NOTE! GENERAL MEETINGS AT KEYSTONE PARK
Picture of the Month - Life in Keystone
A Note From Your Editor, C. Leonard
AUGUST 2023 It's One HOT Summer!
Be sure to Hydrate and assure your Kids and Pets have plenty of water.
BACK TO SCHOOL TIME! Congrats to students...enjoy your year!
We would love to highlight life in Keystone/Odessa much more. Please share your adorable animal - fam pictures or a great story about where you live! It is our goal to share more about our community and resident businesses.
It is our community effort to "Preserve Keystone/Odessa" for its beauty, rurality and our waters, it takes a team to work together respectfully. Want to get more involved? There are open board seats. Don't feel you have time to fill a board position? Join a committee! Sometimes a committee chair needs someone to make a call or run an errand or print something off or research something. There are many small tasks that, if more people help with them, will take off a lot of pressure off the larger item and it will get done quicker. Volunteer today! Email us at: Info@keystonecivic.org Don't forget to please share hot news and topics, pictures of the area, recipes, and interview availability. Email to:Info@keystonecivic.org
Please support our amazing Business Sponsors featured in this newsletter!
Thursday, August 24, 2023
ICE CREAM SOCIAL NIGHT!
6:30 PM - 7:30 PM ~ Ice Cream Social
7:30 PM - 8:30 PM General Meeting
at Keystone Civic Center Keystone Park
Special presentation on Emergency Preparedness
If you would like to help us set up please click button to email our meeting Chair!
LAND USE NEWS
KCA LAND USE UPDATE
by Clara Lawhead, Chair
1. MM-22-1638 This is the proposed support center at Gunn Hwy/Wayne Rd. The county has found this petition to be inconsistent. A letter of opposition was submitted and is included in Optix. The revised plan was presented on July 27, 2023 for Q and A.
Next Hearing Date: Aug 21, 2023 at 6:00 p.m.
LUHO Date: N/A; ZHM Date: Aug 21, 2023 BOCC Date: Oct 10, 2023
2. RZ-STD-23-0443 (Gunn and Racetrack Road) was continued. The site at the SW Corner of Racetrack Rd / Gunn Hwy is currently zoned RSC-2 with 2.3 acres +/- . It has a Future Land Use designation of Residential-1 (RES-1), which allows for up to 1 dwelling unit per gross acre and is seeking commercial zoning. The County found the original application to be inconsistent and on June 8, 2023 found the new application inconsistent. A letter of opposition to the county on behalf of KCA was submitted to Optix.
Next Hearing Date: Sep 18, 2023;
LUHO Date: N/A ZHM Date: Sep 18, 2023 BOCC Date: Nov 7, 2023
3. SU-LE 23-0498 - This permit request will go directly to the Board of County Commissioners on Sept. 12, 2023 at 9:00 AM 2nd Floor County Center 601 E. Kennedy Blvd. Tampa 33602 (virtual participation is available) .
The application is for land excavation and shall be limited for the removal of a maximum of 3.3 million cubic yards of material, subject to approval of a Land Excavation Operating Permit in accordance with LDC, Part 8.01.00. The property is owned by Stephen Dibbs and is located on Lutz Lake Fern Road just west of the Suncoast Hwy. Interested parties contact info@keystonecivic.org for more information. BOCC Date: Sept. 12, 2023 9:00 AM
Current Variance requests in place are:
1. VAR-23-0005, the single-family residential property located at 4501 Scott Rd, Lutz, FL 33558. This corner lot is uniquely oriented in that the primary access falls along the Eastern border of the property abutting Whirly Road. Next LUHO Hearing Date: Aug 28, 2023 The first scheduled hearing date for this application was February 27, 2023, and therefore 8/27/2023 is the final date on which this case can be heard. Consequently, the Administrator has withdrawn this application from the Land Use Hearing Officer Hearing Process.
2. VAR-23-0602 – Application was to be heard at the July 31, 2023 Land Use Hearing
Officer Meeting at 10:00 AM. 18430 Wayne Road, Odessa, Variance for fence height in front of the property from 4’ to 6’. .
Update on Patterson Road Development
This hearing is open to the public so anyone is welcome to attend.
Non-jury trial is set for August 28th, 29th and 30th.
RE: Case Number: 22-CA-004745
Uniform Case Number: 292022CA004745A001HC
Steven Nordbeck, et al v. Hillsborough County, Florida, et al
Case Filed On: 2022-06-06
Monday, August 28 8am-5pm
Tuesday, August 29 8am-5pm
Wednesday, August 30 8am – 5pm
Location: 800 E. Twiggs Street, Tampa, Florida- Courtroom #500 JUDGE: Honorable Mark R. Wolfe
KEYSTONE CURRENT MONTH (link included to Hillsborough County Zone Hearing Maps Look Up).
To support or oppose the applications submitted your letters can be sent to: Hearings@Hillsboroughcounty.org
Learn About The Zoning Process and See Available Resources : Click Here
NEIGHBORHOOD RELATIONS
From Hillsborough County - REGISTER TODAY!
Hello Neighborhood Leaders, The 2023 Neighborhoods Expo will be held virtually on Saturday, August 19, 2023, from 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Registration is free. Grab your coffee, invite your neighbors, and reserve your virtual seat. Registration deadline: Thursday, August 17, 2023, at 11:59 p.m. Check out some Expo highlights! Collaborative Lab: Engage with fellow residents and department experts on hot topics that you want to know more about.
Session: What Does Your County Do for You? At 10:15 a.m., learn a little about a lot from several key departments across Hillsborough County.
Exhibit booths: How does Hillsborough County engage with you? Learn more by visiting the Communications & Digital Media exhibit booth.
Make sure your browser supports Expo Registration:
Google Chrome (latest version) - recommended.
Mozilla Firefox (latest version)
Microsoft Edge (latest version)
Show us how YOU expo! This year we are asking expo participants to show us how they are enjoying the Neighborhoods Expo by posting a photo on our main feed in the lobby. Are you enjoying it with a cup of coffee? With your dog? At a watch party with your neighbors? Please share this information with your neighbors and community. If you have any questions, you can email us at Neighborhood-Relations@HCFLGov.net or call (813) 272-5860. We look forward to seeing you online on August 19, 2023! Thank you, Your Neighborhood Relations Team
Rural Life In Keystone
Picture of the Month
AUGUST COVER
"Alpaca Time"
Only in Keystone can you find these beautiful furry friends at a local farm who have such cute faces and individual personalities in our amazing rural Keystone/Odessa community.
COMMITTEE NEWS
ENVIRONMENTAL
EPC Workshops
Dear Stakeholder:
On Tuesday, August 22, 2023, at 6:00 p.m. the staff of the Environmental Protection Commission (EPC) will conduct a public workshop regarding proposed rule revisions to EPC’s Noise Pollution Rule, Chapter 1-10, Rules of the EPC. The August 15th workshop will be in-person at EPC’s office at 3629 Queen Palm Drive, Tampa, and the August 22nd workshop will be virtual via Webex software.
Chapter 1-10 specifies regulations regarding the permitted levels for environmental sounds from various commercial and industrial sources. EPC enforces Chapter 1-10 throughout Hillsborough County with concurrent jurisdiction alongside other government agencies that enforce county or municipality ordinances related to noise. The purpose of the proposed rule revisions to Chapter 1-10 is to update definitions and to clarify various sources and activities that are exempt from the sound level limits. The proposed rule will be presented to the Commissioners for consideration in September.
Links to view the proposed Chapter 1-10 rule amendments and to register for the virtual Webex workshop are provided below. Please note that no registration is required to attend the in-person meeting on August 15th. However, registration is required for the virtual workshop on August 22nd.
Should you have questions about registering for the workshop, please send an email to epcinfo@epchc.org on or before August 18, 2023. If you are unable to attend a session or have comments or concerns, you may submit written comments to epcinfo@epchc.org. Written comments received by September 1, 2023, will be taken into consideration. EPC Rules only become final after a public hearing conducted by the Commission, which is anticipated to be held on September 21, 2023. View EPC Chap. 1-10 Proposed Rule AmendmentsRegister for August 22nd Webex Workshop
PICK UP YOUR MOSQUITO NINJA'S THIS SATURDAY
AUGUST 19, 8AM-12 PM AT KEYSTONE PARK!
By C. Leonard
Hillsborough County Mosquito Management Services (MMS) has its upcoming mosquitofish giveaway event next weekend on Saturday, August 19th, 2023, at Keystone Park (17928 Gunn Hwy., Odessa, FL 33556) from 8:00AM to 12:00PM.
Attached are the dates of upcoming Mosquito Fish Giveaway Events for the remainder of the year.
They ask all participants to present a valid photo ID showing residency in Hillsborough County to receive mosquitofish. We also ask residents to have a habitable location, such as a retention ponds, livestock troughs, rain barrels, unused swimming pools, ornamental ponds, and water gardens alike for the fish to thrive.
Please share with your neighbors!
Contact for this project is : Paolo Pecora, Project Coordinator, Mosquito Management Services Hillsborough County Public Works, 6527 Eureka Springs Rd. Tampa, FL 33610
EMERGENCY RESPONSE
Storm / Hurricane Season
by Krys Wloch, ERC Chair
Dear Keystone Residents,
The 2023 hurricane season has been very kind to us so far: with the El Nino’s influence on Pacific side, sprawling into Caribbean and dry saharan desert in the air around equator, conditions are not favorable at this time for a major storm to form in Atlantic.
Statistically speaking the end of August and beginning of September are marking the peak of Atlantic hurricane season.
This may be a great time to review your hurricane preparedness checklist or review interesting publication from our friends @nhs.noaa.gov
The best time to prepare for a hurricane is before hurricane season beginning on June 1. It is vital to understand your home's vulnerability to storm surge, flooding, and wind. Here is your checklist of things to do BEFORE hurricane seasons begins. (See Images below for reference)
Know your zone: Do you live near the Gulf or Atlantic Coasts? Find out if you live in a hurricane evacuation area by contacting your local government/emergency management office or by checking the evacuation site website.
Put Together an Emergency Kit: Put together a basic emergency kit. Check emergency equipment, such as flashlights, generators and storm shutters.
Write or review your Family Emergency Plan: Before an emergency happens, sit down with your family or close friends and decide how you will get in contact with each other, where you will go, and what you will do in an emergency. Keep a copy of this plan in your emergency supplies kit or another safe place where you can access it in the event of a disaster. Start at the Ready.Gov emergency plan webpage.
Review Your Insurance Policies: Review your insurance policies to ensure that you have adequate coverage for your home and personal property.
Understand NWS forecast products, especially the meaning of NWS watches and warnings.
Preparation tips for your home from the Federal Alliance for Safe Homes
Preparation Tips for those with Chronic Illnesses
AGRICULTURE
By C. Leonard
Poo-fessional Recycled Organics Plans for Educational Seminars
Poo-fessional Recycled Organics, your keystone tree debris disposal site and compost farm, is planning to offer educational seminars focused on gardening and composting in the future. In an effort to ensure classes meet the needs of the community, PRO Inc would like your input on which topics would best serve keystone residents. Whether growing a food forest or simple seasonal vegetable garden, the goal is to provide hands-on education that brings families together, promotes healthy eating and fosters food independence.
Possible topics include: how to build raised beds, preserving and canning, soil nutrients and fertilization (organic and commercial,) composting animal manure at home, simple irrigation systems, persistent herbicides, and vermicomposting. If you have an idea that is not listed, please email it to ogul34@hotmail.com.
Please take a moment to complete the survey for this first-of-its-kind educational opportunity.
What Do You Want to Learn More About? Please VOTE for all items of interest.
How to build raised garden beds
Simple Irrigation Systems
Composting Animal Manure (horses, cows etc.) at Home
Persistent Herbicides
You can vote for more than one answer.
ADOPT A ROAD PROGRAM
Support the Adopt A Road Project SIGN UP TODAY!
Kids come out and get your hours!
THIS MONTH! Let's show them how we work together in Keystone
to maintain its beauty!
AUGUST 26, 2023 AT 7:00 AM, MEET AT KEYSTONE PARK! Please Register online on our Events Page : Adopt a Road Registration Or email us at Info@keystonecivic.org to sign up!
MARQUEE SIGN REPAIR
'A Community Endeavor'
We have resident members who volunteered to spear head this project for our Keystone Marquee sign repair plan at Keystone Park. If you would like to be involved, join the committee to be a part of this project and are able to assist, please email us.
We need your help!
ODESSA HISTORY
Odessa/Keystone Best Kept Secret for over 100 Years!
BOY SCOUTS CAMP BROREIN
By C. Leonard
Camp info submitted by Mike Butler, Scout Executive/CEO
Camp Owen J. Brorein is the Council’s oldest camping facility located in the Hillsborough County community of Odessa, Florida. It has been dedicated to the advancement of Scouting from its founding in 1923. The camp is situated on more than 80 acres of land, surrounded by two lakes and blessed by the shade of many Live Oak trees off "Boy Scout Road" in Odessa, Florida. The waterfront includes both canoes and kayaks, which can be launched from the pier on Lake Moon. Fishing is also available in our lakes. The property includes many open areas for arts, crafts and games. There is ample room to just run and play. Other amenities include permanent tents in some campsites, a new bathhouse facility, stage area with flag pole, a fire ring and an open air chapel. The camp has a long, rich history of serving Scouts and youth in the surrounding area.
The current Board President, Benson Porter is a resident in the Lutz/Keystone area representing The Boy Scouts Camp Brorein with Mike Butler, Scout Executive/CEO. They have shared amazing plans to rebuild the "old sweat lodge" dining hall. They will soon present their plan to the community as we should embrace their 100 years + in this area for serving our communities and families, now boys AND girls to enjoy a brand new facility for 100+ more years to come! Developing a partnership as a community with the Boy Scouts Camp Brorein to support their existence in Odessa/Keystone is one where all win to maintain the existence of a Key landmark in Odessa for all to enjoy!
Below is an article clip shared by Mike Butler with the history of Boy Scouts Camp Brorein :
Healthy Updates
Did You Know...
Honey is Your Healing Wonder!
By C. Leonard
(resource: The Kitchen Table)
With children back in school, it's a challenge to keep the household healthy, right? Look no further. Here is how you can tell a cough to get lost! A study of children who were sick ages 2 to 18 yrs discovered that those who took honey before bedtime coughed less and slept better than kids who took an over-the-counter cough syrup. The researchers chose buckwheat honey because dark honeys have more antioxidants than lighter ones, yet our local honey may work just as well. Honey was found to work because it is a demulcent, a soother that gently coats irritated areas to ease inflammation. That's why it feels so good when you have a sore throat. The same soothing power may also help honey halt a cough!
If straight honey is not tolerable, try a mixture of two teaspoons of honey in a cup of warm pineapple juice to silence your cough. A few teaspoons of lemon juice and honey in warm water or hot tea will also provide comforting relief. It is not recommended to give honey under age 1 as it could put them at risk for botulism.
Honey will also get your system moving! So after that cough you may combat, a smooth sweet tasting honey is an old Greek remedy for constipation and scientists say it really works!
A small Greek study showed that people were more likely to get loose stools within 10 hours of taking 1 1/2 tablespoons of honey. They suspect the sugars in honey may be responsible. Like many other foods (although this is natural) honey contains the sugars fructose and glucose. It's sweet news since your body needs glucose to help it absorb fructose. However, some people can't absorb all the fructose in honey, and researchers find the unabsorbed fructose travels to the colon where bacteria ferment it. This produces substances that may help speed up your bowel processes so you can get back to normal.
COMMUNITY RESOURCES
It's a very Hot Summer but there is still FUN to be had!
Keystone Park & Recreation Center SIGN UP and Instructions for Activities/Programs
Submitted by Joe Monroe, Recreation Program Supervisor
HC Parks and Recreation Department
How to Register for Parks and Recreation Programs:
How to create and account:
1. Visit: HCFLGov.net/parks
2. [Click] Register for Parks & Rec Activities
3. [Click] Login located in the blue heading
4. [Click] Please click here to register for a new account
5. Enter your information
6. Once you have created an account, you can click any of the pictures to register for programs Links:
Click on the pictures below or find these pictures on our website to register for programs:
After School- Traditional:
After School Adaptive: Pickleball Lessons
Tone & Stretch
Keystone Shelters
Toddler PE:
Parks & Rec Newsletter
SUPPORT AND VOTE FOR Old McMicky's Farm
for the BEST OF THE BAY AWARD!
Submitted by Old McMicky's 
We are so excited to be nominated in two categories for
Creative Loafing Best of the Bay 2023!
Best Farm & Best Place to Have a Wedding!
Voting takes place now through August 31st and you can vote once per day. Please take a moment and click the links below to cast your votes.
We are so grateful for your support!
Old McMicky's Farm
Best Farm
The Barn at Crescent Lake
Best Place for a Wedding
For more information on the Farm's Community Giving Programs Click Here.
SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL VETERANS
By C. Leonard, Information from American Legion Post 147
Know the signs of a crisis.
Every Veteran is different, but some actions and behaviors can be a sign that a Veteran needs help.
These may include:
Anxiety, agitation, sleeplessness or mood swings
Feeling as if there is no reason to live
Feeling excessive guilt, shame or sense of failure
Feeling sad or depressed most of the time
Hopelessness
Increasing alcohol or drug misuse
Rage or anger
If you or a loved one reaches a crisis point, contact the Veterans Crisis Line for free, confidential support available 24/7. To reach a caring, qualified responder,
Dial 988 then Press 1, text to 838255.
Support centers are few and far between. A community with empathy and respect for others should support our Veterans. They fight for your freedom and life by oath! This includes our local heroes in law enforcement and fire fighters.
Get involved with KCA
JOIN ONE OF OUR COMMITTEES!
Below is a list of our Committees. If you are interested to be more involved with KCA, we would love to have your support by joining one of our committees below.
Simply click the link to directly Email the Committee Chair to SIGN UP or for inquiries! It is our goal to make "communications" easy for our members.
Have any Questions? Please Email Us.
General Meeting will be August 24, 2023 at
Keystone Civic Center- Keystone Park - Large Meeting Room
6:30 PM Social 7:30 PM Meeting Start.
Thank You to our Keystone Business Sponsors for their continued support!
Interested in supporting KCA by becoming a Business Sponsor?
Key Upcoming Dates
August 10, 2023 KCA Board of Directors Meeting
August 19, 2023 Keystone Park Pick Up Mosquito Ninja Fish
August 24, 2023 KCA General Membership Meeting - Ice Cream Social
August 26, 2023 Adopt a Road 7:00 AM at Keystone Park --Sign Up
Committee Meetings: TBD by Chairs via email / phone
Membership Updates
Please be sure to keep your information up to date i.e. email, phone and address. Please include your spouse name in your membership information so we may acknowledge your family member(s). Renew or become a member Link Here
Have questions on membership OR if you have any updates to your email as this is the MAIN source to contact you please contact us at Info@keystonecivic.org or via the website inquiry, someone will respond as soon as possible. We appreciate your patience. Soon the instructional info on how to access documents for review, and how to navigate your membership portal account, will be emailed directly to paid resident members.
You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list.