The Laker-East Pasco-May 13, 2020

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Fewer resources, tighter budget

By B.C. Manion bcmanion@lakerlutznews.com

Pasco County is estimating a $5.7 million hit to its general fund this fiscal year, due to impacts from the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, according to County Administrator Dan Biles.

Biles shared that projection during the Pasco County Commission’s virtual board meeting on May 5 .

“We think we have a plan in place to be within that revenue within the next six

months, from an expense standpoint,” Biles said.

“We sat down over the last couple of weeks and went through some various options to, I will say, restrict spending in the general fund over the next several months, as we get a better handle on what our revenues will be in the general fund. The specific departments that are being hit outside the general fund, like gas tax, transportation trust fund, tourism — are all working their specific plans to make sure they can manage with the revenue they ex-

pect to come in, the reduced revenue.

“From a general fund perspective, we’re putting in place what I will call a ‘soft hiring freeze.’

“If you need a person and you can justify that person up to your assistant county administrator level, then we can still go through the process of hiring that position.

It’s not a hard freeze.

“There are some places where it still makes sense to hire that position, dependSee BUDGET, page 11A

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Working through a pandemic While some workers have been forced to stay at home by Gov. Ron DeSantis’ executive order, others have continued working because their jobs are deemed to be essential. Here’s a look at some of the work that’s been going on across The Laker/Lutz News coverage area. Above, Miguel Hernandez secures shingles to a new structure on State Road 54, at Stonewood Professional Park in Land O’ Lakes. Hernandez, who lives in Dade City, has worked for Imperial Roofers for 12 years.

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INSIDE, PAGE 1B

Over the road driver Anthony Forrest, age 55, from Houston, Texas, fuels his semi tractor at the Flying J Travel in Dade City. He was on his way back to Houston last month, after picking up a load of plastics from Tampa.

Debbie Barthle, of St. Joseph, stops by a fresh produce stand operated by Vernon Jones, on Old Pasco Road in Wesley Chapel.

The stand has been busy, Jones said.

Malls open slowly, cautiously Small businesses

reopen in Pasco

By Kathy Steele ksteele@lakerlutznews.com

Rose Rich sipped a cool drink as she shared a bench out of the sun at The Shops at Wiregrass.

Her 19-year-old grandson, Chandler Estes, and Estes’ girlfriend, 18-year-old Jayda Warchesik, were on a visit from Texas.

“We’re out for an adventure,” Rich said.

Estes and Warchesik hoped to find bathing suits for a trip to the beach, but were out of luck. They found few shops open.

The trio was among the first customers to explore Pasco County malls after weeks of homebound isolation and shuttered shops.

Effective May 4, Gov. Ron DeSantis gave the all-clear to at least some commercial activity to get the economy reopened amid the ongoing coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

Mall operators, business owners and customers moved cautiously into uncharted territory. Many stores remained closed during the first days of lifted restrictions.

Crowds of shoppers didn’t materialize.

But, as additional stores open, and with a weekend approaching, more shoppers were anticipated.

By Kathy Steele ksteele@lakerlutznews.com

“We expected to have a slow opening, said Greg Lenners, general manager for The Shops at Wiregrass. “Various stores have their own protocols for ramping up. We’re off to a good start with the number of stores open.”

He estimated about one-quarter of Wiregrass shops had opened, evenly split among restaurants and retail.

Even during the shutdown, restaurants stayed open for takeout orders, with curbside pickup, Lenners said.

Only four people at a time can browse through Quilts on Plum Lane.

But, at least that’s a new beginning for a shop that has a long tradition in downtown Dade City.

Donna Lillibridge has been selling fabric, patterns and quilt kits for nearly 17 years.

The coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID19) pandemic has thrown small businesses, such as this one, for a loop.

“This is something I’ve never seen in my life,” Lillibridge said.“There are a lot of great uncertainties.”

But, Lillibridge, along with other small business owners across Pasco County, are reopening their doors and waiting to see what comes next.

Since mid-March stores closed under an executive order by Gov. Ron DeSantis aimed at slowing the spread of COVID-19, a deadly virus that has been cited for claiming nearly 79,000 lives across the nation.

DeSantis announced a phased-in restart

See MALLS, page 11A

See SMALL, page 11A

KATHY STEELE

Jerry Cugno, owner of a chain of spas, is happy with his purchase from AtHome, at Tampa Premium Outlets.

Zephyrhills CRA projects, initiatives on tap

By Kevin Weiss kweiss@lakerlutznews.com

Amid the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the Zephyrhills Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) has managed to stay plenty busy.

In a virtual CRA board meeting last month, Zephyrhills CRA director Gail Hamilton outlined a number of tasks the agency has on its plate to beautify the 500plus acre historic district that stretches through the center spine of the city.

Hamilton told the board: “We are in strange times, trying to do remote meetings and getting things done has certainly been a challenge, but everybody has pitched in and worked hard.”

More immediately, the CRA is in the final review of its sidewalk master plan and updating signage design standards in the district.

It’s also collaborating with the Zephyrhills Public Library to redesign the agency’s website “to make it more appealing and easier to navigate,” Hamilton said.

Meantime, the CRA is working on a bid proposal for the final restoration of the historic Carriage House, a two-story wooden structure connected to the historic Jeffries House, at 38537 Fifth Ave.The city recently received architectural plans on the project that calls for a new balcony, footings and columns — with the idea the home’s restoration will contribute to the preservation of other buildings within the CRA district.

Another ongoing CRA initiative is reviewing its grant programs and the grant application process, “looking for ways to make it clearer, better, easier to read,” Hamilton said.

The CRA director added she’s working on providing information on a single sheet to better explain residential ownership grants, residential paint grants, and so on.

The idea is to make the process easier.

Hamilton also touched on other general projects the agency has on its to-do list, too.

She said the public works department is set to install flowerpots and other landscaping upgrades along Fifth Avenue, once it returns to its regular, fully staffed operations.

(Public Works is presently in partially staffed, split shifts, due to the coronavirus pandemic.)

She also mentioned free, public Wi-Fi has been installed at Zephyrhills City Hall and the adjacent courtyard, but the amenity won’t be activated until large gatherings are deemed safe again.

Additionally, the agency has received three bids for public-use Wi-Fi at Clock Plaza, a half-acre park located on Fifth Avenue, two blocks east of U.S. 301 in the historic downtown district.The Wi-Fi at that location would

FILE

The Zephyrhills Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) has many projects and initiatives on tap over the next several months.

COURTESY OF ZEPHYRHILLS COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY

The Zephyrhills CRA (Community Redevelopment Agency) district is roughly 500 acres, from Hercules Park to C Avenue, and from Zephyr Park to 17th Street. Within those boundaries are the following historic neighborhood districts: Hercules, Historic Jeffries, Historic Abbott, Moore’s Estate, Zephyr Lake, Oakside and Plaza.

support up to 100 users at a time, and will be presented at the next CRA board meeting scheduled for June 22.

Hamilton also is evaluating “four or five locations” in the CRA district that could be ripe for residential developments, such as duplexes and condo townhomes.

To do that, the CRA is working with consulting firm GAI Community Solutions Group to handle “proformas on the land and see how the numbers work out,” Hamilton said.

“We would like to really promote some of the city sites and other sites that are privately owned within the district, to try to encourage residential development,” she said of the plan.

Meanwhile, the CRA director is finalizing the job description for the Main Street Zephyrhills coordinator position and meeting with Main Street board members on how to best proceed with the organization — following the recent resignation of Anna Stutzriem, who held the role for more than two years.

Main Street Zephyrhills is a 501c3 nonprofit that generally facilitates new business and organizes large events within the historic downtown district.

Hamilton underscored the importance of having a new Main Street coordinator and action plan in place once storefronts and downtown activity is fully operational again,

for whenever the COVID-19 pandemic blows over.

She observed,“When we can open back up, when the stores can open back up, Main Street needs to be up and running and working on promoting the city, our merchants, the businesses, and really doing a full press on creating a promotional for events…to get people to come downtown and use our businesses.”

Elsewhere, Hamilton presented the CRA’s 2019 annual report, which showed a notable increase in ad valorem revenues collected by the city and Pasco County. For fiscal year 2019, the county’s share was $107,238 and the city’s share was $89,510.That’s up from 2018, when the county and city generated $36,000 apiece in ad valorem taxes in the district.

To Hamilton that means the agency is “seeing the fruits of our labor in working on redevelopment for the CRA district and taking out the blight.”

In other business, the CRA board approved the following grants/incentives: • $5,000 matching façade rehabilitation grant to Faithful Friends Pet Cremation, 5221 Eighth St. • $5,500 historic preservation developer’s incentive to Kerns Family Construction for the restoration of a 1928 wood frame structure at 5524 11th St. The Zephyrhills CRA is a dependent special district in which any future increases in property values are set aside in a Trust Fund to support economic development and redevelopment projects within the designated district.Although it functions within the City of Zephyrhills, the Zephyrhills CRA is a separate and distinct legal entity.The Zephyrhills City Council also serves as the appointed board governing the Zephyrhills CRA. The CRA district encompasses the center spine of the city, generally between Hercules Park to C Avenue, and from Zephyr Park to 17th Street.Within those boundaries are the following historic neighborhood districts: Hercules, Historic Jeffries, Historic Abbott, Moore’s Estate, Zephyr Lake, Oakside and Plaza.

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Reaching out to help those with special needs

By B.C. Manion

PROVIDE OPPORTUNITIES TO ‘VIRTUALLY SOCIALIZE’

bcmanion@lakerlutznews.com

Even in the best of times, navigating through government bureaucracy can be challenging.

But for people with special needs, that becomes even more daunting during a global pandemic.

A virtual town hall hosted on April 29 by Pasco County Commission Chairman Mike Moore and Pasco County School Board Chairwoman Colleen Beaudoin aimed at helping individuals and families find the resources they need, while managing life under new circumstances.

They were joined in the virtual town hall by panelists: • Dr. Monica Verra-Tirado, chief of the bureau of exceptional student education and student services at the Florida Department of Education • Darcy McDowell, director of student accessibility services at Pasco-Hernando State College • Celeste Kellar, principal at Pepin Academies Pasco campus, a school that specializes in serving students with special needs.

Pasco Commission Chair Moore addressed issues of concern relating to services available from county government, while the other experts focused on education and related services.

Beaudoin offered reassuring words for parents.

“Some families have expressed concern about keeping the instructional momentum going at home and fear that their students will regress,” Beaudoin said.“Please try not to worry.There is a plan in place to address that.

“Pasco County Schools is prioritizing compassion and grace. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to your child’s teachers, if your family is feeling frustrated or overwhelmed.

We all want what is best for all of our students. There is a lot of support that’s available to students and families.”

Questions also have been raised about how special services are being provided now, during this time of online learning.

Verra-Tirado addressed that issue.

She said the state has been clear that students are expected to continue to receive the special services they would receive in a traditional setting.

“The good news is that we’ve got a lot of new technologies that allow for the use of platforms, such as telehealth, in order for our teachers and therapists to provide a wide range — a continuum of services — in this very unique time,”Verra-Tirado said.

Kellar said Pepin Academies students “are still getting their necessary services that they need, through the tele-therapies.

We are making sure that their accommodations are met,” she said, just like they would be in the classroom.

McDowell said Pasco-Hernando State College also is providing accommodations for students online.

“We have used Zoom a lot for our courses,” McDowell said, noting that allows face-to-face interactions.

FILE

Pasco County School Board Chairwoman Colleen Beaudoin offered reassuring words for parents who are struggling to help their special needs children, during this time of distance learning.

Beaudoin said the Pasco school district is reaching out to families, individually about their services and therapies.

“I can say that my son did get his speech therapy this week, via Zoom,” she said.

If for some reason a family hasn’t already heard from their school, they should contact their school, she said.

The panelists also addressed the issue of parents trying to balance tele-working and the special education needs of their son or daughter.

Verra-Tirado addressed that question:“I can tell that’s been the main comment that I’ve received from parents during this time.

“My advice to them is that they need to balance what they’re doing with what their children are doing.

“It takes them being scheduled, just like their children are being scheduled.

“Schedule the more difficult work their child is doing, when their workload is not as heavy.”

“That’s real stressor for a lot of our families. I’ve told them, it’s not worth stressing out for. We’re going to try to balance it as best we can.”

McDowell, who has a daughter with autism, offered this advice:“Take breaks.”

“We’ve just taken it one day at a time, and honestly, what’s really worked for me is reaching out to friends and family,” McDowell said, noting she belongs to a Facebook group for moms with kids with special needs.

Beaudoin advised parents to break down the work into manageable chunks, and to schedule the work in a way that works best for them.

“Keep in mind, we have a lot of flexibility. Just reach out to your child’s teacher. Our administrators and our teachers know that they have flexibility, and they’re going to work with families.

“Don’t wait until you’re feeling so frustrated and upset. Just reach out and you can make adjustments,” Beaudoin said.

She also recommended seeking out support groups, which can provide excellent information about resources that are available.

Others asked for guidance on how to keep kids motivated, and how to create opportunities for them to interact with friends, while away from school.

As for socializing, McDowell said her daughter Skypes with friends and in-laws, and plays online games.

Her daughter also interacts with others via phone, Chat, Zoom and FaceTime.

Having ways for students to see each other and their teacher is important, Kellar said.

“That social aspect of education is a huge part, that you forget about it sometimes, you’re so concentrated on getting the curriculum,” she said.

Verra-Tirado agreed: “We’re hearing that all over the state.That can completely change a youngster’s day.”

When students are able to see teachers and friends, it’s reassuring to students, she said.

If parents or grandparents don’t know how to work the technologies, they should reach out to their schools.They can help families, the education experts said.

Another question was posed regarding whether students can repeat the grade.

The experts said that requires a close evaluation before a determination could be made.

Beaudoin put it this way:“That is a major decision and one that should not be made lightly.”

Commission Chairman Moore touched on some issues of interest to the elderly, and also regarding people requiring a special needs shelter, in the event of a hurricane.

He responded to a question relating to senior citizens who have disabilities who do not have access to a computer for ordering groceries.

“We have a nonprofit here in Pasco County called CARES and they’re offering grocery service for seniors over 60 years old.

The service itself is free, but the senior prepares a grocery list or a loved one at home helps prepare that grocery list, and they do pay for their groceries.They’re also providing care packages and toiletries,” he said.

Resources for families with special needs • Florida Diagnostic & Learning Resources System (FDLRS) is a valuable resource for students with disabilities. The main page is www.fdlrs.org • Within FDLRS there are virtual webinars parents can attend and there are also recorded webinars posted: www.fdlrs.org/virtual_webinar_resources • Here’s the parent toolbox and live chat options with FDLRS: www.livebinders.com/b/2646931 • Melissa Musselwhite, director of student support services in Pasco County Schools, has recorded a video specifically for families of students with disabilities. It can be found at www.youtube.com/watch?v=dyGBas2jsAo • All school District videos are here: www.youtube.com/channel/ UCg2EPgrZtxyZPdaprLgSqpQ • Family Network on Disabilities (FND)Local Parent Support Network staff member: Tosha Littles via email: tosha@fndfl.org or call (800) 825-5736.

To find out more, call (727) 862-9291.

Moore also told viewers that Pasco County Senior Services also provides meals.

The commission chairman also said:“It is getting close to hurricane season. Now is the time if you or a loved one or a child has special needs, to go ahead and register for the special needs program when it comes to evacuations.”

To find out more about having groceries delivered, call (727) 862-9291.

To find out more about senior services, call (727) 834-3340.

To register for special needs evacuation, go to the county’s website at PascoCountyFl.net.

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What’s Happening

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

NOTE TO READERS: Due to the continuing developments regarding coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) —the cancellations of events, and shuttering of schools and businesses — The Laker/Lutz News continues to compile a list of websites that are offering free online activities, for kids and adults, as well as screen-free activities to encourage creativity. Don’t Forget: All the What’s Happening online and screen-free suggestions from past weeks are on our website, too: LakerLutzNews.com.

— Compiled by Mary Rathman

QUARANTINE BUTTERBOWL

The Land O’ Lakes High School Gators and Sunlake High School Seahawks will host the COVID-19 Quarantine Butterbowl on May 18, May 19 and May 20 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., in lieu of the real-time annual Butterbowl played between the two teams.

The contest is to see which high school contributes the most to the community food pantry. Drive-thru donations will be accepted at the Saint Vincent De Paul Food Pantry, behind Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Church, 2348 Collier Parkway in Land O’ Lakes. Items needed include pasta, canned goods, peanut butter, cereal and snack foods. Donated items must be unopened, labeled and show the store barcode.When dropping off items, please mention either “Sunlake High” or “Land O’ Lakes High,” for the school you are supporting.

DAILY MASSES RESUME

LIMITED-ACCESS PARK OPENINGS Pasco County Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources have reopened additional locations as of May 6, to allow essential recreation activities, in accordance with Gov. Ron DeSantis’ Phase One: Safe. Smart. Step-by-Step. Plan for our state’s recovery.

Federal and state social distancing/gathering guidelines remain in place.

Groups of more than 10 will not be permitted, and social distancing of 6 feet remains necessary.

Additional limited access openings include walking and fitness trails, open space areas (excluding athletic fields), outdoor tennis courts and outdoor basketball courts at these facilities: • Land O’ Lakes Heritage Park, 5401 Land O’ Lakes Blvd.

• San Antonio Athletic Complex, 12750 Oak St. • Veteran’s Memorial Park, 14333 Hicks Road, Hudson • Wesley Chapel District Park, 7727 Boyette Road To ensure the safety of team members and customers, all athletic fields, playgrounds, shelters and pavilions remained closed until further notice.

asked to social distance using the 6-feet guideline, and wear a mask.

Bishop Gregory Parkes, with the Diocese of St. Petersburg, issued a statement saying that churches can slowly begin the process of returning to public worship.As of May 11, churches can gather from Monday through Saturday, and must adhere to social distancing guidelines, and only allow for 25% capacity. Locally, Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Church, 2348 Collier Parkway, will conduct its daily masses Monday through Friday at 8 a.m.

Those attending must wear a face covering or mask, practice social distancing at 6 feet apart, and receive communion in the hand only.The facility will be sanitized after each Mass. For information, visit LadyRosary.org.

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LifeHack.org has put together a list of cool and useful websites for kids that are engaging and safe, and an educational value for parents.

• 4Kids.org partners, along with the Scholastic newsletter, offers games and opportunities to explore the news.

• ABCya! has language arts, math and more, and can sharpen a child’s computer skills with typing games.

• Amazing Space is a site suited for older

The Regal Railways Toy Train Toy Show & Sale will take place May 23 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Hernando County Fairgrounds, 6436 Broad St., in Brooksville.Vendors will be on hand selling various model trains, toys, die cast cars, and more.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. Prepay is available at RegalRailways.com. Guests are

The Lutz Watermelon Festival is scheduled for May 30 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., at County Line Produce, 206 Newberger Road in Lutz.The event will expected to include a Lil’ Miss Watermelon pageant; watermelon seed-spitting contest for youth and adults; watermelon-eating contest; watermelon catapult contest; watermelon wine; watermelon sales; and, watermelon everything! The festival will be hosted by the Intensity Academy Gourmet & Hot Sauce Company.

Admission is free. For information and updates, visit Lutz’s Watermelon Festival on Facebook.

COOL & USEFUL WEBSITES

children, and offers a view of outer space through the Hubble telescope or the night sky.

• Brain POP has movies, games, an experimental arena and more for kindergarten through 12th grade. Brain POP also has resources for ESL students.

• bubblesphere is full of recipes for making bubbles and lets kids post their experiments.

• Chillola.com offers kids a chance to learn English, Spanish, German, French or Italian. Kids can interact with other kids from around the world by sharing their art, poems and more.

• CIA for Kids is suitable for kindergarten through 12th grade. Kids can explore the world of the CIA, figure out puzzles, print coloring pages, and more.

• CryptoKids (built and maintained by the National Security Agency) can teach kids cyphers and making secret codes, and how to scramble messages and passwords.

• Dance Mat Typing (offered by the BBC) gives the kids a chance to learn ‘dance moves’ from a wise old billy goat.

Educational games also are available in Mandarin, French and Spanish.

• Funbrain mixes education with games for kindergarten through eighth grade.

There also is a books and comics section.

• Funology offers ‘the science of having

fun,’ including experiments, recipes and craft pages.

• Giggle Poetry challenges kids to rate poems with a ‘giggle meter,’ and has word and reading games.

• Hackety Hack is for budding programmers ages 13 and older.

• Invention at Play offers word play, problem-solving with virtual blocks, and more that can lead to a new invention.

• Kids Web Japan is for kids who are into Manga comics or curious about another culture.There are games, virtual culture, learning activities, animated cards for kids to send, and kid-worthy news.

• Kodable teaches children ages 5 and 6 how to write a computer code, through a self-guided game.

• Lil’ Fingers Storybook introduces toddlers to the world of reading.There also are games and videos.

• Mr. Nussbaum has games for preschoolers through eighth grade, along with educational tabs on history, math, science and more.

• Peep and the Big Wide World offers coloring pages, games and interactive educational material for ages 3 to 5.

• Switch Zoo:Animal Games lets kids make their own animals, build the right habitats, and more.

• The Great Plant Escape is geared to fourth- and fifth-graders, and teaches kids about plants and their systems through problem-solving.

ZEPHYRHILLS SUMMERFEST

The sixth annual Zephyrhills SummerFest now is scheduled for June 27 from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., at Zephyr Park, 38116 Fifth Ave., in Zephyrhills. Before the festival, there will be a morning market featuring 50 local artisans and vendors from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.Then, the event will kick off with a dance competition for kids, followed by watermelon-eating contests for youth and adults, and will end with a 30-minute fireworks show over the lake. Families also can visit local food vendors, bounce houses, face painters, balloon twisters and more. For updates and information, visit SummerFest Zephyrhills on Facebook.

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Deal approved to merge Pasco fire departments

By B.C. Manion bcmanion@lakerlutznews.com

The Pasco County Commission has approved a merger between Pasco Fire Rescue and the Zephyrhills Fire Department.

The approval came on May 4, which followed the Zephyrhills City Council’s approval of the merger on April 27.

Pasco Fire Rescue Chief Scott Cassin outlined benefits of merging the departments.

The merger represents the end of an era for the Zephyrhills Fire Department, which has been in existence for more than 100 years. Negotiations to hammer out the terms of the deal took about 10 months.

The merger provides benefits for both the city and the county, Cassin said.

It will enable the county to respond more quickly to emergencies, since it will have two additional fire stations.

Those fire stations each will be equipped with ambulances, too, which the county will move from stations that have two, Cassin added.

The county will be acquiring all of the equipment currently at those stations, which includes a ladder truck, Cassin said.

That will give Pasco Fire Rescue greater capability in responding to high-rise firefighting on the east side of the county, Cassin said.

The merger also will create a unified dispatch for 911 calls. Currently the city has its own 911 center and handles its own calls.

Under the agreement, the two dozen fulltime employees that are currently employed by the City of Zephyrhills will become

county employees.

The cadet program established in Zephyrhills will continue, but will operate under the same umbrella as the county’s cadet program, which is in West Pasco, Cassin said.

Having both programs will minimize the drive time for some of the students that participate, he said.

The City of Zephyrhills also has a robust volunteer program.That program also will merge into the county and join the other four volunteer programs that already were in Pasco Fire Rescue, Cassin said.

The fire stations will be renamed from Station 1 and Station 2 to Station 25 and Station 29, he said.

Implementation of the agreement will be Sept. 27, according to documents approved on May 4.

At the same meeting, county commissioners approved an amendment to the county’s Municipal Service Taxing Unit boundaries for fire rescue services to include the City of Zephyrhills.

Commissioner Ron Oakley praised the county and the City of Zephyrhills for reaching an agreement.

“It’s a great thing.This is just an awesome move, I think, for the betterment of our community,” Oakley said.

Commissioner Jack Mariano agreed:“I really want to applaud the City of Zephyrhills for taking a look at what’s best for their taxpayers. It’s better for them, it’s better for the county — to work seamlessly together.

“It’s going to save everybody a lot of money, and give them better service,” Mariano said.

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Aldi moves toward grand opening

By Kathy Steele ksteele@lakerlutznews.com

A new Aldi grocery store is nearing completion at the entrance to Tampa Premium Outlets, off State Road 56.

Another Aldi in Zephyrhills that has been stalled for years over relocation of a traffic signal is nearing final decisions, and a potential allocation of state funds.

But, coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID19) likely will determine the grand opening for the one off State Road 56, and the construction of the other, in Zephyrhills.

The store near the outlet mall is expected to open soon, an email statement from Matt Thon, Haines City Aldi division vice president, said.

“At Aldi, we know now, more than ever, our service to the communities we serve is critical during these unprecedented times,” Thon said.“We have been focusing all of our efforts on ensuring food and household goods are available in our existing stores.”

But, he added, Aldi is “working to open new stores where we can do so safely.”

The store’s contractors are moving forward with permits and inspections, according to county records.

Due to COVID-19, Pasco County is broadening its use of VUSPEX, a mobile video inspection application, to complete inspections.

The Aldi building is largely completed.

Aldi currently is hiring nationwide and for the Wesley Chapel store,Thon said.

No information on a construction start from Aldi is available currently on the Zephyrhills store.

However, the Florida Department of Transportation did approve the relocation of a traffic signal at Merchant’s Square and

B.C. MANION

An exterior look at the new Aldi expected to have its grand opening soon. It’s in Cypress Creek Town Center, not far from the Tampa Premium Outlets.

Townview shopping centers to U.S. 301 and Pretty Pond Road, clearing the way for the proposed Zephyrhills Aldi.

The relocation also includes a traffic signal to serve the shopping centers, according to Todd Vande Berg, Zephyrhills’ planning director.

Funding for the project is in the Florida budget, said Vande Berg.

But, shortfalls from unplanned expenditures related to the coronavirus pandemic could affect Florida’s budget.

A reallocation of funds could be coming, either from Gov. Ron DeSantis’ veto pen or potentially from a special legislative session.

“These are unusual times,” Vande Berg said.“Because of that, we don’t really know impacts on the budget.”

Earlier this year,Aldi opened a new store in Odessa.The store was part of a major expansion for the discount grocery chain, based in Illinois.

Those interested in working for Aldi, should visit Careers.Aldi.us.

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Send school news to news@lakerlutznews.com

PASCO PROVIDES WI-FI HUBS

Pasco County Schools has established community-access Wi-Fi hubs at five school sites, as of May 6.The hubs make it possible for families to easily access the internet.

The sites are available from 9 a.m. to 6 pm., Monday through Friday.

Starting on June 8, the sites will be available from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Thursday.

The community-access hubs can be found at these schools: • Cox Elementary School, 37615 Martin Luther King Blvd., Dade City • Lacoochee Elementary, 38815 Cummer Road, Dade City • Pasco Elementary, 37350 Florida Ave., Dade City • Woodland Elementary, 38203 Henry Drive, Zephyrhills • Cotee River Elementary, 7515 Plathe Road, New Port Richey At each school, a designated parking lot area will be clearly marked, and Wi-Fi access information will be displayed.

Families are asked to follow social distancing recommendations while on campus and remain in vehicles, as much as possible.

Those using the hub sites also should make sure their devices are fully charged before arriving.

COMMUNITY INPUT NEEDED

Pasco County Schools’ After School Enrichment Programs department (ASEP) is looking for input from the community through an online survey, as the district gets ready to apply for a 21st Century Community Learning Center grant from the Florida Department of Education.

The purpose of the grant proposal is to extend the district’s before and after school academic enrichment opportunities for students by providing a new and free academic support program at three select elementary

schools and four select middle schools.

The new program will focus on STEAM (Science,Technology, Engineering,Arts and Math) curriculum and offer enriching hands-on experiences.

If the grant is awarded, the program would start next school year.

Families are encouraged to share their input to help identify specific needs and potential offerings.

Parents and students who wish to participate in the survey can visit MyASEP.com, and click on the Parent or Student icon next to the “thoughtexchange” logo.

STUDENT OF THE YEAR

Cameron Farquhar, a senior at Wesley Chapel High School (WCHS), was named the Pasco County School District’s High School CTE (Career and Technical/Adult Education) Student of the Year.

Farquhar found out about the honor through a Zoom video conference with WCHS principal Matt McDermott.

Other special guests in on the announcement were Kim Moore, assistant superintendent of career and innovative programs; Lori Romano, director of CTE; and Superintendent Kurt Browning.

HONOR SOCIETY INDUCTEES

Three local students were initiated into The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, at the University of South Florida: • Victoria Gonzalez, of Lutz • Nikhil Kulkarni, of Odessa • Amber Pirson, of Lutz

LOCAL GRADUATES

Tallahassee Community College (TCC) will recognize more than 3,000 candidates in the graduating Class of 2020. The local students earning degrees are: • Morgan Blomberg, of Lutz • Brian Castro, of Odessa • Kallie Cook, of Odessa • Natalie Dambrosio, of Lutz • Madison Davidson, of Odessa • Ryan Fischel, of Lutz • Jason Fishman, of Lutz • Matthew Julian, of Lutz • Mikiah Peeples, of Lutz • Carolyne Rogers, of Odessa • Kamaria Sherman, Of Odessa

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Julianna Mitten, of Odessa, graduated from Cedarville University in Ohio with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing.

And, the University of Mississippi-Oxford awarded degrees to Timothy John Elko, of Lutz (Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science); and, Kyle Allen Langiotti, of Odessa (Bachelor of Business AdministrationMarketing).

VENDOR TRAINING

Pasco County Schools is scheduled to present a vendor training on June 24 (date may change), to give vendors a chance to familiarize themselves with how to do business with the school district.

The event is planned at the district office, 7227 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., Building 2, in the Mangrove Room.The morning session is from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., and the afternoon session is from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

To register, visit EventBrite.com, and search for ‘Vendor Co-LAB.’

KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION

Pasco County Schools’ kindergarten registrations will now be on July 8, at all Pasco elementary schools.

Registration requirements include: • Must be 5 years of age by Sept. 1 • Birth certificate or other proof of birthdate • Health examination – HRS Form 3040 • HRS Certificate of Immunization • Three different proofs of residency, including deed or property tax assessment or lease, current utility bill, and an additional document supporting stated address: auto registration, driver’s license or voter registration.

To preregister, please visit Pasco.k12.fl.us/forms/view.php?id=227457.

FLORIDA EDUCATION STATUS

The personal-finance website,WalletHub, released its report on 2020’s Most & Least Educated States in America.

In order to determine where the most educated Americans live, WalletHub compared the 50 states across 18 key metrics.

The data set ranges from share of adults age 25 and older with at least a high school diploma to average university quality to gender gap in educational attainment.

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FINANCIAL AID TIP

The federal government requires many students who submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to verify the information included on the FAFSA.The students requiring verification are chosen by the U.S. Department of Education.

Used to apply for most federal and many state student aid programs, the FAFSA asks detailed questions about the income and financial resources of students.

The parents of dependent students must provide that information, too.

Students are considered dependent if they are undergraduates younger than 24 years of age, not married, have no dependents, are not veterans, or were not orphans or wards of the court until age 19.

The college or an agency working with the school will let students know if their information is being verified.

According to the Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority (KHEAA), students and parents need to take this process seriously. Until the verification process is complete, students cannot receive financial aid.The information should be provided as soon as the students are contacted about verification.

KHEAA is a public, nonprofit agency established to improve students’ access to college. It provides information about financial aid and financial literacy, for free, to students and parents.

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Congressman Bilirakis fields questions in virtual town hall

By B.C. Manion

not getting business. It’s because of the virus,” Bilirakis said.

“In these times, sometimes you throw U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis held a series of vir- out the playbook because people are destual town hall meetings recently, to field perate.

“They’ve invested a lot of their own questions and share information regarding assistance available amid the coronavirus money in these businesses.We want to save these mom-and-pop businesses, in particudisease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

Bilirakis took part in a Zoom session lar.”

The congressman added:“I think in the with members of the North Tampa Bay Chamber on May 5. He also had other ses- next couple of weeks, we’ll have an additional package.What it’s going to sions scheduled with other look like? We’ll see.” organizations, including The Bilirakis also addressed a conGreater Pasco Chamber of cern that has been expressed Commerce and The Greater about workers being reluctant to Zephyrhills Chamber of go to work because the governCommerce. ment is providing a $600 a week The congressman offered federal payment, on top of state practical suggestions, and exunemployment benefits. pressed empathy for the He noted:“If you write the letfrustrations that local business ter asking them to come back, owners and individuals are expethen they’re not eligible for furriencing — in the wake of health ther unemployment.” concerns and the financial meltU.S. Rep. Gus Summer Robertson, the condown caused by COVID-19. gressman’s deputy chief of staff, The Centers for Disease Bilirakis elaborated:“If the employer puts Control and Prevention has rethe request for their employee to ported more than 1.3 million positive cases nationally and nearly 79,000 return to work in writing and the employee refuses it, and the employees continues to deaths.

Bilirakis told those participating in the claim unemployment, that will be considvirtual town hall that he has heard com- ered fraud and they will be prosecuting plaints about the process used for fraud.”

She said employers “need to have their government assistance.

“Since the establishment of the Paycheck employees understand that.”

Others taking part in the town hall exProtection Program, I’ve heard from countless small-town constituent business owners pressed concerns about not being able to that the application process was difficult to negotiate with their landlords for temporary navigate and that many lenders were not re- relief on their lease payments. Bilirakis sugceptive to their needs. This is what we’ve gested they call his office to see if the office can help them find solutions to that probbeen hearing, folks.

“It’s very frustrating to know that many lem.

Robertson also touched on the imporwell-known business chains received millions of dollars in program funds and that tance of testing to secure data that’s needed those applications may have been priori- to help get the nation reopened.

“The No. 1 thing that the health profestized by lending institutions. I emphasize sionals keep telling us on these calls is that ‘may,’” Bilirakis said.

He also noted that he has worked to best way that we can help save lives is by have money specifically set aside in the PPP identifying who might be impacted.

“The more people who get it, the better program to provide help for truly small businesses — those having 25 or fewer criteria that we have, the better decisions we can make, based upon that data,” she employees.

“Our nation’s family owned businesses, said.

Robertson also said:“Just today, Pfizer anmom and pops, and self-proprietors are already competing with national and nounced that it is moving into human trials international competitors — particularly for its possible vaccine for COVID. That during good times, particularly with the process has been ramped up.

“When you have the vaccine available, Internet now. So they need the help,” you’re better to contain the death count,” Bilirakis said.

The set-aside, “was a reflection of my Robertson said.

Bilirakis also addressed the problems work,” the congressman said.

He’s also heard from small businesses that the state of Florida has been having who want greater flexibility on the forgive- with its unemployment system.

He noted it’s a state issue, not a federal ness side of the loan.

“Some of the businesses haven’t been matter.

But, he added:“It is a huge problem.The able to open, obviously, because of the executive order, plus it might not be safe to do governor has recognized that, and there’s an so. So, there should be flexibility with that ongoing investigation.”

Although it is a state issue, Bilirakis said seven or eight weeks,” Bilirakis said.

“As we move forward, we need to find his office is helping people by trying to find even better ways to ensure that our local out the status of specific cases, he said.

Robertson added:“There are a lot of peobusinesses get the help they need in this or ple in terrible situations — haven’t received any future crisis,” Bilirakis said.

The nation needs to be prepared, in case income in two months, and we’re doing the best we can to communicate those frustrathe virus reoccurs in the fall, Bilirakis said.

Bilirakis also noted that he will be intro- tions and those concerns with the state.”

She also said that people who need inforducing legislation “that will do even more to provide direct support to the small busi- mation on the government’s stimulus checks can go to Fl12IRS@mail.house.gov. nesses.”

If you’d like additional information about “You know, you employ more than 50% of the employees.You create the jobs.You’re government loans or assistance programs, or have other questions, you can reach the innovators,” he told those listening in.

“Through no fault of your own, you’re Bilirakis’ office at (727) 232-2921.

bcmanion@lakerlutznews.com

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Gulfside Hospice Helps Patients Stay At Home Almost half of all hospice patients nationwide choose to receive care in the comfort of their own home, rather than moving to a nursing home or hospice house, according to the National Hospice & Palliative Care Organization.

For patients dealing with a serious, life-limiting illness, staying at home means more time enjoying the blooms of the garden they planted, more time relaxing on the couch with their spouse watching movies, and more afternoon tea parties with their granddaughter.

Ultimately, it means more time to make lasting memories for their loved ones to cherish.

And, this is exactly the goal Gulfside Hospice has for its patients, and expressed so well by the wife of a recent patient.

“Thank you to the Gulfside Hospice team for helping me bring my husband home from the rehabilitation center so that I can care for him at home with the Gulfside team’s help.

My husband received the best care with help from nurses and CNAs from Gulfside Hospice. He was so happy that he could spend the last days of his life at home with me and our dog, Brownie.”

All of the care and services offered

by Gulfside Hospice center around one thing — making every day count for patients and their families.

“We work with patients to identify personal goals they want to accomplish – it could be to write their personal story, put together a video, try to reconnect with family members and

friends they have lost touch with, and often mend some bridges,” said Kathy Postiglione, who started work at Gulfside Hospice 15 years ago as the Director of Nursing, and today is chief operating officer and senior vice president.

The hospice philosophy provides care in the comfort, security and privacy of wherever a patient calls home, by bringing together a group of professionals who address the patient’s physical, emotional, social and spiritual needs.

“Our team of nurses, physicians, chaplains and social workers works together to find out what the patient needs, discusses the best options for

his or her wishes, and helps to set pain management goals,” said Postiglione.

Some of the in-home services provided include: • Visits from physicians who offer pain management and symptom control • Regular visits from registered nurses, plus the ability to contact the nursing team 24 hours a day, 7 days a week • Around-the-clock crisis nursing care at home when needed • Coordination of medical supplies, medication and equipment (such as oxygen tanks, walkers, hospital beds and more) • Assistance with personal care

provided by certified nursing assistants • Services from social workers who specialize in helping families cope with issues surrounding life-limiting illnesses • Religion-focused services provided by chaplains • Respite care and assistance with running errands provided by trained volunteers • Bereavement services for families, including group and individual counseling In Pasco County, Gulfside Healthcare Services has been providing hospice services for more than 20 years. Every year it helps over 1,000 families care for their loved ones, and provides grief counseling and spiritual guidance to help patients through their final journey.

For more information about services offered by Gulfside, or to talk to someone from their team of experts about how they can help you, call (800) 561-4883, or visit Gulfside.org. Gulfside Hospice is a business line of Gulfside Healthcare Services, which also offers home health and palliative care.

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In response to an overwhelming outpouring of support from businesses, community groups and individuals,

AdventHealth Foundation West Florida has established a central hub for people who want to support the AdventHealth caregivers on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic in our area.

The greatest opportunities for community support are: food for care teams; care packages for caregivers who have been impacted by COVID-19; and, financial donations to support response and relief efforts.

All contributions can be made by visiting AdventHealthFoundationWestFL.com.

AdventHealth also welcomes the community to leave a note of thanks or encouragement for the physicians, nurses and other team members on the front lines. Use #SpreadThanks to post a thankyou note on social media platforms for caregivers to publicly see the outpouring of love and support from the community.

CALL TO ACTION

Tampa’s Museum of Science & Industry (MOSI) began using its 3D printers to make face shields for front line staff, when the COVID-19 pandemic started to escalate.

The museum’s Chief Operating Officer Rob Lamke saw a Moffitt Cancer Center social media post asking for the community’s support in making masks for team members.

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The Pasco Federated Republican Women’s Club (PFRWC) and the Republican Club of Central Pasco (RCCP) delivered 45 meals to the Medical Center of Trinity under the banner of Pasco FLAG (Pasco Front Line Appreciation Group). The front line heroes dined on food provided by Hungry Harry’s Family BBQ and Benedetto’s Ristorante Italiano. From left: Meg Merritt, founder and treasurer PFRWC; Pasco County Commissioner Kathryn Starkey; Sandy Graves, president PFRWC and Pasco County Republican committeewoman; and two Trinity Hospital staff members.

MOSI had purchased the 3D printers eight years ago to help broaden its STEM programming, to allow the museum to demonstrate prototyping and create new interactive displays for visitors.

To ensure quality control and to make sure the masks were acceptable for med-

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Jay Wright, Moffitt’s supply chain director, said that the patient-facing clinicians will benefit the most from the face shields.

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BUDGET, from page 1A

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The GFWC Wesley Chapel Woman’s Club handed out thank-you notes to staff at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Tampa.

There’s no stopping these women

By Mary Rathman mrathman@lakerlutznews.com

The GFWC Wesley Chapel Woman’s Club continues to be busy during the COVID-19 pandemic, giving back to the community and celebrating Club Federation Day. The women distributed thank-you cards to first responders and essential workers at BayCare’s St. Joseph’s Hospital in Tampa, as well as to the manager of the Glory Days restaurant in Wesley Chapel, where the club’s first meeting was held.

Using their crafting skills, the women

also sewed and embellished bears, called “Cuddle Bears.” They added little notes of kindness, and delivered the bears to Atria Assisted Living in Lutz.

And, they painted, distressed and arranged flowers in individual glass jars, again with individual notes, for Angels Senior Living at the Lodges, also in Lutz.

Shantel Meyers, from the woman’s club, said that “We still continue to do our work no matter what gets in our way. It’s our mission and we are all dedicated to it,” in an email to The Laker/Lutz News. For information about the club, call Meyers at (813) 361-9542.

KATHY STEELE

Chandler Estes, 19, his girlfriend, Jayda Warchesik, and Estes’ grandmother, Rose Rich, enjoyed a trip to The Shops at Wiregrass on the first day it reopened.

MALLS, from page 1A Wiregrass is following safety guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to protect customers and employees.The guidance includes extra sanitizing stations and closed-off play areas.

Tampa Premium Outlets and Cypress Creek Town Center also slowly opened a few previously closed shops.They also followed CDC guidelines.

Cypress Creek Town Center even has a new tenant, Aussie Grill, a free-standing restaurant on Sierra Center Boulevard.

A press release announced that the restaurant would offer limited indoor seating, drive-through, pickup and delivery.

Meanwhile, just outside AtHome at Tampa Premium Outlets, Jerry Cugno struggled to move a cache of large wall art from a shopping cart into the back seat and trunk of his car.

He wore a face mask and carried sanitizer in his pocket.

He picked up the art trove for his Lakeland-based spas. Cugno owns a chain of spas with more than 30 locations in Florida, and one in Denver, Colorado.

“I’m so happy, I can’t believe it,” Cugno said.

Many, but not all, of the services at his spas still remain off-limits during the first phase of Florida’s reopening.

But, people are ready to go back to work, he said.

He agrees with that sentiment:“Let them do their jobs,” he said.

Clusters of cars filled the outlet mall’s parking lots. And, a few families and young

couples strolled down pathways looking for open stores.

Shelly Stecklow successfully returned an item she bought before shops closed.

She enjoyed the chance to visit stores other than Walmart and Sam’s Clubs, which had stayed open.

“It’s just being out and about,” she said.

“I think as long as people are aware of their environment and abide by what they are told to do, it’s OK,” she said.

Most stores remained closed, but a few doors were open, including Haagen Dazs, Pop Cult, Finish Line and Elite Home Room Games.

An employee posted a notice on the door at Express Men listing a May 8 opening.

Representatives for the outlet mall and its owner, Simon Property Group, could not be reached for comment.

In a news release, Simon President John Rulli said, “We look forward to serving the needs of our communities, and (to) do so in a safe and responsible manner.”

Owner Jennifer Morales opened her shop, Sparks Jewelers, on the first day allowed.

She hadn’t seen many customers by midday and many who walked in said they were just looking for an open shop.

Morales and an employee wore face masks. A sign taped to the door gave notice that customers also should wear masks.

The shutdown has been hard.

“We’re a small business,” said Morales, who has been at the outlet mall about two years.“If we don’t open, we don’t generate sales.We depend on foot traffic.”

She is hopeful, though, that business will pick up — safely, and soon.

SAME DAY EMERGENCYY DENT TAL

ing on what that position is.All fy 20 (fiscal year 2020) business initiatives that have not been implemented have been placed on hold, until we see what our revenue looks like over the next few months.

“Obviously, travel is restricted, so we’ve swept all of those funds out of that department, into a savings account. There’s not a lot of in-person training going on right now, so the costs for those conferences and classes have kind of been swept up.Any training that’s required for certification, we are still allowing that training, but most of that training is virtual today, anyway.

“We are working on carefully watching our large purchases the next few months to make sure, again, if it’s something that has to happen or it is something that we can wait until we see (the revenue),” Biles said.

“The revenue numbers from March didn’t dip as much as we expected. That’s good.They weren’t as high as we had budgeted for that month, either.

“So, there was a small dip.

“As we are working right now, building the fy 21 (fiscal year 2021) budget, I will say that on the general fund and these other funds that will be impacted by this, it will be a very lean budget. As, in, there will not be any business plan initiatives proposed because … we will probably take a pretty significant hit on the sales tax even into (fiscal year) 21, and into (fiscal year) 22, we’ll probably take a hit on the ad valorem side

SMALL, from page 1A of Florida’s economy, effective May 4.

Initially, restaurants and retail could open at 25% capacity and with space for social distancing. Restaurants also may have outdoor seating, provided the tables are at least 6 feet apart.

Pasco County officials also recently announced that restaurants could use parking lot space to expand space available for outdoor seating.

And, DeSantis announced that hair salons and barbershops could reopen effective May 11, provided they operate at 25% capacity, and follow safety protocols.

Movie theaters, gyms and bars remain closed.

Lillibridge had to furlough her employees.

During the shutdown, she got phone calls from customers, many wanting to make face masks. She would box up supplies and put them on the sidewalk for pickup.

“I think I gave out 1,500 yards of elastics,” she said.

On the first day back at work, Lillibridge waited for a friend who was going to help out at the store.

In Land O’ Lakes, Hungry Harry’s Family BBQ is fielding calls to reschedule catered parties that were canceled when the coronavirus struck.

Most of those are in August, said Jaime Bradford, Hungry Harry’s catering manager.

Takeout orders kept the restaurant going. But, indoor seating is now available at four tables. Another four tables are in an overflow room and five picnic tables can seat customers outside.

“Obviously we took a huge hit with catering,” Bradford said. But, owner Harry Wright “was able to keep a full staff and keep us paid.We’re excited and can’t wait to get back to normal.”

In Zephyrhills, the coronavirus tested the resilience and ingenuity of the owners of K & M Treasures and Antiques.

because building will be slowing down over the next several months, which means our new construction number in (fiscal year) 22 will be lower than what we’ve seen in the next few years.

“I will say that building permits were down about 25% from March to April.That’s probably within what we expected the market to do.

“There’s still a lot of building going (on) out there, but that’s still down 25% March to April, and that’s probably going to continue to drop over the next couple of months until people get a feel for what is happening out there in the economy.

“In short, we’ve done our due diligence on our (fiscal year) 20 expenses, we think we’ve got a plan in place that will keep us within the projected revenue in (fiscal year) 20.And, that our (fiscal year) 21 will be very lean, with respect to new business plan initiatives in the general fund — very close to zero right now — unless we see some change in the revenue perspective,” he said.

Commissioner Kathryn Starkey said she’d just read a Wall Street Journal article that said housing prices were up almost 8% in March.

“It looks like the trend is that the demand is still very strong and the supply is not so good.

“I also saw some comments by Taylor Morrison in an article that they are still actively looking for land, that they are kind of focusing on adult retirement, and they still see the demand in Florida as very strong.

“So, hopefully, we’ll bounce very quickly,” Starkey said.

Florida’s Phase 1 reopening This is a summary of Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’ phase 1 reopening for Florida, excluding Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties: • Schools should distance learn through the end of the year • No visits allowed at long-term care facilities • Restaurants and shops may open at 25% capacity and must follow Center for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines. Outdoor dining at restaurants is allowed with 6 feet distancing between tables.

• Elective surgeries are allowed • Movie theaters and gyms are closed • Effective May 11, barbershops and hair salons may open with “enhanced safety protocols”

The antiques shop is a two-person operation that opened downtown in 2016. Kathy Stepp and Murph Murphy mostly fielded phone calls and made some online sales during the shutdown.

“It (shutdown) definitely hit sales really hard,” said Stepp.And, online sales could become a larger part of their business, she added.

For now, the shop is open and can easily meet social distancing requirements.

“The nature of our business is only a few people at a time are here,” she said.“We have plenty of stuff to keep everyone away from each other.”

Not many people stopped on the first day.

But, Stepp said,“I guess we’ve started. I hope it will pick up.We’re definitely trying to get more stuff online.”

Meanwhile, shop owners like her wait for more traffic in downtown.

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May 13, 2020

11A

Community Sports Your Neighborhood Sports Source

Hoops coach brings overseas pro pedigree

By Kevin Weiss kweiss@lakerlutznews.com

I

t’s not uncommon for Derrick Sharp to be recognized when he’s out and about in the Tampa Bay area, while he’s shopping, running errands or just going about his day.

The new Bishop McLaughlin Catholic High School varsity boys basketball coach has been approached by strangers at clothing stores, mall kiosks and tire shops, among other places.

And, it’s usually not because they remember him as a 6-foot-1 sharpshooting combo guard and leading scorer at the University of South Florida (USF) in the early 1990s.

Rather, it’s his 18-year professional hoops career in Israel that people recognize — perhaps most frequently at the Glazer Family Jewish Community Center in Tampa.

“I have so many stories, it’s crazy,” Sharp said of how often he’s been spotted since moving back to Florida in 2013.

Sharp, 48, may go unnoticed by the casual American basketball observer.

But, overseas, he is something of a folk hero. He played predominantly for the Maccabi Tel Aviv basketball club — the most successful and widely known team in Israel.

Undrafted out of USF, Sharp made the roughly 6,500-mile trek to Israel pursuing dreams of a professional basketball career.

The Orlando native had an idea of what he was getting into because four former USF teammates (Gary Alexander, Radenko Dobras, Fred Lewis, Bobby Russell) made the jump to the Middle Eastern country the prior year.

Sharp first played for Maccabi Hadera (1993-94) and Beitar Migdal-HaEmek (199496), before spending the next 15 seasons (1996 to 2011) with Maccabi Tel Aviv.

Mccabi Tel Aviv is where his most notable achievements came. It won 13 Israel national league championships, 11 Israel state cups and three European-wide titles (champions of the 2001 FIBA SuproLeague, 2004 EuroLeague, 2005 EuroLeague).

Sharp also generated a number of individual accolades. He was an All-Star, elected to the Israeli League’s 2000s All-Decade Team, named one of Maccabi Tel Aviv’s 11 Greatest Players, and was a member of the senior Israeli national team from 2000 to 2003.

Sharp is best known for one of the most famous baskets in European basketball history.

In 2004, he hit a miraculous buzzer-beating three-pointer that forced overtime in a win-or-go-home game against Lithuania’s Zalgiris Kaunas that lifted Maccabi Tel Aviv to the EuroLeague Final Four. In Israel, it’s

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THIS OUT

COURTESY OF SAINT LEO UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS

Marta Vicens Miquel

SAINT LEO TENNIS STANDOUT NAMED ALL-AMERICAN

Saint Leo University women’s tennis standout Marta Vicens Miquel has been named an Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) Division II All-American, following an 8-2 record in singles action during a shortened 2020 season.

The junior from Port de Pollensa, Spain went 7-2 at the three spot and 1-0 in the second flight while defeating opponents ranked regionally and nationally, and ended the year on a four-match winning streak.

Among the notable moments was defeating Flagler College’s Anika Nissen, who was ranked No. 28 nationally, (6-4, 7-5) to clinch a comeback win at home on Feb. 8 Vicens Miquel is the Lions program’s fifth ITA All-American player in singles — joining Laura Kemkes (2012), Isabella Robbiani (2015, 2016), Natalia Siedliska (2016), and Marine Beugre Guyot (2016).

Vicens Miquel will enter her senior season with a 40-18 (.689) career singles record.

12A

May 13, 2020

COURTESY OF DERRICK SHARP

Derrick Sharp steered the Blake High School varsity boys basketball team to a 22-6 mark and Class 5A regional quarterfinals last season. He accepted the Bishop McLaughlin coaching job in April.

Bishop McLaughlin Catholic High School varsity boys basketball coach Derrick Sharp spent 18 years in Israel playing professional basketball.

simply known as the “Zalgiris miracle.”

Just how famous is Sharp in Israel?

Following his retirement, he participated in a docu-reality television show called “Hayehida,” centered on 10 Israeli celebrities being trained as an army entertainment troupe.

Sharp calls Israel his “home away from home.” It’s where he not only had immense hoops success, but also met his future wife and started a family. He became a naturalized citizen and speaks fluent Hebrew.

“I spent half my life there,” Sharp said,“so it’s definitively a part of me.”

For Sharp, uprooting to the land of milk and honey “was a pretty easy transition” more than 25 years ago.

He noted English was the country’s secondary language and described aspects of an “Americanized” culture, “so it really wasn’t that big of a change, actually.”

Moreover, he was eager to go anywhere and do anything to better his craft on the hardwood.

“My main focus was getting better and playing. It was practice and home,” he said.“I was really focused on getting better and trying to reach a level that I was capable of, so I was really mature and disciplined.”

Now, here’s a sign of it being a small world: Sharp played alongside nine-year NBA veteran Anthony Parker for several seasons with Maccabi Tel Aviv in the early to mid 2000s. Parker now lives in Wesley Chapel and is general manager of the Lakeland Magic, a developmental affiliate of the NBA’s Orlando Magic. “He’s probably one of the greatest Americans to play overseas,” Sharp said of Parker.“He’s kind of like the Michael Jordan of Europe.”

BETTERING BISHOP

Sharp’s playing career stands on its own, but it’s his coaching ability and offspring that’s taking flight.

Sharp was named Hillsborough County Coach of the Year after guiding Blake High School to a 22-6 record and the Class 5A regional quarterfinals during the 2019-2020 season.

He spent a total of five seasons at Blake,

winning four games combined the first three seasons, then going 11-12 before this year’s breakout run.

It didn’t hurt having his son, Emmanuel Sharp, on the court.The 6-foot-4 sophomore guard averaged a state-leading 31.9 points per game this year, while on his way to being named Florida Dairy Farmers 5A Player of the Year.

Both Sharps will head to the private school in Spring Hill, looking to quickly turnaround a program that went 2-22 last year and has just one winning season in the last decade.

In leaving what he’s built at Blake High for a Bishop McLaughlin rebuild, the elder Sharp mainly cited the academic component of more structured, smaller classes for his son. “It’s just a great opportunity,” he said.

In addition to the Sharps, Blake High’s Anthony Davis Jr., and Sickles High’s Dillon Mitchell are also transferring to Bishop McLaughlin. Like Emmanuel Sharp, both hold Division I scholarship offers and are viewed among the top players statewide.

“The kids are going to make the big difference; it’s all about the kids,” Derrick Sharp said.

With an influx of talent, the new coach is looking to beef up the team’s schedule, with more competitive tournaments, road games and so on.

“I’d rather lose by five (points) than win by 40 — to build character and build necessary skills mentally for these kids going forward,” he said.

As for what to expect stylistically, Derrick Sharp plans to run a system heavy on fastbreaks, three-pointers, pressing and trapping.

He observed of his coaching style,“Just being in attack mode on both ends of the floor, play hard, play together, and have fun.”

Bishop McLaughlin athletic director Rex Desvaristes said he didn’t know of Derrick Sharp, until his application and resume came across his desk for the coaching vacancy.

But, Desvaristes said the former Israeli pro quickly emerged as the school’s “best candidate” throughout the interview process because of “his demeanor, his love for the youth and coaching the game.”

Sharp’s selection as head coach was announced last month.

“It was a great match,” Desvaristes said.

“He started a program at Blake, similar to where our program is currently, and he built it up to where it is now, and his passion and just teaching and developing these athletes is what stood out to me.”

The athletic director added:“He fits our mission and our motto, and that’s to educate and cultivate Christ-centered athletes.”

LOCAL COMMITMENTS

• Bishop McLaughlin Catholic High baseball product Manny Sado committed to NCAA Division II Saint Leo University.The 6foot-8, 210-pound right-hander, who graduated from high school in 2017, most recently pitched for the College of Central Florida in Ocala.

• Steinbrenner High senior right-handed baseball pitchers Cameron Kenny and Cameron Lee committed to Division I NJCAA Pasco-Hernando State College.

Kenny posted a 1.62 ERA and 15 strikeouts in 13 innings pitched in this shortened season, while Lee registered a 4.06 ERA and 12 strikeouts in 10.1 innings pitched.

• Wharton High senior left-handed pitcher Carson Caso committed to Division II University of Tampa. The 5-foot-10, 175pound Caso posted a 0.34 ERA and 19 strikeouts in 20.1 innings pitched this shortened season.

• The Saint Leo University men’s basketball program landed a commitment from Hillsborough High 6-foot-5 senior forward Cantia Rahming. Rahming averaged 20.8 points, 17.3 rebounds, 2.3 steals and 2.2 blocks per game this season, helping the Terriers to a 22-8 mark and Class 6A regional finals.

BISHOP MCLAUGHLIN NOMINATED FOR AWARD

The Bishop McLaughlin Catholic High School athletics department has been nominated for the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) Fred E. Rozelle Sportsmanship Award. It marks the school’s first-ever nomination for the award.

The Fred E. Rozelle Sportsmanship Program honors schools whose athletic teams demonstrated exemplary sportsmanship during the regular season and the FHSAA State Series.The award is presented to one school in each classification whose entire sports program best exemplifies the qualities of sportsmanship as demonstrated by its coaches, players and spectators.

Criteria for selection of the winners includes programs and activities implemented within the school and community to promote sportsmanship; the number and type of exceptional sportsmanship reports; and the source of the nomination.

Some of Bishop McLaughlin’s accomplishments for the 2019-2020 season include: • Over 10 college scholarships • Three district championships (girls vol-

www.LakerLutzNews.com

COURTESY OF UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL FLORIDA ATHLETICS DEPARTMENT

Darin Green Jr.

Wharton High product declares for NBA Draft Wharton High School product Darin Green Jr., now a freshman at the University of Central Florida (UCF), has declared for the 2020 NBA Draft, while maintaining his college eligibility.

The 6-foot-4 guard played in 30 games for UCF this season, averaging 10.1 points per game and pacing the team in 3-point percentage (41.7%) and 3-pointers made (68).

He made the draft announcement on his social media accounts.

Green Jr. — like other underclassman leyball, girls soccer, girls weightlifting) • A district championship runner-up (boys soccer) • An individual regional girls weightlifting title (senior Addy Lee, unlimited division) • 1,000-point scorer in girls basketball (junior Isabella Prada) Classification winners will be selected in June, rewarded with $2,500 and a large plaque. Runners-up receive $500 and a commemorative plaque.

SAINT LEO WOMEN’S BASKETBALL CAMP

The Saint Leo University women’s bas-

who declare for the draft — has the option to return to the college hoops ranks if he withdraws his name for the draft by June 15.

The 2020 NBA Draft is scheduled for June 25 at the Barclays Center in New York City, but this is subject to change due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Green Jr., played four years of varsity hoops at Wharton, becoming the program’s all-time leading scorer and named the 2018-2019 Hillsborough County Player of the Year, among other accolades. ketball program is offering a series of summer day camps designed for females, between the ages of 12 to 18, from June 22 until June 25. The event offers a variety of single-day camps targeted to improve specific skills in fundamentals, defense, shooting and ball handling.

Each camp will be in the Marion Bowman Activities Center on the university’s campus, 33701 State Road 52, St. Leo. Online preregistration is required at TotalCamps.com/SaintLeoWomensBasketbal l. Each camper will receive lunch and a Tshirt. Questions can be directed to Saint Leo women’s assistant basketball coach Tesh Johnson at Latesha.johnson02@saintleo.edu.

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

B

M AY 1 3 , 2 0 2 0

Serving up food — to sustain, comfort

By B.C. Manion bcmanion@lakerlutznews.com

C

oncerns about the potential spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has flattened the economy, causing many to seek out help for the first time to put food on their tables.

Here is a look at some efforts, to help feed others, across The Laker/Lutz News coverage area.

B.C. MANION

Among those volunteering at a weekend food drive were Pasco County Clerk & Comptroller Nikki Alvarez-Sowles, Pasco Schools Superintendent Kurt Browning, Pasco School Board member Allen Altman and State Rep. Ardian Zika. They took their masks off for the photo, and kept socially distanced.

Collecting food to feed the hungry

State Rep. Ardian Zika carries a box of donations to tables, where they are sorted.

The woman pulls up and pops open her trunk, so volunteers could gather the bags of food that she had brought to donate.

As they unloaded her donations, she became emotional — thanking the volunteers for what they are doing to help people struggling through the pandemic.

She was obviously touched by the effort.

Pasco County leaders have held food drives for the past two weekends to collect donations.The first drive was in the parking

lot of the former Super Target store, off State Road 54, west of the Suncoast Expressway, and the second at Sam’s Club of Wesley Chapel, off State Road 56, in Wesley Chapel.

High-ranking officials from Pasco County Schools, the Pasco Tax Collector’s Office, the Pasco County Clerk & Comptroller’s Office, state legislators, and candidates for office, were there to help. Pasco Fire Rescue employees, Pasco Sheriff’s Office employees and others volunteered, too.

The community responded, bringing bags and boxes of food — loaded with pasta, peanut butter, jelly, crackers, soups, rice, canned goods and more.

Monetary donations are still welcome and can be made through the Pasco Education Foundation at PascoEducationFoundation.org. Checks can be made payable to Pasco Education Foundation and mailed to P.O. Box 1248, Land O’ Lakes, Florida, 34639.

Farm-Fresh Pop-ups

Outdoor dining allowed to expand

When Pasco County Schools receives donated fruits or vegetables, it holds Farm Fresh Pop-ups, and the free fresh produce goes fast.

At its first Pop-Up, the district gave away more than 30,000 ears of corn in about 2 hours.

At its second one, on May 8, it handed out 10-pound variety boxes of vegetables containing such veggies as cucumbers, potatoes, radishes, collards, broccoli, peppers, squash, and eggplant.

Those were gone in 45 minutes.

At the pop-ups, which are held in different locations, school district officials are practicing safe social distancing and wearing masks.

Those picking up the free foods are asked to stay in their vehicles and to pop their trunks, so the food can be placed in their trunks.

Feeding Florida and L&M donated the variety boxes.

The district also continues to provide five breakfasts and five lunches, once a week, to students 18 and under, at specific locations.As of May, it had served more than 820,000 meals.

Pasco County officials are providing more flexibility to restaurants to expand their outdoor dining space by allowing them to set up tables in parking areas and other outdoor areas — without a county permit.

The move was made to give restaurant operators more options, as they contend with decreased business due to COVID-19.

Under phase one of Gov. Ron DeSantis’ reopening plan, restaurants were allowed to operate indoor dining rooms at 25% capacity and to have dining outdoors, with the proviso that tables be kept 6 feet apart from each other.

To help expand restaurant capacity, Tampa officials have closed streets in some areas, so restaurants could set up tables there.

In Pasco, officials allowed restaurateurs to expand outdoor dining on their own properties.

The expanded seating may be used during the restaurant’s normal business hours, and the allowance will expire when full-ca-

COURTESY OF STEPHEN P. HEGARTY

It took less than 45 minutes to give away a truck filled with 10-pound variety boxes of vegetables, during a Farm Fresh Pop-up at the school district headquarters in Land O’ Lakes.

To find out more about the district’s meal program, and to keep abreast of future Farm Fresh Pop-Ups, check the district’s website, Pasco.k12.fl.us.

RANDY UNDERHILL

Leslie Gruber, of Land O' Lakes, receives her meal from Savannah Walker, manager of The Box Kitchen Restaurant, at 6464 Land O’ Lakes Blvd. in Land O’ Lakes.

pacity indoor dining returns, according to a county news release.

The Box Kitchen Restaurant in Land O’ Lakes appeared to be one of the few restaurants within The Laker/Lutz coverage area taking advantage of the county’s relaxed rules.

Providing hot meals in hard times Three initiatives in Pasco County are aimed at providing hot meals, while supporting restaurants at the same time.

In the “Dining Out at Home” program, Pasco County has partnered with the Area Agency on Aging to have restaurant meals delivered to eligible senior citizens.

In “Operation Feed Pasco,” local restaurants are helping to supply meals at local food pantries and soup kitchens.The county is partnering with United Way of Pasco County on that effort.

Restaurants that would like to participate in Operation Feed Pasco should call United Way at Way at (727) 359-7999, to see if there are any slots left.

In Pasco FLAG2020, meals are being purchased from local restaurants and then

To help, send donations to: Venmo: @FLAG2020Pasco PayPal: PayPal.me/FLAG2020Pasco

provided to people working on the front lines of the pandemic.

The program is being championed by Pasco County Commissioner Kathryn Starkey, who was inspired after seeing coverage of two women in New Jersey who launched the national program.

So far, 64 meals have been delivered through that program to AdventHealth Dade City, 41 have been delivered to BayCare’s North Bay Hospital in New Port Richey and 106 meals to Medical Center of Trinity.

COURTESY OF PASCO COUNTY COMMISSIONER KATHRYN STARKEY’S OFFICE

Pasco County Commissioner Kathryn Starkey and State Rep. Ardian Zika were on hand when meals were delivered to workers at the Medical Center of Trinity.

In addition to Starkey, other local elected leaders who have been involved in raising money, include Pasco County Commissioner Ron Oakley, Pasco County Schools

Get all your favorite local news stories online

www.lakerlutznews.com TheLaker / LutzNews

Superintendent Kurt Browning, Pasco County School Board member Allen Altman, former Pasco Clerk & Comptroller Paula O’Neil and State Rep.Ardian Zika.

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DID YOU KNOW?

Readers can now find Pets of the Week and Local Wildlife photos on our website at LakerLutznews.com, under the Pets/Wildlife link.

These buddies were once castoffs

Vinny, left, is about 8 years old or 9 years old. He is a rescue (breeder castoff) that was living on the streets of Lake County. Vinny loves people and his tail wags in a perfect circle in moments of pure joy. Franky also is a breeder castoff from a kill shelter in Taylor County. His quirky paw that turns outward and his pokey snaggle tooth make him very distinctive!

Franky was shy and underweight, but now is a strong 9-pound ball of fun. Vinny and Franky live with their proud owner, Jill Amore, in Lutz.

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.

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COURTESY OF THE FLORIDA AQUARIUM

Aquarium celebrates more turtle releases The Florida Aquarium released three juvenile green sea turtles and one sub-adult loggerhead sea turtle at Anastasia State Park.

The green sea turtles, named Siesta, Anna Maria and Sanibel, and the loggerhead, named Venus, all returned to the sea following months of rehabilitation and care by the aquarium’s Animal Response Team,

supported by Florida Blue.

The turtles suffered from a variety of issues, including cold stunning, flipper injuries and pneumonia.

All care and turtle rehabilitation by the aquarium is done with approval of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

LOCAL WILDLIFE

COURTESY OF BERNARD WELTON

Sending love, from a distance Kathy and Bernie Welton, of Land O’ Lakes, were in for a surprise when they drove to their granddaughter’s home in Dupree Lakes, also in Land O’ Lakes, to drop off a gift for their 3-month-old great grandson, Beowulf Alexander Elkins. Their granddaughter, Katy Kretzinger, and her partner, Duane Elkins, made sure the Weltons knew how much they were missed during the social distancing guidelines, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The message came from both of Kretzinger’s children, Imogen Lee and Beowulf.

PET PAWS DONATE TO PET PROJECT Pasco County Tax Collector Mike Fasano’s offices are featuring the CARES Pet Project as its charity of the month, through the end of May. All proceeds from the effort called “Do it Fur Love!” will benefit CARES (Community Aging & Retirement Services), to help the elderly take care of their pets.

Donations will be used to supply pet food, pet care products and other supports to assist the elderly in keeping their pets well cared for.

For information about the CARES Pet Project, call Jemith Rosa at (727) 8636868, or visit CARESFL.org.

For information about the charitable tax office programs, call Assistant Tax Collector Greg Giordano at (727) 8478179, or visit PascoTaxes.com.

A snack on the go

SUBMIT YOUR COMMENTS

As its name suggests, the marsh rabbit is found only in marshy habitats, where water is plentiful. The marsh rabbit is slightly smaller and darker than the eastern cottontail, and its tail forms a brown tuft (no cottontail). These rabbits take to water readily and swim well, often for considerable distances. They eat a variety of wetland plants, including water hyacinth, grasses, cattail and herbs. Jennifer Cohn, of Wesley Chapel, snapped this portrait of a marsh rabbit.

813-926-1126

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SHARE YOUR PET NEWS

If you have pet news about adoptions, walks or other events for pet owners and their pets, you can let us know by sending us an email.We just need the basics: who, what, when, where and why.

The information should be submitted two weeks prior to the desired publication date. We also need a contact name and number, in case we have questions.

There is no guarantee of publication, but we consider each item we receive.

If you’d like to make a submission, send it to news@lakerlutznews.com.

Readers can now find Pets of the Week and Local Wildlife photos on our website at LakerLutznews.com, under the Pets/Wildlife link.

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DR. JO ANN DANIELS

The U.S. Department of the Interior’s Fish and Wildlife Service issued a proposed rule to open eight National Wildlife Refuges to hunting and sport fishing that are currently closed to these activities.

And, the service is proposing to open or expand these activities at 89 other

refuges, and create station-specific regulations pertaining to various statutes, including migratory bird hunting, upland game hunting, sport fishing, and more.

The agency is seeking public comment on the proposals for the various refuges.

Read the Federal Register notice and submit a comment on the proposed rule online at tinyurl.com/y9ah3gt9.

Comments are due by June 8.

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May 13, 2020

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At Conviv va, we don’t jusst treat p we bu uild our patients, relatio onships with th hem.

We think the most important parrt off aging well is staying well.

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