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INSIDE: Pg. 8A - SLU Students Fill Empty BelliesPg. 9A - San Antonio Clerk Departing
Pg. 10A - Sugar, Spice And Everything NicePg. 1B - Boys Lose Despite Late-Game Surge
Pg. 1B - Lady Pirates Fall To GatorsPg. 3B - Youth Council Marks 10 Years
Pg. 4B - Dade City Lady Refuses To Give UpPg. 5B - San Ann Rotary Looks Back
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Dade CityServing Dade City • San Antonio • Saint Leo NewsVolume VII • Issue 23 Your Hometown News Source • dadecitynews.org January 18, 2018
MLK Day A ‘Peoples Holiday’
Locals came together last weekend to celebrate the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. in great fashion.
The festivities began Saturday morning with a parade dedicated to the late civil rights leader. Members of the community lined up fittingly on Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., in front of Rodney B. Cox Elementary School. The parade then rolled down Seventh Street and Meridian Avenue before ending in front of the historic courthouse.
The parade, previously held in Lacoochee, was organized by members of the MLK committee in coordination with Dade City Mayor Camille Hernandez.
“This is our third year hosting this event. Mayor Hernandez came to [the committee] and asked if we’d consider having the parade in Dade City,” said
Local Celebrations Stress Community Unity
Floats at the Martin Luther King Jr. Day Parade preached a message of much needed unity all across the globe.
by Emily Kochanski and Keri McAlpine
Altman Wants Another Term On School Board
East Pasco resident Allen Altman has filed paperwork to seek re-election to his District 1 School Board seat. He is the longest serving current member of the board, first elected to office in 2006.
Altman, a lifelong resident of the area, has a long history of community service and involvement in education issues.
In 2004 Altman helped lead the successful Penny for Pasco effort that has resulted in many east Pasco schools being renovated and improved.
Altman has been a vocal proponent for maintaining the school district’s financial discipline and as a result the district has kept a solid bond rating, even as surrounding districts have struggled. Altman said “strong reserves
District 1 Representative Pushing
For Technical SchoolStaff Report
Altman • Continued on Page 7A
MLK • Continued on Page 6A
Big Love For Cute Little FruitMore than 30,000 attendees will
converge on Dade City next weekend for a day dedicated to a small, but mighty tasty, member of the citrus family.
The 21st annual Kumquat Festival is scheduled for Jan. 27, centered around the historic county courthouse. The festival celebrates the “little gold gem of the citrus industry” and showcases all the advantages of this versatile, tasty and healthy fruit.
The small, oval shaped buds have been a staple of Dade City since the Gude family started Kumquat Growers, Inc. in 1971. The company is the nation’s largest producer of kumquats, with virtually no other competition. The local company hauls in about 120 bushels, or 6,000 pounds, of kumquats for the festival each year, owner Frank Gude said in a previous Dade City News article.
John Moors, director of the Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce, organizes the downtown event in conjunction with the Growers. He said this year’s kumquat crop has suffered some setbacks from natural causes such as citrus greening, root rot, and root weevils.
While the Kumquat Growers were not available for comment at press
time, Moors said he visited the groves in St. Joe before Christmas. At that point, Moors said the farm just re-planted a lot of small kumquat trees, and while full of the fruit they were not as mature as the other full-grown trees.
Despite the setback Moors said it would not affect the festival and the amount of kumquat products available. As many as 10,000 slices of pie are sold
at the annual festival each year.Small changes were made to the
festival to accommodate the decrease in fruit, such as cancelling the window-decorating contest. Normally the downtown merchants are given cases of kumquats to decorate their windows.
“With the lack of fruit, it’s not
Dade City Poised To Welcome Thousands To Festivalby Keri McAlpine
Kumquat • Continued on Page 4A
The lines can be long at the Kumquat Festival but worth the wait for free samples of the many products made from kumquats. Photo by Dave Walters
Allen Altman
Photo by Emily Kochanski
2A • January 18, 2018 Your Hometown News Source • dadecitynews.org Dade City News
Robert Elmer Reynolds Jr., 27, of 37418 Desrosier Road, was arrested by Dade City po-lice on Jan. 8 and charged with ag-gravated domestic assault. Reynolds and a woman with whom he has two children in common were reportedly involved in a verbal argument over her choice of friends. The victim told police Reynolds had a knife in his
hands and was angry. He allegedly told her he was go-ing to take care of her friends with the knife and would stab them. “After I take care of them, I’ll take care of you too,” Reynolds allegedly said. The victim told po-lice this threat placed her in fear of her life. Reynolds reportedly threw the knife out of the window of a moving vehicle while the victim was on the telephone talking to police. Post Miranda, Reynolds reportedly admitted to holding the knife and threatening to harm her friends but denied threatening the victim. The knife was located a short distance away from where Reynolds told officers he had thrown it.
Clarence Louis Adams, 57, of 38051 Church Ave., was arrested by Dade City police on Jan. 1 and charged with domestic battery. He allegedly intentionally shoved his girlfriend whom he has been dating for five years. The victim told police Adams has a history of do-mestic violence and she is always in fear he will hit her. He allegedly
called her several names on Jan. 1 and then got in her face and shoved her while she was cooking food. She
reportedly reacted and stabbed Adams in the arm be-cause she was frightened. Adams was determined to be the primary aggressor and was booked into the Pasco County Jail.
Ismael Sanchez, 19, of 20605 Evergreen Court, was apprehended by Dade City po-lice on Jan. 3 on Pasco County war-rants charging him with violation of probation – robbery by sudden snatching, VOP – child abuse and failure to appear – no valid driver’s license. Sanchez was booked into the Pasco County Jail upon confirmation
of the warrants.
Dade City police arrested a 14-year-old male on Nov. 28 after he allegedly grabbed a victim around her throat and put her in a choke hold. He was charged with battery by strangulation. The victim told police she was unable to breathe during the incident that re-portedly occurred at 4:44 p.m. at a park on 17th Street at Main Avenue. The defendant later punched the vic-tim in the chest with his right hand. The victim’s sister reportedly witnessed the battery. Some injuries were also observed on the victim consistent with her having been battered.
Cody Sterling Bearry, 29, address unknown, was ar-rested by Dade City police on Jan. 2 and charged with retail theft (3rd/subsequent conviction). Bearry was apprehended at Walmart, 12650 U.S. 301, after he al-legedly left the store without paying for merchandise he took, valued at $149.99. The incident was captured on the store’s video surveillance system. Reynolds is also known to a loss prevention agent who was able to identify him. Bearry reportedly has 13 prior convic-tions for theft.
Verdell Deshaun Nix, 34, of 13926 Wilson St., was arrested by Dade City police on Jan. 6 and charged with possession of marijuana and driving while license suspended or revoked with knowledge. Police stopped a car Nix was driving for allegedly disregarding a stop sign. Nix immediately stepped out of the vehicle after pulling into the parking lot of a duplex. A burnt mari-
juana cigar was observed in between Nix’s fingers. He reportedly told police he had a bag of marijuana in his left pants pocket. The total amount of confirmed marijuana recovered weighed 6.1 grams. Police also learned Nix’s driver’s license was suspended on March 18, 2011.
William Porter, 23, of Havana, Fla., was apprehended by Dade City police on Jan. 4 on a Brevard County warrant charging him with violation of proba-tion – possession of less than 20 grams of marijuana. He was booked into the Pasco County Jail upon con-firmation of the warrant.
Roger Alan Best, 55, of 37641 Church Ave., was ar-rested by Dade City police on Dec. 28 and charged with assault on law enforcement officer and resisting officer, obstructing without violence. Police stopped Best while he was riding a bicycle on 11th Street at McMinn Avenue because he was allegedly riding on the wrong side of the road. Best allegedly disregard-ed lawful commands by the officer and proceeded to walk away, pushing his bicycle while doing so. He then allegedly cursed at the officer and lifted his left hand high in the air and approached the officer in an aggressive manner. He allegedly continued to resist while the officer was attempting to place handcuffs on him.
Yanelly Santaella, 20, of 32649 Random Lane, was ar-rested by Dade City police on Jan. 2 and charged with domestic battery. Santaella and her husband were re-portedly involved in a verbal argument regarding him wanting to view ‘things’ on her telephone between her and another man. She allegedly pried the phone out of her husband’s hands he while was driving and repeat-edly hit him with her hands, causing a visible injury to his lip. The victim reportedly defended himself by grabbing Santaella’s hair. The incident occurred while the couple’s son, 3, was in the car with them.
The information provided in the Dade City Police re-port is taken from public record. All parties are considered innocent until proven guilty.
Dade City Police ReportMan Allegedly Threatened To Stab People
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Arbor Day Celebration Scheduled For Friday
Deborah Garnett Parks, president of the Dade City Garden Club, will kick off 2018 Arbor Day at the clubhouse on Friday at 10 a.m.
For 23 years, the club has co-sponsored Arbor Day festivities with the city of Dade City.
Memorial trees that have been donated throughout the year will be recognized during Friday’s program. Trees are dedicated in memory or in honor of a special person or occasion. Club chairperson Gail Stout and Parks will acknowledge the donor and the honoree
or family during the event. Trees are planted by the city staff and
a small memorial plaque is placed in front of the tree. The 2018 Memorial Trees will be planted at the Garden Center, 13630 Fifth St., and along the Hardy Trail at Church Avenue and Ninth Street.
Speakers from the Florida Forest Service, University of Florida IFAS Extension will attend and the public is invited to the community event.
Dade City’s first Arbor Day celebration was in 1995. Pat Carver, the 1995 club president, reminisced about that first event.
“Our first planting was at the Agnes
Lamb Park, and a tree was planted in honor of Sally Edwards, a former president. The following year was a lively year, as we worked on tree and roadside development, and honored Art Schrader and Joan Pryor,” Carver said.
Although the first American Arbor Day occurred in 1872, Florida began celebrating Arbor Day on the third Friday in January in 1886, according to the Garden Club. Nationally, President Theodore Roosevelt was instrumental in bringing conservation efforts to the forefront and in 1907 he issued the Arbor Day Proclamation, a tradition that many communities follow annually.
“The original memorial trees were East Palatka Hollies which were planted along Church Avenue with a Magnolia tree in Lester Park. We selected hollies, of course, because of the Church Street Christmas theme,” Carver said.
Oaks were chosen in 1998 because they could provide needed shade trees for the school campus. The Pasco High School Agriculture Department assisted the city and garden club members with the planting.
If you are interested in finding out more about the memorial tree dedication program, Contact Gail Stout at (352) 567-0607.
Dade City Garden Club Invites Public To Tree PlantingStaff Report
Dade City News Your Hometown News Source • dadecitynews.org January 18, 2018 • 3A
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Two Hurt When Bus Hits Car
Donald Mark Dornfelt, 53, of Trilby, was critically injured after a Hernando County School District bus struck a 2000 Lincoln he was driving on Jan. 11 According to the Florida Highway Patrol, Dornfelt was westbound on State Road 50 (Cortez Boulevard) at 10:25
a.m., when he reportedly turned into the path of the eastbound bus.
The school bus struck Dornfelt’s car in the McKethan Road intersection.
One of the 20 Springstead High School students on board the bus reportedly sustained a minor injury.
Charges are pending and the accident remains under investigation.
A Trilby man reportedly pulled his car into the path of a school bus carrying 20 students on Jan. 11.
Staff Report
Photo Provided
Wrong Way Crash Proves Fatal
A Zephyrhills man died and his passenger was critically injured in a head-on collision early Saturday in Osceola County.
According to the Florida Highway Patrol, Michael Vanpelt, 29, was driving a 2016 Dodge westbound in the eastbound
lanes of State Road 60 at 3:45 a.m. The Dodge collided with an eastbound semi tractor-trailer driven by Anthony Alexander, 31, of Winter Haven. Vanpelt died at the scene. Ronald Higgins, 43, of Dade City, Vanpelt’s passenger, was taken to Osceola Regional Medical Center. Alexander was not injured. The accident remains under investigation.
Staff Report
The Community Redevelopment Agency agreed to reimburse $2,550 to McClain Alfonso P.A. after the company spruced up its exterior at 37908 Church Ave.
The unanimous Jan. 9 decision helps cover the
cost of the painting job.McClain Alfonso obtained three bids for the work
as required by CRA guidelines. Painting by Ritz was the lowest responsive and responsible bidder. They offered to do the job for $3,400.
The law firm is located within one of the city’s two CRA areas that comprise most of the downtown
business district.McClain Alfonso PA was paid from CRA funds
that were available for exterior building grants. The CRA covers up to 75 percent of the cost of improving exteriors within the districts.
City commissioners sit as members of the CRA board.
City Helps Law Firm Paint Its Buildingby Joe Potter
4A • January 18, 2018 Your Hometown News Source • dadecitynews.org Dade City News
East Pasco EventsJan. 18 – Vegetable Gardening Basics – Held from 2-2:45 p.m. at the Stallings Building, 15029 14th St. Interested in starting a vegetable garden, but have no idea where to begin? Attend this free UF/IFAS Pasco County Extension seminar where you will learn how to choose a location for a garden, what makes good soil, when to plant different vegetables, and how to control common vegetable garden pests. Visit pasco.ifas.ufl.edu/events_calendar.shtml for information and to register.
Jan. 18-20 – Peter Pan Auditions – Auditions for Arts In Motion’s latest production, Peter Pan, are open to kids in grades K-12. All kids who register will be assigned a role with a limit of 50 kids. A mandatory pre-casting rehearsal and parent meeting will be held Jan. 18 from 6-8:30 p.m. Open auditions will be held Jan. 19 and 20 by appointment at Zephyrhills Alliance Church, 6251 Fort King Road. Visit ArtsInMotion.org or call (352) 834-1246 for information.
Jan. 19 – Basic Budgeting – Attend this free presentation to learn about simple solutions for keeping track of your bills and income flow. Held from 12-1 p.m. at the Creation Health Wellness Center, 38233 Daughtery Road. Call (813) 779-6476 for information.
Jan. 20 – Pigz in Z’Hillz BBQ & Blues Festival – The annual event, presented by the Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce, will be held from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. at 5200 Airport Road. Stop by for live blues music, delicious BBQ, a kids fun zone, car show, vendors and aviation show. Admission is free with $10 parking. No coolers or pets allowed. There is limited seating so bring lawn chairs. Call (813) 782-1913 for information.
Jan. 20 – Cruise In and Car Show – TJ’s Deli and Ice Cream, 37752 Meridian Ave., will be hosting a cruise in and car show from 2-5 p.m. Come by for music and 10 percent off food and soft drinks (alcohol not included). Call (352) 437-5914 for information.
Jan. 20 – 5K Kumquat Run/Walk – Bring the family and get a healthy start to the new year by participating in the Kumquat 5k run/walk on a course that goes through downtown Dade City and the Hardy Trail. Presented by Florida Hospital Zephyrhills and Florida Educators Insurance, race times are 8 a.m. for the kids’ half mile run/walk and 8:30 a.m. for the adults’ 5K. Fees for students are $5 and adults pay $25 with proceeds benefiting the Dade City Youth Council. Visit 5Kumquat.com to register.
Jan. 23 – Battle of the Parks – The second annual four-person golf scramble will be held at the Links of Lake Bernadette, 5430 Links Lane in Zephyrhills. Sponsored by Florida Hospital Zephyrhills, the winning team will receive a travelling trophy. Cost is $35 per player, which includes golf, cart and lunch. Call (813) 788-7888 or visit www.linksoflakebernadette.com for information.
Jan. 25-26 – Kumquat Growers Open House – Held both days from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at 31647 Gude Road. Tours featuring the origin and history of the kumquat, packing house tours, grove tours, and hydroponics will be featured. Visit www.kumquatgrowers.com for a schedule of tours or call (352) 588-0544 for information.
Jan. 26 – Outdoor Family Movie Night – Saint Anthony Catholic School PSA presents an outdoor showing of “Snow Buddies” at 6:30 p.m. in San Antonio’s city park. Admission is free and popcorn will be served. Bring chairs, blankets and refreshments. Candy will be for sale. All children must be accompanied by an adult. The event will be rescheduled if delayed due to rain or cold.
Jan. 27 – Kumquat Festival – The annual Kumquat Festival will be held in downtown Dade City from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. hosted by the Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce. Stop by for vendors, music, food and, of course, kumquat pie and all other sorts of kumquat products. This event is free and family friendly. There will be two park and ride locations for easy access. Call the Chamber at (352) 567-3769 or visit dadecitychamber.org for information.
Jan. 31 – Cooking Demo: Healthy Greens – Greens can make a delightful and nutritious meal. Held from 5:30-6:30 p.m. at the Creation Health & Wellness Center, 38233 Daughtery Road. Call (813) 779-6476 for information and to reserve a spot.
Feb. 1 – Presentation on Pain Management – Florida Hospital Zephyrhills will host a program from noon to 1 pm on Thursday, February 1 at 7050 Gall Blvd. entitled “Daily Aches and Pains from A to Z” facilitated by Maulik Bhalani, MD, Board Certified in interventional pain management and president of Florida Pain Medicine.
Feb. 2 – First Friday – Stop by downtown Dade City starting at 5 p.m. for extended shop hours, specials, sales and live entertainment. Visit the Dade City Merchants Association Facebook page for more information.
Pasco News PublicationsDade City News • East Pasco Senior News • Zephyrhills Free Press
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NEWS & ADVERTISING DEADLINE: Monday at 12:00 noon • CIRCULATION ISSUES: Please call the offi ce at (813) 783-1300LETTERS TO THE EDITOR: Letters to the editor should be limited to 200 words. Pasco News Publications reserves the right to edit published letters. Letters to the editor are the writer’s opinion and do not refl ect the opinion of Pasco News Publications. Please include your name and phone number.ADVERTISING ERRORS: Pasco News Publications is not responsible for the validity of claims made by advertisers or for advertisers errors. Pasco News Publications is responsible only for the cost of space for the fi rst insertion.PASCO NEWS PUBLICATIONS IS A MEMBER OF: The Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce and The Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce.COPYRIGHT: Contents copyright of Pasco News Publications, all rights reserved. Reproduction in part or whole prohibited without prior, written permission of the publisher.
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Jenny and I just welcomed our second grandbaby into the world. Evan and Sarah announced the birth of Dylan Alexander, born on Jan. 10, at Mission Hospital in Asheville, N.C. He came into the world at 8:16 a.m., weighing in at a whopping 9 pounds 12 ounces and 22.5 inches long. The baby’s parents would naturally send photos to family and friends and post on social media, but we decided to experience it first hand.
This year we celebrated our 27th wedding anniversary by driving to North Carolina to see the mountains and hang out with Evan, Sarah, Sarah’s mom Patricia, our granddaughter Naomi Grace and, of course, the newborn grandson.
Three-day-old Dylan and his mom were released from the hospital and we were getting some baby time with him and his family before we came back to Florida on Sunday. Memories are meant to be shared and many of our friends and family have been getting daily updates via social media.
Evan’s family lives in a beautiful log cabin overlooking a running stream near
the Blue Ridge Mountains. The squirrels in this part of the country are the size of rabbits and on our visit we saw a really awesome pure white one. The beauty in this area is stunning. We have visited this part of North Carolina many times before but never in the winter.
I really learned a lot during this visit. I learned about feedings every three hours. I learned how to tell the difference between a cut or uncut bottle nipple in a dimly lit room at 3 a.m. I learned what to do every time a diaper was changed for a circumcised boy that’s only three days old. Yikes. With much of the attention around the newborn I was pleased that I still remembered most of the words to the song “Jesus Loves Me” to help his big sister Naomi go to sleep.
It was a great time. We even learned the difference between eastern and western barbecue. We like the eastern best, which is a vinegar-based sauce versus the western tomato one. As many times as we visit Sonny’s in Zephyrhills I’m surprised I didn’t know that already. I am going to ask the owner, Rod Lincoln, what’s the deal the next time I see him.
Probably one of the coolest things I will remember is Naomi’s birthday is on the same day as her mom’s and their newest addition Dylan Alexander’s birthday is on the exact same day as his dad.
When I was writing this column the temperature was a cold 13 degrees and even though I would much prefer Florida weather I wouldn’t change those moments for the world.
Dylan Alexander is no doubt the best birthday present Evan could ever hope to receive and a true gift from God. Jan. 10 will be a special day that will always be remembered.
New Grandson Delivers Joy
Commentary
First Things FirstGreg First
appropriate to use the fruit as a decorative,” Moors said. “They’re on the rebound … the new crop will take and they’ll be back in business before too long.”
This year about 440 vendors will transform downtown into a marketplace focused on local businesses. The Kumquat Festival started out as a small event in 1997 with only a dozen vendors in front of the Dade City courthouse.
There will be the usual variety of kumquat products available on Jan. 27, including kumquat pie, kumquat salsa and numerous other recipes featuring the small citrus. Kumquat Central will set up at Meridian Avenue and Sixth Street where representatives of the Growers will be on hand to answer questions and discuss the various products.
A children’s activity area, a classic car show, craft Kumquat beer and wine, and lots more will also be on site.
Hundreds of locals volunteer every year to make the festival a reality, with many showing up as early as 4:30 a.m. to help vendors prepare and set up shop.
“Everything’s been great. I can’t say enough of the core of volunteers,” Moors said. “People really come together and think about this all year long. By the time we get to now, a couple weeks out, we’re in fantastic shape and it’s going to be a fabulous festival.”
This year the Chamber has again partnered with Florida Hospital Zephyrhills, the Dade City Community Redevelopment Agency, Visit Pasco, Visit Florida and dozens of other sponsors.
The event is family friendly and affordable to attend as festival admission, parking, shuttles and entertainment are all free. A FHZ health and wellness section will be featured again this year.
Kumquat • Continued from Page 1A
Dade City News Your Hometown News Source • dadecitynews.org January 18, 2018 • 5A
Kumquat Growers Open House
Every year before the annual Kumquat Festival hits downtown Dade City, the folks at Kumquat Growers allow the public to get to know how the magic happens.
As usual, this year’s open house events will be held the two days before the festival on Jan. 25 and 26, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The packinghouse and gift shop, located in St. Joe at 31647 Gude Road, will be open to answer questions, take visitors on guided tours and offer educational presentations on the small citrus fruit.
A presentation on the origin and history of the kumquat will be held both days with talks at 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. The talks will focus on kumquats in the Dade City area, the different types of kumquat and how they are used. The talks last approximately 15 minutes.
Packinghouse tours, also lasting about 15 minutes, will be held at 10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. The tour will shed light on how kumquats are picked, processed, packaged and shipped.
Grove tours will be held every 30 minutes from 10:30 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. Ride through the Dade City kumquat groves and learn about the planting, maintenance and care of the trees for commercial production. Tours generally last 30 minutes.
John Lawson of Hydro Harvest Farms will discuss hydroponic agriculture with 15-minute presentations at 10:45 a.m., 12:15 p.m., and 2:15 p.m.
While waiting for a tour, or if you just want to get some kumquat shopping done before the festival, visit the gift shop for a wide selection of kumquat products.
Schedule and events are subject to change. Feel free to call the Kumquat Growers at (352) 588-0544 for information.
Get Psyched For Festival With Tours, Presentationsby Keri McAlpine
9:30-10 a.m.Saint Leo University: Totally TABS
10-11 a.m.Calvary Assembly of Dade City:
Christian Contemporary; National Anthem/Prayer
11:15-11:45 a.m.Strawberry Express Cloggers
12-1:30 p.m.Eli Mosley: Country
1:45-2 p.m.St. Rita Catholic Church Folklore
Dancers
2:15-3:15 p.m.Dean Johnson’s Music & Friends:
Various Styles
3:30-4:30 p.m. – Seventeenth Street: Contemporary/Country
2018 Kumquat Festival Entertainment Schedule
Stage Location: Historic Courthouse Square
Lake Jovita Hosts Chamber Breakfast
The Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce’s January Business Breakfast was held at Lake Jovita Golf and Country Club. The club provided breakfast to 75 guests and reminded everyone that club memberships are available going into spring. The Chamber’s annual golf tournament will be held at Lake Jovita on April 6. Pasco County Supervisor of Elections Brian Corley, pictured with Chamber Director John Moors, gave a presentation on the election turnout and procedures in place to ensure every vote counts. Call the Chamber at (352) 256-3769 to attend, sponsor or be involved with the monthly business breakfasts. Photo by Richard K. Riley
6A • January 18, 2018 Your Hometown News Source • dadecitynews.org Dade City News
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Cassie Coleman, MLK Committee Chairman and program director for the Boys & Girls Club in Lacoochee. “I think it was a great idea. We had a great turnout.”
Hernandez agreed.“We thought that this parade was very significant.
We’ve been able to share the love between right here in downtown Dade City and Lacoochee,” Hernandez said.
The parade featured a number of creative floats, each featuring a message about the importance of keeping King’s famous dream alive.
“This is such a huge part of our history and everything that we do,” said Hernandez. “I have the utmost respect for all of our forefathers and what they’ve had to overcome, and there’s so much more work to do. By working together, we can make a difference.”
The parade was followed immediately by a unity prayer on the steps of the courthouse.
A special banquet was held Saturday night at the Lewis Abraham Boys and Girls Club for a small fee, with proceeds going toward scholarships for high school seniors.
On Monday, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, the club hosted a commemorative program featuring guest speakers, songs and worship.
More than 100 attended the Lacoochee event including some city leaders from Dade City and Zephyrhills. The room was full of love and support, as attendees greeted each other with hugs and warm smiles before finding a seat. Numerous children attended as they enjoyed their day off of school to remember Martin Luther King.
Coleman led the event, which included scripture readings from the New and Old Testament from east Pasco church leaders. The Pasco Community Choir performed two songs, which brought the crowd to their feet.
Dade City Mayor Pro tem Eunice Penix presented a proclamation from the city, and the McKensie Singers from Zephyrhills also sang a selection of songs. The Pasco-Hernando State College pre-collegiate steppers dramatized Dr. King’s famous “I Have A Dream” speech.
The keynote speaker for the morning was Rev. Donald R. Smith, pastor of the Greater Mt. Moriah M.B. Church in Lacoochee.
He gave a through presentation on the importance of the theme of this year’s program: united we stand, divided we fall. Smith stressed the importance of working to reach a harmonious relationship with each other despite not always getting along.
Coleman also touched on the program’s theme and how everyone should follow in Dr. King’s lead of embracing unconditional love for one another.
“Whether you’re African American, Hispanic, Native American, Caucasian, or Asian American, you are a part of the great dream Martin Luther King Jr. had for America,” Coleman said. “This is not a black holiday. It’s a people’s holiday. We call you to commemorate this holiday by making your proposal your personal commitment to serve humanity.”
After the program, a picnic was held in neighboring Stanley Park with food provided by Withlacoochee River Electric Co.
MLK • Continued from Page 1A
Many of the floats depicted a creative look back or a glimpse of the present, such as this one featuring former presidents John F. Kennedy and Barack Obama alongside first lady Michelle Obama.
The first MLK Day parade held in Dade City received a sizeable turnout despite the chill in the air and the gray skies.
MLK Committee Chairman Cassie Coleman opened the prayer by leading the crowd in a rendition of ‘We Shall Overcome.’
Mayor Camille Hernandez delivered an inspiring opening address prior to the unity prayer at the historic courthouse on Saturday.
Photos by Emily Kochanski
Dade City News Your Hometown News Source • dadecitynews.org January 18, 2018 • 7A
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and financial stewardship improve our bond rating which results in great savings for our taxpayers”. He has long advocated for creating more academic opportunities for students, most strongly for a technical high school and an advanced curriculum on the county’s east side.
“I’m pleased that we have opened career academies at each of our high schools and that graduation rates are up 5.5% over the past 5 years,” he said in a press release.
Altman is the Pasco County manager for Farm Bureau Insurance Companies, where he has worked since 1979. His education involvement has included 25 years as a school volunteer, service on the Pasco Education Foundation Board, the Pasco High School Advisory Board, recipient of Education Commissioners Award for Outstanding Support of Education, and the CARE Award for Service to Children.
He and his wife, Laura, have two daughters.
Altman • Continued from Page 1A
The Blessings of Bethel at the New Bethel AME Church, Lacoochee, performed a praise dance at the MLK banquet at the Boys & Girls Club in Lacoochee on Saturday night.
Sharon Milton of Lacoochee, one of the planners and coordinators of the MLK events last weekend, records the parade in front of the Pasco County Historic Courthouse.
Young members of the St. John Missionary Baptist Church, Dade City, ride on a float in the Martin Luther King Jr. parade through downtown Dade City on Saturday morning.
Rev. Donald R. Smith, Pastor of the Greater Mt. Moriah M. B. Church in Lacoochee, was the Keynote Speaker at the MLK Commemorative Program on Monday.
The McKensie Singers sang a selection of gospel songs on Monday during the Martin Luther King Jr. commemorative program.
MLK Day In Dade City
Photos by Richard K. Riley
8A • January 18, 2018 Your Hometown News Source • dadecitynews.org Dade City News
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Saint Leo Students Fill Empty Bellies
Saint Leo University takes pride in its system of core values, especially the value of community involvement. University students and staff partnered with members from the Feed Children Everywhere organization last Friday to dish up a major activity for their annual Community Service Day event.
Between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., students arrived in the community center boardrooms in droves to help package meals for hungry children and their families.
“The main mission of Feeding Children Everywhere is to create a hunger-free world and to activate people to help us work towards that mission,” said Jessica Hecht, an event lead with Feeding Children Everywhere. “We love nothing more than to bring communities
together.”Row upon row of tables were filled
with the ingredients for red lentil jambalaya. Students formed an assembly line to package, wrap, and box each prepared meal. These meals would later be dispersed to families in need.
“The students always have a blast packaging meals that will stay in their local community,” Hecht said.
The university has worked with Feeding Children Everywhere in the past and will continue to partner with them for future events.
“We were actually here a few months ago, where the students packaged 50,000 meals,” Hecht said. “Today’s goal was 70,000.”
Though they were a few meals shy of their considerable goal, Saint Leo students helped to ensure that each full box would go towards filling some empty bellies.
Dozens Prepared Meals To Help Feed Children
Nearly 50 students filled the room at a time to prepare meals for Empty Bellies Everywhere; when some left to attend class, others arrived to take their place just as quickly.
Story and photos by Emily Kochanski
Each completed box contained more than 200 packaged meals. Students worked as teams last week to sort and separate each individual ingredient, then place them together in one completed meal package.
Dade City News Your Hometown News Source • dadecitynews.org January 18, 2018 • 9A
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San Antonio Clerk Departing
Laura Buzzone looked back on some of her accomplishments Tuesday as she prepares to start a new chapter in her professional life.
Buzzone, 55, has been San Antonio’s city clerk for 27 months with a salary of $49,749.
She was hired in 2015 and her last day with the city will be Jan. 26.
Richard Alley is acting as interim clerk as commissioners seek to fill the clerk’s position. They looked at applications during a meeting held Tuesday at City Hall.
Buzzone said when she came on board, some citizens complained rules and regulations that were on the books weren’t being followed consistently. That issue has been addressed, she said.
There has also has been an improvement in following up on topics that are brought up during city commission meetings, she said.
And she helped to devise and implement a formal application process for zoning and land use changes. Buzzone said she borrowed several ideas from other cities to help San Antonio to address those concerns in a more efficient manner.
“I’m pleased to have been a part of
San Antonio and I have developed a fondness for the city and its citizens,” Buzzone said.
“I worked with a really great staff,” she continued, adding, “They were really dedicated to the city.”
Buzzone, who earned a Master’s of Public Administration from Bowie State University, said she is interested in pursuing more challenging career opportunities.
She worked in the financial industry for 19 years prior to becoming city clerk.
Last Day For Laura Buzzone Is Jan. 26
Laura Buzzone
by Joe Potter
Leadership Pasco Class Visits Chamber
Recently the 2018/19 Leadership Pasco class stopped by Dade City and the Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce. Thirty eager members of the Pasco County community, businesses, associations, government agencies and non-profits joined Pasco leader Harold Sample, far right, and Chamber Executive Director John Moors, far left, in an informative presentation of how the Chamber, the community and local businesses interact. Visit leadershippasco.com for more information on Leadership Pasco. Photo Provided
10A • January 18, 2018 Your Hometown News Source • dadecitynews.org Dade City News
Sugar, Spice And Everything Nice
The Pioneer Florida Museum & Village hosted another successful installment of Raising Cane on Saturday and brought back the popular, spirited chili competition.
The event featured a slew of homemade treats, local vendors with their handmade wares, children’s attractions, a petting zoo and live entertainment. Known for growing sugar cane and producing their own cane syrup, the museum annually hosts a homemade syrup demonstration and contest, the principal idea behind Raising Cane.
“We had the Southern Syrup Makers Association hold a cane syrup contest,” said the museum’s Executive Director Stephanie Bracknell-Black. “There’s people that came from all over with their bottles of syrup who are tasting and giving awards for the best syrup.”
While the syrup competition is a pastime much beloved by members of the community, the big to-do on everyone’s mind was the second installment of the chili cook-off.
“Visitors could buy a tasting cup for $5 and then taste all of the chilies and vote for their favorite,” Bracknell-Black said. “And to make it a little more interesting, we talked the city manager of Dade City and the city manager of Zephyrhills into challenging each other.”
This year’s competition was a heated city vs. city duel between Dade City Manager Billy Poe and Zephyrhills City Manager Steve Spina, who were both vying for the People’s Choice Award.
“I was called out by Steve Spina,” Poe said. “So, I had to come out and see if I could do better than he does.”
“If I win, I’m going to boast and brag,” laughed Spina. “I’ll be sure to bring that trophy to city council with me.”
Despite Spina’s confidence, Dade City came out on top. Poe’s white bean chicken chili took home the People’s Choice Award for the best taste, while Spina took home a prize for the best decorated table.
Taking a page from Spina’s playbook, Poe had a pretty good idea of how to celebrate his victory.
“I will take the trophy back and display
it at City Hall, then I’ll have to call Steve and rub it in,” Poe said.
This year’s Raising Cane event proved to be a great way for Pasco County residents to warm up during the winter chill. For more information about the Pioneer Museum and Village and upcoming events, visit www.pioneerfloridamuseum.org.
Residents Warm To Raising Cane’s Chili Cook-Off
Look, but don’t touch! Boiling the sugar cane into syrup is a long and hot process, but one that never ceases to entertain guests.
Story and photos by Emily Kochanski
Dade City Manger Billy Poe couldn’t take all the credit for his victory. He never could have produced his award-winning chili without his wife’s recipe.
The petting zoo was a popular attraction for children of all ages.
Patrons found chili to be the best way to overcome the chilly day.
