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JUNE 2, 2021
Library offers patrons a fresh look
By B.C. Manion bcmanion@lakerlutznews.com
It’s not a brand new library — but it sure looks and feels like one. The New River Library, at 34043 State Road 54 in Wesley Chapel, has reopened its doors after a massive overhaul that took longer than expected because of COVID-19 and material delays.
The library officially reopened on April 30, but work is not completely finished yet on the outdoor garden spaces, and library staff is still awaiting the arrival of some furniture and materials. Still, there’s an air of excitement as staff prepares to offer library patrons a more comfortable place to read, meet and take advantage of programming. Most of the activities won’t kick into
high gear until later this year, as the library continues to offer the vast majority of programming remotely. Still, staff is eager for patrons to come in and take a look around. “People are welcome to come in and they’re welcome to take our nickel tour, what we call a Sneak Preview,” said Angelo See LIBRARY, page 9A
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The red brick building, constructed in 1991, looks much the same. The inside, however, looks entirely new.
Fo o d i e Fr i d ay with ka at tie & kel lli
There’s a new drive-thru book drop behind the New River Branch Library, giving patrons a chance to drop off books from the convenience of their car.
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Oakley: Pasco should build communities, not subdivisions By B.C. Manion bcmanion@lakerlutznews.com
As the Pasco County Commission was wrapping up a meeting last month, Commission Chairman Ron Oakley called for increased scrutiny on how Pasco is growing. Developers coming into the county should build communities, not merely subdivisions, according to Oakley, who has deep roots in Pasco County. “If we don’t start looking out for what we’re getting built here in our county, in large developments — if we don’t start watching it closer, then we’ll have developed land for houses that will just be houses,” Oakley said. “And, I think what we all really want for our county is to have developed land that becomes a community for each project that we have, going forth,” he said. He then went on to describe what See OAKLEY, page 9A
B INSIDE, PAGE 1B
This is the library's new children's room. It offers comfortable seating, room to play, computers and a view, too.
Residents back Zephyrhills golf course By Kevin Weiss kweiss@lakerlutznews.com
The future of the Zephyrhills Municipal Golf Course remains up in air, as city leaders continue to ponder the possible sale of the property for a Florida Army National Guard Armory. In recent weeks, the National Guard has been scouting the 65-acre golf property situated on the southwest quadrant of the Zephyrhills Municipal Airport. This development comes as state lawmakers approved allocating $25 million in appropriations to the military organization, for future training grounds in Zephyrhills. But area residents have come out swinging in support of the 18-hole, par 68 course, at 39248 B Ave., in Zephyrhills. Avid golfers and course workers alike voiced the need to keep the outdoor recreational amenity intact, during a public comment portion of a May 24 Zephyrhills City Council regular meeting. The facility — established in 1957, then opened in 1978 — is regarded as a low-cost alternative compared to surrounding golf courses, where snowbirds and others flock to during the year. Discussion about the course’s future originally came up during an earlier May meeting to approve a lease agreement with Under Par Inc., to continue to serve as course management operators. But City Manager Billy Poe at the time disclosed how the National Guard had targeted the golf course property for purchase — likely to be a substantial offer — among other site alternatives and parcels throughout the city, following the wave of expansion funding. Armed with that information, council members tabled the lease renewal for future discussion, given that the city’s present agreement with Under Par won’t expire until April 2022. With no final decisions yet set, locals came out in full force inside Zephyrhills City Hall to put comments on the record. Sixteen-year-old Wesley Chapel resident Jake Roberts spoke in glowing terms about his experiences at the course. The teen, who was the first public speaker to weigh in on the topic, said he learned
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The Zephyrhills Municipal Golf Course is designed to provide a public, low-cost alternative compared to other courses in the area. The 18-hole, par 68 course is known as a haven for snowbirds and beginners alike.
to play golf there with his father, when he was just 8 years old. He described the course as “a cornerstone” of his life and “a very important place” for the entire East Pasco community. “I have a lot of good memories from there,” Roberts told the council.“I’ve grown up there basically, around some of the best, kindest, and overall good people that you could meet.” He urged council members:“Please allow these memories I will forever cherish to be experienced by more people in this community.” Roberts’ father, Art, also stood up, wrought with emotion on the course’s uncertain future. Choking up, the parent shared how course staff and members welcomed his family and rallied around his 12-year-old daughter’s battle with cancer. Art added that the course was “a place to go” for the family during the traumatic times, then emphasized how the facility is accommodating and affordable for both young and older golfers, including retirees and winter residents. “The value to our community is immeasurable,” Art said.“There’s a lot of folks that need that place.”
Zephyrhills resident Ken Fabiani can attest, as an amputee veteran who’s played the municipal course the past four years. “It’s about the only golf course that’s feasible for somebody that has, not a handicap, but a little difficulty playing the longer golf courses,” he said, also noting the pro shop offers a 20% veteran discount. Fabiani also suggested the proposed armory project “be placed somewhere more convenient than taking away the city’s golf course, and let it be that everybody has a chance to play.” Mike Murrell discovered the course about two years ago when he relocated to Zephyrhills. He has since become a regular course volunteer, where he’s met hundreds of people young and old — including some players in their 90s, who relish the smaller, beginner-friendly style course.“If it weren’t for that course,” Murrell said,“they wouldn’t be playing golf.” Murrell also said,“I think it’d be a travesty if the course was shut down, because it’s enjoyed by so many people, especially the six months out of the year when the northerners are down here, it’s unbelievable.” Longtime Zephyrhills resident Gary Kyle began playing the course about 11 years ago. He likewise pleaded with city leadership to not compromise the course:“It’s a great place to go to unwind, it does a lot for the community. It gives people, young people especially, a place to go that’s safe, a good, safe environment, and I would really like for the council members and the city to keep the course open.” In addition to other area residents who spoke up in favor of keeping the facility intact, course employees, like pro shop manager Craig Sexton, expressed concern about closing the course in favor of another development project. “I don’t see why one company has to die for another to live,” Sexton said. “I don’t understand why we need to destroy one company that’s functioning, not great, but we’re surviving, and for that to happen post-COVID, I’m confused, I’m not sure what is going on. See GOLF, page 9A