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Tag: Calvin Lewis

  • Benefit concert helping launch restoration efforts on Richey Suncoast Theatre

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    NEW PORT RICHEY, Fla. — A local landmark unique to New Port Richey is looking to get a little love in terms of restorative work.

    What You Need To Know

    • Touted as the “Heart of New Port Richey” and standing for nearly 100 years, the Richey Suncoast Theatre is in need of some restoration

    • A recent benefit concert titled “Letters With E” featuring Ed Roland of Collective Soul, is spearheading those efforts
    • The theatre has a long history of being a centerpiece of downtown, offering entertainment on the silver screen as well as community plays
    • Those at the theatre say renovations will begin with the roof in January, with plans for the theatre’s exterior afterwards


    The Richey Suncoast Theatre has stood for nearly 100 years, offering entertainment on the silver screen as well as community plays. But now, the theatre is in need of some restoration. A recent benefit concert is spearheading those efforts.

    At the corner of Grand Boulevard and Nebraska Avenue stands a landmark that has withstood the test of time.

    “This theatre is the heart of New Port Richey,” said Lia Gallegos, interim president of the board of directors for the Richey Suncoast Theatre.

    The near-century old monument in downtown New Port Richey is a place that’s dedicated to showcasing the arts. A place that has become like a second home for Gallegos.

    “The community absolutely loves the theatre and everything that she brings to the community,” she said. “It’s a place for kids and adults to learn new skills and become more creative.”

    But Gallegos said it’s in need of renovations, which was the inspiration for its first benefit concert, featuring Ed Roland of Collective Soul. The event raised over $42,000 from auctioned items.

    “Renovation is never a quick process, especially on a 100-year-old building,” Gallegos said. “But we’re looking forward to getting it started this year.”

    All sorts of relics from the theatre’s history are on display. History that board member Angela Sarabia knows well.

    “This is a series of programs from that first big season that they came out as the Richey Suncoast Theatre,” she said. “This is a movie poster from one of Thomas Meighan’s films. The theatre was originally built to showcase Thomas Meighan’s films, and he was the Tom Cruise of his day.”

    In order to understand where the theatre is going, she said, you need to know its past.

    “Some of the renovations that we’re really interested in doing are bolstering our windows and doors and the upper windows to hurricane proof us, because we know we live in an area that is going to continue to get these big storms,” said Sarabia. “So we don’t want that to be a problem for performers for the next hundred years.”

    Allowing the next generation of stars to take the stage, bringing in audiences both near and far.

    “For the ‘Letters with E’ concert, we had people flying in from all over the country who had never been to New Port Richey before,” said Gallegos. “So the theatre is that — it’s the draw to bring people from outside of the area to enjoy our downtown and get to experience it and, hopefully, keep them coming back.”

    And to keep breathing new life into this theatre.

    Those at the theatre say renovations will begin with the roof in January. They then plan to make renovations to the theatre’s exterior afterwards.

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    Calvin Lewis

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  • Pasco County passes new ordinance allowing residents to keep hens on property

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    NEW PORT RICHEY, Fla. — Residents in Pasco County may see more neighbors on the “feathery side” soon. 

    The county recently passed a hen ordinance, allowing homeowners to keep up to four hens on their property. It’s a new rule that officially makes keeping hens legal in all residential areas throughout the county.

    Some homeowners are already taking advantage of the new ruling.

    What You Need To Know

    • Homeowners in Pasco County can now legally keep up to four hens on their property thanks to a new ordinance

    • This changes a past ruling, where only certain designated areas in the county could house hens
    • Hens must be kept in a chicken coop, and no roosters are allowed
    • In January, Pasco County will hold classes for those homeowners who would like to learn more about keeping hens on their properties


    “It’s crazy how they have their own personalities. Like, you just know,” said 10-year-old McKenna Scott.

    In the backyard of her New Port Richey home, she takes care of her hens. Sunny, Willow and Charlotte.

    “That’s been super fun for me because, of course, I love animals,” says McKenna. “I would come home and I’m like, ‘Hi babies!’ and they’re just super adorable.”

    McKenna decided she wanted to keep hens after a family friend had one. But it still took a little convincing before mom and dad got on board.

    “I would say she was the biggest driving force, and it’s been amazing because now it’s kind of her thing,” said Nicole Scott, McKenna’s mother. “Those are her babies, and it’s interesting because we’ll even take them downtown with us for a walk and everybody loves it.”

    Under Pasco County’s new ordinance, any homeowner may keep up to four hens on their property, changing the types of homes can house hens. The hens must be kept in a chicken coop, and no roosters are allowed.

    “You don’t need a permit, you can have up to four hens,” says Nicole. “Pretty much it’s have a fence and you have to have a place for them.”

    “Essentially, persons who previously were not allowed to have chickens in residential properties are now allowed to do so,” said Amandla Hill with Pasco County’s Planning, Development and Economic Growth Department.

    Hill says the new ordinance frees up any pre-existing restrictions for homeowners for owning hens.

    “The idea is that persons would have a better idea as to where their food comes from and, therefore, they have that locally sourced eggs instead of having to get it from a grocery store,” Hill said. “So I do believe that residents were really happy when we were able to get this ordinance adopted.”

    It’s also teaching both Nicole Scott and her daughter a thing or two about hens.

    “I really just think it’s helped her with responsibility and, honestly, it’s just kind of given her something to look forward to every day.”

    So while McKenna isn’t sure raising hens or farming represents a future career for her, she still has time to figure that out.

    “I don’t know what I want to be,” she says. “I’m thinking of becoming a lawyer, I really don’t know what to be. I have lots of years left because I’m 10, so I’ve got a while to go.”

    But no matter what profession McKenna chooses in the future, one thing is certain. She loves her hens.

    Starting in January, Pasco County will hold classes for those homeowners who would like to learn more about keeping hens on their properties. You can learn more online right here.

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    Calvin Lewis

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  • Pasco County passes new ordinance allowing residents to keep hens on property

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    NEW PORT RICHEY, Fla. — Residents in Pasco County may see more neighbors on the “feathery side” soon. 

    The county recently passed a hen ordinance, allowing homeowners to keep up to four hens on their property. It’s a new rule that officially makes keeping hens legal in all residential areas throughout the county.

    Some homeowners are already taking advantage of the new ruling.

    What You Need To Know

    • Homeowners in Pasco County can now legally keep up to four hens on their property thanks to a new ordinance

    • This changes a past ruling, where only certain designated areas in the county could house hens
    • Hens must be kept in a chicken coop, and no roosters are allowed
    • In January, Pasco County will hold classes for those homeowners who would like to learn more about keeping hens on their properties


    “It’s crazy how they have their own personalities. Like, you just know,” said 10-year-old McKenna Scott.

    In the backyard of her New Port Richey home, she takes care of her hens. Sunny, Willow and Charlotte.

    “That’s been super fun for me because, of course, I love animals,” says McKenna. “I would come home and I’m like, ‘Hi babies!’ and they’re just super adorable.”

    McKenna decided she wanted to keep hens after a family friend had one. But it still took a little convincing before mom and dad got on board.

    “I would say she was the biggest driving force, and it’s been amazing because now it’s kind of her thing,” said Nicole Scott, McKenna’s mother. “Those are her babies, and it’s interesting because we’ll even take them downtown with us for a walk and everybody loves it.”

    Under Pasco County’s new ordinance, any homeowner may keep up to four hens on their property, changing the types of homes can house hens. The hens must be kept in a chicken coop, and no roosters are allowed.

    “You don’t need a permit, you can have up to four hens,” says Nicole. “Pretty much it’s have a fence and you have to have a place for them.”

    “Essentially, persons who previously were not allowed to have chickens in residential properties are now allowed to do so,” said Amandla Hill with Pasco County’s Planning, Development and Economic Growth Department.

    Hill says the new ordinance frees up any pre-existing restrictions for homeowners for owning hens.

    “The idea is that persons would have a better idea as to where their food comes from and, therefore, they have that locally sourced eggs instead of having to get it from a grocery store,” Hill said. “So I do believe that residents were really happy when we were able to get this ordinance adopted.”

    It’s also teaching both Nicole Scott and her daughter a thing or two about hens.

    “I really just think it’s helped her with responsibility and, honestly, it’s just kind of given her something to look forward to every day.”

    So while McKenna isn’t sure raising hens or farming represents a future career for her, she still has time to figure that out.

    “I don’t know what I want to be,” she says. “I’m thinking of becoming a lawyer, I really don’t know what to be. I have lots of years left because I’m 10, so I’ve got a while to go.”

    But no matter what profession McKenna chooses in the future, one thing is certain. She loves her hens.

    Starting in January, Pasco County will hold classes for those homeowners who would like to learn more about keeping hens on their properties. You can learn more online right here.

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    Calvin Lewis

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  • Pasco County families receiving help through new Better Future program

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    NEW PORT RICHEY, Fla. — Pasco County homeowners, whose homes were damaged during hurricanes Idalia, Helene and Milton, are getting some much-needed help from the county.

    What You Need To Know

    • Pasco County homeowners affected by hurricanes Idalia, Helene, and Milton can apply for the Better Future housing program

    • The program offers help to repair, rebuild or replace homes damaged in last year’s hurricanes
    • Checks are being presented to those families who’ve already applied, made possible through federal funding from the Community Development Block Grant


    It’s through the Better Future housing program, which offers help to repair, rebuild or replace homes damaged by last year’s hurricanes. It’s helping one particular family just before the holidays.

    “This is such a great program, we want to present you guys with a check for reimbursement,” said Jack Mariano, chair of Pasco Board of County Commissioners.

    Outside the West Pasco Government Center, the first Better Future check is presented to the Onishenko family.

    “Life after was a little difficult with some of the damage that we had,” said check recipient Steven Entwistle.

    The Onishenko’s home was damaged during last year’s hurricanes, requiring them to dip into their own pockets to make repairs, until now.

    “Life is expensive, and then, when you have those repairs come in, that’s a monthly payment that just keeps coming in,” said Entwistle. “So now, with this check, it’s 100% covering all that debt, and I don’t need those monthly payments anymore, and I’m much happier.”

    The program is made possible through federal funding from the Community Development Block Grant.

    “This is going to be a very important program for the people that couldn’t get the work done because they didn’t have the funding,” said Mariano. “Now, other families that couldn’t get in, can get in and get the help to do it direct with us.”

    More checks are on the way to other families affected as well.

    “We want to show optimism that all the hard work, all the struggles that have gone through, the help that is here now and the team behind us — my fellow commissioners, Yeager and Oakley here, and Starkey and Weightman as well — we are 100% behind this program,” Mariano said. “Confident this is going to help our people get their lives back together, help them recover and live a much better quality of life coming up.”

    And to have that money just before the holidays means a little more.

    “It helps fund the family again instead of so much going out,” said Entwistle. “So it being right around Christmas was a big miracle, if you ask me.”

    A holiday miracle for this family.

    All homeowners who sustained damage from the three storms in Pasco County can apply for the Better Future program. However, priority goes to low-income households, seniors and people with disabilities, and residents who have been displaced.

    You can learn more information on the Pasco County website.

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    Calvin Lewis

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  • Wesley Chapel Black Chamber of Commerce helping minority business owners

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    WESLEY CHAPEL, Fla. — A new chamber of commerce in Pasco County is helping minority business owners get their name out.

    What You Need To Know

    • A new chamber of commerce in Wesley Chapel is helping minority business owners get their name and branding out

    • The Wesley Chapel Black Chamber of Commerce is coming at a crucial time when the area is experiencing rapid growth
    • Helping minority business owners, like those with Craving Donuts, find resources and make connections across the community
    • The chamber is finalizing its organizational setup, with plans to officially launch in the beginning of the new year


    The Wesley Chapel Black Chamber of Commerce is still finding a permanent home, but already it is providing resources and making connections across the community. It comes at a time when the area is experiencing rapid growth.

    The new chamber is stepping in to ensure minority-owned business owners aren’t left behind.

    Hard at work inside their food truck are husband and wife duo Vanzelle and Debbie Nibbs, co-owners of Craving Donuts.

    “My wife is a pastry chef, so that’s where the magic began,” said Vanzelle Nibbs. “We made it happen and 10 years later, we’re still doing it.”

    For a decade, the two have been perfecting their craft in frying delicious golden-brown donuts.

    But just like baking, starting their business took plenty of patience, with a few bumps along the way.

    “Two of the main challenges that we face were, one, financing and two, marketing,” said Vanzelle. “Financing, just getting an available credit line that was big enough to take care of what we needed to do. And marketing, being able to have a marketing budget to constantly have our name out there.”

    What helped the Nibbs’ was making a connection with the local chamber. Times have changed in the 10 years since they first started. Now, there’s a chamber dedicated to helping minority business owners.

    “We decided that there were some gaps in some opportunities and some things — some services — that we could make available to business owners in the community,” said Chad Cooper, founding board member of Wesley Chapel Black Chamber of Commerce. 

    Though they don’t have a physical location just yet, Cooper said they have hit the ground running. He said it’s a crucial time with development happening in Wesley Chapel.

    “It’s critical to have an organization like ours that’s out here looking out for the best interest of those Black businesses in the community,” said Cooper. “That’s not to say that only Black businesses are able to join the organization, but it’s critical to make sure that when opportunities arise that those Black businesses in the community have a seat at the table.”

    Their work is starting to pay off, like helping Nibbs and his wife, and those minority-owned businesses that are yet to come.

    “Be passionate about whatever it is you want to go into business with because it’s going to be difficult, and the passion is going to help you get over the hump,” said Vanzelle. “But also do your research.”

    That passion can be a recipe for success.

    Cooper says the chamber is finalizing the organizational setup, and he expects to officially launch in the beginning of the new year.

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    Calvin Lewis

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  • Aripeka Post Office remains closed one year after Hurricane Helene

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    ARIPEKA, Fla. — Residents in a small Pasco County community say they are having difficulty receiving their mail.

    What You Need To Know

    • Homeowners on the Pasco County side of Aripeka are having difficulty receiving their mail

    • The Aripeka Post Office has stood empty since Hurricane Helene flooded the area last year, changing the way mail gets delivered
    • Residents have to drive roughly seven miles to the post office in Hudson, where P.O. boxes have been set up
    • The current owner of the building says they would like to work on an agreement with the Postal Service to bring back the post office


    The small town of Aripeka sits between Pasco and Hernando counties. Those who live on the Hernando County side have their mail delivered, but those who live on the Pasco County side do not.

    The issue has been ongoing since Hurricane Helene flooded the small community last year.

    “We have no kind of mail access here at all,” said resident Lauri Marcum. “Can’t mail, can’t do anything with mail here.”

    For a year, the Aripeka Post Office has stood empty, closed since Hurricane Helene flooded the area last year.

    “I only go when I have a delivery come in or if there’s something important in the mail,” said Marcum. “So it’s like, if I can help it, once a month maybe.”

    Marcum lives in the small town and has been affected. She said in order to get her mail, she has to drive roughly seven miles to the post office in Hudson, where P.O. boxes have been set up. But there have been issues, Marcum said.

    “Gotta make sure you put your box number after your address so that they will know to put it in your box, and they’ve been putting the wrong mail in boxes,” Marcum said. “All of these are checks for somebody else in the wrong box, just from yesterday.”

    “The structure is sound. It’s solid.”

    Meridy Norfleet is the owner of the building in Aripeka, leasing it to the post office. She inherited ownership after her father passed away three years ago. But communication over what to do next, she said, has been tricky.

    “When they pulled out, it kind of had us stranded,” said Norfleet. “Now that it is in my name, the building, we’re just kind of waiting to see if they want to come back or put boxes or home deliveries — something to where we don’t have to go to Hudson.”

    Norfleet said repairing the building will depend on an agreement to bring back the post office to Aripeka. It’s something she’d like to see happen.

    “Definitely. That’s really what it’s for. It really should not be anything but the post office. We’ve had a post office since the town was in the beginning.”

    A tradition — and some say a necessity — the town would like to see once more.

    Spectrum News reached out to the Postal Service. They provided us with a statement, saying: “The postal service continues to explore all possibilities regarding this matter. At this time, there is no firm timeline for resumption of services at Aripeka, but the goal is to do so as quickly as possible. We appreciate the patience of our valued customers and apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.”

    They also say customers can continue to use the post office in Hudson on Big Bend Drive.

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  • Ancient artifacts at MAPS Museum getting immortal lease on life with 3D scanning

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    NEW PORT RICHEY, Fla. — Ancient artifacts on display at the New Port Richey MAPS Museum are getting a new immortal lease on life.

    What You Need To Know

    • New Port Richey’s MAPS Museum is using 3D technology to scan those ancient artifacts on display in the museum

    • Every single artifact on display in the museum is being scanned, creating a 3D, digital twin that will then live in a digital database accessible worldwide

    • A team of research scientists with Global Digital Heritage are performing the scans

    • Those behind the work say they anticipate the work to take three years to finish


    The Museum of Archaeology, Paleontology and Science — or MAPS Museum — is using 3D technology to scan these historical artifacts. It’s creating a digital library and making the collection accessible worldwide. This endeavor is helping protect these rare and fragile pieces for future generations.

    “We normally do, probably, around six to ten positions per object,” said Bart Mcleod, research scientist with Global Digital Heritage.

    Set up in a backroom of the museum, the camera snaps away.

    “Basically, what this does is we use photographs to recreate objects in 3D,” said Mcleod.

    Every single artifact on display in the museum is being scanned, creating a 3D digital twin that will then live in a digital database.

    “We have a three-year agreement with MAPS, and I think it’s going to take every bit of three years to digitize everything that we can,” Mcleod said. “There’s a huge collection of objects and pretty impressive broad range of things, so it’s pretty exciting to work here.”

    Mcleod is part of a two-man team, which includes deputy chief scientist Jeffrey Du Vernay.

    “We’re working primarily with different-sized objects,” said Du Vernay. “For the handheld scanner, which I primarily use, we’ll do slightly larger objects. In the photogrammetry, we’ll do more smaller objects typically.”

    The handheld scanner Du Vernay uses records the surface of the object he’s scanning, and it also records the color.

    “It captures everything within its line of sight,” he said. “And this is what we will have.”

    Creating a raw, 3D scan of data. Once that’s done, the final product is put together and uploaded online.

    “What we’re really doing is creating a 3D digital library of the objects that we’re scanning,” says Du Vernay. “That has advantages not only for documenting the current state of the preservation of the objects, but also making them available online to researchers, educators, students, who maybe aren’t able to come to the museum.”

    It takes hours of work to scan thousands of objects. It’s work that museum director Charles Zidar says makes the art more shareable.

    “It’s really important that other individuals and scholars from around the world can access the collections online,” said Zidar. “So it’s been really helpful to have them here.”

    Helping pique the interest of a new generation of scientists.

    “After seeing them online, maybe they would be more motivated to come and explore what MAPS has to offer,” Du Vernay said.

    Preserving these once forgotten artifacts and helping them live forever in the digital realm.

    Du Vernay says that in between scanning objects at the MAPS Museum, they will be doing other projects around the world. This project with the MAPS Museum will take three more years to finish.

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    Calvin Lewis

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  • Lecanto High School welcomes home actor, alumni Miles Teller

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    LECANTO, Fla. — Lecanto High School faculty and students had a very special guest on Friday — alumni and actor, Miles Teller.

    What You Need To Know

    • Actor and Lecanto High School alumni Miles Teller returned to his hometown Friday for a special assembly with students

    • Lecanto High School announced the dedication of the Miles Teller Theatre at the Curtis Peterson Auditorium Friday
    • Teller and his wife — Keleigh Teller — presented a check during the assembly, donating $50,000 to the Citrus County Education Foundation
    • Teller’s visit celebrates the 20th anniversary of his high school graduation and honors the venue where he first began his acting career


    In a packed auditorium at Lecanto High School, the current crop of Panthers students welcome Teller home.

    Teller returned to his alma mater for a student assembly to celebrate the naming of the school’s theater in his own name.

    “I guess it was nice to know I’m still popular with the youth,” Teller said.

    Teller walked out to thundering applause on the very stage he once performed on as a student at Lecanto High School. And now, 20 years later, it has been named in his honor.

    “I was just in the dressing room earlier tonight and I was having all of these memories,” said Teller, who graduated in 2005. “I mean, that’s where I got ready to go on and perform. So, you think actors come from maybe certain drama high schools that have performing arts schools that have a lot of money put in the program. We just did it based on passion.”

    It’s that passion that drove Teller to pursue acting. Having starred in his high school’s rendition of “Footloose” where he played Willard Hewitt.

    It was a role he wold also play on the silver screen. To recognize Teller and his achievements, Lecanto High School announced the dedication of the Miles Teller Theatre at the Curtis Peterson Auditorium.

    “From now on, anyone who performs on this stage can begin dreaming their own dreams and may become the next Hollywood superstar,” said Dr. Scott Hebert, superintendent of Citrus County Schools.

    And that’s not all. Teller and his wife — Keleigh Teller — presented a $50,000 donation to the Citrus County Education Foundation during the assembly. 

    “There’s kids that are going to high school here that are truly homeless that are living in the woods who were abandoned by their parents,” Teller said. “It’s a horrible circumstance, bad hand to be dealt. And so any time I think you can help people that are underprivileged, everybody should have a right to an education and clean clothes and food.”

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  • Hernando, Citrus medical students get head start with new TGH partnership

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    BROOKSVILLE, Fla. — Students in Hernando and Citrus counties are getting some real-life lessons when it comes to the field of medicine.

    What You Need To Know

    • Tampa General Hospital North is partnering with Hernando and Citrus County Schools to expand healthcare education and workforce development opportunities for local students

    • The new partnership is putting high school students on a fast track to careers in the medical field, all the while staying local
    • More than $600,000 will be invested from the three hospitals that make up TGH North
    • Programming support will include those clinical experiences, scholarship support, and medical equipment donations, to name a few


    It’s part of a groundbreaking partnership with Tampa General Hospital North. This new program is expanding healthcare education and workforce development opportunities for local students.

    Packed inside a makeshift classroom, the future healthcare professionals of tomorrow are learning from today’s best.

    “We have three days of orientation to get them prepared, to come in the springtime to do observation hours so that they can earn their certifications at the end of their program,” said Jennifer Siem, senior director of strategic growth for Tampa General Hospital.

    This is all made possible thanks to a new partnership this year among Tampa General Hospital and both Hernando and Citrus County Schools — putting high school students on a fast track to careers in the medical field, all the while staying local.

    “To make them better healthcare providers in the future, but also to create a pathway for future employment so that the students can work where they live,” said Siem. “And we can really make an impact on the shortage of healthcare providers in these communities.”

    More than $600,000 will be invested from the three hospitals that make up TGH North, providing direct funding and support to those high school programs focused on health careers. This will help students like Kaitlyn Kranz, a senior at Nature Coast Technical High School.

    “I would like to go into pediatrics,” said Kranz. “That would probably be the best option for me.”

    Kranz said she and her classmates are getting a head-start by learning from professionals in the medical field.

    “People will always need healthcare,” she said. “It doesn’t matter if you’re a nurse, if you’re a doctor, if you’re a PCT — people are always going to need it. I think it’s just such a rewarding program to be in, and I think that it’s one of those fields that you can do whatever you want.”

    “It’s very awesome to learn about because health has a lot of things, very amazing things and topics to learn about,” said Alison Rivera, a senior at Central High School. “Not just about one thing, health is a lot of things and it’s very beneficial to learn about.”

    They’re also not the only ones to be taking something away from the program.

    “Being able to observe the students, seeing what they’re learning in real life and by observing them taking action on the skills that they’ve learned, I think, is really exciting,” said Siem.

    An exciting time in the field of medicine.

    TGH’s partnership with Hernando and Citrus County Schools will cover the next three years. Programming support will include those clinical experiences, scholarship support, and medical equipment donations, to name a few.

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  • Pasco County Schools offering pay incentives to attract more school bus drivers

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    PASCO COUNTY, Fla. — Pasco County schools are in need of school bus drivers.

    What You Need To Know

    • 49 of the district’s 297 bus routes do not have permanent coverage, meaning students are showing up to school after class has begun
    • The district says it will pay drivers who have limited absences $500 per quarter, and those who take designated high-need routes will earn another $250 per quarter


    Dozens of bus routes do not have permanent coverage, meaning some students are showing up late to class. So now, Pasco County Schools is offering new incentives to get more drivers on board.

    The district says it will pay drivers who have limited absences $500 per quarter. Those who take designated high-need routes will earn another $250 per quarter.

    Behind the wheel of one Pasco County school bus, bus driver Lynn Zion-Weick has her eyes on the road.

    “I’m pretty good with kids and I decided to give it a shot,” she said.

    “The bus is so easy to drive. A lot of times that scares a person, you know, with such a big vehicle. But the way buses are now, they’re just like driving a nice car.”

    Zion-Weick has been a bus driver here for the last four years. Originally retired, she wanted to get behind the wheel after seeing an ad for the role.

    “I kept seeing it and kept thinking, ‘You know, I like to drive and they need drivers,’” said Zion-Weick. “So I said let me give it a shot. I think the hardest part of it was learning the engine. You had to learn at that time and the parts of the engine of the bus.”

    But times have changed and so too has the need for school bus drivers in Pasco. Forty-nine of the district’s 297 bus routes do not have permanent coverage.

    “Our goal is to ensure that every student gets to school on time so that learning can occur,” says Superintendent Dr. John Legg.

    Legg says the school district has developed a plan, offering pay incentives to bring in more school bus drivers.

    “If our bus drivers are in attendance and are able to drive the routes, they get a quarterly bonus,” said Legg. “And if they take on our more challenging routes, they get a bonus as well.”

    Those challenging routes are the more remote areas of the county, such as Zephyrhills. But for someone who grew up in Port Richey, like Zion-Weick, driving the next generation of Pasco County students means a little more.

    “It’s really, pretty nice because some of the kids, actually, I went to school with their grandparents,” she says. “More than likely grandparents.”

    Pasco County Schools will be hosting a bus driver recruitment event on Dec. 11 in Land O’ Lakes.

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  • New Empowerment Room offering strength to survivors of domestic violence

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    NEW PORT RICHEY, Fla. — A new resource is helping survivors of domestic violence in Pasco County.

    What You Need To Know

    • The Empowerment Room, recently opened and founded by Pasco County Clerk of Circuit Court Nikki Alvarez-Sowles, offers counseling, shelter or even legal help
    • Other emergency filings can be made in private inside the Empowerment Room, such as those related to drug abuse or elder abuse


    It’s called the Empowerment Room. Just as its name implies — the Empowerment Room serves as a safe space for survivors to receive aid, like shelter or legal help. The room is changing the perception of asking for help when it’s needed the most.

    “I hope that it provides a sense of calmness, peace and healing,” says Nikki Alvarez-Sowles, Pasco County Clerk of Circuit Court.

    Inside the West Pasco Judicial Center, the room stands for strength.

    “To be able to come through our front doors, go through security and then walk that lonely path to help themselves — it took a lot of courage for them to do that,” says Alvarez-Sowles. “I just wanted them to feel safe when they were here.”

    The Empowerment Room was recently opened and founded by Alvarez-Sowles.

    “Knowing they’re in a room that is secured and that they have individuals here that can help them,” said Alvarez-Sowles. “It means everything for them to be able to get the services they need and be able to get to a better day, to get to a safe place.”

    Alvarez-Sowles says more than 3,000 domestic violent injunctions are expected to be filed in Pasco County this year. This Empowerment Room is now the second in the county, with the other in Dade City. Inside are the Salvation Army and Sunrise of Pasco, offering counseling, shelter or even legal help.

    “They’ll help them with the processing of paperwork,” Alvarez-Sowles said. “Then if it’s something where they need something more, they need legal advocacy, they need shelter, they need some counseling — then we would utilize the services of Salvation Army or Sunrise of Pasco.”

    “It was the first time, even though I was breaking down inside at that point, that I was starting to kind of see the light of getting out,” said Dana Rutherford, who is a domestic abuse survivor. Though the Empowerment Room did not exist when she sought help, she knows the power it has for those now.

    “The emotional toll it takes to have to do a restraining order and then you have to go and stand in front of your abuser in court, which is very difficult,” says Rutherford. “So to have that advocate or somebody to support you means the world.”

    Rutherford says it was difficult to reach out for help. But a path, she says, that can start with the room in a time of need.

    “You are worth and deserve to have boundaries that are healthy and safe for you,” said Rutherford. “Make sure that you do what you say you’re going to do and — I promise you — it seems like it’s devastating in the moment and there are things that you may face, but it is totally worth it in the end. You can survive but also thrive after abuse and have a beautiful life without it.”

    So they too can feel safe and strong.

    Other emergency filings can be made in private inside the Empowerment Room, such as those related to drug abuse or elder abuse. The Empowerment Room is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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    Calvin Lewis

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  • Farmers ready to showcase this year’s bounty at 10th Annual Sweet Potato Roundup

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    NEW PORT RICHEY, Fla. — A local community is not only home to several sweet potato growers, but also what’s believed to be the state’s only sweet potato festival. 

    What You Need To Know

    • New Port Richey will be hosting the 10th Annual Sweet Potato Roundup this Saturday, showcasing the dedicated work of local growers

    • Tucked away under the trees along Sawgrass Alley is East Madison Gardens — a network of residential and community gardens
    • The community garden will serve as a main source for sweet potatoes that will be on display at this weekend’s Sweet Potato Roundup
    • The event takes place from 11 a.m.  to 1 p.m. in the New Port Richey Public Library Courtyard off Main Street


    New Port Richey will be hosting the 10th Annual Sweet Potato Roundup this Saturday, showcasing the dedicated work of local growers.

    “You just kind of dig around a little bit and then you find this guy,” says Dell deChant, director of New Port Richey FarmNet. “That’s the beauty.”

    Tucked away under the trees along Sawgrass Alley, there sits a secret garden, growing an abundance of life’s richest vegetables.

    “We have kale here,” says deChant. “We have some tomatoes. That’s a loquat and one of the season food festivals that we do is the loquat festival. The mockingbird, the state bird of Florida, especially love these beauty berries. And they are disappearing from the state. So we’re doing everything we can to reinstall them wherever we have or wherever we have gardens. And that’s another part of the project.”

    East Madison Gardens is a network of residential and community gardens in the East Madison neighborhood of New Port Richey. It’s led deChant.

    “A city, residential lot that’s been transformed into an agroecological learning center and food production center,” says deChant. “We’ve been doing this in this particular area, the East Madison area, for about 12 years.”

    It’s also a main source for sweet potatoes that will be on display at this weekend’s Sweet Potato Roundup, planted with love and handpicked with care by deChant and volunteers.

    That includes Amanda Zborek, joined alongside her daughter Lilly.

    “That’s our biggest goal is to bring people in and to teach them about growing their own food,” said Zborek, regional outreach director of New Port Richey FarmNet. “Different ways that you can prepare food that grows very well here and has high yields and just getting really creative with it.”

    For years the event has showcased the hard work of local growers, displaying how sustainable food can come from just about anywhere — like residential areas.

    “Once I was introduced to gardening and farming and having them fresh off the stalk, there’s nothing like it,” says Zborek. “They’re good. Your body notices the nutrition that it’s receiving and the love and care that’s put into growing them yourself.”

    Aside from the sense of accomplishment one gets from growing these beautiful vegetables, there might be one feeling that tops it all.

    “Tasting the food,” said Lilly and Zborek. “Absolutely tasting the food and bringing the community together.”

    Coming together for the love of food.

    The event takes place this Saturday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The location is in the New Port Richey Public Library Courtyard off Main Street and is free to attend.

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    Calvin Lewis

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  • Arrival of manatee season generates excitement among residents and visitors

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    HOMOSASSA, Fla. — As the weather starts to cool, manatees are migrating toward warmer waters.

    What You Need To Know

    • Manatee season has arrived in Citrus County as cooler temperatures sweep across Tampa Bay

    • It’s an important time of year for the local economy, with well over a million people expected to visit Citrus County this year
    • Just in time for the season is the newly renovated underwater observatory at Ellie Schiller Homosassa Wildlife State Park, a fixture that has been at the park since 1964
    • Citrus County is the only place where visitors can get in the water and swim with manatees


    It’s a big boost for business and the local economy in Citrus County. The arrival of manatee season is generating a lot of excitement.

    Near the waters of Homosassa Springs, visitors try to catch a glimpse of one of Florida’s most beloved marine mammals. 

    “Last week started manatee season for us — November 15,” said Auvis Cole, Director of Tourism for Discover Crystal River. “At a place like Ellie Schiller Homosassa Wildlife State Park, you can come here and not only see manatees, but you can see an assortment of animals and everything.”

    Manatee season has arrived at Ellie Schiller Homosassa Wildlife State Park. An important time of year, says Cole. He expects they will see well over a million people visiting this year.

    “We bring in a lot of people and the good thing is it’s all about being sustainable and eco-friendly,” he said.

    Just in time for the season is the newly renovated underwater observatory, a fixture that has been at the park since 1964. It’s an engineering marvel for its time and still today.

    “The schools of fish and then, of course, when the manatee comes in, it’s great,” said Cole. “It’s a way to experience it on a different level.”

    Elsewhere in the park are other prime viewing areas.

    “I think we’re the only industry that looks forward to having cold weather,” said Traci Wood, owner and captain of Homosassa Manatee Snorkeling Center.

    Wood knows these waters better than most, including where the manatees like to gather.

    “They come in here and they have a sanctuary that is right over here, where humans don’t get to go,” Wood said. “So the manatees get to go in there and stay warm and stay away from humans if they want to.”

    It’s also the only place where visitors can get in the water and swim with the manatees.

    “When you get in the water, right in front of them or right next to them, you really get an idea of one — how big they are, two — how gentle they are, and three — they can be really silly and playful and fun,” she said. “It really blows people away. It’s really amazing.”

    An experience unlike any other.

    You can see manatees up close for yourself at the Ellie Schiller Homosassa Wildlife State Park. Manatee season runs now until March 31.

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    Calvin Lewis

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  • New entrance breaks ground at Whispering Pines Park to help traffic and business

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    INVERNESS, Fla. — A new entrance to Whispering Pines Park has officially broken ground on the outskirts of the park. 

    It’s located off U.S. Highway 41, an area that just saw renovations to its road. An Inverness official said the new entrance to the park is expected to impact traffic and local business.

    What You Need To Know

    • A new, second entrance to Whispering Pines Park has broken ground 

    • An Inverness official says the new entrance to the park is expected to impact traffic and local business, with the aims of improving both

    • Across the street, staff at Copper State Tackle, which also recently celebrated its grand opening, say the added traffic may help improve their business

    • Construction of the new entrance cost $1 million and is expected to be finished in a year

    “We’re excited to see this safer, much more modern entrance that will allow us to have more flexibility at the park for bringing people in and out in a more organized and safe manner,” Inverness City Manager Eric Williams said.

    “We want more people to come to Whispering Pines, see it and use it, and enjoy what is a gem in our community,” Williams said.

    This entrance off US-41 is now the second entrance into Whispering Pines. The park is owned by the State of Florida and subleased by the city of Inverness. Recently, there’s been talk of an RV campground coming to the park.

    “It’s not something that’s galvanized or is guaranteed to happen, but it’s a conversation that’s out there,” Williams said. “We’ve expressed that conversation to the state and talking with them about cooperative funding, but there’s still some — I know we’re on a road today — but there’s still some miles to travel with that.”

    Across the street, Robbie Anderson stocks the shelves of Copper State Tackle, which recently celebrated its grand opening.

    Construction of the new Whispering Pines entrance cost $1 million. It’s expected to be finished in a year.

    “We just had our grand opening Saturday, turned out fantastic,” Anderson said. “So the timing’s really kind of neat.”

    Anderson said staff at the tackle shop already have noticed traffic patterns. 

    “When they come from Whispering Pines, they’re looking right at us,” he said. “So that’s a fantastic part of it. Negatives could be the traffic, but I don’t think that’s a negative when you’re driving a business.”

    With an entrance into Whispering Pines just across the street, more eyes may focus on the shop.

    “The community is growing,” Anderson said. “We do have new interstates and toll roads coming in that’s dropping traffic into our community. It’s a benefit. It has some benefits, and there’s some negatives to it, of course. We’re used to no traffic, but the God-honest truth is if you have a business, you need the traffic to drive the business.”

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    Calvin Lewis

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  • Citrus County providing food assistance for senior residents enrolled on SNAP

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    LECANTO, Fla. — Citrus County is providing emergency food assistance for seniors who were impacted by the federal government shutdown.

    What You Need To Know

    • Those Citrus County seniors impacted by the government shutdown’s pause on SNAP benefits can receive help from the Citrus County Resource Center

    • The shutdown put a pause on SNAP, but the Department of Agriculture Secretary said recipients should receive their benefits no later than Monday
    • Resource center staff say they have helped about 15 people who were on SNAP benefits since the program was put on pause at the start of the month
    • Seniors who are not on SNAP can always grab a hot meal thanks to the center’s daily lunch program


    The shutdown put a pause on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) but today, the Department of Agriculture Secretary said recipients should receive their benefits no later than Monday.

    In the meantime, the Florida Department of Elder Affairs has authorized Citrus County Support Services to implement an aid program, providing prepared meals during the suspension.

    Those with the resource center say they have helped about 15 people who were on SNAP benefits since the program was put on pause at the start of the month. Now, they’re ready to help more if need be.

    In the cafeteria of the Citrus County Family Resource Center, Lynsie Roddenberry makes conversation over lunch.

    “My dear friend Norma has been floating around in here,” says Roddenberry, the Support Services Director for Citrus County. “I see her almost every day, unless she’s visiting with family.”

    “We received word from our granting agency, elder options, that the Department of Elder Affairs was allowing flexibility while SNAP benefits are suspended and we can provide emergency meals to folks age 60 and older that are not our clients and enrolled on Department of Elder Affairs programs,” said Roddenberry.

    The resource center has boxes of pre-packaged food. Ready to be handed to those seniors whose SNAP benefits were put on pause during the recent government shutdown.

    “In each one of these boxes is seven meals, or one week’s worth, of shelf-stable items,” Roddenberry said. “Those are your pantry type items, non-perishables. Each client that we have received phone calls from that are interested in participating in this program, we’re giving two boxes to.”

    That’s two meals a day for seven days.

    “This program is allowing folks who are not eligible, traditionally under any of our Department of Elder Affairs programs, to receive these meals and not have to use their income for food,” said Roddenberry. “They can keep using it on medical bills or prescriptions, that sort of thing. They won’t have to give up one thing in order to purchase their meals.”

    And for seniors who are not on SNAP, they can always grab a hot meal thanks to the center’s daily lunch program.

    “The program is under the Older Americans Act and it’s to help people keep their health up, stay active and engaged in the community, and eat healthy where they can stay independent in their own homes for longer,” said Janice Hale, senior program supervisor for Meals On Wheels.

    Showing there’s plenty of food to go around for those who need it.

    “Our program will be in effect until those benefits are reinstated and hopefully within the week, I would say,” said Roddenberry.

    And Roddenberry says for those looking to pick up a box or two of those pre-packaged meals, they will need proof they are a SNAP recipient and that they’re over the age of 60. The Citrus County Family Resource Center is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

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    Calvin Lewis

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  • Citrus Cold Weather Shelter helps shield dozens overnight from chilly temps

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    HOMOSASSA SPRINGS, Fla. — With cold temperatures moving into the Tampa Bay area, counties are preparing for the chill. 

    That includes at the Citrus Cold Weather Shelter at Nature Coast Church in Homosassa, where about 40 people took refuge Monday night from the cold temps. 

    What You Need To Know

    • Cold temperatures are sweeping across the Tampa Bay area, with counties opening shelters to brace for the chill

    • Citrus Cold Weather Shelter is opening Monday and Tuesday nights from 6 p.m. — 7 a.m.

    • An anticipated 75 people will be helped Monday night and at least 300 people this season

    • Elsewhere — as those shield against the cold, a few local businesses are embracing it


    “We open whenever the temperature drops to 40° or below, and we’re looking to be in the 30s,” said Kristy Jocelyn, shelter coordinator for Citrus Cold Weather Shelter. “They’ve put out some pretty severe warnings now.”

    Inside Nature Coast Church in Homosassa, Jocelyn is stocking up on supplies, preparing the church to serve as Citrus County’s cold weather shelter.

    “We don’t have an agency that is open 24/7,” says Jocelyn. “We’re in the works of hoping to get Citrus Hope open and running, but that’s not here yet. Until we do, this is vital.”

    County officials said they opened sites for a few days last October, but that this is the first freeze this early in the season anyone can remember. 


    Everyone taking shelter receives not just food and supplies, but also help in finding a sustainable place to live.

    “When they come in, one of the things we offer is case management and doing housing assessments with them and help to put them on a waitlist for funding to help them to get into housing and off the street for government and state funding,” Jocelyn said.

    According to a homeless count in Citrus last January, the county is home to 846 identified homeless people. That number is up more than 100% in the past two years, with affordable housing one of the biggest factors.

    For more information on the Citrus County Cold Weather Shelter or how you can volunteer or donate, visit B.A.S.I.C.S. United inc.

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    Calvin Lewis, Jason Lanning

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  • New affordable senior community celebrates grand opening in Crystal River

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    CRYSTAL RIVER, Fla. — A new senior housing development has officially opened.

    What You Need To Know

    • Florida’s largest affordable housing developer, Housing Trust Group, is welcoming home residents at the Fountains at Hidden Lake

    • The new senior housing community is helping seniors in the area live comfortably and affordably
    • Affordable senior housing is a struggle in the area, with the median age of residents in the city to be between 63 and 64 years old
    • Rent prices start at $787 at the Fountains at Hidden Lake and there may be plans for a future expansion


    Florida’s largest affordable housing developer, Housing Trust Group, is welcoming home residents at the Fountains at Hidden Lake. Already, the new community is helping seniors in the area live comfortably as a celebration unfolds.

    “It’s an exciting development and we’re very proud to have seniors have a safe, clean, affordable housing as a place to live with dignity at very affordable rents,” said Jordan Tolman, COO of Housing Trust Group.

    This brand-new community is just the latest in affordable housing for seniors in Citrus County. That includes seniors like Julie Sauve, who has been calling the community home since July.

    “I kind of felt that it was time for a change,” said Sauve. “I wanted to go into my later years someplace where I knew it was going to be safe and I’d be able to make a lot of new friends and feel very comfortable.”

    Before settling down, Sauve said it was a struggle finding affordable housing in the Tampa Bay area. She previously lived in Clearwater but said rent prices were becoming unaffordable.

    “There’s nowhere else where we could get anything as amazing as this for the price that each one of us pay,” says Sauve. “It’s so important for seniors going into their later years to be able to have the stability of having a home like this.”

    It’s a struggle Tolman and the rest of Housing Trust Group realize. Rent prices start as low as $787 for residents.

    “The population here has been growing tremendously,” said Tolman. “And as the population keeps growing, prices keep increasing and increasing naturally. So, to be able to provide affordable housing for seniors aged 62 and older is really a great blessing.”

    According to the City of Crystal River, the median age of residents is between 63 and 64 years old, making up about 36% of the population.

    “I’d say get your name in as quick as you can,” said Sauve. “It’s going to fill up quick. There’s just no place like it, I just love it here.”

    There may be plans for an expansion in the near future. Tolman said the Housing Trust Group is exploring building a second phased community that would sit near the current development.

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    Calvin Lewis

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  • American Legion Post 118 raising money towards repairing historic Gar Hall

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    ZEPHYRHILLS, Fla. — An American Legion Post is looking to raise some funds to help save an iconic building.

    What You Need To Know

    • American Legion Post 118 is raising funds to help repair and preserve its historic building, Gar Hall

    • Built in 1910 by Union Civil War veterans, Gar Hall has witnessed plenty of history, serving as a meeting place for Garfield Post 39, Grand Army of the Republic (GAR) and a community center
    • A $500,000 grant has been approved by the state that will help with ceiling, flooring, kitchen and porch repairs 


    American Legion Post 118 has a long history in the area, thanks to its building, Gar Hall. Years of neglect and a few natural causes have warped the building over time, but work to preserve the historic landmark is underway.

    “It’s been here a long time,” says Gary Douglas, financial officer of American Legion Post 118. “It’s been a central part of the Zephyrhills community.”

    At American Legion Post 118, visitors can find a window to the past. A past shared with the City of Zephyrhills.

    “This is the front porch, which we hope to have completely rebuilt,” says Douglas. “We need new steps to make them a little bit more accessible. These are kind of tough for people to get up. Although we do have a handicap ramp off to the side that comes up to the back, but this is all going to be redone hopefully with our restoration project.”

    Douglas is the post’s financial officer. He and his wife, Sandy, got involved with the American Legion this year. Saying they fell in love with the building and wanted to help.

    “We love the old architecture and stuff,” he said. “We saw this, and we came in, and this is just amazing, it really is. When we found out this building and that there was possibly going to be a change of regime, that was going to be really into fixing the building up and, of course, helping the veterans is a little treat to go along with that, too. It’s a two-fer.”

    The building, famously known as Gar Hall, was built in 1910 by Union Civil War veterans. Serving as a meeting place for Garfield Post 39, Grand Army of the Republic (GAR) and a community center. A structure that has seen history.

    “We were worried about different things that we saw- leaks in the roof and holes in the floor — and we’re going how are we going to take this?” said Douglas. “We’re doing the best we can. And then, of course, with Senator Burgess’ submittal for the grant and the subsequent approval, it’s going to take a big load off our shoulders.”

    A $500,000 grant has been approved by the state that will help with repairs.

    “The building with the grant has the opportunity to preserve a lot of the historic character of the GAR and American Legion as well as the City of Zephyrhills,” said William McCaw, historic preservation specialist for the City of Zephyrhills.

    Gar Hall is one of 129 properties within the city’s historic district. An important factor, McCaw says, to preserving the area’s history.

    “They tell the story of the history of the city as much as any person would,” said McCaw. “You can look at the buildings, the newspaper articles, and what was the purpose of the building? How did it serve the community over the years and how will it continue serving in the future?”

    It’s that future that Douglas and the rest of the current American Legion post members want to help shape. Bringing the hall back to its former glory.

    “We want this place to not only be a historic thing for the city and for the community, but also for our veterans,” said Douglas. “Our main goal is to have a nice, friendly, calm place to come in and relax.”

    For those interested in getting involved in helping the American Legion Posts’ building, Douglas says you can make a donation in person.

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    Calvin Lewis

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  • Mallard’s ready to change perspective of ammo supply shops with new location

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    CRYSTAL RIVER, Fla. — A new gun store is looking to change the perspective of what an ammo supply shop should look like.

    What You Need To Know

    • A Crystal River gun store is expanding its operation, moving into a new 55,000 square-foot facility

    • Mallard’s Shooting Supply and Apparel will offer a shooting range, retail space, and even two bars
    • There will be a keycard system to keep customers from mixing alcohol and firearms
    • The facility will employ 20 to 25 full-time staff and 25 to 30 part-time, with a Thanksgiving week opening planned


    To its owner — it’s a “destination place.”

    Mallard’s Shooting Supply and Apparel is expanding into a brand-new, 55,000 square-foot facility, offering a shooting range, retail space, and two bars.

    “This will be a big draw,” said owner Chad Damron. “Something good for the county. The scope and scale of this store, you would think, should be in Tampa or Palm Beach, somewhere like that. But I wanted to do something really neat for where I’m from.”

    Damron is the fifth generation of his family to live in Crystal River. As grand in scale as the store is, he said he could have put it anywhere. But to open it at home, with his son Colby, made sense.

    “When I started, it wasn’t quite this big,” Damron said. “It definitely grew as time progressed and, actually, I needed a big place to store all the animals me and my son hunt. So everything worked out good.”

    Just walking into the store, Damron said, will be an experience. All the more intricate with the attention to detail, like an antique bank vault door, dating back to 1907 Chicago.

    “I mean, this is 120-plus years of somebody pushing on this door where the paint’s missing,” Damron said while admiring the door. “I didn’t want to lose any of that.”

    The new facility, Damron said, will feature a vault carrying high-end gun models, gun safety classes, and two on-site bars, a feature that may surprise some. But there will be a keycard system to keep customers from mixing the two.

    “It is also your access key to certain areas,” Damron said. “Different level memberships allow you in certain areas. And if you go to the bar and have a drink, it’ll get scanned. If you try to go shoot after that, it’ll get scanned, and they’ve seen you’ve been at the bar, it’s a no-go.”

    It’s offering something the area doesn’t already have, Damron said. Even with its 28 shooting lanes, ranging from 15 to 100 yards.

    “You put in how far you want the carrier to go down, and it takes off. It’s pretty neat, too, because you don’t have to bring it back to see where you’re hitting, even on the longer ones where it’s hard to see,” he said. We have a camera that will show you on the screen where your shots are going.”

    An experience, Damron said, he hopes visitors will take with them.

    “I want people to have a good experience. I want them to learn something, whether it’s about animals that are here or something they learned in a class or something my guys have showed them at the sales counter,” he said. But I want them to have a positive experience — a fun experience.”

    One unlike any other in Citrus County.

    The facility, which took a year and a half to build, will employ 20 to 25 full-time staff and another 25 to 30 part-time. Damron said he anticipates opening the store the week of Thanksgiving.

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    Calvin Lewis

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  • Bible Baptist Church on new mission as Suncoast extension impacts property

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    CRYSTAL RIVER, Fla. — Construction of the Suncoast Parkway extension is making headway.

    The project is now in Phase 3A of its plans, which include extending the parkway through parts of Crystal River. But as more of the new roadway is paved, construction is running through already developed areas like homes and businesses. 

    What You Need To Know

    • Construction of the Suncoast Parkway extension is now in Phase 3A, which includes extending the parkway through parts of Crystal River

    • As more road is paved, the Suncoast is running through already developed areas like homes and businesses
    • Bible Baptist Church is one of those impacted, with the Suncoast cutting through 1.75 acres of the church’s property
    • FDOT is compensating the church a little more than $4.5 million for the loss to the property, as they look to build a new congregation just down the road


    Outside Bible Baptist Church — which sits on property that will be affected by the construction — plans for the future are underway and in full view.

    “Our church is not dying,” said the Rev. Thomas Reaves. “We just continue to grow because we have younger people here.”

    He said the church’s plan has recently taken a new direction — the church will soon lose two of its three buildings as FDOT extends the Suncoast Parkway.

    Reaves said the news came as a shock.

    “I was a little ticked off, to tell you the truth, because I felt like we were being blindsided,” Reaves said. “I approve of the extension, I agree with the project. It was just a little devastating to find out that they’re going to do this when we thought they weren’t.”

    The path for the Suncoast’s extension cuts through 1.75 acres of the church’s property. Reaves said FDOT is compensating the church a little more than $4.5 million for the loss its property.

    “If a property loses access as a result of Phase 3 extension, the parcel owner will be fairly compensated by FDOT,” said Anil Sharma, project manager with FDOT Florida’s Turnpike Enterprise during a town hall meeting in March 2023.

    Auvis Cole, tourism director for Discover Crystal River, said its a price the community has to pay to have more traffic traveling through Citrus County.

    “From a tourism standpoint, we are excited about that growth,” Cole said. “But again, we always maintain the tourism standpoint: You want to make sure you grow the right way and, not only the right way, but the right way by the residents.”

    Reaves said losing the property is a blow, but it’s one that is not slowing the church down. They have until Nov. 1 to vacate both buildings, so he said they’ve been busy deconstructing areas and conserving what they can.

    Reaves said that whatever can be saved will be used in the construction of a new church they have planned just up the road.

    “We’re getting excited about what’s the next project,” Reaves said. “Once we had the 10 acres given to us, all of our folks got excited. You know, they were kind of down about it, but once we got the property, they got excited. And they’ve been excited ever since about what our next move will be.”

    Blueprints for the design and layout of a new space — which will have the capacity to hold up to 600 people — have already been drawn up. 

    It’s an ambitious plan, but Reaves said it is important for his church to carry on its mission — a mission he’s been on for 27 years and counting.

    “We want to continue to grow and continue to be an influence in the community — a positive influence in the community,” Reaves said. “Right now, we’re waiting on turtles to be taken off the property before we can build. So we’ve learned to wait on God and learn patience.”

    As the church waits on its new home, Reaves said the congregation will meet at the College of Central Florida’s campus. Construction of the new church is expected to take about 18 months.

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    Calvin Lewis

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