The Laker-Wesley Chapel/New Tampa-December 2, 2020

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KRATE begins taking shape at the Grove

By B.C. Manion bcmanion@lakerlutznews.com

An attraction that will offer a new and unique retail and restaurant experience is beginning to take shape — as crews set down shipping containers that will house the businesses at KRATE, in the Grove at Wesley Chapel.

While crews work at the site, the developers also are proceeding with a unified sign plan for the district, with the Pasco County Planning Commission reviewing

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This shipping container is being maneuvered into place where a new shopping and restaurant experience will be arriving by the end of the year at the Grove at Wesley Chapel.

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Checking out a winter wonderland

Who says you have to go North to enjoy some wintry fun? Snowcat Ridge Alpine Snow Park offers locals, and tourists alike, a chance to go snowtubing, have snowball fights and sip hot cocoa near a fire. To find out more, please turn to page 1B.

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New River Library upgrades to be expanded

By B.C. Manion bcmanion@lakerlutznews.com

The Pasco County Commission has approved a change order for the county’s New River Branch Library renovation project that will enhance the project.

The library will be reopened, as planned, in January, but additional improvements are being made through the change order, according to County Commissioner Mike Moore.

Moore’s comments came during the board’s Nov. 17 meeting, when it approved a change order in the amount of $381,067.49.

The agreement includes the construction of a new Community Garden and expanding the audio-visual equipment monitoring distribution system at the library.

Renovations to the New River Library include construction of an outdoor covered area and storage space on the east side of the building.These improvements necessitate relocating and reestablishing the garden area to continue providing the associated makerspace experience at this location, according to the backup materials in the board’s agenda.

Makerspaces are do-it-yourself centers that foster hands-on discovery and stimulate imagination.They are places where visitors can create, learn, design, experiment and build.The reestablished garden makerspace will include enhancements intended to maximize the visitor experience, according to the agenda materials.

Native and seasonal plantings will complement community garden beds, allowing See LIBRARY, page 9A

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Snowcat Ridge CEO Benjamin Nagengast speaks at the theme park’s Nov. 20 ribboncutting and grand opening ceremony in Dade City. The Nagengast family also owns nearby TreeHoppers Aerial Adventure and Scream-A-Geddon Horror Park.

KEVIN WEISS

This is the main entrance to Snowcat Ridge Alpine Snow Park in Dade City. The 20-acre property is promoted as the first-ever snow park in Florida. The seasonal facility will generally be open between November and March each year.

Florida is closing in on Commissioners 1 million COVID-19 cases reject process used

By B.C. Manion bcmanion@lakerlutznews.com

Experts are predicting that Florida will hit the 1 million mark in positive COVID-19 cases this week, and there are concerns nationwide about the impacts from potential spread that may have occurred during the Thanksgiving holidays.

The Florida Department of Health had recorded more than 992,660 positive cases of COVID-19, including 976,944 positive residents, according to health department figures available on the morning of Nov. 30.

The death toll stood at 18,500 for Florida residents and 236 for non-residents, according to the same report.

Hillsborough County had 57,673 positive cases, involving county residents, and 419 cases involving non-residents. The county has recorded 929 deaths related to COVID19.

In Pasco County, there were 14,643 positive cases involving residents, and 140 involving non-residents.The death toll stood at 271.

The latest figures for the Pasco and Hillsborough public school districts had not

Help prevent the spread of COVID-19 Avoid these high-risk activities: • Shopping in crowded stores • Attending large indoor gatherings with people from outside of your household • Using alcohol or drugs that may alter judgment and make it more difficult to practice COVID-19 safety measures.

to select lobbyist

By B.C. Manion bcmanion@lakerlutznews.com

yet been updated, since the districts were out for the Thanksgiving break.

The most recent figures from those districts show that there had been 475 student cases and 177 staff cases in Pasco County

The Pasco County Commission has rejected the process used by county staff to recommend an outside lobbyist.

Instead, commissioners want to hear a 10-minute presentation from each of the three firms vying for the work, before making their selection.

The proposed contract calls for a maximum of $60,000 a year for the services, with the option of up to three one-year renewals. County Administrator Dan Biles would be designated to authorize the optional annual extensions.

Initially, Corcoran and Associates, doing business as Corcoran Partners; Shawn Foster LLC, doing business as Sunrise Consulting Group; and Shumaker Advisers Florida LLC, responded to the request for qualifications to compete for the work.

A four-member committee met and evaluated all of the proposals, they scored the

See COVID-19, page 9A

See LOBBYIST, page 9A

Follow these safety protocols: • Stay 6 feet away from others • Wear a mask when social distancing isn’t possible • Wash hands frequently

Source: Florida Department of Health

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December 2, 2020

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Is Dade City poised for a marketing rebrand?

By Kevin Weiss kweiss@lakerlutznews.com

The City of Dade City is in midst of an evolution that undoubtedly will alter the community’s aesthetic — perhaps for decades to come.

The charming town in East Pasco is poised to see some 14,000 new homes on the books within the next five years, plus a slew of exciting downtown amenities and other unique, adventurous hotspots on the outskirts of town, just outside the city limits.

It’s longtime moniker, “Proud Heritage and Promising Future,” may no longer be quite apt — because, as it turns out, the future is happening now.

So, city leaders face this looming question: How does Dade City go about rebranding itself as a tourist destination, and what specifically does it want to promote, to best encourage visitors and foster economic growth amid an unprecedented period?

Melanie Romagnoli, the city’s community and economic development director talked about those issues during two city commission workshops, held in October and November.

“We need to decide who we are and what we want to be,” Romagnoli said, addressing the Dade City Commission.“I think the whole thing about the brand is actually having our vision of what we want our future to be and sticking to it. How can we market the city as a destination, like Clearly Zephyrhills, like Florida’s Sports Coast?”

Following the monthly workshops and three-plus hours of discussion, at least one conclusion is apparent — much more brainstorming is needed, before the city become serious and throws thousands of dollars to a branding consultant to develop an image profile (photos, videos, graphics, logos) to best promote the town’s features.

Built into the city’s budget for this year is $40,000 toward a marketing and advertising plan, promotional activities and other contractual services.

Before that money (and possibly much more) gets allocated, however, commissioners believe additional input is needed from the community and the public, including local businesses, residents and other stakeholders.

The input could take form in charrettes, surveys, monthly forums, and even door-todoor visits.

Commissioners also agreed that it may be prudent to wait until some new amenities throughout the city are established.

In other words, don’t put the cart before the horse.

“I do think branding right now is a little premature,” Mayor Camille Hernandez said.

“There’s a lot of things happening, but I think what we need to do is go back to this community (for input).”

She also added:“I think we’re just a few steps away. It’s right under our noses.”

Mayor Pro Tem Jim Shive likewise was vocal about fostering grassroots community feedback on branding the city for the future.

“I don’t think we have actually talked

The Dade City Commission is deliberating how to go about branding the city to most effectively market to visitors, tourists and families.

FILE

Drawing attention to Dade City’s past, while embracing it’s future is likely a challenge as the community looks to define its marketing identify. It’s an exercise that’s similar to how Pasco County in 2019 rebranded itself as ‘Florida’s Sports Coast,’ which is intended to capitalize on the county’s wave of youth and amateur recreation facilities. Shown here is The Dade City Heritage and Cultural Museum, housed within the Dade City Atlantic Coast Line Depot.

This was the first site in Pasco County that was be placed on the National Register of Historic Places.

about a real vision of what we want, or expect from the future, when it comes to development, when it comes to growing the city,” he said. “I think we need to have the public on board with this, especially when you’re talking about branding.”

Commissioner Normita Woodard, too, pointed out that some of the best ideas or designs may first come from a talented local volunteer, which may yield some cost savings instead of hiring an outside branding firm. Woodard also added she’s in “a reserved state” about spending thousands of dollars just yet, as the city is in a transitional period and still navigating the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

FIRST THINGS FIRST In the meantime, sprucing up the city’s downtown is necessary before doubling down on a full-scale rebranding effort, commissioners agreed.

Commissioners expressed concerns on proceeding with a full-on rebrand until noticeable improvements are made along the city’s Community Redevelopment Area (CRA) district in the form of wayfinding signage, speed limit and lighting fixtures, façade improvements and filling commercial property vacancies.

Some solutions could come via a commercial minimum maintenance standards ordinance, which staff is drafting — based on a consensus reached by commissioners to proceed in that direction.

If a maintenance standard is approved, it would require upkeep from property owners and business tenants on building paint, signs, window coverings, dumpster enclosures and fencing or security upgrades.

Besides the CRA, standards would likely apply to the city’s main thoroughfares along U.S 301, U.S. 98 Bypass, State Road 52/21st

Street intersection, and Meridian Avenue.

Emphasizing the importance of cleaning up the city, the mayor said:“Nobody wants to go to an icky, dirty place.”

Also before spending thousands on branding and marketing, another pressing issue is solving the city’s sizeable commercial building vacancy rate.

It presently exceeds 40% just in the downtown area, Romagnoli said.

“What are the vacancies telling our visitors:That there’s not anything going on.You walk down a street and you see a long wall of nothing but empty,” she said. “What makes them want to go to the next store?”

Commissioner Knute Nathe said it’s a “chicken-and-egg” dilemma that can’t quite yet be fully quantified:“You know, it’s kind of hard to market a place as a destination, without a ton of stuff already there; but it’s hard to bring businesses into town when people aren’t going there,” he said.

One way to create more consistent foot traffic is to have the city retain an event coordinator, Romagnoli suggested. The coordinator could host artisan and craft vendors somewhere downtown each weekend.

Commissioners expressed optimism with that idea.

BRANDING OPTIONS ABOUND Aside from blighted areas, Dade City is beaming with opportunity on the horizon.

The city is in the midst of developing a 2-plus acre downtown park on Church Avenue, slated to include a multi-use water splash pad, bike-share shelter, amphitheater, ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act)-accessible playground, open space, concession area and other amenities.

Just a stone’s throw away is a forthcoming event and entertainment center on Seventh Street, known as The Block.

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The site of a former car dealership, and spearheaded by development partners Larry Guilford and Melanie Armstrong,The Block will include a wedding and event venue, outside patio, brewer, catering business, space for food trucks and a CrossFit gym.

Also on Seventh Street is the Dade City Center for the Arts, which has begun making inroads to facilitate community art events, as well as indoor and outdoor arts and cultural exhibits.

Other imaginative and creative marketing and branding possibilities seemingly abound.

Possibilities include leveraging the fun, family friendly experiences at Treehoppers Aerial Adventure Park and Snowcat Ridge, the state’s only snowtubing park, off St. Joe Road. Those attractions are just outside of city limits, but have a Dade City address.

The city also may be able to capitalize on another niche: Its budding reputation for rural, rustic destination weddings.

There are about nine such spots in East Pasco, including several with a Dade City address, Romagnoli said.

The city could consider a branding campaign that hypes local wedding spots, while encouraging other activities nearby, whether it’s biking the local trails and roads, shooting at West Armory’s indoor range, strolling the downtown shopping and dining scene, touring Pioneer Florida Museum, and so on.

The city’s economic director said another opportunity to piggyback on the destination wedding angle, includes attracting photographers, caterers and wedding planners to lease one or multiple empty building spaces downtown.

Yet another branding concept?

Promoting the city as a wholesome place to raise a family.

In any case, a challenge going forward will be fighting through some established perceptions and misconceptions, Romagnoli said.

A case in point: Forbes magazine once listed Dade City among “The Best Places to Retire.”

That label no longer fits, or is appropriate, Romagnoli said.

The city’s median age is around 36.

“We’re no longer the best place to retire, but we’re a great place to raise a family,” she said.

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What’s Happening

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

HOLIDAY EVENTS

The Shops at Wiregrass will offer these holiday entertainment events: • Movie Night Thursdays: through Dec. 10 at 6:30 p.m.

• Live music: Fridays and Saturdays through Dec. 19, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.

• Strolling entertainers: from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays through Dec. 20; and daily from Dec. 21 to Dec. 24.

Upcoming movies include “The Grinch” on Dec. 3 and “Ice Age:A Mammoth Christmas” on Dec. 10. For information on the lineup of music and entertainers, visit TheShopsAtWiregrass.com.

DRIVE-IN CONCERT

Pasco County Libraries will host a free drive-in live-streamed concert on Dec. 4 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., at the Hudson Regional Library parking lot, 8012 Library Road. Local artists Shaun Hopper and Chris Barbosa will open for the Sarasota Slim Band.Attendance is limited to 50 vehicles.

Preregistration is required online at bit.ly/32wPLds. For those attending in person, the concert will be broadcast on 88.1 FM.The event also can be watched on YouTube.com/pascocountylibraries.

TREE & LIGHT FEST

A Holiday Tree & Light Festival is planned at the Grove at Wesley Chapel on Dec. 4 from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.The festival will include Santa, Christmas trees, a light show, hayrides, games, live music/entertainment, prizes, artisan vendors, food trucks and more.Tickets start at $5. For information, visit tlceventsandpromotions.com/eventdetails/holiday-tree-festival.

CHRISTMAS STROLL

AdventHealth Zephyrhills will present an inaugural Christmas Stroll on Dec. 4 through Dec. 13 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., on its fitness trail, 7050 Gall Blvd. Guests can take a socially distanced walk on the trail filled with holiday decorations, music, lights and oversized Christmas cards. No reservations required. For information, visit AHZephyrhills.com.

COUNTRY STROLL

The Dade City Downtown Merchants will host its 35th annual Country Stroll on Dec. 5 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., with shopping, dining and music.Visit the association’s Facebook page for a list of activities.The merchants group also hosts Strolling Saturdays on Dec. 12, Dec. 19 and Dec. 26.

CHRISTMAS HANDBELL CONCERT

The Suncoast Bronze Ringers will host a Christmas will host a Christmas Handbell Concert on Dec. 5 at 7 p.m., at the Lutz United Methodist Church, 960 W. Lutz Lake Fern Road, and on Dec. 6 at 4 p.m., at Holiday UCC, 4262 Bartelt Road in Holiday. Masks and social distancing will be required.Tickets are $7; and $5 for students and seniors.Advance purchase is recommended.Visit SuncoastBronzeRingers.com.

CRAFT FAIR FUNDRAISER

Forest Lake Estates will have its annual Holiday Craft Fair on Dec. 5 from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., at 6429 Forest Lake Drive in Zephyrhills.There will be a variety of handcrafted items, including jewelry, sewing, florals, paintings, pottery and more.

Proceeds will benefit Everyday Blessings,

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Christmas drive

The Founders Garden Club of San Antonio will host a “Christmas Drive Around the Park” on Dec. 6 at 7 p.m., at the San Antonio City Park, 32819 Pennsylvania Ave. There will be Mr. and Mrs. Claus, and a lighting of Christmas cards and a Christmas tree, while a special Christmas music program plays throughout the park provided by Saint Leo University Radio WLSL 92.7 FM. The program will end at 8 p.m.

Complimentary homemade packaged cookies will be handed out, and Santa’s elves will give out goodie bags to children.

For information, call Barbara Berberich at (352) 668-4540.

The Pasco County Library Cooperative will offer a virtual craft on Dec. 5 at 2 p.m., for kindergarten through fifth grade.

Participants can learn how to make a nosew sock snowman.To view the video, visit Facebook.com/cplib.

a.m. to 7 p.m., at the Tampa Premium Outlets, 2300 Grand Cypress Drive in Lutz.

There will be local unique small businesses and vendors offering personal services, hand-made items and more.The Moms Group will collect nonperishable food items and unwrapped toys for families in need.There will be swag bags for the first 100 guests to bring a donation to the TBMG table, as well as 100 bags for the first 100 moms to visit the TBMG table. Guests can keep an eye out for a favorite princess, super hero or Santa himself. Event is rain or shine. For details or vendor information, email steffany@tampabaymomsgroup.com, kristyl@tampabaymomsgroup.com or tascha@tampabaymomsgroup.com. Check “Holiday Market” on Facebook for updates.

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The Thomas Promise Foundation, and the Pregnancy Care Center in Zephyrhills.

MAIN STREET CHRISTMAS

Main Street Christmas in Time Square will take place on Dec. 5 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., at Main Street on Fifth Avenue in Zephyrhills.There will be hot cocoa, food trucks, Santa, Christmas carols, a tree lighting at 6:30 p.m., and a movie at 7 p.m.

Admission is free. For information, visit the Events link at ZephyrhillsChamber.org.

SOCK SNOWMAN

Santa Claus will visit The Florida Aquarium on Dec. 5, Dec. 12 and Dec. 19 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Guests of all ages can attend, and take safe and socially distanced photos with Santa. Professional pictures will be available for purchase. For more information and ticket prices, visit FlAquarium.org.

COUNTRY CHRISTMAS/MARKET

The Pioneer Florida Museum & Village, 15602 Pioneer Museum Road in Dade City will present its annual Country Christmas & Vintage Market on Dec. 5 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Complimentary photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus start at 1 p.m.There also will be live entertainment and the Barking Dogs will perform, as well as a Cutest Elf Contest (five age groups); an Elf Hat Hunt; a Best Decorated Building contest; activities for kids with candy and prizes; Reindeer Games; Make an Ornament; model trains; blacksmith demonstrations; food and shopping vendors; a concession stand; and more. Parking is free.Admission is $5; kids under age 5 are free. Pioneer also is collecting canned food to benefit The Thomas Promise Foundation. Guests must wear a face mask, wash hands often and use hand sanitizer, and follow 6-foot social distancing guidelines. For a schedule of events and information, visit Pioneerfloridamuseum.org.

HOLIDAY MARKET

The Tampa Bay Moms Group (TMBG) will host a Holiday Market on Dec. 5 from 11

CareerSource’s Mobile One Stop will visit the Zephyrhills Public Library, 5347 Eighth St., on Dec. 10 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., to help anyone looking for employment.

Participants can search for jobs, polish and print resumes, copy and scan materials, use email and social media, and talk to a workforce professional. For information, call (813) 780-0064, or visit CareerSourcePascoHernando.com.

CHRISTMAS GREETINGS

The Suncoast Harmony Chorus wants to share a magical, musical COVID-free Christmas greeting, by offering to telephone your family or friends, anywhere in the United States, and deliver a live performance of a chosen Christmas carol. Calls will be available on Dec. 14 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., and on Dec. 20 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Participants can purchase one song for $10 or two songs for $15, to the same phone number. Choose a time and a favorite Christmas song:“Little Saint Nick,”“Caroling, Caroling,”“Do You Hear What I Hear,” a Carol Medley (“It Came Upon a Midnight Clear” and “Silent Night”),“Go Tell It on the Mountain,” or “Angels We Have Heard on High.” For information and an order form, visit Suncoast-Harmony.com. For questions, call (813) 996-4680. Orders and payments must be received no later than Dec. 10.

SANTA SING-ALONG

The Pasco County Library Cooperative will offer a virtual Sing-Along with Santa on Dec. 12 at 10 a.m. Santa will log in from the North Pole to sing carols with participants.

For information on how to register for a Zoom invite, email maryg@pascolibraries.org.

TRAIN SHOW & SALE

The Land O’ Lakes Library, 2818 Collier Parkway, will offer a DIY craft for adults and teens starting on Dec. 7. Participants can pick up a kit to make a homemade heating pad. Materials will include jasmine rice, fabric and instructions. Fabric color and pattern will vary. Registration is required. Pickup will be available through Dec. 12. For information and to register, call (813) 929-1214.

Regal Railways will present its Christmas Toy Train,Toy Show/Sale on Dec. 12 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Hillsborough County Fairgrounds, 215 Sydney Washer Road in Dover.Vendors will be on hand selling model trains, various hobbies, collectibles and die cast cars.There also will be a running train layout.Admission is $5 for adults, and free for kids age 12 and younger.

Credit cards will be accepted. For information, call (727) 244-1341, or visit RegalRailways.com.

TRAVEL BOOK BUNDLE

CANDY CANE SLIME

The Land O’ Lakes Library, 2818 Collier Parkway, will offer Travel Book Bundles, through curbside pickup, on Dec. 7 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Each bundle will include books and a travel bag customized to your virtual destination.The travel tag has a QR code to help to connect to free virtual experiences available online.The bundles are recommended for ages 16 and older.

Registration is required, after which the participant will answer an email survey.

Bundles are limited to the first 25 patrons.

Destinations have limited availability and desired preferences will be given based on date and time of registration. For information, call (813) 929-1214.

‘ELF’ TRIVIA

The Pasco County Library Cooperative will host a virtual trivia game on the movie “Elf” on Dec. 9 at 4 p.m., through Zoom. Registration is required. Contact Amaris Papadopoulos at (727) 861-3020 or amarisp@pascolibraries.org, for information.

The Pasco County Library Cooperative will offer a tween craft on Dec. 12 at 2 p.m.

Participants can learn how to make candy cane slime.To see the video, visit Facebook.com/cpib.

AVALON AGLOW

Avalon Park Wesley Chapel will host its annual Avalon Aglow on Dec. 12 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., at 5060 River Glen Blvd., in Wesley Chapel.There will be a bounce park, food trucks, vendors, community performances, pictures with Santa, and fireworks at 8 p.m.Avalon also will host cookie decorating on Dec. 14 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.; caroling on Dec. 15 from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.; ornament decorating on Dec. 16 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.; hayrides on Dec 17 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., and a movie night on Dec. 18 at 6 p.m. Guests are encouraged to follow CDC guidelines for social distancing and face masks. Events are free, but ticket reservation is required at AvalonParkWesleyChapel.com, or by calling (407) 658-6565.

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Planning commissioners recommend land use changes

By B.C. Manion bcmanion@lakerlutznews.com

The Pasco County Planning Commission has recommended a change to the county’s long-range land use map that would permit a greater intensification of development on a tract in a central area of Pasco County.

It also is recommending changes to policies affecting future development in the Villages of Pasadena Hills, in eastern Pasco County.

The recommendations will be considered by the Pasco County Commission, which has final authority over county land use and zoning matters.

The proposed change in Central Pasco involves increasing the maximum density from three dwellings per acre up to six dwellings per acre, on 77.21 acres on the south side of Tower Road, south of Bexley Village Drive.

The new land use designation would allow a maximum of 325 dwelling units, in a combination of single-family detached homes and townhouses.

The acreage is surrounded by a planned development called Bexley South, to the north; the Suncoast Meadows, to the south; Ballantrae, to the east; and Sapphire Village, to the west.

County planners recommended approval of the request, determining that the proposed plan amendment “is an appropriate location for the change in land use.”

Barbara Wilhite, an attorney representing the applicant, said plans call for 325 singlefamily dwellings.

No multifamily is proposed, she said, noting the specific plan will come back in a

separate request for a rezoning to create a master-planned unit development.

On the issue involving the eastern Pasco development, planning commissioners agreed with a recommendation from the Villages of Pasadena Hills Property Owners Group to reduce the required wetlands buffer from 100 feet to 25 feet.

In supporting that recommendation, planning commissioners rejected a recommendation by the VOPH policy committee that would have changed the requirement to match the requirement in the rest of the county.

The Planning Commission also rejected a recommendation by the parks, recreation and natural resources department that would have required a more extensive buffer.The county’s planning staff supported the parks and recreation department’s recommendation, but planning commissioners supported the property owners’ recommendation.

Pat Gassaway, representing Heidt Design, told planning commissioners the goal is to take a look at the rules and update them to today’s market.

The current rules, he said,“require preservation of upland habitat without bound,” Gassaway said.

The update also includes myriad other changes in the VOPH plan, with the goal of the changes to create a more level playing field between regulations required in this planning area and others, and to make the Villages of Pasadena Hills “more market friendly and more competitive,” Gassaway said.

The county has undergone significant changes since the Villages of Pasadena Hills was adopted in 2008, Gassaway said.

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LEADERSHIP WEBINAR

Send school news to news@lakerlutznews.com

CHRISTMAS SEASON KICK-OFF

Saint Leo University kicked off the Christmas season on Nov. 18 - a little early this year - in order for students, faculty and staff to celebrate together before Thanksgiving break.

The last two weeks of the fall semester will be completed online, Nov. 30 to Dec. 11, and many students will not be on campus.

The Saint Leo community was joined by members of the Pasco County community for the annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony at University Campus, 33701 State Road 52 in St. Leo. Father Randall Meissen, university chaplain, blessed the university’s Christmas tree and nativity as the university prepares for Advent.

Student Government Union President Ashley Butler read the Christmas story from the Gospel of Luke 2: 1-14, and students, faculty and staff provided Christmas music.

Saint Leo University’s Tapia College of Business will present a free virtual Leadership Re-Imagined Webinar on Dec. 3 at 7 p.m., entitled “Finding Strategic Flexibility to Power Through the Pandemic and Beyond,� to assist small businesses.

The discussion will take a closer look at how businesses are thinking and acting differently, and why flexibility is an indispensable mindset.

The guest speakers will be Dr. Drew Gold, associate professor of management for the Tapia College of Business, and Brian Quinn, chief development officer for Domio Inc. To register, visit www.SaintLeo.edu/business-events.

For information, email Kim Bulmanski at kim.bulmanski@saintleo.edu.

ASK A COLLEGE STUDENT

The Pasco County Library Cooperative will host “Ask a College Student� on Dec. 11 at 4 p.m., through Zoom, for teens in grades eight to 12.

A panel of current students from a variety of colleges, majors and experiences will answer any questions participants may have.

Registration is required. Zoom meeting details will be emailed the day before the event.

For information and to register, contact Amaris Papadopoulos at (727) 861-3020 or amarisp@pascolibraries.org.

NEW NURSING PROGRAM

Saint Leo University will launch a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree program starting in the 2021 fall semester, its University Campus. The program is designed to prepare students for generalist nursing practice within complex health care systems.

The limited-access program will be accepting new students into pre-nursing coursework in arts and sciences during the first two years, including courses in anatomy, microbiology, math, writing, ethics and psychology. Students can then apply to the nursing program during their sophomore year to begin the nursing-major courses in year three.

The application process is competitive and limited spaces are available for the BSN program.This program format will allow for potential transfer students and second-degree students who may want to pursue their BSN degree in a shorter time-frame to consider Saint Leo. There is a growing need for nurses in the coming years as a result of the rapidly aging U.S. population and a simultaneous number of nurses retiring.

The global pandemic continues to support this urgent need for licensed nurses in the field as the health care system undergoes a major transformation in structure and groundbreaking technology advances.

Upper-level nursing courses will commence in the fall semester of 2023, and the university anticipates having 48 spots for students in the first group admitted.

Students will participate in theory, simulation, lab, and clinical experiences at a variety of health care and community agencies.The

program will prepare graduates who can provide safe, quality care with an emphasis on wellness.

Another advantage offered at the Saint Leo campus includes the Anatomage Table, a 3-D educational display system that is usually found only in medical schools.The table displays actual X-rays of the human body and can be operated by touch-screen mode to help teach students in anatomy and physiology classes the various systems (respiratory, vascular, etc.) and structures they need to know as nurses.

The BSN will be available for undergraduate students only at Saint Leo’s residential University Campus. Students applying for the fall semester will receive automatic scholarship consideration.

The new BSN program has received approval from the Florida State Board of Nursing and is pending approval from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Applications are currently being accepted.

For more information, please email admissions @ saintleo.edu, visit SaintLeo.edu/bachelor-nursing-program or call (352) 588-8283.

COLLEGE ESSAY TIPS

The Pasco County Library Cooperative will host a live event, “College Essays for Teens,� on Dec. 4 at 4 p.m., to discuss the best tips and methods for writing college essays.

The program is for teens in grades eight to 12.There will be a Q&A session after the presentation.

Registration is required. Zoom meeting details will be sent out the day before the event.

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STOP AND VISIT OUR OFFICE‌AGENTS ON DUTY!

Life after Rehab R and Hom me Health

If you don’t makkee time for you ur wellness, you will be forrced to o makke time for your illness.

Special to The Laker / Lutz News

L

ife was good until you ended up in the hospital from an unexpected illness — perhaps from pneumonia, a urinary tract infection, an unexpected surgery, a scheduled surgery or even COVID-19. After your hospital stay, you thought you would be well enough to manage the rest of your life without any further health complications.

When you were discharged, your doctors may have prescribed rehabilitation or home health therapy involving physical, occupational and/or speech language pathologists. These health care professionals l taught t ht you exercises i tto help h l you recover so you can return to your prior level of function. And, after your rehab was completed, you were given a home exercise program and were set to go.

This sounds pretty easy, right? All you needed to do was follow the plan and everything would be fine. Unfortunately, being consistent, safe and compliant with a home exercise program is not as easy as it sounds, and non-compliance is one of the main reasons afffecting your recovery.

Adherence to home exercise programs after rehabilitation is a significant problem, with estimates of non-compliance as high as 50 percent. Even those who try to follow their program often have diffficulties completing their exercises and the recommended repetitions.

Patients have many perceived barriers that prevent them from adhering to their exercise plans, including forgetting to exercise, not having time, not fitting into their daily routine, work schedules and transportation.

As rehab specialists, we understand that cognitive, ii behavioral b h i l and d physical h i l barriers b i afffect a patient’s willingness to adhere to their prescribed exercise program. But we also understand its importance.

If you fail to adhere to your prescribed exercise program, it may extend the duration of your treatment plan, and also make it less efffective. A number of studies have linked strong exercise adherence to improved treatment outcome in patients experiencing neck and back pain and osteoarthritis symptoms.

There is also lots of evidence that physical activity prevents disablement and disease in the older adult, and that physical activity reduces falls and fall injuries by 35 to 45 percent. The benefits of physical activity also extend to a reduction of risks associated with cardiovascular disease, hypertension, diabetes, osteoporosis, obesity and anxiety/ depression. It can also delay cognitive impairment, improve sleep and prevent unhealthy weight gain.

So, how can you stick to your program?

It begins with changing your attitude toward

The Morpheus Wellness Te Team, fro rom the left: Emilyy Magu g ire, Occupationa p al Therapist; p Dean Flore res, Physical y Therapist; p P Therapist and Brittanyy Wingo, Speech Pathologist.

Linda Parks, Physical

Morpheus Wellness W co-founders, Dean D Flores and Ly Lynda Parks, P have over 30 years of combined experience in the fields of physical therapy, fitness, health and a wellness, working primarily with older patien unique combination of holistic nts. Dean and Lynda’s u h and clinical approach led them to onal preferences and like create a prrogram that molds perso es arround the wellness/ fitness program, turning it more m into an experience tthan a workout.

Call 8 813-586-0542 or visit www..morpheuswellness.com for moore information exercise. How many times have you heard, “When we’re young, y we work out to look good. As we geet older, we work out to surr-i ” vive.”

The good news is that you have options after rehab or home health to help you maintain consistency in your program.

At Morpheus We Wellness, we provide a safe, holistic and efffective means of continuing fitness after rehab and home health.

We encourage and promote an active lifestyle as you age, while integrating your interests, hobbies and/or athletic activities into a personalized program. Physical activ-

ities often used for older adults incclude aerobic, strength, flexibility and balan nce exercises.

Th stafff at Morpheus The M h We Well llnesss incorporate a strategy of supervision, feed dback and reinforcement provided by a wellness coach, private pay physical therapiist or personal trainer.

By providing good feedback, m motivation and sound coaching, there is iincreased adherence in home-based eexercises, because patients know they are peerforming their task correctly.

While family members or ho ome care

aides are almost always well intentioned, they may not be trained and prepared to help perform or correct exercises established by the therapist. And, they may increase the risk of injury by not recognizing unsafe movements/mobility or not be able to identify poor technique.

Exercise and physical activity is one of the main pillars of healthy habits, in combination with sleep, nutrition and mental health. Like the poet Diane Ackerman wrote, “I don’t want to get to the end of my life and find that I lived just the length of it.

I want to have lived the width of it as well.”

PaiD a aDvErT TO OriaL

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December 2, 2020

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NATURE NOTES SOCIAL DISTTA AN NCING The pandemic leads to SEMINAR surprises in the garden FOLLOWING CDC GUIDELINES

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Although this year has been “unprecedented,” I have appreciated the extra time I’ve spent in my yard.

With a less-crowded calendar, fewer people to visit, and a safer-at-home approach, the garden has provided a welcome respite, and a place for learning.

I suppose many of you are in this situation, too.

Allow me to encourage you to enjoy your garden.

COURTESY OF NICOLE PINSON, UF/IFAS And, if you don’t have a garThese cloudy-looking drops are insect eggs laid on the den, consider planting a few underside of a beautyberry leaf. flowers or container plants — to give you something to grow and take care of over time.

Wander.

Look around.

Notice what’s normal.

Notice what’s not normal.

Scout for things.

Touch plants.

Flip leaves.

This summer, I noticed these two small eggs on my beautyberry bush.The eggs caught my eye because I had not seen them before.

They looked like small, triangular drops of cloudy Over time, the eggs turned orange, with a red stripe along glue. I knew beautyberry, the top. being a Florida native plant, was virtually pest and disease free. I was curious about what laid these eggs and what they would turn out to be.

Every day, I looked for these eggs. My intention was to monitor them to learn what they would become.

As a butterfly gardener, I have watched insects grow and develop. I knew the eggs would likely change color as they matured. I also knew something might eat them the longer they stayed on the leaves.

I made a plan to watch the eggs, and when they The eggs hatch into leaf-footed bugs which are considered began to change color, I plant pests rather than beneficial insects. would pick off the entire leaf with the eggs and place them in a glass container, like a pickle jar or garden pests. I placed them back into the a food storage container. garden near my bird feeder.

The container would protect the eggs But, this was an interesting project, befrom predators, and give me a close-up view cause I learned so much. of the metamorphosis.

First, I was eventually able to ID the eggs The eggs started off as cloudy-like drops and the bugs. Second, I noted how long the of glue. I began to notice other insects that process took (about a week and half).Third, flew around the plant. I took pictures of I have photos to share with others. For exthem, too, looking for more clues. ample, one website that I reference often, Then, about five days later, the eggs BugGuide.net, does not have pictures of the changed color. They went from a cloudy eggs from the beginning stage. whitish color to a reddish-orange color, with Had it not been for COVID-19, I would a stripe along the top. They looked like a not have had this experience. And, this excompletely different egg. perience reminds me of a quote, attributed A few days later, the eggs hatched.To my to Dorothy Parker (but some disagree that surprise, two red leaf-footed bugs emerged, this is her quote):“The cure for boredom is quickly moving around – almost like robots curiosity.There is no cure for curiosity.” or aliens.

May you be curious gardeners.

Insects look very different at different For more information, please visit these stages of their life cycle. In Extension, we links: talk about integrated pest management or https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topic_leaffootIPM.This involves properly identifying the ed_bugs pest or problem before taking action, using https://bugguide.net/node/view/114143 best practices, such as correct amount of irhttps://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/pdffiles/IN/IN10 rigation and fertilizer to prevent problems; 900.pdf not taking action if it’s unnecessary; and, Nicole Pinson is the Urban Horticulture matching the control to the problem or Agent in Hillsborough County. Contact pest.

I was disappointed these weren’t benefi- Nicole at pinsonn@ hcflgov.net or at cial bugs, as leaf-footed bugs are considered (813) 744-5519, ext. 54145.

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OVER 30 YEARS EXPERIENCE

LOBBYIST, from page 1A Corcoran Partners’ proposal as the highest.

The committee, which ranked the proposals, was made up of Biles, Cathy Pearson, Paula Baracaldo and Ralph Lair.

But, Commissioner Kathryn Starkey raised objections to the process.

“So, I’m not happy with the way this was done,” Starkey said.“When we picked our last lobbyist, we had presentations and the board selected the lobbyist. I’m not comfortable with the way that this went down.”

Starkey made a motion to delay the selection until the board’s Dec. 8 meeting, during which the three firms each will be invited to make a 10-minute presentation, followed by the board’s selection.

Commissioner Christina Fitzpatrick seconded Starkey’s motion.

Commissioner Jack Mariano asked Starkey if she was OK with the lobbyist missing a couple of weeks while lawmakers are in Tallahassee.

Starkey responded: “I know time is of the essence, but I think this is — did you hear the presentations? Was there a presentation? I don’t know. But, I think it’s not staff’s lobbyist. I think we’re the policymakers. I think it’s more appropriate that we

COVID-19, from page 1A Schools.The positive cases affected a total of 8,265 students and 719 staff, who had to be quarantined.

In Hillsborough Public Schools, there was a total of 1,585 positive cases, including 640 staff members and 945 students.

Across the country, millions of Americans stuck to their plans to travel over the Thanksgiving holidays, despite pleas from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for them to stay home.

At Tampa International Airport, 40,000 passengers streamed through checkpoints on the Sunday before Thanksgiving — the greatest number since air traffic plunged in late March and early April, due to the pandemic, according to Emily Nipps, the airport’s manager of communications.

“To put it in perspective, we saw around 80,000 passengers on our busy days this time last year. So we’re still barely seeing about half of the traffic we saw this time in 2019. However, we’re way up from the few thousand daily passengers we saw at our low point in April,” Nipps said, via email.

She also noted that “the Saturday and Sunday after Thanksgiving are always our

hear the presentation. So, I’m disappointed that the process that was set in place last time was changed. I think we should have been asked about the process.

“Dec. 8, we listen and we pick, and we get them to work right away,” Starkey said.

Commissioner Ron Oakley said he thinks there may have been a miscommunication between the board and the staff.

“I think they actually did a process based on us giving direction to reach out to lobbyists for this. Maybe we were not as clear as we should have been and said we wanted presentations. I don’t remember us talking about this,” Oakley said.

Erik Breitenbach, assistant county administrator for internal services, said the county staff followed the standard request for qualifications process.

He said the committee did not receive any presentations from the firms, but rather discussed and ranked the submittals.

Starkey has been pushing hard for the county to have outside lobbyists to represent the county both at the state and national levels. She said having someone to represent the county’s interests will create more opportunities to obtain state or federal funding or grants.

Board members approved Starkey’s motion to delay choosing a lobbyist until the Dec. 8 meeting, voting 5-0.

busiest – we ‘think’ we’ll see between 40,000 and 50,000 passengers on those days, though our projections are not as accurate as they’ve been in years past because of the uncertainty of travelers, COVID, cancellations, etc.”

Meanwhile, the state health department, the Florida Hospital Association, the Florida Medical Association and health insurance companies are urging the public to get flu shots.The groups want to help prevent severe illnesses and to keep Florida’s health care system from being overwhelmed by flu and COVID-19 cases.

While Florida’s positive cases approach the 1-million mark, the national figures for positive cases surpassed 13.1 million cases and the national death toll exceeded 265,000 as of the morning of Nov. 30, according to the CDC. Internationally, the number of positive cases is approaching 62.2 million, with a death toll nearing 1.5 million, also as of the morning of Nov. 30, according to the World Health Organization.

Also, in national interviews, numerous health experts have said there may be a lag time before the extent of the impact is known, regarding the spread of COVID-19 related to Thanksgiving traveling and festivities.

ACCEPTING NEW RESIDENTS

KRATE, from page 1A those plans at its Nov. 19 meeting.

The county’s planning staff found that the signs detailed in the plan “are consistent with the urban industrial theme’s uniform and cohesive design based upon color, texture, materials, and architectural features.”

The first 17 containers at KRATE will be home to nine businesses, according to a news release from the Grove at Wesley COURTESY OF THE GROVE AT WESLEY CHAPEL Chapel.They will be occupied by This is what KRATE, a container park planned in the tenants offering diverse dishes and items like Asian noodles, Grove at Wesley Chapel, is expected to look like when Puerto Rican fare, desserts, and it’s finished. charcuterie boards, according to the news release. start businesses in an unique concept, the When completed, which is expected release says. around the end of the year, KRATE will feaKRATE also will feature a stage with daily ture 94 containers and 55 units, comprised live entertainment, a dog park and a playof 70% restaurants and 30% retail. ground.

Other restaurants at KRATE will feature Local muralists have been commissioned international foods, including cuisine from to create Instagrammable wall art, the news Colombia, Peru and Germany. release adds.

The retail shops will include a music “There is nothing like this in the world,” store and a Lego product superstore.

Mark Gold, partner in Mishorim Gold The overall design includes plenty of out- Properties, said in the release. door seating, string lights, and speakers Mishorim Gold Properties purchased the throughout the property – touches that con- Grove for around $64 million in September tribute to a sense of community.

2019. Gold invested more than $110 million Many tenants moving into KRATE are en- into the renovation of the property, which trepreneurs coming from cities such as includes a movie theater of the future, a Tampa, Miami and Chicago — looking to miniature golf course and a water park.

LIBRARY, from page 1A for a multi-sensory experience, to be enjoyed as part of hosted and self-directed programs and workshops. The garden learning center will be defined by accessible pathways and offer multi-height activity zones to encourage the love of gardening among community members of all ages.

Renovations include a monitoring distribution system to integrate its audio-visual equipment. The plan called for the Meeting Room, Children’s Room, and Teens Room to be integrated. Upon consideration, the team

would like to expand the scope to include those rooms, and also add the service desk area, community room and adult reading room.

Even though the change order cites a completion date of Feb. 17, 2021, Moore said the library will be open to patrons sometime in January.

The total contract cost, including the change order, is $2,128,945.52.

The total project cost is $2,642,541.40, including the design, construction and furnishings.

The library project is being funded through a general obligation bond approved by voters.

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Community Sports Your Neighborhood Sports Source

Pasco all-star football game on tap for Dec. 17

By Kevin Weiss

FOOTBALL

kweiss@lakerlutznews.com

F

ans and followers of the Pasco County prep football scene can catch some final gridiron action this December.

That’s because some of the county’s top senior high football players will experience Friday night lights for one final time, at the 2020 Pasco County East-West Classic.

The sixth annual all-star showcase is slated for Dec. 17 at 7 p.m. at Bishop McLaughlin High School, 13651 Hays Road, Spring Hill.

The game — organized by the Pasco County Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) — features dozens of the best senior players from 15 county high schools (13 public, two private).

COURTESY OF FELLOWSHIP OF CHRISTIAN ATHLETES-PASCO The game is branded as, “the The annual senior all-star showcase began in 2015. The East leads the all-time series 3-2, through the best players from every position, West won last year’s contest, 23-21. Team practices for the Dec. 11 game were scheduled to begin Nov. 30. from every school, showcasing their talent.”

Players on the East squad will repre- tendees each year. sent Cypress Creek, Land O’ Lakes, Pasco, The East team leads the all-time series 3FOOTBALL Wesley Chapel, Wiregrass Ranch, 2, through the West won last year’s matchup West All-Stars Zephyrhills, and Zephyrhills Christian high 23-21.

• Anclote: Jedrek Cordero, Thomas schools.

For many of these players, the showcase Crawford, Daionta Reynolds Players on the West squad will represent provides a chance to perform in front of • Bishop McLaughlin: Nick Fairweather, Anclote, Bishop McLaughlin Catholic, Fivay, college recruiters, many of whom attend the Malik Giles, Shane Schull Gulf, Hudson, Sunlake, Mitchell and River game from across the Southeast region.

• Fivay: Justin Benson, Autin Blandford, Ridge.

Though it may signal the last football Bryant Brooks, Desean Maytum, Richard Cypress Creek head coach Mike Johnson game ever for some, other athletes are desSpade will lead the East squad and Sunlake head tined to play at various NCAA levels, or in • Gulf: Malachi Rohling coach Trey Burdick will lead the West.The the NAIA or junior college ranks.

• Hudson: Derek Aarnio, Trey Angwin, Tim scheduled start date for practices was Nov. In addition to the all-star game, players Harris, Chris Keeler, Zach Lewis 30.The East squad will practice at Sunlake will be recognized at a dinner banquet • Mitchell: Maguire Anderson, Evan High and the West squad will practice at where character awards, courage awards, Brennan, Ezra Brennan, Cole Castro, Elijah Wesley Chapel.

GPA awards, and various skill awards will be Hadley, Johnny Fairbank, Ronnie Fiumara, To select the rosters, coaches from each distributed. A “Coach of the Year’” also will Devin Nelson, Gary Shepard, Khamari county high school gather in a “war room” be named and voted on by county coaches.

Smith, Jacob Van Schenck, Greg and draft players from every school, and An all-star cheerleader team has been assemWashington every position.After much deliberation, the bled for the showcase, too.

• River Ridge: Aiden Benjamin, Connor all-star teams get whittled down to 40 playTickets are $10 and will be available at Finer, Grant Deshazer, Robert Marzicola, ers in the East and 40 players in the West. the Bishop McLaughlin Stadium booth on Robby Rinaldi, Alex Storey, Aaron Wyman Mitchell garnered the most team selec- game day or online at • Sunlake: Will Arnett, Julian Galdos, tions with 12 picks, followed by Pasco 2020PascoAllStars.eventbrite.com.

Harrison Moran, Darrell Stevens (eight), River Ridge (seven),Wiregrass Ranch The Fellowship of Christian Athletes is a • West coaches: (seven) and Zephyrhills (seven), respectively. 66-year-old ministry in public schools. In Head coach: Trey Burdick, Sunlake The idea for a countywide all-star foot- Pasco, there are chapters in every high Ryan Benjamin, River Ridge ball game was spearheaded several years shool in Pasco and five middle schools.

Matt Durchik, Fivay ago by FCA area director Bob Durham, Through the many student-led meetings, or Donald Flannery, Hudson upon the suggestion of local FCA board of “huddles” that take place on campuses, the Dan McLeod, Gulf directors, who pointed to the success of FCA works to promote character, integrity, Andy Schmitz, Mitchell long-established all-star games in both leadership and faith-based principles.

Antony Smith, Anclote Hillsborough and Pinellas counties.

For more information, visit Ken Stills, Bishop McLaughlin The game has since proven to be a hit PascoAllStarGame.com, or email Bob among local fans, drawing thousands of at- Durham at BDurham@FCA.org.

East All-Stars

• Cypress Creek: Hunter Brinkley, Jake DiMarco, Brycen Hernandez, Gabriel Kolakoff, Collin Ostapchuk • Land O’ Lakes: Tyler Adcock, Zavion McKinon, Garrett Meredith, Issac Tavo • Pasco: Gabriel Barnes, Amir Burgess, Malcolm Gibbs, Josiah Harrison, Devin Jernigan, Jonathan Lee, Jabari Mention, Manuel Torres • Wesley Chapel: Noah Boyd, Duron Croson, Matt Helms, Owen Libby, Tyri Thomas • Wiregrass Ranch: Grady Clower, Larry Gibbs, Broden Guirl, Connor Hogan, Craig Kailimai, Adam Mihalek, Gabriel Thompson • Zephyrhills: Brian Ashmore, Mike Barber, Clayton Cornelius, Tre Gallimore, Jarrin Galyan, Dajuan McCullough, Zyre Roundtree • Zephyrhills Christian: Nick Novo, Bakari Sampson, Jonathan Zelasko • East coaches: Head coach: Mike Johnson, Cypress Creek Mark Barnes, Pasco Trac Baughn, Land O’ Lakes Nick Carroll, Zephyrhills Tony Egan, Wesley Chapel Mark Kantor, Wiregrass Ranch Lane McLaughlin, Zephyrhills Christian Academy

CHEERLEADERS East All-Stars

• Cypress Creek: Taryn Clowe, Brooke Sokolowski • Land O’ Lakes: Christina Agovino, Camryn Steele • Pasco: Alyson Partain, Emma Whited • Wesley Chapel: Tatum Hauser, Sydney Taylor • Wiregrass Ranch: Natalie Joles, Avery Warner • Zephyrhills: Madison Aguilera, Brianna Cunningham • Zephyrhills Christian: Leah Bush, Tayler Stanley

West All-Stars

• Anclote: Harley Green, Summer Johnson • Bishop McLaughlin: Tania Barbre, Alexis Deese • Gulf: Amaria DeCola, Ella Frerichs • Fivay: Amaree Belser, Kaley Werner • Hudson: Ariana Perri, Ryan Sullivan • Mitchell: Jenna King, Marissa Zullo • River Ridge: Bri Marney, Lexi Smith • Sunlake: Laylah Kibler, Bella Vento

Sunlake boys cross-country finishes state runner up

By Kevin Weiss kweiss@lakerlutznews.com

The year 2020 will live on in infamy for many.

For the Sunlake High School boys crosscountry team, it will be viewed in a more positive lens — it will be remembered, as the year the Seahawks became the most decorated group of prep runners in Pasco County history.

The team has achieved many accomplishments and created lasting moments in becoming one of the area’s most dominant forces over the past couple seasons, under the guidance of head distance coach Randal Reeves. For one thing, it finished in fifth place at the 2019 state meet.

But, last month, the program accomplished something it has never done: A second-place overall finish at the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) 3A state championships.

The event was held Nov. 14 at Apalachee Regional Park in Tallahassee, and Sunlake’s runner-up finish represents the all-time best mark ever achieved by any Pasco County prep cross-country program.

The 3A state title went to Miami’s Belen Jesuit Preparatory School, which tallied 30 points after its top five runners went first, second, seventh, eighth and 18th place, respectively. It represents that private school’s fourth state title and 12th all-time.

Meanwhile, Sunlake tallied 123 points, as its fleet went ninth, 12th, 42nd, 46th and 48th.

COURTESY OF FLORIDA HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETICS ASSOCIATION

The Sunlake High boys cross-country team finished in second place at the FHSAA’s 3A state championships last month. It marks the highest such finish in Pasco County preps history.

Third place went to Ponte Vedra High School (143), whose runners went 11th, 31st, 35th, 47th and 54th.

Put another way: Sunlake can lay claim as the best public school distance program in 3A. Junior Colby Robbins, who paced the Seahawks, broke the 16-minute mark by clocking 15:58.2, which equates to a 5:08 per mile pace.

Following Robbins were sophomore Alejandro Pena (16:02.7); juniors Andres Alfonso (16:52.3) and Cason Meyer (16:55.6); and, senior Cade Whitfield (16:55.6).

The team’s sixth and seventh varsity run-

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ners — whose scores aren’t tallied in the results — were junior Max Goserud (17:10.7) and sophomore Nathan Lee (17:45.8) The timed average for Sunlake boys was 16:33, equating to an average of 5:20 per mile. There was just a 58-second gap between its number one through number five runners.

The pinnacle state showing concludes a banner campaign for the Sunlake team, which also swept its conference, district and regional championship meets along the way. This all happened after the team was quarantined for nearly two weeks between September and October — as a result of a

positive COVID-19 test.

Making the feat even more impressive is the team’s small roster size compared to other top-flight 3A programs that often boast 50 to 100 athletes.

For instance, Sunlake’s 15-boy roster paled in comparison to Belen Jesuit’s 53person crew.

In addition to Sunlake, several other local teams and individuals exhibited solid showings at the state finals, including the Sunlake girls team, which finished 10th in their meet.

Elsewhere on the team front, the Steinbrenner High boys program garnered a 10th-place finish at the 4A meet — a year after they claimed its first state crown.

Meanwhile, a pair of the six other individual qualifiers from The Laker/Lutz News coverage area garnered top-three finishes in their respective classifications.

Wharton High senior Jared Hamill earned a third-place finish in the 4A meet, turning in a 15:51.9 — the quickest time among all local runners from every classification, respectively.

Land O’ Lakes native Elli Black — a home-schooled seventh-grader who runs for Cambridge Christian School — finished state runner-up in the 1A girls meet, posting 18:28.5.

Other state qualifying individuals included Steinbrenner senior Jacquelyn Abansas (eighth place, 19:08.0, 4A girls); Wharton junior Brooke Reif (31st, 20:04.2, 4A girls); Land O’ Lakes junior Maranda Hildebrand (74th, 21:09.7, 3A girls); and, Gaither senior Lorenzo Martinez (89th, 17:39, 3A boys).

The LAKER / Lutz NEWS INSIDE: Directories, Classifieds, Games & More

B

DECEMBER 2, 2020

KELLI CARMACK

Snowcat Ridge’s most prominent feature is its alpine snow slope. The 60-foot-tall, 400-foot-long snowtubing hill features single, tandem and family style tubing. While the adrenalinecharged attraction doesn’t actually feature snow per se, there is a thin layer of ice spread along the 25-lane downhill slopes. Tubing speeds can reach up to 25 mph.

Snow in Florida? This local theme park brings it

By Kevin Weiss kweiss@lakerlutznews.com

T

he local forecast was a toasty 85 degrees and sunny — yet somehow there was snow and ice.

At Snowcat Ridge Alpine Snow Park, those contradictory climate conditions are the norm.

Florida’s first-ever snow park is now open for business, at 27839 Saint Joe Road in Dade City.

The wintry theme park was officially unveiled during a grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony last month.

There are three main attractions on the 20-acre site.

The most prominent of them is called Snowy Slopes.

It’s a 60-foot-tall, 400-foot-long snow tubing hill featuring single, tandem and family-style snowtubing.

While the adrenaline-charged attraction doesn’t actually feature snow per se, there is a thin layer of ice spread along the 25-lane downhill slopes, where speeds can reach up to 25 mph.

And, it’s not a hike up the hill, as riders are transported to the top via a pair of moving walkway conveyor lifts.

Meanwhile, the ‘real’ — or more precisely ‘manmade’ — snow is found at the park’s Arctic Igloo attraction, a 10,000-square-foot enclosed circular space that is covered in snow, which is thick enough to build snowmen, and make snow angels and snowballs.

The 50-foot-tall rounded igloo also features a bunny slope for kids age 3 and younger.

And, just because you’re heading to this snow park in Florida — don’t forget to bring your jacket.Temperatures in the dome hover at 30 degrees Fahrenheit.

Situated between the steep slopes and snowy igloo is Alpine Village, an expansive concourse area that exhibits a line of local vendors offering an assortment of food, drinks, beer, wine, craft goods and holiday gift shopping.

The open walking space also features a campfire seating area — perfect for roasting s’mores and drinking hot cocoa — along tables and benches that offer a scenic view of the slopes. It takes on added importance in the evening hours, where a nighttime music and light show takes place atop the slopes.

Snowcat Ridge, which broke ground in March, has been in the making for some five years, according to Benjamin Nagengast, the park’s CEO. The attraction sits on land adjacent to other popular attractions the Nagengast family operates:TreeHoppers Aerial Adventure and Scream-A-Geddon Horror Park.

Turning Snowcat Ridge from vision to reality took millions of dollars in investment and “a lot of engineering and research and feasibility,” Nagengast said.“A lot of folks didn’t think it was possible, (but) it is possible,”

If you go Snowcat Ridge is a winter snow park, giving visitors a chance to go snowtubing, engage in snowball fights, make snow angels and have other wintry fun.

WHERE: 27839 Saint Joe Road, Dade City WHEN: Operates daily, except Christmas, from around November through March.

Park hours in December are 3 p.m. to 10 p.m., Sunday through Thursday; 3 p.m. to 11 p.m., on Friday and Saturday.

COST: Tickets start at $24.95.

INFO: Visit snowcatridge.com, or call (813) 576-1450.

A Florida-style Santa Claus, Tampa Bay Lightning’s Thunderbug and the Tampa Bay Rays’ Raymond all came out to the celebrate the opening of Florida’s first snow park.

Just beyond the Alpine Village shopping and dining area is the snow-filled Arctic Igloo, a 10,000-square-foot enclosed circular space covered in snow thick enough to build snowmen, and make snow angels and snowballs.

Temperatures measure some 30 degrees Fahrenheit inside the 50-foot-tall dome.

A conveyor belt transports riders to the top of a 60-foot-tall, 400-foot-long snowtubing hill, known as Snowy Slopes.

he said.

The looming question everyone asks: So, how do you make it snow in Florida?

“Two parts magic, one part water,” Nagengast quipped, when describing the snowmaking process.

He also joked that it would take a twohour lecture to explain the process.Then, he said, “suffice it to say that we use a lot of new technology to be able to do it, without using very much water at all, actually, and we’re able to keep the snow cold.”

Snowmaking machines and cooling systems are running throughout the park 24 hours a day.

Since work ramped up in early Spring, the project experienced various construction and equipment delays amid the coronavirus pandemic and tropical storm scares, Nagengast said.

The park recently endured a setback when Tropical Storm Eta blew through, knocking out the power.

The incident caused the park to “start from scratch” in producing snow, ice and other frozen materials, he said.

The park’s CEO put the journey toward getting to opening day into perspective: “There’s been a lot of different challenges in keeping our staff safe, and there’s been plen-

ty of additional expenses, but I will say we’re very happy that Florida has taken a stance to make sure that people are safe, while still being able to get outside and enjoy facilities like this.”

Daily attendance will be capped at the park — with the aim of creating a more intimate, enjoyable experience for visitors and families, while at the same time adhering to COVID-19 health and safety protocols recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

“When you’re out here on Saturday, you will not see thousands of people,” Nagengast said.“We actually keep that number down to make sure that we give a top-notch experience to our customers and make sure they have a great time,” he said.

Initially, the park will prioritize serving locals, and then market to tourists visiting the region.

That strategy has worked with the family’s other attractions, the CEO said.

“We love tourists, but for us, we’ve always found that whenever we service that local population, then the tourists find out about us and they tour it as well,” Nagengast said.

Local tourism officials, meanwhile, are buzzing about the park’s potential to attract visitors to the county, the greater Tampa Bay

area, and Central Florida as a whole.

Pasco County tourism director Adam Thomas was seen donning a thick scarf despite the warm conditions at the park reveal.

When the county last year rebranded it’s marketing destination as Florida’s Sports Coast, he joked,“We really weren’t anticipating to add snowtubing and snowball fights to our destination’s repertoire of activities.”

Thomas underscored his excitement: “What’s more unique than a mouse, a rollercoaster and a beach? A snow park in Florida, right? How amazing is that?”

VisitFlorida regional partnership manager Jen Carlisle was similarly enthusiastic about how Snowcat Ridge fits into the area’s tourism and visitor portfolio of attraction.

It is, she said,“a huge win for our tourism state and our tourism economy.

“Florida is renowned for its beautiful weather and diverse array of destinations and attractions, and while we get to enjoy summertime all year round, with Snowcat Ridge we now have the best of winter right here at our fingertips in Florida’s Sports Coast,” Carlisle said.

The project, she added, “will surely enhance the unique Sunshine State vacation experience for all, and for many years to come.”

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Bella, Bella, Bella

Bella is a 14 year-old purebred miniature dachshund.

She was rescued when she was 2 years old from a backyard breeder who kept her in a cage all the time.

Bella was very shy and scared at first, but over the years, she has learned to trust and love. Bella has taught her owners patience and acceptance. She has slowed down in her old age, but she is healthy and likes to walk in the yard and sleep in her soft bed. At dinnertime, Bella gets very excited, and squeals and jumps around while she waits for food in her bowl.

Bella lives with her parents, Sarah and Paul Jackson, in Land O’ Lakes.

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Ducky is a total lap dog

Selsun likes ear scratches

Ducky is a fun, medium-size pup who loves her people. She can be unsure at first, but once you've cracked her shell, you'll have a friend for life. Ducky's ideal family would be in a quiet, predictable home, and dedicated to brushing up on her canine basics and teaching her how to be more confident in new situations.

Selsun is still learning that people can be kind, but he's trying his best. This 8-year-old likes to climb up high and watch over everyone. Selsun previously lived with other cats in the Feline Freedom Room at the shelter, but now is available for adoption at the Pet Supermarket in New Port Richey. If you'd like to make friends with Selsun, stop by the store.

If you would like to adopt Ducky or Selsun, be sure to visit Pasco County Animal Services at 19640 Dogpatch Lane in Land O’ Lakes. 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.

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.

PET PAWS DRIVE-THRU MICROCHIPPING Pasco County Animal Services (PCAS), 19640 Dogpatch Lane in Land O’ Lakes, will offer free, drive-thru “Home for the Holidays” microchipping on Dec. 5 from 9 a.m. to noon, in the parking lot of Building C, behind the Adoption Center.

Due to COVID-19 precautions, only one person can accompany a pet outside the vehicle, and face masks are required. Dogs must be on leashes and cats in hard-sided carriers, with one cat per carrier.

This event is sponsored by Animal Welfare and Rescue in Zephyrhills and Love to the Rescue in Wesley Chapel.

Participants can preregister online.

There is a limit of three pets per household.

For information, visit MyPasco.net/PAS.

LIVING WITH URBAN COYOTES

Coyotes are an important part of the landscape in Florida, according to the

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Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), because the animals help to maintain healthy ecosystems by managing the population of rodents, insects and other small animals.

Due to increased sightings in the Tampa Bay area, the Hillsborough County Pet Resource Center has teamed up with the FWC to provide information on how to coexist with coyotes and how to curb problems before they become a community issue.

These are the dos: • Keep trash cans secure and put them where coyotes can’t find them.

• Clean up pet food and fallen fruit around your house.

• Protect pets by keeping them in a yard with a fence at least 6-feet high.

• Walk dogs on a short leash.

• Close off crawl spaces under porches and sheds to remove places for coyotes to rest/raise pups.

• Share tips with neighbors.

Please don’t: • Feed coyotes: It is illegal and the animals will lose their fear of humans.

• Run if you see a coyote: Stand your ground and haze them.

• Allow pets to roam freely.

• Walk pets during early morning or evening hours (dusk and dawn) when coyotes usually are the most active.

Be aware of unusual coyote behavior, including a coyote that approaches people, chases joggers and bikers, or attacks leashed pets.

To report unusual coyote activity, call the FWC at (863) 648-3200.

LIONFISH CHALLENGE WINNERS

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) will honor the first-place winners in each category of the 2020 Lionfish Challenge in their hometown dive shops via Facebook

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Live events.

These are the winners by category: • Recreational: David Connerth, first place Lionfish King; Russell Peters, second place; and Shane Rasch, third place • Commercial: Isidoro Bedoya, first place Commercial Champion; Josh Livingston, second place; and Rachel Bowman, third place • Mini-Challenges: Chris Campbell, Sarah Peirce and Michael Curry, first 25 qualifiers raffle; Joshua Livingston, largest lionfish; Russell Peters, Shane Rasch, Jennifer FordCote, Bob Gamble and Isidoro Bedoya, most (regional) lionfish; and Carlos Orozco, Danny Ward and Annie Beattie, raffle entry.

Final statistics from the challenge are: • 21,569 lionfish removed • 665 people registered • 170 people submitted lionfish (160 recreational, 10 commercial) To learn more, please visit FWCReefRangers.com.

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Boy Scout council presents citizenship awards The Laker/Lutz News Staff Report The Boy Scouts of America Greater Tampa Bay Area Council honored local sheriff’s offices with Participating Citizenship Awards in a virtual event on the evening of Oct. 26, according to a news release from the council.

The Participating Citizenship Award “recognizes the selfless service of local heroes,” including deputies of the Hillsborough and Pasco County Sheriff’s Offices, as well as all law enforcement canines, Dwayne Jones, the director of field services in the Boy Scouts’ regional council, said in the release.

Each tribute featured guest appearances

by U.S. Sen. Rick Scott and former Tampa Bay Buccaneers standout Ronde Barber.

“Trying times prioritize what is important and now, more than ever, tying as many threads together for a common cause is essential,” Barber told viewers during the live-streamed event.

He went on to express a sense of shared obligation between volunteers and law enforcement as “servants of the public” to better the lives of young people in local communities.

Scott shared some of his own experiences in the Scouting program. He became a Cub Scout in second grade, crossed over into Boy Scouts and eventually achieved the rank of Eagle Scout, the organization’s highest honor.

“The lessons I learned as I became an Eagle Scout have helped me all my life,” Scott

said during the virtual event.

Scott went on:“I want to thank all of the volunteers, all of the troop leaders and all of the law enforcement that help our Scouts.

Keep up the good work, and never stop pursuing your dreams.”

Pasco County’s ceremony featured a brief acceptance speech by Sheriff Chris Nocco, who thanked the Boy Scouts of America for its partnership with the Law Enforcement Explorers Program.The program is active in both Pasco and Hillsborough Counties, and provides an experiential education of the criminal justice system with training and competitions.

“The Pasco Sheriff’s Office Explorers Program gives the opportunity for young women and men to learn what law enforcement really does and how to become leaders in our community,” Nocco said.

Jones concluded the program by asking viewers to donate to support local programs such as Exploring and traditional Scouting, which — like other nonprofit organizations — have been experiencing a challenging time this year.

“Through all of this, we are excited to know that many of the tenets of Scouting, such as helping our neighbors, checking in on those in need, and putting others before ourselves, have strengthened our sense of community and civic duty,” Jones said.

“Participating citizenship is at the foundation of the lessons learned in the Scouting programs.”

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The Laker/Lutz News Staff Report

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Pasco County has issued a news release alerting owners of boats, RVs and commercial vehicles that the county is reactivating enforcement of its parking regulations, effective immediately.

The county had relaxed enforcement of its parking rules for those types of vehicles in residential areas, but it has resumed en-

forcement, according to the news release.

The grace period earlier this year coincided with Florida’s Safer At Home order in an effort to prevent the spread of COVID-19, the release says.The return to the use of citations to enforce county codes follows the Florida Supreme Court’s guidelines associated with COVID-19.

For questions or concerns, contact Pasco County Customer Service at (727) 847-2411.

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December 2, 2020

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Floridians in their time of need,” Edwin Narain, vice president, external and legislative affairs,AT&T Florida, added in the release.

HILLSBOROUGH SEEKS DAMAGE REPORTS FROM ETA

Send business news to news@lakerlutznews.com

PASCO TO CONDUCT BUSINESS SURVEYS

The Pasco County Commission has approved spending $75,000 to conduct an annual business survey in 2021, 2022 and 2023.

Commissioners voted on Nov. 17 to approve a contract with ETC Institute Inc., to conduct the annual surveys. The contract calls for a not-to-exceed amount of $25,000 in fiscal years 2021, 2022 and 2023, unless canceled in accordance with solicitation documents.

Nine companies responded to the solicitation, including one from Pasco County.

A five-member committee evaluated the submissions, before selecting ETC.

FLORIDA BENEFITS FALL SHORT

Money.com did a study of the maximum unemployment benefits paid per state as compared to expenses. The study showed that Florida’s maximum benefits per person was $1.102 as compared to expenses of $2,494, for a difference of $1.302, according to a news release. Florida ranked second only to Arizona, in terms of the size of the gap between unemployment and expenses. The difference in Arizona was $1.322.

AT&T CONTRIBUTES $10,000 FOR CRISIS CENTER PROJECT

AT&T has selected the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay for a $10,000 donation, in support of the Gateway Contact Center.

AT&T is providing vital communications services for Super Bowl LV in Tampa and is investing in the Tampa Bay community by supporting the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay ahead of the event, according to a news release.

The funding will support the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay’s Gateway Contact Center, which includes the 2-1-1 line, where callers receive immediate information and referrals to local services, as well as emotional support, 24/7.

As the sole provider of these services in Hillsborough County, the Crisis Center anticipates an increase in demand surrounding Super Bowl LV events in Tampa Bay, the release notes.

“The Super Bowl is an incredible opportunity to showcase the Tampa Bay area on a world stage. However, it also means an increased demand on social services in the community due to all of the events surrounding the game, and higher volumes of visitors to our city. We are thankful for the funding from AT&T in support of our contact center during a time when there will be a higher demand on our services,” Clara Reynolds, president & CEO of the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay, said in the release.

“AT&T is committed to our Florida communities, and we are honored to support this worthy organization and its mission to help

Hillsborough County is seeking reports from businesses that sustained damages from Tropical Storm Eta.The county is requesting businesses experiencing damage to complete the Florida Business Damage Assessment Survey at FloridaDisaster.biz.

This information helps to make assessments and begin the recovery process., according to a Hillsborough County news release.

Professional business consultants are available at no cost to assist small businesses in identifying assistance that may be available for their individual business needs. Contact the Florida SBDC at Hillsborough County or call (813) 204-9267 to request a virtual or phone appointment.

Also, the county reminds businesses to use due care in selecting contractors to make repairs. Fraudulent and unlicensed contractors often seek to victimize vulnerable business owners and residents looking to repair damage.

DEADLINE APPROACHING FOR HUMAN TRAFFICKING TRAINING

Florida lodging employees have until Jan. 1 to comply with human trafficking training requirements, according to a news release from the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA).

Legislation was passed in 2019, requiring that human trafficking awareness training be provided and that reporting procedures be established for Florida’s lodging operators and employees.

“Florida’s hospitality industry is committed to stopping human trafficking in our state,” Carol Dover, President & CEO of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA), said in the release.“Properly training our team members on the front lines in lodging is essential to spot and stop this horrific crime. FRLA stands ready to ensure that our people are trained and that our industry is no longer targeted or vulnerable for trafficking.”

State law mandates training for those lodging employees who perform housekeeping duties or work at the front desk or reception areas starts within 60 days of hiring or by Jan. 1, whichever occurs later.

To ensure the utmost vigilance, the FRLA recommends that lodging operators train all guest-interactive staff as well, including concierge, bell staff, valet, and others who have direct guest contact. The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR), which regulates lodging establishments, released additional details, including: • Training programs must be approved by the DBPR.The FRLA is an approved trainer and provides online training at no cost in English and Spanish. In-person training is available, too, at a fee.

• Employees must complete training by Jan. 1, or within 60 days of hire, whichever is later. Retraining is required annually.

• Covered lodging properties must implement a procedure to report suspected human trafficking to the National Human Trafficking Hotline, at (888) 373-7888 or local law enforcement. Signage must be posted in employee areas, regarding the hotline.

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December 2, 2020

5B

Health

ST. JOSEPH’S HAS A ‘GOLD’ HEART

&

Wellness Send health news to news@lakerlutznews.com

JOINING FORCES

Florida Blue, the Florida Hospital Association and the Florida Medical Association are joining forces to encourage Floridians to get a flu shot, so all may have a #FluFreeFlorida.

As the number of COVID-19 cases in the state begin to increase, the potential for a devastating collision of COVID-19 and the flu (twindemic) this season is real, according to a joint news release from the medical groups.

The organizations are uniting to use their collective and powerful voices to raise awareness around the state about the importance of getting a flu vaccine this year, encouraging all to ‘spread the word, not the flu,’ by using #FluFreeFlorida on social media.

Floridians should be immunized to prevent severe illness and to keep the health care system from being overwhelmed with both COVID-19 and flu cases.

While influenza seasons vary in intensity, adults in the 65-plus age group bear the greatest burden of severe influenza disease.

In Florida, an average of 80% of seasonal pneumonia and influenza deaths occurred in adults age 65 and over, during the last five flu seasons.

The flu vaccine can be given to almost anyone 6-months of age and older.

A flu shot is especially important for high-risk groups, including senior citizens, children, pregnant woman, and people with asthma, heart disease, diabetes, chronic kidney disease and other pre-existing conditions.

Most people with health insurance can get a flu shot at no cost when they go to a doctor or pharmacy that is in their network.

St. Joseph’s Hospital-North has earned the American Heart Association’s Mission: Lifeline® STEMI Receiving Award for meeting and exceeding specific standards of performance, for quick and appropriate treatment of patients suffering heart attacks.

The performance metrics consider the entire process — from the 911 call, to EMS transport, to hospital treatment to discharge. This is the third consecutive year that St. Joseph’s Hospital-North has received the award.

STEMI is an acronym for ST elevation myocardial infarction, the deadliest type of heart attack, caused by a blockage of blood flow to the heart that requires timely treatment. For these heart attacks, it’s critical to restore blood flow as quickly as possible, either by mechanically opening the blocked vessel or by providing clotbusting medication.

St. Joseph’s Hospital-North received a “Gold” designation for the Mission: Lifeline STEMI award, meaning the hospital has achieved the quality measures for There are many local events planned around the state to ensure each eligible Floridian has access to a flu vaccine.There are also numerous resources for those without insurance.

Visit ThePowerToProtect.org or FLShotsUsers.com/search/provider to find additional information.

CARE PAVILIONS IN THE WORKS

AdventHealth will break ground on the construction of two new Care Pavilions, one in Westchase and one in New Tampa.

The new pavilions will be part of the AdventHealth network of care, and will provide additional convenient access to patients by integrating multiple health care services into one location for “one-stop shopping,” according to a release.

The AdventHealth Care Pavilions will provide both traditional and non-traditional health care amenities at each location, based on the size of the facility and the medical needs of the local community.

The use of innovative technology and

COURTESY OF ST. JOSEPH’S HOSPITAL-NORTH

These St. Joseph’s Hospital-North team members were involved with winning the American Heart Association award.

24 months.

“This award means that St Joseph’s Hospital-North achieves excellence in providing cardiovascular care to the community it serves. It means every local resident and visitor should feel secure in knowing that this hospital will care for them at the highest level of quality and safety. It is a well-deserved recognition of the team-based effort to deliver the very best care. It is a great honor that the administration and staff should be very proud of,” said Dr. Christopher Pastore, an architectural designs also will be fundamental and unique to each location, to deliver an exceptional patient experience.

The first two pavilion concepts will be in Westchase, at 10987 Sheldon Road in Tampa, and in New Tampa at 8702 Hunters Lake Drive.

Construction on both facilities is expected to be completed in summer 2021.

HOSPITAL EXPANSION

Following the opening of Pasco County’s first Neuro Interventional program and Comprehensive Stroke Center, Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point began a 19,000-square-foot renovation and expansion project in late 2019.This project is now complete with larger operating rooms, a new Sterile Processing Department, and an expansive PostAnesthesia Care Unit (PACU) where patients recover after their procedure.

“We are delighted with the results of this project which showcases our commitment to meeting the health care needs of

interventional cardiologist affiliated with St. Joseph’s Hospital-North, in a St. Joseph’s news release.

“Exceptional patient care is our top priority, and we are proud to achieve this ‘Gold’ designation from the American Heart Association,” said Tom Garthwaite, president of St. Joseph’s Hospital-North.

“Our community can be reassured that it is safe to use the hospital and emergency room and that their care remains in the safe hands of the cardiovascular program at St. Joseph’s Hospital-North.”

Pasco County and surrounding communities,” said Chief Executive Officer Gina Temple, in a hospital news release.

“We are continuing to invest heavily in our surgical programs to ensure our surgeons have the latest tools and technology for optimal patient outcomes,” Temple said.

Bayonet Point also has taken significant steps to ensure the safety of surgical patients and caregivers during the pandemic.

For more information, visit BayonetPointHospital.com.

GULFSIDE FUNDRAISER

The third annual Charity Casino Night to benefit Gulfside Hospice has been rescheduled to Jan. 30, due to the current pandemic, at the Heritage Springs Golf & Country Club in Trinity.

All proceeds will provide patient care and bereavement support in Pasco County through Gulfside.

For tickets and sponsorship information, visit CharityCasinoNight.org.

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December 2, 2020

9B

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10B December 2, 2020

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