road 56, the outdoor mall is at the epicenter of new development in the Wesley Chapel and Lutz areas of the county. Anticipated tenants in a new strip center along Sierra Center Boulevard include Crumbl Cookies, Zukku Sushi, Charles Schwab, and IVX Health, according to county records. Construction is underway on a stand-alone La-Z-Boy. European Wax Center, and Woof Gang Bakery and Grooming already are open. Two previously announced restaurants, Bonefish Grill and Carrabba’s Italian Grill, will have delayed openings, due to “construction timelines,” according to an email
from Bloomin’ Brands, which owns the restaurants. One other Bloomin’ Brand restaurant, Aussie Grill, opened in May, but is following guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The Outback Steakhouse-inspired eatery accommodates some seating with social distancing, drivethru, and Uber Eats and DoorDash delivery services. Aussie Grill, near the town center entrance at Grand Cypress Drive, is the first stand-alone restaurant for the brand in Lutz. The three Bloomin’ Brands’ restaurants eventually will be clustered together with a shared parking lot along Sierra Center.
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