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MARCH 24, 2021
Forum explores economic security
By B.C. Manion bcmanion@lakerlutznews.com
The Pasco unit of the League of Women Voters of Hillsborough County recently hosted a webinar aimed at raising awareness about the “Economic Security in Pasco County during the COVID Outbreak.” Panelists provided a look into Pasco County’s and the Pasco Economic
Development Council Inc.’s response to those struggling individuals and businesses — due to COVID-19. The panelists also discussed ongoing programs aimed at helping people keep a roof over their heads, helping the homeless secure housing; and helping people develop skills to lead to higher-paying jobs. Chris Conn, voter services chair of the league’s Pasco unit moderated the session,
which featured Marcy Esbjerg, director of Pasco County’s community development department; Brian Hoben, community services director in Pasco County; Don Anderson, CEO of the Pasco Homeless Coalition; and Mike Bishop, director of stakeholder engagement at the Pasco Economic Development Council Inc. See SECURITY, page 9A
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A day for the dogs (and their owners) As the Pasco High Navy JROTC School Color Guard marches in step presenting the colors, Brooksville resident Robert Westfall’s 5-year-old Boxer-Rottweiler, named Roman, was on his leash at the Dogs’ Day event at Agnes Lamb Park. More photos, page 7A.
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Commissioners seek city manager improvements Kumquat Festival set for March 27 Cody, an 8-year-old Yorkie, was dressed as a tarantula for the dog costume contest by Orkin Man Scott Smith, of Clermont.
By Kevin Weiss
kweiss@lakerlutznews.com
By Kevin Weiss kweiss@lakerlutznews.com
As the City of Dade City is staged for a wave of unprecedented growth, development and other happenings, elected leaders want to ensure they have the right leadership and administration in charge to navigate the East Pasco town’s future. Much of that starts with Dade City Manager Leslie Porter, who has officially held the position for nearly two years. Porter’s employment contract will renew on May 14, unless the Dade City Commission acts otherwise. Keeping this time frame in mind, Dade City Mayor Camille Hernandez has called for significant tweaks to the handling of Porter’s annual performance review — with the aim of helping the city manager carry out the city’s established vision and goals. The topic came up during the commisSee MANAGER, page 9A
B A FISH STORY FOR THE AGES
INSIDE, PAGE 1B
The 24th annual Kumquat Festival will take on more of a spring feel, among other twists and turns due to the coronavirus pandemic. The popular event traditionally held the last Saturday in January is instead set for March 27, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., in downtown Dade City, around the iconic Historic Pasco County Courthouse; the original event date was pushed back due to COVID-19. The Kumquat Festival is organized each year by The Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce in coordination with other community stakeholders. And, it’s all in the name of celebrating, of course, kumquats — a tiny, tart citrus fruit native to Southeast Asia, but grown in Dade City. The festival features all things kumquat, including such specialties such as kumquat ice cream, kumquat pie and kumquat beer. You might also find some non-edible items such as kumquat lotions, balms and body butters. As in previous editions of the festival, downtown Dade City will be transformed into an open-air marketplace featuring local businesses, hundreds of specialty vendors and dozens of partner sponsors. Other happenings throughout the day include: • “Kumquat Growers” series to learn about and purchase kumquats • Farmer’s Market • Kid’s Corral with a variety of activates for children of all ages • Quilt challenge • Car and truck show Some of the more interactive live enter-
Stephanie Morrow, a member of the Calvary Assembly Church in Dade City, sang the national anthem, as the Pasco High School Navy JROTC color guard presented the American flag during the event.
If you go 24th annual Kumquat Festival WHEN: March 27, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. WHERE: Historic downtown Dade City, near Meridian Avenue and Seventh Street COST: Free admission, free parking DETAILS: Festival-goers have a chance to get a taste of Old Florida, in a community known for its hospitality and charm. There will be loads of vendors, places to purchase food and drink, activities for kids, and a car and truck show, among other things.
tainment options have been pared down from prior years, however, out of COVID-19 health and safety precautions.There won’t be shuttle services to remote parking lots, either, because of COVID-19. Admission is free. Self-parking will be available throughout the city limits and downtown, including private lots, church lots and street parking. Masks will be required by all vendors and attendees. The festival — which puts Dade City at the regional fore for the day — otherwise epitomizes the locale’s “iconic, old Florida, down home sort of feel,” chamber Executive Director John Moors told The Laker/Lutz Newspaper in a recent interview. “I think the whole fact that it’s kumquats is kind of a funny thing,” Moors said.“There’s lots of strawberry festivals, blueberry festivals, all sort of other things, but this is the only one we’re aware of that actually features kumquats and a lot of folks aren’t even sure what a kumquat is, so it kind of lends itself to that quirky, kind of fun, sort of entertainment day that you don’t find at the wonderful theme parks that Florida offers.”
SCALED BACK, BUT STILL LOTS TO SEE AND DO
The event will showcase around 250 vendor booths — each spaced about 12 feet apart instead of side-by-side as in previous years. Due to physical distancing requirements, organizers had to cut back on about of a third of vendor booths from prior years. While forced to scale down overall, organizers felt it important to still put on the family friendly event for the community, Moors said. “This year, we just really wanted to have an event because there isn’t a lot going on and so many things have been canceled and we just thought,‘Well, if we can do this safely, let’s just give it our very best shot and try to keep everybody safe,’” Moors said. “It’s going to be different, and maybe not as convenient as it has been in the past, but hopefully we have a successful day and a successful event, and then next year we’ll be back to something a little different, maybe a little more extensive.” In the way of attendance prognostications, Moors acknowledged he’s “really not sure what to expect,” considering the date change and ongoing pandemic concerns. Simply,“We’re hoping for a good event,” he said, then adding “the safety of our volunteers, attendees, our vendors is at the forefront.” Moors asked those attending to exercise some patience:“We know it’s going to be a little different and it’s not going to be the same, but come out and enjoy it, have some fun and take a deep breath, and we’ll all get through this together.” See KUMQUAT, page 9A