Magnesium, Other Chemicals Hamper...

Massive swells of smoke could be seen for miles on Friday afternoon coming from a 2-alarm fire at the Dade City Business Center.

The blaze was fought by emergency personnel for hours and was finally under control at 6:45 a.m. Saturday morning, about 18 hours after it was first reported to Pasco County Fire Rescue. No injuries were reported from the entire incident.

On Tuesday, PCFR announced the cause for the fire to be “due to welding by an employee. During preventative

Volume VIII • Issue 24 Your Hometown News Source • dadecitynews.org January 24, 2019

Dade City NewsServing Dade City • San Antonio • Saint Leo

Dade City commissioners interviewed seven people last week for the soon to be vacant city manager’s position currently held by Billy Poe.

Christopher Todd Edwards of Tallahassee and Melanie Kendrick Romagnoli of New Port Richey were selected as the two finalists for the position, Mayor Camille Hernandez said in a Monday email.

Edwards earned a bachelor’s degree in public administration from the University of Central Florida. He is currently working in real estate. He was the City of Tallahassee’s Deputy Director of Minority, Women and Small Business Enterprise

Manager • Continued on Page 2A

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In honor of the dream that changed the world and the man who brought it to light, the fourth annual MLK Day Parade marched through downtown Dade City on Saturday.

Pasco County residents crowded the downtown city streets to take in a number of floats and groups paying tribute to Martin Luther King on his birthday.

“Last year’s parade had about 32 entries. This year we have close to 40,” said MLK Activity Committee president Cassie Coleman. “It’s bigger and better than ever.”

The parade began at Martin Luther

Parade Keeps The ‘Dream’ Alive

Fire • Continued on Page 7A

by Emily Kochanski

Dade City Reportedly SaferThe City of Dade City is a safer place to

live, according to a recently released state crime report.

Overall crime in the city dropped 17.2 percent in the first six months of 2018 compared to the same time period in 2017, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement Uniform Crime Report said.

“We are of course pleased to realize any reduction in crime numbers …,” Chief James E. Walters said. “With this in mind, though, we know that crime is cyclical. We must guard against

making impractical inferences related to even small changes in the index up or down as they relate to notions of success or failure.”

Robberies were down by 83.3 percent while aggravated assaults declined by 42.4 percent, according to the state report.

The burglary rate decreased by 34.5 percent. “We continue to receive a great deal of assistance from

the public in solving crimes and improving the quality of life here,” Walters said.

“Our team is committed to providing the highest levels of

Although most of the fire was contained by around 9 p.m. Friday, a flare up caused the fire to continue to burn through the night. Pasco Fire Rescue reported that the building was a total loss at a cost of $3 million.

Parade • Continued on Page 6A

by Joe Potter

Frontrunner For Top Job Currently

In Real Estateby Joe Potter

Many of the floats, such as this one from the Mt. Pleasant Missionary Baptist Church, reminded spectators to dream, just as Dr. King did.

State Report Shows A Sizable Decrease In Crime

Crime Continued on Page 6A

INSIDE:3A - Slavery Will Soon Be No. 1 Crime5A - Police Nab Alleged Pole Thief5A - Judge Rules Against Wild Things Zoo1B - Pasco Boys Soccer Continues To Roll1B - Basketball: Pirates Improve, But Still Lose8B - Pasco Girls Basketball Falls Against Rival8B - I’ll Take ‘Thrills’ For $1,000, Alex

Business Center BurnsMagnesium,

Other Chemicals Hamper Firefighters

Staff Report

Dade City Celebrates The Life Of Martin Luther King

Chief James Walters

21st AnnualKumquat Festival

January 26, 2019Downtown Dade City • 9am-5pm

Photo by Richard K. Riley

Photo by Emily Kochanski

2A • January 24, 2019 Your Hometown News Source • dadecitynews.org Dade City News

Michael Ray Sims, 57, of Trilby, was arrested by Dade City police on Jan. 8 on three counts of grand retail theft. On Jan. 2, Sims al-legedly entered Walmart, 12650 U.S. 301, and took possession of a lawnmower valued at

$148. He then exited the store through the garden department without providing pay-ment for the lawnmower. He then alleg-edly placed the item into the trunk of his vehicle and fled the scene but was cap-tured on video surveillance. Post Miranda, Sims denied stealing the lawnmower. He was placed under arrest and transported to the Pasco County jail.

Laquila Moniquel Courtney, 35, of 37235 Gonzalez Court, was arrested by Dade City police on Jan. 14 on charges of trespass after warning and resisting

without violence. Police responded to the 14000 block of Church Avenue in refer-ence to a trespassing. Courtney was pre-viously trespassed from the location on Dec. 9, 2018. Police made contact with Courtney, who resisted arrest. She was ultimately taken to the ground and de-tained and later transported to the Pasco County jail.

Tahron Elijah Thomas, 20, of 4410 Berra Dr., Zephyrhills, was arrested by Dade City police on Nov. 27, 2018, on two Hillsbor-ough County warrants for violation of proba-tion – burglary/grand theft. Police made con-

tact with Thomas at the Probation Of-fice, 14450 Seventh St. Active warrants were confirmed and he was placed under arrest.

Pedro Luis Molina, 25, of Crystal Springs, was arrested by Dade City police on Jan. 6 on a charge of driving while license suspended or revoked. Police made contact with Molina at 17th Street and Meridian Avenue and placed him

under arrest after his license was con-firmed to be suspended. He was transport-ed to the Pasco County jail.

Jaime Yanez-Pena, 22, of 14844 Meredith St., was arrest-ed by Dade City police on Jan. 7 on a charge of possession of marijuana. Police made contact with Yanez-Pena during a traffic stop at 14th and Lock streets. Upon con-

tact, police detected a strong odor of mari-

juana emanating from the vehicle. A search revealed a small amount of mari-juana inside the vehicle and Yanez-Pena was placed under arrest. He was transport-ed to the Pasco County jail.

Martin Del Moral, 25, of 10321 U.S. 301, was arrested by Dade City police on Jan. 7 on two Pasco County warrants for vi-olation of probation – possession of marijuana and sale of marijuana. Police made contact

with Del Moral on Seventh Street and placed him under arrest after two active warrants were confirmed.

Information provided in the Dade City Police report is taken from public record. All parties are considered innocent until proven guilty.

Dade City Police ReportLawn Ranger Rides Again, Caught On Camera

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ESTATE AUCTIONJan. 26th • 5:30 p.m.

204 South Main St Bushnell FL 33513Antique/Collectible/Vintage Sale

Nice antique furniture; marble top table; tilt-top pie crust table with ball and claw feet; early 1800s Conner shelf; lots of nice oak furniture; early Hull cut glass star bowl; Roseville pottery; collection of kerosene lamps; salt glazed jugs and crocks: four gallon crown with cover - Ft Edwards with blue � owers, � ve gallon Red Wing crock, 2 gallon stoneware - the Abbot, Australia; smoking stand; old wooden ball phones; wooden buckets and boxes; beer trays and signs; AM Philco radio; drum table; old wicker doll carriage; lots of cast iron - bell, pans, dogs, bookends; lots of glassware - Fenton Carnival; lead crystal; bone china; cookbook collection; cookie jars; signed paintings and prints; diecast banks; old toys; Toby mug; sterling silver; Breyer horse collection; lots more.

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Division in 2016 and their Business Advocate, Office of the City Manager from 2013-2016.

An employment contract spelling out his starting date, salary and benefits will be drafted should both Edwards’ background check and references check out, Hernandez said Tuesday.

Edwards has indicated he would be available to start working for Dade City on March 4.

City attorney Nancy Stuparich said Edwards had told her during a telephone call that jobs comparable to the one he was being considered for at Dade City paid $95,000. His resume had indicated his salary was negotiable.

Commissioners Scott Black, Nicole Deese Newlon and James Shive and Hernandez all agreed they thought $95,000 was too high a starting wage for Edwards. Mayor Pro Tempore Eunice Penix did not

attend Tuesday’s meeting.Romagnoli was the commissioners’ second choice,

Hernandez said.Romagnoli earned a master’s degree in public

administration from Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio. She has been program administrator for the Office of Economic Growth in Pasco County since 2010.

Zephyrhills interviewed Romagnoli in November for its newly created assistant city manager position, which ended up going to Poe.

Poe will conclude his nearly 11-year career with Dade City on Feb. 7, and will begin his new job the next day in Zephyrhills. Poe is in line to become city manager this summer after Steve Spina, the current city manager, retires.

The city manager is responsible for the day-to-day

operation of city government. He or she will prepare the annual city budget with assistance from financial officer Leslie Porter. As part of the job the city manager also hires and/or fires department heads.

Commissioners also decided Tuesday to designate Porter as acting city manager and to have police chief James E. Walters serve as her backup until a new city manager is hired. Porter, of Tampa, also interviewed for the city manager’s position.

Four other candidates also interviewed for the job.They were Jeffrey Oris, a former economic

development division director for the City of Miami Beach; Vince Akhimie of Lakeland; Timothy Day of Cape Coral; and John Hahn, a federal government employee with a master’s in criminal justice from the University of Alabama.

Manager • Continued from Page 1A

Dade City News Your Hometown News Source • dadecitynews.org January 24, 2019 • 3A

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Slavery Rising; Will Soon Be No. 1 Criminal ActivityHuman trafficking is the fastest

growing form of crime across the world lagging only behind the sale of illegal drugs, according to Cpl. Alan Wilkett of the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office.

It is anticipated human trafficking will be the world’s largest criminal activity by 2025, Wilkett said during a Tuesday presentation at Pasco-Hernando State College.

Human trafficking can consist of forced labor exploitation, forced marriage, forced sexual exploitation and other criminal acts.

The United States leads the world in the number of victims who are trafficked, Wilkett said. Many of the victims come from foreign countries such as Russia, Mexico, Guatemala, India and even China.

Wilkett has been in law enforcement for 25 years, and the past seven years he has been working human trafficking cases have been some of the darkest years of his career, he said.

Human trafficking could not be charged as a criminal offense until 2000 when Congress passed legislation prohibiting it on the federal level. The state of Florida adopted its own human trafficking statutes a few years later, Wilkett said.

Florida ranks third in the nation, trailing California and Texas, for incidents of human trafficking, Wilkett said.

Many of the cases occur in Miami-Dade, Orlando and the Tampa Bay area. Wilkett said the statistics for Orlando

and Tampa should actually be combined because many of the victims are moved along the Interstate 4 corridor.

Some people are trafficked through fraudulent means according to Wilkett. Many of the poor residents of foreign countries are told they will be placed in better jobs in the U.S. but are instead made to work in nail salons or brothels.

Some people may also be coerced into involuntary servitude because of threats to them or others if they don’t comply.

It is estimated at least 27 million people worldwide are being trafficked.

“If that number is correct, this means more people are in slavery now than at any other time in history,” Wilkett said, and his experience leads him to believe the number is far higher than 27 million.

Law enforcement primarily investigates three forms of human trafficking in the United States – involuntary servitude, forced labor and commercial sex.

Several foreign diplomats have been known to bring illegal immigrants with them to their residences in the U.S. and have them work as maids or housekeepers without paying them for their services. A foreign diplomat may not be arrested for this crime without assistance from the U.S. State Department if he or she invokes diplomatic immunity.

Forced laborers are the largest number of human trafficking victims. They primarily work in the landscaping, agriculture, sugar cane or construction trades, Wilkett said. Trafficked individuals in those industries are frequently working

under what is known as debt bondage.“They may work 70 hours a week for

$200. They are then given $200 checks and can’t open a bank account to cash them,” Wilkett told the audience. “They are sent to check cashing services where they are charged 20 to 40 percent to cash the check, so they may only get $120 for 70 hours of work. That is wage theft.

“They are also charged for their clothes, the bed they sleep on in the trailer in the orange grove so the victims are never able to pay off their debt bondage,” the lawman said.

Organ harvesting is one of the most despicable forms of human trafficking he is aware of, Wilkett said. He has seen videos of young boys and girls being kept in cages on barges in the harbors of some foreign countries so their organs can be harvested while they are still alive.

Law enforcement is starting to look at prostitution differently than it did in the past. In contemporary cases, many prostitutes are considered victims rather than criminals because they have been forced into the sex trade.

Ways need to be found to reduce the demand for human trafficking, Wilkett said.

Many of the sex buyers said they would stop if they were put on a sex buyer’s register and were exposed to public embarrassment. That can’t be done because the state legislature hasn’t passed a law requiring “johns,” as sex buyers are frequently called, to register themselves the same way as convicted sexual

offenders have to register themselves, Wilkett said.

A person arrested for soliciting a prostitute is usually charged with a misdemeanor and pays a $100 fine.

A human trafficker faces much stiffer penalties. They can be sentenced to up to 15 years in prison for each person they have been convicted of trafficking. Those convicted of trafficking a minor can receive life sentences, Wilkett said.

“If we can reduce demand we can reduce this crime,” Wilkett said.

Visit www.humantraffickinghotline.org for more information or call the hotline at 1 (888) 373-7888 to report a suspected act of human trafficking.

Story and photo by Joe Potter

Pasco Sheriff’s Cpl. Alan Wilkett included a world map showing where human trafficking occurs during a Tuesday presentation at Pasco-Hernando State College.


East Pasco EventsJan. 25 – Movie in the Park – Saint Anthony’s Catholic School PSA will be showing “Free Willy” at 6:30 p.m. at San Antonio Park. Admission is free, and popcorn will be provided. Bring chairs/blankets and refreshments. Call (352) 437-5423 for information.

Jan. 26 – Kumquat Festival – You do not want to miss this annual event, held from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. in downtown Dade City. Craft and food vendors galore, kids corral, entertainment, and more. Free admission. Contact the Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce at (352) 567-3769 for information.

Jan. 26 – Run For Life – The 5K and one mile fun run is now open for registration. The event will take place on Main Street in Zephyrhills and benefits the Pregnancy Care Center of Zephyrhills. To register, go to www.pcczephyrhills.org. All who register by Jan. 7 are guaranteed a t-shirt.

Jan. 27 – Shabby Chic Vintage Market and Artisan Day – The annual event offers DIY workshops, a succulent creation station, an eclectic array of décor styles, artisanal food items, boutique clothing and more. This year’s event will be held from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at the Grove in Wesley Chapel, 6105 Wesley Grove Blvd. Attendance and parking are free.

Jan. 30 – SmartStart Entrepreneur Education Series – Presenters will examine the top 10 secrets that will drive sales with social media/video marketing. Held from 6-8 p.m. at the Aligning Your Company’s Core Dade City Entrepreneur Center, 37837 Meridian Ave. #309. Visit www.smartstartpasco.com/events to RSVP.

Jan. 30 – Help for Hernias – Learn about hernias and treatment options at AdventHealth Dade City, 13100 Fort King Road, Classroom 108, from 12-1 p.m. for a lunch and learn. Call (833) 300-2371 to register.

Jan. 30 – Green Industry Best Management Practices Training – The UF/IFAS Pasco County Cooperative Extension Service is offering this special training from 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. at the Land O’ Lakes Heritage Park Community Center, at 5401 Land O’Lakes Blvd., Land O’ Lakes. This program is designed for landscape professionals who apply pesticides and fertilizers commercially. Pre-registration and pre-payment required by Jan. 25 and can be completed at bit.ly/2EWkPbA.

Feb. 2 – Moonlight and Ivory – The 22nd annual concert and art show will be held at the Dade City Woman’s Club, 37922 Palm Ave. The matinee will begin at 2 p.m. with the art show following. Doors for the evening performance will open at 7 p.m. for the art exhibition with the musical concert beginning at 7:30 p.m. Tickets may be purchased at the Dade City Chamber of Commerce, American Eagle Antiques in Dade City, or online at heritagearts.org. The cost is $25 for the evening show and $15 for the matinee. Contact Jessica Werckman at (561) 400-1404 or [email protected] for tickets and information.

Feb. 2 – The Market Place – Since Valentine’s Day is this month, bring your Valentine to the Market Place. Shop fresh produce, garden accessories, home décor, honey products, and more from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at Hibiscus Park, located at Seventh Street and Bougainvillea Avenue. New this

month will be a wine tasting from the Tropical Wine Shop and a drawing for a gift basket provided by the Dade City Garden Club. Contact Lucy Avila at (352) 424-4972 for information.

Feb. 2 – Cruise In – From 12-7 p.m., come visit downtown Dade City to take in hundreds of awesome classic cars on display and music by Starvin Darvin. Call (352) 437-3059 for information.

Feb. 2 – Science and Engineering Fair – The science fair is open to all Pasco County middle and high school students and the public are also invited to attend. The judging and public viewing will begin at 9 a.m. at Thomas E. Weightman Middle School, 30649 Wells Road in Wesley Chapel, followed by the awards ceremony at 3 p.m. at the Center for the Arts at Wesley Chapel, 30651 Wells Road.

Feb. 2 – The Big Shred – Watch as professionals shred your sensitive, outdated documents. Held at the Robert Sumner Judicial Center, 38053 Live Oak Ave., from 10 a.m.-12 p.m.

Feb. 2 – Attracting Birds to Your Florida Garden – Interested in learning more about birds and attracting them to your garden? This free UF/IFAS Pasco County Cooperative Extension seminar will demonstrate how to identify common garden birds and what you need to plant to attract them. Held 9-10 a.m. at One Stop Shop, 15029 14th St. Registration recommended at Eventbrite. Please call (352) 518-0156 for information.

Feb. 2-3 – Farm Fest and Quilt Show – Quilt Exhibition, quilt appraiser, unique vendors, food, live entertainment, and an amazing Quilt Show at the Pioneer Florida Museum and Village, 15602 Pioneer Museum Road. Bring your lawn chairs, grab a pulled pork sandwich or burger from the concession stand and get your spot for the horse pull, on Saturday only. The event will run from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on Sunday. Call (352) 567-0262 for information.

Feb. 5 – Chasing Water – Internationally known water scientist, author, and sustainability educator Brian Richter will speak at Saint Leo University at 7 p.m. in Selby Auditorium, Lewis Hall, 33701 S.R. 52. His topic is “Chasing Water in a Dynamically Changing World.” The talk is open to the public and there is no charge for admission or parking. Contact Jo-Ann Johnston at [email protected] or (352) 588-8237 for information.

Feb. 6 – Be Our Guest (Teacher) – Pasco County Schools are now seeking qualified applicants for guest teachers. The hiring event will take place from 4:30-6:30 p.m. at the Pasco County Schools district office complex, building 2, at 7227 Land O’ Lakes Blvd., Land O’ Lakes. Interested applicants may pre-register at www.hirepasco.eventbrite.com. Contact Linda Cobbe at (813) 794-2717 for information.

Feb. 8 – Children’s Dental Day – Join Premier Community HealthCare for Children’s Dental Day, 7 a.m.-4 p.m., at one of our participating locations in Pasco and Hernando Counties. They’ll be offering free screenings, x-rays, cleanings and fluoride treatments for children 17 and under. Giveaways, activities and oral health education will be provided. Call (352) 518-2000 or visit www.premierhc.org for more information.

Pasco News PublicationsDade City News • East Pasco Senior News • Zephyrhills Free Press

38440 5th Avenue - Zephyrhills, FL 33542 (813) 783-1300 - www.pasconewspubs.com

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.

Dade City News | www.dadecitynews.org

DesignEdwin Pitts

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Justin Wandell

Public RelationsGreg First

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SalesKrista Black

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For more events visit www.pasconewspubs.com

Earlier this month my wife Jenny and I celebrated our 28th anniversary with a five-day cruise from the Port of Tampa. A cruise is a great way to be waited on hand and foot and get a break from the daily grind of working, deadlines and those unwanted robo calls that never seem to stop. (The Do Not Call list is a complete disaster and does not work.)

Jenny and I have sailed on many different cruise lines during our 28 years of marriage. When the kids were little the four of us would head to Port Canaveral and jump on Premier Cruise Lines’ Big Red Boat. They were truly a family cruise line and originally affiliated with the Walt Disney Company complete with Disney characters, but parted company in 1993 and hooked up with the Looney Tunes characters.

It was great fun to line dance with Yosemite Sam and hang out with Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, Porky Pig, Roadrunner and many others.

The kids loved it.When you first boarded the ship the

kids had a separate check in area and each received a colored armband. We actually hardly ever saw them except during dinner and at ports of call. They had programs like dances, treasure hunts, arts and crafts, and things they liked. It allowed Jenny and I to enjoy some quiet time on our own.

Well, the kids have grown up, Premier Cruise Lines is no longer sailing out of Tampa and Disney has their own ships.

This trip Jenny and I left out of the Port of Tampa. It is a great place to

leave from and it’s close to home. We sailed on Royal Caribbean’s Brilliance of the Seas. It is an older ship but it’s still beautiful and it’s small enough to go under the Sunshine Skyway Bridge. It holds about 2,400 passengers which is small compared to some of the new super liners, which can carry more than 7,000. We like the smaller ships because it really feels like cruising.

Hey, small or large we spend a lot of time on the balcony when we are not doing other things. It is wonderful to gaze at the beauty God created. One of Jenny’s favorite hobbies is counting stars. This trip she saw shooting stars, dolphins, flying fish and a whole bunch of stars. If you want to know where something is located in the sky just ask her. She will be glad to point it out to you.

The ship stopped in Grand Cayman and Cozumel, Mexico.

It was interesting to both of us what the Mexican government required just to set foot in their country. In addition to our sea pass card they required another form of identification like a driver’s license or passport. Also every single passenger was greeted by a dog that gave everyone the once over.

Security is a big deal to the Mexican government and they take it seriously. Try to sneak in illegally and you could end up shot or put in a small jail cell with a bunch of people you probably don’t want to be best buddies with. We have been to Mexico many times but this time the security has been ramped up. We are not planning on going back in the near future.

Anyway, we love Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines. The food was awesome, the shows were great and the crew seemed like they really wanted to make sure we were having a good time. While customer service for many companies is going down the tubes this company still cares and it really shows.

My goal now is to try and catch up with my friend Keith Reeves and his wife. A short time ago they just advanced to the Diamond level on Royal Caribbean. I mean really, how much better can it get? I can’t wait to find out. When and if it happens you will be the first to know.

Ship To Shore Is Never A Bore

Commentary

First Things FirstGreg First


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• Show of Quilts & Clothing • Local Quilters on Display • Quilts & Supplies Sale

• Brenda Grampsas will provide quilt appraisals all day. Written appraisals $50, verbal evaluation $20.

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• Antique Car Show Model T’s & A’s• Live entertainment on Sunday

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Agitated Camera Thief CaughtTimothy Letos, 36, of 12405 Dade City

Ave., was arrested by the Pasco Sheriff’s Department on Jan. 15 on a charge of criminal mischief.

While on property located in the 4000 block of Buckeye Street, Letos allegedly removed a security camera from the victim’s shed by using a hatchet to free the camera from the shed’s exterior, damaging the drywall and connecting screws.

A witness stated that she observed Letos allegedly waving a hatchet in the air while holding the camera and that she did

not want to approach him because he was “acting crazy”.

A second witness stated that Letos had been acting unstable as of late and that he had recently committed unsettling actions, which included having “buried a living dog beneath the shed”.

Letos remained at large until he was later apprehended concerning other cases. The camera was valued at $90 and the damage to the shed was approximately $300. Letos was placed under arrest and taken to the Pasco County jail.

Police Nab Alleged Pole ThiefWilliam Lee Davis, 58, of Wesley

Chapel, was ar-rested by the Pasco Sheriff’s Depart-ment on Jan. 11 on a charge of grand theft.

On Jan. 5, Da-vis allegedly took six 8-foot long red metal playground support poles, val-ued at $8,000, from the east side of the

RCMA Learning Center, 15048 14th St. He was captured by video surveillance allegedly loading the poles into his ve-hicle and was later observed by a wit-ness with the poles sticking out of the rear of his vehicle.

Police later made contact with Da-vis, who advised that he did take the poles, but that the poles he took were only 5 or 6 feet long, silver in color and that he found them near the center’s dumpster. He was placed under arrest and taken to the Pasco County jail.

Davis

Judge Rules Against Wild Things Zoo

A federal judge recently ruled against a motion by Dade City Wild Things to dismiss a claim that the local zoo did not violate an endangered species act filed by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals.

The ruling by Judge Charlene Honeywell of the United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida, means Dade City Wild Things will have to answer for its decision to send 19 tigers on an 18-hour rail journey without temperature control or water in 2017, said Brittany Peet, the PETA Foundation Director of Captive Animals Law Enforcement.

Joe Maldonado of Greater Wynnewood Exotic Animal Park in Wynnewood, Okla., acknowledged 19 tigers arrived at his

facility on July 16, 2017. This reportedly took place after a federal judge had ordered the owners of the 37237 Meridian Ave. zoo to not remove any tigers and to make them available for inspection by PETA.

A tiger gave birth to three cubs while they were being shipped by train from Florida to Oklahoma in a cattle car. According to David Perle, PETA’s senior media coordinator, the three cubs died during the trip from Florida to Oklahoma.

PETA’s lawsuit also contends that Dade City Wild Things prematurely separated tiger cubs from their mothers, forced the cubs to swim with paying members of the public, and failed to provide tigers with adequate housing and care.

Owners Need To Answer For Sending Tigers To Oklahoma

Staff Report


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King Boulevard and worked its way down Seventh Street, turning on Meridian Avenue and ending near the historic courthouse. This year’s entries consisted of floats and entertainment provided by the Pasco High and Middle School marching bands, the Bread of Life Worship Center, the Lewis Abraham Boys and Girls Club, and several other clubs, organizations and churches. And, as in years past, the event was a big hit with attendees of all ages.

“I thought the parade was fabulous,” said long-time Dade City resident Alyse Webb, who attended with her two young boys. “This is a representation of a long history of our community, and I think it’s important celebrate everyone in the community.”

Following the parade, Coleman gathered all spectators and parade participants outside of the old courthouse for a unity prayer. This year’s prayer was not only dedicated to

Dr. King and his legacy, but to all those federal employees and their families who have been hurt by the ongoing government shutdown and to the continuing safety of all Pasco County students in light of many recent tragic events.

Following the morning’s events, a scholarship banquet was held at the Lewis Abraham Boys and Girls Club at 6 p.m. And on Monday, MLK Day, a special ceremony in remembrance of the day’s namesake was held at 11 a.m., also at the Boys and Girls Club.

Through the series of empowering events, Coleman and her fellow committee members reminded those in their community of the message that Martin Luther King expressed all those years ago and that, by taking his words to heart, his dream lives on.

“I love the fellowship that comes from this event,” said Coleman. “I like the fact that it brings the community together. To me, that’s the most exciting part about the whole experience.”

Parade • Continued from Page 1A

A MLK Scholarship Banquet was held Saturday evening at The Boys & Girls Club in Lacoochee where supporting community members purchased tables for families and friends.

The float piloted by members of the Lewis Abraham Boys and Girls Club was one of the most elaborate and eye-catching in this year’s line-up.

Levater Holt holds a portrait of the Rev. Martin Luther King as she rode in the Dade City Bread of Life Worship Center float.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Activity Committee President Cassie Coleman led the sizeable crowd in an empowering song prior to the unity prayer.





professional law enforcement service… If you’ve ever been anywhere else then you know that Dade City is a great place to be.”

There was a significant – 45.2 percent – decrease in violent crimes while property crimes declined by 9 percent.

There weren’t any homicides in Dade City in either the first six months of 2018 or 2017.

Three rapes were reported from January–June 2018, the same as for the

same time period in 2017.Larceny was the only category for which

an increase – 3.7 percent – was reported. This was because more shoplifting and other general types of theft occurred.

Only one motor vehicle was stolen in the first six months of 2018 compared to eight for the same time period in 2017.

Twenty-two more people were arrested in the first half of 2018 – 265 – compared to 243 for the first half of 2017 for an

increase of 9.1 percent.Nine more cases of simple assault – 28

compared to 19 – resulted in a 25.9 percent increase from the previous year.

Fewer juveniles were arrested in the first six months of 2018 compared to 2017 while more adults were arrested. The report said 14 juveniles were arrested in the 2018 time period compared to 29 during the same 2017 period, and 251 adults were arrested in 2018 compared to

214 in 2017.An arsonist struck one abandoned

single-family residence in the first six months of 2018 resulting in $5,000 in damages.

No cases of human trafficking were reported in Dade City for the first six months of 2018.

Also, no hate crimes or theft of cargo were reported in the first six months of 2018.

Crime • Continued from Page 1A


maintenance, employees were in the process of extending an exhaust duct to an industrial rotary furnace when sparks from the welder ignited combustibles in the area.” Employees reportedly made several attempts to extinguish the fire before calling 911 and evacuating the building.

PCFR also said the fire caused approximately $3 million in damage to the center.

Fire Rescue received the call about the fire at 12:30 p.m. on Friday and responded to the business center, which is a mixed-use manufacturing building holding several businesses at 15486 U.S. 301.

By 2:30 p.m., PCFR announced via social media that the still treacherous blaze had 30 different fire and emergency management units at the scene, including units from Zephyrhills, Plant City and Hernando County.

Early efforts had firefighters on a defensive attack using ladder trucks to dump thousands of gallons of water a minute on the massive blaze.

But various chemicals inside the burning building, including argon, nitrous oxide and the highly flammable magnesium, fed the flames. Magnesium is even more dangerous when it encounters water. During the firefight, explosions from the magnesium and water reactions produced a large white glow.

At 7:49 p.m., seven hours after the fire was first reported, PCFR posted a video to social media featuring an update from Division Chief Shawn Whited.

While the first responders had a plan of attack when first approaching the fire, misleading blueprints and maps caused some delays for initial tactics.

“This is a large industrial complex that has been built and rebuilt… many, many times,” Whited said. “That’s a lot of our challenges right now, the different layers of roofs, the different ways the warehouses are sub-sectioned. We’re just being very cautious.”

The fire caused train traffic to halt along the eastern seaboard lines, as an active CSX railway is located near the

business center. Whited explained that firefighters

had made entry into the building after determining a safe route, but it was still a “calculated gamble.” He assured they remained in constant contact with any crews entering the building.

The fire was controlled late Friday night, however a flare up around 9 p.m. sent fire rescue squads back to the defensive line. While the business center was quickly evacuated when the fire was initially reported, additional evacuations in Dade City were not needed, as the fire remained contained to the business center.

Firefighters remained on scene Saturday for “extensive overhaul,” PCFR said.

Fire • Continued from Page 1A

The aftermath of a fire that raged for about 18 hours from Friday afternoon to early Saturday morning at the Dade City Business Center.

Pasco County Fire Rescue received a call from the Dade City Business Center at 12:30 p.m. Friday and quickly responded to the scene to keep the flames contained at the site.



Clouds of dark smoke were easily spotted miles away as they drifted through the air up from the Dade City Business Center on Friday afternoon. Photo by Emily Kochanski

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