The LAKER
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EAST PASCO EDITION
LAKERLUTZNEWS.COM
M AY 1 7 , 2 0 1 7
Moore-Mickens center may get new life
By Kathy Steele
ksteele@lakerlutznews.com
Less waiting where it matters most – our emergency room.
Two years of negotiations, with a lot of hope and persistence from the community, appears to be paying off for the MooreMickens Education Center. The center —historically tied to the first school for black students in Pasco County — was closed in 2015. But, Pasco County School District officials and the nonprofit Moore Mickens Education Center & Vocational Center Inc., are almost ready to sign a lease agreement
to reopen the school’s campus, according to Keith Babb, the nonprofit’s chairman. The lease would be for $10 a year for 30 years, Babb said. “We are extremely excited,” he said. He anticipates the matter will be on the June 6 school board agenda. Babb said a private donor made a significant contribution to the nonprofit. But, additional funds are needed. A breakfast fundraiser is scheduled for May 20.The goal is to raise at least $5,000, See CENTER, page 15A
If you go WHAT: Moore-Mickens Education Center & Vocational Center Inc., Breakfast Fundraiser WHERE: Naomi Jones Park, 38122 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Dade City WHEN: May 20 from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. COST: $10 per person INFO: Contact Keith Babb at (561) 202-5230, or email kbabb@mail.usf.edu.
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The 30-Minutes-or-Less E.R. Service Pledge – only at Bayfront Health Dade City.
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B.C. MANION
Darcielle Gray, executive director of The Edwinola, relaxes on one of several rocking chairs on the wide verandah at the senior living community. She’s excited about helping future residents there to create a vibrant residence.
New chapter begins in The Edwinola’s storied history By B.C. Manion
D AY C A M
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bcmanion@lakerlutznews.com
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Most people who know anything about Dade City have heard a thing or two about The Edwinola. After all, the building has been around for more than a century, and has had its glory days and dark chapters during its history. The Edwinola opened originally in 1912 to replace the Dade City Hotel, which had burned in 1907. The hotel was built by Edwin and Lola Gasque, who came up with the name Edwinola, by combining their first names, according to an account provided by Madonna Wise, a local historian. For years, the structure — with its wraparound veranda, Doric columns and Mansard roof — was a popular destination for businessmen and travelers. “The Edwinola is an icon in the community,” said Darcielle Gray, executive director of the senior living community, which has closed and reopened more than once through the years. After ceasing operations as a hotel, it became a private residence, a university, a boarding house, a restaurant and an assisted living facility, according to various historic accounts. It closed most recently after two violent deaths and reported care violations, according to media reports. “I think it was a loss for the community
B.C. MANION
The Edwinola has been remodeled and is reopening as a senior living community.
when it closed. Even though it had gone through some hard times, I think it was a big loss,” Gray said.“There was a lot of sadness about it closing.” Now, the building has been refreshed, and residents have begun moving in, she See EDWINOLA, page 15A
This marks the 10th consecutive year that The Laker/Lutz News has published the names of every high school graduate in our local communities. The Class of 2017 amounts to more than 3,500 graduates in the eight high schools our community newspapers cover. In Pasco County, these graduates are from Land O’ Lakes, Pasco, Sunlake, Wesley Chapel, Wiregrass and Zephyrhills high schools. And, in Hillsborough County, our graduates are from Steinbrenner and Freedom. Names of graduates are listed by school, in alphabetical order, in our Graduation Section beginning on page 5.You will find graduate names from the two high schools closest to where you live, and also the names of valedictorians and salutatorians from these schools. In addition to graduates from our public schools, you also will find the names of graduates from three private schools in our community — Academy at the Lakes, Bishop McLaughlin Catholic High School and Land O’ Lakes Christian School. You don’t have to be a graduate, or relative of a graduate, to enjoy looking though our Grad Section. It can be fun, even rewarding, to find names of kids you know from your neighborhood, friends and acquaintances, church, community groups, sports teams and recreational activities. And, when you find a graduate you know, honor them by sending a congratulatory text, or better yet, give them a personal call. Congratulate your graduate for accomplishing an important goal in his or her life — one that is an essential stepping stone, as they go on to achieve many more. Graduates of the Class of 2017 have worked for years to fulfill the requirements to qualify for graduation. And, they are why today’s paper is important. Graduating from high school is a monumental accomplishment that will set these students on a path to success. We applaud the Class of 2017.
Age 55-and-older Industry awards banquet will have trade show community gets private road By Kathy Steele
813-868-1887 OR
352-597-0009
B INSIDE, PAGE 1B
Ksteele@lakerlutznews.com
By Kathy Steele
ksteele@lakerlutznews.com
Developers and residents often clash when it comes to land issues. But, on two issues involving roads relating to a proposed 55-and-older, gated community — there was a rare moment when both sides agreed. And, the developers and residents got the response they wanted from Pasco County commissioners, too. One issue involved eliminating the extension of Five Farms Avenue, that would connect Country Walk subdivision to the adult community planned in adjacent Wiregrass Ranch. See ROAD, page 15A
The Pasco Economic Development Council will adjust the format for its annual awards banquet to allow more networking and showcase an industry trade show, according to a news release from Pasco EDC. The 2017 Annual Awards will be at Saddlebrook Resort on Aug. 31. The event will have a shortened awards ceremony, and a brief report on Pasco County’s economic development progress. The awards recognize top companies in Pasco that excel in technology, innovation job creation, growth, capital investment and community development.The nomination deadline ended on April 28. In evaluating nominees, the Pasco EDC looks at job creation, increased capital investment and contributions to the community through civic involvement between January 2016 and June 2017. Industry awards are given in the follow-
ing categories: • Small (1-20 employees) • Medium (21-100 employees) • Large (101 or more employees) • Startup/New within past 24 months Pasco EDC has partnered with Pasco County government for more than three decades to attract businesses and create jobs in Pasco. In the past year, Pasco EDC helped to expand or relocate 17 companies, employing more than 1,100 people.This includes nearly 850 new jobs and about $145 million in capital investment. In other accomplishments, Pasco EDC: See BANQUET, page 15A