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FREE PRESS

Zephyrhills

Volume IX • Issue 4 Your Hometown News Source • zephyrhillsfreepress.com October 1, 2020

Proposed
Chamber
Fire In Their Soul
Fire Rescue Transition From City To County Complete
Merger Story and photos by Dave

Zephyrhills Fire Rescue


Walters
transition from Zephyrhills
Zephyrhills And Dade personnel finished their
shifts and walked out City
Fire Rescue to Pasco County
is complete. Downtown
City Chambers May Join of Zephyrhills Stations 1 and
2 for the last time. When
Station 1 is now County
Station 25 while the northern
by Dave Walters they came back to the same Zephyrhills Station goes from
buildings 48 hours later, they Station 2 to Station 29.
A task force has been formed came back to Pasco County “It is bizarre,” said PCFR
to investigate the merging of two Station 25 and 29. Captain Billy Jeffries, who
of the most community-oriented Following 18 months was with Zephyrhills Fire
organizations in east Pasco County, of negotiations between Rescue for 20 years. “I never
the Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of the City of Zephyrhills and thought I would see it during
Commerce and the Dade City Chamber Pasco County, Zephyrhills my career. The county has
of Commerce. Fire Rescue personnel are been great to us. The support
The task force will strictly serve now hopping on trucks that from county administration,
as a factfinding body to determine if proudly display the name of the county commission and
merging the chambers will be beneficial
Former Zephyrhills Fire Rescue Captain Billy Jeffries receives their new employer, Pasco the division chiefs has been
to both groups, according to Zephyrhills a certificate of appreciation for his service to the residents of County.
Chamber CEO Melonie Monson. Zephyrhills. As of this week, the Fire • Continued on Page 4
During Monday night’s Zephyrhills
City Council meeting, Monson provided
an update explaining the goal of the

Chamber • Continued on Page 3

Finally, the 2020 Zephyrhills High School football season opens, albeit to an upsetting loss.

Bulldogs Suffer From Delay


Zephyrhills Loses To Tampa Catholic In Season Opener
Story and photos by Dave Walters Crusaders team and Bulldogs’ lack of breakdowns in the Bulldogs’ defensive
offensive timing, missed secondary secondary. TC quarterback Xavione
After COVID-19 knocked down the assignments and conditioning were Washington connected three times with
Bulldogs at the start of the season, it set exploited. On the plus side, the defense AJ Williams for touchdowns of 48, 31
the wheels in motion for Friday’s 35-7 did a strong job stopping Tampa and 37 yards.
loss to Tampa Catholic in the delayed Catholic’s run game. “In that fist half, we didn’t roll over
season opener. The Crusaders jumped out to a 20-0
The Bulldogs played an undefeated lead heading into halftime following Bulldogs • Continued on Page 5
2A • October 1, 2020 Your Hometown News Source • zephyrhillsfreepress.com Zephyrhills Free Press

Death Threats Unmasked East Pasco Events


Violence Threatened Over Face-mask Argument Oct. 1 – MEGA Pantry Pasco County Oct. 8 – Brass Tap Bingo Charity
Grocery Pickup – If you are in need of Fundraiser for Sunrise of Pasco – Stop
A 49-year-old Hill told the ZPD officer that he hoped food, stop by John S. Burkes Memorial by the Brass Tap, 37916 Pasco Ave. in
Wesley Chapel man she would “catch a bullet to the brain.” Park, 13220 Gene Nelson Blvd. in Dade Dade City from 7-9 p.m. for a game of
turned himself in to And he would “crack her skull.” As he City from 3:30-5:30 p.m. to receive Bingo to support Sunrise of Pasco as they
Zephyrhills police was leaving the premises, he said he some free groceries. No ID, paperwork recognize Domestic Violence Awareness
after an incident at would “shoot her in the head.” or screening is required and all are Month. The first Bingo card is free then
Walmart Thursday The police report states Hill told a welcome. The pantry operates rain each card after that is $2. Play for fun
where he allegedly witness that he knew she was a law or shine every Thursday as long as and prizes while helping support a great
threatened to kill a enforcement officer and he could have it is safe to distribute. There will be cause. Visit sunrisepasco.org/events/
police officer, beat used “deadly force” against her and signs directing you once you enter the brass-tap-bingo-for-dvam or call (352)
a security guard “almost ended her life.” In addition, as park and volunteers will load the food 521-3358 for information.
and threatened the George Hill Hill was being escorted out of the store, directly into your vehicle, practicing
life of a witness he allegedly threated to kill a man who social distancing guidelines. Make Oct. 8 – Career Source Services –
who was filming the incident. was filming the incident as well as the a Difference needs volunteers each Career Source is providing monthly
According to Zephyrhills Police, man’s dog. Thursday at 3 p.m. Call (352) 437- services at the Zephyrhills Public
George Elwood Hill, II of 33314 Tammy Police said that Hill and the security 3466 or email makeadifference12311@ Library, 5347 8th Street on the second
Lane, threated an off-duty Zephyrhills guard had a face mask-related argument gmail.com to sign up to volunteer. Thursday of every month from 10
Police Officer after she called for officers a week prior to Thursday’s confrontation. a.m.-4 p.m. Using its Mobile One Stop
to respond to a confrontation Hill was At the time Hill turned himself in to Oct. 3 – Gardening 365 Virtual 38-foot customized Winnebago Coach,
having with the security officer at Wal- police, he was wearing a face mask. Education Festival – Attend online for customers can look for employment,
Mart on Gall Boulevard. He is facing charges of assault on law free and get gardening like a pro. Join polish and print resumes, copy and scan
Police said when the officer called for enforcement, assault on a licensed the UF/IFAS Pasco County Cooperative materials, use email and social media,
units to respond to the store after Hill security guard, assault, disorderly Extension Service and Master Gardener and talk to a Workforce professional.
threatened to beat the security guard, conduct and threats to law enforcement. volunteers as they share their expertise. Visit careersourcepascohernando.com
The one-day event will include three for information.
sessions: 10 a.m. – Backyard Fruit Trees;
11 a.m. – Good Bug, Bad Bug; and Noon Oct. 10 – Scarecrow Festival –
Zephyrhills Arrests – Florida Vegetable gardening. Visit
pascocountyfl.net/3389/Cooperative-
Come to the Pioneer Florida Museum
& Village, 15602 Pioneer Museum
Extension or call (352) 518-0156 for Road in Dade City, from 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

There’s A Wrench In His Plans information. Build your own scarecrow, enter the
Maskoween costume contest, enjoy arts
Oct. 5 – Holes for Hope Golf and crafts vendors, the pumpkin patch,
A 43-year-old Zephyrhills man was ar- A 30-year-old Kissimmee man was arrest-
Tournament – This fundraiser for pumpkin painting, pony rides, petting
rested Sept. 23 for assault with a deadly ed Sept. 24 for grand theft of a firearm
Sunrise of Pasco County Domestic and zoo, carnival games, food concessions
weapon and criminal mischief after alleg- after police pulled him over for having a
Sexual Violence Center will be held at and more. Featuring Blaise’s Bubble
edly threatening to kill someone with a tinted license plate cover. According to
7:30 a.m. at Lake Jovita Golf & Country Magic, Soccer Collies and other great
pipe wrench. According to ZPD, during an Zephyrhills Police, Luis Alberto Adames
Club, 12900 Lake Jovita Blvd. in Dade entertainment. Please wear your face
investigation of a hit and run vehicle crash, of 968 Tramells Trail, was pulled over
City. Contact Vicki Wiggins (352) 521- mask and observe social distancing
police learned that Alexander John Krch on the traffic stop where a K-9 officer
3358 for information. For information guidelines. For ticket, vendor or other
of 4710 5th St. was a passenger of a vehicle responded and conducted an external
on becoming a sponsor, email events@ information call (352) 567-0262 or visit
not involved in the hit and run. The police sniff yielding an alert. Police discovered
sunrisepadco.org. To register visit pioneerfloridamuseum.com.
report states Krch exited the vehicle while a 9mm pistol under the seat. A check of
sunrisepasco.org/events/holes-for-
holding a red pipe wrench. He struck the the weapon revealed the gun was stolen
hope-golf-tournament. Oct. 13 – Tips for Managing High
rear of a blue van with the wrench, then out of Hillsborough County. Adames told
Blood Pressure – This virtual health
threatened to kill the driver and threatened police he purchased the gun from “Jim-
Oct. 6 – Power Gals of Dade City talk by Dr. Jerry Bishop, board-certified
bodily harm to the passenger. The driver of my” who is now deceased. He was placed
– Attend a professional platform for family medicine doctor, will take place
the van fled the intersection out of fear of under arrest and transported to the Pasco
professional women to network and at Noon on the AdventHealth Dade City
Krch’s actions and the passenger reported County Jail.
help promote each other by generating and AdventHealth Zephyrhills Facebook
he was in fear of his life. Police said Krch
new business at Al’s Famous Pizza, pages. Register by calling (833) 300-
denied striking the van telling police he re- A 28-year-old Zephyrhills man was ar-
11929 Curley Street in San Antonio 2371 and receive an exclusive coupon
trieved the pipe wrench from his vehicle rested for domestic battery Sept. 24 af-
from 11 a.m.-Noon. Visit PowerGals.net to the AdventHealth Wellness Center
for self defense. He was arrested and trans- ter an argument allegedly got physical.
or call (805) 208-0240 for information. Zephyrhills.
ported to the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office According to ZPD, Corvonte Burgess of
Detention Center. 5329 4th St. was accused of putting his
Oct. 6 – Breast Health 101 – Join us Oct. 14 – 2020 Zephyrhills Hybrid
hands on a female victim after a verbal al-
for a virtual Q&A session with board- Economic Summit – Presentations
A 47-year-old Zephyrhills man is facing tercation allegedly became physical. The
certified surgeon Dr. Thushy Siva who include: Aviation Industry Impact
drug trafficking charges after being pulled report states that the victim told police
specializes in breast surgery, at Noon Study, City Growth & Expansion,
over by Zephyrhills Police Sept. 22 for not Burgess pushed her to the ground where
on the AdventHealth Dade City and Local Pandemic Response and
wearing a seatbelt. According to the ZFD he began to wrestle with her. The victim
AdventHealth Zephyrhills Facebook presentations by Sen. Wilton Simpson,
complaint affidavit, Michael William Spa- sustained a cut on her left cheek. Burgess
pages. Register for this virtual session by State Rep. Randy Maggard and Pasco
no of 4845 5th Street was driving his 1996 stated nothing became physical and the
calling (877) 534-3108 and receive an County Commissioner Ron Oakley.
Ford Explorer and was stopped for failure victim inflicted the cut to her own cheek.
exclusive coupon to the AdventHealth The event will be held from 9 a.m.-
to wear a seatbelt. A K-9 officer responded He was booked at ZPD and transported to
Wellness Center Zephyrhills. Noon at Zephyrhills City Hall, 5335
to the scene and conducted an exterior sniff the Pasco County Jail.
8th Street or attend at the remote
of the vehicle yielding an alert. A search
Oct. 7 – Bariatric Support Group – location, AdventHealth Dade City,
of Spano uncovered 45.46 grams of meth- The information provided in the
Register to attend this in-person support 12100 Ft. King Road. Both locations
amphetamine and a glass pipe. Spano was Zephyrhills Police report is taken from public
group taking place at AdventHealth are limited to the first 50 people. The
charged for trafficking methamphetamine record and news sources. All parties are
Dade City, 13100 Fort King Road, summit can also be viewed online. For
and possession of drug paraphernalia. considered innocent until proven guilty.
Classroom 108 at 5:30 p.m. The guest registration fees and information or
speaker will be Bariatric and Digestive to RSVP call (813) 782-1913 or email
Health Nurse Navigator Robin Stuckey. director@zephyrhillschamber.org. Visit

SUN STATE
Spots are limited so registration is clearlyzephyrhills.com for information.
strongly recommended. Facemasks
are required. Call (833) 300-2371 to To submit an event, email your information

Aluminum, Inc.
register. to Events@PascoNewsPubs.com.

For more events visit www.pasconewspubs.com

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Zephyrhills Free Press Your Hometown News Source • zephyrhillsfreepress.com October 1, 2020 • 3A

The House That


Bruce Built
Bruce Cimorelli Honored
By Zephyrhills High
Story and photo by Dave Walters
You can find Zephyrhills Athletic Director Bruce
Cimorelli in the ZHS weight room every morning at 6
a.m. It has been a ritual for him for more than 30 years.
That weight room was where he coached the
Zephyrhills weightlifting team to nine Sunshine
Athletic Conference titles, eight state weightlifting
meet appearances and a Class 3A state runner-up finish
in 1994. He also coached the boys weightlifting team
to a perfect 65-0 record in dual meets from 1987-1996.
He had five lifters claim state title during his tenue.
Cimorelli also coached baseball, basketball and football
at ZHS.
When Cimorelli walks into that weight room this
week, he will see a plaque that labels that facility as
“The House that Bruce Built.”
Cimorelli was honored Friday night prior to the ZHS
home football opener with a special presentation at
midfield. The man that built the weightlifting program,
is now forever associated with the room in which he
made it happen.
“It means a lot,” said Cimorelli, who was joined by
his family for the ceremony. “I couldn’t have done it
without the kids. We had some really strong kids come
through here. I just lucked out to have some strong kids. Former ZHS Principal Angie Stone presents a plaque to Athletic Director Bruce Cimorelli during a ceremony Friday
“Having my family here for this is great,” Cimorelli
said. “Without their support I couldn’t have done dedicating the ZHS weightroom as the Bruce Cimorelli Weightroom – “The House that Bruce Built.”
everything I did in coaching.” “I love it here at Zephyrhills,” Cimorelli added. said. “I don’t like sitting at home. You have to have a
Cimorelli replaced long-time legend Craig Milburn as “That’s why I’m still here. The kids are great. The kids purpose in life. I can’t sit around. I have to be working.
athletic director in 2009. Milburn had been the director keep you young. I like being around them.” I’m still going in there every morning to work out.
for more than 27 years. His coaching success continued Despite nearly 40 years at ZHS, Cimorelli does not Nothing will change about that.”
with the Zephyrhills baseball program which included have any retirement plans. He will continue to work out in the house that he
a state final four appearance in 2000 “I feel good and working is what keeps me going,” he built.

County Face Mask Update


The Pasco County Executive Order on businesses. That being said, Pasco
issued in an effort to prevent the spread County has not issued any citations
of COVID-19 remains in effect following related to their face coverings order.
Governor DeSantis’ announcement Instead, their code enforcement team
Friday of Phase 3 of his Safe. Smart. is focusing on educating the business
Step-by-Step Plan for Florida’s Recovery. community.
Face coverings are still required in most Pasco County’s Face Coverings Order
indoor public places in Pasco County was issued in June and will remain in
these communities and all of east Pasco,” where social distancing cannot be effect through Pasco’s local state of
Chamber • Continued from Page 1 maintained. emergency or until the county rescinds
Monson said after the meeting. “The
13-member task force. growth has been amazing. We see how The governor’s office has clarified the order, whichever comes first. To
“We’re exploring the logistics and much we do together already and it does that his order suspends COVID- see a list of frequently asked questions
benefits with merging with the Dade make sense when it comes to advocacy. 19-related fines and penalties on about Pasco’s order, visit MyPasco.net
City Chamber,” Monson said. “We’re The proposal put together for the individuals; however, it does not restrict or call Pasco County customer service at
confident that the task force will put boards to see will allow the chamber to counties from enforcing local orders (727) 847-2411.
communities first. keep its own identity and be under the
She noted that the task force will same umbrella.

ROOF LEAKING?
do a due-diligence review focusing on “I’m excited about the prospects,”
community, membership and economic Monson said. “If they find that there are
development. obstacles that can’t be overcome, then
This merger isn’t a new concept. it won’t go forward. If they find it will
“It’s something we’ve been discussing benefit both communities, it will go
for years to see how we can strengthen forward.”
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4A • October 1, 2020 Your Hometown News Source • zephyrhillsfreepress.com Zephyrhills Free Press

Fire • Continued from Page 1


fantastic.”
Jeffries thought he would begin and end his career as
a hometown firefighter, but things change. He will be
serving his community, just in a different uniform.
“This is where I grew up and went to school,” Jeffries
explained “This is where I met and married my wife.
This is where we chose to raise our children. It’s good to
be able to serve the community where I grew up. It is a
blessing to me.”
The city began its first fire department in 1915, just
four years after the city was founded. The city’s first paid
firefighters came in the mid 1960s.
Zephyrhills Mayor Gene Whitfield, surrounded by
members of Zephyrhills City Council and City Manager
Billy Poe, honored the fire department Monday night
that has proudly protected the residents of Zephyrhills.
Plaques and certificates for years of service were
presented to department personnel.
Battalion Chief Chuck Blankenbeckly received a
retirement plaque for 30 years of dedicated service to

Recently retired Zephyrhills Fire Rescue Battalion Chief Chuck Blankenbeckley is presented a plaque by Mayor Gene
Whitfield honoring him for his 30 years of service to the City of Zephyrhills
the city. He opted not to transfer to the county. charter fishing business during his retirement. “I was
“It has been cool,” Blankenbeckley said. “What I did hoping it would last a few more years. I didn’t want to
mattered. It is sad we’re doing this right now, but it was go somewhere else with a new crew and start over after
inevitable. It is the way of the world now. Little cities being somewhere for 26 years. It’s just the way it is.”
can’t keep up with the growth.” Pasco County Commissioner Ron Oakley, who has
Zephyrhills Fire Rescue has always been about saving been an instrumental participant in brokering a smooth
lives and property, but while doing that great work, a transition between the city and the county, told members
bond was forged. of city council that the merger is a win-win for the city
“It is my family,” Blankenbeckley said. “I spent one and county.
third of my life with them. It’s sad. I’ll still come and see “You can’t get projects like this done unless we’re all
them. It’s not over. I know where they’re at. It is still my talking at the table,” Oakley said. “I guarantee you that
home.” we were all talking from the beginning. I appreciate the
Battalion chief Micky Gibbs received his plaque, but City of Zephyrhills.
Pasco County Commissioner Ron Oakley, who assisted in was disappointed to see his career come to an end. “The transition has been seamless because they did a
the fire department transition process, speaks before “I didn’t want it to end, but the hand we were dealt, good job when they worked for Zephyrhills. They will
Zephyrhills City Council Monday night. it was best to leave,” said Gibbs, who will continue his carry on that same work with Pasco County.”

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4441 Allen Rd • Zephyrhills 15229 US 301 • Dade City 3708 Copeland Dr • Zephyrhills
M-F 8am-5pm • Sat 8am-Noon M-F 8am-5pm • Sat 8am-Noon M-F 8am-5pm • Nov-March
Zephyrhills Free Press Your Hometown News Source • zephyrhillsfreepress.com October 1, 2020 • 5A

Zephyrhills tight end Theotis Smith goes up for a big first down reception during
Friday’s 35-7 loss to Tampa Catholic.
Zephyrhills quarterback TJ Jackson throws a pass around the pressure of the Tampa
Catholic defense Friday night.

Bulldogs • Continued from Page 1 There was no quit in the Bulldogs as


they pushed Tampa Catholic the entire
the top and that guy was wide open,” game. Aside from the big plays in the first
said ZHS coach Nick Carroll. “We’ll get half, Zephyrhills played solid football.
it corrected.” “They kept fighting and that’s all we
The Bulldog football program was the can ask for,” Carroll added. “It speaks
victim of a case of COVID-19 that shut volumes as to who they are as people.”
the program down for two weeks forcing Trailing 35-0, the offense moved the
the cancellation of the first two games of ball with a touchdown coming on a 10-
the season. yard run by senior Zyre Roundtree, who
The long-awaited season opener finished the night with 138 yards rushing
provided a barometer to where the on 17 carries.
Bulldogs need to be as the shortened “This is our first game and we need to
season progresses. capitalize on the small stuff,” Roundtree
“This is Sept. 25 and we’re playing said. “We capitalize on the small things,
our first game,” Carroll said. “There’s it would have been a better game.
definitely positives in it. We have to “As seniors, we have to lead and the
The Bulldogs sit for the postgame talk with the scoreboard telling the story of the 35-7 correct it, move forward from it, flush it younger players will follow behind. We
loss to Tampa Catholic. and move on.” need to be leaders out there.”
6A • October 1, 2020 Your Hometown News Source • zephyrhillsfreepress.com Zephyrhills Free Press

ZAL Opens With A Pair Of Mighty Wins


The Mighty Mites And Pee Wee Squad Both Shut Out Their Opponents

De’Ivory Lott looks for running room on this touchdown


run in the Mighty Mites’ 25-0 win Saturday during the
season opener against the Manatee Bulls.

The ZAL Mighty Mites defense was strong, not allowing a touchdown in Saturday’s 25-0 victory over the Manatee
Bulls. Photos by Dave Walters

ZAL Might Mite quarterback Jon Jon Pickett guided his


squad to a 25-0 victory.

Mighty Mite cheerleaders had plenty to cheer about as


the Bulldawgs rolled to a 25-0 victory. The PeeWee squad was a force t be reckoned with picking up a 26-0 win over the Manatee Bulls.

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