The Laker-East Pasco-March 17, 2021

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Debate over multifamily continues

By B.C. Manion bcmanion@lakerlutznews.com

A Pasco County Commission proposal to halt the use of commercial land for multifamily development has met resistance from the Pasco County Planning Commission.

The county board directed its staff on Feb. 9 to pursue modification of the county’s land development code to remove the con-

sideration of multifamily development as a conditional use on land zoned for commercial use.

A majority of the county board members said they wanted to preserve commercial land for commercial use.

County planners drafted a proposed amendment, to meet that directive, and took it to the planning commission’s March 4 meeting.

Planning commissioners, however — as well as a county staff member and two private attorneys — raised questions about the proposed change.

Planning commissioner Jaime Girardi said, “I understand what the board’s direction here is, and the way they’re trying to go, but I’m just worried if there’s any other uninSee DEBATE, page 9A

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Two new STEAM magnet schools coming to Pasco?

By B.C. Manion bcmanion@lakerlutznews.com

The Pasco County school district is looking to convert Centennial Elementary School in Dade City and Marlowe Elementary School in New Port Richey, from traditional elementary schools into STEAM magnet schools.

The acronym STEAM stands for science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics.

Students now assigned to Centennial and Marlowe would be reassigned to nearby schools, and a lottery system would be used to assign students to the new magnet schools.

If the district proceeds with this plan, the change would not occur until the 2022-2023 school year, and boundary hearings would not occur until this coming fall, according to Steve Hegarty, district spokesman.

The issue came up at the Pasco County School Board’s March 2 meeting, when Don Peace, president of United School Employees of Pasco (USEP), complained about the district’s handling of future staffing for the two schools.

Peace objected to the new job description for STEAM magnet teachers.

“Normally, for contract waivers, major changes in curriculum — such as Wendell Krinn (Technical High School), Pine View (Middle) and Gulf Middle — or school closings, as in Hudson Elementary, Ridgewood, and the Lacoochee proposal, USEP is invited to go to the school, along with district staff, to explain the contractual protocol for what is about to transpire.

“That did not happen with these two schools.

“In fact, when I first heard the details of what was transpiring, I had a district employee make a phone call to put a stop to what was going on. But that did not happen.

“Interviews took place, in an unacceptable manner, for jobs that do not yet exist, at schools that have not yet been voted to be closed, and for a job description that is yet to be approved.

“It appears the cart is in front of the horse,” Peace said.

Peace then told board members that approving the proposed job description would, in essence, create an elite position.

“Why would you want to create divisiveness among teachers?” the union president asked district officials.

“I would contend that with training, professional development and proper guidance, there are numerous teachers across this district that would be able to work in a STEM/STEAM school and be highly successful, if given that opportunity,” he said.

Peace suggested the board delay voting on the new job description, and instead hold a workshop to discuss the issue in greater detail.

Superintendent Kurt Browning responded to the assertions.

“I agree with Mr. Peace when it comes See STEAM, page 9A

FRED BELLET

Everybody’s Irish at this parade

Decorated golf carts, bagpipers, leprechauns and miniature therapy horses helped to create a festive feel at the second annual St. Patrick’s Day parade on March 13 at the Tampa Bay Golf & Country Club, in San Antonio. Above, Members of Boys Scouts Troop 311, from San Antonio, carry a banner to express appreciation for first responders. Check out more photos, page 1B.

Seven-year-old Aiden Riley, of Land O' Lakes, sports a beard as he rides the back of a golf cart during the parade. He was there with his grandparents, Mary Ann and Robert Cleaves and his 4-year-old sister, Addison Riley.

Grace Oddo gets into the spirit of the parade by donning a sculpted balloon hat representing a rainbow with a pot of gold.

The former New York resident recently moved to the Tampa Bay Golf & Country Club.

More expansion for Meals on Wheels for Kids

By Mary Rathman mrathman@lakerlutznews.com

The building, which is expected to open this summer, will include two family bathrooms that meet Americans with Disabilities Act standards.

The center will feature an open interior floor plan — allowing for vendor operations, area attractions, museums and art

Meals on Wheels for Kids Tampa Bay (MOW4Kids) is now being delivered in two more Pasco County areas — Zephyrhills and San Antonio.The Tampa Bay Network to End Hunger (TBNEH), a tri-county leader in hunger relief, research and program development, has added the expansion.

The MOW4Kids program was launched last March and was developed in response to COVID-19 school closures and remote learning, to serve children age 18 and younger, with lunchtime meals delivered to their homes by volunteers.

The program gives an alternative option for kids who are not able to access meal distribution sites throughout the county, and/or kids that have difficulty accessing open food pantries.

In addition to the expansion into Zephyrhills and San Antonio, the MOW4Kids service includes most of Pinellas County; Lutz,Tampa and Wimauma in Hillsborough County; and Dade City in

See WELCOME, page 9A

See MEALS, page 9A

COURTESY OF EXPERIENCE FLORIDA’S SPORTS COAST

Officials gather to celebrate the groundbreaking ceremony at the new welcome center in Dade City. From left are: Andy Taylor, legislative aide to Pasco County Commissioner Mike Moore; and Normita Woodard, Knute Nathe and Jim Shive, all Dade City commissioners; Camille Hernandez, Dade City mayor; Adam Thomas, tourism director for Pasco County’s Destination Management Organization; and, Scott Black, Dade City commissioner.

New welcome center coming to Dade City The Laker/Lutz News Staff Report

Dade City is pushing ahead to make the Roy Hardy Trail more tourist-friendly.

Officials gathered on March 10 for the groundbreaking of a new visitor’s information welcome center, to be located on the south side of Church Avenue, near the Hardy Trail multi-use trailhead.

New businesses beginning to pop up, along U.S. 41

By Kathy Steele Special to The Laker/Lutz News

The signs sprouting along U.S. 41 — which is also known as Land O’ Lakes Boulevard — are an indication that new development is beginning to take root, on the main artery through Land O’ Lakes and Lutz.

New restaurants, a car wash and gas stations are coming. A new coffeehouse and meat shop have opened. A medical center and other developments, are planned, too.

None of this is on the same grand scale of the Tampa Premium Outlets or the Cypress Creek Town Center along State Road 56, but something is happening along Land O’ Lakes Boulevard that hasn’t happened in years.

New businesses are taking a chance on a long overlooked, heavily traveled highway.

“This is great,” said Pasco County Commissioner Mike Moore, whose district includes Land O’ Lakes.“As they have begun filling up along State Road 54/56, you’re seeing more happening along U.S. 41.”

Much of the new activity on Land O’ Lakes Boulevard extends from Bell Lake Road north toward State Road 52 and a nearly $50 million highway project that passes through Gowers Corner at U.S. 41.

For sale signs are plentiful, sites have been cleared and construction is underway — conveying a sense that new commercial projects are on the way, or could be coming soon.

A new Circle K gas station and convenience store is in the works at 7767 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., according to county records.

The project is being built by Frontier Building, according to a news release from that company, and the Circle K is expected to open in July.

Redstone Commercial is marketing more open land next to the Circle K. Zaxby’s and Vortex carwash are planned for a location at U.S. 41 and Wilderness Lake Boulevard, according to posted signs and county records.

A 7-Eleven is anticipated at Bell Lake Road, along with another 7-Eleven at 9077 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., near the Tierra Del Sol subdivision, county records show.

Ps & Qs will be fluffing and styling pets from a new doggie day and boarding facility planned for 7495 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., near the community of Connerton.

Heights Meat Market, a longtime presence in the Tampa neighborhood of Seminole Heights, is operating at a small plaza at 5132 Land O’ Lakes Blvd. It opened in early 2020.

Aroma Joe’s coffeehouse is serving java, breakfast and sandwiches in a shop by the Preserve at Lake Wilderness.

A new restaurant is expected to open at

Frontier Building announced the construction of a Circle K gas station and convenience store, at 7767 Land O’ Lakes Blvd.

KATHY STEELE

Aroma Joe’s is a new coffeehouse open in a small plaza by the Preserve at Lake Wilderness, off Land O’ Lakes Boulevard.

A new restaurant is in planning stages on a site at 4422 Land O’ Lakes Blvd. It briefly was occupied by a restaurant called Mosquito Bar & Grill, and before that, Rapscallions.

4422 Land O’ Lakes Blvd, the site previously occupied briefly by Mosquito Bar & Grill and before that by Rapscallions, a popular meeting place.

No details are yet available regarding what the new restaurant will look like, or the type of cuisine it will serve.

The old restaurant structure has fallen into disrepair, after its closure in 2013.

Longtime Land O’ Lakes resident Sandy Graves remembers how popular Rapscallions was, especially among nearby Bell Lake residents.

Graves is pleased to see some new development and redevelopment along Land O’ Lakes Boulevard.

“It’s nice to see any kind of progress,” Graves said.“I’d love to see more. It’s nice to see a new restaurant.”

There’s definitely room for improvement, she added, noting there’s still a lot of

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Land O’ Lakes that looks “stuck in the ’60s.”

Graves looks forward to bicycle trails being built in the future that follow along the old railroad tracks.And the completion of the Ridge Road extension, which will emerge at U.S. 41 across from Connerton, also could help, she said.

“It will be a lot easier going east and west in the county. I think things are looking up for Land O’ Lakes, which extends to the outlet mall.”

Graves sees positive changes along the northern corridor at the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office.

County officials and officials from Pasco County Economic Development Council Inc., previously have touted potential economic investment in the area that is likely to result from the development of the K9 Tactical Center/Florida’s Forensic Institute for Research, Security, and Tactics, or

F.I.R.S.T., and the Adam Kennedy Memorial Forensics Fields, also known as the body farm.

These facilities are expected to attract forensics-related businesses and organizations, as well as national and international visitors to forensics conferences.

Road improvements on a northern segment of U.S. 41, plus substantial improvements along State Road 52, also are expected to support new development efforts.

And, the development of the Angeline community — along with a planned Pasco County campus of Moffitt Research Center — are expected to have a significant economic impact in Land O’ Lakes.

County records show developers are getting ready for what comes once the roadwork is finished.

Five years ago, the Tibbetts family rezoned its property at the southwest corner of Gowers Corner for residential and commercial development. No projects are announced as yet.

On property adjacent to the Tibbetts’ parcels, county records show Sandridge Commercial LLC applied for a “mass grading” permit to level and prep a large swath of land for an unidentified project.

Gowers Corner and U.S. 41 are on the development radar.

Meanwhile, the signs of new development on U.S. 41 are much less obvious south of Bell Lake.

O’Reilly Auto Parts has opened a store at 3600 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., and the Walmart Supercenter, at 1575 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., is opening a fueling station.

Businesses along the southern end of Land O’ Lakes struggle to redevelop properties after a road widening years ago that chopped off frontage, Graves said.

The county may need to consider overlay districts at locations along U.S. 41, to foster redevelopment efforts, she said.

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March 17, 2021

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Pasco’s budget forecast looks bright, budget director says

By B.C. Manion bcmanion@lakerlutznews.com

Pasco County’s taxable assessed values are expected to increase 7% to 10% for the coming budget year, according to Robert Goehig, the county’s budget director.

He delivered that forecast during the Pasco County Commission’s March 9 meeting.

The budget director gave board members an overview of impacts from COVID-19 on the county’s economy, and the way looking forward.

“When the coronavirus and the pandemic first came upon us, we experienced the economic recession, which is defined, of course, as two consecutive quarters of negative economic growth,” he said.

The recession was much deeper than the Great Recession experienced from 2007 to 2009, but it was much shorter, too — lasting just two economic quarters, Goehig said.

“We’re expecting the economy to move along at kind of a very slow pace, until a substantial portion of the population is vaccinated, whether that be April, May, June, whatever that is. Once we have that substantial portion of the population vaccinated, we expect the economy to grow at a very fast pace.

“Luckily, we’re in an area that’s expected

to see growth even above the national average.

“If we’re expecting a national growth rate of 8%, we’re expecting the Tampa rate to be higher than that,” Goehig said.

Industries expected to have the most growth are construction, financial services and other services, which include repair and maintenance, personal care services and social advocacy, according to slides in Goehig’s presentation.

“We have some evidence to point toward the fast-growing Tampa region,” he said, noting that Tampa Bay startups raised $180 million in 2020, compared to $129 million in 2018.

He also noted that Tampa leads the nation in small business job growth.

Plus, more corporations from the northeast region of the country are relocating to Florida. And, more residents are moving here, too, he said.

All of this is having an impact on the region’s housing market.

“The existing home price in the past year or so took a sharp spike,” he said, which indicates a shortage in existing homes for sale.

“This partially explains the reason that so much new construction is happening in our region,” Goehig said.

Regional home values are on the rise, in

both the resale and new construction market.

There has been a price appreciation of 8% for resale homes and 9% for new homes, while at the same time there’s been a 7% increase in new home sales.

Goehig offered evidence of Pasco's hot market by noting “two of the top 50 planned housing communities in the United States, two of those best-sellers are right here in Pasco. That’s Starkey Ranch and Bexley,” the budget director added.

“Of course, all of this growth does come at a price, and that is inflation. Our area is more than double the national average in inflation,” he said.

Demand for construction materials is causing the price to go up, and the county is expected to feel the effects of inflation, in particular, during construction of roads and buildings, he said.

During fiscal year 2021, the county was very conservative because of the pandemic, and didn’t bring on much new spending, Goehig said.

This year, with a brighter outlook, the county can invest in some new initiatives, he said.

Plus, Goehig said the county will be waiting for guidance from the treasury department before recommending how to spend any funds coming from the recently passed federal stimulus bill.

Grants to bolster Pasco library programs The Laker/Lutz News Staff Report

The Pasco County Public Library Cooperative has received two state grants that will allow it to expand its services.

The library has received a grant for $20,315 for fiscal year 2020-2021 to create a Books by Mail program, which will serve homebound residents who are physically unable to visit the library.

Homebound residents include those who can’t leave home during the pandemic, but also could be expanded to include people who live far away from a library.

The program will deliver materials to patrons through the United State Postal Service, and will provide postage for the materials to be returned, according to information included in the agenda backup for the Pasco County Commission’s March 9

board meeting.

The county’s library system also received a grant through the Library Services and Technology Act for $50,413, to be used for a “Mobile Makerspace.”

In other library news, these appointments were made: • Douglas Butler will represent District 5 Commissioner Jack Mariano on the Library Advisory Board

Meanwhile, on the local front, construction of single-family homes has kicked into high gear.

“At the end of the year, we were seeing single-family home permits coming into the building department at record levels, at 600 homes per month.

“We thought we were at the peak, we can’t possibly get any higher. And, then we turned the calendar in January, had almost 900 single-family homes in January.

“So, we expect this to continue,” he said.

The permit value for commercial construction also is significantly higher, too, the budget director said.

Plus, the county is benefiting from tourism — as visitors pay bed taxes and spend money in the local economy.

Goehig noted that “with the exception of the gas tax, revenue is on an upward trajectory.”

The county expects to receive information about its preliminary taxable values from the property appraiser on June 1 and the final assessed values on July 1.

The county is expected to set its tentative tax rates on July 6, which are reported in Truth in Millage (TRIM) notices mailed to property owners.

Once the TRIM notices go out, the board can choose to lower the rates, but cannot raise them, when adopting its final budget.

• Richard Hayes will represent District 3 Commissioner Kathryn Starkey on the Library Advisory Board • Joan Clark will represent Pasco County at large on the Library Advisory Board • Susan Dillinger will represent Pasco County at large, west side, on the Library Cooperative Advisory Board • Anjali Bedi will represent the City of Zephyrhills on the Library Advisory Board and Pasco County at large, east side, on the Library Cooperative Advisory Board.

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March 17, 2021

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What’s Happening

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

TALENT COMPETITION

The Florida State Fair will host its annual Got Talent Competition on April 26.

Contestants will be judged on musicality, originality, stage presence, audience engagement, and response, technique, commercial appeal and overall performance.The champion will receive a cash prize, trophy, tickets and armbands to the fair.There also will be a Coca-Cola Community Showcase Stage where chosen applicants can sing, dance or act.

Applications for both events are due by March 19.Apply online at FloridaStateFair.com/fair2021/community/.

FISH FRY FRIDAYS

Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Church, 2348 Collier Parkway in Land O’ Lakes, will offer its annual Lenten Fish Fry Fridays.This year, dinners are prepaid, take-out only, from 3:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., due to COVID-19 restrictions. Each dinner includes two pieces of fish and up to three sides.The cost is $10 per meal. Upcoming dates are March 19 and March 26.To preorder a meal, visit KnightsLOL.org/takeout.

SPRING PLANT SALE

Kumquat Festival The 24th annual Kumquat Festival is scheduled for March 27 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., in downtown Dade City.

There will be more than 200 vendors (socially distanced), including arts and crafts; food from local restaurants; an interactive Kid’s Corral; kumquat products and beer; a car show; and more.

Masks will be required by all vendors and attendees. Port-o-lets will be cleaned frequently, and hand sanitizers will be available throughout the festival.

No shuttle service will be provided to and from the Fairgrounds; and there will be no Park & Ride service from U.S. 98 and U.S. 301.

Admission is free.

To learn more, visit KumquatFestival.org, or call The Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce at 352-567-3769.

meal, takeout or dine-in, on March 19.The meal includes fried fish, French fries, coleslaw and a beverage.The cost is $10 for adults and $5 for children.Whole kumquat pies also will be available for purchase, for $20.

The University of Florida/IFAS Pasco Extension master gardener volunteers will host a Spring Plant Sale on March 19 and March 20 from 9 a.m. to noon, at the One Stop Shop, 15029 14th St., in Dade City.

There will be a selection of Florida-Friendly plants, Florida native, butterfly and hummingbird attractors, and more. Guests must register a time slot in advance to shop the sale, and must agree to wear a face covering over the nose and mouth, and practice social distancing during the event.A ticket allows access to the plant sale during an allotted one-hour time slot.

The admission price becomes a donation to the Pasco County Master Gardener Volunteer Program. Guests must bring a face covering, picture ID (if paying by check) and a printout of the ticket.There is no ATM on site.All participants, including children and spouses, must have an individual ticket. Use an available cart or wagon on site, or bring your own. For information, email Sandy Vanno at svanno@tampabay.rr.com.

PAPER FLOWERS

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MUSIC FESTIVAL

Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 32145 Saint Joe Road in Dade City, will offer a Lenten

The Pasco County Library Cooperative will present a virtual craft for teens on March 20 at 2 p.m. Participants can learn to make curled paper flowers.To view the video, visit Facebook.com/cplib.

SONS OF AMERICAN REVOLUTION

The Tampa Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution will meet, via Zoom, on March 20 at noon.The group is hoping to resume in-person meetings in April.The guest speaker will be a history student. For information, email Bill Floyd at BFloydPres@aol.com.

BLOCK PARTY

Meals on Wheels of Pasco and the Genesis Community Center will host a Block Party & Ribbon Cutting on March 20 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., at 38120 15th Ave., in Zephyrhills.There will be food, music, raffles, tours, guest speakers and recognitions.To RSVP, call 813-782-7859.

The SunWest Music Festival is scheduled for March 20 from noon to 7 p.m., at

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SunWest Park, 17632 Old Dixie Highway in Hudson.There will be live music, food trucks, beach games and more. Guests can bring their own chairs and seating, and should social distance.There will be hand sanitizer stations available, but guests also should bring their own. No coolers or pets.

Admission is $10 for early bird tickets online or $15 at the door. Kids are free. For information, visit SunWest Park on Facebook.

DOGS’ DAY

The annual Dogs’ Day in Dade City is scheduled for March 20 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Agnes Lamb Park, across from The Edwinola on Meridian Avenue).The event will include: • Dog Wagon Parade, 10 a.m.

• Dog Costume Contest, 11 a.m.

• K-9 Challenge, noon • Canine Got Talent? at 12:30 p.m.

• Ice Cream/Yogurt-Eating Contest, 1:30 p.m.

• Vendors (Booth fee is $20, or $10 for nonprofits) All dogs must be on a leash.

For information, call 352-424-4972, or visit DogsDayInDadeCity.com.

JELLY BEAN FLING

The Pioneer Florida Museum & Village, 15602 Pioneer Museum Road in Dade City, will host the Jelly Bean Fling on March 20 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.The event will include Sphere’s Bubble Magic Show, Jasper the

Easter Bunny, egg hunts, kids’ entertainment, games, food and vendors, family photos, crafts, blacksmith demonstrations, a petting zoo, Soccer Collies, make-your-own Easter bonnet, and more.All museum rooms, including a model train room, will be open.Admission is $5. Children age 5 and younger are free.

For information and a schedule, visit PioneerFloridaMuseum.org.

DIY TAKE-AND-MAKE

The Land O’ Lakes Library, 2818 Collier Parkway, will offer DIY take-and-make crafts for preteens on March 20 at 10 a.m., for grades four to seven. Curbside pickup is at the back of the library. Supplies are limited to the first 50 participants. No library card is required. For information, call 813-929-1214.

TOY TRAIN SHOW/SALE

Regal Railways will present a Toy Train,Toy Show/Sale on March 20 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Hillsborough Fairgrounds, 215 Sydney Washer Road in Dover.There will be vendors on hand with model trains, various hobbies, collectibles and die cast cars.There also will be a running train layout.Admission is $5 for adults. Kids age 12 and younger are free. Credit cards will be accepted. For information, visit RegalRailways.com.

QUILTERS EXHIBIT

The Pasco-Hernando State College Rao Musunuru M.D.Art Gallery, 10230 Ridge Road in New Port Richey, will display “Eye of the Quilter,” presented by the West Pasco Quilters’ Guild, through March 20.Art exhibits are free and open to the public.

Social distancing and masks are required.

Attendance is limited to individuals and small groups. For information, call 727-8163407, or visit PHSC.edu.

MAKE A BIRD FEEDER

The Pasco County Library Cooperative will present “Come Grow With Us” on March 22 at 10 a.m., to help participants create a bird feeder, by upcycling items found around the house. Kits will be available for this activity.View the video on Facebook.com/ hughembrylibrary or Facebook.com/ newriverlibrary. For information, call the Hugh Embry Library at 352-567-3576, or email he@pascolibraries.org.

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March 17, 2021

www.LakerLutzNews.com

WHAT’S

from page 4A

CITRUS STRING ART

The Land O’ Lakes Library, 2818 Collier Parkway, will offer a curbside pickup-only craft on March 22, all day. Keep your crafting skills fresh with this lemon string art project kit.The kit includes yellow and green string, nails, wooden square, lemon template, and general string art instructions. Supply your own hammer and patience. For information and to register, call 813-929-1214.

SHERIFF NOCCO TO SPEAK

The East Pasco Networking Group will meet on March 23 at 7:30 a.m., at IHop, 13100 U.S. 301 in Dade City.The guest speaker will be Pasco County Sheriff Chris Nocco. For information, call Nils Lenz at 813-782-9491 or Vicky Jones at 813-4311149.

CUSTODIAL TRAINING

The University Area CDC (Community Development Corporation) will offer free custodial services training on March 23 and March 24 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., at its community center, 14013 N. 22nd St., in Tampa, for adults.The field of custodial services recently has grown due to the pandemic, and companies that never considered it before, are now hiring for these services. Registration is limited and is required by contacting Josie Rocco at 813558-5212, ext. 208, or jrocco@uacdc.org.

Tickets are free but required in advance at StrazCenter.org.There is a $3.90 processing fee.

The Land O’ Lakes Library, 2818 Collier Parkway, will host a Friends of the Library Outdoor Spring Book Sale on March 27 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.There will be lowpriced, gently used books, DVDs, games, crafts and more. Masks and face coverings will be required. Purchases are cash only.

All proceeds will go toward the support of the library.There also will be a chance to win a gift basket. In case of inclement weather, the sale will take place in the meeting room (capacity will be limited).

For information, call 813-929-1214.

SATURDAY, MARCH 27 • 9A.M. TO 5P.M. DADE CITY, FL ADMISSION IS FREE

The Nature Coast Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society will host a native plant sale on March 27 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Land O’ Lakes Heritage Park, 5401 Land O’ Lakes Blvd.There will be a large selection of quality nursery-grown plants, a plant profile for each purchase, society members on hand to answer questions, and carts available for plant transportation.

Guests must wear a mask and follow social-distancing rules. Hand sanitizers will be available. For information, visit PascoNativePlants.org or FNPS.org.

DRIVE-THRU EGG HUNT

The Pasco County Library Cooperative will present “What's a Plant Based Diet, Anyway?” on March 24 at 4 p.m.This virtual event will be an introduction to a plant-based diet: what it is and why some people follow it. Bring questions to ask.

Participants will receive a simple recipe to try, a sample meal plan, and resources to learn more. For information and to register, visit PascoLibraries.org.

REMIX PERFORMANCES

SUMMER CAMP EXPO

The Straz Center for the Performing Arts will resume live, in-person Arts Legacy Remix performances on the Riverwalk Stage, continuing through May. • March 26:“Bridges of Rhythm” — Latin rhythms to celebrate cultures from Central and South America, Spain and Portugal • April 16:“A Journey Through Central and Eastern Europe” — A melodic journey through Germany, Poland, the Czech Republic, Switzerland, Russia and more • May 21:“Jazz, Jazz, Jazz” — Performance

by The Straz High School Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra and others All concerts are from 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.

START A NEW FAMILY TRADITION AT THE ANNUAL

PLANT SOCIETY

The Rotary Club of Wesley Chapel will host a free Egg Hunt Drive-Thru on March 27 from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., at Wesley Chapel District Park, 7727 Boyette Road.

Guests can sport their Easter best, decorate their vehicles, and bring baskets for the drive-thru “Eggstravaganza.”The first 300 cars will receive an “adult egg.”

Vendors are still being accepted.A portion of the proceeds will go to the Underdog Fund, scholarships and the Wesley Chapel community. For information, email rotaryjodie@gmail.com.

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The fifth annual Healthy Family & Summer Camp Expo will take place March 27 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at The Shops at Wiregrass, 28211 Paseo Drive in Wesley Chapel.There will be summer camp providers; representatives from special needs camps; health and small business exhibitors; a Pin Chasers photo booth; a kids’ fun zone; live entertainment; a kids talent showcase at noon; photos with the Easter Bunny and an Easter treasure hunt; and free expo bags and hand sanitizers (while supplies last).To be eligible for giveaways, register at FamilyFriendlyTampaBay.com.

SELF PARKING AVAILABLE THROUGHOUT THE CITY

From the car and truck show to kumquat pies, the 2021 Annual Kumquat Festival packs a load of fun into a single day at the heart of charming downtown Dade City, Florida. With more than 200 vendors all socially distanced, delicious food from local restaurants, vendors and food trucks, an interactive Kid’s Coral, and even kumquat beer, it’s a day that is as entertaining as saying the name of the quirky little fruit it honors.

COVID PRECAUTIONS YOUR SAFETY IS OUR TOP PRIORITY. • Masks required by all vendors and attendees.

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DIRECTIONS TO DADE CITY: From Interstate 75, east on Highway 52 to Downtown.

From US Highway 301, north or south into Downtown.

LEARN MORE VISIT WWW.KUMQUATFESTIVAL.ORG OR CALL THE GREATER DADE CITY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AT 352-567-3769.

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March 17, 2021

5A

Will the COVID-19 pandemic end soon?

By Kevin Weiss

death from the virus.

He put it like this:“People think the goal of the vaccine is,‘I don’t want to get the disIt’s been a year since the coronavirus ease.’ No, the purpose of the vaccine is not (COVID-19) pandemic shocked the United getting the complications. So, the endpoint reStates and the world, but brighter days are ally should be,‘Am I going to get sick enough seemingly ahead, thanks to the ramp up of that I’m going to go to the hospital, or am I vaccinations combined with other estab- going to die from COVID-19?’ That’s what lished health and safety protocols. you’re trying to prevent, just like Dr. Javier Gonzalez, a boardthe flu vaccine. Most people can certified emergency department get the flu even if you’re vaccinatmedical director with ed, but you don’t want to die from AdventHealth Dade City and the flu, you don’t want to get the AdventHealth Zephyrhills, for pneumonia complications.” one, is cautiously optimistic that a Gonzalez detailed how vacsense of normalcy could arrive by cines are designed to introduce summertime. some of the viral genetic material That’s assuming that surging into the body so antibodies can be COVID-19 virus variants don’t developed, “which is the key to “get crazy” and force the populahelp you fight the virus in the fution to get revaccinated, he said.

Dr. Javier Gonzalez ture.”

“Hopefully we’ll get through He shot down myths that the this in July when we’re supposed authorized COVID-19 vaccines to be majority vaccinated, so hopefully this may somehow change or interact with a perwon’t last long and we’re in the final stretch,” son’s DNA in any way, explaining how the Gonzalez said.“As soon as we can get every- vaccine is delivered into cell’s cytoplasm, not body vaccinated, the easier it will be for all the nucleus. for us to go back to a normal time again.”

Said Gonzalez,“I know a lot of people are Gonzalez was the featured guest speaker concerned it’s messing with our DNA. It doesduring The Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of n’t; it stays outside the nucleus of our cells, so Commerce March virtual business breakfast it doesn’t go into where our DNA is...” meeting.

He touched on the efficacy of the various Gonzalez — also certified as a diplomate types of available vaccines, too. with the American Board of Toxicology — He mentioned both the Pfizer and spent the bulk of his 45-minute informational Moderna mRNA vaccines have shown to be talk discussing the various COVID-19 vac- about 95% effective in preventing COVID-19 cines available and the science behind them. infections for the general population, while The health care leader explained the the AstraZeneca and Johnson & Johnson viral “whole goal” of the vaccines is not necessari- vector vaccines have come in at 72% and ly about not getting COVID-19, but rather to 70%, respectively. mitigate or prevent serious complications or For comparison, the annual flu shot is

kweiss@lakerlutznews.com

about 40% to 50% effective in preventing influenza, he said.

The notable piece, Gonzalez emphasized, is the four COVID-19 vaccines are proven 100% effective in preventing hospitalizations and deaths related to the virus.

“Don’t be discouraged by these (efficacy) numbers,” he said.“Look at the flu vaccine.We get it every year, and it’s only 40% to 50% effective, but (lack of) hospitalization and death is the important factor here. I don’t care if I get COVID, as long as I don’t die from it.”

With that, he encouraged people to go ahead and get the single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine, if eligible to do so.

Said Gonzalez, “Is Johnson & Johnson weaker? Yeah, it’s weaker for you not to get COVID, but it’s going to prevent me from going to the hospital and dying from it, so if you are eligible to get the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, then by all means, please get it.”

Gov. Ron DeSantis expanded the groups eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine in Florida, as of March 15, to include those age 60 or older.

Eligibility continues to evolve, so be sure to check for the latest information on state or local health department websites.

Gonzalez, who’s been vaccinated himself, acknowledged experiencing some pain in the injection site.

He knows others have experienced headaches, fatigues and muscle aches for 24 hours to 48 hours — not dissimilar to flu shot symptoms.

He recommended taking Tylenol for relief post-injection. “When you get a side effect from the flu vaccine, most likely you’ll probably get it from COVID-19 (too),” Gonzalez said.

Serious side effects like anaphylaxis are

rare, with less than a 0.1% reported, he said, adding, “We haven’t seen any deaths from people getting COVID vaccines.”

Meantime, as others wait to get vaccinated, Gonzalez emphasized continuing proper mask-wearing in public spaces.

He underscored how it reduces risk of transmission or spread of respiratory droplets containing viruses, whether through breathing, talking, coughing or sneezing.

The medical professional admitted, like others, he doesn’t particularly enjoy wearing a mask, but illustrated the bigger picture at play:“I know it’s cumbersome, (but) it doesn’t take that long, you’re helping your neighbor, you’re helping yourself, so, it’s just easier to wear one, whether you believe in it or not, it doesn’t take much from somebody to wear a mask. Just cover your mouth and cover your nose, and be a good citizen with everybody else.”

IMPROVED COVID-19 TREATMENT OPTIONS

From an encouraging standpoint, inpatient and outpatient COVID-19 treatment options have improved greatly since the pandemic’s onset, Gonzalez observed.

Inpatient hospital care options include anti-virals like remdesivir, similar to Tamiflu to fight influenza; steroids like decadron, given to patients with low oxygen saturations; and convalescent plasma injections, whereby COVID-19 survivors’ antibodies are transfused into sick COVID-19 patients.

In the way of outpatient COVID-19 management, AdventHealth Dade City and AdventHealth Zephyrhills were some of the first hospitals in the health care system’s West Continued on page 7A

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Continued from page 6A Florida division offering monoclonal antibody infusion, Gonzalez said.

With monoclonal antibody infusion, synthetic antibodies created in a pharmaceutical laboratory are used to limit the amount of virus in the body, treating COVID-19 positive patients and preventing progression to more severe cases and symptoms.

The therapy requires an IV infusion at the hospital and takes about three hours, Gonzalez said.

“We got a lot of good feedback from patients that have received this,” he said, noting his parents and fellow physicians have received therapy at both facilities.“Within 24 hours they were miraculously better.”

Gonzalez pointed out this treatment was actually used to help President Donald Trump recover from the coronavirus, administered at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, in Bethesda, Maryland.

DON’T IGNORE OTHER HEALTH CARE ISSUES Even amid the pandemic, Gonzalez strongly advised people to not put other non-COVID-19-related health care issues on hold, or simply ignore new or persistent symptoms.

Hospitals have taken extreme measures to make sure that people with COVID-19 are held in separate locations, he said, so there shouldn’t be fear of visiting facilities to take care of other medical conditions — whether it’s diabetes, hypertension, or routine cancer screenings.

“Please keep your appointments for chronic disease management, especially if you’re taking medications,” he said.

The speaker noted how hospitals are reporting fewer heart attacks and strokes amid

Seek medical care immediately if someone has emergency warning signs of COVID-19.

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fear of COVID-19 —worrying doctors that patients are avoiding visits for health issues that require prompt care.

“Timing can be the difference,” he said.“If you wait too long (to seek medical care) you’re going to get more comorbidities and more risk for mortality or death.”

A SEASONAL VIRUS? At least one lingering question is whether COVID-19 will become a seasonal virus, like the flu.

Gonzalez said it’s “really a debatable question,” adding, “at this time, there’s no data suggesting it will be seasonal.”

However, the medical director explained because COVID-19 is virally enveloped, it’s more apt to survive and travel in cold weather.

Moreover, because sunlight is less intense in the wintertime, there’s less UV radiation light to kill the virus, he said.

Other concerning factors of the virus perhaps spreading more in the wintertime, he said, is a byproduct of people congregating in enclosed indoor spaces more often.There’s also risk of weakened immune responses as people have less Vitamin D amid less sunlight, he said, so supplements are recommended in wintry months.

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March 17, 2021

7A

Convention U.S. Nationals, at The Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation in Dearborn, Michigan, in June.

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Nathanael Northey If you know a student or nonprofit deserving of recognition, please email your nominee suggestion to kcarmack@lakerlutznews.com.

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CONGRATULATIONS to Nathanael Northey, a senior at Cypress Creek High School, for being applauded by Avalon Park Wesley Chapel.

Northey has been involved in student government since his freshman year and served as secretary before being elected senior class president, which he describes as an incredible opportunity.

“Whether it’s fundraising at a local restaurant, or selling new senior shirts, it’s a great feeling knowing that the ideas you come up with not only benefit the student government, but the school, too,” says Northey.

Being senior class president has been a fun challenge for Northey, and one that has improved his public speaking and communication skills.

“When I learned I got the position, I was ready to get the wheels spinning, thinking of new ways to get students involved with the COVID-19 pandemic present,” said Northey. “I never thought being class president could be so much fun!”

Northey is also chairperson for the School Advisory Council committee, secretary for the National English Honor Society, and plays on his school’s varsity men’s basketball team.

“Cypress Creek has been a great school to go to, and I’m so glad that I get to be part of its first full four-year graduating class,” said Northey. “This milestone in the school’s history will always be remembered, and I am so glad to be part of it.”

Northey has had several mentors at his school, including English teacher Cassie Adley, who knew Northey as a great kid, but didn’t realize what a good student he was until he took her AP Language and Composition class.

“He is exactly what you want from a student. Nathanael is a student who strives to be the best. He is not shut down by constructive criticism; he truly thrives off of it,” says Adley.

Northey is grateful for Adley’s guidance.

“She has helped me improve my writing to a level I never thought possible,” says Northey. “I don’t know what I’m going to do next year not having Mrs. Adley as a teacher, but one thing I do know is that she has prepared me to face whatever comes my way.”

Northey also recognizes his basketball coaches for teaching him the importance of teamwork, as well as Principal HetzlerNettles, Mr. Uchaez, Mrs. Larimore and Ms. Vaccaro for their unwavering support.

Northey plans to attend the University of Central Florida and major in Physical Therapy. With his passion for science and love of sports, Northey thinks this will be the perfect field of study for him.

Hetzler-Nettles says Northey exemplifies Cypress Creek’s H.O.W.L. student mission: Have a growth mindset, Own your education, Work as a community and Lead responsibly.

“Nathanael is a student who is going to change the trajectory of this world – I can’t wait to see how he does it,” she says.

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Send school news to news@lakerlutznews.com

NEED-BASED SCHOLARSHIPS

Take Stock in Children, a need-based scholarship program with the Pasco Education Foundation, has announced that its application period for the 2021-2022 school year is now open to students currently in eighth grade attending Pasco County Schools.

The program is statewide, and provides scholarships, mentoring and hope, to help break the cycle of generational poverty through education.

Eligibility requirements and online applications are posted at TakeStockPasco.org or PascoEducationFoundation.org.The deadline to apply is April 15.

Selected students will be provided with a college readiness coach, a mentor, and College & Career Readiness Services.

STUDENT WINS THIRD PLACE FOR DOCUMENTARY

Eliza Lammers, a student at Charles Rushe Middle School in Land O’ Lakes, is a thirdprize winner in C-SPAN’s national 2021 StudentCam competition, according to a news release.

The competition in its 17th year invited all middle and high school students to enter by producing a short documentary. Students were asked to join a national conversation on the challenges the country is facing, with the theme,“Explore the issue you most want the president and new Congress to address in 2021.”

Lammers’ documentary was entitled, “Decreasing Maternal Mortality in the USA.” More than 2,300 students across the country participated.

The most popular topics addressed were: health care (14.9%); environmental and energy policy (14.6%); equal rights and equity (13.5%); criminal justice/policing (7.6%); and education (7.5%).

CATHOLIC SCHOOL ENROLLMENT

Mother Teresa of Calcutta Catholic School, 17524 Lakeshore Road in Lutz, has started new student enrollment for the 2021-2022 school year.

Mother Teresa is an elementary and middle school for children in kindergarten through eighth grade.

The school’s mission is rooted in the Catholic Faith. Students attend weekly Mass with student-led liturgies, attend spiritual retreats, learn about the Seven Themes of Catholic Social Teaching, discover and explore vocations, and participate in service projects.

For information or to make a virtual appointment with the admissions director, visit MTCTampa.org.

STUDENT ACHIEVEMENTS

The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, the nation’s oldest and most-selective collegiate honor society for all academic disciplines, has initiated these three Lutz students from Nova Southeastern University: Sasha Glasper, Jamie Thomas and Kairee Whitmore.

Also, Kaylyn Burr, of Land O’ Lakes, was named to the Honor List at Minnesota State University Mankato for the 2020 fall semester.

VIRTUAL STEM FAIR

More than 40 Tampa Bay student innovators showcased their inventions in the 41st Hillsborough Regional STEM Fair on March 3, virtually.

“Our students need the opportunity to apply the math, science and engineering they are learning,” said Larry Plank, the school district’s executive director for k-12 science education, in a news release.

“Tampa Bay is full of talented and bright young learners, and this celebration of invention gives students the opportunity to share what they have created….This competition gets students involved in authentic projectbased learning while demonstrating creativity, collaboration, communication and critical thinking — all important 21st century skills,” said Plank.

Award-winners in the invention category are eligible to advance to the Invention

We Fix ix Wa Wa ater ter

SCHOOL LUNCHES

MealViewer is a tool to stay informed about school lunches.Those interested can locate a school and see what is on the menu at Schools.mealviewer.com.

Students also can use their meal account at school vending machines, to conveniently grab a variety of snacks and beverages, by using their student ID and PIN number — no cash is needed.

To learn more and add funds to an account, visit tinyurl.com/tnxnh69v.

PRODIGY SHOWCASES

The University Area CDC (Community Development Corporation) will present Prodigy Showcases, both virtually and in person, safely and social distanced, throughout March.

Youth in grades one through 12 from the Area CDC’s Prodigy Cultural Arts Program in several counties (including Hillsborough and Pasco) will showcase dance, music, fine arts, theater, and spoken word presentations in free events.This year’s theme is “Can’t Stop, Won’t Stop.”

Many students will be performing for the first time.

Additionally, visual art by Prodigy students will be on display at selected locations.

A full schedule can be viewed online at UACDC.org/prodigy.

HOST AN EXCHANGE STUDENT

The nonprofit organization International Student Exchange (ISE) is looking for volunteer families to host international high school students in the coming academic year.

Host families can expect to gain a new family member, experience a new culture, create lifelong friendships, and make a positive impact, locally and globally.

The exchange students are between the ages of 15 and 18, and come from countries such as Denmark, Spain, Belgium, Germany, Thailand, Brazil, Italy, Norway and more.

The deadline to match students with families is Aug. 31.

Families can select a student based on shared interests, hobbies, gender, etc.

Family screenings include a background check, an in-home interview, and a verification of personal references.

International students are English-speaking and have their own spending money.

Families will provide a caring environment, a room and daily meals.

Those who host ISE students are eligible to claim a $50 charitable contribution deduction on their itemized tax returns for each month they host a student.

For information, visit ISEusa.org.

SCHOLARSHIP ELIGIBILITY BROADENS

Hillsborough County Social Services and the Community Action Board again are partnering to offer scholarships up to $5,000 to eligible students. In response to the impact of COVID-19, the program will feature expanded eligibility criteria.

The Community Action Board Scholarship Program has broadened its household income eligibility from 125% to 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, and lowered the GPA requirement from 2.5 to 2.0.

The changes to the program aim to help students who struggled academically because of the pandemic’s unprecedented impacts on schools, as well as students from households that saw a reduction in annual income.

The scholarships are awarded to students to help alleviate some of the financial burden of college tuition, so students can focus on furthering their education, not paying bills.

The scholarships can be used at trade schools, community colleges or four-year universities.

Both first-time students and students returning to school can apply.Applications for the 2021 scholarships will be accepted through March 31.

Recipients will be notified in writing prior to the start of the fall semester.

Application materials and detailed instructions can be found at tinyurl.com/fyner9md.

Students may submit completed applications online only.

For information, call Irina White at 813272-5074.

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DEBATE, from page 1A tended consequences here, by moving forward with this ordinance.”

Planning Commissioner Charles Grey asked: “What is the real purpose for doing this, out of curiosity?”

County zoning administrator Denise Hernandez responded:“Based on the conversations that were had, I think the board of county commissioners want to see commercial on commercial uses.And, they also want to see an integration of uses.”

Private attorney Barbara Wilhite often appears before the county board and the planning commission on land use and zoning issues.

Wilhite told planning commissioners:“I’m not speaking on behalf of any client. I just want to make sure there’s no unintended consequences here.

“So, I raise the concern. It has to do with affordable housing,” she said.

Typically, when conditional uses comes in for a multifamily development on commercial property, it’s for affordable housing, Wilhite said.

A pending controversial request in Wesley Chapel is an exception to that general rule, she said.

“I raise the concern. I certainly don’t want to see us make it harder for us to have some of these affordable projects,”Wilhite said.

It also could make it more difficult for the county to compete for state funding for those kinds of developments,Wilhite added.

“When we apply for the lottery, we’re competing statewide for money to bring these projects to Pasco, to help our residents,” she said.

Marcy Esbjerg, director of community development for Pasco County, echoed those concerns.

“Perhaps because of (the) pandemic, because of just growth in Florida — housing costs and rental costs are all exorbitant. Right now, under the eviction moratorium and foreclosure moratorium, our markets have become extremely strained.

“Houses are selling in a day. People are having a really hard time finding housing,” she said.

Even with rental assistance funding available, it has been very difficult to find housing, to help people get out of homelessness, she added.

She urged planning commissioners to retain any tool the county has in its toolbox to increase the supply of housing.

That is critical, she said, to create a balanced community.

“It concerns me, No. 1, that the county would be going against what would be an Urban Land Institute best practice, or a best practice, again, all over the country. But we decide to go in another direction.

“It’s critical for the county, to always con-

WELCOME, from page 1A exhibits to host mobile displays.

The welcome center is part of a larger exterior space concept that envisions a bike-share hub with stations for parking,

sider any changes in policy, how it’s going to affect affordable housing — either the amount of affordable housing or the cost of affordable housing.

“The need has exacerbated just in the 2 ½ years that I’ve been here, and to put a policy like this in place, would only exacerbate it even more,” Esbjerg said.

PRESERVING FLEXIBILITY

Private attorney Joel Tew raised numerous concerns about the proposed amendment.

“I think the commissioner who made the motion was very well-intentioned, but I think, with respect, I think we’re getting in a little bit too big of a hurry to try to do something in a knee-jerk fashion, dealing with this multifamily apartment issue,”Tew said..

“I don’t know if any of you, commissioners, had a chance to review the industry expert presentation that was made by the private industry at the commissioner workshop, but, if not, I would suggest, if you have time, pull that up and look at the presentation about the market demand.

“It’s not only the Class A market demand, which is substantial, but also the changing demographic in Pasco County and the realities of the marketplace,” he said.

Tew also pointed out that online shopping has caused a seismic shift in America, relating to commercial retail.

“Why would you take away one tool that you have? Just because you can apply for conditional use certainly doesn’t mean that this board is obligated to approve it,” Tew said.

Planning commission Chris Poole reiterated Girardi’s concerns about potential unintended consequences.

Grey added:“My only concern was, why would you want to limit yourself in terms of what you can do?

“Are they taking away tools that we should be using in the future that can benefit the county? Is this a knee-jerk reaction to something that we don’t like?” Grey added.

Girardi added:“I think there’s a lot more commercial out there, a lot more commercially zoned properties, in light of what’s going on in the market today — a lot more commercial than there is ever going to be demand for commercial uses.”

David Goldstein, who is the chief assistant county attorney, told planning commissioners if they recommend against the change, they need to do so based on inconsistencies with the county’s comprehensive plan policies.

Tew told planning commissioners that he would be happy to provide “a litany of policies that it’s inconsistent with,” including those relating to the county’s urban service area, affordable housing and density.

Poole said he wanted time to review the board’s workshop, and made a motion to continue the issue until April, which the planning commission approved.

minor bicycle repairs and public resting areas for cyclists, and exercising pedestrians.

The visitor’s information center is being funded with the help of a $250,000 grant from the Pasco County Tourist Development Council.

STEAM, from page 1A to the fact that any of our teachers, given the opportunity and the professional learning, could probably make it work in a STEM or STEAM environment.

“What Mr. Peace didn’t mention is what I call the ‘want to’ (factor). Do you want to put the effort into working at a STEM or STEAM school?

“We learned lessons when we converted Bayonet Point Middle and Centennial Middle. We did not have a separate job description for that. Honestly, it was more difficult to set the expectations for our staff.

“I will tell you that this job description, in no way, shape or form, is — as Mr. Peace has indicated — divisive. It is not intended to do that. It is merely to set expectations, for teachers that want to move to a STEM or STEAM environment.

“It is different, a lot more technology-driven, project-based learning.”

“It is a choice school,” Browning said.

When the schools held faculty meetings to discuss the change, a number of teachers approached the principals and said,“I get it.

I just don’t want to do it.”

The new magnet schools will choose teachers based on the new job description.

While current teachers may be assigned to different schools, they will not lose their jobs, Browning said.

But before approving the new description, school board members asked for more information.

Board member Cynthia Armstrong asked for more details about how the job description was developed. Board member Alison Crumbley echoed that request.

Samantha Del Valle, assistant director of leading and learning, said “we knew we needed a job description to really be transparent with the staff that we’re going to hire

and to share with them what would be expected, as they take those positions.”

So, the job description is based on the practices that happen in a STEAM classroom.

Hiring will mirror the process used in hiring teachers for Sanders Elementary STEAM Magnet School in Land O’ Lakes, Del Valle said.

The questions district officials asked, when drafting the new job description, included: “What is a STEAM teacher? What practices are happening in the classroom?

What does STEAM look like and how do we make sure that that occurs in our two new schools?” Del Valle said.

School board member Colleen Beaudoin emphasized that she wanted it to be clear to district teachers that the new job description does not create an elite class of teachers.

“We’re not saying that these teachers are any better than any other teachers. These are just a specific skill set needed for these types of schools. I don’t want to give the impression that we’re saying that teachers at one school are any better than teachers at another school,” Beaudoin said.

Besides looking for teachers who have the attributes described in the job description, they also must be willing to undergo additional training, Del Valle said.

Plus, there is a preferred qualification related to computer science.

Browning reiterated Beaudoin’s point, noting the teachers are not better teachers.

“They’re different teachers.

“This job description was not designed to divide teachers,” the superintendent insisted.

He also said the shift to the STEAM magnet schools is intended to give parents additional options.

“Parents are wanting something different,” Browning said.

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For the added areas, deliveries will take place out of Farmworker’s Self Help in Dade City, and the program is looking for volunteers to help pack boxes each week.

Volunteers who have a level 2 back-

ground check also are needed to help deliver Meals on Wheels for Kids on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, starting at 10 a.m., using their own vehicles. Routes take about an hour to complete.

To apply for MOW4Kids, visit MOW4Kids.com, or call 813-344-5837.

To sign up to volunteer, visit NetworkToEndHunger.org/volunteer/.

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Community Sports Your Neighborhood Sports Source

All-Pasco County winter awards announced Compiled by Kevin Weiss kweiss@lakerlutznews.com

H

igh school coaches from the Pasco County School District recently announced the Sunshine Athletic Conference (SAC) All-Conference Teams, Athletes of the Year and Coaches of the Year, for the 2020-2021 winter sports season, which included basketball, competitive cheerleading, soccer, weightlifting and wrestling.

Selections were made for both the East and West division.

The following high schools from The Laker/Lutz News coverage area were represented in the East: Cypress Creek, Land O’ Lakes, Pasco, Sunlake, Wesley Chapel, Wiregrass Ranch and Zephyrhills.

FILE

Sunshine Athletic Conference (SAC) Eastside encompasses Cypress Creek, Land O’ Lakes, Pasco, Sunlake, Wesley Chapel, Wiregrass Ranch and Zephyrhills high schools.

BOYS WINTER SPORTS

SAC EAST ALL-CONFERENCE BOYS BASKETBALL Team Champion: Land O’ Lakes, Wesley Chapel, Wiregrass Ranch (three-way tie) Coach of the Year: Marvin Gray, Wesley Chapel Player of the Year: Nate Santana, Land O’ Lakes

First-Team Sam Lowe, Wesley Chapel, senior Nate Santana, Land O’ Lakes, senior Quincy Smith, Wiregrass Ranch, senior Kevin Pagan, Zephyrhills, junior Josh Martin, Wiregrass Ranch, junior

COURTESY OF WIREGRASS RANCH HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETICS DEPARTMENT

The Wiregrass Ranch High varsity girls competitive cheerleading squad won the 2020-2021 ‘Best of Pasco’ county championship meet.

Second-Team Jaden Louden, Wesley Chapel, junior Dylan Figueroa, Sunlake, senior Kennen Ayala, Land O’ Lakes, sophomore Jimmy McAuley, Zephyrhills, junior Willie Ravenna, Cypress Creek, senior

Second-Team Defender: Kayla Ojeda, Wiregrass Ranch, junior Defender: Abbie Pittman, Cypress Creek, sophomore Defender: Samantha Lanson, Land O’ Lakes, sophomore Midfielder: Jada Silvest, Land O’ Lakes, sophomore Midfielder: Taylor Denney, Land O’ Lakes, senior Midfielder: Hannah Fulop, Cypress Creek, sophomore Forward: Alison Souers, Cypress Creek, freshman Forward: Teresa Rodriguez, Land O’ Lakes, junior Goalkeeper: Ella McGahey, Wiregrass Ranch, senior Utility: Marianna Portillo, Wesley Chapel, freshman Utility: Roxana Meillon, Pasco, junior SAC EAST GIRLS WEIGHTLIFTING Team Champion: Sunlake Coach of the Year: Denise Garcia, Sunlake Athlete of the Year: Andje Costa, Cypress Creek

Honorable Mention David Barr, Sunlake, senior Peyton Williams, Cypress Creek, senior

COURTESY OF SUNLAKE HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETICS DEPARTMENT

SAC EAST ALL-CONFERENCE BOYS SOCCER Team Champion: Wiregrass Ranch Coach of the Year: Dave Wilson, Wiregrass RanchCreek Offensive Player of the Year: Alec Santiago, Wiregrass Ranch Defensive Player of the Year: Patrick Amis, Wiregrass Ranch First-Team Forward: Ethan Sternberg, Sunlake, senior Forward: Justin Amis, Wiregrass Ranch, senior Midfielder: Mick Stauffer, Sunlake, junior Midfielder: George Obregon, Wesley Chapel, junior Midfielder: Aidan Ettouati, Wiregrass Ranch, junior Defenseman: Patrick Amis, Wiregrass, senior Defenseman: Derek Isajar, Sunlake, senior Defenseman: Sammy Salas, Wiregrass Ranch, senior Defenseman: Jarrett Scheer, Wesley Chapel, senior Goalkeeper: Luigi Morales, Sunlake, junior Utility: Alec Santiago, Wiregrass Ranch, junior Utility: Parker Wallace, Land O’ Lakes, senior Second-Team Forward: Sebastian Victoria, Sunlake, senior Forward: Ayden Roysdon, Wesley Chapel, junior Midfielder: Lucas Herrera, Wesley Chapel, sophomore Midfielder: Colton Corrao, Cypress Creek, junior Midfielder: Juan Sanchez, Pasco, sophomore Defenseman: Ryan Fischer, Sunlake, junior Defenseman: Colin Bailey, Wiregrass Ranch, junior Defenseman: Trevor Harden, Land O’ Lakes, freshman Goalkeeper: Logan Grace, Wiregrass Ranch, junior Utility: Andrew Knorowski, Wiregrass Ranch, junior Utility: Jesus Trujillo, Pasco, senior Honorable Mention Alex Nesbath, Zephyrhills, junior SAC EAST ALL-CONFERENCE BOYS WRESTLING Team Champion: Land O’ Lakes Coach of the Year: Eddie Marley, Land O’ Lakes First-Team 106-pound: Devin Lanier, Wiregrass Ranch, sophomore 113-pound: Stephen Carrico, Sunlake, junior 120-pound: Brandon Austin, Land O’ Lakes, freshman 126-pound: Orion Magoon, Sunlake, junior 132-pound: Morgan Ray, Land O’ Lakes, senior 138-pound: Jack Evans, Pasco, senior 145-pound: Nicholas Iserino, Wesley Chapel, sophomore 152-pound: Johnathan Cardona, Cypress Creek, senior

The Sunlake High varsity girls weightlifting team enjoyed another dominant campaign, taking conference, district and regional titles, and finishing in fifth place at the 2A state championship meet.

FILE

The Land O’ Lakes High varsity boys weightlifting program captured its first Sunshine Athletic Conference championship in some two decades.

160-pound: Devin Jernigan, Pasco, senior 170-pound: Jarod Wright, Land O’ Lakes, senior 182-pound: Chance Kiuber, Pasco, senior 195-pound: Amir Burgess, Pasco, senior 220-pound: Cassidy Grubbs, Pasco, sophomore 285-pound: Dajuan McCullough, Zephyrhills, senior Second-Team 106-pound: Cole Henderson, Land O’ Lakes, junior 113-pound: Jason DeSantis, Cypress Creek, junior 120-pound: Donavan Eury, Wiregrass Ranch, junior 126-pound: Roman Sanchez, Wiregrass Ranch, junior 132-pound: Jaiden Martinez, Zephyrhills, junior 138-pound: Jackson Hudson, Cypress Creek, junior 145-pound: Ryan Lebsack, Land O’ Lakes, junior 152-pound: Idael Reyes, Zephyrhills, junior 160-pound: Justin Bethards, Sunlake, senior 170-pound: Ben Clark, Wiregrass Ranch, senior 182-pound: Elijah Newman, Land O’ Lakes, senior 195-pound: Wilson Meisman, Cypress Creek, freshman 220-pound: Isaiah Tavo, Land O’ Lakes, junior 295-pound: Isaac Tavo, Land O’ Lakes, senior Honorable Mention Savion Spaights, Pasco, senior

GIRLS WINTER SPORTS

SAC EAST ALL-CONFERENCE GIRLS BASKETBALL Team Champion: Wesley Chapel Coach of the Year: Chris Smith, Zephyrhills Player of the Year: Maya Llanes, Zephyrhills

First-Team Maya Llanes, Zephyrhills, junior

NOW OPEN

Zoi Evans, Wiregrass Ranch, senior Mia Nicholson, Wesley Chapel, senior Lily Meier, Sunlake, freshman Emari Lewis, Wesley Chapel, junior Second-Team Mykaela Elliot, Wesley Chapel, junior April Davis, Land O’ Lakes, senior Jakayla Lewis, Land O’ Lakes, sophomore Mikayla Cintron, Zephyrhills, junior Sariyah Waller, Sunlake, junior Honorable Mentions Adrianna Villanueva, Cypress Creek, sophomore Hayli Carter, Pasco, freshman SAC EAST ALL-CONFERENCE GIRLS SOCCER Team Champion: Wiregrass Ranch Coach of the Year: Vicky King, Land O’ Lakes Offensive Player of the Year: Jordan Green, Land O’ Lakes Defensive Player of the Year: Sydney Bauer, Wesley Chapel First-Team Defender: Katelyn Hicks, Sunlake, junior Defender: Kylie Denney, Land O’ Lakes, senior Defender: Sydney Bauer, Wesley Chapel, senior Midfielder: Maya Hinz, Sunlake, sophomore Midfielder: Maddy Golka, Wesley Chapel, junior Midfielder: Jordan Green, Land O’ Lakes, sophomore Forward: Inna Neves, Sunlake, freshman Forward: Jordyn Keene, Land O’ Lakes, sophomore Goalkeeper: Kobi Page, Land O’ Lakes, senior Utility: Madison Poe, Zephyrhills, junior Utility: Ellie Klem, Wiregrass Ranch, junior

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First-Team 101-pound: Andje Costa, Cypress Creek, junior 110-pound: Gabriella Schwarz, Sunlake, junior 119-pound: Ana Graves, Sunlake, junior 129-pound: Madison Guincho, Sunlake, senior 139-pound: Madison Aguilera, Zephyrhills, senior 154-pound: Grace Anne Hoback, Sunlake, senior 169-pound: Daniella Vance, Sunlake, senior 183-pound: McKenna Gilpin, Sunlake, junior 199-pound: Autumn Spoon, Zephyrhills, sophomore Unlimited: Diamond Cowart, Zephyrhills, senior Second-Team 101-pound: Isabella Paul, Sunlake, junior 110-pound: Alexandria Blake, Wiregrass Ranch, senior 119-pound: Tristan Rooney, Sunlake, senior 129-pound: Amber Wood, Sunlake, junior 139-pound: Makiyah Nickerson, Sunlake, sophomore 154-pound: Carolina Crim, Sunlake, sophomore 169-pound: Avary Davis, Pasco, sophomore 183-pound: Ava Rodriguez, Sunlake, sophomore 199-pound: Ashlee Cummings, Pasco, junior Unlimited: Juliana Garcia, Sunlake, senior Honorable Mention Victoria Vaile, Wesley Chapel, junior Erin Welch, Land O’ Lakes, senior SAC EAST ALL-CONFERENCE COMPETITIVE CHEERLEADING Team Champion: Wiregrass Ranch Coach of the Year: Maya Hines, Wiregrass Ranch Cheerleader of the Year: Laylah Kibler, Sunlake First-Team Avery Warner, Wiregrass Ranch, senior Natalie Joles, Wiregrass Ranch, senior Alyson Partain, Pasco, senior Emma Whited, Pasco, senior Emily Kirk, Zephyrhills, junior Brianna Cunningham, Zephyrhills, senior Laylah Kibler, Sunlake, senior Emma Barton, Sunlake, senior Camryn Steele, Land O’ Lakes, senior Taryn Brown, Land O’ Lakes, junior Second-Team Alexis Burns, Wiregrass Ranch, junior Ella Peckham, Wiregrass Ranch, junior Grace VanBuren, Pasco, senior Sydney Stanaland, Pasco, senior Baylee Todd, Pasco, senior Madison Long, Zephyrhills, junior Mackenzie Florez, Zephyrhills, junior Emma Travis, Sunlake, freshman Abigail Berberich, Sunlake, senior Christina Agovino, Land O’ Lakes, senior Honorable Mention Sydney Taylor, Wesley Chapel, senior Haley Cogan, Wesley Chapel, junior

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March 17, 2021

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MARCH 17, 2021

FRED BELLET

A booming beat and the sounds from the Dunedin Pipe Band create an air of excitement, as band members make their appearance, dressed in kilts, for the St. Patrick's Day parade at the Tampa Bay Golf & Country Club.

All dressed up, and ready to go — at St. Patrick’s Day parade The Laker/Lutz News Staff Report

Noah Royak, of St. Petersburg, assumes the role of a super-tall leprechaun — dancing and singing to 'Oh Danny Boy,' as bagpipe music played, at the St. Patrick’s Day parade.

A

super-tall leprechaun, bagpipers, men dressed in kilts, decorated golf carts, and people of all shapes and sizes sporting green — were among the many highlights of the second annual St. Patrick’s Day parade at the Tampa

Bay Golf & Country Club, in San Antonio.

Decked-out golf carts rolled along Old Tampa Bay Drive, offering a spectacle to behold for onlookers lined up along the road.

Some decorated golf carts represented branches of the military. Others carried families and golf and country club residents who turned out to enjoy the day.

Special touches included the performance of the song ‘Danny Boy,’ participation by scout troops, a pipe and bugle band, and miniature therapy horses, among other things.

In an atmosphere of good cheer, the sentiment seemed clear — that those gathered there felt fortunate to be enjoying a wee bit of Irish luck.

Mary-Jo Fuller, a resident of Tampa Bay Golf & Country Club, makes some last-minute checks on the Tampa Bay Zumba Club golf cart she decorated for the parade.

One-year old Harmon Windschill watches in awe, as the pipe and bugle band goes by. He is flanked by his mom, Stephanie Windschill, left, and his dad, Nathan Windschill. Nathan and his parents are visiting his grandparents, John and Donna Windschill, residents of the Tampa Bay Golf & Country Club.

Horse handler Maria Horvath, of Tampa, gets a kiss from Calypso, a miniature therapy horse.

Calypso’s half-brother, Chardonnay, took part in the St. Patrick’s Day parade, courtesy of the Angel of God Equine Sanctuary.

Decorated golf carts in the parade honored various branches of military service.

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Allie is a lovable pup Allie is 3 years old and a crazy mix of Lab, AmStaff, Bassett Hound and Dachshund. She has a very long body and short legs - helping her earn the nickname of ‘Allie-gator.’ When she's not playing with the garden hose or chasing a frisbee, Allie is perfecting her poker face. Adopted from Nate's Honor Animal Rescue in Bradenton at 9 weeks old, she's been a silly yet serious member of the Glotz household in Lutz ever since.

RIGHT PLACE, RIGHT MOMENT

Charlie Croucher, of Land O’ Lakes, was in his backyard when he captured this photo of a great blue heron with a catfish in its mouth.

Good deeds go a long way Christopher Cutillo practiced a good deed every day during February, including delivering groceries to seniors, helping to clean up people’s yards, and more. Cutillo stopped by Pasco County Animal Services to make dog treats (Milk-Bone and peanut butter sandwiches) for the pups. He was impressed with the animal shelter and is hoping to invite friends to join him on his next visit.

PET OF THE WEEK FAMILIES RECEIVE A $30 GIFT CARD TO CHUY’S TEX MEX. Send us a picture and information on your favorite pet!

Write a short paragraph about why your pet is special along with a photo and mail to: Pet of the Week, c/o The Laker, P.O. Box 479, Lutz, FL 33548 or email to mrathman@lakerlutznews.com, ATTN: Pet of the Week PLEASE NOTE: OWNERS NAME AND ADDRESS MUST BE INCLUDED FOR YOUR PET TO BE CONSIDERED FOR PUBLICATION. COURTESY OF PASCO COUNTY ANIMAL SERVICES

PET PAWS VIRTUAL PET PAGEANT

The Pet Peace of Mind program at Gulfside Hospice helps to support hospice patients and their pets through the end-of-life journey together. Special programs like these allow Gulfside to go the extra mile with compassionate care for our community.

With a goal to raise $5,000 for the Pet Peace of Mind program, Gulfside will host its first Virtual Pet Pageant.All pet owners and pet lovers are invited to enter their furry, feather, finned or fanged friends into this new contest to help hospice patients and their pets.

Winners will be announced online on April 11, National Pet Day. Prizes will be awarded to two winners in each category

of furry, feathered, finned or fanged.

To enter your pet, or to support the program, visit tinyurl.com/f49rk23u.

Participants also can show support by casting a vote or making a donation.

AREA DOG PARKS

Looking for a different place to take your dog, to roam around and play? Take a look at this list of parks designed and equipped for pets and their owners. For hours and more information, call each location.

• Anclote Gulf Dog Park, 2305 Baillies Bluff Road, Holiday:A fenced-in 24,000square-foot dog walking area, dog fountain and an agility playset. Call 727942-4030.

• Bluebird Springs Dog Park, 8950 W.

Bluebird Springs Lane, Homosassa: 5 acres with an oval pool, a playground, and many canine amenities. Call 352-527-7540.

• Carolyn Meeker Dog Park, 122 First Ave., S.W., Lutz:Two separate access areas for small and large dogs, water fountains for people and dogs, dog washes, a hitching post, doggie mitt receptacles, picnic tables and shelters. Call 813-744-5595.

• Centennial Dog Park, 10375 Sandlor St., Spring Hill: 3 acres of fenced-in grass, with separate areas where dogs can either run free or be on a leash. Call 352-754-4027.

• Crews Lake Wilderness Park, 16739 Crews Lake Drive, Shady Hills: Not a true dog park, but the 113 acres of land allow for pets on leashes in designated

areas/trails. Call 727-861-3038.

• Land O’ Lakes Recreation Complex Dog Park, 2818 Collier Parkway: Covered benches, fire hydrants, tires, play tunnels, and a drinking fountain for dogs. Call 813929-1220.

• Meadows Dog Park, 6674 Meadowbrook Lane, New Port Richey: Separate areas for large and small dogs.

Call 727-841-4560.

• Port Richey Dog Park, 6333 Ridge Road:Water stations, a few exercise features, and bit of room to run. Call 727-835-1267.

• Price Park, 37415 Magnolia Ave., Dade City: Fire hydrants, a dog fountain, exercise equipment, and room to run. Call 352-523-5050.

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Greta can be your loyal friend Greta spends most of her time hiding in a climbing tree, but once greeted, she is sweet-natured and friendly. When petted, she curls on her side and kneads with her front paws. This 1-year-old enjoys being brushed and petted, and can be held.

Greta is much more interactive, outgoing and affectionate once she is out of her "cubby hole," and she will cuddle on your shoulder as you carry her. She would benefit from an adopter who will be patient and give her lots of socialization opportunities and time to adjust. Make an appointment to meet Greta.

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Oscar is the friendliest guy Oscar is 2 years old and absolutely loves people, and just wants to make friends with everyone. He sits for treats but could use some work on his manners, as he can be a bit too enthusiastic when meeting or playing with people. He will blossom with someone who can handle his strength and be patient when teaching him. Oscar is heartworm positive, and the Animal Services can discuss treatment options with you. Make an appointment to meet Oscar today.

If you would like to adopt Greta or Oscar, 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.

Kate Meyers and her faamily are originally from Colorado, but moved to Land O’ Lakes last year.

“W We have family in Oddessa, Trinity, and South Ta Tampa. This area felt like home to us and we wanted to make it permanent,” says Meyers, “Plus, I am more of a beach person thann a mountain person.”

Kate is the Early Childhhood engagement director at the Spurlino Family YMCA; she runs an early leearning readiness program called Little Learners. The program promotes curriculuum-based learning, as well as parent engagement.

“I spent 23 years as a sppeech and language therapist in the public schools, so I decided to try somethinng diffferent and put my Master's in curriculum to use.

I love the families I meet annd the impact they have on me as an educator, and the impact my program hass on their family unit,” says Meyers.

Kate and her husband JJim have been married for over 20 years, and have three children: Owen (14), Colin (almost 13) and Ryan (11).

Kate’s favorite part of T The Laker/Lutz News is learning about all the new businesses in the area, as w well as the What’s Happening Section because it gives her lots of ideas of things too do as a family.

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SEE SOLUTIONS, PAGE 9B www.LakerLutzNews.com

March 17, 2021

3B

Education is the best weapon against scammers

By B.C. Manion

for small businesses and knock-off personal protection equipment are just a few of the scams that have arisen during this time of Dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic COVID-19. has caused challenges in nearly every aspect “With people remaining locked in their of life — including how to avoid being homes, many have logged online for social scammed. interaction.That’s understandable.The bad The office of U.S. Rep. Gus guys, however, know this. And Bilirakis recently conducted a the FTC has already found that webinar called Consumer people are increasingly falling Protection Forum: Fighting victim for scams through social Fraud and Scams. media platforms.

“Millions of Americans have “In just the first six months been forced to isolate,” said of 2020, for example, scams Bilirakis, who represents the originating from social media 12th congressional district in tripled, resulting in $117 milFlorida, and is the ranking lion in losses. With more member for the Consumer consumers tuning in to these Protection and Commerce subplatforms, scammers create committee. fake profiles, offering connec“Unfortunately, scammers tion, friendship or economic are continuing to find new relief, only to steal information ways to exploit vulnerable U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis and hard-earned dollars,” Americans during COVID-19.

Bilirakis said.

Bad actors, unfortunately, conPanelists from federal and tinue to exploit consumers — their fears state agencies shared their knowledge about and confusion,” said Bilirakis, whose district how to avoid scams and legitimate places to includes all of Pasco County and parts of turn to, for help.

Hillsborough and Pinellas counties.

Ronald Loecker, from the Tampa field ofFake stimulus checks, fraudulent loans fice of the IRS, told listeners: “Education,

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Fina

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quite simply, is the most powerful tool we have to prevent fraud and protect consumers.

“Scammers are looking to cash in.

Fraudsters never stop,” he said.

He said the IRS will not send text messages asking taxpayers to provide bank account information, under the promise of receiving the Economic Impact Payment.

It also won’t call to threaten you with arrest or a lawsuit, he said.

“If you get a similar call, just hang up,” Loecker said.

“If someone contacts you via text message or email on social media, claiming to be from the IRS, it’s a scam, plain and simple,” he added.

HELP IS AVAILABLE FOR HOUSING RELIEF

Lisa Schifferle, a senior policy analyst with the Office of Older Americans, in the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, offered advice regarding housing relief options.

When consumers are struggling with paying their mortgage or rent, they can turn to ConsumerFinance.gov/housing, she said.

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about housing relief options, available during the pandemic,” Schifferle said.

She also offered this advice:“Never pay someone upfront if they say they’re going to stop your foreclosure. Paying upfront is a red flag for a mortgage relief scam. It is illegal for them to charge you upfront.”

She added, be wary: “If the company guarantees it will get your mortgage changed, or if they guarantee that you won’t lose your home.Also, if they tell you to send your payment to someone other than your mortgage company or servicer, or tell you to stop paying your mortgage.

“You can find free help from certified HUD housing counselors.”

There are sources of legitimate help, she said, but people need to seek it out.

“If you are having trouble paying your mortgage or paying your bills, you are not alone. A lot of people are having trouble right now.The important thing to know is to reach out to your lenders, loan servicers and other creditors.They can’t help you, unless you reach out to them,” she said.

She added: “When you are looking for settling your debt and working out a payment plan, be skeptical of debt settlement

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Continued from page 4B companies, also called debt relief companies.They charge you a fee upfront in order to renegotiate your debts. Sometimes, if you work with one of them, you may end up deeper in debt than when you started.

“We encourage you to consider working with a nonprofit credit counselor, or negotiating directly with a creditor or a debt collector yourself,” she said.

COMPLAINTS WAY UP, AT FTC

Colleen Tressler, a senior project manager with the Federal Trade Commission, explained the FTC’s role.

“The FTC works to stop unfair, deceptive or fraudulent practices in the marketplace.

We conduct investigations, sue companies and people that break the law, and alert consumers and businesses about scams we’re seeing, as well as educate them about their rights,” she said.

“In 2020, the FTC took in more than 4.7 million reports.That’s up from 3.2 million in 2019.

“Total fraud losses in 2020 were $3.3 billion, up from $1.9 billion, in 2019.

“In 2020, people filed nearly 1.4 million reports about identity theft, more than double the number in 2019.”

Reports to the FTC were wide-ranging, with cyber criminals filing unemployment claims using other people’s personal information; identity theft involving federal economic relief payments; romance scams; online shopping scams; people falsely claiming to be the government, a relative in distress or a tech company, and so on.

“More people reported problems with online shopping in April and May in 2020, than in any other months on record, and more than half said they never got what they ordered,”Tressler said.

“Reports show that early in the pandemic, shady sellers began putting up websites, offering hard-to-find products, like PPE and household cleaners and disinfectants.When customers asked about their orders, scammers said the pandemic was causing shipping delays and then stopped responding, all the while, billing people for things that didn’t get delivered, wasn’t what the customer ordered, or was a cheap knock-off.

“The phone is still the top way that scammers are reaching us, both through phone calls and text messages. In fact, it was a sharp increase in the number of callers saying that scammers contacted them by text message, and not surprisingly, many of these text messages were related to the pandemic.”

Rick Kimsey, director of consumer services for the state Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, said his office received about 300,000 calls — and processed about 40,000 consumer complaints last yar.

The complaints yielded more than $3 million in direct consumer refunds, he said.

“We continue to see fraud in the area of facemasks, gloves, hand sanitizers and disinfectants.

“As previously mentioned, face masks and gloves are usually products that just never arrived to consumers.

“The department assists consumers in contacting sellers and trying to finalize those purchases or refund the consumers’ money.

“We’re the consumer clearinghouse for the state of Florida. If you feel you’ve been a victim of a scam, or if you’re need of assistance, information, on any consumer-related issue, you can please contact us,” he said.

The numbers to call are 1-800-435-7352 (English) and 1-800-352-9832 (Spanish).

For more information, or to watch the virtual forum, which was recorded, visit Bilirakis.house.gov.

Protecting yourself from fraudsters Be wary of these scams: • Phishing schemes: Schemes that use fake phone calls, texts, emails or social media in an attempt to secure personal or financial information • Fake donation requests for individuals or groups heavily affected by COVID-19 • Sophisticated scams asking for investments in companies developing COVID-19 vaccines or treatments, while promising that the company will dramatically increase in value as a result • Anyone promising a deal too good to be true IRS scams • Text messages asking taxpayers to provide bank account information, under the promise of receiving the Economic Impact Payment • The IRS will never call and threaten you with arrest or a lawsuit. If you get a similar call, just hang up.

• If someone contacts you via text message or email on social media, claiming to be from the IRS, it’s a scam, plain and simple.

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Protect yourself • Avoid responding directly to unsolicited emails, text messages and phone calls. If you don’t know who is calling, let the caller leave a voicemail, so you can decide if you want to call back.

• Seek information from trusted sources, such as the county health department or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

• Verify sources of solicitations.

• Pay with a credit card, if you can, especially online — credit card companies often provide extra consumer protection measures.

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Avoid vaccine scams • Check with state or local health departments, health care providers or pharmacists to learn when and how to get the covid vaccine.

• Don’t pay to sign up for the covid vaccine. Anyone who asks for a payment to put you on a list, make an appointment for you, or reserve a spot in line, is a scammer.

• You can’t pay to get a vaccine. That’s a scam. On Medicare, you don’t have to pay to get the covid vaccine. Only scammers will ask you to pay.

• Ignore sale ads for the vaccine. You can’t buy it anywhere. It’s only available at federal and state approved locations.

• Nobody legitimate will call, text or email about the vaccine and ask for your Social Security, bank account or credit card number. That’s a scam.

• Buy PPE (personal protective equipment) from a reputable seller. Lots of companies are popping up online and offering to sell these products to you. Be careful who you buy from.

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Helpful websites: • MyFloridaLegal.com • ConsumerFinance.gov/coronavirus • FTC.gov/coronavirus • FDACS.gov For more information: •U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis’ office: 727-232-2921 • Bilirakis.house.gov

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March 17, 2021

5B

Health Conviv va Care Centters.

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The UF/IFAS Extension Office in Pasco County will again offer the “Let’s Walk Florida” program, a 10-week online program designed to improve your health through physical activity.

Participants can walk or exercise anywhere they choose, and track their progress for accountability and support through a virtual community.

Sign up with friends as a team or individually, or request to be assigned to a team.

Those participating can compete for prizes with others in the community.

The event is March 15 through May 23.

There will be an optional virtual kick-off event on March 13 at 10 a.m.

Registration is $15 per person. All ages can take part in the program.

To register by March 11, visit tiny.one/walkfl.

For information, contact Shari Bresin at 352-518-0156, ext. 5343, or sbresin@ufl.edu.

For information and to register, call 727869-5498 or 888-741-5119, or visit BayonetPointHospital.com.

VIRTUAL WEIGHT MANAGEMENT

PEDAL FOR PREVENTION

UF/IFAS Pasco Extension and AdventHealth Dade City will present a Virtual Weight Management & Health Lifestyles Series on Tuesdays at 6 p.m., for six weeks, starting on March 16. Participants should plan to attend all six sessions.

There will be weekly online presentations, including information about nutrients, diet myths, healthy portion sizes, physical activity and more.The series also includes discussions and hands-on learning in your own kitchen.

Each participant/household will be eligible for a $10 bag of fruits and vegetables for attending each session ($60 in fresh food for attending all six sessions).

Preregistration on Eventbrite.com is required, as spaces are limited.

Those interested should signup based on your closest AdventHealth location.

WOMEN’S HEARTS

AdventHealth Dade City will host a virtual health talk entitled “Women’s Hearts are Different” on March 23 at noon, on the hospital’s Facebook page.

The guest speaker will be Dr. Jennifer Roller, board-certified gynecologist.

To register, call 833-300-2371, or visit AHDadeCity.com.

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The Hillsborough County Public Library Cooperative will host “Unsettled: Library Resources for Dealing with Anxiety” on March 24 at 6:30 p.m., for adults.

Participants can learn how the library’s collections and online learning databases can help a person cope with anxiety. The session is part of the Libraries Build Communities initiative, a collaboration between the University of South Florida School of Information’s Responsive Librarianship Group and the TampaHillsborough County Public Library.

To register, visit the calendar feature at HCPLC.org.

STROKE SUPPORT

Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point will host a monthly Stroke Support Group Meeting on the last Thursday of each month, at 3 p.m., on site at the Rao Musunuru M.D. Conference Center, 14100 Yosemite Drive in Hudson.The next meeting is March 25.

The group is free and open to all community members.

Participants will be screened prior to entering the meeting room. Masks must be worn and those in attendance must follow Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines for social distancing.

Advance registration is requested.

COURTESY OF PRATT COMMUNICATIONS

Mascot leads the way with safety precautions The Museum of Science and Industry, and the Tampa Bay Lightning continued their partnership with a recent virtual field trip led by Thunderbug, the Lightning mascot. Thunderbug took advantage of the high-tech UVZone Ozone + UVC shoe-sanitizing station at the museum to ‘score a goal for safety.’

The station can be used with any footwear or shoe cover.

The Alliance for Healthy Communities will host “Pedal for Prevention” on April 10 from 9 a.m. to noon, at the Starkey Park Bike Trail, Shelter No. 5, 10500 Wilderness Park Blvd., in New Port Richey.

The event will help to prevent substance abuse, promote recovery, and educate Pasco County youth.

Participants can bike, walk or run.All fitness levels can attend.

The cost for adults is $25. Kids age 17 and younger are free.

Three start times will be available to keep the event socially distanced.

Participants can select a preferred time when they register.

Registration is online at EventBrite.com.

For information, email Eve.Hosley@baycare.org.

GULFSIDE BENEFIT FESTIVAL

The Charity Festival of Arts is planned for April 17 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., at Land O’ Lakes Heritage Park, 5401 Land O' Lakes Blvd., to benefit Gulfside Hospice.

The event will feature a local talent showcase and art competition for all ages, along with vendors, exhibits and kids’ activities.

Applications for talent and art are due by April 9.

Entry forms and vendor information are available at CharityFestivalOfArts.org, or by contacting Leesa Fryer at 727-845-5707 or leesa.fryer@gulfside.org.

SUBSTANCE ABUSE EDUCATION

The Hernando & Pasco SEN (Substance Exposed Newborn) Taskforces will present the second annual “Education & Beyond: Supporting Substance Exposed Newborn Communities” seminar as a series of virtual workshops on Fridays in April.

The event is designed for medical, health care and hospital professionals, social and behavioral health workers, nonprofits, treatment providers, law enforcement officers, legal professionals, prevention coalitions and experts, early learning coalitions, state agencies, and all others involved in caring for women of child-bearing age, addiction and substance exposed newborns.

Four national medical experts have been confirmed to speak at the seminar.

Attendees will have access to the conference’s all-new Virtual Attendee Hub. Registrants will receive access in an email prior to the event.

The taskforces also are seeking sponsors and support partnerships for the workshop series.

Registration is $45 per attendee.

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Helping to ‘bridge’ the gap for victims Pasco Tax Collector Mike Fasano and his staff raised more than $6,000 in cash and in-kind donations for Bridging Freedom, an organization dedicated to ending human trafficking and assisting survivors of that crime. The funds will be used to help the victims who suffer and to educate the public, local businesses and others about the importance of recognizing human trafficking for the crime it is. For information about the tax collector’s office’s charitable campaigns, call Greg Giordano at 727-847-8179. For information on Bridging Freedom, call Alan Wilkett at 813-4744673. Included in the check presentation were Fasano; Bill Cronin, president/CEO of the Pasco Economic Development Council; Alan Wilkett, board chair and director of outreach and training for Bridging Freedom; and staff members from the tax collector’s office.

Science is ‘sprouting’ at the Hugh Embry Library in Dade City, as Pasco County Libraries embarks on a NASA challenge.

COURTESY OF PASCO COUNTY

Library team sets out on scientific challenge

By Mary Rathman mrathman@lakerlutznews.com

Pasco County Libraries is taking on the NASA challenge — “Plant the Moon” — to attempt to grow plants in a simulated moon base environment.

A libraries team has embarked on a 10week challenge that started in February, to examine how vegetation grows in lunar soil.

When the growing period is complete, the findings will be submitted and showcased during a virtual symposium scheduled for April 29 and April 30, with NASA scientists and other researchers.

The challenge was issued by the Institute of Competition Scientists in collaboration with the University of Central Florida’s (UCF) Center for Lunar and Asteroid Surface

Science (CLASS) Exolith Lab, according to a news release.

The UCF lab provided lunar soil simulant for the libraries to use, to conduct the experiment.

“We are so excited for this unique opportunity,” said Hugh Embry Library associate Sarah Pass in the release.

“Our team, the MoonRakers, is attempting to find ways to grow plants effectively in a simulated moon base environment. We hope our customers will enjoy this experience as much as we are,” said Pass.

The public is welcome to stop by to see the plants growing in the center of the library, at 14215 Fourth St., in Dade City.

Those interested also can track the plants’ progress on the Hugh Embry Library’s Facebook page.

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OBITUARIES Ralph “Rick” Butrick Jr. passed away peacefully on February 24, 2021 at his home in Land O’ Lakes, FL, with his wife Laura Butrick, of 36 years, by his side.

Rick loved his family, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and was an avid NASCAR fan.

Rick had a larger- than-life personality which is why he will be missed by so many.

He is survived by his wife Laura, & his daughter Krysta and son-in-law Miguel Rosello.

Siblings; Barbie (more like a daughter) and husband Gary Thronson, Debbie Fields, Pam Wallace and Curtis Butrick as well as several nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his grandparents, Earl and Barbara Dean; mother JoAnne Dean; father, Ralph Butrick and brother Brian Butrick.

Until we meet again - love you forever!

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9B

Florida’s best cancer care.

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