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Diverging Diamond is behind schedule
Pasco commissioners urge state roads officials to turn up the heat on the road contractor to get the project back on track. By B.C. Manion bcmanion@lakerlutznews.com
HOLLIDAY KARATINOS
A road project that’s expected to reduce congestion at the Interstate 75 and State Road 56 is running behind schedule, and Pasco County commissioners aren’t happy. Pasco County Commission Chairman Mike Moore raised the issue during the
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board’s Oct. 20 meeting — citing the apparent lack of workers on the project. “I drive it daily. My wife drives it daily. My oldest daughter probably drives it three to four times a week,” he said. “Yesterday, when I drove through there, I took a few photos. I saw one truck. I don’t know what he was doing, I’m not a contractor. And, I saw two guys standing on the side, down below. “On a project of that magnitude, those are the only people I saw working on it Monday — a sunny Monday. “That was about 1:15, 1:30 (in the after-
noon), when I drove through there. Those were the only people working on that project when I drove by there. “That’s insane. “That’s ridiculous. “That’s embarrassing,” Moore said. “I know Commissioner (Kathryn) Starkey and I received a letter from a group of businesses over on the west side of the interchange, everywhere from the outlet mall to across the street to Sierra’s properties (Cypress Creek Town Center), too,” See DIAMOND, page 15A
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Safe autumn activities
Club Connerton previously has hosted several autumn events for residents in the Land O’ Lakes community — but this year, because of COVID-19, the activities were reimagined, to follow social distancing guidelines. Instead of the adult beer garden and costume contests, Gregg Svendgard, Club Connerton’s general manager, and his staff, came up with some new activities. There was the annual Monster Mash Dash Costume 5K Run, a pumpkin patch and a scarecrow-themed hay bale to give families a backdrop for photos. Staff members disinfected pumpkins regularly, and plastic gloves were supplied to those picking out their perfect pumpkin. The pumpkins were free, and each children received a bag with candy and a craft-to-go, while supplies lasted. Above, 7-year-old Noah Claridge and his 2-year-old sister, Ava, pose for a family photo at the scarecrow-themed hay bale display. The siblings visited the Connerton pumpkin patch with their parents, Jennifer and Matthew.
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Seven-year-old Sophia Husby and her 5-year-old sister, Chloe, select their perfect pumpkins from the patch on the lawn of Club Connerton. The girls were there their parents, Juliana and Eric.
Wesley Chapel woman Local officials mask pens children’s book continue mandates, urge She hopes to set an example for her girls — encouraging them to let their imaginations run wild; pursue their dreams.
By B.C. Manion bcmanion@lakerlutznews.com
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Four-year-old Kendall Smith is all smiles, as she proudly shows her mother, Tia, the pumpkin that she chose.
A conversation Jessica Valentin had with her daughter, Isabella, inspired the Wesley Chapel woman to write her first children’s book. Jessica said they were in the car on the way to an appointment, when she was encouraging her daughter to use her writing and drawing skills. To make the conversation more concrete, she asked her daughter what kind of story she would like. Isabella responded: “Mom, I love unicorns.” So, they began brainstorming about a story that would involve the mythical creature, and from that kernel of an idea, Jessica fleshed out the outline of a story.
They decided that Jessica would write the story, and Isabella would draw the characters. “It became a family affair,” Jessica said. Kayla, Isabella’s twin sister and the twins’ younger sister, Iliana, suggested names for the other characters in the story, and shared their perspectives. They decided to try to publish the story, and Jessica decided to hire a professional artist to illustrate the book. She selected professional artist Stephanie Richoll to illustrate the book, and the two plan to continue the collaboration on future projects. Jessica’s husband, Anthony “Tony,” a retired New York City police officer, has been a huge supporter, the author said. He’s the one who is covering the costs for the venture. Initially, Jessica had hoped to find a literary agent and a publisher for the project. But, when she wasn’t making any progress, she didn’t want that to be the end of the story. So, she decided to self-publish the book, See BOOK, page 15A
social distancing
By B.C. Manion bcmanion@lakerlutznews.com
Elected leaders in Pasco and Hillsborough counties are still requiring masks to be worn indoors in their counties, as rates of COVID-19 remain concerning. Mike Napier, health officer for the Florida Department of Health – Pasco County, updated the Pasco County Commission on current local conditions during an Oct. 20 meeting. “I wish I had better news. Our goal, when we talked last time was, ‘Let’s see what the data looks like and maybe we can make revisions,” Napier said. In his update, that came 30 days after his last appearance, Napier told board members: “We have 10,294 positive cases, as of yesterday (Oct. 19).That’s a 3.5% increase over See MANDATES, page 15A