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new industrial building
Staff Writer
The building, which is being built on the east side of Zephyrhills municipal airport, is meant to serve as a model for future development in the area.
The 50,000 square foot warehouse is a joint project between the City of Zephyrhills, The Pasco County Economic Development Council, and CLS Inc., a local contracting firm. CLS will be responsible for building the facility as well as attracting tenants and managing future leases.
Representatives from Progress energy presented City Manager Steve Spina and Mayor W. Cliff McDuffie with a ceremonial check for $400,000 representing their company’s contribution to the $2.5 million project. ...for more on this story subscribe
Mayor W. Cliff McDuffie and City Manager Steve Spina accept a check for $400,000 from Progress Energy officials.
Zephyrhills Fire and Rescue crews responded to a possible gas leak about 1 p.m. on Saturday. Two engines were called to the scene as well as Pasco County Fire crews. Although crews could not confirm there was a leak, they took precautions and emptied the store of employees and customers until People’s Gas could come to the location and shut off the fuel.
Employees were allowed back inside the store about an hour after the initial call, according to Assistant Zephyrhills Fire Chief Glen Clegg. The pilot lights for the grills at the McDonalds restaurant and the Wal-mart deli were shut off, said Clegg...for more on this story subscribe
friendship, hope
As each member of the group trickles in, they are greeted like family. Hugs are given, a few kisses on the cheek, even. Chitchat and banter fills the room as the clock rolls to 3 p.m. Even with the official start of the support group, attendees interject comments, share personal stories and laugh together.
Each month, a group of patients who have multiple sclerosis come together at Florida Hospital Zephyrhills to support one another, share information about the disease and treatments and be open with one another about their struggles.
“We’re an upbeat group,” said Vicki Markoviscz, a founding member as well as a co-facilitator. “We dwell on the positive, not on the negative.”
ACES for MS Support group is the only group in Pasco County exclusively dedicated to patients dealing with MS.
MS is an autoimmune disease in which the body’s defense system attacks its own nerve fibers. The central nervous system is often compromised, sometimes causing paralysis, numbing.
Together, the group learns to deal with the disease.
They listen to speakers who include physical therapists, drug companies and doctors who help them further understand their disease and treatment options. Group members also help one another learn to navigate the medical system, getting insurance coverage for new devices and medications...for more on this story subscribe
vehicles without city approval
In all, Barnes ordered three new Ford Crown Victoria patrol cars and one new Ford Expedition that was meant to serve as a K-9 unit. According to city documents, the police department budgeted $111,117 to lease the new vehicles, however, no purchase order was filed with the city and there was no resolution approved by the city council for the purchase.
According to Florida Statutes, all purchases over $10,000 require the approval of the city council. Barnes is currently on administrative leave due to an ongoing investigation based on a citizen complaint. The unauthorized purchase of the vehicles is not connected to the other investigation, according to city manager Steve Spina. ..for more on this story subscribe
The organization, established in 1993, has worked to create a lively, thriving main street since its inception. Main Street’s work includes planning and organizing community events, working with city government to refurbish the area and attracting businesses to Fifth Avenue.
It’s a task that never ends.
Just ask Brenda Welcher, the executive director. In preparations for Founder’s Day 2009, still seven months away, she has already logged over 50 hours of work.
For each event, which includes Halloween Howl, Music and Motorcycles, the Festival of Lights and National Night Out, between 600 and 1,200 man-hours are put in, distributed between Welcher, staff and volunteers.
A nine member board of directors coordinates the events. A group of approximately twenty to forty volunteers also serve to help put events together.
The completion of the façade improvements to the stores along Fifth Avenue celebrates the final phase of construction on Main Street. Landscaping, the establishment of a town square and the bricked roadways have all been done since Main Street was established. Working in close partnership, both Main Street and the City of Zephyrhills have a similar vision for the downtown area...for more on this story subscribe
At approximately 4 p.m. that afternoon, O’Shea who was traveling along Gateway Drive, pulled out in front of Christopher Brazas, a 26-year-old motorcyclist. Although O’Shea did stop at the stop sign, he failed to yield right of way to Brazas. The motorcycle was traveling east on C.R. 54 and struck the front of O’Shea’s 2003 Mercury...for more on this story subscribe
to be held Thursday
The meeting, which will begin with an open house to discuss the project at 5 p.m., will be at Trinity United Methodist. A formal hearing will start at 6 p.m.
Attendees can comment on the design of the widening of the road.
...for more on this story subscribe
arrested in Lacoochee
The deputy was responding to a burglary Thursday evening when he was shot. Though he was wearing a bulletproof vest, what stopped the bullet was in his shirt pocket: a metal business card holder.
The two juveniles accused in the incident are Robert Green, 15, of Lacoochee and Antonio Lee Murray, 16, of Dade City...for more on this story subscribe