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Alcohol Sales OK'd For Theater Complex

2008-07-09T15:40:00.000-07:00

Alcohol Sales OK'd For Theater Complex

By JULIA FERRANTE

The Tampa Tribune

Published: July 9, 2008

DADE CITY - DADE CITY - Cobb Theatres has won approval to sell beer, wine and liquor at a movie theater complex under construction at The Grove at Wesley Chapel, despite concerns from a nearby church congregation.

Pasco County commissioners Tuesday voted 5-0 to award a conditional-use permit and waive a rule that prohibits the sale of alcoholic beverages within 1,000 feet of a church or school.

Alcoholic beverages will be sold to patrons 21 and older at a "cinebistro" restaurant and theater on the mezzanine of the complex, northwest of State Road 54 and Interstate 75. Cobb expects to open the 16-screen, 2,700-seat complex in August.

Members of Faith Baptist Church, which is 827 feet away from the theaters, opposed Cobb's petition. They worry intoxicated theater patrons will drive by the church and school, putting children and congregants in danger.

"Five years ago, we planned a church with a school here," church member John Mitten Sr. told commissioners. "I'm asking you to at least protect us somewhat, not from our members going to the theater but from drunk drivers."

Tampa attorney Clarke Hobby and an entourage of other attorneys and consultants argued the theater and church are separated by a thick line of trees and an apartment complex. Hobby said the cinebistro needs to compete with other restaurants at The Grove, such as Outback Steakhouse.

Pasco Zoning Administrator Deborah Zampetti agreed that the trees and apartments provide a "unique buffer."

Hudson-based planning consultant King Helie, also representing Cobb, noted the 1,000-foot rule was adopted 29 years ago, when Wesley Chapel was a more rural place.

"Wesley Chapel has really changed," Helie said. "There is better housing and there is potential for better employment. This is an amenity."

Travis Haulk, a member of Faith Baptist, asked how Cobb, which seemed attuned to every other construction detail, failed to comply with the distance rule.

"Everything's been done to a T and to the letter, except the 1,000 feet," Haulk said.

Margarita Romo, executive director of Farmworkers Self Help in Tommytown, asked commissioners to uphold the distance rule, noting that movie theaters are a common hangout for youngsters.

"I think they're going to see thing and hear things," Romo said. "I think you're going to be opening doors you don't want to open. If it's supposed to be 1,000 feet, make it 1,000 feet. That's an agreement between the church and the state."

Jean Ann Jakes of Quail Hollow also argued a movie theater serving alcohol will set a precedent.

County Attorney Jeffrey Steinsnyder assured commissioners a waiver for Cobb would not preclude the board from denying others.

Commissioners agreed the movie theater would be an asset and provide jobs for high school students.

"I understand your teachings, but we represent all the people in Pasco County," Commissioner Pat Mulieri told church members.

Reporter Julia Ferrante can be reached at (813) 948-4220 or jferrante@tampatrib.com.

Huge tree pieces removed from street

2008-07-05T07:07:00.000-07:00

Huge tree pieces removed from street
Posted by Dave Balut Date last updated: 7/3/2008 11:24:53 PM

A 10 News viewer, who called us about huge pieces of a tree dumped in the road, has results. Pasco County and a tree service worked together to remove the hazard. But we still don't know who's responsible for the mess because the sheriff's office isn't saying.

Wesley Chapel, Fl. - With the largest pieces of oak tree already hauled off to a county landfill, workers with Bento's Tree Service finished scraping mulch off Lawrence Avenue Thursday afternoon.

The owner of the tree service didn't want to talk on camera, but says he volunteered to clean up this mess for free, after Pasco County asked him to help.

County Commissioner Pat Mulieri says the company responsible for the illegal dumping was supposed to clear this street Thursday morning but did not. So the county stepped in to clear the hazard.

Homeowners, glad to see the road hazard gone, are still puzzled by the whole thing.

"It's just bizarre how it happened, how the stuff was dropped off, supposedly the owner was found and the owner just didn't do anything and the county had to step in and hire another company that offered to do it for free, which was a great thing and I'm glad it's resolved," said homeowner Andre Cunningham.

What is not resolved, is who dumped huge pieces of tree trunk and limbs on Lawrence Avenue late Tuesday night.

The Pasco Sheriff's office is not yet releasing the name of the company responsible, saying the matter is still under investigation.

At first Pasco County was not going to help remove the tree because this is a private road. So homeowners called 10 News for help.

"A big relief now that it's gone," said Cunningham.

Another neighbor saw the tree dumping Tuesday night and called sheriff's deputies with the license plate number on the truck.

A Pasco County Sheriff's spokesman says illegal dumping happens frequently, but not usually something so large in the middle of a residential street.
Dave Balut, Tampa Bay's 10 News

Pet Adoption Marathon Is Coming

2008-07-03T04:51:00.000-07:00

Pet Adoption Marathon Is Coming

By Carl Orth | The Suncoast News

Published: July 2, 2008

Updated:

LAND O' LAKES -- Pasco County Animal Services will play host to a pet adoption marathon Saturday, July 19, as part of the Hill's Pet Nutrition Second Chance for Love program.

The Hill's pet food producer will bring its mobile tour to the county pet shelter in Land O' Lakes and underwrite the costs for at least 25 pet adoptions, Animal Services Manager Denise Hilton recently told the County Commission.

The shelter is a 19640 Lake Patience, Land O' Lakes, off U.S. 41, north of S.R. 54..

The Friends of the Animal Shelter support group also will dedicate the outside playground.

Pet photographer Jim Dratfield will take pictures of the adopters and their new pets.

Free pet food samples will be available as well.

A company contest offers free pet food to winners, while the shelter might qualify for a chance at donations of more than $10,000. People who share a written or video adoption story will be entered into the Second Chance for Love Contest.

The grand prize cat and dog winner will win a VIP photo shoot with Dratfield in New York City, a one-year supply of Science Diet pet food and $10,000 for the Pasco shelter. Eight, second-prize winners will get a one-year supply of Science Diet pet food and $2,000 for the shelter.

For the past few years, the shelter has gotten free Science Diet pet food from Hill's in exchange for posting the company's promotional posters, Hilton explained. So the offer to bring the mobile tour here was welcomed. Commissioners approved the event so long as Hill's provides the liability insurance for the tour visit here.

"Yes!" Commissioner Pat Mulieri exclaimed about news of the event. "This is exciting." Mulieri also rates the staff veterinarian, Dr. Terry Spencer, as "outstanding."

Commissioner Jack Mariano also expressed his enthusiasm for the "great program." In addition, Hilton reported that veterinarian interns from area schools will work over the summer for the Pasco Animal Services shelter, in Land O' Lakes.

County To Study Hiring Only Nonsmokers

2008-05-29T17:19:00.000-07:00

County To Study Hiring Only Nonsmokers: "County To Study Hiring Only Nonsmokers

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By Carl Orth | The Suncoast News

Published: May 27, 2008

NEW PORT RICHEY The Pasco County Commission today briefly discussed the possibility of hiring only nonsmokers.

'The ultimate goal is to have the healthiest work force that we can,' Commissioner Michael Cox said. An advisory committee on insurance has raised the idea of a ban on hiring smokers for county government jobs.

This step toward a smoke-free Pasco government work force might drive down insurance premiums by reducing the amount of smoking-related medical care county employees would require, Cox said.
Commissioners asked County Administrator John Gallagher to research the concept.

In the meantime, Commissioner Pat Mulieri said she hopes the county's insurance provider will cover some quit-smoking programs.

Aetna, which is scheduled to become the county's health insurance provider later this year, will provide some $20,000 to the county for wellness programs, Cox reported.

Carl Orth can be reached at corth@suncoastnews.com"

County To Overhaul Development Codes

2008-05-28T22:01:00.000-07:00

County To Overhaul Development Codes: "County To Overhaul Development Codes

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By Carl Orth | The Suncoast News

Published: May 27, 2008

NEW PORT RICHEY Overhauling Pasco County's land development code should take priority, county commissioners said this morning, even if that means holding off on some large-scale projects and other ordinances.

'We have a Ferrari (comprehensive) plan and a Volkswagen Bug land development code,' Commissioner Michael Cox said.

The county needs a 'timeout' on other matters until 'out-of-date' development codes can be rewritten, Cox said.

County Administrator John Gallagher agreed. 'We spend all our time (now) doing amendment after amendment after amendment' to the codes based on the latest projects submitted by developers. 'All we do is look at our shoes all day and process paperwork.'

County Attorney Jeffrey Steinsnyder asked county commissioners at today's workshop to help determine priorities for his legal staff. An overhaul of the land development codes could postpone other ordinances in the pipeline, he noted.

For instance, the county legal staff continues to work on school concurrency rules, which will help determine if an area can support a new school based on county infrastructure such as roads and sewers.

Also in dispute is how much the county should pay toward impr"

Transmission Line Protesters Celebrate Route Decision

2008-05-24T17:44:00.000-07:00

Transmission Line Protesters Celebrate Route Decision: "Transmission Line Protesters Celebrate Route Decision

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By Carl Orth | The Suncoast News

Published: May 24, 2008

Updated:

NEW PORT RICHEY - Does Christmas come in May? Yes!

At least Betty Abshire and other Briar Patch Village residents might have been tempted to say so after Progress Energy Florida this week steered clear of Pasco County for possible routes for new transmission power lines.

'I would use the word elated,' Abshire said as president of Briar Patch Village of Seven Springs Homeowners Association. The 155 villas are nestled near Seven Springs Boulevard and Perrine Ranch Road.

Power line towers might have essentially split the community in half under one route the utility had suggested, Abshire believes.

About 200 people from Briar Patch Village, Trinity West and Nature's Hideway appeared for a May 3 protest meeting against the potential power line route. That protest had followed an April 28 protest in Land O' Lakes which drew more than 400 concerned residents from a wide area.

Progress Energy Florida officials 'listened to the voices' of protesters, Abshire remarked. Utility executives realized it would be 'unpleasant' had they proceeded with the route through the Briar Patch area. Some families were concerned for their children's s"

Pasco: Sheriff's strategy backfires

2006-09-21T08:09:00.000-07:00

Pasco: Sheriff's strategy backfires: "Sheriff's strategy backfires

Defending his budget, he compares his office to a Third World country. That doesn't go over with commissioners.

By DAVID DeCAMP
Published September 20, 2006

NEW PORT RICHEY - Justifying his request for a 19 percent budget increase, Pasco County Sheriff Bob White on Tuesday compared his department to a Third World country. And when county commissioners seemed unimpressed with that argument and others, he questioned their commitment to public safety.

Commissioner Ted Schrader bristled at that suggestion. Leaning forward in his chair, Schrader pointed out that for five years, the sheriff had gotten almost every item on his budgetary wish list, including 49 new jobs last year.

'I've been low-balling you the last few years,' replied White, whose budget has increased 35 percent since 2002 and now takes up more than half of the county's general operating budget.

'I simply cannot do more patrols if you're going to cut' his proposal, White insisted.

But by the end of Tuesday's session, commissioners had ripped some big chunks from White's request for an $88.7 million budget next year.

* * *

White opened his remarks to commissioners with a request.

'I want you to think of yourselves as the United Nations, and I want you to think of the sheriff's "

Sheriff shifts position on ATVs

2006-09-05T20:19:00.000-07:00

He reverses his stance, urging Pasco to opt out of a new state law that allows the vehicles to be used on some public dirt roads.

By DAVID DeCAMP
Published September 5, 2006

NEW PORT RICHEY - A change in Florida law that would allow all-terrain vehicles on some unpaved roads is prompting Pasco County to examine stiffer standards.

So is a change in Sheriff Bob White.

White sent the County Commission a letter last week asking it to opt out of the new state law loosening restrictions on ATV use.

This position is a reversal of that announced by a spokesman just last month, who told the Times the Sheriff's Office saw no fault with the new law and had no plans to support opting out.

On Oct. 1, state law will change to allow licensed drivers, or minors supervised by them, to ride ATVs on public dirt roads where the speed limit is 35 mph or less. All public roads are off-limits now, forcing riders to use private land or tracks - or violate the law.

But a clause allows commissioners to have a public hearing and then vote to exempt the county from the new law.

White wrote commissioners that, "Although it might appear on the surface that this law would reduce the workload of local law enforcement ... I believe the opposite would occur.

At Commissioner Pat Mulieri's urging, the County Commission on Aug. 22 told staff and attorneys to begin the opt-out process. Mulieri said this week she wants to see if the county can place more limits on ATV use, too. Most likely, any action will take place after Oct. 1.

In Hernando County, the Sheriff's Office and county officials have begun the process to opt out.

That follows the Aug. 12 death of a 13-year-old girl riding on an ATV driven by her 12-year-old cousin in Hernando. Two weeks later, a Pasco man and a Hernando man were found dead near the wreckage of their ATV in another Hernando crash - part of a string of Tampa Bay area ATV crashes.

"I definitely think the ATVs can be a nuisance, especially with the young children," said Mulieri, who said she has come upon teenagers doing wheelies near her driveway.

Kevin Doll, a spokesman who had previously said the sheriff had no qualms with the law, said Friday that White's new stance resulted from conversations with commissioners and other department members who deal with ATV complaints.

Commission Chairman Steve Simon said Friday he supported opting out, echoing White's arguments.

Commissioner Ted Schrader recently urged a bit of caution, though.

"First of all, I don't really know what the intent of the Legislature was when they were doing this," Schrader said, expressing concern for businesses that could use ATVs for work, such as at orange groves.

"It's not that I am opposed. My concern was if they've got a legitimate reason if they're going down a dirt road."

Two rivals for seat take aim at Mulieri

2006-09-04T04:55:00.000-07:00

Job growth, road planning and utilities are key issues as two challengers seek her County Commission spot.

By DAVID DeCAMP
Published September 3, 2006

PORT RICHEY - Two candidates trying to unseat Pasco County Commissioner Pat Mulieri are familiar to her, even though they've never run before.

Realtor Christie Zimmer of Land O'Lakes is the daughter of former commissioner Bonnie Zimmer, whom Mulieri ousted in 1994. Mulieri appointed the younger Zimmer to a local planning group.

Larry DeLucenay, owner of Mad Hatter Utilities, spent most of the 1990s waging a court fight over Pasco County's attempt to take over the service area of his Land O'Lakes company.

Both challengers use their experiences to make their case against Mulieri, 68, a former English professor at Pasco-Hernando Community College who lives in Gowers Corner.

"I don't know of another candidate that has spent close to $1-million litigating Pasco County successfully, and that's not a credit. That's a hell of a way to run a railroad," said DeLucenay, 59, who said his "nuts and bolts" style allows him to ask tough questions others do not.

All voters will get to vote in this three-way Republican contest, because there are no Democrats or other-party candidates in the running. The leading vote-getter Tuesday will win the four-year term, even if he or she doesn't get a majority.

Commissioners are paid $76,000 a year. Besides setting policy on roads, development and county operations, they vote on zoning and spending matters. They must live in the district they represent, but they are elected countywide.

Mulieri has raised $81,500, including a $32,800 burst from Aug. 12 to 31, according to finance reports. Of that final surge, at least $21,000 came from real estate and development interests.

DeLucenay raised $20,400 and Zimmer $17,800.

In this race, District 2 spans from Wesley Chapel to Shady Hills, encompassing rapidly growing central Pasco.

That growth has been the top issue, although Zimmer also has repeatedly criticized Mulieri as being less active than she needs to be. Mulieri says she strongly attends to residents' problems.

But both candidates agree that the county should focus more on job growth to build a workforce that lives and works in Pasco, instead of commuting south.

"I would personally like to see more economic growth," said Zimmer, 44. "I feel that we have more than fulfilled the need for residential growth."

DeLucenay is less certain about the county's growth practices, but says he is concerned about how growth has affected the county's ability to provide services. Case in point, he said, is the county's utility failures. Pasco expanded a plant without permits and discharged waste illegally, prompting up to $1.8-million in state fines. DeLucenay said that's where his hands-on approach comes in.

Zimmer's top interest is improving road planning as part of growth management. As chair of the Citizens Advisory Committee to the county's Metropolitan Planning Organization, she said she has learned how early communication can help county officials work with the public to plan roads. She also wants the county to put a greater emphasis on recycling, and more efficient services using technology.

Mulieri said she wants to make sure the county enacts its new growth management laws properly. She wants the county to continue to develop business centers to spur job growth. She also wants the county to emphasize housing in the new developments that is affordable for the workforce.

"I don't want to look back, say 20 years from now, and say, I messed up Pasco County," Mulieri said.

Pat Mulieri Deserves Another Term As District 2 County Commissioner

2006-09-03T07:51:00.000-07:00

Pat Mulieri Deserves Another Term As District 2 County Commissioner
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Published: Aug 20, 2006

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Pasco County voters will decide this election season whether two veteran incumbents deserve to keep their county commission seats.

Republican Steve Simon, elected to the District 4 post in 1998, faces Democrat Michael Cox, but that won't be until November. First, Pat Mulieri, also a Republican, faces two challengers in the party primary Sept. 5 in her bid keep the District 2 seat she's occupied since 1994.

Because no other candidates are running in District 2, all voters, regardless of party affiliation, are eligible to cast ballots Sept. 5, and the winner is elected. County commissioners represent geographical districts but are elected countywide. Voters must make sure they mark their ballots even if they don't reside in District 2, which covers central Pasco.

Mulieri, 68, a retired teacher, lives in the Kent Grove community near Spring Hill. Her challengers are Larry DeLucenay, 59, a water and wastewater utility operator who lives in Land O' Lakes, and Christie Zimmer, a 44-year-old Realtor who also lives in Land O' Lakes. Both are seeking office for the first time.

DeLucenay, the owner of Mad Hatter Utility and a former Central Pasco Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year, has strong business savvy. He says Pasco needs to streamline the building and development permitting process to meet the needs of that industry. His expertise as a utility chief would be beneficial, especially considering problems detected by state environmental regulators at the county's 10 wastewater treatment facilities that will cost the county at least $1.79 million in sanctions.

DeLucenay also demonstrates an ability to ask tough, detailed questions, and he would demand better accountability in county government - to a fault. His desire to be a "hands on" commissioner who would work with department heads is extremely problematic and troubling.

A county commissioner's job is to set policy and make budgetary and other decisions - not interfere with the day-to-day operations of government. Under Pasco's form of government, the county administrator, his assistants and department heads are responsible for daily operations, not commissioners.

Zimmer, who moved to Land O' Lakes in 1969, has taken a path similar to Mulieri - a grassroots community activist seeking public office. The race also has an interesting twist: Zimmer's mother, Bonnie Zimmer, is a former Pasco County commissioner, and Mulieri, then a first-time candidate, defeated her in 1994.

A Mulieri appointee to the Pasco Metropolitan Planning Organization's Citizens Advisory Committee, Christie Zimmer, who chairs the group, has extensive knowledge of transportation issues and is passionate about them. Pasco needs more east-west routes, she says, adding that environmentally sensitive areas, including Cypress Creek Wellfield, shouldn't be disturbed.

She also is critical of the county's past growth management, correctly noting the county has allowed too much construction without providing necessary infrastructure beforehand. In addition, she proposes revamping the county's recycling program, which residents have complained about for years, in part by evaluating what other counties offer.

Zimmer, who says she would commit to only two terms, is a strong mass transit advocate. She has lobbied hard for more public bus routes, especially much-needed service to central Pasco and a cross-county connection.

Mulieri, who has a doctorate in higher education, retired last year from Pasco-Hernando Community College after 26 years as a professor. She has a strong grassroots following, and it's easy to understand why. She is the most constituent-conscious commissioner, never hesitating to meet with concerned individuals or groups. She has excellent communication skills and is very approachable. These qualities are extremely important, because government and its accompanying red tape can be intimidating and frustrating to residents, especially those facing it for the first time.

Although she isn't the strongest policymaker, she has voted for policies that have changed the county for the better during her tenure. These include placing a moratorium on billboards, which she proposed; protecting trees through a comprehensive ordinance; adopting and increasing impact fees to help offset growth's impact, especially on public schools; and requiring landscaping in developments. More recently, she supported a new comprehensive land-use plan that will protect scenic northeast Pasco from intense development prevalent in many areas.

Mulieri's goals for a fourth term include fully implementing the new land-use plan, paving more dirt roads, adding more county services online and seeing that performance audits are conducted on county departments. In addition, she wants County Administrator John Gallagher to hire a chief assistant.

Mulieri certainly isn't perfect. She has been part of a board that has failed to change development policies that resulted in overcrowded public schools. It is only because of a new state law that a concurrency program is being developed.

Still, Mulieri, based on her experience, skills and voting record, is the best candidate. She has helped make Pasco a better place to live and its government more responsible.

The Tribune endorses Pat Mulieri for Pasco County commissioner, District 2, on Sept. 5.

Debate over utilities chief focus of candidates forum

2006-08-31T15:33:00.000-07:00

Debate over utilities chief focus of candidates forum

Despite county utilities problems, Commissioner Pat Mulieri stands by her earlier support of Bruce Kennedy.

By DAVID DeCAMP
Published August 31, 2006

NEW PORT RICHEY - Pasco County's utilities director is not on any ballot, but his job performance set off political sparks at a forum Wednesday for County Commission candidates.

County Commissioner Pat Mulieri, who seeks a fourth term Sept. 5, gave unsolicited support for utilities chief Bruce Kennedy in February. On Wednesday, she stood by her response to troubles at the system, which faces up to $1.8-million in fines for state environmental violations.

The violations included a raw sewage spill of 21.2-million gallons near Lake Bernadette last summer, expansion of a treatment plant without a permit and the illegal installation of a pipe draining stormwater and partially treated wastewater into the Hillsborough River, Tampa's drinking water source.

Acknowledging a "black eye" on Pasco, Mulieri said, "It was wrong what happened, and with the technology we're working on, it should not happen again."

But that did not sit well with rival Republican Larry DeLucenay, who questioned the wisdom of keeping Kennedy on the county payroll.

"Even though Mr. Kennedy might make a great neighbor, I don't have a great deal of confidence in the job that he does," said DeLucenay, who runs Mad Hatter Utility, a Land O'Lakes utility that successfully sued the county over a takeover attempt in the 1990s.

The third candidate, Realtor Christie Zimmer, suggested the utility struggles represented the inability of higher-level county officials to handle the effects of rapid growth. But after the sparsely attended forum at the SunTrust Bank on U.S. 19, she was not ready to say whether Kennedy should be fired.

"I really tend to believe he is the sacrificial lamb that has been laid out," she said.

The forum, sponsored by the West Pasco Chamber of Commerce, featured candidates for Central Pasco's District 2 seat. The election Tuesday is open to all county voters because the field has only Republicans.

The utility issue offered them a stab at a prime issue in the race: Mulieri's diligence and energy overseeing the county. She says she has lots of priorities and activities to move forward.

DeLucenay says the county needs a commissioner who is willing to probe, while Zimmer says she would bring energy Mulieri has lost.

Florida regulators have ordered Pasco to make major improvements and add staff, and the fine is expected to be lowered if other projects are completed. Commissioners will oversee that work.

Though Kennedy denied it, state records say he authorized the secret pipe. Mulieri and other officials said he inherited many of the problems.

Mulieri told the crowd Wednesday she did not remember when she gave unsolicited support, but she quickly questioned the staff on what happened as soon as she learned of it from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.

The Pasco Times reported she gave support at the Feb. 28 board meeting, saying: "I support Bruce Kennedy."

Agitated by a Zimmer remark that the county couldn't handle a 45-minute water main break, Mulieri spoke out of turn to contradict Zimmer.

"Are we okay?" DeLucenay asked, before giving his conclusion.

"Every time I've dealt with Mr. Kennedy, he's never at fault. Someone else is at fault," he said. "Apparently, listening to what I hear from the commissioner today, the story is still the same."

A fundraiser in the buff

2006-08-31T10:36:00.000-07:00

A fundraiser in the buff

The Caliente nudist resort hosts the American Cancer Society's first-ever nude Relay For Life. Event T-shirts were optional for participants.

By JENNIFER STEWART
Published August 28, 2006

[Times photo: Zach Boyden-Holmes]
Jim Hannon and Brenna Barry kiss Saturday evening during the American Cancer Society's Relay For Life at the Caliente nudist resort in Land O'Lakes. The $5 donation at the kissing booth helped raise money for cancer research. The Caliente event was relatively small, but Barry said there will be a full-blown event in April.

LAND O'LAKES - Some folks marched about in nothing but a T-shirt.

A topless woman charged $5 for a smooch at the kissing booth. Another topless woman coated her breasts with red and silver fabric paint, then blotted them onto a T-shirt for sale.

This wasn't your typical Relay For Life, one of the American Cancer Society's largest fundraisers.

This was a Relay For Life at the Caliente nudist resort.

The event Saturday night - the first-ever nude relay for the American Cancer Society - drew about 100 guests at the Caliente Resort & Spa, organizers said. The goal was to raise money for cancer research. Organizers had not calculated the proceeds by press time Sunday.

"Cancer impacts everyone," said Mel Toran, executive director of the American Cancer Society's Pasco, Hernando and Citrus units. "So there's no reason to exclude that particular community."

Nudists, in fact, may be at greater risk for skin cancer as they bare it all in the Florida sun.

A typical Relay For Life is an all-night event in which members of teams take turns walking or running laps at venues like schools and parks.

The nude relay at Caliente consisted of a 5-minute stroll past the swimming pool and tiki bar, where clothes-free crooners belted out karaoke. About 15 people participated in the stroll, some of them topless, others wearing nothing more than a purple American Cancer Society T-shirt. Volunteers hurriedly moved lounge chairs out of the way to make way for the procession.

Then it was back to Caliente's clubhouse for a reception and luminaria ceremony honoring loved ones.

The condensed relay at Caliente was perfect for Land O'Lakes resident Von Jakubiec. She finished her treatment for breast cancer - a double mastectomy with chemotherapy, followed by reconstructive surgery - at the end of last year.

"I wanted to do a small relay the first time around," Jakubiec said. "And get my husband involved, because he was my caregiver."

The nude relay was designed to increase awareness of the American Cancer Society in the Pasco County nudist community. It was also a precursor to a longer relay, minus the clothing, that Caliente will host April 21.

"Our goal here is to start forming teams now, so come April, we can have a full-blown event," said Caliente social director Brenna Barry.

Nationally, more than 4,200 communities held relays last year. Seven of those were in Pasco, where the highest grossing relay was in Trinity. That event raised about $155,000, Toran said.

The potential for revenue was a driving force behind the Caliente relay, too.

The nudist industry has grown by leaps and bounds - doubling in size in the 1990s and spending nearly $400-million in 2003 - but few charities target its population for their fundraisers.

When approached, however, Caliente members and guests have been generous: The resort has raised nearly $30,000 for the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, which is not affiliated with the American Cancer Society.

The idea for the Pasco benefit in the buff didn't come from American Cancer Society brass. It came from community representative Nicole Hahn, who used her connections to launch an event for central Pasco's nudist population. "It's kind of a big thing," she said.

So is Caliente.

The luxurious 120-acre resort features a hotel and private residences, a spa, and a more than 8,000-square-foot lagoon swimming pool with a grotto waterfall. The 33,000-square-foot clubhouse includes a restaurant, disco and sports bar.

The place received national exposure from a 2004 visit from Paris Hilton's TV show, The Simple Life II, and a mention in the March issue of Playgirl as one of the best places to frolic in the nude.

"They provide a great deal of economic impact," said Pasco County Commissioner Pat Mulieri, who was "Giggles" the clown - fully clothed - at the event.

Breast cancer survivor Carol Tedder learned of the event through her involvement with the group the Single Naturists of Tampa Bay. Tedder, who lives at the Lake Como resort in Land O'Lakes, has been a nudist since 1978.

She said those who are nonnudists, who are sometimes called "textiles," have a false impression of the community.

"They think we're just laying all over the place having sex," Tedder said. "I don't know. It's the farthest thing from it."

Relay participant and cancer survivor Bob Merrigan of Lutz had his prostate removed in March. He has been a Caliente member for about five years.

What did Merrigan think of a nude Relay For Life?

"It's perfectly natural to me," he said.

Jennifer Stewart can be reached at (727) 869-8631 or jstewart@sptimes.com

Solidarity no mark of GOP right now

2006-08-31T10:30:00.000-07:00

Solidarity no mark of GOP right now

The county's Republicans haven't been getting along well. But disputes within the party, a state representative says, are normal before primary elections.

By DAVID DeCAMP
Published August 30, 2006

PORT RICHEY - Instead of swinging at partisan rivals, wings of the Pasco County Republican Party have aimed some of their strongest blows at each other this election season.

The party's executive committee and the West Pasco Republican Club - one of the party's more entrenched arms - have supported different slates of candidates in the Sept. 5 election. Some top elected officials, including state Sen. Mike Fasano, R-New Port Richey, also endorsed candidates the executive committee did not.

The differences have prompted harsh words from Pasco Republican Executive Committee chairman Bill Bunting for West Pasco members. It also laid bare the wrangling within a party that controls most of Pasco's elective offices - and has eyes on nonpartisan School Board posts.

Since July, consider these fissures:

- The county executive committee overwhelmingly endorsed School Board candidate Cathi Compton over Allen Altman. But Fasano, state Rep. John Legg and County Commissioner Ann Hildebrand backed Altman. Altman advocated the Penny for Pasco sales tax increase the party committee opposed.

- The executive committee failed to muster enough votes in July to endorse three-term Commissioner Pat Mulieri in her Sept. 5 race against Republicans Larry DeLucenay and Christie Zimmer.

Fasano said the Mulieri vote never should have happened because it risked the perception the party does not support an incumbent.

"I believe when you have a hard-working Republican incumbent like Pat Mulieri, you automatically support her," Fasano said. "There shouldn't be any question."

- Days after the executive committee acted, the West Pasco Republican Club announced it would give contributions to Mulieri, Commissioner Steve Simon and School Board candidates Michele Chamberlin and Frank Parker. But it did not contribute in the Compton-Altman race.

Bunting downplayed the West Pasco club's relevance Tuesday, saying "there are only two major clubs in Pasco ... the Spirit of '76 Club which he cofounded and the Central Pasco club."

The seniors-dominated West Pasco club served as Fasano's bully pulpit during his rise to power in the 1990s. Unlike that club, Bunting said, Central Pasco Republican Club members "actually get up and work campaigns."

The Central Pasco club also endorsed only Compton, which club president and party vice chairman Steve Graves said was done to follow the executive committee's lead.

West Pasco club president Chris Sprowls said his club and others like it helped make Republicans a majority party, and elect Republicans like Sheriff Bob White, Fasano and Legg.

"Truth is, our membership does what's best for their philosophy," he said, and being the governing party means having different wings.

Fasano, Bunting and other Republican officials downplay the long-term effects on party unity and leadership. The value of a party or club endorsement also is hard to gauge, party members say. But Compton and Altman highlighted endorsements in their mailings to voters.

Legg said the differences are "healthy."

"It's what happens before every primary. You get two weeks out, and people get really heated up," Legg said. "And they get back together before November."

But Bunting chalked up Fasano's moves to lingering anger from two disagreements with Bunting.

In 2001, as the legislative districts were being redrawn, Bunting wanted three state Senate districts covering parts of Pasco, while Fasano supported one district for the entire county. Bunting also opposed a sales tax increase for indigent health care that Fasano proposed but abandoned this year.

Democrats proceeded differently. Alison Morano, chairwoman of the Democratic Party in Pasco County, said party executive committee members decided this month not to endorse candidates in School Board races.

The Republican Party's involvement was noted during the Democrats' August meeting, but Democrats did not want partisanship inserted in nonpartisan races, Morano said.

"I think what it does is make the candidate accountable to the party, and then you inject partisanship into your child's education," Morano said.

David DeCamp covers Pasco County government for the Times. He can be reached in west Pasco at 869-6232 or toll-free at 1-800-333-7505, ext. 6232. His e-mail address is ddecamp@sptimes.com

A rocky encounter for commissioner

2006-08-29T15:53:00.000-07:00

A rocky encounter for commissioner

County Commissioner Pat Mulieri is bitten and scratched by a pair of raccoons on the porch of her Gowers Corner house.

By DAVID DeCAMP
Published August 17, 2006

County Commissioner Pat Mulieri has been cornered by constituents before. But this was the first time she was bitten.

It all happened in the wee hours of the night two weekends ago, when a pair of raccoons closed in on Mulieri's shiny black cat, Big Boy, on the porch of her Gowers Corner log house. Mulieri went outside to scare them off.

Instead of skedaddling as usual, the raccoons went after the nightie-clad commissioner. One grabbed and bit her ankle, she said, and the other scratched her other foot. She shrieked.

Her husband, Jimmy, doused her with iodine - ouch! - before they decided Bayonet Point Medical Center might be the better venue for quality health care. There, the commissioner said, the Mulieris offered to go home to trap and deliver the offenders for brain testing. The doctor had another idea.

"Do you want to live or die?" Mulieri recalled him asking.

"I want to live," said Mulieri, 68.

They went through eight vials of rabies vaccine that morning, Mulieri said. She has to receive shots until 28 days after the bite. The needles poke her ankle but don't hurt much - a lesson for other victims reluctant to get treatment, she said.

Mulieri said she has a new appreciation for wildlife. But she has no trouble walking, and for the record, no frothing at the mouth.

"I'm a cautious animal lover now," she said.

County proposes impact fee hike again

2006-08-09T16:36:00.000-07:00

Preliminary plans show the total increase could be as high as 25 percent per home if several ordinances are passed.

By DAVID DeCAMP
Published August 9, 2006

DADE CITY - The Pasco County Commission moved ahead with plans Tuesday to raise impact fees another $3,000 for a single-family home to keep up with the demands of growth.

The total increase - roughly a 25 percent jump for each new house - would pay for new parks, expanded water and sewer services and a list of sheriff's projects, including jail expansion and new equipment. Utility and parks fees would go up, and the law enforcement fee would be new.

Commissioners told staff Tuesday to draw up the ordinances, which would be discussed and voted upon at future public hearings.

Pasco also has impact fees to pay for roads, libraries, fire service, hurricane preparation and schools, which generally total about $12,000 per home. Businesses can expect to pay thousands more, varying by their type and size.

But the proposed increases come as the real estate industry is softening, interest rates are going up and home insurance rates are rising.

"It's going to be a pressure on the affordability of housing - that's clear," said land use attorney Robert Williams of Tampa, who has represented Pasco builders. "The general feeling among the development community is we don't mind paying our share. We just want to make sure we're not paying for deficiency."

Acknowledging the concern, Commissioner Pat Mulieri said one option may be reducing fees on affordable housing.

government staffers are investigating a potential property tax break for the families of military personnel serving in combat.

2006-07-10T04:48:00.000-07:00

A Times Editorial
Published July 9, 2006

The rush for feel-good legislation is reaching into Pasco County as county government staffers are investigating a potential property tax break for the families of military personnel serving in combat.

On its surface, the plan is noncontroversial and indeed a friendly benefit to help ease the financial burden on men and women in the military.

The timing is conspicuous, however, coming just days after Pasco County's Utilities Department earned front-page coverage for its unsympathetic response to the family of U.S. Army Sgt. Christopher Kawalec, who disputed a $228 monthly water bill supposedly accumulated while Kawalec served in Afghanistan.

More importantly, commissioners shouldn't be in a hurry to bless this proposal before they know the bottom line. Commissioner Pat Mulieri indicated a willingness to grant the tax break even if it cost the county up to $150,000.

How times have changed. That is the kind of money commissioners used to knock heads with constitutional officers over, considering it's nearly enough to hire and outfit two entry-level deputies.

Mulieri forwarded to the Office of Management and Budget a list of 728 names of active duty personnel living in Pasco's 27 ZIP codes. The data didn't indicate whether all the names are Pasco property owners or if they are assigned to combat zones.

Commissioner Ann Hildebrand previously embraced the idea, which has been adopted in varying forms in seven counties.

Candidate wants to fill mom's shoes

2006-06-29T20:59:00.000-07:00

By BRIDGET HALL GRUMET, Times Staff Writer
Published June 24, 2006

LAND O'LAKES - County Commissioner Pat Mulieri has drawn another challenger in this fall's election: Christie Zimmer.

If the name sounds familiar, that may be because Zimmer's mother, Bonnie, was the commissioner representing central Pasco - until Mulieri defeated her in 1994.

So does this year's race have the makings of a grudge match?

"Absolutely not," said Christie Zimmer, chuckling at the question she expects to hear a lot this campaign. "I have no ill regard to Pat Mulieri."

In fact, Zimmer said, she and Mulieri worked together against the plans for a medical waste incinerator in Gowers Corner in the early 1990s. More recently, Mulieri appointed Zimmer to the Citizens Advisory Committee for the Municipal Planning Organization, a board that plans Pasco's transportation projects.

So why run against Mulieri now?

"I feel that I can bring some proactive thinking, innovative ideas and some new energy to the table that it doesn't currently have," said Zimmer, 44.

As a member of the planning board's advisory committee, Zimmer pressed for plans to extend the widening of State Road 54 to Interstate 75 and to widen State Road 52 to six lanes instead of four, in anticipation of growth.

As president of the Lake Padgett Estates Civic Association, Zimmer helped create an independent special district that, pending the governor's approval, will allow the neighborhood to keep its lakefront parks private.

As a real estate agent and developer, Zimmer said she has supported "responsible development." When she developed Keystone Park Colony in Odessa in the mid 1990s, she divided the 100-acre tract into 17 small ranches, not the maximum 47 home sites allowed.

"I don't believe in going in and putting in the maximum density and creating urban congestion," she said.

That comes from growing up in Land O'Lakes: Zimmer remembers when the area was nothing but orange groves, and residents fought to get a flashing light instead of a stop sign at SR 54 and U.S. 41.

Zimmer said she supports the proposed changes to the comprehensive land use plan - the same changes that riled the Pasco Building Association - because they call for "traditional neighborhood developments" in which people can walk to work and "conservation subdivisions" in which open space is required.

Zimmer is a graduate of Land O'Lakes High School. She is president-elect of the Central Pasco Board of Realtors. She has a 10-year-old daughter and a 7-year-old son.

Zimmer enters a crowded Sept. 5 Republican primary against Mulieri, Mad Hatter Utility owner Larry Delucenay and Shady Hills concrete truck driver John Edward Horan III. So far no Democrats or third-party candidates have entered the race.

Commissioner Steve Simon, a Republican, faces a challenge from Democrat Nicole Deg in the Nov. 7 election. Nonparty candidate John Karpinski dropped out of the race this week citing "financial and family medical reasons."

Commissioners are elected countywide although they live in the district they represent. The position pays $76,457 a year.

Trilby welcomes well-planned growth

2006-06-23T18:56:00.000-07:00

Re: Trilby Estates

Developers need to step up and take responsibility for more to help with the cost of paving the Christian and Powerline roads; $21,000 cannot pave my entranceway 15 feet to my home, much less a mile stretch of road.

Also, I am very disappointed about the scare tactic issue. I do not like to be pushed into a corner. I feel, and so do many of the 150 residents who attended the recent Greater Trilby Association meeting, like the first words were this: If you all decide to change this plan, we will then go to the new comp plan and add 167 homes instead!

I am one for working out things or working together with folks. But I live one block from this new development. I am for new homes coming to our area, definitely. We need this tax base to get more county services, a community center, etc. But it needs to fit the contour or the existing structure of the area.

If you look at the overhead of the Trilby Estates, it looks like a metropolis being dropped in a pasture with trees. I thank the county commissioners, especially Ted Schrader and Pat Mulieri, for speaking up and making a stance for more responsibility on this project. It is always easy for someone to say it is a great deal until it is your back yard being rearranged.

Resignations roil building association

2006-06-23T06:41:00.000-07:00

Businesses are leaving to protest the group's efforts in challenging changes to the county's comprehensive plan.

By CHUIN-WEI YAP
Published June 22, 2006

At least five leading names in the county's development scene have resigned from the Pasco Building Association, protesting against the association's confrontation with county officials over changes to Pasco's comprehensive land use plan.

They include Newland Communities, the developer of 7,000-acre Bexley Ranch; Crown Community Development, the developer of 2,500-acre Seven Oaks and 1,000-acre Watergrass; Lexington Homes, of Dade City's Lake Jovita and central Pasco's Serengeti development; engineering firm Heidt & Associates; and the law firm Figurski & Harrill.

The association is mounting a legal and political challenge to Pasco's comprehensive plan amendments, but the recent departures shake the association's claim to fully represent its nearly 400 members, which range from smaller businesses like framing companies and electrical contractors to national powerhouses like Newland.

The association was also preparing to field candidates for County Commission seats up for election this November, in a bid to regain what the association sees as its weakening political influence on development issues.

In their letters to the association, the dissidents sounded the same note of concern with the association's strategy.

"The association's challenge ... was, in our opinion, unnecessarily inflammatory," Newland's southeast operations chief, W. Don Whyte, wrote. "The position articulated is contrary to the best interests of majority of the association's members. ... We can no longer support an association that is more disposed to confrontation than collaboration."

In a comment to the St. Petersburg Times, Whyte said Newland could not give the appearance of tacit support to what the association was doing.

"I'm disappointed it had to come to that," he said. "Our method of working with the county and other municipal officials is to find common ground. We just saw the situation deteriorating and didn't feel it was appropriate to apparently support it."

In a separate letter to the association, Rhonda Brewer, Newland's vice president for operations, resigned her position as the association's board member.

Heidt & Associates officials B. Patrick Gassaway and Ed Rogers also resigned their seats on the association's board and its governmental affairs committee.

"Our firm feels that a pursuit of a challenge to the pending comprehensive plan is contrary to the best interests of our primary clients," Gassaway, Heidt's vice president, wrote. Heidt & Associates has offices in Tampa, Fort Myers and Sarasota.

Craig Gallagher, president of Lexington Homes, and development attorneys Gerald Figurski and J. Ben Harrill sent one-paragraph letters to the association, rescinding their membership. The letters echoed the sentiment that the association had failed to represent the firm's interests.

In a June 14 e-mail to County Administrator John Gallagher, Crown Community Development's general manager raised the same criticism.

"I wanted to let you know that we neither endorse or will be contributing to the PBA effort to challenge Pasco County," Craig Weber wrote. "I am disturbed that the PBA has taken this position without full membership participation and support."

Alex Deeb, the association's chairman of its political action committee, did not reply to messages seeking comment Wednesday. Last week, Deeb approached Commissioner Pat Mulieri to inform her of the association's grievances and its intention to contest her seat.

Builders preparing to field candidates

2006-06-18T19:27:00.000-07:00

While the Pasco Building Association is ready to sue over the county's land-use plan, a quicker remedy is being sought.

By CHUIN-WEI YAP
Published June 16, 2006

Fueled by unhappiness over the direction of the county's growth management policies, the Pasco Building Association is preparing to field candidates for County Commission seats this November.

The association set the stage last week to sue Pasco over proposed changes to the county's comprehensive land use plan, though a top association official later said he was surprised by county attorney Robert Sumner's promise to fight the challenge.

Commissioners Steve Simon and Pat Mulieri, both Republicans, are defending their seats in the coming elections.

The indications point to an association campaign strategy unfolding alongside its impending land-use challenge.

"Being the organization that we are, we're always looking out for the interests of our organization," association president Alex Mourtakos said. "Obviously, people who govern and control what's out there are at the front of our minds."

Mourtakos said the association has considered fielding candidates but declined to comment on whether it had settled on any names.

Mulieri said the association's political action committee chairman, Alex Deeb, told her Thursday of the electoral challenge.

"He said they were going to look for viable candidates," she said.

Mulieri threw doubt on the association's ability, as a special-interest group, to succeed in backing a candidate. As a 12-year incumbent, she said she was sure of victory, adding with a laugh that "she would not be the vindictive type."

Simon did not reply to a call for comment.

Florida County Quietly Cashes In On Nudist Resorts

2006-06-05T07:41:00.000-07:00

POSTED: 7:28 am EDT May 27, 2006

LAND O' LAKES, Fla. -- A small community north of Tampa is claiming a unique distinction: nudist capital of the world.

The bare facts: The American Association of Nude Recreation says Pasco County is home to six nudist resorts and two nudist clubs, a unique cluster that has earned the community its nudist title.

Resorts catering to tourists in the buff range from rustic 59-year-old Lake Como, Florida's original nudist camp, to the flashy facilities of the upscale Caliente Resort.

State and local tourism officials don't go out of their way to advertise the community's naked abundance, but officials say nudists are good neighbors.

Pasco County Commissioner Pat Mulieri said the "neighbors" provide a wide tax base." He also notes that people come from all over the world.

Community and others are curbing speeders

2006-06-05T07:23:00.000-07:00

Community and others are curbing speeders

As an active member in our community, it is not uncommon for me to hear complaints about our roads and growth. We are usually quick to criticize and forget to show appreciation when it is due.

I want to thank several people who have taken a proactive stance in helping the Forest Lake subdivision in Port Richey. At our last homeowners association meeting Commissioner Pat Mulieri spoke to our members about traffic calming and speed humps. I am new to the community but I have quickly learned how passionate the association is about the speeding on Forest Lake Drive. Even though Mulieri does not represent our district her vast experience with this issue was helpful. She worked with county staff to do a traffic study on Forest Lake Drive to assess the need for speed humps.

Next, we contacted the Sheriff's Office and spoke to Lt. Michael Schreck who assisted us with getting a radar device that displays their speed to motorists. It was noticeable that when drivers became aware that they were speeding they quickly slowed down. Lastly, I noticed Deputy Marshall Deberry pulling over speeders in our neighborhood. I know he was just doing his job but it makes a huge difference to a community that thinks it has been ignored in the past.

As a father of three I probably would not have bought this house if I had known how dangerous Forest Lake Drive can be. With the help of so many and great neighbors I know we can make a difference.

Actually, we already have.

Shawn Foster, New Port Richey

Mulieri lays out paving plan again

2006-05-22T16:28:00.000-07:00

Mulieri lays out paving plan again

Some residents can't afford to have dirt roads paved, so cheaper alternatives are needed, she says.

By ALISA ULFERTS

© St. Petersburg Times, published May 4, 2000

NEW PORT RICHEY -- Even Pat Mulieri says she may have beat the dirt-road horse to death.

"I've brought this up a hundred times, and I promise you if the board doesn't agree, this is the last time I'll bring it up," Mulieri, the County Commission chairwoman, said during Tuesday night's meeting.

Mulieri repeatedly has pushed for the county to develop an alternative paving program for residents along private dirt roads who cannot afford the paving assesment program. On Tuesday, she was host of another presentation on alternate paving materials that are not as costly as asphalt.

The other commissioners agreed to hold a workshop on the alternate materials but said any residents who want to pave their roads with the cheaper materials should be warned that they don't last as long as regular asphalt.

"You'd better put a gosh darn disclaimer on it," Commissioner Steve Simon said. County officials say the cheaper mix will last seven to 10 years, while regular asphalt is good for 18 years.

County Administrator John Gallagher said the workshop will be scheduled sometime in the next few weeks. Gallagher said he didn't mind offering private-road residents an alternative to asphalt as long as the county recorded a disclaimer along with the property deed so future buyers of the land would know the roads aren't paved with regular asphalt.

County public works staffers have recommended against using asphalt alternatives, saying they were afraid the county would end up having to maintain substandard roads.

But Mulieri pushed ahead, saying something needed to be done for residents in the central and eastern parts of the county who choke on the dust from dirt roads whenever cars pass.

"This is something I feel really strongly about," Mulieri said.

Under the county's pavement-assesment program, a majority of residents along a road must agree to allow the county to pave the road. They then pay back the county, but the total assesment per home can be hundreds and sometimes thousands of dollars.

Also on Tuesday, county commissioners received a report from Emergency Management Director Michele Baker about the county's surprising loss of hurricane shelter space. State officials inspected the shelters the county had planned to use and found that most of them would not meet new, stricter standards. The county plans to retrofit many of those schools during the next couple of years.

The county also may begin issuing purchase orders to clean the wastewater-contaminated sprinkler systems for residents in southeastern Pasco developments. Although the county planned to credit residents' cleanup costs in their water bills after the county accidentally contaminated irrigation systems, several people have called to say they cannot afford the up-front cleanup costs. Gallagher said his staff is looking into whether the county can issue purchase orders for those residents.

-- Alisa Ulferts covers Pasco County government. She can be reached in west Pasco at 869-6244 or (800) 333-7505, ext. 6244. Her e-mail address is ulferts@sptimes.com.

Pasco: Waste director's supporters need to reconsider

2006-03-10T07:59:00.000-08:00

Pasco: Waste director's supporters need to reconsider: "Waste director's supporters need to reconsider
Letters to the Editor
Published March 9, 2006

Re: Waste violations put focus on director, March 7

Garrett Therolf provided a good look at the latest Pasco coverup. His report quotes director Bruce Kennedy's comments to DEP officials regarding the authorization to open the valve that spilled 21-million gallons of wastewater - namely: 'If I said I did, I probably just said it to get on and figure out what's the point.'

To make matters worse, Kennedy gets the support of Commissioners Steve Simon and Pat Mulieri even after stating he did not know the illegal pipe valve was installed or opened. If true, why did a staffer write 'Bruce authorized' under a question from the DEP in the December 2003 meeting: Who authorized the valve to be opened?

We know that some commissioners are surfing the Web or e-mailing during their meetings with the public. Is it possible Bruce Kennedy has some embarrassing secrets on the commissioners allowing him to keep his job and get votes of confidence from them for his stupidity?

I say make Bruce Kennedy and the commissioners pay any fine from their pockets and throw them out of office."